Whether you use your television for movies, TV shows or video games, an equally impressive performance across visuals and audio is key. While smart TVs are equipped with 4K UHD LED screens capable of delivering awe-inspiring crisp images, alive with colour, spectacle and depth, even the best TVs often fall short when it comes to audio.
The reason for this imbalance is down to a simple case of physics. Flatscreen TVs, with their thin-line bodies and non-existent bevelling, don’t have the space for the speaker arrays required to deliver immersive and cinematic audio experiences.
A 7.1.2 surround-sound system would be the ultimate remedy to this ill, but most of us don’t have the space (or cash) required to facilitate such tech. Thankfully, for less than £300, you can solve all of your audio woes.
Soundbars are low-profile devices filled with speakers focussed on one thing - delivering the best sound possible. As demonstrated by our budget and sub-£200 soundbar articles, this is true no matter the price. However, as the price begins to creep towards £300, we start to see some exciting features become more prevalent - most notably Dolby Atmos and DTS
To help you find the best soundbar for under £300, we’ve rounded up our favourites below.
What we look for in the best soundbars under £300:
Tone
A soundbar with a balanced and enjoyable tone is next to useless. For a soundbar to provide an excellent audio experience across movies, TV shows and music, it needs to have a solid mix of bass, mid and treble.
Bass frequencies take care of audio’s low-end, adding punch and presence. Action movies are more exciting, horrors more atmospheric and music more energetic with a good bass response. The majority of sound falls into the mid-range, including dialogue, so these frequencies are respected: they need to be clear and well-separated to avoid muffled audio. Finally, high frequencies require careful handling - they carry across a lot of bright and open details.
Output
Output can be a useful guide as to soundbar volume. However, it must be considered alongside other specifications.
Measured in wattage (W), output isn’t a measure of volume but the amount of power going into an amplifier. The amplifier signal pushes out of the drivers (aka speakers), which have a sensitivity rating measured in decibels (dB). This is the bit we all associate with volume.
The higher the output, the higher the decibels. Note, however, that a 60w speaker will not be twice as loud as a 30w speaker. Decibel gains are incremental - doubling wattage adds only 3dB.
Due to the myriad factors that go into determining a soundbar's volume, including output, speaker sensitivity and component quality, some manufacturers choose not to report output wattage.
Frequency Response
Frequency response measures the audible frequencies a driver can deliver, and it can be a good indicator of the overall sound quality of a soundbar. Frequency response can also give an insight into the relationship between a soundbar and a subwoofer.
The average audible spectrum of the human ear is 20Hz to 20kHz. Picking a soundbar with a good coverage of these frequencies will help deliver a complete sound capable of powerful bass and glistening highs. It’s not the end of the world if a soundbar falls a tad short - as we age, many lose the ability to hear the extremes within this range. As with output, some manufacturers don’t report on this.
Connectivity
Connectivity determines how the soundbar receives input. The more connections there are, the greater a soundbar’s flexibility.
HDMI interfaces allow for high-quality low-latency digital signal transfers, and ARC and eARC support can streamline a home cinema audio setup across multiple devices. Optical interfaces are another form of digital connection. Bluetooth, NFC and WiFi connections are excellent for creating clutter-free, cableless entertainment hubs.
RCA and 3.5mm aux-in interfaces add a universality to soundbar connections but are more limited in application when setting up a comprehensive, modern home cinema.
Audio Format Support
Dolby Atmos and DTS
Some manufacturers will include proprietary software that aims at producing a similar experience.
Size
The physical size of a soundbar is crucial to the success of a home entertainment setup. Many of the more accomplished soundbars are very long and heavy. Some can be wall-mounted for convenience. We can’t tell you what’s right - it’s all down the available space. One thing that’s worth remembering is that tall soundbars can block the IR receiver of short-legged TVs.
The Best Soundbars Under £300:
LG S65Q 3.1 Wireless Sound Bar
Wharfedale Vista 200s
Philips B8505/10
Bose TV Speaker
Sony HT-X5800 All-In-One
Denon DHT-S316 with Subwoofer
Orbitsound BAR A70 with Subwoofer
LG S65Q 3.1 Wireless Sound Bar with DTS Virtual: X
www.currys.co.uk
Specifications:
Total Output: 400 W
Connections: HDMI (ARC support), Optical, Coaxial, RCA, Bluetooth 4.2
Size (Soundbar): 63 x 1000 x 105 mm
Size (Subwoofer): 390 x 171 x 261mm
Pros: Incredible volume and bass, high-resolution audio
Cons: Bulky subwoofer
Overview:
LG's S65Q wireless soundbar is one of the most powerful, yet affordable soundbars on the sound-system market with a monumental 400W audio output, an immersive six-point speaker, complete with Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual
With exceptional bass and balanced mid-range tones, music, games, films and television have an irresistible, full sound that begs to be cranked up. LG's S65Q also has a wonderful spectrum of connectivity options, from Bluetooth, to HDMI, optical cables, with the main subwoofer being entirely wireless, so your lounge space isn't over-cluttered with entwined cables that dampen an otherwise modern aesthetic.
From the minimal design, to the serious bass and volume, and gorgeous clarity and realism, LG's S65Q is a contender for one of the best deals of the year, and is begging to be experienced at its less than £300 price tag.
What is a top-of-the-line sound system when you haven't got a fully-fledged smart TV to pair with it? Bring home the spectacle of the cinema with The Best 55-Inch TVs of the year.
Philips B8505/10 with Subwoofer
Specifications:
Frequency Response (Soundbar): 160Hz - 20kHz
Frequency Response (Subwoofer): 40Hz - 160kHz
Total Output: 240W
Audio Processing: Dolby Atmos
Connections: HDMI (eARC support), USB, Optical, WiFi, 3.5mm, Bluetooth 4.2, DTS Play-Fi, Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect
Size/Weight (Soundbar): 900 x 57 x 110 mm, 2.4kg
Size/ Weight (Subwoofer): 122 x 403 x 300 mm, 4.5kg
Pros: Excellent sound and feature set
Cons: On-bar display not discreet
Overview:
The Philips B8505/10 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer provides a powerful and cinematic audio experience, not only from the 240W output but the immersive magic of Dolby Atmos. Though, as a 2.1 setup, the Atmos 3D audio is mostly virtual, it’s well accomplished and engrossing nonetheless. While movies are given great weight and audio presence, music is treated well too, with plenty of bounce and grunt pushing through the grill. As an Alexa-enabled device, there’s voice control onboard and the ability to integrate the bar into a smart home ecosystem. The B8505 also supports DTS Play-Fi, a wireless system that can connect audio devices throughout the home.
Bose TV Speaker
www.currys.co.uk
Specifications:
Connections: HDMI (ARC support), Optical, Bluetooth 4.2, Bass Module Connection
Size/Weight (Soundbar): 56 x 594 x 102 mm, 1.96kg
Pros: Solid Bose audio with plenty of oomph
Cons: No sub, limited controls and operations
Overview:
Never one for superfluous branding, the Bose TV Speaker does what it says on the tin. Though small and unassuming, it carries three drivers (two diagonal, one central) to deliver a broad and rich tone that enlivens whatever is on screen. There’s a pleasant kick to the bass, though growl-lovers will want to take advantage of the bass module connector port. While controls and operation are to a minimum, there's an optional dialogue mode, which amps up the human vocal range for increased clarity. It’s a simple device connecting to a TV set via a single connection: either HDMI or optical. HDMI is preferable, as it allows the CEC for simplified TV operation.
Matching its sparse naming conventions, Bose is also tight-lipped with the exact specifications of the TV Speaker. All we can say is that, whatever the frequency response and wattage may be, it sounds great.
Sony HT-X5800 All-In-One
www.currys.co.uk
Specifications:
Audio Processing: Dolby Atmos, DTS
Connections: HDMI (eARC support), Optical, USB Type-A, Bluetooth 5.0
Size/Weight (Soundbar): 64 x 890 x 96 mm, 3.1kg
Pros: Space-saving access to virtual cinematic audio
Cons: Bass isn't always subtle, virtual 3D surround still isn’t as good as the real deal
Overview:
The Sony HT-X5800 is an all-in-one soundbar, breaking free from the restraints of simple 2.1 configurations by including two in-built subwoofers to deliver an extra aural wallop. Backing up this power is support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS
For even greater minimal excellence, there are few displays that can best a true projector, here are the Best Budget Projectors of the year.
Denon DHT-S316 with Subwoofer
Specifications:
Total Output: 160W
Audio Processing: DTS Virtual
Connections: HDMI (ARC support), Optical, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
Size/Weight (Soundbar): 54 x 900 x 83 mm, 1.8kg
Size/ Weight (Subwoofer): 342 x 171 x 318 mm, 5.2kg
Pros: Low profile, rich sound, wide audio and easy installation
Cons: Large remote control, some audio modes are restricted by the 2.1 speaker configuration
Overview:
The Denon DHT-S316 delivers impactful audio, full of clarity and dynamism. The speaker configuration provides an immersive stereo field and introduces a real sense of space into movie and TV show audio. This quality is also demonstrated with the DTS: Virtual
For easier access to your favourite shows and films, check out the Best TV Streaming Devices of the year.
Sony HT-SD35 Bluetooth 2.1 Sound Bar
Specifications:
Total Output: 320W
Audio Processing: S-Force Pro, Dolby Digital
Connections: Optical, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth
Size/Weight (Soundbar): 64 x 900 x 88 mm, 2.4kg
Size/ Weight (Subwoofer): 382 x 190 x 390 mm, 7.8kg
Pros: Excellent movie audio and superb build quality
Cons: Fairly bulky sound system, may be too large for some homes
Overview:
For excellent value and impeccable quality, you simply cannot find a better deal than Sony's HTSD35 this year. A sizeable 320W soundbar and subwoofer bring heaps of bass-filled throttle, pairing perfectly with the HT-SD35's S-Force Pro processing technology, which drastically minimises sound distortion, heightening vocal clarity, making it excellent for music, as well as films and TV.
Aesthetically, the HT-SD35 is rather large, and may not sit comfortably in smaller lounge areas, especially the towering, formidable subwoofer, but if you can spare the room, you're undoubtedly in for the cinematic experience of a lifetime.