What is the best soundbar under $300?

For under $300, you can get remarkably good TV audio, ranging from true 5.1 surround sound systems to compact premium single bars.

• Best Overall: Vizio V-Series 5.1 (V51-H6). It is virtually unmatched in this price tier because it includes a wireless subwoofer and two physical rear satellite speakers, delivering actual surround sound rather than virtualized effects.
• Best Compact & Smart Bar: Sonos Ray. If you want a compact setup, great dialogue clarity, and entry into a premium multi-room wireless audio ecosystem, this is the top choice, though it uses an optical connection instead of HDMI.
• Best for Deep Bass (No Rear Speakers): JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass (MK2). If you want heavy cinematic bass for movies and games but don't want the clutter of rear satellite speakers, this system's beefy wireless subwoofer delivers impressive rumble.