Well-made and worth every penny.
Winner
The LG S90TR 7.1.3-Channel OLED evo TV Matching Soundbar is a high-performance option for home theater enthusiasts looking for immersive sound. It’s equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, providing a rich audio experience. The soundbar includes rear surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer, making setup more convenient and reducing cable clutter.
The center up-firing speaker enhances dialogue clarity, which is great for watching movies and TV shows. The WOW Orchestra feature syncs audio with LG TVs, and the WOW Interface allows control of both the soundbar and the TV with one remote, which adds to the convenience. Additionally, the soundbar supports various voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, and features like Chromecast and AirPlay 2, making it versatile for different users.
The built-in room calibration optimizes audio settings based on room dimensions, ensuring a tailored listening experience. On the downside, the product is relatively heavy at 44.8 pounds and large in size, which might be a concern for some users regarding placement. It is also priced on the higher end of the 'under $300' category. Despite these points, the LG S90TR is ideal for users looking for a comprehensive home theater setup with advanced sound features and integration options.
The Samsung HW-B550F soundbar is a solid choice if you're looking for a good 2.1 channel system with an included wireless subwoofer that delivers rich bass, making movies, music, and games feel more immersive. It offers virtual surround sound (DTS Virtual:X), which simulates multi-directional audio, so you can enjoy a wider soundstage without extra rear speakers. The soundbar automatically adjusts audio settings based on what you're watching, enhancing dialogue clarity and adding bass boosts when needed.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth and HDMI, making it easy to connect to most modern TVs and smartphones. Its size (about 34 inches wide) fits well under most TVs, and the black design is sleek and understated. While it doesn’t have built-in voice control or smart assistant features, it supports optional rear speakers for a more complete surround sound setup if you want to expand later. The remote control is straightforward, but if you want hands-free commands, this model doesn’t provide that. Weighing 15 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to mount on a wall or place on a shelf.
If you want a budget-friendly soundbar with solid bass, clear dialogue, and simple setup, this Samsung model performs well. Just keep in mind it lacks built-in voice control and some advanced smart features found in pricier models.
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is a strong choice if you’re looking for a soundbar under $300 that delivers immersive, 3D Dolby Atmos sound. It features a 3.1.2 channel setup with up-firing speakers for that overhead audio effect, plus a wireless 5.9-inch subwoofer that adds deep bass, enhancing movies and music. Polk’s VoiceAdjust technology is handy for clarifying dialogue, so you won’t miss important lines, and BassAdjust lets you control the bass level to suit your taste.
Connectivity is flexible with HDMI eARC for easy setup with your TV, plus optical, analog, Bluetooth, and USB options. This means you can connect a variety of devices and stream music wirelessly from apps on your phone or tablet. The slim, compact design (just over 2 inches tall and 41 inches wide) fits well under most TVs without blocking the screen or remote sensor, and it can be wall-mounted if you prefer.
It excels in sound quality and installation ease, though the subwoofer uses a wired connection, which might limit placement options compared to fully wireless models. It also lacks waterproofing, so it’s strictly for indoor use. The included remote and voice control features add convenience but don’t offer full smart assistant integration. If you want a budget-friendly soundbar with rich surround sound, clear voice, solid bass, and multiple ways to connect your devices, the Signa S4 is a reliable pick designed mainly for home entertainment setups where wired sub placement isn’t a problem.