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When choosing which soundbar to buy, CNET also uses the following criteria as part of its selection process:
Price
Even when opting for a more affordable model, the most important consideration when choosing a soundbar is how much it costs. I give a lot of thought to the features a soundbar has in comparison to others that cost the same. Comparisons are especially important in this price range where a single additional feature can set a soundbar miles apart from its competitors.
Wireless streaming
Many soundbars in this price range still offer wireless streaming capabilities. Whether Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the best soundbars under $300 often come equipped with more advanced streaming services, like Google Play Music on the Polk MagniFi Mini or Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect on the Sonos Ray. The more choices for TV or music streaming technologies a soundbar has, the better.
HDMI connections
At the bare minimum, a soundbar sold in 2024 should have at least one HDMI input and preferably more. The ability to connect multiple HDMI cables will help users with a large selection of sources (Xbox Series X, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, Blu-ray player, etc.). At this price point, many soundbars have only one HDMI port, so keep that in mind when you’re looking to connect more accessories.
Subwoofer and surround speakers
Single-bar systems are great for smaller TVs, as their length allows for built-in stereo sound while still being compact. But a soundbar-and-subwoofer combo is better suited for a living room home theater system to produce that booming surround sound you may not get with a more affordable soundbar. For that reason, I take note of the size of the system and whether it offers wireless or wired peripherals. Most soundbars with subs are wireless, for instance, while surround sound systems can be wired, as in the case of the Vizio Elevate.
