This Dolby Atmos soundbar is one of the cheapest we've ever seen

Monoprice SB-300
(Image credit: Monoprice)

Monoprice has just released its new SB-300 soundbar with virtual Dolby Atmos surround sound. While the soundbar doesn’t offer true Dolby Atmos sound (it’s lacking any surround speakers or upward-firing drivers), you’re getting a virtual version of the immersive audio technology, and it’s been made available at a price point that’s hard to argue with.

The Monoprice SB-300 is available to buy now for $179 (around £129 / AU$229) through the company’s store page, and offers a range of features that could be perfect for first-time soundbar purchasers.

First of all, the Monoprice SB-300 isn’t lacking in connection options. Including two HDMI inputs, an HDMI eARC output, and a 3.5mm audio jack as well as coaxial and digital audio inputs, the soundbar should easily hook up to your TV or AV receiver. Bluetooth and USB connectivity are available, too, if you’re keen to minimize wired connections.

Affordable soundscapes

The Monoprice SB-300’s price is actually quite impressive considering what you get. The soundbar’s virtual Dolby Atmos integration features DSP audio modes paired with psychoacoustics, allowing the device to attempt to produce that heightened, vertical sound you’d find in a cinema or home theater.

With these sound features and the aforementioned wealth of connectivity options, the Monoprice SB-300 seems to stack up quite well against its competitors, such as the Sony HT-X8500 and the Samsung HW-Q90R, both of which we considered to be best in class in our reviews. The Monoprice SB-300 is cheaper than both.

While the Monoprice SB-300 does lack the full Dolby Atmos audio experience of Samsung’s HW-Q90R, and the beastly subwoofer of the HT-X8500, we can’t deny that the SB-300 is an appealing option, especially for first-time soundbar buyers turned off by the high price of other models.

Rhys Wood
Hardware Editor

Rhys is TRG's Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.