5 Best Soundbar Under $500 In 2024 For Deep Bass and Clarity

The days of relying on built-in TV speakers are long gone. For anyone serious about sound, a quality soundbar is a must-have—especially if you’re looking for rich, room-filling audio on a budget.

With a $500 budget, you can find some fantastic soundbars with powerful sound output, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth connectivity, and even wireless subwoofers.

In this roundup of the top rated soundbars under $500, we’ll explore best soundbar models that enhance dialogue clarity, deliver punchy bass, and create an immersive experience for movies, shows, and music.

Best Soundbar Under 500 At A Glance (Top Pick)

– – – You Can Also Check Out – – –

List Of The Best Soundbar Under $500

1. Polk Audio Signa S4 Soundbar: Best Sounding Soundbar Under 500
2. Samsung HW-B750D Soundbar: Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Under $500
3. Sony HTX8500 2.1Ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Best Budget Soundbar Under $500
4. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar: Best Soundbar For TV Under $500
5. Bose Smart Soundbar 600: Best Wireless Soundbar Under $500

Best Sounding Soundbar Under 500 – Best Overall

Polk Audio Signa S4 Soundbar

The Polk Audio Signa S4 has quickly become my top choice for anyone looking for the best soundbar under 500, especially for TV setups. One of the key reasons why it stands out is its Dolby Atmos certification.

As someone who enjoys immersive sound experiences while watching movies or playing games, the True 3D surround sound from its up-firing speakers delivers that heightened cinematic feel. The sound truly comes from all directions, making it feel like I’m right in the middle of the action.

Whether it’s ambient sounds or dynamic special effects, the Atmos height channels make everything incredibly lifelike.

What further impressed me about the Signa S4 is its dedicated center channel and Polk VoiceAdjust technology, which ensures crystal-clear dialogue. I’ve often found myself struggling to hear conversations over heavy bass or background music in some soundbars, but that’s not the case here.

This feature is particularly useful for late-night TV sessions, especially with Night Mode activated. Even when the volume is low, I can still hear every word clearly, making this soundbar one of the best soundbars for TV under $500, especially for families or those living in apartments.

The wireless subwoofer is another strong point of the Polk Audio Signa S4. For its size, it delivers deep, punchy bass that brings movies and music to life without overwhelming the room.

To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised by how effortless it is to set up, too. The subwoofer automatically connects, and with Bass Adjust Technology, I can easily customize the bass levels to suit my preferences.

This combination of deep bass and high-quality sound makes this soundbar a strong contender for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar under $500, especially if you’re after rich, room-filling sound.

Additionally, setup was a breeze. The HDMI eARC connection ensures uncompromised sound quality, and with the Bluetooth connectivity, I can easily stream music from my smartphone.

This versatility and ease of use make the Polk Audio Signa S4 ideal for those who aren’t tech-savvy but still want a premium sound experience. Its sleek, ultra-slim design also fits perfectly beneath my TV without obstructing the screen or remote sensors, adding both form and function to my living room setup.

– – – You Can Also Check Out – – –

Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Under $500 – Best Selling

Samsung HW-B750D 5.1 Ch Soundbar

The Samsung HW-B750D has quickly become one of my top picks for anyone searching for the best soundbar under $500. One of its standout features is its Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual support.

This combination creates an immersive audio experience by expanding the sound field and providing enhanced surround effects without the need for extra speakers. The soundstage is incredibly wide and dynamic, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a Dolby Atmos soundbar under $500.

Another impressive feature is the built-in center speaker that ensures clear dialogue. Whether you’re watching a movie with intense action scenes or a quiet drama, the built-in center and side speakers make sure you hear every word distinctly.

Besides, the Voice Enhance and Adaptive Sound features are particularly useful for this, as they dynamically adjust the audio to improve voice clarity and overall sound quality, making it a strong contender for the best soundbar for under $500.

Furthermore, the Samsung HW-B750D also includes a subwoofer with bass boost that provides deep, impactful bass. This feature truly elevates the listening experience, whether you’re watching a high-octane action movie or enjoying some bass-heavy music.

Additionally, the Game Mode enhances the gaming experience with directional audio that aligns perfectly with on-screen action, which is a great bonus for gamers. The soundbar also supports Bluetooth multi-connection, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously, which is perfect for seamlessly switching between music and other audio sources.

Lastly, the Night Mode feature of Samsung HW-B750D is a thoughtful addition, reducing the bass and lowering the volume to avoid disturbing others while still providing clear dialogue.

The soundbar integrates well with Samsung TVs, allowing you to control both the TV and the soundbar with a single remote, which simplifies operation.

– – – You Can Also Check Out – – –

Best Sound Bar Under 500 – Editor’s Choice

Sony HTX8500 2.1Ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar

The Sony HTX8500 2.1Ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar delivers impressive performance for a soundbar in the best soundbar under 500 category.

As I have used this soundbar for a couple of months, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by its ability to simulate 7.1.2 surround sound with just two front speakers.

Thanks to Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine, I could enjoy immersive sound without needing a room full of speakers. It creates a sense of audio coming from above and around, which elevates the experience when watching movies or playing games, making it one of the best soundbars for movies under $500.

One of the standout features of the Sony HTX8500 soundbar is the built-in dual subwoofers. Even though there’s no separate subwoofer unit, the bass still packs a punch.

I particularly appreciate how this compact design eliminates the need for extra equipment while still delivering rich, deep bass, perfect for action-packed movies.

The fact that all audio is upscaled close to 7.1.2 channels adds a layer of depth to any content, be it a blockbuster or a quiet drama, making it an ideal option for those looking for the best budget soundbar under $500.

Furthermore, the Voice Enhancement feature is also quite handy, as it boosts dialogue, making it easier to hear conversations over background noise. Whether it’s low-key dialogue scenes or intense moments, I never found myself struggling to hear the voices.

The seven sound modes also allowed me to tailor the audio to different types of content, whether I was watching a movie, playing a game, or listening to music.

Lastly, its slim, low-profile design complements modern TVs perfectly. It fits well under my TV without being intrusive and connects seamlessly via HDMI eARC.

Also, the single-cable connection makes setup easy, and its Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless streaming, making it a breeze to play music directly from my smartphone.

Best Soundbar For TV Under $500 – Best Value

Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar

The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar is an impressive piece of equipment that packs a punch, making it one of the best soundbars under $500.

As I have used this soundbar primarily for gaming, I must tell you the fact that I was immediately drawn to its Dolby Atmos and DTS capabilities. The 2 upfiring speakers create an immersive 3D surround sound experience, allowing me to pinpoint in-game sounds like footsteps or approaching enemies with incredible accuracy.

For gamers like me, this can be a game-changer, which is why I consider this soundbar the best soundbar for gaming under $500.

Furthermore, the 11 high-performance speakers bring clarity and depth to any audio content, whether it’s gaming, movies, or music. What I love most is the separate tweeters and woofers that deliver a broader range of sound, which makes explosions feel deep and impactful, and quieter moments sound crystal clear.

Moreover, the 6-inch wireless subwoofer provides that much-needed bass without requiring a separate wired connection, which keeps my setup clutter-free and adds an extra thump to movie nights.

One of the standout features is its versatility. This soundbar can turn any room into a theater-like experience with its cinema-quality surround sound. With Dolby Atmos and DTS, watching action-packed films or playing intense games becomes a truly immersive experience.

The sound bar comes with adjustable low-profile surround speakers, allowing for a customizable audio setup that fits well in any space. I’ve also connected my voice assistant to the soundbar for added convenience, which amplifies my voice commands for Alexa or Siri.

Lastly, setting up the Vizio 5.1.2 soundbar is incredibly easy, thanks to the included HDMI cable and seamless Bluetooth connectivity. Whether I’m streaming music, playing games, or watching movies, the sound quality remains consistently rich.

Best Small Soundbar Under $500 – Best Compact

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 With Dolby Atmos

The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 offers an immersive audio experience that punches well above its compact size. I am really impressed by how well this soundbar delivers Dolby Atmos sound, making it the best Dolby Atmos soundbar under $500.

Despite its small, sleek design, the soundbar’s five transducers, including two upward-firing ones, provide a 360-degree soundstage, filling the room with rich audio from all directions.

Whether I’m watching an action movie or playing games, the TrueSpace technology upmixes the sound to give everything a cinematic feel.

For anyone looking for the best soundbar for under 500, this soundbar from Bose stands out.

Furthermore, one of the standout features for me is its wireless connectivity options. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, I can stream my favorite content seamlessly, making it one of the best wireless soundbars under $500.

Besides, the Bose app is intuitive and makes setup and control a breeze, while the Alexa voice control expands convenience. I can control the soundbar, TV, and even my cable box with simple voice commands. This feature alone adds so much ease to daily use.

What really surprised me was how TrueSpace elevates non-Atmos content. I watch a lot of regular TV shows and listen to stereo music, and the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 still manages to provide a multi-channel sound experience by intelligently analyzing and upmixing the audio.

This versatility makes it a great choice for those who want a best soundbar for music under $500, as well as for movies and gaming.

While the soundbar doesn’t come with a subwoofer, the bass is impressive enough on its own, and there’s always the option to pair it with a Bose Bass Module 500 for extra low-end punch.

For my setup, the existing bass was more than sufficient, making this a great value for anyone looking for the best sounding soundbar under 500.

Best Sound Bar Under 500 For Specific Needs

When searching for the best sound bar under 500, it’s essential to choose one that matches your specific requirements.

Whether you need it for movies, music, or gaming, here are some top recommendations to consider based on various needs.

Best Soundbar For Home Theater Under $500

For a cinematic experience, the best soundbar for home theater under $500 should deliver immersive surround sound. Look for models that offer Dolby Atmos or a 5.1-channel setup for the best results. A good choice in this category would be a Dolby Atmos soundbar under $500, which creates a three-dimensional audio effect for movies.

Best Soundbar For Music Under 500

If you’re a music lover, prioritize sound clarity and bass performance. The soundbars equipped with subwoofer typically has strong mid-range performance and deep bass, often enhanced with a subwoofer. Choosing a soundbar under 500 with a subwoofer will give you that rich, dynamic sound that brings music to life.

Best Soundbar For Gaming Under $500

Gamers should look for soundbars that enhance in-game audio precision and offer virtual surround sound. Any soundbar with Dolby Atmos feature will immerse you in action with clear sound effects and accurate directional cues.

Best Soundbar For Dialogue Clarity Under 500

If you struggle to hear conversations on TV shows or movies, a soundbar designed for dialogue clarity is a must. The best soundbar for dialogue clarity under $500 will ensure crisp, clear vocals, making it easier to follow along without missing any details.

How To Choose The Right Soundbar Under $500?

Selecting the best soundbar under 500 depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize sound quality, features, or connectivity.

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Purpose and Usage

Consider how you’ll use the soundbar. If you’re an avid movie watcher, the soundbar with surround sound or Dolby Atmos will elevate your experience.

For those setting up a home theater, a 5.1 soundbar offers a multi-channel setup that creates a more immersive environment. On the other hand, if you’re mainly listening to music, a soundbar for music will prioritize clarity and richness in sound.

2. Space and Setup

If you have limited space, a soundbar with a subwoofer that features a wireless subwoofer can reduce clutter while delivering powerful bass. Alternatively, a compact wireless soundbar may suit those looking for a sleek, minimal setup.

3. Budget and Value

Maximizing your budget is crucial, so consider the features you need most. A budget-friendly soundbar under $500 will balance performance and price, ensuring you get value without overspending. If you’re focused on dialogue clarity, especially for TV shows, you should look for the soundbar for dialogue clarity to ensure speech is always crisp.

4. Additional Features

Lastly, think about extra features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, or Dolby Atmos support. If you enjoy gaming, a soundbar designed for gaming should have low latency and excellent surround sound to enhance your gameplay.

FAQs About Best Soundbar For Under 500

Conclusion

Choosing the best soundbar under $500 can greatly enhance your entertainment experience, whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music.

With various options available, from soundbars with Dolby Atmos for a cinematic feel to models with wireless subwoofers for added convenience, it’s important to select one that fits your specific needs.

Consider factors like sound quality, subwoofer options, and connectivity to ensure you get the best value for your money.

No matter what your priorities are—be it dialogue clarity, bass performance, or a simple setup—there’s a soundbar under $500 that can meet your expectations and elevate your audio experience.

I am pretty much sure that now you will be able to choose the best soundbar for under 500 for your home entertainment setup.

Still, if you experience any confusion, you can comment below.

I would love to help you out.

Also, if you want to get the latest soundbar tips and tricks, you can FOLLOW our blog.

This is all I have for you this time.

See you some other day…