5 Best Soundbar Under $500: [Features, Reviews, And Buying Tips]

Are you on the hunt for the best soundbar under $500 that delivers immersive audio without breaking the bank?

Finding the perfect balance between price and performance can be challenging, especially when you want rich sound for movies, music, and gaming.

Whether you’re setting up a home theater or simply want clearer audio for your TV, there are plenty of affordable soundbars that deliver impressive sound quality without breaking the bank.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best sounding soundbar under 500 dollars for different needs, including affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar, soundbars with built-in subwoofers, and models designed for gaming or watching movies – all under $500.

Curious to know which soundbars deliver the best bang for your buck?

Keep reading to discover the perfect match for your entertainment setup…

Best Soundbar Under 500 At A Glance (Top Pick)

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What To Look For In the Best Sounding Soundbar Under 500?

Choosing the best sounding soundbar under 500 can be overwhelming with so many options on the market.

To help narrow down your search, here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right soundbar for your needs.

Audio Quality

Audio performance should be your top priority. Look for soundbars that offer immersive sound, whether you’re watching movies or gaming. If you’re seeking a soundbar for music, focus on models that offer rich, 3D surround sound for a theater-like experience.

For those who prioritize dialogue clarity, they should search for the best soundbars for dialogue clarity to ensure crisp and clear voices during TV shows and movies.

Subwoofer Options

A subwoofer can significantly enhance bass and overall audio depth. Some soundbars come with built-in subwoofers, while others feature wireless subwoofer options. If you love deep bass for music or action-packed movies, opt for a soundbar with a subwoofer for that extra punch.

Connectivity and Features

Ensure the soundbar has multiple connectivity options such as HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. If you want convenience and clutter-free setup, consider a wireless soundbar for seamless connectivity.

Channels and Surround Sound

Depending on your setup, a 3.1 soundbar or a 5.1 soundbar can offer either basic or enhanced surround sound. If you’re building a home theater, these are great options to provide an immersive audio experience.

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List Of The Best Soundbar Under $500

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1. Polk Audio Signa S4 Soundbar: Best Soundbar For TV 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 Sounding Soundbar Under 500
5. Bose Smart Soundbar 600: Best Wireless Soundbar Under $500

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5 Best Soundbars Under $500 Reviews

When it comes to finding the best sound bar under 500, there are several top-rated options that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re looking for immersive Dolby Atmos sound or a sleek wireless setup, these soundbars offer the perfect balance of power, clarity, and affordability.

Below, we review the top 5 best sound bars under 500 dollars that provide superior sound quality for movies, music, and gaming experiences:

1. Polk Audio Signa S4 Soundbar: Best Overall

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.

From my personal experience, I would say that the Polk Audio Signa S4 is one of the best soundbars under 500 currently available in the market.

Verdict

The Polk Audio Signa S4 is easily one of the best soundbars under 500 dollars. Its Dolby Atmos certification, Polk VoiceAdjust, and deep, rich bass from the wireless subwoofer make it a top choice for those looking to elevate their home entertainment experience.

Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or catching up on TV shows, this soundbar consistently delivers premium sound quality without the premium price tag.

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2. Samsung HW-B750D 5.1 Ch Soundbar: Editor’s Choice

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 best 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.

Verdict

The Samsung HW-B750D is a top choice for those seeking the best sounding soundbar under 500. Its combination of Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual, and a powerful subwoofer ensures an immersive and high-quality sound experience.

With features tailored for clear dialogue, gaming, and flexible connectivity, it stands out as one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars under $500. Its thoughtful features and strong performance make it a great addition to any home theater setup.

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3. Sony HTX8500 2.1Ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Best Budget

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.

Verdict

The Sony HTX8500 is an excellent option for those looking for the best budget soundbar under 500. Its Dolby Atmos and DTS support, combined with its built-in subwoofers, make it one of the best soundbars for movies under $500.

The compact design and user-friendly features provide a seamless and immersive home theater experience at an affordable price.

4. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar: Best Value

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.

Verdict

The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar is a fantastic choice for those seeking the best soundbar for under 500. Its immersive surround sound and powerful bass make it ideal for gaming, while its versatility ensures it performs equally well for movies and music.

For gamers, this is undoubtedly the best soundbar for gaming under $500, delivering exceptional audio quality at an affordable price.

5. Bose Smart Soundbar 600 With Dolby Atmos: Best Exclusive

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.

Verdict

The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking the best Dolby Atmos soundbar under $500. Its immersive sound quality, ease of use, and wireless streaming options make it one of the best soundbars under 500 for any sound enthusiast.

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.

Comparison Of Features and Performance For Best Soundbars Under 500

When choosing the best soundbar for under 500, it’s essential to compare key features and performance to find the perfect match for your home setup.

Below is a breakdown of critical features that differentiate top soundbars in this price range:

Sound Quality and Channel Configuration

Soundbars in this category vary in their channel setup, with options ranging from 3.1 to 5.1 soundbars. For those seeking an immersive experience, 5.1 channel soundbar offers a more dynamic surround sound, ideal for movies and gaming.

Meanwhile, the 3.1 soundbars provides strong dialogue clarity and an overall balanced sound for TV shows and casual music listening.

Dolby Atmos and Surround Sound

If you’re aiming for a theater-like experience, look for the Dolby Atmos soundbar. These soundbars use advanced technology to create overhead sound effects, giving you that 3D surround sound. The Atmos soundbar within this price range is a great choice for action-packed movies and immersive gaming.

Subwoofer Performance

A subwoofer adds depth and power to your audio experience. The best sounding soundbar under 500 with a subwoofer will elevate bass-heavy soundtracks and action scenes. Many wireless subwoofers offer flexibility in placement, making them a great option for compact living spaces.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

For ease of use, consider soundbars with wireless options. The wireless soundbars in this price range lets you connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, reducing cable clutter and offering flexibility for music streaming.

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. The best budget 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 dollars 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.

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This is all I have for you this time.

See you some other day…