Finding the best soundbar under $500 might seem like a challenge these days, but it doesn’t have to be—especially if you know what to look for. In fact, with this budget, you can even find soundbars equipped with advanced technologies like Dolby Atmos, and many come with a modern design that blends seamlessly with any decor. Just make sure to follow our article to get the latest discounts and the best prices. Let’s dive into the best soundbars under $500 right now!
Here are the Top 6 Best Soundbars Under $500.
Roku Streambar Pro Review
We think the Roku Streambar Pro is a great way to start this list because it offers excellent value for its price. Not only does it function as a soundbar, but it also comes with built-in 4K streaming capabilities. Imagine having all your favorite streaming channels, like Netflix and Hulu, right at your fingertips without needing multiple devices. Switching between shows becomes super easy and hassle-free.
Now, let’s talk sound. The Streambar Pro offers cinematic audio with Dolby Audio and four internal speakers. Picture watching an action movie and feeling every explosion rumble through your living room, or listening to a live concert and catching every high note and bass drop as if you were there in person—it’s that good.
One of our favorite features is the boosted volume and auto speech clarity. Ever been annoyed by not hearing dialogue clearly because the background sounds are too loud? This feature fixes that—voices become crisp and clear, ensuring you catch every word without needing to rewind.
And then there’s the virtual surround sound. It creates an immersive audio experience that makes you feel like sounds are coming from all around you. Think about watching a horror movie and hearing footsteps creeping up from behind or the wind rustling leaves beside you. It adds a whole new layer to your viewing experience.
Sony HT-S2000 Review
If you’re looking for the best compact soundbar under 500 dollars, the Sony HT-S2000 is your go-to gadget. Despite its small size, this soundbar packs a punch with surround sound that makes you feel like you’re in a movie theater. This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS, which are technologies that give you three-dimensional audio. Imagine watching a sci-fi flick and hearing spaceships zoom past you or experiencing action scenes where bullets seem to fly over your head. The vertical surround sound and S-Force Pro Front Surround enhance this experience even more.
Picture this: you’re watching a horror movie, and you can hear eerie sounds from above, making every jump scare more intense. This feature ensures that the audio isn’t just coming from the front but from all around you, creating a truly immersive experience. Although it’s a compact device, you can expand your setup with optional wireless subwoofers and rear speakers. This means you can start with the soundbar and upgrade your system over time for even more depth and richness.
If you have a Sony Bravia TV, it gets even better. The Acoustic Center Sync feature links the soundbar with your TV’s speaker, making voices and sound effects come through more clearly. You can even control the soundbar from your TV’s menu, making it super easy to use.
Vizio M512a-H6 Review
The Vizio M512a-H6 is hands down the most versatile soundbar you can get under 500 dollars. With 11 high-performance speakers, this thing is a beast. Imagine watching a movie and feeling like you’re right there in the action. The separate tweeters and woofers ensure every sound is clear and powerful, whether it’s dialogue, music, or special effects. You’ll hear the delicate strum of a guitar just as well as the booming explosion in an action scene.
One of its coolest features is the two upfiring speakers. These reflect sound off your ceiling to create an overhead effect, making you feel like sounds are coming from all around. Think of those thrilling chase scenes where helicopters buzz overhead or raindrops seem to fall above you—it’s that immersive. The Vizio M512a-H6 also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS, the same technologies used in movie theaters to create three-dimensional surround sound. It’s like bringing the cinema into your living room.
Picture this: you’re watching a horror movie, and you can hear footsteps from behind or whispers in your ear. Talk about spine-tingling. The true two-way speaker design, with separate tweeters and woofers, means you get a wider audio range. This lets you enjoy everything from the high-pitched notes in a symphony to the deep bass in a dance track. You can also connect it easily to your TV or other devices, making it super user-friendly.
JBL Bar 500 Review
If you’re in the market for a top-notch 5.1 channel soundbar under 500 dollars, the JBL Bar 500 is your ideal pick. With Dolby Atmos and multi-beam surround sound, it makes you feel like you’re in a cinema. Picture yourself watching a space movie and hearing spaceships zoom past you, making every scene more thrilling—no extra speakers required.
With 590 watts of power, this soundbar isn’t just loud; it’s immersive. You’ll find yourself in the middle of a concert where you can feel every guitar riff and drumbeat vibrating through you. It’s like having a live performance in your living room. PureVoice dialogue enhancement technology is a game-changer. Ever found yourself rewinding a movie because you couldn’t catch what the actor said? This tech ensures that voices are clear, even when background effects are booming. So whether it’s a whisper in a suspense film or fast-paced dialogue in a thriller, you won’t miss a word.
Samsung HW-Q600C Review
If you’re looking for the best soundbar under 500 dollars with Dolby Atmos, the Samsung HW-Q600C is a stellar choice. The 3.1.2 channel sound is like stepping into a whole new world of audio. Imagine watching a thriller and hearing the rain patter around you or footsteps sneaking up from behind—it’s that immersive.
Connecting the soundbar to your TV is a cinch. Thanks to HDMI EARC, you only need one cable, which means less hassle and no compromise on sound quality. It’s like upgrading your setup without getting tangled in a mess of wires. Samsung’s Q-Symphony syncs the speaker with your Samsung TV speakers for a fuller sound. Think of it as getting a surround-sound experience without needing extra speakers. Watching your favorite shows will feel like you’re in a mini theater right at home.
For gamers, the Game Mode Pro is a real treat. Play your favorite game and feel every explosion or hear enemy footsteps with crystal clarity. The upfiring speakers and powerful woofers make it feel like the game world is surrounding you. You’re not just playing; you’re inside the game.
The 10-inch wireless subwoofer is another standout feature. This isn’t just any bass—it’s the kind you feel in your chest. Imagine the rumble of a movie explosion or the thumping bassline of your favorite song filling the room. This subwoofer adds depth and intensity, making every audio experience richer and more enjoyable.
Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review
The time has come for you to meet the Sonos Beam Gen 2, the winner for today. This sleek device packs a punch with its Dolby Atmos technology, which genuinely transforms your living room into a mini theater. Imagine watching a movie and feeling like planes are flying overhead or hearing footsteps as if someone’s walking across your room. These aren’t just gimmicks—Dolby Atmos provides a 3D audio experience that puts you right in the middle of the action.
One of the standout features is its crystal-clear dialogue. Thanks to the fine-tuning by Oscar-winning sound engineers, every step is sharp and clear. Ever struggled to hear what characters are whispering during an intense scene? The speech enhancement feature in the Sonos app ensures you catch every whisper and dramatic moment, making it perfect for both movie buffs and casual viewers.
Music lovers aren’t left out either. The Beam Gen 2 delivers rich, detailed stereo sound that fills your room. Whether you’re streaming your favorite playlist, listening to an audiobook, or catching up on a podcast, the sound quality is top-notch. It’s incredibly versatile too; control it easily via the Sonos app, your voice, or Apple AirPlay.
What sets the Sonos Beam Gen 2 apart from other soundbars in this price range is its ability to integrate seamlessly with other Sonos speakers. This means you can create a wireless surround sound system for a truly immersive experience. Many affordable models lack this feature, making the Beam Gen 2 a smart investment for anyone looking to elevate their home audio setup.
