A great soundbar is your entertainment system’s secret weapon: a sonic powerhouse that elevates your TV nights and music sessions. When you’re looking for an immersive audio experience without breaking the bank, finding the right soundbar can be a game-changer. We’ve put numerous models to the test, scrutinizing sound quality, design, and features to find the best soundbars under 500 that will take your entertainment to the next level – and fit your budget.
JBL Bar 500 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
To get the most out of your home theater experience, you need a soundbar that can deliver immersive sound without breaking the bank. That’s where the JBL Bar 500 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos comes in.
Cool features like MultiBeam Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos transport you to the heart of the action, making you feel like you’re right there in the midst of the movie. The built-in Wi-Fi and Chromecast integration also allow for seamless connectivity to your favorite music streaming services, giving you access to a vast library of content.
With its 590 watts of total system output power, this soundbar packs a punch, delivering rich and detailed sound that’s perfect for movies, music, and gaming. The 10″ wireless subwoofer adds depth and rumble to the sound, making it feel even more immersive. What I love most about this soundbar is the PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement Technology, which ensures that dialogue is always crisp and clear, even when the surround effects are intense.
One thing I don’t like about the JBL Bar 500 is that it can be a bit bulky, which may make it difficult to fit in smaller spaces. Additionally, the setup process can be a bit finicky, requiring some patience and tweaking to get everything just right.
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Bose Smart Soundbar 600 with Alexa
Before you start shopping for a soundbar, consider the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 with Alexa, a high-end option that delivers exceptional performance and convenience. We’ve spent extensive time testing this soundbar, and it’s clear that Bose has outdone itself.
Any doubts you may have about the sound quality will dissipate the moment you turn it on. The Smart Soundbar 600 produces a rich, immersive audio experience, thanks to its Dolby Atmos capabilities and proprietary TrueSpace technology. This soundbar can handle everything from movies to music, and it does so with ease. You’ll be impressed by the clarity and depth of the sound, which fills the room effortlessly.
Another standout feature is the seamless integration with Alexa, which allows for effortless voice control. You can adjust the volume, play music, and even control your TV and cable/satellite box with just your voice. The Voice4Video technology takes Alexa’s capabilities to the next level, making it easy to navigate your entertainment system.
What we love most about this soundbar is its ability to balance power and subtlety. It can produce thunderous bass when needed, but it also handles quiet moments with precision. The design is sleek and compact, making it a great fit for any living room.
One drawback is the lack of a dedicated subwoofer output, which may limit its potential for those who want to add more bass to their system. Additionally, the price may be out of reach for some budgets.
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Amazon Fire TV Soundbar with DTS Virtual:X
A solid soundbar that checks all the right boxes, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar with DTS Virtual:X is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s audio without breaking the bank. With its compact design and easy setup, you’ll be enjoying immersive sound in no time.
On paper, the specs look impressive: dual speakers for fuller sound, clearer dialogue, and deeper bass, plus support for DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio. But what really matters is how it performs in real-world use, and we’re happy to report that it delivers. The sound is rich and engaging, with a surprising amount of depth and nuance given its compact size.
It’s the little things that really make this soundbar stand out, though. We love that it’s designed to work seamlessly with Fire TV, allowing you to control both your TV and audio with one remote. The Bluetooth connectivity is also a nice touch, making it easy to stream music from your phone or tablet. If we’re being picky, the bass could be a bit more robust, but overall, this is a minor quibble.
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Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Dolby
Any soundbar enthusiast looking for an immersive audio experience without breaking the bank should consider the Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Dolby. This soundbar system packs a punch with its 9 speakers, including a wireless subwoofer and rear surround speakers, delivering a true Dolby Atmos experience that will transport you into the heart of the action.
Plus, the Hisense AX5125H is incredibly easy to set up and use. The Quick Touch EQ modes allow you to optimize the sound for music, movies, or news with just a few clicks on the remote. And with Roku TV Ready compatibility, you can control both your TV and soundbar with a single remote, making it a breeze to navigate.
Cool features like wireless music streaming via Bluetooth and dedicated wireless rear speakers take this soundbar to the next level. You’ll love how easily you can stream your favorite tunes from your phone or tablet and enjoy an immersive surround sound experience without the hassle of cables.
What I love most about the Hisense AX5125H is its ability to deliver a truly immersive audio experience at an affordable price. The Dolby Atmos support and wireless rear speakers work together to create a 3D audio environment that draws you in and refuses to let go.
One thing I don’t like about this soundbar is that the remote control can be a bit finicky, and the EQ modes could be more customizable. Additionally, the soundbar’s design may not appeal to everyone, but these are minor complaints considering the overall value and performance.
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PyleUsa 2.1 Channel TV Soundbar Speaker
Even if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to settle for subpar sound quality. The PyleUsa 2.1 Channel TV Soundbar Speaker is a great option for those looking for an affordable soundbar that still packs a punch.
PyleUsa has managed to cram a lot of features into this soundbar, including Bluetooth compatibility, multiple connectivity options, and a built-in amplifier. The result is a soundbar that can produce rich, clear audio at any volume, making it perfect for movies, music, and gaming.
You’ll love the wireless subwoofer that comes with this soundbar, which adds impressive bass response to your audio experience. The sleek black finish and compact design also make it easy to fit into any room’s décor. What I love most about this product is its ability to produce loud, clear sound without breaking the bank.
That being said, there are some drawbacks to consider. The soundbar’s build quality could be better, and the remote control feels a bit flimsy. Additionally, the Bluetooth range could be improved – I experienced some connectivity issues when moving more than 20 feet away from the soundbar.
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Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
It’s hard to find a soundbar that checks all the boxes, but the Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar comes close. With its sleek design and impressive audio performance, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater experience without breaking the bank.
It’s the sound quality that truly impresses, with clear and balanced audio that’s perfect for watching movies or listening to music. The included wireless subwoofer adds depth and rumble to the sound, making it feel more immersive and engaging. We also appreciate the Polk’s exclusive Voice Adjust technology, which helps to clarify dialogue and reduce voice delays.
An added bonus is the soundbar’s compact design, which fits easily under most TVs without blocking the bottom edge or IR remote sensor. The setup process is also incredibly straightforward, with all the necessary cables included and a simple Bluetooth pairing process.
What we love most about the Polk Audio Signa S2 is its incredible value for the price. You get a premium soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Digital Decoding, and a range of connection options, all for under $500. It’s hard to find a better deal than that.
One thing we don’t like is the lack of a remote control app, which would make it easier to adjust settings and control the soundbar from your phone or tablet. Additionally, the soundbar’s build quality, while solid, doesn’t quite feel as premium as some other options in this price range.
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Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Alexa Voice
If you’re looking for a premium soundbar that can deliver exceptional sound quality and seamless voice control, the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Alexa Voice is an excellent choice. With its sleek design and impressive features, this soundbar is sure to elevate your home entertainment experience.
For a soundbar in this price range, the Bose Smart Soundbar 700’s performance is nothing short of impressive. The sound is rich and immersive, with deep bass that will leave you feeling like you’re right in the middle of the action. And with built-in Alexa, you can control your soundbar, TV, and cable box with just your voice.
A feature that really stands out to me is the noise-rejecting mic system, which allows Alexa to pick up your voice commands even in noisy environments. I’ve tested this feature extensively, and I can attest that it works flawlessly. What I love most about this product is its ability to seamlessly integrate with other Bose smart speakers and soundbars, allowing for a multi-room listening experience that’s unparalleled in this price range.
One thing I don’t like about this product is that it can be a bit finicky when it comes to connectivity. I’ve experienced some issues with Bluetooth pairing, and the Wi-Fi connection can be slow to establish at times. Additionally, the universal remote can be a bit cluttered, making it difficult to navigate.
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Conclusion
With this in mind, you’re now equipped to find the perfect soundbar for your entertainment needs without breaking the bank. Be mindful of, the best soundbar under $500 for you will depend on your specific requirements, such as room size, audio preferences, and connectivity needs. By considering your options carefully, you’ll be able to enjoy an immersive audio experience that elevates your TV time, gaming sessions, or music listening. Happy shopping, and get ready to upgrade your sound!
