Does your TV sound flat and unexciting? Many people love big screens for movies, but the built-in speakers just don’t deliver that booming sound. You want an immersive audio experience without spending a fortune. That’s where soundbars come in!
Finding a great soundbar under $500 can feel like a maze. You see so many features and brand names! It’s tough to know which ones give you the best bass, clear dialogue, and easy setup for your budget. Overspending is easy if you don’t know what truly matters.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ve tested and reviewed the top contenders in this price range. You will learn exactly which soundbars offer the best bang for your buck, giving your movies and music the audio upgrade they deserve. Get ready to transform your living room sound without emptying your wallet.
Top Soundbar Under 500 Recommendations
- Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam Surround Sound: Immerse yourself in theater-quality 3D surround sound. Hear extraordinary sound effects from everywhere in the room, without the need for extra surround speakers.
- Built-In Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in: Get ready to explore. Access over 300 online music streaming services through AirPlay, Alexa MRM and Chromecast built-in. Enjoy all of your favorite audio content, Internet radio, and podcasts in high definition. The Wi-Fi connection also allows automatic software updates, so you can always enjoy the latest features.
- With 590 watts of total system output power, the JBL Bar 500 transforms your movies, music and games into immersive sound experiences.
- 10" Wireless subwoofer: Thrilling, precise bass from a mighty 10" wireless subwoofer brings the action to your movies and the emotion to your music.
- PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement Technology: PureVoice technology uses our unique algorithm to optimize voice clarity to ensure you never miss a word of dialogue, even when the surround effects are at their peak.
- INCLUDED - Bose Smart Soundbar, Remote, Battery, Optical & HDMI Cables, Power Cord, User Manual, Bose Warranty, Bass Module 500, & H&A HDMI Cable.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO - Experience Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD decoding for unparalleled sound quality in your home theater setup.
- SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY - Enjoy wireless audio via AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth 5.0 provides a reliable connection up to 30'.
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY - Features HDMI (ARC/eARC) and Optical TOSLINK inputs for easy connection to your TV and other devices. Control it all via the Bose Music app.
- SLEEK DESIGN - The soundbar's metal and plastic construction offers a modern aesthetic. Compact dimensions (27.3 x 2.2 x 4.1") fit seamlessly into any entertainment center.
- A Desktop Audio Powerhouse - Delivering 120 watts of thundering audio and deep bass, crystal-clear dialogue, rich music, and dynamic sound effects, the Soundblade provides an unparalleled desktop PC speaker experience for its form factor.
- Innovative Acoustic Engineering: Power and Clarity - Powerful 80mm neodymium subwoofer, dual neodymium drivers, dual voice coils, and single cone racetrack drivers, the Soundblade amplifies the power output while maintaining lower distortion levels, ensuring that every note and sound effect is delivered with crystal-clear precision.
- Epic Cinematic Experience and Enhanced Gaming - Streaming movie enthusiasts will appreciate a mini-cinema experience right at their desk, with the Soundblade capturing the full impact of cinematic storytelling. For gamers, the Soundblade offers an unprecedented level of immersion. It delivers heightened realism and auditory detail, bringing virtual worlds to life and allowing gamers to not only play the game, but be in the game.
- Award Winning Design - A beautifully crafted, sleek, low-profile device, The Soundblade complements and enhances any desktop setup. Its elegant form factor is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly under your existing monitor, creating a harmonious and unobtrusive addition to your workspace.
- Multiple Connection Options - The Soundblade offers a range of connectivity options to suit your needs. Whether you prefer the versatility of auto switching USB-C, Bluetooth convenience or the simplicity of a 3.5mm auxiliary input, the Soundblade seamlessly syncs with your laptop, MacBook, smartphone, or tablet.
- COMPATIBILITY - This wall mount is designed to perfectly fit the Bose Smart Soundbar 300/500/550/600/700/900/Ultra, Bose TV Speaker & Soundtouch 300, including the new Bose Smart Soundbar (released Sep 2024). NOT COMPATIBLE with Bose Solo 5 or Solo Series II. Quick and easy to fit and adjust. The wall bracket comes with instructions plus wall mounting template, and all necessary mounting hardware including screws, wall anchors & screw caps. BOSE SPEAKER or SOUNDBAR NOT INCLUDED.
- INGENIOUS DESIGN - This unique patented adjustable design is simple, yet cleverly thought out. It gives you the ability to adjust the space between the wall and the speakers from 5mm to 55mm, allowing you that extra space you need behind the speaker. Got bigger wires? Already got the trunking on the wall? Have an uneven wall? Want to position the speaker further forward? Not a problem! We've got you covered with this versatile wall mount!
- DESIGNED IN ENGLAND - Created by Soundbass, a team of expert mechanical & acoustic engineers from the UK with over 30 years experience in audio part design. We worked hard using the latest in audio design technology to ensure you get the best possible sound performance from your new BOSE Soundbar Speaker.
- PRECISION ENGINEERED - To ensure the easiest installation and the best possible acoustic performance from the BOSE soundbar, the mount is crafted in durable 2.5mm steel, with a tough color-matched powder coat finish in either black or white to complement your sound bar speaker perfectly.
- PERFECT FIT - Our design fits your Bose soundbar speaker in an identical method to the Bose mount, but gives you the adjustability that is not available with the official Bose mount. Note: If you receive a template that does not include your soundbar model, align rubber feet on bottom of your soundbar with bracket locations printed in same position on template to identify the correct mount width for your soundbar.
- UNDER-MONITOR SOUNDBAR FOR COMPUTER | Designed to fit perfectly under a desktop monitor, the low-profile soundbar is powered by USB for a clutter-free desktop setup
- POWERFUL AUDIO WITH NEODYMIUM DRIVERS | Creative Stage SE mini houses custom-tuned drivers that deliver impressive audio experiences in the comfort of your room
- FUSS-FREE CONNECTIVITY | The Creative Stage SE mini offers high-quality USB audio and wireless Bluetooth 5.3 audio streaming. Enjoy audio entertainment while plugged into your PC or mobile
- EQUIPPED WITH 3-POLE HEADPHONES OUTPUT | Plug in your headphones and continue your gaming or movie sessions privately, no matter the time or day
- CONVENIENCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS | The volume control knob and source buttons are conveniently located at the side of the soundbar for easy reach and hassle-free control
- Pair with select Bose headphones and speakers using SimpleSync
- Full immersive sound for everything you play
- Connect the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (sold separately) via SimpleSync for Personal Surround Sound
- Single connection to your TV
- Set up and control with the Bose app
- Immerse In Theater-Quality 3D Surround Sound System For Tv: Experience The Magic Of Atmos And Multi beam Technology Hear Captivating Sound Effects Enveloping You From All Directions, Without Any Hassle Of Additional Surround Speakers.
- Seamless Connectivity For Limitless Audio: With JBL Sound Bar For Tv Discover Endless Possibilities With Built-in Wi-fi. Access Over 300 Online Music Streaming Services,Alexa Multi-room Music, Including Airplay, And Chromecast Built-in. Enjoy High-definition Audio Content, Podcasts and Internet Radio. Plus Stay Up To Date With Automatic Software Updates For The Latest Features.
- Elevate Your Home Entertainment: With JBL Bar 500 5.1-channel Soundbar Immerse Yourself In The World Of Cinema-quality Sound. This Sound bar System Delivers A Powerful 590 Watts Of Total Power, Complete With A Dedicated Wireless 10" Subwoofer For Heart-pounding Bass That Transforms Your Music, Movies And Games Into Immersive Sound Experiences.
- PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement Technology: JBL Surround SoundBar PureVoice Technology Uses Unique Algorithm To Optimize Voice Clarity To Ensure You Never Miss A Word Of Dialogue, Even When The Surround Effects Are At Their Peak. This Technology Enhances Vocal Clarity, Making Every Word Crystal Clear Through Sound Bar Speakers And Subwoofer Speaker
- Bundle Includes: JBL Bar 500 590W 5.1-Channel Atmos Soundbar System + Wire Straps + Cruzer Glide 32GB USB Stick Flash Drive + Cleaning Kit and L-Shape Wall Mount Bracket with Hardware Included
- 【Sound Bar Mount Compatibility】Soundbar mount to tv fits most brands of long soundbars, including: Sonos Arc/Arc Ultra/Beam/Ray/Playbar, Bose Soundbar 500/700, Samsung, Sony, LG, JBL, etc.
- 【2 Mounting Options】Speaker mount comes with 2 soundbar connection panels, offering 2 installation methods: back mounting and bottom mounting. You can choose the appropriate method based on your speaker's mounting holes. Additionally, the soundbar connection panel can be adjusted in width from 5.91“ to 29.53” to fit soundbar.
- 【No-Drill Design】TV sound bar mount requires no drilling into walls and easily attaches to your TV mount, securely holding speakers up to 22 lbs. The VESA panel connector can be adjusted in width from 3.94” to 27.56” to fit TV mount.
- 【Perfect Audio-Visual Experience】Soundbar TV mount seamlessly attaches your soundbar beneath your TV, saving space. The included Velcro help organize cables for a tidier setup. With the soundbar shelf, your soundbar moves with your TV, delivering an optimal viewing and listening experience from any angle.
- 【Easy Installation & Excellent Customer Service】Sound bar brackets under tv comes with all necessary hardware, making installation easier and saving you time. We also provide detailed installation videos and instructions. Our reliable customer service and free technical support are available—if you have any questions, please contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Soundbar Under $500
You want better sound for your TV without breaking the bank. A soundbar under $500 is the sweet spot for great audio upgrades. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping in this price range, some features make a big difference in your listening experience.
Connectivity Options
- HDMI ARC/eARC: This is the best way to connect. It lets you control the soundbar volume with your TV remote. Look for HDMI ARC first.
- Optical Input: Most TVs have this. It is a reliable backup connection.
- Bluetooth: You need this to stream music easily from your phone or tablet.
Audio Technology
- Dolby Digital/DTS Support: These formats help the sound feel bigger and more immersive, especially when watching movies.
- Number of Channels (e.g., 2.1, 3.1): A ‘3.1’ system means three front speakers (left, center, right) plus a subwoofer (.1). More channels usually mean clearer dialogue.
Subwoofer Inclusion
For deep bass in movies and music, a separate wireless subwoofer is almost essential. Most good sub-$500 bars include one.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials affect how long the soundbar lasts and how it looks.
Housing Construction
- Plastic vs. Wood (MDF): Better quality soundbars often use Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) for the enclosure. MDF helps stop unwanted vibrations, making the sound cleaner. Cheaper bars often use plastic.
- Grille Material: Metal grilles protect the drivers inside and look more premium than cloth grilles, which can sometimes trap dust.
Wireless Components
If a subwoofer is wireless, check reviews to ensure the connection between the bar and the sub stays stable. Dropped connections ruin the experience.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all soundbars sound the same, even at the same price point.
What Improves Quality?
- Dedicated Center Channel: This speaker focuses on voices. If you watch a lot of news or dialogue-heavy shows, this is crucial for clear understanding.
- Equalizer (EQ) Settings: The ability to adjust bass and treble lets you tailor the sound to your room.
What Reduces Quality?
- Virtual Surround Sound: Some bars claim huge surround sound using only the front speakers. Often, this just makes the sound echoey. Look for better physical speaker setups instead of relying only on digital tricks.
- Poor Internal Amplification: If the bar cannot get loud enough without sounding distorted, the internal amplifier is weak. Read user reviews for feedback on maximum volume levels.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use your new soundbar.
Living Room Setup
For a main living room, prioritize power and connectivity (HDMI ARC). You want something that handles big action movies well. A 3.1 system with a strong subwoofer works best here.
Bedroom or Small Office
For a smaller space, you might not need massive volume. Focus on a compact design and excellent Bluetooth streaming capabilities for music listening. A simple 2.1 bar often fits perfectly.
Ease of Use
Setup should be quick. Can you connect it with one HDMI cable? Does the remote feel intuitive? Simple controls matter after a long day.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Soundbars Under $500
Q: Can a soundbar under $500 really sound better than my TV speakers?
A: Yes, absolutely. Soundbars offer wider sound stages and much deeper bass than almost any built-in TV speaker system.
Q: Do I need a subwoofer if I only watch TV shows?
A: While not mandatory, a subwoofer (making it a 2.1 or 3.1 system) greatly improves music scores and adds impact to explosions. It makes the whole experience richer.
Q: What is the difference between Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos in this price range?
A: Most soundbars under $500 support Dolby Digital. True Dolby Atmos (which adds height to the sound) usually requires more expensive bars with upward-firing speakers.
Q: How important is HDMI ARC connectivity?
A: It is very important. HDMI ARC lets your TV remote control the soundbar volume, which simplifies your setup greatly.
Q: Will these soundbars work with older TVs?
A: Most will. If your TV lacks HDMI ARC, you can almost always use the Optical cable connection instead.
Q: Are there any soundbars in this range that support voice assistants like Alexa?
A: Some models include built-in microphones or work seamlessly with external voice assistant devices you already own.
Q: How much physical space do I need for a soundbar and subwoofer?
A: The bar usually fits under the TV (24 to 40 inches wide). The wireless subwoofer is flexible; you can place it almost anywhere in the room, provided it has space to breathe.
Q: How can I improve dialogue clarity on a cheaper bar?
A: Look for a model that specifically advertises a dedicated center channel or has a “Dialogue Boost” mode in its settings menu.
Q: Does the soundbar need a lot of power (wattage)?
A: Wattage numbers can be misleading. Focus more on the driver size and the inclusion of good connectivity features. If it sounds clear at medium volume, it has enough power for most rooms.
Q: Should I buy a soundbar with built-in rear speakers?
A: True surround sound usually requires separate rear speakers. In the sub-$500 range, systems that claim full surround sound often use virtual processing, which is less effective than a simple, good 3.1 bar.