It’s a well-known fact that even the best TVs often fall short in terms of sound quality. Fortunately, soundbars offer a simple and effective solution to this common problem. And the good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy exceptional audio. There are many affordable soundbars available that boast features like Bluetooth connectivity, voice assistant integration, and even Dolby Atmos support.
With so many options on the market, finding the perfect soundbar for your living room and budget can be a challenge. That’s where we come in. We’ve thoroughly tested and vetted a wide range of soundbars over the years, and we’ve identified six exceptional models that strike the ideal balance between affordability and powerful performance. So, without further ado, here are the best soundbars under $500 you can purchase today:
Yamaha YAS-209
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a complete package, exceeding expectations with its impressive features and user-friendly design. Setup is a breeze, even for tech novices, thanks to the optical cable and wireless subwoofer connection. With Alexa built-in, you can enjoy the convenience of voice control, playing music, podcasts, and accessing news, sports, and weather updates. The YAS-209 also supports Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi for even greater versatility.
Sound quality is exceptional, boasting DTS Virtual:X for immersive 3D surround sound from a single device. The audio is crisp and clear, making it easy to distinguish even the most delicate sounds. The bass is deep and well-defined, adding a satisfying layer of richness to your listening experience. When watching TV, the dialogue is crystal clear, thanks to special settings designed to optimize clarity for movies and TV shows.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Building on the success of its predecessor, the second-generation Sonos Beam retains its familiar appearance while delivering significant upgrades. One notable addition is Dolby Atmos support, achieved by dedicating two front-facing speaker arrays to simulate overhead sounds for a truly immersive 3D experience. The new Beam also features HDMI eARC support, allowing for even greater audio processing capabilities, particularly for 4K Blu-rays, Dolby Atmos streams from Netflix, and other high-fidelity sources.
Sonos is renowned for creating speakers that deliver both exceptional sound and stylish aesthetics. The Beam’s rounded design and soft curves give it a sculptural feel that complements modern spaces. The white version, particularly when wall-mounted, blends seamlessly into the décor, allowing your content to take center stage.
The Sonos system excels at multiroom audio, enabling you to connect additional speakers throughout your home and control them all from the Sonos app or with voice commands. With the option of using voice control through your Sonos Beam, it also doubles as a smart home hub, adding to its versatility.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar
If you’re seeking a simple yet effective soundbar that delivers a punchy treble and bass boost, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is an excellent choice. It may not come with a wireless subwoofer, but it still delivers surprisingly powerful bass. We were also impressed by its DTS Virtual:X capabilities, which convincingly simulate surround sound.
The minimalist design of the Fire TV Soundbar makes it a suitable option for both smaller bedroom TVs and larger living room sets. It offers connectivity options including HDMI ARC/eARC and digital optical (cable sold separately). While it may not be revolutionary, it’s a solid soundbar available for under $150, and it even includes Bluetooth input for streaming music from your phone or tablet.
Polk Signa S4
Dolby Atmos decoding is impressive, but when a soundbar features up-firing drivers for Atmos sound projection, it elevates the experience even further. The Polk Signa S4 is an excellent Atmos-ready soundbar that delivers exceptional surround simulation, eliminating the need for expensive speaker wire and ceiling speakers.
The Signa S4 stands out for its remarkable dialogue clarity, a result of the Voice Adjust feature, which offers three levels of speech enhancement. This is particularly beneficial for streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+, which can have inconsistent audio mixes. The Signa S4 effectively balances dialogue clarity with impactful Atmos simulation.
Sony HTX8500
Wireless subwoofers typically require a wall outlet connection, which can pose a challenge if your room is short on outlets or you struggle to find a suitable location for the woofer. The Sony HTX8500 offers a convenient alternative by integrating two built-in woofers, delivering impressive results.
The HTX8500 supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X codecs, enabling you to enjoy an elevated surround sound experience without investing in multiple speakers. It also allows you to switch between three audio presets (Theater, Music, and Game modes) to optimize the sound for your content. Additionally, the HTX8500 includes 4K HDR passthrough, enabling you to connect an A/V component directly to the soundbar while using a second HDMI connection from the soundbar to your TV.
Bose Smart Soundbar 600
Few soundbars deliver the immersive room-filling sound of the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. At around $500, it’s one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars we’ve tested, and setup is incredibly easy. Simply connect the single HDMI eARC port to your TV’s HDMI eARC port. While it also features a digital optical port, it’s limited to 5.1 surround, meaning no Atmos compatibility.
The Bose 600 boasts a surprisingly wide soundstage that prioritizes height and immersion, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of your favorite movie scenes. Our reviewer was particularly impressed by the Bose 600’s exceptional dialogue clarity, especially compared to other Atmos emulators like the Sonos Beam Gen 2.
The Bose 600 is packed with Wi-Fi features and integrates with Alexa’s voice assistant, all managed through the Bose Music app. However, keep in mind that it lacks an Ethernet port, so Wi-Fi is your only networking option.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
Klipsch has consistently produced exceptional home theater products, and the Flexus Core 200 is no exception. This soundbar is part of the Flexus series, which also includes the Flexus Core 100, Flexus Surr 100 rear speakers, and Flexus Sub 100 powered woofer. Connecting all these components creates a complete and speaker wire-free Dolby Atmos system.
The Flexus Core 200 offers connectivity options including HDMI eARC, digital optical, and USB-C ports. For full Atmos virtualization, ensure your TV has an HDMI eARC output. You’ll also need a Transport 100 dongle to connect additional Flexus speakers.
The Flexus Core 200 delivers impressive sound quality, featuring powerful low-end performance and some of the highest volume levels we’ve experienced from a soundbar. During our testing, we noted a maximum volume of 50, but we didn’t need to go beyond 18, with 21 sounding like a movie theater.
Additional features include customizations via the Klipsch Connect Plus app (over Bluetooth LE), a wired subwoofer output, and all the necessary cables and accessories included in the box.
Roku Streambar
If you prioritize a compact footprint, look no further than the Roku Streambar. This versatile device is both a Roku streaming device and a super-compact soundbar in one small package. Despite its size, it delivers surprisingly powerful audio and a wide soundstage. The bass is remarkably strong for a soundbar of this size and is well balanced.
Setup is a breeze, and it comes with the Roku remote, which connects to your TV for convenient control. You can stream music via Bluetooth, and the option to add a Roku Wireless Subwoofer and immersive surround sound is also available.
The speakers consist of four 1.9-inch full-range drivers and support audio formats including Dolby Audio. Several sound modes are included, including one for speech clarification and another to boost the bass. Voice leveling completes the impressive specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the key features to consider when choosing a soundbar?
Consider features like Dolby Atmos support, voice assistant integration, connectivity options (HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), sound quality, and size to ensure the soundbar fits your needs and preferences.
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What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that creates a more immersive audio experience by adding overhead sound channels, creating a sense of height and depth.
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What is HDMI eARC?
HDMI eARC is an improved version of HDMI ARC that allows for better audio processing, particularly for high-fidelity sources like 4K Blu-rays and Dolby Atmos streams.
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Can I use a soundbar with my TV?
Yes, most TVs are compatible with soundbars. Look for an HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC port on your TV to connect the soundbar.
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Are soundbars worth it?
Yes, soundbars are a great way to improve your TV’s sound quality, offering a more immersive and engaging audio experience.
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What are the best soundbars under $500?
The soundbars listed in this article, including the Yamaha YAS-209, Sonos Beam (Gen 2), Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, Polk Signa S4, Sony HTX8500, Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Klipsch Flexus Core 200, and Roku Streambar, are all excellent choices under $500.
