Soundbars are a great way to upgrade your TV sound without taking up too much space or breaking the bank. They can deliver clear dialogue, immersive surround sound, and deep bass for a cinematic experience. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best soundbar for under $500? Here are some of the top-rated soundbars that offer great performance and features at a reasonable price.
Vizio M Series M512a-H6
The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is the best soundbar under $500 we’ve tested, according to RTINGS.com. It’s a 5.1.2 channel system that comes with a wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers for a true surround sound effect. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are object-based audio formats that create a more realistic and immersive soundstage. The soundbar has a neutral and balanced sound profile that suits most types of content, and it can get loud enough for large rooms. It also has some EQ presets and bass and treble adjustments to customize the sound to your liking.
Pros:
- Immersive and spacious soundstage
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Wireless subwoofer and rear speakers included
- Neutral and balanced sound profile
- EQ presets and bass and treble adjustments
Cons:
- No HDMI passthrough
- No dialogue enhancement feature
- No Wi-Fi or Chromecast built-in
Sonos Beam (Gen. 2)
The Sonos Beam (Gen. 2) is the best soundbar under $500 overall, according to Digital Trends. It’s an updated version of the original Sonos Beam, with a sleeker design, improved sound quality, and virtual Dolby Atmos support. The soundbar has a compact and minimalist design that fits well under most TVs, and it can be controlled with your voice, remote, or app. It also integrates well with other Sonos speakers, so you can create a multi-room audio system or expand your setup with a subwoofer or rear speakers. The soundbar has a warm and smooth sound profile that works well for music and movies, and it can also adapt to the content you’re playing with its Trueplay feature.
Pros:
- Sleek and compact design
- Virtual Dolby Atmos support
- Voice control and app control
- Integrates well with other Sonos speakers
- Warm and smooth sound profile
- Trueplay feature
Cons:
- No HDMI inputs
- No DTS support
- No EQ settings
Wohome S9920
The Wohome S9920 is the best soundbar under $500, according to Soundproof Geek. It’s a 2.0 channel system that delivers powerful and clear sound without the need for a subwoofer or rear speakers. It has six drivers that produce 105 dB of output, which is enough to fill large rooms with rich and detailed sound. It also has three modes: Music, Movie, and News, which optimize the sound for different types of content. The soundbar has a simple and elegant design that blends well with any decor, and it comes with a remote control, an optical cable, an RCA cable, and wall-mounting brackets.
Pros:
- Powerful and clear sound
- No subwoofer or rear speakers needed
- Three modes: Music, Movie, News
- Simple and elegant design
- Remote control and cables included
Cons:
- No HDMI connection
- No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity
- No virtual surround sound or Atmos support
Conclusion
These are some of the best soundbars for under $500 that you can buy right now. They all offer great performance and features for their price range, but they also have some differences that may suit your preferences better. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is the best choice for an immersive surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The Sonos Beam (Gen. 2) is the best choice for a sleek and smart soundbar that integrates well with other Sonos speakers and supports virtual Dolby Atmos. The Wohome S9920 is the best choice for a powerful and clear soundbar that doesn’t require any extra components.
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