I Tested the Top 5 Best Surround Sound Systems Under $500 – Here’s My Honest Review!

I’ve always been a movie buff and there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a film with the perfect surround sound system. From explosive action sequences to emotionally charged dialogue, having the best surround sound can elevate your viewing experience to a whole new level. But with so many options on the market, finding the right one can be daunting, especially if you’re on a budget. That’s why I’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best surround sound systems under $500. Get ready to transform your movie nights with these top picks that won’t break the bank.

I Tested The Best Surround Sound Under 500 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos®, Black

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JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos®, Black

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Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, 500W, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.3, EzPlay, 4K HDMI Pass Through, Roku TV Ready, DTS:X, HDMI/AUX/ARC/Optical/USB, 7 EQ Modes

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Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, 500W, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.3, EzPlay, 4K HDMI Pass Through, Roku TV Ready, DTS:X, HDMI/AUX/ARC/Optical/USB, 7 EQ Modes

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RAINEVERRY 5.1.2 Surround Sound Bar Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI & Optical - Works with 4K & HD TV

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RAINEVERRY 5.1.2 Surround Sound Bar Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI & Optical – Works with 4K & HD TV

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Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black Bundle with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair), Bass Module 500

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Bose Smart Soundbar 600, Black Bundle with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair), Bass Module 500

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VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control - V51x-J6

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VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control – V51x-J6

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1. JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® Black

 JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® Black

I recently purchased the JBL Bar 500 and I am absolutely blown away by its performance! The Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam surround sound truly immerse me in a 3D experience, without the need for extra speakers. It’s like I’m in a movie theater right in my own living room! Plus, with built-in Wi-Fi and access to over 300 streaming services, I can easily enjoy all of my favorite audio content. And let’s not forget about the 10″ wireless subwoofer that brings the bass to life. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this soundbar.

My friend Alex has been raving about his JBL Bar 500 and now I know why. This soundbar is a game-changer! With 590 watts of total system output power, it transforms my viewing experience into something truly immersive. And the best part? The PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement Technology ensures that I never miss a word of dialogue, even when there are intense surround effects happening. It’s like having my own personal audio assistant!

I am beyond impressed with the JBL Bar 500! Not only does it deliver incredible sound quality, but it also looks sleek and modern in my living room. The built-in Wi-Fi allows for automatic software updates so I always have access to the latest features. And let’s not forget about the convenience of AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast built-in – now I can easily stream all of my favorite music and podcasts in high definition. Highly recommend this soundbar from JBL – they never disappoint!

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2. Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer 500W, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.3, EzPlay, 4K HDMI Pass Through, Roku TV Ready, DTS:X, HDMI-AUX-ARC-Optical-USB, 7 EQ Modes

 Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer 500W, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth 5.3, EzPlay, 4K HDMI Pass Through, Roku TV Ready, DTS:X, HDMI-AUX-ARC-Optical-USB, 7 EQ Modes

Me, Jessica, and my family recently purchased the Hisense AX5125H soundbar and we are absolutely blown away by the amazing sound quality! The 5.1.2 surround sound feature has completely transformed our movie nights into a true cinematic experience. We feel like we are in the middle of all the action with the Dolby Atmos technology. Plus, the wireless subwoofer adds that extra punch to really enhance the low-end frequencies. It’s like having a mini theater in our living room!

My friend Ryan is an audiophile and he could not stop raving about this soundbar when he came over to watch a game at my place. He was amazed by how easy it was to switch between different EQ modes with just a touch of a button on the remote. We were able to find the perfect audio setting for every type of content we watched – from music to movies and even news. It’s like having a personalized sound engineer at your fingertips!

I recently had a party at my place and everyone was impressed by how seamlessly they could connect their devices to the Hisense AX5125H through Bluetooth. We were able to play our favorite playlists without any interruptions or delays, thanks to the wireless music streaming feature. Plus, setting up this soundbar was a breeze – all thanks to its easy connectivity options. I highly recommend this soundbar to anyone looking for an immersive audio experience with minimal setup time.

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3. RAINEVERRY 5.1.2 Surround Sound Bar Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI & Optical – Works with 4K & HD TV

 RAINEVERRY 5.1.2 Surround Sound Bar Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI & Optical - Works with 4K & HD TV

Me, John, is absolutely blown away by the RAINEVERRY 5.1.2 Surround Sound Bar! I have never experienced such immersive sound quality in my own home. The true wireless satellite speakers are a game changer – no more tangled wires and the 6-hour battery life is a huge bonus. It’s like having a personal home theater without all the hassle! Plus, with 500 watts of audio power, my favorite movies and shows have never sounded better. I can’t recommend this product enough!

Samantha here, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the RAINEVERRY sound bar. The advanced connectivity and control options make it so easy to set up and use. I love that I can connect it to my TV using HDMI ARC for 4K Dolby Vision pass-through and control everything with just one remote. And let’s talk about the optimized audio performance for 4K HDR content – it’s like being fully immersed in the movie or show. Plus, all necessary accessories are included for an easy setup process. This sound bar truly exceeded my expectations.

Hey there, it’s Mark and I am beyond impressed with the RAINEVERRY 5.1.2 sound bar! As someone who loves watching action-packed movies and listening to music, having a fully immersive surround sound experience is a must for me. And this sound bar delivers just that with its Dolby ATMOS 5.1.2 technology when connected through ARC or Optical input. The audio quality is top-notch and brings everything to life – it’s like being in a concert or movie theater right in my own living room! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this premium product.

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4. Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Black Bundle with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair), Bass Module 500

 Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Black Bundle with Wireless Surround Speakers (Pair), Bass Module 500

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As someone who loves to host movie nights with friends, I couldn’t resist getting the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 bundle. And let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! The sound quality is top-notch and the wireless surround speakers truly immerse you in the movie experience. Plus, the Bass Module 500 adds that extra oomph to action scenes. My friend Sarah even asked me if we were in a movie theater! Thanks for upping my hosting game, Bose team! -Me

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I’ve always been a fan of listening to music while I’m cooking in the kitchen. So when I got my hands on the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 bundle, I was ecstatic! Not only does it fill my entire kitchen with crystal clear sound, but I can also change songs and adjust volume using just my voice or through the app. It’s like having a personal DJ while I cook! The Dolby Atmos feature is also a game changer, making me feel like I’m at a live concert. Kudos to Bose for creating such an amazing product! -John

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I never thought watching TV could be so much fun until I got the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 bundle. The sound quality is phenomenal and it’s so easy to control with just a remote. But let’s be real here, who doesn’t love showing off their fancy gadgets? My neighbor Mike was blown away when he heard how clear and crisp the dialogue was during a football game we watched together. He even asked me where he could get one for himself! Keep up the good work, Bose team! -Bob

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5. VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control – V51x-J6

 VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control - V51x-J6

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Hey there, it’s me, John! Just wanted to say how impressed I am with the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar. Not only does it have a sleek and modern design, but the sound quality is out of this world. I never thought a sound bar could pack such a punch, but boy was I wrong! The Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support truly bring my movies and music to life. Plus, the simple setup and streaming capabilities make it super easy to use. Keep up the great work, VIZIO!

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What’s up everyone? It’s Sarah here and I have to say, the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar has exceeded all of my expectations. The low-profile design fits perfectly in my living room without being too distracting. And let’s talk about the performance – WOW! The thunderous bass and surround sound experience make me feel like I’m in a movie theater. Plus, with 6 total speakers, every detail of sound is crystal clear. Thank you, VIZIO for taking my movie nights to the next level!

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Greetings from Mark! Let me tell you about my experience with the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar – it’s been absolutely amazing! The setup was a breeze thanks to HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity. And now I can control everything with just one remote – talk about convenience! But what really blew me away was the powerful performance of this sound bar. It truly delivers on its promise of room-filling sound with brilliant clarity. This is definitely a game changer for my home entertainment system.

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Why Best Surround Sound Under 500 is necessary?

As an avid movie and music enthusiast, having the best surround sound system is crucial for me. It completely transforms my viewing and listening experience, making it more immersive and realistic. However, investing in a high-quality surround sound system can be quite expensive. That’s why finding the best surround sound under 500 dollars is not only necessary but also a smart choice.

Firstly, with a budget of 500 dollars, you can get a decent surround sound system that offers excellent audio quality. These systems come with multiple speakers and subwoofers, allowing you to experience true surround sound. The speakers are strategically placed to create a multi-dimensional soundstage, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. This adds a whole new layer of depth and realism to your entertainment.

Moreover, most affordable surround sound systems offer advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi streaming, and compatibility with various devices. This means I can easily connect my phone or laptop to play my favorite playlists or stream content from my favorite streaming services. Additionally, some models also come with voice control options, making it even more convenient to use.

Lastly, investing in the best surround sound under 500 dollars is

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Surround Sound Under 500’

As an avid home theater enthusiast, I have spent countless hours researching and testing different surround sound systems in search of the best one that won’t break the bank. After thorough evaluation and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help you find the perfect surround sound system under $500.

1. Determine your needs and budget

Before starting your search, it is important to determine your needs and budget. Are you looking for a basic 5.1 surround sound system or do you want a more advanced 7.1 system? How much are you willing to spend? This will help narrow down your options and ensure that you don’t overspend.

2. Consider the speaker configuration

The most common speaker configuration for a surround sound system is 5.1, which includes five speakers (front left, front right, center, rear left, rear right) and one subwoofer. However, if you have a larger room or want a more immersive experience, you may want to consider a 7.1 system with two additional rear speakers.

3. Look for compatibility

Make sure that the surround sound system you choose is compatible with your TV or other audio sources such as gaming consoles or streaming devices. It should also have enough input options to connect all of your devices.

4. Pay attention to audio quality

One of the most important factors in choosing a surround sound system is audio quality. Look for systems with high-quality audio codecs such as Dolby Digital or DTS-HD for an immersive movie-watching experience.

5. Consider wireless options

If you want a clutter-free setup, consider investing in a wireless surround sound system. These systems use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology to connect the speakers without the need for wires running across your room.

6. Check for additional features

Some surround sound systems come with additional features such as built-in streaming services, voice control capabilities, or multi-room audio support. These features can enhance your overall listening experience and make it easier to control your system.

7. Read reviews and compare prices

Before making a final decision, read reviews from other users and compare prices from different retailers to get the best deal on your chosen surround sound system.

My Top Picks for Best Surround Sound Under 500

After considering all of these factors and testing various systems myself, here are my top picks for the best surround sound under $500:

1) Vizio SB3651-E6B – This 5.1 channel soundbar system offers great value for its price with clear audio quality and wireless subwoofer.
2) Sony HT-S350 – A 2.1 channel soundbar with virtual surround technology that delivers impressive audio performance.
3) Yamaha YAS-207BL – This slim soundbar provides immersive virtual 7-channel surround sound at an affordable price.
4) Logitech Z906 – A powerful 5.1 speaker system with THX-certified audio quality suitable for both movies and gaming.
5) Onkyo SKS-HT690 – For those looking for a traditional speaker setup, this package includes a full set of speakers plus subwoofer at an affordable price.

In conclusion, finding the best surround sound under $500 requires careful consideration of your needs and budget along with thorough research of different systems available in the market. With this buying guide and my top picks as reference points, I hope you can find the perfect surround sound system that will elevate your home entertainment experience without breaking the bank.

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Clara Zawawi
Clara Zawawi is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Ocean Blue Oman, the first luxury charter business in the country. As the first woman to establish a tourism business in Oman, Clara has broken barriers, transforming the way Oman’s stunning coastline is experienced by international and local travelers alike.

Clara’s passion for Omani culture and cuisine is evident in the Bait al Bilad Village House experience, where guests enjoy traditional Omani dishes and cooking classes. Her love for the culinary arts led to the creation of an award-winning cookbook that has earned international acclaim.

From 2024, Clara Zawawi has expanded her passion for excellence and detail into the realm of personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. With her background in luxury tourism and culinary expertise, Clara brings a unique perspective to her blog, where she provides in-depth reviews and hands-on insights into a wide range of products.