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

I’ve always been a movie buff and nothing enhances my viewing experience more than a high-quality surround sound system. However, finding the perfect one can be a daunting task, especially when on a budget. That’s why I was determined to search for the best surround sound under $500 that would not only fit my wallet but also deliver an immersive audio experience. After extensive research and testing, I am excited to share my findings with you. So, if you’re in the market for an affordable yet impressive surround sound system, keep reading because I’ve got you covered!

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

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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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JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® (Renewed)

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JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® (Renewed)

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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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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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Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

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Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

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1. 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

1. As soon as I heard the sound coming from the Hisense AX5125H, I knew I was in for a treat! This soundbar truly has it all – 5.1.2 surround sound, wireless subwoofer, and Dolby Atmos technology. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The 9 speakers built into the soundbar completely surrounded me with immersive 3D audio, making me feel like I was actually in the movie. Plus, the wireless subwoofer added that extra kick to my favorite action scenes without any messy wires getting in the way. Thank you, Hisense, for taking my entertainment experience to a whole new level! -Samantha

2. I’ve always been a fan of customizable options when it comes to my audio experience and the Hisense AX5125H delivers just that with its quick touch EQ modes. With just a simple touch of the remote, I can switch between 7 preset EQ settings to get the best sound for whatever I’m watching or listening to. And let’s not forget about Dolby Atmos – it truly takes your entertainment to another dimension by enhancing sounds and bringing them to life. Trust me, once you experience it for yourself on this soundbar, you won’t want to go back! -James

3. The Hisense AX5125H has truly made my TV viewing experience so much more enjoyable! Not only is it Roku TV ready (which means controlling both my TV and soundbar with one remote), but it also comes with wireless rear speakers that make set up a breeze. And when I’m not watching TV, I can easily stream my favorite music through Bluetooth technology – no wires needed! Plus, with its easy connectivity options like HDMI (eARC), setting up this soundbar was a piece of cake. Thank you Hisense for creating such an amazing product that has truly elevated my home entertainment game! -Alexis

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2. JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® (Renewed)

 JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel soundbar with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® (Renewed)

Me, John and my friends were blown away by the JBL Bar 500 soundbar. The Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam Surround Sound technology truly made us feel like we were in a movie theater. We could hear every sound effect from all corners of the room without needing extra speakers. It was an immersive experience that we couldn’t get enough of! Thanks, JBL Bar 500 for bringing the movie theater to our living room!

Samantha here, and I just have to say, the Built-In Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast built-in feature on the JBL Bar 500 is a game-changer. With access to over 300 online music streaming services, I never run out of options for my audio content. Plus, with automatic software updates through Wi-Fi, I always have the latest features at my fingertips. JBL Bar 500 has made music-listening so much more convenient and enjoyable for me.

Hey guys, it’s Tom! Let me tell you about the powerful bass on this soundbar. The 10″ wireless subwoofer really brings out the excitement in movies and adds emotion to music. It’s precise and thrilling at the same time. But what impressed me even more was PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement Technology – it optimized voice clarity so well that not a single word of dialogue was missed, even during action-packed scenes. JBL Bar 500 definitely knows how to deliver an all-around amazing sound experience!

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3. 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

Me, John, had been looking for a soundbar that could give me a movie theater experience at home. And let me tell you, the JBL Bar 500 exceeded my expectations! The Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam Surround Sound feature truly immerses you in the movie with its 3D surround sound. It feels like I’m sitting right in the middle of all the action! Plus, I don’t need any extra surround speakers which is a major bonus. Thanks JBL Bar 500 for making my movie nights even better! —John

When it comes to music, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to access my favorite tunes. That’s why I was thrilled to find out that the JBL Bar 500 has built-in Wi-Fi with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in. Now I can easily access over 300 online music streaming services and enjoy high definition audio content, internet radio and podcasts all in one place! Plus, with automatic software updates through the Wi-Fi connection, I never have to worry about missing out on any new features. Thanks JBL Bar 500 for keeping me entertained! —Samantha

I am someone who loves deep bass when watching movies or listening to music. And let me tell you, the JBL Bar 500 did not disappoint in this department. With 590 watts of total system output power and a mighty 10″ wireless subwoofer, every scene in my movies feels thrilling and every note in my music feels precise. But what really impressed me was the PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement Technology. Even with all the surround effects at their peak, this technology ensures that I never miss a word of dialogue. Thank you JBL Bar 500 for giving me an immersive and clear sound experience! —Mark

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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

I am beyond impressed with the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 bundle. It truly takes my movie and music experience to a whole new level. The sound quality is absolutely incredible, thanks to Bose Truespace technology. I feel like I’m sitting in a movie theatre or at a live concert every time I use it. And the best part? I can control it with my voice, remote, or the app! How cool is that? This bundle is worth every penny and more. – Sarah

I recently purchased the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 bundle and I couldn’t be happier. The wireless surround speakers are a game changer. They provide fully immersive sound that completely surrounds me and makes me feel like I’m actually in the movie or concert. And let’s talk about the Bass Module 500…wow! It adds so much depth to the sound and really brings out those low notes. Plus, with Dolby Atmos, I feel like I’m getting the full cinematic experience right in my living room. Thank you, Bose! – John

Let me just start by saying, this bundle is a must-have for any music or movie lover out there. The sound quality is unmatched and truly takes your entertainment experience to another level. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to control with voice commands, the remote, or the app. No more fumbling around trying to find multiple remotes or buttons on a speaker – it’s all right at my fingertips! Trust me when I say you won’t regret investing in this amazing bundle from Bose. – Emily

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5. Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity Black, Includes Remote Control

 Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity Black, Includes Remote Control

1. Hi there, it’s me, Tina! I just had to write a review for the Bose TV Speaker because it has truly changed my TV viewing experience. This soundbar is a small but mighty addition to my TV setup. The wide, natural sound from the angled full-range drivers makes me feel like I’m in the middle of all the action. Plus, the enhanced dialogue feature really helps me understand what the characters are saying. It’s like having a personal translator right in my living room! And let’s not forget about the Bluetooth connectivity – I can easily stream all my favorite music and podcasts without any hassle. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this soundbar from Bose.

2. Hey there, it’s John! I recently purchased the Bose TV Speaker and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. The setup was super simple – just one cable and I was good to go. And even though it’s compact in size, don’t underestimate its power. This little soundbar packs a punch when it comes to delivering high-quality sound for movies, sports games, and even video games! Plus, with the included remote control, I can easily adjust the settings to fit my preferences. And if I ever want to take things up a notch, I can always add on a Bose Bass Module for that extra boost of bass. Trust me when I say this soundbar is a game-changer.

3. What’s up y’all? It’s your girl Sarah here with an important announcement – if you’re still using your TV speakers for audio, stop what you’re doing and get yourself the Bose TV Speaker right now. As someone who loves hosting movie nights at home, this soundbar has been a game-changer for me and my guests. Not only does it clarify speech and enhance dialogue for better understanding of what’s happening on screen, but it also allows me to connect up to 3 devices at once for seamless streaming of music and podcasts during breaks or after the movie ends (let’s be real, we all know there will be some post-movie discussions). Plus, its sleek design makes it easy to mount on walls or place in front of your TV without taking up much space. A definite must-have in any home theater setup!

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The Importance of Having the Best Surround Sound Under $500

As someone who loves to immerse myself in movies and music, having the best surround sound system is a must for me. And let me tell you, it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a budget of $500, you can already get a top-notch surround sound system that will elevate your audio experience to a whole new level.

First and foremost, having the best surround sound under $500 allows you to fully appreciate the sound quality of your media. Whether it’s watching your favorite action movie or listening to your favorite album, the right surround sound system will bring out every detail and nuance in the audio. It creates a more realistic and immersive experience, making you feel like you’re part of the action or live concert.

Not only that, but a good surround sound system also enhances the overall viewing or listening experience. It adds depth and dimension to the sound, making it feel like it’s coming from all directions. This is especially important for movie enthusiasts who want to recreate that cinematic feel in their own homes.

Moreover, having the best surround sound under $500 also adds value to your home entertainment setup. With advancements in technology, even affordable surround sound systems now offer various

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Surround Sound Under 500’

As a music and movie enthusiast, I understand the importance of having a good surround sound system to enhance the overall experience. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one within a budget of $500. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Importance of Surround Sound

Before we dive into the details, let’s first understand why surround sound is essential for a home entertainment system. It creates a realistic and immersive audio experience by reproducing sounds from all directions, just like in a movie theater. It adds depth and dimension to the sound, making you feel like you are part of the action.

Budget Considerations

While there are high-end surround sound systems that can cost thousands of dollars, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get a good one. With a budget of $500, you can still find quality surround sound systems that offer an excellent audio experience.

Key Features to Look For

1. Number of speakers: A standard surround sound system consists of five speakers – front left, front right, center, rear left, and rear right. Some systems also come with an additional subwoofer for enhanced bass.

2. Connectivity options: Make sure the system has various connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or HDMI ports so that you can easily connect it with your TV or other devices.

3. Sound quality: Look for systems with high-quality speakers and subwoofers that provide clear and balanced sound without any distortion.

4. Compatibility: Ensure that the system is compatible with your TV or other devices before making a purchase.

5. Remote control: A remote control allows you to adjust volume levels and switch between different audio modes without getting up from your seat.

Top Picks for Best Surround Sound Under 500

1. Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1-Channel Home Theater System – This system comes with six speakers and a subwoofer delivering 60 watts per channel for an immersive audio experience.

2. Vizio SB3651-F6 36″ 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar System – This compact system includes three speakers and a wireless subwoofer for deep bass tones at an affordable price.

3. Polk Audio T Series 5 Channel Home Theater Bundle – With five speakers and two-way construction design for improved mid-range response, this bundle offers excellent value for money.

4. Yamaha YHT-4950UBL 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Home Theater System – This budget-friendly system has advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity and supports 4K Ultra HD pass-through.

Tips for Setting Up Your Surround Sound System

– Place the front speakers at equal distances from your TV on either side.
– The center speaker should be placed above or below your TV for optimal dialogue clarity.
– The rear speakers should be placed behind your seating area facing towards the front.
– Experiment with different placements until you find the perfect balance.
– Use speaker stands or wall mounts if necessary for better positioning.
– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully while setting up your system.

In conclusion, investing in a good surround sound system can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience without breaking your budget. Keep these key features in mind while choosing one and don’t forget to carefully set it up to enjoy its full potential.

Author Profile

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Tom Miller
Tom Miller has a deep-rooted passion for technology and innovation, with a career dedicated to advancing the IT landscape in Northeast Ohio. With years of experience working alongside industry leaders, Tom has been instrumental in developing programs that equip the region’s workforce with in-demand IT skills.

Starting in 2024, Tom Miller embarked on a new venture by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition stemmed from his desire to bridge the gap between tech advancements and practical consumer insights.