If you’re looking for a quality sound equipment that doesn’t take so much space in your living room a soundbar could be the answer, so here is our review of the best sound bar under 500 US$. It is not easy, though, to look for the right sound bar, and that’s why we provide some suggestions for you below.
Surround sound speakers deliver incredible sounds as if having your very own home theater, but setting it up is a different story. The wires are such a headache. And if you want to move it to another place or use it for your other TV, it may not be easy to do as it is too heavy. Perhaps, it is time for you to consider buying a sound bar speaker for your TV.
What is a Soundbar?
Amazon sound bar
Equipped with multiple speakers in a single elongated enclosure, a sound bar is a device that is often used with a TV, computer, MP3 player or game console. It is shaped like a bar that is long and thin and hence, does not consume much space in your room. It is usually paired with a wireless subwoofer to make it work. It may be small in size but the sound it delivers is as incredible as what surround sound speakers do.
Soundbar vs Surround Speakers?
So, how do sound bars differ from surround sound speakers? Both of them actually have their impressive features and drawbacks. Sound bars have a sleek and modern design. They are easy to operate as they do not require as many wires. A Bluetooth connection or WiFi is usually available which allows you to stream music wirelessly. With regards to the sound quality, it provides an excellent virtual sound which delivers true-to-life surround sound. However, the range of the sound may not be as full as the surround sound speakers.
On the other hand, surround sound speakers are heavy and huge thus consumes too much space in your room. It also uses a lot of wires for installation and so requires more time and effort for the installation. However, they deliver excellent full-range surround sound with a maximum bass.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Sound Bar
If you’re decided to buy one for your TV, how would you know if it is the best sound bar on the market?
- TV SIZE: You may check the size of your TV to know which type of sound bar you should get. Sound bars also come in different sizes and getting the right size would perfectly complement to your TV.
- CHANNELS: Sound bars are programmed with different channels in which every type functions for a particular use. For movie or gaming use, at least five channels are recommended. Meanwhile, an audio enhancement for TV only requires 2.1 channel sound bar.
- CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth, RCA, HDMI, USB, optical, analog inputs are some of the connectivity options that are featured in some brands of sound bars. The product you’re going to buy depends on what kind of connectivity is compatible with your device or equipment.
- PRICE: Soundbars vary in price tags according to their features. Those with higher specifications are expensive in price. So it is best to consider your budget before buying one. It would be better to carefully choose the one that suits your taste and your budget.
Top 10 Best Sound bar Under 500 US$ for TV
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If you want a touch of minimalist design, the Bose Solo 5 Sound bar shows off its sleek and modern style that can perfectly match your home TV. Aside from that, it showcases stunning features that truly enhances your audio system with distinctly improve sound quality for all your favorite TV programs or movies. It provides surround sound and deep bass which make the dialogue or sound effects feel like real. You can also stream your favorite music wirelessly with the Bluetooth connection. And if you need to set it up on your TV, you can do it in just a matter of seconds using an audio cable. You can also control the settings the universal remote control.
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The Razer Leviathan sound bar offers 5.1 channel which delivers high-quality sound not only for TV but also for gaming, music and movies. This would be another good option for those who are looking for true-to-life surround sound for epic game battles, music streaming and movies. It is also programmed with a Bluetooth connection where you can wirelessly stream music and connect with your device. One of its highlights is the cutting-edge Dolby technology which enables the sound bar to deliver quality surround sound. The dedicated subwoofer also allows it to reproduce better bass frequencies.
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The Polk Audio Magnifi One sound bar is built with innovative features such as tuned ports that provide an excellent combination of mid-range and low frequencies. If you also want to make adjustments for the subwoofer position, the bass control allows you to do so. It is equipped with a low-profile surround sound with the available channels 5.1 and 2.0 which both are applicable for a better movie, gaming and music listening experience. The Bass Drive Technology also enhances the bass, midrange, transient response speed and output capability. And if you want to stream your music or audio wirelessly, the Bluetooth connection handles that for you.
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If you need an alternative for that huge, heavy and bulky home entertainment equipment, the Sonos Playbar TV sound bar might be the best one for you. It has nine amplified drivers, six mid woofers and three high range tweeters for deeper lows, clearer dialog and more immersive sound effects. With such features, it gives you an ultimate home theater experience. It also has a speech enhancement where you could automatically send dialog directly to the center channel where you can hear it best. It works best with TV shows, movies and music streaming.
Most sound bars are programmed with a Bluetooth connection but this one has WiFi. Hence, assures you a faster and easier way to wireless connect with your devices. And if you want to know all the latest music or track down all your favorite songs, the Sonos app lets you control to compile you favorites in one playlist.
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The Klipsch R-10B Bluetooth is a true-2 way sound bar that features a wireless 88-inch firing driver and solid MDF cabinet with a slot-port design for deep and powerful bass. So if you’re looking for an excellent bass sound, this might be the one for you. The Bluetooth connection provides easy set-up which you can use with your devices or equipment. It is compatible with most Bluetooth wireless technology enabled devices. It also features an aptX audio coding technology which assures excellent sound quality over a Bluetooth connection. It maintains great quality of bass and mid-treble.
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JBL is also one of the known brands for the best TV sound bars. Just like this compact speaker with 2.0 channel and optical digital audio with Dolby Digital, you can have a high-quality sound for your TV. This home theater speaker system is designed to provide virtual surround sound without the hassle of wires for the installation. The Bluetooth connection also allows you to stream wirelessly with your favorite music and connect with your devices. The sleek design is also a plus!
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Samsung is great at coordinating other devices of the same brand. This allows the users, perhaps you, to control and adjust the settings with just one device. This Samsung HW-J335 2.1 Channel wireless sound bar sets up and connects easily with your very own Samsung TV. But then, it can also work impressively even without any Samsung devices. The Bluetooth connection allows you to wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone and tablet, No more wires, less hassle. However, the sound quality is what it is best at. The Samsung sound bar is installed with a wired subwoofer and built-in subwoofer which deliver deep and rich bass. You can also control the system with the Samsung Audio Remote App where you can adjust equalizer settings, make playlists and manage all the sound bar settings.
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A lot of users commended the ARVICKA as a great sound bar for their TV. It sure is as it delivers stereo crisp clear sound with the four built-in full range speakers. They deliver amazing custom immersive HIFI room-filling 3D while watching TV, movies and playing games. Its program and features are designed to work best with TVs, computers, DVD players and MP3 players. You can even enjoy MP3 or WMA music directly from your portable USB devices. If you also want a quality bass that goes with your movies, games and music, the ARVICKA handles that for you.
A universal remote control is also available which also enables you to control the settings even while you’re on the couch. It is easy to operate and set up. The compact, modern and minimalist design can complement well with your home theater interiors.
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If you need an audio enhancement only for watching TV and music streaming, the Amazon Basics 2.0 channel sound bar might be the right one for you. It is designed to deliver the best audio quality when used with televisions less than 42 inches. The size and appearance of the sound bar also give a modern touch to the design. It has dual full-range stereo speakers that puts out powerful audio and up to 95 dB expansive audio and crystal clear sound. It has 3 available sound modes for TV programs, news and optimized movie sound tracks.
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Installation is one of the most difficult parts of using huge and heavy home entertainment equipment. If you no longer want that hassle, you should opt for sound-bars instead. You can consider the ZVOX SoundBasse sound bar. With its slim design, it would perfectly fit under your TV or inside the cabinet without the need for external speakers or speaker wires. You can also wirelessly stream your favorite music from your smartphone or tablet through the Bluetooth connection. And if you’re looking for an excellent bass and virtual surround sound, the ZVOX has a built-in subwoofer to provide that.
Still Wondering How to Choose the Right Soundbar?
Here is a nice video discussing use of a sound bar for your home theater system.