Whether your home viewing experience is primarily based around your TV or your computer, one thing remains true: nothing will elevate the quality of your home theater’s audio as quickly or as easily as a soundbar. Did you know that you can get a great soundbar for well under $500? And we’re not talking about a simple 2-channel stereo soundbar either — Sweetwater also has available options in that price bracket for soundbars with subwoofers and even Dolby Atmos compatibility. Don’t believe us? Well, then, without further ado, let’s make you a believer! Here are Sweetwater’s top picks for the best soundbars under $500.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Best Soundbars Under $500
- Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars Under $500
- Best Soundbars with a Subwoofer Under $500
Best Soundbars Under $500
Mackie CR2-X Bar Pro Desktop PC Soundbar
Premium, compact soundbar for voice, music, and games
For those who primarily consume media using a computer-based setup, the Mackie CR2-X Bar Pro PC soundbar delivers exceptional sound, whether you prefer YouTube, podcasts, music, gaming, or a mixture of all. The CR2-X utilizes what’s known as BMR driver technology that enables it to deliver top-quality sound, whether you listen to it via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, headphones, or its integrated 1/8-inch aux input. Additionally, while the CR2-X doesn’t come with a subwoofer, it does have a subwoofer output, so you can add one later if you’d like. Don’t worry about cable spaghetti, though, because the CR2-X is wonderfully concise and easily fits underneath most desktop displays. Finally, with programmable RGB LED lights, the Mackie CR2-X Bar Pro can add a touch of visual enhancement to your space, as well.
JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2
Quintessential JBL sound for an absolute steal
If there’s an easier, more budget-friendly way to bring coveted JBL sound into your living room, then we haven’t found it. The JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2 is a simple, no-nonsense soundbar that delivers 2-channel stereo sound with Bluetooth connectivity and a very impressive 70Hz–20kHz frequency range. Sports and movie buffs will greatly appreciate the Bar 2.0 MK2’s 80-watt output power and Dolby Digital technology that will make them feel like they’re at the game or immersed in the action. Also included with the Bar 2.0 MK2 is a wall-mount bracket with screws, so you can conveniently place it anywhere in your space, as well as an HDMI cable for easily connecting it to your TV. An optical cable (sold separately) connection is also available.
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars Under $500
Bose Smart Soundbar 600
No-hassle setup with Dolby Atmos and the Bose Music app
Looking for a plug-and-play soundbar that also gets you into immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos? Sweetwater has your solution: the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. This little beauty features Bose TrueSpace decoding coupled with Dolby Atmos to deliver pristine, cinema-style audio envelopment. It’s also amazingly easy to connect and configure with a single HDMI or an optical audio cable and the Bose Music app, and it’s just as easy to operate with integrated Alexa and Google Assistant speech controls. Plus, if you already own other Bose Smart family technology products, then the Smart Soundbar 600 fits right in with your current setup and fits discreetly on any table, shelf, or TV stand.
JBL Lifestyle Bar 300 Soundbar
Robust output with a host of cutting-edge technologies
MultiBeam technology for immersive sound, PureVoice technology for enhanced dialogue, a whopping 260 watts of output power, 4K Dolby Vision pass-through . . . The JBL Lifestyle Bar 300 soundbar includes all that and more! It’s also got built-in Wi-Fi for immediate Internet connectivity, a 4K-compatible HDMI video input, and the exceedingly comprehensive JBL One app, which is where you’ll set it up, personalize it, browse for music, and more. This 5.0-channel soundbar also delivers booming low end, even without a subwoofer, thanks to its bass port and impressive 50Hz–20kHz frequency range. Finally, the JBL Lifestyle Bar 300 proves its name with onboard AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, and Alexa MRM, giving you instant access to more than 300 music streaming services. Phew!
Best Soundbars with a Subwoofer Under $500
Klipsch Cinema 400 2.1 Soundbar with 8-inch Wireless Subwoofer
Stylish soundbar and classy subwoofer combo
For home audio transformation in a sophisticated package, Sweetwater recommends this Klipsch Cinema 400 2.1 soundbar with 8-inch wireless subwoofer. This dynamic duo delivers true left/right stereo sound via 90-degree-by-90-degree Tractrix horns, fiber-composite cone woofers, linear-travel suspension tweeters, and an 8-inch wireless sub that produces frequencies down to 35Hz. The Klipsch Cinema 400 also features a very clever Night mode, which reduces its overall dynamic and sub output, and its Dialogue enhancement mode wonderfully ensures complete intelligibility at all volume levels. Also, this Klipsch pair is crafted from premium woods and installs effortlessly, only needing to be plugged in with the included HDMI cable.
JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.1 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Easily connect to 300 watts of cinematic audio power
Loads of connectivity options plus loads of power come together in this JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.1 soundbar with wireless subwoofer. No matter which connections you need, it has you covered with inputs for standard HDMI, Optical Audio, Bluetooth, and USB. Once it’s up and running, your jaw will drop after you hear what a difference the JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.1 makes in your media-viewing and listening experiences. Music, movies, TV, YouTube, podcasts — the Bar 2.1 handles and enhances all of them with ease. Last but certainly not least, no matter where you place them in your home, the JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.1 and sub look great due to their sleek design and the included wall-mounting bracket.
JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2
Don’t just hear your media — feel it!
JBL’s prominence on this list should tell you that they make some of our favorite home audio products, and this JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 exemplifies why: a 2-channel, 100-watt soundbar and a 6.5-inch, 200-watt subwoofer give you a frequency range of 40Hz to 20kHz and a combined 300 watts of window-shattering power! Not only that, but the 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 features Dolby Digital technology that really brings your movies, games, and sporting events to life. Plus, it streams your most beloved tunes via Bluetooth. The Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 connects easily via HDMI or optical (sold separately) and includes a wall mount with screws for placement anywhere you like.
Do You Believe Us Now?
Hopefully, we’ve dispelled your skepticism about affordable soundbars. Sweetwater wants to provide you with the best home theater experience on any budget, which is why we offer the products on this list as well as on our list of the Best Soundbars in 2024. As you’ll see, there’s some overlap! Pristine home audio products have never been better — so give your raid parties, Netflix binges, and family movie nights an instant audio boost by calling one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700today!
