Have you noticed your new high-definition TV still lacks crisp clear audio to match its stunning visuals? That‘s because most slim LED and OLED televisions simply don‘t have the internal space to house advanced speaker drivers.
The great news is you can instantly upgrade your TV‘s audio performance without breaking the bank thanks to affordable soundbars now available from major brands like LG, Sony and Samsung.
This comprehensive guide will explore:
- Key benefits of adding an affordable soundbar
- Latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos explained
- 6 top-rated budget soundbar picks under $500
- Detailed comparison of core features and sound quality
- Easy setup, placement and tuning tips
After extensive evaluation of over 20 entry-level and mid-range soundbar models priced under $500, these are our recommendations for the 6 best affordable soundbars you can buy today.
Why Do You Need an Affordable Soundbar?
While premium soundbars from the likes of Sonos, Bose and Sennheiser can deliver an incredible cinematic experience, most consumers balk at their high price tags often exceeding $1,000.
Thankfully, major audio brands have responded by launching more budget-friendly soundbars without sacrificing key features and performance. The latest models under $500 now include:
- Surround sound for a truly immersive experience
- Voice assistant integration like Alexa and Google Assistant
- HDMI connectivity and 4K HDR video passthrough
- Stylish and compact designs to match modern TVs
For media lovers wanting to boost their TV‘s lackluster built-in speakers, affordable soundbars provide outstanding value. Even basic models outperform most HTIB (home theater in a box) systems.
Primary Benefits of Affordable Soundbars:
Greatly enhanced sound quality – Dedicated external speakers and amplification lead to far better audio clarity, volume, bass impact and cinematic immersion.
Surround sound capability – Soundbars incorporate multiple drivers with special DSP processing to simulate surround effects from a single front unit.
4K HDR passthrough – Latest HDMI 2.1 ports allow enjoyment of highest quality streaming/video content.
Compact aesthetic design – Modern low-profile form factor seamlessly matches your slim television.
Easy plug and play setup – Soundbars connect to TVs effortlessly via HDMI ARC or optical cable. No receivers or speaker wiring required.
Budget pricing – Major brand soundbars now available for under $500, some even under $300.
Latest Soundbar Audio Formats Explained
As home theater enthusiasts, we always get excited about the latest audio formats and surround sound technologies promised to deliver ever-more immersive experiences.
Here‘s a quick primer explaining the key terms and top formats found in modern soundbars:
Dolby Atmos – This advanced surround technology utilizes special upfiring drivers plus signal processing to create 3D, object-based sound with effects that seem to flow all around you. Dolby Atmos content is encoded to optimize playback from any speaker configuration.
DTS:X – A competing immersive audio solution from DTS using similar object-based spatial processing to simulate 3D effects. Many soundbars now support both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats.
Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio – Required for lossless versions of surround sound found on Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray discs. Soundbars with HDMI inputs can decode both formats.
Channels (2.1 / 3.1 / 5.1) – The standard format denoting number of regular stereo drivers and dedicated low-frequency (LFE) subwoofers. More channels allow better immersion.
Passive Radiators – Special drivers that enhance bass instead of a powered subwoofer, found on many ultra-thin soundbars.
Wireless Subwoofer – Detachable sub connects over Bluetooth rather than cables. Convenient but may introduce latency.
How We Chose the Best Affordable Soundbars
Given the exploding soundbar market, selecting the very best models for under $500 posed quite a challenge. Our team evaluated over 20 top contenders based on:
- Audio quality – The most crucial test focused on sound clarity, volume, bass impact and surround immersion.
- Feature sets – Support for key formats like Dolby Atmos along with streaming apps and voice control.
- Ease of setup – Plug-and-play connectivity rates high for the average consumer.
- Design aesthetics – Soundbar shape and size affects how seamlessly they pair with modern thin TVs.
- Real user reviews – We examined actual customer evaluations from major retailers.
- Value and price – Soundbars offering the best features per dollar spent rank higher.
We directly compared popular models from LG, Samsung, Sony, Yamaha, Vizio and many more. Through extensive hands-on evaluation and testing of all key criteria by our experienced product reviewers, these affordable soundbars rose to the top.
The 6 Best Affordable Soundbars of 2023
| Model | Channels | Subwoofer | Dolby Atmos | DTS formats | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG S80QY | 3.1.3 | Yes | Yes | DTS:X | $386 | ***** |
| Samsung HW-S61A | 5.0 | No | No | DTS Virtual:X | $197 | **** |
| Sony HT-G700 | 3.1 | Yes | Yes | DTS:X | $598 | **** |
| Sonos Ray | 2.0 | No | No | No | $279 | **** |
| Majority Sierra | 2.1.2 | Yes | Yes | No | $219 | *** |
| VIZIO V-Series 5.1 | 5.1 | Yes | No | DTS Virtual:X | $196 | *** |
Now let‘s explore the standout benefits and downsides of each recommended soundbar pick in greater depth.
#1 Best Overall: LG S80QY
Our top selection for best overall affordable soundbar is the LG S80QY, a superbly well-rounded model offering the complete package of great sound, future-ready features and simple connectivity.
This 3.1.3 channel system equipped with upfiring drivers to support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio nicely envelops you in sound thanks to wireless rear speakers and beefy subwoofer. The dedicated center channel also ensures clear reproduction of all movie and TV dialog.
We appreciate how LG packs the S80QY with cutting-edge functionality like high-resolution audio decoding, AI audio tuning modes and even IMAX Enhanced certification. Alexa and Google Assistant give you hands-free voice control.
Setup proves fuss-free courtesy of HDMI eARC linking or WiSA wireless surround speaker connections. The only downside may be the rather bulky elongated cabinet that could overwhelm small TVs. However for under $400, the rich immersive dynamics of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X alone make the LG S80QY a fantastic sonic value.
Pros:
- Balanced 3.1.3 channel surround sound
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support
- Hi-Res Audio and AI processing
- Alexa + Google Assistant
Cons:
- Bulky elongated design#2 Best Premium Design: Samsung HW-S61A
Movie and music lovers wanting an affordable soundbar that looks as good as it sounds need to consider the slick and stylish Samsung HW-S61A. Clad in minimalist black fabric that blends into any decor, the compact S61A brings titanic audio power.
This 5.0 channel system drives the action with Acoustic Beam technology that projects a spacious soundstage beyond the physical cabinet size. Gamers will appreciate dedicated standard and Game Pro modes. Of course we expect zero Samsung interoperability concerns when pairing with their industry-leading QLED 4K or 8K smart TVs.
Built-in Alexa support allows convenient hands-free voice control. Note Dolby Atmos height virtualization is absent, so volume ultimately can‘t match our top pick. Nonetheless for under $200 the HW-S61A delivers thunderous audio and delightful design in one affordable package.
Pros:
- Sleek, low-profile design
- Powerful 5.0 channel sound
- Built-in Alexa voice assistant
- Game Pro mode
Cons:
- Lacks Dolby Atmos effects #3 Best for Dialogue Clarity: Sonos Ray
Dialogue clarity is crucial for properly following along with complex TV shows and movies. This is where the smart Sonos Ray soundbar excels thanks to dedicated speech enhancement technology.
We also like how simple it is to adjust audio settings like bass, treble, balance and loudness to best match your room using Sonos‘ excellent smartphone app. Optimized presets for TV, music and podcasts make enjoying everything simple.
While the Ray lacks a separate subwoofer, its surprisingly wide and spacious output defies expectations. Connectivity options abound including HDMI ARC, optical digital and Bluetooth streaming. Expandability with other Sonos speakers, Apple AirPlay 2 and Alexa/Google Assistant control check all the right boxes.
Just don‘t expect thundering bass or swirling overhead Dolby Atmos height effects. However if clear midrange sound for TV/movie watching is your priority, the Sonos Ray delivers at a reasonable price.
Pros:
- Dedicated speech enhancement
- Simple audio tuning via app
- Sleek, understated design
Cons:
- No subwoofer for full bass
- Lacks Dolby Atmos #4 Best Dolby Atmos: Majority Sierra
Our pick for most affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar goes to the Majority Sierra. Priced at just $219, this compact 2.1.2 channel model supports object-based audio formats and includes upfiring height speakers plus wireless subwoofer.
We found Atmos effects work reasonably well for a budget bar, adding a nicer sense of immersion and space to movies. Of course the slim enclosure can‘t rival our bigger top picks for room-filling output. Connectivity is also limited to just one HDMI ARC input.
Yet cost-conscious shoppers wanting to add Dolby Atmos music and home theater to a second room or office without spending big should shortlist the Majority Sierra.
Pros:
- Least expensive Dolby Atmos
- Wireless subwoofer
- Very small footprint
Cons:
- Mediocre power and bass
- Few connection options#5 Best for Music: VIZIO V-Series 5.1
While not marketed specifically for audio purists, we found ourselves impressed by how well the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 soundbar handles music playback. This affordable model packs dedicated left, right and center channel speakers plus dual satellite surrounds and down-firing subwoofer.
Vizio‘s excellent smartphone app makes it easy to tweak EQ settings and audio profiles to get mids sounding just right. Bluetooth streaming also impresses even discerning ears. We liked being able to spread rear speakers further apart for better instrument separation.
As expected, the V-Series hits surround movie effects out of the park. Voice clarity shines bright for TV shows thanks to the dedicated center channel. Hands-free Google Assistant and Siri voice control round out a stellar hands-free feature set.
Pros:
- Detailed stereo separation
- Customizable music profiles
- 5.1 channels fully immerses
Cons:
- Mediocre HDMI throughput Soundbar Advice: Setup, Placement and Tuning Tips
Getting great performance from even the best affordable soundbar does require some planning and adjustment. Use these expert audio tips when installing your new soundbar.
Central placement – Position the soundbar flush the front of your media console securely. Most universal mounts allow vertical adjustment. Keep the drivers facing straight ahead centered on your prime seating area rather than angled.
Aim drivers correctly – Angled midrange drivers and upfiring Atmos height modules must point directly towards your ears, not way overhead. Measure their height carefully.
Reduce vibrations – Make sure soundbar sits securely on a solid flat surface away from disruptive vibrations. Foam pads or silicone feet further isolate the drivers.
Connect sources properly – Use the fastest available input connections from each media device for highest quality streaming. We recommend full-bandwidth HDMI cables first, or digital S/PDIF optical if needed.
Place wireless speakers carefully – Any detachable rear speakers for true surround should sit evenly left / right just behind your central listening position. Nearby power outlets are ideal.
Consider acoustic treatment – Bare walls and hard floors can negatively impact sound quality. Rugs, curtains and wall hangings all allow you to tune the room‘s acoustics.
Experiment with settings – Don‘t be afraid to try different sound modes for the content being played. Let your ears determine which profiles sound best for each movie, TV show or music genre.
Affordable Soundbars: Closing Questions
Do soundbars require special audio formats? High-end models may support advanced codecs like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD found on Blu-ray discs. However basic setup only requires regular Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound used by most streaming services and Ultra HD Blu-rays.
What about adding separate speakers later? Many soundbar systems allow you to pair compatible wireless rear speakers from the same brand for full surround at any time. Models with Alexa or Chromecast built-in also permit multi-room audio expansion to other compatible speakers.
Can I control soundbars with a universal remote? Yes, learning remotes like ones from Logitech or high-end programmable RF systems will operate basic soundbar functions like volume and input switching. However you may lose some specialty audio adjustments or smart features without the original remote.
We hope this guide to the top six best affordable Dolby Atmos soundbars has helped highlight the superb models now available from famous brands to significantly boost your home audio enjoyment!
