10 Best Soundbars Under 500 2025 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar that enhances your TV audio experience, especially for those who struggle with dialogue clarity. One of its standout features is the two angled full-range drivers, which create a wide, natural sound, making TV shows and movies more enjoyable. Its design prioritizes simplicity, with a straightforward setup that can be completed in minutes, connecting via HDMI or optical cables. The inclusion of Bluetooth allows users to easily stream music and podcasts from their devices, adding versatility beyond just TV use.

Another notable aspect is the dialogue mode, accessible via the included remote control, which further emphasizes speech clarity—a real win for movie lovers and sports fans. The soundbar’s compact size allows it to fit neatly in front of most TVs or be wall-mounted, though wall brackets are sold separately.

However, it does have some drawbacks. The sound quality, while decent for dialogue, may lack the deep bass that some users desire. If you’re an audiophile or someone looking for a rich music experience, you might find it lacking without adding a separate subwoofer, which can further increase your investment. Additionally, while it connects to multiple devices, users need to remember that only one device can be active at a time unless they manually switch between them.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio without spending too much. It offers true 5.1 channel surround sound with a wireless subwoofer and two surround speakers, creating a rich, immersive experience that’s great for movies, sports, and music. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support add a 3D sound effect that feels more lifelike, while a dedicated center channel keeps dialogue clear so you won’t miss important conversations in shows or movies.

Setting it up is straightforward since the subwoofer and surround speakers connect wirelessly to the main soundbar. You can control everything easily with one remote, especially if you already use a Fire TV device, and there are preset sound modes tailored to different types of content. The soundbar supports Bluetooth, so you can stream your favorite playlists from a phone or tablet without extra cables.

In terms of design, the soundbar is moderately sized and comes with a wall mount kit, but the subwoofer is a bit bulky compared to some alternatives, so you’ll want to consider your space. The system includes HDMI, optical, and USB ports, which cover most connection needs. For those seeking a home theater feel with clear sound and simple integration into a Fire TV setup, this package fits well within the under $500 range. However, if you prefer a more compact or less speaker-heavy setup, or if you don’t plan to use Fire TV features, there might be simpler options to explore.

The Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar offers a compact and sleek design, making it suitable for small living spaces or home offices. It features a 2-channel speaker system with an integrated tweeter and Bass Reflex speaker, providing clear and deep sound quality. Its slim design not only fits well in any room but also allows for easy setup, including wall mounting if desired.

The soundbar supports both wired and wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth, which is convenient for streaming music or other audio from various devices. Additionally, the HDMI ARC feature simplifies the TV setup process. One of the standout features is the voice enhancement, which improves clarity for TV dialogue and conference calls, making it a versatile option for different audio needs. The S-Force Pro Front Surround technology aims to create a more immersive audio experience by simulating surround sound.

With a maximum output power of 120 Watts, it is powerful enough for small to medium-sized rooms. Included accessories such as a remote commander, cables, and a wall-mount template add to the convenience. It excels in design, ease of use, and features.