Best Soundbars Under £500 – Fall 2023

Welcome to the world of immersive audio with our carefully curated list of the best soundbars under £500! Elevate your entertainment experience without breaking the bank by discovering a range of powerful and feature-rich soundbars that deliver exceptional audio quality.

Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a gaming fan, or a music lover, these soundbars have been handpicked to suit a variety of preferences. Experience crystal-clear dialogue, thundering bass, and surround sound effects that will transport you right into the heart of the action. Designed to complement your TV setup seamlessly, these soundbars boast modern aesthetics that blend effortlessly with any home decor.

Say goodbye to tangled wires and complicated setups, as these soundbars offer easy connectivity options such as Bluetooth, HDMI, and wireless streaming capabilities. Don’t compromise on audio excellence – explore our top picks of the best soundbars under £500 and immerse yourself in an audio journey like never before!

List of The Best Soundbars Under £500

The Best Bluetooth Soundbar with Subwoofer

Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar with Subwoofer Review

Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar with Subwoofer

The Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar with Subwoofer is a unique audio system that brings the immersive world of Dolby Atmos right into your living room. Packed with cutting-edge features and powerful performance, it stands out as one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars under £500.

With its included subwoofer, this soundbar delivers deep, rumbling bass that adds a new dimension to your movie nights or gaming sessions. The Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos technologies work harmoniously to create a three-dimensional soundstage, allowing you to experience sound from all directions for a truly cinematic experience.

One of the standout features of the DHT-S517 is its dialogue enhancer, ensuring that speech remains clear and intelligible even during action-packed scenes or fast-paced dialogue. This is a game-changer for those who value crisp and precise vocal reproduction.

Connectivity options are abundant, with Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, and music streaming capabilities, allowing you to effortlessly stream your favorite tunes from your smartphone or other compatible devices. The soundbar is also wall-mountable, providing flexibility in terms of placement.

To sweeten the deal, the Denon DHT-S517 includes an HDMI cable, saving you the hassle of purchasing one separately.

Overall, the Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar with Subwoofer is a stellar choice for anyone seeking a premium Dolby Atmos experience on a budget. Its impressive audio performance, user-friendly features, and included accessories make it a standout option in its price range.

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The Best Sony Soundbar with Subwoofer

Sony HT-S40R - 5.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer

Sony HT-S40R – 5.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer

The Sony HT-S40R is a 5.1-channel soundbar that brings a complete home theater experience to your living room. Its powerful subwoofer and wireless rear speakers immerse you in a surround sound environment that enhances your audio enjoyment. Its exceptional voice clarity sets it apart, making it the best Sony soundbar for voice clarity.

Equipped with Sony’s advanced audio technologies, this soundbar ensures that every spoken word is crisp, precise, and easily intelligible. The dedicated center channel speaker focuses on reproducing vocals with utmost clarity, allowing you to follow conversations effortlessly, even in intense action sequences or background noise.

The wireless rear speakers add depth and dimension to the sound, creating an immersive audio experience that pulls you into the heart of the content. The subwoofer delivers deep, punchy bass that impacts explosions, music, and low-frequency effects.

Thanks to its wireless connectivity options, setting up the HT-S40R is a breeze. Connect the soundbar to your TV using the HDMI ARC or optical cable, and the wireless rear speakers connect seamlessly without additional wiring.

Additionally, this soundbar offers Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to stream music from your smartphone or other compatible devices wirelessly.

While the Sony HT-S40R prioritizes voice clarity, it doesn’t compromise overall audio performance. It delivers well-balanced sound across the frequency spectrum, ensuring an enjoyable movie and music experience.

The Sony HT-S40R is the go-to soundbar for those who prioritize clear dialogue in their audio setup. Its 5.1-channel configuration, powerful subwoofer, wireless rear speakers, and advanced audio technologies provide an immersive home theater experience without sacrificing voice clarity. Get ready to elevate your audio enjoyment to new heights with the Sony HT-S40R.

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The Best Bose Dolby Atoms Soundbar

Bose-Smart-Soundbar-600-Dolby-Atmos-Review

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Dolby Atmos

The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is a game-changing audio device that combines exceptional sound quality with the convenience of built-in Alexa voice control. It stands out as the best soundbar with built-in Alexa, offering seamless voice assistance and immersive audio integration.

With Dolby Atmos technology, this soundbar creates a three-dimensional soundstage, enveloping you in a lifelike audio experience. Every detail is beautifully reproduced, from the rumbling lows to the sparkling highs, bringing movies, music, and games to life.

Including Alexa built-in adds a new level of convenience to your daily routine. Ask Alexa to play your favorite music, control smart home devices, check the weather, and more without lifting a finger. The built-in microphones ensure accurate voice recognition, even in noisy environments.

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes without the constraints of cables. The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling seamless integration with other Bose smart speakers for a multi-room audio experience.

Bose’s renowned audio engineering ensures exceptional sound quality. The slim design of the soundbar fits effortlessly under your TV while delivering powerful and clear audio performance. You can also expand your setup by adding an optional wireless bass module and surround speakers for a truly immersive surround sound experience.

Setting up the soundbar is a breeze, thanks to the Bose Music app, which guides you through the process step by step. The app also provides intuitive control over your soundbar settings and allows you to personalize your audio experience.

The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 with Alexa built-in is the ultimate choice for those seeking the perfect combination of premium audio quality and voice control convenience. With Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth connectivity, and the power of Alexa at your command, this soundbar elevates your entertainment experience to new heights. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of immersive sound and effortless control with the Bose Smart Soundbar 600.

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The Best Wireless Samsung Soundbar

Samsung S800B All In One Soundbar

Samsung S800B All In One Soundbar

The Samsung S800B All-In-One Soundbar Speaker is an exceptional audio device designed specifically for Samsung TVs. Boasting an impressive array of features and delivering immersive sound quality, it undoubtedly stands as one of the best soundbars for Samsung TVs.

One of the standout features of the Samsung S800B is its all-in-one design. With this soundbar, you won’t need additional speakers cluttering your living room. It combines a powerful soundbar with built-in subwoofers, eliminating the need for separate subwoofer units. This sleek, compact design ensures a hassle-free setup, saving space and time.

When it comes to sound performance, the Samsung S800B excels. It delivers rich, detailed audio that enhances your TV viewing experience. The soundbar produces clear dialogues, well-balanced mid-range tones, and immersive bass, providing a truly cinematic experience within the confines of your home. Whether watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, the soundbar delivers impressive audio quality across all genres.

Another noteworthy feature is the Samsung S800B’s compatibility with Samsung TVs. It seamlessly integrates with Samsung Smart TVs, allowing for convenient control and setup through Samsung’s OneRemote. This integration eliminates the need for multiple remotes, streamlining your entertainment system and providing a user-friendly experience.

The Samsung S800B supports various connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI, and optical inputs. This versatility allows you to connect your soundbar to a wide range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and Samsung TVs. Bluetooth connectivity enables wireless audio streaming, making it effortless to enjoy your favorite music or podcasts directly from your mobile devices.

Additionally, the soundbar supports popular audio formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X, ensuring compatibility with the latest audio technologies. These formats enhance the surround sound experience, creating a more immersive and realistic soundstage for viewing pleasure.

In terms of design, the Samsung S800B boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic that blends seamlessly with any home decor. The soundbar can be wall-mounted or placed on a TV stand, providing flexibility to suit your preferences and room layout.

The Samsung S800B All-In-One Soundbar Speaker is a top-notch audio solution that perfectly complements Samsung TVs. Its all-in-one design, impressive sound quality, seamless integration, and versatile connectivity options make it a must-have accessory for any Samsung TV owner. If you’re looking for a soundbar that delivers exceptional performance and enhances your entertainment experience, the Samsung S800B is undoubtedly the best choice.

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The Best Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Sony HT-G700 – 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Review

Sony HT-G700 – 3.1ch Dolby Atmos

The Sony HT-G700 is an Excellent 3.1-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundbar that offers an unparalleled surround sound experience without requiring multiple speakers. Its wireless subwoofer and advanced audio technologies make it the ultimate choice for those seeking the best surround-sound soundbar.

The standout feature of the Sony HT-G700 is its ability to deliver immersive 3D audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. These cutting-edge technologies create a multidimensional soundstage, allowing sound to move around and above you, filling the room with a cinematic experience. Whether watching an action-packed movie or playing a thrilling game, the soundbar brings every sound effect and dialogue to life, enhancing your overall entertainment immersion.

The sound quality produced by the Sony HT-G700 is outstanding. The soundbar’s 3.1-channel configuration and its dedicated wireless subwoofer ensure a well-balanced audio output. The front three channels deliver clear and precise dialogue, while the wireless subwoofer adds deep and powerful bass, adding depth and impact to every sound. This combination creates a dynamic range of frequencies that brings out the finer details in audio tracks, ensuring an immersive and engaging listening experience.

Setting up the Sony HT-G700 is a breeze. With its wireless subwoofer, you can place it anywhere in the room without worrying about cable clutter. The sleek and compact soundbar makes it easy to fit into any living space. It can be wall-mounted or placed on a TV stand, providing versatility in placement options.

The connectivity options of the Sony HT-G700 are comprehensive. It supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows you to connect it to your TV with a single HDMI cable, simplifying the setup process. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices. Additionally, it has USB and optical inputs, expanding the range of devices you can connect to the soundbar.

The Sony HT-G700 has several sound modes catering to different audio content and preferences. It offers modes such as Cinema, Music, Game, and Voice, each tailored to optimize the sound output for specific scenarios. This versatility ensures you get the best audio experience, regardless of what you’re watching or listening to.

In terms of design, the Sony HT-G700 sports a sleek and modern look that complements any home theater setup. It seamlessly blends with your TV and adds a touch of sophistication to your entertainment area.

The Sony HT-G700 is a top-tier surround sound soundbar that delivers an exceptional audio experience. Its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, wireless subwoofer, and impressive sound quality create an immersive soundstage that brings movies, games, and music to life. If you’re searching for a single soundbar that offers the best surround sound experience, the Sony HT-G700 is an outstanding choice.

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The Best Bluetooth Soundbar For Music

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 Review

Bose Smart Soundbar 300

The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a game-changer for enhancing your gaming experience. Packed with advanced audio technologies, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in Alexa voice control, it stands as the ultimate choice for gamers seeking the best soundbar for gaming.

One of the standout features of the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is its immersive sound quality. The soundbar is engineered to deliver rich and powerful audio that brings your games to life. Whether exploring vast open worlds, engaging in intense firefights, or enjoying cinematic cutscenes, the soundbar ensures you hear every detail with clarity and precision. The soundstage created by the soundbar envelops you, allowing you to accurately locate in-game sounds and immerse yourself in the virtual world.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 opens up a world of possibilities for gamers. You can wirelessly connect your gaming console, smartphone, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the soundbar, enabling you to enjoy your favorite gaming soundtracks, podcasts, or music easily. This flexibility ensures that the soundbar enhances your gaming experience and your overall entertainment ecosystem.

With built-in Alexa voice control, the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 offers a seamless and hands-free experience. You can control various aspects of your gaming and entertainment setup with just your voice. From adjusting the volume and switching between input sources to requesting specific songs or asking for information, Alexa simplifies how you interact with your soundbar and other connected smart devices. This feature adds convenience and enhances the overall gaming experience.

Setting up the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a breeze. The soundbar’s compact design makes it easy to fit into any gaming setup, whether on a TV stand or on a wall. The setup process is straightforward, and the soundbar seamlessly integrates with your existing gaming console and TV.

The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 also offers a range of connectivity options. It includes an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, allowing a single cable connection to your TV. This simplifies the setup and ensures a high-quality audio experience. Additionally, it features an optical audio input and a USB port, providing flexibility to connect a variety of gaming devices.

The sleek and modern design of the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 adds a touch of elegance to your gaming setup. It features a slim profile and a minimalist aesthetic that blends seamlessly with any decor. The soundbar’s understated presence makes it effortlessly complement your TV and gaming console.

The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a top-tier soundbar that offers the best audio experience for gaming. Its immersive sound quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in Alexa voice control make it a standout choice for gamers seeking to elevate their gaming sessions. With this soundbar, you can immerse yourself in the virtual worlds of your favorite games and enjoy an enhanced audio experience like never before.

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The Best Sony Dolby Atoms Soundbar

Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos® Soundbar

Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos® Soundbar

The Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos® Soundbar is a powerful audio solution to enhance your smart TV experience. Its impressive features, including Dolby Atmos® support, 3.1 channel configuration, and seamless compatibility with smart TVs, undoubtedly stand as the best soundbar for smart TVs.

One of the standout features of the Sony HT-S2000 is its support for Dolby Atmos®. This advanced audio technology creates a multidimensional soundstage, immersing you in a three-dimensional audio environment. As sound moves around and above you, it brings a new level of realism and depth to your TV shows, movies, and games. Whether watching a thrilling action sequence or exploring a captivating documentary, the soundbar delivers an immersive audio experience that elevates entertainment enjoyment.

The sound quality produced by the Sony HT-S2000 is exceptional. The 3.1 channel configuration ensures a well-balanced audio output, with three front channels delivering clear and detailed dialogue, while the wireless subwoofer adds depth and impact to low-frequency sounds. This combination results in a dynamic and immersive audio performance that brings out the richness and nuances of every sound. Whether it’s explosive action scenes or delicate musical passages, the soundbar faithfully reproduces the audio precisely.

The Sony HT-S2000 seamlessly integrates with smart TVs, making it an ideal companion for your smart TV setup. It supports various connectivity options, including HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows you to connect the soundbar to your TV with a single HDMI cable. This simplifies the setup process and ensures high-quality audio transmission. Additionally, the soundbar can be controlled using your TV’s remote, eliminating the need for multiple remotes and providing a seamless user experience.

The soundbar’s sleek and modern design adds a touch of elegance to any living space. It features a slim profile and a minimalist aesthetic that blends seamlessly with your smart TV and complements your home decor. The soundbar can be wall-mounted or placed on a TV stand, offering flexibility in placement options to suit your preferences and room layout.

To enhance convenience, the Sony HT-S2000 also offers Bluetooth connectivity. This feature enables wireless audio streaming, allowing you to play your favorite music or podcasts directly from your smartphone or other compatible devices. Whether entertaining guests or simply relaxing at home, the soundbar lets you enjoy high-quality audio without additional equipment or complicated setups.

The Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos® Soundbar is the ultimate audio companion for your smart TV. With its Dolby Atmos® support, immersive sound quality, seamless compatibility with smart TVs, and convenient features like Bluetooth connectivity, it takes your smart TV experience to new heights. Whether watching movies, TV shows, or playing games, this soundbar delivers an exceptional audio performance that enhances every moment of your entertainment.

How to Choose Best Soundbars Under £500

Choosing the best soundbars under £500 requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:

Sound Quality

The primary consideration when choosing a soundbar is its sound quality. Look for soundbars that offer clear and balanced audio reproduction across different frequencies. Consider models with multiple speakers and subwoofers for enhanced bass response and a wider soundstage.

Connectivity Options

Check the connectivity options available on the soundbar. Ensure it has the necessary ports to connect to your TV or other devices. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a convenient option as it allows for a single cable connection and enables control with your TV remote. Look for additional inputs like optical or analog for flexibility in connecting different devices.

Size and Design

Consider the size and design of the soundbar to ensure it fits well with your TV setup and living space. Measure the available space and choose a soundbar that complements your TV aesthetically. Consider whether you want to wall-mount it or place it on a stand.

Virtual Surround Sound

If you desire a more immersive audio experience, consider soundbars with virtual surround sound technologies like Dolby Atmos or DTS: X. These technologies create a three-dimensional soundstage, enhancing your movie-watching or gaming experience.

Smart Features

Some soundbars come with smart features like built-in voice assistants (such as Alexa or Google Assistant) or compatibility with smart home ecosystems. These features provide added convenience and allow you to control your soundbar and other connected devices with voice commands.

Wireless Connectivity

Look for soundbars with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities. Wireless connectivity allows you to stream audio from your mobile devices or online music services directly to the soundbar, expanding your entertainment options.

Reviews and Recommendations

Read customer reviews and professional recommendations to gather insights about the soundbar’s performance, reliability, and user experience. Pay attention to reviews that highlight sound quality, durability, ease of use, and value for money.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

Consider the brand’s reputation and its customer support. Well-established brands often provide better product quality and reliable after-sales service. Additionally, check the warranty coverage provided for the soundbar to protect you against manufacturing defects.

By considering these factors and comparing different models within your budget, you can find the best soundbar under £500 that meets your audio needs and enhances your entertainment experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I connect a soundbar without a TV to my mobile device?

Many soundbars offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair them with your mobile device and enjoy audio playback without needing a TV. Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device and search for the soundbar in the available devices list. Once connected, you can stream music, podcasts, or other audio content directly to the soundbar. Some soundbars may also have additional connectivity options like auxiliary inputs or USB ports, providing alternative ways to connect your mobile device. However, it’s important to check the specifications and features of the soundbar to ensure it supports mobile device connectivity before making a purchase.

Can I use a soundbar with any brand of TV?

Yes, in most cases, you can use a soundbar with any TV brand with the necessary audio output options. Soundbars usually support standard audio connections like HDMI ARC, optical, or analog, which are widely available on modern TVs. Connect the soundbar to your TV using the appropriate cable, and you should enjoy enhanced audio quality. However, it’s recommended to check the compatibility of the soundbar with your specific TV model and its available audio output options before making a purchase. Additionally, some soundbars may offer features optimized for certain TV brands, so it’s worth considering the soundbar’s specifications and reviews to ensure it meets your requirements.

Can I use a soundbar without mounting it on the wall?

Yes, you can use a soundbar without mounting it on the wall. Most soundbars come with options for placement, such as placing them on a TV stand, shelf, or cabinet. These soundbars are designed to sit in front of or below your TV, enhancing the audio experience. Some soundbars also come with mounting brackets or stand that allow for easy installation on a wall if you prefer that option. It’s important to consider the size and weight of the soundbar and ensure that it fits comfortably in your chosen location. Additionally, make sure that there is sufficient space around the soundbar to allow for optimal sound dispersion. Whether you mount it on the wall or a surface, the soundbar should deliver improved sound quality and immersion for your TV viewing.

Can I connect a subwoofer to a soundbar that doesn’t have a built-in subwoofer?

Yes, you can connect an external subwoofer to a soundbar that doesn’t have a built-in subwoofer. Many soundbars have a dedicated subwoofer output or a wireless subwoofer connection option. If your soundbar has a subwoofer output, you can use a compatible cable (such as an RCA cable) to connect the soundbar to the input of an external subwoofer. Alternatively, if your soundbar supports wireless subwoofer connectivity, pair it with a compatible wireless subwoofer for a seamless setup. Adding a subwoofer can greatly enhance the bass response and overall audio performance, delivering deeper and more impactful low-frequency sounds. However, it’s important to ensure that the subwoofer you choose is compatible with your soundbar and supports the necessary connectivity options. Refer to the soundbar’s user manual or manufacturer’s specifications for connecting an external subwoofer.

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