10 Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Under 500 2025 in the United States

The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience without breaking the bank. One of its standout features is the proprietary TrueSpace technology, which delivers immersive multi-channel sound, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. This soundbar is great for TV and movie enthusiasts who appreciate crisp dialogue thanks to its A.I. Dialogue Mode, ensuring you won’t miss any key lines from your favorite characters. Its compact design houses five transducers, including upward-firing ones, which contributes to a spacious sound experience despite the small size.

In terms of connectivity, this soundbar offers multiple options, including Bluetooth, HDMI, and Optical, making it easy to connect to various devices. Plus, it features built-in voice control with Amazon Alexa and is compatible with Google Assistant, allowing for convenient hands-free operation.

There are some factors to consider. While it’s an impressive performer for its size, users looking for deeper bass might find the lack of a dedicated subwoofer slightly limiting, even though a wireless subwoofer can be added separately. The soundbar is also on the heavier side at 6.91 pounds, which may affect mounting options for some users. Additionally, despite its user-friendly control methods, some may find navigating its smart features a bit complex at first. This soundbar is ideal for indoor use, especially for home theater setups or music streaming, but may not suit those who prefer an ultra-complex surround sound system without additional components.

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a solid choice for anyone seeking an immersive home theater experience without breaking the bank. Its standout feature is the built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding, which enhances audio for a surround sound experience. With an impressive total output of 820 watts and a hefty 300-watt, 10-inch powered subwoofer, it delivers deep, resonant bass that can fill a room. The detachable, battery-powered surround speakers add to the convenience by allowing you to enjoy real surround sound without the hassle of wires, making it great for smaller spaces or casual setups.

In terms of connectivity, the JBL Bar 9.1 offers several options, including HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and optical connections, ensuring compatibility with most devices. The package includes all necessary components like cables and wall-mount brackets, which is a nice touch for users who want a quick setup.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the wireless surround speakers are convenient, some users may find the battery life to be limited, requiring frequent recharging. The size of the soundbar and subwoofer may also be a concern for those with limited space, as it’s relatively large compared to some compact models. Additionally, the soundbar's performance can vary depending on room acoustics, although it does include built-in calibration to help optimize sound.

For those who prioritize high-quality audio in a home entertainment setup, the JBL Bar 9.1 strikes a commendable balance between performance and price. It’s especially well-suited for movie lovers and gamers looking for an enhanced immersive experience, though users should keep in mind their space and charging needs when considering this soundbar.

The JBL Bar 700 is a 5.1-channel soundbar designed to deliver a rich and immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos technology. One of its standout features is the detachable surround speakers, which allow for real surround sound without the need for extra wires, enhancing flexibility and ease of setup. With a total power output of 620 watts, this soundbar is capable of producing powerful and dynamic sound, suitable for movies, music, and games. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer adds deep and thrilling bass, making action scenes and musical pieces more impactful.

Connectivity options are robust, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, allowing for easy integration with various devices and streaming services like AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast. The built-in Wi-Fi also ensures that the soundbar can receive automatic software updates, keeping it up-to-date with the latest features. In terms of design, the JBL Bar 700 features a sleek and modern look in black, with dimensions of 4.7 inches in depth, 46.2 inches in width, and 2.2 inches in height, making it a good fit for most living rooms. The inclusion of a remote and app control adds to the convenience.

At 37 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for wall mounting. While the soundbar excels in delivering surround sound and bass, it may lack some finer audio details compared to higher-end models. For those seeking a versatile and powerful Dolby Atmos soundbar under $500, the JBL Bar 700 is a strong contender, particularly for users who value ease of setup and robust connectivity options.