Traditional systems allow you to set up custom configurations and get the most out of your space’s acoustics. You can perfectly position subwoofers and satellite speakers to create true surround sound for a cinema-like experience in the comfort of your own home. Soundbars eliminate the need to purchase separate sets of speakers, often combining mid- and high-range drivers with integrated subwoofer speakers for a more compact unit. Soundbars also use technologies such as Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound or adaptive audio to automatically adjust volume and sound settings so you never miss a line of dialogue or single note in your favorite movies and songs, even if you have loud party guests or neighbors. Many home theater kits also have virtual assistants built in or are compatible with third-party smart speakers including the Echo Show or Google Nest Hub Max for hands-free controls and better integration into your smart home network. Bluetooth connectivity also lets you wirelessly connect your system to your TV or mobile devices, while HDMI inputs let you take advantage of 4K video output for even better viewing experiences of your favorite movies. We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best home theater starter kits under $500 and broke down their features to help you decide which is right for your budget and space. It works with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound technologies for virtual 3D sound without having to set up a bunch of extra equipment. If you decide later you want a more sophisticated surround sound system, you can always purchase additional, wireless satellite speakers to connect to the soundbar. The system connects to your TV via Bluetooth or HDMI ARC, and with Q Symphony, it syncs with your TV’s existing speakers for even better audio. The soundbar works with Alexa for hands-free voice controls, and you can tap your Samsung smartphone to it to instantly stream music from your favorite apps. Movie buffs will want to take advantage of the 4K passthrough for better audio and video synching. Channels: 3.1.2 | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: HDMI ARC | Digital Assistant: Alexa | Waterproof: No The Smart Soundbar 300 works with both Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice controls and better integration into your smart home theater or home network. It also is compatible with Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet with or without an internet connection. Along with a hardwired, HDMI connection, you can use Bluetooth for a wireless audio setup; coupled with the soundbar’s low profile, it’s perfect for home theaters and living rooms that may be on the smaller side. The soundbar has a super-fast, plug-and-play setup, meaning you can connect it to your TV, plug it into the wall, and start enjoying enhanced audio right away. It also features a bass boost option for those deep, rich low tones that help make action or horror movies feel more intense. Channels: 3.0 | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: HDMI or Optical | Digital Assistant: Alexa, Google Assistant | Waterproof: No With Bluetooth and Sound Sync, you can wirelessly connect the system to your TV or mobile devices to further reduce clutter for a clean-looking home theater. This system isn’t just speakers though; you can play CDs, listen to your favorite radio stations, or plug in a USB device to stream custom playlists. The auto DJ mode automatically removes the silence between songs for continuous music, making it great for parties or casual listening. There are five preset equalizers for genres such as pop, rock, and classical so no matter if you’re listening to 60s beach rock or Beethoven, your songs will sound their best. And just because this system is smaller, that doesn’t mean LG skimped on power. This system has an impressive 700W output, meaning music and movies can be heard over party guests talking and ambient noise. Though if you have neighbors close by and they don’t appreciate your music, you may end up with civil noise complaints. Channels: 2.1 | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: USB, 3.5mm audio | Digital Assistant: No | Waterproof: No It also is equipped with adaptive audio capabilities to automatically adjust volume and sound settings based on ambient noise levels and what kind of media you’re using. Alexa is built into this system for hands-free voice controls right out of the box. You can connect the system to your TV via HDMI ARC or Bluetooth, and if you have a compatible Samsung QLED television, the Q Symphony feature will sync the TV and sound system speakers for deeper, richer sound. If you want to share music from your smartphone or tablet, you can simply tap your device to the soundbar for instant pairing. This system is also compatible with the Samsung SmartThings app and OneRemote for streamlined control and integration into your smart home network. Channels: 3.1.2 | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: HDMI ARC | Digital Assistant: Alexa | Waterproof: No You can connect this soundbar to your TV via a 3.5mm audio jack, optical cable, or Bluetooth for a wireless setup. With Bluetooth, you’ll also be able to stream music from your mobile devices. Setting up the soundbar is a breeze with plug-and-play functionality; all you have to do is plug it into the wall and connect it to your TV for instant audio enhancement. It’s also Energy Star certified for power efficiency, helping to keep your home theater a bit more eco-friendly. Channels: 2.0 | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: 3.5mm audio, Optical | Digital Assistant: No | Waterproof: No It also has a microphone that listens to ambient noise to automatically calibrate the system to deliver the perfect surround sound experience. While the speakers and subwoofers are wired to the receiver, you can use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect the system to your TV or mobile devices, or you can use one of the HDMI ports for a hardwired connection or 4K passthrough. With up to 400W of output power, you’ll get rich audio that fills the room or whole house, and Dolby audio support creates clean, clear sound for dialogue and high tones. Channels: 5.1 | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: Four HDMI ports | Digital Assistant: No | Waterproof: No Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair up to two devices and seamlessly switch between them, which means that you can keep the music playing even if you encounter dead batteries, connection issues, or bad playlists. The tower speaker is also splash resistant, keeping it safe from accidental drink spills or splashes from the pool. The speaker has a 1500W power output that will let you rattle the neighbors out of bed, but if you want even more power, you can pair several tower speakers together for the ultimate backyard party system. Channels: 2.0 | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: 3.5mm audio input, RCA | Digital Assistant: No | Waterproof: Splash resistant Each tower speaker has a smooth, matte finish for understated style, and the subwoofer has a compact, discrete build that lets you tuck it out of the way without sacrificing power. The receiver lets you connect to the TV in a variety of ways, including Bluetooth for wireless streaming, HDMI passthrough, optical cable, or composite input. If you’re a movie buff, you can play both PAL and NTSC format discs, which means you can import those fancy arthouse films from Germany or rare anime box sets from Japan and be able to watch them without issue. There is even a mic input for setting up a karaoke party with friends when you can’t convince them to sit through all three Lord of the Rings: Director’s Cut films. Channels: 5,1 | Bluetooth: Yes | Physical Connection: 3.5mm audio input, Optical, Composite, RCA, HDMI | Digital Assistant: No | Waterproof: No
What to Look For in a Home Theater Starter Kit
Wireless vs. Wired
Many new home theater starter kits feature Bluetooth connectivity. This lets you wirelessly connect the receiver, speakers, or soundbar to your TV or set up satellite speakers, making them perfect for smaller or oddly-shaped rooms. Wired systems offer more stable connections between the receiver and speakers or receiver and your TV, but aren’t ideal for smaller spaces where wires could cause clutter or trip hazards.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity not only allows a wireless connection to your TV, it also lets you stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop without a hardwired connection. Some systems and soundbars also have a tap-to-stream feature where you simply touch your device to the soundbar or receiver to instantly start sharing music.
Speaker Size
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to speakers. Large speakers are great for larger rooms or using as statement pieces in your decor, but they don’t necessarily have more powerful audio output. Small speakers are great for tucking away on a shelf or mantle for a more understated look, but can sound tinny and weak. You’ll want to pair the speaker size you need for your space with a receiver or soundbar that has a decent output wattage: Something in the 150-200W range is perfect for most spaces.
