Latest release on our site: premium deal soundbars, fantastic audio amplifiers, and assorted offerings
In the realm of home entertainment, modern TVs offer stunning visuals, but their audio quality often falls short of brilliance. Enter soundbars, a cost-effective solution that can transform your viewing experience. In 2025, the best budget soundbars under £500 deliver strong performance, good surround sound capabilities, and features like Dolby Atmos, wireless subwoofers, and HDMI eARC connectivity. Here are some top options to consider.
For those seeking a complete surround sound setup under £300, the Hisense AX5125H stands out. Priced around £249, this 5.1.2 channel system includes a soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers, offering an immersive 3D sound experience thanks to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The dedicated center channel ensures clear dialogue, and the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers add to the setup's flexibility. While the subwoofer lacks deep bass at times, the AX5125H's wide and tall soundstage, solid mid-range, and treble make it an outstanding value choice for home cinema sound upgrades.
If you're after decent surround effects without multiple speakers or a higher price tag, the Denon DHT-S216 could be your best bet. This virtual surround sound system, priced around £199, is ideal for those wanting to enjoy surround sound effects without the need for multiple speakers.
For a simple, affordable upgrade on a tight budget, the Sony HT-SF150, priced under £100, offers a significant sonic improvement over TV speakers. While dialogue can be muffled at times and it lacks true surround sound, the HT-SF150's solid build quality, good value for money, and Sony's S-Force Front Surround technology make it a respectable choice for a basic upgrade.
When considering a soundbar, look for models with Dolby Atmos support for immersive 3D audio, HDMI eARC for better audio quality and compatibility with modern TVs, and wireless subwoofers and rear speakers for added flexibility and room placement options. User reviews and expert tests emphasise the Hisense AX5125H as a standout in value for immersive sound under £300.
Investing in a soundbar is recommended when buying a top-notch television for an improved audio experience. Above £300, soundbars provide additional bass weight, greater depth to the sound, a wider soundfield, and often a palpable sense of height. The June 2025 issue of the magazine, available for purchase or download, features a freshly updated list of the best home entertainment kit to buy, including winners of 2024's awards.
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- The news in June 2025 issue of the magazine highlights the Hisense AX5125H as a top choice for a complete surround sound setup under £300, thanks to its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support and strong performance.
- For those seeking an affordable surround sound upgrade, the Denon DHT-S216 virtual surround sound system, priced around £199, is a popular option due to its immersive sound effects without the need for multiple speakers.
- The Sony HT-SF150, priced under £100, offers a significant sonic improvement over TV speakers and is a respectable choice for a basic upgrade, despite occasional muffled dialogue and lack of true surround sound.
- When browsing for soundbars, it's essential to look for models with Dolby Atmos support, HDMI eARC connectivity, and wireless subwoofers and rear speakers for improved audio quality, compatibility, flexibility, and room placement options.
- Investing in a soundbar is suggested when buying a high-end television for an enhanced audio experience. priced above £300, soundbars offer added bass weight, greater sound depth, a wider soundfield, and often a palpable sense of height.
- The June 2025 issue of the magazine presents an updated list of the best home entertainment kit to buy, including the winners of 2024's awards for gadgets like speakers, soundbars, DACs, headphones, and turntables.
- In the world of audio technology, the latest trends include streaming services providing audio previews and reviews, along with the release of new audio gadgets like wireless headphones and amplifiers to complement home theaters.
- Keep an eye out for deals on audio equipment, as you might find a great bargain on brands like Denon, Hisense, Sony, and other leading names in high-fidelity technology.
