10 Best Av Receiver Under 500 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Denon AVR-X4800H 9.4-Ch Receiver, 8K UHD Home Theater Stereo Receivers (125W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi HEOS, Multi-Room Streaming, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced Auro & 3D
The Denon AVR-X4800H is a powerful 9.4-channel AV receiver well-suited for home theater enthusiasts, particularly those with larger spaces. One of its biggest strengths is its robust power output of 125 watts per channel, which ensures clear and immersive sound, making it ideal for high-quality audio experiences. It supports a variety of advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro, providing an exceptional surround sound experience that truly enhances movies and music.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,405
Channels
Power Output
Connectivity
Most important from
1095 reviews
#2
Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier
The Denon AVR-S970H AV Receiver is a strong contender in the under $500 category, particularly for users looking to enhance their home entertainment systems. Its 7.2 channel configuration and 90 watts per channel power output are suitable for delivering rich, immersive sound in medium-sized rooms, especially with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. The inclusion of 8K video processing ensures compatibility with the latest TVs and provides a future-proof investment for high-quality video playback.
Rating
9.4
Power Output
Connectivity
Audio Formats
Most important from
387 reviews
#3
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch 8K UHD AVR Home Theater Stereo Receiver, (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming Dolby Atmos DTS:X IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D
The Denon AVR-X3800H is a powerful 9.4-channel home theater receiver that stands out in the sub-$500 category, particularly for those looking to enhance their audio-visual experience. With a power output of 105 watts per channel, it can deliver robust sound quality, making it suitable for larger rooms or immersive home theater setups.
Rating
9.1
Connectivity
Audio Formats
Video Processing
Most important from
1095 reviews
Top 10 Best Av Receiver Under 500 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Denon AVR-X4800H 9.4-Ch Receiver, 8K UHD Home Theater Stereo Receivers (125W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi HEOS, Multi-Room Streaming, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced Auro & 3D
Denon AVR-X4800H 9.4-Ch Receiver, 8K UHD Home Theater Stereo Receivers (125W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi HEOS, Multi-Room Streaming, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced Auro & 3D
Channels: 9.4
Power Output: 125 watts/channel
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 10 HDMI, HEOS
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro
Video Processing: 8K video
Room Calibration: Audyssey Room Correction
Chosen by 1405 this week
Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier
Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier
Channels: 7.2
Power Output: 90 watts/channel
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS, HDMI, USB
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Video Processing: 8K
Room Calibration: Audyssey Room Correction
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch 8K UHD AVR Home Theater Stereo Receiver, (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming Dolby Atmos DTS:X IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch 8K UHD AVR Home Theater Stereo Receiver, (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming Dolby Atmos DTS:X IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D
Channels: 9.4
Power Output: 105 watts/channel
Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Video Processing: 8K pass-through, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, eARC
Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver - 80W/Channel, Advanced 8K HDMI Video w/eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built-in HEOS, Amazon Alexa Voice Control
Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver - 80W/Channel, Advanced 8K HDMI Video w/eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built-in HEOS, Amazon Alexa Voice Control
Channels: 7.2 Channel
Power Output: 80 watts per channel
Connectivity: 6 HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Video Processing: 8K ready, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2-Channel AV Receiver - 100 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More
Onkyo TX-RZ30 9.2-Channel AV Receiver - 100 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More
Channels: 9.2
Power Output: 100 watts/channel
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced
Room Calibration: Dirac Live
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Denon AVR-A10H 13.4-Ch 8K Home Theater Receiver (150Wx13), WiFi, HEOS, and Bluetooth Amplifier, Home Audio Receivers & Amplifiers
Denon AVR-A10H 13.4-Ch 8K Home Theater Receiver (150Wx13), WiFi, HEOS, and Bluetooth Amplifier, Home Audio Receivers & Amplifiers
Channels: 13.4
Power Output: 150W per channel
Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, HEOS, HDMI
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced
Video Processing: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz
Room Calibration: Audyssey, Dirac Live (optional)
Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver - 120 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More
Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver - 120 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More
Channels: 9.2
Power Output: 120 watts/channel
Connectivity: 8 HDMI, Bluetooth
Audio Formats: THX, IMAX Enhanced
Room Calibration: Dirac Live
Denon AVR-S570BT AV Receiver 5.2 Channel 8K Ultra HD Audio & Video, Stereo Receivers, Denon AVR Wireless Streaming Bluetooth, (4) 8K HDMI Inputs, eARC, HD Setup Assistant
Denon AVR-S570BT AV Receiver 5.2 Channel 8K Ultra HD Audio & Video, Stereo Receivers, Denon AVR Wireless Streaming Bluetooth, (4) 8K HDMI Inputs, eARC, HD Setup Assistant
Channels: 5.2
Power Output: 70W per channel
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI
Audio Formats: DTS HD Master, Dolby TrueHD
Video Processing: 8K Ultra HD, VRR, QFT
Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, Bluetooth, WiFi, Google Chromecast, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay, HDMI 2.1
Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX, Bluetooth, WiFi, Google Chromecast, Spotify connect, Apple AirPlay, HDMI 2.1
Channels: 7.2
Power Output: 165 watts per channel
Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Video Processing: 8K, 4K/120, HDMI 2.1, Dolby Vision
Room Calibration: Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX
#10
Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver - THX Certified, Works with Sonos Certified, and Ultimate 4K Gaming Experience
Onkyo TX-NR6100 7.2 Channel 8K Smart AV Receiver - THX Certified, Works with Sonos Certified, and Ultimate 4K Gaming Experience
Channels: 7.2
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Video Processing: 4K/120Hz HDMI 2.1
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Buying Guide for the Best Av Receiver Under 500
Choosing the right AV receiver can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience. An AV receiver acts as the central hub for your home theater system, managing audio and video signals from various sources and delivering them to your speakers and display. When selecting an AV receiver, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and provides the best performance for your setup.ChannelsChannels refer to the number of speakers the AV receiver can support. This is important because it determines the surround sound experience you can achieve. Common configurations include 5.1 (five speakers and one subwoofer) and 7.1 (seven speakers and one subwoofer). If you have a smaller room or a basic setup, a 5.1 channel receiver may be sufficient. For a more immersive experience or a larger room, consider a 7.1 channel receiver.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts per channel, indicates how much power the receiver can deliver to each speaker. This is important for ensuring your speakers can produce clear and dynamic sound at various volume levels. Lower power output (50-80 watts per channel) is suitable for smaller rooms or less demanding speakers, while higher power output (100+ watts per channel) is better for larger rooms or more powerful speakers. Consider your room size and speaker specifications when choosing the right power output.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how many and what types of devices you can connect to your AV receiver. This includes HDMI inputs and outputs, optical and coaxial digital inputs, and analog inputs. HDMI inputs are crucial for connecting modern devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Ensure the receiver has enough HDMI ports for all your devices. Additionally, look for features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless streaming from your phone or other devices.
Audio FormatsSupport for various audio formats is important for getting the best sound quality from your media. Common formats include Dolby Digital, DTS, and newer formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which provide more immersive sound experiences. If you want the latest and most immersive audio experience, look for a receiver that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. For basic setups, support for Dolby Digital and DTS may be sufficient.
Video ProcessingVideo processing capabilities, such as 4K pass-through and upscaling, are important for ensuring your receiver can handle high-definition video signals. 4K pass-through allows the receiver to pass 4K video signals from your source devices to your TV without degrading quality. Upscaling can improve the quality of lower-resolution content. If you have a 4K TV or plan to upgrade, make sure the receiver supports 4K pass-through and upscaling.
Room CalibrationRoom calibration features, such as automatic speaker setup and room correction, help optimize the sound quality based on your room's acoustics. This is important for achieving the best audio performance in your specific environment. Receivers with built-in calibration systems can automatically adjust speaker levels and equalization settings to match your room. If you want the best sound without manual adjustments, look for a receiver with advanced room calibration features.