Best AV Receivers Under $500

An AV Receiver plays a vital role in developing a home theater environment. It is the central hub that will connect your television, Blu-ray player, CD player, music streaming device, and other media devices to your amplifier.


We’ve researched the top AV receivers on the market so far in 2024 and found these five for all price ranges:

One of the most important home theater purchases that many people need to make is an AV Receiver. AV receivers are the most vital part of your home theater system because they allow you to connect several speakers, components like DVD players, game consoles, and even record players. They also allow you to adjust the volume of your speakers for each input source at any given time.

Our intention for this post is to give you an insider’s look at some of the best AV receivers on the market today. We wanted to try and make your decision easier by providing you with an unbiased review of some of the most highly rated AV receivers, including a few from well-known brands. We hope that this information will be beneficial when it comes time to make a purchase

Table of Contents

Buying Guide

Another important thing to look for in a receiver is support for surround sound codecs and formats. Receivers with Dolby and DTS support are optimized for use with home theater systems.

It’s also important to look at the control options on a receiver. The best AV receivers will feature remote controls that can be programmed to work with other devices such as your TV and cable box.

Sceptre SGR-6305BK-3D BK 3D Blu-Ray DVD Reciever

This model has a SteelSeries Revenger gaming mouse included with a wireless gaming keyboard. It also has a built-in USB memory hub and a front HDMI input. This unit is capable of playback in 3D and has SRS StudioSound HD speakers.

Onkyo TX-NR545 7.2 Surround Sound Network A/V Receiver

This model supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD signals. It has seven channels and is compatible with Amazon Alexa for AV controls. The unit also features a front HDMI input, a wireless connection for streaming services, and a CD player.

Denon AVR-X3300H 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver

This unit features a front HDMI output and optical digital audio inputs. It also has a Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound speaker system. It is one of the most powerful receivers in its price range.

5 Best AV Receivers Under $500

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Onkyo TX-NR595 Home Audio Smart Audio and Video Receiver, Sonos Compatible and Dolby Atmos Enabled, 4K Ultra HD and AirPlay 2 (2019 Model), Black

Onkyo TX-NR595 Home Audio Smart Audio and Video Receiver, Sonos Compatible and Dolby Atmos Enabled,...
  • SONOS COMPATIBLE. This Onkyo receiver can join your existing Sonos Home Sound System, or start a new one, by pairing with a Sonos Connect. The AVR...
  • SMART AVR. This is the heart of your home entertainment system. Access streaming content from Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer and TuneIn...
  • DTS PLAYBACK. Dolby Atmos and DTS formats provide advanced sound mapping so effects move from speaker to speaker around the room, wrapping in the...
  • DOLBY ATMOS. Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer provides an immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect without...
  • FEATURES. Support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) video, 4K/60p and HDR (HDR10, hlg, Dolby vision, BT.2020). Dynamic Audio Amplification (DAA) features a...

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Onkyo TX-NR595 Home Audio Smart Audio and Video Receiver, Sonos Compatible and Dolby Atmos Enabled, 4K Ultra HD and AirPlay 2 (2019 Model), Black is the pinnacle of home entertainment.

Pros :

  • 4K Ultra HD and AirPlay 2
  • Dolby Atmos enabled
  • 43 amp channels
  • 185 watts per channel, 9 channels driven

Cons :

  • It is quite an expensive product
  • You might have to invest into more speakers that support the product

2. Denon AVR-S950H Receiver, 7.2 Channel (185W X 7) – 4K Ultra HD Home Theater (2019) | Music Streaming | New – eARC, 3D Dolby Surround Sound (Atmos, DTS/Virtual Height Elevation) | Alexa + HEOS

Denon AVR-S950H Receiver, 7.2 Channel (185W X 7) - 4K Ultra HD Home Theater (2019) | Music Streaming...
  • UNPRECEDENTED 3D REALISM WITH NEW FEATURES – 3D Audio & Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, experience heightened sound effects like never before. Be...
  • ENHANCED PICTURE QUALITY ON YOUR 4K ULTRA HD TV & PROJECTOR - This 7.2 channel stereo receiver features HLG, HDR10, eARC support, BT.2020, Wide Color...
  • EXTEND THE REACH OF YOUR MUSIC to any room in the house via Wi-Fi, Airplay or Bluetooth with HEOS MULTI-ROOM WIRELESS SPEAKERS - No Command Center or...
  • FULL VOICE CONTROL COMPATIBILITY WITH AMAZON ALEXA lets you sit back and enjoy music without having to reach out for the remote! Adjust the volume,...
  • AWARD-WINNING ON-SCREEN SETUP ASSISTANT walks you through clear simple instructions to connect your TV, specific EQ settings & helps you optimize your...

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Denon AVR-S950H Receiver is the perfect solution for your home entertainment needs. This complete 7.2-channel receiver has room for everything you need, whether it be music streaming services like Spotify, Google Music, Pandora, or Prime Music, or watching movies and TV shows in 4K resolution with HDR10 support.

Pros :

  • Supports 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback with HDR
  • Prosumer-grade specifications
  • The AVR-S950H is an upgrade from last year’s flagship AVR-S900W, which was the first Denon receiver to include Amazon Alexa voice control

Cons :

  • There is no RCA input
  • Dolby DSD capabilities only work with streaming services
  • No Wi-Fi capability

3. Sony STRDH590 5.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth, Black

Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with...
5,158 Reviews
Sony STRDH590 5.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with...
  • Cinematic Sound at Home: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home.NOTE: Scroll down the...
  • Virtual Front Surround: S Force PRO delivers virtual surround sound with only a 2 speaker setup
  • 4K Pass Through: 4K HDR Compatible with Hdcp 2.2 Support for Sharper Source to Screen Image Quality
  • SMART CONNECTIVITY: Stream music and use Bluetooth Standby to turn on the receiver from your phone
  • Multi Functional System: Enjoy a Multi Channel Stereo Setup, Fm Radio Tuner and 1/4 Inches Headphone Jack

Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sony STRDH590 5.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver: 4K HDR AV Receiver with Bluetooth, Black is the perfect choice for any home theater system.

Pros :

  • Sony STRDH590 has a sleek and compact design.
  • The receiver has WiFi for wireless streaming to multiple devices.
  • It features Google Chromecast, along with other streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM Radio (U.S.), and TIDAL (U.S., Canada).

Cons :

  • Some users find the remote confusing to use because it doesn’t always seem to work as intended or be available when needed.

4. YAMAHA R-N303BL Stereo Receiver with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & Phono

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YAMAHA R-N303BL Stereo Receiver with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & Phono
1,130 Reviews
YAMAHA R-N303BL Stereo Receiver with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & Phono
  • Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
  • Simple and sophisticated design with two channels of 100 W high-power output. Minimum RMS Output Power: 100W plus 100W (8ohms, 40Hz-20kHz, 0.2...
  • Phono input terminals for turn tables voice control using your Alexa device like echo or echo dot. FM 50dB Quieting Sensitivity (IHF, 1kHz, 100% Mod.,...
  • Optical and coaxial Audio inputs for TV. Frequency Response-0 ± 0.5dB / 0 ± 3.0dB. FM Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Mono/Stereo)-65dB / 64dB
  • Access to your music library, Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM internet radio, Tidal and Deezer. Standby Power Consumption-0.1W (Network standby on / Wi-Fi...

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Yamaha R-N303BL Stereo Receiver is a flexible and reliable device with a wealth of features. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a phono input make this receiver perfect for any home theater system or home audio system.

Pros :

  • Excellent price for its specs
  • 4K Ultra HD Passthrough
  • Aerials Preset
  • Wireless HiFi System with Music Streaming Services

Cons :

  • This receiver doesn’t support streaming services like Pandora and Spotify.

5. Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver: 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos & Bluetooth Black

Sale
Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver: 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos & Bluetooth Black
  • CINEMATIC SOUND AT HOME: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with theater like sound in the comfort of your home
  • BREATHTAKING AUDIO: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X deliver multi-dimensional and object-based surround sound
  • STUNNING 4K QUALITY: 4K HDR pass through with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log Gamma provides greater and clearer color, contrast, and...
  • GET CONNECTED: 4 in/1 out HDMI each and 1 optical / 1 coaxial digital and analog audio connections
  • AUTO CALIBRATION: Advanced D.C.A.C. analyzes and adjusts the audio for optimal sound in every room

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater AV Receiver is a cutting-edge piece of audio equipment that enables listeners to enjoy Dolby Atmos and Bluetooth. It also features 4K HDR compatibility, meaning that users can experience improved color, contrast, and range.

Pros :

  • The STR-DH790 is an extremely well built receiver and it’s sleek and elegant.
  • It can play Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for up to 11 speakers It also plays 4K HDR content

Cons :

  • The STR-DH790 doesn’t have a USB port.
  • This means if you want to access the music on your phone, for instance, you’ll need a Bluetooth adapter.
  • This isn’t ideal if you’re using a wired connection from your computer because it will require some extra setup.

Conclusion :

AV receivers are typically the core of a home theater system, and they’re designed to handle all audio and video signals sent by media sources such as Blu-ray players, games consoles, DVRs, and more.

FAQ:

Q: What are the best AV receivers under $500?

A: Our next pick is the Pioneer VSX-834, another affordable 7.2 channel AV receiver, which currently retails for way less than $500. In many ways, this is a classic no-nonsense receiver, which comes loaded with the latest technologies for your home entertainment system, and it doesn’t put a dent into your bank account.

Q: Is Denon avr-s750h the best bang for the Buck receiver?

A: Moreover, the Denon AVR-S750H comes with HEOS built-in Technology, which is great for streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Pandora etc. Bottom line, this Denon receiver is a great all-rounder, sounds great, has lots of features and it plays (and wins) in the “best bang for the buck” category.

Q: Are AV receivers good for streaming music?

A: One of the main aspects of today’s AV receivers is definitely their streaming capabilities. Even if you are not a fan of Spotify, Pandora, Deezer, or similar services, you will sooner or later need some of them. Therefore, better be safe than sorry and get yourself a device you can use in the long run.

Q: Is the Sony strdh590 a good AV receiver?

A: Sony STRDH590 is a 5.1-channel AV receiver that delivers precise and clean sound and even better video quality, which makes it suitable for both videophiles and audiophiles.