Best AV Receiver Under $500: Top Budget Receivers [2023]

Upgrade your home theater without breaking the bank with my picks for the top AV receivers under $500 for 2023. If you want quality surround sound on a budget, these affordably-priced models deliver impressive performance that belies their reasonable price tags.

I’ve owned AV receivers in all price brackets over the years. So, I know building an immersive system without spending a fortune is possible. Yes, pay more, and you will get incremental performance improvements.

But these modern budget AV receivers offer everything you need for exciting movie sound. After extensively comparing the latest offerings from my favorite brands, I’ve selected the AV receivers that provide the best bang for your buck.

1

Denon AVR-S660H

Three 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz HDMI 2.1 inputs.

Support for all the current high-resolution audio and HDR formats.

Audyssey MultEQ room correction with the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app.

No Dolby Atmos support.

No zone 2 connections.

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2

Yamaha RX-V4A

Great value for excellent Yamaha audio technology.

MusicCast multi-room and MusicCast Surround for wireless surround speakers.

Bluetooth input and output (for Bluetooth headphones).

No Dolby Atmos support.

A limited number of HDMI inputs.

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3

Sony STR-DH790

Great Sony entry-level receiver.

Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 layouts.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding.

Limited input and output connections.

No USB input for audio files.

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4

Denon AVR-S570BT

Low-cost introduction to surround sound.

Denon makes excellent AV receivers.

Four HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K/60p support.

Limited network connections.

No zone outputs.

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5

Pioneer VSX-834

Excellent Pioneer audio technology.

Dolby Atmos support for a 5.2.2 layout.

Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X & DTS Virtual:X processing.

Older model with no 8K video passthrough.

Limited network and wireless connection options.

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Which Receiver Should You Buy?

Pushed for time? Here’s the TLDR version.

• Denon AVR-S660H: my choice for the best all-rounder. I’m a big fan of Denon AV receivers, and you can’t go wrong with one of these. It also has the most inputs, including a phono connection for turntables.
• Yamaha RX-V4A: Yamaha is another excellent brand with great sound quality. It also has a 2-channel zone B output, which most in this price range don’t have. Get this if you are a fan of Yamaha, or find it cheaper than the Denon.
• Sony STR-DH790: Buy this if you want more channels. This receiver supports a 7.2 layout and Dolby Atmos, which is rare nowadays at this price point. Unfortunately, it’s an older model and doesn’t support 8K, which may not meet your needs. It’s OK if you don’t need the latest video formats, though.
• Denon AVR-S570BT: Get this if you want a Denon receiver, but the price is the most important thing. It should be cheaper than the AVR-S660H, although it lacks some features.
• Pioneer VSX-834: Another older model that is still available at many retailers. Like the Sony, it has 7.2 channel support and Dolby Atmos, so this is an excellent reason to choose this. It also has a stereo zone B connection, which the Sony doesn’t.

All of these receivers provide an excellent entry-level introduction to AV receivers and surround sound. They will all do a solid job of bringing your movie experience to life.

So, if the price is your biggest motivation, find out which is the cheapest one at the time and buy that. You don’t need to overthink it.

1. Denon AVR-S660H 5.2-Ch AV Receiver

A Denon should always be on your ‘possible’ list if you are looking for an AV receiver.

Denon has a long history of making quality AV products, and their receiver range is no exception. I have used several receiver brands over the years, but a Denon would be my suggestion if you are still deciding what to buy.

I think Denon receivers are hard to beat for quality, features and price, and that is the brand I use at home.

The AVR-S660H is the entry-level of the current AVR-S range of receivers. These models are aimed at those on a lower budget, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice valuable features.

They come with many features that any AV receiver should have in today’s market.

Thumbs Up

• Full 8K/60p and 4K/120p support
• High-resolution HD audio formats – Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• HDR10+, HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision pass-through
• Support for high-resolution sound: 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC and WAV plus DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz
• HDMI eARC support
• Audyssey MultEQ room correction with the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app
• HEOS multi-room speaker technology built-in
• Wide range of voice control options – Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2

Thumbs Down

• No Dolby Atmos support
• No zone 2 connections

Denon AVR-S660H Highlights

The Denon AVR-S660H is a 5.2-channel AV receiver that supports the latest 8K video technology.

This means people with a modern game console can play the latest releases with 8K/60p and 4K/120p support.

Of course, if you have a 4K TV and want to watch 4K content, you will also be OK with this device. There is full support for 4K/60p video and all the current HDR standards – HDR10+, HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision.

The HDCP 2.3 standard is also available on all ports, which could be helpful for future-proofing your purchase.

There are 6 HDMI inputs on the rear of the receiver – three of which are suitable for connecting to an 8K HDMI 2.1 device.

You will also find a front USB port for adding content from a USB stick.

The AVR-660H is rated at 75 watts per channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven). This is typical for this price range, and you will need to spend extra on a better model to get more power than this.

But, this will be plenty of power for the majority of people.

You don’t get support for Dolby Atmos in this receiver because it doesn’t have enough channels to power the overhead speakers.

If you want Dolby Atmos, check out the Denon AVR-S760H, the next model up in the range. This adds an extra two channels for installing the additional Atmos speakers.

If you like voice-controlled technology, you will be pleased to know you can control this unit with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Apple AirPlay 2 is also available for streaming content from your Apple devices – and voice control too.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also built-in if you want to connect using these technologies. The bottom line is there is an abundance of connection choices.

If you want multi-room audio around your home, you also can use the Denon HEOS system.

Top Wireless Smart Speaker

Denon Home 150 Compact Wireless Smart Speaker

What Is It: A portable wireless smart speaker that works with the HEOS system found on Denon and Marantz AV receivers.

Pros:

• Excellent multi-room audio option
• Connects to Denon or Marantz receivers - or works standalone
• HEOS Built-in, Alexa Built-in, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth
• Stream audio from Amazon Music, Apple Music, TIDAL and more
• Larger 250 and 350 speakers are also available

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HEOS speakers can be installed in rooms throughout your house, and you can use the HEOS app to control which content goes where.

Another plus of buying a Denon receiver is that it comes with Audyssey speaker calibration, one of the best automatic room optimization tools available.

You only get the basic Audyssey MultEQ version, but that will still do an excellent job balancing the sound in your room and ensuring a great immersive experience when movie viewing.

2. Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2-Ch AV Receiver

Yamaha makes a wide range of AV receivers at every price point. When buying a Yamaha receiver, your main problem is deciding which model to go for!

The RX-V series of AV receivers are the budget models in the Yamaha range. However, these receivers are good if you need a reliable budget device from a reputable brand.

Yamaha is among the best-sounding amplifiers. Their top-of-the-range RX-A8A AVENTAGE model features in the list of the best high-end AV receivers.

This receiver, the RX-V4A, is the long-awaited successor to the top-rated 2018 models.

So, apart from the sleek new look with curved front corners, what are the significant changes in the latest release?

Thumbs Up

• Solid and reliable brand with a great reputation for AV receivers
• Great value
• Top video quality: 8K/60p and 4K/120p with HDMI 2.1 support
• HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG (HDCP 2.3)
• MusicCast support with MusicCast Surround and Multi-Room
• Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2
• Bluetooth input and output. Stream music to the receiver – or send audio from the receiver to connected Bluetooth headphones.
• No waste of resources on extras, just a focus on the basic features that everyone needs

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• No Dolby Atmos support
• A limited number of HDMI inputs

Yamaha RX-V4A Highlights

The Yamaha RX-V4A AV receiver is a 5.2-channel amplifier, which means there is an extra subwoofer output over the previous version.

It’s a small change, but it is certainly a useful addition if you are planning to connect a second subwoofer in your room.

Aside from that, this receiver is a basic 5-channel receiver with no support for Dolby Atmos. However, a simple 5.1 surround sound system is all many people want.

It’s always wise to only pay for the features you need; this is often the way to get the best bang for your buck. Unless, of course, you want to future-proof your purchase.

So, if you only want 5.1 surround sound, do you need an AV receiver that supports 7.1? Or Dolby Atmos?

However, if Dolby Atmos is something you might want in the future, consider some of the other models on this page that do have this feature.

The RX-V4A has a respectable 80 watts of power at 8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.06% THD, 2ch driven. This will suit most people unless you have a large room to fill with sound.

This latest model also has a new High Slew Rate Amplifier circuit, allowing for more precise high-resolution sound reproduction.

It is another example of Yamaha concentrating on improving the most important features – rather than just adding a load of extras that many people won’t use.

With a Yamaha AV receiver, you are getting a well-made device with that excellent Yamaha sound quality. Yamaha tends to target quality over quantity when it comes to features.

Talking of new features brings us to one of the main improvements.

The Yamaha RX-V4A supports 8K/120p and 4K/60p in all four HDMI inputs.

The HDMI ports all offer the new HDMI 2.1 features such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), QMS (Quick Media Switching) and QFT (Quick Frame Transport).

Now, there’s a new bunch of acronyms to get excited about!

Remember that the new HDMI 2.1 features are more attractive to gamers with one of the new game consoles.

As well as support for 8K video, there is pass-through for HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG – which should cover all of your needs until the boffins come up with another version of HDR!

Also new to this model is eARC support. This means you can send high-resolution audio from your TV back down the HDMI cable and into your speaker system.

Along with an Ethernet connection, you can also connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.

The Bluetooth in this receiver is unusual in that it also supports connecting to Bluetooth headphones.

You will find that many AV amps only support sending content to the amplifier via Bluetooth – but not from the receiver to headphones or Bluetooth speakers.

This model also has a built-in Compressed Music Enhancer, which aims to provide the best possible sound quality when streaming compressed music files to the receiver – like MP3s.

Another helpful feature is support for wireless music streaming in your home.

Yamaha has its own multi-room wireless speaker system called MusicCast. With this system, you can add MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 wireless speakers in every room.

Top Yamaha Smart Speaker

Yamaha MusicCast 50 Wireless Speaker

What Is It: A smart wireless speaker for streaming music - which also works with the Yamaha MusicCast system.

Pros:

• You can use two of these as wireless home theater speakers with a compatible Yamaha AV receiver
• Works with Alexa
• Connects via Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect or Bluetooth

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All the multi-room speakers can be controlled via the MusicCast app, which allows complete remote control of the receiver’s operation and settings – and controls music playback in each room.

But that’s not all. The RX-V4A also supports MusicCast Surround.

With this, you can pair two MusicCast 20 or MusicCast 50 speakers to this AV receiver and use them as your surround speakers in a 5.1 system.

Up to now, it’s been challenging to get rear wireless speakers for surround sound systems.

But, if you want this, then a Yamaha MusicCast receiver might be what you are looking for.

If you are new to surround sound, here is a good video from Yamaha that explains some of the basics:

3. Sony STR-DH790 7.2-Ch AV Receiver

Sony doesn’t have the number of AV receivers that some other brands offer, but they often make it count when they release one.

This receiver is the top model in the mid-range DH series. You must look at the DN or ZA models for a higher specification.

However, if $500 is your budget limit, this Sony model might be a perfect fit for you.

Thumbs Up

• 4K/60p with HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG pass-through
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
• Smaller than the other receivers here – useful for those with a lack of space
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration with Automatic Phase Matching
• Bluetooth streaming with Bluetooth Standby to switch on the receiver from your phone

Thumbs Down

• No zone options to play content in another room

Sony STR-DH790 Highlights

The Sony STR-DH790 has full 4K video pass-through support and has all the specifications required to play 4K video through your home theater system.

If you have a TV with HDR, it supports HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision pass-through.

This model powers 7.2 speaker channels and supports DTS:X and Dolby Atmos with a 5.1.2 speaker layout.

It comes with the ability to configure your speaker levels through the Digital Cinema Auto Calibration feature.

All you need to do is place the included microphone where your main home theater chair is – and it will calculate the correct levels for your room.

Included as part of this setup process is an Auto Phase Matching feature.

This will ensure each speaker in your room is in phase, which is an essential calibration for providing the best sound in your room.

Getting the right balance between the different surround sound speakers is crucial in getting the best from your system.

Unfortunately, Sony doesn’t release power specifications in the ideal format – 8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 2-ch driven – making it difficult to compare like-with-like with the other receivers on this page.

The Sony STR-DH790 is rated at 145 watts into 6-ohm speakers (1 kHz, 0.09% THD, all channels driven). So, even though it is similar in power output to the other models listed here, it is less powerful than the numbers suggest.

To compare the power to the other AV receivers on this page, you must see if the others have been rated 6 ohms at 1 kHz for all channels.

However, at this price point, the power output of all these receivers is similar in a real-world scenario.

Sony should provide better real-world ratings for their receivers so that consumers can make an informed choice.

It has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 output for connecting your devices.

This is slightly less than some of the other receivers here. Still, it may be fine in your setup – however, it’s always something worth considering before you buy.

This model also has fewer network features but does support Bluetooth. So, you can connect your phone/tablet to the receiver using Bluetooth to play your tunes.

You can also use this connection to switch on the receiver from your handheld device.

Many people like and trust the Sony brand. This Sony AV receiver might offer all you need if you fall into this category.

4. Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2-Ch AV Receiver

The second entry from Denon in the list is the budget AVR-S570BT.

This is newer than the AVR-S660H mentioned previously but has fewer features, so I would still suggest the older model.

However, the AVR-S660H might be more expensive or out of stock, and if so, this receiver is still a good alternative.

Thumbs Up

• Denon makes excellent AV receivers
• 4 HDMI Inputs & 1 Output
• HDMI 2.1: 8K/60p and 4K/120p support
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• Bluetooth connection

Thumbs Down

• No Dolby Atmos
• No voice control
• No zone outputs

Denon AVR-S570BT Highlights

The Denon AVR-S570BT is an entry-level 5.2 channel AV receiver for any home theater enthusiast seeking a cost-effective yet feature-rich solution.

This receiver offers an ideal blend of outstanding sound quality and wireless streaming capabilities, making it the perfect choice to enjoy a surround sound audio experience without breaking the bank.

Although the AVR-S570BT does not support Dolby Atmos, you can set up a good 5.1 or 5.2 surround sound system that will beat the sound quality of all but the most expensive soundbar-based systems.

Featuring full 4K and 8K Ultra HD support, the AVR-S570BT can handle 4K video signals at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz. This ensures compatibility with the latest televisions, projectors and game consoles.

This receiver boasts 70 watts of power, delivering a dynamic and immersive audio experience that envelops you in rich, detailed sound.

You will need more power for a large room, but it will happily drive most home theater speakers in a small to mid-sized space.

With built-in Bluetooth connectivity, the AVR-S570BT lets you wirelessly stream music from your smartphones, tablets, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices, eliminating the need for cumbersome cable connections.

However, no ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity is available, so it’s somewhat limited in this respect.

The receiver supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, providing high-resolution audio playback for an unparalleled home theater experience. These formats deliver lossless audio quality, allowing you to appreciate every nuance in your favorite movies and music.

Equipped with four HDMI inputs and one output, the AVR-S570BT lets you simultaneously connect multiple devices, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices.

The HDMI output supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), simplifying the connection to your television and allowing you to send audio from the TV back to the receiver.

The Denon AVR-S570BT features an easy setup process, complete with a guided setup assistant and an intuitive on-screen display, allowing even first-time users to easily configure the receiver.

Unfortunately, the Audyssey MultEQ configuration software found on most Denon receivers is also missing, so you must make do with the more basic version, Denon Auto Setup.

The included remote control is user-friendly, simplifying the control of connected devices.

5. Pioneer VSX-834 7.2-Ch Receiver

Pioneer AV receivers don’t get as much love as some other brands. But they should because they offer a range of excellent receivers.

Pioneer has made good quality audio-visual products for many years, and they are worth your consideration.

The VSX-834 AV receiver is in the middle of the VSX range, which are the budget AV receivers in the Pioneer range.

So, these receivers are ideal for anyone looking for a cheaper introduction to surround sound.

Thumbs Up

• Support for Dolby Atmos audio layouts
• Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X
• 4 in / 1 out HDMI ports – typical at this price point
• Zone B line out for sending stereo audio to another room or a wireless headphone transmitter
• Custom microphone for MCACC Auto Room Tuning system
• Bluetooth connection for sending audio from your handheld device

Thumbs Down

• No ethernet or wireless connection

Pioneer VSX-834 Highlights

The Pioneer VSX-834 7.2-Ch AV receiver has many of the features you expect in a modern receiver. However, it’s an older model than some suggestions here, so it lacks more modern features like 8K support.

With 7 channels at 80 watts per channel (8 Ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven, FTC), this receiver will have enough power for most home theater speakers.

But if your speakers require more juice, you should look a little higher up the ladder.

Are you interested in installing a Dolby Atmos speaker setup? In that case, you can hook up a 5.1.2 system – with two height or elevation speakers.

If not, you still have the choice between a 5.1 and 7.1 layout.

Most newer receivers at this price point don’t support Dolby Atmos, so this could be a great reason to buy this.

There are also two subwoofer pre-outs for those who want to install a second subwoofer in the room. And, if you’ve got a larger space, why not?

If you do install two height speakers, you can also use the Dolby Surround or DTS Neural:X upmixing modes. These will create a pseudo-Dolby Atmos effect from a standard stereo or 5.1 surround sound mix.

These modes are very effective and ensure you get full value from your height speakers.

If you don’t have any height speakers, you can still try DTS Virtual:X or the newer Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology sound modes.

These will try to create the experience you get from height speakers – but on a standard 5.1 or 7.1 layout. And with a stereo mix too!

Like many receivers in this price range, the VSX-834 has limited network and wireless connectivity.

There is only Bluetooth available for playing content from your mobile devices. Although you also get Siri voice control if you have a device supporting AirPlay 2.

This receiver can send content to another zone in your house, another feature missing from most of these receivers on this page.

You can send stereo audio content to another zone (B) via a separate stereo RCA line-out connection – although this will need another amplifier in that room.

As you would expect these days from a modern AV receiver, there is full pass-through support for 4K UHD (60p/4:4:4/24-bit), Wide Color Gamut (BT.2020), and HDCP 2.2. Just no 8K support or 4K/120Hz.

HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG are all present, so you shouldn’t have any issues with your other HDR hardware.

There are 4 HDMI inputs on the rear and 1 output, similar to most receivers here.

You should always think about how many devices you want to connect before buying an AV receiver so you don’t end up short of inputs.

What To Expect From a Budget Audio Visual Receiver?

The best receivers around the $500 price point are pretty good, but you should expect to make some compromises.

Logically, you won’t get the same quality as a model that costs much more, but what is the difference between a budget receiver and a more expensive one?

These are the main things that you will find in a budget AV receiver:

1. Power: a budget receiver will have less power per channel to drive your speakers. This price bracket will usually range from 50 to 80 watts per channel. How much difference does this make? Very little. Unless you have speakers that are difficult to drive – or you want extreme volume in your room – the power output will be satisfactory for most people.
2. Channels:  a channel is connected to each speaker in your room. You will need to spend more money if you want a large Dolby Atmos speaker system or a 7.1 layout. Cheaper models only support configurations with fewer speakers – like 5.1 or 5.2.2.
3. Components: one area where manufacturers save money is the cost of the parts. You won’t get the high-level engineering and quality components that you get in an expensive audiophile amplifier – especially for crucial elements like the power supply. However, coupled with a good mid-range set of speakers, the sound quality will be perfectly acceptable – especially for watching movies.
4. Connections: a cheaper receiver will have fewer inputs for connecting all your external devices. You will likely only get four or five HDMI inputs and fewer options like component, composite, optical and coaxial connections. However, most people only have a few HDMI devices they want to plug into their receiver, so this might be fine.
5. Audio Formats: most modern receivers support the standard audio formats – even the high-resolution ones like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. However, you are less likely to find formats like Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X, DTS:X Pro and IMAX Enhanced.
6. Advanced Features: a budget receiver will offer the essential features that every home theater amplifier should have – but you will find fewer of the little extras that more expensive models include. This includes HDR video pass-through, zone and pre-out connections, voice control, and Bluetooth send-and-receive connectivity.

Quick Comparison

Image	Model	HDMI In/Out	Power (W/Ch)	Dolby Atmos
	Denon AVR-S660H 5.2-Ch AV Receiver	6/1 (eARC)	75	None	Check Price
	Yamaha RX-V4A 5.2-Ch AV Receiver	4/1 (eARC)	80	None	Check Price
	Sony STR-DH790 7.2-Ch AV Receiver	4/1 (ARC)	145	5.2.2	Check Price
	Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2-Ch AV Receiver	4/1 (eARC)	70	None	Check Price
	Pioneer VSX-834 7.2-Ch AV Receiver	4/1 (ARC)	80	5.2.2	Check Price

Main Takeaway: Don’t Pay More Than You Need

Upgrading your home theater doesn’t have to drain your wallet. You can get an impressive surround sound experience on a budget. The key is focusing on your must-have features while avoiding unnecessary extras that drive up costs.

While high-end models offer more power and the latest innovations, these budget picks provide robust connectivity, video passthrough, voice control and impactful sound.

You can’t go wrong with a Denon receiver. That’s what I use at home and why I recommend the Denon AVR-660H. But all these receivers offer plenty of power and excellent sound quality.

However, you still need to pair them with great speakers and spend time on speaker placement and calibrating the room sound. If not, it doesn’t matter which you buy, you won’t get the best sound in your room.

About The Author

Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has been a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. You can find out more here.