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Wirecutter's top pick: under $500 for a bar with motorized height speakers, four wireless surrounds and a sub that rivals standalone subwoofers. There's no remote, the app requires a Walmart account, it has one HDMI port and no Wi-Fi streaming, and it's sold only at Walmart (out of stock there when checked).
Top complaints
- No remote; the app needs a Walmart account
Wirecutter says there's no remote, so adjustments go through Vizio's app. Using the app requires a Walmart account, and it takes 5-10 seconds to connect each time. A 5-star Walmart owner also wished it came with a remote.
- Bare-bones connections
It has one HDMI eARC port and no HDMI, optical or analog inputs, so you need a TV with ARC or eARC. Streaming is Bluetooth only (no AirPlay or Google Cast), and the USB port starts playing music with no way to skip or stop (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Needs tuning, and it's hard to buy
Wirecutter says Vizio systems arrive with the sub and surrounds turned up far too loud, and voices were a little bright until adjusted. It's sold only through Walmart and showed as out of stock there on 2026-10-11. The two-surround Elevate 5.1.4 Pro is sold only at Sam's Club.
What owners love
- Theater-like surround for the money
Wirecutter says it performed almost as well as soundbars costing more than three times as much, with thrilling fly-bys and a strong overhead effect. Walmart owners call the sound amazing and the height effect convincing.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Walmart reviews - Huge bass
Its 9-inch sub averaged 115.1 dB mid-bass and 103.1 dB low-bass, comparable to a good 12-inch standalone sub (Wirecutter). A Walmart owner says it can shake the room.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Walmart reviews - Easy setup and a capable app
The surrounds are wireless and need only power, and the app's tone, level and per-mode settings beat any remote Wirecutter has tried. Walmart owners repeatedly call setup easy.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Walmart reviews
- You want a physical remote
- You don't want a Walmart account
- You need Wi-Fi streaming or extra inputs
- Full surround and Atmos on a mid-size budget
- Bass fans
- People happy to adjust settings in a phone app
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-09-14). Dramatic Atmos and a powerful sub for under $500, but no remote, limited connections, and an app that needs a Walmart account.