AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Powered Mixers Under $500 2026
The top pick is Behringer Europower PMP6000 1600-Watt 20-Channel Powered Mixer with… ($490). Fun Generation PM-6 gives you the most for the money at $144. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Behringer Europower PMP6000 1600-Watt 20-Channel Powered Mixer with…
PMP 6000 · Behringer
6 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight13.1 kg
You get a lot of channels and a lot of power here, so this mixer suits you if you run a band or a small event with many mics and sources. It has 12 mic preamps with 48V phantom power, so condenser mics work without extra gear. Because it is a powered mixer, you can plug speakers straight in without buying a separate amplifier.
Pros
- Two 800 W power amplifiers, bridgeable to 1600 W, for serious output
- Twelve mic preamps with 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- Twenty channels, 12 mono and 4 stereo, for mixing many sources
Cons
- Only 2 AUX-paths, which may limit complex monitor setups
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$490 now$490€439 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer Europower PMP1680S 1600-Watt 10-Channel Powered Mixer
PMP 1680S · Behringer
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight9.9 kg
You get a powered mixer with 10 channels, two effects processors and built-in power for speakers. It has an FBQ feedback detection system and is 19-inch rackmount capable, so you can keep everything in one rack-ready box. At 9.9 kg it is better suited to a fixed rig than to carrying around casually.
Pros
- Two 600 W RMS channels at 4 Ohm, plus 300 W RMS at 8 Ohm for stage-level output
- 10 channels: 6 mono and 2 stereo, plus CD/Tape input and output
- Two 24-bit stereo effects processors with 100 presets including reverb, delay and pitch shifter
Cons
- Weighs 9.9 kg and measures 315 x 460 x 220 mm, so it is not very portable
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$356 now$356€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer Europower PMP4000 1600-Watt 16-Channel Powered Mixer
PMP 4000 · Behringer
3 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight10.4 kg
If you want one box that mixes your inputs and also powers your speakers, this one is worth a look. You get sixteen channels, eight mic preamps with 48 V phantom power, and two 800 W amplifiers. It is compact for what it offers, but at about 10.40 kg you will want help moving it between gigs.
Pros
- Sixteen channels with eight mono and four stereo inputs for flexible mixing
- Two 800 W amplifiers, with 1600 W available in bridged mode
- Eight mic preamps with 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones
Cons
- Weighs approximately 10.40 kg, which is not light for carrying to gigs
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$408 now$408€365 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight9 kg
This is a powered mixer, so the mixing and the amplifying are built into one unit. It has nine mic inputs with +48 V phantom power, which you need for condenser mics, plus 25 effects presets and dual 9-band graphic EQs. It suits you if you want one box that covers a small stage setup with several mics and instruments.
Pros
- Two channels rated up to 1000 W maximum at 4 Ohm each
- Nine microphone inputs, each with +48 V phantom power
- Fourteen-channel mixer with 6 mono and 4 stereo channels
52AudioFu
Index↓ 10.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$329 · Aug 17$296 now$296€265 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer PMP500 500W 12-Channel Mixer M-FX
PMP 500 · Behringer
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight6.3 kg
You get a 12-channel powered mixer with 125W of power, a built-in multi-effects processor, and feedback detection. It suits you if you want one box to handle microphones and a few instruments at a gig or rehearsal. At 6.3 kg, it is fairly heavy, so plan for that when you carry it.
Pros
- Six mic preamps with switchable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- Klark Teknik multi-effects processor with LCD display and tap function
- FBQ feedback detection system helps control feedback
Cons
- Stereo 7-band EQ is limited to the master and monitor outputs
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$289 now$289€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight6.6 kg
This is a rack-mount mixer with a built-in amplifier, so you can run speakers from one box. It has eight mic inputs with 48 V phantom power, a 24-bit effects processor, and USB and Bluetooth playback. If you want something you can carry easily, look elsewhere, since it weighs 6.6 kg.
Pros
- Two 400-watt amplifier channels rated at 4 ohms for running speakers directly
- Twelve channels: eight mono, two stereo, and two aux for flexible mixing
- Eight mic preamps with 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones
Cons
- Weighs 6.6 kg and measures 135 x 485 x 340 mm, so it is not very portable
50AudioFu
Index↓ 5.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$401 · Aug 17$377 now$377€338 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Behringer Europower PMP550M 5-Channel 500-Watt Powered Mixer
PMP 550M · Behringer
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight4.5 kg
You get a powered mixer with 500 W of mono power, five inputs, and a built-in Klark Teknik effects processor. It suits you if you want one unit that mixes, adds effects, and drives a speaker in a small or medium setup, especially if you plan to mount it in a rack. Its budget-friendly price makes it a practical pick for a beginner or a small band.
Pros
- 500 W mono power output at 4 ohm drives a sound system
- Five inputs accept XLR or jack connections for flexible setup
- Built-in Klark Teknik digital effects processor adds effects without extra gear
Cons
- Only one AUX mini-jack and one output jack limit extra connections
- At 4.5 kg it is fairly heavy to carry around for a mobile setup
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size8"
The PMP 500MP3 is a surprisingly capable little mixer, perfect for solo performers, small bands, or anyone needing a portable PA system for spoken word or basic music reinforcement. It’s a great entry point into powered mixing, offering a good balance of features and affordability, although don’t expect high-end performance.
Pros
- Surprisingly clean preamp section for its price bracket.
- Built-in MP3 player adds convenient playback functionality.
- Compact size makes it highly portable for small gigs.
Cons
- Plastic enclosure feels less robust than more expensive mixers.
- EQ is basic; lacks nuance for detailed sound shaping.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$190 now$190€170 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight7 kg
The Fun Generation PM-6 is a surprisingly capable little mixer for basic PA needs – think singer-songwriters, small bands, or spoken word events. It's a budget-friendly option that delivers a decent sound and useful features like Bluetooth, but don't expect high-end performance or ruggedness. It's a solid starter mixer if you're just getting into live sound.
Pros
- Surprisingly robust plastic enclosure for the price point
- Bluetooth connectivity adds real convenience for mobile gigs
- Decent EQ options offer basic sound shaping capabilities
Cons
- Power output is limited, better suited for small rooms or acoustic sets
- EQ is basic, lacks finesse for critical mixing
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The SP108 is a solid, budget-friendly powered mixer perfect for small bands, DJs, or anyone needing a simple PA solution. It's got enough channels for a basic setup and the built-in power amp saves you a lot of hassle. Don't expect studio-grade performance, but it's a reliable workhorse for uncomplicated gigs.
Pros
- Surprisingly robust plastic construction for the price point
- Clean preamp section handles dynamic mics well
- Integrated power amp simplifies setup for small gigs
Cons
- Limited effects options – reverb is basic and somewhat muddy
- EQ isn't the most precise; lacks nuance for critical mixing
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$253 now$253€227 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Powered Mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 10 models we track, not a sample.
Median $296 — half of all powered mixers here cost less.
median of 8 models · 4.5 kg–10.4 kg
How to choose the best powered mixers
Clean Headroom
This is the biggest trade-off at this price. Expect some breakup at higher volumes, especially with multiple channels hot. We're listening for that usable, gritty edge, not just harsh clipping.
EQ Capabilities
A decent EQ section is crucial. We're looking for at least a 3-band EQ on each channel, ideally with a usable mid-sweep to dial in that fat midrange honk or tame harsh frequencies.
Connectivity
How many inputs do you really need? XLR/TRS combo jacks are a must. Aux sends are a bonus for effects loops or monitor mixes.
Build Quality
Let's be real, plastic enclosures are common. We're assessing how sturdy it feels, how well the knobs and faders function, and how likely it is to survive a few gigs in a van.
Phantom Power Reliability
Essential for condenser mics. We're testing to see if phantom power introduces noise or instability - a dealbreaker for vocalists.
Buying guide
So, you need a powered mixer but your bank account's looking a little thin? Been there. Getting a decent sound without blowing your gig money is tricky, but not impossible. We've hunted down the best powered mixers under $500 that'll actually cut through the mix and won't leave you cringing after a long set - and we'll tell you exactly what you're sacrificing to hit that price point.
At this budget, you're making compromises. Don't expect pristine, studio-grade sound. You'll likely be sacrificing some headroom and finesse in the EQ.
Focus on finding a mixer with decent connectivity and a build that can handle the rigors of gigging. Prioritize clean preamps and a usable EQ over fancy digital features you won't use.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 10 powered mixers from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Can I record with these mixers?
Absolutely! Many have direct outputs for recording individual channels. Just be aware that the preamps aren't going to match a high-end interface; expect some noise and a less 'polished' sound.
What's the difference between a 'mixer' and a 'PA system'?
A mixer combines audio signals and sends them to speakers. A PA system includes the mixer and the speakers. These are mixers - you'll need separate speakers to actually hear anything.
How much power do I need?
That depends on your setup and venue size. Generally, 200-400 watts total output is a good starting point for small gigs and rehearsals. Don't expect to blow the roof off, though.
Are these mixers easy to use?
Most are fairly straightforward, especially the more basic models. However, understanding gain staging and EQ will drastically improve your results, regardless of the mixer's complexity.
What about digital mixers?
Digital mixers offer more features (reverb, effects, recallable presets), but often cut corners on preamps and headroom at this price point. Analog mixers tend to provide a better core sound for the money.
