Best Transmitters Under $500 2026
Affordable transmitters under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026
#1
⭐
4.9/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Radial Engineering BT-Pro V2
Multi-room Audio
Professional AV
Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Reliable transmission range
✓ PROS
- • Professional audio quality
- • Great for audio distribution
✗ CONS
- • Can be expensive for quality systems
- • Requires frequency coordination
Radial Engineering BT-Pro V2Stereo Bluetooth Receiver2 Balanced XLR outputsIntegrated adjustable headphone amplifier...
⭐
4.9/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 502339
$438
#2
⭐
4.7/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Sennheiser EW-DX SKM-S Q1-9
by
Sennheiser
Live Performance
Broadcast
Mobile Recording
Key Feature:
• Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✓ PROS
- • Reliable transmission range
- • Professional audio quality
✗ CONS
- • Battery dependent operation
- • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units
Sennheiser EW-DX SKM-S Q1-9Digital Handheld TransmitterFor EW-DX radio linksWith on/off switchWithout microphone...
⭐
4.7/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 549442
$461
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Sennheiser EW-DX SKM U1/5
by
Sennheiser
Broadcast
Church
Theater
Key Feature:
• Professional audio quality
✓ PROS
- • Battery powered for mobility
- • Reliable transmission range
✗ CONS
- • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units
- • Battery dependent operation
Sennheiser EW-DX SKM U1/5Digital Handheld TransmitterFor EW-DX radio linksWithout microphone capsuleFrequency range...
⭐
4.9/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 549482
$499
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Shure GLXD2+/Beta58
by
Shure
Theater
Mobile Recording
Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Battery powered for mobility
✓ PROS
- • Professional audio quality
- • Battery powered for mobility
✗ CONS
- • May experience interference
- • Requires compatible receivers
Shure GLXD2+/Beta58Remote ControlFor GLXD+ seriesDual band: 2.4GHz and 5.8GHzWith dynamic Beta58A microphone...
⭐
4.9/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 561248
$460
#5
⭐
4.5/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Shure SLXD3 H56
by
Shure
Broadcast
Church
Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✓ PROS
- • Portable wireless audio transmission
- • Reliable transmission range
✗ CONS
- • May experience interference
- • Requires compatible receivers
Shure SLXD3 H56Wireless Transmission SystemFrequency range H56: 518-562 MHzXLR connection with 12/48V phantom...
⭐
4.5/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 584510
$438
#6
⭐
4.8/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Shure P3T PSM 300 S8
by
Shure
Stage Performance
Professional Live
Multiple Musicians
Key Feature:
• Multiple channel capability
✓ PROS
- • Individual mix control for each performer
- • Wireless freedom for stage movement
✗ CONS
- • Expensive for multiple channels
- • Requires technical setup and maintenance
Shure P3T PSM 300 S8UHF InEar TransmittersFrequency range: S8 (823-832 MHz)Stereo transmitter with 24-Bit audio...
⭐
4.8/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 351396
$483
#7
⭐
4.8/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser SKP 100 G4-E
by
Sennheiser
Broadcast
Church
Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Portable wireless audio transmission
✓ PROS
- • Compact bodypack or handheld designs
- • Portable wireless audio transmission
✗ CONS
- • Requires compatible receivers
- • Battery dependent operation
Sennheiser SKP 100 G4-EPlug-On TransmitterFrequency range: E - band (823 - 865 MHz)Turns dynamic wired into wireless...
⭐
4.8/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 453231
$325
#8
⭐
4.5/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Shure SLXD3 J53
by
Shure
Live Performance
Broadcast
Theater
Key Feature:
• Professional audio quality
✓ PROS
- • Portable wireless audio transmission
- • Professional audio quality
✗ CONS
- • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units
- • Requires compatible receivers
Shure SLXD3 J53Digital Clip-On TransmitterFrequency range J53: 562-606 MHzXLR connection with 12/48V phantom...
⭐
4.5/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 584548
$438
#9
⭐
4.9/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser SKM 100 G4 E-Band
by
Sennheiser
Church
Theater
Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✓ PROS
- • Portable wireless audio transmission
- • Reliable transmission range
✗ CONS
- • Battery dependent operation
- • May experience interference
Sennheiser SKM 100 G4 E-BandHandheld Transmitter for the EW 100 G4 SystemsFrequency range: E-Band 823 - 865 MHzBacklit...
⭐
4.9/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 443576
$318
#10
⭐
4.6/5
(38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Shure SLXD2/SM86 J53
by
Shure
Mobile Recording
Broadcast
Church
Key Feature:
• Battery powered for mobility
✓ PROS
- • Professional audio quality
- • Reliable transmission range
✗ CONS
- • Can be expensive for quality units
- • Battery dependent operation
Shure SLXD2/SM86 J53Digital UHF Hand-Held TransmitterFrequency range: 562 - 606 MHzWith SM86 condenser...
⭐
4.6/5
(38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 499560
$395
#11
⭐
4.9/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Shure GLXD1+
by
Shure
Live Performance
Theater
Mobile Recording
Key Feature:
• Professional audio quality
✓ PROS
- • Reliable transmission range
- • Portable wireless audio transmission
✗ CONS
- • Can be expensive for quality units
- • May experience interference
Shure GLXD1+Pocket TransmitterFor GLXD+ seriesDual band: 2.4GHz and 5.8GHzUp to 12 hours of battery lifeUp to 60 meters...
⭐
4.9/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 561247
$361
#12
⭐
4.8/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 BW Band
by
Sennheiser
Theater
Church
Mobile Recording
Key Feature:
• Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✓ PROS
- • Compact bodypack or handheld designs
- • Professional audio quality
✗ CONS
- • Requires compatible receivers
- • Battery dependent operation
Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 BW BandHandheld Transmitter for the EW 500 G4Frequency range: BW Band (626 - 698 MHz)Backlit...
⭐
4.8/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 444361
$494
#13
⭐
4.8/5
(29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Listen Technologies LWR-1050-E0
Live Sound
Broadcast
Multi-room Audio
Key Feature:
• Professional audio quality
✓ PROS
- • Wireless audio signal transmission
- • Reliable transmission range
✗ CONS
- • Battery dependent for portable units
- • May have latency issues
Listen Technologies LWR-1050-E0WIFI Audio Receiver for ListenWIFI ServerSuitable for hearing support and language...
⭐
4.8/5
(29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 607004
$438
#14
⭐
4.7/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser SK AVX
by
Sennheiser
Live Performance
Mobile Recording
Church
Key Feature:
• Battery powered for mobility
✓ PROS
- • Portable wireless audio transmission
- • Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✗ CONS
- • Can be expensive for quality units
- • Requires compatible receivers
Sennheiser SK AVXDigital Bodypack from the AVX SeriesSelf configurationAuto frequency managementAutomatic input and...
⭐
4.7/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 367922
$428
#15
⭐
4.6/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Sennheiser SKM 100 G4-S A1-Band
by
Sennheiser
Live Performance
Church
Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✓ PROS
- • Professional audio quality
- • Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✗ CONS
- • Battery dependent operation
- • May experience interference
Sennheiser SKM 100 G4-S A1-BandHand-Held Transmitter for the EW 100 G4 SystemsFrequency range: A1 Band (470 - 516...
⭐
4.6/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 443552
$318
How to Choose the Best Transmitters
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced transmitters typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
