Best Transmitters Under $500 2025

Affordable transmitters under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

Listen Technologies LWR-1050-E0 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 AW+ Band - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 AW+ Band

Live Performance Mobile Recording Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Battery powered for mobility
✓ PROS
  • • Portable wireless audio transmission
  • • Reliable transmission range
✗ CONS
  • • Battery dependent operation
  • • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units

Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 AW+ BandHandheld Transmitter for the EW 500 G4Frequency range: AW+ Band (470 - 558 MHz)Backlit...

4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 CW Band - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 CW Band

Church Broadcast Mobile Recording
Key Feature:
• Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✓ PROS
  • • Professional audio quality
  • • Battery powered for mobility
✗ CONS
  • • May experience interference
  • • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units

Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 CW BandHandheld Transmitter for the EW 500 G4Frequency range: CW band (718 - 790 MHz)Backlit...

4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Mipro ACT-5800 TA-58 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Mipro ACT-5800 TA-58

Church Theater Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Portable wireless audio transmission
✓ PROS
  • • Reliable transmission range
  • • Battery powered for mobility
✗ CONS
  • • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units
  • • Requires compatible receivers

Mipro ACT-5800 TA-58Digital 5.8 GHz Plug-On TransmitterCan be used with all dynamic microphones or condenser...

4.9/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Radial Engineering BT-Pro V2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 GW Band - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 GW Band

Church Broadcast Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Battery powered for mobility
✓ PROS
  • • Compact bodypack or handheld designs
  • • Battery powered for mobility
✗ CONS
  • • Requires compatible receivers
  • • Can be expensive for quality units

Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 GW BandHandheld Transmitter for the EW 500 G4Frequency range: GW band (558 - 626 MHz)Backlit...

4.9/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Sennheiser XSW IEM SR A-Band - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sennheiser XSW IEM SR A-Band

Stage Performance Professional Live Multiple Musicians
Key Feature:
• Multiple channel capability
✓ PROS
  • • Multiple channel capability
  • • Essential for professional stage monitoring
✗ CONS
  • • Battery management required
  • • Requires technical setup and maintenance

Sennheiser XSW IEM SR A-BandWireless UHF In-Ear TransmitterFrequency range A-Band: 476 - 500 MHzTransmission power: 30...

4.6/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 BW Band - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 BW Band

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
Sennheiser SKM 100 G4 E-Band - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sennheiser SKM 100 G4 E-Band

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
Sennheiser EW-DP SKP U1/5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sennheiser EW-DP SKP U1/5

Theater Mobile Recording Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Professional audio quality
✓ PROS
  • • Reliable transmission range
  • • Compact bodypack or handheld designs
✗ CONS
  • • Requires compatible receivers
  • • Battery dependent operation

Sennheiser EW-DP SKP U1/5Digital Plug-On TransmitterWith XLR and 3.5 mm mini jack inputFrequency range U1/5: 823 - 832...

4.6/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser SKM 865-XSW-A-Band - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sennheiser SKM 865-XSW-A-Band

Church Live Performance Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Portable wireless audio transmission
✓ PROS
  • • Compact bodypack or handheld designs
  • • Battery powered for mobility
✗ CONS
  • • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units
  • • Requires compatible receivers

Sennheiser SKM 865-XSW-A-BandUHF Handheld TransmitterFor XSW1 and XSW2 wireless systemsFrequency range: A-Band 548 -...

4.4/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Sennheiser EW-D SKM-S R4-9 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sennheiser EW-D SKM-S R4-9

Church Theater Mobile Recording
Key Feature:
• Battery powered for mobility
✓ PROS
  • • Portable wireless audio transmission
  • • Reliable transmission range
✗ CONS
  • • Battery dependent operation
  • • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units

Sennheiser EW-D SKM-S R4-9Digital Handheld Transmitter for ew-D Radio LinksFrequency range R4-9: 552 - 608 MHzWith...

4.5/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Shure SLXD2/SM86 K59 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Shure SLXD2/SM86 K59

Live Performance Church Broadcast
Key Feature:
• Portable wireless audio transmission
✓ PROS
  • • Reliable transmission range
  • • Battery powered for mobility
✗ CONS
  • • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units
  • • Can be expensive for quality units

Shure SLXD2/SM86 K59Digital UHF Hand-Held TransmitterFrequency range: 606 - 650 MHzWith SM86 condenser...

5.0/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Shure SLXD2/Beta58 H56 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Shure SLXD2/Beta58 H56

Mobile Recording Live Performance Theater
Key Feature:
• Professional audio quality
✓ PROS
  • • Professional audio quality
  • • Portable wireless audio transmission
✗ CONS
  • • Requires compatible receivers
  • • Frequency coordination needed for multiple units

Shure SLXD2/Beta58 H56Digital UHF Hand-Held TransmitterFrequency range: 518 - 562 MHzWith dynamic Beta58A microphone...

4.9/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Sennheiser SKM 100 G4-S A-Band - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Sennheiser SKM 100 G4-S A-Band

Theater Church Live Performance
Key Feature:
• Portable wireless audio transmission
✓ PROS
  • • Battery powered for mobility
  • • Reliable transmission range
✗ CONS
  • • May experience interference
  • • Requires compatible receivers

Sennheiser SKM 100 G4-S A-BandHand-Held Transmitter for the EW 100 G4 SystemsFrequency range: A-band (516 - 558...

4.4/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10

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.

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