With so many options for streaming movies and TV shows nowadays, countless homes are choosing to pair their high definition TVs with high quality audio systems to complete the modern home theater systems.
This is for good reason, as many streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Netflix are showing select films in HD and 4K formats with high-fidelity audio like DTS-MA or Dolby Atmos.
If the video is excellent, it almost demands better audio.
Today’s best home theater systems are feature-rich, yet streamlined, and provide a vastly improved experience over the built-in speakers getting crammed thinner and thinner form factors.
Top Home Theater Systems
Ready to take that movie to a new level at home? These are our favorite top-rated home theater systems. This post includes a mix of all-in-one, add-on, and peripheral systems to fit different budgets.
1. Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite
Best Overall
Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 Home Theater System
Transform your living room into a premium cinema within minutes. Experience deep, room-filling bass with…Our DUAL 8″ WIRELESS SUBWOOFERS (industry’s first!) produce ground-shaking rumbles that you will hear and…
Modeled after Nakamichi’s flagship, award-winning 9.2.4 sound system, this scaled-down version is a less expensive option with the same bones.
The spatial surround elevation modes and one-button room optimization provide sound control based on your room size. The eight-speaker soundbar is the star of the show, with a supporting cast of two two-way surround speakers and two dual wireless subwoofers.
It’s a great plug-and-play system with immersive 360-degree harmonic, bass-driven sound delivered in multiple layers, direct, above, below, and on either side.
Features
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibleDolby Vision and 4K UHD HDR compatibleBluetooth with Qualcomm aptX-enabledOptimized for QLED, OLED, and HD TVsBacklit remote
Input/output: 3 HDMI, 1 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 HDMI ARC, 1 Stereo analog and 1 USB
Power: Space to plug in three components into an outlet
Pros
Sleek designExcellent sound qualityBrand has 70+ years in the audio businessEasy setup
Cons
Somewhat overpriced for what you getMay not be ideal for small spaces (smaller than 14’ x 14’)Remote has limited rangeHeavy shipment (grab a friend to help you get it in the house)
2. Bose Lifestyle 650
Best Upgrade Pick
Bose Lifestyle 650 Home Theater System
As main components, your purchase include: One Console, 4 OnmiJewel side speakers, One Omni Jewel center…Dimensions (”): Console – 15.98 W x 2.56 H x 10.16 D | Omni Jewel Side speakers (each) – 1.84 W x…
Bose is known for creating great sound experiences at home or on the go. This system is for when you want to stay in (and make popcorn).
It’s ideal for a home theater experience to support multiple audio formats such as Dolby Digital, multichannel PCM, and DTS. This system from Bose boasts connections for up to six HDMI-enabled video sources.
You get a full circle of sound with the five-speaker center channel and four compact omnidirectional speakers. The unassuming wireless Acoustimass subwoofer module delivers serious bass for movies, music, or gaming.
If you want to splurge on a system from one of the most well-known names in sound, this is the one.
Features
Alexa-enabled for voice controlBluetooth-enabledBuilt-in NFCApple AirPlay 2 compatibleOptimized for 4K/60 TVs and devicesSoundTouch wireless music streaming over WiFi
Input/output: 6 HDMI, 1 HDMI ARC, 2 optical, 2 digital coaxial, 2 Stereo analog, 1 data, 1 IR repeater, 1 Ethernet and 1 USB (for software updates)
Power: Space to plug in four components into an outlet
Pros
ADAPTiQ headset for setup and sound optimization helpSimple yet elegant designTwo color options (white or black)Can expand the system 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
High-end priceSet up takes time
3. Sonos Arc
Best Soundbar
Sonos Arc
All-new Sonos Arc – Bring all your entertainment to life with the brilliantly realistic sound of Arc,…3D sound with Dolby Atmos – Experience shows, movies, and games with the precise and immersive sound of…
Sonos is Latin for sounds; this soundbar lives up to its name. If you’re just exploring the idea of better sound while watching your favorite movie, a soundbar is a great place to start.
Yet, this is not a starter soundbar in terms of technology.
The Sonos Arc is a smart soundbar designed with input from Oscar-winning sound engineers. It’s compatible with the popular 3D Dolby Atmos sound format and offers Trueplay, a self-optimizing acoustic feature.
What’s more? You can run this as a standalone soundbar or add in a Sonos subwoofer and a few Sonos One SL speakers to create the ultimate 5.1 surround sound experience as you stream your favorite flicks.
Features
Built-in Alexa voice controlsApple AirPlay 2 compatibleDolby Atmos compatibleSpeech enhancement
Inputs/output: 1 HDMI ARC (compatible with eARC), 1 optical and 1 Ethernet
Power: Space to plug in one component into an outlet
Note: Compatible with TVs larger than 49 inches (for smaller TVs, check out the Sonos Beam)
Pros
Excellent soundSlim design, discreet footprintIt comes in two colors (black or white)45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Sonos app is unreliableOnly for larger TVsRequires iOS device to use Trueplay dynamic tuner
4. VIZIO SB3651-F6
Best Value
Are you looking for an affordable 5.1 channel surround sound system? Take a serious look at this offering from Vizio. It’s jam-packed with upgraded features, which is admirable considering the price.
This system offers five speakers: three in the soundbar and two peripheral speakers. This system can deliver up to 101 decibels of crisp sound and 50 Hz of pure bass combined with a subwoofer’s power that connects wirelessly to the soundbar.
Features
Dolby Audio and DTS:X compatibleWorks with Google AssistantBluetooth-enabledWiFi streaming-enabledBuilt-in Chromecast
Input/output: 1 HDMI, 1 HDMI ARC, 1 digital coaxial, 1 optical, 1 Stereo analog, 1 Ethernet and 1 USB
Power: space to plug in two components into an outlet or power strip
Pros
AffordablePowerful sound profileEasy setup1-year warranty
Cons
It does not support 4K HDRReviewers report intermittent issues with powering onHard to read, flimsy remoteUnreliable app
5. Yamaha YAS-209BL Soundbar
Best Budget-Buy
Yamaha YAS-209BL Soundbar
Easy setup with HDMI or Optical cable and automatic subwoofer connectionWireless subwoofer for deep bass and flexible placement. Center unit-36-5/8 × 2-1/2 × 4-1/4 inches,…
Yamaha is a leading producer of audio and visual equipment and multiple product lines that make life easier. This soundbar aligns with its legacy.
While it’s not “cheap”, This Yamaha soundbar is a budget-conscious pick for what it offers. It’s a streamlined 3D sound system with just a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer. The soundbar’s design offers multi-directional sound without the need for multiple speakers around your home theater room.
Have Amazon Fire TV? Control movie night through this soundbar by saying what you want to see. Easy.
Features
DTS:X, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II compatibleBuilt-in Alexa voice controlsBluetooth-enabledWiFi connectivitySpeech enhancement
Input/output: 1 HDMI, 1 HDMI ARC, 1 optical, 1 Ethernet and 1 USB (software updates)
Power: Space to plug in one component into an outlet or power strip
Pros
Supports 4K and 3D passthroughEasy plug and play setupCompactSuitable for medium to large spaces
Cons
Unreliable appDoes not support AirPlay 2Does not support all streaming devicesDoes not work with Google Assistant
6. Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 800
Best Cinema Experience
For those who want a straight-up cinematic setup, this system from Definitive Technology is hard to beat. The multi-speaker system has bass radiators, a technology that delivers efficient bass with low sound distortion.
In this 5.1 channel setup, you get a powerful center channel, four compact satellite speakers, and a subwoofer. Plus, you can add on speakers or subwoofers to expand your sound’s reach, making it scalable as your needs change.
It has a tower speaker sound with a smaller footprint. If you close your eyes, you might think you’re at your favorite theater.
Features
BDSS tech drivers with HD soundPressure-coupled bass radiatorsCompatible with multiple home theater AV receiversPure aluminum dome tweeters
Input/output: 2 sets of gold-plated 5-way binding posts, speaker connections
Power: Space to plug in two components into an outlet or power strip
Note: This system requires at least a 5.1 channel home theater receiver
Pros
Delivers warm, rich soundDiscreet design, easy to hideWorks with multiple receivers5-year warranty for drivers and cabinets3-year warranty for electronic components
Cons
Time-consuming setupRequires knowledge of setting up a receiverIt only comes in blackWired system
7. Polk Audio Home Theater System
Best Tower Speaker System
Polk Audio Home Theater System
MASSIVE SOUND FROM 15 SPEAKERS – Each bookshelf features a 5.25” driver & a 0.75” tweeter, center…A POWERED SUBWOOFER FOR EXTRA BASS & PUNCH (up to 100 watts) – A 10-inch subwoofer with a uniquely…
If you’re looking for a home theater system that stands out and delivers excellent sound, this is our top pick. This 5.1 channel system has a center channel, two tower speakers, two bookshelf speakers, and a subwoofer.
This tower system is perfect for small to medium-sized rooms but expandable to fit larger areas by adding additional speakers and subwoofers as needed.
Polk delivers rich, immersive sound. It will require a little effort, but your setup time will reap the dividends of jaw-dropping audio.
Features
Dynamic Balance TechnologyAcoustic Resonance ControlBass radiatorsCompatible with most home theater AV receiversTimbre-matched speakers for seamless sound blend across speakers
Input/output: Binding posts, L/R in-out, speaker connections
Power: Space to plug in two components into an outlet or power strip
Note: This system requires at least a 5.1 channel home theater receiver
Pros
AffordableFull bass sound with smooth highsCan upgrade by adding speakersPerfect for a multi-room setupSturdy construction of components
Cons
It takes time to set upInconvenient location of binding postsNot plug and play; requires receiver setupIt only comes in blackWired system
8. Klipsch Cinema 600
Best Plug and Play
This Klipsch home theater system is truly a plug-and-play masterpiece. It’s a 3.1 channel setup featuring a soundbar and a 10-inch down-firing wireless subwoofer. Plug your HDMI or optical cable into your TV and get instant theater-quality sound in seconds.
The large subwoofer provides a clean yet powerful bass response that comes in handy when you watch concert films or action movies. The sound can transform your living room into your private cinema.
The Klipsch Cinema 600 is an easy-to-use system that can expand with two additional Klipsch Surround 3 speakers to create a 5.1 system.
Features
Virtualized surround soundDolby Digital compatibleBluetooth-enabledDialogue enhancement modesLinear travel suspension tweeterFiber composite cone woofersCrafted from premium wood
Input/output: 1 HDMI ARC, 1 optical, additional wired subwoofer connection and 1 Aux analog
Power: Space to plug in one component into an outlet
Pros
Relatively affordable90-day money-back guaranteeExpandable system1-year warranty on electronics3-year warranty on woofer, cabinet, and non-electrical parts
Cons
Unreliable appNo adjustable equalizer
9. Polk Audio MagniFi
Best Compact System
Sale
Polk Audio MagniFi Home Theater System
BIGGER, MORE DYNAMIC SOUND – Packed inside this slim and sleek sound bar 7 powerful drivers and tweeters…INCLUDES PLUG AND PLAY WIRELESS SUBWOOFER & TWO WIRELESS SPEAKERS, which are instantly recognized by the…
The Polk Audio MagniFi is a slim, compact solution that gives you signature multidirectional sound without taking up a lot of room. It’s a simple 5.1 system with loads of features and options for connecting your entertainment hub to theater-quality sound.
Plug in a Smart TV or other smart device and enjoy the 3D sound quality produced by the Stereo Dimensional Array (SDA) surround technology. It eliminates crosstalk and leaves you with a pure sound experience at home.
Features
Built-in ChromecastWireless subwoofer and speakersBluetooth-enabledWiFi connectivityVoice Adjust technologySDA Surround technologyMovie, sports, and music modesOptimized for 4K and HD TVs
Input/output: 3 HDMI, 1 HDMI ARC, 1 optical, 1 Ethernet, 1 Aux analog and 1 USB (software updates)
Power: Space to plug in four components into an outlet or power strip
Pros
Good valueEasy setupWirelessExpandable systemMultiple connectionsCompatible with most TVs
Cons
It only comes in blackBasic remote design
10. Sony HT-S350
Best Starter System
Sale
Sony HT-S350 Home Theater System
Ultimate Home Theater Upgrade: Sony 2.1 Channel Sound Bar System With Wireless Subwoofer for Optimized…Audio Comes Alive:320W total power output brings content to life with incredible volume and clarity
If you aren’t looking for a 5.1 system but just want an introduction to better sound, the Sony HT-S350 is a solid starter system. The virtual sound technology provides cinematic surround sound from a central speaker.
It’s a 2.1 channel setup with a soundbar and wireless subwoofer. The soundbar covers the high and mid-range sounds; the subwoofer completes the sound experience with deep, low rumbles for an immersive experience.
Features
Virtualized surround sound Multiple sound modesVoice enhancementDolby Audio compatibleBluetooth-enabledBluetooth streamingWiFi connectivityVoice control on remote
Input/output: 1 HDMI ARC, 1 optical, additional wired subwoofer connection and 1 Aux analog
Power: Space to plug in two components into an outlet or power strip
Pros
AffordableEasy plug and play set upEasy to mountConnects to multiple TV brands
Cons
Not expandableBulky subwooferNo digital display
Summary
There are many home theater systems and speaker systems that can create a cinema-like experience at home.
Make sure to choose a good surge protector to use with your new home theater system. Protect your investment.