Who doesn’t want a big, bold, compelling, and fully immersive listening experience when enjoying their favorite TV, film, games, or music? To bring the most life into your media, you will need more than the puny inbuilt speakers your TV comes with. Only the best surround sound system can help you achieve the theater-quality results you crave. In this article, we review the best surround sound system choices for every budget.
No Soundbars Here—SURROUND Sound Only
This article focuses on separate-speaker surround sound audio systems rather than the best soundbar systems. Though a bit more costly than soundbars, home theater speaker systems offer a better soundstage. Having a set of speakers placed to surround the listening space brings more of a movie theater-type of experience to your living room.
Though they take up more room than a soundbar would, there are ways to work the speakers into the decor of the room. Many models offer floorstanding speakers, and many speakers are also small enough that they are a nice addition to a bookshelf.
Along with the popular brands mentioned in this list, Some other notable surround sound system brands worth looking into are JBL, Polk Audio, Denon, Pioneer, Vizio, and Sony.
Surround Sound System | Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about the best surround sound system options on the market today, you aren’t alone. Here we answer your most frequently asked questions about surround sound speakers, in order to help you find the right speakers for what you need.
1. What Is a Surround Sound System?
When people talk about surround sound, they mean it literally. The audio from traditional sources such as a TV, stereo, or handheld device has built-in speakers that deliver audio from one source. This means you can hear the output from one direction only.
With surround sound, you are surrounded by several individual speakers placed around a room in different locations and positions. When the same audio comes from multiple locations simultaneously, it has a dramatically different effect.
2. What’s the Difference Between Surround Sound and Home Theater Systems?
Nothing; surround sound systems and home theater systems are the same thing.
3. What’s Included in a Home Theater System Package?
Usually, home theater surround sound packages will include similar items. Most of them include a receiver, subwoofer, satellite speakers, and one or more center, speakers.
Specific items included in the home theater system package vary depending on which one you buy. There is no standard for what is or is not included.
Sometimes a surround sound system is fully functional on its own. Other times, the speakers will need a receiver that is sometimes sold separately. Often necessary cables will not come in the box. Read product descriptions carefully to ensure you are getting everything you want in the bundle.
4. Are Surround Sound Systems Worth It?
Surround sound systems are worth it if you want to hear crisp audio quality at loud volumes coming from multiple directions. This effect created by surround sound is “immersion,” which make the experience more impactful.
Sound Quality
Many people prefer the surround sound experience because it makes voices and sounds easier to hear. This is because they calibrate the multiple speakers to pick up nuanced sounds, adding more dimension to the overall sound quality.
Investment
If you aren’t sure that you want to invest your top dollar into one of the best surround sound system options, know that there are some very affordable options for you to experiment with before paying a lot of money. Later in the review, we reveal one of the best surround sound options for under $100.
5. What Do the Numbers Mean In Surround Sound?
Here’s a handy guide for the most common numbers found on home theater units. The first number shows how many speakers are in the set. This includes a center speaker and several satellite speakers for placement around the room. The number 1 shows a subwoofer.
5.1
A 5.1 surround sound system has five speakers and one subwoofer. It allows you to hook up components like DVD players and game consoles.
5.1 Channel
The 5.1 Channel surround sound system has everything the 5.1 has and also includes inputs to interpret signals from a 5.1-channel source.
6.1
A 6.1 system has six speakers and one subwoofer.
7.1
A 7.1 home theater has seven speakers and one subwoofer.
How We Reviewed the Following Surround Sound Systems
We’ve reviewed the following best surround sound system options based on their features, sound quality, specs, convenience, durability, pros, cons, price, and warranty terms.
Overall Price Range
Prices for the best surround sound system options vary based on sound quality, features, brand, and technology. The best home theater systems on our list range from under $100 to around $4,000. They say you get what you pay for, and, this is often the case with quality speakers.
Not that the cheaper options aren’t good quality. Everybody has a different sound quality standard. When in doubt, it’s advisable to go to a brick and mortar location to test out the audio quality of the best surround sound system choices to decide for yourself.
What Systems We Reviewed
- Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 Wireless Audio Home Theater System
- Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System
- Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel Home Theater
- Onkyo HT-S7800 5.1.2 Ch. Dolby Atmos Home Theater
- Bose Lifestyle 650 Home Entertainment System
- Definitive Technology Procinema 800–Premium 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker
- Monoprice 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite Speakers And Subwoofer
- Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System
- Harman Kardon HKTS 16BQ 5.1 Channel Home Theater
- Onkyo SKS-HT870 7.1 Channel Home Theater
Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 Wireless Audio Home Theater System
Features
For the refined ear comes the Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1 Wireless Audio Home Theater System which offers high-impact cinema-quality 24-bit uncompressed surround sound through Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 channels of LPCM. This system allows us to forget that messy cluster of cords with its smart cord hub. This home theater system comes with a companion mobile app for easy volume and adjustment control without a remote.
Each of the six Enclave speakers in this bundle allows for 360 degrees of HD wireless audio. Its rear speakers have full-range drivers to create a completely immersive sound experience. CineHome HD comes with three convenient HDMI inputs to connect your consoles seamlessly.
Set up is easy and doesn’t require an internet connection. The CineHome HD 5.1 comes with a transferable three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Mobile app control
- Impressive sound quality
- Doesn’t require a Wi-Fi connection
- No receiver
Cons
- Minimal tech support
- Higher price than others on this list
- Remote control is of low-quality (use the smartphone app)
- No headphone jack
Price $$
Where to Buy
Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System
Features
If you think being on a budget means you have to sacrifice sound quality, meet the Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System. This powerful and altogether affordable home entertainment system THX-certified 3D Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound in 500-1000 watts.
This system comes with five satellite speakers, subwoofer, and an easy to use the compact stackable console with six convenient HDMI inputs for all your gear. Logitech offers a limited two-year warranty on the Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly speaker system
- Volume and bass are loud without distortion
- Certified THX
Cons
- Not wireless
- No headphone jack
- Not as durable as other models
Price $
Where to Buy
Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel Home Theater
Features
The wireless Yamaha YHT-4930UBL 5.1-Channel Home Theater connects you to all your favorite media without distracting unattractive wires. The Bluetooth® input and output gives you more options than ever to interact with all your favorite digital sights and sounds. Yamaha’s Parametric room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) helps you calibrate sound in the room the speaker is in.
The YHT-4930UBL 5.1includes four surround speakers, a center speaker, and a 100-watt subwoofer all encased in black gloss like a Yamaha piano. Enjoy extra low-range bass and 4K Ultra HD pass-through for an incredible sound and experience. Yamaha backs the YHT-4930UBL 5.1 with a limited two-year warranty.
Pros
- Bluetooth® input and output
- Easy to install
- YPAO configured sound quality
Cons
- Doesn’t support older AV cables
- Subwoofer is quieter
- Variable speaker distortion
Price $
Where to Buy
Onkyo HT-S7800 5.1.2 Ch. Dolby Atmos Home Theater
Features
For a stunningly clear, state-of-the-art 3D surround sound consider the Onkyo HT-S7800 5.1.2 Ch. Dolby Atmos Home Theater. Dynamic audio amplification with HT-S7900 brings precision to every sound so you hear audio the way they intended it to be heard. For double the power without double the work, Onkyo’s Powered Zone 2 allows for audio transmissions to two separate locations from one source.
Wireless, 4K UltraHD and DTS:X ready, this powerful six-speaker surround sound set contains dual two-way bass height speakers, 120-watt subwoofer, center channel speaker, and two surround speakers for audio quality that is out of this world.
With 16 input sources, the Onkyo HT-S7800 5.1.2 allows you to enjoy all your favorite components without hassle. Onkyo offers a limited two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The HT-S3800 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package is another great option.
Pros
- Clean, bright and powerful sound
- Audio supplied to two rooms
- Multiple input sources
- Small footprint
Cons
- Speaker encasement could use improvement
- Remote control is flimsy
Price $$
Where to Buy
Bose Lifestyle 650 Home Entertainment System
Features
From Bose, also known as the boss of sound, comes the Lifestyle 650 Home Entertainment System. This powerhouse package contains four small OmniJewel Cube speakers, a center channel speaker, Acoustimass wireless bass module(wireless subwoofer), console, and wireless speaker receivers for an audio experience that will rattle your walls. This is the highest quality home audio experience available on the market today.
If you can afford the price, you receive unparalleled 360-degree surround sound in Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, or Multichannel PCM with simple ADAPTiQ audio room calibration. With all this, it’s no wonder the Bose Lifestyle 650 is considered one of the best surround sound system options one could buy.
It comes in an attractively modern premium glass and brushed anodized aluminum casing to blend with your decor, not overtake it. The Bose Lifestyle 650 is fully compatible with Amazon Alexa®. A limited one-year warranty covers the Bose Lifestyle 650 for manufacturer’s defects.
Pros
- Superior immersion
- Wireless
- Six HDMI inputs
- Easy setup
- Fantastic customer support
Cons
- Expensive
- Isn’t compatible with universal remotes
- Needs Wi-Fi to update
- Short warranty period
Price $$$
Where to Buy
Definitive Technology Procinema 800–Premium 5.1 Channel Home Theater
Features
Boldly go where no bass has gone before with the Definitive Technology Procinema 800–Premium 5.1 Channel Home Theater. With a stellar low frequency 800 subwoofer with a 300-watt amp for big booming sound, coupled with the 1000 watt center channel speaker and four 800 watt ProMonitor satellite speakers, this home theater system will transport you into the life you want to live.
Connect with cables or entirely wireless for all of your components and media. Each speaker comes with a fully mountable design. The satellite speakers include optional retractable tripod stands for easy positioning. Definitive Technology provides a limited five-year warranty for drivers and cabinets and a limited three-year warranty for all electronic components.
Pros
- Exceptionally crisp sound
- Easy to mount and place with built-in tripods
- Good warranty terms
Cons
- Grills are delicate
- Not as effective in large rooms
Price $$
Where to Buy
Monoprice 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite
Features
If you are new to the world of surround sound and want to get your feet wet without diving all the way in, the Monoprice 5.1 Channel Home Theater Satellite is the way to go.
It offers a similar option of more expensive systems without the hefty price tag. Enjoy six Hi-Fi speakers including a center speaker, a subwoofer, and four satellite speakers with wall mounting brackets. Monoprice offers a limited one-year warranty for their Home Theater Satellite.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Desirable pricing
Cons
- Receiver not included
- Mounting hardware not included
Price $
Where to Buy
Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System
Features
Calling all audiophiles; the Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System keeps acoustics in check while delivering powerful sound in a small package.
The Reference Theater Pack features proprietary Tractrix Horn technology and aluminum tweeters in four mountable satellite speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer. Klipsch provides a limited five-year manufacturer warranty for speakers and two-years for the subwoofer amplifier.
Pros
- Precision audio output
- Wireless connectivity
- Small design for minimal footprint
Cons
- Requires receiver
- Little tech support
Price $$
Where to Buy
Harman Kardon HKTS 16BQ 5.1 Channel Home Theater
Features
Slim and trim, the Harman Kardon HKTS 16BQ 5.1 Channel Home Theater reveals the hidden sound scapes of your favorite media with authentic and accurate audio matching. The complete system comes with five two-way voice matching satellite speakers and a 200-watt subwoofer for three-dimensional seismic sound. Harman Kardon provides a five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Sound quality is sharp
- Respectable warranty
Cons
- Sub and satellites aren’t wireless
- Subwoofer could use more power
Price $
Where to Buy
Onkyo SKS-HT870 7.1 Channel Home Theater
Features
The Onkyo SKS-HT870 7.1 Channel Home Theater was made for the full spectrum of audio indulgence. It comes with two tallboy speakers, center channel, four satellite speakers, and a 230-watt bass-reflex subwoofer to bring the house down with sound.
Pros
- Great affordable speakers
- Atmos-enabled
- THX Certified
Cons
- Receiver sold separately
- Center doesn’t have the crispest sound
Price $
Where to Buy
The Verdict
As you can see, when shopping for the best surround sound system on the market you have a lot of options to choose from. No matter your budget, you can find one of the best surround sound system options for your immersive audio-visual experience.
Best Luxury Choice
Hands down the best surround sound system is the Bose Lifestyle 650. It offers the most authentic and clean audio with the durability the Bose brand is famous for.
Best Mid-Tier Choice
For audiophiles who aren’t prepared to throw several thousand dollars at the Bose, check out the Definitive Technology Procinema 800–Premium 5.1 Channel Home Theater. It’s a quality system with a comfortable mid-tier price tag.
Best Budget Choice
For our budget shoppers, we’d recommend the Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System. It offers an impressive spectrum of sound and features for an affordable price.
