For movie and TV lovers, a high-quality home theater system can transform your viewing experience. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be tricky.
I’ve used surround sound at home for TV and movies for over 25 years. While technology has changed tremendously in that time, one thing remains constant – a good home audio system will make watching more enjoyable.
In this article, I’ll review my top 5 picks for the best home theater systems in 2023 based on features, price, ease of setup, sound quality and more.
If you want a powerful Dolby Atmos system with a soundbar, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is the top choice.
But there isn’t one system that is perfect for everyone. So consider your budget, room size, audio preferences, and setup requirements. Some features are required, some are nice to have, and some you won’t need. Take your time and consider what is right for your room.
Key Points
- There are three main types of home theater systems – all-in-one systems, soundbar systems and AV receivers with speaker packages. All-in-ones and soundbars are easier to set up, but AV receivers can offer better sound quality and upgradability.
- Consider the audio connectivity you need, like HDMI inputs, optical/coaxial inputs for older devices, and wireless options. Make sure the system has enough inputs and outputs.
- Look for 5.1 surround sound systems for a truly immersive experience. But 2.1 or 3.1 systems still offer an upgrade over TV speakers.
- Focus on sound quality in your price range, not exaggerated power specs. Any system will be better than TV speakers. Listen to your options if possible.
Main Topics
Best Dolby Atmos System
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra eARC
Best Soundbar System
Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc
Best All-in-One System
Yamaha YHT-5960U HTS
Best AV Receiver / Speaker System
Denon AVR-S670H + Polk Audio 5.1
Best Budget Home Theater System
Logitech Z906 5.1 Speaker System
Best Dolby Atmos System
You must consider a Dolby Atmos system for the best immersive home theater audio experience. Dolby Atmos adds height effects to surround sound, so you hear audio effects from above and around you.
There are a few ways to achieve this. Some TVs and soundbars have upfiring Dolby Atmos speakers built in. These do make boring stereo audio sound better for movies and TV shows. However, they still sound nothing like a proper Atmos system with speakers around the room.
There are two main ways to build a system with dedicated surround and height speakers. Buy a soundbar-based system with additional surround and Atmos speakers or an AV receiver with a separate speaker package. My recommendation in this category is a soundbar system, which will be easier to install for most people.
- A powerful soundbar-based Dolby Atmos system.
- Four adjustable surround speakers and two subwoofers.
- More inputs than most comparable systems, including HDMI 2.1 eARC.
- Support for all the main movie audio formats, including Dolby Atmos.
- Not the best-looking system.
- With two subwoofers, it might be too big for smaller rooms.
- No voice control.
Top Pick: Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC Soundbar System
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is an impressive home theater sound system that provides a true surround sound experience. With five speakers and two powerful 10-inch subwoofers, this system delivers room-filling, cinema-quality audio with deep, room-shaking bass.
One of the standout features is the number of speaker drivers to fill the room with sound. In total, the Ultra series has a total of 18 speaker drivers, making a 9.2.4 system:
- 1x Soundbar: 6x 2.75-inch full range drivers / 2x 1-inch tweeters
- 2x Side Surrounds (each): 1x 3-inch full range driver / 1x 1-inch tweeter
- 2x Rear Surrounds (each): 1x 3-inch full range driver / 1x 1-inch tweeter
- 2x Subwoofer (each): 1x 10-inch down-firing subwoofer
This speaker configuration creates an incredibly immersive 3D soundstage with precisely placed audio effects around the room. The surround speakers can even be configured in different upward or rear-firing positions for optimal sound dispersion, depending on your room layout and seating position.
You can point the surround speakers upwards like Dolby Atmos elevation speakers or place them together as dipole speakers for a more diffuse sound.
Connections and Decoding
In terms of connections, the Shockwafe Ultra has 3 HDMI inputs. One is the eARC output for receiving high-quality audio formats from your TV.
There is also full support for 4K 60Hz video passthrough, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.
The system decodes all the latest surround formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio, for an incredibly realistic cinematic experience.
Check Your Space
This powerful system delivers thunderous, distortion-free sound at high volumes.
The two subwoofers are unusual for a home theater system. The advantage is it helps spread the low-frequency sound around the room without dead areas where the bass drops out – a common problem in small home theater rooms.
Of course, the downside is you need the space to install them.
If this system is too large for your room, there are two smaller siblings in the family.
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 eARC: a 7.2.4 system with two smaller 8-inch subwoofers and only two surround speakers.
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC: a 7.1.4 system that is the same as the Elite but with a single subwoofer.
While the industrial design may not appeal to all tastes, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC is hard to beat for home theater enthusiasts seeking top-level immersive audio.
With its fully-featured speaker components and advanced sound processing, this system can transform any room into a private luxury theater with cinema-quality sound.
Best Soundbar System
Soundbar home theater systems are best for those who want great movie audio in the room but with a discrete look. If that’s you, a home theater system based around a sleek soundbar is ideal.
There are many different soundbars you can buy. Simple stereo models, with or without a wireless subwoofer (for more bass). Or more immersive soundbars with built-in surround and Atmos speakers, and even dedicated speakers to place around the room.
My choice in this category is the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc. I own several Sonos speakers – my favorite small speakers for sound quality.
But they are also versatile, with different options for big and small rooms and an excellent integrated platform for streaming music and home theater audio.
- Great, balanced sound without adding excessive bass.
- You can buy the soundbar first and add the other speakers later.
- Supports all movie audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and high-res audio.
- Three voice control options: Sonos Voice Control, Alexa and Google Assistant.
- The complete package is expensive.
- Limited input connections for external devices.
Top Pick: Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc
The Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc is among today’s best soundbar-based home theater audio systems. Built around Sonos’ flagship Arc soundbar, this 7.1.4 setup delivers seamless, immersive surround sound perfect for movies, TV, and music.
But you also have access to the excellent Sonos wireless multi-room ecosystem.
The Included Speakers
The Arc soundbar and its eleven class-D digital drivers are at the core, including dual upfiring speakers for overhead Dolby Atmos audio. The Arc produces crisp, clear sound with deep bass on its own.
Add the Sub (Gen 3) subwoofer, and rumbling, theater-like low frequencies fill the room. Complete the set with two Era 300 surround speakers, and you are enveloped in sound from all directions. The Era 300s also have upfiring drivers for extra dimensionality.
This system and the Arc provide excellent object-based audio with sounds placed and moving around the room – no wires required.
If you want a cheaper system, or the 300s are too big, you can buy an Arc system with the smaller Era 100 speakers as surrounds.
It’s All About the Sound
As a sound engineer, the primary thing I like about Sonos speakers is they don’t color the sound with unnecessary bass. This is what separates quality speaker systems from the rest.
Although many like the sound of cheaper systems that add bass where it shouldn’t be. The Sonos speakers retain a great balance between high, mid and low frequencies.
If you’re a fan of excessive bass in your audio, these aren’t the speakers for you. Don’t get me wrong, they have plenty of bass when it’s there in the content. They just don’t over-emphasize the low mids, creating a muddy sound.
Setting Up
Setup is a breeze with the Sonos app. Connect the Arc via HDMI eARC or optical audio, position the wireless speakers, and let Sonos Trueplay tuning optimize the sound for your room.
Ongoing voice control is provided by Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built into the Arc.
Modular and upgradeable, the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc justifies its premium price by delivering the ultimate in wireless surround sound performance.
For discerning home theater fans who want a discrete, modern system, it’s the pinnacle of convenience without compromise.
Best All-in-One System
Home theater systems come in all shapes and sizes, which is partly why it can be hard to know what to buy. An all-in-one system is often called home-theater-in-a-box.
The idea is you buy something with everything you need for home theater audio – amplifier, speakers and (usually) speaker wire.
An all-in-one system is best for those who don’t want the headache of matching an amplifier with speakers. Or building a modular system they can upgrade bit by bit.
It’s a simple solution to getting better sound without getting a qualification in electrical engineering first!
All-in-one home theater systems are usually budget or mid-range models. You’ll get a massive upgrade on the sound of your TV speakers without paying big bucks for a high-end audio solution.
- A great value system with excellent Yamaha audio engineering.
- Everything you need for great 5.1 surround sound out-of-the-box.
- Plenty of inputs, including HDMI 2.1 and 8K/60 video.
- Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X processing for upmixing stereo audio to 5.1.
- The compact speakers may struggle in larger rooms.
- Wireless MusicCast Surround speakers aren’t included.
Top Pick: Yamaha YHT-5960U Home Theater System
The Yamaha YHT-5960U 5.1 home theater system provides an easy and affordable way to bring cinema-quality surround sound into your home. This well-rounded mid-range package bundles Yamaha’s excellent AV receiver technology with a complementary set of compact speakers and a powerful subwoofer for room-filling audio.
The Receiver and Speakers
At the system’s heart is Yamaha’s RX-V4A AV receiver, which supports the latest 4K/60 video formats via four HDMI 2.1 inputs complete with HDR10/HDR10+/Dolby Vision and HLG passthrough.
Gamers will appreciate HDMI 2.1 features like ALLM, VRR, and QMS that optimize the gaming experience. The receiver also enables wireless surround speaker options and whole home audio through Yamaha’s MusicCast ecosystem.
If you want wireless MusicCast surround speakers with your system, you must buy them separately. This system only includes standard wired models.
The included 5-speaker setup utilizes small but capable satellite speakers for the front, rear, and center channels.
Despite their diminutive size, Yamaha’s audio engineering provides clear mids/highs and focused vocal reproduction. It’s not audiophile sound, but plenty good enough for most people.
The 8-inch wireless subwoofer handles the low frequencies for impactful bass during action scenes and music playback. While not the biggest subwoofer, it is fine for medium-sized rooms and small enough not to get in the way.
Setting Up and Decoding
Setup is simplified through the helpful YPAO calibration system, which automatically analyzes room acoustics and dials in the speaker levels/distances/crossovers for optimized surround sound.
Don’t forget to run this setup; you won’t get the best performance from your speaker system until you do. The acoustics in any room need taming so it doesn’t color the sound too much.
All the major movie audio formats are supported, including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Another useful addition is, which will upmix stereo audio around your 5.1 speaker system.
These processing modes do a great job of creating surround audio from standard 2-channel soundtracks, which are still common on many TV shows.
Summing Up
With strong AV performance, wireless expandability, and easy yet powerful calibration, the Yamaha YHT-5960U hits the sweet spot for features and price.
The compact speaker size suits small to medium-sized rooms, while Yamaha’s engineering still provides dynamic, faithful sound. For an easy-to-use and great-sounding surround system, the YHT-5960U is a winner.
Best AV Receiver and Speaker System
All-in-one or soundbar-based systems are great choices if you are new to home theater sound. They are easy to set up and come with everything you need out of the box.
However, there is another way. You can buy an AV receiver and a separate speaker package (and don’t forget the speaker wire). This is my preferred option because it is more flexible.
You can easily upgrade components over time, have more options to connect your devices, and often get a better-sounding system for your money.
The downside is it’s slightly more tricky to set up, so it’s probably not recommended for a complete novice. However, it’s not that hard.
The package suggested here is an excellent system that will compete with anything on this page in sound quality and price. This entry-level package is suitable for those who don’t want to pay too much.
However, you can upgrade the receiver or speakers for even better performance if you wish.
Top Pick: Denon AVR-S670H + Polk Audio 5.1 Speaker System
The Polk Audio 5.1 home theater speaker system paired with the Denon AVR-S670H receiver provides an excellent audio experience for those looking to upgrade from a basic all-in-one system.
There are two main parts to this system, which you must buy separately:
- The surround sound speaker package.
- The AV receiver.
The Speaker Package
The speakers and the AV receiver are entry-level for each brand, but they will still sound better than most all-in-one systems. Something like this will be perfect for someone who wants to go up a level or two without breaking the bank.
Polk Audio has been respected in the AV world for many years. The speaker package includes two floor-standing Polk Audio T50 towers for the front stereo image, a T30 center channel speaker, and two T15 bookshelf speakers for the surrounds.
The system is rounded out by the Polk Audio PSW10 10-inch powered subwoofer for deep bass. For the money, you won’t get a much better speaker package. You can buy the speakers separately if it’s easier. However, a bundle will often prove cheaper.
The AV Receiver
The Denon AVR-S670H is an entry-level AV receiver that supports the latest formats, including 8K video, Dolby Vision, and Dolby TrueHD. It provides six HDMI inputs and two outputs with eARC, giving plenty of connectivity options.
The receiver also has Audyssey room calibration software for balancing the sound. Audyssey MultEQ is especially good at cleaning up the low frequencies in your room, which is the most important area for most smaller spaces.
Don’t forget to buy some speaker wire to connect everything together. Don’t overcomplicate this. Buy some no-frills 14 or 16-gauge copper speaker wire, and you are good to go.
Dolby Atmos Upgrade
If you are interested in 3D audio, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you must spend a bit more. The next Denon receiver up, the Denon AVR-770H, supports two more channels for Atmos.
Then, you will need to buy two Dolby Atmos elevation speakers to add to the Polk Audio package – or you could get an extra pair of the T15 bookshelf speakers, which would also work well.
While slightly more complex to set up than an all-in-one, this system gives you better sound than comparably priced complete packages. The ability to upgrade the speakers or amplifier over time also adds value.
The Polk Audio 5.1 speaker bundle with the Denon AVR-S670H receiver is a superb choice for those seeking excellent home theater audio that outperforms entry-level systems. It delivers incredible sound for both movies and music without costing a fortune.
Best Budget Home Theater System
The other systems suggested here are mid to high-end models. The problem is that some people won’t want to spend so much to improve the audio in their room.
That’s OK; everyone has a budget to stick to. The good news is you can still get excellent home theater sound in your room without breaking the bank. It’s amazing what you can get for your money these days.
Higher-end systems will sound slightly better and offer more bells and whistles. But for a quick and easy solution to getting surround sound, consider this suggestion.
- Powerful sound for a compact speaker system.
- THX certification and surround sound decoding.
- Robust build quality for the price.
- Handy desktop control unit (or use the supplied remote control).
- Many systems have better sound quality (but not at this price).
- There are no HDMI inputs for more modern devices.
- It is more suited for a PC or small bedroom system (but can work in a modest home theater room).
Top Pick: Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System
The Logitech Z906 5.1 surround sound speaker system brings cinematic audio into your living room at a reasonable price. This THX-certified home theater system delivers a surprisingly room-filling, multi-dimensional sound that makes movies and games come alive.
At the heart of the system is a muscular 8-inch ported subwoofer that generates plenty of bass. Five compact satellite speakers complement this, each with 3-inch polished aluminum phase plug drivers for a fairly natural sound.
Design-wise, the system is relatively compact yet exudes premium quality with its matte black finish and metal driver housings.
Sound Balance
It’s not an audiophile experience, as expected at this price point. The 8-inch subwoofer can overpower the satellite speakers if you don’t take care with the sound balance in your room. However, for casual listeners, the Z906 produces a perfectly respectable performance.
Dolby Digital and DTS decoding allow the Z906 to handle today’s advanced multi-channel soundtracks effortlessly.
While there are no HDMI inputs, you can connect up to six of your favorite devices using several inputs:
- 2x optical digital audio
- 1x coaxial digital audio
- 3x 3.5mm stereo analog audio
- 1x RCA stereo analog audio
The wireless remote and desktop control console provide easy command over volume, sound modes, and input switching. Use the large volume control in the center of the desktop unit or the supplied remote control to adjust the volume.
Setting Things Up
The setup is quick and painless. The system comes with five speaker cables – two 7.6-meter cables for the rear speakers and three shorter 4.6-meter wires for the front and center modules. The simple spring clip terminals make attaching the wires a piece of cake.
Once connected, ensure everything is wired correctly with the built-in test mode. Simply push the input button on the remote control (or desktop module) for five seconds. You will hear a test signal from each speaker in sequence.
For its modest $399 price point, the Logitech Z906 over-delivers on power and performance.
While audiophiles may desire more refinement, this speaker system blows away the competition when it comes to immersive surround sound for movies and games. For home theater enthusiasts on a budget, the Z906 is the clear choice.
Buying Guide
A home theater system significantly upgrades your TV’s built-in speakers. Adding dedicated speakers and an amplifier will give you a bigger, fuller sound for a more immersive movie and music listening experience.
The main problem is home theater systems come in many different shapes and sizes. While this means you can buy a system to fit any room and budget, it also makes it harder to know what to buy. Here are the main things to consider.
Types of System
There are three main ways to get good-quality home theater audio in your room:
- An all-in-one home theater system.
- A soundbar with optional wireless surround speakers.
- An AV receiver and a separate speaker package.
All-in-one and soundbar-based systems come with all you need to get going out of the box. They are generally easier to install and provide a quick and easy way to improve the sound in your room.
Buying an AV receiver and a separate speaker package is more complex. You must ensure they work together, and you’ll have to buy the little extras separately, like speaker wire.
The advantage of AV receivers is that you often get better sound quality for the money than all-in-one systems, and they are more upgradeable.
Audio Connectivity
Consider what devices you want to connect to your home theater system. Most systems have at least one HDMI input to connect modern devices like a Blu-ray player or game console.
But if you need more, many systems may not have enough. Most AV receivers will have more HDMI inputs.
Digital optical audio, coaxial audio and analog stereo audio inputs allow you to connect older devices like a cable box or DVD player.
Streaming devices can connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or HDMI. Choose a system with enough inputs and outputs for your current and future needs.
Speaker Layout
Look for a 5.1 speaker system with left, center, right, and rear surround and a powered subwoofer for true surround sound. This creates an immersive 360-degree soundscape.
Stereo systems with just two speakers still provide good sound, while 2.1 or 3.1 add more bass and a center channel clarity for dialogue.
For surround sound and Dolby Atmos, most soundbars have all the speakers in one unit under your TV. While this is more discrete, the surround effect won’t be as good as having separate speakers around the room.
For a more immersive effect, look for systems with wired or wireless surrounds.
Learn more: Which is the best speaker layout for home theater?
Learn more: Surround speaker placement tips and tricks
Wireless Connectivity
Many soundbar systems have wireless subwoofers and satellite speakers, eliminating the need for speaker wires.
However, many all-in-one home theater systems and AV receivers still primarily use wired speakers. Consider your room setup to decide if wireless speakers are preferable for a cleaner look.
Power and Volume
AV receivers and all-in-one home theater systems will be powerful enough for most living room setups. However, smaller soundbars may lack volume for larger spaces. Adding a subwoofer will boost low-end performance and make it louder.
But don’t pay too much attention to the power specification for a system. Manufacturers often exaggerate these, so they don’t mean much for real-world use.
The power ratings for AV receivers, like the Yamaha system below, are fine for comparison with similar systems. But you can’t compare the power listed here with many all-in-one systems as they calculate the numbers differently.
The bottom line? Most home theater systems will work fine for small and medium-sized rooms with an average viewing distance of 8 to 12 feet.
If in doubt, try to listen to any system before buying to understand how loud it is.
Learn more: Amplifier power ratings explained
Sound Quality
In general, you get what you pay for with home theater systems. Higher-end models will outperform cheaper ones, with better clarity and fuller sound. However, any system is an upgrade over your TV speakers.
I wouldn’t worry too much about perceived sound quality. For most people, the price and features are more important. There is little to choose between systems from a similar price point.
You can’t expect audiophile sound from a $500 system. But you can expect a much better sound than your TV speakers. If you can, listen to some options in your price range and choose the best-sounding one for your ears. Everyone’s idea of what sounds good is often very different.
Ease of Setup
All-in-one home theater systems often require some wiring but otherwise include everything you need in one box for a straightforward setup. Soundbars are extremely easy to install, with fewer wires and a simple connection from your TV.
Separate receivers and speaker components provide more flexibility but require more expertise to choose and configure. However, it’s not that difficult, so don’t let this put you off if you want to try it.
Learn more: How to set up a surround sound speaker system
Extra Components
Many home theater systems lack modern streaming capabilities. You may have apps on your smart TV, but if not, consider adding a streaming media player like Roku or Fire TV for smart apps and internet entertainment. You can connect these directly to any system with a spare HDMI input.
If you have a DVD player, wire it to your system using a spare HDMI input. A 4K Blu-ray player will let you watch movies in Ultra HD quality.
If you don’t have spare inputs, try wiring the player directly into your television and then pass the audio to your speaker system from the TV’s HDMI ARC or optical audio output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Amplifier Necessary for Home Theater?
You don’t have to buy an amplifier to get home theater audio. If you don’t want a bulky amplifier, buy an active soundbar system with its own internal amplifier. Some models also have separate rear speakers, Dolby Atmos speakers and subwoofers for creating an immersive surround sound effect.
What Are the Best Home Theater Systems for a Living Room?
Several different types of home theater systems will suit any living room. If you don’t have much space, you can buy a simple soundbar system or a compact amplifier with small satellite speakers for surround sound. For a larger room, you might want to buy a more powerful AV receiver and a bigger bookshelf or floorstanding speakers. You don’t have to get a subwoofer for your home theater audio, but if you do, you can get small subwoofers if you don’t have much space – or bigger models that will provide excellent low bass for movie sound effects.
What Comes With a Home Theater System?
An all-in-one home theater sound system should have everything you need to get great audio. This will include an amplifier, surround sound speakers, and even the speaker wire to connect everything together. Then, you simply connect the audio output from your TV, Blu-ray player, or other audio sources to the sound system. These days, systems don’t usually include a DVD or Blu-ray player, and you will need to buy these separately.
How Many Speakers Do You Need for Home Theater?
The most common speaker layout for home theater is a 5.1 speaker system. 5.1 surround sound has five speakers in the room – front left, center, front right, surround left and surround right – plus a subwoofer. However, there are other speaker layouts that you can use for home theater. A 3.1 speaker system is like a 5.1 layout but without the surround speakers. Or, you can use 7.1 or 5.1.2 speaker layouts if you want a better surround sound effect. See the guide to home theater speaker layouts for more information.
About The Author
Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has been a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. You can find out more here.