Top end home theatre systems


Best Home Theater Systems of 2022

When it comes to setting up a home theater, the TV may come first, but equally important is improving sound quality. There are plenty of options when it comes to buying a home theater sound system: from AV receivers and multispeaker setups to simpler yet still powerful soundbars, we've got you covered.

Soundbars offer a lot of performance in a compact package and cost much less to get up and running than a speaker system. You can even choose one with advanced features like Dolby Atmos and Wi-Fi streaming. Some soundbars offer an upgrade path including optional subwoofers and rear speakers, though if you want to truly mix and match speakers, an AV receiver is for you. 

Receivers offer a lot in the box and, unlike soundbars, they have plenty of HDMI inputs to accommodate different sources. You can start with just a couple of stereo speakers -- I did without surround-sound speakers for about five years before I upgraded, and didn't feel I was missing out.

Whichever route you choose -- soundbars or AV systems -- there should be something here that will improve your home entertainment experience. These are the best home theater systems available right now. We'll update this list periodically as we review new products.

Roku Streambar

Best budget soundbar

When it comes to bang for buck, it doesn't get much better than the Roku Streambar home theater system. This speaker offers both a dialogue-enhancing soundbar and a built-in 4K streamer in one package. If you want more bass or surround speakers, the system is also upgradable. You can choose the speaker package.

Read our Roku Streambar review.

 

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Klipsch Reference Theater Pack

Best surround-sound speaker package under $500

Originally retailing for $1,200, the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is currently on sale for a quarter of that. This set features big sound from a compact 5.1-channel surround-sound system, and it is a perfect home theater option for apartments or games rooms. This speaker system is excellent for movies and not bad for music, either. Just add a receiver.

Read our Klipsch Reference Theater Pack review.

 

$285 at Amazon

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Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2

Best stereo speakers under $500

If there's one area where we're spoiled for choice, it's affordable stereo speakers, and at $399 the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2s offer excellent playback of both movies and music. They offer a transparency that's unlike anything else near the price. While the Q Acoustic 3030is are more even-handed and have better bass response, they're also $550.

$400 at Amazon

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Vizio M512a

Best value Dolby Atmos soundbar system

While the rotating speakers of the Vizio Elevate are cool, that system doesn't offer the best bang for your buck within the company's range. The Vizio M512a is a Dolby Atmos soundbar that includes 4K Dolby Vision, a subwoofer and rear-channel speakers, making it a sort of hybrid between a receiver-based system and a soundbar. It also provides incredible sound quality for music and movies for a hair under $500.

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Onkyo TX-NR6100

Best 8K receiver

Despite the fact that there's basically no 8K video available now, you still can buy an 8K-compatible receiver. While the Yamaha RX-V6a with its striking looks and rock-solid performance is the best of the crop, it's also on back order at most places. If you need an 8K receiver right now then the TX-NR6100 is a worthy replacement. It offers a superior streaming suite -- including Chromecast built-in -- and better ease of use. It is a bit more expensive than the Yamaha, however, at $800 (versus $700). 

$799 at Crutchfield

$740 at Amazon Marketplace

$740 at Amazon

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Sennheiser Ambeo

Best soundbar with money no object

If you demand the best Dolby Atmos performance from a single soundbar, it doesn't get any better than the Sennheiser Ambeo audio system. It's not cheap, and it's not small, but if you want the best sound, this is it.

Read our Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar review.

 

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18 Best Home Theater Systems For Everyone [2022 Reviews]

Let’s take a closer look at the best home theater systems. 

Here’s a quick roundup of each unit:

Device Surround Speakers Wireless Connectivity Dolby Atmos DTS  Price
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 7.1 Yes HDMI, HDMI ARC, USB, Bluetooth aptX, Yes Yes $1,399
Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System 5.1 No HDMI, HDMI ARC, USB, Bluetooth Yes Yes $526
VIZIO - SmartCast 5.1 Channel Sound Bar System  5. 1 Mixed WiFi, Chromecast HDMI, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB Yes Yes $249.99
Focal Sib Evo Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 Home Cinema System 5.1.2 No HDMI, HDMI ARC, USB, Bluetooth Yes  Yes $1,299
Onkyo HT-S7800 5.1.2 5.1.2 Mixed Google Cast, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI Yes Yes $999
SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 5.1 No HDMI, HDMI ARC, USB, Yes Yes $999
Yamaha YHT-5950UBL 5.1.2 No HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, MusicCast, AirPlay Yes Yes $599
VIZIO SB46514-F6 5.1.4 Yes HDMI, Bluetooth, Chromecast, WiFi Yes Yes $999
Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5. 1 Wireless Home Theater System 5.1 Yes HDMI, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Chromecast Yes Yes $799
Aperion Audio Novus 5.0.2 5.0.2 No HDMI, HDMI ARC, USB,  Yes Yes $2995
Elac Debut 2.0-5.1 System 5.1 No HDMI, HDMI ARC, USB,  No No $1,829
Sony CS-Series Speakers Bundle 5.1 No HDMI, HDMI ARC, USB,  Yes No $868
Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System 5.1 No RCA cables, Headphone jack, channel direct Yes Yes $396.99
Onkyo HT-S3910 Home Audio Theater 5.1 No HDMI, HDMI ARC, USB, Bluetooth Yes Yes $540
Rockville HTS56 1000w 5. 1 Channel Home Theater System 5.1 No Bluetooth, USB, RCA, SD Input No No $164.95
Klipsch 11.2 Atmos Home Theater System 7.1 No HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, MusicCast, AirPlay Yes Yes $6,999
Bose Lifestyle 650 Home Entertainment System 5.1 Yes HDMI, USB,  No Yes $3,999

What Is a Home Theater System?

Have you noticed how more people are turning their houses into smart homes lately? Well, a home theater system is somewhere along that trend.

It’s all about getting the essential equipment to recreate a typical cinema in your house. That includes a high-resolution TV to mimic the big screen’s visuals. But more importantly, it’s accompanied by surround sound systems. These are composed of multiple speakers that produce sound in various directions.

According to this report, it’s expected that the home theater market will grow by $2.87 billion by 2024. All the more reason to get your hands on the best home theater system!

What Are the Different Surround Sound Formats?

Speakers don’t just magically give you that surround experience without the proper soundtrack formats, or what we call ‘codecs’.

So here are the most common and industry-standard soundtracks:

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is like a gift from the audio gods. It’s an object-based surround sound format that bounces off the sound in multiple directions. As a result, you experience the same auditory environment as what you’re seeing on your screen. 

Some home theater speakers are already Atmos-enabled, but those that are not will need an A/V receiver that supports it.

Dolby TrueHD

It’s the next best thing to Atmos. It’s a lossless format, which means the audio quality from the main source is retained upon playback. No element is stripped away from the original recording. So if you’re watching a movie or listening to a song, you get to hear what the creators expect you to hear. An A/V receiver can easily decode Dolby TrueHD signals, but alternatively, you can use a Blu-Ray disc player for decoding.

Dolby Digital Plus

Dolby Digital Plus is present in most home audio systems and receivers. They can quickly decode this format with the help of HDMI cables. It has lesser compression, full dynamic range, and realistic audio quality. This soundtrack is typically supported by mobile connectivity such as phones, tablets, computers, etc.

DTS

DTS is the direct competitor of Dolby Digital. In contrast to the latter’s object-based surround sound, DTS goes for a multi-dimensional surround. It offers much less compressed audio quality as well as a higher bit rate. It’s the more attainable format, too, since it can run on a standard 5.1 system. Its advanced variation, the DTS:X, can run on regular 7.1 surround sound speaker systems without the need for extra speakers.

DTS-HD Master Audio

Among other DTS soundtracks, the DTS-HD Master Audio has a higher response for low and high frequencies and a much wider dynamic range. Again, a home theater receiver can decode this format with an HDMI or an HD Blu-ray player.

Keep in mind that the best home theater systems can be easily defined by the sound formats they support! 

How To Choose the Best Home Theater System

Need help picking the best option from the long list of home theater systems?

These are great deciding factors:

Number of Surround Speakers

How many speaker channels do you need for a complete surround sound setup? 

For the best 5. 1 surround sound system, you can choose from Polk Audio, VIZIO SmartCast, Onkyo HT-S7800, or Focal Sib Evo Dolby Atmos.

On the other hand, 7.1 surround sound speaker systems like the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 or the Klipsch 11.2 Atmos Home Theater System are great choices.

Wired vs. Wireless

Traditional speaker systems are usually interconnected with one another, or connect to a single source to get things going. If you prefer it that way, then you can consider options like SVS Prime Satellite, Yamaha YHT-5950UBL, Elac Debut 2.0-5.1, or the Sony CS-Series.

Wireless surround speakers lose the need for cables, which use either their own synchronization channels or WiFi connectivity to work. Those units include the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4, Enclave Audio CineHome HD, VIZIO SB46514-F6, and Bose Lifestyle 650.

Home theater systems with a mix of both would be VIZIO SmartCast and Onkyo HT-S7800.

Connectivity

Most speaker systems now allow you to play content from different sources with different connectivity options.

If you’d like Bluetooth surround sound, both of the Onkyo 5.1 systems are excellent choices. Most of the units included in the list also offer Bluetooth connectivity, so anything goes!

Only a few of them have a Google Cast connectivity option though. This is a great tool if you plan to use a Chromecast to stream content from entertainment apps. That includes both VIZIO SmartCast and SB46514-F6, Onkyo HT-S7800, and Enclave Audio CineHome HD.

Soundtracks 

It’s an extra advantage to get the best home theater systems that can support various audio formats. For that immersive and realistic audio output, the speakers should be able to decode the encoded soundtracks in formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS, and the ones mentioned above.  

Most systems on this list have that ability, except for Elac Debut 2.0-5.1 System. But if you still prefer that brand, you can purchase separate Dolby or DTS modules for that.

Pricing

How much do you plan to spend on home audio systems? 

If you’re on a tight budget, your best picks include Polk Audio, VIZIO SmartCast, Logitech Z906, and Rockville HTS56. These are all under $1000, with the latter units not even close to $500!

On the flip side, the luxury units include the Aperion Audio Novus, Klipsch 11.2 Atmos, and Bose Lifestyle 650. You’re paying the top dollar here as they go beyond the 2000-buck mark.

But if you’re somewhere in the middle, the Shockwafe Ultra and Focal Sib Evo Dolby Atmos are probably the best surround sound speakers you can invest in.

Wrap Up

Movie nights, marathons, watch parties, streaming sessions… 

All sorts of entertainment, you can get in the best home theater system.

Now it’s even more practical and enjoyable than endless trips to the cinema!

Just be sure you’ve considered all the essentials to make a wise purchase. Or to cut the process, you can just pick a set from the list above, and off you go.

Let the binge-watching begin!

KP top 10 rating

For many people, the definition of "best home theater" means that it balances good quality sound with ease of installation. In 2022, such a system will be able to give you great sound without additional purchase of individual components.

KP top 10 rating

Editor's choice

1. Klipsch R-41M
Klipsch R-41M. Photo: klipsch.com

If you think it's impossible to create a home theater with a luxurious sound, spending less than a fortune on speakers, then it's not. The six-piece Klipsch R-41M speaker system is a prime example of how you can assemble a very decent home theater system for the right price in 2022. In movies, a 5.1-channel setup is able to fully create an atmospheric soundscape without sacrificing dialogue clarity. And in music, it delivers the lively, dynamic sound you'd expect from systems that cost a lot more.

Dynamic and lively sound, good stereo and surround sound

Needs careful tuning for best performance, base black finish only

2. PSB Alpha T20
PSB Alpha T20. Photo: psbspeakers.com

Unlike most AV models, good-sounding speakers often stay in a company's lineup for years. An example is PSB's entry-level Alpha series, which has been in existence since 1991 and continues to evolve. Now in its third generation, the Alpha speaker set, in 5.1 configuration, doesn't stand out much in looks, but will provide a four-star subwoofer and impressive sound whether you're listening to music or watching a movie.

Neutral balance, exact tone match between speakers, excellent quality

Boring finishes


3. Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F. Photo: paradigm.com

The Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F speaker system was created specifically for lovers of high-quality sound on a limited budget. The styling and finish of the SE 3000F may be simple, but its performance is backed by a number of well-thought-out features, including bi-directional surround speakers, a robust subwoofer, as well as applications for tuning subwoofer performance and creating your own EQ filter to overcome anomalies caused by room acoustics.

Impressive value-for-money performance, surround speakers provide flexible setup, application control and room correction subwoofer

Essential build quality and looks

Other home theaters to look out for

4. Paradigm Premier 700F
Paradigm Premier 700F. Photo: paradigm.com

Paradigm, one of Canada's best-known speaker companies, continues its long tradition of creating audiophile-approved superb speakers with the Premiere 700F, which was released in 5.1 configuration with crisp detail and dynamic sound that unfolds when watching movies. and listening to music. Bottom line: these speakers can withstand systems that cost twice as much.

Sharp details, big powerful sound

Speaker tower unstable on thick carpet, poorly designed speaker grilles

5. KEF R5 Surround
KEF R5 Surround. Credit: eu.kef.com The

KEF continues its long tradition of sonic excellence with the newly updated R Series, featuring the 12th generation of the Uni-Q driver, a design the company has been refining for over two decades. In a full 5.4.2 configuration with four Dolby Atmos-enabled height modules and two subwoofers, the system delivers amazing performance: pleasant music and powerful but not overly aggressive movie sound. Looking for a less expensive setup? The system can be scaled up to more affordable kits using Q Series models.

Clear volume highs, excellent dialogue clarity, detailed but not aggressive sound

Slightly limited triple diffusion, expensive complete setup


6. SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 SVS Prime Satellite 5.1. Photo: svsound.com

Over the past two decades, SVS has grown into one of the most respected brands in the industry. Originally known for their award-winning chest-vibrating subwoofers, today's new SVS systems can compete with anyone. A great example is the SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 home theater package. It is compact and easier to place in a small room, but it can be enlarged and expanded: even a small room turns into a full-fledged cinema.

Value for money, compact size, clear sound

Not suitable for large rooms

7. Onkyo HT-S9800THX
Onkyo HT-S9800THX. Photo: onkyo-rus.ru

Onkyo HT-S9800THX belongs to the top line of Onkyo home theater systems. The company is highly regarded for their AV receivers, so their experience in building quality products inspires confidence in this system. This top model is also THX® certified, which means it has been designed to very high standards for the best sound quality.

THX certified, multiple input connections

Dedicated Dolby Atmos speakers not included, must be purchased separately

8. Onkyo HT-S5805
Onkyo HT-S5805. Photo: .onkyo-rus.ru

This Onkyo home theater system delivers Dolby Atmos sound, a big step up from traditional speakers. This is an all-inclusive system that gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the entertainment possible. Discrete amplifiers provide accurate and dynamic sound reproduction. This home theater system is easy to operate, using only one HDMI cable to connect the TV to the device. Built-in Bluetooth technology allows you to connect up to ten compatible devices.

High expandability, support for all modern formats

Basic build quality and appearance

9. Sonos 5.1 Beam Surround Set
Sonos 5.1 Beam Surround Set. Photo: sonos.com

Sonos, considered an upstart among the industry giants, is now doing for home theater what they did for concert music and the results are really impressive. The Sonos Beam 5.1 Surround Set is what you'd expect from the world's first wireless audio company. High frequencies are crystal clear, lows are delivered by the powerful punch of the Sonos subwoofer, and dialogue through the system's centerpiece, the Beam soundbar, is supremely clear and unfailingly clear.

Support for voice assistants, cleanest highs and lows

High price


10. KLH Kendall 5.1 Speaker System KLH Kendall 5.1 Speaker System. Photo credit: klhaudio.com

Audiophile speakers at affordable prices - this is the mission of KLH, which has always been and always will be. Two Kendall three-way floor standing speakers represent the company's new flagship models. Beautifully finished in black oak and American walnut veneer, each contains custom-made drivers in Kevlar, anodized aluminum and oversized magnets. They're big, beautiful, and sound great, and the two Beacon surround speakers are better than most at this price point and do a great job of driving the left and right rear channels of the system.

Great value for the features, premium design

No wireless

How to choose a home theater

If you are buying a new home theater or looking to add to an existing home theater, you should keep the following parameters in mind:

1. TV and its screen size. Needs a better TV for good sound output. Also, before buying a home entertainment system, make sure your TV supports the system. Latest generation 4K HDR TVs and Smart TVs are the best solution at the moment. The big screen always adds to the fun and makes it easy to immerse yourself in the movie.

2. Room size. Room size is another factor you should definitely consider when buying home theater speakers. If you have a large room and buy a surround sound system with fewer speakers, you are making a big mistake.

3. Speaker size. Compact speakers also provide the best sound these days. But if you have a large room, consider a large surround sound system for complete enjoyment.

4. Streaming devices. Always choose a home entertainment system that is compatible with your smartphone, tablet, laptop and your TV.

5. Surround sound technology. Please understand the audio technology before purchasing a home theater system. Technologies such as Dolby Atmos, DTS, Sony Dynamic Digital Sound (SDDS) are the best sound technologies at the moment.

We hope this article will help you decide on the best home theater in 2022!

Best Home Cinema - Ranking (2022)

Here is the TOP of home theaters . Do you want to improve the experience of watching your favorite series or the new blockbuster? Feel the effect of immersion in games? Then it's time to choose the best home theater for yourself.

Home theater is a set of speakers with a player or receiver. Columns can be 5, 6, 7 or more depending on the system.

If you want to buy a home theater inexpensively, you can look at options without a player / receiver. And if you need maximum freedom and comfort - you need a wireless home theater. In any case, our rating of home theaters will help you with your choice.

🏆 Related Ratings:

📺 Choosing a home theater - which one is better to buy?

To choose a home theater, you need to figure out why you need it. Well, a little dive into the characteristics. Little bit. 😉

TOP 5: Best Home Cinema - Ranking (2022):

Model Description
1. Onkyo HT-S7805 1260$ Best home cinema in 2022;
2. Samsung HT-J5530K $250 Best Home Theater 5. 1 under $250;
3. Mystery MSB-111 105$ Inexpensive home theater with HDMI connection;
4. Sony BDV-E6100 $300 Modern home cinema: acoustics 5.1;
5. LG LHB655 $200 Relatively budget wireless home theater;
Bonus. Sonos 2500$ Wireless home theater and multi-room system.

5 LG LHB655

Wireless Home Theater - relatively affordable

LG LHB655 is a wireless home cinema, relatively budget and high quality. Powerful, voluminous high-quality sound for films is available here. All speakers are quite compact, stand securely. The design is universal, without frills, but not unpleasant.

This budget 5.1 home theater pairs best with LG TVs. But with models from other manufacturers, most often there are no compatibility problems.

4 Sony BDV-E6100

Modern home cinema - 5.1 acoustics

Sony BDV-E6100 is a modern home cinema with 5.1 acoustics. The player is also present, the functionality is quite large. Design for its segment is good. The player looks especially interesting. But it will not fit into every interior.

This is a powerful home cinema. The sound is bass oriented, only suitable for watching movies and games. Bass is powerful, sometimes redundant.

3 Mystery MSB-111 🥉

Inexpensive home theater - with HDMI connection

The

Mystery MSB-111 is an inexpensive home theater system with an HDMI connection. This cheap home theater is just a soundbar with a subwoofer. The model offers a good sound for a budget solution and outdated functionality, it makes no sense to use it as a player.

The Mystery brand is well known to lovers of budget technology. You don't expect much functionality from their devices. The main thing is that they work. 😛 When you buy a home theater inexpensively, you always make compromises.

2 Samsung HT-J5530K 🥈

Best Home Cinema 5.1

The

Samsung HT-J5530K is the best 5.1 home theater for the money. A good model from one of the leaders in the production of multimedia devices. It differs in that it sounds better than many even more expensive counterparts. A good home theater, although far from new.

The sound, of course, is designed specifically for watching movies and playing games. Powerful bass dominates, but overall the sound is quite balanced. You can listen to music, but this is not a priority for this system.

1 Onkyo HT-S7805 🏆

Best home cinema in 2022

Onkyo HT-S7805 is the best home theater in 2022 with Dolby Atmos support. Ultimate sound for big money. The system gives a chic sense of space (especially if the content natively supports Dolby Atmos) for watching movies. But it is also suitable for music: the sound is natural (without a powerful bass boost) and very detailed.

Onkyo specializes in audio technology, so this home theater (2022) is built on a receiver, not a player. But you can connect to it almost anything.

0 Sonos Home Cinema

Wireless home theater with soundbar

Sonos makes a great wireless home theater system. All items can be purchased separately or as a set. Home theater from Sonos is built on a soundbar. It connects to a TV or receiver via HDMI. Then a pair of rear speakers and a subwoofer are connected to it via Wi-Fi.

In addition to making great soundtracks for watching movies, the Sonos home theater system is great for listening to music. The sound is high quality and reliable. All settings are made in the proprietary application. And it takes a few minutes. Streaming services, online radio and more are supported.

Soundbar takes up little space - less than the front and center speakers. The rears are also compact, and the subwoofer can even be leaned against the wall, even removed under the bed - it will work in any case. The wireless connection gives you the freedom to arrange items around the room. The main thing is that there are enough power outlets. 😉

❓ Which is better - soundbar or home theater?

Two main parameters to consider: dimensions and price. How many speaker spaces are there? Should I try to save money and space?

🔊 Home theater speakers - what do you need?

When choosing speakers for a home theater, you should first of all start from the usage scenario. Will they be needed only for movies (and games, for example) or for music too?