The best home theater speakers for an immersive audio experience

Welcome to the world of immersive home audio. In this article, we’ll explore the best surround sound systems for sound quality, space and budget. 

Often referred to as home theater kits, this suite of equipment is engineered to elevate your home entertainment experience, wrapping you in theater-quality sound. Whether you're a movie buff, a dedicated gamer, or a music lover, a top-tier home theater system can turn your everyday audio into an extraordinary sensory experience. 

We've curated a list of the best home theater systems, closely examining their specifications, features and price points. Read on to learn more about home audio systems.

Read more: Shop the best portable speaker for on-the-go entertainment

Best wireless choice

Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc

Jump to details

$2,471 at Sonos

Top option with tower speakers

Polk Monitor XT Deluxe System

Jump to details

$1,599 at Polk Audio

Space-saving system that packs a punch

Q-series 11.1.4 ch. wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar Q990C

Jump to details

$1,399 at Samsung

A wonderful Wi-Fi set up

Yamaha - YHT-5960 Premium All-in-One Home Theater System

Jump to details

$499.99 at Best Buy

Show 5 more

Best wireless choice

Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc

You save $125 (4.82%)

$2,471$2,596

$2,471 at Sonos

Pros & Cons

• Wireless setup

• Voice control available

• Only available in black

Designed to redefine your audio experience, the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc is the complete package for your home theater. The set comes with the Arc premium soundbar, Sub (Gen3) subwoofer and two Era 300 smart speakers. 

The interaction between the Arc and Era 300 speakers envelops you in vibrant sound, bringing vocal clarity to the forefront while maintaining impressive dynamic stereo separation. The Sub (Gen 3) further enhances this auditory experience, adding a crispness to higher tones and a chest-rumbling depth to the lows. 

People who want a practical, intuitive audio system will appreciate the effortless setup assisted by the Sonos app and easy fine-tuning for perfect audio. Aside from superior sound performance, the set boasts considerable flexibility. You can stream music, radio, podcasts and audiobooks and can control everything through voice commands, the Sonos app, TV remote control or Apple AirPlay. For those who insist on quality and seek a flawlessly immersive and flexible audio solution, the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc is a clear choice.

Top option with tower speakers

Polk Monitor XT Deluxe System

You save $195 (10.87%)

$1,599$1,794

$1,599 at Polk Audio

Pros & Cons

• High-resolution audio

• Powerful subwoofer for deep bass

• Setup requires a learning curve

The Polk Monitor XT Deluxe System is a top-of-the-line set for those wanting to get the most out of movies, games and TV shows. Designed with the highest-performing speakers in the Monitor XT line, this system provides an immersive, powerful Dolby ATMOS 5.1.2 surround sound experience.

What sets this system apart is its value. For $1,599, you get a Hi-Res audio certified bundle that includes left and right Monitor XT70 towers, two Monitor XT20 bookshelf speakers, a Monitor XT12 subwoofer, a Monitor XT30 center channel speaker, and a pair of Monitor XT90 height module speakers.

Impress your guests with cinema-quality sound, or feel like part of the action by diving into a gripping video game with hyperrealistic audio. Elevate your home media experience from ordinary to extraordinary with Polk audio.

Space-saving system that packs a punch

Q-series 11.1.4 ch. wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar Q990C

You save $500 (26.33%)

$1,399$1,899

$1,399 at Samsung

Pros & Cons

• Wireless set up

• Sound automatically calibrates to space

• Easy pairing only with Samsung TVs

• Might not sound great in a larger room

The Q-series 11.1.4 ch. wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar Q990C is designed to elevate your audio experience without taking up much space. With 11 front-facing speakers, one subwoofer, and four up-firing channels, you'll be fully immersed in sound, whether you're watching an action-packed movie or listening to your favorite music. This soundbar offers a true Dolby ATMOS sound experience, providing rich, three-dimensional, spatial audio that fills the room and puts you at the center of the action.

The Q990C's seamless wireless design lets you skip the hassle of tangled HDMI cables, making setting up a breeze. Plus, with the Q-Symphony feature, you can pair this soundbar with a Samsung TV to create a powerful, harmonious sound system.

The Q990C soundbar's standout feature is the SpaceFit Sound Pro. This innovative technology calibrates the sound to your space, delivering optimal audio performance tailored to your room's size and layout. Whether you have a large open-concept living room or a cozy den, you'll enjoy balanced sound tailored to your room.

A wonderful Wi-Fi set up

Yamaha - YHT-5960 Premium All-in-One Home Theater System

You save $180 (26.47%)

$499.99$679.99

$499.99 at Best Buy

Pros & Cons

• Multiple connectivity options

• Connects to several devices

• Bluetooth enabled

• Reports of product damage upon arrival

• May be some issues with subwoofer

Transform your living room into a movie theater with the Yamaha - YHT-5960 Premium All-in-One Home Theater System. With 115 watts per channel, this high-quality audio system promises a powerful and immersive sound experience. The Bluetooth-enabled bundle makes it easy for you to connect and stream music from your favorite devices. 

In this set, you’ll get an 8K receiver, a powered subwoofer and front, rear and center speakers. There are also multiple inputs, providing versatile connectivity options with four HDMI HDCP 2.3 inputs. The 8-inch subwoofer is the cherry on top, delivering deep, rich bass that adds an extra dimension to your movies, music and games. 

For those who want a high-quality, versatile and powerful home theater system, this Yamaha system could be the one you've been waiting for. It's designed to deliver a premium audio experience right in the comfort of your own home.

A great value sound system

Klipsch - Home Theater Surround Sound 5.0 System HT50

$499.99

$499.99 at Best Buy

Pros & Cons

• Doesn’t require much space

• Affordable price

• Doesn’t support HDMI inputs

Not just a sound system, the Klipsch Home Theater Surround Sound 5.0 System HT50 is an experience. With its 50-watt power per channel, this home theater set brings the cinematic experience right to your home. Plus, its sleek, modern look easily fits into any home decor style.

Though it does not support HDMI inputs, it compensates with superior sound quality that can fill any room. You'll feel like you're part of the action, whether you're watching a high-speed car chase or a heart-wrenching drama.

This system is designed for people who value quality sound above all else. It's perfect for movie nights, parties or just everyday listening. Once you experience the Klipsch set’s excellent sound quality, you'll never want to watch a movie or listen to music without it.

High-quality sound with minimalistic design

Sony - HT-A9 7.1 Channel High Performance Home Theater System

You save $500 (25%)

$1,499.99$1,999.99

$1,499.99 at Best Buy

Pros & Cons

• Built-in Google Assistant

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

• Doesn’t include subwoofer

• Only available in one color

The Sony HT-A9 7.1 Channel High Performance Home Theater System makes an excellent addition to any home entertainment setup. With its built-in Google Assistant, you can operate your home theater system with simple voice commands, freeing your hands for more important tasks (like enjoying your popcorn). 

Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allows you to connect various devices without the hassle of tangled wires. Plus, its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to play media directly from your devices. It also comes with the option to connect to a wireless subwoofer, adding that much-needed punch to your favorite action scenes or bass to your beloved tunes. 

The inclusion of HDMI HDCP 2.2 inputs and outputs ensures high-definition picture and sound quality, delivering the ultimate viewing experience right in your living room. For those in search of a high-performance home theater system, the Sony HT-A9 7.1 Channel High Performance Home Theater System is worth considering.

Best for deep bass

Bose Steal the Thunder Home Theater Sound System

You save $140 (10.79%)

$1,157$1,297

$1,157 at Bose

Pros & Cons

• 360-degree sound

• Easy setup through Bose App

• Fits in small spaces

• Not wireless

Welcome to an immersive sound experience with Bose’s Steal the Thunder Home Theater Sound System. This bundle doesn't just play sound — it creates an audio atmosphere. It includes a soundbar and speakers, accompanied by a wireless subwoofer for that rumbling bass. It's also simple to set up, meaning you can start your cinematic audio experience in no time.

Featuring Bose’s Bass Module, this system delivers a deep, impactful bass that will make your favorite action movie scenes feel extra thrilling. You will experience sound from all directions, thanks to Dolby ATMOS and Bose's Smart Soundbar 600. The addition of Surround Speakers ensures a 360-degree listening experience, creating theater-quality sound right in your home.

Whether you're a movie buff wanting to ramp up your home cinema game, or a music lover looking for a rich, enveloping sound, this Bose model is one of the best home theater sound systems.

Most customizable setup

JBL Bar 9.1 Channel 3D Surround Sound Soundbar with Detachable Rear Speakers

You save $199.96 (16.66%)

$999.99$1,199.95

$999.99 at Target

Pros & Cons

• Detachable rear speakers

• Bluetooth wireless streaming

• Some users say the sound cuts off

• Reports of missing parts on delivery

Transform your home into a personal movie theater with JBL’s Bar 9.1 Channel 3D Surround Sound Soundbar. This exceptional soundbar offers a three-dimensional audio experience that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. With a total power output of 820 watts, every scene, score and sound effect is delivered with crystal-clear quality.

The 10-inch subwoofer provides rich bass that adds depth and realism to your audio experience. What's more, the soundbar features two detachable rear speakers, allowing for a customizable setup to fit your space and preferences.

When you're not engrossed in a movie or TV show, use Chromecast or AirPlay for seamless access to streaming services. Whether you're a film enthusiast looking to enhance your viewing experience or someone who appreciates high-quality audio, this JBL soundbar will elevate your at-home entertainment.

An outdoor winner

Samsung The Terrace Outdoor Soundbar LST70T

$1,199.99

$1,199.99 at Samsung

Pros & Cons

• IP55 water and dust resistant

• Easy to set up

• Might not sound as good for indoor settings

The Terrace Outdoor Soundbar LST70T from Samsung is an audio device specifically optimized for outdoor use, ensuring clear sound even when you're outside. This soundbar is the perfect companion for The Terrace TV, providing high-quality, powerful audio that can easily compete with the ambient noise of the great outdoors. 

What sets this soundbar apart is its built-in subwoofer and center speaker that delivers crystal clear dialogue, making it an excellent choice for outdoor film nights or sporting events. In addition, this soundbar is equipped to handle any weather condition, from extreme temperatures to water and dust.

Which is better: 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound?

The choice between 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound speakers largely hinges on your personal preferences and the size of your room. A 5.1 system, with five speakers and one subwoofer, delivers vibrant and immersive sound. This is a good choice for small to medium-sized rooms. A 7.1 system has seven speakers and a single subwoofer. This provides a fuller soundscape, offering sound from various directions, which is ideal for larger spaces.

What size room is good for 7.1 surround sound?

A 7.1 surround sound speaker system is ideal for larger rooms, typically those measuring at least 150 to 200 square feet or more. The system has seven speakers, which requires ample space for optimal placement. A large room allows you to arrange the speakers in a way that ensures the sound comes from multiple directions, creating a genuinely immersive home audio experience.

Which home theater systems get our stamp of approval?

After a comprehensive review, we have two standouts: The Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc and the Polk Monitor XT Deluxe System.

The Sonos Arc set, with its Dolby ATMOS compatibility and Trueplay tuning, offers an unrivaled home audio system experience with superior flexibility.

On the other hand, the Polk Monitor XT Deluxe System impresses us with its value and Hi-Res Audio Certification, promising the best surround sound speaker experience.

However, the best speakers for home theater will depend on your personal needs, preferences and budget. So, start exploring the world of immersive audio and upgrade your home theater system today!

Did you like this article? For more great deals and shopping ideas, find us now on your favorite social networks: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

Prices updated on 01/30/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.