The best home theater systems offer an outstanding compromise between high-quality audio and ease of installation for many consumers.
Top-of-the-line home theater systems of 2022 will be able to compete with more complicated systems in terms of audio quality.
However, this eliminates the need to purchase each component separately.
This buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started.
To begin, I’ll explain what an all-in-one system is and some of the key characteristics to keep an eye out for while shopping for one.
After that, I’ll go through a few of my favorite models and explain why they might provide you with a fantastic home cinema experience.
Q ACOUSTICS 3050I 5.1 CINEMA PACKA
Our ratings
- Channels: 5.1
- Finishes: Matte black, white, grey, or walnut
- Frequency response: 35Hz-30kHz
- Dolby Atmos height drivers: No
- Subwoofer power: 150W
Editor’s choice!
TECHNIVORM MOCCAMASTER KBGV
Our ratings
- Channels: 5.1
- Finishes: Faux leather black or white
- Frequency response: 40Hz-20kHz
- Dolby Atmos height drivers: No
- Subwoofer power: 70W
Highly recommended
FOCAL SIB EVO
Our ratings
- Channels: 5.1.2
- Finishes: Matte black
- Frequency response: 35Hz-25kHz
- Dolby Atmos height drivers: Yes
- Subwoofer power: 200W
Recommended
SAMSUNG HW-Q950A
Our ratings
- Channels: 11.1.4
- Finishes: Black
- Frequency response: Not listed
- Dolby Atmos height drivers: Yes
- Subwoofer power: 160W
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SONY HT-A9
Our ratings
- Channels: 4.1.4
- Finishes: Matte white
- Frequency response: Not listed
- Dolby Atmos height drivers: Yes
- Subwoofer power: 200W
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SONOS ARC
Our ratings
- Channels: 5.0.2
- Finishes: Matte black or white
- Frequency response: Not listed
- Dolby Atmos height drivers: Yes
- Subwoofer power: N/A
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DALI OBERON 5 5.1 SPEAKER PACKAGE
Our ratings
- Channels: 5.1
- Subwoofer: 170W
- Finishes: Black Ash, Dark Walnut, Light Oak, White
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ELAC DEBUT 2.0 5.1
Our ratings
- Channels: 5.1
- Subwoofer: 200W
- Finishes: Black
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Precision-cut curved cabinets and robust bracing designed for the high-end Concept 500 speaker make the build quality remarkable for the price. As a consequence, the sound is more focused and well-balanced, thanks to the use of similar drivers. Despite the fact that the subwoofer can be moved about, it doesn’t reach as deep as some of the competition, but the system’s performance is dynamic and engaging. That’s OK by us. The Q Acoustics 3050i 5.1 Cinema Package is reviewed in its entirety here on the site.
With the Denon AVC-X3700H AV receiver, these speakers are a perfect fit for this system, which has enough power to shine in both movies and music while still having enough channels for future expansion.
What we like
- The soundstage is well-balanced.
- Exceptional acoustic quality.
- The design and construction are top-notch.
- It's a great deal for the money.
What we don't like
- Deeper subwoofers are possible.
The soundstage of these speakers is well-balanced, allowing for a wide range of immersive home cinema experiences. Clear conversation is delivered by the center speaker, while a powerful bass foundation is provided by the subwoofer, which is well integrated into the whole system. At this price, the DX-2 is hard to blame.
The Sony STR-DH790 AV receiver, which is also reasonably priced, may be used with these speakers to create a powerful surround sound system for a fraction of the cost of most soundbars with rear speakers and a subwoofer.
What we like
- Very well-balanced tones.
- The soundstage is well-integrated.
- Highly functional and well-designed.
- It's adaptable and simple to set up.
What we don't like
- The smaller the space, the better.
- The subwoofer does not have enough oomph.
When all the speakers utilize similar transducers, they provide an even, well-balanced tone across the room, while well-integrated bass ensures a consistent sound field. For the two front overhead channels, upward-firing drivers work best with a low, flatter ceiling. This pair of speakers features a modern style and is straightforward to set up. To be honest, the only drawback at this pricing point is the clumsy speaker connectors.
You can enjoy Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio using these speakers and the superb Denon AVR-X2700H AV receiver with no effort and a wallet-friendly price.
What we like
- A really engrossing show.
- Bass that's well-integrated.
- Upward-firing drivers are already built in.
- Design that is both modern and well-made.
What we don't like
- Terminals for speakers might be tricky.
- Using an overhead projector requires a low ceiling.
You can’t expect to hear as good a sound quality through Samsung’s Dolby Atmos-ready speakers as you would if you had 11 real speakers all around you, but that’s what we’re aiming for with Samsung’s claims. Four up-firing drivers, on the other hand, add height and positioning. To create an immersive ‘dome’ of sound, Dolby Atmos is utilized to its fullest extent here.
At high volumes, you’d think you were in a room with a wall of speakers since you can hear all the little details and noises.
With this setup, you just need an HDMI connection between the soundbar and TV, and the rest of the speakers will receive music wirelessly. Since it has two HDMI ports, you may connect your Blu-ray player, gaming console, etc., to the soundbar so that you can still get Dolby Atmos audio from those devices, even if your TV does not support it.
For this soundbar, you’ll need a 55-inch or larger TV, and it’s mostly built for movies rather than music, so you may want to check out the other systems on this page if that’s essential to you.
What we like
- Four separate speakers create true surround sound.
- Setup was a breeze.
- Spectacular acoustic sphere.
- HDMI tethered.
What we don't like
- Not as good at music as the others here.
- Because of the soundbar's size, it might be constrained.
As a result of spatial sound mapping, the system does not require an AV receiver, is simple to set up, and is extremely customizable. The Sony SA-SW3 subwoofer is required to obtain the full bass impact from the system, but the results are excellent.
If you connect to one of Sony’s BRAVIA televisions, the TV will serve as the center speaker, but if you don’t, the other four speakers offer a well-balanced sound. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio are supported; however, only a few inputs are available.
What we like
- It was an incredible experience.
- Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- Flexible and easy to set up.
- Wireless implementation is now simpler.
What we don't like
- There is no central speaker.
- There are a finite number of possible inputs.
- A subwoofer is also required.
In the beginning, you may start with only the Arc because it provides you with three front channels, two angle channels, and two upward-firing Dolby Atmos drivers. However, the lack of a subwoofer means that this will be fairly front-focused, with nothing in the way of deep bass extension. If you want to create a broad and tall soundscape that’s filled with information and dynamically hits delicate speech and tremendous explosions only one second apart, this is the only choice.
Upgrades to a 5.1.2-channel system are straightforward with Sonos, which offers a pair of Sonos One or Sonos One SL rear speakers and a Sonos Sub. There’s no wire to go in the way of the bass, and the Class D amplifiers can handle even the largest spaces with ease.
If you have a low or flat ceiling, you’ll get better overhead effects. The only drawbacks are the price and the lack of DTS:X support and HDMI passthrough, which means you’ll effectively lose one HDMI port on your TV if you use this.
What we like
- The sound is really clear.
- Installing it is a breeze.
- Drivers that fire upwards are built in.
- There are also cordless rear speakers and a subwoofer available.
What we don't like
- The cost of a full system update is high.
- DTS:X is not supported.
- HDMI doesn't allow for passthrough.
Floorstanders Dali Oberon 5 are in the forefront. The Dali Oberon 1 standmounters ($1699) or the Dali On-Wall speakers ($1799) can be used as the surrounds, according on your preference. The Oberon Vokal center and Sub E9-F subwoofer are located in the middle.
The Dali Oberon 5 5.1 system brings out the best in any song since every frequency is portrayed in its entirety. To have a cup of coffee or tea with them, we’d be more than happy.
What we like
- The sound is really clear.
- Installing it is a breeze.
- Drivers that fire upwards are built in.
- There are also cordless rear speakers and a subwoofer available.
What we don't like
- The cost of a full system update is high.
- DTS:X is not supported.
- HDMI doesn't allow for passthrough.
While we are enjoying this speaker system, it would make us really happy to be able to watch as many of our favorite movie sequences as is physically feasible. They have created a soundstage that is an excellent illustration of genuine cinematic sound by being intelligent, smart, and flowing throughout the production process. Their ability to make you forget that you’re listening to audio is so amazing that it borders on being offensive. They can make you forget that you’re listening to sounds.
What we like
- A soundstage that is extremely immersive.
- Smooth harmony between the tones.
- Sound that is clean, crisp, and energetic.
What we don't like
- Certainly not the most direct delivery.
BEST HOME THEATER SYSTEMS BUYING GUIDE
So, to summarize, the best home theater systems include both an amplifier and speakers.
Even a few years ago, an integrated system was a whole new beast.
A DVD player, an amplifier, and surround speakers were common components of the best home theater systems in the past. Everything you need in one place. Home-theater-in-a-box was indeed a common moniker for this setup.
However, as technology advances, this sort of system is becoming less and less prevalent. There are still a few low-cost home theaters on the market. I wouldn’t suggest them for home theater sound.
You’d be better off spending your hard-earned cash on something more worthwhile, in my opinion.
As of right now, the two primary options are as follows:
1. Best Home theater systems include everything you need to enjoy a movie at home, from the speakers and subwoofer to the amplifier, are available.
2. Under (or over) your TV, a soundbar system has all the speakers incorporated into a single, beautiful, and small device. Depending on the model, you may be able to add a subwoofer and additional surround speakers to your home. The majority of speakers are housed in a single box.
In this case, the first question is whether you like a standard all in one set-up, or a soundbar system.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the warning signs.
FQAs - BEST HOME THEATER SYSTEMS
This list of some very important questions you need to ask yourself when you are in the market for the all-in-one best home theather systems.
Q. How much do good home theater systems cost?
It all depends on what you’re looking for, how big the space is, and how much money you have to spend. There is a wide range in price for a home entertainment system, from $667 to more than $8,000. The good news is that we’ve got home theater packages to suit just about any budget!
Q. What home theater receiver do I need?
The remainder of your set-up will have an impact on this as well. Check out our AV receivers Buying Guide to learn what to look for in a device that will meet your needs best! To assist you out, we’ve got more than a dozen experts ready to answer any questions you may have about our products and services!
Q. What home theater system should I buy?
Always go for what you desire and never settle for less! To get you started, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorites.
Q. What home theater projector should I buy?
You might want to check out our list of the best projectors. If you’re looking for something specific, or anything within a specific price range, we’re confident you’ll find it here. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and one of our experts will be happy to discuss your options with you.
Q. Can I connect my home theater to my laptop or PC?
In most cases, it can be done with just a single HDMI cable or wirelessly!
Q. Are home theater systems good for music?
Yes, they most certainly are! While music may not be as immersive as movies or TV shows, a decent sound system may nevertheless deliver a totally immersive surround listening experience.
Q. Are Home Theater Systems Wireless?
There are wifi solutions for some of them!.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There is no surround sound speaker system that can beat the Q Acoustics 3050i 5.1 Cinema Package in terms of performance and pricing. For years, the business has worked wonders, adapting its audio brilliance to reasonably cost systems, and this is just another wonderful example. This remarkable 5.1-channel system has elegant appearance, sturdy construction, and a strong sound performance thanks to the use of technology first presented on Q Acoustics’ high-end Concept 500 speaker.
To save money, we suggest the Wharfedale DX-2, a hi-fi specialist’s system that produces excellent 5.1 sound at an astonishingly low price.
Also, the Focal Sib Evo is a tiny surround system from one of the world’s greatest speaker companies, with upfiring Dolby Atmos speakers embedded inside the other speaker units, making life easier.
You may want some hot coffee while watching your favourite movie.
