Top 10 Best Home Theater Systems in 2024
Large screen TVs are no longer a luxury at least not for the past decade. Large TVs are fairly common and affordable. This enabled a whole new industry to develop. What we now call home cinema systems are basically large TVs and a home theater system.
Superior image quality is not paired with superior sound quality and the vast majority of people can afford to have a small cinema in the comfort of their own home.
Today we will get into the details of what makes a great home theater system and what offerings the market has.
A good home theater system must offer high fidelity sound and good coverage of audio frequencies. This means bass, mids, and highs. To achieve this, a multi-speaker system is preferable like a subwoofer and satellites.
Best Home Theater Systems
Most home theater systems come with their own built-in amplifier and they are optimized for movies but they can still play music while still offering an immersive listening experience. What comes next is our selection of home theater systems that are worth checking out.
Right from the gecko, it becomes obvious that there are several brands that simply dominate the market. Still, there is a great deal of diversity and products for any budget.
Like with everything else, higher quality sound means spending more money. It is also worth noting that a good home theater does not have to be loud and have a high wattage. Sound quality is more important than power when it comes to enjoying a movie.
Now that all these things have been cleared it is time to check out what we deem purchase worthy. Here is our selection for the top 10 best home theater systems in 2020.
What is a Home Theater System?
When it comes to defining home theatre you will lose the words to explain and describe them, these have been part of your home entertainment for a long time.
But let me try, home theatre is a system that is combined with various electronic components to create an entertainment system and to replicate the movie experience of cinema.
So, this is why whenever you watch any movie in the Home theatre you would have an immersive experience of watching it. Because of it, you are now not fond of ordinary television.
If you want to know how to pull off this exciting act and to indulge you in complete isolation of watching a movie. Then to understand that you need to understand the function of the original theatre that would be cinema.
If you are a movie critic then you might arouse yourself with quality of cinema about the picture and sound that you can’t experience at home.
So, now I have answered two of your querries that what is Home theatre and why people pay a loathsome amount of money to watch a movie when they can rent a movie and watch it at home.
This because they don’t get that immersive experience of watching a movie that they get in a cinema.
Best Home Theater Systems in 2024
Table of Contents
10. Klipsch Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System
Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is a Hi-Fi system that comes as a bundle. The model includes a set Hi-Fi speaker and a Pioneer VSX-LX303 receiver. The receiver can be connected to any input source such as a media player or a TV. The speaker system has 5 Wi-Fi speakers and a subwoofer. Except for the subwoofer, all of them have wall mounting brackets. The entire bundle comes with all the wiring required to connect it to a TV or other audio source.
Features:
- Hi-Fi receiver with 9.2 channel output
- Dolby Atmos/Dolby Surround support
- Wireless subwoofer
- Large number of input options
Reasons to buy:
- The bundle offers great value for money. If they are purchased separately, the system would be rather expensive.
- Sound quality is superior when compared to a regular home theater without a receiver. Movies and music will sound so much better and the number of input options makes it easy to stream even from a smartphone.
- The wireless subwoofer and small satellites make it easy to find the optimal setup for the best acoustic experience. All the included cables are fairly long and the setup is quite simple.
9. Pyle PT589BT 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System
The Pyle home theater system is a good choice for the ones that have a limited budget. It is a simple system consisting of a 5.1 speaker setup. As it is an active speaker system, it can be powered directly and does not need a dedicated amplifier. Also, it can be connected to TVs or monitors as it has plenty of input ports. An interesting feature is the FM radio that is built into the internal amplifier. Additionally, the system supports Bluetooth connections. In terms of power, the system is rated at 300 watts and has a reasonably loud subwoofer.
Features:
- HDMI, AUX input ports, Bluetooth connectivity
- 300 watts total peak power
- Wireless remote
- FM radio feature
Reasons to buy:
- The speaker system tries to be a jack of all trades. It can work with any device that can stream audio over Bluetooth, TVs, and it can work as an FM radio.
- Sound quality is fairly decent and for the price, it is difficult to find a better sounding system. If it is paired with a receiver, the sound quality can be improved.
- The system is fairly powerful. 300 watts peak power is loud enough to enjoy movies or throw a small party.
8. Sony STR-DN1080 7.2-Channel Home Theater
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The Sony STR-DN1080 is a premium home theater system that comes as a complete kit. It includes a Sony amplifier that has 4K pass-through, meaning that it allows data to be transmitted without interfering with image quality. The entire system supports Dolby Atmos and Wi-fi Network features. Sound quality is quite good as the speakers have a frequency response of 45 Hz to 50KHz. They are also quite loud and can be enjoyed for both music and movies.
Features:
- Dolby Atmos, DTS, and Wi-Fi network support
- 45 Hz to 50KHz frequency response for optimal sound quality
- 4K HDMI pass-through
- Wireless remote and multiple input options
Reasons to buy:
- The sound quality is what sets the Sony system apart. The frequency response is excellent for movie auditions and delivers good bass.
- The receiver unit comes with plenty of features and connectivity options. 4K pass-through and Dolby Atmos are the most notable features.
- The receiver supports plenty of inputs. It has Bluetooth connectivity, HDMI, AUX, digital audio and it can even work as an FM radio receiver.
See also: Top 10 Best Bluetooth Sound Bars in 2024
7. Polk Audio Blackstone TL1600 Compact Home Theater System
Polk Audio Blackstone home theater system offers plenty of features in a not so big package. The speakers are quite compact while the subwoofer is loud and has a good frequency response. Connectivity options include digital audio and AUX ports, making it a good addition to a TV. The model can also work with any receiver. All 5 satellites can be mounted on walls and have long connection cables.
Features:
- Compact form factor
- Digital audio, AUX ports, and LAN connectivity
- Active 50-watt subwoofer with built-in amplifier
- Multiple mounting and installation options
Reasons to buy:
- The low price tag is the main reason why the system would be appealing for anyone looking for home theater speakers. They are inexpensive and reasonably well built
- Sound quality is good for the price. It is nothing astonishing but in its price range, the Polk Audio system is one of the best.
- The lack of Bluetooth connectivity might seem like a negative aspect for some but it is still a great system. It can be connected directly to any Smart TV that has casting features to eliminate the need for Bluetooth.
6. Yamaha Yht-4950U 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Home Theater System
Yamaha is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to audio equipment due to its legacy. The YHT-4950U home theater system is a premium product delivering excellent sound quality. Installation takes minimal effort as the receiver and the speakers come with all the required instructions and cables. The model supports Dolby Vision, 4K HDMI inputs and outputs as well as Bluetooth. Connected to a TV, the system will complement every viewing and listening experience or it can be used as a regular FM radio receiver.
Features:
- 4K HDMI support with 4 inputs and 1 output
- Dolby Vision support
- Bluetooth audio, FM radio
- Simple installation, long cables included
Reasons to buy:
- Sound quality has always been the first thing that set Yamaha apart from competitors. The system delivers excellent sound quality regardless if it is used for movies or music.
- Bluetooth connectivity should be standard on all home theater systems. The receiver that comes with the system has Bluetooth and many more input options.
- Even if it is a bit pricy, the system comes with everything one would need ranging from a remote, the amplifier, cables, speakers and several additional bonuses. Purchased separately, the speakers and the amplifier would cost much more.
5. Bose CineMate GS Series II Digital Home Theater Speaker System
Bose CineMate GS Series II is a rather pricy home theater system that maybe suited better for true audiophiles. The premium drivers and enclosures for the speakers deliver a superior sound. The active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier and FM tuner. It can be connected to TVs, monitors or receivers as well as Bluetooth devices. The system comes with a simple remote, all the required cables and a very simple installation guide.
Features:
- Premium sound quality
- Wireless remote with Direct TV features
- Optical input, HDMI, AUX
- Simple setup and installation
Reasons to buy:
- Not everyone wants a 5.1 home theater system due to the sheer number of cables they have to deal with. The Bose CineMate is a 2.1 system, meaning that there are 3 fewer cables to manage.
- The remote that comes with the system has Direct TV support and can also replace the remote of your TV. It is a universal remote that works with multiple types of devices.
- The sound quality is what made Bose speakers famous in the first place. Anyone who pays the premium for a Bose home theater system knows that they are getting top-of-line sound fidelity.
See also: Top 10 Best Home Theater Projectors in 2024
4. Bose CineMate 15 Home Theater Speaker System
Bose CineMate is a very basic system that delivers great sound fidelity with excellent frequency responses. The system consists of an amplified subwoofer, one satellite, and a remote. Like some of their other home theater systems, the remote included is universal and works with Direct TV. Input options are flexible as it supports optical audio, coaxial and analog. The main soundbar does not have mounting brackets and the subwoofer is wired. Installation is quite simple as there are fewer cables to deal with.
Features:
- Powerful subwoofer and soundbar
- Wireless remote with Direct TV features
- Optical input, HDMI, AUX
- Simple setup and installation
Reasons to buy:
- Sound quality is the first thing that comes to mind when looking at Bose devices. Their CineMate is no different as it offers premium acoustics in a minimalistic form factor.
- As the system consists of a subwoofer and a soundbar, there are only 3 cables to manage. Regular 5.1 systems can turn into a real mess when it comes to cable management.
- The features of the remote make it work with multiple TV models. It can replace the TV remote as it has Direct TV features and it can even be used to control other types of devices.
3. Onkyo HT-S5800 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Home Theater Package
Onkyo HT-S5800 home theater system offers great value for money. The system consists of a 5.1 speaker setup and a receiver. It can be connected to a wide range of devices over HDMI, optical audio, coaxial or analog. The model also supports Bluetooth devices. Sadly, the subwoofer of the system is wired but on the other hand, it has great frequency responses. The system supports Dolby Atmos and 4K UHD HDMI. Lastly, the receiver can work as an FM tuner and can be expended with additional speakers.
Features:
- HDMI, optical audio, AUX, coaxial inputs
- Dolby Atmos and 4K HDMI support
- FM tuner, wireless remote
- Bluetooth audio
Reasons to buy:
- The Onkyo system offers great value for money which makes it a rather appealing purchase. It has all the features of much more expensive systems but not that many flaws.
- Having Bluetooth and so many input options makes it possible to have it connected to any type of device including smartphones.
- Sound quality is anything but disappointing. Frequency responses are good and can deliver deep bass and crisp clear mids and highs.
2. Sonos 5.1 Surround Set – Home Theater Surround Sound System
Sonos has some interesting products in the sense that they are modular. Their 5.1 home theater system is actually a set of individual speakers that can be purchased separately. It includes 2 satellites, a soundbar, and a subwoofer. The subwoofer is wireless while the rest of the speakers are wired. The system supports Bluetooth audio, Apple Airplay 2, Amazon Alexa, and plenty of other streaming services. It can be connected to any TV and it is very easy to setup.
Features:
- Wireless subwoofer
- Supports Bluetooth devices, Amazon Alexa, Apple Airplay 2
- Wall mountable
- HDMI and optical audio inputs
Reasons to buy:
- The fact that additional speakers can be added to the system in such an easy way is a major plus. It can even be paired with other Sonos systems wirelessly.
- Even if the system does not come with a remote, it can be controlled using Amazon Alexa. The speech recognition software is very accurate and easy to learn.
- The system may seem pricy as there are cheaper options but very few sound systems will come close to a Sonos home theater speaker setup.
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1. Polk Audio PSW10 5.1 Channel Home Theater System
The Polk Audio PSW10 home theater system is the most popular choice due to its low price tag and the sound quality it offers. Being a 5.1 system means that it comes with one subwoofer and 5 satellite speakers of which two are tower speakers with additional drivers for mid frequencies. The system comes with an amplified subwoofer and does not need a receiver or amplifier. It supports a wide range of audio inputs and it is very easy to install.
Features:
- Powerful 100-watt subwoofer
- Dedicated speakers for mid frequencies and bass radiators
- Optical audio, coaxial inputs, and AUX
- Wooden enclosures
Reasons to buy:
- The acoustics of the Polk system makes it sound like premium system. Having 2 bass radiators and warm-sounding mid frequencies allows it to cover a wider frequency range.
- The system can be used as-is without the need to add a receiver or amplifier. This means fewer cables and money saved on additional audio equipment.
- Even if it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive home theater systems, it has all the basic features and can be connected to almost any audio source.
Which Home Theater System To Pick?
There are a lot of different home theater systems to choose from. Most manufacturers even release new versions of their systems almost every year which seems totally unnecessary.
A good home theater system needs to sound good and that is pretty much it.
There are some differences between them in terms of their features and what is included but things should not be complicated. Here are some things to expect when looking for a home theater system:
- 5.1 or 7.1 System: 7.1 systems are stated to offer a better movie experience because of how the speakers can be arranged around the room. While it might sound impressive at first, it is important to note that there are not a whole lot of movies that actually support 7.1. The experience is emulated at best. Also, 7.1 systems mean additional wires to deal with.
- With or Without A Blu-Ray Player: Some home theater systems only include the speakers. Others may include a Blue-Ray player. In the end, it is up to the user as some might already have a player at home.
- Wireless Speakers or Wired: Wireless speakers are not exactly wired. They still need to be powered. Also, they can get desynchronized. In all honesty, wired speakers are still the best option mainly because they are much more reliable.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Home theater Systems:
Television:
Now: a first and essential item that you require to build a home theater is a TV. and if you don’t already own it then you might need one so start gathering around your money to buy it.
Or if you already own a TV but it is not a 4K or Flat screen HRD TV then I would suggest you get a new one that is equipped with these features. You wouldn’t believe me when I say that this new TV technology is fascinating.
Why I say to get one of these new emerging TV technology because they are the key to connectivity options, You can create several connections at once.
And when we talk about today’s smart TV’s then this is hands down to be the best one to get because now you can surf the internet or YouTube, Netflix and much more with this new emerging TV technology.
There is a Wifi connection installed, with Bluetooth connectivity. And through these, you can now stream your favorite shows and favorite movies at your ease.
Lounge Room
The best factor for you is to have a large lounge where you are going to set up your home theater system. You might ask why? Well, some and most home theater systems are equipped with large and space covering speakers and to accommodate them you might need a big room.
As you have heard the phrase the bigger the better, the same is the case with the room the bigger the room would be the better it can create an immersive experience for you. With a large lounge room, you can, first of all, install large TV with huge speakers that can be a plus point right.
Other than that, a large room can be installed with some small subwoofers on the ceiling to create a 3d sound like in cinemas. There are various possibilities to have a home theater but having it in a large and spacious room can matter a huge deal.
Streaming Devices
When you are into technological devices then you might know a device that is purposed to cast anything on your TV screen. Isn’t that fascinating now you can watch anything you want you can download a movie on your computer and watch it on your tv screen.
With that the home theater device if it is the upgraded model then it might be a streaming hub for anything you want.
This is the benefit of getting a home theater device. That device allows you to stream anything from your laptop, computer, smartphone on your TV screen.
That device is connected with the HDMI port that is present on your screen.
The home theater device is a multi-hub of every fantasy that you need. Through this home theater device, you can stream your VR games on your TV. Imagine yourself playing games on your TV without X-box or Playstation.
Easy to Setup
The thing is that as complicated as it is to explain what is a home theater it is rather as simple as it can get to install the setup of home theater.
There are some various options that you might come across while setting up a home theater. See, there are mainly two options getting a direct kit of home theater but if you are in love with cinema then that basic kit won’t satisfy and soothe your need of watching movies.
You might want to build a custom home theater. And what you need for that is a set of large and woofer speakers. DVD players are now old tech but if you want to include it then better than nice. You but including a set of speakers on the ceiling might enhance the effect of the audio of your movie.
And setting up all of this equipment is easy and barely an inconvenience.
You just have to connect the main speakers to your TV and all the small speakers are connected to the junction that you call as a subwoofer and if there is an amplifier then all of that is connected in an amplifier.
FAQ’s – Home Theater Systems of 2020
Do I Need to Buy an Amplifier or Speakers?
If I have to answer it simply then yes. And if I had to provide you with reason then it will be to manage the audio of your movie and have enhanced audio for your movie experience.
Setting up an amplifier is important because it connects all the woofer and subwoofer to your TV while all the speakers that are connected work accordingly and when all of these gadgets are used and works simultaneously then you will get an enhanced experience of your movie’s audio while if you have spread the speakers around the room then you can also enjoy 3d sound of the movie.
What Connection Types Do I Need?
When it comes to connecting a Home theater to all of its components to build an ultimate home theater setup then you might require some cables and ports to connect all the important components to your TV because it is the main source of output and every component should be related and connected to that to provide you with an immersive experience of watching a movie.
Down below I have mentioned a wide range of wiring galleries of setting up a home theater.
- HDMI
- DVI
- Component
- S-Video
- Composite.
- Scard
- VGA
- Optical Audio
- Coaxial Audio
- Stereo RCA
- Multichannel TCA
- Mini TSR Jack.
- Speaker wiring.
What Surround Sound Speaker Layout Do I Want?
When it comes to having a surround sound then I would prefer to go with Dolby surround sound setup because they are the pioneer in creating a fascinating mirage of surround sound and most of the cinemas are using that also.
There is a home theater kit for that from Dolby Atmos.
But the perfect placing for the speakers should be where your hearing sides are and in most but all cases, it is left and right. You want to put speakers in that position to achieve some high-quality surround sound experience.
And point the speakers towards your listing position because it will make it easy to hear crystal clear sound with 3d effect.
How Much Power Does My Home Theater System Need?
Considering a normal TV a Home theater can consume more and effective power that can affect the billing criteria of your house. So, if you intend to install a system then this should be kept in mind before installing the system.
Unfortunately, I can’t mention the exact numbers of this consumption because of the different consumption ratio in every city or in each country.
Every country has it’s own criteria of power and electricity so I can’t say how much does a home theater consumes in your country but it is a lot. Just image a 4K TV can consume around half the power that your house is getting because it needs it the moe unit it consumes the more increased bill you will get so, before setting up and installing a home theater you should consider the power consumption and according to that you should choose your device to work with the system.
Do I Need Wired or Wireless Speakers?
When we talk about the speaker setup then I would prefer you to choose a wired setup for your home theater. And to say that I have an excellent explanation to back my theory up.
When you use a wireless speaker setup then you might have lagged in sound or misplace in sound and you don’t want that when you are watching a movie.
This happens because in the loss of connection as it is connected wirelessly then anything comes between that connection it will displace the sound or break the sound of your video.
Hence choosing a wired setup for the home theater speakers is a wise choice as it is a full proof plan without having any disruptions and break down in audio.
How Good Is the Sound Quality of a Home Theater System?
If you are getting a basic setup of a home theater then you might receive a sound setup with that also. But how good it can be as it is a premade setup thus it can lack some features or it might not suit your attire of watching films and videos.
But when it comes to sound quality of a premade and basic Home theater setup you wouldn’t be disappointed because it gets the job done with no problem.
But when it comes to having an immersive experience, unfortunately, it can’t provide you that because it lacks some stereo features from the sound setup.
And to have an immersive experience you might want to have a stereo setup in the sound quality of your home theater.
Conclusion:
Having a Home theater is not as bad as it looks it is a one-time investment and it will save you from visiting the cinema every weekend. With a personal Home theater setup, you will open a portal of endless entertainment in your life while enhancing the immersive experience of watching anything you want.
You will have full control over that. Either you want to watch Netflix, YouTube, listen to Spotify or else this setup can be the key to all of that.
Great home theatre systems! I especially love the ones with bluetooth.