Why You Can Trust CNET Best Home Theater Systems of 2023
Complete your home theater with these great-sounding systems.
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While a TV screen may be the first thing people notice, sound quality is what makes a proper home theater complete. 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 -- but 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 -- until recently, I had lived without surround-sound speakers for about five years and didn't feel I was missing out. But given you can get a full 5.1.4 Klipsch system for under $500 you don't really need to wait.
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.
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.
If you're looking for a surround set to pair with an AV receiver, then speaker manufacturer Klipsch has you spoiled for choice. For under $400 you can currently buy either the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack or the step-up Klipsch Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System. Both offer excellent sound quality, but given that the full-cream Atmos system is currently only $50 or so dollars more, you should get that. An unbelievable value.
Read our Klipsch Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System review.
If there's one area where we're spoiled for choice, it's affordable stereo speakers, and at $279 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.
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.
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.
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.