Having one of the top-rated home theater systems can change the way you watch movies and TV shows on your TV. Good music adds life to any scene in movies and TV Shows, but what good is that music if you can’t experience it in the way you were supposed to. The best surround sound system can add value to the scene you are watching. It lets you know where the sound is coming from, so you can experience whatever you are watching in better quality. If you are looking to equip your home entertainment setup with the best wired or best wireless surround sound systems then we have curated a list for you.
Here is our pick for the best budget home theater system:
- Klipsch 7.2.2 Reference Premiere Home Theater System with Marantz Receiver
- ELAC Debut 2.0-5.1 System
- Paradigm Cinema 100 CT 5.1
- SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Speaker System
- Monoprice 10565 Premium 5.1
Why Do You need Best Surround Sound System?
If you have a surround sound system at home then it changes your whole experience of watching at home. If you get the best home theater speakers at home, then you can watch a movie as you do at a cinema hall.
The top-rated home theater systems contain five or more speakers and a subwoofer, an audio/video receiver is required to connect all of them together.
Surround Sound System Components
- Audio/Video Receiver (AVR): This receiver helps in splitting your TV’s audio signals into separate channels and sends them to matching speakers for a complete surround sound experience.
- Center Speaker: This carries the sound that is coming from the front of your TV, most of the sound includes dialogues.
- Rear Speakers: These speakers play the sounds that appear to come from behind you.
- Subwoofer: If you are playing music then the main function of the subwoofer is to provide bass.
Top-Rated Home Theater Systems
1. Klipsch 7.2.2 Reference Premiere Home Theater System with Marantz Receiver
This Klipsch surrounds sound system is the best one you can find on our list. It is also the one and only best home theater system that includes an A/V receiver. Its price makes it a very enticing option for all kinds of users.
You can always opt for a bigger surround sound system setup but the 7.2.2 Dolby Atmos configuration provides it with a superior sound. Here’s a list of all the components that will come equipped with this.
- (2) Klipsch RP-8060FA floor-standing speaker with Dolby Atmos
- (1) Klipsch RP-504C center-channel speaker
- (2) Klipsch RP-502S Reference Premiere surround speakers
- (2) Klipsch R-120SW 12″ subwoofers
- (1) Marantz SR7013 9.2-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Amazon Alexa and HEOS
| Pros: | Cons: |
| 7.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos for 3D surround sound | The price is a bit high |
| Marantz A/V receiver included |
2. ELAC Debut 2.0-5.1 System
The Elac surround sound system is one of the most fairly priced theater systems for the home. It is without a doubt one of the best budget home theater system. The Elac Debut 2.0-5.1 brings together all the best-rated speakers on Amazon. If you don’t want to bleed your band dry but you still need an advanced sound system then this is the right choice for you.
It costs around $2,000 and it’s still a bit on the expensive end but the quality it offers is worth the money you’re putting down. It’s a great choice for your first-ever best home theater speakers. Here’s a list of components that come included in the box:
- (2 Unit) 6-½” F6.2 floor-standing speakers
- (1 Unit) 6-½” C6.2 center speaker
- (2 Unit) 6-½” B6.2 bookshelf speakers
- (1 Unit) 10” Sub3010 subwoofer
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Brilliant quality for a great price | A higher price (In comparison to the cheapest options) |
3. Paradigm Cinema 100 CT 5.1
If you live in a small apartment and you need the best home theater system that’s not too loud for roommate, apartment, and dorm room situation then look no further. This compact yet powerful surround sound system can do wonders.
It comes with five identical-looking satellite speakers that can work in any possible position. While you will feel the need for a central channel speaker as all the speakers are identical. Regardless of that small flaw, the Paradigm speakers are great.
- (5 Unit) 3-½” Cinema 100 satellite speakers
- (1 Unit) 8” Cinema Sub subwoofer
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Superb for small apartments and dorms | No dedicated center-channel speaker available |
4. SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Speaker System
Here’s another really compact system on the list. The SVS is quite similar to the Paradigm and it’s great for smaller spaces. It definitely is a little louder for dorms and roommate situations as it has a bigger and more powerful subwoofer.
If you are looking for one of the best surround sound systems as a beginner setup then the bigger speakers will do wonders. You can even use these speakers for home as the sound is crisp and loud enough. Below is the list of components that come along with the SVS Prime surround sound system.
- (5 Unit) Prime Satellite speakers
- (1 Unit) 12” SB-1000 subwoofer
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Powerful for mid-sized rooms | More than enough power for smaller spaces |
| Bigger subwoofer than other compact speaker setups |
5. Monoprice 10565 Premium 5.1
If you are looking for the cheapest option, then the Monoprice home speaker system is the best budget home theater system for you. Like its ancestors, the Monoprice 10565 Premium 5.1 rig is perfect for small spaces. It will also fit your smaller budgets as it’s almost $800 less expensive than other options. Students living in hostels can get this unit.
It is super powerful but we suggest you don’t crank it up to the max as it’ll trigger your neighbors. Here’s a list of components available.
- (4 Unit) 3” satellite speakers w/ ¾” dome tweeters
- (1 Unit) 3” center channel speaker
- (1 Unit) 8” subwoofer
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Great surround sound for the size and price | Max sound can disturb the neighbors |
What To Look For In a Surround Sound System?
There are a lot of things that make a surround sound system into the best surround sound system. If you are a beginner and you don’t know what to choose then here’s all you should search for before buying any of the best wired or best wireless surround sound system.
1. Budget
Speakers are a pretty simple piece of technology. You will get what you paid for, the more money you put in, the better the sound you’ll get. That doesn’t mean you have to go bankrupt in order to get the best home theater speakers.
As far as AVRs go, you should get the cheaper option available as it won’t make much difference. The difference between a cheap and expensive AVR is less noticeable than a cheap and expensive speaker setup.
2. Room Size
If you live in a small room like a dorm room or an apartment then you will be more than fine with a 5.1 surround sound system. You can get all the top-rated home theater systems for small rooms. Bigger spaces require a 5.2 system and for large homes, we suggest you consider 7.2 or higher.
3. Install and Setup
Setting up your very first surround sound setup can be really tricky. You need to take multiple measurements, you will have to drill holes, fix wires out of eyesight.
The best home theater system comes with an easy setup manual. You can find beginner-friendly guides on YouTube and self-installation can save you a lot of money. If you have someone who can help you with the installation then don’t be afraid to ask for help.
4. Ports
Make sure your receiver of choice has enough ports to connect all your gear in one place. If that’s not possible at your residence, then you can get the best wireless surround sound system. Bluetooth connectivity can make it easier for you to set up your systems as well.
Final Take: Best Surround Sound System
Best home theater speakers make all the difference in the way you watch TV. You can watch all the great shows with the best music in all their glory. Just go through all the options we have listed above and you will surely find one system that checks all your needs.