Best Home Theater Systems of 2023

$130 at Roku Roku Streambar Best budget soundbar $130 at Roku Price alerts on for Roku Streambar $400 at Amazon Klipsch Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System Best surround-sound speaker package under $500 $400 at Amazon $328 at Amazon Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 Best stereo speakers under $500 $328 at Amazon $400 at Amazon Vizio M512a Best value Dolby Atmos soundbar system $400 at Amazon Price alerts on for Vizio M512a $599 at Amazon Onkyo TX-NR6100 Best 8K receiver $599 at Amazon Price alerts on for Onkyo TX-NR6100 NEW! CNET Shopping Extension Get the lowest price on everything Add CNET Shopping $2,500 at Walmart Sennheiser Ambeo Best soundbar with money no object $2,500 at Walmart Price alerts on for Sennheiser Ambeo Show more (1 item)

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 even start with just a couple of stereo speakers — and I did this for a couple of years without feeling I was missing out. Yet, 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.

Roku Streambar

Best budget soundbar

2023

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. Usually selling for $130, it’s currently on sale for $100.

$130 at Roku$130 at Amazon$126 at Walmart Josh Goldman/CNET

Klipsch Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System

Best surround-sound speaker package under $500

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 more or so, you should get that. An unbelievable value.

$400 at Amazon You’re receiving price alerts for Klipsch Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System Sarah Tew/CNET

Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2

Best stereo speakers under $500

If there’s one area where we’re spoiled for choice, it’s affordable stereo speakers, and at less than $330, 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.

$328 at Amazon Ty Pendlebury/CNET

Vizio M512a

Best value Dolby Atmos soundbar system

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.

$400 at Amazon$500 at Best Buy$379 at B&H Photo-Video Ty Pendlebury/CNET

Onkyo TX-NR6100

Best 8K receiver

You may not be able to watch 8K video right now, but it’s still worth buying an 8K-compatible receiver — especially if you’re a gamer. The TX-NR6100 is a great receiver, with excellent sound quality and an unbeatable superior streaming suite, including Chromecast built-in.

$599 at Amazon$600 at Best Buy$599 at Crutchfield Sarah Tew/CNET

Sennheiser Ambeo

Best soundbar with money no object

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.

$2,500 at Walmart$2,500 at Best Buy$2,500 at Crutchfield

More audio advice

• Best AV Receiver for 2023
• Best Speakers for 2023
• Best Soundbar for 2023
• Dolby Atmos: What You Need to Know About the Spatial Audio Format