Best Home Theater Systems for 2022

May 31, 2022 Ty Pendlebury

    Roku Streambar
    Best budget soundbar
    $100 at Target
    Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
    Best surround-sound speaker package under $500
    $399 at Walmart
    Q Acoustics 3030i
    Best stereo speakers under $500
    $499 at Amazon
Vizio M512a


Best value Dolby Atmos soundbar system
    $453 at Amazon
Onkyo TX-NR6100


Best 8K receiver package
    $649 at Amazon

    Sennheiser Ambeo
    Best soundbar with money no object
    $2,500 at Crutchfield

    If you’re planning to upgrade the sound on your TV, there are plenty of home theater systems available, but the options can be overwhelming. But never fear — we’re here to help you break it down! The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a?soundbar or a home theater system. For the best performance possible, nothing beats an?AV receiver?and a multispeaker?Dolby Atmos?setup, but if you just want something simple and affordable, a soundbar is the answer.
    Soundbars?offer a lot of performance in a compact package and cost a lot less to get up and running. You can even choose one with advanced features like Atmos and Wi-Fi streaming. Some soundbars offer optional subwoofers and rear speaker upgrades, though if you want to truly mix and match speakers, then 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?and tailor your system as you see fit. I ran a Marantz AV receiver with a pair of Bowers and Wilkins bookshelves for about five years — no?surround-sound?speakers?for me — and didn’t feel I was missing out.
    Whichever route you choose — soundbars or AV systems — there should be something here for you. These are the best home theater systems available right now. We’ll update this best home theater system list periodically as we review new products.


    Roku Streambar
    Best budget soundbar

    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. You can choose the speaker package.

Read our Roku Streambar review.

    $100 at Target
    $99 at Amazon
    $100 at Best Buy

    Sarah Tew/CNET
    Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
    Best surround-sound speaker package under $500

    Originally retailing for $1,200, the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is currently on sale for a third of that. This set features big sound from a compact 5.1-channel surround sound system and it is a perfect home theater option for apartments or games rooms. This speaker system is excellent for movies and not bad for music either. Just add a receiver.
    Read the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack review.

    $399 at Walmart
    $340 at Amazon

    Ty Pendlebury/CNET
    Q Acoustics 3030i
    Best stereo speakers under $500

Nov 2020

    If there’s one thing we’re spoiled for choice for it’s affordable stereo speakers, and for $469 the bookshelf speaker 3030is offer excellent playback of both movies and music. While the $350?Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2s?are a lot cheaper and more transparent, the Q Acoustics are more even-handed and have better bass response. This makes the 3030i more suited to a living room home theater situation, especially if you’re not using a subwoofer.

Read our Q Acoustics 3030i review.

$499 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 for a hair under $500.
    $453 at Amazon
    $500 at Best Buy

Ty Pendlebury/CNET

Onkyo TX-NR6100

Best 8K receiver package

    Despite the fact that there’s basically no 8K video available now, you still can buy an 8K-compatible receiver. Early in 2021, it was discovered that some 8K receivers models couldn’t pass 4K/120Hz video from the Xbox Series X. However, since the following summer, Yamaha, Denon and Marantz receivers have been free of bugs, so you should be able to buy with a renewed sense of confidence.
    While the Yamaha RX-V6a with its striking looks and rock-solid performance is the best of the crop, it’s also out of stock 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. It is a bit more expensive than the Yamaha, however, at $800 (versus $600).?
    $649 at Amazon
    $799 at Crutchfield
    $800 at Best Buy

    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.

Read our Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar review.

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

Read more

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