In this day and age, you don’t even have to leave your house anymore to get the complete movie theater experience. There are countless quality brands that have made some of the best home theater system options you could ever hope for, from affordable to high-end wireless surround models.
You have to take plenty of details into consideration, from size to specs, channels, connectivity, and much more. To help you make the best possible decision, we have diligently combed through the industry supply to meet your specific demands.
We have researched the best home theater systems for the money in multiple categories, from 2.1 systems to the best 7.1 home theater system and brands like LG, Sony, Pioneer, Bose, and many others.
Best Home Theater System 2018
| Product Name | Dimensions (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Surround Sound (channel) | Connectivity / * | Check Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG Electronics CM4550 | 29 x 10.7 x 12 | 30.6 | 21 | Bluetooth, 2 x USB, Auxiliary Input | |
| Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro | 3.3 x 45.5 x 3 | 23.85 | 7.1 | HDMI, Analog Audio Input, Optical Input, USB, Bluetooth | |
| Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V | 30.2 x 12.8 x 25.8 | 60.6 | 5.1 | * | |
| Energy Take Classic | 19.9 x 19.9 x 22.5 | 39.8 | 5.1 | * | |
| KEF Q100 | 10.7 x 7.1 x 11.8 | 13.23 | 2.1 | * | |
| Onkyo HT-S9700THX | 29.5 x 20.3 x 44.3 | 136.7 | 7.1 | 7 HDMI Inputs, Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi | |
| Sony BDVE3100 | 15.55 x 19.49 x 19.49 | 25.5 | 5.1 | USB, Optical Audio, Analog Audio, Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi | |
| Pioneer HTP-074 | 20.1 x 16.5 x 28.4 | 38 | 5.1 | 4 HDMI inputs, Bluetooth | |
| Enclave Audio CineHome HD | 17 x 31.7 x 21.7 | 30 | 5.1 | 3 HDMI inputs, Optical Audio, Analog Audio, Bluetooth | |
| Onkyo SKS-HT540 | 30.6 x 21.1 x 19.9 | 72.2 | 7.1 | * |
* = Separate receiver required
10. LG Electronics CM4550 – Best 2.1 Home Theater System
The LG CM4550 home theater system is an Amazon best-seller, with a #7 spot in the Stereo Shelf System category. In addition to this, it’s also one of the best cheap home theater systems on our list, on sale for less than $200 on the aforementioned platform. It may not be the most hi-tech product in our selection, but we guarantee that it’s one of the best home theater systems for the money.
Main Features
- 700 watts total output
- 2.1 channel system
- Bluetooth streaming
- Dual USB inputs
- Auto DJ feature
Design & Usability
Thanks to the bookshelf design, the CM4550 comes as a compact system that won’t take up all the space in your room. The manufacturers designed it in classic black, with a discrete red finish that gently accentuates the buttons and speakers. In its design, this LG home theater system also includes a CD player for those of us who like listening to music the old school way.
Once you receive this LG home theater system, you won’t have any problems setting it up. The unit comes with dual USB inputs, meaning that you can connect two devices simultaneously and switch from one to the other. Moreover, if you have an LG TV, this unit also becomes one of the best wireless home theater systems.
Quality & Performance
All in all, this LG one of the best home theater speakers in its class. The sound is surprisingly pleasant, and the Bluetooth range can exceed even 10 feet. We say that’s more than enough for the purpose you bought the speakers for.
However, the Bluetooth may be of inferior quality. According to consumer reports, the feature ends up being faulty after a few months of use.
All the same, the performance of the CM4550 LG home theater system is generally nice. The 700W can be heard and felt amazingly well, not to mention that the bass is awesome. You also get a cool Auto DJ feature, meaning that you can set up a playlist and have the tracks transition seamlessly while you party with your friends. We only wish that we could have tweaked the EQ on it, but you can’t have it all.
As an even smaller alternative for the best wireless home theater system, you should check out the best floating Bluetooth speaker models we reviewed.
- Exceptional value
- Great bass
- +10 feet Bluetooth range
- Charges devices while playing music
- 7th best-selling Stereo Shelf System on Amazon
- Cannot change factory EQ settings
- Long-term Bluetooth malfunctions
- Only one preset
9. Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro – Best Wireless Surround Sound System
For some users, amazing surround sound is the most significant feature they look for in the best home theater system. If you’re in this situation, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro will definitely impress you. With a 4.3-star average customer rating on Amazon, we agree that the Shockwafe Pro is one of the top rated home theater speakers in its class.
Main Features
- 7.2 channel surround sound
- 800 watts system
- Dual wireless subwoofers
- 35Hz bass
- Advanced connectivity
Design & Usability
If you’re an interior design enthusiast, rest assured that the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro home theater system will blend beautifully into your modern home environment. The unit features a sleek sound bar design, coated in all black with just a few metallic details. Additionally, the Shockwafe Pro is designed with two 8-inch subwoofers for more power and bass than ever before.
Not only is the Shockwafe Pro the best wireless home theater system with surround sound, but it’s also easy-peasy to set up. According to consumer reports, 10 minutes will be more than enough for installing the unit, syncing your devices, and using it. Owing to the specific instructions and the digital VIP guide customers get via email, you will have it mounted and running in no time.
Quality & Performance
The quality of the Shockwafe Pro is backed up by the hundreds of positive customer reviews. In most cases, the Shockwafe Pro is completely true to its advertisement, living up to the features the Nakamichi describes it to have. Nonetheless, while some users are thrilled that there is no long-term audio degradation, others have experienced a short product life with their unit.
Still, there are plenty of reasons for you to choose Nakamichi as the manufacturer for the best home theater system. You get an abundance of inputs, from HDMI and USB to Analog Audio and Optical inputs, and more. The sound bar has 300 watts of power, the subwoofers boast 370W, while the rear speakers flaunt 100W each. Add the 35Hz bass and you have quite the awesome system at hand.
- Loud, clear, and balanced sound
- Large subwoofers
- An abundance of input options
- Powerful wattage
- Deep bass
- Quite expensive
- Unresponsive customer service
- Short product life
8. Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V – Best Bose Home Theater System
Although it’s among the high-end systems on our list with the expected price, the Acoustimass 10 Series V lives up to the Bose brand name. If you purchase this unit, make sure you get a reliable receiver to go with it. The Onkyo TX-RZ810 or Yamaha RX-V379 receivers are good examples, but feel free to explore other compatible options if preferred.
Main Features
- 5.1 speaker bundles
- Average 150 watts per channel (depending on the receiver)
- Adjustable low frequency
- Reflecting II technology
- Slim profile upgrades
Design & Usability
As with all Bose products, the latest Acoustimass home theater system was designed to look fabulous. Compared to its predecessors, the Acoustimass 10 Series V is one of the best home theater speakers in terms of slim and compact design. Optionally, you can mount the speakers on your wall to go with your TV. What saddened us from this viewpoint was the branded packaging though, which could be unsafe for front porch delivery.
The new Acoustimass home theater system is easy to set up and use in most cases, but it disappoints when it comes to cable design. There are numerous reports of hectic proprietary cabling, and it’s clearly one of the main disadvantages of the unit. If you don’t find this aspect problematic, you should have no issues using these top-rated Bose speakers.
Quality & Performance
Like you can expect, Bose didn’t cut down on the quality of the Acoustimass 10 home theater system. Even though they feature a compact structure, they’re extremely well-built and solid. In fact, they’re a bit on the heavy side so they can also pack the sound quality you desire from the brand. On this note, we want to highlight the complete lack of audio distortion, even when you crank up the volume.
Crisp would be an understatement when describing the Acoustimass 10 sound. Users report that this system actually makes you feel like you’re in a movie theater, with superb surround sound. We admit that the company could have invested more in the bass quality, but this shouldn’t be a problem for customers who want to use the set literally like a home theater.
Some users swear this is the best home theater system for the quality of sound it gives, but we also found some other interesting models to include on this list.
- Bose sound quality
- Compact design
- Easy installation
- No distortion
- Effective surround sound
- Poor cable design
- Pricey unit
- Lack of detailed product specs
7. Energy Take Classic – Best 5.1 Home Theater System
Furthermore, the Take Classic is the 6th best-selling home Theater system on Amazon, with a stellar 4.6 rating from more than 1,000 happy customers at the moment of writing. Like in the case of the Bose Acoustimass, you need to buy a receiver for your unit. A few of our recommendations to go with the Energy Take Classic are Denon AVR-1613, Yamaha RX-V377 or Pioneer VSX 921K.
Main Features
- 5.1 home theater system
- 200W subwoofer
- Convergent Source Module (CSM) technology
- 89dB sensitivity
- 4 satellite speakers, 1 center channel, 1 subwoofer
Design & Usability
Even though the total product dimensions of the Energy Take Classic are merely 19.9 x 19.9 x 22.5 inches, the unit is noticeably well-designed. The speakers are sturdy and solid, in spite of their small size. While the glossy black finish may be eye-catching, you might have a hard time warding off fingerprints and dust.
Installation for this home theater system is generally easy, but you should pay special attention to breaking in the speakers. As described in the user’s manual, you should gradually accommodate your speakers to increasing volume before going on full high. Although yours should work pretty much fine, all the same, we encourage you to not skip this step when you get the home theater system.
Quality & Performance
Despite the fact that the speakers themselves are well-built, their hanging system seems to not be. There are several reports of the glue coming apart from the speakers’ rear, or that mounting them to a wall may be troublesome. The Energy Take Classic produces wonderfully clear sound, but we recommend that you invest in this home theater system only for a smaller space.
The area where the Take Classic truly shines is the mid-high range. Make sure that you properly set the speakers in order to avoid any audio distortion. Some of the top-rated settings are 0 for phase control and 120 crossovers, while the power can be left on auto mode. Feel free to tweak the subwoofer volume as much as you’d like.
- Excellent value
- Well-balanced sound
- No distortion with proper settings
- Can be mounted on walls
- Amazon best-seller with a high rating
- Not recommended for large spaces
- Small design flaws
- Poor quality control
6. KEF Q100 – Best Home Theater System for Music
With a fantastic 4.7-star average rating from Amazon customers, the Q100 is one of the top rated home theater systems. It features all the right technology for a fabulous listening experience, which you can get a better idea about in the section below. Note that the Q100 is another home theater system that requires a receiver, such as the Yamaha R-S700BL.
Main Features
- 25″ Uni-Q driver array
- 5kHz crossover frequencies
- 49Hz – 40kHz frequency response
- 107dB maximum output
- 8″ x 7.1″ x 10.7″ dimensions
Design & Usability
Design-wise, the Q100 home theater system is a dream come true for homeowners with small spaces. Not only does it fit comfortably into any bookshelf, but its range is also ideal for compact areas. Unfortunately, this may also serve as a disadvantage for users with big rooms. Anyway, if your space is up to 1200 square feet, you’ll be fine. The overall construction of this home theater system is sturdy, but the vinyl-like finish may give the Q100 home theater system a cheap aspect.
Even though these KEF speakers are fairly easy to use, you may have a difficult time setting them up. The owner’s manual is based on diagrams instead of specific steps, so you’ll probably have to set some time aside to get them up and running. On the other hand, you can rest assured that your Q100 home theater system can be nicely mounted to your walls without trouble.
Quality & Performance
We’ve talked about the potentially cheap quality of the materials used to build the Q100 home theater system. Nonetheless, you should know that the sound quality is outstanding. The bass response is out of this world, and all songs can be heard loud, deep, and clear. In a nutshell, the all-around audio is rich, from midrange to treble and more.
One of the neat parts about this KEF home theater system is that you can use it even if you have an amp with low power. Like we explained, it’s the best home theater system for music, but it’s also a great tool for movie fans. With a frequency response between 49Hz and 40kHz and a maximum output of 107dB, all for about $300, the Q100 home theater system truly is an offer you can’t miss.
- A crisp sound at high volume
- Compact dimensions
- Exceptional bass response
- Work amazingly with a low-powered amp
- Customer-approved (4.7-star average rating)
- The sound from aluminum tweeter may be harsh for some
- Problematic instructions manual
- Appropriate only for small spaces
5. Onkyo HT-S9700THX – Best 7.1 Home Theater System
We’ve reached one of the top performance units on our list, with the Onkyo HT-S9700THX as the best 7.1 home theater system with channel surround sound. Despite its $800 price range, it’s one of the high-end setups that’s worth every penny. While the system is indeed expensive, you benefit from a fantastic customer experience that will recreate the atmosphere of an actual theater, which makes it one of the best home theater system options at the moment.
Main Features
- Premium 7.1 channel system
- 95W/channel
- 7 HDMI inputs
- Dolby Atmos support
- In-built Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Design & Usability
First things first – you need to be fully away that the unit is heavy. When we say heavy, we mean it – the HT-S9700THX speakers weigh a total of about 137 pounds. For that, you will require additional accessories for mounting them. If you plan on hanging them up, we recommend getting the VideoSecu mount for the front speakers, while the Mount-It brackets should be fine for the others.
On the other hand, you can keep them at ground level too, but you’ll also need an extra investment for floor stands. To prevent the main unit of this home theater system from tipping over, you may want to consider getting two speaker stands. As far as installation is concerned, there are mixed feelings among customers. While more seasoned users claim that the setup is pretty straight-forward, others reported having a hard time getting their HT-S9700THX home theater system running.
Quality & Performance
Don’t be fooled by the frightened by the mounting process though. The HT-S9700THX home theater system has THX I/S Plus certification, making it a favorite for audiophiles and videophiles alike. Considering the 6 to 8-foot viewing distance associated with the certification, your best experience would be with a display with a diagonal of up to 55 inches.
Owing to the full-range satellite speakers, you will literally never have to leave the house to see a movie again. Just make sure that you follow all setup instructions, including the microphone process, so your system will run smoothly. Also, be aware of the “support” aspect of the Dolby Atmos feature. For some, it may come across that the speakers are enabled, but only the receiver is.
Overall, though, the Onkyo model truly is the best 7.1 home theater system you can currently invest in.
- THX certification
- Astounding surround sound
- Versatile sound presets
- Top value receiver
- HDCP 2.2 compliant
- Heavy unit
- A little on the expensive side
- Cheaply-made remote control
4. Sony BDVE3100 – Best Sony Home Theater System
Our list of perks continues with impressive tech specs that will attract even picky customers, such as the total power output of 1000 watts or the 7.1-inch subwoofer. For your convenience, you also get built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with the system. Top it all off with a full HD Blu-ray player and 5.1 audio channels for a budget home theater system.
Main Features
- 1000W total output
- 1080p Full HD Blu-ray disc player
- 7.1″ subwoofer
- 5.1 audio channels
- Integrated Wi-Fi
Design & Usability
For such an inexpensive bundle, the speakers of the Sony BDVE3100 home theater system are highly well-built. The solid weight of the speakers is reassuring, while their metal covers definitely express quality. We also admire the on-screen user interface, with options that are intuitive for all categories of users. You won’t even feel that you have a system that barely exceeds $200.
Thankfully, the installation process is a piece of cake. Basically, you can remove the packaging and connect the speakers quickly. You may want to stock up on some extension cables, but that’s often the case for home theaters setups. As opposed to competitors, the BDVE3100 doesn’t require an individual source of power for the sub.
Quality & Performance
The audio quality that comes with the BDVE3100 home theater system is superb. Regardless of what music genre or type of movie you play, the lows and highs will sound brilliant. Moreover, any tunes purchased in Blu-ray format will be spectacular. Even though some users complained about the lack of high volume, it’s a problem easily solved through accurate calibration.
Nevertheless, be prepared for a handful of minor inconveniences. If you’re watching a movie, you may encounter an auto-shutoff due to the home theater system’s technology. Also, you should install your speakers less than 12 feet away from the viewing point to get the best sound quality. Any further may result in one of the low volume complaints we mentioned earlier.
- Great overall value
- Best buy for Blu-ray users
- Wireless streaming
- Swift setup
- 4th top-selling home theater system on Amazon
- Poor sound consistency
- The auto-shutdown feature can be annoying
- Extension cables are most likely required
3. Pioneer HTP-074 – Best Budget Home Theater System
It may not be easy to obtain the best home theater system on the market if you’re on a budget, but it’s not an impossible goal. In fact, thanks to trusted brands like Pioneer, you can get a budget home theater system with premium specs for even less than $500. The HTP-074 model can be anywhere between $300 and $400 or even less, depending on whether you catch a price drop. From where we stand, it’s the best budget home theater system on the market right now.
Main Features
- Dolby TrueHD support
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) ready
- HDCP 2.2 enabled
- Support for 3D
- 4 HDMI inputs
Design & Usability
We love how the HTP-074 home theater systems have a compact design, with total product dimensions of 20.1 x 16.5 x 28.4 inches. Following the reputation of the Pioneer brand, the speakers have an elegant black finish to complement your viewing space. The 4 HDMI inputs are more than enough for an optimum user experience as a home theater.
Happily enough, the HTP-074 bundle has an easy-peasy setup. It’s wonderful that you can use the unit for 3D purposes, whether it’s broadcast, a Blu-ray or your favorite game. The 4K passthrough is a feature to seal the deal, but make sure that you adjust the settings to activate it. Plus, the HTP-074 home theater system has numerous expansion options in case you want to upgrade it anytime in the future.
Quality & Performance
If you’re lucky enough to get a perfectly functioning unit, you won’t be disappointed at all with your investment. Be that as it may, it’s our duty to inform you of the potential quality control issues you may come across. The customer service provided by Pioneer is indeed prompt, but the company may not end up solving all of your problems.
In case your product isn’t faulty, you will enjoy clear and crisp sound all the way. Feel free to use the bundle for music, movies, and gaming, all with top quality. Even the Bluetooth range is more than satisfactory in comparison with competing home theater systems. In the end, for the price you pay, you get tremendous value with the HTP-074 home theater system.
All in all, this is the best home theater system for budget users.
- High quality for a low price
- Simple installation
- Multiple upgrade options
- Great Bluetooth range
- 2nd place Amazon best-seller for Home Theater Systems
- Disappointing quality control
- Complaints about not being loud enough
- Short product life
2. Enclave Audio CineHome HD – Best Quality Home Theater System
After covering the best home theater system for budget shoppers, we’ll be going in the opposite direction for users who won’t stand for less than top quality. It was a challenging decision to make, but we’ve weighed our options and come to see the CineHome HD by Enclave Audio as the best buy for high-end systems.
Main Features
- Wireless home theater system
- DTS & Dolby Digital audio
- WiSA certification
- 3 HDMI inputs
- 5.1 surround sound
Design & Usability
As described by satisfied customers, the CineHome HD home theater system may not have the ultimate performance of a hi-tech wired home theater system, but it comes with astounding convenience. The product can host both SPDIF and HDMI sources, from streaming apps to gaming units and everything in between. We only wish that it would have been HDCP 2.2 compliant (instead of 1.4).
You can say goodbye to any installation-related stress, as 20 minutes will be more than enough for mounting your CineHome HD. You will most likely end up spending more time unpacking the conveniently labeled parts than actually putting them together. After attaching the center speaker to your television, all you have to do is connect all the speakers and turn on for automatic pairing.
Quality & Performance
As far as quality is in the discussion, the CineHome HD is one of the best high end home theater speakers. Thanks to the Wireless Speaker and Audio Association (WiSA) certified label, you can’t even tell you’re listening wirelessly. Even after a few good months of use, you shouldn’t have any pairing problems. Even if you do encounter an issue, you will be surprised to see just how amazing the Enclave customer service department is.
The performance of the CineHome HD should be dazzling, as long as you keep a few tips in mind. Listen to the manufacturers when they advise you to have your side speakers aligned or even a bit ahead of the center channel. Make sure that you update the firmware as necessary through the Enclave Audio app, and that you adjust the individual volume of the speakers through the Enclave Menu.
All in all, this is the second best home theater system according to ratings and reviews from verified customers.
- No cable spaghetti
- Awesome quality for wireless speakers
- Fast installation
- No lags for gamers
- Highly responsive customer support
- Most expensive unit on our list
- No custom options
- Bad remote control
1. Onkyo SKS-HT540 – Best Home Theater System of 2018
Similar to many home theater systems at a decent price, you need to get a receiver separately. Any compatible one will do, but our personal recommendations are the Pioneer VSXLX101 or the Yamaha RX V683BL. All in all, this is the absolute best 7.1 home theater system and it will totally blow you away with the advantages provided for your investment.
Main Features
- 7.1 channel surround sound system
- 2-way bass reflex technology
- 130W per channel
- Dual 5” woofers
- 10” subwoofer cone
Design & Usability
Regarding design, the SKS-HT540 is black-on-black beautiful. The overall coating is matte, but the details are sleek and glossy. In addition to this, all speakers are color-coded so you can set them up easily. The packaging is also up to par, with all the adequate protection for the bundle. The only con appears to be the size – multiple users claim that the unit is much larger than expected.
After you make sure that you have the necessary space for mounting the speakers, you should also consider purchasing copper wire separately. Don’t get us wrong, the wires included in your package are alright, but you’d be better off being safe than sorry. Enjoy the cable-free connectivity for streaming your media wirelessly.
Quality & Performance
If you’re familiar with the Onkyo brand, you can already predict the quality of the SKS-HT540 home theater systems. Essentially, the sounds are so lifelike that you’ll be fully immersed in the movie or music you’re engaging in. The SKS-HT540 was built to last, and will most likely be providing you with enjoyable experiences for years to come.
You can tweak the equalization (EQ) to your liking, but be aware that you may have to allocate a good amount a time specifically for this task. All the same, you’ll end up with no audio distortion whatsoever. Although the subwoofer was indeed designed to automatically shut down, the 10-inch cone makes up for any potential inconvenience resulted from the feature. Generally, the SKS-HT540 is a huge upgrade from a 5.1 channel system or 3 Ohm speakers.
- Delightful sound for a low price
- Dolby Atmos enabled
- 8 Ohm speakers
- Adjustable EQ
- 0 distortion
- Much larger than they appear to be in product images
- Multiple adjustments required
- Reportedly weak bass
Final Verdict
To conclude, you’ll now spend far less time deciding on the best home theater system for your dream setup. You can rely on any of the units we have reviewed for creating a breathtaking surround sound experience in your home. As a final note, we want to make sure that you ultimately make the smartest investment possible. For this, we kindly ask you to go through the following questions before ordering your home theater system:
- Size – How much space do I have for my home theater system? Do I want a unit that’s big and booming or a subtle bookshelf bundle?
- System – How many channels am I interested in having for my system? 2.1, 5.1, 7.1?
- Technology – Am I looking for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi among the product specs? Do I prefer a wired system?
- Inputs – How many inputs do I require for my television or console?
- Price – What am I willing to pay to get the best home theater system?
Last but not least, think about completing your home theater with the best TV wall mount to feel like you’re actually at the cinema. Shop wisely and enjoy your impeccable audio with movies, games, and music!
Craig
July 9, 2018 at 10:29 pmOh man, I don’t like anything from LG. Their quality is not anywhere up to par. I think their stuff is ridiculously priced considering there is absolutely nothing special about this make at all. There must be others out there that are better than LG.
Jerry Russell
July 24, 2018 at 6:15 amHi, Craig,
Thanks a lot for your feedback. We were not impressed by LG either, so that’s why we would always pick Onkyo or Enclave as our favorite brands.
Have a nice day!
P Rodney
July 14, 2018 at 9:06 pmIf you want a powerful home theatre system, then get the KEF Q100. It’s rocking and I love it. It’s affordable and the bass is more than awesome. If you want to get the best out of your music experience, this is it.
Jerry Russell
July 24, 2018 at 8:05 amHi, Rodney,
Thanks for your feedback, we’re glad you loved our picks!
Have a great day!
Andy Finn
July 29, 2018 at 12:43 amThe Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro is a decent home theatre system. The sound quality is high and I have had mine for several years and it’s still working fine. Though the price is a bit outrageous and the customer support is garbage. Be prepared to not be helped if you need it from customer service. Other than that, it’s decent.
Ashley Lindsey
August 1, 2018 at 3:25 pmThank you for the feedback, Andy!
Noah
August 20, 2018 at 10:23 amIf you really want something special then get the Onkyo SKS-HT540 because it’s really the best on the market right now. Don’t let the price tag fool you: this is worth its weight in platinum. As a con this is pretty big so make sure you’re ready for it.
Jerry Russell
August 28, 2018 at 1:48 pmHi, Noah,
Thanks a lot for your feedback. Have an awesome day!