Upgrading your home theater with a high-quality speaker system can take your movie and music listening experience to new heights. The right speakers can provide booming bass, crisp dialogues and seamless panning effects that fully immerse you in the action on-screen.
But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky finding the best home theater speakers for your needs and budget. To simplify your search, we‘ve compiled this guide to the 6 top-rated home theater speaker systems available today.
Our Picks for Best Home Theater Speakers
1. Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack is our choice for best overall home theater speaker system. This 5.1 surround sound configuration includes four satellite speakers, a center channel speaker and a wireless subwoofer.
Klipsch is renowned for its horn-loaded technology that delivers dynamic, powerful audio. The Reference series utilizes the company‘s signature Cerametallic woofers made of aluminum and ceramic as well as 1-inch Titanium tweeters for remarkable detail and clarity.
With a frequency range of 23Hz-23kHZ and up to 200 watts power per satellite channel, this system can fill medium-to-large home theater rooms with room-shaking bass and pristine audio reproduction. Dolby and DTS formats are also supported for immersive surround sound.
Key Features:
- 5.1 surround sound with wireless subwoofer
- Proprietary Cerametallic woofers and Titanium tweeters
- 150W wireless subwoofer with bass adjustment
- Compatible with Dolby and DTS audio
- Frequency response: 23Hz-23kHz
2. Sonos Arc Soundbar with Sub + Surrounds
The Sonos Arc is an impressive Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar that can convert stereo audio into a multi-dimensional listening experience. Combined with the Sonos Sub and surround speakers, it creates a powerful and seamless 5.1.2 home theater system.
This setup features two angled drivers on the Arc soundbar that bounce audio off walls and ceilings to placing effects above the listening position. The wounded oval Sub adds punchy bass while the satellite Sonos One SL speakers heighten immersion with side and rear audio performance.
With its Trueplay tuning feature that calibrates output based on room characteristics, the Arc system delivers a finely-tuned and all-encompassing home theater audio experience.
Key Features:
- 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos surround sound
- Arc soundbar with up-firing and side-firing drivers
- Subwoofer and two satellite One SL speakers
- Trueplay room tuning technology
- AirPlay 2, Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
3. SVS Prime Wireless Surround System
The SVS Prime Wireless Surround System is a 5.1 home theater speaker package designed for audiophiles wanting pristine sound. Using advanced digital signal processing, these active speakers feature room correction to optimize audio playback based on your unique setup.
This system‘s horn-loaded Dolby Atmos elevation speakers fire sound upwards for overhead audio effects. The setup also includes a 300W subwoofer for earth-shaking bass, prime satellite speakers with 4-inch midrange drivers and one-inch tweeters, as well as a center channel speaker for clear dialogue.
With proprietary SVS sound technologies like Audio Delay Manager and Auto Phase Correction, the Prime Wireless System calibrates timing and phases for a distortion-free surround soundscape. If you want an easy yet premium true surround system, this package hits the mark.
Key Features:
- 5.1 surround sound with Dolby Atmos up-firing speakers
- 300 watt powerful wireless subwoofer
- Prime satellite, center, elevation speakers
- Includes advanced DSP sound technologies
- Room correction for optimized audio
4. JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround is an innovative Dolby Atmos soundbar that comes with wireless battery-powered satellite speakers and a subwoofer – delivering 510 watts of total power.
This system features built-in Chromecast for WiFi streaming and HDMI eARC connectivity for lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio pass-through from your TV. The Bar 5.1 decodes object-oriented audio for effects that pan seamlessly around your room.
For a balanced and all-encompassing sound, the Bar 5.1 Surround is hard to beat. With three sound modes (Standard, Surround, and Smart), it optimizes audio for any content you are watching. Overall, it‘s one of the best plug-and-play immersive audio upgrades for your home theater.
Key Features:
- 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
- 510W system with wireless surround speakers
- Chromecast and HDMI eARC built-in
- Three dedicated listening modes
- Pairs with multi-channel AV receivers
5. Definitive Technology ProCinema 600
The Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 is a compact 5.1 Dolby Atmos speaker system designed for smaller home theater setups. This affordable package includes four DirecTV satellite speakers, a bass module, and center channel – all with phase-aligned drivers for cohesive surround sound.
While small, these speakers utilize Definitive‘s proprietary Balanced Double Surround System tech that projects audio frequencies evenly throughout your room. The 8-inch down-firing bass module also produces tight and articulate low-end punch.
For its size, the Definitive ProCinema 600 pumps out room-filling sound augmented by Dolby Atmos height channel processing. If you need an unobtrusive surround sound system, this package hits the right notes.
Key Features:
- 5.1 Dolby Atmos speaker setup
- Phase-aligned satellite, center and bass module
- Balanced Double Surround System technology
- 8-inch subwoofer with bass radiator
- Compact footprint for smaller rooms
6. Monitor Audio Silver 500 7.1 Home Theater System
The Monitor Audio Silver 500 is regarded as one of the best-sounding and most stylish high-end surround systems you can buy. Handcrafted in the UK, these speakers utilize Monitor‘s renowned gold dome C-CAM tweeter design along with woven Kevlar midrange drivers and silver cone bass units.
This 7.1 speaker package produces astonishingly detailed and natural sound – augmented by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. For bass, you get two heavyweight 10-inch subwoofers. Monitor Audio‘s immaculate attention to acoustic detail makes this system stand out as an exceptional audiophile home theater option.
Key Features:
- 7.1 surround speaker configuration
- Custom gold-dome C-CAM tweeters
- Rigid bass drivers with silver cones
- Two 10-inch subwoofers
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility
What To Consider When Buying Home Theater Speakers
Upgrading to a surround sound system can take your home theater to new heights. But before choosing speakers, here are some key factors to weigh:
Room Size
Consider the dimensions of the room you‘ll be placing speakers in. Larger spaces often benefit from floorstanding or tower speaker models which can move more air and produce louder, richer sound. For smaller rooms, more compact bookshelf speakers may suffice.
You‘ll also want enough power and volume capability to fill the size of the space. The general rule of thumb is 10 watts per speaker, multiplied by the number of speakers.
Speaker Configuration
Most basic surround sound systems come in a 5.1 arrangement – meaning five main audio channels and one subwoofer. This includes front right and left speakers, rear surround channels, a center channel and a sub.
For greater immersion, 7.1 systems add left and right rear surrounds. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X systems build on this with elevation speakers that project sound overhead.
Determine how many speakers your AV receiver can support when deciding on configurations. Too few and you‘ll miss out on the full surround effect while too many can overcrowd a room.
Sound Quality
Pay attention to specifications like frequency response, which indicates the low and high-end tones a speaker reproduces. Wider frequency ranges with lower lows and higher highs mean better sound quality.
Also, look at driver sizes – larger woofers and tweeters can move more air and handle more power. The materials used like silk dome tweeters and ceramic woofers also affect accuracy and detail.
Ideally, your front L/R and center speakers should closely match for consistent sound. Audition speakers first if possible to hear their sound signature.
Wireless vs Wired
Wireless home theater speakers use built-in amps and battery power for cable-free placement. They trade off some sound quality but are easier to install. Wired speakers offer higher fidelity and are more affordable but require correct speaker cable selection and runs.
Dialogue Clarity
Since home theaters are mostly used for watching films and shows, dialogue reproduction is crucial. Ensure your center speaker and entire system offers clear vocal sound – even during loud action scenes.
While good bass is important, clean and understandable sound should be the priority. So listen for a center speaker that accurately conveys speech above other effects.
Inputs and Connectivity
Choose speakers that offer flexible input options like Bluetooth and WiFI for wireless streaming from smartphones and computers. Pre-outs allow connecting an external amp for more power. Multi-channel inputs are useful if utilizing an AV receiver or amplifier.
HDMIcapability is also nice for passing through 4K/HDR signals from media players and game consoles. This allows centralized control.
Speaker Placement Tips
- Position front left/right speakers at an angle aligned with the main seating position
- Keep tweeters at ear height while seated for proper high-frequency response
- Place the center channel speaker above or directly below the TV centered on the screen
- Surround speakers should go to the sides of the seating area a few feet behind
- Subwoofers produce omnidirectional sound and can go in a corner to amplify bass
- Add sound dampening materials or curtains to avoid echo and audio distortion
- Use cable management solutions to hide messy wires around speakers
Proper placement goes a long way towards an optimal soundstage and enveloping audio reproduction from all directions.
FAQ
What‘s better, a soundbar vs separate speakers?
Soundbars offer simplicity by packing discrete left, right and center audio channels into one long speaker bar. However, they can lack the channel separation that individual speakers provide. Separate speakers allow greater configuration flexibility, upgradability and audio clarity. But they require more wires, space and investment.
How many watts do I need per speaker?
A good rule of thumb is 10-25 watts per speaker channel, multiplied by the number of speakers in your setup. This ensures adequate headroom and dynamic power. Internet-direct speaker companies like Definitive Technology recommend 50+ watts per channel for maximum output capability.
Do all speakers need to match?
It‘s best for front left, right and center speakers to use the same components and design for a balanced front soundstage. This maintains consistent tonal quality as audio pans from channel to channel. Surround and height speakers can deviate since they mostly produce effects rather than main audio.
Is Dolby Atmos worth it over basic surround sound?
Dolby Atmos adds a vertical dimension using height or upfiring speakers, allowing for overhead audio effects that take immersion to the next level. The technology also maps sounds as independent objects that move around you. If you are a home theater enthusiast looking for a major sound upgrade, Atmos is worthwhile.
How many HDMI inputs do I need?
Two HDMI inputs should cover connecting essential home theater gear like a cable box/streaming stick and Blu-ray player/game console. If you need to connect more media players or an AV receiver as well, look for at least 3-4 inputs. EARC capability is also useful for plugging soundbars into your TV.
