6 Best Surround Sound System in 2023 [Compared & Reviewed]
Undoubtedly, investing in a great TV is a smart move, but something may still be missing. Whether watching an action movie or listening to your favorite music on Friday nights, the best surround sound system can enhance your experience by providing increased bass, room-filling sound, and more. As any film buff or avid gamer will tell you, the picture is just half the story.
Surround sound equipment has improved considerably in recent years. The cables, speakers, and stands that used to fill our living rooms are now replaced with simple single-unit soundbars that sit below our televisions and enhance what the thin flat screens can’t produce.
Having speakers dotted around your room is still a lot of fun. However, nowadays, they are usually wireless and often include Dolby Atmos sound, making an audio track that lives around you.
I have researched and assembled the best surround sound systems in a list below. But, before you go through that list, first understand how to choose a perfect surround sound system.
How to Choose a Surround Sound System?
It’s your decision whether you want a soundbar or speaker package. Your budget, the amount of space you have, and the other devices you want to plug in all play a role in your decision.
All speakers should be positioned around you in a 360-degree configuration to achieve authentic surround sound. However, a surround sound system with an AV receiver will be more costly than a soundbar and require more boxes in your room.
Many people prefer soundbars because they’re a more straightforward, elegant solution that combines speakers and amplifiers into a more discreet package.
A sound base functions like a soundbar except that your television sits on it rather than behind it. Dolby Atmos, included on many soundbars, creates an excellent surround sound experience by positioning sound above and around you.
Make sure that whichever surround sound system you choose will fit in your space and will be able to connect your games console, 4K Blu-ray player, set-top box, and any other devices you want to connect. Do your research beforehand, so you know.
Comparison of Best Surround Sound System
IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | COST | RATING |
 | Sonos Arc | 3D sound with Dolby Atmos, HDMI connectivity technology, In-built Amazon Alexa | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | Sony HT-A7000 | 500 Watts speaker output power(maximum), Sound Field Optimization, Immersive Audio Enhancement | CHECK PRICE | 4.5 / 5 |
 | Sony HT-A9 | 504 Watts speaker output power(maximum), 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Immersive Audio Enhancement | CHECK PRICE | 3.9 / 5 |
 | Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D Home Theater Speaker System | 3-dimensional surround sound experience, 4 satellite speakers, 1 center channel & a 250-watt Powered Subwoofer, Most advanced drivers | CHECK PRICE | 4.4 / 5 |
 | Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack Surround Sound System | 650 Watts speaker output power(maximum), Tractrix Horn technology, Outstanding sound experience | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
 | MartinLogan Motion 51 Speaker System | 5.1 Channels, 150 Watts speaker output power(maximum) | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
Let us explore each of the listed surround sound systems.
6 Best Surround Sound System on The Market
Choosing the right surround sound system can be challenging, but this buying guide and listing can help. Let’s start.
Sonos Arc
An impressive surround sound performance
SPECIFICATIONS
- 3D sound with Dolby Atmos
- HDMI connectivity technology
- In-built Amazon Alexa
- Compatible with Sonos app, Sonos S3
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Sonos Arc is a decent companion for large TVs, and you can either place it directly on your furniture or mount it on your wall.
The bar features touch-sensitive play/pause and volume controls and AirPlay 2, ethernet, and eARC for Dolby Atmos from compatible TVs.
Sonos’ Arc soundbar provides excellent surround sound thanks to 11 drivers, including upfiring and angled speakers that bounce those sound off the walls and ceiling.
If desired, you can expand the Arc system to include two One SL rear speakers and a subwoofer.
This soundbar is an impressive value proposition, no matter what kind of music you want to listen to. The soundstage is immersive, with expertly placed surround effects and excellent dynamic range. Tonally, it’s well balanced if you want to listen to music, but it could benefit from more immediacy.
Sony HT-A7000
Amazing sound experience
SPECIFICATIONS
- 500 Watts speaker output power(maximum)
- Sound Field Optimization
- Immersive Audio Enhancement
- Wireless connectivity
- Voice Assistant compatibility
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Despite Sony’s incredible history with soundbars, the HT-A7000 soundbar is no exception. This Dolby Atmos soundbar includes two up-firing speakers, two beam tweeters, five front-facing drivers, and a built-in dual subwoofer in a single chassis. Drivers are positioned, and psychoacoustic techniques are used to create a broad, high soundstage across various content.
The integrated subwoofer delivers a tight, controlled, and powerful performance, which enhances the viewing experience. It provides the same level of precision as the Sonos Arc, but the soundstage is broader, and the sound is projected forward more convincingly.
It’s not identical to having the direct sound from the speaker above or to the side, but it is compelling and enthralling, offering an enriched viewing experience.
The A7000 supports Dolby Atmos (in both the Digital+ and TrueHD formats), DTS:X, LPCM, hi-res wireless audio, and Sony 360 Reality Audio, all of which are supported audio formats.
This speaker is packed with intelligent streaming technology with Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and multi-room integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home.
There are two HDMI 2.1 pass-through sockets on the Sony HT-Z9F that can handle 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, and Dolby Vision HDR, as well as eARC, analog, and USB type-A ports. Sony’s Acoustic Center Sync technology, which connects a compatible Bravia TV to the soundbar using the included cable, is also present.
Despite Sony’s claim that the HT-A7000 doesn’t require extra speakers to produce immersive soundscapes, you can purchase two optional subwoofers, either the 300W SA-SW5 or the 200W SA-SW3. Surround SA-RS3S speakers with front-facing drivers are available for £449 / $350 / AU$649, which is somewhat disappointing given the price.
The Sony HT-A7000 is a superb, future-proofed, all-in-one device that performs well if you have a newer Sony Bravia TV.
Sony HT-A9
A convincing Dolby Atmos home cinema sound system
SPECIFICATIONS
- 504 Watts speaker output power(maximum)
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- Immersive Audio Enhancement
- Voice Assistant Compatibility
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Sony’s HT-A9 Wireless Home Theatre System allows users to position its speakers randomly, guaranteeing an even, homogeneous, and immersive sound environment even if your set-up is unbalanced.
Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping is used to calibrate your room’s height and width dimensions and the distance between speakers to create an Atmos-like bubble of sound. 12 ‘phantom’ speakers are positioned around the room to produce this bubble of sound.
Although we are skeptical of phantom channels and sound bubbles, the HT-A9’s speakers are widespread and effective. The sound design is refined, textured, and immersive, making it far superior to any soundbar package we’ve tried.
Even if our speakers are positioned haphazardly, the sound design doesn’t seem off-kilter or detract from the action on-screen, making the HT-A9 an excellent choice for people who won’t sacrifice their furniture arrangement in favor of surround sound.
You can also choose between the 300W SA-SW5 and 200W SA-SW3 subwoofers for extra bass.
While it may not provide the same level of fidelity and transparency as a standard speaker package, this system delivers excellent performance and convenience in a compact form. Many people will undoubtedly be interested in this system.
Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D Home Theater Speaker System
Top 5.1 surround sound system
SPECIFICATIONS
- 3-dimensional surround sound experience
- 4 satellite speakers, 1 center channel & a 250-watt Powered Subwoofer
- Most advanced drivers
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D speaker system, with its center channel, four speakers, and subwoofer, will provide the punch audiophiles desire in their living rooms, whether they select a soundbar system or a more conventional speaker set-up.
Sure, this approach has several disadvantages, but the most crucial one is probably logistics. Rather than operating wirelessly like other speakers on the list, all speakers will require to be wired together to communicate, which implies a lot of wires to conceal. If excellent sound quality is what you’re after, this is a great choice. There are also no innovative features or Bluetooth.
Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack Surround Sound System
Budget-friendly home theater system
SPECIFICATIONS
- 650 Watts speaker output power(maximum)
- Tractrix Horn technology
- Outstanding sound experience
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Building a proper surround sound system can get reasonably costly over time, but it can significantly enhance your home theatre experience. Consider this Klipsch system if you’d like to get results immediately without adding rear speakers and more down the line.
In addition to the wireless subwoofer, the Surround speakers surround sound system includes a center channel and four surrounds placed around your space. It’s more customizable than other surround sound systems because you determine where to put them. Furthermore, this system includes an aluminum tweeter and high-excursion aluminum woofer cones for outstanding sound quality.
The Klipsch HT50 doesn’t include Bluetooth connectivity or compatibility with smart home systems like Google Assistant and Alexa. However, if this isn’t important to you, it’s a great starter kit for people who aren’t as tech-savvy and don’t want to miss out on the great sound.
MartinLogan Motion 51 Speaker System
One of the best surround sound system
SPECIFICATIONS
- 5.1 Channels
- 150 Watts speaker output power(maximum)
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The MartinLogan Motion 5.1 Speaker System is ranked in the middle, price-wise, of the proper surround sound systems on this list. If you don’t want to compromise on a budget set-up but don’t want to spend a lot, the MartinLogan set-up may be for you.
Rather than using fabric, MartinLogan has opted for a plain finish on the system’s four speakers and subwoofer. Although wiring the speakers is a negative in terms of convenience, wall mounting brackets are provided to make installation process as simple as possible.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Surround Sound System for Your Home?
When choosing the best surround sound system for your needs, you should consider several things. Placement is chief among them – does your TV hang low enough that you can set up the rear sound channels and plug sockets? Is there enough room behind your sofa for them?
Any of the picks above should meet your requirements if you require to surround sound. If not, you might consider the single-bar solutions at the top of the list, virtualizing surround sound via wall reflection. The performance of these systems will vary depending on the consistency of the space (a neat square room is often best). Despite this, all of the systems above fool the ears into thinking sound is coming from all around.
An extensive feature array might be equally worthy of consideration. If you want to listen to a lot of music via the soundbar, a built-in voice assistant, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, might be beneficial, allowing you to speak to the device to request it to play your preferred tunes at any moment.
Furthermore, think about the television you want to pair it with—not only whether it will obstruct the screen, but also what connection will be required. True audiophiles seeking uncompressed multi-channel audio via HDMI connections will be able to get it.
How Much Does a Surround Sound System Cost?
I’ve included surround sound systems across a range of price points on this list, as different families will have other demands and budgets. When writing, the Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System will cost you around $2000. I know it isn’t a small amount of money, but you will benefit from its wireless setup.
Klipsch’s Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System, which costs just over $350, is on the other end of the spectrum. Remember that the Klipsch system does not connect to any smart home devices.
Do You Need a Receiver For a Surround Sound System?
When you first get into sound systems, the query of whether your shiny new speaker set-up needs a receiver may arise. Older surround sound systems usually require a receiver for optimal performance, and while they’re still an option, many systems now operate without one.
Soundbar systems (bar, subwoofer, and 2+ rear speakers) are becoming more popular, and those don’t require a receiver at all.
A receiver is essentially the adhesive that holds the rest of the system’s components together for multi-speaker systems. If you want a traditional setup, you’ll need one for home theatre systems. Ensure you have all the necessary components before investing in one of these sets.
What is The Best Surround Sound System?
There are many different speaker systems for every kind of room. Suppose you’re flush with cash and have ample space for your cinematic pleasures. In that case, you might be interested in the Sony HTA9 Home Theater System or the Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D Home Theater Speaker System. However, the quantity of wires, the amount of space required, and the high cost make this an unattainable alternative except for the wealthiest individuals.
Instead of getting cinema-like results with a great soundbar and wireless speaker combo like those listed above, you can get great, cinema-like results with a great soundbar and wireless speaker combo. We love the Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar System or the JBL 9.1-Channel Soundbar System if you want something soundbar-like.
Summary
I’ve finished my roundup of the top 6 surround sound systems for 2022, and I am sure you’ve found what you’re looking for.
While I would like you to read through my suggestions and decide what you desire to buy next, I want you to make an educated choice when you purchase the best surround sound system.
Have a great time shopping!
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Mark Dalio
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
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