The best surround sound systems of 2025

Finding the best surround sound system for your home theater can feel overwhelming. Between speaker size, room layout, and overall performance, there's a lot to weigh. As someone who reviews home entertainment gear for a living, I've tested everything from compact soundbars to full-scale speaker setups. With that in mind, I'm here to break down the basics of surround sound and offer my top picks.

The best surround sound systems use dedicated rear or "satellite" speakers to create a cinematic soundstage that pulls you right into your favorite movies, shows, and games. If you're looking for a great all-around option, I recommend the Samsung Q990F. This convenient soundbar package includes two satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer, delivering room-filling sound right out of the box. But if you have the space and budget for something larger, I suggest piecing together a system using Klipsch Reference Premiere series speakers, which offer powerful audio that's a clear step above smaller options. You can mix and match models to build the perfect setup for your room, but you'll need to buy an AV receiver separately.

If you're not familiar with AV receivers or other surround sound components and jargon, don't worry — I've got you covered. This guide includes an FAQ section that explains key home theater terms, like "audio channels," "Dolby Atmos," and "HDMI ARC," so you can shop with confidence.

Our top picks for the best surround sound systems

Best soundbar model: Samsung 11.1.4-Channel Q990F - See at Amazon

Best high-end speakers: Klipsch 5.1.4-Channel Reference Premiere - See at Amazon

Best budget option: Klipsch 5.1-Channel Reference Theater Pack - See at Amazon

Best wireless setup: Sony 4.0.4-Channel Bravia Quad - See at Amazon

Best soundbar model

The Samsung Q990F is the best surround sound system for anyone seeking a powerful Dolby Atmos setup that's bundled together in one convenient package. Included in the box are a 48.5-inch soundbar, two wireless rear speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, providing a genuine surround sound experience.

The Q990F replaces my previous recommendation in this spot, the older Q990C. Though the Q990C is a similar device, it's hard to find in stock, and the newer Q990F offers a few welcome tweaks and enhancements.

In total, the system provides a whopping 756W of power and 11.1.4 channels of audio, which results in a fantastic sense of immersion. Our reviewer was impressed by the system's rich clarity and the rear speakers' ability to engulf them in lively soundscapes while watching movies like "Dune II."

Dolby Atmos technology is also supported with up-firing audio drivers built into the soundbar and satellites. This enables audio effects to bounce off your ceiling, making it seem as if they're coming from overhead. Movies like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Ready Player One" are a great showcase for the Q990F's Atmos effects, creating a dome of audio that extends around and above the listening area.

Our reviewer also liked the new subwoofer, which is now more compact than previous models in the Q990 series. It also features a sealed design to minimize rattle. Despite its smaller stature, it offered plenty of rumble, even at default settings, so there's room to further enhance the low-frequency output for those who love bass.

However, this is still a soundbar at its core, so there are limitations to consider. Although it's incredibly powerful for its size, the Q990F can't match the presence and depth of speakers like Klipsch's high-end Reference Premiere models. But within this size and price range, the Q990F is hard to beat. It's also a lot more convenient than a traditional speaker setup since it doesn't require a separate AV receiver. The Q990F has built-in amplification, processing, and connectivity.

It features an HDMI eARC port, an optical port, and two HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K HDR passthrough. That latter feature was missing on the older Q990C, and it enables the soundbar to pass 4K/120Hz signals with VRR to a connected TV. This is perfect for people who want to use a PS5 or Xbox Series X with the Q990F. That said, the positioning of the HDMI ports on the bottom of the bar is less than ideal.

Alexa is also integrated for hands-free voice control, and the soundbar supports a feature called Q-Symphony. This allows the Q990F to pair with many of the best Samsung TVs, such as the S90F 4K OLED and S95F 4K OLED, so you can use your TV's speakers with the soundbar.

Although the Q990F is my top soundbar recommendation, some retailers may still have last year's Q990D available. The Q990D features similar capabilities, but it uses Samsung's older subwoofer design, which is bulkier and more prone to rattle than the Q990F's revised sub. It's unclear how long the Q990D will remain in stock, but if the Q990F's new subwoofer isn't a selling point, you may be able to find the Q990D at a great discount while supplies last.

Read our Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar review.

Visit our guide to all of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

Best high-end speakers

Although all the home theater packages included in this guide are great performers in their own right, Klipsch's Reference Premiere speakers are on an entirely different level. Designed for true enthusiasts, this is one of the best surround systems available for those who want a big cinematic experience in their living room.

You can mix and match several Reference Premiere speakers, which are all sold separately through retailers like Amazon, to create a system that suits your needs. As a good starting point for a premium surround sound setup, I recommend this 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos configuration:

• Two RP-8060FA II towers
• A pair of RP-600M II bookshelf speakers
• A pair of RP-500SA II Dolby Atmos modules
• One RP-504C II center speaker
• One RP-1000SW subwoofer

That adds up to nine speaker channels in total (plus the subwoofer), so you'll need a nine-channel AV receiver to power and process them. I recommend the Denon AVR-X3800H for its reliability and extensive feature set. I use an older version of that receiver in my own home theater setup, and it delivers excellent performance. The X3800H also features multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to connect various media devices to the receiver and pass their signals to your TV, including support for gaming consoles with 4K/120Hz video.

The Reference Premiere speakers make good use of Klipsch's proprietary Tractrix Horn-loaded technology, which can provide better power efficiency and more precise directionality than traditional dome-style tweeters. Klipsch's Reference Premiere speakers first launched in 2014, and the company released second-generation models in 2022. The latest models use larger horns than the first-gen speakers and refined woofers that produce less distortion.

Performance is exceptional, with range, clarity, imaging, and bass that outclass all of the less expensive options in this guide. My recommended setup delivers 5.1.4 channels of audio, which means you get traditional left, center, right, surround left, surround right, and bass channels, plus front left height, front right height, surround left height, and surround right height channels. The result is sound from all sides — both at ear level and above your head.

Of course, not everyone has a room large enough to accommodate a setup like this, and only the most serious home theater enthusiasts will want to spend several thousand dollars on speakers. The 5.1.4 configuration I recommend will set you back about $4,000 to $5,000, depending on current discounts, and that's before you add the receiver, which costs another $1,500 to $1,800. However, the Reference Premiere Series is hard to beat for those willing to make the investment, and you can always piece together components gradually by starting with two speakers and adding more over time.

As a slightly more affordable alternative, Klipsch offers a step-down lineup of home theater speakers called the Reference Series. These models aren't as advanced, but they offer a notable upgrade from any soundbar you'll find. If you were to piece together a similar 5.1.4 configuration with Reference speakers, the total would be about $3,000 (without a receiver). You can shop for Reference Series speakers on Amazon.

Best budget option

Klipsch's Reference Theater Pack is a great example of a budget-friendly home theater system featuring compact speakers that are easy to place in smaller spaces, such as an apartment.

Small speaker systems like this have advantages over soundbars since you can spread their front left, front right, and center speakers farther apart. This creates a wider sense of distance, which enhances stereo effects. In comparison, soundbars have these front channels built into one unit, so there's less separation between them. This Klipsch package also includes dedicated rear speakers, while many soundbar systems rely on virtual processing to simulate rear effects rather than having true surround sound.

In total, the Reference Theater Pack comprises five compact speakers and a wireless eight-inch subwoofer, providing a full 5.1-channel system. Amazon currently sells the speakers without a receiver for around $500, but Adorama offers a package that includes a Denon AVR-S770H 7.2-Channel AV receiver for around $850, which is a great deal. A receiver is needed to power the speakers and act as a hub for your connected devices. If you're buying a receiver for these speakers separately, I recommend the Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2-Channel Receiver.

The Reference Theater speakers are best described as entry-level, yet they still boast solid specifications for their price. They also use a version of Klipsch's Tractrix Horn technology, which is found on all of the brand's higher-end offerings. Tractrix Horns can provide more precise directionality and better power efficiency compared to dome-style tweeters used by other brands.

This system's main drawback compared to my other picks is that it lacks the ability to create Dolby Atmos height effects. The Reference Theater package still delivers a full surround sound experience at ear level, but it doesn't spread any audio effects above your head.

For a budget-friendly alternative that does support Dolby Atmos overhead audio, I recommend the Vizio Elevate SE 5.1.2 soundbar system. The Vizio can't match the stereo separation you get from Klipsch's Reference Theater speakers, and it features a smaller six-inch subwoofer. However, it does have the added benefit of up-firing audio drivers to create height sound effects.

Best wireless setup

Sony's Bravia Theater Quad system is an ideal choice for people who want a user-friendly wireless surround sound solution. It consists of four sleek speakers and a compact control box. The control box serves as both the wireless receiver for the speakers and an HDMI 2.1 hub, allowing you to connect it directly to your TV.

The thin speaker units feature tabletop bases for easy placement on a media console, and they can also be wall-mounted if preferred. Though each speaker connects wirelessly to the control box, they still need to be plugged into a power outlet. This is the case for many wireless surround sound systems since built-in batteries are not yet practical for home theater use.

Each speaker features front- and up-firing audio drivers, enabling 4.0.4 channels of Dolby Atmos audio. In my testing, the Quad speakers offered fantastic sound quality, with natural separation between the left, right, and rear speakers, creating a spacious sense of surround sound. I was also impressed by the system's height channels, which produced a convincing sense of overhead audio when watching Dolby Atmos movies.

Since the Bravia Quad uses four speakers, there is no dedicated center channel. However, the system supports Sony's Center Sync feature, which lets you pair the Quad with a compatible Sony TV to use the TV's speakers as a center channel for dialogue. I tested this with a Bravia 9 4K TV, and it worked well, placing speech up front and center with the display. Center Sync isn't necessary to get good performance, but it's a cool perk if you happen to have a compatible TV.

The Quad speakers sounded great with a variety of movies, shows, and video games, but the system has one notable weakness: low-frequency performance. The Quad's sound signature lacks weight in the deep bass registers, creating a thin quality in big action scenes, which left me craving a bit more oomph. You can fix this by adding one of Sony's wireless subwoofers, like the SW5. I was able to test the system with and without the SW5, and it offers a big upgrade. Bravia Quad packages that include an SW3 or SW5 subwoofer are typically sold for an additional $400 to $600, but these bundles are sometimes discounted to less than the cost of the Quad on its own.

However, even when you can snag a bundle on sale, the Bravia Theater Quad is a pricey system compared to most soundbar alternatives. That said, the Quad's cool aesthetics and wireless connectivity give it a premium feel, which helps justify its price.

How we test surround sound systems

To select the best surround sound systems, our team of reviewers relied on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by more than a decade of experience covering audio products. Our methodology encompasses evaluating key performance attributes related to audio quality for movies, TV shows, and music, as well as support for surround sound formats, connectivity, design, and overall value.

To test sound quality, we watch a variety of content across different genres, including action films, sitcoms, concerts, and dialogue-driven dramas, to evaluate how speakers and soundbars perform with various types of material. We pay close attention to high-, mid-, and low-frequency performance to determine if a system can provide a balanced sound signature that avoids overly bright, muddy, or boomy qualities. We also watch specific sequences and demo clips that we've curated to showcase surround sound effects, bass, and Dolby Atmos height channels (when applicable).

Our testing material includes Blu-ray disc content with lossless audio, high-resolution music tracks, and compressed streaming audio, allowing us to assess how a surround sound system handles different levels of quality. Small and medium-sized systems are tested in a medium-sized home office, while larger systems with full-sized speakers are evaluated in a larger living room.

Surround sound system FAQs

What are surround sound speaker channels?

When shopping for the best surround sound system, you'll often see a string of two to three numbers separated by decimal points listed somewhere in the product description. For example, many systems are listed as being 5.1 or 5.1.4 setups. This string of numbers refers to the number of speaker channels the system supports, which essentially translates to the number of directions sound can come from.

The first number designates the number of standard ear-level speaker channels provided. The second number indicates the number of subwoofers supported for dedicated bass. The final number indicates the number of height speaker channels supported for Dolby Atmos overhead audio.

The best surround sound systems are available in various channel configurations. Generally, the more speaker channels you get, the more enveloping and immersive the surround sound effect will be, since audio can come from more directions. The most traditional setup is a 5.1 configuration.

In a 5.1-channel system, you get front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right, and subwoofer speakers at ear level. If you have a Dolby Atmos-capable system, such as a 5.1.4 setup, you receive the same ear-level channels, along with the addition of front left height, front right height, surround left height, and surround right height speakers. These speakers are either mounted on your ceiling or angled from the ground to bounce audio off your ceiling.

Surround sound systems can start at three channels, and most consumer options max out at around 11 ear-level speakers and four height-level speakers.

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound format supported on many modern audio systems. It utilizes a process called object-based audio mixing, which enables sound designers to create soundtracks with individual audio elements, such as a buzzing bee or a flying helicopter, that can be freely positioned within a virtual environment. A Dolby Atmos sound system processes this location data and maps those locations to best match your speaker setup.

So, whether you have a 5.1.2 or 11.1.4 speaker setup, a Dolby Atmos audio track can scale to match the location and number of speakers in your room. Atmos mixing also allows audio designers to expand upon traditional surround sound with effects above your head.

Dolby Atmos height effects are best realized by actual in- or on-ceiling speakers, but those are complicated to set up. As an alternative, many soundbars and speakers use up-firing audio drivers. Up-firing drivers are built into ear-level speakers and angled in a specific way to bounce audio off your ceiling. This simulates the effect of sounds coming from above your head. The performance of up-firing speakers is affected by the size and shape of your room. For optimal performance, Dolby recommends using a room with a flat ceiling between 7.5 and 12 feet high.

For more details about Dolby Atmos, visit our full Dolby Atmos guide.

Do you need an AV receiver for a surround sound system?

In 2025, there are two main types of surround sound systems available: soundbar setups and multi-speaker setups. Soundbar systems do not require a separate AV receiver, but traditional multi-speaker systems do. These configurations use passive speakers that need to be hooked up to a receiver for amplification and audio processing.

An AV receiver provides power to your speakers and also serves as a connection hub for your media devices. Many receivers have multiple HDMI passthrough ports and an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port. You can connect external components like a Blu-ray player, streaming player, or gaming console to your receiver's HDMI passthrough ports and then feed their signals to your TV through the HDMI ARC port. HDMI ARC also passes audio from your TV to the receiver. Many AV receivers include wireless connectivity for music streaming via Bluetooth or WiFi, and some also include phono inputs to connect to a record player.

Receivers can power multiple speakers, and the number they support is designated by their channel specification. Common surround sound AV receiver options include 5.1-, 7.1-, 9.1-, and 11.1-channel models. Some receivers also support multiple subwoofers, which are designated by a .2 or .4 as the second number. Generally speaking, the more channels/speakers a receiver supports, the more expensive it tends to be.

Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, Yamaha, Marantz, and Sony are all popular AV receiver brands that offer a range of models at various budget levels. You can browse AV receivers on Amazon.

What is virtual surround sound?

Physical rear speakers provide the best surround sound quality, but some brands sell soundbar models that support virtual surround sound without actual rear speakers. Virtual surround sound relies on software and psychoacoustics to simulate the effect of rear audio by adjusting sound frequencies, speed, and levels. Some soundbars with virtual surround sound also utilize side-firing audio drivers that can bounce effects off the walls.

Though virtual surround sound systems can provide a more immersive experience than standard two-channel stereo systems, we've yet to come across any stand-alone soundbars that can effectively mimic the sound of actual rear speakers. These models create a wider sound field, and they're great for people who want to save space. However, we recommend sticking with a system that has physical rear speakers to achieve the best surround sound performance.

For speaker recommendations with virtual surround sound, check out our guides to the best soundbars, best budget soundbars, best Bose soundbars, and best Sonos soundbars.

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