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5 best surround sound systems for TV, music and gaming in your living room
A surround sound system can elevate subpar TV audio into a cinematic wall of sound. Here are the best options to consider.
How I picked the best surround sound systems
When picking these suggestions, I drew on the advice of multiple sources from the audio hardware industry — as well as my own experience testing surround sound systems and kept the below criteria in mind:
- Price: Speaker systems can be a tricky proposition, given it’s easy to spend as much on one as you would the television itself. I focused on offering a range of options for different budgets while considering how extensive a multi-channel system should be for that price.
- Immersive audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio are all immersive audio formats. Each format helps sound designers better cater to the intricacies of the multi-channel audio systems in consumers’ homes. I looked specifically for models that supported these formats and were capable of fully immersive sound.
- Style and size: Surround sound systems, by design, can’t be hidden inside the casing of a television. So it’s important that substantial systems with many different units aren’t too much of an eye sore or have too many cables that can turn into a trip hazard, when they’re all set up. I considered the size and dimensions of each system, how suitable they might be for different sized homes and how easy they are to set up.
The best surround sound systems
Samsung HW-Q990C
What we like
- Large number of audio channels
- 8-inch subwoofer
Something to note
- No USB ports
- Premium price
Samsung makes some excellent audio hardware, with the added benefit of syncing well with high-end Samsung TVs — this 11.1.4 channel model is one of the manufacturer’s flagship sound systems. Damien Mason, Senior Hardware Editor at technology outlet Club 386, says that, “While it’s a premium option, Samsung’s HW-Q990C punches way above its price point. It comes with your usual soundbar and subwoofer, but the two rear drivers are kitted with upwards and side-firing speakers for a robust sound stage that covers your entire room.”
Channels: 11.1.4 | Dimensions: 2.7 x 48.5 x 5.4 in. (soundbar), 16.3 x 8.7 x 16.1 in. (subwoofer) | 3D Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Weight: 50.3 lbs. (soundbar), 25.8 lbs. (subwoofer) | Connectivity: x2 HDMI (x1 eARC), Bluetooth, Optical, Wi-Fi, AirPlay | Voice Controls: Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings
Vizio 5.1.2 M-Series
What we like
- Atmos and DTS:X support
- Quick and easy setup
Something to note
- Nondescript appearance
This slim and lightweight 5.1.2 Vizio model could be a great budget choice, with a dedicated subwoofer and two separate tweeters alongside a soundbar with up-firing speakers. “The Vizio 5.1-Channel M-Series is sleek and should fit into any setup,” says Mason. “Its 11 speakers cover everything you need, and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support are baked in. Connectivity is perhaps its biggest strength, with Bluetooth compatibility and a headphone jack alongside optical, USB and HDMI ports. Hook it up to your Wi-Fi and you can even control it via your favorite voice assistant: Alexa, Google or Siri.”
Channels: 5.1.2 | Dimensions: 2.2 x 36 x 3.5 in. (soundbar), 9.9 x 8.3 x 11.7 in. (subwoofer) | 3D Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Weight: 5.5 lbs. (soundbar), 7.6 lbs. (subwoofer) | Connectivity: x2 HDMI (x1 eARC), Bluetooth, Optical, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, 3.5mm headphone jack | Voice Controls: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Logitech Z906 5.1
What we like
- Extensive six-speaker system
- 5.1 system
Something to note
- No Bluetooth
- No 3D audio formats
5.1 is the primary spec to meet in a surround sound system, and this setup from Logitech meets all the basic requirements, with a central speaker and subwoofer alongside four satellite speakers to truly embed audio around the room. This is a wired model, meaning there’s no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wizardry here: you’ll have to connect every speaker individually and manage all of the cables. It also lacks 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. However, it comes with a 4.6 Amazon rating across over 5,000 user reviews.
Channels: 5.1 | Dimensions: 4 x 6.6 x 3.7 in. (center speaker), 11.5 x 11 x 13.8 in. (subwoofer), 6.5 x 3.9 x 3.6 in. (satellites) | 3D Audio: N/A | Weight: 39 lbs | Connectivity: x2 HDMI (x1 eARC), Optical, 3.5mm headphone jack, RCA, digital coaxial, six channel direct | Voice Controls: N/A
Klipsch Reference Theater Pack 5.1
What we like
- Large six-part speaker system
Something to note
- Small speakers have less power
- Needs AV receiver
Klipsch makes some exceptional audio kits, and this 5.1 channel system is a great choice for rear surround sound, in my opinion, thanks to four satellite speakers that spread out those audio channels alongside a center speaker and wireless subwoofer. The small speakers make for a small hardware footprint, though this does limit lower frequencies and impact across the board, and you’ll need a separate AV receiver as an intermediary between these speakers and your television (or whatever audio source you’re using). However, its lack of modern smart technology and connectivity is why the price is lower compared to more advanced surround sound systems. The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack 5.1 has a 4.7/5 Amazon rating across over 2,000 reviews.
Channels: 5.1 | Dimensions: 12 x 20 x 18 in. | 3D Audio: N/A | Weight: 32 lbs. | Connectivity: Wired | Voice Controls: N/A
Sennheiser Ambeo Plus 7.1.4 (With Sub)
What we like
- Great connectivity
- Wide format support
- Exceptional sound
Something to note
- Only one subwoofer
- No rear speakers
This premium Sennheiser 7.1.4 soundbar starts looking like a great deal when you realize it comes with a dedicated $700 subwoofer, which allows you to add up to four more Ambeo Subs. You’re lacking a mid-range or high-frequency presence beyond the front-facing soundbar, but for a smart, streaming-focused model with exceptional sound, connectivity and 3D audio format support, the price is very much worth it; having tried this model myself with a set of four Ambeo subwoofers, I can tell you it’s a thrilling and ground-shaking experience.
Channels: 7.1.4 | Dimensions: 41.38 x 4.76 x 2.95 in. (soundbar), 14.5 x 10.8 x 10.8 in. (subwoofer) | 3D Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Sony 360 Reality Audio | Weight: 13.9 lbs. (soundbar), 18.8 lbs. (subwoofer) | Connectivity: x2 HDMI (x1 eARC), Bluetooth, Optical, Wi-Fi, AirPlay | Voice Controls: Amazon Alexa, Siri
How to shop for the best surround sound system
Soundbar vs surround sound
A soundbar contains all the audio channels in a single piece of hardware: you won’t get quite the scale of immersion, but it’s much tidier and often cheaper than a room full of separate speaker units. A surround sound system uses multiple speakers to create an all encompassing sound, similar to what you might experience at a movie theater, for example.
Many soundbar brands these days use something called ‘virtual surround sound’, which relies on an algorithm to upscale audio and a little directional trickery to make you think you’re experiencing surround sound.
It won’t usually beat the full impact of speakers that are actually placed around you — as in a cinema, where sound comes at you from all sides — but the best soundbars are still worth a look for those after a simpler audio solution.
John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories, says to make sure your setup is appropriate for the size of your space: “A higher audio channel configuration (like 5.1.2) will work great in a larger room, like the living room in a single family home, as it will provide a more encompassing sound field needed for the space. Alternatively, a 3.1.2 or 2.1 surround sound system, which features less audio channels, may work better and sound equally impressive in smaller rooms, which is a great option for those living in apartments or condos.”
Price and separates
The cost of a surround sound system really depends on how many speakers and channels you’re looking to buy: a couple of speaker units may not cost much by themselves, but a substantial 7.1.2 speaker setup spread across the room requires a lot of physical hardware you’ll have to buy.
“For all-encompassing immersive audio, you’re looking at an average of $500 to $1,500,” says Mason. “Virtual 7.1 systems can save you a few bucks here and there, but nothing beats a fully-fledged kit with the depth of a subwoofer and side-firing speakers.”
Bass
One big benefit of an external surround sound system is the inclusion of subwoofers. TVs are generally quite thin, and lack the space for proper bass capability, so a surround sound system can help with the lower, rumbling frequencies that struggle on basic TV drivers.
Ole Moltsen, a Product Manager and audio specialist Bang & Olufsen, recommends looking for speakers with “bass capability”, but admits that “it can be quite difficult for people to compare technical specifications between brands and products”, which makes product reviews or buying guides the best place to start.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- John Couling, SVP of Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories, is an industry specialist and former Dolby applications engineer now overseeing the company’s global partnerships strategy.
- Ole Moltsen is the Product Manager at Bang & Olufsen, maker of luxury audio devices.
- Damien Mason is the Senior Hardware Editor at technology outlet Club 386, with extensive experience testing and reporting on consumer gadgets.
Why trust NBC Select?
I've worked as a gadget reporter since 2017, covering the latest developments in consumer hardware, from TVs and headphones to smart speakers and VR headsets. I previously worked as the News & Features Editor at TechRadar and now freelance for NBC Select, IGN and The Independent.
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