Best Home Theater Speakers (Updated 2021)

Best Home Theater Speakers (Updated 2021)
Summary List

  • 9.70/10

    1.
    Editors choice:
    Acoustic Audio AA5170

  • 8.95/10

    2.
    Premium pick:
    Yamaha YHT-5950UBL

  • 8.24/10

    3.
    Best value:
    GPX HT050B 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System

  • 9.97/10

    4.
    Logitech Z506 Surround Sound

  • 9.50/10

    5.
    Monoprice 5.1

  • 9.93/10

    6.
    Logitech Z906

  • 9.25/10

    7.
    Onkyo HT-S3900

  • 8.60/10

    8.
    iLive 5.1

  • 9.00/10

    9.
    Klipsch HDT-600

  • 8.70/10

    10.
    Philips HTS5100B

Music has immensely evolved, and it plays a vital role in all the realms, including the human and animal worlds. Music is an essential part of human evolution, and it is linked to various critical aspects such as motivation, learning, human social contact, and entertainment. Technology has significantly helped in shaping the music and entertainment industries since today everything has gone digital.

The best home theater speakers can help you improve your home listening experience. Human ears are designed to listen to sounds coming from all angles. The conventional home theaters had two speakers, and such a setup could not simulate all the sophisticated data people hear in the real world situation. With time, other systems emerged that improved the audio as well as the visual experience.

Home theater sound has improved drastically from stereophonic and four-channel discrete resonance to high definition surround sound. The future holds even more exciting advances, including the extensive use of 3D technology. So, here are the ten best home theater speakers of 2021. Take your time and browse the pros and cons of each product and weigh them against your preferences. Once you finish this guide, you’ll be able to find the best home theater speakers for you!

Editors choice

1. Acoustic Audio AA5170

9.70 / 10

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Goldwood is famous for manufacturing stereos and sound systems that meet the demands of the market. The brand might not tussle for supremacy with the likes of Sony, but it sure does produce speakers that provide a balance between price and efficiency. An excellent example of such speakers is the Acoustic Audio AA5170.

Acoustic Audio is a sub-branch of the Goldwood brand; the sub-branch specializes in home theater speakers. Acoustic Audio incorporates state-of-the-art technology in the production of speakers. The fact is evident as the brand has not shunned away in replicating the same technique with the AA5170.

The AA5170 comes with an excellent power rating of 700 Watts. Apart from that, the frequency response is top-notch, coming at 20Hz to 20 kHz. Given that the AA5170 is a Bluetooth-powered speaker, such a response rate is integral when it comes to connecting with other devices.

The audio condition of the AA5170 is also worth the talk. Apart from connecting to the 5.1 Bluetooth speaker, the integrated audio amplifier provides inputs for devices, including auxiliary sources. In addition, the AA5170 comes with an enhanced bass boost design. Such an approach in design ensures that there’s a balance in the audio output.

In terms of the exterior design, the manufacturer could’ve done better. However, the display is excellent, and the controls are intuitive. Furthermore, the AA5170 comes with added inputs for connecting with peripherals and for providing excellent Audio. The AA5170 might not be a touch of sleekness, but it sure is a master of functionality and efficiency.

Key Features

  • Bluetooth-powered
  • Sleek design
  • Integrated audio amplifier for connecting to different devices
Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Produces good audio quality
  • Provides multiple channels for connection
  • Comes with an enhanced bass system
Cons

  • The design isn’t that aesthetically pleasing

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Premium pick

2. Yamaha YHT-5950UBL

8.95 / 10

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The Yamaha YHT-5950UBL is a powerful Wi-Fi-capable home theater that is guaranteed to blow your mind with its sound quality. The system has five speakers, which are specially designed to add depth and richness to all kinds of audio that you toward the home theater.

The system is guaranteed to give you a balanced sound experience. The 5.1-channel capability is integrated with the home theater for this. The speaker system and the AV receivers ensure that your music and movie tracks will sound clear even at high volumes. You do not have to tune the home theater for hours just to get the kind of experience that you want.

The Yamaha YHT-5950UBL comes with support for 4k videos at 60 frames per second and also supports Dolby Visions and HDR10. These two features will allow you to connect the home theater to your television or other high refresh rate screens. The two technologies are some of the most advanced in visual and audio reproduction, which means that you will be in for a treat.

The Yamaha YHT-5950UBL comes with all the popular music streaming apps pre-installed. They include Quboz, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, Napster, and SiriusXM. You will only have to connect to your home Wi-Fi to enjoy the highest quality music from your online collection.

The system offers lots of controls for syncing your smartphone to play all your tracks directly. You can even cast any audio from your device to the home theater as long as you have connected the two devices to the same network. The Yamaha YHT-5950UBL is perfect for any audiophile out there who wants to enjoy their music on a high-quality system.

Key Features

  • Comes with 5 speakers
  • Supports 5.1 channel sound
  • Comes with a 4K Ultra HD HDMI
Pros

  • Powerful sound
  • Clarity even at high volume
  • Lots of connection modes
Cons

  • Some settings are difficult to understand

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Best value

3. GPX HT050B 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System

8.24 / 10

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The GPX HT050B 5.1 is a powerful home theater speaker system with the latest features to keep you and your family entertained all day. The home theater has six surround speakers, including a subwoofer, a front left, front right, rear right, rear left, and a center channel to fill the room with high-quality sound whether you’re watching a movie or enjoying live music concerts. The combination works perfectly for bigger living rooms since you can easily create a surround system setting.

Controlling the audio quality on the home theater is as easy as reaching the control knobs at the back of the subwoofer. You don’t have to worry about each speaker since all the buttons are located on the subwoofer.

The GPX HT050B delivers high-quality sound since it draws power directly from the mains. The choice to go for an AC power cable is informed by the demand for a high wattage supply to keep the home theater performing at its maximum. Battery-powered systems sometimes deliver subpar sound quality as the power source runs low.

The GPX HT050B does not need additional accessories to fulfill your home entertainment needs as an all-in-one system. You can hook up a bunch of audio sources to take advantage of the powerful speakers and subwoofer. The supported peripherals include RCA input, computers, game consoles, MP3 players, DVD players, boom boxes, and TV.

The home theater is easy to set up since everything comes preconfigured out of the box. You’ll only need to link the speakers with the subwoofer. Once this is done, the last step is connecting the home theater to your audio source.

Key Features

  • 5.1 channel surround features
  • ETL/ CETL listed
  • A high-power amplifier
Pros

  • Powerful bass
  • Clear sound at all frequencies
  • A minimal and clean design
Cons

  • Speaker wires may be too short for some people

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GPX HT050B 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System

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4. Logitech Z506 Surround Sound

9.97 / 10

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The Logitech Z506 Surround Sound Home Theater is a small but powerful system that delivers high-quality audio performance on a budget. This speaker is packed with powerful surround sound, which is made possible by the 5.1 speaker system.

The system is comprised of a right, left, and center channel, one subwoofer, and two rear satellite speakers. The arrangement is guaranteed to give you an immersive experience right at home. The power delivery of the speaker is superb since Logitech Z506 has a 150 Watts room-filling capacity. The down-firing subwoofer will give you big, bold sounds regardless of the nature of the music that you are consuming.

Unlike other subwoofers, which are a bit of work to set up correctly, the Logitech Z506 is easy to configure and use. It has multiple connection options, which will save you money once the system is set up. It has six-channel direct inputs, a 3.5 mm, and an RCA input, which is guaranteed to work with your television and other home devices.

The speaker allows you to connect up to two devices simultaneously, which could be useful for switching between your phone and television instantly. For example, you can configure the speakers to play music from your phone whenever you step into your bedroom and from the TV whenever you want to relax in the living room.

If you are in search of a home theater that has simple controls, Logitech Z506 is right for you. The satellite speaker comes with power, volume, and a headphone jack right on the front deck. You can also customize the bass on the subwoofer on the dedicated control knob.

Key Features

  • Rich 3D stereo in 5.1
  • 75 watts RMS surround sound
  • Has a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • RCA and a 6-channel direct inputs
Pros

  • Delivers top-quality sound
  • A high-quality build
  • Provides rich room-filling sound
Cons

  • The cables are solid and cannot be replaced or extended

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5. Monoprice 5.1

9.50 / 10

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The Monoprice 5.1 home theater is a high-fidelity system that packs a punch when it comes to sound quality, clarity, and overall delivery. If you are looking for an affordable but uncompromising audio experience, the Monoprice 5.1 is the right home theater for you.

The home theater comes with four satellite speakers, which guarantee you that the mid and high-range audio signals are delivered with extreme clarity. Its subwoofer handles the low frequencies with high precision and prevents any distortion, which is especially essential when watching movies in your living room or bedroom.

Setting up the system is effortless since the speakers come with spring-loaded connectors, which ensure that your system stays put wherever you decide to install it.

If you plan on using the system to play music exclusively, you will be pleased to learn that the Monoprice 5.1 home theater delivers on both sound and audio quality. The 8-ohm speakers appear underpowered on paper but will definitely blow your mind once you hook the system to your television, PC, or smartphone.

The Monoprice 5.1 Channel home theater handles different frequencies excellently. The subwoofer has a downward-facing cone that handles low frequencies excellently to give you a fantastic experience. It can also handle frequencies ranging from 50 to 250 Hz, accommodating different music genres. These features ensure that the home theater can easily handle volume balance control and crossover frequency.

The Monoprice 5.1 is a compact but powerful home theater that will transform your audio experience.

Key Features

  • Comes with a 60 watt RMS amplifier
  • The center speakers have 3″ midrange cones that are shielded
  • Frequencies ranging from 50 to 250 Hz
Pros

  • Rich sound
  • Gets extremely loud without distortion
  • Ideal for smaller houses and apartments
Cons

  • Has limited connectivity options

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6. Logitech Z906

9.93 / 10

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The Logitech Z906 is the best pick for anyone looking for an authentic sound experience. The system has 1000 watts of powerful sound that delivers thunderous bass and rich audio. You enjoy each sound detail from the roaring crowd to every footstep right behind you.

The digital and analog inputs give you the flexibility to set your system according to your preferences. You can connect multiple audio sources and customize them into the available size of your entertainment room.

Having undergone high-performance testing, the surround speakers are THX certified. They turn your home into a cozy home theater, assuring you of cinematic sound experience. You can enjoy late-night movies with precise sound bursts and bass without shaking your walls. The Logitech Z906 has sufficient shielding dust built up.

Besides, the Logitech Z906 has a 3D stereo surround sound that is capable of turning heads from its lively and energetic sounds. These speakers convert your favorite music, games, and old movies into a sensational sound experience.

The 5.1 Dolby digital sound and built-in DTS encoding accurately create the final sound mix into a holistic cinematic experience. Well, this enables you to hear every detail as it is meant to be from your DVD, Blu-ray, and game soundtracks. Additionally, the Z906 has a handy wireless remote and compact control console. The two allow you to personalize the surround-sound settings instantly.

Key Features

  • THX-certified
  • 1000-watt peak power
  • Dolby digital sound
  • Compact control console
Pros

  • Easy setup and usage
  • Multiple stereo modes
  • Six audio inputs
  • Crisp sound
Cons

  • No HDMI connectors

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7. Onkyo HT-S3900

9.25 / 10

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The Onkyo HT-S3900 is a compelling home theater that brings the latest features to the table in terms of power and versatility. It comes with surround sound capabilities that will give you the highest audio resolution regardless of the kind of device you have for your music.

The audio output on the Onkyo HT-S3900 is delivered in a lossless format such that FLAC or Blu-ray audio will not be degraded. The system is not just limited to these high-quality audio formats; it is capable of handling audio from all other sources such as streaming apps and YouTube.

If you are looking for an audio system that is easy to integrate with your television or high refresh display, the Onkyo HT-S3900 is perfect for you. It comes with both HDMI and AVI terminals, which ensure that you will not be spending any extra money just to integrate your different devices. The HDMI link that is built into the speaker delivers 4k at 60 Hz and comes with an audio return channel. With these features, you will have all your television broadcasts amplified to your liking.

The sound quality that Onkyo HT-S3900 delivers is tuned for different profiles that you may need. The system has discrete analog amps that deliver instantaneous audio for movies, gaming, and television. You will have an opportunity to amplify the music in each of these modes.

With all these features, the home theater ensures that all your audio needs are addressed in a single package. The Onkyo HT-S3900 is an excellent home theater for your entertainment needs with lots of versatility to complement the devices that you may already own.

Key Features

  • 6-channel analog amplifiers
  • Has HDMI 4 and supports Ultra HD 4K/60Hz
  • Has DTS-HD Maser audio decoding and Dolby Trued
Pros

  • Numerous connection modes
  • Versatility in the use of different devices
  • A compact but powerful system
Cons

  • Some users have complained that the subwoofer is passive

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8. iLive 5.1

8.60 / 10

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The iLive 5.1 is a powerful home theater speaker designed to meet all your entertainment needs at home and in other places. The system has a stunning sound output that will ensure that you enjoy media in an immersive mode like never before.

If you prefer to connect the home theater to your gadgets wirelessly, the iLive 5.1 has got you covered. If you want to use Bluetooth, it comes with the latest version, and the audio will not suffer from any latency. The flexibility means that you will not have to go back to the store to buy dongles or extra cables. You are better off spending that money elsewhere.

The iLive 5.1 comes with six surround speakers, which include a subwoofer, front right, front left, surround right, surround left, and a soundbar. With these six speakers, you will have no problem throwing a party on the weekend or just enjoying some Netflix on Saturday night.

Connectivity on the iLive 5.1 is exceptional; you will not have to worry about the range because the wireless function of the home theater covers about 60 feet. The range includes the distance that you can control the speaker from with the remote as well.

If you are considering the home theater for quiet home entertainment, you will be thrilled to know that the satellite speakers and soundbar are designed to be wall mountable. The iLive 5.1 home theater is a powerful and affordable system that will transform your living room immediately. It comes with the perfect speakers for your weekend outdoor parties and similar events.

Key Features

  • 6 surround speakers
  • 5.1 channel sound
  • 60 feet wireless range
Pros

  • Excellent sound
  • The sound range is adequate for big houses
  • No latency or delays
Cons

  • The soundbar and satellite speakers do not come with mounting hardware

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9. Klipsch HDT-600

9.00 / 10

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When it comes to sleekness, the Klipsch HD speakers are a great pick. The home theater system comes with four satellite speakers, a subwoofer, and a matching center speaker. All these features aim to provide you with a complete compact system that incorporates crisp dialogue and excellent musical touch.

Klipsch uses the Klipsch Micro Tractrix horn to provide tweeter in its speakers. The technology is also evident in the Klipsch HDT-600. The innovation enables increased audio output and provides a superior detailed reproduction. To make it more powerful, the brand used the technology in each of the five speakers.

The speakers expand midbass bandwidth, ensuring that the sound blends ideally. The bass enhancement design in the speakers also provides enough sound to fill a room. Overall the sound system of the HDT-600 is top-notch, providing an excellent audio listening experience.

As stated earlier, the HDT-600 is sleek in design. The manufacturers went out of their way by providing a color that strikes any choice of style. Apart from the color, the overall design of the speakers is not conventional. The design is artistic, making the home theater system stand out uniquely with your décor.

The design of the home theater system ensures that placing the laptops isn’t a hassle. Apart from that, setting up the system is easy, and a manual is available. Overall, the HDT-600 guarantees efficiency and apt functionality.

Key Features

  • Bluetooth-powered
  • Integrated audio amplifier
  • Sleek design
Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Excellent audio quality
  • Comes with multiple audio inputs
  • Comes with an enhanced bass system
Cons

  • Only one color is available

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10. Philips HTS5100B

8.70 / 10

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If you are after robust and detailed sound for your home theater space, Philips HTS5100B is a worthy pick. This system exceeds your expectations by offering an immersive listening sound experience. These home theater speakers come with a rich bass sound that captures low frequencies and recreates them into audible ranges. In return, you get to listen to uncompromised quality sounds with more boom and panache.

With a 90W RMS output power, these speakers take your home audio to the next level. You get to play games, listen to music, and watch movies with a vibrant sound. The speakers feature sleek and stunning speakers that blend well into your home decor.

The home theater is Bluetooth enabled. This efficient wireless technology allows you to connect to other Bluetooth devices and play your best tunes; it could be from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Inboard is also an FM tuner that lets you catch up with your favorite radio stations for some engaging topics, music, or news.

With a 5.1 surround sound, sounds shift smoothly between front, rear, and side, providing you with detailed sounds. Additionally, the 5.1 system saves you the hassle of hanging speakers all over your ceiling.

The Philips HTS5100B includes USB linear feature and SD card slots for complete file transferability. You get to enjoy the convenience of accessing more digital music and photos. The home theater includes a remote control to pause, increase, or reduce volume at the comfort of your couch.

Key Features

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Bass boost technology
  • Built-in FM radio
  • 5.1 surround sound
Pros

  • Good sound quality
  • One year guarantee
  • Sleek and stunning design
  • Perfect for PC, TV, MP3, CD and more
Cons

  • No Wi-Fi connectivity

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The market is saturated with a plethora of sound systems, and getting the best home theater speakers can be a daunting process. You will find multiple variations, so it is essential to determine aspects such as the size of your room, the design, material, sound quality, connectivity, and more. A slew of people prefer large sound systems because they believe that huge speakers produce loud and quality resonance. However, with improved technology, you can find quite portable home theater systems producing quality sounds.

The Right Speakers For You

The size of your living room is the best determination element when choosing your speakers. A large and open sitting room with curved ceilings will require different sound systems compared to a small or medium-sized space. If you have small children playing around, you might opt for speakers that can be mounted to the wall. If your space is a dedicated theater room, you can get floor-standing loudspeakers.

You can also find suitable theater seating designed with the right fabrics to improve the audio quality. It is vital to consider the sound of the speakers, and elements such as the manufacturing materials. You can look out for speakers that have a moderate enclosure design. Speakers that have a broad enclosure style tend to produce a sound that is reverberating inside.

Such speakers offer reduced sound output or quality. The surround sound can help you pick excellent home theater speakers. A sound system with a 5.1 surround sound will give you a phenomenal home listening experience. Some speakers offer surround sound quality lower than 5.1, while others deliver as high as 7.1 or 9.1.

Amplified Speakers, Subwoofers, And Equalizers

It is crucial to note that not all home theater speakers provide amplified speakers. You can look out for a system with amplified speakers to improve your listening experience. You can also select a system with a subwoofer to help stabilize the total sound output generated by the speakers. Additionally, some home theater speakers come with equalizers, but if they do not, you can get an external one.

Equalizers enable you to fine-tune the resonance to fit your preference and environment. When selecting home theater speakers, look for durable ones. Speakers manufactured using polished wood or aluminum are long-lasting compared to those made from plastics.

The market is currently flooded with a wide range of home theater speakers. Choosing the best can be quite confusing. However, with this detailed review of the best home theater speakers, there is no doubt that you will make a great choice. So, now that you’ve finished this guide, you’ll be able to revisit our list of the best home theater speakers!

FAQ

Q: How Many Speakers are Needed for a Home Theater?

The number of speakers to get for your home theater entirely depends on your needs and the amount of space you have. A traditional setup has five home theater speakers. There’s one at the center, left, right, and two rear ones on either side of your TV.

The center speaker might be a soundbar that you place under the television. The subwoofer isn’t typically considered a speaker since its purpose is to deliver some bass. That said, it’s common for people with more space to have additional channels to fill out the room if they want to enjoy an immersive listening experience. For example, they may add two Atmos speakers on each side.

Q: Does the Size of the Speakers Matter?

The use of big speakers for home theaters is a relatively new phenomenon. A few years ago, most families opted for a high-quality subwoofer and a bunch of smaller speakers. As the number of people identifying as audiophiles increased, more and more people started opting for bigger speakers with similarly-sized drivers.

It’s easier to detect the sound separation with bigger as opposed to smaller speakers. That said, some people don’t care about the details of the sound, especially for movie consumption. Generally, you should opt for bigger speakers if the budget isn’t a problem, you’ve enough space, and you listen to lots of music. keep in mind that the most important speakers are the two at the front.

Q: How Much Power is Enough to Power Your Home Theater?

Power delivery will largely determine the performance of your home theater speakers. Higher power home theater speakers will sound better than their low power equivalents. You’ll notice the difference at very high or low volumes.

Ensuring that you at least hit the minimum recommended wattage for your speakers will guarantee you clean sound at average listening volumes. For example, if you have 80 watts per channel, go for 160 watts to boost the sound level without distorting the audio quality. Going for 125 watts for each channel will produce decent sound for most people regardless of the setup.

Q: What are Channels?

You may have heard about 5.1, 7.1, and so on among home entertainment enthusiasts. Simply, these numbers refer to the speaker-woofer configurations. 5.1 means that there’re five speakers and a single subwoofer in the home theater configuration.

In entertainment, the word channel is synonymous with ‘speaker.’ If there’s an additional number after the subwoofer specification, it refers to Dolby Atmos channels. Atmos speakers are used to create a 3D sound experience, which increases immersion when watching movies or live music concerts. For example, 7.1.2 means seven-volume channels, a single subwoofer, and two Dolby Atmos speakers.

Q: Can You Use Wireless Speakers With a Home Theater?

Yes, you can. The concept of wireless home theater speakers is relatively new. These speakers allow you to create a cleaner setup since you don’t have to drill holes through walls to connect them to the home theater. Naturally, they’re easier to install than traditional wired counterparts, but there’s a caveat.

Wireless speakers aren’t as reliable as their wired counterparts. They use Bluetooth technology, meaning that you’ll have to pair them up to your music system before use. Additionally, you’ll deal with dropped connections, latency, and electrical interference from time to time.

The obvious question is, how are wireless speakers powered? There are two ways. Some have rechargeable batteries, while others come with a cable you can connect to a power source. The two options aren’t ideal since lithium batteries degrade over time. Connecting a cable from the individual speakers to the power outlet also means that you lose some of the esthetic benefits of a wireless connection.