The Best Surround Sound Systems Will Turn Your Living Room into a Home Theater
created: Jan. 5, 2026, 5:05 p.m. | updated: Jan. 9, 2026, 6:49 p.m.
Editor's Note — 1/5/2026: We've checked this guide to make sure that our favorite sound systems are still available and competitively priced.
The home theater world seems to be dominated by soundbars these days, but a surround sound system with a subwoofer and rear speakers is still the best, most immersive way to turn a living room into a screening room.
To help you find the best surround sound systems for your needs and budget, I spent weeks researching and testing the most promising options out there.
Best Surround Sound SystemsBest Overall:Best Value:Most Discreet:Most Versatile:How I SelectedI've been testing audio gear professionally for more than a decade.
For this guide, I handpicked surround sound systems across price points from trusted brands with products that consistently deliver Dolby Atmos-enhanced spatial audio to make the viewing experience they complement more immersive.
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