For many people, buying a home theatre system can be a daunting task.
Most of the money goes to the new TV screen, but as much as that’s an important part of the whole, selecting the right audio system to complement the overall watching experience is critical too.
If you’re in the market for a brand new home theatre system, or you just want to revamp part of what you already have in your home or space, you’ve probably realized it’s not a walk in the park.
There are so many options, which if not armed with knowledge on what to check for can confuse you even more.
The good news though is that a home theatre is one of the best equipment you can have that’ll enhance the time you spend at home with your loved ones. Besides, nothing brings people together like a great TV show, movie, or playoff game in a cozy home theatre.
There are countless home theatre variations, from high-end A-list worthy to very affordable ones that can fit easily in a small room in your home but still deliver a great experience.
We’re going to show you the best home theatre systems you can get right now. At the end of our list, we’ve put together a useful buying guide so you can know what to look for, and learn the ins and outs of a home theatre system.
What Is A Home Theater System?
A home theatre system is an audio and video equipment setup akin to the experience you’d find in a movie theatre or cinema.
It’s a combination of electronic components that recreate such an experience, so you can be immersed more than when you’re just watching it on your usual television screen.
Its application varies, but most people tend to think it means spending lots of money buying equipment and ending up with a cluttered space with cables all over the place.
Thankfully, with some planning, you can assemble your home theatre easily and have a functional, organized, and visually pleasing setup.
The real magic behind a home theatre system is the audio, which if done right, creates a real home theatre system for you.
A typical home theatre system includes components such as a projector or TV and screen and a video source such as a Blu-ray player or signal from your dish or cable provider.
It also has a home theatre receiver where everything connects to and speakers (center, right and left forward special effect for Dolby Atmos, right and left rear, and one or two subwoofers).
Types Of Home Theatre Systems
Regardless of the budget or room size you’re working with, you can get a home theatre solution that works for you. As you consider other factors though, it’s important to think about your space and décor.
For instance, if you’re in a rental or stone house, you can go for a wireless system that’ll help you avoid drilling holes just to hide wires and cables.
If your room is much bigger, you can get bigger and more speakers, but for smaller rooms, a low-profile soundbar with a subwoofer combo will be ideal.
Home theatre systems come in different variations including:
Soundbars
This isn’t a system as such, but it’s a great alternative where you have a lean budget and limited space. It already has built-in right, left, and center speakers, so you just need to add a subwoofer and two rear speakers so you use less space and still enjoy a true home theatre sound experience.
Home-theatre-in-a-box
This is a pre-packaged setup that’s cheaper and easier to set up too, though it doesn’t necessarily deliver the best audio quality. You get everything pre-packaged in a box such as color-coded cables, mounting hardware, and easy to follow manual, so all you add is a TV.
Separates Home Theatre system
This comprises separate or individual speakers so you can customize your setup to your liking and your space. It requires more work setting up but if you prefer a bigger sound, it’s a great option.
Wireless home theatre system
Wireless home speakers are a thing right now, but if you can go with wired, they’re more reliable and a necessity if you’re serious about a good home theatre.
A wireless system has more benefits like no need for drilling holes or running cables through attics or walls, so it’s easier to install with less mess.
You can also move components anytime without rewiring, and stream from anywhere while controlling it from an easy to use app on your mobile device.
Custom-designed, Installed home theatre
This is pricey because it’s custom made for you and your space, but it’s well worth it if done right. It can be anything from starry ceilings, to a cozy theatre with recliner seats, soundproof walls, and speakers hidden behind them and more.
Best Home Theatre Systems Under 40000
1. Sony BDV-E3200 Blu Ray
This 5.1 home theatre system is a Blu-ray system complete with a built-in amplifier, Blu-ray 3D support for enjoying 3D movies, though you’ll need an HDMI cable and compatible 3D TV.
It packs 1000 watts and offers Bluetooth and NFC for connectivity so you can stream music files from your mobile devices. It also has DLNA and WiFi if you want to play content from the web directly to your system.
Audio decoding options such as DTS-HD and Dolby Digital are available for great surround sound especially with Blu-ray, plus 3 pre-configured sound modes. There aren’t any equalizer settings though.
Its sleek and stylish design has a metal finishing, plus a web browser so your TV can be converted to a smart TV with some configurations.
Although it lacks custom equalizer settings and has fewer inputs in its Blu-ray player, which means you can’t connect other things but your TV, it’s still a good option if you just want a home entertainment system to watch TV.
2. Philips HTB5580/94
Whether it’s your first time to buy a home theatre system or you’re an experienced A/V geek seeking an all-rounded system, the Philips HTB5580/94 home theatre system is a good option.
It empowers your home entertainment experience with a powerful 1000 watts and deep base, plus a universal 3D Blu-ray disc playback.
Its main features include active 3D technology that applies the latest generation of fast-overlapping screens in full HD for true realism and depth.
It also has Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Essential content for the best sound that’s uncompressed for an incredibly realistic experience.
It’s best used in small rooms, and you can pair your Bluetooth devices using NFC technology on your smartphone or tablet to turn on the speaker, pair and stream content or music if you prefer.
The features are decent and useful, but its Bluetooth range isn’t that great, plus the materials used to build the system tend to attract dust. Overall, it’s a great product worth buying.
3. Logitech Z906 Surround Sound
This home theatre system is ideal for avid PC gamers or if you use your computer for streaming music and movies regularly.
The entire system is optimized for use with mobile devices, game consoles, and computers, and you can mount its THX-certified speakers on your walls for a truly custom surround sound experience.
The 5.1 speaker system also enables soundtrack decoding for files encoded in DTS or Dolby Digital format, which delivers detailed surround sound.
So if you love ground shaking bass, set a subwoofer with side-firing technology and you’ll get non-distorted bass in the home.
Its speakers can convert dual-channel stereo to full surround sound and are compatible with existing home entertainment systems. You can connect up to 6 audio devices simultaneously.
A readable screen is included, plus a wireless remote control so you can listen without having to move from your couch thanks to the integration of power and volume, which transforms your room into a real cinema hall.
There’s also a handy headphone jack if you want to listen privately.
Its main drawback is the weak power and you don’t get many services from Logitech once the 2-year warranty expires.
4. Yamaha Speaker Package NS-P40
This home theatre system is ideal for you if you’re looking for your first home theatre system but don’t want to crush your wallet.
It packs quite a punch thanks to the compact set of speakers, four satellites, an active subwoofer, and a central speaker.
It’s compatible with HD audio formats and delivers powerful bass from the built-in YST II technology.
The speakers are built with a lightweight quality that could turn off some potential buyers but the sleek gloss-black finish and curvy back end make it attractive and desirable.
For effortless placement, the center speaker is horizontally aligned anywhere you want it to be, and speakers can be mounted on the wall thanks to the keyhole openings.
In terms of sound, you’ll get clear highs and mids thanks to the punchy sound, and if you have a smaller room, the active subwoofer has an amplifier, though it’ll struggle on high volumes and in big rooms.
5. Philips HTD5520/94
This home theatre system is perfect as a supplement to your multimedia entertainment system. Its features include Dolby sound and bass for intense sound, and a technology that helps it deliver ideal, fresh sound quality.
It also has a polished design that can match your home’s décor, while the minimized structure uses less space so it’s easy to accommodate.
You can attach a karaoke feature for better entertainment.
The 1000 RWMS reproduction delivers clear and powerful sound so you can enjoy theatre-like sharpness in your space, plus bass pipes for profound bass output.
Easy connectivity and video output are available, with the latter coming through the HDMI support so you can watch HD quality pictures.
There’s also Bluetooth for seamless connectivity with your other devices, support for some audio and video standard formats, except MP4 and MKV among a few others.
Some of the downsides of this system based on some users include bad FM signal and some say the sound is unsatisfying when listening to FM radio. Plus, the bass is somewhat stronger over other frequencies.
6. Sony DAV-TZ 145
Sony is a well-known brand when it comes to electronics, and this home theatre system doesn’t disappoint either.
It comes with HDMI output that you can upscale for DVD and enhance your movies with detail and clarity, USB movie playback and 360-watt total power output.
You can create a surround experience with this 5.1 channel system and hear the full range thanks to its micro-satellite speakers and subwoofer.
It’s a compact and immaculate system that’ll fit snug into your small space to enhance your décor. It supports Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, and other decoders/encoders.
Also included are various connectivity options with a USB port, HDMI output, a composite video output, and audio line analog in/out.
However, it lacks Bluetooth and AUX connectivity, plus its sound quality isn’t superb owing to the S master amplifier.
Overall, it’s a great system for TV and watching movies, but not as much for music.
7. F&D F6000 U
This home theatre system is elegantly designed to provide a power-packed surround sound experience for your space.
The 5.1 channel 6500 watt system has bass boost and comes with a remote control and easy to use catalog.
It also features a native Automatic Voltage Regulator for better safety, an SD reader that supports WMA and MP3 dual formats, and USB for simple plug and play.
Its elegant and glossy build makes it attractive and appealing for many buyers, and it delivers omnidirectional sound wave dispersion for HD surround sound and bass that shakes the room.
Its mids are solid, but you won’t get as good trebles and proper sound clarity, therefore, lacks with this system.
8. Philips SPA8000B/94
Philips is yet another renowned electronics brand, and this home theatre system delivers great sound and quality bass too.
The system with 120 watt sound output allows for easy wireless connection via Bluetooth to your other devices so you can play your favorite tunes from any mobile device.
It also has file transferability so you can access media files through the SD card and USB port, plus a built-in FM tuner to listen to your favorite tunes or news from radio stations.
The 5.1 channel speakers offer melodious sound plus bass of up to 80 percent volume from its massive subwoofer.
The treble lacks some clarity though and is less noticeable.
In terms of build, the speakers and subwoofers are wooden with a front panel that’s plastic so you can get the satisfying bass and melodious sound, while the woofer’s native display gives it a better overview and cool look.
9. Logitech 980-000430
This home theatre system is for buyers seeking the big surround sound for their home entertainment while watching movies, gaming, or listening to music.
It features multiple inputs so you can set your system as you want, connect gaming consoles and your PC, iPod, or DVD player among other devices.
It also has 3D stereo for complete surround sound, and a firm design so you’re not worried about breakage.
The satellite speakers and subwoofer are portable and easy to move around, and deliver good mids and highs at any volume, though the subwoofer struggles with extremely high volumes.
A headphone outlet is available though the quality output isn’t as good, plus you get the volume control button on one of the speakers.
The subwoofer also has settings for adjusting bass at the back.
10. Mitashi 8500 Watts PMPO
This home theatre system from Mitashi delivers 8500 watts Peak Momentary Power Output in a short period of time.
It features a six-channel audio system with one subwoofer and five speakers for surround sound, though one of its rear speakers doesn’t give the same quality sound like the rest.
It also has a native FM radio for listening to radio stations and Bluetooth mode to let you listen to your favorite songs from any Bluetooth enabled devices.
A remote control is available to manage your content from a distance. Its bass is quite powerful, but the rest of the frequency tones may be average.
However, it’s a solid product that’s good to have.
Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In A Home Theatre System
Surround Sound
This is perhaps one of the most critical needs for anyone looking to buy a home theatre system. You want surround sound whether you’re gaming or watching movies and listening to music.
If you want a room-encompassing experience, go for a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system, which offers you at least two rear and two front, one center channel and subwoofer speakers for the best enjoyment.
Pass-through
The number of items in the system is important too. Get a receiver that can manage the devices you want to use like a cable box, Xbox, PlayStation, or Apple TV among others.
4K and HDR
Some receivers don’t support newer technologies like 4K video or Dolby Vision HDR standards. If your TV has support for these though, get a receiver that’s up to the task if you wish to take advantage of these abilities.
Wattage
The more power you have under the hood, the better and sometimes bigger the sound your home theatre system will have.
A high power theatre seems much louder when the volumes are lower, but you want to check that you have at least the minimum recommended wattage for your speakers.
As a rule of thumb, 125 watts per channel is an ideal amount so you can start from there.
Room setup and size
Before you pick a home theatre system, survey the room you want to place it in as this impacts the system you should look for.
A bigger room needs more channels and power than a smaller one, as the latter may not make it easy to wire all your speakers cleanly.
In the case of a smaller room, go for a wireless system instead. Plus, your TV’s size impacts the system you get.
A bigger TV needs a bigger sound, while a smaller one is complemented with less powerful and smaller speakers.
Number of channels
This depends on the speakers you want to connect, which also depends on the room size and setup.
There are several variations including the 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, 6.1, or even 9.2, which are denoted as follows: the first number indicates the number of speakers, while the second is the number of subwoofers.
Many surround sound systems have a 5.1 channel system with five speakers and one subwoofer.
Plus, there’s the Dolby Atmos Surround system that has the most immersive sound and is typically a 5.1.2 or 7.1.4, where the middle digit represents a ceiling speaker.
Wireless or Wired
Wired solutions are good for rooms that don’t have the difficulty of placing wiring and provide flexibility for you and the system itself.
The wireless ones are easier to install and have less mess, plus you can easily move the speakers around for different applications, unlike wired ones.
Wired solutions have better sound quality as the speakers aren’t limited by bandwidth and handle power better.
Extra features
Some home theatre systems offer Bluetooth or Airplay connectivity, multi-room capability, a microphone, remote control, an iPod dock,
USB or SD card reader slots, and more. Go for one that offers the capabilities you really need and then some.
Wrapping Up
The basic idea of a home theatre system is to recreate all the elements to fit and match your own home equipment.
A home theatre system is bound to bring excitement and magic to all your video and audio entertainment.
We hope you now know what a home theatre system is, the best options you can find, and what to look for when going out to purchase one for your home or space.
Any of these 10 options are ideal as home theatre systems, but ultimately the one you pick depends on your needs.
