5 Best Surround Sound Systems in 2024

By Robin Owens 7 days ago, Speakers

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Choose surround sound system for excellent sound experience

best surround sound system

Do you enjoy watching movies in the cinema because of the amazing image quality, a large screen and flawless sound?

However, you don’t need to go to the cinema for this because nowadays, you can achieve practically the same quality with a home theater and a good surround sound system. Even though such speakers are pricey, it’s a great investment for film or music fans.

Top 5 Surround Sound Systems

  1. JBL Bar 5.1 - Our choice
  2. Sony HT-S350 - Surround sound system with 7 sound modes
  3. Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR - Customizable wireless surround sound system
  4. Sony Z9F - Home theater system with Dolby Atmos
  5. Vmai Sound Bar - Budget surround sound system

You can find many options on the market and each of them will have its own strengths and weaknesses. In this guide, I will tell you about the top 5 models and help you choose the best surround sound system for your home. When selecting it, think of the amount of space you have for it, what your budget is and what devices you are planning to connect to it.

1. JBL Bar 5.1

Our choice
5.1 surround sound system

Dimensions: 17.3 x 12.0 x 12.0 inches (subwoofer) | Weight: 29.6 lbs | Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled: No | Subwoofer: 510 Watts | Frequency response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz

  • ✚ Rich and crisp bass, clear highs
  • ✚ Has a wireless subwoofer
  • ✚ The battery lasts for 10 hours
  • ✚ Supports devices with 4K resolution
  • High frequencies can’t be altered
Rating

This surround sound system offers ultra-high-definition playback, supports 4K resolution and comes with wireless speakers that produce amazing surround sound. It works from the battery and lasts for up to 10 hours.

This model boasts a sound panel with 510W system power, three HDMI inputs, Bluetooth, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS. Soft bass adds a dramatic feel, and sharp mids account for clear voices and movie sound effects.

2. Sony HT-S350

Surround sound system with 7 sound modes
surround sound system for tv

Dimensions: 15.2 x 15.3 x 7.5 inches (subwoofer) | Weight: 28.0 lbs | Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled: No | Subwoofer: 320 Watts | Frequency response: 90 Hz- 16 kHz

  • ✚ Great sound 7 sound modes
  • ✚ Lack of sound distortion at high volume
  • ✚ Robust subwoofer
  • Expensive
  • A limited number of audio inputs
Rating

Thanks to a robust 350W subwoofer that generates rich and intense bass, it can be the best surround sound system for you. This model provides top-quality sound and doesn’t distort it at high volume.

This sound system comes with an HDMI (ARC) output and an optical input as well as an optical cable. There is also an IR repeater located on the back panel for transmitting a signal from the remote to your TV.

3. Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR

Customizable wireless surround sound system
wireless surround sound system

Dimensions: 14.6 x 14.5 x 12.1 inches (subwoofer) | Weight: 13.5 lbs | Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled: No | Subwoofer: 400 Watts | Frequency response: 35 Hz - 20 kHz

  • ✚ Many parameters
  • ✚ Multiple connectivity options
  • ✚ In-built Chromecast
  • ✚ Excellent bass
  • You need to use a remote to switch between listening modes
Rating

This surround sound system for TV is equipped with a soundbar, a subwoofer and two side speakers for a full cinema experience at home. It has HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI-ARC output, optical port, analog Aux input. Besides, it supports Bluetooth and USB connection.

It’s simple to install, provides nice customization options and guarantees good quality of sound. Thanks to its wireless subwoofer and an 8-inch driver, it produces rich bass.

4. Sony Z9F

Home theater system with Dolby Atmos
dolby atmos home theater system

Dimensions: 7.5 x 15 x 15.2 inches (subwoofer) | Weight: 17.9 lbs | Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled: Yes | Subwoofer: 400 Watts | Frequency response: -

  • ✚ Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS: X
  • ✚ 400W
  • ✚ Built-in Chromecast
  • ✚ Great design
  • High cost
Rating

This is a 3.1-channel 400-watt home theater sound system, which is equipped with a soundbar, subwoofer and wireless speakers. It boasts in-built Chromecast functions and supports online music streaming. Also, its wireless subwoofer provides good low frequency.

As for audio formats, this sound system supports different Dolby formats up to Dolby Atmos and DTS formats up to DTS: X. It boasts a 1/8"" analog, optical audio, two HDMI inputs and a USB port for connecting different devices.

5. Vmai Sound Bar

Budget surround sound system
surround sound system

Dimensions: 4.5 x 16.5 x 9.8 inches (subwoofer) | Weight: 13 lbs | Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled: No | Subwoofer: 120 Watts | Frequency response: -

  • ✚ A few sound modes
  • ✚ Good quality for such a price
  • ✚ Supports Bluetooth 5.0
  • ✚ EQ presets
  • ✚ In-built subwoofer
  • You need to switch it on separately with a remote
Rating

This is a 120W soundbar that generates a noticeably better sound than TV speakers. Due to advanced technologies, it produces clear sound with a detailed mid-range and rich bass.

To upgrade the sound of your TV, connect it to the soundbar via an HDMI, AUX, optical or USB input. It also allows you to play music using a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter. This sound system has a very nice black design with touch buttons.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
5.1 surround sound system
JBL Bar 5.1
Our Choice
  • Dimensions: 17.3 x 12.0 x 12.0 inches (subwoofer)
  • Weight: 29.6 lbs
  • Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled: No
CHECK PRICE
surround sound system for tv
Sony HT-S350
Affortable
  • Dimensions: 15.2 x 15.3 x 7.5 inches (subwoofer)
  • Weight: 28.0 lbs
  • Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled: No
CHECK PRICE
wireless surround sound system
Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR
Budget
  • Dimensions: 14.6 x 14.5 x 12.1 inches (subwoofer)
  • Weight: 13.5 lbs
  • Dolby Atmos / DTS:X enabled: No
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Surround Sound System?

best surround sound system

Connection

This factor is important to consider when choosing the best surround sound system as the number of connection options will tell you how universal a model is. Some of them have multiple connections, like HDMI inputs, optical port, Aux analog input (3.5 mm), Bluetooth, USB and the Internet. Others have just a few of these.

Sound quality

The sound quality depends on the audio format a particular system supports. Audio formats (codecs) process audio through channels. The most popular formats are Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital. The newest format is Dolby Atmos.

Design

surround sound system for tv

If you want to purchase a sound system that matches your interior, then pay attention to its design. You can find plenty of options on the market today, so you will definitely find the one you like.

FAQ

  • • What are the best brands for a home theater system?

In my opinion, it’s JBL and Sony.

  • • What is the best inexpensive surround sound system?

It’s the Vmai Sound Bar, which costs just $140. There is another affordable option, the Sony HT-S350, for $248.

  • • Is a surround sound system worth buying?

Surround sound systems are worth purchasing if you’re going to create a home theater. They provide better sound than stereo systems and create a more immersive feel.

  • • Is a 5.1 soundbar worth purchasing?

5.1 soundbars consist of a soundbar, a couple of additional speakers and a subwoofer. They generate amazing audio but at the same time, are quite expensive. A 2.1 soundbar is cheaper and delivers good sound quality.

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