Published On: February 23, 2023

Best Budget Home Theater Speaker Systems in 2023

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Published On: February 23, 2023

Best Budget Home Theater Speaker Systems in 2023

For the ideal home theater sound system, you’ll need to place at least five speakers around the room — three in the front and two in the back, with a subwoofer placed wherever you think sounds best.

Creating a cinema-like home theater experience at home requires knowing both home theater design principles as well as what makes a high-quality home theater speaker. The best speakers deliver a fully immersive sound that envelops you from all sides.

For the ideal home theater sound system, you’ll need to place at least five speakers around the room — three in the front and two in the back, with a subwoofer placed wherever you think sounds best. However, depending on the size of your room, you may want to go for a 7.1 arrangement.

Frequency response is another consideration, as this shows how accurately the home theater speaker converts the frequency of the inputted signal. The higher the frequency, the better. 

A well setup system of separate speakers should allow you to position the speakers based upon your room layout no matter how oddly shaped and outperform most soundbars.

We’ve compiled a list of the best home theater speakers to help you begin planning your dream setup. If you're looking specifically at tower speakers we compiled a list of some of the best options: Best Tower Speakers Under $1,000 and Best Tower Speakers Under $500.


Best Sound

ProCinema 6D 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System

The ProCinema 6D Home Theater Speaker System is a mid-priced home theater system that produces high-resolution audio.

The speakers feature a Balanced Dual Surround System (BDSS), which produces better sound quality and includes a flexible rubber "band" along the cones' edges — both inner and outer. This rubber component supports better linear excursion and therefore better sound clarity. Each speaker has a 3.25" midrange driver using the BDSS.

To complement the high quality, the speakers have a 1" aluminum dome tweeter, which allows for producing extended sound highs.

This sound system’s downside is that it requires a separate receiver, which is not included in the package. Given that it will improve the audio signal quality, you may want to add the cost of one to your budget.

Additionally, the system does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, which can make it harder to connect to other devices. There are also no audio enhancements like night mode or dialogue enhancement.

Pros:

  • Balanced Dual Surround System offers better clarity
  • Affordable

Cons: 

  • Separate receiver is required
  • No audio enhancements like night mode or dialogue enhancement
  • No bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection

Features:

  • Channels: 5.1
  • Satellite speakers: 65Hz to 30kHz
  • Subwoofer: 22Hz to 150Hz
  • Total power: 575 watts
  • Connectivity: No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
  • Finish: Black

Extreme Value

Monoprice 125W 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System

Monoprice is a trusted name for affordable electronics, and their home theater speaker system is no different. This 5.1-channel system delivers mid- and high-range audio, supported by a subwoofer that handles the low-end frequencies. 

The speakers can produce an immersive experience for watching movies or gaming without breaking the bank. 

The crossover frequency — the frequency of sound transfer between speakers — is adjustable, as is the volume balance control, allowing you to tailor the sound to your liking. 

If you don't want the speakers to take up much space in a room, the system comes with a set of four C brackets for wall-mounting the satellite speakers. However, the downside is you will need your own hardware for attaching them to the wall. 

Another downside is that the design of the cabinets make the sound performance directional. Whilst less than ideal for music, it does still benefit gaming and movie surround sound lovers.

The Monoprice system is a good option for buyers on a budget. It offers respectable quality sound, with a few customization options to optimize the experience.

Pros:

  • Handles low frequencies
  • Adjustable crossover frequency and volume balance control
  • Affordable
  • Rich packaging

Cons: 

  • Need your own hardware for mounting the C brackets to the wall
  • Speakers are directional which limits the axis of sound performance

Features:

  • Channels: 5.1
  • Satellite speakers’ frequency response: 150Hz to 20kHz
  • Subwoofer’s frequency response: 50Hz to 250Hz 
  • Total power: 185 watts
  • Connectivity: Up to 16 gauge speaker wire, pin-type speaker plugs
  • Finish: Matte black

Well Rounded

Yamaha - 5.1-Channel 4K Home Theater Speaker System

The Yamaha - 5.1-Channel 4K Home Theater Speaker System includes the standard five speakers and a subwoofer.

A big plus is the inclusion of the speaker wire, which is not always the case in other home theater systems. Having the speaker wire allows you to easily connect the system, so you don't need to spend extra time finding the right wire gauge for your chosen model.

This home theater speaker system supports Bluetooth connections, supporting mobile device connections, as well as an HDMI port.

However, the speaker system may not pair up well with other video devices, such as game consoles, leaving the sound quality to suffer.

Unlike other home theater speakers on our list, this product comes with a powerful AV receiver, so you don't need to buy it separately. The AV receiver delivers 4K video at 60 frames/sec.

The AV receiver has HDR-enabled throughput abilities, so it won't downgrade any HDR-enabled content.

The speakers, which only come in black color, can be mounted on the wall or placed on speaker stands.

Overall, the Yamaha - 5.1- Channel 4K Home Theater Speaker System is a great value-for-money choice for buyers looking for an affordable and powerful home theater.

Pros:

  • Bluetooth connection
  • Includes speaker wire
  • Affordable
  • Included AVR

Cons: 

  • Not recommended to connect video devices other than a TV

Features:

  • Channels: 5.1
  • Frequency response: 28Hz to 25kHz
  • Total power: 150 watts
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI
  • Finish: Black

Best Dolby Atmos

Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System

Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1.4 Surround Sound Speaker System is a good choice for superior acoustic performance with a minimal footprint. This system provide an inexpensive entry point to Dolby Atmos.  

The system features exclusive Tractrix Horn technology paired with aluminum tweeters to deliver a very clean and natural sound. The Horn Technology and tweeters ensure impressive high-end response and greater extension. 

The system is very flexible when it comes to installation, given that the subwoofer offers wireless connectivity. The power handling is rated as Satellite: 50W (200 watts peak) and Center: 75W (300 watts peak), all are 8 ohm speakers.

Satellite speakers come with a keyhole mount and a threaded insert to simplify their mounting. However, the drawback is the satellites' back spring clips are a bit fiddly, making it difficult to secure the speaker wire. The system features Molded Graphite (IMG woofers), which are very lightweight and extremely rigid cones, providing a low-frequency response.

Pros:

  • Dolby Atmos Height effects are on all 4 satellites
  • Wireless subwoofer
  • Exclusive Tractrix Horn Technology for the high-end response and greater extension
  • Value

Cons: 

  • The satellite speakers’ spring clips are fiddly

Features:

  • Channels: 5.1.4
  • Satellite speakers: 110Hz to 23kHz
  • Subwoofer: 38Hz to 120Hz
  • Total power: 650 watts
  • Connectivity: Wireless subwoofer

Best for DVDs

LG LHD657 5.1-Channel Region-Free DVD Home Theater System

Enjoy immersive audio, multi-region DVD playback, and wireless connectivity with the LG LHD657 5.1-Channel Region-Free DVD Home Theater System.

This 1000W system consists of a multi-system DVD player and amplifier, two front floor standing speakers, two rear floor standing speakers, a center speaker, and a passive external subwoofer.

Pros:

  • Region free DVD Player
  • External subwoofer
  • Value

Cons: 

  • Large speakers may not work for all rooms.

Features:

  • DVD player and 5.1 amplification
  • Satellite speakers: 110Hz to 23kHz
  • Subwoofer: 38Hz to 120Hz
  • Total power: 1000 watts
  • Connectivity: Wireless subwoofer

Best Deep Bass

SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Home Theater System & SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer

The Prime Satellite 5.1 Surround Sound System is a super-compact home theater system with five massive sounding Prime Satellite speakers and the startlingly powerful SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer. Punches way above its weight and size class to bring immersive surround sound home audio to any small-medium sized room.

Best Home Theater System Buying Guide

Home theater systems are broadly divided into two categories: those that use a TV as the primary source of audio and visual content, and those that use a home theater receiver as the primary source.

The first option is more straightforward, requiring only one remote to control the entire system, but has less overall sound quality than that of receivers. A home theater receiver has the advantage of better sound quality and more flexibility when adding components or upgrading the system.

In any case, home theater speakers play a crucial role in the audio experience. Here are the most important factors to consider before buying one.

Setup

The number of speakers you need will depend on the size of your room and how much space you have for speaker placement.

If you have a smaller room, you're probably better off with a soundbar or a 2.1 speaker system, where the soundbar contains the left and right channels, and the subwoofer handles the bass.

For a larger room, you can go for a 7.2 system, with seven speakers placed around the room, plus two subwoofers.

Size 

Usually, larger and more powerful speakers offer louder audio experiences while also delivering deeper bass. Small speakers are less likely to suit you if you have a space larger than 300 square feet. The same applies if you need ground-shaking bass or plan to listen to music at a very high volume.

If deep bass isn’t a priority and you just want to enjoy movies and TV shows, then smaller but capable satellite speakers might be a better option.

Speakers shorter than 7” and a woofer shorter than 4” can be considered small.

Price

As the list above shows, there is quite a broad pricing range for home theater speakers. The main difference is sound quality, with more expensive options generally providing better sound.

The cost of installing a home theater sound system varies from $300 to $3,300, including the price of the receiver, speakers and wiring.

Components and Connectivity 

Home theater sound systems are divided into two broad categories: wired and wireless.

If you opt for the wired connection, ensure your receiver has the right inputs for all your components. For example, if you have an older TV, you may need an HDMI-to-component converter. As you can see in our list, many wired home theater speakers are sold without wires, so budget for wiring.

If you don’t want the hassle of running wires through your room, ensure the speakers have a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.

Sound quality 

Pay attention to the frequency response or how well the speaker reproduces frequencies, from the lowest bass notes to the highest treble notes. 20Hz to 20kHz is considered the acceptable frequency of the speaker, and the wider the range, the better. 

Uses

Home theater speakers are usually meant for movies and TV. If you also need it for game consoles, make sure the speakers are compatible with the device you want to connect them to.

Additionally, some home speakers are designed for outdoor use, which means they can handle weather fluctuations and are usually more durable.

Final Thoughts

When looking for a home theater sound system, pay attention to the size of your room and your individual needs. As the price range varies, consider what you are willing to spend and what sound quality you expect in return.

There is no need to invest in professional quality audio equipment if you are not an audiophile. Many expensive and high-performance home theater sound systems have advanced functionality you may not need in a home environment. You may well end up paying more for features you don’t need.

If you want to create a home theater experience when watching a film, medium-quality home theater speakers are enough.

The budget-savvy option for creating a home theater in a small room would be to buy mid-priced stereo speakers and mix them with a subwoofer for extra bass.

Here are three quick guides to help you make the right choice:

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, then prepare to spend more on a high-end system. You can also choose one of the best outdoor speakers to create an outdoor home theater.

Whichever option you choose, remember to enjoy the experience.

FAQs 

What Are Surround Speakers?

These are speakers that are placed around the listener.

Surround speakers are the left and right speakers that are placed behind the listener to create the surround sound effect. The main purpose of these speakers is to produce parallel sounds from different directions to make the viewing experience more immersive.

Where Can I Buy the Best Home Theater Speakers?

Order online or from a local store.

All the items from our list above can be easily found online — either on Amazon or the manufacturer's website. You can also buy them from local stores, where you can see and touch the product and get more information from staff. The downside is prices are usually higher than they are online, and the selection is often more limited.

Do I Need to Buy an Amplifier for Speakers?

Yes, if you’re looking for a better listening experience.

Amplifiers turn a source's low voltage signals into a signal that can power the speakers and play the sound. All speakers need amplifiers, so buy one only if your preferred model lacks a built-in amplifier.

Is Home Theater Seating Important?

If you're looking for a well-rounded home theater experience then there's no doubt that seating has to be part of your consideration in your dream setup. Whether you're looking for a TV recliner or something a bit more luxurious such as a row of home theater seating you'll want to carefully consider all options. Be sure to check out our guides below:

 

 

 

 

 

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