Best Surround Sound Systems Of 2025, Picked By The Experts

A good surround sound system can be the difference between simply watching a story unfold and feeling like you’re part of it. We value this technology because precise and clear audio draws you in and ensures that you’re hearing a film or series as it was meant to be heard. With horrors this will mean increased tension and with action movies a rush of adrenaline, but even with dramas focussing on the relative mundanity of the day-to-day it serves a purpose. Have you really understood Severance until you’ve properly listened to the oppressive buzz of the lighting in the sterile office setting? Ultimately, the best surround sound systems elevate whatever audio they’re delivering, and the overall viewing experience in the process.

You’ve probably already heard of surround audio formats like Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS
and Dolby Atmos. Whether you’ve seen their logos on Blu-ray cases or next to movies on streaming apps, these different flavours of surround sound bring various levels of audio immersion. We’ve included a guide to explain what these do later in the article, plus some buying advice to help you choose. Different systems will suit different areas, too. If you’re short on space, an all-in-one soundbar-based system might be the best option, but if layout allows and you want better surround for 3D formats like Atmos, a soundbar with extra individual speakers that you can dot around your room is better. Either way, if you’re coming from a standard stereo viewing experience through your TV’s built-in speakers, you’re going to be blown away by what surround sound can do for your entertainment.

And let’s not forget surround sound for gamers. The right audio system can help you reach new heights of immersion: the thunder of the engine as you blaze past the crowd in Forza Horizon 5, or the guns, grenades and enemy footsteps of Call Of Duty Black Ops 6. Our experts have found the best surround sound systems for all budgets and needs. So, let’s open our ears to some of the best TV surround sound systems on the market.

How We Chose The Best Surround Sound Systems

We’ve selected the best surround sound systems based on reliable and trusted brands, average user reviews, price, and suitability for each use case. We look carefully at the technical specifications of all products before recommending them to ensure that they will meet buyers’ needs without the need for costly additions to work as intended. With all of our selections for the surround sound systems, we’ve sought to balance price with audio quality, number of drivers and channels, surround sound format support, build quality and overall design. We also look for good connectivity with a range of AV devices and extra control options, such as via companion apps. All of our writers may also choose products based on hands-on experience where we own or have tested them ourselves. Retailers are selected based on price, availability and reputation as reliable and trusted sellers. Find out more about how we recommend products.

All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

Best Surround Sound Systems In 2025

Best surround sound system overall

Samsung

As a one-stop-shop for serious surround sound, we think this Samsung Q990D takes some beating. You get an impressive total of 22 individual speakers in this package, distributed between the soundbar, a pair of rear speakers and a pretty hefty subwoofer. All in all you’re in for stunning 11.1.4 channel spatial audio – with that last number being the four up-firing speakers: two in the bar and one in each of the rear speakers. You might just find yourself ducking during the chopper attack in Apocalypse Now with its incredibly immersive Dolby Atmos mix.

Surround support is excellent too, thanks to DTS
and Atmos for the best of both worlds for spatial audio formats. As a Samsung model with Q-Symphony, it’ll connect to a compatible Samsung TV and the two sets of speakers will work together for an even larger soundscape. It’s a powerful ensemble too, with 656 watts of power at your command and a tonne of connectivity (including AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) for easy streaming and control. Perhaps best of all, the rear speakers and sub are wireless, so you can ditch those messy speaker cables for a fast and neat set up. We like the soundbar’s angular design approach, but it could be an acquired taste for some. That aside, you can expect typically high Samsung build quality and surround sound worthy of your local cinema.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• Fantastic surround immersion thanks to 11.1.4 channels and those 22 speakers, including upfiring and rear speakers
• Excellent spatial audio format support from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• Wireless subwoofer and rear speakers make for an agile and powerful system

Cons

• The soundbar’s angular looks may not be for everyone

Speakers	22 speakers / 11.1.4 Channel. Soundbar: x 7 (front/side/centre), x 2 up-firing, x 2 side-firing. Subwoofer: 8-inch. Rear Speakers: x2 (x 2 up-firing, x 1 forward driver each).
Audio power	656W total
Connectivity	HDMI eARC (1 out, 2 in), Optical in. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2
Compatibility	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, LPCM, MP3, AAC, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF
Frequency range	Not specified
Dimensions	Soundbar: 123.2 x 6.95 x 13.8 cm. Sub: 22.0 x 41.3 x 40.3 cm. Rear: 13.0 x 20.1 x 14.0 cm.
Weight	Soundbar: 7.7kg. Sub: 11.7kg. Rear: 3.4kg each

2.

Ultimea Poseidon D80 7.1 Dolby Atmos surround sound system

Best budget surround sound system

ultimea

US-based brand Ultimea is forging a worldwide reputation for itself. This Poseidon D80 system is a great example of why the company has done so well: it delivers more than the sensible price tag might suggest. At its heart this is a 3-channel soundbar accompanied by a total of four separate surround speakers to bring excellent separation and a wide soundstage to larger rooms. The 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer finishes off the package nicely for some floorboard-rattling bass – prepare yourself for huge immersion with cataclysmic event movies like Godzilla Minus One.

However, despite the subwoofer being wireless, all four of the front and those rear surround speakers are not. Also, there are no up-firing speakers here for overhead effects. All that said, this is a Dolby Atmos system with HDMI eARC and Bluetooth 5.3 for superior connectivity (plus a fine level of control thanks to the app) for well under £300. So, for us, this is one of the best deals out there.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• Offers amazing value for money thanks to separate surround speakers, wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support
• Includes HDMI with eARC and Bluetooth 5.3 for easy TV and device connectivity
• Excellent app control with lots of adjustability

Cons

• The surround speakers aren’t wireless, so plan your cable-runs
• No upfiring speakers for overhead effects

Speakers	7.1 channels. Soundbar: x3 full-range drivers (2.25-inch). x4 surround speakers. x1 wireless subwoofer (6.5-inch)
Audio power	410W
Connectivity	x1 HDMI eARC/ARC, x1 HDMI input, Optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth 5.3
Compatibility	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, MP3, WAV, FLAC
Frequency range	45Hz–20kHz
Dimensions	Soundbar: 92 x 10.5 x 7.4 cm. Sub: 20 x 25 x 37 cm
Weight	Soundbar: 2.8 kg. Sub: 6.4 kg

3.

Samsung Q800A Soundbar with Subwoofer

Best mid-range surround system

Samsung

For us a mid-range surround sound system has to be more than just sensibly-priced. It has to strike a balance between affordability and features, never cutting the corners that matter while still delivering audio performance to be proud of. So, it should come as no surprise that Samsung make it back into our list with the Q800A soundbar and subwoofer bundle. Altogether this is a six-channel system comprised of three front-facing and two up-firing soundbar speakers, and a generous wireless 8-inch subwoofer. Power-wise, the 330 watts on offer here place it in the middle of the range, meaning it’s going to be more than loud enough for the average room.

For the money we think this is an excellent mid-budget choice, but some may feel that the spec is incomplete without the addition of those optional rear surrounds. However, this is a hugely capable system, both in terms of surround sound format support and connectivity. Given the price, we can’t fault it for not coming with those optional surround speakers as standard. We’re particularly impressed with the surround support and connectivity in the Q800A – with both of the leading spatial formats (Atmos and DTS
) plus Alexa and Airplay built-in. Lastly, as you might expect from Samsung, it’s compatible with Q-Symphony, so it’ll work in tandem with the speakers of your compatible Samsung TV for even bigger sound.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• A six-channel system with up-firing speakers to deliver overhead Atmos and DTS:X spatial effects 
• Expand the system with compatible rear speakers for even more surround sound immersion
• Wireless subwoofer and easy setup means this will fit into smaller rooms and spaces

Cons

• Many will want to add that pair of optional rear surrounds to make the best of its capabilities

Speakers	3.1.2 Channels: 3 front firing (L/R/centre), 2 up-firing, wireless 8-inch subwoofer
Audio power	330W
Connectivity	HDMI eARC (x1 out, x1 in), Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Compatibility	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, AAC, MP3, OGG, FLAC, WAV, ALAC
Frequency range	Not specified
Dimensions	Soundbar: 98 x 6 x 11.5 cm. Sub: 20.5 x 40.3 x 40.3 cm
Weight	Soundbar: 3.6 kg. Sub: 9.8 kg

Best premium surround sound system

Marantz

We’ve covered the benefits (and pitfalls) of choosing a surround sound system based around an AV amplifier in our guide below, including a higher price bracket. As a premium surround sound option, any separate amplifier worth buying for your home cinema is going to cost more – but we think that this pairing of the Marantz Cinema 70s with the sublime Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 speakers is a match made in audio heaven.

Firstly, the Marantz 70s has been designed from the ground up to bring your movies and shows to life. It supports 7.2 channel audio (yes, that does mean you have the option of not one but two subwoofers) and can handle a whopping 6 HDMI inputs – three of which support eARC. So, if you do have a large collection of devices, from Blu-ray players and media streamers to games consoles and more, this amp can handle it. But perhaps the most pressing reason to choose this over a soundbar-based option is sheer power. The 70s has 50 watts per channel to play with, and that subwoofer is one of the largest here at 10-inches. As you may expect, there’s no wireless speaker connectivity, so you will have to purchase enough speaker wire and plan your cable-runs. But, with the five audiophile-level Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 speakers included in this bundle, your home cinema will be a serious contender when it comes to all-encompassing cinematic sound.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• A serious amount of power and finesse thanks to the Marantz CINEMA 70s amp
• Wide surround sound cinema audio format support, including Atmos, DTS:X and others
• Audiophile-grade sound with top-tier Bowers & Wilkins speakers

Cons

• No wireless speaker connectivity, so plan for cables

Speakers	5.1 (7.2 supported by the Amp): x2 B&W 607 S3 Bookshelf (5-inch Continuum cone mid-bass + 1-inch aluminium dome tweeter). x1 × HTM6 S3 Centre (dual 5-inch + 1-inch tweeter). x2 × 607 S3 Surrounds, x1 × ASW610 subwoofer (10-inch, 200W)
Audio power	Amp: 50W per channel
Connectivity	Amp: x6 HDMI In (x3 eARC/4K/8K), x1 Out Phono, optical, coaxial, LAN, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Compatibility	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D
Frequency range	Speakers: 607 S3 – 52Hz–28kHz ±3dB. ASW610 Sub: 27Hz–40/140Hz
Dimensions	Speakers (607 S3): 16.5 x 30 x 23.1 cm. Centre speaker (HTM6 S3): 48 x 16 x 23.2 cm. Sub (ASW610): 30.3 x 30 x 37.5 cm. Cinema 70s AVR: 44 x 10.9 x 37.8 cm
Weight	607 S3: 6.7 kg each. HTM6 S3: 7.8 kg. ASW610: 8.9 kg. AVR: 8.7 kg

Best surround sound system for gaming

Logitech

Getting great surround sound while sat at a desk has never been an easy trick to pull off. And that’s because you’re probably sitting much closer to the screen (and in a much smaller room) than you ever would for watching TV. For a start, most of the speakers need to perch on the desktop alongside all of your other peripherals. That’s where the Logitech Z906 comes in. As a set of Logitech devices, you’ll be happy to see that the design and build is both compact and stylish – the perfect accompaniment to any PC gaming rig or desk-based console set up.

As is normally the case with PC sound systems, there’s no wireless speaker connectivity to be found, but we think that’s fine given the average gaming computer is a spaghetti junction of wiring that needs creative management. Aside from 5.1 channel surround, the killer feature here is support for DTS sound and Dolby Digital with THX certification – that means that the Z906 is up to scratch when it comes to accurate audio reproduction. You’ll be plunged into the medieval hellscape of Doom: The Dark Ages like never before. That said, we do wish that Logitech had included a HDMI input with ARC or eARC so that console gamers would have an easier time of rigging this up. However, that’s a small nit-pick given that there are several optical digital inputs on the Z906 to take audio from consoles and the like. Plug in, sit down and prepare for stunning audio and extra realism for your games.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• A compact, powerful and yet affordable 5.1 surround system for your PC, including DTS support and THX certification
• Robust connectivity options to suit both PC and consoles
• Excellent Logitech design and build make it a great match for any gaming rig

Cons

• Does not have a HDMI input, so this is only ideal for PCs and consoles with optical or analogue outputs rather than for use with Blu-ray players or as part of a TV-based setup
• No wireless speaker connectivity

Speakers	5.1 Channel. x5 satellite speakers (each with 3-inch driver). x1 subwoofer (8-inch)
Audio power	500W
Connectivity	6-channel direct input, Stereo RCA, 3.5mm, Optical, Coaxial
Compatibility	Dolby Digital, DTS, LPCM (2.0 only)
Frequency range	35 Hz–20 kHz
Dimensions	Satellites: 16.5 x 10 x 9.3 cm. Centre: 10 x 16.6 x 9.3 cm. Subwoofer: 29.3 x 28.1 x 31.9 cm
Weight	Satellites: 0.89 kg each. Centre: 0.89 kg. Subwoofer: 8.55 kg. Control Console: 0.5 kg

Best Dolby Atmos surround sound system

Sonos

While we would normally hesitate to recommend a standalone soundbar as a ‘system’, we’ll let that slide when it comes to the class-leading powerhouse that is the Sonos Arc Ultra. It may not come with half a dozen separate speakers (or even a subwoofer for that matter) but it is effectively a system-in-a-box – offering a seriously impressive 9.1.4 channel surround sound experience. And we’re not talking about virtual surround either – there really are nine internal speakers, one internal sub and a further four up-firing drivers for unparalleled overhead spatial effects.

All of the usual connectivity is here, from HDMI eARC to Airplay 2 and Bluetooth, but there’s also voice control, app control and Alexa built in for ease of use. However, it’s the Dolby Atmos performance that earns the Arc Ultra a loyal following among film fans. The bass response is enhanced by Sonos’ SoundMotion technology that uses motors to drive even more internal bass frequencies. As this is a Sonos product, it’ll work with other speakers in the brand’s line-up. So, if you do want to top off the already excellent 3D audio capabilities, you can expand this with a Sonos Sub and some Era 300 rear speakers.

One thing to note: there’s limited DTS support, offering 5.1 surround but not the spatial DTS
format. That said, as this is our pick for the best Dolby Atmos system, it’s a stellar choice that only gets better if you choose those optional extra speakers.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• Expertly designed and engineered by Sonos to deliver a true Atmos experience in a single unit
• Brilliant connectivity and control options, including Alexa, Sonos Voice control and app control
• Seamlessly integrates with other Sonos speakers for wireless expansion

Cons

• While it does support standard DTS 5.1 surround, it doesn’t support DTS:X spatial format

Speakers	9.1.4 Channels. 11 drivers: x8 elliptical mid-woofers, x3 silk-dome tweeters
Audio power	Not specified
Connectivity	HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Optical (via adapter), Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2
Compatibility	Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus
Frequency range	Not specified
Dimensions	114.17 x 11.56 x 8.69 cm
Weight	6.25 kg

7.

Sony Bravia Theatre System 6

Best 5.1 surround sound system

Sony

A 5.1 channel system with a sub and couple of rear surrounds offers a perfect balance between maximising the audio experience and keeping clutter to a minimum. This Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 is comprised of a soundbar housing three midrange drivers – one being a dedicated centre speaker that’s tuned for clear dialogue using Sony’s AI Sound Separation feature. So, if you’re always struggling to hear voices clearly with your current setup, this one is for you. The subwoofer is 7.7-inches too, for real low-end power.

Being a 5.1 system, it doesn’t have any upfiring speakers, but it does boast virtualised height channels which is certainly better than nothing when it comes to spatial audio. And support for that 3D sound is excellent, thanks to Dolby Atmos and DTS
, plus a massive range of other Dolby and DTS surround formats. One slight shortcoming for us is the location of the system’s inputs – they’re all on the back panel of the sub. While that means fewer cables trailing to and from the soundbar, it does mean planning for a potentially longer cable run depending on where you place the subwoofer. However, we can’t fault Sony’s clever method of providing powerful yet still wireless rear surround speakers. The system comes with a dedicated amp to provide the connectivity and drive those two speakers – so for 360-degree audio without cables, this system is in a class of its own.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• Clever wireless rear speaker system delivers 360-degree spatial audio without speaker cables
• Virtualised overheard channels takes this system up a notch for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial surround
• A very extensive range of surround sound format support, including multiple Dolby and DTS formats

Cons

• All inputs are on the back of the subwoofer, so prepare to route your wiring to one side of your TV

Speakers	5.1 Channels. x3 midrange soundbar drivers, x2 wireless satellite speakers, x1 wireless subwoofer (7.7-inch)
Audio power	1000W total
Connectivity	HDMI out (eARC) x 1, Ethernet, Optical, 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth
Compatibility	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD
Frequency range	25Hz–20kHz
Dimensions	Satellites: 16 x 31.3 x 14.7 cm. Sub: 19 x 40.6 x 38.2 cm
Weight	Soundbar: 2.6 kg. Satellites: 2.5 kg (each) / Sub: 11.6 kg

8.

Denon Home 550 Soundbar, Home Subwoofer and Home 150 Smart Speakers

Best surround sound system for living room

Chris Duffill, Empire

When we reviewed this Denon Home Cinema kit we were suitably impressed by the décor-friendly fabric finish just as much as the performance of the system. The Denon Home 550 Soundbar is the centrepiece of an attractive, 4.1 channel cable-free surround setup, connecting wirelessly with the other parts of the system. As well as supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS (including passthrough for Dolby Vision if you want to hook up a Blu-ray or media player), it features AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Alexa for flexible control over your music and more. Our only gripe is the long boot-up time should you kill the mains power, by using a smart plug for energy-saving for instance. That aside, if kept on standby, it’s an agile system that delivers a wide soundstage – thanks mainly to the inspired use of the Home 150 Smart Speakers as rear surrounds. We also recommend the subwoofer, which delivers a hefty bass that the soundbar alone can’t get close to delivering.

Looking to buy this system?
We’ve included a link to the Home 550 Soundbar below, but you’ll need to follow these links to the Denon DSW-1H subwoofer and Denon Home 150 surround smart speaker to purchase them separately.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• Refined and understated fabric-clad design will seamlessly fit with your decor for a more homely feel
• Wireless connection between the soundbar, subwoofer and satellite speakers for a sleek installation
• Plenty of wireless streaming and connectivity options thanks to Bluetooth, Airplay 2 and music apps like Tidal and Spotify via the companion app

Cons

• Long boot-up time should you routinely unplug it

Speakers	4.1 Channels: 550 Soundbar: x2 19mm tweeter, x4 55mm full range speakers, x3 Passive bass radiator. 150 Smart Speakers: 2x full range, 1x 25mm tweeter, 1x 8-inch subwoofer
Audio power	Soundbar: 120W. Smart speakers: 60W. Sub: 150W
Connectivity	Soundbar: HDMI eARC, HDMI in, 1 x USB, 3.5mm Input, Apple Airplay 2, Bluetooth 3, Ethernet, Optical Digital Input, HEOS built-In, Wi-Fi, Alexa built-in. Smart Speakers: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth, 3.5mm, Ethernet – RJ-45, USB. Sub: Wi-Fi (2.4, 5GHz), HEOS, 3.5mm Aux input
Compatibility	Soundbar: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Vision. Audio formats: WMA, AAC, MP3 FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSD. Smart speakers: Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, HEOS Built-In, High Resolution Audio, Roon Ready
Frequency range	Soundbar: 20Hz – 20,000Hz. Smart speakers: 54 – 20 000 Hz. Sub: 20 KHz
Dimensions	Soundbar: 12 x 65 x 7.5 cm. Smart speakers: 12 x 18.7 x 12 cm. Sub: 33 x 37.3 x 33 cm
Weight	Soundbar: 3.5 kg. Smart speaker (each): 1.7 kg. Sub: 12.5 kg

9.

LG S80QR Bluetooth Soundbar

Best wireless surround sound system

LG

Despite having many quality wireless systems in this list, we’ve chosen this LG S80QR system because it delivers 5.1.3 channel surround sound. The subwoofer and pair of rear surrounds all connect wirelessly, with the rear ones connected via a dedicated amp – much like the Sony Bravia Theatre System 6. Having a total of nine channels (which includes three up-firing drivers for spatial overhead audio) plus 620 watts of power makes this a brilliant option for larger rooms and spacious 3D surround sound. But, back to those built-in up-firing speakers. We love this addition, as many totally wireless systems forgo these, which would mean having to buy wired speakers for your ceiling (defeating the object of opting for a neat wireless installation) or not having any overhead audio provision at all.

The centre up-firing speaker inside the bar is geared for clear and crisp dialogue, making this a serious upgrade to any standard TV speaker. Our single criticism with the LG S80QR is the size of those rear surrounds. They do pack a punch thanks to that dedicated amp, but if you have a very large open-plan house and need to place these a few metres away from your listening position, you may want to consider a more powerful system — such as the Marantz Cinema 70s amp paired with larger wired speakers. Another brilliant wireless feature of this LG is the support for Hi-Res audio formats which, movie nights and TV bingeing aside, is a great use of such a capable system (especially since streaming services like Tidal offer plenty of Atmos-encoded music to enjoy). This is a neat and powerful system offering one of the easiest installations on the market.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• 5.1.3-channel surround with upfiring center for clearer dialogue
• Includes rear speakers and wireless subwoofer for spatious surround sound
• Wide format support, including Atmos and Hi-Res Audio

Cons

• Rear surround speakers are on the small side for very large rooms

Speakers	5.1.3 channels: 5 in bar (LCR + two outer), 3 up-firing (center + left/right), 2 rear speakers (each with full range), 1 subwoofer
Audio power	620W
Connectivity	x1 HDMI eARC/ARC (out), x1 HDMI in, Optical, USB, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi
Compatibility	Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, High Res Audio, LPCM, AAC, MP3, FLAC
Frequency range	Not specified
Dimensions	Soundbar: 100 x 6.3 x 13.5 cm. Sub: 20.1 x 40.7 x 40.3 cm
Weight	Soundbar: 4.5 kg. Sub: 10 kg. Rear speakers: 1.1 kg each

Best compact surround sound system

Bose

As one of just two standalone soundbars in our line-up, the Bose is really less of a system and more of an all-in-one surround sound solution. However, if staying compact is your top concern, this soundbar has a neat trick up its sleeve: it can be paired with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds that then act as rear surround speakers in the setup. But, if you’re happy with the 5.1 channel offering as it is, the Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a heavy-hitter when it comes to sheer sonic quality. Not a great surprise given the pedigree of the Bose brand, but it’s good to see that such a compact bar can deliver sound that really defies its size. That’s partly due to the up-firing speakers onboard which are rarely found in a standalone soundbar.

There’s a HDMI eARC port for a simple setup with your TV, plus AirPlay 2, Chromecast support, Bluetooth and Alexa and Google Home voice control. That makes this a star performer for easy control, streaming and casting. Although Bose tend to over-deliver when it comes to bass response, there is a limit to what this soundbar can do given its size. We’d recommend pairing this with a Bluetooth sub for more low-end thump, but that’s a nice-to-have rather than a showstopper, given the quality Bose drivers and acoustic expertise at play here.

Lastly, while this is an adept Atmos solution, there’s no DTS support, but as this is first and foremost a compact soundbar rather than a larger and more comprehensive home cinema solution, it’s a small price to pay for surround sound kit from a respected audiophile brand.

Pros & ConsSpecifications

Pros

• A very compact soundbar that is capable of excellent Dolby Atmos effects and immersion
• Supports voice control and multi-room via AirPlay 2/Chromecast
• Up-firing speakers for overhead effects is a rarity for a standalone soundbar

Cons

• Lacks a built-in subwoofer
• No DTS support

Speakers	5.1 channels: x 5 drivers (x 2 racetrack, x 1 center dome, x 2 upfiring)
Audio power	Not specified
Connectivity	HDMI eARC x 1, Optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
Compatibility	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, AAC, MP3
Frequency range	Not specified
Dimensions	69.4 x 5.6 x 10.4 cm
Weight	3.12 kg

Expert’s Choice: Best Surround Sound System of 2025

Simply based on its perfect balance of power, surround performance and budget, the Samsung Q990D Q-Symphony Soundbar takes the crown. Those 22 speakers are hard to beat in terms of range and separation, not to mention placing spatial sounds into your room with pinpoint accuracy. It’s also brilliant for anyone with a Samsung Q-Symphony TV, adding even more speakers into the mix.

Our alternative choice has to go to the Sonos Arc Ultra. It’s not cheap, but it does pack a vast array of speakers into a single unit.

What To Look For In A Surround Sound System

Whether it’s a TV show, blockbuster movies, stand-up comedy or edgy Scandi dramas, choosing the right surround sound system can really enhance your entertainment. It can make the difference between being totally immersed in the action, or feeling distant and detached from the screen. This is even more important for gamers, as you can really amp-up immersion with an adept surround sound setup. Let’s take a look at what to consider before you buy.

More Channels, More Realism

Firstly, you need to identify the number of channels and what they represent. The channels for a surround sound system are usually described as a series of two or three digits.

The first digit is the number of drivers at listener-level in the setup; that could include two front left and right channel speakers, two rear surround speakers, and a final centre speaker normally optimised for dialogue. The second is the number of subwoofer channels, and the last one (if there is one) is the number of overhead channels – those could be up-firing speakers built into a soundbar or satellite speakers built into the ceiling.

So, if you see a soundbar with 2.1 channels, it’s basically a stereo pair plus a subwoofer. However, just because a system boasts a large number of channels doesn’t mean you’ll actually have an external speaker for each one. For example, the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar delivers 9.1.4 channel audio and packs all fourteen drivers into a single unit. The same goes for subwoofers, with some being external units and others (normally less powerful) built into the soundbar itself.

Virtual Surround?

You may find a budget soundbar, such as the Hisense HS2000, which promises ‘virtual surround sound’. In terms of physical speaker drivers, the HS2000 is a 2.1 channel device. However, it also claims to use advanced algorithms to simulate 7.1 channel audio. This can be very clever and quite effective, but in our opinion this isn’t going to perform as well as having a real speaker for each one of those surround channels. The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 is an excellent example of the latter, but as you’d expect it’s hardly a budget option.

Audio Formats And Spatial Audio

One key thing to keep in mind for any home entertainment system is support for surround sound formats. We look for the best and work our way down from there. So, with Dolby Atmos and DTS
being popular leading spatial audio formats, as long as you have one or both of those (both being preferable) you’ll be good to go for non-spatial formats like Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, stereo and others. If you’d like an explainer on spatial audio, Dolby has an excellent Atmos video describing how it works.

Bear in mind though, if you’re looking to experience Dolby TrueHD (a higher quality lossless format which can also carry Dolby Atmos spatial audio), you’ll need a sound system that has an eARC HDMI port. More on ARC and eARC below, but as the main method for connecting the latest TVs and media players to home cinema audio kit, we recommend buying a system with HDMI ports that support eARC for future-proofing.

Soundbars Versus AV Amps

If you’re low on free floor or wall space, consider an all-in-one soundbar over one with separate satellite speakers. However, we really encourage buyers with smaller rooms to try to squeeze in at least two compact rear surrounds (also known as satellite speakers) and a separate subwoofer. If you do need to go for an all-in-one soundbar, we recommend budgeting a bit higher to get a more realistic surround sound experience.

But what about AV amplifiers (also known as AVRs – or Audio Video Receivers)? Your typical home cinema amp will have more power than a soundbar-based system simply because it’s a larger device. It’ll also be able to handle more inputs than the average soundbar. That makes it ideal for those with a large collection of playback devices, like multiple consoles and media players. So, for those who want bigger, more powerful sound, an AV amp is the perfect solution – but that does come with some drawbacks. First of all, you’ll be spending more cash – and that’s because every AV amp needs a full range of surround speakers (commonly five or seven), a sub and even two or more ceiling speakers. That will often mean investing in decent speaker cable and a neat cable run to pipe the audio around your room.

Plan For Connectivity

HDMI

Modern audio-visual kit uses the same connectivity option: HDMI. So, whether you choose a soundbar or a home cinema amplifier, your TVs, consoles and Blu-ray players will connect to it. However, it’s important to check that your TV (or projector) has a HDMI port with ARC (Audio Return Channel) support, preferably the more advanced eARC version that supports high-definition surround formats like DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD. You can read more about HDMI ARC/eARC in our guide to surround sound terminology at the end of the article.

But what if you’re planning on connecting other devices to your surround sound system, such as CD players or older TVs? You should look out for optical digital ports. If your TV has one (and if it doesn’t have a compatible HDMI ARC or eARC port), you can still hook it up to a sound system using an optical cable. Thankfully, you’ll still get the benefit of surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos too, as optical is a digital connection.

Bluetooth And Wi-Fi

We mentioned a neat run of speaker wire for systems with separate speakers, but let’s not forget Bluetooth and your home Wi-Fi network. Many systems now come with Bluetooth to connect subwoofers and satellite speakers with the soundbar or amplifier you’ve chosen. In the case of systems with a smart voice assistant built-in, they can also connect to your Wi-Fi network for control over your smart home as well as for software updates.

We recommend the Bluetooth route for the easiest and neatest installation, and the latest Bluetooth standard, 5.3, has a high enough bandwidth to support Dolby Atmos and more. It won’t, though, handle Dolby TrueHD as that is a lossless format – whereas Bluetooth compresses audio by default.

Audio Power: Watts The Big Deal?

As a measure of volume, wattage isn’t as all-important as it used to be. Power without finesse can sound rough – it’s the audio quality that really matters. If you’re going the home cinema AV amp route, they’ll normally have a high enough wattage to drive quite a number of speakers.

However, if you’ve settled on a soundbar-based solution, you’re likely to be buying it as a complete system. As such, any included separate subwoofers and satellite speakers are already a perfect match for the amplifier in the soundbar. The same goes for AV amps that come as systems complete with speakers.

But back to those wattages. We recommend choosing a system with between 100 and 300 watts – the higher end being particularly important if your home cinema occupies a very large room where more volume is needed.

Brand And Design

If you like the design of your home cinema to be consistent, it’s a good idea to try to find a surround sound system from the same range as your TV. However, you may find that your chosen brand simply doesn’t make the kind of home cinema audio kit you’ve set your sights on. As such, matching your brands is far less important than audio features and performance. So, don’t let yourself be swayed by something simply because it’ll compliment your shiny new 55-inch TV in the looks department.

As for design, we think that less is more. Audio equipment, particularly at the budget end, is rife with fussy designs, LED displays and chrome bling. The last thing we want is a scene-stealing soundbar staring back at us as we try to stay immersed in our movies. Thankfully there are some truly décor-friendly options out there, like the fabric-clad Denon Home Cinema Kit we reviewed.

Cosmetics aside, a Samsung soundbar such as the Samsung S60D supports the brand’s Q-Symphony technology. So, pair this soundbar with a Samsung TV that also supports Q-Symphony, and the two will work in harmony to create even bigger sound. This is a real step up from the usual TV-plus-soundbar setup where the TV’s own speakers are disabled in favour of the soundbar.

Surround Sound Terminology

Surround sound is undoubtedly one of the more complex technical fields when it comes to jargon. It’s a sea of acronyms, features and compatibilities that mean something to those in the know. Often a single device will have a dizzying list of tech-specs. Here’s our rundown of the surround sound technobabble you’re most likely to come across:

HDMI

HDMI is a digital connection technology that sends both audio and video data via a single port or cable. The key benefit of sending both over one cable is just that – you won’t need a separate cable for each, which makes for a neater and simpler setup. But, being digital, it’s also a major improvement over analogue video signals, with the modern HDMI 2.1 standard supporting higher bandwidths when it comes to data. The more data that can be sent between a playback device and a TV or sound system the higher the quality, with a standard HDMI 2.1 cable capable of handling video resolutions up to 8K.

ARC / eARC

However, piping out sound and vision from a Blu-ray player or a games console is only half the story when it comes to your set up for surround sound. That’s where ARC and eARC come in. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel, which is a feature of some HDMI ports. In short, ARC really means that the device is capable of sending audio out through the cable as well as accepting incoming audio – hence ‘Audio Return’. So, why is this important? Well, it’s partly to do with making your wiring simpler.

For example, if you had a TV connected to a soundbar via HDMI ARC ports, the audio from whatever movie or show you’re watching on the TV would be sent out to the soundbar even though the soundbar is connected to the TV via a HDMI input. Even better, if you then connected an Xbox or Blu-ray player to another HDMI port on the TV, that audio (including any advanced surround formats like Atmos) will be sent out to the soundbar in the same way. The days of having a DVD player wired up like a Christmas Tree with separate cables going out to the TV and a surround sound system are well and truly over.

eARC stands for Extended Audio Return Channel. This really means it has more bandwidth to handle lossless surround formats like DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD. Spatial audio, such as Dolby Atmos, is supported alongside these formats for the ultimate in fidelity and immersion.

Channels

The channels delivered by audio equipment are expressed as a number. For instance, a surround sound system described as ‘5.1.2 channel’ will be made up of five main speaker drivers (usually three at the front of the room – one central for dialogue, plus front left and front right), one subwoofer for ultra low frequency bass, and the final two numbers in this example would be ceiling-mounted downward-firing overhead drivers. For some soundbars, those can be upward-firing drivers built into the bar itself, delivering overhead sound by bouncing it downward off the ceiling.

But remember: just because there are five or more channels doesn’t have to mean five or more individual speakers dotted around the room. They can be, and separate speaker cabinets for each channel will often produce a broader soundstage, but many soundbars can house speaker drivers for each channel inside the bar, with perhaps only a couple of external satellite speakers for rear surround audio.

Surround Sound

Surround Sound comes in various formats, from Dolby Digital to DTS. They all attempt to achieve the same thing: send distinct sounds to the right place in the room to create an immersive soundscape. If you own a movie on Blu-ray that has DTS 5.1 or Dolby Digital 5.1, as long as your audio system supports those surround sound formats (and you have a system that can handle those five channels plus subwoofer channel) you’ll be good to go. The same approach applies to 7.1 surround sound formats.

Spatial Audio

Spatial audio, also known as 3D or object-based surround sound, adds an extra layer of realism by including extra data alongside the standard surround audio channels. That data will tell a spatial audio system (such as a Dolby Atmos soundbar) where to place up to 128 individual sound objects in 3D space. Systems like this will often allow you to calibrate them to suit the acoustics of the room you’re in, which will enable a spatial audio system to accurately beam those sounds (across an astonishing 64 channels, if you have that many speakers…) into your room. Current spatial audio formats include Dolby Atmos, THX Spatial Audio and DTS
.

You may have noticed in our explanation of Surround Sound above, those channel numbers did not include a third digit. And that’s because the ‘2’ in a 7.1.2 system for example (as seen in the graphic above) represents the two height channels commonly used to deliver overhead audio effects. Yes, there are non-3D audio systems that use them, but the rise of spatial audio formats means they’re best suited to 3D audio formats.

For the ultimate in space-saving design (and privacy when watching late at night) it’s worth considering surround sound headphones too. Many of these employ some excellent built-in drivers and 3D trickery to deliver spatial audio effects like Dolby Atmos, so you won’t be missing out if you need to don a pair of cans for your movie night.

Driver

The term ‘driver’ is often used to describe a speaker, but the important distinction here is that a speaker cabinet can and most often does contain more than one driver. Subwoofer drivers, mid-range drivers and tweeters will all have the power to drive cones (or domes) that emit low, medium and high frequencies respectively. If a soundbar has two drivers plus a separate subwoofer then it’s a stereo soundbar. The more drivers a device has the better the separation and range, particularly for surround sound formats that have a high number of channels, as each channel can be handled more accurately if it has its own speaker driver.

Bass Ports

If your soundbar or subwoofer has a bass port, this means that there’s an acoustically-tuned hole in the cabinet to handle unwanted internal bass reverberation and funnel it out in a way that can actually enhance the bass response. There are two types of bass port: active and passive. You’ll most commonly find passive, as this is as we described above – an unpowered port in the case. Active are bass ports that function the same way but have a powered driver to more finely control the flow of the bass for better performance.

Subwoofer

A subwoofer handles ultra low frequencies for that hefty, thumping cinematic bass we hear in cinemas. These can be wireless via Bluetooth or wired depending on your surround sound system.

Satellite Speakers

Satellites are the separate speaker cabinets that often come with a surround system. Rather than having a soundbar with many of the surround drivers inside it, these speakers can be placed around your seating position for excellent immersion and realism. Again, these can be wireless thanks to Bluetooth technology, which means that having a couple of rear surround satellites behind your sofa is a lot less messy than it used to be.

Impedance

Most surround sound systems come as a single kit, or separate components from the same brand that have been designed to work together. Buying a surround system this way removes the headache of worrying about speaker impedance. With home cinema amplifiers, you have the freedom to choose whatever speakers you like from any manufacturer – but you will need to make sure that the impedance is a match for the amplifier. Impedance, measured in Ohms, is how much resistance a speaker has to the current being sent to it by the amp. A low Ohm speaker on a high Ohm amp could be damaged, and the reverse will mean poor sound that could lead you to over-drive the speaker for higher volume. So, if a speaker is rated for 4-8 ohms, make sure that your amplifier impedance is within that range.

Frequency Range

Measured in Hertz (Hz), the frequency range of a speaker describes how it handles different audio pitches. The lower the number the lower the pitch. So, a subwoofer might handle the 20 and 200 Hz range, and a tweeter will handle the high end from 2,000 Hz (2 kHz) to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). When comparing surround sound systems, it’s a particularly good idea to keep an eye on the low frequencies if you’re a fan of bass. If you like an agile and broad mid-range, compare those frequencies across models too.

Latest updates

This article was first published in July 2025. Future relevant additions and amendments will be noted here.

Chris Duffill is a Senior Tech Writer and Reviewer. He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, projectors, TVs, amplifiers, turntables and more.

He has decades of professional experience with various audiovisual technologies thanks to a career in video production and media. He’s owned various home cinema systems and set up surround sound for TVs and projectors. He’s a lifelong TV and movie fanatic with a Masters in Screenwriting from the UEA.