9 Best Entry Level Home Theater Systems (Top Picks Reviews)

What are the Best Entry Level Home Theater Systems? Anyone who wants to watch movies at home knows they need two things: a television and either a media console (such as a Blu-Ray player) or a streaming device (like a Roku stick).

Of course, you could get around this with a Smart TV, but you get the idea. However, if you're a true cinephile, you'll recognize that audio is only half of the experience.

10 Best High End Home Theater Speakers (Full Guide!)

While many TVs come with built-in speakers or you can get a soundbar for a reasonable price, a true home theater requires the booming bass and crisp mids of a surround sound system.

But what should you do if you aren't an expert on cinematic audio gear? To get started, you can buy an all-in-one theater-in-a-box system. On the following list of entry-level home theater systems, we've gathered the ten best.

WHAT IS A HOME-THEATER-IN-A-BOX?

All complete “theater-in-a-box” systems include two distinct components: a set of speakers and a receiver. The purpose of the speakers — which will vary in quantity, size, and type — is fairly obvious: they are the devices through which the sound is projected.

A surround sound system will typically include a combination of high- and mid-range speaker units, as well as at least one subwoofer for bass, though this can vary depending on the brand, technology, and overall price of the system.

These devices work together to produce a wide range of cinema-style audio. However, without a receiver, they are practically useless.

9 Best Entry Level Home Theater Systems

1. PIONEER 5.1 HOME THEATER SYSTEM

You don't need deep pockets to get a home-theater-in-a-box with all the bells and whistles we've come to expect from modern technology — this Pioneer home theater system has them all.

This system comes with a receiver that can handle Ultra HD, HDR, 3D movies and video games, as well as Dolby-tuned audio and video for high-resolution sounds and images no matter what you're watching, listening to, or playing. To top it all off, it has Bluetooth compatibility for wireless control. That isn't even the end of what this system has to offer.

2. YAMAHA 5.1 HOME THEATER SYSTEM

In terms of price and features, this Yamaha system is comparable to the previous Pioneer option, but it lacks one major feature that the Pioneer system does: YPAO optimization. YPAO is a system that automatically reads the space where you've placed your speakers and optimizes them for that space.

That means you can get the best sound for the room of your choice with just a simple plug-and-play system. And if you ever move or switch rooms, it's just as simple to re-optimize.

Combine that with a full suite of surround sound speakers, 4K Ultra HD support, and Bluetooth compatibility with a compressed music enhancer, and you have one of the best bang-for-your-buck systems available.

3. POLK AUDIO BLACKSTONE & DENON 5.1 HOME THEATER PACKAGE

Polk Audio, which was founded in 1972, has been a trusted name in audio systems for nearly as long as they've been in business. While other low-cost options may come from relatively trustworthy brands with a wide range of product types, Polk has remained almost entirely focused on audio products, such as home theater systems.

That is, they are specially designed to provide excellent sound in a theater-in-a-box system. Take, for example, the Blackstone & Denon system shown here. This home theater system provides booming cinematic sound without being gaudy or cumbersome, thanks to a suite of compact, out-of-the-way speakers.

4. ENCLAVE AUDIO CINEHOME HD 5.1 HOME THEATER SYSTEM

Whereas most traditional home theater audio systems require a receiver to serve as a central hub, a few new brands are emerging that have recognized the potential in smart technology to replace that outmoded format. Enclave is one such company, as their CineHome HD system does not use a traditional receiver.

Rather, the Smart Center (a stand-alone device) replaces it entirely as a two-in-one receiver hub and wireless speaker. It is accompanied by four smaller speakers and a subwoofer for powerful bass.

5. ONKYO 5.1.2 DOLBY ATMOS HOME THEATER PACKAGE

Unless you're intimately familiar with home audio equipment, you've probably never heard of Onkyo. But we'll be the first to tell you: they have an exceptional grasp on the aforementioned technological gear category.

Their Dolby Atmos-ready Home Theater Package is an exceptional home-theater-in-a-box that even the most enigmatic audiophiles and film buffs can appreciate. It is a simple-to-use system with a plethora of built-in features.

Among these features are eight built-in HDMI ports for all of your peripherals, Bluetooth compatibility, and a diverse set of built-in technologies ranging from Chromecast to Spotify and more. If you want a top-of-the-line system at a mid-range price, look no further.

What Are The Best Wireless Surround Sound Systems To Buy?

What Is Multi-Channel Home Theater? (Everything You Need To Know)

6. SONOS 5.1 BEAM HOME THEATER SYSTEM

The Sonos Beam Home Theater System, the second setup on our list that eliminates the need for a receiver entirely, is one of the most streamlined smart home-theaters-in-a-box on the market today. That's because their system is based on their Beam soundbar, a smart device that supports Bluetooth, Alexa, and AirPlay 2 and looks as good as it performs.

Even better, it's simple to connect to your television and expand your surround sound setup with additional speakers. Whether you want a simple home theater audio setup or a multi-room speaker system, this kit is the best place to start when user-friendliness and ease-of-use are your top priorities.

7. SONY 7.2 HOME THEATER SYSTEM

Sony has been producing consumer electronics for a long time, including audio systems for music, movies, and video games. And, because they have such a diverse range of products, it's in their best interests to release home theater systems that work well with their other products, such as the industry-leading PlayStation 4 console.

This system is one of the most comprehensive on our list, with nine individual units ranging from a booming subwoofer to a Dolby Atmos-equipped receiver that will make you feel like you're in a full-sized IMAX theater inside your own home. It also supports 4K video, HDR, and other features. It's a complicated setup, but anyone who hears it will be impressed.

8. FOCAL SIB EVO & YAMAHA 5.1.2 HOME CINEMA SYSTEM

If you want a setup that provides exceptional sound as well as unique and stylish device designs, the Focal Sib Evo kit shown here might be a good place to start. With five wide-range speakers and a very powerful subwoofer, this home theater system delivers cinematic sound in a more subtle package than many of the other options on the market.

It also includes one of the industry's most trusted receivers, a Yamaha RX-A780, to ensure proper operation. That means it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify built-in (along with a number of other audio streaming services), 4K and HDR support, and so much more.

9. KLIPSCH & YAMAHA 5.1 HOME THEATER SYSTEM

Besides designing and manufacturing absolutely stunning and iconic audio equipment, Klipsh is one of our favorite audio brands for their unimpeachable dedication to making all of their gear sound as good as possible at any volume. As you might guess, their Home Theater System you see here is definitely no exception to that rule.

This cinematic system comes with a reliable, top-of-the-line Yamaha RX-A760 receiver, as well as dual tower speakers, surround speakers, a center channel speaker, and a massive subwoofer.

It's a bit more cumbersome than some other options, and thus better suited to a home than, say, an apartment. Of course, if you're a total audiophile, they also offer even more comprehensive setups. When it comes to home theater systems, you simply cannot go wrong with Klipsch.

Alternative Video: Best Home Theatre Systems

CONCLUSION on the Best Entry Level Home Theater Systems

The only thing better than going on a date to the movies is being able to enjoy the same high-quality cinema experience from the comfort of your own home.

You can save money on expensive popcorn and avoid distracting background noise while still enjoying the incredible immersive audio that immerses you in your favorite films. Because there are so many options on the market, we've narrowed it down to the best quality mid-range home theater speakers.

FAQs About Entry-Level Home Theater Systems