The 5 best home theater packages in 2024
Looking to build the ultimate home theater? With a rather big NFL game around the corner, now's the time to do it up right. If you've got your TV, your seating arrangements, and everything else taken care of for the Super Bowl, next on deck is your audio. Unless you're going to watch solo with headphones, you need something loud and proud.
But you don't have to browse dozens of different speakers, soundbars, or receivers to put together the system that's right for you. You can buy all the equipment you need all at once with the best home theater packages on the market. Taking the guesswork out of the process? Sounds like a party to us.
These prebuilt packages give you options for complete, optimized audio that fit your space. Each system comes with everything you need for stunning sound matched to your needs and budget. Just open the box, set up the equipment, and go. The only difficult part is choosing what to watch first.
The 5 best home theater packages in 2024
- Best overall home theater package: Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 surround sound system
- Best premium home theater package: Klipsch Reference 5.2 home theater system
- Best budget home theater package: Yamaha Audio YHT-4950U 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Home Theater System
- Best soundbar home theater package: Sony HT-S40R 5.1ch Home Theater Soundbar System
- Best 4K home theater package: Onkyo HT-S3910 Home Audio Theater Receiver and Speaker Package
Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 surround-sound system
The Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 is a game-changer if you're looking for premium sound in a sleek package. It brings the movie theater experience right into your living room, thanks to Klipsch's aluminum tweeters that deliver clean, natural sound. The result is crystal-clear audio that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of the action.
The wireless subwoofer is particularly impressive, as it's designed to deliver deep, room-filling bass without the usual bulk of traditional subwoofers. This means more floor space for you and less clutter. Plus, setting up these speakers is super easy, with flexible mounting options to fit any space.
Rounding off the package is the Onkyo TX-NR696 receiver, which is simple to connect and manage. It's the perfect setup for those who appreciate great sound but don't want to get bogged down in technicalities.
All of this, including great-looking hardware, make this package the perfect blend of high-end audio performance and user-friendly design, great for enthusiasts of all stripes ready for an affordable and reliable home theater setup.
Klipsch Reference 5.2 home theater system
Don't let the price tag scare you. The Klipsch Reference 5.2 system is a top-tier package if you're ready to kit out your living room with some of the best equipment on the market. This setup transforms movies, music, and games into experiences that let you feel like you're taking them all in firsthand.
The star of the show is the Klipsch R-625FA Dolby Atmos speaker pair. Their elevation channels create 3D surround sound. Dual 1-inch tweeters make for clear treble, while lightweight IMG woofers create deep, detailed bass you can feel everywhere in the room.
The matching 5.25-inch IMG woofers offer seamless Atmos immersion. Plus, Klipsch's wide-dispersion Tractrix tech fills the space with dynamic sound. The whole unit also makes a bold aesthetic statement with its mostly black exterior and gold accents.
Connecting it all is the Denon AVR-S970H receiver, which is simple to use with reliable connectivity that gives you plenty of customization options. And while this set may be pricey, you get a 5-year warranty for peace of mind in case something ends up going awry.
If you want one of the best kits you can buy right now, this is the one you want. Consider it an investment in your home theater that'll last you for years to come.
Yamaha Audio YHT-4950U 4K Ultra HD 5.1-channel home theater system
The Yamaha YHT-4950U home theater package delivers a great cinematic experience for less. With this 5.1 surround package, you get room-filling audio that feels much more premium than it really is – especially for less than $500.
Despite their small size, the compact speakers are still super powerful. They deliver fantastic bass and crisp, clear treble. Music streaming is a breeze with Bluetooth connectivity, something that's still surprisingly not available with every home theater system, especially at this price. And Yamaha's YPAO room tuning customizes the audio profile to your space's acoustics for optimal immersion anywhere.
With easy setup and flexible placement options, this package makes premium performance accessible for those who don't want to spend a couple thousand dollars. And it does it well. It's the perfect blend of robust surround sound and user-friendly features with a receiver that feels good to use without too many complications.
For those seeking to transform their home into a private cinematic world, the Yamaha YHT-4950U hits all the right notes as an immersive all-in-one home theater solution. Movies, music and games never sounded and looked so good.
Sony HT-S40R 5.1ch home theater soundbar system
This package includes a soundbar instead of some of the usual equipment you might see in home theater packages, but still makes a great premium home theater.
One of this package's most impressive features is its 600W power output. Combined with the 5.1ch real surround sound experience, you get the kind of depth and dimension you'd expect in the theater -- on your sofa.
The soundbar itself is an excellent addition to the package and offers booming sound that doesn't take up too much space in the way a whole sound system might. Plus, rear speakers are a game changer if you've never had them in your home before.
Setting up the Sony HT-S40R is a breeze, thanks to its color-coded connections, so this is a great option for beginners who want great sound without a complicated setup.
Wireless connectivity for music streaming is another major plus. You can use this system to stream your favorite playlists and podcasts. There are also multiple connection options for your TV, including HDMI, optical, or analog, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of setups.
If you want the home theater experience but don't want to deal with all the speakers cluttering up your home, this set has you covered, as well as a soundbar that truly puts in work.
Onkyo HT-S3910 home audio theater receiver and speaker package
This Onkyo package is a great choice for anyone looking for a 4K home theater setup, especially given the quality you get for the price.
You get everything in one package -- a front or center speaker, four surround speakers, and a subwoofer, but the 4K/60p and HDR compatible receiver is the standout here. It supports the latest video formats, including HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and BT.2020, so you'll get excellent quality no matter what you watch.
Its 155 watts-per-channel power output is impressive as well, meaning you're going to have great audio and visuals, even if you watch older content – and you'll hear plenty of cheering in the stands during an NFL game.
Whether you're watching a modern blockbuster or a classic title, the 5.2.2-ch Dolby Atmos setup with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer creates a virtual surround and height effect, which makes you feel like you're front and center in the action, all at a sub-$500 price point.
This is an excellent option for an all-in-one package that works with 4K visuals with crisp audio and simple setup. Its budget price means you can also save some cash for the rest of your home theater setup, like the centerpiece: your TV.
How does a home theater system work?
Home theater systems can make you feel like you're in a movie theater. Packages use several pieces of equipment to accomplish this, but you'll need to use some of your own, too.
Video display: Typically, the centerpiece of a home theater is a display, which can be a high-definition TV or a projector and screen. This is where you'll watch everything while being surrounded by immersive sound. The goal is to have a large, clear picture that feels like watching on the big screen.
Audio system: The audio component is crucial for a true home theater experience. It typically involves a multi-channel surround sound system. The most common setups are 5.1 or 7.1 systems. This means five or seven speakers plus a subwoofer (the ".1" in the setup). These speakers are placed around the room: front (left, center, right), side or rear speakers, and a subwoofer for bass. Some advanced systems might include additional speakers for more immersive sound.
Media source: This could be a DVD/Blu-ray player, a streaming device, a gaming console, or even a computer. It's the source of the content you'll be watching or listening to.
Receiver: The receiver (or AV receiver) is the core of a home theater system. It receives audio and video signals from your media source and sends signal to the TV, projector or speakers. It's essentially the control center that connects everything.
Is a home theater package worth it?
When you buy a home theater system as a package instead of piecemeal, you'll save money on the convenience factor. You'll also make sure that all the components are designed to work together. That means no shopping around for individual pieces and no frustrating guesswork.
It also means your setup will likely be a lot breezier. These packages typically come with user-friendly guides, making installation easier, especially for those who might not be technically inclined. That saves you time and money so you can get to enjoying the content you bought all the equipment to watch in the first place.
Why? For starters, everything is designed to work in harmony right out of the box. The speakers, TV, receiver -- they're all tuned to complement each other. Plus packages give you a more unified look, with all matching components.
Of course, packages aren't for every user. If you want cutting-edge specialized gear or the customization and control of an à la carte system, you should definitely opt for that. But for hassle-free quality, home theater packages offer balanced A/V, matching aesthetics, easier support, and reliable performance. The plug-and-play approach does have its perks, after all.
