10 Best Surround Sound Systems 2025 in the United States

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a strong contender in the surround sound system category, offering an impressive 820W output power that can fill a room with rich audio. Featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, it provides an immersive sound experience ideal for movie lovers and gamers alike. One standout feature is the detachable battery-powered surround speakers, allowing for true surround sound without the hassle of wires, which is a significant plus for those seeking a clean setup.

The included 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivers deep bass, enhancing the audio quality, which is perfect for action-packed films or music enthusiasts. Its Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision means you won't have to compromise on video quality either, making it a strong choice for a home theater.

Connectivity options are plentiful, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and optical connections, making it versatile for various devices. The built-in calibration feature is also beneficial, as it adjusts the sound settings based on your room, ensuring optimal audio performance. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The system is corded electric, which might limit placement options. Additionally, while the soundbar and surround speakers are lightweight, the overall setup can be somewhat bulky, especially if you have limited space.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers an impressive 5.1 channel surround sound experience, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to elevate their home theater setup. It includes a subwoofer and two surround speakers, which add depth and immersion to movies, music, and gaming. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enhances audio quality, allowing sound to move around you, creating a more lifelike and engaging experience. One of the standout features is the dedicated center channel for crystal clear dialogue, ensuring you don’t miss any key conversations during shows or movies.

Setup is user-friendly, as you simply plug in the components and connect them to the soundbar. The soundbar also has optimized modes for different types of content—like Movie, Music, Sports, and Night modes—offering tailored audio experiences based on your viewing preferences. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy streaming from your phone or tablet.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The soundbar's performance can be limited if you have a small room, as the full potential of surround sound is best experienced in larger spaces. Furthermore, while the soundbar is compatible with most smart TVs, users should ensure their TV has the necessary ports for a smooth connection. The wireless connectivity for both the subwoofer and surround speakers can introduce slight latency, which might be an issue for serious gamers or those who are particular about audio sync. Lastly, while the initial warranty is a plus, additional extended service options come at extra cost, which some users may find inconvenient. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a fantastic choice for movie lovers and music enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one solution with great sound quality and easy usability.

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact and straightforward soundbar designed to enhance your TV audio experience. It features two angled full-range drivers to deliver a wide and natural sound, focusing on clarity and dialogue enhancement. This makes it particularly useful for those who struggle with hearing TV dialogue clearly. The soundbar is quite small at just over 2 inches tall, making it easy to place in front of your TV or mount on a wall (mounting brackets are sold separately).

Connectivity options are versatile, including Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical, and AUX inputs, allowing you to connect multiple devices easily. However, it lacks dedicated surround sound channels, which are crucial for a true surround-sound experience. While it does not include a subwoofer, it is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700, which can be purchased separately for added bass. One notable convenience is its simple setup, requiring either an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately).

The included remote control offers extra features like dialogue mode and bass boost. On the downside, the speaker doesn’t support water resistance and uses Bluetooth version 4.2, which is not the latest version available. Additionally, it might not satisfy users looking for a full surround-sound setup due to its stereo output mode. This soundbar is best suited for users who want an easy-to-use, space-saving solution to improve TV audio, particularly for dialogue clarity.