Here at the Strategist, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed (that’s four-to-five-star reviews and lots of ’em) products and single out the most convincing. While we’ve already written about the best subwoofers, sound bars, and portable Bluetooth speakers, here we’re singling out the most reliable home-theater speakers on Amazon (note that reviews have been edited for length and clarity).
Best 5.1 home-theater speaker system, overall
“I purchased two sets of these, and I am using one with my TV and another in my home theater. They sound amazing. My home theater rocks. I have to keep the volume at 30, otherwise it will bring down my house. My home theater was set up by a theater professional, who was amazed by the quality of the sound from these speakers.”
Best 7.1 home-theater speaker system, overall
“This is a mid-range speaker set, and for the price probably the best speaker set out there. It is THX-certified, so you can rest assured that they are working properly and the sound is as the sound producer intended. I highly recommend this set. I purchased two of these so that I can have the full 7.2.4 setup (with dual subs). It is absolutely fantastic!!!!”
Best home-theater speaker system under $100
“These speakers are no joke. For the price of this set, I would buy two sets if I had the space. Great paired with my Sony 5.1 receiver. Can bump Three 6 Mafia (best for testing out the bass) like high-end speakers. If you’re looking for a budget set, this is it.”
Best surround-sound speaker system
“Works wonderfully! The sound is great! Solid and heavy enough to absorb the vibration. I have used the system with playing games mostly. It really sounds great with Battlefield 1. And I was really impressed how my Pat Benatar Greatest Hits CD sounded! The base is low and rumbly. The thump, thump of the music comes through really well. All in all, I love my choice, and I do recommend this product.”
Best home-theater standing tower speaker
“Killer sound at an unbeatable price. Polk Audio is an audiophile on a budget’s dream. Crystal clear treble and nice natural-sounding bass.”
Best in-wall speakers
“It’s impossible to beat the quality of build and sound these speakers add to your 5.1 or 7.1 system for the price. They are well-designed and easy to install. It comes with a stencil for cutting the hole in the sheet rock.”
Best sound bar
“I bought this sound bar to go with my 65-inch OLED TV, so I would get great sound while watching movies. It achieved that goal, but what I never expected was how good music sounds on this and how nice the Sonos app is for finding music. Totally delightful.”
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