Are you on the hunt for the absolute best home theater system?
If you are, then we’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re buying your first sound system or you’re upgrading from a previous system, there is a lot to consider.
Personal preference will play a part in your choice but ultimately, we all want some incredible sound.
We’re here to help you find that incredible sound and to find it at a fantastic price.
Keep reading for our special list of the best 7.1 home theater systems on the market. We also include a few 7.2 options as well.
Quick List: Top 8 7.1 Home Theater Systems
- Samsung Harman Kardon HW-Q90R 7.1.4 Soundbar – Best for Small Rooms
- Fluance Elite Series Surround Sound Home Theater – Best Under $1000
- Klipsch 7.1.2 System bundle – Best Under $5000
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4 Channel Home Theater System – Best for Large Rooms
- Sony 7.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater System
- Yamaha 7.2 Channel Home Theater System
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 Channel Sound System
- Sony 7.2 Channel Multimedia Home Theater System
Researching 7.1 Home Theater Systems
Throughout our research, we focused on finding the best sound and set up at the best prices. Full home theater systems are notorious for being pricey, so we did our best to find some options that make a 7.1 channel system more accessible to people who don’t have an unlimited budget.
In addition to accessibility, we gave a lot of weight to the sound quality of these systems. We looked for home theater systems that produced balanced sounds that were clear and offered powerful bass.
Furthermore, we considered any extra features of the system. This included looking out for surround sound technology such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. If a brand included more features to enhance the sound experience, we also took that into account.
Along with a high-quality design, we also looked at connectivity options. This was important to ensure that the system was versatile, and one could easily switch between devices if necessary.
If these options are out of your budget you might want to read our article on the best mid range home theater speakers.
All these aspects, as well as others, were considered to find you the best deals on the market.
The Best 7.1 Home Theater System in2024
1. Samsung Harman Kardon HW-Q90R 7.1.4 Soundbar – Best for Small Rooms
- Product Dimensions: 48.26" W x 3.26" H x 5.35" D | Spk (sub woofer) Net Dimension: 8.07" W x 15.86" H x 15.86" D
Samsung is already well-known for providing products that are consistently high-quality. This home theater system is another example of Samsung’s fantastic standard.
✔️ What we like: Incredible surround sound
❌ What we don’t like: Limited number of HDMI inputs
Standout Features
- Adaptive sound
- 4K pass-through
- Game Mode
- Alexa compatible
With a total of 17 speakers, this home theater system is one to deliver all the power you need. Out of these 17 speakers, four of them are upward-firing and two of them are side-firing. This means that sounds will be coming at you from every direction.
If your movie shows a helicopter flying overhead, you will quite literally hear it above you! This takes your movie nights to the ultimate level of entertainment by giving you an authentic cinema experience from the comfort of your own home.
This home theater system also has 4K pass-through to ensure that your shows will look just as good as they sound. If you’re a film lover or are just passionate about your TV series, this is the best way to properly dive into the experience.
It isn’t only incredible for movies and series. This system also supports a Game Mode. With your incredible visuals and amazing sound system, you may be thinking that it can’t get better than that for your gaming sessions.
However, this Game Mode is the feature you never knew you needed in your life. The soundbar automatically detects when you are gaming and will tailor the sound to make the gaming experience even more life-like.
On top of the Game Mode, Samsung offers its Adaptive Sound feature. Essentially, this will automatically adjust every scene to optimize the sound constantly. You can go from bass-heavy explosions to crystal clear whispers in a second! Moreover, this soundbar is equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, giving you the best surround sound for your setup.
Overall, this HW-Q90R 7.1.4 home theater system is incredibly impressive, and it is difficult to fault. The price may be high, but you get your full money’s worth.
2. Fluance Elite Series Surround Sound Home Theater – Best Under $1000
- 7.1 Speaker System - Expertly timbre matched 7 speaker system with a powerful 10" subwoofer that will surround you with every brilliant nuance the way the artist intended
This set of speakers will have you fully covered for all of your TV sound goals. The Fluance Elite Series speakers are both stylish and functional.
✔️ What we like: Affordable price
❌ What we don’t like: Lacks extra features
Standout Features
- Powerful 10’’ subwoofer
- Premium silk dome tweeters
- Beautiful woodgrain finish
These Fluance Elite speakers bring a whole new aesthetic to the market. While most brands stick to the classic all-black design, sometimes it’s nice to shake it up a bit. This home theater finds the perfect balance between having a unique design but still looking classy. The beautiful woodgrain finish is enough to add a new element to the look but the whole set up still looks very elegant.
This 7.1 channel home theater sound system is made up of a center channel, two surround speakers, two floor-standing main speakers, two bookshelf loudspeakers, and a subwoofer for your home theater. This is quite the setup and while it may seem like a lot, it distributes quite nicely around a room.
Also, the sound is worth the effort of setting up all eight units. These speakers are kitted out with high-end neodymium silk dome tweeters, meaning that you will be receiving nothing but the clearest and most crisp sounds. Furthermore, these tweeters are cooled with ferro-fluid to ensure that they sustain a longer lifespan.
The combination of tweeters, mid-range drivers, and woofers means that you will be getting amazingly balanced sounds. With all the detail and depth from these speakers, you will feel like you are truly inside your movies.
Moreover, the powerful front-facing 10’’ subwoofer will knock your socks off with its intensity! You won’t experience movies in the same way after using this setup. After all, this 7.1 home theater system is pretty much a full cinema sound system that you can enjoy 24/7.
In addition to some incredible sound, the exterior of the speakers has also been designed with great attention to detail. The medium-density fiberboard means that your sound will have less distortion, giving you a pure listening experience.
Overall, this Fluance Elite Series home theater system is fantastic value for money.
3. Klipsch 7.1.2 System Bundle – Best Under $5000
- Includes (2) RP-8000F, (1) RP-404C, (2 Pair) RP-600M, (1 Pair) RP-500SA, (1) R-115SW
The Klipsch 7.1.2 System bundle delivers the best and most complete audio experience in the home and is definitely the best under $5000. You’ll love the legendary high performance, the Dolby Atmos home theater system, the amazing subwoofers, the different types of speakers, and much more.
✔️ What we like: Full bundle with multiple speaker types
❌ What we don’t like: This bundle isn’t always available
Standout Features
- Bookshelf speakers
- Dolby Atmos surround sound
- Home theater system
- 12-inch woofer
- Legendary high performance
I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when I first saw this speaker bundle. It seemed too good to be true, but the reviews are in and everybody seems to be very impressed with this exciting speaker package.
For starters, you’ll love the opportunity to purchase multiple speaker types in one bundle including bookshelf speakers, a center channel speaker, floor standing speakers, a built-in elevation channel speaker, and much more. You can strategically scatter these speakers throughout your home or apartment for an amazing Dolby Atmos surround sound experience.
On the downside, these Klipsch speaker bundles have a tendency to disappear fairly regularly. The company seems to prefer cycling through their options, which means this bundle may not be around forever. If you’re interested, you should probably take advantage of this deal now before it disappears in the near future.
Overall, I think you’ll fall head over heels in love with the Klipsch 7.1.2 System deal because of the premium speakers, the 12-inch subwoofer, the SPL 120 subwoofer, the bookshelf speakers, the floor standing speakers, the high-efficiency amplifier, the Dolby Atmos surround sound, and the amazing home theater audio that it produces day in and day out without fail.
4. Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4 Channel Home Theater System – Best for Large Rooms
- Transform your living room into a state-of-the-art movie theater with True 360° Dolby Atmos surround flowing around, above and beyond you. Like cinemas with speakers located around you, SHOCKWAFE Pro...
Nakamichi has made a substantial dent in the market with its fantastic value for money. This full home theater system is offered at a very reasonable price and doesn’t skimp on any features.
✔️ What we like: Captivating surround sound
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t offer Wi-Fi
Standout Features
- 105 dB
- 35% wider soundstage
- Dual center channels
- 4K pass-through
This Nakamichi home theater system would be an awesome option for anyone wanting to enjoy the best of surround sound, without breaking the bank. The whole set up consists of the main soundbar, two 2-way speakers, and a subwoofer. Altogether, this sound system produces a whopping 105 dB which means you won’t be struggling with any lack of volume.
The soundbar has been specially designed to give a 35% wider soundstage. This is an awesome design choice to expand the reach of the sound. We’re sure some of you who have experienced a surround sound system that sounds great when you’re sitting in front of it but as soon as you move to the outskirts of its reach, it doesn’t sound half as good.
This increased soundstage will help with that issue so that everyone in the family will have a seat with great sound. It is also an important upgrade to ensure that larger rooms experience better surround sound.
Moreover, the dual center channels mean that your dialog will be crystal clear. You won’t be struggling to hear any whispered dialog and your morning news will be effortless with clear vocals. The 2-way speakers are made up of a high-frequency tweeter and a mid-range woofer which offers nothing but the best of dynamic and smooth sounds.
The surround sound capabilities are reinforced even more by the technology supported by this system. The Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro is equipped with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, as well as SSE which uses audio processing engines to enhance directionality and make the surround sound more immersive. With this setup, you are sure to be buried deep in the captivating sound.
You might as well move your bed into the TV room because you won’t be able to get enough!
5. Sony 7.2 Channel Surround Sound Home Theater System
- Sony 7.2-Channel Wireless Bluetooth 4K Network A/V Wi-Fi Home Theater Receiver
This Sony setup takes the bar to a level higher with a 7.2 channel system, instead of just 7.1. If you’re looking for a simple and classy sound system, this may be for you.
✔️ What we like: OffersNFC connectivity
❌ What we don’t like: Lacks extra features
Standout Features
- 4K compatibility
- Dolby Atmos decoding
- Supports DTS
This Sony 7.2 channel system makes use of an A/V receiver with a range of speakers. While some people may look at a passive speaker setup and assume it is more complicated than an active speaker system, that isn’t necessarily accurate. The main takeaway of a system like this is that the individual speakers rely on the receiver for amplification, among other things.
This means that each speaker is lighter since it doesn’t include its own amplifier in the main speaker. This makes the whole setup much less strenuous. It also means that you have one main hub where you can adjust settings and you can more easily upgrade your home theater system.
If you are in this for the long run and want the freedom to be able to build on your home theater system, this option may be favorable to you. Do you eventually want a 9.2 channel system? With this, the sky is the limit and you won’t be stuck in a situation where your sound system cannot be upgraded easily.
Sony has also equipped this system with 4K compatibility. This means that when a lion roars on your screen, you will feel every vibration while you can see every whisker with perfect clarity! This is truly an essential if you want an experience comparable to the cinema.
Moreover, your surround sound will be incredibly immersive with Dolby Atmos and DTS. You won’t have any need to leave your home for movies anymore. With that being said, this system isn’t even limited to movies. The Bluetooth option means that you can easily stream music from your smartphone and enjoy the captivating sound of your favorite tunes.
All in all, this Sony 7.2 channel home theater is a fantastic sound system.
6. Yamaha 7.2 Channel Home Theater System
- Yamaha 7.2-Channel Wireless Bluetooth 4K Network A/V Wi-Fi Home Theater Receiver
Yamaha is a top producer of home audio equipment and their experience shows through in this home theater system. This would be great for someone looking for a simple and good-quality sound system.
✔️ What we like: Supports multiple streaming services
❌ What we don’t like: Receiver channels are limited
Standout Features
- Offers a phono input
- 4K Ultra HD pass-through
- Supports Dolby Atmos
- Surround sound with DTS:X
Much like many of the home theater systems on the market, this Yamaha setup uses an A/V receiver. This receiver doesn’t just provide the amplifier for the speakers, it also ensures that you get the best surround sound experience. This Yamaha receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X which means that you aren’t only getting fantastic sound from high-quality drivers, you are also getting the most out of modern technology.
When you settle down in the evenings and curl up next to your TV, you can expect to be completely transported to a new world. With a system like this, you will feel like you are right inside the action!
This system is also versatile with its streaming services, giving you even more options to blast your favorite rock anthems. You can connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and if that isn’t enough, you can also stream through MusicCast, WiFi, and Airplay. The connectivity options are endless with this system which makes the crossover between devices effortless.
Another feature that makes this system unique is its phono input. This may be outdated to an extent, but we love the option to connect your turntable. This is the perfect link between enabling you to enjoy older methods of listening to music while still giving you full access to the capabilities of the modern world.
Apart from its awesome features, this system is kitted out with a range of high-quality speakers. This Yamaha bundle includes two 3-way floor-standing speakers, two 2-way bookshelf speakers, one 2-way center speaker, and a 10’’ subwoofer.
Altogether, this Yamaha 7.2 home theater system offers a variety of tweeters and woofers to cover all of your audio needs. From deep bass to crisp highs, you will be fully covered! Overall, this is an incredibly reliable system.
7. Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 Sound System
- Transform your living room into a premium cinema within minutes. Experience deep, room-filling bass with the industry’s only Dual Wireless Subwoofers and True 360° 7.2 channel surround sound with...
Often the search for a home theater system can be disheartening when you see the prices. However, this Nakamichi system delivers everything you want from a home theater system and at a fantastic price.
✔️ What we like: Great value for money
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t offer Wi-Fi
Standout Features
- SSE technology
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Dual center channels
Do you ever struggle to hear the dialog in movies? Whether the characters are whispering, or the background sound is overpowering, sometimes we all need some help to hear the vocals in movies and TV shows. This is fully addressed in the clever design of a dual center channel so that you always hear the crisp vocals, no matter what you are watching.
Home theater systems, in general, can produce some incredible sound so you may be wondering how it could possibly get any better. How about two subwoofers instead of one? This Nakamichi sound system will have the floor shaking with its dual 8’’ wireless subwoofers!
It isn’t only the physical drivers that make a home theater system amazing. A lot of what you experience can be attributed to some awesome technology. Which is why we appreciate all the features that come with this setup. Surround sound wouldn’t be the same without Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and, of course, this sound system has you properly kitted out with that.
Nakamichi has even added Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) Technology which improves the spaciousness and uses audio processing engines to enhance directionality. Overall, the features of this system are more than enough to provide an incredibly high-quality surround sound.
With this system’s 35% wider soundstage, you get an even closer replication of a full cinema experience. You can also happily connect this home theater system to a TV that supports 4K HDR pass-through and Dolby Vision. Nakamichi has also made this streaming-compatible with its Bluetooth connectivity. This means that if you want to switch from TV audio to streaming music through Spotify on your smartphone, you can do that without any hassles.
All things considered, this Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 home theater system is exceptional value for money.
8. Sony 7.2 Channel Multimedia Home Theater System
- Bundle Includes: Sony 7.2 Dolby Atmos Wi-Fi Network AV Home Theater Receiver with Sony SSCS3 Stereo Floor-Standing Speaker (Pair), Sony 10-Inch Active Subwoofer (Black), Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver...
This Sony bundle includes a range of drivers and a receiver to give you the best sound setup for your home. The lifelike audio of this home theater would be a welcome addition to anyone’s TV room.
✔️ What we like: Several connectivity options
❌ What we don’t like: Receiver channels are limited
Standout Features
- Offers Wi-Fi connectivity
- DTS:X and Dolby Atmos support
- HDR pass-through
If you’re looking for a home theater system that doesn’t compromise on sound quality and the rest of its features, then this system could be perfect for you. The fact that you’re looking into home theater systems means that you probably value your high-quality audio. But what about high-quality visuals? The two often go hand-in-hand, and for good reason!
No one wants to feel the rumble of thunder but then struggle to see detail on the screen. That’s why this system’s HDR signal pass-through is so important. The compatibility with 4K quality means that you won’t be compromising on any of the aspects that contribute to an incredible TV experience.
Furthermore, this bundle is physically set up to give you the best sound possible. Along with the receiver, you will also get two floor-standing speakers, one 10’’ subwoofer, a 2-way center channel speaker, and a 3-way bookshelf speaker system. The sound produced by these speakers is enhanced more with the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X which gives you breathtaking 360-degree surround sound. You will be completely enveloped in the atmosphere of your TV and movies.
When you see a plane fly overhead in your film, you will hear it exactly above you! The intelligence of this system is quite impressive, considering that you don’t have any physical speakers above you. With the correct signal processing and a wide soundstage, it is truly incredible what this home theater system can create.
On top of the amazing sound, you will have access to several wireless connectivity options. Just to name a few, you can connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, Airplay, and more!
The sky is the limit with this Sony 7.2 channel home theater bundle. Anyone would be thrilled to have this home theater system as a part of their TV set up.
A Guide to Choosing 7.1 Home Theater Systems
Sound
In general, the sound quality of 7.1 channel systems are awesome but it is still worth checking the quality since it is not a given. For a home theater system, you want to look for speakers that sound balanced and smooth. It is important to lookout for crisp highs, clear dialog, and rich bass. At this level, it is also good to check for any distortion at higher volumes since no one wants muddy sounds when they pump up the sound on their system.
Volume
For a system with this many channels, it is unlikely that you will struggle with volume. However, it is still worth checking that the volume is up to standard since that would impact your surround sound experience greatly. Also having several speakers in a system will not necessarily always equal a high volume.
Surround Sound Technology
One of the main reasons behind investing in a 7.1 channel home theater system is its ability to produce surround sound. That is not to say that a home theater system is useless without surround sound technology, but it does make a big difference to the overall experience. We recommend looking out for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X so that you know your audio will be re-worked to provide optimal sound.
These technologies will take the quality of the speakers and enhance it by outputting the sounds in a particular way to create a fully immersive surround sound experience. If the system offers other features to further enhance the sound, then this is always a bonus. However, it is worth remembering that extra features cannot make up for a bad base of drivers. So, we recommend prioritizing the speaker quality before too much weight is given to any of the features when you are deciding on a system.
Connectivity
Although a 7.1 channel home theater system will likely be used for movies and TV shows more than anything else, it is nice to have the option to expand its use. This will usually come from Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-Fi. Both of these are important for being able to stream audio from your smart devices.
We also recommend that you consider compatibility with other streaming services such as AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and MusicCast. This will allow you to more easily switch between using the sound system with your TV and your smartphone. Overall, it is more convenient and versatile for you.
Design
In general, home theater systems will have a sleek black design. This design is great since it is elegant enough to be timeless and it also fits in with any TV set up. Although most designs are pretty standard, it is more a matter of personal taste. However, what we can say is that if space is an issue for you, it is helpful to look out for systems that offer fewer units. This will make it easier for you to set up and it will take up less space while still providing all of the sound benefits.
Selecting Your Perfect Home Theater System
Searching for a home theater system can be incredibly exciting but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look.
Many things need to be considered when looking for a system, such as sound quality and surround sound technology. There are plenty of great options on the market, but we have done the hard work finding the best so that you don’t have to.
Whatever your budget is, our list of the best 7.1 home theater system includes a variety of options for everyone.
Further Reading:
- 9 Best Portable PA Systems For Singers, Small Bands, Music & Presentations
- 9 Best Tailgate Speakers (Under $100 up to $1000)
- 8 Best Boomboxes In 2024
- Powered vs Unpowered Speakers: 3 Reasons Why We Love Powered PA Speakers
- 10 Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $200 In 2024 – Our Top Picks Only
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.