While going out to see a movie is a great experience, sometimes there’s nothing you want more than to just stay at home and relax.
Luckily, with a great home theater setup, you can have the best of both worlds.
The comfort of home with the excellent audio quality of a cinema.
If you’ve been wondering how you can take your movies to the next level, we’ve heard your call for help.
There are so many options on the market, so we’ve found only the ultimate mid range home theater speakers to take your movie experience from average to amazing.
Quick List: Top 8 Mid Range Home Theater Speakers
- Sonos Playbar – Popular
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 – Best Overall
- SVS Ultra Tower Speaker – Highly Rated
- Klipsch Reference Theater Pack 5.1
- Samsung Harman Kardon 7.1.4
- Yamaha YHT-595OUBL
- Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V
- Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D
Researching Mid Range Home Theater Speakers
We know how important quality of audio equipment is, so we put hours of research into finding only quality mid range home theater speakers.
Some of you are looking to start from scratch with a home theater setup, so we found the highest quality all-inclusive systems that will leave you wanting for nothing.
Others of you already have some elements of your home theater setup, so we also sought out premium standalone units that can add an extra layer of high-quality audio to your home cinema experience.
We know that space is a commodity and not all living rooms are built the same, so we found the best compact options for those of you that are looking to capitalize on a smaller space. If you’ve got a little more space to play with, we also discovered the best systems with multiple speakers and larger designs that can really take the sound to the next level.
Some of you are more experienced with audio setup than others, so we made sure to choose some home theater speakers that operate on a simple plug and play model, while more complicated systems need longer installation but allow you to fully customize your audio experience.
If you specifically like the 7.1 home theater setups we have a full article on the best 7.1 home theater systems that is worth reading.
Most of all, we looked for the speakers with revolutionary and innovative audio technology, so you can be fully transported into the films that you enjoy the most.
The Best Mid Range Home Theater Speakers in2024
1. Sonos Playbar – Very Popular
- The mountable soundbar for TV, movies, music, and more
The Sonos Playbar is an excellent addition to an existing home theater system, or a standalone unit that takes spoken dialogue to the next level.
✔️ What we like: A premium soundbar with the clearest and most natural spoken sound.
❌ What we don’t like: It only accepts optical audio in.
Standout Features
- Speech Enhancement setting
- Trueplay Tuning sound optimization
- Easy installation
The Soundbar focuses on both spoken audio and bass, excelling at the natural and balanced quality of sound. It was designed by Oscar-winning sound engineers who put their full efforts into a balanced sound with healthy bass, even without the addition of a subwoofer.
It also includes various settings that optimize dialogue and overall sound for specific circumstances. You can use the Speech Enhancement setting to boost spoken audio when characters are whispering or there is a lot of background noise, allowing you to easily follow dialogue without straining your ears or resorting to subtitles.
For those of you that love watching movies late at night, the Night Sound mode boosts the volume of quieter sounds and reduces the volume of loud background audio. This allows you to enjoy the film at an overall lower volume without bothering your neighbors or family.
Installation of the Sonos Soundbar is easy as pie, with a plug and play design that needs the connection of just two cords, and automatic detection of the remote makes it even easier. The Soundbar can be wall-mounted, placed underneath your TV, or on top of a cabinet, and includes Trueplay Tuning technology that automatically adapts the sound quality according to the acoustics of your room and its placement.
Our only criticism of the Sonos Soundbar is that it only accepts optical audio in, which can be tricky if you’re trying to connect multiple electronics.
If you’re looking to optimize spoken audio during movies, the Soundbar easily syncs with other Sonos products, or other high end audio brands, giving you full flexibility over your home theater setup.
2. Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 – Best Overall
- With 70+ years of audio excellence, experience the absolute best audio no other soundbar can replicate. Feel the roomshaking bass with industry’s only Dual Wireless Subwoofers & 360° 9.2 channel...
The Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 by Nakamichi truly has it all: an all-inclusive home theater speaker system with superior audio technology and next level cinematic sound.
✔️ What we like: A fully inclusive home theater system with premium audio design.
❌ What we don’t like: Poor quality remote receiver.
Standout Features
- Dolby Atmos technology
- Easy installation
- Superior soundbar design
The Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 is a full set including a soundbar, dual wireless subwoofers, and 4 surround speakers, delivering a full 360 degree experience of 9.2 channel audio. Paired with the soundbar’s whopping 1000W of volume capabilities, this home theater system will transport you to an immersive home cinema experience.
The wireless subwoofers are industry-leaders, with their unique design and 10-inch drivers. These drivers work together, with zero localization, to reproduce a wall-shaking bass that can transport you inside the film.
Surround speakers ensure the full surround sound experience, with high end tweeters that maximize clarity of sound, high precision drivers, and the option of two playback modes. You can use them separately for a traditional surround sound experience, or together as dipoles for a more dispersed sound. This allows you the flexibility to adapt the sound according to your entertainment room.
Where this system really excels is its soundbar. It includes Dolby Atmos technology, which increases height channels and treats sound as 3D objects that move around the room. The soundbar also includes 3 audio processing engines that work together to control directionality, spaciousness, and detailed audio. It has a wider soundstage area than other leading soundbars for a true cinema experience, while dual center channels ensure clarity of spoken audio.
Despite the number of speakers, installation of the Shockwafe Ultra is super easy and can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
Our only concern with this system is that the receiver is lacking in sensitivity, so using the remote can be frustrating at times. However, it’s still a fully inclusive high quality home theater system with superior audio design and next level sound.
3. SVS Ultra Tower Speaker – Highly Rated
- Vented voice coil former to minimize air compression artifacts at high drive levels
The SVS Ultra Tower Speaker is a great addition to a home theater setup or excels on its own with the highest quality of audio design.
✔️ What we like: A highly attractive tower speaker with only the best audio technology.
❌ What we don’t like: Large and bulky design.
Standout Features
- ForceFactor woofer design
- SoundMatch crossover design
- Superior drivers and diffuser
The Ultra Tower Speaker has a superior design that reproduces a deep and rich bass at wall-shaking volumes. Its ForceFactor design includes dual 8-inch woofers that are positioned horizontally opposed at the base of the speaker. Due to the shape of the cabinet, all the woofers fire in different directions, which allows the premium bass to completely fill your entertainment room.
SVS has you covered across midrange frequencies as well, with dual 6.5-inch midrange drivers that are constructed with composite fiberglass cones. This allows for a high quality and balanced sound that always sounds completely natural.
The aluminum dome tweeter is transparent and extremely accurate, allowing for precise sound across the higher frequencies. It’s light but rigid, eliminating distortion and encapsulating the ethereal, airy quality of highs like you’ve never heard them before. This combines with an FEA-optimized diffuser that professionally diffuses sound through your room.
Excellent sound quality is also ensured by the unique SoundMatch design, which has a 3.5 way crossover of drivers, tweeters, and woofers. Only the top midrange driver crosses over to the tweeter, while the bottom midrange crosses over to the woofer, creating a focused soundstage without beaming. This creates an immersive audio experience, no matter where you are in the room.
Our only issue with the SVS Ultra Tower Speaker is that the unit is quite large and bulky, which could be cumbersome in a smaller room. However, its professional audio design elements allow it to reproduce an incredible sound quality across all frequencies, so there’s no chance you will regret this investment if you can find the space for it.
4. Klipsch Reference Theater Pack 5.1
- The Klipsch reference theater pack delivers a superior acoustic performance while keeping an incredibly minimal footprint
The Reference Theater Pack 5.1 by Klipsch is proof that bigger isn’t always better; this compact and top quality system can transform a small space into an immersive home theater.
✔️ What we like: A compact subwoofer and speaker combo that delivers natural sound.
❌ What we don’t like: Less bass than competitors.
Standout Features
- Compact
- Distortion-eliminating design
- Easy installation
The Klipsch system is a compact combination of a down-firing wireless subwoofer and satellite speakers, allowing for surround sound with healthy bass. The compact size allows you to convert smaller rooms into home theaters without compromising on sound quality, comfort, or volume.
The satellite speakers are also incredibly easy to install, with a keyhole mount and threaded insert to make the job quick and painless. All you need is to add a receiver to the Klipsch system and you’re ready to enjoy movies in no time.
Minimal distortion is a priority in the Klipsch system, which is important if you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in a film. The woofers are constructed with Injection Molded Graphite (IMG), which is both lightweight and rigid, allowing excellent low frequency response and minimal movement. This eliminates distortion and rattling, allowing only the cleanest and most natural bass.
The Klipsch system also performs well at mid and high frequencies, due to its tweeter design. Exclusive Tractrix Horn technology and aluminum construction allow a clean, natural, and balanced sound, while the linear travel suspension technology further reduces the possibility of distortion.
Some users have criticized the bass capabilities of the Klipsch system, saying that it doesn’t compare with competitors. However, considering the compact size of this Klipsch home theater system, it performs extremely well and delivers high quality sound that can take your movie nights to the next level.
5. Samsung Harman Kardon 7.1.4
- 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
The Samsung Harman Kardon 7.1.4 is a collaboration between two brands with excellent results: rich surround sound that adapts to its environment and your choice of media.
✔️ What we like: An all-included system perfect for immersive films or video games.
❌ What we don’t like: Not suitable for beginners.
Standout Features
- Adaptive Sound Technology
- Dolby Atmos Technology
- Game Mode Pro
The Samsung Harman Kardon system includes a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and dual rear speakers for that classic surround sound experience.
Its soundbar has superior design, including Dolby Atmos technology that interprets sound as 3D moving objects. It also has 17 in-built speakers which fire in different directions to create a surround sound effect even without the added impact of the rear speakers.
It packs serious volume at 510W, and Adaptive Sound Technology analyzes signal and optimizes sound quality across all volumes. You can be sure that your movies will be both loud and high quality with this awesome home theater speaker system.
If you love video games, you’ll also appreciate the Game Mode Pro, which adapts audio quality to really put you inside the game.
The Samsung Harman Kardon system is designed to be user-friendly, including integrated Bluetooth, Alexa voice control, touch sensitive buttons on the soundbar, and remote control. The rear speakers are wireless, avoiding the awkwardness of exposed cables, and we love that they have the same drivers, allowing you to move them around without changing the character of the sound.
An issue with this Harman Kardon 7.1.4 home theater system is that it isn’t particularly suited to beginners. Some users have reported limited installation instructions and minimal explanation of different features. If you’re an experienced audiophile, you will love this system, but beginners may be more suited to a different option.
6. Yamaha YHT-595OUBL
- Your Purchase Includes: 1 Wi-Fi enabled home theater in a box system with a music cast AV receiver, 5 wired speakers, a subwoofer and speaker wire in a single package
The YHT-595OUBL by Yamaha is fully inclusive, adaptable, and works seamlessly with streaming technologies to make your home cinema experience better and easier.
✔️ What we like: A quality system that is designed to integrate easily with different technologies.
❌ What we don’t like: Installation can be difficult.
Standout Features
- YPAO room optimization
- Advanced connectivity options
- 4K Ultra HDMI
If you’re starting your home theater system from scratch, you’re fully set with the YHT-595OUBL by Yamaha. It includes an AV receiver, 5 speakers, an 8 inch subwoofer and speaker wire, so all you need to do is install it and start enjoying movies.
The Yamaha system has clean and balanced sound of an excellent quality, helped by YPAO room optimization technology. It analyzes and adjusts sound configuration according to the acoustics of your entertainment room, ensuring an immersive audio experience.
It features 5.1 surround sound, with a 4K Ultra HDMI that supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10. This results in high quality audio and visuals that can put you right inside your favorite films.
Yamaha has focused on connectivity with the design of the YHT-595OUBL, and it’s a breeze to use it with popular streaming services. It connects seamlessly to Bluetooth, Alexa voice control, Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, and Musiccast. It also has audio streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora integrated, so listening to your favorite tunes is easier than ever.
One problem with the YHT-595OUBL is that its installation isn’t very user-friendly. Many users have reported lack of guidance from the instruction manual, and the need to tweak audio settings to get the best possible sound. This makes it less than ideal for beginners, but experienced audio enthusiasts will find no issues with the Yamaha home theater system.
7. Bose Acoustimass 10 Series V
- The best performing Acoustimass system from Bose delivers spacious surround sound for larger rooms
The Acoustimass 10 Series V by Bose is a high quality home theater system for the serious audiophile, with enough bass and volume to rock your world.
✔️ What we like: A powerful and impressive speaker set with serious volume and bass.
❌ What we don’t like: Proprietary wiring makes for time-consuming installation.
Standout Features
- Powerful surround sound
- Wall-shaking bass
- Customizable sound
This 5-speaker set includes direct/reflecting speakers, a center speaker, and a Bose Acoustimass module that acts as a subwoofer. The set is designed for powerful surround sound in larger rooms, and all you need to add is a receiver.
The direct/reflecting Series II speakers have a narrow design that allows them to be easily mounted on your wall without creating unnecessary obstruction. They also include angled drivers that are precise and create an immersive audio experience that fills the entire room.
The Acoustimass module has dual, downward-firing drivers that deliver powerful bass with minimal distortion. It also includes adjustable controls for bass and volume, so you can play around and achieve the perfect home cinema effect.
A sleek and attractive design doesn’t hurt either, and you’ll feel proud to show off your Acoustimass home theater system to friends and families.
Our only criticism of the Bose set is that the proprietary wiring can be difficult to integrate and install, more suited to experienced audiophiles with some time on their hands. However, the investment is worth it, and the Acoustimass 10 Series V does not disappoint.
8. Definitive Technology ProCinema 6D
- A MODERN SPACE-SAVING SYSTEM – This compact 5.1 channel home theater gives you a 3-dimensional surround sound experience with clean, rich audio. Includes 4 satellite speakers, 1 center channel & a...
The ProCinema 6D by Definitive Technology features a full speaker set with a design that is compact and focused on high end audio quality, without the high end price tag.
✔️ What we like: High end quality at a mid-range price.
❌ What we don’t like: Installation is difficult.
Standout Features
- Balanced Double Surround System (BDSS) drivers
- Compact design
- Deep and precise imaging
The ProCinema 6D includes a center channel, subwoofer, and 4 satellite speakers, making a full set that can fill your room with 5.1 channel surround sound.
The subwoofer includes an 8 inch driver and 8 inch bass radiator, with a built-in amplifier that can handle 250W of power. This reproduces a bass that is deep, rich, and wall-shakingly loud, able to transport you fully into your favorite action films.
Definitive Technology has included a lot of BDSS technology in their speaker set, including drivers in the center channel and woofers in the satellite speakers. This design has a greater excursion and output than competing designs, leading to a better performance across mid-level and low frequencies.
High frequency sounds also have an excellent quality in the Definitive Technology system, due to annealed aluminum dome tweeters that have excellent dispersion and reproduce an extremely smooth sound.
Definitive Technology has focused on audio imaging in their design of the ProCinema 6D, with a linear response waveguide that increases frequency response both on and off the axis, allows better dispersion, and delivers more precise imaging. The crossover design further deepens the imaging capabilities of this home theater system, creating an immersive 3D sound atmosphere that takes movies to the next level.
Our sole issue with the ProCinema 6D is that installation can be difficult and time consuming. However, this is common to many inclusive home theater systems, and is well worth the labor for a high quality unit.
If you like the Definitive technology brand it may be worth taking a look at Studio 3D Mini soundbar & subwoofer we did a hands on review of.
A Guide to Choosing Mid Range Home Theater Speakers
What kind of home theater setup do you already have?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to add to an existing system is important to consider.
If you’re starting fresh to build your home theater system, it can be more cost effective to buy a complete set that includes a subwoofer, center speaker, and a combination of other speakers like tower speakers and satellite speakers. These units will work easily together, and you can set up your home cinema without needing to choose a different speaker for each function. Some sets even include the receiver, so after setup you can start enjoying movies immediately.
However, some of you may already have a home theater setup and are looking for additional speakers to supplement the audio experience. A soundbar can be an excellent addition if you’re looking to boost the dialogue and bass of movies, making it easier and clearer to understand without subtitles.
There are endless varieties of other speakers, but satellite speakers can create more of a surround sound effect, while tower speakers are essential for the front of your audio setup to deliver loud and balanced sound. It’s worth looking at the speakers you already have and deciding which additions could take your home theater to the next level.
How large is your space?
The size of your home cinema space will determine what kind of speaker setup is going to be possible.
If you have a smaller space, it’s worth looking into a compact system with slim speakers that can be easily mounted or tucked away without taking up too much floor space. You could also benefit from speakers that have drivers firing in multiple directions so you can achieve excellent surround sound without the need for multiple speakers in different parts of the room.
In a smaller space, it’s still important to have a subwoofer, but there’s no need for a huge unit as the sound will be excessive.
If you have more space to play with, the sky’s the limit for the size of your home theater setup. You can look into buying a full set with multiple speakers of different varieties, including satellite speakers, a quality home theater subwoofer that can fill the entire room with bass, speakers for the front of your room, and an amplified soundbar.
In a larger room, you can play with the placement of your speakers to get the best possible sound, and it’s important to consider volume capabilities to maximize your cinema experience.
What’s your experience level with home theaters?
High end home theater speaker systems can yield incredible sound but can be incredibly frustrating to set up if you’re not experienced with audio technology.
If you’re a beginner to home cinemas, it’s worth looking into simpler designs that feature a plug and play format. This will save you time and energy from trying to wire up multiple speakers and adjust audio settings that are unfamiliar to you.
Some high end home theater speaker systems even include optimization technologies that analyze the acoustics of your room to deliver the richest and most balanced sound, taking out the work of trying to decide where to place the different speakers.
However, if you’re at the intermediate or advanced level, there are more complex systems that may take longer to install but give you greater control over sound quality. Once you get the wiring sorted, you have the freedom to set up your home cinema exactly as you like and take advantage of additional features. This could include customizable bass levels, integrated streaming services, or other adjustable sound features.
If you’re an experienced audiophile, you can also experiment with adding different speaker types to achieve a different quality of sound. You can still benefit from an inclusive home theater set but can enjoy the flexibility of additional speakers.
The Best Mid Range Home Theater Speakers on the Market
The only thing better than going on a movie date is being able to enjoy the same high quality cinema experience from the comfort of your home.
You can save on expensive popcorn and avoid annoying background noise, while still experiencing the incredible immersive audio that puts you inside of your favorite films.
There’s a lot of units on the market, so we’ve broken down the best quality mid range home theater speakers that are out there.
Whether you’re looking to build a home cinema from scratch or to supplement an existing system, we have you covered with only the best quality mid range home theater speakers around.
Further Reading:
- 10 Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $200 In 2024 – Our Top Picks Only
- 10 Best In-Wall Speakers (Under $50 to Over $500)
- 10 Best Party Speakers (Bluetooth & Portable)
- 10 Best Portable CD Players (Affordable & Reliable)
- 10 Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers In 2024 (Multiple Budgets)
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.