For the ultimate movie and TV experience, a surround system is a must. Nothing can bring you closer to the movie theatre experience than a high-quality surround system, which starts, of course, with a high-quality surround system receiver. A surround system receiver is the heart of your whole surround sound system. It functions as the connection hub for all of your other audio devices. A good surround sound receiver can even use video processing and surround sound decoding to make your movies sound they’re very best.
But what exactly makes a good surround sound receiver? Not all receivers are made the same. Some can produce unbelievable realistic sound, while others are prone to distortion. Choosing the correct option for you is important to ensure that you get the best TV experience possible.
We reviewed dozens of surround sound receivers to find the best of the best. These devices cover a huge range of options and price ranges, so you’re sure to find a surround sound receiver that meets your requirements.
Budget Surround Sound Receivers
Home Audio Power Amplifier System
This is a multi-purpose receiver that functions as both a surround sound receiver and amplifying box. It features crisp buttons and rotary knobs for audio adjustment. A remote is also included for distant audio adjustments, and it also includes 4 inputs that support various external devices, such as smartphones, computer, and MP3.
Key Features:
- LCD digital display
- Remote included
- 4 inputs
- Supports various external devices
Cost: $58
Pyle Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier Receiver
If you want an inexpensive Bluetooth receiver, this is a good option. It can stream wirelessly from your smartphone and can also tune to FM radio. It features an easy-to-read LCD display and an ID3 song tag readout, so you’ll never struggle to figure out the name of a song again. There are treble, bass, master, and mic volume adjustments and various inputs for your devices. This particular device is only 2-channel, but there is a 4-channel option available as well.
Key Features:
- 2 Channels
- Includes remote control and antenna
- Bluetooth
- LCD display
- Audio adjustments
Cost: $76
With 2×120 watts of power, this receiver is suitable for smaller surround systems of up to four speakers. It includes 4 inputs, a microphone input, and a headphone jack. It also features a pager/mixing mode, which allows you to select whether or not the microphone should override the auto talkover. The controls for this receiver are crisp and easy to use.
Key Features:
- Pager/mixer mode
- 2×120 watts
- 4 inputs
- Easy to use controls
Cost: $59
For a budget option, this one is a good choice. It is less powerful than other Pyle models, hence the lower price tag. However, it still has plenty of power for most people’s uses. It comes with 4 audio inputs, so you can play music from a variety of sources. It also allows you to select what speakers you want to play at that time.
Key Features:
- 1000 watts
- 4 audio inputs
- Speaker selector
Cost: $99
Mid-Range Surround Sound Receivers
With 3000 watts of power, this is one of the most powerful receivers on the market. It comes with 4 audio inputs and feature microphone inputs for at-home karaoke or event hosting. This receiver also has A/B speaker selection, so you can choose to use only a portion of your speakers when appropriate. Crips buttons and clear controls also make this system a joy to use.
Key Features:
- 3000 watts of power
- 4 audio inputs
- A/B speaker selector
- Clear controls
Cost: $120
Pyle PDA5BU Amplifier Receiver Stereo
This bundle includes one Plye receiver unit, two dual speakers, and fifty feet of 16-gauge speaker wire – everything you need to set up a surround sound system in your home. The receiver is Bluetooth and works with smartphones, MP3 players, and more. The speakers are high-quality, waterproof, and produce crystal clear sound. For the price, it is nearly impossible to beat this complete system.
Key Features:
- Bundle includes everything you need
- Bluetooth receiver
- Waterproof speakers
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $140
PYLE HOME PT390BTU Digital Home Theater Bluetooth(R) Stereo Receiver
This is a great all-around receiver that comes with many helpful features. It features 8 different inputs and supports a huge assortment of devices. It even includes two microphone inputs. This receiver is also quite powerful at 300W, which is more than enough to be used with multiple speakers. It is also Bluetooth capable.
Key Features:
- 300 watts of power
- 8 inputs
- Bluetooth
Cost: $110
Offering consistent 4K quality, this receiver is a good option for those with high-quality, 4K TVs. It maintains 4K quality from screen to sound and delivers crisp, clear sound. An advanced Bluetooth mode allows you to stream and play music wirelessly, turn on your receiver remotely, and even control your music using your voice with Amazon Alexa.
Key Features:
- 4K quality
- Bluetooth
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
Cost: $180
Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver
With an advanced circuitry design, this is a high-quality surround sound receiver that is a perfect fit for most homes. It features Bluetooth so you can stream music from your phone or other device and it has 40 station FM/AM preset tuning. A brushed aluminum finish and simplistic design also make this receiver quite handsome.
Key Features:
- Advanced Circuitry
- Bluetooth
- Brush aluminum finish
- Simplistic design
Cost: $150
High-End Surround Sound Receivers
With 6 rear HDMI inputs, this receiver can support a larger surround sound system than most. Dynamic Audio amplification makes the sound crystal clear and crisp. You can easily play your favorite music with Chromecast, which is built into the system. Play-Fi is also included, which is a wireless protocol that works with any audio app on mobile or PC.
Key Features:
- Chromecast
- Ply-FI
- 6 inputs
- Custom setups
Cost: $500
This stereo receiver is designed to help you make the most out of your TV. It delivers excellent sound quality with industry-leading HLG and HDR. It even includes built-in Bluetooth so you can stream music straight from your phone. When used in conjunction with the Denon HEOS link, you can create a multi-room experience and play music throughout your house.
Key Features:
- Superb sound quality
- Multi-room experience with Denon HEOS link
- Bluetooth
- Four quick select buttons
- Supports 4K Ultra HD
Cost: $279
Like most Denon receivers, this receiver is compatible with 4K Ultra HD, which means it delivers top-quality sound when paired with a 4K TV. It can stream directly from a variety of music services as well, including Pandora and Spotify. Plus, if your streaming service isn’t supported directly, this receiver can play music through Bluetooth and Airplay. If you have Amazon Alexa, this device can be controlled hands-free using only your voice. Of course, it also comes with a remote and controls directly on the receiver itself.
Key Features:
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
- 4K Ultra HD
- Streaming from Pandora and Spotify
- Bluetooth and Airplay capable
Cost: $394
Compatible with Alexa, this surround sound receiver can be controlled hands-free with your voice when paired with an Amazon Alexa device. It also includes an easy-to-use remote and controls directly on the receiver itself. It is compatible with 4K Ultra HD TVs and easily transfers the high-quality sound to the speakers. It can also stream from a variety of services, including Spotify, Pandora, and Tuneln. Plus, it is Bluetooth and can use AirPlay. This particular product also comes with 6 HDMI cables and a Zorro cloth for cleaning.
Key Features:
- 4K Ultra HD
- Bluetooth and Airplay
- Can use a variety of streaming services
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
- Includes remote, 6 HDMI cables, and Zorro cloth
Cost: $414
With built-in Bluetooth and WiFi, this is a higher-quality receiver that still won’t break your budget. It allows you to stream content using Bluetooth and is also compatible with Pandora, SiriusXM, and other streaming services. You can use it with the free Denon remote app for no additional charge, which allows you to control the system remotely. This receiver is a great choice for someone who wants a reliable, high-quality option but doesn’t want to spend a huge amount of money.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth and WiFi built-in
- Compatible with many streaming services
Cost: $300
For the best of the best, it is hard to beat this receiver. It features advanced DPS Power Processing capabilities, allowing it to deliver high-speed computation and deliver immersive sound. This receiver also delivers amazing clarity, contrast, and color for nearly any TV; it even supports 4K Ultra HD TVs. Compatible with Alexa, this receiver can be voice controlled, so you don’t even have to reach for a remote if you want to change the song.
Key Features:
- Compatible with Alexa
- On-screen assistant for set-up
- Can integrate with other home automation systems
- Advanced DSP power processing
Cost: $600
This extremely high-quality receiver costs quite a bit more than the competition, but it is one of the best on the market. It includes discrete circuit technology that allows it to produce higher quality sound than most receivers, with stunning realism and dynamic range. It is the top of the line receiver for home theatres and is also a great option for professional settings. It works with 4K Ultra HD TVs and keeps the high-quality from screen to sound.
Key Features:
- Extremely high-quality sound
- 8 HDMI cables included
- 4K Ultra HD
- Includes AirPlay
- Bluetooth
- Compatible with HEOS wireless multi-room surround system
Cost: $814
This premium receiver provides smooth, clear sound that is far better than many other options on the market. It is compatible with 4K HD TVs and can stream music through Pandora, Spotify, and other streaming services. While it is more expensive than other options, it’s quality and extra features make the price worth it for those who truly want the best receiver out there.
Key Features:
- 4K HD TV compatible
- Streams music from Pandora, Spotify, etc.
- Optimizes speakers automatically
Cost:$1,599
Leviton AEH50-WH Architectural Edition
This unique receiver comes with 5 architectural-grade mounting brackets and an 8-inch RCA cable. It also comes with 5 speakers, with the option to add more if you need to. There are two color options: white and black. Customers particularly loved that sound quality of these speakers, especially considering that they are priced lower than many high-end options.
Key Features:
- 8-inc RCA cable
- 5 mounting brackets
- Two color options
- High-quality sound
Cost: $239
This receiver comes with 6 inputs – enough to support a larger-than-average home entertainment system. It features dual-band WiFi, Airplay, and Play-fi. Plus, it can stream music directly from Spotify, Pandora, and other streaming services.
Key Features:
- 6 inputs
- WiFi, Airplay, and Play-Fi
- Can stream from streaming services
Cost: $300
With 6 rear HDMI inputs, this receiver can support a larger surround sound system than most. Dynamic Audio amplification makes the sound crystal clear and crisp. You can easily play your favorite music with Chromecast, which is built into the system. Play-Fi is also included, which is a wireless protocol that works with any audio app on mobile or PC.
Key Features:
- Chromecast
- Ply-FI
- 6 inputs
- Custom setups
Cost: $500
This receiver is a great option for the average home surround sound system. It includes features like auto room tuning, reflex optimizing, and phase control, which all combine to provide accurate sound imaging. It comes with Chromecast built-in and Fire Connect, so it can stream from a variety of different services, including Pandora, Tidal, and Tune IN.
Key Features:
- Chromecast
- Provides accurate sound
- 165W/Ch
- Ultra HD
Cost: $250
This is one of the best Yamaha receivers money can buy. It works with Alexa for voice control and is 9.2-channel. It has 8 inputs and 2 outputs, so it can support a massive entertainment system. It is designed to deliver the highest quality sound possible.
Key Features:
- Aluminum front panel
- 9.2-channel
- 8 inputs
Cost: $1,339
This device comes with Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, so you can play music straight from your phone or other Bluetooth devices. It includes 4 different inputs and a single output, which is suitable for most average home surround sound systems. It can support 4K Ultra HD TVs as well and delivers 4K video at 60 frames a second. It can even support high dynamic range videos, which creates incredible contrast, tone, and colors.
Key Features:
- 4K Ultra HD
- Bluetooth
- Supports HDR videos
- YPAO calibration technology
Cost: $280
This is a high-quality receiver that is a good option for the average consumer. It has most of the features those looking for a high-end receiver want but doesn’t feature many of the unnecessary fluff that often drives the price up. This receiver comes with WiFi, Bluetooth, and Airplay compatibility as well as 4 inputs. It also works with Alexa voice control.
Key Features:
- 4 inputs
- Bluetooth and WiFi
- Compatible with Alexa
- 7.2-channel surround sound
Cost: $330
With all the latest features and gadgets, this Yamaha receiver is a high-quality option that isn’t as expensive as some other receivers. It is compatible with WiFi, Bluetooth, Airplay, Spotify Connect, and MusicCast, so it provides a plethora of streaming options. It is also directly compatible with Pandora, Spotify, and a number of other streaming services. If you have Amazon Alexa, you can also control this receiver hands-free using only your voice.
Key Features:
- WiFi and Bluetooth enabled
- Compatible with a variety of streaming services
- MusicCast Surround capable
- 7.20-channel
Cost: $529
