Top 10 Budget Home Theater Packages Under $1,000

By BHT Staff
February 2021

A fantastic home theater package can create an immersive experience, whether you’re watching TV or listening to your favorite songs. For those on a budget, This article reviews the top 10 home theater packages under $1,000.
best home theater under 1000

Many high-end systems can cost thousands of dollars, as you may have noted. But if that’s not an option, you’re in luck — there are plenty of excellent home theater packages that you can buy for far less and still satisfy your need for superb surround sound. To make sure that you’re investing wisely, it’s essential to find a powerful and well-made system. That way, you’ll get the best possible audio and video quality for your hard-earned dollar.

Let’s be clear up front. These systems aren’t complete home theater setups. What the market calls “home theater systems” are the systems that take care of processing surround sound signals, amplifying the sound, switching among audio and video sources, and playing the sound through speakers in your room. You’ll need to use your own TV or monitor, as none of these packages includes one. Or check out one of our recommendations for a new home theater TV: Best Ultra HD TVs Under $1000. Already have surround speakers? Check out our picks for Best Surround Receivers Under $300.

We’ve made our selections based on features, system flexibility, user rating, and value. Please review our selections carefully and decide which system could work best for you. You can read more about us and see what drives our passion for affordable home theater here.

If you’re ready to upgrade your audio experience, read on to discover the best cheap home theater systems available right now. 

 

1. Onkyo 5.2-Channel Wireless Bluetooth 4K 3D A/V Surround Sound Multimedia Home Theater System

 

 

 

Buy on Amazon.com

 

User rating: 5 out of 5

Price: $980

Release date: February 22, 2018

Model: B079ZC767F

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Floor-standing, bookshelf

Inputs: 12

Outputs: Six

Taking our #1 spot for the best home theater system under $1000, this seven-piece system from Onkyo offers a complete surround-sound experience. It comes with the Onkyo 5.2-channel wireless Bluetooth 4K network A/V WI-FI home theater receiver, a Polk 10-inch active subwoofer, and a Polk 2-way center channel speaker. Plus, you’ll get a pair of Polk 2-way floor standing speakers and two Polk 2-way bookshelf speakers, ensuring you the sound range, depth, and power you’re looking for in a budget home theater system.

Some users note that no speaker wire is included and that the parts come separately, making it a little more confusing to set up. However, most were happy to put up with these minor inconveniences for these budget home theater speakers, considering everything that’s included in your purchase. If you’re looking for a complete and inexpensive Dolby Atmos home theater system, it’s worth considering this top-rated option. 

User comments:

“Great system for the price! Movies sound great and are loud and clear. Took about 2 hours to set it all up from the time we opened the box to watching TV.”
“This is a great system—sounds awesome!”

2. Yamaha YHT-5950UBL 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Wired Home Theater System with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and MusicCast

 

Buy on Amazon.com

 

User rating: 4.5 out of 5

Price: $599

Release date: June 4, 2019

Model: YHT-5950UBL

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: Eight

Outputs: One

For those who want a complete home theater in a box, the Yamaha YHT-5950UBL is one of the best budget home theater systems available. If you’re phobic about set-up, this is a great entry-level system that features set-up apps for Android and iOS that will walk you through everything step-by-step. If you are an Apple iOS user, getting online is a breeze— just a few clicks, and you’re connected. 

Your purchase includes a MusicCast AV receiver, a subwoofer, and five wired speakers with speaker wire included. The receiver itself is impressive, delivering features like WIFI, ethernet, and wireless direct. You can stream from any iOS device using Apple airplay support, and Spotify and Pandora streaming services are built right in. If you’re on a tight budget, but you need something better than your TV set-up, this reasonably priced system won’t disappoint. 

User comments:

 

“This is a great system that will rock the whole neighborhood! The sound quality is great, and that sub-woofer is no joke. You get a true theater experience no matter what you are doing.”
 
“This system exceeded my expectations with sound and quality.”

 

 

3. Onkyo HT-S3900 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver/Speaker Package

 

Onkyo’s S3900 package is roughly half the price of the brand’s 5.2 channel system above, yet it still boasts many of the same features. In fact, think of this system as our top-listed package’s younger brother. It has a subwoofer and five speakers, a Dolby TrueHD compatible receiver, and plenty of clearly-labeled outputs. Connection is simple using a single HDMI cable and the easy connection guide.

 

So what’s the difference between the two? The S3900 is really made for apartment living or smaller spaces. For regular TV viewing, gaming, and movies, the sound performs well, but you probably won’t be happy if you set this up in a large room where you’re expecting a lot of power. Bottom line: This is a great compact system with midrange sound quality that outperforms a soundbar and one of the best home theater systems you can get for under $1000.

 

User comments:

 

“Great quality sound for the price (in fact, I couldn’t ask for more), super easy to set up, very user friendly.”
 
“This is a great product. I had a Sony soundbar with a subwoofer, and it doesn’t even compete with this wonderful system.”

 

User rating: 4.5 out of 5

Price: $500

Release date: June 21, 2017

 

Model: HT-S3900

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: Seven

Outputs: Two

 

4. JBL Bar 5.1 – Channel 4K Ultra HD Soundbar with True Wireless Surround Speakers

 

The JBL Bar 5.1 is intended to give users a fully immersive theater-style experience. The 58mm-tall soundbar can attach to a wall or sit nicely in front of a standing TV, and the two satellite speakers plug in magnetically on each end. However, you can also detach them and put them elsewhere in the room (behind the couch, for example) for an excellent wireless surround-sound set-up. 

 

This sleek, space-saving design is ideal for smaller rooms or apartments, making it one of the best budget surround sounds in our review. The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar, and the speakers have a battery life of around 10 hours. To charge, just plug them back into the soundbar. Set-up is remarkably easy using the auto-calibration mode, and once you’ve got it up and running, you can enjoy a robust rumbly bass and crystal clear trebles. The JBL Bar 5.1 is one of our top picks for movie lovers. 

 

User comments:

 

“The sub and it’s RMS output alone are worth it. Movies are flawless, music is powerful, and games are real. Our entire neighborhood has been over to check it out once our basement was finished. Everyone says, “WOW!” when they hear this set-up. Two people already bought it for their newly finished basement.”
 
“This thing is AMAZING. Not only does it sound great, but it’s just so awesome to show off.”

 

User rating: 4.5 out of 5

Price: $499

Release date: September 20, 2017

 

Model: JBL Bar 5.1

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: Five

Outputs: One

 

5. Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 Channel 800W Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Dual 8″ Subwoofers (Wireless) & 2 Rear Surround Speakers

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite promises to “transform your living room into a premium cinema within minutes.” Does it deliver? Well, if it’s power you’re looking for, this may be one of the best surround systems under $1000 you can find. Dolby Atmos-compatible with dual subwoofers, two rear speakers, and a large soundbar, it all comes together to offer superb quality. 

 

With total peak power of up to 800W, this seven-channel system is a dream. As long as you place yourself in the middle facing the center channel, you can’t go wrong. The sound fills the entire room with adrenaline-pumping bass and clarity that blows away the competition. Set-up of the Shockwafe Elite is simple with the web tour tutorial, and you can easily adjust the room size settings on the included remote. 

 

User comments:

 

“This IS the product I have been looking for – a hands-down, clear winner, worth every penny considering not just the number of speakers/drivers, dual subs, but more importantly the well-balanced performance – audiophile-grade!”
 
“SOUND is GOD LEVEL. My ears have never been happier watching movies or playing games. This is by far the most awesome sound quality you can have and not spend thousands of dollars on a dedicated component sound system.”

 

User rating: 4.5 out of 5

Price: $999

Release date: September 20, 2018

 

Model: Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SSE

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: Six

Outputs: One

 

6. Sonos Playbar – The Mountable Sound Bar for TV, Movies, Music, and More

 

This mountable soundbar was first introduced in 2013, and sales are still going strong. That’s because it’s one of the top choices for best budget home theater systems for vocal content like TV shows, podcasts, the news, etc. It won’t blow your mind like some of the other options on our list, but if you are looking for a simple, inexpensive option that will simulate a surround-sound experience, the Sonos Playbar continues to be a solid choice. 

 

If you are looking for something way better than your TV’s current speakers, the Sonos Playbar delivers excellent quality sound that makes you feel like you have speakers on either side of you. Plus, it’s an expandable system, so you can easily add a subwoofer and additional speakers as you go along. Connect all your streaming services using the Sonos S2 app and listen to music, podcasts, radio, and more. 

 

User comments:

 

“Awesome. The sound is incredible, the user interface and iPhone app work amazingly, and for my simple apartment set-up, the soundbar itself is *definitely* getting the job done. I’ll eventually buy a set or two of the surround sound speakers, but for now, it is nice to know that I have a nice, functional, wireless audio solution.”
 
“I used the Sonos Playbar to replace an older home theater system. I’m impressed. More than adequate volume, clean, crisp sound and the clutter of multiple speakers and their wires are gone.”

 

User rating: 4.5 out of 5

Price: $699

Release date: February 12, 2013

 

Model: Sonos PLAYBAR

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: Three

Outputs: One

 

7. Onkyo HT-S3910 Home Audio Theater Receiver and Speaker Package, Front/Center Speaker, 4 Surround Speakers, Subwoofer and Receiver, 4K Ultra HD

 

The Onkyo HT-S3910 is one of the best budget surround sound systems you can get for your money right now. The package includes a subwoofer, receiver, four surround-sound speakers, and a full-range, acoustic-suspension center speaker—all for under $500. 

 

Thanks to technology like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer. The HT-S3910 delivers a profound sound signature and an immersive experience typically reserved for higher-end models. It can support up to 775 watts total, and the amp system has 4-Ohm driver capability. Plus, you can stream whatever is playing on your PC, phone, or tablet to this system’s receiver, courtesy of Bluetooth. If you’re looking for an inexpensive all-in-one surround sound package, it’s a solid choice. 

 

User comments:

 

“As far as sound systems go, this is a good choice for people who are looking for a significant upgrade from a simple soundbar and subwoofer, and it’s a great starting point for those who want to get into having a custom sound system set-up.”
 
“The value for the price of this system is incredible. Depending on the size of your room, this has the ability to make you feel the action while delivering crisp sound. Its user interface is a bit outdated, but it is functional, and when programmed properly, the best possible sound up to Dolby Atmos is auto-selected. For the price range, I can’t imagine a better home theater packaged system.”

 

User rating: 4 out of 5

Price: $473

Release date: June 11, 2019

 

Model: HT-S3910 

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: Six

Outputs: Two

 

8. Platin Monaco 5.1 with WiSA SoundSend | Home Theater System for All Smart TVs | Wireless Transmitter | Feature 5.1 Channels of Uncompressed 24-bit 48/96 kHz Sound | WiSA Certified & Tuned by THX

 

 

 

This unbeatable audio pairing combines Platin Audio’s Tuned by THX Monaco wireless system with WiSA’s SoundSend audio transmitter to create an intuitive set-up with unbeatable and immersive audio quality you just won’t find anywhere else in this price range. At first glance, this system might seem complicated. However, set-up is effortless and can be accomplished in just a few minutes. You can control the whole system with the included remote or opt to use the SoundSend app for iOS or Android. 

 

With eight channels of uncompressed 24-bit 48/96 kHz sound and no speaker wire whatsoever, this set-up is ideal for those who appreciate clean, cutting-edge technology. The sound quality is phenomenal, and you’ll be able to hear every whisper, water droplet, or explosion with crystal clear clarity. The Platin Monaco 5.1 with WiSA SoundSend is a complete home cinema bundle that will work with any smart TV.  

 

User comments:

 

“WOW!!! For the price (or better) of a soundbar, I’m sitting here in my living room after 10 min of set-up watching Star Wars in mind-blowing surround sound! This product deserves six stars for performance, price, ease of set-up, and overall value. Stunning new tech that just worked out of the box like magic.”
 
“This was the easiest surround sound system I have ever set up. It takes less time to set up than it does to unbox everything from the packaging.”

 

User rating: 4 out of 5

Price: $899

Release date: October 8, 2020

 

Model: Platin Monaco 5.1 with WiSA SoundSend

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: Six

Outputs: Two

 

 9. Rockville HTS56 1000w 5.1 Channel Home Theater System/Bluetooth/USB+8″ Subwoofer

 

 

 

If you’re searching for the best surround sound under $1000, you can save some serious cash with the Rockville HTS56. For under $165, you’ll get a decent six-piece set-up with included remote, ready to go right out of the box. With 1000 watts of peak power and an eight-inch sub, this is a mid-range that delivers.

 

The subwoofer has a built-in receiver with a digital display and excellent reception, plus you’ll get one center speaker, two full-range front channel speakers, and two full-range rear channel speakers. The remote is included. The sub even has LED lighting with four modes and seven colors to help you get the party started! While you won’t get the same clarity as some of the higher-end systems, this set-up is more than adequate for casual use and the cheapest option on our list. 

 

User comments:

 

“I tested this product out on a few movies such as Transformers, Sicario, and John Wick. The sound quality was really good, and the bass is incredibly loud while maintaining the clarity from the other speakers. I was overall thoroughly impressed with this product. An added bonus is the Bluetooth feature. You can play music or any type of media from your phone to play out of this system. If you are into radio, it does have FM radio built into it as well. If you want to have that movie theater experience without leaving the comforts of your own home, this is a solid option for you!.”
 
“The sound is clear and crisp, and the woofer is absolutely amazing with pure bass sound and no distortion even when at the highest settings.”

 

User rating: 4 out of 5

Price: $165

Release date: October 25, 2017

 

Model: Rockville HTS56

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: Eight

Outputs: Five

 

10. Sony 5.2-Channel 725-Watt 4K 3D A/V Surround Sound Home Theater System

 

If you’re looking for the best home theater system to handle all your components, this bundle from Sony might be an ideal option. It features Four HD inputs and 4K resolution pass-through to make all your movies and music come to life. This easy-to-set-up system will provide an HD digital cinema experience with multi-layered sound quality to remember.

 

In the box is a Sony 5.2-channel 4K AV receiver, 10-Inch active subwoofer, a pair of three-way bookshelf speakers, and a two-way center channel speaker. It’s got 750 watts of power, Dolby and DTS surround sound decoding, AM & FM direct tuning, iPhone and iPod connectivity, and tons of other premium features that make it one of the best home theaters under $1000.

 

User rating: Not rated

Price: $799

Release date: February 1, 2017

 

Model: N/A

Bluetooth: Yes

Remote: Yes

Mounting Type: Wall-mounting, bookshelf

Inputs: 14

Outputs: Seven

 

Each of these home theater packages gives you everything you need to set up a comprehensive system. With the right option, you can create excellent sound and audio quality to enhance your viewing experience. Plus, you can upgrade your system with the best packages under $1,000 without breaking the bank.

 

If you’re interested in checking out some of our top home theater picks under $1000 from years past, these oldies-but-goodies are still available: 

 

VIZIO Premium Home Theater Sound System

$599 on Amazon

 

 

Enclave Audio CineHome HD 5.1

$799.98 on Amazon

 

 

Monoprice Premium 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with Subwoofer

Available form various sellers on Amazon

 

 

Onkyo 5.1 Channel Home Theater Package

$429 on Amazon

 

 

Bose CineMate GS Series II

Available from $368 on Amazon

 

 

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