Home entertainment systems: Home Theater and Home Theater Systems at Crutchfield.com

Home Theater and Home Theater Systems at Crutchfield.com

HDTVs produce stunning pictures, with lifelike color and detail, but they don’t offer big, realistic sound for your movies and shows. To make the most of your entertainment, combine a great picture with full, engaging home theater sound. You’ve got plenty of options for getting great sound, from multi-speaker home theater systems to simple one-speaker solutions.

Component home theater systems

A traditional component home theater system, also known as a surround sound system, consists of a TV, video sources, a home theater receiver, and speakers. For the best home theater experience, this is what we recommend.

TVs

Home theater starts with your TV. A big, clear picture is must-have, and bigger is usually better. Choose 4K or OLED
for the latest TV picture technology, and pay attention to smart TV features if you’re interested in streaming content. If you’ve got a dedicated home theater room and you really want to go big, consider a projector that can produce theater-like images on screens measuring as big as 100″ or more.

Read our TV buying guide Shop TVs

Video sources

Blu-ray players, 4K media players, and smart set-top boxes — these are all examples of video sources that will provide the audio/video content you’ll play on your home theater system. These devices provide a wide variety of entertainment options — many connect to the Internet so you’ll be able to stream content like Netflix®.

Read our Blu-ray players buying guide Shop video sources

Receivers

A receiver is the center of your home theater system. In addition to providing surround sound processing and the power to drive your speakers, today’s home theater receivers act as a connection hub for all of your of audio/video sources and your TV.
Many of our current receiver models let you control your system wirelessly using a mobile app and some let you stream music from the Internet.

Read our Receivers shopping guide Shop receivers

Speakers

Speakers connect to your receiver to produce the sound you’ll hear. A traditional surround sound system consists of at least five speakers plus a powered subwoofer. You have plenty of options when it comes to speakers, from floor-standing towers to in-ceiling models to complete surround sound speaker packages.

Read our introduction to home theater speakers Shop speakers

Pre-packaged home theater systems

We carry systems that are already matched together and ready for you to purchase — some combine a receiver and speakers, while others contain speakers and you’ll select a separate receiver.

Powered home theater systems

Also called “home theater in a box,” these systems include a matched receiver and speakers and sometimes also a built-in Blu-ray disc player. All you have to add is a TV or projector.

Learn more about home theater in a box

Shop powered home theater systems

Surround sound speaker systems

You can build your own speaker system, or choose a pre-matched system. These convenient systems are powered by your receiver and deliver immersive sound. They take the guesswork out of knowing which speakers will sound good together.

Shop surround sound speaker systems

Top trends in home theater

Whether you’re looking for the most theater-like experience possible or a way to get great sound with a minimum of gear, we’re on top of the latest trends. Check out a few below.
To learn more, connect with our advisors or explore our articles and videos.

4K TVs

Ultra High Definition TVs, also known as UHD TVs or 4K TVs, have four times the picture resolution of regular “full HD” 1080p TVs, and can display much more detail. It’s an amazing-looking new technology that gets rave reviews from our customers. Ultra HD TVs are often referred to as “4K” TVs, because they have a horizontal resolution of around 4000 pixels.

Learn more about 4K Ultra High Definition TVs

Shop 4K TVs

Dolby Atmos

^®

Dolby Atmos is a cutting-edge surround sound format that was developed to give movie soundtracks a more three-dimensional effect. It creates a “height” layer of sound above the listener. Available for a growing list of movie titles and supported by many newer home theater receivers, Dolby Atmos delivers the most lifelike surround sound we’ve heard yet.

Watch our video on Dolby Atmos

Shop Dolby Atmos

Wireless surround speakers

People frequently ask us about wireless surround speakers. No home theater speaker is truly wireless, because it will need to get power from somewhere. However, some home theater systems feature a wireless transmitter that sends audio signals from the receiver to the speakers in the rear of your room. This eliminates the need to run speaker wire from the front to the back of your room. These speakers usually connect to a wireless receiver that goes in the back of your room and plugs into an AC wall outlet for power.

Shop wireless surround speakers

Sound bars

Sound bars are simple to set up, and they’re great when you don’t have a lot of room for speakers. Many consist of one long, slim speaker that sits beneath your TV plus a subwoofer to provide low-frequency punch. You get much better sound than your TV’s built-in speakers can offer.

Learn more about sound bars

Shop sound bars

Complete the setup

No home theater installation is complete — or functional — without helpful add-ons like mounts, stands, wiring and power protection.

Home theater furniture

Home theater furniture, stands, and mounts

Shop home theater furniture

Home theater wiring

Home theater speaker wire

Shop home theater wiring

Home theater accessories

Home theater cables and installation accessories

Shop home theater accessories

How will you decide?

Need help deciding which receiver, speakers, or other home theater components are right for your home? We’d love to help. Call, chat, or email with our advisors.

6 Best Home Theater Systems 2023

Last updated on March 20, 2023

What’s the best home theater system? Well, it depends on you, the one in the driver’s seat. There are so many different ways to deliver on a killer home theater system across a variety of room types, budget types, and personal preference. And we cover them all right here. A good sound system will make any TV look BIGGER. A killer surround sound speaker system will give you goosebumps. And the ultimate Dolby speaker system will truly suspend your disbelief and transport you to other galaxies. We’re here for all of it.

There are three types of home theater shoppers. Some folks love the process and dive in head first, reading about all the options, researching how different component combinations deliver different results, and so on. Other folks could care less about options, details, and specs – they just want an awesome home theater, thank you very much. And then there’s the biggest group: everyone in the middle. Our “Best Home Theaters” guide was written for all, but especially those looking for veteran experts to share their picks of the best home theater systems.

Below you’ll find our picks for best home theater systems in a variety of categories: best for the money, best looking, best in show, and so on. Along the way: no hype, no bull – just some occasional we-can’t-help-ourselves honest enthusiasm for a great home theater experience. You can also check out our recommendations for surround sound systems and speakers here. You can check out the FAQ at the bottom of the page, or talk with more than a dozen World Wide Stereo home theater pros that are leading the way – and also standing by to answer any and all questions – you got this.

Our Picks for the Best Home Theater Systems of 2023:

1. The Smartest Home Theater System:
   
   Sonos Surround Set with Arc Sound Bar, Subwoofer, and One Gen 2 Speakers
2. The Best Surround Sound System for Small Rooms:
   
   SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Package
3. The Best Compact 5.1 Home Theater System:
   
   Sonos 5.1 Home Theater Set with Beam (Gen 2), Sub (Gen 3), and One (Gen 2)
4. The Best Wireless Home Theater System:
   
   Bose Soundbar 900 with Bass Module 700
5. The Best 5. 1 Home Theater System Under $2,500:
   
   Bowers & Wilkins 5.1 Channel Satellite Speaker Package
6. The Best Budget Home Theater System:
   
   Polk React Home Theater System with React Sound Bar, Wireless Sub, and Surrounds

Shop This Guide

Shop all home theater systems

1. The Smartest Home Theater System: 

Sonos Surround Set with Arc Wireless Dolby Atmos Sound Bar, Subwoofer, and One Gen 2 Speakers

$1,796.40

Regular Price:
$2,136.00

Save:
$339.60 (16%)

Sonos made quite a name for themselves with their wireless connection and streaming ecosystem that simplified setup and pioneered voice control. The Arc Sound Bar builds on that brilliant system and fantastic sound quality and adds complete Dolby Atmos capability. The elegant, curved-mesh design of the Arc and the One Surround Speakers underscores this unified concept. The Sub subwoofer has a groundbreaking design: its twin drivers fire into an opening in the center of the cabinet, providing furniture-shaking low end, no matter where you put the speaker. This Sonos system creates an extremely high-quality 3D sound experience with a surprisingly wide soundstage and extraordinary midrange clarity that facilitates clear dialogue, and when streaming Atmos content, fantastic overhead and surround placement.

Whereas most multi-speaker wireless systems use their own proprietary wireless connections, Sonos uses your existing Wi-Fi system to communicate with its components. You can also plug an Ethernet cable into the sound bar or one of the speakers, and then the system will create its own dedicated wireless network to share audio and control information. Also note: Sonos is like LEGOs  (which we wrote all about in our Sonos Buying Guide here). With superb Alexa and Google Assistant integration, the Sonos Surround Set is ready to the digital hub of your household, doing much more than stream the shows and music you love.

Also check out our in depth Sonos Arc Soundbar review. 

Surround Set with Arc Wireless Dolby Atmos Sound Bar, Subwoofer, and Pair of One Gen 2 Speakers

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2.

The Best Surround Sound System for Small Rooms: 

SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Package

$1,199.00

Over the last two decades, SVS has grown into one of the most respected brands in the industry. Initially known for their sternum-vibrating / room-shaking / award-winning subwoofers, today’s new SVS systems can compete with anyone – and the SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 home theater package is a great example. Its compact and easier to fit in a smaller room but turn it up and boom: your small room becomes the Hollywood Bowl. 

Each SVS Prime Satellite speaker is about the size of a loaf of bread and contains a 4.5-inch midrange driver and a one-inch tweeter. Small, yes, but they punch like Roberto Duran. The 12-inch driver in the already legendary, 300-watt powered SVS-1000 subwoofer will, on the other hand, have you holding on to your seat. It’s small, too, and neatly tucks into any corner. The system is wired as opposed to wireless, but for the price, the SVS Prime Satellite 5. 1 Package may just be the biggest “little” 5.1 system on the market. (Want something a little bigger? Check out SVS’s “Ultra” series line of speakers. We carry those, too.)

Another big SVS advantage: gaming. A lot of our customers keep their gaming systems in small dens and spare bedrooms. And if you really want to put yourself in the middle of a Gears of War or Call of Duty battle, sans headphones – and you don’t want to spend a fortune to do it – the SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 Package is for you. SVS rocks.

Check out our full SVS Prime Wireless Speaker review.

Prime Satellite 5.1 Package

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3. The Best Compact 5.1 Home Theater System: 

Sonos 5.1 Home Theater Set with Beam (Gen 2), Sub (Gen 3), and One (Gen 2)

$1,476.40

Regular Price:
$1,736.00

Save:
$259.60 (15%)

There are a few things more harmful to household harmony than a small living room with half the floor space cluttered with audio gear. The Sonos 5.1 Home Theater Set is a brilliant choice for any apartment dwellers who crave true surround sound and Dolby Atmos compatibility. The second-generation Beam sound bar is only half as wide as many of the larger sound bars on the market yet is fully compatible with 3D audio in a variety of formats. It connects with all modern televisions with HDMI eARC, so not only can it pass through true Atmos content, but it’ll be compatible with formats coming down the pike in the future.

The Sub subwoofer with its center-facing drivers can be placed nearly anywhere you have a spot of it, yet it can still provide floor-rattling sound effects. Place the two surround speakers behind your sofa, and within a few minutes of easy setup time you’ve got a full-on 5.1 system, complete with Dolby Atmos height channels.

 Sonos has been a market leader with integrating Google Alexa, so you can stream from a variety of services and apps, configure the settings, and control additional speakers throughout your home just by using your voice. Apply AirPlay 2 makes it a snap to stream content from your Apple devices. Need to be considerate of neighbors or progeny sleeping in the next room? Just activate Night Mode to reduce the volume of the booms and thuds while raising the level of the romantic whispers, so can keep the experience while keeping the peace.

Also check out our full Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar Review. 

5.1 Home Theater Set with Beam (Gen 2), Sub (Gen 3), and One (Gen 2)

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4. The Best Wireless Home Theater System: 

Bose Soundbar 900 Home Theater System with Bass Module 700 Subwoofer

$1,448.00

Regular Price:
$1,748.00

Save:
$300.00 (17%)

In our “Best Sound Bars of 2023” article, the Bose Soundbar 900 won smartest sound bar for surround sound. Now here as the core component in the Bose Smart Wireless Home Theater System, Bose does it again. The Bose SB900 won because we turned it on and were promptly blown away by a sound field that A) seemed much wider than any other pre-packaged system we tested, B) made dialogue – even soft or whispered dialogue – crystal clear, and C) was equally effective no matter where we sat.

Every component in this system is part of Bose’s family of smart wireless speakers. Start with this system, and place a Bose Home Speaker 500 in the kitchen and the smaller TV Speaker in your bedroom for a multi-room audio experience throughout the house. And with Amazon Alexa built-in, you can control it all with simple voice commands.

5. The Best 5.1 Home Theater System Under $2,500: 

Bowers & Wilkins 5.1 Channel Satellite Speaker Package

$2,094.00

For decades, Bowers and Wilkins has provided monitor speakers to the artists, engineers, and producers who create your favorite music and soundtracks. Audio professionals have come to rely on the accuracy and beauty of the sound of Bowers & Wilkins monitors. And now, Bowers & Wilkins has come up with a brilliant way to provide that same sound in a remarkably compact monitor speaker that’s designed to be the core of a stereo system or part of an integrated 5.1 system. When you swivel an M1 Satellite Speaker into a horizontal position, it can excel as the center channel speaker of a 5. 1 system. The M1s provide extraordinarily clear and focused sound, yet they can fit easily on a bookshelf, a table, or a floor stand, or you can use the included brackets to mount them on your wall.

The ASW608 Compact Subwoofer barely takes up one square foot of floor space, yet delivers bass frequencies without distortion, even at a volume that rattles your windows. If you’ve been dreaming of adding a high-end surround system to your home theater, you couldn’t ask for a better option then the Bowers & Wilkins 5.1 Channel Satellite Speaker Package. Give our experts a call anytime to talk about options for configuring these speakers in your space, as well as choosing a receiver that’s optimized for your needs.

6. The Best Budget Home Theater System: 

Polk Audio React Home Theater System with React Sound Bar, Wireless Subwoofer, and Wireless Surround Speakers

$557.00

Regular Price:
$667.00

Save:
$110.00 (16%)

This affordable system gives you sound and functionality that defies comprehension when you know how inexpensive it is. The Polk Audio React system provides astonishing 5.1 surround sound, has the simplest wireless setup imaginable, gives you complete voice control, and integrates with all your home devices. At the heart of the system is the React Sound Bar, which amazed bloggers, reviewers, and even audiophiles with its excellent sound, slim profile, and comprehensive Alexa implementation. This model provides a significant upgrade to its sound and Alexa functionality (and say goodbye to that distracting light ring), while still maintaining its compact size.

Besides the React Sound Bar, the set includes the React Subwoofer and a pair of SR2 Wireless Surround Speakers. Even with its booty-shaking 7″ downward-firing speaker, the subwoofer doesn’t hog floor space. The surround speakers aren’t much bigger than a video game console — they take up hardly any space when you put them on a table or shelves — but they’ll fill your room with real 5.1 sound. Once you’ve powered them up, setup requires less time than it takes to make breakfast. Just scan the QR code on the back of the sound bar, and your Alexa app handles the rest, giving you very clear instructions and confirming when everything is ready to go.

 Even by itself, the React Sound Bar is a tremendous upgrade to the sound quality of your TV’s built-in system — with DTS, it can deliver 3D sound for games and movies that is quite impressive. Once you connect the other components, the system reconfigures its EQ settings to give you an immersive sound surround experience that we find immensely satisfying. 

React Home Theater System with React Sound Bar, Wireless Subwoofer, and Wireless Surround Speakers

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Three quick things about this guide…

1. This is not about TVs.

It’s the question we get most: “So, what exactly is a home theater system?” And though (obviously) a good TV and/or projector and screen are principal to the experience, home theater is all about sound. Or more to the point: sound so real, so lifelike and so 3-dimensional, it suspends disbelief and puts you in the action. And the bigger and better the sound, the bigger and better the experience. (If you do want to upgrade your TV, our Top TVs of 2023 buying guide is a must-read.)

2. What you need:

A typical home theater system includes a home theater receiver (where the power comes from / what everything connects to) and speakers –  including (but certainly not limited to): a center speaker, right and left front speakers, right and left rear speakers, special effect speakers (or height speakers) for Dolby Atmos, and a subwoofer or two.

3. The three distinct types:

The type of home theater system you choose will depend on several factors, but here’s the good news: there’s a home theater solution for every situation. The three types include:

• Pre-packaged home theater systems (aka home-theater-in-a-box). Very easy to set up and everything matches.
• A home theater system made up of separate components. More customizable with respect to sound and design aesthetics.
• A dedicated, custom designed and installed home theater. Where we gut the whole room and start over – new walls, new ceiling, built-in components, luxury theater seating and lighting, cinematic touches throughout, and so on. (What we call “the whole shootin’ match.”) Pricey, yes, but more common than you might think.

This article covers the first two. For those interested in the third – a dedicated, custom designed and installed home theater – please contact us here. Our designers and home theater technicians will provide options, references and photos of award-winning, custom home theaters designed and built by World Wide Stereo to exacting specifications.

What do I need for a Dolby Atmos setup?

 The first thing you’ll need for a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos home theater setup is a Dolby Atmos capable receiver. Additionally, you’ll need eight speakers: a center speaker, two left and right main speakers, left and right surrounds, a pair of Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers, and a subwoofer.

You’ll also need to handle the visuals, whether that be from an external device like a blue ray player, a projector, or the internal apps on your TV. 

Lastly, you’ll need the proper cables. High-speed HDMI cables, enough speaker wire to connect all of the speakers, and an RCA cable long enough to connect your subwoofer to your receiver.

We know this seems like a lot, but don’t worry. For receivers, you can consult our AV Receiver Buying Guide and gear guide to help you decide on the best option. If you’re looking for a new TV to compliment your new Dolby Atmos system, we’ve got your back there, too! Check out our guide on how to choose which TV to buy to see all our suggestions on how you can pick the TV that meets your needs no matter what your budget is.

How much does a home theater cost?

 It really depends on what you want, the size of the room, and your budget. A home theater setup can vary from $667 to $8,000 or more. Fortunately, we have home theater bundles for every price range!

What home theater receiver do I need?

 That depends on what the rest of your setup is like. We’d recommend taking a look at our AV receivers Buying Guide to find out what to look for to fit your needs! If you’re still having trouble, you can always reach out to us, with over a dozen seasoned pros standing by to help you figure out precisely what you need!

What home theater system should I buy?

 You should buy what fits your wants and needs, and never settle for less! For a good starting point, you can take a look at some of our recommendations here.

What home theater projector should I buy?

 We’d suggest you take a look at our guide for Best Projectors. There are plenty of options there for different needs and budgets; we’re confident you’ll find one that fits you. If you’re still feeling a little lost, you can always contact us and one of our pros will be able to give you a recommendation based on your needs.

Can I connect my home theater to my laptop or PC?

 It depends on the system, but if it can be set up through a single HDMI cable or wirelessly, it can be!

Are home theater systems good for music?

 Heck yeah they are! While music might not be as immersive as movies or TV shows with a good surround system, it can still certainly provide a fully immersive surround listening experience.  

Are Home Theater Systems Wireless?

 Not all of them, but there are wireless options available!

Still not sure? We got this.

Even with our Home Theater Systems Buying Guide and our “best” picks above, maybe you’re not sure what to get, or what to do next. No surprise there, home theaters come in many, many variations… and shopping for the right one for you, your house, and your budget can be a bit intimidating. Which is why we invite you to call or email us anytime.

We can help you hone your choices, open your eyes to possibilities you may not have considered, and save you money in the process – just like we’ve done for thousands of customers over our 40 years in the business. We’ll need your room dimensions, a general idea of your room layout, how much you can spend… even what kinds of movies, shows, and music you like best. Our one and only goal: helping you get it right. Our one and only motive: doing such a great job, you tell your friends, neighbors (even your cousin Ricky) about us.

One more thing:

A last word of advice: if not us, buy your new home theater from a trusted, authorized dealer. And the more experience and longer the track record, the better. A good dealer will take care of you in the event anything happens.

Speaking of trusted dealers…

World Wide Stereo is home to some 90+ industry-leading audio/video professionals who love what they do and love talking about it, too. We opened our doors in 1979, gained a small yet diehard following, won a slew of national awards for everything from killer car audio installations to customer service, grew the business online… and today we enjoy a faithful following of like-minded TV-watching, music-listening, gear-loving defenders of fun for the whole family. Our only rule: no one leaves unhappy. Read more about us here.

2023 Home Theater System Deals

We’ve made it easy to find the best deals on home theater systems from brands like Sonos, SVS, KLH, Klipsch and more. Our deals update daily so you don’t miss a beat, and we’ve got your back through with our price match guarantee, 60-day returns, easy financing, and free shipping. Don’t see what you want on sale? Give us at 1.866.961.7781 or chat with an expert.

Top

Best Smart Home Entertainment Devices

1) Hub & Remote Control

2) WiFi Mesh System

3) Smart Speakers

4) Smart Displays

5) Smart TVs, Projectors & Monitor s

Smart TV

Smart Projectors

6) Soundbars & Speakers

7) Streaming Devices

The Final Word

When you’re looking for the best home entertainment devices, it’s easy to get lost. Believe me, there are thousands of them.

Of all the areas of home automation, entertainment is literally overflowing with technology, so today we’ll break down the basics for you.

Instead of spreading the net too broadly, we’ve focused on 7 key areas that can help you create a complete and high-performing home entertainment system without having to take out a bank loan.

When you want to invest in this type of equipment, it is important to have a general budget in advance. Thus, you do not have to spend all your available funds on one device.

We will cover the following categories of entertainment:

1. Hub and remote control
2. Mesh WiFi system
3. Smart speakers
4. Smart displays
5. Smart TVs, projectors and monitors
6. Soundbars & Speakers
7. Streaming Devices

We have handpicked a small number of the best products for each category.

First of all, you should consider a hub and some form of remote control.

1) hub and remote control

If you already have a secure connected home, chances are you have a home hub. Check out our research on why they’re so important right here.

However, when you’re designing your home entertainment system, it pays to have some special control, and that’s where the mighty Logitech dominates.

Logitech Harmony Elite is a remote control and hub together with a companion application, so you can streamline the team perfectly. You can control entertainment devices and other smart technologies throughout your home from one place.

The app is crisp and responsive and lets you turn your iPhone or Android device into a personal universal remote.

You can also use the physical remote, which allows you to control up to 15 devices. From tweaking a TV box to setting up smart lighting for a movie, you get more than just basic on/off functionality. Planning is a simple task, and you can get all your smart technologies to sing in harmony.

Get yourself a smart speaker and you can use Alexa to add voice control to the mix.

Because the signals are sent to the linked hub, you also don’t need to point the remote at the devices. You will also be able to control devices that are behind closed cabinets, completing an already winning package.

Maybe you want to get even more creative with control…

If so, iRule is a great app that lets you turn any iOS device into a fully customizable controller.

You don’t need to install any software because the remote collector runs in the cloud. You don’t need to be a programming wizard either, so this works well even for beginners thanks to the drag and drop setup.

Once you’ve got everything set up, you’ll be able to control your entire range of home entertainment devices using just your iPhone or iPad. Choose from 12 gestures and you can fully control your entertainment ecosystem without any hardware.

2) WiFi Mesh System

Almost all 21st century home entertainment systems rely on stable and reliable WiFi.

If you have a large house or your connection is prone to annoying dead zones, this can seriously hinder your streaming.

What do you do then?

Well, the obvious solution is to upgrade your traditional router-based WiFi to a mesh WiFi system.

We highly recommend Google WiFi Home Mesh. If you purchase a package with 3 nodes – think of them as mini routers – you get full WiFi coverage in up to 4,500 square feet.

Advanced Network Assist is built-in so the mesh network is optimized in the background and does not require user intervention. If you’re tired of manually switching from a 2.4GHz network to a less crowded 5GHz network, Google Home Mesh does it for you. All devices will be given the appropriate bandwidth so everyone will be happy.

Family management gives you the ability to control and regulate your children’s internet activity, which is nice.

With your control system and Wi-Fi running at full blast, a smart speaker is the obvious entry point for home entertainment.

3) Smart speakers

Smart speakers wear many hats.

At one level, you can control compatible smart devices hands-free. This is perhaps the biggest selling point.

In the cheaper end of the market, sound is generally unimpressive, so we opted for a pair of smart speakers that actually deliver good sound quality. Not surprisingly, they come from the companies that have a stranglehold on this space, Amazon and Google.

The Echo Plus is very expensive compared to other home entertainment devices and comes with a built-in Zigbee home hub. If you’re just getting started with home automation, this is a great way to get started without an extra gateway.

The 3″ woofer and 0.8″ tweeter work together to create an impressive sound. The highs are crisp and tight, and the bass is powerful without any muddiness. Alexa will stream music from all your favorite radio stations and apps, so you have an endless selection of tunes.

Despite this high performance, the Echo Plus is compact and slim, measuring just 5.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches, so it doesn’t stand out but blends in with others.

What if you have a more flexible budget and want even better sound quality?

Well, try Google Home Max and you’ll get all the search power you’ve come to expect, plus “room-filling sound” that, for once, lives up to the hype.

A pair of 4.5″ woofers and 2 custom tweeters deliver punchy bass and excellent clarity at all frequencies, even when you’re working hard on the volume.

With Google Assistant, you can control other smart home entertainment devices using only voice commands.

4) Smart Displays

If you want all the convenience of a smart speaker with the added visual element of a screen, Amazon is in the lead again.

Echo Show is an original smart display that adds a 10″ HD screen.

Since the kitchen is the center of most homes, the Echo Show is the perfect addition to your home entertainment collection. Whether you’re looking for a music video while you’re cooking, or some recipes to inspire, the screen will add that extra dose of fun.

The screen also makes video calls possible. You can call other Echo devices, anyone with the Alexa app, or use Skype.

Like the Echo Show, you can control compatible Zigbee devices without the need for an additional hub. You will also, of course, have Alexa to do it for you.

If the full-size second generation Echo Show is too bulky, Amazon can help you there too.

Check out our review of Echo Show 5 if you want all the big brother’s skills to be half the size.

So with all the basics for hands-free control, you’ll need something to bring all your home entertainment devices to life. After all, you don’t want to obsess over Netflix or watch a special effects movie on a 10-inch screen, do you?

5) Smart TVs, projectors and monitors

There is no right or wrong decision when buying a TV or projector. A lot depends on the size of your room, your budget and what you want from it.

Smart TV

One of our personal favorites in the crowded vertical is Samsung’s 75-inch 4K UHD 7 Series Smart TV. What makes this 4K beauty stand out?

The large screen size itself may be a key selling point, but you won’t miss out on quality. HDR content is fully supported, including HDR10+, and you’ll get 4x the resolution of a standard HD screen. With a built-in UHD engine, all non-4K content is upscaled so you get crystal clear no matter what you’re watching.

By choosing this 2018 model, you can save a lot while maintaining the desired screen area.

Although you don’t get a Smart Remote, the Universal Guide makes it easy to view content from a single menu.

What if 75 inches isn’t enough?

Smart Projectors

You can always consider adding a projector to your home entertainment portfolio. We have something else to offer in the form of the Anker Nebula capsule. This mini projector looks more like an Echo Plus than a traditional projector and has a display up to 100 inches. It gives you the feeling of being in a movie theater without leaving your home.

Nebula’s built-in advantage is the ability to run streaming and media applications, including YouTube and Netflix. For copyrighted content, you’ll need to download apps on Nebula rather than screencasting, but you’ll be spoiled for choice in entertainment from all the usual suspects.

Weighing in at just 15 ounces, this Anker projector is the perfect travel companion and the perfect entertainment center if you have a second home that doesn’t have the home theater you would want if money didn’t matter.

Anker Nebula Capsule, running Android 7.1 and equipped with a built-in speaker, gives you up to 4 hours of video on a single charge, more than enough for an even longer movie.

Perhaps your children are avid gamers or you yourself are not indifferent to online games. The LG 34″ Curved Gaming Monitor comes with an adjustable stand and really bring Fortnite or Call of Duty to life.

34″ FHD 19″ display20 x 1080 delivers crisp, detailed graphics no matter what game you choose.

In terms of content, this monitor is HDR10 compatible and has anti-blur functionality and an impressive refresh rate.

If you want to step up your games and enjoy a truly immersive experience, this monitor is perfect. It may not be cheap, but it far exceeds its weight. If you like the idea of ​​this LG but can’t reach it, downsize to the 27-inch model to cut costs.

6) Soundbars & Speakers

Now it’s time to think about home entertainment devices that bring sound to life, and we have a first-class solution for you.

Sonos Playbase Wireless Soundbar and Streaming Speakers enhance the audio experience when you’re watching smart TV, and they also serve as a regular streaming speaker.

If the thought of building a home theater intimidates you, Sonos ensures you get plug-and-play ease of setup. Simply connect this compact device with a couple of cords and connect wirelessly within the app.

An array of 10 drivers bombards you with a deep and poignant soundscape.

You also don’t need to mount this soundbar to the wall, so if you have a TV on a stand or cabinet, just place the Sonos nearby.

If the sound is still not powerful enough for you, you can upgrade your system with more Sonos speakers to really party.

7) flow devices

Last but not least, no self-respecting smart home entertainment system is complete without a streaming device.

Among the many options, our personal favorite is the Roku Ultra HD/4K/HDR Streaming Media Player.

With more and more content in Ultra HD and 4K, you’ll need a streaming stick to keep up with the times. Roku gives you the opportunity to enjoy rich and detailed content with over half a million movies and TV shows.

Navigate over 1000 channels with voice commands with built-in Alexa. However, you will need an Echo device to do this.

There is a voice remote which is a nice touch and you also get some JBL headphones as a welcome gift.

For great connectivity and seamless streaming of all the best content, consider Roku over your standard Fire TV.

Last word

When it comes to smart home entertainment systems, you can spend as much as you spent on your home and still barely touch what’s available.

Of all the areas of smart home technology, this is probably the most interesting one, so use these ideas as a springboard to get your smart home entertainment system off the ground right.

We update our blog daily from Monday to Friday, so check back next week for more latest smart home news, amazing products, and detailed guides.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter to stay up to date. You are also eligible for a generous 20% discount on your first order here at Smart Home. Why not use it and treat yourself to some new home entertainment!

We also have a valid $100 Insteon eGift Card giveaway and you can apply by July 15 at 11:59 pm. You will receive a discount code for entry only! Log in here.

Record source: https://www.smarthome.com

Making Coffee and Chatting: Smart Home Solutions Trends for Startups to Consider

While the global digital home market has tumbled this year, it is expected to recover to $62 billion in 2021 and reach $88 billion by 2025. What trends are already being observed and what should startups pay attention to?

Voice control

A few years ago, even the banal shutdown of traffic jams in a smart home could not do without turning to the central interactive system or mobile applications.

Voice control made the coordination of functions much easier. With the help of voice, it has become convenient to turn on the lamps, activate the alarm and control electronic devices separately. Voice assistants (Google Home, Siri, Alice or Bixby) use AI technology for language recognition, are self-learning and adapt to the desires of their owners.

Not without a fly in the ointment. Voice assistants have been implicated in a string of spying scandals. The exposed companies publicly repented, but the problem of protecting users’ private data remained open. With her decision, the Maltese Aryia entered the market, offering the first assistant that does not follow, based on the blockchain.

Intelligent home control systems

In addition to comfortable voice control, AI simplifies the comprehensive regulation of home systems by adding data from user data statistics. Know-how EMIIA.AI, for example, allows you to use RF data processed using AI to track the movements of moving objects in space.

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Smart home as a segment of the Internet of Things (IoT)

Imagine your favorite music playing from the alarm clock speakers in the morning, the blinds open and the water in the bathroom heated to a comfortable temperature. When you’re ready to have breakfast, the TV in the kitchen will turn on and freshly brewed coffee and crispy toast will be waiting for you. All these operations would not be possible without IoT technologies – seamless connection and interaction of all systems and electronic equipment of a smart home to a single infrastructure.

In practice, ordinary electronic devices can also be connected to the network through special switches (C by GE, Wemo), adapters (Leviton Decora, Kasa Smart), extension cords (Xiaomi Mi) and sockets (Wemo).

Smart sockets and switches can control the operation of electrical appliances, but since the device is connected to a smart grid, they can be controlled remotely from a phone or using a voice assistant.

This allows you to set a schedule for when lights and household appliances will turn on, and control most home systems.

The European IoT infrastructure market is expected to remain attractive to investors, with volumes exceeding $7. 2 billion by 2025. According to the IDC analytical company, in 2020 the global IoT market amounted to $742 billion. , video surveillance systems (Belkin Wireless NetCam) and monitoring of air quality, energy and water supply. The weak link is the digital protection of the system.

The security of an IoT network depends on each device in the system. Replication of individual device protocols is the most common way to compromise a system.

To protect yourself, you need monitoring and access control systems for IP video surveillance and related equipment included in the smart home system. The development of integrated security systems, both at the device level and at the software level, remains one of the most profitable and popular areas for the near future.

Smart energy management

Home energy management systems (HEMS) are gaining popularity primarily in Europe and the US as a response to the global environmental crisis and the liberalization of the retail electricity market. As the technologies underlying HEMS improve, the cost of electricity rises and energy carriers diversify, the size of the European market in the consumer segment will exceed $4 billion in five years.

Efficiently manage your home energy supply with a new generation of meters.

Devolo hardware collects data and meters allow you to use energy wisely, such as running a washing machine cycle when electricity is cheapest.

Dutch Getlyv went even further and combined in its products, in addition to smart sensors, portable batteries (allowing you to save the energy received during the day and give it to the grid at peak loads) and energy consumption monitoring systems. The Russian electricity market is still under state control, which leads to low interest in HEMS.

Lighting systems

Cold bright light in the morning and the same in the evening. Improper lighting affects the feeling of comfort in the house and can spoil the mood. Thanks to the know-how in lighting, it can be adjusted at any time without much effort and even save energy.

The smart lighting segment is now one of the most saturated, it was chosen by large players in the early stages. The most popular lighting systems are Philips Hue, IKEA TRÅDFRI and Osram Lightify products.

Blockchain for a smart home

The privacy problem discussed above can be solved and the cyber security of a smart home can be significantly improved using the blockchain. The technology eliminates unauthorized attempts to access or interfere with any part of the system without compromising the operation of the system as a whole, thereby solving the security issue.

Lition’s business is based on this idea: the company offers solutions for smart home and office devices using blockchain.

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Home health monitoring gadgets

Smart home technology has not bypassed home accessories. Smart pillows (Zeeq Smart Pillow, iSense Sleep Smart Pillow, Dreampad Slim), mattresses (Sleep Number, ReST Bed) and blankets (Smartduvet) measure physiological parameters during sleep and transmit information to a smartphone app. Such devices allow you to get rid of snoring, monitor sleep pathologies, control temperature, heartbeat and respiratory rate. Data from such devices helps in the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Household robots

Affordable robotics for everyday work (or “service” devices like robotic vacuum cleaners) have quietly carved a niche in the home goods market. Line up for “social” robots that will perform simple tasks like making coffee or tea and keep up the conversation.

A good example of a social robot is Temi home. It is equipped with motion sensors, uses AI for face and voice recognition, and is equipped with a virtual assistant, which allows you to bring human-machine interaction to a whole new level.

Entertainment systems

When it comes to home entertainment systems, audio and video equipment comes to mind. In a smart home, the concept of entertainment systems includes all related devices (lighting, control devices, virtual and augmented reality gadgets) – we are talking about the integrated management of entertainment systems.

The entertainment control market is not yet saturated and is represented by young companies. Roomie Remote allows you to coordinate commands for all A/V equipment from your mobile phone and seamlessly integrates with popular home platforms. NEEO offers universal remotes and hubs for connecting all entertainment equipment.

The evolution of the smart home over the past decade is impressive, but there is still plenty of room in the market for new startups and developments. Voice assistants protected from surveillance of users, infrastructure for the Internet of things, security systems for devices and software, smart power supply and lighting, health monitoring and control of entertainment equipment are popular and profitable areas for investment in the Smart Home field.