Welp MagazineLights, camera, surround sound. Some films have soundtracks that deserve to be heard all around you. Other films have a world and story so immersive you desperately want to be a part of it. The best surround sound for watching movies puts you at the centre of the action. We watch a lot of movies, and through this *extensive research*, we’ve collected together the surround sound systems that we think offer the best movie-watching experience.
There’s nothing like a good film, but the best surround sound for watching movies can take things to the next level. Without further ado, let’s get the lights down (unless we’re going for mood lighting LEDs), the projector rolling, and flick through our list of the best surround sound for watching movies.
Product Comparison Table: Best Surround Sound for Movies
| Title | Price | Rating (Amazon) | Best in class | Buy | |
 | Sonos Beam Gen 2 | $$$ | 5 stars | Best for Small Spaces | Amazon |
 | Raineverry 5.1 CH Surround Sound Bar with Dolby Audio | $$ | 4.5 stars | Best Wireless | Amazon |
 | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen Wireless Multiroom Speaker | $$$$ | 4.7 stars | Best Premium | Amazon |
 | BESTISAN Sound Bar for TV | $ | 4.3 stars | Best Budget | Amazon |
 | Bobtot Home Theater Systems Surround Sound Speakers | $$$ | 4 stars | Best Mood Lighting | Amazon |
Sonos Beam Gen 2
When it comes to the best surround sound for watching movies, soundbars are the best way to go if you’re operating in a very small space like an apartment or loft. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 boasts vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound technology that creates a panoramic soundstage in your own little living room.
This is the best small surround sound for movies, but it’s also amazing for podcasts, radio, audiobooks (if you want to read the book of the film), and even music via streaming or device to listen to those atmospheric soundtracks one more time. You can also hook up your Apple TV, Apple Airplay2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or good old TV remote.
Pros
- Small but powerful
- Bass-boost button
- Compatible with smart devices
Cons
- Only one directional speaker
Verdict
No matter how little your home cinema, you can achieve the best surround sound with the Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar. Setup – usually the biggest pain in the… something – is also a breeze, with only two wires, smart Trueplay tuning and step-by-step help from the Sonos app, which is vital when you’re working cramped. Sonos has made a little wonder!
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Raineverry 5.1 CH Surround Sound Bar with Dolby Audio
Raineverry’s 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Bar with Dolby Audio is the best surround sound for watching movies if too many wires get on your nerves. Dolby Digital Plus, 5.1 Channel Surround Sound, DSP technology, and an impressive 400W of total system power are just a few of the features the Raineverry has to boast about.
Wireless technology allows this system to offer rear speakers that give a 360-degree sound experience in conjunction with the 16” subwoofer soundbar. This speaker promises to turn your home into an IMAX cinema: an IMAX cinema whose equaliser modes let you watch not just 3D movies but also the news. A Smart remote control also lets you reduce or raise treble and Bass levels at will up to 120dB.
Pros
- Wireless connectivity
- Rear speakers and powerful subwoofer
- Ready to use straight out of the box
Cons
- Multiple speakers to fit
Verdict
These days, wireless connectivity is expected of our devices, and the Raineverry’s 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Bar with Dolby Audio doesn’t disappoint; this is what puts it on our list of our best surround sound for watching movies. This system uses Bluetooth 5.0 to allow speedy transmission and stable connectivity up to 50ft from the source. Even so, if you’re not into Bluetooth, it plugs into HDMI, RCA or Optical ports.
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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen Wireless Multiroom Speaker
What does luxury sound like? If you’re curious, look no further than this Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen Wireless Multiroom Speaker. Although it was originally made for music, we found that this multiroom speaker was perfect for watching movies, elevating every whisper, explosion and swell of strings into an immersive masterpiece.
It’s truly incredible how much a single-speaker system like the Bang & Olufsen can do. Its seven effective drivers and active room compensation mean that the unit responds to its placement within any space, whether you mount it on the wall or allow it to stand on its premium real-walnut legs. Connect via Airplay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth or even Bang & Olufsen’s own Beoplay Multiroom to wrap yourself in sound.
Pros
- Beautiful state-of-the-art appearance
- Multiroom sound from one speaker
- Wireless connectivity
- Customizable sound EQ and room compensation
Cons
- Hefty price tag
Verdict
Some say you hear what you pay for. The price tag on the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen Wireless Multiroom Speaker is justified by not only how incredible it sounds (did we mention the Beosonic Adjustable EQ?), but also how incredible it looks. Everything about this model is suave and expressive, and that’s what makes it our best premium surround sound for watching movies.
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BESTISAN Sound Bar for TV
Not everybody can afford to pay infinite amounts for the best surround sound for watching movies. It may not be caviar, but the BESTISAN Sound Bar for TV comes close enough for its affordable price point. This soundbar-style surround sound boasts 4 full-frequency speakers with twin crafted bass reflex tubes, which BESTISAN promises will “make your ears immersive”. Which, we think, it does.
A lot of TVs nowadays have terrible built-in sound. This Soundbar from BESTISAN usurps control from crappy TV speakers, giving you an altogether better movie-watching experience. Great for a first-time surround sound buyer, this model features HDMI, Optical, Coaxial, AUX In, USB, and Bluetooth connections.
Pros
- Competitive price
- Decent sound quality
Cons
- Single directional speaker unit
- Limited EQ options
Verdict
In terms of price, this is on our list of best surround sound for watching movies because it offers more than value for money. It’s a perfect beginner surround sound with its ease of use with a simple remote and three limited EQ modes. If you’re on a budget, this is the best surround sound for watching movies for you.
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Bobtot Home Theater Systems Surround Sound Speakers
The Bobtot Home Theater Systems Surround Sound Speakers offer 1200 Watts at peak power, but that’s not their most exciting feature. The feature that naked this the best surround sound for watching movies in our LED category is, well, the LEDs. The Bobtot’s ambient LED lighting effect is all about atmosphere. Each speaker unit has 4 modes that make use of a spectrum EQ analyser to highlight sound with light.
Of course, sound is the most important thing, and the Bobtot utilises 10-inch subwoofers with built-in receivers that delivers clean, natural sound. A Pro surround function has been added to take things to the next level when required. Start any movie, and you’ll be waiting for the gift of sound and vision.
Pros
- Reactive mood lights
- Super-powered loud subwoofer
Cons
- LED lighting potentially annoying
Verdict
We found that the ambient LEDs in the Bobtot Home Theater Systems Surround Sound Speakers highlighted sound elements we’d never noticed in our favourite films, making it the best surround sound for watching movies if you like a bit of mood lighting. Naturally, this ambient lighting works for music, games and anything else you’d like to listen to as well.
