Best Smart Surround Sound

Imagine being enveloped in sound, feeling the rumble of an explosion in your chest, or hearing the delicate whisper of leaves rustling behind you – all without a roomful of cumbersome wires. Smart surround sound systems offer this immersive experience with the added convenience of wireless connectivity and smart features. This review is tailored for value-conscious shoppers seeking a premium audio experience without breaking the bank.

We understand the desire for cinematic sound at home without sacrificing your budget. We will explore the best smart surround sound options, focusing on performance, features, and overall value.

Why Smart Surround Sound Matters

The appeal of smart surround sound lies in its ability to transform your living room into a home theater. Forget the days of complicated setups and messy cables. Smart systems offer a cleaner, more streamlined solution with wireless speakers and smart assistants integration.

These systems can enhance your entertainment experience and integrate seamlessly into your smart home ecosystem. Voice control, multi-room audio, and app-based control are just a few of the benefits.

Shortlist: Smart Surround Sound Systems for Every Budget

Budget-Friendly (Under $500)

Vizio V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar: Excellent value for money with decent sound quality and easy setup.
Roku Streambar Pro: Combines a soundbar and streaming device with surprisingly good audio performance.

Mid-Range ($500 - $1000)

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) + Sonos One SL Surrounds: A compact and powerful system with excellent sound quality and multi-room capabilities.
Samsung HW-Q800B: Offers impressive Dolby Atmos performance with a dedicated subwoofer and upfiring speakers.

High-End (Over $1000)

Sonos Arc + Sonos Sub (Gen 3) + Sonos One SL Surrounds: Premium sound quality with immersive Dolby Atmos and seamless integration.
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 + Bose Surround Speakers 700 + Bose Bass Module 700: Delivers exceptional audio fidelity and a luxurious design.

Detailed Reviews

Vizio V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar

The Vizio V-Series 5.1 is an excellent entry-level option for those on a tight budget. It delivers a noticeable improvement over your TV's built-in speakers with a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue and a wireless subwoofer for impactful bass.

While it lacks Dolby Atmos, the simulated surround sound is surprisingly effective. Setup is straightforward, and the included remote is easy to use.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) + Sonos One SL Surrounds

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact soundbar that packs a punch. Adding two Sonos One SL speakers as surrounds creates a true 5.0 surround sound system with impressive clarity and detail.

The Sonos ecosystem is renowned for its ease of use and seamless integration. Multi-room audio, voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, and regular software updates are hallmarks of the Sonos experience.

Samsung HW-Q800B

The Samsung HW-Q800B delivers impressive Dolby Atmos performance thanks to its upfiring speakers. This soundbar creates a more immersive soundstage with better height effects than other systems in its price range.

The dedicated subwoofer provides powerful bass, and the system supports Q-Symphony, which syncs the soundbar with compatible Samsung TVs for even better audio performance. While the interface isn’t the most intuitive, the sound quality makes up for it.

Sonos Arc + Sonos Sub (Gen 3) + Sonos One SL Surrounds

For the discerning audiophile, the Sonos Arc combined with the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and Sonos One SL surrounds offers a truly premium experience. The Arc delivers detailed and immersive Dolby Atmos sound, while the Sub adds deep and impactful bass.

The Sonos ecosystem ensures seamless integration and multi-room capabilities. This setup provides unparalleled sound quality in the Sonos universe.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 + Bose Surround Speakers 700 + Bose Bass Module 700

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 system combines premium audio fidelity with a luxurious design. This system boasts exceptional clarity and a wide soundstage.

The Bose Surround Speakers 700 and Bose Bass Module 700 complement the soundbar perfectly, creating a truly immersive and high-end listening experience. Bose's ADAPTiQ technology optimizes the sound for your room's acoustics.

Side-by-Side Specs Table with Performance Scores

Product	Channels	Dolby Atmos	Smart Features	Ease of Use	Sound Quality Score (out of 5)	Value Score (out of 5)
Vizio V-Series 5.1	5.1	No	Basic	Easy	3.5	4.5
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) + One SL	5.0	Yes	Advanced	Very Easy	4.0	4.0
Samsung HW-Q800B	5.1.2	Yes	Advanced	Moderate	4.5	4.0
Sonos Arc + Sub (Gen 3) + One SL	5.1.2	Yes	Advanced	Very Easy	5.0	4.5
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 + Surrounds 700 + Bass 700	5.1.2	Yes	Advanced	Easy	5.0	4.0

Practical Considerations

Before making a purchase, consider the size of your room. Larger rooms benefit from more powerful systems with dedicated subwoofers.

Also, consider the placement of your speakers. Ensure that you have enough space for both the soundbar and surround speakers.

Smart home integration is another crucial factor. Check if the system is compatible with your existing smart devices and voice assistants.

Summary

Choosing the best smart surround sound system depends on your individual needs and budget. The Vizio V-Series 5.1 offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers, while the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) provides a balanced blend of performance and features.

For those seeking a truly immersive Dolby Atmos experience, the Samsung HW-Q800B and Sonos Arc systems are excellent choices. The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 delivers a premium listening experience with a luxurious design.

Remember to consider your room size, speaker placement, and smart home integration needs to make an informed decision.

Take the Next Step

Ready to upgrade your home theater experience? Research your top contenders, read user reviews, and consider visiting a store to audition the systems in person. Elevate your entertainment with the perfect smart surround sound setup for your needs!