The best surround sound system

Sonos is synonymous with the very best contemporary surround sound solutions, providing earth-rattling audio in compact packages. The Arc soundbar continues this grand tradition by packing in Dolby Atmos 11 speakers, including several upwards firing, that work to create a thoroughly enjoyable 3D audio experience. Using an HDMI eARC connection, true HD audio is achieved. The audio is rich, diverse and more than loud enough. TV, film and gaming all sound amazing, and Alexa is built-in too, so it's just as great for music and radio. The Arc can later be added to with the Sonos Sub and Sonos Five for increased audio joy.

The LHB64N is a home cinema kit that delivers quality sound and vision. The sound comes from 5.1 speakers, which push out lively, loud and lovely noise from the front, sides and rear, providing a rich and immersive 3D cinematic experience. Overall, the sound is detailed, and the subwoofer provides a nice weight and drama to proceedings. The vision is brought by the included Blu-ray and DVD player. This player also carries a bunch of smart apps for streaming and catch-up TV - itu2019s your one-stop entertainment hub. Bonus for anyone with an LG smart TV - the speakers can wirelessly connect via LG Sound Sync.

The YAS-209 Soundbar and Subwoofer are high-quality audio solutions at a very affordable cost. The soundbar features DTS Virtual processing, which provides an incredible sense of depth to create a full and absorbing surround sound experience from a compact package. Yamaha has also included its Clear Voice mode, which provides vocals and speech with extra clarity. The wireless subwoofer is a welcome addition, too, providing a fuss-free way of accessing truly intense bass audio. Yamaha has done a good job of balancing sub, as though it'll happily rumble and shake the house, it's never overpowering or woolly.

Bose has been impressing customers with its audio equipment since 1964, and the years of expertise are clear in many, if not all, of its products. The Bose Soundbar 700 is one such example, kicking out enjoyable audio with rich middles and highs. This well-balanced and equalised sound produce offers up particularly good vocal clarity. The ADAPTiQ function allows the system to automatically tune itself to best suit the surroundings and position. The Surround Sound satellite speakers provide a similar performance and increasing the sense of audio immersion. Alexa is built-in. The bass here is a little thin when compared to other options u2013 for those hunting the rumble and boom of surround sound systems will want to add the Bose Bass Module 500.

If you're looking for a thrilling surround sound experience and don't mind annoying the neighbours, then consider this set-up from Q Acoustics. The stars of the show are the two floor-standing Q3050i speakers, which deliver a rich and formidable audio experience. Backing these behemoths up with no less excellence are the two bookshelf speakers and once centre speakers. On the floor, the Q3090i subwoofer sits pushing out pure and refined bass. All of the cabinets have been designed to limit resonance to deliver a clearer sound, and the results are astounding. If you have space, this package is sure to please.

The Amazon Echo Studio is a great, simple, all-in-one, streamlined device. The Studio takes the rich audio found in the standard Echo range and gives it a significant boost with Dolby Atmos, five speakers and a subwoofer. The high-fidelity audio is automatically tuned to suit the speakers' location. Connections can be made via a 3.5mm jack, mini-optical line in and WiFi. Not only is this a compact surround sound solution, but it also provides access to Alexa assistant and can act as a smart home hub via its Zigbee connectivity. Its compact design makes it ideal for anyone with limited space, or who doesn't want a large surround sound system.

For those looking to dip their toes into the surround sound market, the Wharfdale DX-2 may just be enough to tempt you. Not only do they look great, but the five satellite speakers will help immerse you in entertainment without taking up too much space. Though the sound doesn't match some higher-end models, what they do produce is nothing to deride. The subwoofer is powered by a 70W amplifier and adds a satisfyingly rich bottom end to the performance of the system. If you like what you hear, an additional two speakers can be purchased separately to provide the full 7.1 experience.

If compromising on sound quality and volume just isn't an option but your budget is tight, these 1000W Logitech speakers might just do the trick. The speakers meet the standard for THX certification and can process Dolby Digital and DTS: X. The audio that's pushed out by the speakers impresses with both its volume and its quality u2013 gaming and action movies, in particular, are elevated when heard through these. Though the look of the speakers isn't as sharp as others here listed, the sound more than makes up for it. The small speaker footprint makes it easy to dot around living rooms and gaming desks, though the cabling does need some management to stay neat. There a multiple inputs for improved connectivity.

The Sony HT-S20 R is a compact surround sound system that kicks out 5.1 audio without taking over a roomu2019s available space. The wired soundbar sits under a TV, svelte but capable of delivering impressive audio. There are two small rear speakers adding atmosphere, and a bass woofer bring some boom. While louder options are available, the sound quality and volume are ideal for the average living room, adding immersion to gaming, music, sports and movies. Voices are nice a clear, too.