Top 5 Best AV receivers 2025
These amplifiers are the greatest AV receivers tested for power, sound, and connectivity; they work flawlessly on movie night.
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One of the greatest AV receivers and some excellent speakers are the way to go if you want the best surround experience possible. You’ll be engrossed in your movies as if you were in the midst of the theater when you connect them to a multi-channel speaker package. The only difference is that you’re in your living room, wearing your dressing gown, and eating popcorn that you didn’t pay a month’s salary for.
Our in-house home theater specialist has tested all of the AVRs on this list in the same setting you’ll probably be placing them in: a living room with a sofa and a large-screen TV, such as one of the top 75-inch TVs. However, not all of them have been thoroughly reviewed. The Denon AVR-X4800H tops the list because of its outstanding room calibration system, extensive audio format support, and amazing craftsmanship. Our tester claims that the deep, layered sound is thrilling when watching movies, despite the high cost.
There are more ones, though, with entries to fit every wallet and use situation. These AV receivers are the best available right now, whether you want to connect a 4K Blu-ray player or view movies with the top streaming services.
Table of Contents
BEST OVERALL
1. Denon AVR-X4800H
BEST VALUE
2. Denon AVR-X2700H
BEST 4K/8K SUPPORT
3. Onkyo TX-NR7100
BEST FORMAT SUPPORT
4. Marantz Cinema 50
BEST FOE SPATIAL AUDIO
5. Sony STR-AN1000
1. Denon AVR-X4800H
Although it is by no means a small box, it is packed with a ton of amazing internal amplification components. You may connect a huge surround or atmosphere system with nine channels. There is an easy setup mode when you connect it to your TV or projector, and the front screen makes it simple to see what mode it is in. From there, you may configure every function and setting to make the most of your receiver.
The best way to characterize the sound profile is as visceral. In addition to being clear and precise, the soundstage exudes strength and accuracy, and the directional panning is utterly convincing. On-board power is rated by Denon as 9x 125W (into 8 Ohms) / 200W (into 6 Ohms), although it sounds much more powerful than that. In addition to being made for blockbusters, this amplifier is also incredibly adept at music. It sounds light and nimble with two-channel stereo and blends in perfectly with 3D audio mixes.
2. Denon AVR-X2700H
An inexpensive jumping-on point for Denon’s 2021 X-series AV receivers is offered by the AVR-X2700H. Although the price tag suggests inexpensive elements, it defies expectations in a smaller viewing space (as opposed to a large theater).
For the majority of users, this AV receiver is still excellent even though it may not have as many channels. When connecting it to your TV or projector, an easy-to-use setup menu appears, and there are numerous HMDI connections on the back for connecting a variety of devices. It’s a good piece of equipment that serves as a focal point for your home theater system.
It delivered a strong performance in our listening tests, and it doesn’t have any issues with action-packed soundtracks. It’s also subtle enough to depict subtle ambiance. Depending on how your loudspeakers are configured, the 150W multichannel power output rating can accommodate either a traditional 7.1 surround or a 5.1.2 channel setup. Additionally, 8K capability is available, but only through a single HDMI 2.1 input.
3. Onkyo TX-NR7100
The TX-NR7100 is ideal for both gamers and movie buffs. Strong connectivity allows you to connect extremely high resolution or fast frame rate sources; all six HDMI inputs support 8K and 4K 120Hz playback. It can be set up for up to 7.1.2 or 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos loudspeakers and has 100W per channel amplification. Additionally, there is IMAX Enhanced certification, THX post processing, and DTS:X compatibility.
A detailed on-screen tutorial facilitates installation. Though lacking the polish, it resembles what we’ve seen on the Denon AVR-X4800H and Marantz Cinema 50 AV receivers. Regarding room EQ, there are two choices: Dirac Live room correction and Onkyo’s own AccuEQ technology. Although both produce outstanding results, our reviewer preferred Dirac Live.In terms of home theater, THX is no longer as popular, although it is still useful for upmixing. Because THX processing gives onscreen drama size and additional ambiance, it significantly improved the staging and storytelling of sci-fi-based TV dramas.
Along with handling intricate sound sequences, the AVR pans from stage left to right and places things in a pleasing manner. With thunderous LFE (Low Frequency Effects) that you can practically feel and deep rumbles that wash across the soundfield, it can sound weighty and menacing.Although there are better AV receivers with audiophile sensibilities and stereo music is less effective, the TX-NR1000 can provide in terms of value, functionality, and overall performance for home theaters.
4. Marantz Cinema 50
One of the most future-proof home theater amplifiers we’ve seen is the Marantz Cinema 50. With support for 8K and 4K at 120Hz, six HDMI inputs and three outputs, and an amazing auto calibration system, the connectivity available is really amazing. It supports a wide range of formats, including Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D. Additionally, it has IMAX Enhanced certification, which might be useful when Disney+ begins to stream IMAX audio mixes.
The Cinema 50 is an AV amplifier that delivers incredible dynamics, with lightning-fast transients and a terrifying bass extension. It is incredibly thrilling to listen to and expertly directs shooting shootouts with smooth panning; even at maximum volume, there isn’t any sense of strain.
It also performs music beautifully. Warm and melodic is the hallmark of Marantz’s acclaimed HDAM amplification circuitry. With robust format support, the Cinema 50 is as future-proof as they come today, and in 2-channel mode, it’s on par with a top-notch mid-range stereo amplifier.
5.Sony STR-AN1000
The STR-AN1000 is a 7.2ch AV receiver that supports native 360 Reality Audio, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, and DTS:X in addition to Dolby Atmos. The latter is very intriguing and does a good job of filling in the spaces with simulated speakers. It subjectively shifts real speakers into more realistic virtual placements via psychoacoustic processing. It can be used on stereo sources to produce an incredibly realistic multichannel effect, and it can be superimposed on native immersive audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos, to enhance the soundstage virtually.
According to Sony, the power output is approximately 85W per channel, or 2x 120W (into 6 Ohms). While not particularly loud, it will be adequate in a regular living room or studio apartment. With its realistic feeling of drama and seamless acoustic steering of objects, it’s a fascinating listen. It manages blockbusters with authority and sounds larger than its power specification suggests. Just be mindful of the setup.
If you’re serious about turning your sound output into something more theater-like, start learning the basics by becoming familiar with the factors to take into consideration. Purchasing something as sophisticated and multi-functional as an AV receiver can be overwhelming to a casual customer.
Setting up
It’s important to note right away that the majority of seven-channel AV receivers can accommodate a speaker configuration of 5.1.2, which consists of two extra height/upfiring speakers in addition to the typical 5.1 surround arrangement. Nine-channel amplification models can be utilized for 7.1 surround with two height channels (7.1.2) or 5.1 with four Dolby height speakers (5.1.4).
Interconnection
It’s not just about HDMI inputs when choosing the greatest AV receiver. Although we like having a lot of inputs, the quantity of outputs is also crucial, especially if you intend to use a projector and a flatscreen in the same space.
Check out our guide to the best turntables for any price if you’re thinking of using an AV receiver as a hub for connecting to both movies and music. Vinyl playback from any of the record decks we’ve tested is made possible by the built-in moving-magnet phono stage found in many of the receivers on the market today.
Support for resolution and frame rate
Do you require HDMIs with a high frame rate or 8K? The answer is no if it is improbable that a game console is connected to your AV receiver. If so, there are some fantastic discounts available on AVRs with standard HDMI 2.0 inputs.
Surround audio
Dolby Atmos compatibility is a given, and you’ll automatically get DTS:X as well. However, how many channels are required? When given the choice, 9 channels usually take precedence over 7, as this allows for more speaker possibilities, like 5.1.4 or 7.1.2, for instance.
Lacking a complete Dolby Atmos speakers system for your home theater? To have an immersive audio experience even without a complete pair of actual speakers, look for a model that has height virtualization technology.
Output of power
Even if you’re not fortunate enough to have a dedicated cinema theater, a model with significant amplification makes sense because power isn’t just about turning up the volume. An AVR with a high power output may load a space with pressure and dynamic transients without straining or clipping.
We examine a variety of media, such as games, music, and movies, to assess the overall sound quality performance of models before adding them to our list of the top AV receivers. We also evaluate the ease of setup and operation of each receiver with a reference speaker system, as well as any companion software that might be included with an AV receiver.
The many connectivity choices are among the other characteristics we take into account, as they all affect how well it integrates with your home theater system.
The power output, the amount of audio channels and subwoofer outputs that are supported, the processing software that can decode movie soundtracks, and the speakers’ capacity to handle music sources are all important considerations that have a significant impact on how each speaker will sound in your living room.
After testing is over, we provide a five-point rating system to each AV receiver (1 being the worst and 5 being the best). A product receives an Editor’s Choice badge if it meets almost all of the requirements.