Best AV Receiver for 2025
If you're serious about bringing theater-like sound into your home, then an AV receiver is the best choice. It gives you much more control over how you set up and use your home theater system. It acts as a video switch between components like a streaming box or gaming console, and it decodes and amplifies audio signals so you can hear them through your speakers. The best receivers offer excellent sound quality and come equipped with 8K video, Dolby Atmos and music streaming capabilities, and they connect to your TV via HDMI cable. You can start with as little as a pair of stereo speakers and add new speakers and a subwoofer as your budget allows to get the best movie, video game, TV show or music experience.
We've tested many of the big-name brands in sound, including Denon, Sony, Yamaha and more, to discover which deliver the best sound. With more than 20 years of home entertainment experience, I've personally had hands-on time with each of the models included on this list and reviewed them based on price, features, sound quality and performance. I'll update the list as more products are released in 2025.
The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is our top choice because it's an excellent sounding speaker with an array of features. The TX-NR6100 is a 7 x 100-watt-per-channel receiver with Dolby Atmos support and DTS:X audio formats to support premium streaming of TV shows, movies and music. The latest video standards, namely 8K and 4K/120Hz, support the advanced gaming features found on the Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5 consoles.
It includes six HDMI inputs at the back, with three able to pass 8K video; the remaining three ports include HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatibility. There is a Zone 2 HDMI output as well. Other connections include five analog audio inputs, two digital audio inputs (optical and coaxial) and two USB ports. Vinyl is still in the middle of a revival and the NR6100 enables users to take advantage thanks to a dedicated phono input for turntables and record players which lack an onboard phono preamp.
Streaming options include Google Cast, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect, Sonos, AirPlay and Bluetooth. Being able to ask your Google Nest mini for a song and have it play automatically on your AV system is an excellent time-saver. If you have an Alexa household, it will control the Onkyo, too.
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Onkyo's TX-RZ50 is a perfect step-up model for those looking to upgrade their home theater systems for a set of better-quality speakers or to add a turntable. Like its budget-oriented label mate, the TX-NR6100, it's stacked with features including the audiophile-level calibration called Dirac Live, as well as the best streaming suite offered in an AV receiver. On that point, being able to request songs directly from Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is a real boon.
What improvements does the $1,000 TX-RZ50 offer over the $800 TX-NR6100? Firstly, it offers double the number of 8K compatible inputs (six versus three) plus it boasts more power (120 watts versus 100 watts). It also has two-way Bluetooth for streaming as well as listening on wireless headphones.
The TX-RZ50's performance was excellent whether listening to streamed music or watching a movie: I hadn't heard Dolby Atmos sound this convincing in a long time. The addition of Dirac Live adds its own complexities in setup -- please, only use the Onkyo Controller mobile app in combination with the supplied microphone -- but doing so rewards with a highly involving performance.
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I'm a big fan of the Yamaha RX-V6A, so I was curious to see what the step-up RX-A4A brings to the table. As it turns out, this Yamaha offers even better build quality and a huge, cinematic sound.
Look through the fancy top grille and you'll see neatly packed components and a distinguished, stamped transformer. The system is capable of a beefy 110 watts per channel (stereo) and has seven HDMI ports for your connectivity needs.
I tested the Yamaha A4A against the Onkyo RZ50 and the Denon X3700. The Yamaha's sound quality tended toward the cinematic rather than the musical, and it offered a big, roomy sound perfect for blockbusters or conspiracy thriller TV shows. What was surprising is that the onboard phono preamp was even better than the one on the rival Onkyo RZ50, so I can recommend the Yamaha for people who don't want a separate preamp for their turntable.
The Yamaha is great as a home theater receiver but doesn't sound as good with music streaming. Still, as the Onkyo offers balanced performance across both, it's my current favorite.
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If you're a gamer, this receiver will be able to keep up with the latest games and consoles like the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. The Sony STR-AN1000 is a 7.2-channel Dolby Atmos receiver that offers a whole host of new features, including HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz) support and Sony's own 360 Reality Audio. It boasts superb connectivity with six HDMI inputs (two with 8K compatibility) and two 8K outputs. The receiver also includes support for video standards such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG for high-resolution gaming. As far as analog inputs, the Sony offers four, though it does lack a dedicated phono input.
The Sony also has one of the most sophisticated setup routines yet, so dialing in great sound is even easier. It offers an upgraded version of its calibration routine, now called Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX. This involves a new stereo microphone and a natty plastic stand -- where competitors' are cardboard -- and it now accommodates multiple seating positions. If you prefer to do a manual AV receiver calibration, then the system is quite powerful, as it now lets you set the height of the screen and speakers; most receivers do not let you do this. But the main reason to buy it is its outstanding performance, especially for video games.
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If you're spending under $1,000, there are four main receivers to choose from -- the Sony STR-AN1000, the Yamaha RX-V6A, the Onkyo TX-NR6100 and the Denon AVR-970H. All offer excellent performance, so the short answer about which to buy is whichever is available for the lowest price. At the moment, that is either the Denon or the Onkyo, which are both on sale for under $600 as I type this. I especially recommend the Onkyo TX-NR6100 for its combination of excellent performance and connectivity. The Onkyo offers easy setup, excellent usability, solid looks and useful features, including the best streaming suite alongside Sony. As an added plus, the Onkyo was never prone to the 4K issue that plagued early versions of the Yamaha RX-V6A.
Meanwhile, the step-up Onkyo TX-RZ50 is an excellent receiver if you're looking for the next level of features and a performance bump over sub-$1,000 models. It offers an excellent, if slightly scary, calibration routine from Dirac Live and the best number of streaming features on the market. It sounds great with music and movies alike.
Lastly, if it's home theater thrills you're after, the Yamaha RX-A4A offers crisp, dynamic sound and fantastic build quality for $1,300.
AV receivers are notoriously complex, with reams of features and confusing technical specifications. (For example, what's 4K/120Hz anyway?) Yet, what are the things that really matter when buying a new model? I'm going to sum up the most important ones right here.
With most TVs and set-top boxes supporting HDMI, you should buy a receiver that has as many of these HDMI input ports and outputs as possible. Front-mounted HDMI ports are kind of like a human appendix -- unneeded, because most users don't hot-plug HDMI devices -- making the number of rear inputs what's most important. (How else are you going to connect your Roku, Blu-ray player, Nintendo Switch and all your other devices?) The Onkyo TX-NR6100 and Denon AVR-S970H have six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, while the Yamaha RX-V6A goes one better with seven. If you want to connect two different displays -- a TV and a projector, for example -- all but the Yamaha offer a second HDMI output. You should also be sure you have an extra HDMI cable or two on hand -- these things are like the second sock of a pair as you can never find them when you need them.
Most receivers in the $500-and-above price range include Dolby Atmos capability and DTS:X, but the effect these formats have on your home theater movie-watching can be subtle, or in most movies, nonexistent. In other words, don't worry about missing out on these formats by not installing a ceiling-pointing speaker or two. Mounting your rear surround speakers high on the wall will get you halfway there in terms of quality, immersive sound.
Most midrange receivers have onboard Wi-Fi network connectivity for wireless music streaming via your speaker system. There are plenty of standards for wireless streaming services, but the most universal are Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay and Google Cast. If you're looking to build a multiroom system with a variety of AV systems and speakers with wireless connectivity, these are the three flavors to aim for. Onkyo and Sony are the only devices to support all three. The Denon receiver model lacks wireless streaming via Google but ups the ante to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. Meanwhile, Yamaha has its own MusicCast system.
At CNET, I test audio equipment from compact soundbars to surround sound systems, but regardless of the device, my methodology is the same. I always compare products against one or more reference devices that offer the best performance at a similar price.
When it comes to receivers I want to see how well a system performs with music and movies, as most people will want to do both. I watch test scenes from 4K Blu-ray or streamed from a 4K streaming service (Fandango at Home, for example) and evaluate aspects such as Dolby Atmos surround sound performance and dialog clarity. I also use several test music tracks and test streaming features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Systems that can perform well with both types of entertainment inevitably score the highest.
Check out CNET's receiver buying guide for more about the features and things you should consider when looking for a new system.
Denon AVR-A10H ($4,699): If you hear the words "home theater" and think "dedicated room with a screen and leather recliners" then the AVR-A10H is the kind of receiver you would use to would power it. It has all of the features you need including Dolby Atmos, music streaming, 4K/120Hz on all seven HDMI inputs and more. Yet, while it does sound good (I tested it powering a set of Klipsch Fortes), the Denon's 13 powered channels (@ 150W/Ch) are overkill for most living rooms.
Yamaha RX-V6A ($750): This Yamaha RX-V6A offers a fresh look at AV receiver design, with its futuristic edges and simple controls, while maximizing sound quality. The Yamaha might even make you forget about visiting a cinema ever again, and it's no slouch with music, either. It offers plenty of connectivity with Wi-Fi bringing AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and Yamaha's MusicCast system for streaming from your devices. Notably, the TSR-700 is identical, and it was an exclusive model for some outlets. Find out more in CNET's Yamaha RX-V6A review.
($1,699) Denon has a reputation for quality sound and powerful amplification, and the AVR-X3800 will be able to power most systems with ease. In terms of features, the Denon has everything you need in a modern receiver including Dolby Atmos and six 8K HDMI inputs. Based on my head-to-head testing, I found that the Denon was even-handed with movies and music, but not as good as the equivalent Marantz SR6015 with music or as good at home theater as my current pick, the Onkyo RZ50. Read CNET's first take on the Denon AVR-X3800.
A stereo receiver is an audio-only, two-channel amplifier that includes source switching and an AM/FM tuner -- if it lacks a tuner it's called an integrated amp. Meanwhile, an AV receiver is typically a surround sound system amplifier that enables HDMI switching and playback of audio and video. Most also include tuners onboard as well. An AV receiver is more versatile than a two-channel model because it can be used for both stereo and surround sound. You can add as many speakers to them as you have, starting at just two -- so they're pretty flexible to build out your surround sound system.
Standards change all the time, but the bare minimum right now is support for HDR and Dolby Vision, and at least HDMI version 2.0 or better. All of the models above support not only 4K and HDR video but 8K support as well, even if 8K content is hard to find.
Be aware that all 2020 8K-compatible receivers were prone to a bug preventing them from displaying variable refresh rate video, and from the Xbox Series X in particular. Denon, Marantz and Yamaha announced fixes for existing models, while compliant models from Yamaha RX-V6A began shipping in the summer of 2021. Denon and Marantz receivers sold after April 2021 should be 4K/120Hz compatible. Yamaha users can check for 4K compatibility here while Denon and Marantz users should check with their dealer.
The TX-NR6100 is the first receiver I tested that I found to both pass 4K/120Hz and which I would also recommend to new buyers.
If you have a relatively new TV you should be able to use a single cable -- an HDMI cable, to be exact -- to connect your receiver to your television. If you have an HDMI port labeled ARC/eARC on the TV you can connect that to the main HDMI ARC output of the receiver. Doing so enables you to hear onboard Netflix from your TV when you set the receiver on the "TV" input, while also enabling video to be transmitted from your other AV sources.
If you have an older TV without an ARC-compliant port you will need to connect both an HDMI cable and an optical cable to the back of your TV. However, if you have a CRT or rear-projection TV which has composite or component inputs you will need a $1,000-plus receiver such as the Marantz SR6015 or Onkyo TX-RZ50. Many receivers no longer offer switching for these legacy connections.
The short answer is: Yes, but only if you own an Xbox Series X and a brand-new TV. As I write this, there is a growing number of Xbox Series X games that support this optional mode -- including Halo Infinite and Fortnite, to name a couple -- but the advantages of 4K/120Hz over 60Hz are minimal as far as I've seen at this point. Future games and even video sources may make the differences clearer, and that's why you may want a receiver that's fully compatible.
If you do buy an older receiver, you don't care about the Xbox Series X, you can always hook a fancy new console directly to the TV, then use eARC to get audio to the receiver.
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Sony QLEDs vs OLEDs: What do you get when you pay more?
If you're shopping for a TV and you've already decided that Sony is the brand for you, the choice will most likely come down to two options: a QLED or an OLED. These terms refer to the TV's display technology, and depending on your budget, your viewing habits and your overall needs, one of these types might be better than the of the best TVs you can buy are among these two categories, and even if you don't intend to spend top-dollar on a high-end model, it's in your best interest to understand their many differences. Sony QLEDs are LED TVs with quantum dots. These nanocrystals enhance color and brightness, and while a ton of TVs feature quantum dots, many ultra-affordable models you can buy don't come with them. Until recently, Sony did not refer to its quantum dot-enhanced TVs as QLEDs. Instead, the feature was referred to by the brand as offering Triluminos color, sometimes called Triluminos Pro. Today, you can still find Triluminos color as a feature on a Sony TV's spec sheet. Some marketing materials refer to them as QLEDs. If you don't see these terms, chances are the model in question is without quantum dots. Unless you're trying to spend as little as possible, I recommend buying a quantum dot-equipped set if you're buying an LED TV. They've become enough of a standard feature that even budget-friendly Sony LED TVs have them. For instance, the Sony Bravia 3 — one of the brand's most affordable offerings (but a set we don't recommend) — comes with quantum-dot color. The higher-end Sony Bravia 7 and the flagship Bravia 9 come with quantum dots, too, but these TVs also feature Mini-LED backlighting, so you'll have to spend more for that upgrade. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. I recommend buying a quantum dot-equipped set if you're buying an LED TV. Like all OLED TVs, Sony's OLEDs don't rely on traditional backlighting at all. Instead, every single pixel in the display is self-illuminating, which has a positive impact on almost every aspect of performance — especially contrast. Despite this fundamental difference, there are Sony OLED TVs with quantum dots, too. Commonly referred to as QD-OLED TVs, these souped-up sets (like the Sony A95L and the upcoming Bravia 8 II) offer better color volume — and in many cases better brightness — than traditional WOLED TVs (like the Bravia 8 OLED). You can take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of each of these display technologies in our Mini-LED vs OLED guide, but as I'll soon explain, one isn't necessarily better than another. It largely depends on your viewing habits. Price is another important factor. Of these types, you can expect to pay the least for a Sony QLED with basic backlighting, more for a Sony QLED with Mini-LEDs and the most for a top-shelf Sony OLED. If you're shopping for a Sony-branded TV, I've got good news: They're well-designed TVs, both aesthetically and functionally. In recent years, mid-range and high-end Sony TVs offer multiple ways to configure their respective stands. This makes them plenty accommodating regardless of living room layout, especially if you're trying to fit a large TV on a narrow credenza. And, although everyone's entitled to their own opinion, I find Sony TVs to be among the nicest-looking in the game. There's an attention to detail that is often lacking among rival TV-makers, from the crosshatched pattern on the back of some displays to the pinpoint alignment of their stand. The brand's OLED TVs tend to offer the slimmest panels, but Sony doesn't lean into the ultra-thin look the way rival OLED TVs do. Its Mini-LED TVs tend to be bulkier-looking than competitive sets, but not in ways that belie their excellent build quality. At the time of publishing, all mainline Sony TVs leverage the Google TV smart platform. They also lean on the same basic interface for their settings menus. This means that the core Sony TV experience will be mostly the same on an entry-level Sony QLED as it will on a high-end Sony OLED. Certain settings and enhancements are tailored to display type, however. (You won't find OLED-specific settings on a Sony Mini-LED's settings menu, for instance, or local dimming settings on a Sony OLED.) Across the board, though, Sony TVs offer a tremendous range of settings for tweaking the picture and audio. If you like to tinker with that stuff, you'll feel right at home with any Sony TV. Another thing to keep in mind is that, as is the case with all TV brands, lower-end Sony TVs will likely feel less snappy than higher-end Sony TVs due to their relatively limited processing power. I've never reviewed a Sony TV whose software was outright unusable, but it's something to remember if you're particularly sensitive about sluggish software. Even the best Sony TVs you can buy are limited to just a pair HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs. Additional features — be them gaming-, A/V-related or otherwise — will come down to which series the TV belongs to. In general, you can expect lower-level Sony QLEDs to offer the lightest amount of bells and whistles, while higher-end models offer the most. That said, even if you're splashing out on a top-of-the-line Sony flagship, you ought to be aware of their limitations. At the time of publishing, even the best Sony TVs you can buy are limited to just a pair HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs. This means only two of the four total ports will be able to make the most out of current-generation gaming consoles. What makes this issue even thornier is that one of the ports that offers HDMI 2.1 compatibility also serves as a dedicated eARC input. If you have two consoles and a soundbar, even the most expensive Sony TVs won't be able to make the most of all three. Needless to say, this is not the case with high-end TVs from LG and Samsung. Here's the simplest way I can put it: Sony's Mini-LED and OLED TVs will almost always perform better than budget-friendly Sony QLEDs that don't offer Mini-LED backlighting, but when comparing high-end Sony TVs, your mileage may vary. The flagship Bravia 9 Mini-LED TV looks incredible. It's one of the best Mini-LED TVs you can buy. The Sony A95L looks incredible, too. It's one of the best OLED TVs you can buy. Both of these sets will set you back a considerable amount of money, but deciding which is best for you will depend on your viewing habits. In either case, they're both better-performing TVs than the Bravia 7 — a terrific mid-range Mini-LED TV that is nevertheless mid-range for a reason. I'll once again direct you to our Mini-LED vs OLED guide for an in-depth comparison between these display technologies, but here's the basic gist: High-performance Mini-LED TVs typically offer better brightness than most OLED TVs, particularly if those OLED TVs use a traditional WOLED-style display, like the Bravia 8. However, a Mini-LED TV lacks the depth, clarity and unparalleled contrast control of an OLED. Many Mini-LED TVs come close to replicating the patina of an OLED display — the impressive Bravia 9 being a prime example — but pixel-level dimming control is ultimately the difference-maker. QD-OLEDs, like the Sony A95L, are capable of cutting the brightness gap even more. Its highlight brightness stands toe to toe with heavy-hitting Mini-LEDs (though full-screen brightness remains much dimmer). The addition of quantum dots also allows TVs like the A95L and the Bravia 8 II to deliver some of the brightest, most voluminous color in the industry. If you're chasing color, there's nothing quite like QD-OLED. Regardless of how much you're looking to spend on a Sony TV, you can be confident that the finer aspects of picture processing have been carefully considered. Many industry experts — myself included — laud Sony's attention to detail when it comes to things like upscaling, motion handling and out-of-the-box color accuracy. Much ink has been spilled about the so-called 'Sony tax' — a built-in upcharge for Sony TVs (relative to the competition) that some folks find hard to stomach. While it's true that Sony TVs are typically priced higher than comparable sets from rival brands, I've never found Sony prices to be out of bounds. Whether you're shopping for an entry-level Sony QLED or a top-shelf Sony OLED, you're very likely to get a well-engineered, well-designed TV that squeezes every ounce of performance out of whatever hardware is strapped to the panel. That said, I wouldn't blame anyone for carefully considering the value proposition inherent in competitively priced sets that tap the same tech and offer a similar slate of features.
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16 hours ago
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The Tech Purchase That Made My Life 1,000 Times Easier
I don't remember exactly why I bought my first Kasa smart plug. According to my Amazon history, it was May 9, 2021, and I can't remember what I was doing then except spending lots of time at home. But I do know this: I don't want to remember life without one. Or 10. They're so good, so helpful, so useful, that now I have 10. Why did I go from zero to 10, and why should you? Turning every outlet in your home into one you can control by app or voice assistant opens up a world of possibilities. I have houseplants under grow lights in darker corners of my home, and can turn those on and off even if I'm halfway around the world. I can put them on a schedule when I travel, but still turn that schedule off if someone needs to stay in my apartment. I can leave an appliance running, and turn it off while running errands. I can use my smart plugs for Christmas lights, or to make it appear someone is home for safety. I have a bedroom air purifier set to turn on one hour before my usual bedtime and to turn off in the morning, right as my living room air purifier is scheduled to turn on (doing this with a coffee maker or fan is an absolute no-brainer). All this automation might sound complicated or technically intimidating, but I promise it's easier than you could dream possible. All you have to do is plug one in, push a button to connect it to your WiFi, add it to the phone app, and live your life. In the more than two years I've been using these every day, I've never had an issue with dropped connections or an inability to find WiFi. The Kasa app is straightforward, and if you prefer, you can simply use Alexa or Google Home instead (or both). (Amazon has a new and compact Alexa-enabling Echo Pop smart speaker, if you don't have a voice control system set up.) One thing I love most about the Kasa mini smart plugs is that if you only use one, it's small enough to leave the other socket in your outlet free without covering it up or making it impossible to plug something else in. Kasa also makes their smart plug in a weather-ready outdoor power cord form, which is great for Halloween displays, Christmas lights or landscape lighting, or as indoor power strips for which each outlet can be controlled individually (I have one of those, too, plugged in behind a piece of furniture I never want to move). The Kasa weather-resistant outdoor smart plug has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. You can check out every type they offer. With the Kasa smart plug power strip, you can control each socket individually with your phone or voice. Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in an outdoor version for $17.99 and an indoor power strip for $43.99).
