Samsung
HW-Q990H
- Audio output channels
- 11.1.4
- RMS rated power
- Not confirmed
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
Current
Samsung HW-Q990H Black
Model code: HW-Q990H/XU
Surround sound system reviews UK: compare the best surround sound systems
Compare surround sound systems with independent expert reviews, COR Scores and exact-model specifications. Find the best fit for your needs, explore the buying advice below and check available UK retailer offers.
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Choosing the best surround sound systems starts with how you will use them. Consider dedicated film area, living-room upgrade, music and TV together, then match the features and practical requirements to your shortlist.
Our UK surround sound system reviews comparison brings together published critics’ assessments and recorded product specifications. A COR Score converts eligible ratings to five points and gives each publisher equal weight. Read the original reviews for the reasoning, tested configuration and review date; an average becomes available after three distinct critics.
Use the available category filters to explore recorded features. Open each product to check its full manufacturer code, configuration and current review coverage. Compare retailer offers for that exact version, including condition, accessories and delivery.
Below the results, explore the buying guides, work through how to choose, or use the glossary to make sense of unfamiliar specifications.
Sony
BRAVIA Theatre System 6 HT-S60
- Audio output channels
- 5.1
- RMS rated power
- Not confirmed
- Bluetooth
- Not confirmed
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
Current
Sony BRAVIA Theatre System 6 HT-S60 Black
Retailer package reference: SONY-HTS60
Samsung
HW-Q990F/XU
- Audio output channels
- 11.1.4 channels
- RMS rated power
- 756 W
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
Current
Samsung HW-Q990F/XU soundbar speaker Black 11.1.4 channels 756 W
Model code: HW-Q990F/XU
Q Acoustics
3010i 5.1
Shown option: English Walnut. Scores shown apply to this option.
- Audio output channels
- 5.1
- RMS rated power
- Not confirmed
- Bluetooth
- Not confirmed
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
Current
Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 English Walnut
Manufacturer code: QA3612
JBL
Bar 1300MK2
- Audio output channels
- 11.1.4 channels
- RMS rated power
- Not confirmed
- Bluetooth
- Not confirmed
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
Current
JBL Bar 1300MK2 Black
Model code: JBLBAR1300M2BLKUK
Sony
BRAVIA Theatre Quad HT-A9M2
- Audio output channels
- Not confirmed
- RMS rated power
- Not confirmed
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Subwoofer included
- No
Current
Sony BRAVIA Theatre Quad HT-A9M2 White
Retailer package reference: SONY-HTA9M2
Logitech
Z906
- Audio output channels
- 5.1
- RMS rated power
- 500 W
- Bluetooth
- Not confirmed
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
Current
Logitech Z906 Black
Manufacturer code: 980-000469
Yamaha
True X Surround 90A
- Audio output channels
- Not confirmed
- RMS rated power
- Not confirmed
- Bluetooth
- Not confirmed
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
Current
Yamaha True X Surround 90A Black
Retailer package reference: 127028
Majority
Bowfell Halo Atmos
- Audio output channels
- 5.1 channels
- RMS rated power
- Not confirmed
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
Current
Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos Black
Model code: 1000003086
Select a product to check its exact model, reviewed version and available retailer offers. Matching model options are grouped together where supported; the displayed score belongs to the shown option. Individual critic reviews remain visible while a product builds towards three critics for a COR Score.
More ways to enjoy surround sound
Soundbar systems with rear speakers
These complete kits include physical surround speakers. Explore their existing product pages for the supplied components, expert reviews and available prices.
Samsung
HW-Q930F — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →Sony
BRAVIA Theatre Trio HT-A8KIT
Reviews, specifications & prices →LG
US95AR
Reviews, specifications & prices →Sony
HT-S40R — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →Samsung
HW-QS750F — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →Samsung
HW-Q930H — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →Samsung
HW-Q990H — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →JBL
Bar 1000MK2 — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →JBL
Bar 1300MK2 — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →JBL
Bar 800MK2 — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →Majority
Bowfell Halo Atmos — Black
Reviews, specifications & prices →Samsung
HW-Q990F/XU
Reviews, specifications & prices →Your reading library
Surround sound system buying guides
Understand the features and specifications you see in surround sound system reviews. Read the complete guide or explore a focused topic.
Read the complete buying guide Back to the results ↑Focused guide
Surround speaker layouts explained for real living rooms
Labels such as 5.1 and 7.1.4 describe channel roles, not the quality of the result. A well-positioned smaller system can be more convincing than extra speakers placed wherever a cable happens to reach.
Explore the guide →Focused guide
How many AV receiver channels do you need?
Buy channels for a speaker layout the room can support now or through a specific planned upgrade, not for an abstract maximum.
Explore the guide →Focused guide
Speaker package or mix-and-match surround system?
Choose a matched package for simplicity or individual speakers for room-specific flexibility, while keeping the front stage coherent.
Explore the guide →Focused guide
Room correction for surround sound: what it can and cannot fix
Use automatic calibration as measured setup assistance, then inspect distances, levels and crossover results.
Explore the guide →Your six-step checklist
How to choose the right surround sound systems
Find the best fit for your priorities, your setup and your budget.
Turn expert surround sound system reviews into a shortlist with these six practical checks.
Map seats and speakers
Sketch seats, doors, display and proposed speaker positions.
Your decision Mapped listening layout.
Count sources and outputs
Count HDMI sources, display outputs and required video features.
Your decision Listed source requirements.
Measure speakers and sockets
Measure speaker and subwoofer locations, including power sockets.
Your decision Measured equipment placement.
Check receiver compatibility
Read the receiver and television compatibility notes together.
Your decision Checked receiver compatibility.
Budget complete installation
Budget for stands, cables, mounting and professional installation where required.
Your decision Costed complete installation.
Plan replacement and support
Check availability of replacement remotes, speakers and firmware support.
Your decision Planned long-term support.
Ready to build your shortlist? Use these checks to narrow the results, then read the evidence for each exact model.
Make it work for you
Map the surround system
Turn your everyday needs into a practical setup. Record these details before comparing your final shortlist.
Picture it in everyday use
- Sketch seating, display, speaker positions and safe cable routes.
- Check the receiver against every source, display and required video feature.
- Leave access for ventilation, controls and future furniture changes.
| Requirement | What to record or check |
|---|---|
| Listening layout | Seats, display, speaker positions, doors and obstructions |
| Source chain | HDMI sources, display outputs, formats and receiver capabilities |
| Installation space | Speaker, subwoofer and receiver locations, sockets and mounting |
| Ownership plan | Stands, cables, installation, spare parts and firmware support |
Use the exact model’s manual and manufacturer specifications to confirm measurements, connections and supported features.
Keep your priorities together. A short set of notes makes it easier to compare complete offers and discuss your requirements with a retailer or installer.
Installation and everyday control
Plan cables before decorating and use a qualified installer for any work involving mains electricity, structural mounting or concealed wiring. Label both ends of each cable. A neat route is easier to fault-find and safer around children and pets.
Practical check Try the daily routine: television, streaming app, console and music. HDMI control can simplify it, but it can also introduce quirks. Keep a simple fallback input and document settings before firmware updates.
Explore this in the buying guide →Speaker geometry and calibration
Place the front left, centre and right speakers around the display before adding surrounds. A centre speaker should not be buried in a cabinet, and surrounds should relate to the seat rather than simply occupy the furthest wall.
Practical check Automatic calibration measures a starting point. Recheck channel levels, crossover and dialogue with familiar content, particularly after moving furniture. It cannot solve a speaker blocked by a sofa or a subwoofer placed inside a closed unit.
Explore this in the buying guide →Source formats and speaker loads
Check receiver decoding, HDMI pass-through and source settings against the disc player, console and television rather than treating a logo as end-to-end support.
Practical check Follow receiver limits for speaker impedance and ventilation. Mixing speakers is possible only when their electrical and tonal match remains suitable at the listening level you use.
Explore this in the buying guide →Independent reviews, made comparable
What does the COR Score mean?
One consistent scale makes different publishers’ ratings easier to compare. The original review explains why a critic reached that verdict.
Read our scoring methodology →Scale conversion · example
8/ 104.00/ 5
An illustration of conversion, not a rating for a listed product.
- 01
Check the match
Identify the exact product and the version reviewed. Check model codes, configuration and the included package.
- 02
Compare on one scale
Convert eligible ratings to five points, count each publisher once and give every critic equal weight.
- 03
Require three critics
Show the average to two decimal places after three distinct critics. Otherwise show tbd while keeping individual reviews visible.
Read the score alongside the critic count, review dates, tested version and strengths that matter to you. Linked reviews of related hardware remain separate from the selected product’s score.
Explore the catalogue
A growing choice to discover
Compare the recorded models, explore different configurations and follow the available expert reviews. Use each product page for its latest evidence and retailer links.
Return to the results ↑- Listed model options
- 271
- Options with critic ratings
- 62
- Brands to explore
- 33
Explore your options
Browse brands and features
Follow a manufacturer or a selection based on recorded product features.
Your questions, answered
Surround sound system buying FAQ
Ten answers to help you make an informed choice.
01Can wireless surround speakers avoid all cables?
They may reduce signal cabling, but often still require mains power and a compatible transmitter or receiver. Verify the exact system.
02Does a larger receiver guarantee better sound?
No. Speaker placement, room, calibration and control at normal volume matter as much as feature count or stated power.
03Should I install concealed speaker cable myself?
Use a qualified installer for structural work and anything involving mains electricity. Plan routes and safety before work begins.
04How do I choose the best surround sound systems for my needs?
Start with your main use, practical setup and total budget. The comparison table above identifies useful features for different priorities. Use the category filters, then check exact-model specifications and the original reviews for your shortlist.
05What does the COR Score tell me?
It summarises eligible independent critic ratings on a five-point scale, with one equally weighted rating per publisher. The displayed average has two decimal places. Open the original reviews to see how the findings relate to your priorities.
06Why do some products display tbd?
A public COR Score becomes available after three distinct critics. Until then, tbd indicates that review coverage is still building; available individual reviews remain visible. It is different from a zero rating.
07Does a review cover every version or accessory bundle?
Check the version actually reviewed. Confirmed equivalent colour, storage or accessory variants can share model-level reviews with a tested-version label. Related hardware, different generations and other distinct editions are shown separately and do not contribute to the selected product’s score.
08How can I filter the surround sound systems?
Filters use the recorded specifications for each model or option. Choose a brand or feature, then apply your filters to narrow the results. Missing information is not treated as confirmed feature support. Open the product page to check the full specification.
09What should I check when comparing retailer offers?
Match the complete manufacturer code, configuration, condition and included items. Add delivery and necessary accessories to compare the total cost, and confirm stock, warranty and returns details with the retailer.
10How should I use older reviews or previous-generation models?
Check the review date, tested version and current manufacturer support. Compare the features you need, replacement parts or consumables where relevant, and the complete offer. A useful older review can still explain a model well, while availability and services may have changed.
Specifications, explained
Surround sound system glossary
Understand the terms, then use the buying checks to compare exact models.
12 terms
Speaker system4 terms
- Audio channels
Separate audio signals or speaker positions in a sound system, often described by a numbered configuration.
Buying check Check which physical speakers are included and which channels are simulated.
- Passive speaker
A loudspeaker that requires a suitable external amplifier.
Buying check Check amplifier compatibility, speaker wiring and the complete system cost.
- Subwoofer
A speaker designed for low bass, sometimes supplied separately from the main speakers.
Buying check Check inclusion, floor space, controls and compatibility with the system.
- Crossover
Filtering that divides frequency ranges between speaker drivers or between speakers and a subwoofer.
Buying check Read the setup guidance and check the available adjustment controls.
Amplification and setup4 terms
- Speaker impedance
The electrical load a speaker presents to an amplifier; the load varies with frequency.
Buying check Use the amplifier and speaker manufacturers’ pairing guidance.
- Speaker sensitivity
An indication of acoustic output for a specified input under stated conditions.
Buying check Compare measurement conditions and read listening tests alongside the figure.
- Room correction
A system that measures a room and adjusts audio settings such as levels, timing or equalisation.
Buying check Check the supplied microphone and supported speaker layout.
- Stereo pair
Two speakers reproduce separate left and right audio channels.
Buying check Confirm that the exact speakers support stereo pairing and the sources you use.
Sources and formats4 terms
- HDMI eARC
Enhanced Audio Return Channel carries compatible audio from a television to a soundbar or receiver through HDMI.
Buying check Confirm support at both ends and the formats passed by the TV.
- Dolby Atmos
An audio format that can describe sounds in three-dimensional space, including height information.
Buying check Read how the exact speaker arrangement creates height effects in your room.
- Optical audio
A digital audio connection that carries a limited set of audio formats through an optical cable.
Buying check Match the source output to the formats accepted by the receiving device.
- DAC
A digital-to-analogue converter turns a digital audio signal into an analogue signal.
Buying check Check supported input connections and the sources you actually use.
No matching term. Try an abbreviation or clear the search to browse all topics.
Technical sources and further reading · Check the exact model’s manufacturer documentation for supported features.