The very best audio system for projectors in 2025, examined and reviewed

Dwelling theater projectors have turn into extremely inexpensive in the previous few years, to the purpose that we advocate them as an alternative choice to big-screen TVs. Most newer projectors have a built-in speaker system, however its output is proscribed, which is why we advocate getting devoted stereo audio system or a soundbar to your projector. Connecting your projector to a set of audio system will make sure the audio of your films, TV reveals, and video games matches the majesty of the huge 4K HDR picture you see in your wall or display screen. The very best audio system for projectors—like our greatest total decide, the Kanto REN—are simple to arrange, received’t require threading wires alongside the partitions and below the carpets to get expressive audio and provide connectivity and flexibility that’s space- and budget-friendly.

How we selected the very best audio system for projectors

In the end, our objective with this information was to current a number of units of audio system designed to work finest for various types of projectors, rooms, and budgets. We chosen audio system that pack essentially the most efficiency into the smallest footprint, as people into way of life projectors are doubtless minimalists or space-challenged (in any other case, you may be studying about 4K/8K TVs and/or encompass sound methods). These audio system are significantly suited to UST (Extremely Brief Throw) projectors (some folks name them “Laser TVs”), as they’ll flank one and preserve your complete setup tight to 1 wall. However they’ll sound simply nearly as good with longer throw projectors; we think about your potential to search out the suitable size cables to your setup.

In all circumstances, audio efficiency was paramount since fancy extras won’t ever make up for lackluster bass or tinny highs. Some options, together with wi-fi connectivity and help for encompass sound, are represented by particular audio system. Our suggestions are based mostly on a mixture of hands-on testing and analysis to current you with the very best choices which are at present accessible. The world of expertise strikes rapidly, however the audio system we’re recommending are designed with commonplace wired (HDMI cable, optical) and wi-fi (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) connectivity requirements, which is able to mean you can proceed utilizing them for the foreseeable future. In case you select to improve your projector or change to a TV, you’ll be able to proceed to make use of these alternatives. In lots of circumstances, the very best audio system for projectors may also be related to a different system, a turntable, for instance, to drag double responsibility as each your house theater and hi-fi system. 

The very best audio system for projectors: Evaluate & Suggestions

In case you’re prepared to maneuver on from the audio system constructed into your projector to a set that’ll be as immersive because the shifting photos, you’ll discover the right possibility under whether or not you’re into blockbusters or the large sport. There’s no incorrect reply, however rigorously think about your particular wants earlier than making your alternative. 

Greatest total: Kanto REN

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Specs

• Measurement: 8.5″ D x 7″ W x 10.9″ H
• Ports: HDMI, RCA, Optical Audio, AUX, USB-C, Subwoofer Out
• Encompass sound succesful:
• Value: $599

Execs

• A compact, residing room-friendly dimension
• Ports that provide connectivity to a variety of units.
• A subwoofer output for expandability 

Cons

• Bassheads may be tempted to get a subwoofer 

Kanto’s REN is the perfect speaker set for projectors as a result of they’re comparatively small in physique however filled with energy and ports, which ensures compatibility with any system. The REN is so spectacular it bought a shoutout in PopSci’s information to the finest devices at CES 2025, alongside the debut of Kanto’s smaller UKI desktop/pc audio system. 

Whereas we advocate connecting the REN audio system to your projector utilizing HDMI ARC and CEC for causes we’ll clarify later on this article, the presence of an optical audio and AUX port means you’ll be able to join it to any mannequin. That is additionally useful when connecting the audio system to a projector that solely has one HDMI port. In that occasion, utilizing the only HDMI port for an audio system disallows you from connecting a 4K Blu-ray participant, sport console, or media streamer to observe movies or play video games. Equally, having a ton of ports will mean you can use the REN audio system with a pc, turntable, and different devices in the event that they’re shut by and never being utilized by the projector. 

Kanto outfitted the REN with a dual-driver system consisting of a 5.25-inch concave cone woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter powered by a 200W Class D amplifier that includes auto-wake performance. This implies no want to search out the cash and area for exterior amplification. And this audio system might be greater than adequate for making the sound results and dialogue you’re seeing on display screen really feel prefer it’s entrance and heart, permitting you to totally recognize the TV present, film, or online game’s soundtrack. At low volumes, the layering and element can sound a bit compressed—not unhealthy, or any worse than most TV soundbars in stereo output mode—however flip that entrance know to about 50 % quantity, it turns into very detailed, providing a room-filling, daring sound signature.

Nonetheless, in the event you’d like so as to add a little bit extra oomph to the system, you’ve gotten the choice of connecting a standalone subwoofer into the combination. Kanto says that the audio system will mechanically filter frequencies under 80Hz to the sub output, so the woofer constructed into the REN can consider digging deeper into the midrange. We like that Kanto affords a direct improve path to those audio system, even when extra elements add to the dimensions and complexity of this in any other case easy system. 

Your projector could have a built-in equalizer in its audio settings, however the distant Kanto bundles with this set of audio system means that you can elevate and decrease the bass and treble response to your liking. Admittedly, there’s just one indicator mild, and there aren’t audio cues to inform you what your relative ranges are. We advocate giving the inventory settings a radical take a look at earlier than futzing round (and significantly think about including a sub if you end up cranking up the bass to 11), however we’re happy the choice is there nonetheless. Moreover, the audio system have built-in Vocal Enhance and Evening modes, which may be activated by pushing a button on the distant and can regulate their EQ to emphasise or scale back frequencies generally related to folks talking and loud noises, respectively. It may be good if they may help some kind of digital encompass, as many projector producers promote their audio collaborations with manufacturers like Harman/Kardon that may decode multichannel soundtracks. But it surely’s a minor quibble, contemplating how a lot of an enchancment the stereo sound subject is. 

The Kanto Ken audio system haven’t any actual downsides aside from those true of all compact bookshelf audio system. They’ve fewer, smaller drivers than floor-standing fashions, to allow them to’t get as loud or delve as low, however they’re nonetheless fairly potent for his or her compact footprint. In case you’re selecting these over a traditional soundbar, although, it’s most likely since you’re searching for higher sound high quality than what much more compact acoustic architectures can ship, and these completely ship that. We advocate them as the primary set to contemplate and the very best worth of our choices. 

Greatest splurge: KEF LS50 Wi-fi II

Specs

• Measurement: 12.2″ D x 7.9″ W x 12″ H
• Ports: HDMI, Optical Audio, Coaxial, AUX, Ethernet, Subwoofer Out, Ethernet 
• Encompass sound succesful: No
• Value: $2,499.99

Execs

• Large, wealthy, uncompromising audio high quality
• Loads of energy from its built-in amplifier
• A large assortment of ports for any use case. 

Cons

Sure, British speaker designer KEF’s LS50 Wi-fi II audio system value $2,499 when not on sale. Nonetheless, that’s a relative discount in comparison with the $4,999 LS60 Wi-fi tower audio system (proven to the suitable of the LS50 Wi-fi II above). And these powered, related audio system are value it. They’re among the many top-rated stereo choices we’ve ever examined based mostly on their expansive inputs and output. We extremely advocate studying the thorough overview of what makes these audio system so particular, however right here it’s in a nutshell: They sound unimaginable. 

KEF designed the LS50 Wi-fi II with a singular Uni-Q dual-driver system whereby the 1-inch vented aluminum-dome tweeter sits within the acoustic heart of a 5 ¼-inch magnesium-aluminum alloy woofer cone, every coupled to a devoted, optimized amplifier. A maze-like disc known as Metamaterial Absorption Expertise sits behind this array, diffusing frequencies from the drivers that may intervene with each other. All of this mixed ends in a wider soundstage and extra correct off-axis response. 

The LS50 Wi-fi II is the ultra-luxe, no-compromise audio complement to a premium projector. It checks all of the bins, from having all widespread ports and supporting each main wi-fi audio commonplace to providing native playback of ultra-high-resolution 24-bit/384kHz audio information below the suitable circumstances. If the audio system hold forth, it’s much more doubtless that the audio stream from no matter you’re watching or enjoying is by some means out of whack. Whereas the audio system will sound unimaginable on their very own, you’ll be able to improve them with a KEF KC62 subwoofer, which is able to add an additional $1,499.99 to the audio system’s value but additionally introduce articulate, authoritative low-end (right down to 11Hz!) with out taking on way more area. 

KEF’s LS50 Wi-fi II is the textbook definition of a splurge, but it surely’s the audio equal of going from HD to a high-end 4K projector. If you wish to guarantee which you could make out each nuance of sound to match no matter’s in your ultra-big display screen, that is the set of audio system that’ll do it.

Choose a retro look with trendy connectivity? The JBL L42ms tabletop speaker system attracts from ’70s heritage with its walnut veneer and shaped foam Quadrex grille, then updates it with HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi, and extra. A DSP-managed array of two 4-inch woofers and two ¾-inch aluminum tweeters occupies a curved enclosure with waveguides that guarantee widescreen 55-25,000 Hz response. It even has an RCA output for a powered subwoofer. In case you’ve bought a credenza or stand you place entrance and heart, the L42ms is a vibe that may groove.

And another HDMI-equipped wi-fi music system we’re at present exploring is the $2,999 Technics SC-CX700, which has a coaxial driver association just like the KEF LS50 Wi-fi II however with a bigger mid/bass driver. That really interprets to extra precision than punch, nevertheless. Due to Technics’ vibration-rejecting, placement-friendly enclosure design, and thoroughly orchestrated digital sign routing, there’s an actual steadiness to the uncolored sound and command of tempo, rhythm, and timing. And it maintains that all through an ample, uncluttered sound subject. All that makes them nice for fast-moving movies, in addition to sweeping soundtracks. Plus, it helps any streaming music you might need to use, and extra inputs can be found for turntables, and many others. 

Greatest for bass: Klipsch The Nines

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Specs

• Measurement: 13.38″ D x 9.5″ W x 19.13″ H
• Ports: HDMI, AUX, RCA, Optical Audio, USB-B, Subwoofer Output
• Encompass sound succesful: No
• Value: $1,499

Execs

• Glorious total audio efficiency
• 8-inch woofer reduces the necessity for a subwoofer
• Dynamic Bass EQ adjusts bass as you alter its quantity

Cons

• Could also be too giant for some bookshelves/stands
• Audio system join through a proprietary cable

If we needed to sum up the look and audio efficiency of Klipsch’s The Nines audio system in a single phrase, it could be “immense.” We had been so floored by these audio system that they earned a full evaluate, which we advocate studying to get a full grasp of why our reviewer was so impressed. A giant a part of The Nines’ enchantment is the dimensions of the audio system. You’ll have to dedicate more room to this set of audio system than any of our different suggestions, however Klipsch used the area correctly. The audio firm managed to suit an 8-inch high-excursion woofer alongside a 1-inch titanium woofer mounted in Klipsch’s signature Tractrix horn into every speaker, each of that are powered by an inside 240-watt amplifier in the primary unit. 

Our reviewer praised The Nines for his or her persistently wealthy sound when listening to many alternative genres of music, each digitally and on vinyl. The even dealing with of sounds inside giant dynamic vary bodes nicely whenever you’re utilizing these audio system related to a projector as a result of, oftentimes, TV reveals, films, and video games have quite a bit occurring on the similar time. You’ll need to use audio system that mean you can hear these sounds clearly quite than in an indistinguishable jumble. In case you’d prefer to dial within the sound of those audio system to your liking, you should utilize Klipsch’s smartphone app on iOS and Android to tweak a three-band equalizer. 

The presence of a sizeable woofer means The Nines had been designed to ship booming bass, however an excessive amount of low finish generally is a unhealthy factor. Klipsch designed the audio system to mechanically change how a lot bass they’re outputting based mostly on their quantity stage to keep away from oversaturating your music and fatiguing your ears. Nonetheless, if you wish to delve deeper into the depths to make explosions sound much more practical, Klipsch has you coated with a $249 subwoofer. It’s good to know the improve is feasible, however in all probability, you’ll by no means want any extra reinforcement. 

Our reviewer summed up how The Nines sound by saying: “Contemplating their lineage and the success of their predecessors, it’s virtually a on condition that The Nines sound wonderful. Their sound signature may be characterised by its distinctive coherence, spectacular imaging, and a way of depth that attracts you into the center of the music.” You probably have the area for a big set of standmount audio system to pair along with your projector, don’t settle for something much less. 

Need to avoid wasting money and area? The $1,299 Sevens share the identical characteristic set however smaller 6.5-inch woofers. And if area is actually at a premium, think about the $1,299 PSB Alpha iQ, a pair of wirelessly related audio system which are far livelier than their dimension belies. The 4-inch polypropylene mid-bass driver received’t punch almost as onerous as Sevens/Nines, however these pint-sized performers can match extra locations whereas retaining the HDMI and MM phono preamp choices of the opposite picks. And there’s a subwoofer output if you would like extra kick, in addition to a mixed optical/headphone jack for late-night listening. 

Greatest transportable: Final Ears EVERBOOM

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Specs

• Measurement: 7″ D x 5″ W x 5″ H
• Ports: N/A
• Encompass sound succesful: No
• Value: $249.99

Execs

• Extremely transportable
• Extremely-durable
• Lengthy-lasting battery

Cons

• The least upgradable possibility

Battery-powered projectors like the XGIMI MoGo 3 Professional have turn into common lately, and whereas these fashions have a built-in speaker, they’re typically small and tinny-sounding. If the projector you’re utilizing helps Bluetooth, it is best to pair it with Final Ears’ EVERBOOM. The corporate’s transportable audio system have totally impressed us through the years because of their sturdiness, total audio high quality, and regular {hardware} enhancements.

The EVERBOOM has a Bluetooth vary of as much as 180 ft, can last as long as 20 hours per cost, and has an IP67 sturdiness score, which implies it may be submerged underwater (not that we count on you to check this if it’s film evening within the yard). In our checks, we discovered that the EVERBOOM sounded surprisingly good for a transportable speaker in its dimension class, permitting us to listen to lots of element from each the music and spoken phrase audio we listened to. If the flicks you want have a bumping soundtrack or loads of dialogue, these options will turn out to be useful. Equally, we put the speaker’s vary to the take a look at and had no connectivity points when our cellphone was a number of yards away. As for battery life, you’ll actually be capable of watch a number of films on a single cost, and you’ll preserve the EVERBOOM topped up by connecting it to a energy financial institution whenever you’re on the go (which can also be helpful for the projector). 

Whereas the EVERBOOM received’t be as highly effective because the powered audio system we’re recommending, it might nonetheless maintain its personal by delivering great-sounding audio at excessive volumes. Equally, as a result of it was designed for use outdoors, it has drivers pointed in a number of instructions to supply 360-degree sound (albeit in mono). There’s no option to join this speaker to a subwoofer or some other audio part, however that’s not the purpose of utilizing a Bluetooth speaker. With regards to wi-fi audio system, Final Ears’ EVERBOOM is the very best in its value and dimension vary, and it’s the perfect complement for a transportable projector you’ll be able to throw in a bag for an outside film evening. 

In fact, stereo separation would possibly matter to you in the event you’re watching a movie with a number of audio system or shifting motion. In that case, think about the $399 Bose SoundLink Max—an simply transportable, surprisingly expressive speaker that provides L/R channel separation and even an AUX enter in case your projector helps analog output. 

Greatest soundbar: Sonos Arc Extremely

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Specs

• Measurement: 4.35″ D x 46.18″ W x 3.13″ H
• Ports: HDMI
• Encompass sound succesful: Sure
• Value: $999.99

Execs

• Glorious sound because of a multi-driver system
• Dolby Atmos help proper out of the field
• Will be augmented with different wi-fi audio system

Cons

Many trendy projectors can decode Dolby Atmos streams. If that encompass sound is essential to you, Sonos’ Arc Extremely is the last word audio system to pair along with your projector. The luxe soundbar is without doubt one of the finest we’ve ever examined, and that comes right down to the care Sonos took when creating its 14-driver, 15-amplifier audio system. The soundbar’s ahead, facet, and upward-firing drivers ship sound towards, round, and above you, and when it displays off the ceiling/partitions, it means that you can expertise encompass sound with out including any extra audio system. We’ll admit that the impact when listening to Dolby Atmos-encoded movies and music may be very spectacular, although the impact is heightened (pardon the pun) when the Arc Extremely is related to a pair of Period 300 encompass audio system.

One of many causes folks select to attach their projectors to a soundbar is its low profile, however the Arc Extremely is fairly large, so that you’ll nonetheless want a good quantity of area for it. The excellent news is that Sonos’ industrial design is nice sufficient that you just received’t thoughts having the soundbar mounted in your wall or taking on the size of your leisure heart. One of many Sonos Arc Extremely’s audio improvements is named Sound Movement, which is a four-motor dual-membrane flat transducer. Sonos says Sound Movement was designed to permit the comparatively skinny soundbar to ship wonderful bass response, and it lives as much as its phrase. The Sonos Arc Extremely is without doubt one of the few premium soundbars that doesn’t include a subwoofer as a result of it doesn’t want one. We by no means felt {that a} film or TV present was much less immersive due to subpar sound and online game soundtracks had been equally spectacular (although you received’t be unhappy in the event you add in a Sonos Sub 4 or two). 

The explanation we’re recommending the Sonos Arc Extremely above some other soundbar is its wonderful encompass sound efficiency and modular upgradability with the corporate’s different multiroom-friendly audio system. A characteristic we didn’t count on to love as a lot as we did was the Arc Extremely’s potential to wirelessly ship audio to the Sonos Ace over-ear ANC headphones (proven behind the soundbar above). This characteristic has turn out to be useful throughout late-night movie-watching or video game-playing classes because it permits us to observe and play with out disturbing anybody else in the home. 

The Ace headphones additionally help spatial audio (decoding Dolby Atmos audio to sound extra immersive), so that you don’t completely lose that characteristic when utilizing a pair of cans for films or Apple Music. If your own home theater is situated in the lounge, the Sonos Arc Extremely and Sonos Ace connectivity characteristic is the very best, and most luxe, option to take pleasure in your projector any time of day or evening. In case you favor the thought of hooking up your projector to a soundbar quite than conventional audio system and care in any respect about encompass sound, the Sonos Arc Extremely is the suitable name. 

There are a lot of elements to contemplate when deciding which audio system for projectors are best for you. The next are the elements we thought-about most essential when penning this information:  

Measurement

In case you selected a projector as an alternative of a big-screen TV due to its smaller footprint in your room, it is smart that you just’d need a petite speaker system to match. A majority of our suggestions are bookshelf-style audio system, which provide wonderful sound however may be set on prime of a media console quite than taking on floorspace. You’ll all the time have the choice to put in them on prime of speaker stands in the event you’d like, which might correctly align the tweeters along with your head for the very best imaging of high-end vitality. 

Powered audio system

All the audio system on this information are powered, which implies they’ve a built-in amplification system and may be plugged instantly into your projector. In fact, you’ll all the time have the choice to plug your projector into an A/V receiver through HDMI/RCA/optical after which use passive audio system. Nonetheless, that setup will take up considerably extra room and require you to string speaker wire throughout your room. The powered audio system we’re recommending are quite a bit simpler to arrange and handle. 

Connectivity

When connecting a projector to a set of audio system you’ll want to contemplate the ports on each the projector and the audio system. Most projectors and audio system have a devoted HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port that was particularly designed for the aim of sending sound/quantity management from one part to a different. When related on this means, you’ll be capable of improve and reduce the quantity stage of the audio system from the distant that got here along with your projector. Moreover, you might be able to flip each your projector and audio system on and off by urgent the facility button on the projector’s distant. 

In case you’ve picked up a midrange to premium projector throughout the previous 5 years or so, it’s more likely to have an HDMI ARC port constructed into it. Some projectors and audio system could have an optical audio port, which is able to carrying a high-resolution audio sign however doesn’t provide the identical extra bandwidth/command advantages as HDMI. Whereas others even preserve it analog with AUX/RCA outputs. 

Encompass sound

A majority of the powered speaker methods we’re recommending don’t help encompass sound, solely stereo playback. However we’ve picked ones which are much more strong and expressive than even the very best digital Dolby/DTS from built-in audio system. Correct encompass sound audio requires establishing a soundbar with satellites and a sub or 5 (or extra) discrete audio system related to an A/V receiver. We’ve already mentioned why this wouldn’t be supreme in the event you’d prefer to preserve your own home theater system compact and orderly. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to hook your projector to a soundbar that helps Dolby Atmos, just like the Sonos Arc Extremely. Constructing from there, a wi-fi encompass sound system would require you to maintain a number of audio system in your room, and every speaker will should be related to an outlet, however you received’t need to take care of cables crisscrossing by your room.

FAQs

Closing ideas on the very best audio system for projectors

The very best audio system for projectors are a worthwhile funding for anybody severe about making a system for cinema, sports activities, and many others. The pliability and multifunctionality of the audio system we’ve chosen additionally guarantee their longevity. You’ll be amazed at how a lot of a sonic leap devoted audio system are, even in comparison with the improved audio methods in high-end projectors. As a substitute, you’ll let the projector concentrate on its main job—creating a giant, detailed picture—and go away audio duties to the audio system. When you hear the distinction, you’ll by no means need to return to built-in.

 

Extra offers, opinions, and shopping for guides

The PopSci workforce has examined a whole lot of merchandise and spent 1000’s of hours looking for the very best gear and devices you should purchase.