Best Sound System for PS5 & Xbox Series X|S (2026): Top Soundbars, Speakers & 5.1 Systems
- Andrew C.
- 2 days ago
- 21 min read
When you play on a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, audio is not just sound. It is information and immersion. Modern games are mixed like movies. Explosions have depth, environments breathe, and every tiny sound cue carries meaning. Whether you are pushing competitive FPS titles like Call of Duty, Apex or Halo, or exploring cinematic worlds like Cyberpunk, Horizon or Starfield, the right sound system changes the way you experience the game.
Most players use a gaming headset for positional awareness, but a real home sound system can deliver the same precision across an entire room. A Dolby Atmos soundbar or a 5.1 surround setup creates a 3D sound field where footsteps, reloads, dialogue, wind, rain, engines and ambient detail feel alive and physically located around you. That is immersive gaming. It is not just hearing the sound, but knowing where it comes from.
Choosing the best system depends on your room, distance to the screen and the type of gaming you do. Large living rooms benefit from full Atmos soundbars with subwoofers and wireless rears. Desk setups or bedrooms are better suited to compact soundbars or 2.1 systems with accurate directional cues. This guide covers every scenario so you can find the best match for performance, immersion and budget.
On Xbox Series X|S, you get full support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and spatial audio in games, streaming apps and Blu-ray. With the right soundbar or AV receiver, the console outputs true multichannel sound, not just virtual modes. This is the highest level of home audio you can get in 2026.
On PS5, Sony uses the Tempest 3D AudioTech engine, and the console now supports HDMI audio devices and external speakers through Linear PCM output. It is very efficient at creating positional detail, depth and ambience in compatible games. For movies, you can switch to Bitstream Dolby or DTS depending on the disc, and fine-tune your speaker layout in the PS5 audio menu to match your room.
For the best results, connect your sound system using HDMI eARC (available on top TVs), which allows the bandwidth required for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 7.1 channel PCM and current-gen 3D formats. Optical or ARC still work, but they do not deliver the full cinematic spatial effect these consoles are capable of. And as a bonus, enable CEC so you can control everything with one remote instead of switching between multiple devices.
In this guide, you will find the best soundbars, 5.1 systems and gaming speakers for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2026, ranked by immersive audio, positional accuracy, living-room experience and overall value.
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LG S95TR (9.1.5 Dolby Atmos)
Best Overall Sound System for PS5 & Xbox Series X|S (2026)
If you want the highest level of immersive audio on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, the LG S95TR is one of the best systems you can buy right now. This 9.1.5 setup delivers real Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance without needing a separate AV receiver. Games, movies and music feel bigger and closer, with detail you usually only get at a cinema.
The magic comes from LG’s triple up-firing design, including an exclusive up-firing center channel. This is a big deal: dialogue stays perfectly clear even when the action explodes around you, and vertical effects like helicopters, drones, rain, bullets, and ambient reflections are projected above you instead of just “forward” like in regular soundbars.
The rear speakers are fully wireless and plug directly into a power outlet. There’s no special receiver box to hide, no complicated wiring, and you can place them anywhere. With AI Room Calibration, the soundbar uses a built-in microphone to analyze your room, detect the position of the rear speakers, and tune the sound for a more accurate 3D bubble.
The result is a powerful, clean soundstage that fills a living room effortlessly. Explosions hit with weight, footsteps are easy to distinguish, dialogue is sharp even in chaotic scenes, and open-world games feel much more real.
For gamers, LG adds something rare: VRR/ALLM passthrough up to 120Hz. If you play competitive titles at 4K/120fps, you get instant response with no audio lag. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support is full and native, so when developers mix games for height channels, you actually hear it.
If you own a modern LG TV, you can activate WOW Orchestra to use the TV speakers together with the soundbar as part of one system. The result is a wider, more detailed soundstage controlled with a single remote. And with WOWCAST, you can even get Dolby Atmos wirelessly on compatible LG TVs, keeping your setup clean with no visible cables.
For daily use, the LG S95TR supports Google Assistant, Alexa, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, so you can stream music easily and control the system with voice or your phone.
This is the kind of sound system that transforms your living room into a theater, and your games into complete audiovisual experiences. It’s not just louder. It’s more spatial, more precise and more emotional.
Key Features
• 9.1.5 channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• Exclusive up-firing center channel for clear dialogue
• Wireless rear speakers, plug-and-play
• AI Room Calibration with built-in microphone
• Powerful active subwoofer
• VRR/ALLM passthrough up to 120Hz
• WOW Orchestra + WOWCAST support with LG TVs
• AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Google Assistant, Alexa
• HDMI eARC connection
Pros
• Real Atmos height channels including center up-firing
• Wireless rear speakers with easy setup
• Excellent calibration for accurate 3D sound
• Full next-gen gaming support (4K/120)
• Outstanding clarity and cinematic power
• Perfect match for LG OLED TVs
Cons
• Premium price
• Works best in medium or large rooms
• Wireless Atmos requires a compatible LG TV
Best For
• Players who want maximum immersion in shooters and RPGs
• Home theaters without a complex AV receiver
• Owners of LG OLED TVs looking for full integration
• Anyone who wants a system that works for gaming and movies
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Samsung HW-Q990F (11.1.4 Dolby Atmos)
Best soundbar for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
If you want one of the most immersive Dolby Atmos experiences on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S without building a complex AV receiver setup, the Samsung HW-Q990F is one of the best sound systems available today. This 11.1.4 flagship delivers a full cinematic sound field with real height channels, wireless rear speakers and a powerful subwoofer that brings games and movies to life.
The strength of the Q990F is that it works like a full home theater in a single package. With 11 front and surround channels, 4 up-firing height channels and a dedicated bass channel, sound doesn’t just come from the screen. It surrounds you and lifts above you. Explosions expand vertically, footsteps and reloads have accurate direction, and ambient details in open-world games feel physical in the space around you.
The rear speakers are wireless and only need power outlets. There is no traditional receiver box to hide, and setup is fast. With built-in room sensors, the Q990F measures your space automatically and adjusts the channels for the correct timing, volume balance and bass response. The result is an open, powerful and clean soundstage that fills the room naturally.
For gaming, Samsung includes something most soundbars skip: support for 4K/120Hz passthrough with VRR and ALLM. If you play at high frame rates on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, input response stays instant while the soundbar handles Dolby Atmos with no delay.
On Xbox Series X|S, the Q990F supports full Dolby Atmos object-based audio in games and movies over HDMI eARC. On PS5, Linear PCM delivers precise multichannel output with Sony’s Tempest spatial audio, and movies can use Bitstream Dolby/DTS depending on the disc format.
If you use a Samsung TV, the soundbar activates Q-Symphony so the TV speakers join the sound stage together with the soundbar channels. This creates a wider sound image and deeper clarity, all controlled with a single remote. Voice assistants like Alexa and Google are integrated, and the system works with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast for music.
This is the kind of system that transforms your living room into a full cinematic environment without external receivers, racks or visible cables. It’s ideal for players who want next-gen immersion with the simplicity of a premium all-in-one setup.
Key Features
• 11.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• Wireless rear speakers with up-firing channels
• Automatic room calibration with built-in sensors
• Powerful active subwoofer
• 4K/120Hz passthrough with VRR/ALLM
• Q-Symphony sound integration with Samsung TVs
• Alexa built-in, GoogleCast and AirPlay 2
• HDMI eARC connection
Pros
• True multichannel Atmos with 4 height channels
• Wireless rear speakers included
• Automatic room tuning for better immersion
• Full next-gen gaming support (4K/120)
• Excellent clarity, bass and spatial precision
• Simple setup compared to AV receiver systems
Cons
• Premium price
• Works best in medium or large rooms
• Q-Symphony requires a compatible Samsung TV
Best For
• Players who want cinematic immersion without building a full home theater
• Competitive players who want positional accuracy across the whole room
• Samsung TV owners looking for easy integration
• Mixed use: gaming, movies and streaming platforms
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Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Sound Bar, SA-SW5 Wireless Subwoofer, and SA-RS5 Wireless Rear Speakers with Built-in Battery
Best premium wireless Dolby Atmos system
If you want the most advanced wireless Dolby Atmos system for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S without building a full AV receiver setup, the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 is the ideal choice in 2026. This soundbar uses 13 speakers, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Sony’s latest processing to simulate a full array of phantom speakers around your room, creating a three-dimensional bubble of sound with almost no visible wiring.
Unlike traditional soundbars, the Theatre Bar 9 is designed as a modular system. You start with a powerful Atmos bar that already delivers vertical height and wide dispersion, and you can expand it with the SA-SW5 wireless subwoofer and SA-RS5 wireless rear speakers. The rear speakers include up-firing drivers and wide-direction woofers, recreating virtual speakers above, beside and behind you. The result is a dramatic spatial effect that feels closer to a Sony cinema system than a regular soundbar.
Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping is the real magic. Using built-in microphones and Sound Field Optimization, the system analyzes the shape of your room, measures reflections, and projects audio as if you had many more speakers installed. The performance is impressive in medium-sized living rooms, even when the layout is not perfect. Placement is flexible, wiring is minimal, and the experience is deeply immersive.
When connected to a PS5, cinematic games feel richer and more emotional. You clearly hear layers of detail in worlds like Horizon, Ghost of Tsushima or Final Fantasy, but you also get positional clarity in shooters like Call of Duty or Destiny. With Xbox Series X|S, you unlock full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, so titles mastered for height channels sound incredible, especially with vertical elements like helicopters, drones, storms, explosions and reflections.
The SA-SW5 subwoofer adds a true theater presence, with deep, controlled bass that fills the room without distortion. And because it connects wirelessly, you can place it anywhere for the cleanest layout.
Movie experience is another strong point. The Theatre Bar 9 supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced, giving you cinema-grade spatial sound on Blu-ray or streaming platforms. If you have a Sony BRAVIA TV, the integration goes even further. The TV and soundbar work together using one remote, and streaming is simple with Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth.
If you value design, modular upgrades, minimal wiring and a premium immersive experience, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 is one of the strongest systems you can buy for next-gen consoles today.
Key Features
• 13-speaker Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundbar
• 360 Spatial Sound Mapping for a virtual cinema bubble
• Optional SA-SW5 subwoofer and SA-RS5 wireless rear speakers
• Sound Field Optimization with built-in microphone
• HDMI 2.1 passthrough for next-gen gaming
• IMAX Enhanced for movies
• Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth
• Wireless design for clean setups
• One-remote control with BRAVIA TVs
Pros
• Incredible immersive effect with almost no visible cables
• Modular upgrade path for premium results
• Rear speakers include up-firing drivers
• Outstanding for cinematic single-player games
• Excellent integration with Sony BRAVIA TVs
• Strong, clean bass with the SA-SW5 subwoofer
Cons
• Full experience requires optional subwoofer and rear speakers
• Most impressive in medium-large rooms
• Premium price when fully configured
• Sony features work best with Sony TVs
Best For
• Players who want a wireless theater experience without an AV receiver
• Cinematic RPG and open-world games with heavy atmospheric design
• Living rooms where cables are not an option
• Users who want a modular system they can upgrade over time
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Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar + Sub 4 subwoofer + Era 300 Speakers
Best design-focused immersive system
For players looking for a clean, modern Dolby Atmos system that installs easily and still delivers a true surround experience on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, the Sonos Arc Ultra with Sub 4 and a pair of Era 300 speakers stands out as one of the most impressive all-in-one home theater packages available in 2026.
The Arc Ultra is Sonos’s flagship soundbar. Its new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology uses a 9.1.4 driver array to place effects precisely around the room and above your head. Explosions expand beyond the screen, aircraft and drones travel overhead, and environmental effects like rain or wind feel like they are happening inside the room rather than just coming from the TV. Dialogue stays clear thanks to a dedicated center channel and AI-powered speech enhancement that lifts voices out of the mix even in loud action scenes.
Adding two Era 300 speakers as rears is what turns this into a full Dolby Atmos gaming setup. Each Era 300 has six drivers aimed to the front, sides and top, so rear effects are not just “background ambience” but true spatial information. Footsteps behind you, enemies flanking from the side, cars passing by or spells flying overhead are easier to locate, improving immersion and awareness in both shooters and open-world titles. When paired with Arc Ultra, the system creates a full dome of Atmos sound around the listening position.
Sub 4 is the final piece of the system. It uses dual force-cancelling woofers in a ported cabinet to generate deep, clean bass while minimizing distortion and vibration. You feel rumbles, explosions, engines and low-frequency effects without muddying the midrange, preserving clarity in voices and fine detail. Because it connects over WiFi and only needs power, you can place it next to the TV, beside the sofa or even under it, depending on your layout.
For PS5, setup is simple: connect the console to your TV using HDMI 2.1, then connect the TV’s HDMI eARC port to the Arc Ultra. The PS5 sends uncompressed Linear PCM to the TV, and the TV passes that signal to the Sonos system through eARC. This preserves positional cues from Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio engine and delivers accurate channel separation for games and movies.
On Xbox Series X|S, you can enable Dolby Atmos for home theater in the audio settings. The console then sends Atmos over HDMI to the TV, and the TV forwards it to Arc Ultra through eARC. Height effects, rear reflections and side detail are all mapped to the Arc Ultra, Era 300 and Sub 4, giving you a complete Atmos sound field while still gaming at 4K/120 if your TV supports it.
Trueplay tuning is another advantage if you use an iOS device. The Sonos app measures how sound reflects in your room and adjusts EQ and timing per speaker so that explosions, dialogue and ambience are balanced at your listening position. This is particularly useful in real-world living rooms where layout is rarely perfect.
Outside of gaming, this system works as a premium home cinema setup. Ultra-HD Blu-ray, streaming apps and large-scale movies benefit from the same Dolby Atmos height and surround performance, so your console setup doubles as a full theater experience without extra boxes or receivers.
Key Features
• Full Dolby Atmos home theater set with Arc Ultra, Sub 4 and two Era 300
• 9.1.4 spatial audio from the soundbar with dedicated height and surround channels
• Era 300 rears project sound forward, sideways and upward for a real 3D rear stage
• Sub 4 with dual force-cancelling woofers and ported cabinet for deep, clean bass
• HDMI eARC connection from TV to Arc Ultra for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
• Trueplay room tuning (iOS) to optimize sound for your specific room
• Simple WiFi-based wireless link between soundbar, sub and rears
Pros
• Excellent Dolby Atmos immersion for both gaming and movies
• Clear dialogue with AI-driven speech enhancement
• Deep, controlled bass that does not overpower voices and detail
• Very clean, modern design with minimal visible cabling
• Easy setup using HDMI eARC and the Sonos app
Cons
• Premium price when you include Sub 4 and two Era 300
• Trueplay tuning requires an iOS device for the full calibration
• Works best when you have enough space behind the seating area for the rear speakers
Best For
• PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players who want a high-end Dolby Atmos system without an AV receiver
• Living rooms where design and minimal cables are important
• Gamers who split their time between cinematic single-player titles and movies or streaming
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Logitech Z906 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System, THX, Dolby & DTS Certified
Best affordable 5.1 wired
Gamers who want real cinematic surround sound without jumping to expensive Atmos soundbars or AV receivers will find the Logitech Z906 to be one of the best-value systems available today. It delivers true discrete 5.1 audio, THX certification, powerful bass and wide compatibility, making it a strong option for small to medium gaming rooms or desk setups.
The strength of the Z906 is that it offers true multichannel audio rather than virtual surround processing. When you feed the system Dolby Digital or DTS content from a console, PC or media player, the Z906 distributes those channels to five dedicated satellite speakers and a powered subwoofer exactly as intended. This creates a directional soundstage where rear effects, footsteps, explosions and environmental cues are noticeably easier to position compared to basic stereo speakers.
The system outputs 500 watts RMS (1,000 watts peak), giving it more power than most entry-level home theater kits. The subwoofer uses a 165-watt amplifier that delivers deep, punchy bass without distortion, even at higher volumes. This helps action games, shooters and racing titles feel more physical and cinematic without overpowering dialogue. The satellites produce clean mids and highs, and because they are wall-mountable, you can place them correctly for a proper surround layout.
The Z906 includes a central control console, which allows you to adjust the volume, channel levels, input selection and surround mode. The included IR remote lets you switch inputs or change settings from your sofa or gaming chair. Although the console does not include an equalizer, the system still provides clear and balanced sound once the speakers are positioned correctly.
Connectivity is another major advantage. The Z906 can connect up to six devices simultaneously thanks to digital optical inputs, digital coaxial, 3.5 mm, RCA and six-channel direct input. This makes it compatible with virtually any modern setup: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, TV, streaming boxes and older consoles. For PS5 and Xbox, the simplest setup is routing audio from the TV’s optical output (if available) or using HDMI audio extractors when needed.
Because it is a wired system, the Z906 avoids wireless latency and reduces cost while still delivering full directional accuracy. This makes it an excellent entry point for gamers who want a cinematic experience without investing in premium Atmos soundbars or AV receivers.
Key Features
• THX-certified 5.1 surround sound system
• Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 decoding
• 500W RMS (1,000W peak) total system power
• 165W dedicated subwoofer for powerful bass
• Wall-mountable satellite speakers
• Control console plus IR remote
• Up to six simultaneous inputs (optical, coaxial, RCA, 3.5 mm, direct 6-channel)
• Works with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, TV and media players
Pros
• True 5.1 multichannel surround sound at an affordable price
• Powerful bass and high volume output
• Extensive connectivity for modern and older devices
• Reliable wired performance with no latency
• Simple control console and remote
Cons
• No HDMI eARC or HDMI passthrough (requires TV optical or external extractor)
• No built-in EQ on the control console
• Best performance requires correct speaker placement with stands or wall mounts
Best For
• Gamers who want real 5.1 surround without paying premium Atmos prices
• Desk or small-medium living room setups
• Users who prefer wired reliability and strong bass
• Players using PS5, Xbox Series X|S or PC with TV/monitor optical output
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Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X - 5.1 Multi-Channel Gaming Soundbar with Subwoofer
Best desk soundbar for PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
Designed specifically for small gaming rooms and monitor setups, the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X combines a tri-amplified five-driver system with Dolby Audio decoding to deliver one of the cleanest and most versatile multi-channel gaming experiences available in a compact soundbar. With a subwoofer that is 40% smaller than the original Katana V2 and a wide range of console-friendly inputs, it is an ideal solution for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players who want real spatial immersion without dedicating extra space to large speakers.
The Katana V2X is powered by Creative’s proprietary multi-core DSP engine, which separates amplification for highs, mids and lows to maintain clarity during chaotic gameplay. Explosions, dialogue, ambient detail and musical layers all remain well-defined even at higher volumes. For its size, the system delivers surprising cinematic presence, especially when placed on a desk beneath a monitor.
Although this is not a discrete 5.1 system like traditional home theater speakers, the Katana V2X supports 5.1 multi-channel playback and includes Dolby Audio decoding over HDMI ARC or optical input. When paired with a TV or monitor that outputs Dolby-encoded content, the soundstage becomes noticeably wider and more immersive, making it ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players using a desk or bedroom setup.
One of the unique benefits of the Katana V2X is Creative’s Super X-Fi headphone technology. By personalizing audio based on your head-and-ear profile, Super X-Fi creates a virtualized 3D headspace that feels similar to multi-speaker setups. In competitive shooters, SXFI Battle Mode can highlight directional cues like footsteps and reloads, offering better awareness for FPS players who alternate between speakers and headphones.
The V2X offers outstanding connectivity: HDMI ARC, USB-C audio, optical-in, AUX-in, Bluetooth 5.0 and SXFI-out for headphones. It works with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac and mobile devices with no adapters required. Dual built-in beamforming microphones are convenient for Discord chats or team communication without needing an external mic.
For customization, the Creative App allows you to fine-tune EQ settings, adjust RGB lighting, switch between audio presets and set custom functions that can be recalled using the six programmable buttons on the remote. This flexibility lets you shift between gaming, movies and late-night listening easily.
Overall, the Creative Katana V2X is one of the strongest compact gaming soundbars for 2026, offering a blend of Dolby-certified performance, desk-friendly size, console compatibility and competitive headphone features that few systems in its category can match.
Key Features
• Tri-amplified five-driver system with multi-core DSP
• Compact subwoofer (40% smaller than Katana V2)
• 5.1 multi-channel playback with Dolby Audio decoding
• HDMI ARC, USB-C, Optical-in, AUX-in, Bluetooth 5.0
• Super X-Fi and SXFI Battle Mode for headphone spatial audio
• Dual built-in beamforming microphones
• RGB lighting and customizable profiles via Creative App
• Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC and Mac
Pros
• Excellent positional audio for desk and monitor setups
• Compact subwoofer delivers strong, clean bass
• Dolby Audio decoding enhances gaming and movie immersion
• Wide connectivity options for modern gaming platforms
• Super X-Fi is a strong advantage for competitive headphone players
• HDMI ARC makes console integration simple
Cons
• Virtualized surround, not true discrete 5.1
• Best performance requires a TV/monitor that outputs Dolby Audio
• Super X-Fi works only with headphones
• Less powerful than large living-room soundbars
Best For
• PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players using a gaming desk or bedroom setup
• Small rooms where full speaker systems are impractical
• Competitive gamers who alternate between speakers and headphones
• Users looking for a compact system that still delivers cinematic impact
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Razer Nommo Pro
Best compact RGB gaming experience
Players who want premium desktop audio without moving to a full 5.1 system will find the Razer Nommo Pro one of the strongest compact 2.1 options available for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Tuned to THX standards and built with high-quality components, it delivers impressive clarity, impactful bass and an immersive virtual surround stage ideal for cinematic gaming, competitive play and movies.
The system uses Dupont Kevlar-coated 3-inch drivers for tight, accurate mids and 20 mm silk-woven tweeters that keep highs clean and detailed. Dialogue, footsteps and subtle ambient effects remain easy to hear even during chaotic action scenes. The downward-firing subwoofer produces deep, room-filling bass that enhances explosions, engines and dramatic soundtracks without muddying the rest of the audio.
Dolby Virtual Surround Sound allows the Nommo Pro to widen stereo audio into a more atmospheric soundstage. While it is not true discrete multichannel like a 5.1 system, it significantly improves spatial cues in RPGs, shooters and open-world games when used in desktop or bedroom setups.
A central illuminated control pod keeps essential functions within quick reach, making everyday use simple and intuitive. Connectivity is strong for a 2.1 system: USB, optical input, 3.5 mm and Bluetooth 4.2 ensure compatibility with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac and mobile devices. With Razer Chroma integration, the speakers sync with RGB gaming setups for a fully unified aesthetic.
Taken as a whole, the Nommo Pro offers a premium desktop experience with strong bass, clean clarity and immersive virtual surround, all within a footprint much smaller than traditional home-theater systems.
Key Features
• THX-Certified 2.1 audio system
• Dupont Kevlar-coated 3" drivers and silk-woven tweeters
• Downward-firing subwoofer with deep, controlled bass
• Dolby Virtual Surround Sound
• LED illuminated control pod
• USB, Optical, Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5 mm
• Compatible with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC and Mac
• Razer Chroma RGB integration
Pros
• Excellent clarity with THX tuning
• Powerful bass for cinematic gaming
• Compact footprint ideal for desks
• Easy, fast-access control pod
• Wide connectivity for modern consoles and PC
Cons
• Virtual surround, not true multichannel
• Premium price for a 2.1 system
• Subwoofer is compact but still requires floor space
Best For
• PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players using a desktop or small room
• Gamers who want strong bass and premium sound without a full 5.1 system
• Users who prefer compact systems over 5.1 speakers
• Mixed-use setups for gaming, music and movies
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Compare the Best Sound Systems for PS5 & Xbox Series X|S Before You Buy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best sound system for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2026?
The best all-around system for most players is the LG S95TR, thanks to its true 9.1.5 Dolby Atmos, powerful subwoofer, wireless rears, and HDMI 2.1 gaming support. For the best wireless modular setup, the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 is the top choice. For desks, the Creative Katana V2X is the strongest option.
2. Does the PS5 support Dolby Atmos soundbars?
Yes. As of Sony’s 2023 update, the PS5 supports Dolby Atmos output for games and apps, but the console internally processes sound using Tempest 3D AudioTech and then maps it to an Atmos-compatible device.For movies on Blu-ray, PS5 supports Bitstream Dolby and DTS.
3. How do I get the best audio quality from PS5?
To maximize PS5 sound quality:
• Set Audio Format (Priority) to Linear PCM for gaming
• Use HDMI eARC on your TV
• Enable 3D Audio for speakers in system settings
• Use Bitstream (Dolby or DTS) for Blu-ray movies
• Adjust speaker placement in the PS5 audio menu
This ensures full channel separation and the most accurate positional audio.
4. Does Xbox Series X|S support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Yes. Xbox Series X|S has native support for:
• Dolby Atmos (games + movies)
• DTS:X
• Dolby Vision and HDR10
• Spatial Sound
This makes Xbox the most complete console for multichannel home-theater setups.
5. Do I need HDMI eARC for Dolby Atmos?
If you want full Dolby Atmos with height channels and uncompressed audio, yes.
• HDMI eARC: full Atmos, DTS:X, 7.1 PCM
• ARC: limited, compressed Atmos only
• Optical: no Atmos support
Using eARC ensures your soundbar or receiver gets the complete audio signal that PS5 and Xbox Series X|S can deliver.
6. Is a 5.1 speaker system better than a soundbar?
It depends on your room and layout.
• 5.1 wired speakers (like Logitech Z906) give excellent directional accuracy if placed correctly
• Dolby Atmos soundbars offer better vertical effects, cleaner setups and easier installation
• Modular systems (Sony Bar 9, Sonos Arc + Era 300) combine the best of both worlds
For apartments and modern living rooms, soundbars are usually the better choice.
7. What is the best setup for competitive FPS games?
For shooters like Call of Duty, Apex and Halo, the best positional accuracy comes from:
• Systems with dedicated rear speakers
• Clear midrange and high-frequency drivers
• Low audio latency
• True multichannel output (not virtual surround)
Top picks for FPS gamers:
• LG S95TR
• Samsung Q990F
• Sony Bar 9 with RS5 rear speakers
For desks: Creative Katana V2X.
8. Do I need rear speakers for real surround sound?
For real 3D sound, yes.
• Rear speakers create the back half of the sound bubble
• Without them, you only get front-based spatial audio
• Some systems (Sony Bar 9, Sonos Era 300) can simulate phantom speakers, but true rears are always more accurate
If you want full immersion in open-world games, rear speakers make a huge difference
.
9. Can I use these systems for movies as well?
Absolutely.Every system in this guide supports:
• Dolby Atmos
• DTS or DTS:X
• High dynamic range content
A great gaming sound system also becomes a high-quality home cinema experience automatically.
10. What sound system is best for small rooms or desks?
Top choices for compact spaces:
• Creative Katana V2X – best desk Atmos-style sound• Razer Nommo Pro – powerful 2.1 with virtual surround
• Logitech Z906 – true 5.1 for small rooms (wired)
Soundbars with large subwoofers (LG S95TR, Samsung Q990F) work best in medium to large rooms.
11. What cables do I need for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S?
For the best performance:
• HDMI 2.1 cable for console → TV
• HDMI eARC cable for TV → soundbar/AVR
• Avoid optical unless your setup requires it
HDMI 2.1 ensures 4K/120Hz gaming with full audio bandwidth.
12. Why does Atmos sometimes sound different between games?
Not all games mix audio the same way.Factors include:
• Whether the game supports Atmos natively or is being upmixed
• Audio engine used by the developer
• Room layout and height speakers
• Calibration (LG AI Room Tuning, Samsung Auto EQ, Sonos Trueplay, Sony Optimization)
Proper calibration always improves results.
13. Will these systems work with older consoles like PS4 or Xbox One?
Yes.They all support:
• Optical
• HDMI ARC
• HDMI eARC
But PS4 does not support Dolby Atmos in games, only in some apps.
Xbox One does support Atmos for games and movies.
14. What is the cheapest way to get real surround sound?
The best budget options:
• Logitech Z906 (5.1)
• Creative Katana V2X
• Used AV receiver + cheap 5.1 speakers
These give real directional sound without paying premium Atmos prices.
15. Do soundbars cause input lag in games?
High-end soundbars like LG S95TR, Samsung Q990F and Sony Bar 9 include:
• Low-latency processing
• 4K/120Hz passthrough
• VRR and ALLM support
As long as your console connects to the TV first and the TV passes audio to the soundbar via eARC, you will not experience extra lag.
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