Best AV Receivers of 2026

"I was really impressed by how simple the setup was and how amazing the sound quality is. I especially appreciate the surround sound modes, which work great even with streaming broadcasts, and the 4K pass-through is sharp and lag-free. Connecting my phone via Bluetooth only took a few seconds, making this receiver a fantastic value for home theater use."

"After replacing my old receiver with this Denon, I immediately noticed a huge improvement in both video and audio quality. The automated Audyssey setup was particularly helpful—it caught some incorrect speaker wiring I never would have found otherwise. Network setup was quick, and Spotify integration was seamless. Overall, I couldn't be happier with the upgrade."

"I bought the AVR-X1700H for my mid-sized living room, and controlling it has been a breeze thanks to the user-friendly setup program. There are more than enough HDMI inputs for my devices, and it delivers clear, powerful audio for my 5.1 system. The design is attractive and fits perfectly with my new TV."

"I've been using this receiver daily for two years, and it has performed perfectly with my 4K projector and computer. The sound quality is amazing once you master the audio menus—which do take a little time to get used to. I love the auto labeling feature and the four HDMI inputs that handle all my devices. You'll need an external subwoofer amp, but pairing it with a small Fosi amp from Amazon worked flawlessly for me. Overall, this is an excellent centerpiece for any AV system."

"After switching from a Sony STRDH590, I'm genuinely impressed by how crisp and clear the Yamaha sounds. The front panel controls are a lifesaver if the remote ever fails, and the 5-channel stereo expansion is a feature I missed on my previous receiver. Setup was extremely easy with the included microphone, and I appreciate having banana plug inputs for all five channels. The only slight downside is that there are just four HDMI inputs and no eARC support, but overall, the audio is much better than my old Sony."

"We use this unit in a 3.1 setup for our TV area, and the imaging is so good we don't even miss surround speakers. Upgrading to new HDMI cables made a big difference for 4K. I appreciate how easy it is to EQ the sound for our room, and Yamaha’s reliability stands out—I've never had one fail in less than 15 years. If you want a dependable unit with great sound that plays nicely with all your AV sources, this is the one. Also, investing in quality speakers will do more for your listening experience than any receiver upgrade."

"After trying other receivers, I found the Denon AVR-X2800H to be the most reliable and feature-rich option. It delivers accurate surround channel steering and supports HDR10+ and full HDMI 2.1 across all six inputs—features my previous Onkyo lacked. The room correction upgrade and flexible speaker assignments make it the best bang for the buck. I have no complaints about the Denon—it just works and sounds fantastic!"

"The Denon AVR-X1800H has been delightful overall. The on-screen setup is intuitive, the web and app-based remote controls are outstanding, and the sound quality is superb with my 7.1 system. While the HDMI passthrough can be problematic and Audyssey didn’t meet my expectations, manual tuning lets me achieve great results. All things considered, this receiver is practical and well-designed."

"Switching from my old Onkyo to the Denon AVR-X1800H was a great choice. The setup menu is HD and works perfectly with my Hisense TV, and it drives my subwoofer so well I had to turn the gain down. The only minor downside is that ARC volume levels aren’t always displayed on the receiver, but the overall sound and usability are excellent."

"I've been a 'poor' audiophile for years, and the microphone feature for room delay setup is worth the price alone. This receiver is a pleasure to use, and I can't wait to hook up my ceiling speakers to utilize all 9 channels!"

"After upgrading from my Denon AVR-1913 to the Onkyo 7100, I was excited about the sound quality. However, I've experienced issues with the back right surround channel producing scratches and pops. It's frustrating, especially with the lack of live support from Onkyo."

"This is my second Onkyo receiver, and I found the setup process quite straightforward. The audio quality is brilliant, especially with my 7.1.2 configuration. Watching the 4K Elvis movie was an immersive experience, and I highly recommend this receiver for its phenomenal value!"

"I upgraded to this Denon after my old Onkyo started failing, and I've been impressed with the straightforward setup and noticeable improvement in sound quality. The Denon runs significantly cooler in my cabinet compared to my previous receiver, which gives me confidence in its durability. While I wish the remote had a programmable TV power button, overall, I'd definitely recommend this receiver for its features and value."

"This receiver is fantastic in my bedroom setup with Klipsch speakers. The Bluetooth connects instantly, and there's no hiss or static. The included mic made speaker calibration effortless. Although the menu was a bit intimidating at first, I figured it out quickly and didn't even need the manual. For the price, Denon delivers an outstanding product."

"After my old Pioneer receiver died, I chose the Denon AVR-S570BT based on strong reviews, and I couldn't be happier. It's intuitive to use, easy to set up, and powers my 5.1 system with clarity. The Bluetooth is reliable, and I appreciate the auto calibration features. While it lacks some of the latest features, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a high-quality budget AV receiver."

"I needed something compact that could handle a mix of car and home audio gear, and this unit fit the bill. MCACC calibration really saved me hours of fine-tuning, and I love that Bluetooth and dimmer features work perfectly for my bedroom setup. The amp easily drives my custom speakers without breaking a sweat. My only small gripe is the lack of banana plug compatibility on the surround terminals, but overall, it’s a winner for my needs."

"As a newcomer to A/V receivers, setting this up was a challenge, but once I learned the menus and settings, the sound quality for TV, music, and turntable was impressive. Dynamic compression and 2-channel surround modes are great, and the unit really delivers for the price. If you’re patient with the setup, you’ll be rewarded. I just wish the FM antenna and some settings were easier to manage, but it’s worth it at a Black Friday price."

"After using this receiver for a year, I can say it's been a bargain packed with features and great power. My 5.1 Klipsch setup finally sounds the way I want, and I love having eight HDMI ports and tons of customization. The app is surprisingly useful when I don't want to hunt for the remote. Whether I'm watching sports, streaming, or gaming across multiple consoles, I get the volume and clarity I need. It’s easily the best value for power and options in this price range."

"I needed a modern AVR for my 4K HDR and gaming needs, and this Onkyo hasn't disappointed. Setup was quick, and it integrated perfectly with my Google Nest network. My Klipsch speakers sound better than ever, and the receiver optimizes each channel automatically. The picture and sound quality are both top-notch—HDR is crisp, and upmixed Atmos audio is immersive. All my devices work smoothly, and eARC is reliable. After a week of heavy use, I’m very satisfied with my purchase."

"This is the worst A/V device I've owned. The fan noise is distracting, and I experienced frequent HDMI issues with my Xbox Series X—sometimes video wouldn't appear, and I had to restart the system. Over two years, the performance degraded, with more video flickers, delays, and loud clicks. My previous receiver lasted a decade, but this one barely made it past two years before breaking down."

"After months of research, I went with the RZ50 and couldn’t be happier. The sound quality is phenomenal with clear dialogue and full, immersive audio, and the DIRAC Live room correction included is a huge bonus. For the price, especially compared to newer models, it’s unbeatable. I’m running a 7.1.4 setup and there’s plenty of power—way past reference levels. Highly recommended for anyone wanting true value and performance."

"Setting up the Onkyo RZ50 was a breeze. I love how straightforward it is to use, and the sound quality is simply excellent. This receiver made a noticeable difference in my home theater experience."

"I was thinking about upgrading my home theater and ended up choosing the RZ50 over Denon and Yamaha models. The upscaling capability really impressed me, making my existing TV look even better, and I found the value to be unmatched compared to more expensive competitors. The system has brought new life to my setup and I’m glad I made the switch."

"I upgraded to this Yamaha from an older model and couldn't be happier. The sound quality is outstanding, setup was a breeze, and I love that I can use all the features without relying on the app. The hardware feels durable, and it delivers a noticeable improvement over my previous receiver. I’m impressed by the reliability and rich features—definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable unit."

"After replacing my Onkyo with this Yamaha receiver, I immediately noticed clearer audio, vibrant picture quality, and an intuitive setup process. The menu system may look dated, but it makes renaming inputs and tweaking settings straightforward. Within half an hour, I was miles ahead of my previous experience. It’s fantastic value for the price, and I’m eager to test even more features soon."

"This unit replaced my over 20-year-old receiver, and the difference in sound quality is remarkable. The included microphone made setting up the speakers simple and precise. If you’re considering a new A/V receiver, the Yamaha RX-V6A is a major upgrade—easy to set up and delivers excellent performance."

"After upgrading to the SONY STR-AN1000 and a 4K projector, I was blown away by the immersive surround sound and seamless switching between all my devices. Setup was straightforward, and the system is a major leap forward from my old 1080 setup. The ability to control settings from my smartphone and the compact, user-friendly remote make the experience even better."

"The picture quality passed through to my LG 4K projector is stunning, and I love having so many HDMI inputs for all my streaming and playback devices. The on-screen display and advanced audio features like Dolby Speaker Virtualization really enhance my home theater experience."

"I didn't find a phono input on this receiver, but that's not a big deal for me since I have another receiver for my turntable. Overall, the STR-AN1000 is an excellent investment with features well worth the price, and I expect it to last for years."