10 Best Cheap Av Receivers 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch 8K UHD AVR Home Theater Stereo Receiver, (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming Dolby Atmos DTS:X IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D
The Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch Receiver stands out with its impressive 105W per channel power output, making it a strong choice for those looking for powerful audio performance on a budget. Its 9.4-channel configuration supports a wide range of immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, providing a dynamic and rich sound experience.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,122
Channels
Power Output
Connectivity
Most important from
1104 reviews
#2
Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2-Channel AV Receiver - 140 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More
The Onkyo TX-RZ70 is a powerful 11.2-channel AV receiver delivering 140 watts per channel, making it suitable for users who want a rich home theater setup with multiple speakers and zones. It supports advanced audio features like Dirac Live room calibration, which automatically adjusts sound based on your room and speaker setup for better clarity and bass control. The inclusion of THX certification ensures high-quality sound performance that stays true to the original source, with modes tailored for cinema, gaming, and music.
Rating
9.4
Channels
Power Output
Connectivity
Most important from
76 reviews
#3
Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Ch Stereo Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (95W X 7), Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos, DTS Neural:X & DTS:X Surround Sound, Bluetooth Amplifier
The Denon AVR-X2800H is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly AV receiver that doesn't skimp on features. It supports 7.2 channels with 95 watts per channel, which means it can power a reasonably sized home theater setup with clear, immersive sound including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for three-dimensional audio effects. It handles video very well, featuring 8K/60Hz pass-through and supporting the latest formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, so it’ll work smoothly with modern 4K and 8K TVs.
Rating
8.8
Channels
Connectivity
Audio Formats
Most important from
1104 reviews
Top 10 Best Cheap Av Receivers 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch 8K UHD AVR Home Theater Stereo Receiver, (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming Dolby Atmos DTS:X IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4-Ch 8K UHD AVR Home Theater Stereo Receiver, (105W X 9) Built-in Bluetooth Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room Streaming Dolby Atmos DTS:X IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D
Channels: 9.4
Power Output: 105W per channel
Connectivity: HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced
Video Processing: 8K UHD, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
User Interface and Ease of Use: On-screen HD GUI setup assistant
Chosen by 1122 this week
Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2-Channel AV Receiver - 140 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More
Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2-Channel AV Receiver - 140 Watts Per Channel, Dirac Live Out of Box, Works with Sonos Certified, THX Certified and More
Channels: 11.2-channel
Power Output: 140 watts per channel
Connectivity: 10 HDMI ports, eARC, Sonos, HomeKit
Video Processing: IMAX Enhanced mode
User Interface and Ease of Use: Apple HomeKit, Klipsch speaker tuning
Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Ch Stereo Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (95W X 7), Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos, DTS Neural:X & DTS:X Surround Sound, Bluetooth Amplifier
Denon AVR-X2800H 7.2 Ch Stereo Receiver - 8K UHD Home Theater AVR (95W X 7), Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, Dolby Atmos, DTS Neural:X & DTS:X Surround Sound, Bluetooth Amplifier
Channels: 7.2 channels
Power Output: 95 watts per channel
Connectivity: 8 HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Video Processing: 8K/60Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
User Interface and Ease of Use: Apple HomeKit compatible
Yamaha RX-A8A AVENTAGE 11.2-Channel AV Receiver - 8K and 4K/120, eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, Surround:AI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MusicCast
Yamaha RX-A8A AVENTAGE 11.2-Channel AV Receiver - 8K and 4K/120, eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, Surround:AI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MusicCast
Channels: 11.2
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Video Processing: 4K, 8K, HDR10+
User Interface and Ease of Use: Voice control via Alexa, Siri, Google
Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier
Denon AVR-S970H 8K Ultra HD 7.2 Channel (90W X 7) AV Home Audio Receiver, Built for Gaming, Music Streaming, 3D Audio & Video, Alexa + HEOS, Black, Bluetooth Amplifier
Channels: 7.2 Channel
Power Output: 90 watts per channel
Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HEOS tech
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Video Processing: 8K pass-through, VRR, Auto Low Latency
User Interface and Ease of Use: On-screen guide, Audyssey correction
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Marantz Cinema 30 11.4 Channel 8K Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Atmos & IMAX Enhanced Audio (Black)
Marantz Cinema 30 11.4 Channel 8K Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Atmos & IMAX Enhanced Audio (Black)
Channels: 11.4
Connectivity: 10 HDMI, digital, analog, phono, Wi-Fi
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced
Video Processing: HEVC encoding, 8K video support
User Interface and Ease of Use: Straightforward, needs setup knowledge
Marantz Cinema 50 9.4-Ch Receiver (110W X 9) - 4K/120 and 8K Home Theater Receiver (2022 Model), Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room, Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D
Marantz Cinema 50 9.4-Ch Receiver (110W X 9) - 4K/120 and 8K Home Theater Receiver (2022 Model), Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & HEOS Multi-Room, Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced & Auro 3D
Channels: 9.4
Power Output: 110 watts per channel
Connectivity: 9 HDMI ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HEOS
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX, Auro 3D
Video Processing: 8K 60Hz, 4K 120Hz, HDR
User Interface and Ease of Use: Audyssey calibration, on-screen, voice control
Denon AVR-S770H 7.2 Ch Home Theater Receiver - 8K UHD HDMI Receiver (75W X 7), Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Neural:X & DTS:X Surround Sound, Bluetooth Amplifier
Denon AVR-S770H 7.2 Ch Home Theater Receiver - 8K UHD HDMI Receiver (75W X 7), Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, Wi-Fi, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Neural:X & DTS:X Surround Sound, Bluetooth Amplifier
Channels: 7 channels, 7.2 surround sound
Power Output: 75 watts per channel
Connectivity: 8 HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HEOS
Audio Formats: Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, Atmos
Video Processing: HDR10+, Dolby Vision, VRR, ALLM
User Interface and Ease of Use: Easy guide, Audyssey calibration
#10
Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 Channel AV Stereo Receiver - 80W/Channel, Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, WiFi, & Bluetooth, Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, & Home Automation Systems
Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 Channel AV Stereo Receiver - 80W/Channel, Wireless Streaming via Built-in HEOS, WiFi, & Bluetooth, Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR, & Home Automation Systems
Channels: 7.2
Power Output: 80W per channel
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2
Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Virtualization
Video Processing: 8K upscaling, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
User Interface and Ease of Use: On-screen guide, color-coded connections
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Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Av Receivers
When shopping for a budget AV receiver, it's important to focus on the features that will give you the best value for your money. AV receivers are the heart of a home theater system, responsible for processing audio and video signals and powering your speakers. To make an informed decision, you should consider the key specifications that will impact your overall experience. Here are some important specs to look at and how to choose the right one for your needs.ChannelsChannels refer to the number of speakers the receiver can support. This is important because it determines the surround sound experience you can achieve. Common configurations include 5.1 (five speakers and one subwoofer) and 7.1 (seven speakers and one subwoofer). If you have a smaller room or are just starting out, a 5.1 system might be sufficient. For a more immersive experience, especially in larger rooms, consider a 7.1 system. Choose based on the number of speakers you plan to use and the size of your room.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts per channel, indicates how much power the receiver can deliver to each speaker. This is important for achieving clear and dynamic sound. Lower power output (around 50-70 watts per channel) is generally sufficient for small to medium-sized rooms and less demanding listening. Higher power output (above 70 watts per channel) is better for larger rooms or if you prefer listening at higher volumes. Consider your room size and listening habits when choosing the power output.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how many and what types of devices you can connect to your receiver. This includes HDMI inputs and outputs, optical and coaxial inputs, and analog inputs. HDMI is the most important for modern setups, as it supports high-definition video and audio. Look for a receiver with enough HDMI ports to connect all your devices (e.g., TV, gaming console, Blu-ray player). Additional connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can also be useful for streaming music wirelessly. Choose based on the devices you plan to connect and your preference for wired or wireless connections.
Audio FormatsSupport for various audio formats ensures that your receiver can decode and play different types of audio content. Important formats include Dolby Digital, DTS, and newer formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which provide more immersive sound experiences. If you want the latest surround sound technology, look for receivers that support these advanced formats. However, if you mainly watch standard TV and movies, basic Dolby Digital and DTS support might be sufficient. Choose based on the type of content you consume and your desire for advanced audio features.
Video ProcessingVideo processing capabilities, such as upscaling and pass-through, affect the quality of the video signal that the receiver sends to your TV. Upscaling can improve the quality of lower-resolution content, while pass-through allows high-definition signals to pass through the receiver without degradation. If you have a 4K TV, look for a receiver that supports 4K pass-through and upscaling. For standard HD TVs, these features are less critical. Choose based on your TV's resolution and your desire for enhanced video quality.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use can greatly impact your overall experience with the receiver. A well-designed interface makes it easier to set up and control your system. Look for receivers with intuitive on-screen menus, clear displays, and user-friendly remote controls. Some receivers also offer smartphone apps for easier control. Choose based on your comfort level with technology and your preference for simple, straightforward operation.