The 7 Best Budget Av Receiver, Tested And Researched

After exploring what makes the Denon AVR-X2800H special, we learned it's not simply power—though it delivers at 95 watts per channel.  We loved how it combines next-generation video and immersive audio. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X gives you the kind of 3D soundstage you’d expect in a professional cinema, and even legacy content can benefit thanks to the Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixers.

For those with 8K TVs, this receiver is ready to go, with 8K/60Hz pass-through, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and eARC support. And whether you’re connecting a turntable, Blu-ray player, or streaming via Wi-Fi or HEOS, the AVR-X2800H has all the ports and options covered. We also liked that it can support multi-room audio, letting you stream Spotify or TIDAL throughout the house, without needing extra equipment.

Nevertheless, the volume control on the remote sometimes takes a few presses to make noticeable changes. Despite this, the Denon AVR-X2800H offers a powerful, flexible, and immersive solution that punches well above its class.

This 5.2-channel receiver pushes out up to 725 watts, which is more than enough for most living room setups, and it supports full 4K HDR pass-through with HDCP 2.2. That means sharper, richer images from source to screen, great for anyone with a modern TV and streaming devices.

What really caught our attention was the inclusion of Sony’s S-Force PRO virtual surround technology. Even with just two front speakers, the STRDH590 can simulate a more immersive soundstage, giving you that “movie theater” feel without needing a full surround system. Add to that Bluetooth connectivity, multiple audio inputs, and a built-in FM tuner, and it becomes clear this receiver is as versatile as it is powerful.

One thing to keep in mind is that the menu system takes a bit of time to get used to navigating the settings. But once you’re past the learning curve, it’s smooth sailing, and the performance makes the extra effort worth it.

For the home theater enthusiast looking to get solid performance without spending big, the Yamaha RX-V385 is one of the best budget-friendly options we’ve found through our research. It delivers impressive sound quality for a 5.1-channel system and includes modern features like 4K video pass-through, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, making it a great fit for casual movie nights or everyday TV viewing.

This product also includes Yamaha’s Virtual Cinema Front, which creates a surround sound effect even when all speakers are placed at the front of the room—a huge plus if you’re working with tight spaces or limited speaker placement options. The Yamaha RX-V385 even supports bi-amping for the front channels, which is typically a higher-end feature, and we appreciate the inclusion of Bluetooth for easy wireless streaming. 

Nevertheless, the printed instruction booklet doesn’t offer much help beyond basic setup. A clearer manual would make the experience even better. Overall, the RX-V385 is a reliable entry-level receiver that brings a lot to the table for its price, especially if you’re after a simple, high-quality upgrade to your home theater without overcomplicating things.

The Sony STR-DH790 7.2-ch AV Receiver is designed for those who want immersive movie experiences at home. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this 7.2-channel receiver creates dynamic, overhead sound that truly pulls you into the scene. The video support is just as strong. With 4K HDR pass-through and compatibility with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Hybrid Log-Gamma, the STR-DH790 delivers stunning picture quality with sharp contrast and vivid color. Whether you're streaming a film or gaming, the visuals feel crisp and lifelike.

We also liked the thoughtful design: its low profile makes it easy to fit into most media cabinets, and Sony’s auto calibration system (D.C.A.C.) helps adjust the audio based on your room’s layout. Bluetooth streaming adds everyday convenience, and the Pure Direct function is a bonus for those who prefer cleaner, unaltered sound.

While this receiver offers a lot of features, navigating the setup and settings can feel a bit tricky at first.  But once it's up and running, the performance speaks for itself. For the price, it’s a powerful and capable choice for a surround sound upgrade.

When looking for low-cost AV receivers that nonetheless provide immersive sound, we came across the Pioneer VSX-534. This 5.2-channel model supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great entry point into object-based surround sound. Even without extra speakers, the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer simulates overhead audio for a more dimensional listening experience.

Bluetooth connectivity is built-in, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your phone or laptop. With the press of a button, you can save your favorite settings like volume or listening mode and recall them instantly. Another thoughtful addition is Range Control, which lets you fine-tune mid-range audio like dialogue, so conversations don’t get lost in the mix.

The one drawback is that it may have a faint buzzing or hum when the receiver is muted or between inputs. It’s not an issue during playback, but it may be noticeable in very quiet moments. Overall, though, the VSX-534 balances performance, simplicity, and value quite well.

If you're looking for an AV receiver that supports the latest video and audio standards, the Denon AVR-S570BT is a versatile option. Designed with future-proofing in mind, it features four HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of passing 8K video, alongside support for HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG. This means you get crisp, vibrant images whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or gaming with features like VRR and QFT to reduce lag.

On the audio side, the AVR-S570BT handles Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, delivering rich, immersive sound that enhances movies and music. Built-in Bluetooth makes it easy to stream playlists directly from your phone or tablet, adding convenience without extra devices. Setting up the receiver is straightforward thanks to Denon’s on-screen HD setup assistant, which walks users through connecting their gear and fine-tuning audio settings. You can also control the receiver with your TV remote or Denon’s smartphone app.

A small caveat: all adjustments, from equalizer tweaks to radio presets, must be made via the remote and TV interface. This means there’s no quick control directly on the unit, which can be inconvenient for fast changes during use. Still, the AVR-S570BT offers great value for home entertainment enthusiasts.

The Yamaha RX-V6A offers seven HDMI inputs compatible with 8K and 4K signals, ensuring compatibility with future devices. The support for HDR10+ brings dynamic contrast improvements on a scene-by-scene basis, delivering vivid visuals that retain important details in both bright and dark scenes.

Music lovers will appreciate the multi-room streaming capabilities with Wi-Fi MusicCast and AirPlay 2, plus Bluetooth streaming to or from headphones for private listening. Its Yamaha’s YPAO room calibration system analyzes up to eight listening positions to optimize audio for a spacious sweet spot, making movie nights a treat for the whole family.

The option to add wireless surround speakers via MusicCast 50 or 20 models also allows easy expansion without extra wiring. However, this receiver doesn’t include a physical user manual in the box, so setup and advanced tweaks rely on digital resources, which might be inconvenient for some users.