The Best AV Receivers for 2026: Onkyo, Sony, Denon, Marantz and Yamaha Picks
By Claire Whitmore. Last updated October 2026.
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An AV receiver is the heart of a real home theater. It switches your streaming box, game console and Blu-ray player over HDMI, decodes surround formats like Dolby Atmos, and powers your speakers, while also streaming music around the house. If you want sound that a soundbar can’t match, this is where it starts.
We built this guide from two independent expert sources. CNET’s senior editor, who has reviewed home entertainment since 2006, tests receivers in CNET’s Manhattan audio lab against reference models, using 4K Blu-ray and streamed movie scenes for Dolby Atmos and dialog clarity, plus music tracks and streaming features. What Hi-Fi tests receivers in its UK AV testing rooms for sound, build and features. We haven’t tested these receivers ourselves.
Quick answer: CNET’s best receiver overall is the Onkyo TX-NR6100, with the Onkyo TX-RZ50 as the step-up pick. What Hi-Fi’s best overall is the Sony TA-AN1000, sold in the US as the STR-AN1000, which CNET names best for gaming. For a high-end 11-channel system, What Hi-Fi’s picks are the Denon AVC-X6800H and Marantz Cinema 30.
Our picks at a glance
| Receiver | Channels | Source | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onkyo TX-NR6100 | 7 x 100 W | CNET: best overall | Value, streaming, Atmos |
| Onkyo TX-RZ50 | 7 (120 W) | CNET: best for power users | Dirac Live calibration |
| Sony STR-AN1000 / TA-AN1000 | 7 | CNET: best for gaming; What Hi-Fi: best overall | Precise, punchy sound |
| Yamaha RX-A4A | 7 (110 W) | CNET: best for movies | Cinematic sound, phono stage |
| Denon AVR-X2800H | 7 | What Hi-Fi: best budget | Entry-level premium |
| Arcam AVR5 | 7 (decodes up to 12) | What Hi-Fi: best mid-range | Refined sound |
| Denon AVC-X6800H | 11 (processes 13) | What Hi-Fi: best premium | 7.1.4 in one box |
| Marantz Cinema 30 | 11 | What Hi-Fi: best high-end | Luxury home theaters |
Channel counts and power ratings as reported by CNET and What Hi-Fi.
What matters when buying a receiver
Channels and expansion: What Hi-Fi says the most crucial step is matching the receiver to the size of your speaker system and allowing for future expansion. CNET points out you can start with a pair of stereo speakers and add surrounds and a subwoofer later.
HDMI: CNET recommends as many rear HDMI inputs as possible. HDMI 2.1 features like 4K/120Hz matter mainly for current consoles; What Hi-Fi notes HDMI 2.0 is fine if you mostly watch film and TV.
Dolby Atmos: most receivers from about $500 up support Atmos and DTS:X. CNET says the effect can be subtle and suggests mounting rear speakers high on the wall if you can’t add ceiling speakers.
Streaming: CNET says the most universal standards are Spotify Connect, AirPlay and Google Cast; Onkyo and Sony support all three, Denon offers AirPlay 2 and HEOS, and Yamaha uses MusicCast.
Calibration: What Hi-Fi notes many receivers include a microphone and roughly 15-minute automatic setup; some support more advanced third-party calibration.
The best AV receivers
1. Onkyo TX-NR6100: best overall value
Best for: most home theaters.
CNET’s top choice is an excellent-sounding receiver at an affordable price, with a knack for expansive, detailed Dolby Atmos and very good music playback. It’s a 7 x 100-watt receiver with six rear HDMI inputs (three pass 8K), a dedicated phono input and streaming via Google Cast, DTS Play-Fi, Spotify Connect, Sonos, AirPlay and Bluetooth. CNET calls it the first receiver it tested that both passed 4K/120Hz and that it would recommend. It’s less dynamic with music than some.
Pros
- Excellent home theater sound
- Huge streaming suite
- Phono input
- 4K/120Hz
Cons
- Less dynamic with music
2. Onkyo TX-RZ50: best for enthusiasts
Best for: upgraded speakers and turntable setups.
CNET says it adds Dirac Live audiophile calibration, the best streaming suite in any receiver and voice control via Google Assistant or Alexa. Compared with the TX-NR6100 it doubles the 8K inputs (six versus three) and adds power (120 versus 100 watts) and two-way Bluetooth for wireless headphones. CNET hadn’t heard Dolby Atmos this convincing in a long time. Dirac setup is complex.
Pros
- Dirac Live
- Superb Atmos
- Best streaming suite
Cons
- Tricky Dirac setup
- Pricier
3. Sony STR-AN1000 (TA-AN1000): best sound for the money
Best for: movies, music and gaming.
What Hi-Fi’s best overall says Sony caught lightning in a bottle again: its crisp, precise, punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance, and it’s a no-brainer at its level. What Hi-Fi tested the UK-market TA-AN1000; CNET reviewed the US STR-AN1000, with matching core specs of seven channels, six HDMI inputs and two outputs.
CNET names it best for gaming, with HDMI 2.1 4K/120Hz support, Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, Sonos compatibility and an advanced calibration routine with a stereo microphone that handles multiple seats. CNET notes a lower power rating, no dedicated phono input and a poorly designed remote.
Pros
- Precise, dynamic sound
- Excellent calibration
- Gaming-ready HDMI
Cons
- No phono input
- Lower power rating
- Weak remote
4. Yamaha RX-A4A: best for movie lovers
Best for: dedicated movie rooms with a turntable.
CNET found excellent build quality and a huge, cinematic sound, with 110 watts per channel and seven HDMI ports. Its onboard phono preamp was even better than the Onkyo RZ50’s. It’s less impressive with streamed music.
Pros
- Big cinematic sound
- Excellent build
- Great phono stage
Cons
- Weaker with streamed music
5. Denon AVR-X2800H: best budget receiver
Best for: entry-level premium systems.
What Hi-Fi’s budget pick has seven channels and can drive a 5.1.2 Atmos system, with three HDMI 2.1 ports for 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz, gaming features like VRR and ALLM, eARC and room calibration. It offers a responsive, coherent and spacious sound with Denon’s authoritative weight, plus a user-friendly full-screen interface. What Hi-Fi still thinks the Sony is worth the extra if you can stretch.
Pros
- Authoritative, spacious sound
- HDMI 2.1
- Easy interface
Cons
- Sony sounds better
6. Arcam AVR5: best mid-range sound
Best for: listeners who prioritize refinement.
What Hi-Fi says Arcam’s entry-level AVR outperforms receivers that cost far more, with agile, pinpoint-accurate movie and music sound. It has seven channels and decodes up to 12 channels of Atmos with an extra power amp. It lacks HDMI 2.1 and built-in calibration, and its seven HDMI inputs pass 4K/60Hz.
Pros
- Refined, accurate sound
- Seven HDMI inputs
Cons
- No HDMI 2.1
- No built-in calibration
Best for: 7.1.4 Atmos systems.
What Hi-Fi says it improves on its award-winning predecessor in every area that counts. It has seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, HEOS, Spotify Connect and Amazon Music HD, a new high-definition on-screen interface and 11 channels of amplification with processing for 13, enough for 7.1.4 Atmos without an external amp. Its sound is rich, full-bodied and fun, if not the most revealing.
Pros
- 11 channels
- Seven HDMI 2.1
- Rich, punchy sound
Cons
- Not the most natural sound
8. Marantz Cinema 30: best luxury receiver
Best for: high-end dedicated home theaters.
What Hi-Fi gave it full marks for sound, build and features. It has seven HDMI 2.1 inputs (40Gbps) with VRR, ALLM and QMS, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Roon and HEOS, and 11 channels for 7.1.4 Atmos. Its smooth, refined, controlled sound scales up without losing precision. It’s pricey.
Pros
- Reference-level sound
- Luxe build
- Every streaming option
Cons
- Expensive
Even higher-end options
For a dedicated theater with recliners, CNET tested the 13-channel Denon AVR-A10H ($5,199). What Hi-Fi also suggests the Denon AVC-A1H for spectacular cinematic sound, the Arcam AVR31 for a cleaner, more authentic presentation, and the JBL Synthesis SDR-38 for revealing detail.
Build the rest of the system
A receiver is only as good as the speakers and screen around it. See our best bookshelf speakers, best OLED TVs and best home theater projectors. If a full system is too much, our best soundbars guide covers simpler options, and vinyl fans should see our best turntables.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a stereo and AV receiver?
CNET explains a stereo receiver is a two-channel audio amplifier, while an AV receiver adds surround sound and HDMI video switching.
Do I need 4K/120Hz?
Only if you game on a current console with a compatible TV; otherwise you can connect a console directly to the TV and use eARC.
How do I connect my TV?
With a modern TV, one HDMI cable from the TV’s ARC/eARC port to the receiver’s HDMI output carries both directions.
Do I need Dolby Atmos?
It’s included on most receivers above about $500; CNET says the effect can be subtle without height speakers.
The bottom line
The Onkyo TX-NR6100 is the smartest buy for most home theaters, and the Sony STR-AN1000 is the pick for precise sound and gaming. Enthusiasts should step up to the Onkyo TX-RZ50, while luxury home theaters deserve the Denon AVC-X6800H or Marantz Cinema 30.
