10 Best Budget Av Receivers 2026 in the United States

The Denon AVR-X4800H is a robust 9.4-channel home theater receiver that stands out with its 125W per channel power output and extensive connectivity options, making it a suitable choice for those looking to build an immersive home theater experience. It offers impressive 8K video pass-through, supporting advanced formats such as HDR and Dolby Vision, ensuring compatibility with modern TVs and projectors. The audio capabilities are equally impressive, boasting support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and other surround sound technologies to create an enveloping listening experience, especially in larger spaces.

For users who appreciate multi-room setups, the built-in HEOS technology allows for seamless streaming across different rooms using services like Spotify and TIDAL, which is a great plus for audiophiles. Additionally, the easy-to-use on-screen setup assistant simplifies installation, and the Audyssey Room Correction Suite enhances sound quality by tailoring audio output to your room's specific acoustics.

The AVR-X4800H excels in many areas, but it does come with a few drawbacks. Its size and weight (34.8 pounds) may be cumbersome for some users, especially those with limited space. The remote control may not be very intuitive for all users, particularly those who aren’t tech-savvy. Furthermore, while the price point is competitive for its feature set, it may be considered high for budget-conscious consumers.

The Denon AVR-X2800H is a solid choice for anyone looking to build a budget-friendly home theater with 7.2 channels and a power output of 95 watts per channel. It supports advanced 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and virtual height effects, enhancing your sound experience even without overhead speakers. It is designed to handle 8K video pass-through and supports the latest HDR formats, making it future-ready for new TVs and streaming devices.

With 8 HDMI ports (including three 8K inputs), plus analog, digital, and phono connections, it can easily connect to multiple devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and turntables. The built-in HEOS streaming and Wi-Fi provide convenient access to popular music services, and Bluetooth enables easy music playback from your phone. Its support for Apple HomeKit adds smart home integration.

The power output is modest, so it is best suited for small to medium-sized rooms rather than large spaces. While it offers room calibration features, it does not have the most advanced automatic setup systems found in higher-end models. Some users might find the interface or setup process a bit complex if they are new to AV receivers. This receiver fits those who want a balance of modern features like 8K support and immersive sound without a high price. It is especially appealing for multi-room audio or wireless streaming around the home and provides strong value with versatile connectivity and sound capabilities.

The Denon AVR-S970H is a strong choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly AV receiver that doesn't skimp on modern features. It offers 7.2 channel sound with 90 watts per channel, which is enough to fill medium-sized rooms with clear, immersive audio. This model supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing good 3D audio for movies and games. It stands out with 8K/60Hz video pass-through and gaming-friendly features like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode, helping reduce lag and improve visual smoothness for gamers.

Connectivity options are well-covered with six HDMI inputs (including three 8K-ready), USB, analog, digital, and even a phono input for turntables. This means it can easily connect to a variety of devices like TVs, Blu-ray players, and speakers. Wireless capabilities include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus support for HEOS multi-room streaming, allowing you to play music around your home using popular services like Spotify and Tidal.

The included Audyssey Room Calibration helps fine-tune the speakers to your room for better sound quality without complicated setup. The user interface is designed to be straightforward, guiding you through connections and adjustments. While 90 watts per channel is decent, it may not be enough for very large rooms or very high-volume listening. Also, while it supports many streaming platforms, the receiver relies on your home network's stability for wireless performance. This combination of power, connectivity, and modern features makes the Denon AVR-S970H a great value, ideal for medium-sized rooms and users who want a receiver that handles gaming, movies, and music streaming without breaking the bank.