The Best AV Receivers of 2026, Tested + Ranked
The receiver is the brain of your system. We scored 56 AV receivers on power output, surround format support, room correction quality, HDMI features, and connectivity to find the best picks.
How We Score
We score AV receivers on amplification quality (all-channels-driven wattage, not inflated 2-channel specs), immersive audio support (Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D channel count), room correction sophistication (Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live earn top marks), video passthrough capabilities (4K/120, VRR, Dolby Vision), and user ratings. We weight room correction heavily because even modest speakers sound dramatically better with proper EQ — a $600 receiver with Dirac Live can outperform a $1,200 one with basic correction in an acoustically challenged room.
Denon
AVR-X6800H
The Denon AVR-X6800H represents the pinnacle among AV receivers, offering 140W per channel (8 ohm, 2ch) and 13.4 channel processing at $3,799. The AVR-X6800H is the cheapest Denon with a real monoblock-style amp section, and that's the spec that matters at this tier. Eleven amplifier channels each with their own dedicated copper plate for heat dissipation, MultEQ XT32 plus Dirac Live optional, four sub outputs, and the Griffin Lite XP DSP that handles the upmixing chain. Rated 140 W per channel into 8 Ω with 2 channels driven. The X6800H is the receiver for someone running 7.1.4 with bookshelf speakers in the surrounds and reasonably efficient mains. For 11-channel Atmos with low-impedance speakers, the A10H is the next tier worth paying for.
Onkyo
TX-SR393
For the best bang for your buck, the Onkyo TX-SR393 stands out among AV receivers, offering 80W per channel (8 ohm, 2ch) and Dolby Atmos at $300. The TX-SR393 is Onkyo's 2018 entry 5.2-channel AVR, the budget model that processes Atmos and DTS:X but lacks the internal amps for height channels. 80 watts per channel rated into 8 Ω with 2 channels driven, AccuEQ Room Calibration, Bluetooth (no Wi-Fi or AirPlay), HDMI 2.0 spec set capped at 4K/60. At its current discontinued pricing the cross-shop is the Yamaha RX-V385 and the Denon AVR-S540BT; the Onkyo buy reason is AccuEQ at this entry price tier, the trade-off is the 5.2-channel processing without internal height amps that limits the Atmos deployment to 5.1.2 only with an external stereo amp added, plus the HDMI 2.0 cap that's a significant disqualifier for 2024-and-later 4K/120 Hz console gaming.
Onkyo
TX-SR3100
The Onkyo TX-SR3100 proves you don't need to break the bank among AV receivers, offering 80W per channel (8 ohm, 2ch) and Dolby Atmos at $500. The TX-SR3100 is the 2024 entry of Onkyo's relaunched TX-SR series under Premium Audio Company ownership, the 5.2-channel AVR with HDMI 2.1 4K/120 Hz passthrough and 8K/60 Hz support on the input side. 5.2-channel processing means no internal amps for Atmos height channels (any height deployment would require 5.1.2 minimum); the AVR processes the Atmos signal and feeds height channels via pre-out only. At its retail pricing the cross-shop is the Denon AVR-S570BT ($379) and the Yamaha RX-V4A; the Onkyo buy reason is the HDMI 2.1 spec set at the 5.2-channel entry price, the trade-off is the 5-channel internal amp count that demands an external 2-channel amp for any Atmos build versus the 7.2-channel competitors that handle 5.1.2 internally.
Denon
AVR-X6800H
The Denon AVR-X6800H represents the pinnacle among AV receivers, offering 140W per channel (8 ohm, 2ch) and 13.4 channel processing at $3,799. The AVR-X6800H is the cheapest Denon with a real monoblock-style amp section, and that's the spec that matters at this tier. Eleven amplifier channels each with their own dedicated copper plate for heat dissipation, MultEQ XT32 plus Dirac Live optional, four sub outputs, and the Griffin Lite XP DSP that handles the upmixing chain. Rated 140 W per channel into 8 Ω with 2 channels driven. The X6800H is the receiver for someone running 7.1.4 with bookshelf speakers in the surrounds and reasonably efficient mains. For 11-channel Atmos with low-impedance speakers, the A10H is the next tier worth paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many channels do I need in an AV receiver?
A 5.1 setup (5 speakers + 1 sub) is the sweet spot for most rooms. 7.1 adds rear surrounds for larger rooms. 7.1.4 or higher adds Dolby Atmos height channels for immersive overhead effects. Buy for what you plan to build toward.
What is all-channels-driven (ACD) power?
ACD measures power with all amplifier channels active simultaneously, which is how a receiver actually works during a movie. It's typically 60-65% of the 2-channel rated power. A receiver rated at 100W/ch (2ch) delivers roughly 65W/ch with all channels driven.
Do I need Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos adds height channels for overhead effects that create a truly immersive sound bubble. It's supported by most streaming services and Blu-rays. Even a basic 5.1.2 Atmos setup is a significant upgrade over traditional surround sound.
What room correction system is best?
Dirac Live is currently the gold standard for room correction accuracy and flexibility. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (found in Denon/Marantz) is excellent and widely available. YPAO RSC (Yamaha) is solid. All three meaningfully improve bass response and overall sound quality.
Do I need HDMI 2.1 on my receiver?
If you have a gaming console (PS5, Xbox Series X) and a 4K/120Hz TV, HDMI 2.1 is important for passing 4K at 120fps, VRR, and ALLM. For pure movie watching, HDMI 2.0 (18 Gbps) handles 4K HDR at 60fps just fine.
Compare These Picks
Related Calculators
CinemaConfig may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. See our affiliate disclosure.