Upgrading the audio setup is a quick way to improve any gaming experience. And yes, the easiest way to do that is to pick up asurround sound gaming headsetor anice pair of headphones, but getting a proper surround sound setup is often overlooked. When first starting the search, it can be a bit overwhelming with the speaker sets that already cost an arm and a leg, even without adding the amp needed to drive the speakers.
Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1
SteelSeries Arena 9 5.1 Gaming Speakers
Thankfully, with the spread of Hi-Fi, surround sound setups have become much more accessible, not only when it comes to price but also in the actual act of setting them up. So, whether it’s a5.1 channel speakersetup,soundbar, or headset, this guide is perfect for any gamer looking to get the most immersive sound out of their gaming setup.
Updated on July 16, 2025 by Megan Miranda Reyes:This time around, we’ve added a new surround sound option for PC gamers from SteelSeries, as well as providing more information on how to choose the best gaming surround sound system for you.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Surround Sound Setups for Gaming
VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Sound Bar
The VIZIO V-Series is designed to deliver high-quality sound and is optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1. This soundbar provides loud and clear audio. Further improving the experience is DTS Virtual:X, which enhances any audio content by providing a virtualized 3D sound that fills the room from floor to ceiling.Accompanying the soundbar are two satellite speakers and a 5-inch wireless subwoofer which can be easily placed anywhere in the room. The VIZIO V-Series also supports integration with voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.
The Vizio V-series is easily the best overall for its straightforward setup process, a sleek 5.1 channel setup that doesn’t take up much space, and excellent sound quality. After getting the setup out of the box, the time to have the whole thing ready is very short. The only minor annoying part is turning the soundbar on for the first time. If it doesn’t connect to anything, the voice prompt will keep repeating itself until it is. But as long as gamers are quick on the draw, it’s not too bad.
For a 5.1 surround sound setup, the Vizio V-seriesdoes not take up too much spacefor a living room setup. However, it would feel quite cramped on a typical gaming desk. As far as cable management goes, this setup is straightforward, with the soundbar being able to be hidden underneath the TV and the subwoofer being wireless, but the two rear channels are wired, which is kind of disappointing. Luckily, they are wired into the subwoofer, so most people can hide the speaker cable behind a couch.
The main power of this setup comes from the soundbar and the wireless subwoofer. The two surround speakers are not as powerful, but without them, the setup feels a little bit lacking. For a sleek package at this price point, this setup delivers a surprisingly full surround sound experience that will leave any gamer satisfied with their purchase. The only point where this setup lacks is in the center channel, where vocals and dialogue typically come out.
Ultimea Poseidon D50 Surround Sound Bar
Ultimea 5.1 Poseidon D50 comes with a set of two speakers, one soundbar, and a subwoofer to create a wonderful surround sound experience on a budget. The speakers can be connected via wireless or wired modes and bring a clear and crisp audio quality. Rated at 320W, users can immerse themselves by positioning the speakers in the correct places.
Setting up the Ultimea Poseidon D50 is a straightforward process.It can easily connect via Bluetooth, but users can also use Aux or HDMI cables if they prefer wired connections. Thankfully, the speakers can be connected wirelessly to the subwoofer, making it easier to place them anywhere in the room. The best place would be at the back of the room to create a surround sound effect. The speakers boast 320W power for an ultimate crystal clear sound without breaking the bank.
The set includes two speakers, one subwoofer, and a soundbar to complete the surround sound experience and can work with multiple devices, including TVs, PCs, smartphones, and laptops. The only problem is that the default EQ system comprises only three modes that may send away enthusiasts. However, this isn’t a high-end setup and comes at a very affordable price that does justice to its quality.
Bobtot B701D Surround Sound Speakers
Bobtot B701D provides 800 watts of peak power to blast the ears with high-quality sound. There are multiple speakers and a subwoofer to create an amazing surround effect. The speakers are easy to connect via wired connection or Bluetooth and have a remote control for tweaking the volume, media, and modes.
It is hard to find a set of surround sound systems that comes with five dedicated speakers and a subwoofer. Typically, most surround systems come with only two or three speakers for under $200, but the Bobtot system comes with five speakers for creating a true surround sound environment. Simply putting the speakers in each corner of the room and one in the center, along with the subwoofer, will create an immersive experience.
The sound quality is also unparalleled and, even at high volume, the sound hardly distorts. Moreover, the speakers are compatible with multiple platforms, including TVs,gaming consoles, DVD players, PCs, projectors, and more. There are several types of input and output ports for native compatibility with these devices and a remote control is also included. Whether users want a simple 2.1 channel setup or a surround 5.1 setup, each mode can be activated by a press of a button. Although there’s no app support, that’s a reasonable caveat to attach to such a budget-friendly surround sound gaming setup.
Logitech Z906
Logitech Surround Sound Speakers Z906 allow gamers to hear every detail happening around them. The five speaker channels and subwoofer deliver thunderous audio that turns any room into a home theater. These speakers have met strict performance standards to achieve THX certification - so gamers can be sure that any entertainment will sound how it was meant to sound. With plenty of inputs, these speakers can be connected to up to six devices simultaneously.
While not much lower than the Razer Nommo V2 Pro, the Logitech Z906 offers very competitive performance, more channels, and a bit more versatility for just $400. The Logitech Z906 is perfect for any gamer who wants an affordable 5.1 channel setup with excellent sound and doesn’t mind if there is some cable management to deal with.
Unlike the Nommo V2 Pro and Vizio V-Series, no part of the Z906 is wireless, so gamers will have to be pretty comfortable with cable management to make this setup look clean. However, the satellite speakers are pretty small, so fitting the speakers around the room is relatively straightforward. With the included speaker cables, this setup would work well for a small room or on a desk. But, if gamers want to use the Z906 for a living room, Game Rant recommends picking up some longer speaker cables.
Whether gaming or watching movies, the Z906 delivers surprisingly powerful performance for how small the speakers are. Highs and mids are crisp and clear, and the subwoofer adds some much-appreciated bass rumble to action scenes. There is some distortion when getting towards the higher volume levels, but unless gamers are trying to drive their neighbors crazy, the higher volume levels rarely need to be used.
Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 comes with exclusive Tractrix Horn technology for stunning and crystal-clear audio output. The satellite speakers deliver minimal distortion and exceptional low-frequency response to provide clear lows. The bass is impressive and wirelessly connects to the speakers.
Klipsch needs no introduction and has been making high-quality speakers for decades. To create an ultimate surround system, the company offers this Black Reference Theater Pack to make sure the audiophiles are satisfied with their cravings for crystal clear lows, mids, and highs. The bass is particularly powerful and can shake walls, but the exceptional ability of the speakers to generate a clear low-frequency sound makes it stand out.
Although it is expensive, it’s worth every penny when compared to other similarly priced surround systems. It’s a set of five speakers and a subwoofer that connects wirelessly. Each of these is built well and doesn’t feel sharp at the corners. Moreover, they are large and premium-looking to clearly show their superiority. While the setup can be used for medium-sized rooms, it is best for small rooms if the surround sound quality cannot be compromised.
For gamers who demand more than two stereo speakers, the SteelSeries Arena 9 5.1 speaker system provides an authentic room-filling surround sound experience. Over a single USB connection, games come to life with the sound of approaching footsteps easily recognized on wireless rear speakers. High-performance front speakers with silk-dome tweeters and organic-fiber woofers provide unmatched audio fidelity.The Arena 9 has connections standard in high-end AV receivers with USB, optical, Bluetooth, and auxiliary inputs with sources controlled by a pod that displays information. PrismSync RGB responds to game events, immersing users in pulsating light and sound.
SteelSeries is one of the most recognizable names in gaming, especially as far as audio goes, thanks to their selection ofhigh-quality headsets. With the Arena 9 5.1 desktop gaming speaker set, SteelSeries has successfully expanded its lineup to reach those who prefer to fill a room with sound, offering the best gaming surround sound system for PCs in the process.
The Arena 9 comes with four standing speakers that can connect wirelessly to the rest of the set, allowing them to be used around the room as you see fit. Each of these speakers is also RGB-lit on its base, and each one can be customized to create dynamic, screen-reactive lighting. Along with those smaller speakers comes a dual-speaker soundbar, perfect for placing right under a monitor, and a 6.5-inch subwoofer that includes a port for TV audio.
The set is compatible with PCs, TVs, and even PlayStation consoles. It’s all easily controlled too, thanks to the handy pod that comes with the set, which shows off an OLED screen and allows you to adjust the volume, muting, 5.1 Upmix, wired headset toggle, LED controls, Bluetooth, audio customizations, and more. Plus, being a SteelSeries device, the system can be added to Sonar and customized alongside other SteelSeries gaming peripherals.
Good Audio Makes All The Difference
Including a surround sound setup into a gaming setup makes a huge difference for immersive gameplay and, in some cases, even gives gamers a competitive edge. Even outside gaming, a good surround sound setup is worth it for enjoying movies or listening to music. So, if anyone is trying to convince a partner that this is worth it, assure them it’s not just for gaming.
FAQ
Q: Are surround sound speakers good for gaming?
Surround sound speakers are an excellent investment for gaming. Not only do they make games feel much more immersive and cinematic, but they also make it easier to detect enemies in multiplayer games.
Q: Is 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound better for gaming?
Choosing between 5.1 or 7.1 surround setups is mostly a personal preference and is typically determined by budget and space constraints over sound quality. Of course, 7.1 setups will have slightly more detailed surround sound than 5.1, but the difference is not that noticeable for gaming, especially because of the price difference.
