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Sonos to czołowa amerykańska firma zajmująca się technologią dźwięku, najbardziej znana z pionierskich bezprzewodowych systemów dźwięku w konfiguracji wielopokojowej, które ułatwiają słuchaczom strumieniowe przesyłanie muzyki i innych treści w całym domu. Firma nieustannie wprowadza innowacje, tworząc głośniki bezprzewodowe, systemy kina domowego, słuchawki, komponenty architektoniczne i zintegrowane rozwiązania dla domowego systemu audio, które rewolucjonizują sposób, w jaki ludzie słuchają i nawiązują więź z dźwiękiem.

Before you rush into buying your next pair of headphones, consider which type best suits your lifestyle.

Headphones generally fall into three groups based on their shape and fit. 

 form a cup-like seal over the entire ear,

 fit directly inside the ear canal. Each style has its fans — but if you’re undecided and looking for a clear comparison of over-ear vs. on-ear vs. in-ear headphones, you’ve come to the right place.

The first thing you’ll notice about your headphones probably isn’t what they sound or even feel like. It’s what they 

 like. But looks and sound often go hand-in-hand, and the shape of your headphones often influences their comfort level and audio performance. To learn the basics of how style and substance interact here, let’s have a look at the three types of headphones and their features.

Illustration demonstrating the ear coverage of an over-ear headphone

Over-ear headphones are designed with large cups that form a seal around each ear. These cups are typically padded for comfort and connected by an adjustable headband that sits atop the scalp.

The over-ear design has some distinct advantages. The sheer size of over-ears can usually accommodate larger drivers, which can generate deeper bass and a more expansive, three-dimensional soundstage. But bigger isn’t always better. Some listeners may find over-ear headphones impractical for, say, a sweaty workout.

Illustration demonstrating the ear coverage of an on-ear headphone

On-ear headphones occupy a somewhat awkward niche between their bigger (over-ear) and smaller (in-ear) siblings. These headphones sit directly on the ear, and they’re usually padded enough to ensure a moderately comfortable fit.

With its smaller ear cups, the on-ear design splits the difference between comfort and practicality. It may not offer the most immersive sound quality or the most portable experience, but a good pair of on-ear headphones can perform well in a variety of situations.

Illustration demonstrating the ear coverage of an in-ear headphone

In-ear headphones are designed to be inserted directly into the ear canal, with a fitted earbud tip that molds to the contours of the inner ear. But not all in-ear headphones form such a tight seal. A subtype known as concha headphones (or simply “earbuds”) sits at the ear canal’s entrance, which leaks more sound but also puts less pressure on the ear.

The best in-ear headphones can be as capable of blocking outside noise as over-ear headphones, especially with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. Though most people who care about sound quality should probably start with over-ear options, you can technically achieve a high-fidelity audio experience with any headphone type.

What's the difference between on-ear vs. over-ear vs. in-ear?

So, how to choose? That deceptively simple question begs a few others:

Do you care more about audio quality or headphone size?

Are you listening more at home or on the go?

Do you want to shut the world out or stay aware of ambient noise?

How you answer these questions will determine which headphone type is “best” for you, but we’ve made it easy by ranking the options in each major category.

When evaluating audio quality in headphones, we’re looking at a few different things. The first is 

, or how much sound escapes before reaching the eardrum. Another is 

, or the extent to which the headphones can reproduce the full range of audible frequencies, from squealing treble to rumbling bass.

Though you can achieve a high-fidelity experience with all three types of headphones, over-ear headphones tend to better address these criteria. Their bigger footprint can accommodate a driver capable of producing a richer and more sonically expansive experience, as is the case with the custom-designed driver in 

. And their snug, over-ear fit minimizes audio leakage.

Another key feature related to audio quality is 

, which blocks out ambient noises that compete with the headphones’ output. The most effective type is 

, which actively counteracts low-level noises in the environment with help from built-in microphones.

Many pairs of over-ear headphones come with Active Noise Cancellation. These headphones are also good at 

 canceling out noise by forming a tight, insulated seal around the entire ear. For this reason, we think over-ear headphones are the winner in this category. But if you prefer the fit of in-ear headphones, not all is lost; many pairs come with Active Noise Cancellation and sound excellent.

In-ear headphones are the clear winner in terms of size and portability. Many in-ear headphones these days come with Bluetooth capabilities and a charging case that can fit inside a small pocket.

Over-ear headphones, on the other hand, range from “big” to “huge.” If you prefer the over-ear look and feel or simply don’t want to put something inside your ear canal, consider on-ear headphones as a more portable alternative.

If you care just as much about what other people hear as what you hear yourself, you’ll want to invest in a set of headphones with a good microphone. Or 

, rather, because many of the clearest models come with multiple mics that split duties. One might pick up on ambient noises and adjust the sound output accordingly, while another is reserved for picking up the subtlest cadences of your voice.

Over-ear and on-ear headphones have more room to fit these mics, and are thus usually a better solution than in-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones may even come with clarity-boosting software. Sonos Ace, for example, combines enhanced voice targeting and background noise suppression to achieve crystal-clear calls.

Finally, we come to a pair of categories in which personal preference reigns supreme, and there is no clear winner or loser.

It’s impossible to say whether over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear headphones are the most comfortable. Everybody’s ear is shaped differently and everybody has their own ideas about what’s comfy or not — especially after hours of wear.

Some people find over-ear headphones too heavy or cumbersome to wear, especially if the goal is to fall asleep in a position that isn’t strictly face-up. Others claim that in-ear headphones exert painful pressure on their inner ears. Who’s right? In this case, everybody! If there’s a particular headphone style that feels better to you, go with that one and don’t second-guess yourself.

Longevity can mean different things to different people. Are the cushioned earpads of larger headphones more prone to wear and tear? They can be, sure. Are smaller headphones easier to lose, misplace, or (gasp) send through a wash cycle? Unfortunately, yes.

The good news is that choosing the right pair of headphones can alleviate your fears about longevity. Sonos Ace, for example, comes with ear cups that can be removed and replaced after years of heavy wear, if need be.

White Ace headphones on a gray background

Woman laying on a couch listening to white Ace headphones

Lose yourself in your listening with Sonos Ace

At the end of the day, the best headphones are the ones you never want to take off. We designed 

 with that in mind. A custom-designed driver takes full advantage of the over-ear footprint to deliver spatial audio in a hyperrealistic, three-dimensional soundstage. Other highlights include: 

Lossless audio streaming over Bluetooth and USB-C

Up to 30 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation enabled

Plush memory foam ear cushions and an extendable headband for a bespoke fit

Effortless connectivity with other Sonos devices

Whatever your headphone preference, don’t sleep on Sonos Ace. Even if you’ve never worn over-ear headphones, you may find the combination of immersive audio and all-day comfort impossible to resist.

Examples of over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear headphones

Which Is Best: Over-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. In-Ear Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones have become an essential accessory for many people, especially those seeking solace in their music or craving a quieter environment amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. But as you delve into the world of noise cancellation, you’ll likely be confronted with a heap of audio jargon and confusing technical terms. In this blog post, we’re going to demystify noise-canceling technology, explain how it works, and offer a few tips for choosing the right pair of noise-canceling headphones for your listening needs.

Types of noise cancellation on headphones

There are two main types of noise cancellation, both of which play an equally important role when it comes to blocking external sound.

 barrier between you and any unwanted noise. Picture yourself sitting at a restaurant when suddenly the fire alarm goes off. The sound is unbearably loud, so you instinctively cover your ears with your hands to muffle the noise. By doing so, you’ve created a physical barrier between your ears and the sound of the alarm. The ear cups on over-ear headphones work similarly in this way, but the degree in which noise is blocked depends largely on how tight the seal is around your ears.

, on the other hand, is far more intricate. This technology relies on a complex system of microphones, sound processors, and speakers to effectively neutralize external noise. Let’s break it down further.

Woman sitting in a car listening to black Ace headphones

You don't need to be an audio engineer to understand the basic principles of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. A good analogy will do. For the sake of this blog, all you need to know are the rules of the game tug of war. If it’s been awhile since you’ve played this in a schoolyard, let us provide you with a brief refresher.

In a game of tug of war, two teams are pitted against each other in a test of strength. Each team is positioned on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal of pulling the rope in the direction away from the opposing team.

If both teams tug with the same force, the rope won’t move in either direction because each team’s strength is 

. Soundwaves work in a similar way: If one sound wave meets another soundwave that’s the same in frequency and opposite in amplitude, the two sounds will cancel each other out.

While a game of tug of war by no means encapsulates the complexity of sound physics, this should at least give you a basic idea of how Active Noise Cancellation works. Headphones with ANC use tiny microphones inside the ear cups to continuously analyze the sound of your surrounding environment. The microphones identify the frequency and amplitude of the external sounds, then ANC uses this information to create a soundwave that’s the exact opposite. This contrasting soundwave gets played through the internal drivers on your headphones and, voilà, the unwanted noise is eliminated. The diagram below should help visualize what this process looks like.

An outside soundwave reaches the headphones. Active Noise Cancellation in the headphones layer a soundwave that opposes the outside soundwave, resulting in no noise entering the ear.

Can ANC work with no music or sound playing?

The beauty of noise-canceling headphones is that they work even when no music or sound is playing. But most headphones with ANC are designed to work in tandem with some degree of ambient noise due to the “masking effect,” which refers to the phenomenon where your brain perceives the absence of sound when it’s masked by an opposing sound.

Say you’re sitting on a crowded subway and the person seated across from you is talking on the phone. When you put on your headphones, you’re still likely to hear a bit of muffled chatter. But once you start playing some music, your neighbor’s conversation suddenly disappears. This is because your brain is now taking in more sensory input (your music) and is less focused on the conversation happening in the background.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of ANC will vary depending on the quality of the headphones and the surrounding noise levels. In quieter environments, such as a library, ANC can still noticeably reduce background noise without any music or sound playing. But in louder environments, playing some white noise or other type of ambient sound allows ANC to work its best. A quick search on your preferred music service should provide you with a variety of options.

Where do noise-canceling headphones work best?

Noise-canceling headphones work in a variety of environments where external noise may disrupt your concentration or relaxation. Here’s a list of some places where noise-canceling headphones are especially valuable:

But noise-canceling technology won’t excel in 

 environments. Let’s discuss some of the pitfalls you should expect from noise-canceling headphones.

Woman sitting in a diner listening to white Ace headphones

Why do I still hear noise when using noise-canceling headphones?

As previously mentioned, ANC is most effective when some amount of ambient noise is present, whether from your headphones or surrounding environment. This is because ANC excels at blocking 

 sounds, like the hum of an airplane or drone of an engine. These low-frequency sounds produce long soundwaves, which are a lot easier to block because they tend to be more constant in your environment, ultimately giving your headphones enough time to analyze and produce the best opposing soundwave.

 sounds — like the honk of a car horn or wail of a crying baby — tend to happen much more sporadically. These sudden noises are more difficult for ANC technology to block because the sound is often gone before your headphones have had enough time to produce a defending soundwave.

So, to recap, passive noise blocking methods (like ear muffs) are best at drowning out high-frequency sounds, while ANC is best at reducing low-frequency sounds. This is why choosing a high-quality pair of noise-canceling headphones is especially important so that sound is both 

 blocked. Sonos Ace, for example, features an adjustable headband and memory foam ear cushions to create an exceptional acoustic seal that passively blocks high-frequency sounds, while Active Noise Cancellation handles the lowest frequencies. You get the best of both worlds for the most serene listening experience.

Experience Active Noise Cancellation with Sonos Ace

For those looking to experience the tranquil power of noise-canceling headphones, Sonos Ace offers the perfect blend of superior fit and functionality for the frequent flier and office worker alike. With advanced Active Noise Cancellation, Sonos Ace effectively quiets your surrounding environment so you can focus on your work and studies, or simply be at peace with your music. Plus, when you want to hear what’s going on around you, Aware Mode lets in some ambient sounds so you’re always in tune with your environment. You can learn more about Sonos Ace and its world-class noise-canceling abilities 

How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?

, you may be wondering which type of speakers make the most sense for your listening style. There are lots of features to consider, from the speaker’s design and size to its connectivity options. But before you research any further, your first step should be deciding whether you want active speakers or passive speakers.

In this guide, we’ll clarify the difference between active speakers and passive speakers. We’ll also review some key factors to consider when deciding between the two. Whether you’re dreaming of a dedicated listening space or a 

 that plays music or podcasts throughout your home, we’ll help you figure out which speaker type is right for you.

, are speakers that contain a built-in amplifier, or “amp” for short. Because the amp is already inside the enclosure, an active speaker doesn’t require an external amp as a source of power.

If your speakers plug into an electricity source, there’s a good chance that they come with a built-in amp. Most Sonos speakers fit this description, including Era 100 and Era 300.

Why is an amp necessary? Most audio sources send an electrical signal to speakers that tells them which sounds to produce. But this signal is usually too weak to actually produce sounds on its own. An amplifier boosts the signal’s power, which ultimately results in the sounds you hear from your speakers.

If you favor a streamlined setup with fewer components, an active speaker may be right for you. Not only are active speakers easier to install out of the box, but they also eliminate any concerns about finding an amp that works in harmony with your speaker.

This all-in-one approach to a speaker system is appealing to many listeners, but you may prefer to tinker and tweak your system’s individual components — from the speakers right down to the amp. If so, passive speakers could make more sense.

, lack a built-in amp, which means that they can’t 

 amplify the signal coming from an audio device. In order to use passive speakers as part of your sound system, you’ll need to rely on an 

 or AV receiver to power the audio signal.

Passive speakers come in all shapes and sizes. For example, in-ceiling and in-wall passive speakers are designed to be unobtrusive and to blend seamlessly with your home decor. And aside from their appearance, passive speakers may be engineered to reproduce specific frequencies of sound. 

, for example, specialize in low frequencies, while tweeters specialize in high frequencies.

So, why use passive speakers if you’ll end up needing more components? Because for some listeners, this is precisely the point. A passive speaker system offers the flexibility to mix and match a range of specialized components, or to upgrade to a higher-quality amp in the future without having to replace the speakers, too.

This flexibility comes at the cost of convenience, though. Passive speakers typically require a wired connection and a more complex setup process. And to avoid damaging your speakers or external amp, passive speakers must be paired with an amp whose power output matches the speakers’ impedance. You shouldn’t have any issues finding an amp that falls within your speakers’ specified impedance range, but it’s another thing to worry about.

Family standing in kitchen with several in-ceiling speakers overhead

Key considerations between active and passive speakers

Now that we’ve defined our categories, we can tackle a central question: Should you buy active or passive speakers? Active speakers are probably a better solution for simple, everyday listening, but passive speakers could make more sense with certain audio setups. Let’s take a closer look.

Active speakers are usually considered easier to set up than passive speakers. For one, the built-in amp eliminates the need to connect an external amp. This isn’t just a matter of “one component is easier to keep track of than two components.” Because the built-in amp is already matched to the speaker’s drivers, you don’t need to deal with equalizing or adjusting the settings on your amp to achieve a high-fidelity sound.

With that said, if you prefer an out-of-the-box solution that will sound good without much tinkering, an active speaker is probably the way to go.

If your speakers’ looks and location matter as much as its sound, passive speakers may offer more flexibility. Because these speakers don’t need to house a powered amp, they tend to come with slimmer and less obtrusive enclosures that can be installed discretely throughout the home.

 that are discreetly installed into a room’s walls or ceiling. These types of speakers are often passive to allow for more customization in their placement. Of course, some active speakers, 

, also feature a sleek design that can seamlessly blend into most home theater setups.

You can achieve high-fidelity sound with both active and passive speakers.

Yes, passive speakers allow for more customization. And their enclosures often have room for larger drivers, which are typically associated with better sound quality. But unless you’re an audio pro or have a good ear for balancing frequencies, you may find it more difficult to achieve a balanced, neutral sound with passive speakers.

Active speakers also have some design benefits that may enhance their sound quality. Aside from their matched amps and drivers, active speakers don’t require long speaker cables leading from the amp to the speaker. These cables are included inside the enclosure and are usually quite short. In general, the shorter the cable, the better the sound quality, so this is typically a good thing.

Whether you choose to go with active or passive speakers, Sonos has a solution for you.

 surround you with immersive sound, thanks to amplifiers that are precision-tuned to the speakers’ unique architecture.

And if you’re looking for a more discreet solution, our 

 are a passive option that blend in with your home’s design and pair perfectly with an amplifier like 

. Though they often require more work to set up, passive speakers don’t have to be intimidating. Sonos can even help you find a 

 for your passive speakers, should you choose to go that route.

Black Five next to a turntable on a console

Active vs. Passive Speakers: Which Is Best For Your Home?

Adding a subwoofer to your sound system can make all the difference in your listening experience, clarifying both low and high frequencies. (Need a bass refresher? Check out our 

 in your home, you may have come across the Phase Control setting in the Sonos app. And, if you’ve ever wondered, “What does phase mean for a subwoofer? Why would I want to adjust it?” this article is for you.

Phase refers to the timing difference between low-frequency sound waves from your subwoofer and higher-frequency sound waves from your main 

. Adjusting the phase changes where a sound wave begins. This affects how the different frequencies merge and how you hear them.

Phase adjustments in a subwoofer are crucial for finding the sweet spot where the bass blends seamlessly into the overall sound experience. If you have your subwoofer bonded to a soundbar, it’s helpful to be attuned to the phase, as the precise timing and integration of sound effects can drastically change your home theater viewing experience.

Why do I need to change the phase on my subwoofer?

Room acoustics play a significant role in how sound waves travel and interact with the environment. If your signal is in phase, the sound will feel very full. If the signal is out of phase, some frequencies are canceled out, which could negatively impact the clarity and fullness of the sound.

You'd typically adjust the phase of your subwoofer in the following instances:

Rearranging the room where your speakers are placed

Adjusting the phase control for a traditional wired subwoofer can be like finding the right combination to a lock. You might need to try it a few times before it feels just right. Typically you’d slowly adjust the phase knob while playing a bass-heavy track. You’d want to also test the adjustments by listening where you’d usually be, as the effect might vary around the room.

Adjusting the phase control for Sonos Sub or Sub Mini is more like flipping a switch. Open the 

 and navigate to the product then select Settings > Advanced Audio > Sub Settings. Choose 0° or 180° and listen for the tone; it will help you gauge the adjustment.

If you use Trueplay™ to tune your setup, you don’t have to make any adjustments to the phase control and this setting will be disabled. Trueplay will optimize the phase of your subwoofer — and any bonded speakers — for the unique acoustics of your listening space.

, bringing greater depth and clarity to music, TV, movies, and more. But for the best possible listening experience, you want to make sure every setting is just right. The Sonos app makes that easy, letting you fine-tune the phase control yourself or doing it for you with Trueplay.

White Sub 4 on the floor and Era 300 on top of a credenza

What Is Phase on a Subwoofer (And How To Adjust It)

You want that cinema-level sound experience at home. So, what speakers do you need? How many? And where exactly do you place them? Worry not. We’re here to help answer these and all your home theater questions. In this blog, we’ll look at the two most popular surround sound setups — 5.1 and 7.1 — and explore the differences, what spaces they work best in, and how to create your own surround sound system at home for your next movie night. Let’s get into it.

Picture yourself in a theater, with an action scene playing out on screen: fighter jets are weaving through the air and pilots are speaking into muffled headphones. In the theater, the sound is astounding — the dialogue is crisp, the jet engines sound as if they’re passing overhead, and you can hear the enemy planes approaching from behind before they appear on the screen. This is surround sound, powered by speakers strategically placed around the room to create a truly immersive listening experience.

Even better, you can achieve something similar at home. You’ll just need a few speakers and a little bit of know-how. That’s where understanding 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound comes in. Knowing what these setups are and your options for creating them can help you build out your system at home.

The first number in each configuration (i.e. the “5” in 5.1) refers to the number of ear-level channels — or points of audio, like a speaker — in the system. The second number refers to the presence of a subwoofer. So, a 5.1 system includes three front channels (left, right, and center) and two rear channels (left surround and right surround). While a 7.1 system has an additional two channels (left side surround and right side surround). These are typically positioned between your “front stage” (soundbar) and “rear stage” (surround speakers). The image below should help visualize how a 5.1 comes together in your living space.

Diagram illustrating a typical 5.1 home theater setup

Absolutely. As you’ve probably guessed, a 7.1 surround sound setup has the ability to really envelop listeners in audio, thanks to those two extra channels. Think of these setups like a LEGO® structure. A 5.1 system will deliver quality, immersive audio. But when you build on that system, you add additional depth and detail.

Both a 5.1 and 7.1 setup will surround you in sound with the help of front and rear speakers. But the 7.1 system’s additional two channels provide that extra bit of immersion. This gives you that feeling of being in the center of whatever is playing out on the screen. It also makes the movie or show feel more realistic. Because in real life, sound doesn’t just come at us from one direction.

Choosing between 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound

Let’s explore some important factors to consider when selecting your surround sound system.

If you have a small space, consider a 5.1 setup. This system will easily fill your room with sound and, depending on what speakers you choose (more powerful speakers create more powerful sound), you can still render a similar sound quality to a 7.1 setup. If your space is larger, however, you may want a 7.1 system to really fill the area with sound.

It goes without saying that the more complex the surround sound system, the more money you’re likely to end up investing. So, generally speaking, a 5.1 setup will be more affordable than a 7.1 setup. Of course, there are exceptions to this. For instance, if you were to opt for a more powerful soundbar or rear speakers, a 5.1 system could cost more. Speakers and subwoofers range in price depending on their size, power, and features, among other things.

How much you’re looking to spend may also help you decide where at home to set up your system. For instance, if you have a smaller budget, consider creating your movie space in a smaller family room versus a more spacious basement.

You’re spending time and money building out your surround system, so it makes sense to consider the variety of listening experiences it will provide. Are you planning to listen to music from these speakers in spatial audio? If so, consider Dolby Atmos-supported speakers as part of your setup. These speakers will make your system more versatile for the times you switch from movies to music.

Couple sitting on a couch watching tv with a white Beam and an Era 100 pair

Create your perfect home theater with Sonos

Now that you understand the differences between 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, let’s look at a few different ways you can create your own setup using Sonos speakers. Each of these setups includes a soundbar, rear speakers, and a subwoofer.

Our most compact 5.1 system delivers blockbuster surround experience without blowing your budget. With this setup, you can hear sound in front of and behind you. It all sounds real — from coffeeshop chatter in a romcom to footsteps approaching from behind in a scary movie. The dialogue is clear, the sound is balanced, and you can feel the rich, bold bass.

For a next-level experience, our best-selling soundbar, compact rear speakers, and premium subwoofer give you 7.1.4 surround sound using virtualization techniques (You can learn all about virtualized surround sound in our 

). Distortion-free and powerful bass deliver a panoramic soundstage that mimics the way you’d hear action in real life — that is to say, all around you.

To completely bring the theater experience home, look not further than this surround sound setup. Our most premium soundbar, rear speakers, and subwoofer make it feel like the story is unfolding right in your living room with theater-quality 7.1.4 surround sound. You’ll feel the powerful rumbles of a jet engine in an action film. You’ll hear the overhead groan of an attic floorboard in a horror film. You’ll get crisp dialogue without having to cup your ear or turn on subtitles. This setup puts you in the center of it all with life-like, spatial sound with Dolby Atmos and hair-raising bass.

Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to build out your system — and dream up the fun you will have with it. Whether you’re hosting a movie night or binging a weeknight show, surround sound turns up the emotion on whatever’s on screen to bring you into the action. And, let’s be honest, sometimes we need that little extra something to pull us in and help us unplug from our day. So, whether you prefer action movies or psychological thrillers, sound from all angles of your room will add that extra bit of adrenaline. Visit sonos.com to discover Sonos 

Couple sitting on a couch watching tv with a black Arc and an Era 300 pair

5.1 vs 7.1 Surround Sound: What's the Difference?

You’re sitting in the theater. There’s a high-speed car chase playing on the screen in front of you, and you can hear tires screeching to your right and police sirens blaring from behind. But how? This is thanks to surround sound — with speakers placed strategically all around the theater. Each speaker projects audio in different directions, angles, and heights to deliver a more realistic and immersive sound experience. In this guide, we’re breaking down how you can create this same cinematic experience at home and feel like you’re in the middle of all the action.

In short, surround sound helps you feel like you’re in the middle of whatever is happening on screen. Like its name suggests, this technique is used to create an immersive audio experience that feels like it’s completely surrounding you. When you visit the theater, a number of speakers — in some cases, 

 — are strategically positioned around the room to project sound in every direction. While this experience is most familiar at the cinema, you can also achieve immersive surround sound at home with the right speakers and the 

You can configure your surround sound system in a variety of ways based on the size of your room, the sound experience you want to achieve, and your budget. The two most common surround sound setups are 

First things first: What do these numbers mean? Essentially, these figures indicate how many points of audio — or “channels” — are within a surround sound system. The first digit in each configuration denotes the number of channels in a system, while the second refers to the presence of a subwoofer. So, for example, in a typical 5.1 system, three front speakers (or a soundbar, which delivers the left, right, and center channels), two rear speakers, and one subwoofer make up this setup. (For a greater breakdown on channel configurations, check out our 

Generally speaking, the amount of channels in a given setup is a strong indication of how immersive the surround sound experience will be. Let’s take a closer look at each.

A 5.1 system is considered a standard layout — with most movies mixed for this surround sound experience. In this setup, the dialogue will sound crisper, effects and other ambient audio will appear to be coming from behind and in front of you, and you’ll feel like you’re enveloped in the action happening on screen. This is thanks to five channels — or points of audio — and one subwoofer. Imagine the setup having three channels in front of you and two behind for all-around audio, plus a single subwoofer to deliver those low-frequency sounds like big explosions or deep voices.

For most home theater setups, this system is a solid choice. The three front channels and two rear channels will easily fill your room with sound.

Because surround sound is all about, well, surrounding you in sound, more channels will create a more immersive viewing experience. The two additional channels in a 7.1 setup will fill some of the gaps in your sound experience. However, it’s worth noting that some speakers can provide multiple points of audio without the need for additional speakers. For example, a soundbar covers your three front channels (left, right, and center) despite being a single speaker. Some rear speakers can also cover multiple points of audio, eliminating the need for individual speakers and a whole lot of wiring.

Family sitting on a couch watching tv with a black Arc Ultra, Sub 4, and an Era 300 pair

Yes, surround sound does make a difference for those times you’re watching a movie and want to be immersed in sound. Let’s take a look at why that is.

With a stereo system, all of your sound comes from two channels: the left and the right. This is great if you’re listening to music in the car or on a pair of 

. But when you’re watching a movie, you want to feel engulfed in the action, and surround sound does that for you. Surround sound is less directional and more dynamic than 

, sending audio in front of you, above, and behind instead of just to the left and the right. This creates overall more realistic sound — mimicking the way you experience action in real life.

Adding a soundbar to your TV will give you 

, enhanced clarity, and deeper bass. But all the sound is only coming from the soundbar in front of you. Adding rear speakers for surround sound will give you that all-encompassing effect, thanks to audio coming from many different angles around the room and sound actually coming from behind you.

Picture yourself in the theater again watching that car chase. At this point in the scene, a police helicopter is now hovering above the vehicles. It feels as if the propellers are whirring overhead. But how do you replicate this same feeling at home? This is where height channels and 

In a more advanced home theater system, like a 7.1.4 setup with Dolby Atmos, you'll notice the addition of a third digit, which represents the number of overhead speakers, or 

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Active vs. Passive Speakers: Which Is Best For Your Home?

What Is Phase on a Subwoofer (And How To Adjust It)