Best AV Receiver for 2024

AV receivers are notoriously complex, with a large number of features and confusing technical specifications. (For example, what is 4K/120Hz anyway?) But what are the things that really matter when buying a new model? I’m going to summarize the most important ones here.

HDMI inputs

Since most TVs and set-top boxes support HDMI, you should buy a receiver that has as many of these HDMI input ports and outputs as possible. Front-mounted HDMI ports are an attachment of sorts – unnecessary, as most users don’t use hot-pluggable HDMI devices – making the number of inputs on the back the most important. (How else are you going to plug in your Roku, Blu-ray player, Nintendo switch and all your other devices?) The Onkyo TX-NR6100 and Denon AVR-S970H have six rear-mounted HDMI inputs, while the Yamaha RX-V6A does even better with seven. If you want to connect two different displays – a TV and a projector, for example – all but the Yamaha offer a second HDMI output. You should also make sure you have an extra HDMI cable or two on hand; these things are like the second sock in a pair because you can never find them when you need them.

Dolby Atmos capability

Most receivers in the $500 and up price range include Dolby Atmos power and DTS:Xbut the effect they have on your home theater movie viewing can be subtle, or even non-existent in most movies. In other words, you don’t have to worry about missing out on these sizes if you don’t install an extra tall speaker or two. Mounting your rear surround speakers high on the wall will get you halfway to quality, immersive sound.

WiFi music streaming

Most midrange receivers have built-in Wi-Fi network connectivity wireless music streaming through your speaker system. There are numerous standards for wireless streaming services, but these are the most universal Spotify ConnectApple AirPlay and Google Chromecast built-in/Google Cast. If you want to build a multi-room system with a variety of AV systems and speakers with wireless connectivity, these are the three flavors you should aim for. Onkyo and Sony are the only devices that support all three. The Denon receiver model lacks wireless streaming via Google, but it raises the bar AirPlay2 and its own HEOS system. Meanwhile, Yamaha has its own MusicCast system.