There are two main aspects to any awesome home theater system. The most obvious is visuals from as large a screen as possible with a bright, vivid, and detailed picture. But just as important to complete the experience is audio.
You can either complete this with expensive surround sound speakers and amplifier combination that is often difficult to install and perfectly set up. Or, the other option is a great set of headphones for a completely immersive experience.
So, I decided to review the very best surround sound headphones for movies currently on the market so that you can take your home theater to the next level.
Contents
Top 8 Best Surround Sound Headphones for Movies of 2023
1 Skullcandy Crusher Evo – Best Battery Life Surround Sound Headphones for Movies
Skullcandy creates an attractive line of headphones that offer premium performance without the premium price tag. They are well known for their in-ear and over-ear headphones suitable for use with smart devices.
Well, Skullcandy also has a set of over-ear headphones perfect for watching movies called the Crusher Evo. They have a dedicated subwoofer for providing deep and clean bass that really brings movies to life.
Simple and convenient…
Connecting to your TV with the Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones requires Bluetooth capability. The latest Bluetooth 5.0 chip is used for a stable and reliable wireless signal that supports AAC codecs. That means no audio lag if watching streaming services like Netflix.
Another benefit of Bluetooth 5.0 is how power efficient it is. These headphones can offer up to 40 hours of playback before needing a charge. This can be done using the included USB Type-C cable, and you can even give a quick 10-minute boost for another four hours of use.
That sounds great…
While there isn’t any official surround sound support in the Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones, their sound quality is superb. With the Bass Slider feature set at minimum, there is a wide frequency response on offer.
This gives the effect of audio spatial awareness due to the huge range of sounds made possible. And if you wish to pump up the Bass Slider, it’s fun to take advantage of those dedicated subwoofers. You can feel every deep sound rattle through your entire body.
For more info, check out our comprehensive Skullcandy Evo Wireless Over Ear Headphones review.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Convenient wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
- Dedicated subwoofers for a clean and deep bass experience.
- Long battery life of up to 40 hours playback per charge.
Cons
- Your TV requires Bluetooth connectivity.
- No official surround sound support.
2 Astro Gaming A50 – Best Customizable Surround Sound Headphones for Movies
A great way to experience high sound quality for your movies is by using a gaming headset. Gamers often rely on audio cues to gain an advantage, such as footsteps or weapon reloading to detect an opponent’s location.
Making use of this technology translates perfectly into a completely immersive surround sound movie experience. One fantastic gaming headset that offers some useful features for movies is the Astro Gaming A50.
Wireless convenience…
This comfortable set of headphones includes a base that connects to your TV via either Toslink Optical or using a 3.5mm auxiliary cable. The headphones then connect to the base wirelessly using the 2.4GHz radio frequency for a convenient cable-free experience.
A built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 15 hours of playback. Each time the headphones are placed within the base, they will recharge. A mod kit is also available so you can customize the headband and ear cups for maximum personal comfort.
Dolby compatible…
For an amazingly clear cinematic audio experience, Dolby audio is featured in the Astro Gaming A50 headphones. In addition, they have been tuned with Astro Audio V2. This further enhances sounds for an even further immersive experience. So, if you want some of the best Dolby surround sound headphones, these are a great choice.
If you connect the headphones to your PC, you’ll then gain access to the Astro Command Center software. You can then create your own customizable EQ settings and profiles for truly personalized audio.
Interested and want to find out more? Then take a look at our Astra A50 Gen 4 review.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Toslink optical or 3.5 mm auxiliary connection options.
- Wireless 2.4GHz connectivity for cable-free convenience.
- Customizable headband, ear cups, and EQ profiles using a PC.
Cons
- Sitting the headphones in the base, so they charge is not as easy as it should be.
- You need a PC to take full advantage of the features.
3 Bowers & Wilkins PX7 – Best Noise-Canceling Surround Sound Headphones for Movies
If you like to watch movies on the go just as much as sitting at home in the comfort of your living room, these might be for you. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 offers superb sound quality, a great battery life, and reliable wireless connectivity.
Bowers & Wilkins are well renowned in the audio industry for producing premium quality speaker products. It’s little wonder that their headphones offer the same level of attention to detail and quality, providing clear and refined audio.
Clear audio in any environment…
One of the standout features offered by the PX7 headphones is adaptive noise cancellation. Using the latest intelligent sensing technology, noise cancellation can quickly adapt to almost any environment for consistently clear audio. This allows the user to take full advantage of the large 43mm drivers in each earpiece.
Sound is rich and full, placing you directly into the audio space no matter what you’re listening to. Movies, music, or even audiobooks take you to another world entirely. As a result, these are some of the best sounding surround sound headphones for movies you can buy.
Always ready…
Connecting to your TV or other media device is achieved using Bluetooth wireless technology. This means you can enjoy listening without being tethered to your device by an annoying cable.
The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to 30 hours of playback from a single charge. A quick charge feature is also available, providing up to six hours playback from only a 15-minute charge using the included USB cable.
For more information, check out our in-depth Bowers & Wilkins PX7 review.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Incredible adaptive noise-canceling technology.
- Crisp and clean Bowers & Wilkins audio in a portable form.
- Impressive battery life, including a quick charge feature.
Cons
- Only Bluetooth connectivity is available.
- Some minimal sound degradation with ANC activated.
4 Mee Audio Matrix Cinema – Best Affordable Surround Sound Headphones for Movies
The Mee Audio Matrix Cinema headphones have been specifically designed for use with home theaters and are amazingly affordable. They also offer fantastic sound quality along with a wide variety of connectivity options, including for older TVs.
Included with the Matrix Cinema headphones is a transmitter that gives any TV Bluetooth capability. The transmitter connects to the TV using either Toslink optical, 3.5mm auxiliary, or RCA audio cables. The headphones then connect to the transmitter via Bluetooth.
Four different sound profiles…
On the left earpiece, you can find the CinemaEAR audio enhancement feature. Cycle through four different sound profiles, so your headphones are best suited to the movie you are currently watching.
When combined with Qualcomm aptX low latency technology, wireless delay is eliminated. That means that lip-syncing will always be spot on when you’re watching movies or TV shows on any device.
Enjoy together…
Thanks to the dual-streaming feature, you can connect an additional set of Bluetooth headphones or speakers to the transmitter. Now you can listen to a movie together, and both enjoy the immersive experience.
The padded headband and foam ear cups are amazingly comfortable. So you can enjoy multiple movies back to back. A built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery also provides up to 30 hours of playback from a full charge. All in all, this makes these some best budget surround sound headphones for movies on the market.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Impressive performance for an affordable price.
- Compatible with new and old TVs.
- CinemaEAR audio enhancement feature.
Cons
- Does not support Dolby surround sound.
- Not as strong bass as other options.
5 SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Best Gaming Surround Sound Headphones for Movies
Next, in my Best Surround Sound Headphones for Movies review, we have another set of gaming headphones from SteelSeries called Arctis 7. The Arctis 7 has won many awards for being the best wireless gaming headset. It is comfortable, reliable, and most importantly, has awesome surround sound.
A dongle is included that can connect to your TV or device using either a 3.5mm auxiliary cable or USB. The headset then connects to the dongle via a 2.4GHz wireless radio frequency signal for lag-free, high-quality audio.
Next-generation surround sound…
SteelSeries uses DTS Headphone:X v2.0, which is the next generation in headphone surround sound technology. Users are completely immersed in the action no matter if gaming or watching a movie.
Be prepared for movies to come to life with sounds feeling like they are coming from all directions. Not only do you experience spatial sound, but the quality is superb across the entire frequency range. Therefore, these are some of the most immersive surround sound headphones for movies you can buy.
Built to last…
Only premium materials have been used in the construction of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 headphones. The headband is made from lightweight steel for maximum durability. Elastic fabric pads the headband for high levels of comfort.
AirWeave ear cushions inspired by athletics products have been used for ear cups. This keeps users’ ears cool and dry for extended periods. This can be achieved thanks to a battery life of up to 24 hours from a full charge.
Have these headphones caught your eye? Then find out more about them in our in-depth review of the SteelSeries Arctis 7.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Multiple awards for the “best wireless gaming headset.”
- DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound.
- Premium materials used in construction.
Cons
- Used only for movies will not benefit from the great retractable microphone.
- Not as portable as other products.
6 Corsair HS70 – Best Comfortable Surround Sound Headphones for Movies
The Corsair HS70 is primarily a wireless gaming headset but can also provide an amazing surround sound movie experience. The built-in boom microphone can be completely detached and is connected using a 3.5mm audio plug.
This headset is great value for money and offers a fantastic bang for your buck performance. Sound is delivered through each earpiece via huge 50mm neodymium drivers for bright and clear audio across a wide sound frequency range.
7.1-channel surround sound audio…
Feel like you’re on the set and part of the movie with realistic sound seeming to come from every direction. This is made possible by utilizing full 7.1-channel surround sound audio for a complete multi-channel experience.
The headphones connect to your TV or device via the use of a USB adapter. This means your TV must have an available USB port. The headphones then connect to the adapter via 2.4GHz radio frequency for low latency audio.
Listen for hours…
The Corsair HS70 is one of the most comfortable gaming headsets available. There is ample padding on the headband, along with plush memory foam fitted in the ear cups. Laze around on the sofa, and you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
Battery life is sufficient but not up to par with other comparable products. Receive up to 15 hours of playback from a full charge using the included USB cable. Just don’t forget to plug them in after each use.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Great bang for your buck performance and comfort.
- 7.1-channel surround sound.
- Large 50 mm neodymium drivers.
Cons
- No auxiliary out.
- A USB port is required.
- Battery life is poor compared to other products.
7 Sennheiser RS 175 – Best RF Wireless Surround Sound Headphones for Movies
Many of you might be wondering when a Sennheiser product was going to make it to this list. Well, wonder no more because here it is. The Sennheiser RS 175 are wireless headphones designed for use with home theaters.
Sennheiser claims to offer interference-free sound with the RS 175 headphones using the 2.5GHz radio wave frequency. They also offer a huge range of up to 330-feet (100-meters) depending on the surroundings.
Highly compatible docking station…
Setting up the headphones is rather straightforward. Connect the docking station to your TV or device using either Toslink optical, RCA, or 3.5mm auxiliary with all cables included. The headphones then connect wirelessly to the docking station.
It also doubles as a charging station, with the headphones easily being hung across the top when not in use. With a full charge, the headphones can provide up to 18 hours of playback, which is more than enough for this style of use.
Comfort and quality…
A closed-back and around-ear design allows users to focus more on the entertainment and helps to block out background noise. There are also four easy-to-reach controls located on the left earpiece.
The top two buttons allow you to activate either the surround sound mode and or the bass boost function. Underneath, another two buttons provide volume control. Both the surround and bass boost modes also have buttons located on the docking station.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- The docking station is compatible with almost any TV or device.
- Comfortable design with built-in controls for volume and sound modes.
- An additional set of headphones can be added for multiple users.
Cons
- Only suitable for home use lacking any portability.
- Surround mode is proprietary and doesn’t support Dolby or DTS.
8 Sony L600 – Best WiFi Surround Sound Headphones for Movies
Sony has put a lot of dedication into creating these L600 wireless headphones designed especially for your TV. Enjoy cinematic sound from movies, shows, and sports with these lightweight and comfortable headphones.
Like many other wireless home theater headphones, the Sony L600s have a wireless adapter that connects to your TV or other devices. Instead of 2.4GHz or Bluetooth technology, the headphones connect using WiFi.
Multiple connectivity options…
The wireless adapter can connect to your TV or other device using either Toslink optical, 3.5mm auxiliary, or HDMI ARC. Both the Toslink optical or HDMI ARC support Dolby 7.1-channel surround sound capabilities.
The surround sound with these headphones is crystal clear and accurately simulates a full Dolby Audio theater-style experience. This is delivered via large 40mm drivers in each earpiece, providing deep bass and a wide frequency range.
Long-range listening…
Listen from the comfort of your sofa with a reliable wireless signal between the headphones and adapter. The range is up to 98.43-feet (30-meters), dependent on obstructions such as walls and furniture.
Battery life from the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 17 hours of playback from a full charge. The wireless adapter also functions as a convenient stand for recharging your headphones when they’re not in use.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- The latest connectivity options are available on the wireless adapter.
- Highly immersive 7.1-channel Dolby surround sound.
- Comfortable and lightweight design.
Cons
- Least affordable option here.
- You’ll want to use them everywhere you go.
Best Surround Sound Headphones for Movies Buying Guide
There is a wide variety of headphones available for experiencing surround sound when watching movies. While all of these products are great, they have different budgets, features, and capabilities.
So, how do you know which of these products will best suit your needs? I have included this buying guide to cover some of the key differences in what each of these products offers. That way you can make a confident decision on which of these products to choose.
A home theater on the go…
It is incredible to think that we can now enjoy a home theater experience while on the go these days. With devices such as tablets and laptops offering high-resolution video, it makes sense to match it with surround sound audio.
If you are looking for something portable, there are a couple of options to consider with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones are highly affordable and sound great. Otherwise, the Bowers & Wilkins provide incredible noise-canceling technology that is perfect for air travel.
All fun and games…
Using gaming headphones to watch movies is a perfect way to get additional use out of a product. If you are a movie lover who also loves gaming, then this makes perfect sense. Why not take advantage of a product that can perform well in both areas?
The Astro Gaming A50 headset has multiple customization features. For online gaming, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 features class-leading microphone technology. Finally, the Corsair HS70 headset is incredibly comfortable and provides a full 7.1 channel surround sound capability.
Lazing on the couch…
If you are looking for something that is a dedicated set of headphones for your home theater, you’re also covered. For this, you’ll need great connectivity options along with a comfortable set of headphones for lazing on the couch.
Mee Audio Matrix Cinema headphones are of great value and include a handy compact transmitter that is compatible with other Bluetooth devices. The Sennheiser RS 175 headphones look and sound great, while the Sony L600 features the latest in technology.
Hopefully, this has made your decision a little bit easier. If you’re still unsure on which option will suit you best, keep reading. Up next, I will reveal what I think are the best movie surround sound headphones and why.
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So, What are the Best Surround Sound Headphones for Movies?
Each of these products has something great to offer across a wide range of uses. To choose the best product, I focused on the following areas. The headphones must be comfortable, have incredible sound quality, and offer useful features.
The product I believe performs best across all these areas is the…
By making use of the latest technology, they can offer a superior surround sound experience. They are lightweight and very comfortable to wear. The wireless adapter also doubles as a simple to use and attractive docking station.
Until next time, happy listening.
