Apple's four-HomePod surround sound setup costs at a minimum $900 with a new Apple TV 4K. These five alternatives deliver dedicated wireless rear speakers and more features for considerably less money.

Apple introduced four-speaker HomePod surround sound alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K on October 13. The feature allows compatible HomePods to operate as matching front and rear pairs, with Apple TV automatically calibrating audio timing and levels based on speaker placement.

However, as we reported, the feature requires the new $299 Apple TV 4K and four compatible HomePods. Only second-generation HomePods and HomePod mini 2 models are supported, and the front and rear pairs must match.

Two full-size HomePods cost $698, while two HomePod mini 2 speakers add another $298. Combined with the required Apple TV 4K, the complete system costs $1,295 before taxes. Four HomePod minis bring the total down to $895, while four full-size HomePods push the cost to $1,695.

That's why we're setting an $800 ceiling for competing surround sound systems. Adding the $299 Apple TV 4K keeps the total below $1,100, saving at least $196 compared with Apple's mixed HomePod configuration.

Each of the following systems includes dedicated rear speakers, and four support Apple AirPlay for wireless music streaming. They connect to a television through HDMI ARC/eARC or optical audio rather than relying on Apple's proprietary HomePod surround sound arrangement.

LG S80TR

The LG S80TR provides a complete 5.1.3-channel surround sound system with a soundbar, two wireless rear speakers, and a dedicated subwoofer. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with three upward-firing speakers designed to reproduce overhead audio effects.

AirPlay 2 support allows music streaming from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The soundbar also includes HDMI eARC, LG's AI Room Calibration, and WOW Orchestra, which can combine the soundbar's output with compatible LG televisions.

The rear speakers connect wirelessly to the soundbar and don't require a separate receiver, although each needs a power outlet. That makes the system relatively straightforward to install without running speaker cables across the room.

Black home theater speaker system with a long soundbar, a large subwoofer featuring a side port, and two smaller rectangular satellite speakers arranged on a plain light backgroundLG S80TR

The LG S80TR is available for $599.99, bringing the total to $898.99 with the new Apple TV 4K.

JBL Bar 700MK2

The JBL Bar 700MK2 takes a different approach to wireless surround sound with two detachable, battery-powered rear speakers. The 7.1-channel system also includes a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and a soundbar with 780 watts of maximum system output.

Users can detach the rear speakers from the ends of the soundbar and position them behind the seating area. The speakers provide up to 10 hours of playback before being returned to the soundbar for charging, eliminating the need for power outlets behind the couch.

JBL includes Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, AirPlay 2, and HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough. Its MultiBeam 3.0 technology and automatic sound calibration help create a wider soundstage, while PureVoice 2.0 is designed to improve dialogue clarity.

Black home theater speaker set including a long soundbar, two small rectangular satellite speakers, a compact subwoofer, and a small remote control arranged on a light backgroundJBL Bar 700MK2

The JBL Bar 700MK2 is currently on sale for $549.95, down from $899.95. Including the Apple TV 4K, the complete setup costs $848.95.

LG S90TR

The LG S90TR increases the speaker configuration to 7.1.3 channels, making it one of the more extensive surround sound systems in this price range. It includes a wireless subwoofer, two wireless rear speakers, and three upward-firing channels for Dolby Atmos audio.

Like the S80TR, it supports AirPlay 2, DTS:X, HDMI eARC, and LG's WOW Orchestra technology. The additional surround channels and 13-speaker configuration provide more dedicated audio sources than the less expensive LG system.

Room Calibration Pro uses the soundbar's built-in microphone to measure the listening environment and adjust playback. The rear speakers connect wirelessly and only require electrical outlets, with no separate receiver needed.

Black home theater audio system featuring a long soundbar, a large subwoofer with side port, and two smaller rectangular satellite speakers arranged on a plain light backgroundLG S90TR

The LG S90TR costs $799.99, bringing the combined price with Apple TV 4K to $1,098.99.

Sonos Surround Set with Ray

The Sonos Surround Set with Ray combines a compact soundbar with two Era 100 speakers for dedicated rear-channel surround sound. It's designed for smaller rooms and buyers who prefer an expandable audio system rather than a complete home theater package.

The Ray supports AirPlay 2, while the Era 100 speakers serve as wireless surrounds when paired with the soundbar. Sonos also offers multiroom playback, Trueplay tuning on supported devices, and the ability to expand the system with additional compatible hardware.

There are some important compromises. The package doesn't include a subwoofer, and the Ray uses an optical audio connection instead of HDMI eARC. It supports Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound but doesn't support Dolby Atmos.

Black Sonos home audio setup with one slim rectangular soundbar in front and two matching cylindrical wireless speakers standing behind on a light backgroundSonos Surround Set with Ray

The Sonos Surround Set costs $622, or $921 when combined with the new Apple TV 4K.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

Amazon's Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround speakers delivers a complete 5.1-channel system for less than $500. The package includes a 37-inch soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers.

It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with a dedicated center channel for dialogue and separate listening modes for movies, music, sports, and nighttime viewing. The subwoofer and rear speakers connect wirelessly to the soundbar, although each requires a power outlet.

Despite its Fire TV branding, the soundbar doesn't require an Amazon streaming device. It connects to compatible televisions through HDMI ARC/eARC or optical audio, allowing it to reproduce sound from an Apple TV connected to the television.

Black home theater speaker system with a long soundbar in front, a large central subwoofer, and two smaller cube speakers on either side against a plain white backgroundAmazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

However, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus doesn't offer AirPlay support. Bluetooth streaming is available for music playback, but users won't get the same AirPlay integration offered by the other systems in this roundup.

The Amazon bundle costs $489.99, bringing the total to $788.99 with the new Apple TV 4K.

All five alternatives provide physical rear speakers, although the number of channels, height effects, and subwoofer capabilities vary considerably. AirPlay support lets users stream music wirelessly from Apple devices, but surround sound from Apple TV travels through HDMI or optical audio connections to these systems.

Apple's HomePods offer advantages beyond home theater playback, including independent Siri not tethered by an Apple TV, Apple Home integration, and wireless audio managed directly by Apple TV. However, buyers primarily interested in surround sound have several less expensive options that don't require purchasing four Apple speakers, not reliant on ARC working right for other HDMI connections, and more compatible with other gear.