How much does a home theater cost?
How much does a home theater cost?
$2,000 – $5,000 basic home theater cost
$10,000 – $20,000 average home theater cost
$25,000 – $42,000+ high-end home theater cost
Home theater cost
A home theater installation costs $2,000 to $42,000+, depending on the size and quality of the equipment and seating. Basic home theaters cost $2,000 to $5,000 for a simple TV, basic sound bar, and sofa seating. High-end theaters cost $25,000 to $42,000 for more advanced equipment, soundproofing, theater seating, and automation.
| Theater type | Average cost | Typical features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2,000 – $5,000 |
|
| Average | $10,000 – $20,000 |
|
| High-end | $25,000 – $42,000+ |
|
Home theater installation cost
Adding a movie theater room to your home is a great way to add character and warmth to your space. However, the cost of bringing this vision to life depends largely on the type and quality of the materials you choose. If you want professional-grade acoustics and seating, you'll pay more.
| Factor | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Screen | $500 – $10,000+ |
| Speakers | $300 – $10,000+ |
| Seating | $500 – $20,000 |
| Electrical wiring | $700 – $2,000 |
| Total cost | $2,000 – $42,000+ |
Screen
A flat screen TV or a projector and a screen will cost you anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size and quality. LCD or LED options are more affordable, but higher-quality OLED TVs and laser projectors will cost $20,000+. Mounting a TV costs $165 to $900, including parts and labor.
For a better viewing experience, pricier projectors are more likely to have better color accuracy and less blurring.
Speakers
You can spend as little as $300 for basic sound bars up to $10,000+ for a deluxe audio setup. Many home theater systems include 2 to 3 front speakers, 1 to 2 subwoofer speakers for bass, and multiple side or surround sound speakers.
The size of the room will determine how many speakers you should add. Make sure to discuss acoustics with the installer or a home theater designer before the installation starts.
Seating
Installing seating in a home theater costs $500 to $20,000. At the lower end of the range, you can buy a basic couch or sectional if you want a more relaxed atmosphere. On the higher end, you can have multiple rows of leather recliner seats like a professional movie theater.
Electrical wiring
The electrical work for installing a home theater typically costs about $700 to $2,000. Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour, depending on their skill level and how much electrical work they need to perform to get the theater up and running.
Installing a dedicated circuit costs $250 to $900 and can help prevent any problems with your home's electrical panel.
Home theater cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of installing a home theater in your basement or spare room:
Room condition: If the space you want to use for the theater is unfinished, you'll pay more. Finishing a basement costs $30 to $50 per square foot, while a basement remodel costs $25 to $65 per square foot.
Lighting: Adding recessed lighting costs $125 to $300 per can light. You can also add LED strip lights to the theater. Some smart LED lights can sync with your movie's audio and change color accordingly.
Popcorn machine: Buying a popcorn machine costs $60 to $1,300 and helps add a fun or retro look to your space.
Curtains: If your theater room has windows, curtains cost $20 to $200 per window and help block out unwanted light.
Soundproofing: If you're worried about disturbing your neighbors or other people inside your home, adding soundproofing costs $10 to $30 per square foot.
Interior designer: Hiring an interior designer costs $50 to $200 per hour or $450 to $1,500 per room to help plan out your theater.
Home theater FAQs
What is a home theater room?
A home theater is a room in a house built specifically for watching movies, television, or games. Most people prefer a home theater in a closed room, which gives you control of light and sound. They usually have a large projector, similar to a movie theater, but may have a large TV instead.
Does a home theater add value to a home?
Yes, a home theater can add value to a house if done properly. Most potential buyers see a dedicated home theater room as a luxury; some would appreciate it, and some would have to remodel it if they need the space for something else.
Is Yamaha a good home theater?
Yamaha is typically a solid-quality brand for home theater speaker systems. Customers say their sound systems are relatively uncomplicated, more immersive than a simple sound bar, and provide clear, rich audio.
Is 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound better for a home theater?
For most families, 5.1 surround sound is sufficient. People usually use 7.1 for much larger spaces. A 5.1 system has 6 channels and 6 speakers, while a 7.1 system has 8 channels. Netflix streaming works with both configurations.
Getting estimates from home theater installers
Follow these guidelines when searching for a home theater installer near you:
Get 3+ estimates from licensed, bonded, insured installers.
Examine recent HomeGuide and Google reviews.
Avoid suspiciously low estimates.
Get a written estimate before the installers start.
Questions to ask a home theater installer
Ask the following questions to ensure you hire a qualified home theater installer:
How many home theaters have you installed or built?
Is your business licensed and insured?
How long will it take to install everything?
How will you conceal the wires?
Can you give me multiple quotes for different projectors and speaker systems?
Will you clean up any debris or dust when you’re done?
Will you mount the TV or projector as needed?
What are my options for seating?
What is the best sound system for this room size?
Do you install soundproofing as well?
How do you normally handle disputes or damage?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.