A console running at high frame rates asks things of a receiver that a movie never does. Current HDMI bandwidth, variable refresh passthrough, automatic low latency switching, minimal audio processing delay, and enough inputs to leave everything connected are what matter. Each option below delivers on at least one of these fronts.

A movie in a living room fights reflections, quiet dialogue against loud effects, and a speaker layout dictated by furniture. Object audio decoding, current video passthrough, room correction, dialogue control, channels to grow into, and subwoofer support are the traits that matter. Every option below covers at least one of these needs.

Music in the kitchen and on the porch has to stay in step, controlled without a second remote. Synchronized playback, one app across zones, a compact shelf-ready size, an open platform for adding rooms later, and the power to drive passive speakers count. Products here qualify by meeting at least one of these criteria.

For listening, most of an evening runs on stereo from a service, not on a movie soundtrack. Built-in streaming clients, high-resolution decoding, clean two-channel output, power matched to the speakers, and inputs for a turntable or disc player are the criteria. Each pick below earns its place through at least one of these strengths.

Surround falls down on the practical side: where speakers can go, how far each one sits, and who runs the cable. Flexible layouts, per-channel trim, bass management, distance and delay settings, and wireless rear options are the rubric here. The picks below each deliver on one or more of these fronts.