Home entertainment setup: What you need (and what to skip)

You just moved in. Friends are coming over for the housewarming. You’ve got snacks and drinks. Your setup for music, movies, or even background ambiance? None.  

A great home entertainment setup isn’t about buying everything — it’s about choosing the right tech for how you host. 

At Asurion, we’ve helped 230 million Amazon customers protect the devices, tools, and appliances they use every day. That experience gives us perspective on how people use entertainment tech in everyday settings.

What is the best home entertainment setup?

For most homes, a strong setup includes:

• TV  
• Soundbar  
• Streaming device  
• Smart lighting  

These devices provide the biggest improvements in video, audio, and overall experience for most homes.

Buying entertainment tech on Amazon? What to keep in mind

The devices that power your setup, like TVs, sound systems, and streaming devices, are also the ones most likely to wear out. 

When something stops working, it can interrupt your plans, especially when you’re hosting. 

With Asurion Complete Protect, your eligible entertainment tech and items purchased on Amazon are covered under one simple plan. So instead of worrying about individual devices, you’re covered if something stops working.

Which home entertainment devices are worth it (and which aren’t) 

TV - Best for everyday viewing and shared experiences

Why it matters: Central hub for movies, sports, and shared experiences 


Look for: 4K resolution, 55–75" size, HDR support, smart features

Because TVs are used frequently, even minor issues can disrupt your experience. If purchased on Amazon, it may be worth considering protection for unexpected breakdowns.

Soundbar - Easiest way to improve audio

A soundbar enhances your TV’s sound with clearer dialogue and fuller audio. 

Why it matters: Better sound quality, more immersive viewing, simple setup

Look for: Dolby Atmos support, wireless subwoofer, easy connectivity 

Because soundbars handle constant output, performance can change over time. For Amazon purchases, coverage can help if issues come up.

Streaming device - Essential for content access

A streaming device connects your TV to apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify. 

Why it matters: Faster navigation, better app support, smoother experience

Look for: 4K support, voice control, wide app compatibility 

If your streaming device starts lagging or stops updating, it can affect your entire setup. For everyday-use tech like this, coverage for eligible Amazon purchases can make issues easier to manage when they come up.

Smart lighting - Simple way to upgrade atmosphere

Smart lighting adjusts brightness and color to match your environment. 

Why it matters: Creates ambiance for movies, parties, and everyday use

Look for: App control, color options, voice compatibility 

Speakers and subwoofer - Worth it for bigger spaces

Speakers expand your audio beyond a soundbar for fuller room coverage. 

Why it matters: Better sound distribution, stronger bass, improved experience

Look for: Wireless connectivity, room compatibility, subwoofer support 

Audio systems involve multiple components working together. If one part fails, the entire experience can be affected, which is why protecting your eligible Amazon devices can make a difference over time.

Projector - Big-screen experience (often overhyped)

A projector displays content onto a wall or screen for a theater-like setup. 

Why it matters: Large viewing experience for movies and events 

Look for: Brightness (lumens), resolution, portability 

Projectors are more sensitive to environment and setup. For Amazon purchases, protection can help reduce the impact of performance issues over time.

Fog machine - Fun but rarely needed

A fog machine creates visual effects for parties and events. 

Why it matters: Adds atmosphere for themed gatherings

Look for: Output level, heat-up time, safety features

How to build a home entertainment setup

1. Start with a TV and soundbar  
2. Add a streaming device for content access  
3. Upgrade with smart lighting or speakers  
4. Add extras like a projector only if needed

Common home entertainment setup mistakes

• Buying too much tech upfront  
• Ignoring audio quality  
• Choosing complicated setups  
• Buying niche devices you won’t use  
• Not protecting eligible entertainment tech you rely on

Protect multiple devices with one simple plan

The devices you rely on most, like TVs, sound systems, and streaming devices, are also the ones most likely to wear out from daily use. 

Replacing them individually can be expensive over time. 

That’s why many people choose Asurion Complete Protect. Instead of covering just one item, it covers multiple eligible Amazon purchases, including: 

• Entertainment tech (TVs, sound systems, etc.)  
• Office tech (monitors, keyboards, etc.)  
• Home improvement tools (drills, saws, smart locks, etc.)  
• Kitchen products (air fryers, coffee makers, blenders, etc.)  
• And many more  

Product eligibility varies by category. Please see terms and conditions for details.    If you already have protection for one device, you can expand coverage to more with Asurion Complete Protect — all in one place.

Final thoughts

The best home entertainment setup isn’t about having everything, it’s about having the right setup for how you use your space. 

Start simple, focus on what you’ll actually use, and build from there.

Frequently asked questions about home entertainment setups

What is the best home entertainment setup? 

The best home entertainment setup includes a TV, soundbar, and streaming device. These provide the biggest improvements in picture quality, sound, and content access for most homes. 

Is a soundbar worth it for TV? 

Yes. A soundbar is worth it because it significantly improves audio compared to built-in TV speakers. It’s one of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make. 

Is a projector or TV better for a home entertainment setup? 

A TV is better for everyday use because it’s brighter, easier to set up, and works well in most rooms. A projector is better for large-screen movie nights but requires more space and lighting control. 

Do I need a streaming device if I have a smart TV?

Not always, but a streaming device can offer faster performance, better app support, and more consistent updates. It’s a useful upgrade if your smart TV feels slow or limited. 

What if I already have an Asurion protection plan for one item?

If you already have a protection plan for one item, that’s great! To protect more, Asurion Complete Protect offers a simple way to cover house-fulls of Amazon buys, including items bought up to 90 days ago, all in one plan.