How Much Does Home Theater Installation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average cost to install a home theater is $20,000, with most homeowners spending between $10,000 and $60,000. The total cost of home theater installation depends on factors like projector type, system complexity, and whether you need to renovate your space. Standard home theaters with basic equipment can be as low as $5,000, while those with high-end equipment and extensive renovations can run up to $70,000.

Home Theater System Cost Factors

The cost of installing a home theater depends on factors such as the equipment, projector type, necessary renovations, and labor rates.

Equipment

A home theater system consists of various components, including a screen, speakers, and circuitry. The size and quality of the equipment play a major role in the overall cost. A basic setup with a freestanding projector, small speakers, and essential components costs approximately $2,000 for materials alone. For a comprehensive system that transforms a room into a high-end home theater, the investment can run up to $60,000 or more. Additional costs may include extras like specialized seating, a popcorn machine, or a bar.

Projector Type

The type of projector you choose for your home theater will impact the cost of labor and materials. Freestanding projector screens are the most cost-effective option. They don’t require installation, keeping labor costs low at $60 to $180 for one to two hours of work at $60 to $80 per hour.

Mounted projectors, however, require additional steps such as precise positioning, securing to a ceiling joist, measuring for wiring, and concealing wires with decorative trunking. Because the installation is more complex, it will take longer and incur higher labor rates of $180 to $480.

Media Room

If you plan to transform a home theater system into a full media room with new seating, carpeting, and additional features, expect your total costs to increase. Converting a room into a dedicated theater space falls on the higher end of the price range, as it involves installing new seating, upholstery, lighting, and wiring.

Labor

Expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 to hire a local home theater installer. They’ll help you design, install, and set up your home theater. You’ll also likely need to hire an electrician for wiring tasks, which costs between $50 to $100 per hour. Installing a system that requires in-wall cabling may take five to six hours, while installations without in-wall wiring take about two hours.

DIY vs. Hiring a Home Theater Pro

For basic home theater systems that do not require complex installation, you can set up equipment like a freestanding projector or new TV with speakers yourself, potentially saving $1,500 to $2,000 in labor costs.

For more advanced setups–such as mounting a projector, installing a surround sound system, or running in-wall wiring, it's best to hire a professional home theater installer. Attempting DIY installations without specialized audio, visual, and electrical expertise could lead to safety risks, equipment damage, or poor performance.

Hire a professional installer to ensure everything is set up correctly, safely, and efficiently, providing you with the best possible home theater experience.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.