Although even many budget-priced televisions and projectors can deliver a top-notch visual experience, most built-in TV or projector speakers are subpar. Therefore, a decent set of external speakers is a must-have for cinephiles and audiophiles. While a traditional surround sound system is great, soundbars can deliver excellent quality in a streamlined form factor. And Dolby Atmos audio technology adds another dimension for an eargasm-worthy audio experience. Check out the best Dolby Atmos soundbars for all budgets!
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is a groundbreaking surround sound format that iterates on the goal of surround sound systems by creating a more immersive atmosphere. In a traditional surround sound setting, you may find front and rear speakers in addition to a subwoofer. What Atmos adds is height. This accomplished through either in-ceiling speakers or upward-firing speakers. You’ll find Dolby Atmos-capable soundbars in multi-channel surround sound packages or self-contained front-located soundbars.
To better understand what Dolby Atmos is, it’s crucial to realize how movie audio functions. Each of the different components comprising a film’s audio such as voices, effects, and music are mixed into separate tracks. In a traditional 5.1 channel speaker configuration, there are five different speakers and a low frequency end, or sub. The speakers are left and right front, a front-located center channel, and left and right rear speakers. There are more complex surround sound systems with greater numbers of speakers such as a 7.1 or 7.2 configuration which add left and right wall-mounted side speakers.
Usually, for on-screen characters vocals come through the center channel speaker. Music usually pumps from the left and right front speakers. And sound effects such as wooshes and zooms like a helicopter landing or a missile being fired might emanate from the rear left and right channels.
Dolby Atmos however doesn’t use channels in a more common audio mixing sense. Rather than assigning sounds by type such as voices, music, and effects and pumping those into the same channel, Atmos instead assigns sounds to a place within a room. Instead of panning from the left to right front speakers for example, audio might pan across the front wall. Not only is Atmos audio mixing different, but decoding of Dolby Atmos tracks is distinct as well because of the height channels which add another layer of realism.
Can a Soundbar Replace a Receiver?
Before soundbars rose in popularity, dedicated home theatre surround sound set ups dominated. A receiver connected to distinct speakers. While many power users still prefer receivers, modern soundbars can deliver equally as good if not better audio than a home-theatre-in-a-box. Since multi-channel soundbars with separate speaker channels including a subwoofer and rear speakers exist, getting true surround sound with a soundbar is still possible. Though a receiver and home cinema speakers may boast somewhat clearer dialogue with more dynamic audio, soundbars are far easier to install. By nixing a bulky receiver and eschewing the need to run wires across the room, soundbars yield a streamlined look and simple set up without compromising audio quality.
What to Look for in a Dolby Atmos-capable Soundbar
When selecting a soundbar with Dolby Atmos, there’s a lot to consider, from compatible audio codecs to number of speakers and price.
Number of speakers: Despite Dolby Atmos adding height for more immersive soundtracks, not all Atmos-compatible soundbars feature true surround sound. Instead, you’ll find everything from 2-channel Atmos soundbars to 5.1, 7.2, 9.4, and a slew of other speaker configurations.
Price: Atmos soundbars are available for all budgets, from sub-$500 USD options to several thousand dollar cinephile-caliber soundbars.
Connectivity: How you plan to hook up your soundbar to your TV and devices such as Blu-ray players, streaming boxes, and game consoles dictates what inputs and outputs you’ll need. ARC, or audio return channel, lets you connect an HDMI cable which then transmits any audio playing on your television or projector back to the soundbar. eARC, or enhanced ARC, adds the ability to carry uncompressed audio tracks. But to make use of eARC, you’ll need a soundbar and TV or projector that both support enhanced ARC. Although eARC can carry lossless Dolby Audio tracks, ARC can handle lossy Atmos in containers such as Dolby Digital Plus. Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime offer DD+ streams for select titles. In addition to HDMI, you might also want inputs such as optical TOSLink, USB, analog stereo jacks, a 3.5mm port, and Bluetooth.
Subwoofer: Most multi-channel soundbars come with a subwoofer, either wired or wireless. Alternatively, many standalone soundbars are available sans sub.
Audio codec support: Since not every movie or TV show comes with Dolby Atmos, you may want support for audio codecs such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and other tracks.
What to look for in a Dolby Atmos soundbar:
- Connectivity (HDMI, ARC, eARC, TOSLink optical, Bluetooth, etc.)
- Audio codec support (Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, etc.)
- Subwoofer vs. no subwoofer
- Number of channels (2.1, 5/1, 7.1, etc.)
- Price
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar for Most Users – Vizio Elevate
The Vizio Elevate is an outstanding soundbar. As its name suggests, the Elevate sports a motorized, revolving set of speaker drivers specifically engineered for Dolby Atmos height channels. Rather than utilizing static drivers on top of the unit, the entire soundbar rises up to accommodate what you’re listening to such as music or movies. The 5.1.4 Vizio Elevate home theatre soundbar boasts a whopping 18 speakers. In addition to Atmos decoding, you’ll find support for DTS:X and a slew of other codecs. An array of four upfiring speakers provides incredibly immersive audio. A backlit remote is easy to find in the dark.
You’ll find tons of EQ options optimized for movies, music, gaming, and more. Connectivity is excellent with dual HDMI inputs, an HDMI output with eARC, USB port, 3.5mm analog jack, 3.5mm voice assistant input for hooking up an Amazon Echo or Google Home, Bluetooth, and Chromecast built-in. Unfortunately, there’s no onboard voice assistant although its voice assistant input solves that issue. Disappointingly, you won’t find Apple AirPlay baked in, but a robust set of connection options compensates for lack of AirPlay. Sound quality is mind-boggling with fantastic fidelity as well as plenty of volume. With a bevy of inputs and outputs, a unique motorized speaker function, and terrific audio quality, the Vizio Elevate is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar for most people.
Pros:
- Rotating, revolving speakers that adjust to what you’re listening to
- Excellent connectivity (2 x HDMI inputs, 1 x HDMI out with eARC, Bluetooth, Chromecast, 3.5mm aux input, 3.5mm voice assistant input, USB port)
- Fantastic audio quality
- 5.1.4 speaker configuration
- Gets loud
- Wireless rear speakers and wireless subwoofer
- Dolby Vision HDR passthrough
Cons:
- Lacks AirPlay
- No built-in voice assistant
- Expensive
Best Soundbar With Dolby Atmos for Cinephiles – Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra challenges the definition of a soundbar. An impressive 9.2.4 true surround sound system, the Shockwafe Ultra features true 360-degree surround sound with nine surround speakers, four two-way surround speakers, and dual wireless subwoofers. With a mighty 1000 Watts, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra is a cinephile-caliber home cinema audio set up. eARC allow for the transmission of lossless audio tracks such as Dolby Atmos and Dolby TrueHD. In addition to Atmos compatibility, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra can decode DTS:X. There’s 4K ultra HD passthrough for high dynamic range (HDR) signals including Dolby Vision.
Inputs and outputs are plentiful with an HDMI output with eARC, a trio of HDMI inputs, optical input, and optical output. Its 52-key backlit remote is among the top soundbar remotes available. Audio quality is simply heavenly. What’s more, the Shockwafe Ultra can get extremely loud. Sadly, while the Nakamichi Shockwafe handles surround tracks with aplomb, stereo content doesn’t sound as good. And the price tag is fairly steep. Nevertheless, the Nakamichi Shockwafe is the best soundbar with Dolby Atmos on the planet. You may also consider the Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 or Pro 7.1, both of which also support Atmos and DTS:X.
Pros:
- 9.2.4 true surround system
- 2 x wireless subwoofers
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Excellent connectivity (3 x HDMI inputs, 1 x HDMI with eARC, optical in/outputs)
- 4K UHD with HDR passthrough including Dolby Vision support
- Phenomenal audio quality
- 1000 Watts
- Gets loud
Cons:
- Pricey
- Stereo audio track handling is only average
Best Atmos Soundbar for Audiophiles – Sonos Arc
Sonos speakers deliver a spectacular whole-home audio experience, and the Sonos Arc is no exception. The Sonos Arc is a stupendous all-in-one soundbar with Dolby Atmos processing capabilities. Boasting a sleek look, the Arc not only sounds excellent but it’s aesthetically pleasing as well. Gracefully handling movies and music alike, the Sonos Arc sports eARC for playing back lossless audio tracks when paired with another enhanced audio return channel device. Outfitted with the Sonos ecosystem for networked audio, the Arc can stream music from different apps ranging from Spotify and Tidal to Plex.
Moreover, the Sonos platform is scalable for a flexible audio solution. Pairing the Sonos Arc with the Sonos Sub and a set of Sonos One speakers and the Sonos Sub lets you build a true 5.1 surround sound system (check out my guide to building a discrete Sonos home theatre surround sound system). Onboard, you’ll find an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, there’s not much in the way of inputs. The Arc rocks a solitary HDMI port with eARC. Provided that you’ve got a television or projector that also supports eARC, you should be fine since you’ll be able to run your Blu-ray player, streaming devices, and game consoles into your TV while still receiving a lossless audio signal. However, if you don’t have enhanced audio return channel, you’ll miss out on lossless Dolby Atmos audio. Additionally, the Arc lacks multi-channel LPCM capabilities. Nevertheless, the Sonos Arc is best Dolby Atmos soundbar for Audiophiles.
Pros:
- HDMI output with eARC
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi
- Excellent audio quality
- Great for movies and music
- Dolby Atmos compatibility
- Looks good
- Google Assistant capabilities
- Modular design (add a pair of Sonos One speakers and the Sonos Sub for a true 5.1 surround sound)
- Works with the Sonos whole-home audio ecosystem
Cons:
- Lacks multi-channel LPCM
- Only one HDMI output with eARC, no HDMI inputs
Best Samsung Dolby Atmos Soundbar – Samsung HW-Q950T
The Samsung HW-Q950T is a terrific home cinema replacement. The 9.1.4 channel soundbar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility features 3D surround sound technology. Its 20-speaker array includes 9 channels in the front-located soundbar, 4 upfiring channels, and a subwoofer. Q-symphony technology synchronizes the Samsung HW-Q950T provides adaptive sound that analyzes audio content so as to customize the listening experience scene-by-scene such as amplifying speech even when the volume is low. Amazon Alexa comes built-in.
Its rear speakers are wireless for simple installation. Furthermore, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI with eARC offer a host of different connection options. Unfortunately, the HW-Q950T is pretty pricey. Granted, it’s capable of producing loud, high-quality audio. Strangely, there’s no room correction or an auto-volume mode which is particularly surprising considering that the HW-Q950T is a premium soundbar. Still, Samsung’s HW-Q950T is an impressive multi-channel surround sound system. Alternatively, Samsung offers the HW-Q900T 7.1.2 channel soundbar, HW-Q800T 3.1.2-channel soundbar, and HW-Q70T 3.1.2-channel soundbar, all of which boast Dolby Atmos processing.
Pros:
- 9.1.4-channel surround sound
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Adaptive sound
- Amazon Alexa built-in
- HDMI with eARC
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
Cons:
- Expensive
- No auto-volume or room correction
Best Budget Dolby Atmos Soundbar – TCL Alto 9+
TCL makes a solid lineup of smart TVs that won’t break the bank. And likewise, the TCL Alto 9+ is the best Value Dolby Atmos soundbar available. The 3.1-channel Alto 9+ can process Dolby Atmos tracks and features a wireless subwoofer. There’s Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Google Assistant, and Chromecast plus AirPlay 2. A backwards-tilted speaker on the side of the soundbar ushers in what TCl dubs RAY·DANZ Technology to deliver a wider soundstage. Engineered with TCL Roku TV support, you can use one remote to control both the TCL Alto 9+ as well as a TCL Roku television.
Sound quality is good, and the Alto 9+ is unique in that it’s one of the few small Dolby Atmos soundbars on the market. Keeping the speaker count lower nixes any rear surround sound channels. However, this also translates to a slightly anemic audio profile. While the TCL Alto 9+ is great for small to medium-sized rooms, it’s not appropriate for filling larger rooms. Moreover, despite its Dolby Atmos processing, the Alto 9+ doesn’t have the extra drivers required to yield a true Dolby Atmos experience. Despite a few shortcomings, the TCL Alto 9+ is an incredible, affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar.
Pros:
- Dolby Atmos processing
- 3.1-channel soundbar
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, HDMI with ARC
- RAY·DANZ Technology for a wide soundstage
- Native TCL Roku TV compatibility for single remote operation
- Affordable
Cons:
- Lacks true surround sound
- Can’t fill a large room well
Cheapest Dolby Atmos Soundbar – Soundcore Infini Pro
At a fraction of the cost of most other Atmos-certified soundbars, the Soundcore Infini Pro punches well above its weight class. It’s a good budget Dolby Atmos soundbar that boasts great bang for your buck. The 2.1 Infini Pro sports a built-in subwoofer for a single-device set up. Despite its lack of a standalone subwoofer, the Soundcore Infini Pro manages shockingly decent bass response with a pair of front-facing 2.5-inch mid-range drivers and 1-inch tweeters, dual up-facing 3-inch subs, and a modest 105dB for room-filling audio.
A range of EQ options includes Movie, Music, and Voice. Connectivity is excellent with HDMI, TOSLink optical, and Bluetooth. Additionally, the Infini Pro sports 4K HDR and Dolby Vision passthrough. While Dolby Atmos processing works well, the Soundcore Infini Pro doesn’t have the chops to match a true surround sound set up. Yet, the Soudncore Infini Pro is an innovative all-in-one budget Atmos soundbar.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Dolby Atmos compatible
- Built-in subwoofer for an all-in-one soundbar design
- 4K HDR and Dolby Vision passthrough
- Great connectivity (HDMI with ARC, TOSLink optical, Bluetooth)
- Simple set up
- 2.1-channel soundbar
Cons:
- Lacks multi-channel surround sound
- Not the loudest
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars for All Budgets – Final Thoughts
There are tons of Dolby Atmos soundbars on the market. Vizio’s Elevate is the top soundbar with Atmos for most users with its stellar connectivity, fantastic audio quality, and rotating speakers. The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra is perfect for movie buffs seeking a smattering of speakers, while the Sonos Arc is a solid, scalable Dolby Atmos soundbar. Samsung’s HW-Q950T delivers lots of volume, while the Anker Soundcore Infini Pro and TCL Alto 9+ are good, cheap Atmos soundbars.
Your turn: What Dolby Atmos soundbars do you recommend?
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