No matter how big your room is, Dolby Atmos soundbars are the easy way to a home theater nirvana.
Top 5 Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars Of 2024 You can enjoy more natural and immersive audio from your favorite TV series and films with the best Dolby Atmos soundbars. This is because Dolby Atmos is a surround sound system that, instead of being fixed to a specific speaker in a setup, isolates sounds to individual objects – a dog barking, a helicopter overhead, or someone yelling – and can be mapped in 3D space.
It will therefore sound as though a helicopter is flying over your head if you can see one flying above you on screen. In essence, sound is more precisely and effectively positioned than with standard surround sound, depending on what you’re watching on the screen.
When combined with a surround sound speaker system, the best AV receivers don’t provide the same flawless presentation of Dolby Atmos soundtracks, but those configurations can be costly and take up a lot of room. The greatest soundbars excel in this situation, and the best Dolby Atmos soundbars are a simple solution for creating an amazing home theater experience.
Table of Contents
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars Of 2024
NO.1 : Samsung HW-Q800C
The best Dolby Atmos soundbar for most people
Pros
- Phenomenal power and projection
- Can be upgraded for full surround
- Aggressively priced for what it offers
Cons
- No 4K/120Hz HDMI passthrough
- Not as musical as some rivals
- Not the prettiest soundbar around
As our top choice, the Samsung HW-Q800C is a Dolby Atmos soundbar that offers excellent performance that belies its budget. It is likely to be suitable for most users. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported by the HW-Q800C, which uses two upfiring drivers to deliver the height channels. It also has extensive compatibility for a variety of music files, including high-resolution FLAC. Additionally, you get an HDMI passthrough system and Samsung’s Q-Symphony technology if you pair the soundbar with a current Samsung TV.
We discovered during testing that the Q800C provides amazing power and superb channel navigation for TV series and films. Even without any back speakers, the bass is very deep, the dialogue is understandable, and the spatial effects are believable.
It has an industrial vibe to it. The main part of the Samsung HW-Q800C soundbar is similar to other bars in the series, and at 1111mm (43.4 inches) wide, it’s not too big to fit under your TV; in fact, it’s about the same width as a 50-inch TV.
Samsung did away with the rear speakers and part of the size and power of its top Q990C soundbar, which is why the HW-Q800C is so inexpensive. Its “bar-plus-subwoofer” combo, however, nevertheless promises 5.1.2 genuine channels and more power than most competing soundbars at this price range. This is the reason it’s our best choice for Dolby Atmos—in addition to being a competent soundbar, it’s also reasonably priced.
NO.2 : Sony HT-S2000
The best budget Dolby Atmos soundbar
Pros
- Extremely effective dialogue clarity
- Support for spatial audio codecs
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or AirPlay support
- Lacks voice assistant
Sony performed flawlessly when it came to producing powerful sound in a small package. Its low-cost soundbar, the HT-S2000, achieves the ideal mix between taking up minimal valuable screen space and providing your TV’s audio with a significant boost in immersive audio strength.
We were astounded by its “impressive level of immersion given its basic speaker array and compact form factor – much of this is owed to Sony’s proprietary processing,” as we put it in our testing report. Aside from the exceptionally powerful immersive audio processing capability, two other standout aspects of the sound quality that we reviewed were the distinct bass and crisp conversation.
But it’s not all positive feedback. The HT-S2000’s reasonably low price tag comes with a price price: just Bluetooth 5.2 wireless streaming capabilities, one HDMI connection, and an optical digital input. However, you can still pair the HT-S2000 with other Sony speakers and subwoofers.
Previous sales have seen the Sony HT-S2000 drop from $499 and £449 in the US and the UK to $349 and £299 in the UK, respectively. As such, if you are able to purchase one of these alternatives to the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) (ranked #9 in our list), it is worth keeping an eye out for a deal.
No.3 : Hisense AX5125H
The best budget soundbar for Dolby Atmos surround
Pros
- Real Dolby Atmos and surround
- Dynamic bass and crisp dialogue
- Incredible value
Cons
- Music streaming limited to Bluetooth
- Few EQ adjustments
- Surround speakers a weak point
Budget-friendly Dolby Atmos soundbars are usually single-unit devices that use virtual processing to provide surround sound and Atmos height effects. For an astonishingly inexpensive $350 / £350 / AU$450, the Hisense AX5125H defies that tradition by including wireless surround speakers, a subwoofer, and true upfiring speakers on its main soundbar.
When we examined Hisense’s low-cost 5.1.2-channel system, we were taken aback by its “effective Dolby Atmos delivery” and unexpectedly expansive soundstage, which allowed every element of the soundtrack plenty breathing room. In our evaluation of the sound quality of the AX5125H system, dialogue was also “crystal clear.” Though the surround speakers’ performance occasionally became overpowering when exposed to loud soundtrack mixes, overall the system’s powerful sound amazed us considering its low cost.
You wouldn’t expect excellent build quality for a $350 soundbar system, and the Hisense falls short in that regard. Although it has a quite plain and simple appearance, it does have a front-panel alphanumeric display that gives you visual feedback as you alter the system using the included remote control. This is a valuable feature that is uncommon at this price point.
The Hisense AX5125H doesn’t have the best sound quality when it comes to music because it only has Bluetooth onboard for wireless music streaming, but we still found that listening to music was pleasurable and that it could be played loudly without overtaxing the system. A 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos sound system that performs better than this Hisense kit will cost you a lot more money, and for most people, we believe that Hisense’s low-cost soundbar will be more than adequate.
NO.4 : Samsung HW-Q700C
The best mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar
Pros
- Exceptionally powerful
- Clear vocals
Cons
- Lacks 4K/120Hz passthrough
- Samsung TV needed for calibration
We have the perfect bar and subwoofer combo for you if your budget is precisely $549.99 / £599 / AU$899, since Samsung has priced its HW-Q700C squarely in the middle of the Dolby Atmos soundbar market. Of course, it must be mentioned that the Samsung HW-Q800C, ranked #1 on this list, offers even more powerful audio quality if you are willing to pay a little bit extra.
With 3.1.2 channels of sound coming from a center, two wide-range tweeters, two dedicated upward firing drivers, and a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer, the HW-Q700’s soundstage nevertheless feels extraordinarily broad. It obviously doesn’t match the flagship HW-Q990C’s audio capabilities without the rear speakers, which are ranked #4 on our list, but it is still less than half the price.
With the HW-Q700C, you still enjoy excellent sound quality. As we stated in our evaluation: “The Samsung HW-Q700C soundbar did indeed fill my room with sound that evidently had greater height, and during Avengers: Endgame in the main, epic battle at the end, sounds of various spaceships and otherworldly beasts flying in from the sides of the screen did sound as they had come from my side or behind me.”
Its feature list is as diverse, with support for hi-res sound formats like FLAC, AAC, ALAC, WAV, WMA, and MP3 in addition to a variety of networking choices like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Tidal Connect. It is shocking to see the HW-Q700C priced at this level given how well-equipped it is and the exceptional value it provides.
NO.5 : Bose Smart Soundbar 600
The best compact soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Pros
- Compact, attractive design
- Dolby Atmos with up-firing speakers
- Extensive streaming options
Cons
- Single HDMI port
- Limited bass
- No DTS:X support
Take a look at the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 if you’re searching for a Dolby Atmos soundbar that produces a lot of sound from a small, reasonably priced package.
Unusually for a low-cost bar, this soundbar has real up-firing speakers enabling Atmos height effects. We stated in our evaluation that “music sounded well-balanced and with decent stereo separation – something many soundbars fail to deliver.” “Music and sound effects were rendered in a spacious manner that extended the presentation well beyond the confines of the bar itself.”
While it doesn’t reach the low bass notes that other soundbar systems with an integrated subwoofer manage, it nevertheless provides continuously thrilling sound for viewing movies and TV shows. We also noticed during testing that dialogue quality is good.
In addition to being a wonderful option for limited rooms, this soundbar is also reasonably priced. Its dimensions are 4 inches deep, 2 inches high, and 27 inches wide, making it a rather small and elegant all-in-one device.
Plenty of onboard streaming options, such as AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, easy app-based setup, and an appealing all-in-one design factor are all included. We were thrilled by this soundbar when we evaluated it, but what really sets it apart is how affordable it is for a Dolby Atmos soundbar.
How to choose the best Dolby Atmos soundbar
We’re willing to wager that your new 4K TV lacks the audio necessary to complement its sleek design. To get the most out of your favorite TV series and movies, then choosing the best soundbar to match your TV is your best bet. However, how do you pick the Dolby Atmos soundbar that’s perfect for you?
Where it will go is the first thing to think about. The majority of the soundbars in our roundup are simple, elegant, and made to fit neatly against a wall or home theater setup. You must decide on a location and make sure it will fit. In light of this, you should think about getting a soundbar that works well with your TV.
The lengthy Sonos Arc soundbar, for instance, isn’t going to look good on a smaller 50-inch TV because it was made primarily for big displays. It will be necessary for you to measure the size of the room in which your existing TV will fit and compare those measurements to the specs of the soundbar you choose to purchase.
It is advisable to consider the type of connection that you require. What’s the difference between optical and HDMI connectivity, which is present in the majority of current soundbars? There are two methods for sending audio from your TV to your soundbar: optical and HDMI. HDMI supports Dolby Atmos and other high-resolution audio. To enjoy a high-end, immersive audio experience, make sure your soundbar has an HDMI port that can be used for connecting, as well as an HDMI ARC (audio return channel) connector on your TV.
You should consider the Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System as a substitute for a soundbar. It is made up of four speakers that connect wirelessly to one another through a small box that is just slightly bigger than an Apple TV. These speakers combine to produce an additional 12 “phantom” Dolby Atmos speakers.
You should also read our guide to the top AirPlay speakers if you own an iPad or iPhone. With these, you may stream music straight to your speaker from your devices. That implies you can enjoy loud music from your phone without having to put up a more elaborate entertainment system. Not only can some be compact and lightweight, but many soundbars also have AirPlay built right in.
The best Dolby Atmos soundbar: FAQs
Q. Are Dolby Atmos soundbars worth it?
They are, without a doubt, the most immersive soundbar experience available; they are mostly on the more expensive end of the spectrum. Because of their ability to produce spatial audio with 3D effects, speakers with a large number of angled drivers and sophisticated processing make the most of them. Although having access to Atmos audio quality is wonderful for budget soundbars, it’s not as important because they won’t produce the same “dome of sound” effect.
Not every new soundbar, meanwhile, is a Dolby Atmos soundbar. These days, several models from well-known companies, like as LG, Samsung, Sonos, and Sony, come with Dolby Atmos pre-installed. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes with various capabilities. These days, soundbars are usually an excellent option, regardless of whether you buy a normal or Dolby Atmos model. The greatest TVs now have thinner screens thanks to advancements in screen technology, but this means less room for large speakers. The answer is soundbars.
Q. What are the key features of a Dolby Atmos soundbar?
There is no other way to send Atmos sound between your TV and a Dolby Atmos soundbar other than via HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC. Otherwise, upfiring drivers—two or more speakers pointing upward in addition to speakers facing forward—will be present in the best Atmos soundbars. Dolby Atmos is known for its ability to add height in addition to surround sound, and the best method to do this from a soundbar is with upfiring drivers. Certain Dolby Atmos soundbars employ deft digital processing instead of upfiring drivers to give the audio more height. However, it never works as well as having actual upfiring drivers.
Q. Do I need a Dolby Atmos soundbar with a separate subwoofer?
Certain soundbars are all-in-one devices that come equipped with every speaker required to play Dolby Atmos. Others include a subwoofer, a speaker made expressly to handle the low frequency effects (LFE) and bass in Atmos soundtracks. The subwoofer in most systems is wirelessly connected to the soundbar and can be positioned close by or concealed behind furniture.
Does a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer really need one? Not always, while integrated systems typically have more bass impact and can produce louder sounds than all-in-one models. Some of the all-in-ones on our list, such as the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 and the Sonos Arc and Beam (Gen 2), can be updated with a wireless subwoofer for an additional price. This allows you to test the soundbar out first and then, if you think the bass is missing, add that option later.
Q. Do I need a Dolby Atmos soundbar with wireless surround speakers?
Not all technology with Dolby Atmos support is available as a soundbar. For instance, the Sonos Era 300 has significantly changed this area. Wireless surround sound speakers are included with some Dolby Atmos soundbars, which contributes to a more immersive audio experience.
Although many Dolby Atmos soundbars are made to produce a “wraparound effect,” in which the sound spills over the edge of the TV screen, these aren’t strictly necessary. However, our testing has revealed that surround sound systems perform better than those without them.
Similar to optional wireless subwoofers, wireless surround sound speakers are also available from Dolby Atmos soundbar manufacturers, such as Sonos, Bose, Samsung, LG, and Sony. These speakers can be added to the system at a later time to improve performance.
