Dolby Atmosis among the most impressive technologies of the last decennary , provide an immersive audio experience without having to invest in or lay up a multi - speaker surround sound scheme . A Dolby Atmos soundbar ply an graceful and sleek unmarried - speaker resolution for your home amusement setup .
Shopping for a soundbarcan be a minute overwhelming , thanks to the superfluity of model to choose from , some of which back Dolby Atmos , and many more that do not . timber soundbarsalso launch the gamut on pricing , ranging from ultra - premium fashion model to morebudget - friendly selections .
If the conjuring trick of Dolby Atmos is something you prioritize , then you ’re in luck , because there ’s a thick roster of fantastic Dolby Atmos soundbars to take from . These are our darling for 2025 .
Best overall Dolby Atmos soundbar
Sonos Arc Ultra
Retailing for $ 999 , the Sonos Arc Ultra is Sonos ' latest top - of - the - line soundbar and the 2024 follow - up to the original Sonos Arc . Just like its predecessor , the Sonos Arc Ultra carries telling sound and a polished intent . Its slender form factor , which is slightly lighter and tenuous in this novel generation , makes for a pleasing addition to any TV console or wall - mount up setup .
The Sonos Arc Ultra bluster an impressive 15 amplifiers , driving seven silk - bonce tweeters and six midwoofers . The soundbar also features Sonos ' fresh basso applied science shout out Sound Motion , which consists of a four - motor , dual - membrane woofer designed to produce thumping bass in a stocky excogitation . The impact of this improved design is felt in the superior audio tone compared with the previous genesis .
Our reviewers found that the Sonos Arc Ultra presents a raw and relaxed sound , with great clarity through the mids and telling bass execution thanks to the new Sound Motion designing . While we also detected some harshness in high frequency , we still regain the Sonos Arc Ultra to be a well - rounded , high - perform , all - in - one soundbar .
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
Honorable Mention : The Sonos Arc
If you ’re interested in flagship performance but on a tight budget , you mightconsider grab the original Arcwhile it ’s still available . While the original was only 5.0.2 versus the newer one ’s 9.1.4 surround , it still packed mountain of punch and might be worth it if you’re able to find it for a bargain .
Best Single-Speaker Atmos Soundbar for under $2,000
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus
Sennheiser is a name absolutely synonymous with caliber audio equipment and has been in operation since 1945 . The German company go in the soundbar market in 2018 with the originalSennheiser Ambeoand immediately raised the saloon ( paronomasia intended ) in the place . In 2022 , the sale of Sennheiser ’s consumer division was completed , with Swiss holding society Sonova Holding AG taking the rein , but that did n’t stop the next - coevals AMBEO Soundbar Plus from launch later that year .
The Ambeo Soundbar Plus is an telling looping on the sensational original Ambeo , sporting a little kind factor while deliver the same wondrous 3D sound . Our referee found the Plus to be a " sonic delight , " and were thoroughly impressed with the sheer power and volume it delivered , and were gasconade aside by the freshwater bass yield from the soundbar ’s twin build - in 4 " subwoofers . An important feature that sets this soundbar aside is its role of Sennheiser ’s " Ambeo modality , " which advance 3D audio format while " upscaling " non-3D format , to deliver , in concert , a breathtakingly immersive 7.1.4 environment experience , all from what amounts to a single speaker system . If you ’re interested in an choice to practice mostly for movies , you might want to contain out theSony Bravia Theater 9 .
Thanks to a belittled invention and a favorable price , the Ambeo Soundbar Plus is a far more approachable way to bring Sennheiser magic to your frame-up without spending a small fortune . The Ambeo Soundbar Plus retails for $ 1,499 from Sennheiser , though it can be found for less if you keep your optic peeled . . If you ’re attend to splurge or bring down the house , then discipline out the Ambeo Soundbar Max .
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
Best Dolby Atmos soundbar for large rooms
Samsung HW-Q990D
Samsung ’s flagship Q990D soundbar is sold as a software package great deal in a full surround sound setup , thoroughgoing with a subwoofer and up-/side - firing rearward speaker system . The Q990D retains an identical form element to its predecessor , the Q990C , while bringing some additional features to the tabular array . With an MSRP of $ 2,000 ( though often on cut-rate sale for C less ) , this four - piece organisation is an investing .
Billed as an 11.1.4 configuration , the Q990D is powered by a total of 22 talker , with 15 of those inside the soundbar itself . Six front - can cone woofer , three covered stadium tweeter , four front wide / side - raise drivers , and two up - send away drivers make up the Dolby Atmos - up to placement inside the soundbar . This new role model has added HDMI 2.1 documentation , allowing for 4 K passthrough up to 120 Hz , making it as much an idealistic partner off for console gaming as it is for movies and television .
This system also support Q - Symphony , which allows speech sound to be play through the soundbar and television simultaneously , enhancing the center channel . Together , this package deal offers an immersive experience that benefits from Dolby Atmos applied science without relying on it totally for surround sound . The Q990D supports Alexa voice control for well-fixed music cyclosis and ascendency .
Best Dolby Atmos soundbar for Bose fans
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
Bose brings its real history as an manufacture leader in audio products to its newest flagship soundbar , the Bose Smart Ultra . This model serves as the follow - up to theBose Smart Soundbar 900and pose atop the current bloodline of soundbars , whose mannikin name calling have moved away from the numbered arrangement used previously .
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar hops on the AI bandwagon , incorporating the applied science into features like AI Dialogue Mode and Bose ’s ADAPTiQ way sensing standardisation pecker . This new rendering is identical in design to its precursor , while bring admittedly small variety to the table such as the aforesaid software program feature of speech , and some minute change in audio quality . The Smart Ultra retains the same 5.1.2 organisation as the old Smart Soundbar 900 .
While we have n’t had the chance to go hand - on with this model just yet , the resounding experience seems to be slightly improved bass performance , with a brighter phone and warm center transmission channel than the 900 . The Bose Smart Ultra soundbar is available from Bose for a reasonable $ 799 , though if previous release timeline are anything to go by , we may be see a new flagship soundbar from Bose in 2025 .
Best compact Dolby Atmos soundbar
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Sonos soundbars have a predilection for delivering full-grown , bluff audio disregarding of actual verbaliser size , and you ’d be amazed how much Dolby Atmos fathom the secondly - gen Sonos Beam can deliver from such a low chassis .
If you ’re buying an audio product that has " Sonos " somewhere in the name , we ’re content in saying you ’re in very unspoilt hands — at least in term of legal quality and versatility . Sonos gear is unco easy to install , and the Beam take that simplicity to the next storey .
Out of the box , the only connection you ’ll be working with is HDMI , although Sonos does provide an HDMI - to - optical arranger for television without HDMI ARC capabilities ( more on that in a second ) , and add the Beam to your Sonos web is just a matter of launch the Sonos app and following the instructions .
Onboard support for Alexa and Google Assistant allows you to use the Beam as a go - to wise verbaliser , and you may even stream and partake in audio from an iOS machine usingApple AirPlay 2 .
In term of functioning , the latest Beam delivers phenomenal soundstaging , peculiarly when you consider the size . There ’s plenty of detail in the mid- and in high spirits - range frequencies , and the bass is reasonably punchy , too . But if you cogitate you call for a small more rumble , linking aSonos Sub Miniis never a unfit theme .
All in all , the Sonos Beam ( Gen 2 ) grants an telling ingress into the existence of Dolby Atmos sound , and for a comparatively affordable price , too .
Best single-speaker soundbar under $800
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
From far-famed speaker makers Klipsch , the Flexus Core 200 is an owing Dolby Atmos soundbar that wo n’t die the bank at just under $ 1,000 .
It ’s an excellent - voice soundbar with unobjectionable , deep sea bass and defined mids and highschool that deliver solid simulated environment performance for your movies , TV , sports , and gaming . It ’s also expandable with the addition of a Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 and Flexus Surr 100 rear speakers . Dialogue pellucidity on everything you determine is also a fundamental lineament , and the Core 200 ’s acme - channel virtualization is brilliant for even more immersive Dolby Atmos performance . Is it on par with a full AV telephone receiver and speaker Atmos system ? Of course not , but it ’s right smart good than anything a stereo sound foil could do .
The Flexus Core 200 also pack quite a punch in the volume section , push 185 watt , and the Klipsch Connect app offer well-fixed usability , EQ customization , volume ascendence , and fence speaker configuration .
The Flexus Core 200 inputs let in HDMI eARC and digital optical for link all your necessary comment source .
Best soundbar alternative
Sony Bravia Theater Quad
While it ’s definitely not a soundbar , the Sony Bravia Theatre Quad system is an immersive , Dolby Atmos - compatible loudspeaker organisation project for those look to take the submergence to the next level . The Quad scheme use four slim , wireless speaker unit modules placed around a room to have a surround sound experience that leverage Dolby Atmos with compatible mental object . Each module contains four number one wood : a front - firing tweeter , an up - kindling tweeter , a mid - deep equipment driver , and a woofer .
At a retail price of $ 2,500 , the Bravia Theatre Quad is an investment in bringing movie theater - like surround sound to your living way or entertainment space . The placement of each speaker is relatively flexible , as the system of rules automobile - calibrates the auditory sensation to its environment . Our reviewers were highly impressed with the Theatre Quad , calling it " the most capable , versatile , exploiter - friendly , mostly - one - box home field of operations sound system you may grease one’s palms . " After fine-tune the organization using the BRAVIA Connect app , our reviewer experienced a marvel of immersive strait , which they feel was " assailable , affecting , punchy , dynamic , and exciting . "
It performs quite well when playing medicine and is compatible with Spotify Connect as well as AirPlay over Wi - Fi . That being said , since it always use all four module , with all 16 speakers dismiss , its dependable vocation is movies and television . Its central control box supports an Ethernet connection as well as HDMI 2.1 , meaning it can handle 4 K at 120Hz , gain it plot console - friendly .
If you ’re look for real Dolby Atmos ingress beyond what a soundbar can offer , and you do n’t take care throw some serious change , then the Bravia Theatre Quad might be for you .
Frequently Asked Questions
A soundbar can both enhance your TV ’s often meager intimate audio recording and streamline your frame-up by doing away with the mussy cables and awkward speakers . No longer do you need multiple loudspeaker to get neat quality sound from your TV . A soundbar cater the power to pare down your setup , specially if you have a wall - mount telecasting .
There are a few key components to follow for when shopping for a soundbar , and the first is audio quality . Check out multiple reexamination of soundbars to ensure you ’ll be getting what you pay for .
You also require to ensure the soundbar is going to fit your outer space . If you have a bulwark - mounted TV , ensure there are mounting brackets in the back , and it ’s nice if any additional bulwark mounting hardware is included . treble - check the dimensions to insure the soundbar wo n’t be spacious than your furniture if you ’re opting to place it on a TV stand ( this is particularly important with something like Sonos Arc , as the soundbar is long and heavy ) .
Finally , you may be fain to purchase a color other than black . While Sonos makes its speakers and components in white , many producer do not , so if you ’re considering aesthetics , keep this in psyche .
A wireless subwoofer as part of a soundbar outfit take in thing a whole tone further by offering better freshwater bass and tractableness in position , though it does need to be on the floor and unobstructed . Ask yourselfhow much you like bass . For a draw of us , having some extra rumble and poke in the elbow room can take television set consider and movie night to a whole other level . Still , other folks may find the intense vibrations to be too much .
Whether or not you need a subwoofer with your soundbar is a matter of personal preference . If you want that additional low - goal capability from your soundbar , a separate wireless subwoofer is a great estimate . But if you ’re okay with what you could call average - voice bass part , you ’ll in all probability be just fine with a straight - up soundbar . With some , like the Sennheiser Ambeo , the company claims there ’s but no demand for an redundant hero because the soundbar is just that good .
With a 5.1- or 7.1 - TV channel base theater phone system , your system is pushing specific audio to specific speakers , and that aid to make it sound like it ’s coming from different areas in the room . With Dolby Atmos , instead of send sound to a speaker , it ’s pushed to a smirch in 3D space , sometimes by more than one speaker unit .
Dolby Atmos is n’t the audio or the soundtrack , it ’s simply metadata that is used by compatible audio geartrain to controller which verbaliser are reproducing peculiar auditory sensation and their position .
fundamental to Dolby Atmos ’ ability to give a more all - encompassing 3D phone effect is the improver of overhead channel or speaker unit . In a straight Atmos organisation , you ’d have literal speakers overhead . Perhaps worth noting , the overall Atmos overhead effect is best enjoyed with those dedicated overhead speakers . Some Dolby Atmos soundbars use upward - firing speaker to deliver this impression , while others render to replicate the 3D result virtually . Using upward - elicit speaker unit from the soundbar is an effective dupe for Dolby Atmos , while virtual return can be anywhere from OK to nifty , depending on the soundbar .
In short , yes . As noted above , those overhead speakers are required to create that extra dimension . In a Dolby Atmos soundbar , there are particularly build speakers that either engineer the sound upwardly physically ( you could often see them under the grill ) or they have the ability to apply artificial intelligence operation to simulate advertize that sound to where it require to be .
Dolby Atmos has some advantages and disadvantages . While it ’s decidedly been market well , it has a competitor : DTS : X. Another surround sound organization that add width and directive sound , DTS :X also provides that third proportion of height for a more immersive 3D experience .
DTS :X establish a few years after Dolby Atmos and offers users more commercial flexibility . When it come to big theaters , you may only have up to 64 Atmos - enable speaker system , but with DTS :X , there ’s no limit . delirium tremens :X costs theater owners nothing to certify , unlike Dolby Atmos .
DTS :X is also more flexile when it comes to the number of " objects " a sound engineer can place virtually in a panorama . While DTS allows for virtually unlimited aim , Atmos limits the object in a scenery to 128 .
So is DTS :X better than Dolby Atmos ? possibly . But Dolby Atmos has a bigger marketing machine behind it , so a lot of folks may never know .
Netflix does corroborate Dolby Atmos subject matter , but to get it , you involve to verify absolutely everything in your setup is Dolby Atmos - ready : The boob tube , the soundbar and speakers , the depicted object , and your streaming equipment if you ’re not playing via the boob tube .
While it ’s possible to find pile of Dolby Atmos demonstration videos on YouTube , they wo n’t play properly . YouTube does n’t have documentation for Dolby Atmos yet .
The simple-minded answer is yes , but this is one of those technologies that you need to experience . You in all probability thought your sometime SD or HD TV at home look slap-up until the first time you walk by a 4 K TV in a store and wondered what coney hole you ’d just fallen down .
The same applies to 3D audio like Dolby Atmos . If you ’re sit at home plate listening to 5.1 surroundings sound , you probably think aliveness is jolly good . If any electronics storage near you have a consecrate Dolby Atmos display or trial room , it ’s really worth going in and listening to the difference . you may really see and get a line how a helicopter can take off from the TV screen at the front of the way and then plagiarise up and over your head before fading off into the ground .
The overall resolution is a more realistic , lifelike speech sound that feels like it ’s coming from all around you , not just being beamed at you from two or three loudspeaker system pointed in your cosmopolitan focal point .
While Dolby Atmos and DTS :X may be the king of the environment sound hill , there ’s a new player in town that we ’re starting to see more of : MPEG - H. We wo n’t get too into the weeds with it here — just go and read ourdetailed explainer on MPEG - H — but it ’s a Modern - ish 360 - degree audio format that allows you to do some cool things with the 3D sound distance : controlling where the sound of some object are hail from ( like a helicopter in an action scene coming in from above ) or how tawdry they are ( like glower the volume of an fight back team fans during a game ) to enhance dialogue so you’re able to get a line what ’s being said well . MPEG - H can currently be live with Sony ’s 360 realism Audio as well as with the above - remark Sennheiser Ambeo soundbar .
