Dolby Atmos is the industry-leading technology in surround sound and advanced audio quality. However, it’s only possible to maximize that if you know what you’re looking for. To aid you in the selection of getting one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbar, our experts have reviewed the leading on the market. Read on for more details!
Dolby Atmos Soundbars Reviews
1. Samsung HW-Q70T Soundbar
Similar to the Samsung Q90R, the HW-Q70T still features today’s best technologies that can simulate a surround sound system. This is a 3.1.2-channel 330W system with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and HDR 10+. The best Dolby Atmos soundbars will have more to offer than just good music quality.
Within its price range, Samsung True Dolby Atmos soundbar also features Q-Symphony, which automatically syncs and optimizes with your Samsung OLED TV for a seamless operation. The box includes optical and HDMI cables, wall mounting brackets and screws, and leg stickers.
You can also take advantage of Samsung’s Acoustic Beam technology, present in their high-end products, which aim directly to your listening spot. There are 3 channels and 2 upward-firing drivers to guarantee the expansive room-filling cinematic sound experience.
What We Like
- Adaptive Sound
- Q-Symphony
- Acoustic Beam technology
- Advanced music technologies
- Full true surround system
- Wireless subwoofer
- Amazon Alexa compatible
What We Don't Like
- Only one HDMI input
- No Google Assistant
2. Sonos Arc Soundbar
The Sonos Arc premium smart surround sound setup is the creme de la creme of soundbars. It is outfitted with AirPlay 2 and True Dolby Atmos technology for 3D and immersive music. TruePlay tuning technology will optimize the soundbars to perfection. Trueplay support user to fine-tune the music to their room and the software offers several ways to feed music into the soundbar with massive streaming support.
The gorgeous, high end black Sonos soundbar takes elegance to a whole new level. Arc is one of the favorite in its price range. With it’s full 5.0.2 sound system, it also present state-of-the-art noise-canceling technology to make sure you are only getting crystal clear immersive tune at any volume. There are a total of a whopping eight elliptical woofers with three tweeters; silk dome tweeters, and upfiring speakers.
This today’s best speaker is compatible with your 4K TV HDMI ARC and can connect to other devices through Wi-Fi for a buildable setup and 3D sound. An exciting thing is the ARC’s ability to connect and be paired with other products to either enhance the bass or to create a more in-depth soundstage. The Sonos bar also blends and pairs beautifully with your interior and other smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa for voice control.
What We Like
- Can relay 4K and Blu Ray content
- Buildable sound system
- 3D audio
- Wi-Fi connection
- Alexa voice assistant built-in
- Has a subwoofer and two rear speakers
- HDMI Arc
What We Don't Like
- No Google Assistant
- High price tag
3. Sony HTX8500 Soundbar
Even single speaker bars can support D.A. and produce great sound for your home theater you’d want. It not only has Dolby but also DTS:X technology, Chromecast built-in, and a vertical sound engine.
The Sony HT-X8500 has 2 built-in subwoofers for improved bass. The 2.1-channel bar can simulate the cinematic sound and virtual surround object-based sound that is comparable to 7-channel soundbars. Measuring 89cm, a custom wall mount is available.
Sony has known for its Hi-Res audio and support Bluetooth and Chromecast.
To get closer to the Dolby Atmos as a worthy feature, the Sony HTX8500, compatible with Dolby Vision and Google, has 7 different sound modes and voice enhancement to give you good value for its price.
The slim and sleek device can handle a 4K HDR pass-through with HDMI inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, and other digital connections to improve your TV sound.
There is also an entry-level Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Sony HT-G700 if you’re on a tight budget. But it doesn’t compare to the much pricier like the Sony HT-ST5000 and HT-X8500.
What We Like
- Bluetooth streaming
- 7 sound modes for movies and TV shows
- High quality passthrough
- Voice enhancement
- No need to buy subwoofers
What We Don't Like
- No external sub
- No display screen
Dolby Atmos Soundbar Buyer’s Guide
What should you look for in the best Atmos soundbar to buy? Read on to find out!
Dolby Atmos Sound Quality
D.A. is the top authority for music and movies sound. It is the closest you will get to realistic and great sound quality. Whether you choose to buy a Sony, Samsung Q90r, Vizio Sb36512 F6 or any other brand, you want the technology to live up to your expectations.
Based on our reviews, our experts highly suggest looking for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars that also come with competing audio technologies like DTS [1] and other brand-specific ones to add to its capabilities. This way, you will get the most of what the best soundbars have to offer.
An object-based surround sound technology like Dolby Atmos expands on conventional sound systems with the inclusion of “height” channels.
Unlike Dolby Atmos, DTS:X has no requirements for additional height channels or requirements for a specific number of speakers in any configuration.
The Sennheiser Ambeo soundbar and the all-new Vizio Elevate soundbar is a great example of a soundbar that comes with both Dolby and DTS technology. Dolby Digital Plus is also another excellent music technology that can relay 3D and realistic acoustics.
Design
When you buy the best soundbars, they need to fit in well with your interiors. But you’d want one that complements the room but also does its job.
Our experts say the dimensions of the bar will be different for everyone. The right dimensions would be one that doesn’t obstruct the screen, is of the same length or is just a few inches short of your TV’s height, and is lightweight. The lightweight characteristic will make the product easy to mount if you intend to set it up on the wall.
Does it have a control panel, LED display screen or indicator lights? Our expert team reviews and expresses that buying a bar with one of these features will make the interface more user-friendly.
Price
You may find the occasional deals if you take advantage of events such as Prime Day, but understand that to get the best soundbars, you will need to spend a certain amount. Factors like the brand, Bluetooth connectivity, eARC compatibility, height channels, speakers, and compatibility with music and movies streaming services can impact the price.
Don’t compromise the performance for better deals. What may seem like a good bargain at the time may equal a faulty soundbar in the future.
Subwoofer
The D.A. soundbars, unlike the soundbar Sennheiser Ambeo, will come with its own wireless subwoofer. Whether it’s built-in in the soundbar such as a Yamaha or Vizio or external like the Sonos Beam, Sony HT ST5000, Vizio SB36512-F6, or LG SN11RG, a sub is what makes the difference in the bass notes.
If you love heavy and rich bass, our experts suggest looking for a product with sub speakers. Keep in mind that external subs are larger and can generate more bass power compared to internal subwoofers.
Surround Sound
The Dolby Atmos system are capable of surround sound. The Sony HT series like the Sony HT ST5000 , Vizio SB36512-F6, Vizio soundbars, Yamaha, Sennheiser Ambeo soundbar, and other high-end soundbars like Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 can promise immersive acoustics for movies, music, dialogue and TV shows. The key is to look for 5 or more speakers in your soundbars and advanced audio technologies.
Connections
Our team always suggests looking for HDMI input and output as they are one of the top plug-ins for high quality loads. The soundbars will feature digital plug-ins as well as analog ones to increase compatibility to other speakers and devices. Try JBL 3.1 Soundbar as this present both optical digital and analog connections as well.
Wireless Connectivity
Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can be present in soundbars. If you like streaming content, they are great connectivity methods that can stream TV shows, movies and music from external devices without wires. They can also be used to build an entire home theater setup for multi-room streaming.
Thinking of building your own but with a strict budget? See the best home theater systems you can get under $500.
Audio Modes
Audio modes in soundbars optimize the Atmos content. Vizio and most other brands will have soundbars that have 3 or more of these sound settings. The good thing about these modes is they unlock previously inaudible sound that your regular speakers could not produce.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is a software embedded in many devices to improve the performance of the speaker and drivers. It makes the difference between louder audio and room-filling 3D audio.
FAQ
Are Dolby Atmos soundbars worth it?
Yes, Dolby Atmos sound bars are worth it if you want elevated music. To get the full immersive home cinematic Atmos experience, our experts say along with multiple reviews, this advanced technology is indispensable.
What's the best Dolby Atmos soundbar?
It is the Samsung HW-Q70T sound bar. It is one that features not only the best Atmos technology, but also brand-specific features such as Q-Symphony and Acoustic Beam.
Do you need a Dolby Atmos TV for Dolby Atmos soundbar?
No, you do not need a Dolby Atmos TV for a Dolby Atmos soundbar. All you need to improve your speakers is Atmos content. The soundbars will relay the high definition audio from the source.
Our Top Pick For a Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Samsung HW-Q70T
Our experts agree that the Samsung HW-Q70T is the best of all Atmos soundbars. It has great audio technology plus DTS, Q-Symphony, and Acoustic Beam to make sure you’re getting the most deals for your money. The HW-Q70T also comes with Adaptive Sound technology and works with Alexa devices.
For seamless soundbar setup, you can check our page about setting up Sonos One soundbar here. Read next!
