The best Dolby Atmos soundbars create an immersive sense of 3D audio, with sound effects spread in all directions, including above your head. This means falling rain, swooping helicopters, and soaring birds can sound like they’re actually coming from above. Top Dolby Atmos soundbars accomplish this with up-firing audio drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling and back down to your ears.
Our reviewers have been covering home audio products for over a decade and have used that experience to test the best Dolby Atmos soundbars for different needs. The Samsung HW-Q990C earns our highest recommendation. It’s a powerful system that comes with a dedicated subwoofer and separate surround speakers. But if you’re on a tighter budget and want something more compact, we recommend the Bose Smart Soundbar. This model still offers solid performance in a smaller, more affordable package.
Each of our picks has been evaluated using our rigorous testing process with an aim at selecting soundbars that do the best job of showcasing the benefits of Dolby Atmos technology. And if you’re still new to Atmos, scroll down to browse our list of frequently asked questions.
Editor’s note: Ryan Waniata contributed to the FAQ section in this guide.
Our top picks for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars
Best overall: Samsung HW-Q990C – See at Amazon
Best budget option: Bose Smart Soundbar – See at Amazon
Best stand-alone bar: Sonos Arc Ultra – See at Amazon
Best soundbar alternative: Sony Bravia Theater Quad – See at Amazon
Best overall
Samsung Q990C 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar System
This powerful 11.1.4 soundbar system has up-firing drivers, a dedicated subwoofer, and separate rear satellite speakers. It takes up more space than smaller options, but delivers the best Dolby Atmos performance we’ve heard in a system like this.
The Samsung HW-Q990C is our pick for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar overall. This powerful, multi-piece system is the perfect showcase for what the format is all about, providing a clear step up from traditional soundbars.
The package has a soundbar unit, two wireless surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer. Together, these components provide 11.1.4 audio channels, including four up-firing and four side-firing drivers to bounce effects all around your room.
The system performed remarkably well during our tests. We were especially impressed by how realistic certain audio effects sounded, with incredibly precise and natural movements around the soundstage. Chirping birds, gusts of wind, zooming cars, loud gunshots, and small footsteps all felt organically placed across the horizontal and vertical planes. This seamless imaging goes a long way toward making you feel as if you’re truly somewhere else.
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We were also impressed by the Q990C’s versatility across genres. Sure, the system handles big action movies with the robust oomph you’d expect, but we also heard small details in dialogue when watching comedies and quiet dramas. Music sounded great in our tests, too, with a crisp midrange, deep bass, and clean treble across instruments and vocals.
The Q990C is packed with features, including support for Dolby Atmos’ main rival, DTS:X. You also get real-time sound optimization and two HDMI inputs with 4K HDR pass-through to connect devices like a media player or gaming system. However, the HDMI ports lack 2.1 support, which means the system can’t handle 120Hz signals or variable refresh rate (VRR) when paired with a console like a PS5.
Buyers should note that Samsung sells a few updated versions of this soundbar, including the brand-new Q990F. The latest model is similar but adds support for HDMI 2.1 and includes a more compact subwoofer with a refined design. We also reviewed the Q990F, and it sounds stellar. But given the current price difference, the older Q990C remains a better value.
Read our Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar review.
Visit our guide to the best soundbars.
Best budget option
Bose Smart Soundbar
The new Bose Smart Soundbar is a refreshed version of the brand’s Smart Soundbar 600. It carries over the same design and excellent Dolby Atmos audio performance while adding an AI enhanced dialogue mode and the ability to use Bose Ultra Open Earbuds as rear speakers.
Bose’s Smart Soundbar is an excellent fit for people who want to dip their toes into the world of Dolby Atmos on a budget. This model is a slightly refreshed version of the now-discontinued Bose Smart Soundbar 600. Its physical design is identical to its predecessor, but the updated model adds two features: an AI Dialogue Mode and support for using Bose Ultra Open Earbuds as wireless rear speakers.
This stand-alone soundbar provides clean and detailed audio for movies, TV shows, and music. Dialogue is clear and easy to hear, even during sequences with lots of action and loud noises. Considering its compact size, the bar is also surprisingly good at providing expansive Dolby Atmos performance.
Unlike the similar Sonos Beam, Bose’s model has dedicated up-firing drivers to bounce sound off your ceiling, creating a more effective Dolby Atmos soundstage. And though this model lacks separate rear speakers, Bose’s software does a solid job of expanding the soundstage, making effects like buzzing insects and zooming starships sound as if they’re extending beyond the edges of the bar’s small frame.
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Of course, if you do want to add actual rear speakers, the Smart Soundbar can pair with other Bose models. This lets you create a true surround sound configuration or a wireless multi-room audio setup throughout your home.
There’s also a feature called Bose Personal Surround Sound. This lets you connect a pair of Bose Ultra Open Earbuds to use as rear speakers. Since the Ultra Open Earbuds expose your ears, you can hear surround sound effects through them while still hearing the soundbar. It’s a cool perk, but not something we consider a big selling point. Likewise, the soundbar’s new AI Dialogue mode is a nice inclusion, but we rarely felt the need to activate it since the bar’s default dialogue performance is so good. This mode uses a real-time machine-learning algorithm to enhance vocals without affecting other sound effects.
The soundbar has an HDMI eARC/ARC port for connecting to a TV, and there’s an app for adjusting audio settings and streaming music from different services. Built-in mics enable Amazon Alexa, and you can use Google Assistant if you pair the bar with a separate device that supports Google’s platform.
On the downside, the Bose Smart Soundbar doesn’t come with a separate subwoofer unit, so its low-frequency oomph can’t match that of bigger speakers. You can add a subwoofer with the Bose Bass Module, but that doubles the system’s cost. The bar is also missing support for Dolby’s primary format rival, DTS. These are cons to keep in mind, but none of them are dealbreakers considering the Smart Soundbar’s overall value at this price point.
Check out our guides to the best budget soundbars and best Bose soundbars for more options.
And visit our guide to the best Bose headphones to browse some of the brand’s other top products.
Best stand-alone model
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar
The Sonos Arc Ultra carries over everything we loved about the original Arc soundbar while offering bigger bass, improved Dolby Atmos immersion, and cleaner dialogue. It’s pricey, but few stand-alone soundbars can match its performance.
The Sonos Arc Ultra is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar for anyone who wants a single-unit device that doesn’t skimp on powerful bass. This model is the successor to the original Sonos Arc, and it offers even better performance with deeper low frequencies and enhanced clarity.
Powered by the brand’s Sound Motion driver, which packs a large four-motor woofer into a compact space, the Arc Ultra delivers more rumble without needing a bigger design. It’s still on the large side for a soundbar, at around 46 inches wide, but we’re impressed by how powerful its bass is without the need for a separate subwoofer.
Dialogue clarity and spatial audio performance are also exceptional, with side- and up-firing drivers working together to create a 9.1.4-channel experience that engulfs the listener in sound. There are more powerful stand-alone soundbars out there, like the Sennheiser Ambeo Max, but that model costs around double the price.
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Like all Sonos speakers, the Arc Ultra can become part of a larger wireless audio ecosystem. You can even connect the bar with the Sonos Ace headphones to switch between home theater and private listening seamlessly. Sonos’ app also lets you pair the Arc Ultra with add-on speakers to create a multi-piece configuration. Though the company’s app had major issues when it was revamped last year, most of those problems have been fixed. Our reviewer ran into some small snags with delayed speaker switching, but nothing was troublesome enough to affect our recommendation.
Like the original Arc, the Arc Ultra supports WiFi for accessing the best music streaming services, and this time around, Sonos has added Bluetooth support. On the downside, the Arc Ultra carries over a few of its predecessor’s limitations, including a lack of physical inputs, with only a single HDMI port for connecting to your TV. Unlike similarly priced rivals from Samsung and Vizio, the Arc Ultra lacks support for DTS:X, Dolby’s primary 3D audio rival.
But even with those drawbacks, the Arc Ultra stands out as a killer stand-alone soundbar with fantastic Dolby Atmos performance.
Read our Sonos Arc Ultra review.
Visit our guide to the best Sonos soundbars.
Best soundbar alternative
Sony Bravia Theater Quad System
The Bravia Theater Quad is a slim four-speaker wireless audio system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Though we wish it had deeper bass, the system provides an immersive sense of surround sound.
Sony’s Bravia Theater Quad sound system is a cool alternative for buyers who want an immersive Dolby Atmos experience but don’t want a traditional soundbar. This package consists of four thin wireless speakers, each with front and up-firing audio drivers, along with a small control box that houses the system’s inputs.
The resulting setup offers a clean, compact, and stylish Dolby Atmos solution supporting 4.0.4 audio channels. The sleek speakers can be wall-mounted or placed on furniture using their included tabletop bases. They connect wirelessly to the control box, which pairs with your TV via HDMI. However, like most wireless home theater speakers, each unit must be plugged into a power outlet.
The Quad speakers deliver excellent surround sound, with smooth imaging between the left, right, and rear channels. They also offer convincing overhead Atmos effects, which help create a spacious dome of sound. Though the system doesn’t include a dedicated center speaker, the Quad does support Sony’s Center Sync feature, which pairs with compatible Sony displays to use the TV’s speaker as a center channel.
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We tested the Quad with a Bravia 9 4K TV with Center Sync on and off. The feature positions dialogue more naturally, but the Quad speakers also handle speech well on their own. So, while a cool perk, the Bravia Theater Quad system is still worth considering even if your TV doesn’t support Center Sync.
In addition to Dolby Atmos, the Quad system supports Sony’s 360 Reality audio format, which is used by Amazon Music Unlimited. Like Atmos, this format creates a 3D effect with music separated across front, rear, and height channels. However, while the system has Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect support, it does not support Chromecast music streaming. On the plus side, the Quad does support DTS:X and its control box has a spare HDMI 2.1 input for full 4K/120Hz pass-through.
While we love the Quad’s sense of immersion, the system’s audio profile is a bit thin in lower ranges, lacking deep resonance. The bass sounds underwhelming and isn’t as full-bodied as it is on larger soundbar units and systems that include a separate subwoofer. To address this, the Quad supports pairing with a Sony wireless subwoofer, like the SW5. We recommend going this route as it helps to fill out the system’s sound. Packages are sold with a subwoofer for an extra $400 to $600.
But that brings us to one of the Bravia Theater Quad’s other downsides: cost. Without a subwoofer, the system starts at $2,500, which makes it the most expensive option on this list. That said, the system’s high-quality build, stylish aesthetics, and packed set of features make it a worthy premium option for people who want a wireless Dolby Atmos speaker setup.
Visit our guide to the best surround sound systems.
What else we considered
Ryan Waniata/Insider
Though the four picks above represent our top recommendations for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, we also tested a couple of other models that are well worth mentioning. Here are a few other Dolby Atmos soundbars we reviewed, along with details on why they didn’t quite make the cut in this guide.
Samsung Q990F – See at Amazon
The Q990F is the latest iteration of Samsung’s flagship soundbar. It serves as a successor to the older Q990C and Q990D, which are both still available at many online stores. This new model has a redesigned subwoofer, which is now sealed and features a more compact build to reduce rattling. It also has HDMI 2.1 support, which the Q990C is missing. However, it costs a lot more than the Q990C and offers similar performance overall. While it’s still in stock for less money, the Q990C remains our top pick for most people.
Read our Samsung Q990F soundbar review.
Sennheiser Ambeo Max – See at Amazon
Sennheiser’s Amebo Max is a fantastic high-end Dolby Atmos soundbar, but it’s expensive compared to similar stand-alone alternatives like Sonos’ Arc Ultra. Though the Ambeo Max’s beefy performance and impressive surround sound effects are top-tier, we give the Arc Ultra an edge in overall value if you’re looking for a premium single-unit Atmos solution. That said, we do like that the Ambeo Max supports DTS:X, which the Arc Ultra is missing.
Read our Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max review.
How we test Dolby Atmos soundbars
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Our reviewers conducted in-depth testing to find the best Dolby Atmos soundbars. We focused on several factors, including general sound performance, virtual surround and spatial audio immersion, format support, connection options, smart features, and overall value. Our methodology is informed by over a decade of experience reviewing home entertainment products.
We also evaluate usability factors like ease of setup, size (does the bar block your TV screen?), and aesthetics. The best Dolby Atmos soundbars should look stylish and modern without calling undue attention. For instance, a white soundbar might look great during the day but could be distracting when the lights go down for movie night.
For Dolby Atmos bars, we explore a wide variety of content. We evaluate basics like dialogue clarity, as well as overhead immersion, bass, midrange, and treble registers, including how well the bar transitions between each. We also test Dolby Atmos content from various sources, including Blu-rays, streaming services, and Dolby Atmos demo discs, the latter of which help to isolate key strengths and weaknesses.
We live with these bars for multiple days, playing all our media on them. We also listen to a wide selection of music genres and formats from sources like WiFi, Bluetooth, and, whenever possible, analog devices like turntables. Testing is primarily conducted in a living room, but some compact systems are also tested in a smaller home office environment.
What to look for in a Dolby Atmos soundbar
Ryan Waniata/Business Insider
Many factors make for a good Dolby Atmos soundbar, but few are more important than dedicated up-firing speaker drivers. While that may sound obvious, plenty of so-called Dolby Atmos soundbars can decode the format but don’t include up-firing drivers. Without them, soundbars have difficulty delivering convincing overhead effects. With this in mind, we’ve only included models with true up-firing drivers in our guide to the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.
However, it’s not just the height element that provides good performance. Side-firing speakers and, whenever possible, separate rear satellite speakers help a soundbar deliver convincing immersion.
You’ll also want to pay attention to connectivity and format support. Compatibility with competing 3D audio formats like DTS:X is a plus, as are conveniences like WiFi for high-resolution audio streaming. Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2 support are nice perks, too, as is a dedicated mobile app to adjust sound settings and controls.
The best Dolby Atmos soundbars include an HDMI ARC or eARC connection. HDMI eARC is designed to provide improved bandwidth and efficiency with compatible displays (which include many of the best TVs). Spare HDMI pass-through ports are handy if you have multiple devices to connect to your TV. Gamers may want a soundbar that supports HDMI 2.1 with features like VRR and ALLM. Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for top recommendations you can use with your soundbar and TV.
Size is another key factor to consider since you’ll want a bar that isn’t too wide to fit on your media console. Check out our guide to the best TV stands for options that accommodate large bars. It’s also important to remember how tall a soundbar is, since you don’t want it to block the bottom of your TV. If your bar is especially tall, opting to mount your display is a good way to get around this. Visit our guide to the best TV wall mounts for top picks.
Finally, if smart home features are important to you, you’ll want to look for a bar that offers built-in support for Amazon Alexa and/or Google Assistant via onboard microphones.
Dolby Atmos soundbar FAQs
Dolby
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that uses object-based audio mixing with height elements. It’s designed to provide a sense of immersion and realism that mimics how we hear sound in real life, with effects coming from the front, side, rear, and overhead.
In addition to height channels, Dolby Atmos audio tracks use “sound objects” that allow mixers to position specific effects, like a buzzing insect or strafing jet, in a three-dimensional plane. This type of sound mixing creates a more natural sense of movement than traditional surround sound techniques.
Dolby Atmos devices are designated with three numbers in their surround sound channel listing. So, instead of a 5.1-channel surround sound system, you might see 5.1.2 or 5.1.4-channel audio (and so on). In the examples provided, the “.2” or “.4” represents two and four dedicated Dolby Atmos height channels, respectively.
Dolby Atmos is best represented in movie theaters, where dozens of speakers can be placed around and above the listener to reproduce sound objects across an expansive three-dimensional plane. Dolby Atmos soundbars for home theaters generally use virtual height channels or up-firing speakers.
For more information about Dolby Atmos, check out our complete “What is Dolby Atmos?” guide.
What are up-firing speaker drivers?
The best Dolby Atmos soundbars use up-firing speaker drivers to create a sense of overhead audio. Traditional speaker drivers are positioned to beam sound forward or to the side at ear level. However, up-firing speaker drivers are angled upward. This allows them to bounce sound effects off your ceiling and then back down to your ears, simulating the effect of audio coming from above.
While less effective than ceiling-mounted speakers, up-firing drivers still work well when properly utilized.
Where can I find Dolby Atmos movies and shows?
Dolby Atmos movies and TV shows are available through various sources. Many of the best streaming services, including Netflix, Disney Plus, and Paramount Plus, offer titles with Dolby Atmos mixes. Dolby Atmos is also a popular format on Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray releases.
Is there Dolby Atmos music?
In addition to movies and TV shows, Dolby Atmos audio mixing is used for some music. This enables artists to spread vocals and instruments around a 3D space to create a surround sound experience via compatible soundbars, headphones, or speaker systems.
Dolby Atmos audio tracks are available through many of the best music streaming services, like Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music, and Tidal. Only select albums are mixed in Dolby Atmos, but each service has a growing selection of new and classic tracks that take advantage of the format.
Can I play video games in Dolby Atmos?
Yes, many modern video games can be played in Dolby Atmos. The PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, and Windows 10/11 PCs all support Dolby Atmos through compatible soundbars.
What is DTS:X?
DTS:X is a rival audio format that uses techniques similar to Dolby Atmos, such as object-based sound with height elements for three-dimensional immersion. Unlike Dolby Atmos, titles encoded with DTS:X audio are largely confined to Blu-ray discs, and the format isn’t supported by many streaming services.
However, in May 2024, Disney Plus launched DTS:X support for select Marvel Cinematic Universe and concert movies. Disney calls this feature “IMAX signature sound by DTS.” These titles are also available in Dolby Atmos.
Many of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars also include support for DTS:X, but this feature is not always a given. For instance, the Sonos Arc Ultra and Bose Smart Soundbar are not compatible with DTS:X audio.
Are Dolby Atmos soundbars better than TV speakers?
In a word, yes. While speaker systems integrated into premium TVs have improved over the years, physics still plays a factor. Even the best 4K TVs use small speaker drivers to keep their screens thin (and prices down), while soundbars, especially well-engineered models, use larger and more efficient speakers with acoustically superior cabinets. This results in better clarity, dimension, and power.
Do I need a subwoofer?
Physics is always an obstacle when reproducing powerful, high-quality sound from small speakers. This is most evident in the lower bass frequencies. Generally, the bigger the speaker, the better it can reproduce powerful and convincing bass that’s also musical and agile enough to support high-quality music, movies, and TV sound.
That’s why some soundbars include a dedicated subwoofer. Even a small separate subwoofer can usually offer better bass than a stand-alone soundbar without one. Check out our guide to the best soundbars with subwoofers for our top recommendations.
But if you’d rather go without a subwoofer due to space or noise concerns, we recommend looking for a larger soundbar with its own dedicated woofers built in. For instance, the Sonos Arc Ultra can reproduce convincing bass on its own. In addition, many bars allow you to add a proprietary subwoofer later if needed.
