The best Dolby Atmos soundbars for immersive spatial audio

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The best Dolby Atmos soundbars surround listeners in a dome of 3D audio, enabling an enhanced sense of immersion when enjoying movies, TV shows, and video games. Dolby's advanced spatial audio format spreads sound effects not just around your listening area, but also above your head. Top Dolby Atmos soundbars accomplish this through up-firing audio drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling. 

Our experts have been covering home audio products for over a decade, and have used that experience to select the five best Dolby Atmos soundbars. Based on our extensive hands-on testing, the Samsung HW-Q990C earns our highest recommendation. It's a premium setup with multiple components, delivering a powerful home theater experience. But for shoppers on a budget, we recommend the Bose Smart Soundbar. This option lacks dedicated surround speakers and a separate subwoofer, but it still offers solid performance in an affordable, compact package.

Below, you can find our full selection of carefully curated picks, with the best Dolby Atmos soundbars for various needs. And if you're still new to Dolby Atmos, scroll down to browse our list of frequently asked questions.

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 midrange system: Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 - 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

The Samsung HW-Q990C is our pick for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar thanks to its immersive audio performance. This multi-piece system comes with the bar itself, two wireless surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer. Together, these components provide 11.1.4 channels of sound, including four up-firing and four side-firing drivers to bounce effects all around your room. 

The system sounded fantastic during our testing, and performance was impressive for everything we listened to, not just Dolby Atmos movies and shows. During our review, we heard remarkable subtlety and detail in dialogue across genres, from sitcoms to prestige dramas. Music came through with rich resonance in midrange instruments like guitar and horns, plenty of thump in the bass register, and lyrical treble above that made floaty effects sparkle as intended.

With four different components, the system takes some time to set up but is refreshingly easy to navigate. Once connected to your network, you can control the bar using the included remote or Samsung's SmartThings app.

On the feature front, you get just about the full lot here, with support for multiple formats (including Atmos rival DTS:X), real-time sound optimization, and multiple HDMI inputs with 4K HDR pass-through to connect devices like a streaming box or Blu-ray player. The only missing piece is HDMI 2.1 support, which means the system can't transmit advanced gaming features like a 120Hz signal or variable refresh rate (VRR) when paired with a console like a PS5.

Buyers should note that Samsung sells a slightly updated version of this soundbar called the Q990D. The newer model is very similar but adds support for HDMI 2.1. The Q990C remains a better value for most users since it's often on sale for a lot less, but the Q990D is an excellent alternative if HDMI 2.1 is an essential feature for you.  

Read our Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar review.

Best budget option

Bose's minimalist Smart Soundbar doesn't look all that impressive from the outside, but behind its perforated grille, there's some magic going on. This model is a slightly refreshed version of the now-discontinued Bose Smart Soundbar 600. Its physical design and driver array are 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 clear and focused audio for everything from music to dialogue, even amid chaotic action scenes. The bar is also surprisingly good at providing expansive Dolby Atmos performance considering its small frame. It uses a mix of targeted speakers and excellent software to surround you with subtle effects like buzzing insects and zooming starships.

The Smart Soundbar can connect to your local network to mingle with other Bose speakers, letting you create a multi-room audio setup or add auxiliary speakers for a true surround sound configuration. Unlike the competing Sonos Beam, Bose's model employs dedicated up-firing drivers to bounce sound off your ceiling, creating a more effective Dolby Atmos soundstage.

We also like the new AI Dialogue mode, which uses a real-time machine-learning algorithm to enhance vocals without impacting other sound effects. Another new feature on this model is 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 leave your ears exposed, you can hear surround sound effects through them while still hearing the soundbar. It's a cool perk but not something we consider a major selling point.

The soundbar is easy to control with your TV remote over HDMI eARC/ARC and includes app support for fine-tuning audio and streaming music from various services. Wireless playback over Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth are also available. Built-in microphones let you control basic playback with your voice via integrated Amazon Alexa, and you can get Google Assistant capabilities if you pair the bar with a separate device.

On the downside, the Bose Smart soundbar doesn't come with a separate subwoofer unit, so it's light on low-frequency impact. You can add a subwoofer with the Bose Bass Module, but that doubles the system's price. The bar is also limited to just one HDMI and optical port, and it doesn't support Dolby's primary format rival, DTS.

Check out our guides to all of the best budget soundbars and best Bose soundbars.

Best midrange system

Vizio is no stranger to our best soundbar guides thanks to its ability to squeeze out mighty performance at competitive prices. The Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 multi-piece system fully embodies this philosophy, with some cool mechanical innovation lumped in for good measure. 

The Elevate is so named because the bar's front speakers rotate upward when needed to create the "height" element of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio tracks and then roll forward for stereo or traditional surround sound mixes. The way Vizio's engineers figure it, why have extra speakers that are only in use with select content? This design pays off with strikingly cinematic sound and stirring spatial audio immersion.

The Elevate's default sound can get a bit aggressive in lighter dialogue or brighter music, but there are plenty of ways to configure its audio profile to taste, including the ability to adjust EQ and individual surround channels. To do so, you'll need to familiarize yourself with Vizio's unique interface, which integrates many controls and even a digital display into the system's handy remote. 

Connecting the included subwoofer and surround speakers requires old-school physical wires, which could limit placement options in some setups. That said, most so-called "wireless" subwoofers and surround speakers still require a power outlet, so you're really just trading one cable for another. If your house doesn't have a lot of outlets, Vizio's design could even be the friendlier option.

When it comes to cons, the Elevate eschews Apple AirPlay support (Chromecast streaming is supported) and has no built-in microphones for integrated digital assistant voice control. But there are still many ways to connect components, including dual HDMI 2.0 inputs, an analog audio port, and even a USB input for hi-res audio files. Support for DTS:X (among other formats) completes the package for a well-rounded Dolby Atmos system that's big on sound and easy on your wallet.

Read our Vizio 5.1.4 Elevate soundbar review.

Best stand-alone model

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 money.

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 seamlessly switch between home theater and private listening. Sonos' app also lets you pair the Arc Ultra with add-on speakers to create a multi-piece configuration. Though the company's app has had notable issues since it was updated last year, most of these problems have been corrected. Our reviewer did run into some minor snags with delayed speaker switching, but nothing was troublesome enough to affect our recommendation.

In addition to listening to the Arc Ultra by itself, we also tested the soundbar with two Era 300 surround speakers and a Sonos Sub 4. This setup blew us away, offering a bit more bass and genuine rear effects. We still think most buyers will be satisfied with the Arc Ultra on its own, but it's nice that Sonos has add-on options for people who want to upgrade.

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 is missing support for DTS:X, Dolby's primary 3D audio rival. 

But even with those drawbacks, there are few more malleable and convenient systems available. The Arc Ultra is a bit pricey, but it's worth it for buyers who want 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'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 with support for 4.0.4 channels of audio. 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 still needs to 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 overheard 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.

We tested the Quad with a Bravia 9 4K TV with Center Sync on and off. The feature does position 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 well 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 if you pair it with a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

But 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 included for an extra $300 to $500.

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.

How we test Dolby Atmos soundbars

Our experts 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 general value. Our methodology is informed by more than a decade of experience reviewing home entertainment produtcts.

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 setting, but some compact systems are also tested in a smaller home office environment.

What to look for in a Dolby Atmos soundbar

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 will include an HDMI ARC connection, while newer ones will have HDMI eARC, designed to provide improved bandwidth and efficiency with compatible displays (which include many of the best TVs). If you have multiple devices to connect to your TV, spare HDMI pass-through ports are handy. 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 picks that can accommodate large bars. It's also important to keep in mind 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

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 compared to 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" represent 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 that bounce sound off your ceiling and back down. While less effective than ceiling-mounted speakers, up-firing drivers still work well when properly utilized.

For more information about Dolby Atmos, check out our complete "What is Dolby Atmos?" guide.

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 all 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.