Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars of 2026
Dolby Atmos is an immersive audio know-how that makes use of overhead sound results to create a 3D (AKA “spatial”) audio expertise proper in your lounge. With the appropriate setup, Dolby Atmos can submerge you in films and TV reveals like by no means earlier than, from rain falling from the ceiling to helicopters strafing previous the sofa. But should you’re not able to string wires across the room and mount audio system in your ceiling, the very best Dolby Atmos soundbars present the proper resolution, providing a hands-off strategy to get in on the motion.
I’ve examined dozens of Dolby Atmos soundbars over the past decade, and with the assistance of Business Insider’s different high audio consultants, I’ve compiled the very best choices for nearly any use case or setup. The greatest Dolby Atmos soundbar for most individuals is the Samsung HW-Q990F. This multi-piece system options separate rear audio system and a subwoofer, together with a easy setup and unparalleled efficiency for the cash. But if that is an excessive amount of soundbar to your area or price range, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is a extra inexpensive different, due to its candy mixture of musicality and flexibility.
Though many soundbars technically help Dolby Atmos, not all do a convincing job of showcasing what the format can do. That’s why all of my picks have devoted upfiring drivers to bounce hold forth your ceiling, which is one of the best ways for a soundbar to ship the overhead results that Dolby Atmos is thought for. If you are simply discovering Atmos, you’ll want to try the FAQ part on the finish for a breakdown of the fundamentals.
Our high picks for the very best Dolby Atmos soundbars
Best general: Samsung HW-Q990F – See at Amazon
Best on a price range: Klipsch Flexus Core 200 – See at Amazon
Best compact bar: Bose Smart Soundbar – See at Amazon
Best stand-alone bar: Sonos Arc Ultra – See at Amazon
Best general
Samsung Q990F Soundbar
The Q990F is considered one of Samsung’s flagship soundbar techniques. It contains every part you want for a whole 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos surround-sound expertise, with highly effective audio and loads of wi-fi music-streaming choices.
Samsung’s pace-setting HW-Q990 soundbar series hasn’t modified a lot over time, with every new mannequin providing minor updates over its predecessor. And on this case, that is principally a great factor. Ever because the system expanded to its present 11.1.4-channel configuration, it has been blowing previous the soundbar competitors, and even squaring off towards conventional price range speaker techniques.
The better part a couple of soundbar this dependable is which you could normally get final yr’s mannequin for an enormous low cost. That’s the case with the Q990F, which might typically be discovered for tons of lower than the newer Q990H. Physically, they’re principally an identical, with the one distinction being a number of new software program options that may elevate dialogue and steadiness quantity a bit higher. But whereas the Q990F stays in inventory at a cheaper price, it is the higher worth general.
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So what are you getting to your cash with the Q990F? An entire lot of audio system, for one factor, beginning with front-firing, side-firing, and up-firing drivers in the primary bar, in addition to in every wi-fi {surround} speaker (every speaker should be plugged into the wall for energy), for a complete of 23 particular person drivers. That bundle features a potent but comparatively compact wi-fi subwoofer that anchors the sound with what our reviewer referred to as “full throttle” bass.
Of course, merely cramming tons of audio system right into a soundbar does not routinely result in nice efficiency, however Samsung has created one thing particular with the Q990 collection. Its well-tuned speaker array gives full but detailed sound for normal fare like sitcoms and dramas, and a seamless sweep of results throughout the entrance bar and {surround} audio system for Dolby Atmos tracks, leveraging your partitions and ceiling to bounce sound round you and totally immerse you in spatial results.
You’ll additionally get trouble-free operation — simply plug the system into your wall and TV, observe the easy setup directions, and also you’re in commerce. HDMI eARC/ARC connection helps you to management the system together with your TV distant alongside the bar’s devoted distant and app. Spare HDMI inputs present 4K/HDR passthrough at as much as 120Hz, so you’ll be able to join a Blu-ray participant or sport console straight and ship video to your TV. The system’s Adaptive Sound characteristic even optimizes efficiency for every scene, so that you not often have to futz with completely different sound modes or EQ settings.
The Q990F is loaded with loads of different extras, from WiFi streaming with Spotify Connect, Google Cast, and Apple AirPlay to built-in good assistant help through Amazon Alexa and Samsung Bixby. Newer Samsung TVs unlock extra choices, like Q-Symphony, to merge the TV audio system with the soundbar for extra localized results, although I typically want the system by itself, given the constraints of tinny TV audio system. However you utilize the Q990F, it is best-in-class for Dolby Atmos efficiency.
Read our Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar review.
Visit our information to the best soundbars.
Best on a price range
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 Soundbar
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is a sub-$500 soundbar that also manages to be an important showcase for Dolby Atmos. It has efficient upfiring drivers to bounce audio off your ceiling.
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 soundbar takes a unique design strategy than most soundbars I take a look at, utilizing actual MDF cabinetry, which makes an actual distinction. With all due respect to plastic-first bars, the Core 200 delivers a extra pure and musical sound than most rivals whereas nonetheless providing the comfort and value that make soundbars so well-liked.
The bar’s up-firing drivers mix with spectacular front-firing audio system to ship highly effective, immersive sound with Dolby Atmos tracks, in addition to glorious efficiency with conventional stereo and {surround} sound codecs. A devoted heart channel gives clear, detailed dialogue irrespective of how large the motion will get, and the bar’s twin four-inch woofers, mixed with its stout 44-inch body, ship extra bass than you’d anticipate from a single bar.
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If you determine to push issues additional, the system accommodates it, providing the pliability (therefore the “Flexus” identify) so as to add a Klipsch wireless subwoofer and rear surround speakers down the road for a full surround-sound expertise. You may even join an older powered subwoofer straight through a conventional subwoofer output, which I not often see in trendy soundbars.
If you are questioning how Klipsch squeezes a lot goodness right into a Dolby Atmos bar that usually sells for below $500, it is a play for efficiency over options. The bar does not help DTS:X, Dolby Atmos’ greatest rival, which makes it much less interesting for these with numerous 4K Blu-rays. And not like most Dolby Atmos soundbars I take a look at, there’s additionally no WiFi help for good options or streaming music over protocols like Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay. However, there’s nonetheless an intuitive Bluetooth app for adjusting controls and settings. If you do not thoughts skipping these extras, Klipsch’s performance-first bar is tough to beat at this value.
Check out our information to the best budget soundbars
Best compact bar
Bose Smart Soundbar
The Bose Smart Soundbar packs glorious Dolby Atmos audio efficiency, AI-enhanced dialogue, and Alexa smarts right into a compact design good for smaller areas.
If you are on the lookout for one thing smaller and extra trendy than the Klipsch Flexus Core 200, the equally priced Bose Smart Soundbar is the proper space-saving different. I nonetheless give the Klipsch an edge in general efficiency within the price range area, however this network-ready mini bar is loaded with extras, together with WiFi streaming and Amazon Alexa voice management — all in a way more compact bundle.
The Smart Soundbar’s smaller profile and drivers cannot summon almost as a lot bass punch as one thing like Klipsch’s Core 200, however do not underestimate this little ringer. Offering 5 fastidiously managed audio system inside, together with twin up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos top results, the Smart Soundbar sounds a lot greater and extra expansive than you’d anticipate, successfully spinning sound across the room. It even sounds good for music, whereas Bose’s newest AI processing gives a center-channel increase for glorious dialogue readability.
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The Smart Soundbar’s small profile is amongst its greatest property, particularly for these in smaller properties, however should you determine you need to go greater, Bose has you coated. You can develop the system at any level by including a Bose Base Module (i.e., subwoofer) and/or rear surround speakers, although each choices will price you. You may even join Bose’s glorious Ultra Open Earbuds as rear “audio system” to create a personalised {surround} sound setup.
From its immersive audio to a great deal of extras, the Bose Smart Soundbar is a good possibility for these after a Dolby Atmos speaker that packs numerous stuff into somewhat area.
Check out our information to all the best Bose soundbars.
Best stand-alone bar
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar
The Sonos Arc Ultra carries over every part we liked in regards to the authentic Arc soundbar whereas providing greater bass, improved Dolby Atmos immersion, and cleaner dialogue. It’s expensive, however few stand-alone soundbars can match its efficiency.
For below $2,000, you would be hard-pressed to discover a better-performing stand-alone soundbar than the Sonos Arc Ultra. An replace over the unique Arc, the newest mannequin provides higher bass, clearer dialogue, and a small however significant improve in general immersion. That’s saying one thing, contemplating the unique Arc was already probably the greatest Dolby Atmos soundbars I’ve reviewed in relation to highly effective and expansive sound from a singular tube.
This newest mannequin delivers easy transitions between registers, spectacular musicality throughout codecs, and cinematic punch from its assortment of 14 drivers, together with each up- and side-firing ones to immerse you in sound.
Of course, as a Sonos soundbar, how singular the system stays is as much as you. You can add onto the Arc Ultra as you go, together with a Sonos subwoofer just like the Sub 4 for higher low-bass extension, rear surrounds like the wonderful Era 100, and up-firing Dolby Atmos audio system just like the highly effective Era 300. And with the newest software program replace, Sonos 27, you’ll be able to even join transportable fashions just like the Sonos Play and Move 2 as rear audio system. Apart from {surround} choices, any of those audio system will also be utilized in a Sonos multi-room audio system to unfold sound all through your private home.
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That’s an entire lot of choices, and there’s a lot extra to mess around with. The Arc Ultra’s WiFi and Ethernet connections allow you to stream over a number of protocols, resembling Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Apple AirPlay, or select from over 100 choices within the Sonos app. Speaking of, should you stream from the Sonos app with companies like Amazon Music Unlimited, you’ll be able to expertise Dolby Atmos Music, which applies Atmos’ spatial audio methods to songs from a rising assortment of artists and albums.
The Arc Ultra’s solely actual disadvantage is its dimension, which might crowd smaller consoles and will block the underside of low-set TVs. Some folks may be cautious of Sonos’ app, which was slowed down by widespread glitches after a botched replace in 2024. However, the corporate has labored arduous to repair these points (like connection dropouts), and as somebody with Sonos gear in my house, I can say the model’s up to date software program has labored almost flawlessly for me over the previous yr. Like numerous opponents, the Arc Ultra additionally lacks DTS:X help for spatial audio on some Blu-ray discs, although it does help primary DTS 5.1 {surround}.
Those factors apart, the Arc Ultra is a formidable and extremely versatile soundbar. Whether by itself or half of a bigger system, it’s Sonos’ high performer and simply probably the greatest Dolby Atmos soundbars I’ve ever examined.
Read our Sonos Arc Ultra review.
Visit our information to the best Sonos soundbars.
What else we thought of
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Sennheiser Ambeo Max – See at Amazon
The Ambeo Max is a superb premium Dolby Atmos bar. Thanks to its high-powered array of customized drivers, it provides a few of the most spectacular immersion you will discover from a single-unit soundbar. But it is also huge and fairly costly for a singular bar, particularly one that does not include a subwoofer. When it involves general worth, you will get extra to your cash from the Sonos Arc Ultra, however the Ambeo is a formidable possibility should you can afford it and have the room for its massive profile in your console. Extras like spare HDMI inputs and help for DTS:X make it value contemplating for these after extra for, properly, extra.
Read our Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max review
Sony Bravia Theater Quad – See at Amazon
For these after a extra discreet setup than your common bar, the Theater Quad is an intriguing different. Instead of a single bar, you will get 4 mountable speaker panels, every coated in acoustic cloth and bearing front-, side-, and up-firing audio system. The 4.0.4-channel system connects wirelessly to a central management field, which provides a restricted enter part and show. Its expansive results create a hearty show of the “dome” of sound for which Atmos is praised, however its excessive value and lack of bass with out buying a separate subwoofer imply it is not an important worth for many consumers. That mentioned, if cash is not a problem, you’ll be able to all the time join a Sony SW3 or SW5 subwoofer, and you will not discover a system that blends extra readily into a contemporary decor.
Visit our information to the best surround sound systems.
Sony Bravia Theater Trio – See at Amazon
The follow-up to the theater Quad, the Trio is one other intriguing possibility in Sony’s current explorations of Dolby Atmos design. Offered in a three-piece configuration, which features a heart speaker and two compact stereo audio system with up-firing drivers, the Trio is designed to adapt to your display dimension. It’s particularly aimed toward those that need to push the bounds of house cinema with a large-profile TV or projector display at 75 inches or bigger, as placement of the aspect audio system can simply develop as wanted on stands or on the wall. Again, the shortage of an included subwoofer is a matter, particularly when it comes to worth. And not like the Quad, the Trio does not embody rear {surround} audio system, making it a specialised setup that will not be the appropriate match for everybody.
Read our full Sony Bravia Theater Trio review.
Why do not we advocate soundbars with digital Dolby Atmos?
Dolby
When it involves soundbars, up-firing drivers are one of the best ways to actually expertise the peak ingredient that makes Dolby Atmos so particular. Even if a soundbar can decode a Dolby Atmos sign, with out up-firing drivers fastidiously aimed to bounce hold forth your ceiling, the impact is virtualized and customarily ineffective. You may hear a extra expansive general soundstage, and even some uniquely positioned results, however with out devoted drivers for every channel, it is not the actual deal. During in depth testing, bars with devoted up-firing drivers have been merely way more efficient at producing convincing top results. If you are shopping for a soundbar with Dolby Atmos as a defining characteristic, you need to keep on with fashions which have up-firing drivers.
Some soundbars, just like the Samsung Q990 collection, embody up-firing drivers at each the entrance and rear for even higher Dolby Atmos immersion. This permits Dolby Atmos sound results, generally referred to as “sound objects,” to maneuver extra precisely and successfully via the soundstage, making a extra plausible phantasm of being inside a Dolby Atmos movie or TV present. When Atmos is finished correctly, you will not be desirous about top results, audio system, or virtualization; you will merely end up totally engaged within the motion.
How we take a look at Dolby Atmos soundbars
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I take a look at the very best Dolby Atmos soundbars utilizing all kinds of in-depth strategies. I begin with a Dolby Atmos demo disc that includes take a look at clips and the power to verify every channel individually. This provides me a well-rounded view of a system earlier than I ever put it to the take a look at with common viewing.
After that, my content material listing includes particular scenes from a number of Dolby Atmos movies and TV reveals, together with Blu-ray discs and streaming companies like Netflix and Disney Plus. This permits me to discover the treble, midrange, and bass; the final immersion out there from up-firing and side-firing drivers; and, when relevant, the steadiness and general high quality of additional parts like subwoofers and {surround} audio system. And that is only for starters.
I additionally use every Dolby Atmos soundbar the identical method you’ll at house, typically for weeks at a time. That permits me to check all kinds of recent content material, from sitcoms to high-quality dramas and motion movies. I additionally spend hours testing the components that transcend the efficiency, from setup and management to app options, design, and normal performance. Does the soundbar block your TV? How does it mix in with common decor?
I take advantage of these soundbars as my major sound system, whether or not I’m streaming lossless audio for vital listening or throwing on some lighthearted ’80s tracks for some chill time with my toddler. I take a look at streaming over WiFi the place relevant, in addition to Bluetooth, and take a look at all main inputs to verify every part is functioning correctly.
What to search for in a Dolby Atmos soundbar
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Apart from up-firing drivers, that are arguably an important ingredient that differentiates a Dolby Atmos bar from common soundbars, you will need to search for different high quality efficiency parts. Those embody side-firing drivers, which might actually improve immersion, a top quality center-channel speaker for clear dialogue, and woofers for sturdy bass efficiency. If you’ve got obtained the area and means, a separate wi-fi subwoofer is an enormous a part of offering cinematic punch.
When it involves connectivity, you will want a minimum of HDMI ARC to hook a Dolby Atmos soundbar as much as your TV, however most bars embody HDMI eARC, which helps lossless audio transmission from suitable TVs. Spare HDMI ports are all the time appreciated, and if you wish to join a contemporary sport console, you will need to make sure that any such inputs help 4K/HDR passthrough at as much as 120Hz, in addition to options like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).
Other connection choices embody WiFi for options like Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay, in addition to good options like voice management for hands-free use. Those with massive Blu-ray collections could need to discover a bar that helps each Dolby Atmos and its rival DTS:X, which is widespread in some Blu-ray soundtracks.
Dolby Atmos soundbar FAQs
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What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is the premier 3D (AKA spatial audio) format, which melds conventional surround-sound parts, resembling channels, with object-based mixing and top parts for overhead audio. This top ingredient helps create what Dolby calls a “dome” of sound, offering a extra expansive and, when correctly executed, pure strategy to immerse viewers in supported TV reveals and movies. Apart from the peak ingredient, Dolby Atmos mixers use extra free-moving results than conventional {surround} setups, referred to as “sound objects,” which may be positioned wherever inside the 3D soundstage through the mixing course of.
Most Dolby Atmos techniques embody a channel configuration resembling 3.1.2, the place the primary two channels symbolize conventional ear-level and bass channels, and the “.2” represents the variety of top channels. Most techniques we take a look at provide channel configurations of 5.1.2, 5.1.4, or extra to {surround} you with sound results from well-mixed movies and TV reveals. Some of the very best Dolby Atmos soundbars embody separate {surround} audio system to maneuver audio throughout you and a subwoofer to supply highly effective, low-frequency bass for results like explosions.
Dolby Atmos can scale to your system, but it surely’s most immersive in devoted cinemas, the place sound may be routed throughout as much as 64 channels with bodily audio system mounted to the ceiling. Even so, it is nonetheless efficient at house, particularly with high-performance soundbars or {surround} sound techniques.
For extra details about Dolby Atmos, try our full “What is Dolby Atmos?” information.
Where can I discover Dolby Atmos films and reveals?
All of the best streaming services now help Dolby Atmos, from Netflix to Disney Plus, as do most 4K/HDR Blu-ray discs. You can normally discover an Atmos emblem when your program begins, or search for it on Blu-ray packaging.
Is there Dolby Atmos music?
Dolby Atmos Music is a rising format that extends past TV reveals and movies to showcase new and traditional releases from a variety of artists and albums. Like movie soundtracks, Dolby Atmos music mixes place devices throughout you to submerge you in your favourite tunes, aiming to supply a extra intimate, concert-like expertise.
It’s at present out there from a few of the best music streaming services, together with Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music, and Tidal. But even should you subscribe to considered one of these companies, not all Dolby Atmos soundbars or audio system allow you to stream Dolby Atmos Music straight. Sonos and Denon are two of the highest suppliers of Dolby Atmos Music of their suitable audio system, letting you entry it from their devoted apps.
Can I play video video games in Dolby Atmos?
Yes, some trendy video video games help Dolby Atmos. The PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, and Windows 10/11 PCs all help Dolby Atmos via suitable soundbars. However, you might want to regulate your console’s sound settings to entry it correctly, and lots of older video games don’t help it.
What is DTS:X?
DTS:X is Dolby Atmos’ greatest rival in audio codecs. Like Atmos, DTS:X provides the liberty to combine in a 3D soundstage, together with top parts for overhead results. Most DTS:X soundtracks are solely out there on Blu-ray, making them way more restricted than Atmos, which is obtainable on most streaming companies. You can discover DTS:X on some streaming content material, together with from Disney Plus, which calls it IMAX Signature Sound by DTS, but it surely nonetheless lags far behind Dolby Atmos in on-line distribution.
Some of the very best Dolby Atmos soundbars additionally help DTS:X, however as a consequence of its apparent limitations, it is not one thing I contemplate vital for many customers. Unless you’ve got obtained a big Blu-ray assortment, Dolby Atmos shall be all you want for many content material. That’s probably why manufacturers like Sonos and Bose select to not help the format, a minimum of thus far.
Are Dolby Atmos soundbars higher than TV audio system?
Given that nearly all soundbars are higher than TV audio system, together with all the best budget soundbars, any Dolby Atmos soundbar will simply outperform your TV’s tiny audio system. Some of the best TVs from manufacturers like Samsung and Sony provide a number of built-in audio drivers, together with some with up-firing audio system for a extra expansive expertise, however they nonetheless cannot compete with the bigger drivers and higher general acoustic design of the very best Dolby Atmos soundbars.
Do I would like a subwoofer?
Some of my favourite stand-alone Dolby Atmos soundbars, just like the Sonos Arc Ultra, do an excellent job of delivering full, highly effective bass inside their comparatively small acoustic frames. Even so, there is no tricking physics altogether. If you crave the complete authority of low-bass, particularly sub-bass frequencies, you will want a devoted subwoofer speaker and cupboard.
You could not even understand how a lot you’ve got been lacking out on with no subwoofer till you add one. They not solely present fuller, extra rounded low-frequency sound but in addition unlock your soundbar’s audio system for higher readability and general headroom, enhancing efficiency throughout registers. Check out our information to the best soundbars with subwoofers for high suggestions.
That mentioned, not everybody has the area or discretion required for a devoted subwoofer. If you’ve got obtained a small room or a downstairs neighbor, a subwoofer will not be the appropriate alternative. And even with no subwoofer, the very best Dolby Atmos soundbars can ship a strong expertise due to well-tuned built-in woofers. In normal, the bigger and extra highly effective the soundbar, the higher the bass.
