Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars of 2024
Overview
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound format that uses height channels to create an immersive audio experience with sounds coming from all directions. It is supported by some streaming services and 4K Blu-rays, but not all soundbars can reproduce it.
Up-firing speakers in soundbars can simulate height, but they are not as accurate as down-firing speakers in a traditional home theater setup. In this article, we will give you an insightful overview of this kind of product and a comparison table with tons of rewarding options for you to go for.
What to look for?
1. VIZIO Elevate Sound Bar for TV
The Vizio Elevate is a mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar with a unique design that automatically rotates its sides upward for a wide, immersive soundstage when watching DTS:X or Dolby Atmos content. It also comes with two rear speakers and a sub that produces accurate sound effects in the room. It's a versatile option for music, podcasts, and TV shows with a balanced default sound, but lacks room correction and graphic EQ. A similar customizable option is the Samsung HW-Q900A, but it lacks Vizio's immersive feel due to the absence of satellites.
2. VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar
3. Sony HT-A9 7.1.4ch High Performance Home Theater Speaker
Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module is a unique product that offers an immersive listening experience by taking advantage of Dolby Atmos technology. Unlike traditional soundbars, this setup features a small control box and four discrete surround speakers that you can move around your room to create the best possible sound.
It offers one of the best soundstage performances on the market, with audio that seems to come from accurate locations around you, especially from above. Adding the dedicated subwoofer brings a little more rumble in the bass range. However, compared to top picks, it doesn't reproduce as much low-bass, and the floor doesn't shake for a full cinematic feel.
4. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a premium soundbar that supports Atmos content and measures less than 26 inches, making it an ideal choice for small living spaces. It achieves a wide and immersive soundstage through the use of psychoacoustic principles, and you can add on the Sub Mini + One SL Speakers for a more cinematic feel.
However, it doesn't get as loud as the Sonos Arc and doesn't achieve as much height in the soundstage. Despite that, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a great choice for those who want to enhance their Atmos experience without taking up a lot of room.
Conclusion
There are several excellent soundbars on the market that can enhance your home theater experience with Dolby Atmos technology. Depending on your budget and preferences, our top picks include the Vizio Elevate, Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module, and Sonos Beam (Gen 2).
The Vizio Elevate offers the most immersive soundstage with its unique rotating speakers, while the Sony HT-A9's flexible design allows for customizable placement and accurate sound effects. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a more compact option that still delivers a wide and encompassing soundstage, with the option to add on for more bass. Ultimately, any of these soundbars would be a great addition to your home theater setup and provide a truly immersive listening experience for your favorite movies and TV shows.
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