The Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar of 2023 Recommended by Experts
Brian Harrison Apr 1, 2023 10:17 AM
Sound can go above your head thanks to the best Dolby Atmos soundbar, an object-based surround sound format that includes height channels. Because you can hear sounds coming from all directions, depending on your home theater setup, it creates an even more immersive listening experience. Dolby Atmos is supported by a lot of 4K Blu-rays and even some streaming services like Netflix, but not all soundbars do.
Overview
You can watch movies in the comfort of your home with the best Dolby Atmos soundbar and experience immersive audio without hassle.
Your home theater may go to another level with a Dolby Atmos soundbar for TV, all without the effort and expense of a full installation. These sleek speakers can imitate the immersive, 3D audio experience you would have at the movies.
The majority of high-end Atmos soundbars use upward-firing drivers to vertically spread the sound and reflect it off your ceiling, creating the illusion of overhead speakers. There are also more affordable models that employ techniques to produce a virtual Atmos experience, which, in some circumstances, can be very potent.
1. Sony HT-A7000
Product’s Specifications
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Connectivity: eARC, 2*HDMI 2.1, optical, USB, WiFi, Ethernet
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Sound format support : Dolby Atmos/ Dolby AudioTM/ DTS:X/ DTS-HD/ PCM
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Streaming : Chromecast, Bluetooth 5, Apple Airplay 2, WiFi
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Voice control : Google Assistant, AlexaDimensions
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Weight: 8.7kg
Product’s Highlights
The HT-A7000 from Sony, a brand with a solid history in soundbars, is no exception. This Dolby Atmos soundbar packs a 7.1.2-inch slab into a single chassis using five front-facing drivers, two beam tweeters, two up-firing speakers, a built-in dual subwoofer, and two up-firing speakers. The Sony HT-A700 creates a wide and high soundstage while keeping melody, presence, and detail using a combination of speaker location and psychoacoustic techniques, whether you're watching immersive content or not.
Because of the larger soundstage and forward projection, Sonos Arc's performance is more credible in terms of height and precision. It works well and provides drama, which enhances the viewing experience even if it isn't the same as having direct audio coming from the speaker above or to the side. The integrated sub, which performs tautly, attentively, and strongly, is another outstanding element.
The A7000 supports a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos (in both the Digital+ and TrueHD variants), DTS:X, LPCM, hi-res wireless audio, and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
Pros
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Strong low end
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Excellent performance with Atmos
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Feature-rich
Cons
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Controls for the EQ would be nice
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Style that's a little muddled
2. Sonos Beam
Product’s Specifications
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Brand: Sonos
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Model Name: Beam (Gen 2)
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Speaker Type: Surround, Soundbar
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Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
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Recommended Uses For Product: Music,Games,Movies
Product’s Highlights
Without a single vertical speaker in sight, the award-winning Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers a convincing, immersive performance. Instead, two of the soundbar's five front-facing arrays are devoted to replicating above and surrounding sounds when viewing Atmos content. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 uses psychoacoustic HRTF (head-related transfer function) technology and powerful processing to create the illusion of height without having to get in a vertical position.
While realistic overhead sounds might be a reach for this small performer, its simulated Atmos format delivery outperforms any soundbar of a similar budget and even some that are more expensive. The Beam Gen 2 offers a rich, detailed audio experience with a spatial soundscape that is enveloping and gives the impression of depth and movement.
Pros
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Dolby Atmos handling done well
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Warm and elegant sound
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Smarts for streaming
Cons
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There are no extra HDMI ports
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Not compatible with DTS:X
3. Sonos Ray Essential
Product’s Specifications
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Brand: Sonos
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Model Name: Sonos Ray
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Speaker Type: Soundbar
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Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
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Special Feature: Add two Sonos Ones as rear speakers for surround sound and add Sub to complete a 5.1 system
Product’s Highlights
Award, is the first Sonos soundbar with vertical speakers that supports Dolby Atmos. It costs more than the Beam (Gen 2) and is suitable for TVs larger than 55 inches. Optional wall mounting solutions are available for £79 ($79/AU$99).
On the bar are touch-sensitive play/pause and volume buttons, as well as LEDs that show status and when the built-in Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is active. AirPlay 2, Ethernet, and eARC for Dolby Atmos from compatible TVs are all forms of connectivity.
The Sonos Arc uses 11 drivers to produce your soundfield, some of which are directed into your room and upward-firing to produce a more genuine Dolby Atmos experience by reflecting sound off your walls and ceiling. All in all, the soundbar delivers one of the most impressive Atmos performances available.
You are brought right into the action. The surround effects are expertly placed, and the sound has excellent vitality and weight. Although it could sound a little bit more direct, the tonality is beautifully balanced if you just want to listen to music. But there's no denying that for the money, this Dolby Atmos soundbar is quite remarkable.
Pros
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Persuasive Dolby Atmos
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Dynamic, thorough, and substantial
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All the typical Sonos intelligence
Cons
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The anticipated music may be improved
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Heavily dependent on your TV's specifications
4. Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
Product’s Specifications
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Brand: Sennheiser
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Model Name: AMBEO Soundbar
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Speaker Type: Soundbar
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Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth Version
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Special Feature: Built-in microphone
Product’s Highlights
Sennheiser's Ambeo Soundbar is gorgeous in both senses of the word. It is a monstrosity, significantly wider than the competitors at nearly 1.3 meters. (It is also significantly heavier; this is important knowledge if you're thinking of bringing it from the stores on the bus.) The additional space, though, has been very effectively utilized. The Ambeo simply substitutes the additional subwoofer that most soundbars rely on with larger, more powerful drivers, which works fantastically.
Expect a lot of bottom-end grunt, enthralling conversation, and 3D audio that sounds perfectly natural. Connectivity is equally amazing thanks to Bluetooth 4.2 and Chromecast for streaming.
It must be acknowledged that because of its size, positioning is a little challenging. Since it doesn't come with a wall mount, you might need to go to your local hardware store separately. But once everything is in place, the results are amazing.
Pros
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A rich, organic tone
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Dynamic and thorough
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Believable 3D surround
Cons
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Large
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Expensive
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Fussy with positioning
- SCORE10.0PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandVIZIO
- Prime
Sony HT-A3000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar Surround Sound Home Theater with DTS:X and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Works with Google Assistant
View on Amazon- SCORE10.0PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandSony
- Prime
Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer, Dolby Atmos 3D Surround Sound, Compatible with 8K, 4K, HD TV, eARC and Bluetooth, Black
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandPolk Audio
- Prime
Panasonic SoundSlayer Dolby Atmos Soundbar for TV with Built-in Subwoofer, Small Home Audio Bluetooth-Enabled Speaker with Hi-Res Sound (SC-HTB01)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0PF Score
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- BrandPanasonic
- Prime
SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series Soundbar - Dolby Atmos/ DTS: X (HW-Q700A, 2021 Model), Black
View on Amazon- SCORE9.0PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandSAMSUNG
- Prime
VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar with 6 High-Performance Speakers, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built in Subwoofers and Alexa Compatibility, M213ad-K8, 2023 Model
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandVIZIO
- Prime
VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Premium Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control - M512a-H6
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandVIZIO
- Prime
VIZIO M-Series 5.1 Premium Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control - M51ax-J6
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandVIZIO
- Prime
- SCORE8.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandSony
- Prime
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Dolby Atmos with Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth connectivity - Black
View on Amazon- SCORE8.6PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandBose
- Prime
TCL Alto 8i 2.1 Channel Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers and Bluetooth – TS8111, 260W, 39.4-inch, Black
View on Amazon- SCORE8.4PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandTCL
- Prime
- SCORE8.4PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandVIZIO
SAMSUNG HW-S60B 3.1ch Soundbar w/Dolby Atmos, DTX Virtual:X Q Symphony, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode, Bluetooth Connection, 2022
View on Amazon- SCORE7.6PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandSAMSUNG
- Prime
Last update on 2023-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. What is a soundbar used for?
By eliminating the tangled cords and bulky speakers from your setup, a soundbar can improve your TV's frequently underwhelming internal audio and streamline your setup. Multiple speakers are no longer necessary to enjoy high-quality audio from your TV. With a soundbar, you may simplify your setup, especially if your TV is positioned on the wall.
2. What is Dolby Atmos?
When you use a 5.1- or 7.1-channel home theater sound system, your system directs specific audio to specific speakers, which helps the sound appear to be originating from various locations throughout the room.With Dolby Atmos, sound is pushed to a location in 3D space, sometimes by more than one speaker, as opposed to being sent to a speaker.
Dolby Atmos is merely metadata that compatible audio equipment uses to regulate which speakers are reproducing specific sounds and their locations. It has nothing to do with the sound or the soundtrack.
The best Atmos soundbars we suggest above are the ones we believe are currently the best for the majority of consumers to purchase. We consider the cost (a less expensive soundbar prevails over a more expensive one if the price difference isn't significant), visitor reviews, and availability (no soundbars that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
Here is a list of all of our soundbar reviews, arranged by how well they perform with Atmos, in case you want to make your own decision. Avoid getting sucked into the details. A soundbar is not flawless. Your choice will be more influenced by your own preferences, tastes, and listening styles.