Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar 2021 | Surround Sound System
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar 2021 | Surround Sound System
The Samsung HW-Q950T is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar that we’ve examined.
This well-built 9.1.4 setup comes equipped with two satellite speakers and a dedicated subwoofer to help present an immersive movie-watching experience.
Best Overall: Samsung HW-Q950T
Best Overall: Samsung HW-Q950T
Though we don’t test for it, it comes with Q-Symphony, which can produce a speaker-like sound by utilizing your cooperative Samsung QLED TV’s speakers in addition to the soundbar. This system highlights two HDMI inputs that provide digital video and audio input and visual input that gives an additional input option for digital audio. Bluetooth connectivity is built into the soundbar for wireless audio streaming from cooperative devices like smartphones and tablets. At the same time, onboard Wi-Fi allows you to control the system with the SmartThings app. Amazon Alexa is built into the system for hands-free voice control.
The HW-Q950T supports select Dolby Digital and DTS audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, for an immersive, 3D audio experience. In extension to a wireless subwoofer, the HW-Q950T comprises a wireless rear speaker system. Sadly, unlike some of the other premium soundbars we’ve experimented with, it doesn’t come with a room correction characteristic, so your audio might sound a bit different depending on the room you utilize it in. Also, the tight fabric covering the speakers looks like it could collect dust easily over time. Nevertheless, if you like seeing Atmos movies, it offers versatile overall performance.
Best Splurge: Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4
Best Splurge: Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4
If you need an extra subwoofer in your setup, consider the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch. While the sound profile of this soundbar isn’t as well-balanced as the Samsung HW-Q950T, and it doesn’t give as many sound customization traits, its two wireless subwoofers can help add extra thump and punch to action-packed films. It’s better-built than the Samsung, and it also comes provided with four rear speakers to help bury you in your audio. Out-of-the-box, it has a pretty neutral sound form, but it can also sound a bit dark or dull.
There are a few EQ presets to assist you in customizing its sound, and you can also utilize the ‘Bass’ button on the remote to control the subwoofer volume. It has a bit more compression than the Samsung at the highest volume, but it still gets loud. This soundbar has Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with your cooperative, smart device and wirelessly streaming your audio content. Its wired connections include optical, digital coaxial, 1/8″, and three HDMI inputs to support various source types. Also, it has a USB port for playback of MP3 and WAV files. Its HDMI output is ARC-compatible so that you can listen to display-based audio from built-in apps like Netflix and YouTube.
Best 5.1: Sonos Arc
The best Dolby Atmos soundbar with a 5.1 setup that we’ve experimented with is the Sonos Arc. This 5.1.2 setup comes provided with a dedicated subwoofer and two satellite speakers so you can bury yourself in your preferred movies. When you watch Dolby Atmos content, it employs up-firing speakers on the bar itself to bounce sound off the ceiling to simulate height. It highlights an 11-driver design with dedicated up- and side-firing drivers that, along with Dolby Atmos’ adaptability, produce an immersive 3D soundstage with your cooperative TV and content. With Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant built-in, you can voice control the Arc and enjoy all your favorite characteristics of either virtual assistant. The Arc is also cooperative with Siri when paired with your compatible iOS devices.
Best Standalone: Sennheiser AMBEO
Best Standalone: Sennheiser AMBEO
About this item
- Fully immersive 5.1.4 channel 3D sound experience with deep 30Hz bass without the need for an additional subwoofer, thanks to Sennheiser’s bespoke AMBEO technology
- Delivers 3D sound adjusted to the characteristics of your living room via advanced room calibration and the latest virtualization technology developed with Fraunhofer.
- Customize your listening experience with a built-in equalizer and three bespoke AMBEO 3D technology modes
- Turn your stereo or 5.1 audio into a 3D sound experience with the integrated Upmix Technology, also fully compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MPEG-H
- Easy wireless streaming for compatible devices with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth or from the cloud via built-in Chromecast
Best Budget: TCL Alto 8i
About this item
- DOLBY ATMOS SURROUND SOUND: Multi-dimensional sound for greater depth and excitement.
- DEEP BASS WITH DUAL BUILT-IN SUBWOOFERS: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life.
- STREAM MUSIC WIRELESSLY: You can use your Bluetooth-enabled device to wirelessly stream music on your sound bar.
- SPECIALIZED SOUND MODES: Specialized sound modes bring Movies, Music, and TV to life.
- QUICK AND HASSLE-FREE SETUP: With HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connections, you can go from unboxing to listening in minutes.