Products reviewed:
Best for Large Rooms: Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel 1000W Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar
Best with Subwoofer: Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer
Best Budget: VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar
Best Splurge: Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Bass Module 700 for Soundbar
Best Overall: SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q800A Q Series Soundbar
Dolby Atmos is a revolutionary audio technology that creates immersive 3D soundscapes, and it’s no wonder that you’re looking for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar for your home entertainment? With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Luckily, our blog post is here to make your choice easier! We’ve got a comprehensive guide and reviews of the five best Dolby Atmos soundbars this year so that you can make the right decision.
The Dolby Atmos technology enables discrete audio channels to be placed within a virtual 3-dimensional space, creating the sensation of sound moving around and above you in smooth arcs. It’s designed to create an incredibly realistic and robust audio experience with pinpoint accuracy, making it perfect for movie-watching or listening to music at home.
In this blog post, we’ll be reviewing the top five best Dolby Atmos soundbars available on the market this year. From features such as wireless streaming capabilities and HDMI support to things like built-in subwoofers and multi-room audio systems, we’ll cover all the essential information needed to make an informed purchase.
We’ll also provide a detailed buying guide that outlines what features to look out for when shopping for your next Dolby Atmos soundbar, allowing you to find the perfect device suited to your needs without going anywhere else. So if you’re ready to upgrade your home theater setup with a high-quality Dolby Atmos soundbar, read on!
How do we choose the best Dolby atmos soundbar?
Here are some of the critical factors that can make your buying decision easier:
1. Compatibility with your TV and other devices
The first thing to consider when shopping for a Dolby Atmos soundbar is whether it will work with your existing setup. It’s important to make sure the soundbar you choose is compatible with whatever game console or Blu-ray player you intend to pair it with.
You should also check if your TV supports Dolby Atmos content before investing in an Atmos soundbar so that you can get the most out of your investment.
2. Sound quality and clarity
The next factor to look at when trying to decide on an Dolby Atmos soundbar is the audio quality it offers. Look for bars that have high power output along with excellent frequency response range so that you get maximum clarity in every note played. An ideal frequency response range should be between 20 Hz – 20 kHz, while peak power output should be above 100dB SPL (sound pressure level).
If possible, go for models that come with built-in subwoofers, as they provide superior bass compared to those without them.
3. Design and form factor
The design of your Dolby Atmos soundbar is important even if not as much as its audio quality. But you want to make sure the bar matches the aesthetics of your room or entertainment center by considering features such as material finish and the color options available.
Additionally, you must take into account its size, as large bars might not fit in certain spaces due to their weight or length. This is especially important if you plan on wall mounting your speaker instead of placing it on a surface such as a table or a shelf.
4. Features and functionality
Beyond design considerations, make sure the bar comes equipped with all the features needed for effective playback in order to get the most out of your setup. Look for wireless streaming capabilities via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi along with support for multiroom systems. You’d want multiple speakers to be able to play music simultaneously from different sources like mobile devices or PCs connected over a network connection. This will allow you to enjoy high-quality audio everywhere in your home without having to buy individual speakers!
Other useful features include voice control via virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, as well as various EQ settings that let users tailor their audio experience according to their preferences.
5. Number of channels and drivers
The number of channels found in a Dolby Atmos soundbar directly affects its power output levels which influences how loud it can get before distortion becomes noticeable. This is why higher-end bars often come equipped with more speakers capable of producing greater power output levels than budget models.
Additionally, look at how many drivers are found on each channel since these determine how clear each note will be during playback. Higher numbers usually equate to better results here too, so aim for bars with larger numbers whenever possible!
6. Connectivity options
Next up are connectivity options which are essential when setting up an Atmos system. Look for multiple inputs/outputs such as HDMI ARC (audio return channel) ports, which allow two-way digital communication between components connected via HDMI cables, USB ports that grant access to media stored on external drives, optical digital connections, and auxiliary jacks.
All these ensure seamless integration between different sources like TVs and gaming consoles while providing improved overall performance from start up through playback time!
7. Price and budget
Finally, we come to pricing, where your budget plays a huge role. Dolby Atmos soundbars prices can vary widely depending on the model and brand you go for. Higher-priced soundbars often offer better quality output and additional features, but it’s important to weigh the costs against your budget and needs to ensure you’re getting the best value.
It’s also worth considering that some budget models may offer a good compromise between quality and affordability.
Now that you know what Dolby Atmos soundbars are and how you can choose the best fit let’s look at our list of the top 5 options on the market in 2023. Our selections are based on analyzing customer reviews and personalized experiences to find soundbars that are both reliable and highly rated. With our top picks, you can feel confident in your purchase and enjoy a truly immersive listening experience that will enhance your TV viewing.
Best for Large Rooms
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel 1000W Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar
Why we love it
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel 1000W Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar is the perfect soundbar for larger rooms due to its powerful performance. With up to 9.2.4 channels of multi-dimensional surround sound, it provides an immersive experience with signature dual 10″ wireless subwoofers and four modular surround speakers along with front side-firing speakers.
For ultimate power and clarity, this soundbar delivers 1000W of total peak power so you can enjoy a realistic 3D soundstage in any large space. Along with its impressive features, this soundbar has a plug-and-play installation setup that makes it easy to set up in your home theatre system or living room. Its wireless rear surround speakers also give you the flexibility of placing them wherever you like and creating your own unique audio landscape.
The HDMI eARC support ensures high-quality audio transmission between compatible TVs and the soundbar, while Bluetooth streaming capability allows you to stream music from compatible devices directly to your home theatre system for added convenience.
What you should know
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel 1000W Dolby Atmos Soundbar features 4K pass-through support with HDCP 2.2 compatibility, so you can enjoy the highest possible quality from your favorite Blu-ray discs or streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Additionally, it comes with a dedicated center channel speaker that ensures dialogue stays clear and detailed no matter what you’re watching or listening to.
On top of all that, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Dolby Atmos Soundbar includes a remote control so you can easily adjust settings right away without having to get up or dig around in menus. Lastly, it has a wall mountable design, which allows you to integrate it into your home theater setup perfectly while still providing excellent sound quality from anywhere in the room due to its included mounting hardware.
Overall, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 with quality rear speakers, is one of the best options for larger rooms looking for an immersive audio experience with plenty of power and clarity.
Best with Subwoofer
Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer
Why we love it
The Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim is the perfect soundbar with subwoofer for anyone looking to get a grade-A Dolby Atmos experience. The 5.9″ wireless subwoofer included with the Signa S4 delivers powerful, deep bass tones that will fill any room with rich sound. Not only does this subwoofer provide high-quality audio, but it also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your home theater setup, thanks to its slim design and modern look.
The advanced seven-speaker array of the Dolby Atmos soundbar is engineered to provide an immersive and lifelike sound quality, with a dedicated center channel for clear and precise dialogue. The low-profile design of the sound bar is certified with Dolby Atmos 3.1.2, making it an ideal choice for large home theaters or living rooms alike.
Plus, since it’s wireless, you don’t have to worry about running cables through your walls or worry where to place it in your room; simply find a spot and enjoy!
The Signa S4 also features both HDMI ARC and optical inputs for easy integration into your existing TV setup. Whether you have an 8K/4K/HDTV, this Dolby Atmos soundbar will give you the best of the technology for exceptional surround sound quality, no matter what type of media you’re watching or playing on it.
Plus, there’s an included IR remote control that allows you to easily access all of the features on the soundbar without having to get up from your seat.
What you should know
The Polk Audio Signa S4 lets you wirelessly stream your favorite music via Bluetooth. Its VoiceAdjust technology allows you to customize the virtual surround sound according to your individual preferences and environment, providing an incredibly immersive listening experience.
The Polk Audio Signa S4 also comes with a variety of optimized sound modes, from Music Mode for vibrant audio playback of your favorite songs and Movie Mode for cinematic audio that transforms your living room into a theater-like atmosphere to Sports Mode that enhances background noise to enrich sports broadcasts.
And if you’re someone who enjoys late-night movies but doesn’t want to disturb the rest of the house, the Polk Audio Signa S4’s Night Mode reduces loud sounds while preserving dialogue clarity so everyone can enjoy some peace and quiet.
Overall, this is another affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar with surround sound speakers and an exceptional separate subwoofer.
Best Budget
VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar
Why we love it
The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar is the perfect budget Dolby Atmos soundbar for anyone looking to take their home entertainment experience to the next level. This soundbar packs a punch into its slim design and includes advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio for three-dimensional sound.
The six built-in speakers deliver up to 98dB of room-filling sound that will get your heart pumping during action scenes or mesmerize you with its clarity during ballads. Its wireless subwoofer adds deep bass tones, so no matter what you watch, it will feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Plus, you can stream music directly from your phone or tablet with Bluetooth connectivity, and its HDMI ARC compatibility ensures seamless 4K HDR pass-through. Lastly, the M-Series Dolby Atmos soundbar is wall mountable and has a sleek minimalistic look that won’t clash with your home decor.
What you should know
The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar is an excellent choice for any home entertainment setup. It’s Alexa compatibility gives you control of playback with voice commands, and the easy setup comes with all the necessary cables and accessories.
The Dolby Atmos soundbar itself is surprisingly svelte even for its price range, coming in at less than 2 inches high and 22 inches wide. Its low profile design allows it to blend into almost any room without impeding your view or taking up any unnecessary space. And its acoustically transparent fabric wrap adds additional flair while ensuring superior audio performance.
Setting up the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar is incredibly easy, thanks to the included cables and accessories needed to get it connected to your TV or other media devices in no time. The remote also offers convenient access to all of its features, including individual control over the bass, treble, and more, making it a breeze to customize your audio experience in any given scenario.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful way to upgrade your entertainment system with a Dolby Atmos soundbar, then consider investing in a VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive today!
Best Splurge
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Bass Module 700 for Soundbar
Why we love it
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line soundbar that delivers unparalleled and immersive audio with Dolby Atmos content and other advanced sound technologies, then the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Bass Module is an ideal solution. This sleek soundbar features Dolby Atmos, which offers a three-dimensional listening experience that is realistic and enveloping.
The optional bass module and surround speakers add even more performance capabilities to this already great soundbar. And with its ADAPTiQ audio room calibration, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 will adjust to the acoustics of your listening environment for a personalized listening experience.
The integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming abilities make it easy for you to access your favorite music services like Spotify or Pandora, as well as the content stored on your local devices. Plus, Alexa voice control lets you access your content hands-free.
And if you have a compatible TV, then you can easily connect the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 via HDMI eARC for an enhanced viewing experience. This compact Dolby Atmos soundbar has a modern design that allows it to fit in any space without taking up too much room or standing out visually.
What you should know
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Bass Module offers multiroom audio with compatible Bose products and can be mounted on the wall or placed on a TV stand or shelf. The included remote control makes it easy to operate the soundbar and connected devices, while the Bose music app allows you to control the soundbar from your phone or tablet. Plus, with compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, this soundbar offers plenty of streaming options.
In terms of sound quality, this Dolby Atmos soundbar is top-notch. With both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, you can stream audio from almost any device directly to the soundbar. The powerful bass module enhances low frequencies for a richer listening experience, and the dialogue mode ensures that voices come through clearly even when there’s lots of background noise in the room. The surround sound mode creates an immersive auditory environment that’s perfect for movie night at home.
Setting up the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a breeze; connect it to your TV using either an optical cable or HDMI Arc connection. Once connected, you can easily adjust settings like volume and balance directly from your TV remote control (as long as it supports CEC). You also have the option of connecting other devices, such as gaming consoles or CD players, via a 3.5mm auxiliary input or USB port if desired.
All in all, if you’re looking for an outstanding home entertainment system, then look no further than the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Bass Module. Not only does it offer excellent audio quality, but it also features a convenient setup and seamless integration with other devices, making it a great choice for both music lovers and movie buffs alike. Although more expensive than other Dolby Atmos soundbars, the additional features of the Bose Smart soundbar make it well worth the price!
Best Overall
SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q800A Q Series Soundbar
Why we love it
The SAMSUNG Q800A Soundbar with Dolby Atmos / DTS:X is the best overall Dolby Atmos soundbar of 2023. With Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, it creates an immersive 3-D soundscape from multiple directions that can elevate your cinematic experience.
Boasting 330W of total power and a 3.1.2 channel configuration, this soundbar takes the audi experience to an entirely new level. Whether you’re enjoying movies or listening to music, the Samsung Q800A allows for clear and realistic sounds that fill any room with captivating detail and depth.
Moreover, with its clear dialogue, dynamic range control, and height channels, you’ll be able to hear every nuance as if it were coming straight from the actors’ mouths and spot objects flying across your screen with ease. For added convenience, this model also comes with built-in Amazon Alexa built so you can use voice commands to control it instead of having to fumble around looking for buttons.
What you should know
The performance of the Samsung Q800A is top-notch, too, offering crisp highs and deep bass that make all your entertainment come alive in stunning clarity. Despite its size, this Dolby Atmos soundbar packs enough punch to create a truly enveloping experience that will make you feel like you’re inside the action on the big screen.
The Samsung Q800A Soundbar has a dedicated subwoofer for deep bass. It creates an immersive surround sound experience that’s hard to beat. It has been specifically designed to harmonize with QLED TVs and comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream music directly from your phone or tablet without any wires getting in the way.
In addition to these technologies, the Samsung Q800A Soundbar also comes equipped with a range of other features that enhance its performance. Its Adaptive Audio Mode automatically adjusts the sound to match whatever content is being played and can also be manually adjusted using the remote control.
It also has a Game Mode, which offers enhanced surround sound when playing video games on your TV. Plus, it comes with eARC support for connecting external devices, such as gaming consoles and streaming boxes, for maximum compatibility with multiple media sources.
Overall, the Samsung Q800A Soundbar is packed full of features that make it the best choice when looking for a home audio system to upgrade your living room setup.
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will address some common questions and concerns that users may have before making a purchase. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home theater setup or enhance your audio experience, this FAQ section will surely help you.
Is it worth getting Dolby Atmos soundbars?
Absolutely! Dolby Atmos soundbars offer a truly extraordinary audio experience by adding more depth to your home entertainment setup with immersive 3D sound. This is particularly beneficial when watching movies or TV shows that are recorded in Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital, as it makes the viewing experience much more realistic and akin to being at the cinema.
What is included in a surround sound system?
A surround sound system typically includes a combination of a soundbar, a subwoofer, and additional surround sound speakers. Depending on the setup, it may also include wireless surround speakers, a receiver, and various cables to connect all the components. The specific components and configuration of a surround sound system can vary depending on the desired level of immersion and the size and layout of the room. Ensuring that all surround sound speaker system components are compatible and set up properly for the best sound quality is crucial.
What is Dolby Digital?
Dolby Digital is the latest digital audio coding technology from Dolby Laboratories, designed to deliver extraordinary surround sound from any home theater system. Many of today’s top Dolby Atmos soundbars, in fact, are pre-equipped with the necessary HDMI input to support Dolby Digital signals so that you can enjoy an immersive and quality sound space right at home. With Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital combined, you won’t miss a beat, and every detail will be heard.
Who makes the best Dolby Atmos soundbar?
It’s difficult to determine a single best Dolby Atmos soundbar as it depends on individual needs and preferences. However, as featured in the our best Dolby Atmos soundbars list above, Samsung, Bose, Vizio, Polk, and Nakamichi are some of the most high-performance Dolby Atmos soundbar options available in the market that offer excellent audio quality, connectivity options and functionalities/modes.
Is Dolby Atmos the best sound?
Dolby Atmos sound is widely considered as one of the best surround sound setup available, with the ability to create a more captivating and realistic audio experience for movies, TV shows, music, and more. Whether or not the Dolby Atmos sound is perfect for you depends upon your individual preferences. Investing in one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbar can help you get the most out of this advanced audio technology.