If you're in the market for a Dolby Atmos surround soundbar system or looking to upgrade the one you have, you've come to the right place. We've put together a list of our favorite Dolby Atmos systems in every price range.
In this article you'll find two categories of soundbar systems: "True" Dolby Atmos and virtual Dolby Atmos soundbar systems. True Dolby Atmos soundbar systems have up firing drivers to give you the most authentic Atmos overhead experience. In contrast, the virtual Dolby Atmos category is a selection of soundbars and wireless soundbar systems that don't feature up-firing drivers, but still deliver a 360-degree spatial effect through their processing technology. These virtual Dolby Atmos soundbars tend to be more affordable, and you typically get more for your money. With all that in mind, let's take a look at our top picks.
True Dolby Atmos Soundbar Systems
Under $500
At first, LG may not strike you as the sexiest audio brand on the market. We know they all make a great stove, but fewer people are familiar with the high quality of their home audio products. And looking at the simple yet elegant design of the LG S70TY 400W 3.1.1 Channel Soundbar System, it's clear LG is here to compete with the best brands on the market. At this accessible price point, it's also quite rare to find a great true Atmos soundbar that comes with a subwoofer included in the box.
This model's 3.1.1 channel setup includes a center height speaker that lifts the soundstage to higher parts of your room, giving you a convincing 3D spatial effect that's both impressively clean and immersive. Particularly noteworthy is its delivery of crisp, clear dialogue, making you feel like the characters are popping out of the screen. With smart learning algorithms that automatically adjust sound levels depending on the content, the LG S70TY delivers, regardless of whether you're watching live sports or listening to music. If you already own an LG TV, you'll be able to access the soundbar menu on your screen using your LG TV remote. And if or when you're ready to expand your theater system, you can easily add compatible LG TV speakers to enhance the impact of your theater experience.
Another contender in this range is the Philips TAB8905/37 360W 3.1.2 Channel Network Soundbar System which also comes with an included subwoofer. With two up-firing drivers to deliver height effects for Atmos-compatible movies and TV shows, you'll be surrounded in a super broad sphere of sound. And if you're an iPhone or Mac owner, you can use AirPlay to stream music through the soundbar or throughout your house via AirPlay-enabled wireless speakers. Alternatively, you can use a Chromecast or even ask any Alexa or Google Assistant-enabled devices to play music through your soundbar.
Under $800
Samsung is undoubtedly one of the market leaders when it comes to home entertainment, offering superb sound resolution and reliability at this price point. The Samsung Q Series HW-Q700C 3.1.1 Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar System is a prime example. And if you own one of the many latest Samsung TVs, you can make use of the brand's SpaceFit Sound Pro technology to analyze your space and automatically calibrate audio to your room. Should you want to increase the surround sound capabilities of the Q700C in the future, you can add the Samsung SWA-9500S speakers to the system. For those who can't live without Alexa, the Q700C integrates with your Alexa Echo smart device for voice control. With an included wireless subwoofer and support for Airplay and Chromecast, you have an impressive home audio package that will significantly elevate both your TV and music listening experience.
Under $1000
While Sonos has suffered some controversy over a buggy update to their app, they remain the favorite for consumers who appreciate quality wireless audio ecosystems and there's no questioning their ability to deliver killer sound resolution. While it might be a good idea to check the status of the Sonos app before taking the plunge, buying the Sonos Arc Soundbar may prove to be a solid investment in the long run, especially for those who already own smart Sonos speakers or are planning to add them in the future.
Moving onto another legendary American audio brand, Bose has long established its reputation as a leader in refined, high-performance sound. With a generous nine-speaker arrangement, including two up-firing speakers, the Bose Smart Ultra flagship soundbar boasts ADAPTiQ audio calibration which offers bespoke audio for your particular space. Bose loyalists will be thrilled to know that they can integrate their other Bose Smart speakers to their soundbar and create a Wi-Fi home audio wonderland. Alexa and Google Assistant are there too.
Under $2000
Once you hit this price range, things start sounding pretty pretty pretty good. Two huge models to look out for here are the Samsung HW-Q990D and the Sennheiser AMBEO Plus.
The Samsung HW-Q990D is an all-in-on Dolby Atmos speaker package, boasting a whopping 11.1.4 channel system with a soundbar, dedicated rear speakers and a subwoofer. The soundbar houses 11 front-firing drivers and 4 up-firing drivers for overhead effects. With both Adaptive Sound and Active Voice Amplifier, your sound profile will be automatically optimized to the dimensions your room, and you'll hear dialogue with impressive clarity. But in addition to a grand theater viewing experiencing, you can also expect a fantastic music system. Equipped with Bluetooth, the Samsung HW-Q900D also comes with all the most popular Wi-Fi audio protocols, such as Airplay, built-in Chromecast, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect. You'll even have pain-in-the-butt Alexa if you want her.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Plus is one of the most talked about soundbars on the market, as few other models can match its resolution and expansive soundstage. Unlike the Samsung model above, this soundbar system doesn't come with an external subwoofer or rear speakers. But that may be because it doesn't need to. Sennheiser integrates its most impressive driver technology to deliver two side, three front, and two up-firing full-range drivers, in addition to dual four-inch woofers for deep bass. So, if you're short on space or like to take a minimalist approach, the AMBEO Plus is a great option. As with most high-end soundbar speakers, you can automatically calibrate the audio to match your room's acoustics. And, of course, in addition to movies, the AMBEO Plus can stream music from a bunch of services and devices, as well as respond to voice prompts.
Virtual Dolby Atmos Soundbar Systems
Under $300
Once you start looking into virtual Dolby Atmos soundbar systems, prices start to become a lot more accessible. The Philips 160W 2.1-Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar System is an example of a soundbar and subwoofer package that sells for under 300 bucks. And while it may not have true blue up-firing speakers, it still offers an immersive effect. But what sets this soundbar apart from others at this price is the clarity of dialogue that it offers; with the Dialogue Enhancement feature activated, you will no longer have to constantly fiddle with the volume control to understand what's being said.
Another noteworthy soundbar at this price point is the JBL Bar 300. Although it doesn't come with a separate subwoofer, it comes with substantial power through its six integrated drivers, allowing it to deliver a hefty bass response in true JBL fashion. You'll also be able to connect via Apple Airplay and Alexa Multiroom Music.
Under $500
If you're willing to spend a little more, you can get your hands on the Sonos Beam. It may not offer true up-firing drivers, but it does deliver a convincing Dolby Atmos effect, creating a bubble of sound that feels like it's coming from all angles. And again, the great thing about Sonos is that the soundbar can become part of a multiroom speaker setup. If you're into music, the Sonos Beam 2 is a great place to start building your Sonos network of speakers.
$800 and Up
Two fantastic options to look at in this price range are the Sennheiser AMBEO Mini and the Sennheiser AMBEO MAX. While the AMBEO Mini—which is great for more modest-sized rooms and TV's—has no up-firing speakers in its soundbar, it does have the most convincing virtual Dolby Atmos sound on the market thanks to its advanced automatic self-calibration, which optimizes the audio for the acoustics of your room. And although it already has a pretty decent pair of four-inch woofers, you also have the option to add the Sennheiser AMBEO Sub in the future.
But if you want to go with a bigger soundbar from Sennheiser, check out the AMBEO MAX, which offers slightly fewer drivers than the AMBEO Mini, but produces huge sound and a bass response that's deep enough to forego buying Sennheiser's AMBEO Sub.
Like all AMBEO models, this soundbar also offers Google Chromecast built-in and support for Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect in addition to voice controls.
For more information about the products listed, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed products page. Or drop us a line below, and we'll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
