Top Dolby Atmos Soundbar.
Wireless subwoofers, Bluetooth, and HDMI are some of the features available on a soundbar. However, the most requested feature by CNET readers is Dolby Atmos audio. Unlike normal surround sound, Atmos adds height to your music and movies, making it a popular choice. Dolby Atmos soundbars are now more affordable than ever, and they are easier to set up than traditional Atmos receivers and surround sound speakers. However, they can’t provide the same level of performance as their bulkier counterparts.
The Vizio M512a is an excellent budget Dolby Atmos soundbar that replaces the Vizio SB36512-F6. Although more expensive models offer benefits such as improved sound quality and onboard virtual assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. For instance, the Sonos Arc is an all-in-one soundbar that offers excellent sound, multiroom capabilities, and exquisite build quality.
It’s worth noting that there are simulated Dolby Atmos soundbars on the market, such as the Sonos Beam Gen 2, which can process Atmos but lack up-firing speakers. However, even the best virtual systems I’ve heard have been outperformed by dedicated driver systems when it comes to placing objects in 3D space. There’s no substitute for physical height speakers.
Overall, these are my favorite Atmos soundbar options available right now.
Vizio M512a
Best for the money
The Vizio M512a is an improved version of its predecessor, offering better visual and audio quality, as well as a more user-friendly interface. However, it no longer has the capability to stream over Wi-Fi. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for an affordable way to enhance your TV’s sound with Dolby Atmos, this is the product to go for.
Vizio Elevate
Best techy features
If you’re in search of a soundbar system that’s technologically advanced and top-notch, the Vizio Elevate is definitely worth considering. With 5.1.4 channels and motorized drivers, the Elevate has the ability to switch between normal surround sound and Atmos. This feature is not just a gimmick – it produces remarkable sound quality. Additionally, the Elevate includes all the contemporary features you expect from a soundbar, such as multiple HDMI inputs and Wi-Fi music streaming.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a sound system that may not have actual height speakers, but it provides the best Atmos experience among systems of its kind. If you are looking for a compact option or cannot afford the upgraded Sonos Arc, the Sonos Beam is an excellent choice that offers great value for your money.
Sonos Arc
Best all-in-one
If you want the best Dolby Atmos sound from a single bar but balk at paying $1,000 or more, the Sonos Arc is for you. This soundbar is a bit quirky, as you’ll need a 2019 or newer 4K TV to make the most of it, and yet it still performs better than most. The Arc offers a bunch of great features too, including a choice of voice assistant and Sonos’ excellent streaming architecture.
Many soundbars don’t allow you to connect headphones to them, which can be a drawback if you want to listen to audio quietly at night. However, if you own a Bose Smart Soundbar 900 and have a pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones, you can easily connect them via Bluetooth. This feature lets you enjoy private listening without disturbing anyone else in the room. Of course, the soundbar also works well without headphones if you prefer to listen through its speakers.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
Best high-end
Looking for a single-box solution for an ultimate Atmos audio home theater sound system experience? The Sennheiser Ambeo standalone soundbar may cost you a grand more than the Sony, but it offers the best immersive sound quality you can ever get. With built-in Google Chromecast and Bluetooth connectivity, you can enjoy a seamless audio experience. Plus, Ambeo’s lack of a subwoofer, while still providing full sound, makes it particularly appealing to apartment residents.