Samsung HW-Q990C
Size: 48.5 x 2.7 x 5.4 inches | Channels: 11.1.4 | Inputs: HDMI, optical audio | Subwoofer: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect | Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Best for: Spatial audio of the highest quality, in your living room.
If you’re looking for a Dolby Atmos setup of the highest quality, then the Samsung HW-Q990C is the way to go. It’s perhaps not fully accurate to call this system a “soundbar.” It’s all built around a soundbar, but also comes with a subwoofer and two rear speakers that all work together to create an immersive audio. All together, the system offers an 11.1.4 configuration, which includes four up-firing channels and side-firing speakers that make it sound like audio is coming from all around you. Through this setup, the system can support both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It also supports Alexa and Samsung SmartThings smart home ecosystems.
The speakers don’t just make for a high level of immersion—they sound excellent too. There’s plenty of bass response, with excellent detail and clarity in the high end, and it all works together to create a realistic and exciting frequency response. Like other systems, you can toggle between different modes for different kinds of content, including Sports, News, Games, Music and Movies.
What our writers say: Our soundbar-testing contributor noted that the Samsung HW-Q990C is among the pinnacle of soundbars. “The HW-Q990C is incredibly detailed and responsive, and it’s able to create an excellent level of immersion with its up-firing and side-firing speakers. Dolby Atmos sounds excellent here.”
Pros:
- Soundbar, subwoofer and surround speakers all included
- Incredibly immersive Dolby Atmos performance
- Support for AirPlay, Alexa and Bluetooth
Cons:
- Expensive
- No support for Google Chromecast
Best Budget Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Full Immersion At A Low Price
Vizio M512a-H6 5.1.2 Soundbar
Size: 3.5 x 2.2 x 40 inches | Channels: 5.1.2 | Inputs: HDMI, optical | Subwoofer: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Best for: Immersive audio at a low price.
While our top pick is in another league of audio quality, you don’t have to pay that much for a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos. The Vizio M512a-H6 showcases Vizio’s experience in building great audio gear on a budget. Not only do you get the soundbar itself, but you also get a pair of surround speakers and a subwoofer, all for a relatively low price. The soundbar offers two height channels on top of the five speaker channels and bass channel, so while it’s perhaps not as immersive as some others, you’ll still get that all-encompassing audio that makes listening to Dolby Atmos content such a unique experience.
The Vizio M512a-H6 can connect to your TV through HDMI or an optical connection, however the soundbar also supports Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music from your phone. Unfortunately, there’s no AirPlay or Google Chromecast support here, so you won’t be able to integrate the soundbar with other speakers in a multi-room speaker setup. However, unless that’s a feature you’re looking for in a particular, the Vizio M512a-H6 does the trick for those looking for Dolby Atmos on a budget.
What the reviews say: One Amazon customer says “This soundbar has a wonderful sound. It’s super easy, with plug-and-play set up with a Vizio TV. I haven’t tried setting it up with a different brand yet, but it should be just as easy. It’s larger than I hoped it would be, but not a deal breaker at all. Great product! Worth the price if you want some great sounding TV action!”
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Comes with surround speakers and sub
- Bluetooth built-in
Cons:
- No AirPlay or Chromecast support
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Under $1,000
Elevate Your Listening
Vizio M-Series Elevate Soundbar
Size: 4.7 x 41.3 x 2.6 inches | Channels: 5.1.2 | Inputs: HDMI, optical, 3.5 mm | Subwoofer: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth | Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Best for: Heightened audio without the need to go all out on price.
Vizio may make ultra-affordable soundbars, but it also makes a great of great options in the mid-range—like the Vizio M-Series Elevate Soundbar. This soundbar also comes with surround speakers and a subwoofer, supports Atmos and DTS:X and also offers excellent value for money.
The main reason to go for this option over lower-end Vizio Solutions is the improved audio. In particular, you get more detail and clarity in the high end, along with a little more oomph in the low end. Vizio makes it easy to customize the audio response too, ensuring you can tweak it to your preferences. Unfortunately, like Vizio’s lower-end soundbars, this soundbar doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity—which means it also doesn’t support AirPlay or Chromecast for multi-room audio. Thankfully, there’s still Bluetooth, so you can still stream audio from your phone.
What the reviews say: One Amazon customer says “You can’t beat this for the price. It has great bass response, and the surrounds are fantastic as well. There is lots of adjustability with the settings. I’m very happy with this purchase at the price point.”
Pros:
- Balanced, high-end sound
- Decently affordable
- Good audio customization
Cons:
- No AirPlay or Chromecast
Best All-In-One Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Ultimate Sound In One Simple Soundbar
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max
Size: 49.8 x 6.7 x 5.3 inches | Channels: 5.1.4 | Inputs: HDMI, optical, RCA | Subwoofer: No | Wireless: AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect | Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio
Best for: Getting quality audio in an all-in-one package.
If you want a high-end Dolby Atmos experience but don’t want to have to place subwoofers or rear speakers, then the Sennheiser Ambeo Max is the soundbar for you. Unfortunately, this soundbar doesn’t support subwoofers or surround sound speakers at all—if you want them, you should go for our top pick instead.
But even without those, you’ll get a very immersive spatial audio experience, with excellently detailed high-end sound and good bass response in the low end. The audio quality you can get out of this soundbar is impressive as well as how convincing the spatial audio is without rear speakers. This soundbar also supports wireless standards like AirPlay and Chromecast, and it has a high-end, premium-looking build. It should look right at home in any living room.
What the reviews say: One Amazon customer says “This is the soundbar that rules them all! The unit is solidly built and weighs quite a bit. The connectivity options are plentiful. I can now have Atmos at home without running cables everywhere. This unit has sufficient power to rattle the rafters. Buy it! I promise you, you won’t regret it.”
Pros:
- Incredible sound
- Good wireless connectivity
- Strong and well-built
Cons:
- Reports of poor software
- Doesn’t support subs or surrounds even if you want them
Polk Magnificent Mini AX
Big Sound In A Small Package
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX Soundbar
Size: 4.1 x 14.4 x 3.1 inches | Channels: 3.1 | Inputs: HDMI eARC, Optical, 3.5 mm | Subwoofer: Yes | Wireless: Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect | Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Best for: Immersive and detailed audio in a compact soundbar.
Not everyone wants a massive soundbar on their TV stand, and if you want something a little more compact, then the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX soundbar is a great option. This soundbar shrinks all of its speakers into a soundbar that’s just over 14 inches wide while still delivering a Dolby-certified Atmos experience and generally sounding great overall.
The side-firing and up-firing speaker tech isn’t perhaps quite as immersive as some other soundbar options on this list, but that’s to be expected given its size. The soundbar also supports wireless tech like AirPlay, Chromecast, and Bluetooth, which makes it easy to use beyond TV-watching.
What our writers say: Our soundbar contributor noted that this soundbar sounds a whole lot bigger than it actually is. “The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX soundbar leverages a range of technologies to deliver a full-bodied and generally immersive sound despite its size, and it really sounds great.”
Pros:
- Full-bodied sound quality
- Great bass response
- Good wireless support
Cons:
- Not quite as immersive as some others
How I Chose The Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
- To find the best Dolby soundbars I began with extensive research, focusing on renowned brands such as Samsung, Bose, Sonos and others known in the home entertainment space. I meticulously sifted through customer reviews, prioritizing options that consistently earned no less than 4 out of 5 stars.
- Next, I meticulously evaluated each soundbar based on crucial criteria, including size, performance and key features such as Dolby channels, connectivity options, wireless capabilities and the inclusion of a subwoofer. This thorough analysis ensured that only the most exceptional models made it onto my shortlist.
- To add a personal touch, I also sought recommendations from the Forbes Vetted team. Many of our top Dolby Atmos soundbar picks, including the top choice, the Samsung HW-Q990C, come highly endorsed by them, having undergone rigorous testing in their own living spaces.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- The Forbes Vetted tech team is well-versed in all things digital, having written hundreds of articles in the category. A couple of staffers, including Dave Johnson, our deputy editor, have even authored a number of books on the subject.
- Christian de Looper, the writer of this story, is an audio expert, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Technology. Christian has fully tested the top choices for the best gaming headsets, and has reviewed dozens of soundbars and home speaker solutions. With years of experience in the consumer tech space, de Looper’s other bylines include CNN Underscored, Tom’s Guide, Digital Trends and many more.
- The tech vertical is overseen by Rebecca Isaacs, the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted.
How To Choose The Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar For Your Home
When adding a Dolby Atmos soundbar for your home, there are are few features you want to consider. Here is a breakdown of how you should choose the best Dolby Atmos soundbar for your needs.
When aiming for the best Dolby soundbars, prioritize models that support Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital Plus. These technologies deliver immersive, three-dimensional audio, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.
You want to ensure the soundbar has HDMI ARC or eARC connectivity to fully leverage Dolby’s advanced audio formats, allowing for seamless transmission of high-quality audio from your favorite TV or streaming devices. Also, check for compatibility with your existing setup and devices to guarantee a hassle-free experience.
The higher the channels in a Dolby Atmos soundbar, the more speakers and higher quality audio you get. For those looking for the absolute best audio, look for soundbars with multiple channels to maximize the Dolby Atmos effect. Models with upward-firing speakers or dedicated height channels provide better overhead sound, enhancing the sense of immersion. For those that want a balance of price and quality, 5- or 7-channel soundbar will do just fine.
Consider soundbars that integrate with virtual assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This feature not only adds convenience but also aligns with the modern smart home ecosystem, allowing for hands-free control of your audio while watching movies or streaming your favorite shows.
