The 10 Best Atmos Sound Bar Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar

This set provides crystal clear dialogues and a full range of bass, along with Bass Adjust Technology to maximize your listening experience. Read Review

2. Second Place: SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series Soundbar

Combining immersive audio with elegant design, it features a speaker layout that offers perfect synchronized surround sound to create a fully immersive experience. Read Review

3. Best Speaker: VIZIO M-Series M512a-H6 5.1.2 Premium Sound Bar

With 11 high-performance speakers, this system delivers full, clear, and powerful sound for all your entertainment needs. Read Review

4. Best With Audio Enhancer: Sony HT-G700: 3.1CH Soundbar

The soundbar features Audio Enhancer technology, which brings your audio to life by upscaling it to 7.1.2 channels. Read Review

Do you have a home theater system, but find it’s missing something? Maybe you feel like your sound is lackluster. Or perhaps you just need some upgrades to get the most out of your setup.

Dolby Atmos soundbars are an excellent way to add more audio depth to your home entertainment space. They will give you richer and fuller audio from movies, shows, or anything else that plays through your speakers.

For anyone who wants to improve their home audio experience with minimal fuss and cost, investing in a top-notch soundbar is the perfect option. Below, you will find our list of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

Adding our Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar to your home audio system is the best way to upgrade your listening experience without having to spend too much. If you have QLED TV, you may want to check out our SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series Soundbar that comes with a Q-Symphony feature to fit in with your QLED TV.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.7
Polk Audio
  • NUMEROUS CONNECTION POSSIBILITIES - Plug in your audio source via the provided inputs - (1) optical, (1) analog 3.5mm, or Bluetooth, and USB-A (for firmware updates). Enjoy uncompromised audio experience over the eight channels via the HDMI (eARC) output
  • POLK'S EXCLUSIVE VOICE AND BASS ADJUST TECHNOLOGY, along with S4's center channel lets you customize voice and bass levels, so you hear crystal clear dialogues and maximize bass without missing a word. For maximum impact, control the sub and the sound bar's bass using Bass Adjust Technology
  • UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION - In addition to L/R Tweeters (1"), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7" x 1.6") and a 1" Center, the left/right elevation speakers (2.6") utilize Atmos' height channels for an immersive 3D sound over your head
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices via built-in Bluetooth technology
  • ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR & WIRELESS SUB - The Signa S4 with an upgraded 7-driver array & a dedicated full-range center channel delivers True 3D Surround Sound (Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified) and the 5.25" sub gives you a WIDE SOUND STAGE AND DEEP BASS
  • 1-CABLE SETUP, WORKS WITH ANY TV INCLUDING THE LATEST 8K ULTRA-HD TVs - Get this system up and running in less than 5 minutes—all you have to do is unbox, connect and you are ready to listen. A great addition to your home theater!
  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE - At par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At 2.4" tall, the Signa S4 fits most spaces - easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
TOP Choice #2 SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series Soundbar
Our Score:
9.5
SAMSUNG
  • Q-SYMPHONY - Perfectly synchronized, fully immersive QLED TV and soundbar audio.
  • WORKS WITH - Enjoy your Soundbar hands-free using voice control through your Alexa-enabled device.
  • TRUE 3.1.2CH SOUND - The complete audio entertainment experience with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer and 2 up-firing channels.
  • DOLBY ATMOS / DTS:X - Theater-quality sound that fires from the front, side and above for true audio immersion.
  • SPACEFIT SOUND - Automatically calibrated sound and enhanced clarity to adapt to your space.
TOP Choice #3 VIZIO M-Series M512a-H6 5.1.2 Premium Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.4
VIZIO
  • 2 Upfiring Speakers - Reflect accurate overhead sound off the ceiling for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content.
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X - Cinematic, life-like 3D surround sound around and above you.
  • 11 High-Performance Speakers - With separate tweeters and woofers, deliver fuller, clearer and more powerful sound.
  • Dynamic and Accurate Sound - The 103dB sound pressure level and 45Hz – 20kHz frequency range deliver high-performance sound.
  • Separate Tweeters and Woofers - True 2-way speaker design delivers pristine clarity and a wider audio range.
4 Sony HT-G700: 3.1CH Soundbar
Our Score:
9.2
Sony
  • Immersive AE (Audio Enhancer) upscale audio closes to 7.1.2 each sound
  • Enjoy high quality movies with 4K HDR pass through
  • Wireless subwoofer delivers powerful bass sound
  • 3.1ch Dolby Atmos DTS: X and Vertical Surround Engine
  • Sound modes to customize listening to movies and music
  • Multiple easy connections so you can enjoy all your media
  • EARC enabled to easily enjoy immersive Dolby Atmos audio from your favorite streaming providers
  • Utilize a simple, clean connection with one-cable HDMI ARC
  • Connect to your TV wirelessly via Bluetooth
  • IMMERSIVE SOUND: Powerful drivers let you add immersive, theater-quality surround sound with a single, sleek sound bar.
  • WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMING WITH BLUETOOTH: Stream all your favorite music and podcasts from apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and more, wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with Bluetooth wireless technology.
  • STREAM IN PERFECT HARMONY: Stream music from your favorite device using Apple AirPlay 2, Google Assistant, or Alexa.
  • DOLBY ATMOS SURROUND SOUND TECHNOLOGY: Dolby Atmos technology brings multi-dimensional sound that moves around you for greater depth and excitement, so you’re able to enjoy a more cinematic experience.
  • BUILT-IN SUBWOOFERS FOR PULSE-POUNDING BASS: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life. Feel the beats in music and the impact of an action scene in movies. Integrated design lets you enjoy more powerful audio for a streamlined home theater.
  • ROKU TV READY: Enjoy smoother setup, easy access to sound settings, and compatibility with your TCL Roku TV remote.
6 JBL Bar 9.1 Channel Soundbar System
Our Score:
9.0
JBL
  • Ultra HD 4K Pass-through with Dolby Vision
  • With detachable, battery powered surround speakers you can enjoy real surround sound without the wires
  • 820W Output power
  • Built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding
  • Experience deep bass with a 300W, 10" powered subwoofer
  • Power Source Type: Corded Electric
  • Wireless Communication Technology: Wi-Fi
  • Connector Type: Optical
  • Included Components: Main Soundbar, Detachable Wireless Surround Speakers (2), Wireless Subwoofer Remote Control, Power Cords, Hdmi Cable, (2)L-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket (Main Bar), (2) U-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket (For Surround Speakers), Kit With Screws
7 Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Our Score:
8.8
Bose
  • Sleek design — From material quality to construction and finishes to controls, Bose obsessed over every detail to produce a Bluetooth soundbar speaker that looks as astonishing as it sounds
  • Connects wirelessly to the Bose sound bar for easier setup and placement, so you can enjoy your entertainment in minutes
  • Dolby Atmos soundbar — This wireless Bluetooth soundbar lends an extra dimension of height to your sound. Proprietary Bose TrueSpace spatial processing analyzes and upmixes sounds for an enveloping listening experience in Dolby, stereo, and more
  • Latest Bose soundbar — It’s the most immersive Bose voice control soundbar yet. Two custom-engineered upfiring dipole speakers work with Bose technologies to make it feel as if sound is coming from every direction — even overhead
  • Designed to be paired with the Bose sound bar 500, Bose sound bar 700 and Compatible with SoundTouch 300 soundbar as well
  • Crafted from Premium materials and measuring only 10" x 10" x 10" for easy, inconspicuous placement
  • Newly designed subwoofer that delivers a dynamic range of bass in a small, compact size that can be easily hidden
  • Built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant) — Noise-rejecting microphones work together to listen in every direction for your commands, even when the music’s playing loudly. For times when you want privacy, just disable the microphones with the mic-off button
  • TBD
  • High Resolution Audio 24bit/96kHz with 4K Passthrough (HDCP 2.3)
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • 3.1.2ch with 400W Total Output Power
  • Meridian Audio Technology
  • Dolby Vision & HDR10 Passthrough with HDMI eARC
10 Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Sound Bar
Our Score:
8.3
Sony
  • 360 Spatial Sound that adapts to your environment available with optional rear speakers
  • Vivid visuals and responsive game play with 8K and 4K/120 passthrough
  • Stream your way with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay
  • Immerse yourself in supreme music quality with Hi-Res Audio and 360 Reality Audio
  • Premium omni-directional block design and wireless tv connection
  • Integrates with your connected devices with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
  • Fully enjoy the thrill of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with Vertical Surround Engine, S-Force Pro Front Surround and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
  • Customize your setup with two subwoofer choices and rear speakers sets (sold separately)
  • Sound Field Optimization calibrates to your environment for easy set up
  • Pairs with BRAVIA for easy access to soundbar controls and Acoustic Center Sync
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Factors Related To best atmos sound bar You Should Focus On For The Most Efficient Purchase

best atmos sound bar will be discussed in-depth, and all of its characteristics will be closely investigated so you can determine whether or not it is ideal for your needs. It will save you time and effort since our guide to the best can assist you as much as possible.

Please read the following guide for easier select best atmos sound bar in 2024:

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

FAQs

Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?

Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.

Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?

There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.

Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?

A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.

Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?

Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.

Where Do I Place My Soundbar?

The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.

Are Soundbars Really Worth It?

They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.

Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?

There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.

Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?

There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.

Conclusion

The considerations outlined in this blog post should demonstrate that best atmos sound bar is worth the money and then some. If you want a different model but still want performance, the long-lasting investment which provides you with years of enjoyment, you have no choice but to check Denon Home Sound Bar 550 that is available.


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.