If you are one of those people for whom Dolby Atmos is a closed book, then you ought to know that Dolby Atmos is a surround sound format (an object-based) that enables height channels. That means that you can expect the sound to come from straight over your head when you view something on your television. That is quite cool if you ask me! You will be able to immerse yourself in a listening experience unlike any other, and courtesy to Dolby Atmos, you can hear sounds emerging from every direction!
A Dolby Atmos soundbar is one of the best devices you can buy if you want the full taste of the Dolby Atmos experience. Keep in mind though, that not every soundbar device supports Dolby Atmos, and those soundbars that do are highly sought after in the market!
So which are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars of 2021? Keep reading to find out.
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar: Samsung HW-Q950T
When it comes to the best Atmos soundbars, the Samsung HW-Q950T is probably the pick of the litter and one of the most reliable devices you will find on the market. This premium soundbar comes with a quality subwoofer and 2 satellite speakers as well. These assist in creating a very immersive audio experience that is sure to blow you away! Must read The Best Soundbars Under $200 Of 2021
The Samsung HW-Q950T comes with a splendid feature called the Q-Symphony. This particular feature enables the soundbar to play any audio from the speakers of your Samsung QLED TV at the exact same time as the soundbar’s speakers. In this way, you can further improve your surround experience when you watch something on your television.
The soundbar also has a very neutral sound profile, appropriate for a diverse range of audio content, including television shows and movies. It can generate a low and deep bass, which considerably helps bring out the full power of sound effects in certain action-fueled scenes. If you have a liking for a different sound, the soundbar also has presets and a graphic equalizer available. What’s more, the Samsung HW-Q950T features terrific stereo dynamics, and it can get quite loud without any extra compression.
In addition, this soundbar has superb support through its HDMI ARC port, as it is compatible with all the universal audio formats. It supports eARC as well that allows you to play top quality, lossless formats, and surround signals (object-based). Moreover, you get amazing wireless playback options when you get the Samsung HW-Q950T soundbar device. You can easily stream any audio you want through wifi or Bluetooth, which is very convenient! However, keep in mind that you cannot utilize more connectivity options that are system-specific such as Apple AirPlay.
Best 5.1 Dolby Atmos Soundbar: JBL Bar 9.1
If you are looking for the best 5.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar, then the JBL Bar 9.1 is an excellent choice that you can consider!
This soundbar fully supports Dolby Atmos content and provides a superior surround sound that will take your audio experience to new heights. It also has a balanced and neutral sound profile with a hint of additional bass. That makes it ideal for a broad range of audio content. You can even leverage some EQ presets available on the soundbar to tailor its sound.
Another striking feature of the JBL Bar 9.1 is its room correction feature. Using this handy feature, you can optimize the soundbar’s sound based on the acoustics of your room. The soundbar can get considerably loud as well, although there might be some compression at maximum volume.
On top of everything else, this 5.1 Dolby Atmos Soundbar has a remarkable build quality. Its manufacturers have made its front and top sides from metal. That not only gives the device a very sleek look but also helps to safeguard its speakers inside.
Overall, the JBL Bar 9.1 offers a very versatile performance that can immensely please several different listeners. It is also a highly desirable choice for viewing Atmos content.
Pros
- Fully compatible with Bluetooth and Wifi.
- The sound profile of this soundbar is very well balanced.
- Atmos support.
Cons
- Lacks a night mode and room correction.
- Surround performance not as good as modern home theater setups, which have their own down-firing speakers.
A Cheaper Alternative: VIZIO SB46514-F6
If you are on the lookout for a quality 5.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar on a modest budget, then the Vizio SB46514-F6 device is the one for you!
Although its sound profile is not as balanced as the JBL Bar 9.1 device, it can still offer viewers an immersive and grand Atmos experience. This well-built soundbar comes with 2 surround speakers and a subwoofer to fully immerse you in the movies and television shows you like best. In addition, the Vizio SB46514-F6 can get quite loud and boasts some extra boom to help bring adrenaline-inducing action scenes to life.
Although the device lacks a room correction feature, it has some equalizer presets to help you tailor the sound that comes out of the soundbar.
Moreover, the VIZIO SB46514-F6 soundbar’s stereo audio regeneration is extremely accurate, and most individuals will be very content with how loud the device can get!
Pros
- Impressive and durable built design.
- Viewers can enjoy a very immersive experience with the Dolby Atmos content.
Cons
- Some compression and pumping artifacts at maximum volume.
Best All-Round Soundbar: Sennheiser Ambeo
If anyone were to compile a list of the best standalone Dolby Atmos soundbars, then the Sennheiser Ambeo would definitely feature in it! It boasts an incredible 13-speaker design that is very eye-catching to look at!
Furthermore, it also has a unique 3-dimensional mode that helps quality sound come from all around you without requiring any wireless speakers.
One of the soundbar’s many great features is its room correction feature. This assists in adapting audio to your room with an external microphone that can better your listening experience. The device also has several connectivity options that include built-in Chromecast and Bluetooth. There is also a standby mode that triggers automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity.
The Sennheiser Ambeo should be on your radar if you want a standalone soundbar that performs very well by itself without a dedicated subwoofer.
Pros
- Supports all the standard audio formats.
- For a standalone soundbar, the Sennheiser Ambeo device provides excellent immersive sound.
Cons
- The soundbar is quite large and bulky, which does not make it very portable.
Wrapping it Up
To conclude, a top-quality soundbar is what you need to take your listening experience up a notch! Regardless of which Dolby Atmos Soundbar of 2021 you purchase, make you go through all the features, pros, and cons of every model that strikes your fancy. It always pays to do your research, and you will be in a better position to select the device that best suits your needs.