One of the features you probably want the sound bar to have is Dolby Atmos support. This ensures that you can enjoy height channels alongside front, centre, and rear audio, affording object-based surround sound. Thankfully, many of the latest premium sound bars offer just that, along with plenty other features that work alongside Dolby Atmos to make you feel like you’re watching a movie in the theatre from the comfort of your own home.
Here, we’ll help you understand what Dolby Atmos is, how it works, and benefits of the technology in a sound bar. We’ll also compare and contrast top-rated Dolby Atmos sound bars based on features, price, and performance, to help guide you towards making an informed purchase decision.
Top picks snapshot
Before diving into the details, here’s a snapshot of the top Dolby Atmos sound bar picks.
| Best overall: Samsung HW-Q990F A powerful 11.1.4-channel sound bar with Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound Pro, offers immersive sound optimized to match the layout of your room. |
| Best premium: Sonos Arc Ultra Sleek, high-end sound bar integrates seamlessly with other Sonos products. It offers rich, room-filling audio to enhance your soundstage. |
| Best mid-range: Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 HT-S60 Great for Sony TVs, this 5.1-channel home theatre system delivers immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound. Available only at Best Buy. |
| Best budget: TCL S55H It’s a compact, value-packed 2.1-channel sound bar with 220W power, ideal for smaller spaces and those seeking Dolby Atmos on a budget. |
| Best compact: TCL S4BH A simple 2.0-channel sound bar with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X improves TV audio without breaking the bank. |
| Best sound bar with subwoofer: Sony Bravia Theatre Bar HT-B600 This 3.1.2-channel sound bar features a wireless subwoofer and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, offering clear dialogue and spatial audio in a compact, easy-to-install package. |
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology designed to create a more immersive experience than you’d get with traditional stereo or surround sound system. These usually includes front, centre, and rear speakers along with a subwoofer. With Dolby Atmos, you get the addition of height channels, too. This helps reproduce sounds from up above more realistically, like rain drops falling from the sky or airplanes zooming by. While you would still hear these sounds with a typical surround sound set-up, they would not be as pronounced, and thus not as realistic.
How does it work? Dolby Atmos traditionally uses speakers that are literally places above you, mounted on the wall or a ceiling. But when integrated into a sound bar, it uses virtual technology through upward-firing speakers that help reproduce the sound as though it’s actually overhead. It uses something called audio objects, whereby sound is reproduced within a 3D space versus requiring strategically placed speakers around the room. You’ll notice it most in content like action movies as well as music and video games.
Why choose a Dolby Atmos sound bar?
Usually, if you’re choosing a sound bar, it’s for a specific reason. It might be because it’s a smaller room and don’t have to space to set up multiple speakers. It might also come down to budget: you get plenty of bang for your buck with a sound bar. The great thing about sound bars is that you can add more speakers over time to enhance the audio even further if you decide you need them.
But if you’re starting out with a sound bar alone, going with one that has Dolby Atmos makes sense so you get the best possible sound from a single speaker. Beyond space and budget, they’re also super-simple to set up, requiring no installation nor running cables or wireless connectivity beyond the connection to your main home theatre gear or direct to the TV.
Most sound bars have Bluetooth, some also include Wi-Fi, so you can easily connect your mobile devices, like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, for streaming content, too. This might be games, apps, even just streaming music. You can also enhance sound from other source devices, like a video game console or Blu-ray player.
Best Dolby Atmos sound bars
Which models are best? We have some fantastic picks for you.
Best overall Dolby Atmos sound bar: Samsung HW-Q990F
You get pretty much everything you could possibly want with this sound bar: it includes 11.1.4 channels for a full surround experience along with Q-Symphony, which plays audio in tune with a compatible Samsung TV’s built-in speakers. SpaceFit Sound Pro analyzes your room layout and optimizes the sound accordingly.
Connect to source devices via both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and control it via the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. Enjoy 756W output for booming sound while watching movies, playing games, and more through the sound bar that comes with a subwoofer as well as rear speakers for a full set-up. With an almost perfect 4.8-star rating from Best Buy shoppers, this is a great all-in-one package system if you have space for the sub and rear speakers as well.
Best premium sound bar: Sonos Arc Ultra
With 14 drivers, the Sonos Arc Ultra provides room-filling sound for a fully immersive experience. I use the original Sonos Arc at home, and it provides booming, fabulous sound. With improved audio experience for both bass and dialogue clarity, as well as enhanced spatial audio, you can’t go wrong. Control the sound bar using your TV’s remote, the Sonos app, Alexa, Sonos Voice Control, or touch controls on the unit itself.
As with any Sonos speaker, it integrates seamlessly with others like the Sonos Era 300 and Sonos Sub. So, it’s perfect for a household with other Sonos speakers. If you own Sonos Ace headphones, use TV Audio Swap, my favourite feature, to instantly go from private listening to listening through the sound bar.
Best mid-range sound bar: Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 HT-S60
Available only at Best Buy, this Sony sound bar is a full home theatre system that includes the sound bar along with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, a perfect set-up for larger rooms and bigger sound for a reasonable price. Along with Dolby Atmos, you also get DTS:X support, another object-based immersive audio format.
Those who like to watch TV late at night will appreciate Voice Zoom 3, which enhances dialogue so you don’t have to keep adjusting the volume. It’s the ideal option if you own a compatible Sony TV since you can use the Centre Sync input for a simple connection with enhanced playback, and easily control the sound bar from the TV menu.
Best budget sound bar: TCL S55H
Suitable for condos, renters, and smaller rooms, the TCL S55H is a great pick if you’re on a budget. You get features like compatibility with select TCL TVs so you can use the display as Centre Channel Mode to improve dialogue. It’s great when watching action movies with loud background sound effects. Along with Dolby Atmos, you also get DTS Virtual:X for additional virtual surround sound support.
Best Buy shoppers give it a 4.6-star rating with high marks for quality, value, and ease of use. “The quality had a wow effect on me,” says one happy customer, the “immersive deep sound allows you to dive into the movies , shows, music.”
Best compact sound bar: TCL S4BH
Just want something simple that’s a cut above the TV’s built-in speakers? The TCL S4BH is a good option, though you’ll miss out on features like Wi-Fi and AirPlay. It’s a solid option for music or podcast listeners or those who watch traditional TV, like news and sitcoms. Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X makes scenes more engaging in movies or high-action TV shows.
Best sound bar with subwoofer: Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6 HT-B600
If you can’t decide, this sound bar is a nice Goldilocks option that sits in the middle in terms of both pricing and performance. You get 3.1.2 channels along with an included wireless subwoofer. The three front-firing and pair of up-firing speakers reproduce wonderful spatial sound while retaining clear dialogue as well, great for movie watchers.
With both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, you’ll get the best sound possible from any source. Best Buy shoppers rave about the quick and easy installation and space-saving design. If you’re looking for a sound bar for the office, den, or even bedroom, this one fits the bill.
How we decide what’s best
At Best Buy Canada, curating a “Best of” or “Top X” list is a thoughtful and transparent process. We evaluate products based on brand reputation, popularity, customer interest, and relevance within their category. Our bloggers then bring deep product knowledge and hands-on experience to help identify the best options for you.
Testing goes far beyond unboxing—products are used in real-world scenarios, with our bloggers putting themselves in your shoes to better understand how a device or accessory performs day to day and whether it meets expectations. Where possible, they compare similar models and assess key factors such as design, performance, and category-specific features to offer well-rounded, informed recommendations. For niche or new product categories where broader hands-on testing might not be possible within that category as a whole, our skilled bloggers evaluate the products using every objective method they can.
In some cases, a blogger may not have direct experience with a specific product. When that happens, they draw on broader expertise, such as time spent with comparable items, an understanding of the brand’s current lineup, and its overall reputation. We also draw on insights from Best Buy’s in-house category experts and aggregate feedback from both trusted reviewers and customer ratings to make the best selections.
We’ll always be clear about the basis of our recommendations—whether they stem from first-hand testing or extensive research. Authenticity matters to us. Every “Best of” guide is built on objective insights, product knowledge, and a commitment to helping you make confident buying decisions.
Things to consider when choosing your Dolby Atmos sound bar
It’s time to look at other factors to help you make the right choice. Consult with our sound bars buying guide for detailed information, but here’s a quick refresher of some key points.
Budget
Start with the budget you have set aside for the purchase and go from there. Thankfully, there are great Dolby Atmos sound bars at all price points, from a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand. Set expectations and understand what you’re trading to save, then decide if you’re willing to live without certain features.
Leave wiggle room: you don’t want to choose something that lacks features you need because it’s slightly over budget. Don’t forget to factor in if the sound bar comes with a subwoofer and rear speakers, which add value. Also consider HDMI eARC for a smoother, more seamless connection and is worth paying more to get and use with a compatible TV.
Number of channels
The more channels, the wider and more immersive the soundstage will be. Understanding what sound bar channels mean can help you make a fitting decision. The room size will factor in as well. If it’s for a smaller room, a sound bar with fewer channels might suffice while more channels will help better fill a larger, more open-concept room.
Subwoofer: Yes or no?
A subwoofer gives you deeper bass, which will make an impact in content like action movies, video games, and bass-heavy music. Some sound bars have built-in subwoofers that offer enhanced bass in the compact package. But you’ll always get deeper, more pronounced bass with a separate wireless subwoofer, which many mid- and high-end models come with. Depending on the type of content you watch or listen to, it might be worth your while investing in a sound bar package that includes a subwoofer.
Connectivity essentials
How the sound bar connects to your TV and other source devices is important. HDMI eARC is one of the most sought-after features today. It simplifies the connection between a TV and a sound bar (or audio receiver) by requiring only a single cable. With this feature, you can also use your TV’s remote to control basic functions of the sound bar, further making the process seamless. It’s also necessary to be able to transmit the higher bandwidth signals that are required for Dolby Atmos audio.
Other connectivity options are useful, too. With Wi-Fi, you can connect to other Wi-Fi speakers and devices, and leverage features like AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect for streaming, where available. With Bluetooth, you can instantly connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to the sound bar and use it as a speaker. Many sound bars also come with built-in voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Sonos Voice so you can control audio with audible commands.
FAQs
Still have questions? Don’t worry, because we have answers to some of your last-minute pressing ones!
Is Dolby Atmos worth it in a sound bar?
Yes! Dolby Atmos gives you a more immersive listening experience, so you hear the audio from all around in a three-dimensional space. Keep in mind that you need to be listening to content that’s in Dolby Atmos, which might require a higher subscription tier of a streaming service or Blu-ray disc. With compatible content, you’ll feel like you’re part of the action.
Do I need a special TV for Dolby Atmos sound bars?
No, a sound bar with Dolby Atmos can connect to any TV provided it has the proper connection—which is HDMI and, for the best possible experience, HDMI eARC. That version supports the higher bandwidth audio of Dolby Atmos. The sound bar itself can decode Dolby Atmos audio signals so your TV doesn’t have to do the work. Since Dolby Atmos content is typically matched with 4K video, the best TV partner for a Dolby Atmos sound bar is a 4K TV with at least an HDMI eARC port.
Is Dolby Atmos worth it in a small room?
Absolutely! Dolby Atmos isn’t just meant for large spaces. You can enjoy the benefits of Dolby Atmos just the same in a smaller room, if not more so. A Dolby Atmos sound bar is the perfect pairing for a smaller room where you don’t have the space to accommodate more speakers but still want to enjoy a theatre-like experience.
What’s the difference between virtual and true Dolby Atmos?
Virtual Dolby Atmos is the only option you have when using a sound bar, unless it’s connected to separate speakers. A sound bar with virtual Dolby Atmos is designed to mimic having multiple speakers in the room through up-firing and forward-firing speakers. With true Dolby Atmos, you would require speakers all around the room. This includes left and right channels, centre, rears, and height channels via wall or ceiling-mounted speakers.
Which streaming services support Atmos?
Pretty much every major streaming service supports Dolby Atmos, including Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Paramount+. Bell’s Crave TV streaming service, however, does not support Dolby Atmos. For music, you can listen to Dolby Atmos content through services like Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music HD. Keep in mind that with each service, you need the right subscription tier, usually the premium tier, to enjoy Dolby Atmos.
Get the right Dolby Atmos sound bar for your home
Now, you know what Dolby Atmos is and how it works through sound bars. You know what benefits Dolby Atmos sound bars provide, including space saving and easy set-up, and how they can make your entertainment experiences better, whether it’s movies and TV shows, music, or gaming. We’ve also outlined some of the best Dolby Atmos sound bars you can buy, with options for every budget and to meet every need. Now, it’s time to find the right Dolby Atmos sound bar for you and bring the theatre experience to the comfort of your couch.
Search through a wide selection of Dolby Atmos sound bars at Best Buy Canada.
