What is Dolby Atmos? The surround sound format explained

In 2016, I attended a demo of a new Yamaha soundbar. While it looked like any other soundbar at first, the audio blew me away, and it was mainly because of Dolby Atmos. While sound generally tends to be in a single plane, the Yamaha soundbar takes a different approach. Rather than playing back the sound, it projected it, and that was the magic or allure of Dolby Atmos.

Since then, Dolby Atmos has become a popular surround sound format and is redefining our experience of spatial sound. It was first installed for the premiere of Pixar’s Brave in 2012, and since then, it has captured homes as well as home theatres. If you were recently blown away by an immersive audio experience, then there is a good chance you’ve encountered Dolby Atmos. So, what is Dolby Atmos, and how does this sound format work? Let’s break it down.

Dolby Atmos Home Theater: How does it work

For years, surround sound systems have relied on channel-based audio mixing to deliver an immersive audio experience. This method relies on a fixed number of channels or a fixed number of speakers. A 5.1-channel speaker system, for example, has five speakers and a subwoofer that works as a channel for left, right, centre, left surround, right surround, and low-frequency speakers. 

To deliver spatial audio, sound needs to be designed to work with these channels. Dolby Atmos uses object-based audio mixing to allow sounds to move above, behind, and all around the user.

ALSO READ: How to set up a Dolby Atmos home theatre system

The critical difference between traditional surround sound and Dolby Atmos is the introduction of height channels. This allows Dolby Atmos to add overhead speakers or upward-firing speakers to create a true 3D surround sound experience. Whether it is helicopters flying overhead, rain falling, or footsteps behind you, Dolby Atmos delivers them with precision and in an immersive, lifelike environment.

Best sound bar Dolby Atmos: Top soundbars in 2025

The aforementioned Yamaha soundbar has a total of 46 speakers, but many other alternatives deliver Dolby Atmos in a compact and home-friendly design. Here are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars with a sleek, compact form factor in 2025:

Sonos Arc

If you are looking for the best wireless home theatre setup with Dolby Atmos then look no further than Sonos Arc. Priced at Rs 64,999, the Arc has 11 internal speakers with two acting as dedicated height channels. It delivers crystal-clear dialogue, rich sound, and analyses your room’s acoustics and optimises the speaker’s EQ.

boAt Aavante 5500DA

The boAt Avante 5500DA is a 5.1.2-channel sound system featuring a bar speaker, a subwoofer, and two rear-channel speakers. It offers multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.3, Aux, USB, and HDMI. With Dolby Atmos support, 500W total power output and competitive pricing, it is a great way to get started with Dolby Atmos.

ALSO READ: 5 best soundbars with Dolby Atmos in India in 2024

Sony HT-A5000

A premium soundbar delivering high-end performance with Dolby Atmos is the Sony HT-A5000. The main soundbar comes with a 5.1.2-channel speaker setup and is Dolby Atmos compliant. You can also pair it with an optional wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, and with support for AirPlay and Chromecast, it is a complete package.

In addition to the above-mentioned Dolby Atmos soundbars, you can also look at Bose Smart Soundbar 600 with built-in Alexa for a premium experience or GoVo GoSurround 975 to get started with Dolby Atmos. It has never been easier to get a Dolby Atmos soundbar to bring a truly immersive sound to your home.