Since most folks get their Dolby Atmos from streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ these days (which use the compressed format), those issues may not matter much. This could limit its usability for older TVs (those without HDMI ARC) and it won't be the best choice for those who play a lot of physical media. In addition, while the bar includes an HDMI eARC port for seamless connection to your TV it doesn’t offer a secondary HDMI input for outboard devices like streamers and game consoles. The drawback of all these features is, of course, the price, which puts the bar beyond the average budget. It also sports built-in microphones and your choice of Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa virtual assistants, making it both a soundbar and a powerful smart speaker. You can add dual surround speakers and a Sonos subwoofer if you want, though the Arc offers impressive bass response even without one. Like all Sonos speakers, the Arc offers Wi-Fi connection, along with the ability to connect with other Sonos speakers, either in a group, or as part of a surround sound setup via the Sonos S2 app. And it also comes with a host of other features that make it among the most versatile soundbars on the market. Its well-tuned drivers offer a rich and smooth sound signature that’s fantastic for anything you play, from sitcoms to streaming music. Dolby Atmos isn’t the only trick up the Arc’s sleeve. That immersion can be elevated further by adding two Sonos Era 300 Bluetooth speakers as surrounds (read our impressions in our Sonos Era 300 review). The Arc is loaded with 11 individually powered drivers, including dual speakers pointed upward to bounce sound off your ceiling, creating an impressively potent example of the hemispheric immersion for which Dolby’s Atmos sound format is so highly praised.

This powerful hunk of well-fashioned plastic is the embodiment of the soundbar ethos, offering a ton of cinematic juice in a simple, singular device. Sonos’ first-ever Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Sonos Arc, is more than just a pretty (and tubular) face. Connections: HDMI eARC/ARC, digital optical (adapter), Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2.Speaker configuration: 8 elliptical woofers, 3 tweeters.Dimensions (HxWxD, inches): 3.4 x 45 x 4.5.If the Arc doesn't strike your fancy, though, we’ve corralled the very best options we've tested in one place to match any listening space and budget. Is our favorite thanks to stellar performance, versatile features (including Dolby Atmos), simple operation, and slick design. We’ve spent hundreds of hours over the years evaluating soundbars, and right now the Sonos Arc The best of them offer powerful punch, dazzling features like Dolby Atmos, and wireless music streaming in a simplified package. Not only are they great for dialogue clarity, they can also vastly improve cinematic sound, bringing everything you watch (or play) to life. If you’re looking for an improvement over your TV’s speaker and don’t want to deal with the hassle of wires and components, a soundbar may be your savior. Nothing pairs with a great TV like an equally awesome sound system, but not everyone has time to set up a full home theater. Written by Lee Neikirk, Ryan Waniata, Nick Woodard, John Higgins, and Dennis Burger

Best surround sound soundbar