Budget soundbars offer a lower-cost route to Dolby Atmos
Engadget says some Atmos-compatible models cost less than US$200, though virtual processing delivers less immersion than dedicated height speakers.
Some Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars can add a more immersive audio experience to a TV for under US$200, according to Engadget. The lower-cost options offer an alternative to spending thousands on a multi-speaker home theatre system.
Many budget models use virtual processing to mimic overhead sound rather than up-firing speakers. Engadget says they can still improve on most built-in TV speakers, but do not provide the immersion of systems with dedicated height channels.
The trade-off reflects the limits of compact soundbar designs: virtualised Atmos does not create the same height effects as physical upward-firing drivers. Engadget’s comparison is broad; the supplied material does not include specific models or test results.
Buyers should check whether their TV supports Dolby Atmos passthrough before choosing a soundbar. If it does not, Engadget suggests using a compatible streaming device, including a Roku Express 4K+ or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
The guide positions a budget soundbar as a way to improve TV audio without the cost of a full home theatre setup, while asking buyers to weigh the compatibility requirements and limits on immersion.
