Dolby atmos for headphones или windows sonic

A showdown between Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS to determine which spatial sound software works best for your headphones.

In order to enjoy movies and games at their full potential, it’s important that you consider surround sound capabilities. But there are different selections of spatial sound technologies available today. And it’s difficult to determine which one is most suitable for your setup.

In addition, there are other factors to consider such as compatibility issues and what specific platform you’re using it on. All this put together can be confusing and can lead to misunderstandings between what can work best.

That’s why we made this comparison article that details all you need to know about Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS for headphones.

What Is Spatial Sound?

Spatial sound, sometimes called 3D audio, is an enhanced audio experience where you can perceive sounds from all directions.

Instead of just hearing sounds coming from the left/right (stereo sound) or around you (surround sound), spatial sounds add an element of verticality that makes it so that what we hear is close to how we’d naturally hear it in real life. This adds a level of sound immersion that can’t be replicated by traditional surround sound formats.

Although we only have two ears, we can often determine the approximate location of sounds in three dimensions. Thanks to the collaborative work between our brain and ears, we can perceive the sound’s distance, elevation, and direction.

With that being said, spatial sound softwares makes use of strategic placement of sound sources in a virtual three-dimensional space to create that 3D sound effect. These also try to replicate head-related transfer functions (HRTF). It tells how an ear receives a particular sound and how that sound changes as it passes through the body.

Spatial sound software technologies create immersive 3D sound effects that closely emulate real-life hearing.

The three leading spatial sound softwares today are Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS. Get a better grasp on their differences below.

What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic for Headphones is Microsoft’s attempt at recreating the spatial sound experience for everyone on the Xbox One and Windows 10. It doesn’t have any specific physical equipment and hardware requirements to work. Instead, it uses software and virtual means to function.

You could have any pair of earphones or ordinary stereo headphones and still enjoy spatial audio.

Advantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones

There are a number of benefits of using Windows Sonic for Headphones. Here’s what you should know:

• It’s FREE: For the absolutely low price of $0, you too can experience spatial sound. You also don’t have to worry about buying expensive equipment since any pair of stereo headphones will do.
• Simple setup: All you have to do is toggle the function on your computer or Xbox One. That’s it.
• No need to download separately: Windows Sonic for Headphones comes pre-installed on every Windows 10 and Xbox One.

Disadvantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones

Despite the advantages of Windows Sonic for Headphones, there are still some disadvantages that you should keep in mind. Here’s what you should consider:

• Sound can be inaccurate: This spatial sound software only works well in certain situations. It works well with gaming and movies, but can cause audio to sound inaccurate when primarily used for music.
• Not for speakers: Unsurprisingly, Windows Sonic for Headphones only works well with headphones. Using external/laptop speakers with this software enabled and no headphones plugged in can cause sound distortions in the audio.

What Is Dolby Atmos for Headphones?

Dolby Atmos, developed by Dolby Laboratories, is spatial sound software technology that is available on several platforms such as Windows 10 and Xbox One. It can also be used on any TV, soundbar, or home theater setups.

Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic work very similarly in providing the spatial sound experience. However, the former requires that you buy the software license and specific supported hardware in order to make use of the technology.

Advantages of Dolby Atmos for Headphones

Dolby Atmos has a lot of pros that make it a solid contender for spatial sound software. Be sure to take the following into account:

• More immersive than Windows Sonic: Some people say that Dolby Atmos provides a more immersive listening experience in comparison to Windows Sonic. This is mainly attributed to the increased height to spatial sounds which provides a more realistic sound experience.
• Can also work for Home Theaters: This software isn’t only exclusive for headphones. It works on any other sound system like your home theater setup. However, it’s important that you have the right speakers/hardware to enjoy the best experience.
• Works with more platforms and devices: Dolby Atmos is supported in several major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Music and more. It also works with several devices/brands and even mobile phones.

Disadvantages of Dolby Atmos for Headphones

On the other hand, Dolby Atmos has some downsides that you should consider as well. Here’s what you should take into consideration.

• Costs $15: Although there is a 30-day free trial to use Dolby Atmos, you’ll need to pay $14.99 at the end of it to get a license and continue using the software.
• Requires supported hardware and software for better experience: Although Dolby Atmos can work with any regular pair of headphones through downloading the software, you can improve the experience by using headphones with a built-in Dolby Atmos support. These are usually multi-drivers that mimic the Dolby home theater experience.
• Set-up may be complex to some: In comparison to Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos is a lot more complex to set up. From downloading the app to configuring all the PC settings, a lot of tinkering needs to be done just to get it running properly.

What Is DTS for Headphones?

DTS for headphones, sometimes called DTS Headphone X or just DTS:X, is an object-based audio codec. It provides improved spatial sound than other traditional sound systems.

DTS software is similar to Dolby Atmos. Yhe main difference is the former compresses audio metadata to a 4:1 ratio while the latter does so to a 10-12:1 ratio. What this means is that DTS, in theory, has more potential in producing higher quality sounds.

Advantages of DTS for Headphones

DTS for headphones is one of the leading spatial sound software in the market. As such, there are some advantages that should make it worth your time.

• More realistic sound quality: DTS technology is believed to have the highest quality and most realistic sounds among other spatial sound softwares. This is mainly due to its high data encoding rate and effective use of multi-channel speaker setups.
• Works great with any headphones and speaker setup: Unlike the limited platform availability of Windows Sonic and the overhead channel requirements of Dolby Atmos, DTS works great with any headphones and simple surround sound multi-speaker setup.
• Customizable sound: DTS features the ability to fully customize the volume range of voices in movies and games. This is especially useful when you need that boost in dialogue volume at an important part of the movie or cutscene of a video game.

Disadvantages of DTS for Headphones

Despite the advantages of DTS for Headphones, there are still some disadvantages that you should keep in mind. Here’s what you should consider:

• Most expensive of the three: You need to make a one-time payment of $19.99 after the two-week free trial in order to make use of DTS:X from the DTS Sound Unbound app.
• Works best with DTS-supported media: Since it is the newest of the three, not all mainstream media and applications support the DTS audio codec, yet. Only some mainstream video games and 4K Blue-ray movies support it, but this can change in the near future.
• Almost similar sound to Dolby Atmos: Although DTS can theoretically encode audio at a higher rate than Dolby Atmos for better sound quality, some listeners are unable to distinguish any differences between the two. For casual listeners, it may be much better to go for Dolby Atmos since it is the cheaper option.

Windows Sonic vs. Dolby Atmos vs. DTS: Which One’s for You?

There isn’t an end all be all answer to this question. Determining which one is the best is highly subjective and requires that you take many factors into consideration.

People may say that one is better than the other, but the best way to find out for yourself is to carefully listen to the audio. With that, you can make the most informed decision.

It’s important to note that spatial sound technology is not recommended to use for music. This is because music is primarily made as stereo audio. This means it wouldn’t make much sense to use spatial sound technologies in this situation.

For people on a budget

When it comes to general costs, there’s no doubt that Windows Sonic is the winner in this aspect. Coming pre-installed and accessible on every Windows 10 PC and Xbox One, almost anyone can make use of this spatial sound technology.

However, if you want to have 3D sound outside of those platforms, then Dolby Atmos is the one for you. You only need to make a one-time payment of $15 to enjoy spatial surround sound on your headphones or home theater setup.

Verdict: For people on a budget, Windows Sonic is the best spatial sound technology you can get. It’s free and comes pre-installed on every Windows 10 PC/laptop and Xbox One for easy access.

For gaming

When it comes to gaming, the debate is heated between Dolby Atmos and DTS. The short answer? Both will greatly improve your gameplay by providing more immersive 3D audio.

However, most gamers believe that DTS is the best for gaming. This is mainly due to the expanded sound and spacious profile that DTS provides especially on headphones. This isn’t saying that Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic fail to achieve this, it’s just that DTS has a more noticeable effect.

Yet, if you already have gaming headphones with built-in surround sound, these won’t matter since using spatial sound software with surround sound headphones will distort the audio.

Verdict: For gaming, DTS for headphones is believed to be the best spatial sound technology. Majority of gamers agree that it provides an immersive sound experience like no other. However, just remember that even though the majority of gamers agree that DTS is the best doesn’t mean that it’s the best for you too.

For movies

As for movies, Dolby Atmos has been a staple standard in the industry for the longest time. Because of that, it’s best to go for Dolby Atmos since many platforms and movies support this technology. Some of these platforms are Amazon Music, Apple TV, and Disney+. Additionally, many TV shows and movies on Netflix also support Dolby Atmos..

Verdict: Dolby Atmos is the standard in most movies, films, and TV shows on major streaming platforms such as Netflix. As such, it’s best to use Dolby Atmos in order to guarantee the biggest collection of supported movies and shows.

For the best spatial sound experience

As mentioned earlier, choosing the best spatial sound technology is highly dependent on your specific needs and personal preferences. It’s best to take all other factors into consideration so that you can determine which one is the right one for you.

To get a better idea, put on your headphones and listen to this comparison video that showcases the three spatial sound software we’ve discussed.

How to Activate These Virtual Surround Sound Softwares

There are different ways to activate these surround sound softwares and each is highly dependent on what platform you’re using them on. However, it’s good to know that the 3 can all work on PC and Xbox One.

Check out our article for a detailed look at how to activate Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS.

Conclusion

Watching movies and playing games with virtual 3D sound is an experience like no other. The organic movement of sound adds a whole level of immersion that vastly improves the overall experience. With this article you should now be able to take all factors into consideration and find out which spatial software technology is right for you.

The best spatial sound technology mostly depends on your own specific needs, available hardware, and personal preference.

Keep in mind that seeing hearing is believing. So take the time to listen to comparison videos in order to get a better feel of which system you’d prefer more.

We hope this article helped you in understanding these spatial sound technologies. If you have a preference between the three, please let us know in the comments down below. We’d love to have a discussion and hear what you have to say!

Xbox One owners have been given the choice between two spatial surround technologies: Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos. Both aim to enhance sound quality and immersion when playing a game, but which is best for your situation? In the battle of Windows Sonic vs. Dolby Atmos, we compared features, pricing, sound quality, compatibility, and other key factors so you can decide what’s best for you.

What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic for headphones is Microsoft’s take on spatial sound. Introduced to Xbox One as well as Windows 10 devices, it’s free to use with any up-to-date console. It’s integrated with the system software for extra ease when using it, and you can use any Xbox One stereo headset in conjunction with it. 

It attempts to create a surround sound experience even if you have ordinary stereo headphones. By doing so, sound should appear to have extra depth and sound three-dimensional so you hear everything around you.

To use it, you simply activate it through a setting on your Xbox One. Once enabled, any applications or games capable of rendering to 7.1 channel formats will begin to treat your headphones as if they were a virtual 7.1 device. 

Windows Sonic is generally regarded to over-exaggerate sounds a little compared to Dolby Atmos, but it still makes a significant difference when playing first-person shooters such as Overwatch. You’re able to hear enemies coming and can locate them faster than through other audio devices. 

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is Dolby’s spatial sound technology. The Xbox One supports Dolby Atmos technology when it comes to home theater setups and headphones. Unlike the integrated nature of Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos requires you to purchase it from the Microsoft Store for $14.99. 

To use Dolby Atmos for Headphones, you need to download and install the app, which takes a little more time than Windows Sonic’s setup. There’s a 30-day free trial for the app, but you’ll need to purchase it once the trial’s over. 

Dolby Atmos focuses on placing sounds above, below, and around you like surround sound systems or Windows Sonic. Dolby Atmos delivers virtualized spatial sound like Windows Sonic, but there’s also dedicated hardware and special Dolby Atmos headphones designed to work in conjunction with it to provide the best aural experience. 

Generally, Dolby Atmos is considered slightly superior to Windows Sonic. When playing games like Gears 5, or older titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Rise of the Tomb Raider, Dolby Atmos headphones tend to sound crisper, richer, and more like you’re actually there. 

What Is Dolby Atmos Immersive Surround Sound?

Windows Sonic vs Dolby Atmos Feature Comparison

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos both have positive and negative qualities. While they both offer similar services, there are certain things about both that make them appealing to different people and different financial considerations.

Here’s a brief look at some of the most important features of Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos:

Should You Go With Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos?

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos are both very similar forms of spatial sound technology. Dolby Atmos has the edge in terms of sound quality and making you feel like you’re actually there when playing a game, but it comes at a price. 

Much of your decision-making process should stem from if you want to pay $15 for the Dolby Atmos app or if you’re fine sticking with the plug and play style of Windows Sonic. 

For many users, the differences are relatively subtle, but it’s definitely worth trying the Dolby Atmos 30-day trial to see if your ears are able to spot the nuances between the two technologies. If you’re not on a budget, it makes sense to go with Dolby Atmos for the extra advantage when gaming.

Thanks for letting us know!

Xbox One owners have been given the choice between two spatial surround technologies: Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos. Both aim to enhance sound quality and immersion when playing a game, but which is best for your situation? In the battle of Windows Sonic vs. Dolby Atmos, we compared features, pricing, sound quality, compatibility, and other key factors so you can decide what’s best for you.

What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic for headphones is Microsoft’s take on spatial sound. Introduced to Xbox One as well as Windows 10 devices, it’s free to use with any up-to-date console. It’s integrated with the system software for extra ease when using it, and you can use any Xbox One stereo headset in conjunction with it. 

It attempts to create a surround sound experience even if you have ordinary stereo headphones. By doing so, sound should appear to have extra depth and sound three-dimensional so you hear everything around you.

To use it, you simply activate it through a setting on your Xbox One. Once enabled, any applications or games capable of rendering to 7.1 channel formats will begin to treat your headphones as if they were a virtual 7.1 device. 

Windows Sonic is generally regarded to over-exaggerate sounds a little compared to Dolby Atmos, but it still makes a significant difference when playing first-person shooters such as Overwatch. You’re able to hear enemies coming and can locate them faster than through other audio devices. 

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is Dolby’s spatial sound technology. The Xbox One supports Dolby Atmos technology when it comes to home theater setups and headphones. Unlike the integrated nature of Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos requires you to purchase it from the Microsoft Store for $14.99. 

To use Dolby Atmos for Headphones, you need to download and install the app, which takes a little more time than Windows Sonic’s setup. There’s a 30-day free trial for the app, but you’ll need to purchase it once the trial’s over. 

Dolby Atmos focuses on placing sounds above, below, and around you like surround sound systems or Windows Sonic. Dolby Atmos delivers virtualized spatial sound like Windows Sonic, but there’s also dedicated hardware and special Dolby Atmos headphones designed to work in conjunction with it to provide the best aural experience. 

Generally, Dolby Atmos is considered slightly superior to Windows Sonic. When playing games like Gears 5, or older titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Rise of the Tomb Raider, Dolby Atmos headphones tend to sound crisper, richer, and more like you’re actually there. 

What Is Dolby Atmos Immersive Surround Sound?

Windows Sonic vs Dolby Atmos Feature Comparison

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos both have positive and negative qualities. While they both offer similar services, there are certain things about both that make them appealing to different people and different financial considerations.

Here’s a brief look at some of the most important features of Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos:

Should You Go With Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos?

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos are both very similar forms of spatial sound technology. Dolby Atmos has the edge in terms of sound quality and making you feel like you’re actually there when playing a game, but it comes at a price. 

Much of your decision-making process should stem from if you want to pay $15 for the Dolby Atmos app or if you’re fine sticking with the plug and play style of Windows Sonic. 

For many users, the differences are relatively subtle, but it’s definitely worth trying the Dolby Atmos 30-day trial to see if your ears are able to spot the nuances between the two technologies. If you’re not on a budget, it makes sense to go with Dolby Atmos for the extra advantage when gaming.

Thanks for letting us know!

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos are two technologies designed to handle spatial audio rendering. They both use different technologies to deliver the desired results. Most people looking for enhanced audio have to choose between the two solutions, and in many cases, they don’t understand how each one works.

Below is a table summarizing the major highlights of Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos for headphones.

Do you want to have a better understanding of how Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos work? The rest of the article will cover all you need to know. Watch out for tips on the best Dolby Atmos headphones to buy today.

How Do We Perceive Sound?

To understand the differences between the Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos technologies, you need to first grasp the principles of how we perceive sound. When sound is generated, it goes through your body first before reaching your ears.

Your brain will interpret the difference between when the sound hits each ear, and also how your head and earlobes modify it. This is how you are able to know where a sound originated from. The process of how sound changes while passing through the body is referred to as head-related transfer functions (HRTF).

Now, when using your headphone, the sound is not processed by the brain in the same way it would when you are listening to media from loudspeakers or listening to a live performance. Technologies like Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos are designed to replicate HRTF, making your brain to think that the sound you hear over your headphones is coming from multiple directions instead of just the headphones sitting directly over your ear.

These technologies rely on a virtualized approach to ensure that users are enjoying high-quality spatial sound when using stereo headphones. With spatial surround sound, you get a more immersive experience that makes you feel like you are one of the characters in a game or movie.

You’ll also be able to hear sounds specifically as the characters hear them. For example, in a scene with an airplane flying overhead, you’ll hear the plane all around you with a normal sound system, but a spatial sound system like Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos will give you the feeling that it is flying directly above you.

Windows Sonic is Microsoft’s unique spatial sound creation designed to work on a system-level for Xbox One and other Windows 10 devices. It was introduced with the Creator’s Update of early 2017. You can enjoy Windows Sonic for headphones on any device that is fully updated, free of charge. By default, this feature is disabled, so you have to turn it on.

One major advantage of Windows Sonic is that it works well with any decent headphones. Once you’ve got your headphone plugged in, toggle the Windows Sonic option on for the device you’re using, and you’re on to spatial sound. Of course, you can also switch as easily if you are not impressed with the sound you hear.

You’ll find Windows Sonic more engrossing while playing video games. Microsoft’s entrance into the 3D audio world means that many game makers now ensure their game soundtracks are compatible with 3D sound solutions like Windows Sonic. This means you’ll be able to hear more immersive sounds on your headphones, as well as external speakers.

How Windows Sonic for Headphones Works

As you’ve seen above, the technology is largely virtualized. This means that the bulk of the work required to produce the sound is done by software and not by the physical hardware you are using. This means you don’t need any special Windows sonic headphones to make it work.

You should keep in mind the fact that Windows Sonic for headphones will only work when you are playing sound from games, movies, or applications that have been designed to render to 7.1 channel formats. This means that there are games and video sounds that won’t change even after you’ve activated it.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Windows Sonic for Headphones?

There are a few pros and cons of using Windows Sonic for headphones. They include the following:

Pros

• You don’t have to worry about getting external hardware to enjoy the spatial sound produced.
• Windows Sonic for Headphones is free to use.
• The setup process is as simple as flicking a switch.

Cons

• The sound can be slightly over the top in some instances.
• It doesn’t work well with external speakers.

How Can You Activate Windows Sonic for Headphones in Windows 10?

If you didn’t know your Windows 10 device has the spatial audio feature, you’re not alone. Microsoft has barely promoted the technology since it launched, so some people are not aware it exists. To activate it, right-click the volume icon on your taskbar, and you’ll find the “Spatial Sound” menu. Click on Windows Sonic for headphones to turn it on, and you are good to go.

What Is Dolby Atmos for Headphones?

Dolby Atmos is a spatial sound technology developed by Dolby Laboratories. Many devices from various ecosystems support it. Dolby Atmos for headphones also works with home theater setups. To use it, you need to pay a $14.99 fee for the license.

How Dolby Atmos for Headphones Work

Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic work in a very similar manner. However, some people see Dolby Atmos as an improvement on the typical surround sound because it comes with added height to the spatial sound, which ensures a smoother and more realistic surround experience when you are playing a movie or game.

To enjoy the full Dolby Atmos for headphones experience, however, you’ll need to buy a headphone that supports the technology. This is also true for loudspeakers. Windows 10 devices that have the Creators Update can also support Dolby Atmos.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dolby Atmos for Headphones?

Here are the pros and cons of using Dolby Atmos for headphones. They include the following:

Pros

• There’s a free 30-day trial for you to test the technology.
• Most games sound more immersive with Dolby Atmos.
• The Dolby Atmos app supports other surround systems outside of headphones.

Cons

• At the end of the free-trial, you’ll need to pay $14.99 to get a license.
• The extra hardware required to deliver the sound can make the setup process difficult and costly.
• The license fee isn’t justified by the level of sound improvement you’ll get.

How Can You Activate Dolby Atmos for Headphones in Windows 10?

Activating Dolby Atmos on a Windows 10 device is straightforward. In the menu, you’ll find after right-clicking on your volume icon, simply select Dolby Atmos. However, it won’t start working until you have registered for a free trial or acquired the license. To do any of those, you’ll need to get the Dolby Access app from the Windows Store. Once installed, launch it and follow the prompts to set it up.

You’ll have two options to choose from once you’ve activated Dolby Atmos: headphones or home theater. If you choose the latter, you’ll need to confirm that your home theatre hardware supports spatial audio tech. The speaker on newer PCs will support this feature, but older ones could have some problems.

How Does Spatial Surround Affect Music, Gaming, and Movies?

You’ve already seen how spatial sound provided by Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos for headphones can improve the gaming experience with the helicopter example above, but that’s not all. You’ll also be able to hear the direction of footsteps and gunshots. In many games, being able to use your ear alongside your other skills can improve your results.

The two technologies create an immersive sphere of sound around the listener. This ensures you’ll be able to hear positional sounds in some sort of 3D arc above you. This effect is more pronounced in combat games where your enemies are spread out across different directions. Since you can hear the direction of footsteps, you won’t have to randomly scout the area to find the enemy.

You can find games that are Dolby-Atmos compatible on this page.

Watching movies may not require as much use of your sensory function as playing a game, but hearing spatial sound can improve your viewing experience a great deal. You’ll be able to pick up subtle nuances you’d ordinarily miss with some sound technologies. Movies that are Dolby Atmos compatible can be found on this page.

When it comes to listening to music, spatial surround doesn’t negatively affect your music listening experience. If you are listening to a typical stereo music file, it won’t matter if you’ve got Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos activated as there’ll be no difference. If you are listening to music encoded in 5.1 or 7.1, however, you’ll feel the spatial surround immediately.

Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic for Headphones: Which Should You Choose?

In terms of quality, there’s very little difference between Windows Sonic for Headphones and Dolby Atmos, so it often comes down to personal preferences. This is why the price difference is the main differentiating factor for many people. While the former is free to use, the latter requires paying for a license.

Both of them provide noticeable improvements to audio in compatible games, music, and movies, but it’s hard to say that one is better than the other. Some people might find Windows Sonic sounds exaggerated, while others will consider Dolby Atmos a bit shallow.

If you are listening to specific proprietary audio, however, Dolby Atmos may be the better solution. If you are thinking of the better technology for more general-purpose usage, then Windows Sonic might provide the best overall experience.

Movies and video games provide the best test of the spatial sound quality between both technologies. The technologies make it easy for game developers to give players a new layer of depth and immersion.

Both technologies allow game developers and moviemakers to offer an extra layer of engagement to players and viewers in terms of depth and immersion. Since they allow gamers and movie lovers to enjoy more nuances with sound, you won’t be limited to horizontal sound. Additionally, both technologies can seamlessly adapt to your headphones, speakers, or special home theatres.

When choosing between Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic for headphones, don’t forget that some games and movies are optimized for one of the technologies only. Therefore, games or movies that have been optimized for one side of the divide will sound better there compared to the other side.

Again, keep in mind that the differences between them are rarely very noticeable, so it shouldn’t be a problem for most people. If you are an audiophile, however, you’ll need to spend more time going over each one to choose what works for you. Remember, you can only test Dolby Atmos with a free trial and a headphone that is supported. After the test, you’ll have to decide if the gains are enough value for a license fee.

Best Dolby Atmos Headsets to Choose From

As you’ve seen above, Dolby Atmos for headphones works best when you are using a compatible headphone. Here’s a look at some of the best you can find in the market today:

Razer Tiamat 7.1 v2

The Razer Tiamat was built with a focus on gaming, but it is also a good option for watching movies. It comes with an external control unit for levels, and you can seamlessly switch from stereo to 7.1 sounds and back. Muting and unmuting, as well as transferring the audio to external speakers, is straightforward too.

The ear cushion on the headset ensures you can wear the headphone for hours with very little discomfort. It comes with 1 x 40mm driver, 2 x 30mm drivers, 2 x 20mm drivers.

RIG 800LX Wireless

Designed by Plantronics, the RIG 800LX Wireless is another powerful Dolby-Atmos compatible headset designed for gaming. The audio quality is great, and it fits more comfortably over the head when compared to some of its predecessors, like the RIG 500 Pro. To use this headphone, however, you’ll need to unlock Dolby on Xbox One and Windows 10 using the code provided in the package.

RIG 800LX comes with 40mm drivers, which allows it to deliver a wide soundscape. It is light and promises a 24-hour battery life.

Sony MDR-HW700DS Surround Sound Headphones

The Sony HW700DS is a powerful surround sound headphone that comes with a sound upmixing decoder which provides crisp Dolby Atmos sounds. It can reproduce 5.1 and 9.1 surround sounds, as well as a 2-channel stereo sound. It is a wireless headphone that comes with preset modes for movies, gaming, and audio. However, it has a 12-hour battery life. So you’ll need to charge it a bit more frequently.

Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro

If you are an audiophile looking to go big on a Dolby Atmos optimized headphone, you should seriously consider the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro. It is more expensive than others on this list, but with the quality jump, it isn’t a surprise. This is a powerful headphone with punchy mids and natural bass.

The 5Hz to 40kHz frequency response and the 45mm dynamic Tesla neodymium drivers are just some of the features that make this headphone stand out. It is very comfortable to wear for long periods as well. However, it is a 250-Ohm unit, so you’ll need a headphone amp to get the best out of it.

If the price on this model is too high for you, you can consider getting the cheaper DT 770 Pro (amazon), which is an 80-Ohm unit that packs a sizable punch as well.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a light and comfortable wireless headphone that delivers very good audio quality. Its ear cups are designed to create a spacious sound stage, which makes the headphone a perfect example of virtual soundscaping.

It has excellent battery life, and you can use it for hours without worrying about overheating or discomfort from wearing it. It is also a bit costly, but there is a reason why thousands of people love it!

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos for headphones, it is difficult to draw a line. Both of them deliver crisp spatial sound experiences, but their final outputs are still reliant on a myriad of factors, including the source material, and your headphone model. This is especially true for Dolby Atmos.

Windows Sonic is less reliant on hardware, but you still need a quality headphone to get the full immersive experience. The $14.99 license fee for Dolby Atmos may be a deal-breaker for some people, but if you already have a healthy catalog of Dolby-optimized games, movies, and music, it may be worth the investment.

Also read: Is Dolby Atmos Actually Worth It?

The two most popular options for surround sound in headphones are Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos. We find them in most headphones, speakers, PCs, and even gaming consoles. Almost every time you have a Windows Sonic option, Dolby Atmos is available too. This immediately springs some questions in your mind.

Which technology is better for surround sound, Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos?

Which 3D audio software is better for gaming consoles or PC games, Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic?

In this article, I will answer these questions and compare these two spatial audio software.

Windows Sonic vs Dolby Atmos

What is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic is a technology that gives you spatial sound by simulating a 7.1 surround environment. With Windows Sonic enabled, your headphones will give more than just a wide stereo field. It adds more depth perception to the sound.

This immersive sound gives you a more accurate representation of directed sound from games. So, when gaming, you feel like you are right in the middle of the action with the game world around you.

In contrast, regular stereo can have a wide soundstage, but the action still feels like it’s happening right in front of you.

Of course, the quality of surround sound still depends on what gaming headphones you use.

What is Dolby Atmos for Headphones?

Dolby Atmos is similar to Windows Sonic in function. The purpose of this spatial sound technology is to simulate a surround sound listening environment through your headset. It’s a simulation because your pair of headphones typically come with just two drivers – one on either earcup. Hence the name “virtual surround sound”.

Even though you can download or buy the Dolby Atmos software, you also have the option of buying gaming headsets that come with Dolby Atmos.

This is essential if you’re playing from a console and you can’t install the Dolby Atmos app on it. Thankfully, Xbox One has both Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic for ordinary stereo headphones.

Dolby Atmos also exists in some soundbars. They give you a super immersive sound and a great listening experience.

Windows Sonic vs Dolby Atmos – Best choice for pro gamers?

For two technologies that solve the same problem, we expect that there will be some similarities. Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos have those. In essence, it is a question of personal preference at the end. Let’s explore a few features that can help you make your decision.

Setup

If you have a windows 10 PC, the Windows Sonic feature comes with the package. Also, anytime you install the Windows 10 OS, Windows Sonic is added to your computer. You can easily turn it on or off in the volume menu or settings. This only applies to PC gamers.

If you use MAC, you can simply download and install Windows Sonic for free on the Windows Store. For Xbox One gamers, Windows Sonic is available by default.

However, to use Dolby Atmos, you must access the Windows Store on your console. Also, it comes at a price.

Xbox Series X goes a step further to add DTS to the list of options for surround sound.

However, the story is different with the PS4. To get any form of surround audio, you need gaming headphones that have the built-in virtual surround feature. The technology may be available in the form of Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, DTS, or 3D audio technology developed by the headset manufacturers.

Also, to get surround sound from your PS4, you need to connect via a DAC, mixamp, or USB dongle that supports 3D audio. However, even after doing this, the surround sound does not come from the PS4, but it’s simulated from the stereo sound the console produces.

Sony improved the surround sound feature in PS5, but it still has neither Windows Sonic nor Dolby Atmos. The PS5 comes with Sony’s 3D audio to any decent headphones connected via your controllers.

So, in terms of accessibility, I would say that Windows Sonic is more accessible because it’s free and comes with your Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. Dolby Atmos will require you to pay after the trial period. The trial lasts for 30 days and can help you to know if it’s the best for you.

Sound quality

So, how do these 3D audio features sound?

Listening to both options, Windows Sonic felt like a wider and deeper soundstage. There was more space between the sound sources, and it made the in-game environment feel larger.

However, the size of the gaming world felt too large at times. The sound depth and width seemed exaggerated. It does not disturb your gaming in any way. Rather, it improves your sense of direction and overall immersion in the game world.

Dolby Atmos is more “real” in its surround audio simulation. The depth and width here depend mostly on the original game audio. If you play video games like COD Cold War where 3D audio is an integral part of the sound design, Dolby Atmos will give you an amazing experience.

However, if you play some indie games with lower depth in 3D sound imaging, Dolby Atmos will not enhance it for you. It’s this extra enhancement that marks the difference in Audio quality between these two technologies.

Best Dolby Atmos headsets to choose from

Like I mentioned earlier, there are headsets that have Dolby Atmos surround sound built-in.

Here are some great examples for you:

Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2

This gaming headset has 7.1 surround capabilities. It allows you to control the levels with an external remote that comes with the headphones. In terms of aesthetics, it also looks cool with the lights on. Also, it’s super comfortable.

Plantronics RIG 600LX Wireless

These headphones are lightweight and soft padded. It’s also wireless, so you have less cable clutter to worry about. With a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, you won’t miss any detail from your game audio.

Corsair Void Pro wireless gaming headset

This Bluetooth gaming headset is super comfy and is perfect for long hours of gaming. Also, it’s durable and has long battery life. Lastly, its Dolby Atmos technology gives you immersive surround sound for gaming.

Cowin E7 Pro

These comfortable headphones give you 30 hours of playback time when fully charged. Also, they have active noise cancellation (ANC). When gaming, you may choose to block out background noise from your surroundings by enabling ANC.

Pros and cons

Windows Sonic

Pros

• It’s available for free.
• It has better accessibility because it is built into PCs, Xbox, and Xbox One.
• It is compatible with all headphones.

Cons

• It is not available on PS4 and PS5.
• It adds some enhancement to the 3D audio. It may put off gamers who want their sound natural.

Dolby Atmos

Pros

• It has a more natural production of the original game soundtracks and effects.
• Dolby Atmos provides an immersive soundstage for better gameplay.
• There is a free Dolby Atmos 30-Day trial to help you make the right decision.

Cons

• You must pay to use Dolby Atmos – not ideal for gamers on a budget.
• The setup takes longer than Windows Sonic.

Conclusion

Aside from the slight difference in their surround sound production, the price remains a solid difference between these two 3D audio technologies. If you prefer more natural game audio, then Dolby Atmos is for you.

Is the additional cost worth it? For me, I can make do with the free Windows Sonic. As much as I like the Dolby Atmos production, I’m reluctant to pay for it.