9 Best Dolby Atmos Headphones to Elevate Your Audio Experience

Dolby Atmos Headphones

Make Life Click is reader-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. More details


MAKE LIFE CLICK
Best Headphones for Dolby Atmos
2024

Dolby Atmos audio has revolutionized the home theatre experience. Moving sound from a channel based experience to an object-based audio experience is fantastic.

While personal audio is catching up, it’s a tricky technical challenge. Let’s take a look into Dolby Atmos and the concept of Dolby Atmos headphones.

Editor’s Pick
“Sony

Up to 9.1 audio handling and a complete power punch of Dolby audio format support makes these a great home choice.

We’ve written a lot about the best Dolby Atmos speakers you can buy for your home theatre but what about the mobile experience with Dolby Atmos headphones? Is it even a thing?

Best Dolby Atmos Speakers
Dolby Atmos headphones are especially good for gaming

I’ll let you in on the secret early, while there are some listed Dolby Atmos headphones (Dolby even has its own set of non-Dolby headphones called Dimension and Dolby Atmos gaming headsets), it’s actually more about the software you use with the headphones.

We’ll explain more so stay with us.

While any headphones can be used with compatible software-enabled hardware to create Dolby Atmos audio you would be unlikely to get a decent experience out of poor dynamic single drivers.

For this reason, we’ve listed all the headphones we think are the best match for Dolby Atmos.

Bluetooth also limits the ability for Dolby to create a first-class Atmos experience in headphones.

How does Dolby Atmos work in headphones?

Traditionally audio works in channels. It’s a direct sound that is thrown from a pre-defined driver. This driver is chosen by the audio mixer in the studio.

Typically you’ll be used to hearing about Dolby Atmos in a Home Theatre context. This might be 5.1, 7.1 9.1.2 etc. You can read more about that in our atmos speaker post linked at the beginning of this article.

In headphones, the functions of Dolby Atmos are performed by software and is less about the headphones.

This means you can use Dolby Atmos with any headphones but it’s more important to have the right drivers and ideally a large speaker diaphragm to create a better sound stage where Atmos audio can really shine.

Dolby Atmos-Enabled Devices

I have an older Lenovo Tab 4, this is a very affordable Android tablet. This includes Dolby Atmos software on it. There is a Dolby atmos app included which you can start up and turn on. There are then 4 scenes you can choose between – Movie/Music/Game/Voice.

There are many other hardware devices like tablets that are marketing Atmos as included. The most recent of these is the iPhone 11 which now has Dolby Atmos built-in.

Existing hardware also includes Samsung Galaxy S9 & S10, Note 9, Oppo Reno, Sony Xperia 1, OnePlus 7 Pro, Razer Phone.

What is the difference between Dolby Atmos and Apple’s Spatial Audio?

A lot of people think that Atmos and Spatial audio are natural competitors. In fact, they’re natural partners with Dolby Atmos working in partnership with Apple Spatial Audio.

You can read more about that in our Dolby Atmos vs Spatial Audio help article where we discuss how it all works and the devices that support them.

Are there Dolby Atmos headphones with multi-drivers?

While you can get Dolby Atmos audio with any headphones using Dolby Atmos software, you can also improve the experience by selecting special multi-driver headphones. These multi-driver headphones effectively mimic what you get in a Home Theatre set up by placing audio drivers in the unit.

There is no way to get all 36 drivers in a headphone as you get in a movie Cinema that is Atmos-enabled. The Dolby Atmos cinema in Trafalgar Sq. as over 400 atmos speakers -try fitting that in a headphone!

A multi-driver headphone, in this instance, essentially means you have lots of little speakers in each earpiece, place at different positions.

This is different from IEM and earphones

This is different from an IEM or multi-driver earphone where the drivers perform different frequency responses and combine to create a single powerful sound output.

Some in-ear monitors, like the KZ AS10 which have 5 Balanced Armature drivers (BA).

These focus on different frequencies. So, this is different to multi-driver headphones as earphones are technically unable to fit multiple angles for the drivers.

Multi-Driver Dolby Atmos Headphones

Multi-driver Dobly Atmos headphones typically work by using multiple drivers (small speakers) in each headphone cup to act like a mini surround sound speaker set up. If you look closely at the Razer Tiamat headphones below you will see 5 small speakers in each speaker cup.

These still require software to make them work correctly, but are quite effective are producing Dolby Atmos sound.

At this time – Dolby Atmos is really limited to gaming headsets – the audio software is designed in such a way that it’s just how it is right now.

You can see Dolby’s headphones list here.

Razer Tiamat Dolby Atmos Headphones
Razer Tiamat Dolby Atmos Speakers 7.1 v2

So, just to recap the first 2 basic points:

  • Dolby Atmos sound can be produced on normal headphones in conjunction with Dolby Atmos software
  • There are headphones more suited to effect Dolby Atmos reproduction. These include the Dolby Dimensions and others like the Razer Tiamat Gaming headset.

It also seems important to note at this point that Dolby Atmos is available on Xbox and Windows 10+. Playstation supports it better for Movies than Gaming at the time of writing.

To use Dolby Atmos on your Xbox One or Windows 10 machine there is need of a code to unlock the software. This is regardless of whether you use Atmos with your home theatre, headphones, soundbar or TV.

Read more here: https://www.dolby.com/us/en/apps/access/pc-xbox.html

We’ll do this list as one list but with two sections. The first will be ‘Dolby Atmos’ headphones and the second will be normal headphones that are great for Dolby Atmos use.

Best Dolby Atmos Headphones – Updated

Dolby Atmos is marketed as a big part of the headphone/gaming headset purchase.

1. Xbox Wireless Headset with Dobly Atmos

Designed to work with your xBox gaming kit – this might not be the audiophile solution you were hoping for but it’s the real deal.

xbox Dolby Atos Headphones

xBox and Dolby finally got their act together and built a headphone capable of processing Dolby Atmos headphones. You need to download the Dolby Access app to enable it but if your a gamer, it’s really worth it.

These Dolby Atmos enabled headphones have clear chat and are wireless. They pair with your console so there isn’t any mucking around with connectivity issues.

What I like about these is the rotating dials on the outside of the cans which allows for volume adjustment and game chat levels.

These have:

  • 40mm Drivers – decent size for impact and bass
  • 32 Ohms – easy to drive
  • Frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz
  • Dual Mics
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

You can tweak the sound signature and settings via the app and you might have to download or pay for additional services to unlock the full spatial experience but it’s there.

Pros

  • Dolby Atmos enabled
  • Wireless connectivity to your console
  • Really good looking
  • Dual microphones with voice isolation

Cons

  • Designed for gaming not audiophile bliss
  • Have to pay for the Dolby Atmos features to be unlocked

Any last comment on the xBox Dolby Atmos Headphones?

A great looking unit with a lot of research behind it. While you need to pay for some features this will be an easy choice for a lot of gamers.

Check out more information at Dolby.com

Dolby Atmos Dimension Headphones
Dolby Atmos Dimension Headphones

It’s impossible to start a list about Dolby Atmos headphones without including Dolby’s own headphones. Unfortunately, these are all but discontinued now.

These are called Dimension. The set up in these is designed to give you a great Atmos experience if you listen to Atmos-enabled audio but the Bluetooth limits Atmos capabilities. This is common in Bluetooth headphones.

It’s important to note immediately that these are NOT Atmos badged headphones (because it’s about the software, remember) but they do have software options to alter the sound etc.

These have single 40mm drivers with a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range. Should be able to produce decent bass but nothing spectacular here.

These are Bluetooth and have a pretty cool charging stand. A 15-minute charge should be enough to get you through a movie. Loads of Bluetooth codecs in these Cans.

  • AAC
  • APTX
  • APTX LOW LATENCY
  • SBC

Touch controls on these are great with 4 way swiping and tap button touch.

Accompany app lets you manage your headphones from your phone including Cinematic sound, EQ, Power mode options and more.

Pros

  • Lots of features
  • Great audio
  • Includes Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch
  • Nice design and clean lines
  • Active Noise-cancellation

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No specific Atmos features which you would expect from Dolby in our opinion.

Any last comment on the Dolby Dimension?

A great sounding headphone but that comes with a high price tag. All the extra features might be too much if you just want good sound. If you like to tweak and play – these might be for you.

“Razer

We’ll start with an Atmos gaming headset, also good for movies, but focused really on gaming.

The Razer Tiamat comes with an external control unit for levels and the ability to switch between 7.1 sound and stereo sound. You can also Mute/Unmute and toggle audio to your external speakers as you like.

Razer have a lot of experience with headsets so this gaming headset is comfy with leatherette ear cushions and a nice balance. The ‘squeeze’ on these is light enough you can wear them for long periods of time with limited discomfort.

Of course, the Chroma backlighting on the earcups (which have removable plates) is a really nice touch. You can’t see the pretty lights but others can. You can change the colour range to be up to 16.8 million colour options.

There are 2 x 20mm drivers, 2 x 30mm drivers and 1 x 40mm driver which will be the one delivering your Bass frequencies.

Pros

  • Well made – nice quality feel
  • LED-lit earcups are a really nice, unique touch
  • Great sound

Cons

  • Gaming designed headset
  • The audio quality may really depend on your sound card
  • Jaw fatigue
  • Mix amp could have been better thought out.

Any last comment on this Tiamat?

If you’re in to gaming and like lights, the Tiamat is a good choice. Your sound card will make a big difference with this one so it helps to have good supporting gear.

Check out more reviews

“RIG

Plantronics is not the first company you expect to align with high-end audio headphones, especially ones pre-designed for use with Dolby Atmos but, seeing that they have been in the audio business since 1961 I think we can put a good deal of trust in their products.

Audio quality is good and the fit on these is a big improvement compared with the RIG 500 Pro which just felt a little tight on the head. The 800LX Wireless are light and fluffy for long term wearing.

As mentioned you need to unlock Dolby on Xbox One and Windows 10 with a code which is included. The code unlocks Dolby Atmos for more than just headphones. It also includes use on where ever you are outputting Xbox / Playstation / Electronic Games and Mac OS X.

Frequency response is pretty standard with a 20Hz to 20kHz range. The microphone is 100Hz to 10kHz.

Pros

  • 40mm drivers for a great wide soundscape
  • Price is not bad at all.
  • Mic flips to mute
  • 24-hour battery
  • earcup controls
  • Comfortable and light

Cons

  • Fit for larger heads hit and miss
  • A couple of years old now but that’s not necessarily a negative as headphones go the distance.

Any last comment on the Plantronics?

They put Dolby Atmos at the forefront of the advertising for the full RIG range. They include the code for Xbox One and Windows 10 (which is tied to your Microsoft account, not your hardware) so, if you need a new headset it’s worth a look.

Check out more reviews

5. JVC XP-EXT1 with Atmos and EXOFIELD

JVC XP-EXT1 and processing unit images together with a white background and Exofield Logo
JVC XP-EXT1 and processing unit

The JVC XP-EXT1 is the real deal if you’re looking for excellent Dolby Atmos headphones, with its Dolby Atmos audio and DTS: X® audio processing. Offering 7.1.4 multi-channel sound and support for stereo or 5.1 audio, you can really get immersive movie goodness.

It’s important to note the XP-EXT1 are a system – there is the headphone but also a processing unit which processes the signal before sending to the headphones.

The Smartphone app connects to the processing console via Bluetooth and the console then connects to the headphones 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.

The sound processor has inputs for 3 HDMI inputs. Useful for TV, HiFI system etc.

The headphones are a good and comfy fit with a 40mm driver which provides a broad and wide soundstage.

Pros

  • Up to 7.1.4 multi-channel sound
  • Upmixing is effective
  • Smartphone App

Cons

  • Requires encoder/decoder (included)
  • Still virtualisation of audio

6. Sony MDR-HW700DS Surround Sound Headphones

Sony HW700DS Surround Sound Headphones with Dolby Atmos side view with no background
Sony HW700DS Surround Sound Headphones with Dolby Atmos

Like the JVC the Sony HW700DS come with a sound upmixing decoder capable of handling Dolby Atmos decoding and 9.1 surround sound audio goodness. The Sony headphones can also reproduce 5.1 and 2 channel stereo sound.

These wireless headphones come with a nice 50mm neodymium driver and a frequency response from 5Hz to 25Khz.

Like the XP-EXT1 these broadcast on 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz frequencies and come with preset modes for gaming, audio, movies etc.

The decoder on these Sony HW7000DS is impressive handling all the formats you can name. Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High-Resolution Audio, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES, DTS, DTS Neo:6, MPEG-2 AAC, LPCM 2ch/5.1ch/7.1ch, Dolby Pro Logic IIz

Pros

  • Up to 12 hours of battery life
  • Up to 9.1 multi-channel sound
  • DTS-HD
  • Dolby® TrueHD
  • 4K passthrough

Cons

  • Requires encoder/decoder (included)
  • Still only virtualisation of audio

Get more reviews and pricing on the Sony MDR-HW700DS Surround Sound Headphones


From here down in the list we’re going to list headphones that could sound great with Dolby Atmos software-enabled devices. Bluetooth is not yet supported.

COWIN E7 PRO Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones on a blue background

We’re going to start this headphones section with an affordable choice that pairs well with Atmos and Atmos enabled devices.

The Cowin E7 Pro is an upgrade from the E7. They have Bluetooth connectivity (therefore wireless) and active noise cancelling. They’re a set-up from the previous model, which was already awesome.

We chose these to pair with Atmos as they are portable and have a 45mm driver which is always best for maximum Dobly effect and deep bass.

Great sound, good comfort and a 30-hour playtime battery life = #winning.

Pros

  • 30-hour battery life
  • Comfortable
  • Improvement on already great headphones
  • Bluetooth
  • Active Noise-cancelling
  • 45mm Drivers
  • aptX Codec

Cons

  • The build feels good but it’s not super high-end. At this price, who cares.

Any last comment on the Cowin E7 Pro?

It’s almost impossible to go past these headphones at this price with these features and sound quality. If you can’t, or don’t, want to compete at the high end Bose QC 35ii end of the headphone spectrum, these are a great choice and make a good Atmos pairing.

Check out more at Cowin

“Beyerdynamic

With the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro we’re taking a big step up in quality. We’ve owned these for about 4 years and they’re really quite fabulous open-back headphones with natural bass and punchy mids.

If these are too high in the price department we definitely recommend defaulting to Beyerdynamic other best-seller which we reviewed some time back. You can read that DT 770 PRO review here.

Not sure why we haven’t done a separate review on the DT 1770 Pro but perhaps we should

We picked these out of other Dolby Atmos headphones because they have a frequency response from 5Hz to 40kHz, which means you get more boom and bling from these. They have 45mm dynamic Tesla neodymium drivers which are so neutral yet so alive.

We also picked them because they’re very comfortable and are open back which ensures nice ventilation when you are listening to your favorite tunes.

It’s important to note these are a 250 Ohm unit – so a headphone amp is also a good idea to feed into the line.

For what it’s worth these days they are also made in Germany.

Pros

  • Tesla 2 45mm Drivers
  • Beyerdynamic – Made in Germany
  • Closed-back but comfy
  • Pro end quality
  • Excellent frequency response
  • Comfy, really.

Cons

  • 250 Ohms means they need to be powered well.

Any last comment on this product?

High end brand with high-end quality. Closed back with wide frequency range and good sized drivers make these a great pairing for Atmos sound tracks. We own them and we like them.

Check out more reviews

“Bose

We owned the Bose QC 25 and upgraded to the Bose QC 35 when travel demanded so much from us the QC 25 died. That was a couple of years ago. We’re now on the QC45 after moving through the QC 35II

In terms of wireless headphones, we come back to these every time. Light, comfortable with a very acceptable audio quality. Bose has taken some hits from audiophiles over the years but these still sit in our pick for so many reasons.

So why choose Bose for using with Dolby Atmos soundtracks and movies?

There is something about the open space of the earcups that seems to create a really nice spacious sound stage – the virtual sound scaping. One of the unique and defining audio signatures of Atmos is that it makes it sound like audio is coming from everywhere, all around you.

The Bose QC35 ii have the perfect audio chamber/ear cup to suit the all-encompassing sound around you.

This is why we chose them. This list is in no particular order, or we would move it up.

Pros

  • Open and wide soundscape
  • Great quality
  • So comfortable – hours and hours of use with no complaints or overheating
  • Excellent battery life
  • The companion app is good and firmware updates happen.

Cons

  • Price
  • No other cons in our opinion.

Any last comment on the Bose QC 45?

We’ve used these extensively for years in planes, trains and automobiles and believe the active noise-cancelling, audio quality and particular sound signature a perfect match for Dolby Atmos enabled devices and audio when it is available on Bluetooth.

Check out more reviews

Buyer’s Guide

Whether you are listening to your favorite music or playing a game, it is exhilarating to have that improved sound environment. With Dolby Atmos headphones, it is possible, but you will need some pointers to make an informed decision about what to buy.

Overall Headphone Design

The very first thing you need to look for in your next set of Dolby Atmos headphones is the comfort factor. The materials used for making them have a huge impact on how they fit on your ear, while the design determines ergonomics.

They must fit snugly in or over your ear, so the design and size of the tip will affect the overall comfort. You will wear those headphones for many hours, so the way they fit over your head and cover your ears is important.

You don’t want to feel uncomfortable after wearing them for only an hour or so.

Types of Headphones

There are two different types of headphones: in-ear and over-the-ear.

When it comes to headphones with Dolby Atmos, over-the-ear and on-ear are the best options. These types of headphones are the most effective ones and give the best experience.

If you already have a pair of headphones and don’t want to spend too much money, try the Dolby Atmos software option.

Plug-In or Battery

Dolby Atmos headphones require more power than normal headphones, so you need to consider the power supply option. If you prefer to use a rechargeable option, you will need a decent battery life on a full charge.

For this technology, it is better to have your headphones plugged into the power source while using them. That means you will be able to have all the features at your disposal without the worry of high power demand.

Look for headphones with long battery life if you need them on the move.

Added Features

While we are on the subject of wireless or plugged-in, Bluetooth is not a desired connectivity option for Dolby Atmos headphones. Apart from the fact that it is a power-draining option, being properly connected is better for the many great sound capabilities of this type of headphones.

Other features you need to look at are those that provide you with enhanced sound output options. Even though the Dolby Atmos technology has its benefits in sound quality, there are other features you will need.

This includes such features as driver size, noise canceling, a built-in mic, and many more.

Price Factor

Unfortunately, great added features and top-quality design and build will cost you more money. That is why we recommend that you don’t look at the price tag.

Needless to say, if you can’t afford the high-end options, get the best your money can buy in terms of quality and features. Not everybody has a huge budget to work with, but if possible, go for the middle option to get the best value you can afford.

You will find that there are Dolby Atmos headphones available on the market for under $100 with great features and quality.

Conclusion

While Dolby Atmos headphones are not really a thing…yet, we think it’s only a matter of time until more multi-driver headphones are released on the market that opens up a more surround feel to sound in headphones.

Until the headphones options happen, the closest you will get to complete Atmos audio is via Dolby Atmos-enabled external devices and software.

For now, the best experience is going to be a multi-speaker set up for your home theatre.

The good news is this means you can use (almost) any headphones. The ones we’ve listed below, especially in the Headphones list from #6 onwards are ones we feel will be a great match for Atmos-enabled devices.

Thoughts or questions? Put them in the comments below and we’ll be happy to help. What would be your dream pairing?

Endless hours of experimentation, professional work, and personal investment in Home Theatre, Hi-Fi, Smart Home Automation and Headphones have come to this.

Former owner of Headphones Canada, a high-end headphone specialty retailer.

This post was last updated on 2024-03-26 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.


Helpful? Sign up and get more interesting posts like this. No Spam.

Get access to insights, deals, competitions and giveaways. Unsubscribe anytime.

* indicates required

12 thoughts on “9 Best Dolby Atmos Headphones to Elevate Your Audio Experience”

  1. Hello, I’ve been reading article upon article trying to understand whether it is possible to get the “True” Dolby Atmos sound experience with a pair of headphones for watching movies via a television and 7.2 receiver and I’m still confused.

    It appears that it is possible to achieve an immersive sound playing a video game on an xbox or computer, but not from television even while watching a Blue Ray movie with dolby atmos sound. This is absurd!

    I went to the Dolby Dimension website and they even say that you can’t get true Atmos with wireless headphones because of bluetooth limitations. But you can achieve great 5.1 sound with simulated immersion. Whattt? So, Dolby’s own $600.00 headphones can’t even achieve true Dolby Atmos??

    Like I said, I have an Onyx 7.2 Wifi/Bluetooth reciever with 1 center speaker, 4 floor standing speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 2 ceiling facing height speakers sitting on top of 2 floor speakers and I don’t really notice the Atmos effect when watching a Blueray movie with Atmos sound (Saving Private Ryan). These are all decent Polk audio speakers. I spent good money on this system and I’m really disappointed.

    I thought that perhaps getting a pair of good quality Atmos headphones would give me the immersive sound that I hear tell about, but apparently, that is only possible if you’re playing video games.

    Am I misunderstanding all of these articles? Can “true” Dolby Atmos sound be experienced through headphones while watching a Blueray movie with Dolby Atmos sound on television?

    Thanking you in advance,

    Peter

    1. Thanks Peter – I think you have two challenges if I understand you correctly. The first is you’re not feeling the effects of your home DOlby Atmos set up and the second your curiosity as to whether Dolby Atmos can be reproduced in headphones. Firstly, you might need to try some more Dolby Atmos soundtracks to see if you can experience good Atmos effects. You could try or the Netflix F1 Drive to Survive soundtrack – just make sure you are watching the Atmos version and not the surround only version. If that doesn’t make you feel your height speakers, then also try ‘Triple Frontier’ as the rain effects in that soundtrack sound great. For the headphones – it does come down to headphones but it will be some time before it’s perfected. There have been a few companies over the years trying to cram in extra drivers to the headphone cup. Watch this space.

    2. This would apply to the application of the reciever. There are very FEW receivers with Bluetooth OUTPUT, so until a company designs one with capabilities to process the sound for a set of headphones (PC & X-Box Have Downloadable Programs) then we are out of luck. True Atmos is also dependent on number of speakers, location, and the angle towards the listening area.

    3. For some reason all the different experts are saying you cannot get Dolby Atmos on headphones, especially Bluetooth. Optical cables also won’t work. The only true solution is WIFI headphones! I am in search of the best quality wifi headphones but they are hard to find.
      Good luck, I’ve been in search of Dolby Atmos for a long time. I have the 2019 Firecube 4K and an Atmos soundbar and just got the 4K TV. Now I have to say goodbye to my Wavzs headphones with 6 speakers in each ear cup because they only have either Bluetooth or optical cable connections which will hold me over until I find the best wifi headphones and I will be DONE!

    4. Hello Peter,
      I feel our pain… I’m not an expert, but I spent almost a year trying to find ways to get Dolby Atmos to my headphones. I even bought an expensive pair of headphones with 6 speakers in each ear cup. The final result of the research and lots of money led me right back here! The only two options I could find are included in this article.
      Because Bluetooth 5 and Optical cables at this time are not capable of transmitting the data required for Dolby Atmos, it came down to two options which both transmit data over WIFI to the headphones. The first option was the Sony MDR-HW700DS which were made and sold in Japan. I thought I had arrived, but sadly they kept cutting out so back to Amazon they went. I think the problem was that were made 6 years ago before the real development of Dolby Atmos.
      The second option was the JVC XP-EXT1 with Atmos and EXOFIELD which it looks like the REAL deal, and for $1,000 they better be!

      I have been searching high and low to find a retailer to buy them from, but it seems they have not yet been released in the US. I’m trying to convince the JVC company to sell them to me directly. I am still trying to get to the decision maker to say yes!
      The reason I’m willing to invest so much in the JVC Exofield is that I truly believe they have the latest technology in the transmitter to get the Atmos to the headphones using WIFI 2.4 or 5G . Is it TRUE DOLBY ATMOS, meaning the headphones contain the 12 or so speakers for every channel? Obviously not, but since Atmos is not individual channels like 5.1 up to 9.1. It is a large information stream that requires software to create the Atmos experience and WIFI to transmit the information to the headphones. That is why Bluetooth 5 as it stands now, cannot handle the amount of information needed.

      Just a reminder that EVERY component from the streaming device, to the sound bar or receiver right down to the TV MUST be Atmos compatible. I had to replace every part of my existing home theater with only Atmos compatible devices! For the people like me who refuse to settle for less, I will post a retailer as soon as they are available. The alternative is to wait until other manufactures start using the technology required to deliver Atmos, and hopefully then the price will come way down.
      Good Luck!

  2. It is my understanding that the reason that Dolby Atmos will work with any headset (if you have the right software) is that the software converts the multichannel sound and metadata into binaural two-channel sound which can be transmitted as a stereo signal and played through two speakers. In other words, Atmos through headphones uses an entirely different process to place sounds in 3D space. It has nothing to do with physical placement of drivers in the headphone cups. Yes, better headphones will sound better in the same way that they sound better for stereo music or anything else (better frequency response, improved noise canceling, deeper base). However, they don’t have anything to do with the 3D location of the sound. Evidently, the ability to do this “translation” is not necessarily built into all devices that support Atmos for home theater systems and also happen to have audio out (headphone) ports or jacks. That is why you have to download additional software (like on the Xbox One, where Dolby charges extra for it). iPhone 11 evidently has it built in either in software or hardware. Some manufacturers may bypass all of this by sending true multichannel surround sound to their uniquely constructed surround sound headphones, but that isn’t the way Dolby does it.

  3. I’m interested in how good the various Apple Airpods are in translating Dolby Atmos via their Spatial Audio technology. Reality 360 audio (or whatever they call it) on the PS4 is amazing and you can hear object based sound placement at its best so it is obviously possible via software with 2 headphone speaker locations (ie left and right) Also there a various YouTube demonstrations of object based audio which are amazing but that’s not Dolby Atmos (but possibly derived from it?) I already have good Sony Headphones and I do get some surround when bluetoothed to my iPhone 12 but its not fantastic compared to the You Tube demos I’ve heard. I don’t want to spend £500 on the Airpod Pro Max just to get slighter better sound fidelity than I already have

  4. Would It be fair to say that the Beyer Dynamic DT1990 Pro’s (the open back version of the 1770 Pros) are also compatible? I own a pair and want to start making Atmos versions of my stereo mixes.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.