Choosing Between Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbars: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio, premium soundbars with Dolby Atmos have become increasingly popular. Today, we're comparing two standout options: the $564 Sonos Arc and the $999 LG S95TR, each offering distinct approaches to immersive home audio.

Understanding Today's Premium Soundbar Market

Soundbars have evolved significantly since their introduction. Modern premium models now rival traditional home theater setups, offering advanced features like Dolby Atmos (which creates a three-dimensional sound field including height effects) and smart home integration. These aren't just simple speaker upgrades - they're sophisticated audio systems designed for modern entertainment.

System Configurations and Design Philosophy

The Sonos Arc takes a minimalist approach with its single-bar design. Released in 2020, it marked Sonos's first Dolby Atmos soundbar, featuring 11 drivers in a 5.0.2 channel configuration. This means five horizontal channels (left, center, right, and two surrounds) plus two upward-firing speakers for height effects. The sleek design houses all components in one bar, though you can expand the system later.

In contrast, the LG S95TR, released in 2024, embraces a more traditional home theater approach with its 9.1.5 channel system. You get the main soundbar, two wireless rear speakers, and a wireless subwoofer right out of the box. The ".5" refers to five upward-firing speakers - three in the bar and one in each rear speaker - creating a more extensive Dolby Atmos effect.

Performance Deep Dive

Movie and TV Performance

Both systems handle movies impressively, but with different strengths. The Sonos Arc creates a surprisingly immersive sound field from a single unit. Its upward-firing speakers bounce sound off your ceiling to simulate height effects, while sophisticated processing creates virtual surround effects. Dialog remains crystal clear thanks to dedicated center channel optimization.

The LG S95TR takes things further with its additional speakers. Those extra channels and dedicated rear speakers create more precise sound placement - when a helicopter flies overhead in a movie, you'll hear it move through the room more distinctly. The dedicated subwoofer also provides deeper, more impactful bass for explosions and action scenes.

Music Playback

For music, the Sonos Arc shows its heritage as part of a company focused on home audio. It delivers excellent stereo imaging (the ability to place instruments and vocals accurately in space) and balanced sound across frequencies. The Trueplay tuning feature, which uses your iPhone's microphone to optimize sound for your room, makes a noticeable difference in music quality.

The LG system offers more raw power for music, but some users report the subwoofer can be overwhelming for certain genres. However, its broader soundstage (the perceived width and depth of the sound) can make live recordings feel more immersive.

Gaming Performance

Here's where the newer LG S95TR shows its technological advantages. It supports HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which help maintain smooth, synchronized audio when gaming. The Sonos Arc lacks these gaming-specific features, though it still provides quality game audio.

Feature Set and Connectivity

The Sonos Arc excels in smart features and ecosystem integration. Built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant) work reliably, and the Sonos app provides excellent control over the system. AirPlay 2 support means easy streaming from Apple devices, while the Sonos ecosystem allows seamless multi-room audio expansion.

The LG S95TR focuses more on TV integration, especially with LG TVs. Its WOW Orchestra feature can combine the soundbar with compatible LG TV speakers for enhanced sound. It includes multiple HDMI inputs, unlike the Arc's single eARC connection, making it more flexible for connecting multiple devices directly.

Value Considerations

While the Sonos Arc has a lower initial price at $564, achieving a full surround setup requires purchasing the Sonos Sub ($749) and rear speakers ($458 for One SL pair), pushing the total over $1,700. However, this modular approach lets you spread out the investment over time.

The LG S95TR at $999 includes everything needed for full surround sound out of the box, making it potentially better value for those wanting immediate home theater performance. However, you can't expand it further, and it lacks Sonos's multi-room capabilities.

How to Decide

Choose the Sonos Arc if:

• You want to start with a high-quality single unit and expand later
• Multi-room audio and streaming features are important
• You prefer more balanced sound for mixed music/movie use
• Smart home integration is a priority

Choose the LG S95TR if:

• You want a complete home theater setup immediately
• Gaming features matter to you
• You have a newer LG TV to take advantage of integration features
• Maximum Dolby Atmos impact is your priority

Both systems represent the premium end of soundbar technology, but they serve different needs. The Sonos Arc excels as a versatile, expandable system with superior software integration, while the LG S95TR delivers more immediate impact and fuller home theater experience out of the box. Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs, room setup, and how you plan to use the system most often.

Sonos Arc Wireless Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, Apple AirPlay 2, and Built-in Voice Assistant (White) Deals and Prices

LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Soundbar Deals and Prices