If you have a big 4K TV and spend most of your time watching Netflix, playing console games, or streaming live sports, and you’ve found the TV’s built-in speakers aren’t enough, you may want to invest in a soundbar with surround sound support. That’s where a Dolby Atmos soundbar comes in, promising room-filling audio for a home-theatre feel. Dolby Atmos requires height channels to create a 3D sound field, and it comes in configurations like 5.1.2 or 5.2.2 that include dedicated up-firing speakers. However, in the sub-Rs 25,000 segment, you’ll find Dolby Atmos soundbars that rely on virtual Atmos, which uses software to simulate height effects rather than physical drivers. So in the list below, we specify which type of Atmos setup each soundbar supports. All products were shortlisted from Amazon and Flipkart and are ranked in ascending order of price. As prices rise, you can expect better power output, features, and overall audio quality.
SurveyNote: Some brands list their soundbars at steep prices, only to offer them at massive discounts, thus creating an impression of premium hardware at budget prices. Prices and availability may change with time. Please check the final price before purchase. Purchase links are included under each contender for your convenience.
Govo Gosurround 975: Rs 9,999
Configuration: 2.1.2 channels | Output: 400W | Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.3, Optical, Aux, USB
The GOVO GoSurround 950 comes with a 6.5-inch wired subwoofer with two front left and right speakers, two height channels, and a total rated output of 400W. Connectivity options include HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, USB and Bluetooth 5.3. The system includes three equaliser modes (Movie, Music, News) for quick sound tailoring. The surround sound won’t be as impactful as a 5.1.2 setup, though.
BoAt Aavante Bar 5500DA: Rs 12,999
Configuration: 5.1.2 channels | Output: 500W | Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth 5.3
The BoAt Aavante Bar 5500DA has discrete height channels available in India. It offers a 5.1.2 setup, combining a main bar, rear satellites, and a wired subwoofer. At this price, the inclusion of actual up-firing drivers for height effects is a major plus, delivering a real Dolby Atmos experience rather than virtual simulation. It supports HDMI eARC for lossless audio transmission and works well with 4K TVs and streaming devices.
Motorola AmphisoundX: Rs 15,999
Configuration: 5.1 channels | Output: Up to 600W | Connectivity: HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth 5.3
The Motorola AmphisoundX offers a 5.1 configuration with Dolby Atmos, with wireless satellites for height channels. The key attraction here is up to 600W RMS power output, paired with a large down-firing subwoofer for bass and an 8-inch driver. The wireless satellites give flexibility for room layout and surround sound capability. ARC support means the TV audio can be sent to a soundbar or receiver with a single cable.
Zebronics Juke BAR 9775 (ZEB-SBSPK C9): Rs 17,999
Configuration: 5.2.2 channels | Output: 650W | Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth 5.3
The Zebronics Juke BAR 9775 stands out for offering the highest channel count in this list: 5.2.2. That means five surround channels, two subwoofers, and two height channels for Dolby Atmos. The two 6.5-inch subwoofers could reduce bass drop-off in large rooms and give more uniform output. The 650W output rating makes this suitable for big living rooms or open hall spaces.
JBL Cinema SB580: Rs 24,999
Configuration: 3.1 channels (Virtual Dolby Atmos) | Output: 440W RMS | Connectivity: HDMI eARC, HDMI IN, Bluetooth 5.3
At the top of the price bracket, the JBL Cinema SB580 offers a stronger brand name and likely the JBL sound tuning. It uses Virtual Dolby Atmos processing to simulate height effects within a 3.1 channel system. With eARC, the TV can send uncompressed or higher-quality audio formats to the soundbar over a single HDMI cable.
What to consider when choosing a soundbar
- Real vs Virtual Dolby Atmos: True Atmos systems use physical up-firing drivers to bounce sound off the ceiling, creating authentic height effects. Virtual Atmos relies on software processing to mimic this. While convincing, it lacks precise overhead sound placement.
- Room Size and Layout: Match your soundbar configuration to your room size. For true Dolby Atmos soundbars with up-firing speakers, the room needs a flat ceiling, ideally 7-12 feet high, so the height channels can bounce sound correctly. Open spaces, very high ceilings, or slanted/treated ceilings reduce the Atmos effect. Virtual Dolby Atmos does not rely on ceiling reflection and instead uses software processing to simulate height, so it works in most rooms, but the 3D effect is usually less convincing than physical up-firing drivers.
- HDMI ARC/eARC is essential: HDMI ARC support allows audio transmission from a TV to a soundbar or receiver using a single HDMI cable. eARC is the improved version with much higher bandwidth, so it can carry lossless audio formats that regular ARC cannot.
- Single vs dual Subwoofers: A dual-subwoofer setup (like the Zebronics 9775) spreads bass more evenly, reducing dead spots. A single subwoofer, while adequate, can create uneven bass distribution depending on room acoustics.
- Other aspects: Besides HDMI, the higher the Bluetooth version, the better for a stable connection and regular firmware updates are crucial for long-term reliability. You may also check out a brand’s market rapport with respect to after-sales support.
Top soundbars under Rs 25,000 with Dolby Atmos
| Model (ranked by price) | Surround channels | Approx price |
|---|---|---|
| Govo Gosurround 975 | 2.1.2 | Rs 9,999 |
| boAt Aavante Bar 5500DA | 5.1.2 | Rs 12,999 |
| Motorola AmphisoundX | 5.1 with additional height channels | Rs 15,999 |
| Zebronics Juke BAR 9775 | 5.2.2 | Rs 17,999 |
| JBL Cinema SB580 | 3.1 (Virtual Atmos) | Rs 24,999 |
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G. S. Vasan
G.S. Vasan is the chief copy editor at Digit, where he leads coverage of TVs and audio. His work spans reviews, news, features, and maintaining key content pages. Before joining Digit, he worked with publications like Smartprix and 91mobiles, bringing over six years of experience in tech journalism. His articles reflect both his expertise and passion for technology. View Full Profile
