What Are The Differences Between Windows Sonic Vs Dolby Atmos?

Windows Sonic vs. Dolby atmos seem to be quite similar, but there are still notable differences. Based on a detailed review, you will make your own choice.

Surround sound, also known as 3D sound, is one of the most notable types. 3D sound, as the name suggests, will give you the feeling that the sound is around, making the listening experience more impressive and different.

Now, you have many options to enjoy this particular type of sound. Also, because of the variety in options, you have more issues to consider, from compatibility, platform to cost.

That's why you should refer to Windows Sonic vs Dolby atmos for gaming - the two most popular surround sound creation features today. Through detailed comparisons, you will find the solution that best suits your needs.

What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

Windows Sonic ( Youtube)

Windows Sonic is Microsoft's unique 3D audio solution. Microsoft has made this technology on all Windows 10 and Xbox One devices in the latest update.

Windows Sonic is a program that will modify the headset sound to simulate a 3D environment. You can use this program with any headphones, earbuds, or headsets to experience 3D sound.

The 3d environment with surround technology has long been famous for its ability to create a realistic and vivid sound feeling. Therefore, it is pretty understandable that the small Windows program can bring about great audio experiences when you watch movies or play games.

To use Window Sonic, you need to enable the technology through your Xbox One settings.

After starting the program, applications can render or format the 7.1 channels of the game and connect to your headset as if the audio player were a virtual 7.1 device. Therefore, you do not need to invest in a new headset to use surround emulation technology from Microsoft.

What Is Dolby Atmos for Headphones?

Dolby Atmos ( Youtube)

Like Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos is also a spatial audio technology that delivers impressive experiences.

This technology adds enhanced speakers and channels to an existing setup. This addition creates an impressive three-dimensional sound, making it feel like the sound is around, even passing through the listener.

The difference of this technology from Dolby Laboratories is an ecosystem of supporting devices. Besides, to use the technology for headphones and home theater, you need to pay $14.99.

As a paid technology, of course, Dolby Atmos has features that Windows Sonic does not have.

You won't find a difference in the way the two technologies work. Instead, you will probably notice improvements in quality when comparing two representatives from two different brands.

Specifically, Dolby Atmos has added more height to the surround sound, making the sound smoother and more realistic. If you are a true music lover or a fan of movies, you will undoubtedly feel the difference more clearly than anyone.

However, unlike Windows Sonic, when all headsets are considered virtual, with Dolby Atmos, you will have to invest in a separate headset and speakers for a better experience.

Windows Sonic Vs Dolby Atmos PC: Feature Comparison

Here are some comparisons regarding cost, compatible devices, and installation to make it easier to spot the differences between these two technologies.

Criteria

Windows Sonic 

Dolby atmos

Price

Free of charge

$14.99

Dedicated Hardware

Not required

Best quality with dedicated hardware

Setup

Pre-installed, easy to use

Need to download the app

Price

Windows Sonic is free to use. All you need to do is turn on the built-in feature on your device and enjoy the difference 3D simulation technology has to offer.

Whereas with Dolby Atmos, you will have to pay $ 14.99 to be able to use it. Before that, you have 30 days to try this technology for free.

Dedicated Hardware

As mentioned, Windows Sonic does not require dedicated hardware. However, you can only connect headphones to experience 3D technology. Hardware devices familiar to other home theaters are not compatible with this technology.

Dolby Atmos is also compatible with most headphones, even speakers today. However, for the best experience, you should choose to buy devices that support Dolby surround sound emulation.

Setup

You don't need to download apps or go through complicated steps to experience Windows surround sound because Microsoft has integrated and simplified the actions of technology activation.

All you need to do is find the "Spatial" menu by searching the taskbar then selecting Windows Sonic to turn on the headset. Now you're ready to experience lifelike sound for free.

Dolby Atmos is more complicated. You need to download Dolby Access from the Microsoft Store to be able to access Dolby Atmos. After that, you need to perform the headset setup and sound settings before you can start experiencing.

Quick Rundown Of Windows Sonic Vs Dolby Atmos

When comparing 3D audio simulation technology from Microsoft and Dolby Laboratories, it is impossible to ignore each product's pros and cons. Here are a few things you need to consider:

Windows Sonic

With the primary purpose of improving quality, helping users immerse themselves in the space of their favorite games and movies, Microsoft's emulator technology has the following advantages and disadvantages:

Pros

  • Free of charge.

  • Compatible with a wide range of headphones.

  • Simple setup.

  • Available on Windows 10 and Xbox One.

  • Big sound.

Cons

  • Not work well with external speakers.

Dolby Atmos

It is no coincidence that almost every cinema uses Dolby Atmos surround sound technology. The ability to transmit true and vivid sound is just one of the notable advantages below:

Pros

  • Bring the sound to life, especially in games.

  • Support many other surround sound systems, not just headphones.

  • Work well with both home theater setups.

  • Supported in several streaming platforms.

  • Be the global standard.

Cons

  • The fee must be paid.

  • Require separate hardware and software for a better experience.

  • Setup is complicated for beginners.

Windows Sonic vs Dolby atmos: Which Should You Choose?

Along with surround sound simulation technology, choosing which name stands out more is challenging because each technology has its strengths and weaknesses.

Therefore, your choice should be based not only on comparisons but also on personal preference.

For beginners

For beginners (link)

If you don't have too much knowledge about devices, audio technology or are just curious about famous surround sound technology, Windows Sonic is the best choice you have.

Firstly, technology is free. Starting with free products is a safer choice for those who hear the concept of spatial sound, 3D sound for the first time.

Secondly, Windows Sonic is available on your device. You will have no difficulty in setting up, using, and experiencing the product.

Last but not least: if you are not an enthusiast and have strict requirements for sound, you will hardly notice the difference between the two free and paid technologies. from two different brands.

For people on a budget

For people on a low budget (link)

Without a doubt, in terms of budget, Windows Sonic won overwhelmingly.

This 3D audio emulation technology is available in any Windows 10 PC and Xbox One. Just startup, you will experience vivid, realistic spatial sound without spending any money.

For audiophiles

Audiophiles - audio enthusiasts - are the ones who demand the fidelity and accuracy of sound more than any other object.

And when quality is the only important factor to consider, Dolby Atmos technology will be the first choice.

For the best experience, you should prepare a separate high-quality headset that supports the above technology. Surely even the most demanding audiophiles will also be satisfied with an unprecedented authentic experience.

For gamers

Dolby's emulation technology increases the height of the sound, thereby increasing the output quality significantly. Therefore, Dolby Atmos is an option worth considering if you want to optimize the background music and immerse yourself in the world of your favorite game.

However, that does not mean that Windows Sonic is not suitable for gaming.

In fact, if you love first-person shooters, you'll see the difference this technology makes. Specifically, it will be easier to hear and find enemies faster than when using conventional technologies.

For movie lovers

For movie lovers (link)

All cinemas favor Dolby Atmos. Therefore, Dolby Atmos will do the job perfectly if you want to have the best experience with your favorite movie at home.

Another advantage of this technology is that you can connect to many devices in your home cinema, from transmitters to speakers, instead of just being limited to headphones like Windows Sonic.

There are plenty of streaming platforms that support Dolby Atmos. There are a few popular platforms such as Netflix, Disney +, Apple TV, and so on.

Conclusion

When putting Windows Sonic vs Dolby atmos for Fornite on the scale, it's hard to judge the most advanced and effective technology today. 

When considered carefully, the two technologies are very similar in terms of operation and sound efficiency.

It is pretty challenging to determine which is the worthy product to choose. Hopefully, the comparisons will help you to remove the above difficulties partly.

The analysis of advantages and disadvantages will become the basis to distinguish between the two technologies, thereby making your own choices.

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Adam Hunt
Adam Hunt
Andrew Hayes, more commonly known as Andres, is a home theater enthusiast and self-proclaimed movie buff. He has a near-obsessive interest in optimizing the sound and picture quality of his home theater setup. His current setup is the envy of all his friends and family members. Andres loves nothing more than spending an evening at home watching a good movie with loved ones. He takes great pride in having created the perfect environment for enjoying films, and he is always happy to share his knowledge and expertise with others who are interested in doing the same.