Netflix offers a diverse range of movies and shows in numerous genres and languages, making it a leading streaming service globally. For many viewers who plan to enhance their experience, Netflix Dolby Atmos surround sound is a top choice. But, is Dolby Atmos available on Netflix?
Netflix has plenty of Dolby Atmos movies and TV shows for users to stream. However, to enjoy Atmos sound, you need to ensure that you are using compatible devices, that you have the correct subscription plan, and that you’ve set the streaming quality to either ‘High’ or ‘Auto’.
In this article, we will discuss how to properly stream Dolby Atmos content on Netflix. In addition, we will review the various device requirements that you need to check before you start streaming your favorite Netflix content with incredible surround sound audio. Does Netflix Have Dolby Atmos?
Key Takeaways
- Netflix Supports Dolby Atmos: Netflix offers a selection of movies and shows with Dolby Atmos audio for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Requirements for Dolby Atmos on Netflix: To enjoy Dolby Atmos, you need a Netflix Premium subscription, compatible devices, and correct audio settings.
- Enabling Dolby Atmos: Look for the Dolby Atmos logo on Netflix and select Atmos audio in the settings of a supported title.
- The top 5 Netflix Movies with Dolby Atmos are “6 Underground”, “Fatherhood”, “Bird Box“, “Hillbilly Elegy” and “Okja“.
What You Will Need to Get Dolby Atmos Content on Netflix
Yes, Netflix has a huge library of content featuring Dolby Atmos sound. However, there are a few things you’ll need to transmit the signal successfully between your devices, including the following:
The Right Subscription Plan
Netflix hosts a few different subscription plans for its users. Netflix subscribers can enjoy Dolby Atmos-enabled content with a Netflix Premium subscription which gives you access to Dolby Atmos and Ultra HD (4K) content.
Dolby Atmos-Compatible Devices
Even though Netflix apps are available on various platforms, like tablet computers, smart TVs, and even Xbox and PlayStation 5 consoles (Source), these devices must support Dolby Atmos sound.
The same goes for your speakers or soundbar system. There are specific models of soundbars and audio systems that can process Atmos signals, such as the Samsung HW-Q600A (on Amazon).
Proper Device Settings
Modern devices usually enable Dolby Atmos automatically if all connected devices support it. However, in some cases, you may need to manually activate Dolby Atmos on your TV or media device.
How Do I Get Dolby Atmos Working on Netflix?
It may not be equivalent to the experience in a cinema, but you can get pretty great sound quality right in your living room after adding Dolby Atmos support to your home entertainment system.
Dolby Atmos A/V Receiver or Soundbar
To experience 3D sound in films, it’s essential to have a soundbar or audio system capable of processing Atmos signals, such as those using Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD audio codecs.
The best way to find out if a product is compatible with Dolby Atmos is to look at its packaging. Almost every manufacturer that supports Atmos mentions it explicitly on their products.
Those wanting to further enhance the sound quality of soundbars (which probably isn’t necessary) can add extra speakers too.
That said, there are different varieties of home theater systems out there, and the configuration of Atmos signals varies depending on which sound system you choose.
TV Using HDMI ARC/eARC (Depends)
Your TV must support the Atmos sound technology. Once you confirm this, connect the soundbar/receiver to your TV using the HDMI ARC port on both devices. Alternatively, you can also use the HDMI eARC port, if available.
The major difference between these two options is the way they transmit the Atmos signal between devices. HDMI ARC supports Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus, which is a lossy compression technique. This means that once the sound file is decoded at the receiver or soundbar, some of the audio quality is lost.
While this doesn’t make a huge difference, the technique offered by an HDMI eARC port provides a far better sound experience, as we have explained before.
There’s a pretty substantial difference between Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. However, because Netflix can only output 4K video with Dolby Atmos (via Dolby Digital Plus), the difference doesn’t matter in this scenario.
Media Player (Fire TV, Nvidia Shield TV, Apple TV, TV Smart App, etc.)
What you also need to check is support for Atmos signals on the media player that you’re using. While almost all of the streaming devices, such as Chromecast, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, and so on, support this sound format, they might not support Atmos on all of the streaming apps.
Some media players like Apple TV 4K support Atmos on both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video at the same time, while others might only support it on one service. To confirm if your player supports 3D surround sound, simply plug it in and check the Netflix app.
How To Turn On Dolby Atmos On Netlifx
When browsing Netflix, you can look for the Dolby Atmos logo near the movie or show description. If you don’t see the Dolby Atmos logo, it means the title doesn’t support this audio format.
To enable Dolby Atmos on Netflix, simply select a Dolby Atmos-supported show or movie, and choose the Atmos audio option in the audio settings. Now, you can enjoy Netflix content, even on a projector!
Dolby Atmos Movies and Shows On Netflix
Netflix offers an impressive range of movies and shows in numerous genres. To check specifically which content offers Atmos sound, you can refer to this list (source). Below are some of the best Dolby Atmos movies on Netflix, as well as TV shows:
Movies
- “6 Underground” – Directed by Michael Bay, this film is one of the best action movies known for its high-octane sequences.
- “Fatherhood” – A heartwarming and emotional drama starring Kevin Hart. The use of Dolby Atmos in this film adds depth to its poignant moments and enhances the Netflix Dolby Atmos experience.
- “Bird Box” – This suspenseful thriller uses Atmos to create an intense and immersive atmosphere, heightening the film’s gripping storyline.
- “Hillbilly Elegy” – A drama that delves into the American heartland, offering a rich and immersive audio experience that complements the powerful performances and narrative.
- “Hold the Dark” – A mysterious and dark thriller set in the Alaskan wilderness. The Atmos sound helps amplify the eerie and suspenseful mood of the movie.
- “Okja” – This film uniquely blends adventure and drama, featuring fantastic performances and Atmos audio that enhances its captivating story.
- “The Christmas Chronicles” – A fantastic festive family film that benefits from Dolby Atmos, providing a more engaging and lively holiday experience with its dynamic sound.
Shows
- “Stranger Things” – This popular series uses Dolby Atmos to heighten its thrilling and supernatural elements, especially in later seasons.
- “The Witcher” – A fantasy series with rich soundscapes that complement its epic battles and magical environments.
- “Lost in Space” – This family-friendly sci-fi adventure makes great use of Atmos for its space sequences and alien landscapes.
- “Altered Carbon” – A cyberpunk series where Dolby Atmos adds depth to its futuristic world.
Troubleshooting Dolby Atmos Not Working On Netflix
If you have the right subscription plan and device compatibility, but Dolby Atmos is not working on Netflix, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Internet Speed: Confirm your internet speed is at least 25 Mbps for high-quality streaming.
- Audio Settings: Adjust your TV and streaming device’s audio settings to Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital Plus.
- Restart Devices: Sometimes a simple restart can fix issues, especially if you’re using platforms like Windows or Android.
- Seek Support: If problems persist, you might have to contact Netflix or device support.
