Sennheiser Ambeo Plus soundbar review: Best Dolby Atmos soundbar in 2023?
A review asking whether this is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar of its year.
Sennheiser · 2022
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus
A single-bar 7.1.4 Atmos system with dynamic, detailed sound and two HDMI inputs, at a premium price.
Where to buy
List $1,499
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The verdict
TechRadar and Tom's Guide both praise the dynamic, room-filling sound and detail, and both flag the price. It is best for people who value one-box simplicity and Atmos performance and do not need to pass 4K 120Hz gaming signals through the bar.
The AMBEO Soundbar Plus is a one-box soundbar that uses virtualization to produce 7.1.4 channels, with nine drivers and 400 W of amplification. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio, has automatic room calibration, and adds two HDMI inputs alongside the eARC output. It suits buyers who want big cinematic sound without rear speakers. Caveats include its high price, the lack of 4K 120Hz passthrough on its HDMI 2.0a inputs and a separate, extra-cost AMBEO Sub for deep bass.
Strengths
- Reviewers praise dynamic, detailed, room-filling sound and natural dialogue.
- Two HDMI inputs plus an eARC output and an optical input.
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
- Room calibration uses four built-in microphones, and the companion app is well regarded.
- Up to four Sennheiser subwoofers can be added wirelessly, per TechRadar.
Weak spots
- HDMI inputs are HDMI 2.0a, so 4K 120Hz is not passed through; Dolby Vision HDR does pass.
- High price for a single bar, and extra for the AMBEO Sub.
- TechRadar notes the on-bar buttons are not responsive; Tom's Guide found the auto power-on flaky.
- Rear and height channels are virtualized rather than coming from physical rear speakers.
Great for
- Movie fans who want strong Atmos from one bar
- Setups where rear speakers are not practical
Skip if
- Gamers who need 4K 120Hz passthrough on the bar
- Buyers on a tighter budget
Full specifications
From the manufacturer unless noted. Shown for this model.
Sound
- ChannelsWritten as bar.sub.height, or total channels. 5.1.2 means five main channels, a subwoofer and two overhead “height” channels.
- 7.1.4 (virtualized)source
- Stated power
- 400 W
- Subwoofer included
- No
- Rear speakers included
- No
- Room correction
- Automatic calibration with four built-in microphones
Audio formats
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- DTS:X
- Yessource
Connections
- eARC
- Yes
- HDMI inputsExtra HDMI inputs let you plug a console or player into the soundbar. Most people plug devices into the TV and use eARC instead.
- 2
- HDMI outputs
- 1
- Optical input
- Yes
- HDMI video passthrough
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR passes through; no 4K 120Hz (HDMI 2.0a inputs)source
Wireless
Size & placement
- Bar width
- 1,051 mm
- Bar heightIf a soundbar sits in front of a low TV stand, its height can block the bottom of the picture or the remote sensor.
- 75 mm
- Bar depth
- 121 mm
- Bar weight
- 6.3 kg
- Wall mountable
- Yes
Warranty
- Warranty
- 2 years
Primary source: us.sennheiser-hearing.com
Setup notes
- HDMI: one eARC output (HDMI 2.1) and two HDMI 2.0a inputs, so no 4K 120Hz passthrough.
- TechRadar says 4K Dolby Vision HDR passes through the inputs.
- Sennheiser's page lists a subwoofer pre-out and an optical input.
Video reviews
Each video was checked to exist and to be about the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus.
Better Than Other Flagship Systems? Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus review
Compares the single bar against larger multi-speaker flagship systems.
The One and Only DOLBY ATMOS Soundbar? Sennheiser AMBEO Plus & AMBEO Sub Full Review
A full review of the bar together with the AMBEO Sub.
What reviewers found
Summaries in our own words. Follow the link to read each review in full.
Calls it a big TV upgrade with dynamic, detailed sound, excellent Atmos performance and a strong app. Drawbacks are the high price, unresponsive on-bar buttons and no 4K 120Hz passthrough.
Read the originalPraises the dynamic, room-filling sound, natural dialogue and compact size. Considers it expensive next to single-bar rivals, found auto power-on unreliable and says the AMBEO Sub is a costly add-on for the best bass.
Read the original
Questions
Does the AMBEO Soundbar Plus have HDMI inputs?
Yes. Sennheiser lists two HDMI 2.0a inputs and one HDMI eARC output. Some third-party sources claim otherwise, but the maker's spec table shows two inputs.
Does it support 4K 120Hz gaming passthrough?
No. TechRadar notes the inputs do not pass 4K 120Hz, although 4K HDR with Dolby Vision passes through.
Is it a true 7.1.4 system?
It is a single bar with nine drivers and uses virtualization to create the 7.1.4 channel effect. Tom's Guide notes it is not the same as having physical rear speakers.
Do I need the AMBEO Sub?
Not required, but Tom's Guide says many buyers will want it for the strongest bass.
More soundbars
Sources for this page
Last reviewed Nov 9, 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.