- Kanto YU6 Review: How Good Are These Speakers? - May 29, 2023
- Bitwig vs Ableton: Which DAW is Best for Your Needs? - May 25, 2023
- Marantz vs. Denon Receivers: Which One Is Your Best Choice? - May 24, 2023
- The Best Ceiling Speakers for Atmos - Overview
- What Exactly Is Dolby Atmos?
- What Makes A Good Ceiling Speaker for Atmos?
- The 5 Best Ceiling Speakers for Atmos
- Sony Dolby Atmos Enabled Elevation Speakers - Best Budget Option
- Bowers & Wilkins CI600 - Most Premium Ceiling Speakers for Atmos
- Klipsch RP Passive 2-Way Speakers - Ultimate Home Theater Experience
- SVS Prime Elevation - Best Value for Money
- Micca M-6C 2-Way Speaker - Best Sounding Speakers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Which Ceiling Speaker for Atmos Is the Best?
If you’re looking for new speakers or want to add some depth to your existing system, this guide will help you find out the best ceiling speakers for Atmos in the market today.
Atmos is a premium and advanced audio technology that adds quality to your speakers and home theater systems. Atmos also amplifies the material-based and object-based sounds which are important aspects of a film’s score. This adds more value to the scene and reflects the reality of the sequences.
In this guide, we will cover what exactly is the Dolby Atmos technology and what to look for in good ceiling speakers. We will then give you an overview of the features, pros, and cons of the 5 best ceiling speakers for Atmos to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Looking for speakers that can rock your small room? Here is our list of the best speakers for small rooms in 2022!
The Best Ceiling Speakers for Atmos – Overview
| Model | Dimensions | Color | Included | Price Range |
| Sony 4” Elevation Speakers | 5.75 x 7.13 x 7.13 inches | Black | Wall and ceiling mounts | $ |
| Bowers & Wilkins – CI600 In-Ceiling Speaker | 5.2 x 9.5 x 5.2 inches | White (paintable Grill) | Ceiling mounts and screws | $$$ |
| Klipsch RP-140SA | 7.4 x 6.8 x 11.2 inches | Black with copper colored driver | Wall Mounts | $$ |
| SVS Prime Elevation | 9.4 x 5.4 x 8.4 inches | Black | Wall and ceiling mounts | $$ |
| Micca M-6C | 9 x 3 inches | Black (paintable grill) | Ceiling mounts | $ |
What Exactly Is Dolby Atmos?
Atmos from Dolby is a surround system technology that was developed in the year 2012. It has the capacity to support 5 to 7 channels at one go, giving a surround sound feel. Many theatres around the world use this technology as part of their immersive cinema experience.
Atmos can be found in most sound systems from budget brands to major brands. You can easily set up a home audio system that gives cinema-like surround sound quality, thanks to the height virtualization feature on Atmos sound systems. Height virtualization works by applying height estimating filters to ceiling speakers that adds another dimension to the audio experience.
These filters stimulate the natural senses of the human ears to sound arriving by the overhead speakers. The associate filters have been equalized so that the audio remains natural everywhere in the listening environment.
Naturally, when you are investing in a home theater system, you want to make sure that you get the best ceiling speakers to add value to the experience. Below we’ve mentioned the most important things to consider that can help you get the best ceiling speakers for Atmos.
What Makes A Good Ceiling Speaker for Atmos?
Sound Quality
One of the things that people may often overlook is the sound quality of the ceiling speakers. Shocking, yes, I know. This is because many people would buy a ceiling speaker without giving much thought to how it should add value to the setting it’s installed in.
There are a few things you need to consider in order to truly create cinema-quality audio. The height of the ceiling, area of the room, and the sound output of the speakers in relation to your audio system will all impact the Atmos surround sound experience.
Connectivity
You want to make sure that you have the appropriate connectivity options with your sound system and room setting. For example, if you don’t have a false ceiling, then having ceiling speakers with Bluetooth connectivity would create minimal distractions.
Getting the Right Size
Ceiling speakers come in all shapes and sizes. If you are looking for discreet options, there are speakers that blend with false ceilings and come in color options to match the decor. If you don’t mind a prominent speaker that delivers performances, there are box ceiling speakers as well.
The size of your room and the placement of the speakers are very important. The last thing you want is putting your money in speakers that fail to deliver the Atmos experience you bought them for.
Budget
Ceiling speakers, in general, are usually not an expensive addition to audio and home theater systems. But if you’re looking for quality then you will have to shell out some cash. Ceiling speakers can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. While the high-end speakers will definitely provide a better Atmos sound quality, you can still get great speakers on a budget.
Audio Setup
Your current audio setup will dictate your choice of ceiling speakers. Ideally, you want to have a multi-speaker setup where the ceiling speakers are adding value rather than being the focal point. That way you can get the ultimate Atmos sound experience that immerses you in the media you’re watching and hearing.
If you have a heavy audio setup, then you can consider getting multiple ceiling speakers to add the Atmos surround sound experience. However, with a modest audio setup or an entry-level home theater system, a pair of ceiling speakers would be good enough in a mid-sized room.
Durability
Durability is a major factor when buying any type of speaker. The problem with ceiling speakers is that there are cheaper options available which often compromise on durability. The last thing you want is to remove the speakers and install a new pair which is a hassle.
Loudness
Last but not least is the loudness of the speakers. While ceiling speakers are viewed as supporting audio add-ons, you should still make sure they are loud enough to provide you with the Atmos sound experience. Therefore, you should buy a ceiling speaker that is not only loud, but also matches your audio system and area requirements.
If you’re looking for large speakers that offer sound and durability, check out our guide of the best floor standing speakers in 2022.
The 5 Best Ceiling Speakers for Atmos
Sony Dolby Atmos Enabled Elevation Speakers – Best Budget Option
If you want a great-sounding ceiling speaker which can be installed on your wall too, the Sony Elevation speakers can be a good choice for you. These are one of the best-reviewed ceiling speakers that give a theater-like feel to watching movies and an immersive music experience.
These compact speakers can be installed conveniently on your ceiling or wall. The Mica cones help reduce distortion and the MDF box is built to absorb vibrations for better playback.
The Sony 4” Elevation speakers come with wall and ceiling mountings. You can connect them through a generic audio cable to your existing audio system. The speakers operate at a max of 100W and have 86dB sound output for powerful sound. Known for producing focused sounds, these speakers can compliment most audio setups in small to mid-sized rooms.
One drawback of these speakers is that while they are compact, they are wired and have a bulging frame. They will not blend with the environment and may cause distractions if placed on the wall or your ceiling.
Designed to blend seamlessly with your décor; an ideal match for Sony CS-series speakers.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.75 x 7.13 x 7.13 inches
- Weight: 6.63 pounds
- Connectivity: Wired
- Output: 100 W peak performance with 86dB sound output
- Warranty: 2 years manufacturer warranty on parts
Pros
- Great value for money
- Ideal for small to mid-sized rooms
- Mica subwoofer
- Can be set up on walls and ceilings and takes less space
Cons
- Not ideal for large rooms
- Noticeable bulgy form factor despite the size
- No wireless connectivity
Bowers & Wilkins CI600 – Most Premium Ceiling Speakers for Atmos
Bowers & Wilkins is a major brand in the audio industry. The Bowers & Wilkins CI600 stays true to the brand’s values of providing premium quality speakers in terms of build, sound, and durability.
The CI600 is a go-to option for people looking to add some much needed dynamic sounds to their existing audio systems. It is widely regarded as one of the best ceiling speakers that can create a stereo sound with one speaker. It also has the loudness to compliment most home theater systems. It features a 6-inch bass driver with dual voice coils and two soft tweeters for clear cross-spectrum audio.
The CI600 speaker also comes with a white grill for protection. You can also paint the protective grill to match your decor and make the speaker blend in with the ceiling to create a minimal distraction. Though the CI600 is a highly recommended ceiling speaker for Atmos, it doesn’t come for cheap.
Bowers Wilkins 8" Speaker features an Aramid fiber bass/midrange driver and 150W peak power handling (25-150W RMS).
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 9.5 x 5.2 inches
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Connectivity: Wired
- Output: 80W
- Warranty: 5 years manufacturers warranty on product and parts
Pros
- Stereo sound from just one speaker
- Loudness
- Switchable modes from stereo to surround
Cons
- Very expensive
- Bass quality could be better
Klipsch RP Passive 2-Way Speakers – Ultimate Home Theater Experience
Another great option of a ceiling speaker supporting Atmos surround sound feature is the Klipsch Reference Premiere. Klipsch stands for quality and they have not disappointed with these speakers.
The RP Passive is designed so that the sound travels across the ceiling to produce a surround sound that can elevate the experience of watching a movie.
Klipsch Reference Premiere features a 1-inch titanium LTS vented tweeter and 5.25-inch woofer for delivery of high-quality audio with crystal clear details at all frequencies.
It comes in a pair and the best part is that both speakers combine to give a single source sound feeling. As for the power, it produces 300W power and operates at a peak of 75W.
The RP Passive speaker can be placed on the wall with a wall bracket, on the ceiling, or on top of your existing tower speakers.
One drawback of the Klipsch Reference Premiere worth mentioning is the size and design of the speaker. It doesn’t do a great job blending with the ceiling so it can be distracting for some people. That said, these bad boys can be plugged easily into your existing audio system and give you the feeling of a ceiling speaker.
The Reference Premiere RP-140SA Dolby Atmos enabled elevation speaker effortlessly adds the Dolby Atmos experience to your current floor standing or bookshelf speaker.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.4 x 6.8 x 11.2 inches
- Weight: 7.9 pounds
- Connectivity: Wired
- Output: 75W continuous power and 300W peak power
- Warranty: 5 years manufacturer warranty on product and parts
Pros
- 6-inch driver in both speakers for loud audio
- Two speakers give out audio feeling like a single-source audio
- Designed to give an elevated audio feeling
- Titanium vented tweeters for high-quality audio across all frequencies
Cons
- Expensive
- Some people may find it distracting as they are bigger than most ceiling speakers
SVS Prime Elevation – Best Value for Money
The SVS Prime Elevation is one of the best value for money ceiling speakers for Atmos. SVS is a recognized name in the audio industry and has an iconic line of products to appease its fanbase.
The SVS Prime Elevation is a speaker that can be easily added to your audio system to give you room-filling, elevated audio that creates a surround sound feel. It can be mounted on the wall as well as the ceiling.
The SVS Prime Elevation comes in a pair of speakers featuring a 1-inch tweeter with a driver just above 4 inches for clear and concise audio. The tweeter is responsible for the transient response and the defused sound..
The SVS Prime Elevation can be placed at many places in your room. For the best audio results, I would recommend that you place the speakers either on top of your existing tower speakers for a 3D sound effect, or place them on the left and right corners of the ceiling for a great elevated surround sound.
One drawback of the SVS Prime Elevation is that the wall mounting bracket hides the beauty of these well-designed speakers. Because of its size, it may not appeal to people who are looking for a minimal and sleek design in their ceiling speakers. That said, the Elevation speakers make up for it with the rich audio quality.
The SVS Prime Elevation takes speaker versatility to new heights as an uncompromised direct radiating height effects speaker for object based surround sound and also as a center, front, LCR, side surround and/or rear surround when ideal placement in a room isn’t possible.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.4 x 8.4 inches
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
- Connectivity: Wired
- Output: 83 decibels sensitivity and 75W continuous power with a 300W peak
- Warranty: 2 years manufacturer warranty on product and parts
Pros
- Best in class Dolby Atmos sound surround
- Value for money
- Hassle-free connectivity options
- Loud and clear sounds
- Made with quality materials for durability
Cons
- Bulging form factor that may not appeal to people who look for aesthetics
- Larger in size as compared to other ceiling speakers in the market
- Bass could be better
Micca M-6C 2-Way Speaker – Best Sounding Speakers
Another ceiling speaker you could go for is the relatively new Micca M-6C. The M-6C is a 2-way speaker engineered to offer the most dynamic sound for its size. It comes in different sizes ranging from 3.5 inches in diameter to a staggering 8 inches in diameter, obviously at different price ranges as the size goes up.
Mica is known as a reliable and quality brand by audiophiles. It’s not the most renowned brand out there. However, people who love audio and sound know that Mica has been delivering the goods for the past two decades.
The Micca M-6C is a 2-way ceiling speaker with a 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter. This combination provides a rich sound experience and in addition to the natural vocal and the smooth audio, the clarity and details are great too.
The Micca M-6C is designed for accessibility and power. Its design features are also very impressive and allow it to elevate the aesthetics of the room. Its capability of supporting Atmos makes it the go to ceiling speaker for many audio enthusiasts. But be ready to spend some buck as this arrangement does not come cheap.
The ceiling speakers are easy to install and the grill can be painted to match the existing wall color. It can easily be installed in a ceiling on a wall without causing any distractions while offering a much needed oomph factor to your audio systems.
Perfect integration between the tweeter and woofer is achieved through a 6dB crossover network with a compensation network.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9 x 3 inches
- Weight: 3.15 pounds
- Connectivity: Wired
- Output: 90 decibels sensitivity and 75W continuous power
- Warranty: 2 years manufacturer warranty on product and parts
Pros
- Realistic sound with excellent details on all frequencies
- Preinstalled crossover network for pairing between woofer and tweeter
- Hassle-free connection and can be easily paired with your existing audio system
- Loud and clear sounds
- Excellent bass response
- Made with quality materials for durability
- Comes with different sizes
- Value for money
Cons
- Not enough padding at the back of the speaker
- Sound is not focused
Want to further enhance your movie-watching experience at home? Check out the top 7 channel speakers for dialogue you can buy today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is Atmos from Dolby?
Answer: Atmos is basically a sound technology that allows a Dolby Atmos powered speaker to produce a rich, multi-layered audio experience. Think of it as producing a three-dimensional, surround sound audio that fills the room and accentuates everything from guitar riffs on rock songs to helicopters flying amidst explosions in a movie.
Many theatres across the world use Dolby Atmos to immerse you into the experience of watching a movie. Now you can get a surround sound feel at your home with ceiling speakers for Atmos.
Question: Difference Between Dolby Atmos and other audio systems?
Answer: So essentially, Dolby Atmos is not really a sound system but a technology. Most devices or systems feature mono audio like computers, unbranded TVs, and smartphones. Some have stereo sounds and some have multiple channels.
Mono stands for audio coming in from one direction, whereas stereo stands for audio coming in from two directions. Dolby Atmos is a stereo surround sound technology that creates multi-dimensional audio for up to 7 channels.
Question: What makes Dolby Atmos stand out?
Answer: Dolby Atmos allows the user to choose from which direction the sound should come from. This gives the listener a much more immersive audio experience and greater control over the audio output. Dolby Atmos allows you to experience realistic sounds from different directions and angles that can mesmerize your senses.
Question: What is the difference between Dolby Atmos & IMAX?
Answer: IMAX and Dolby technology both offer great audio experiences. However, one major difference between the two is that IMAX can be upgraded to a max of 5.1 whereas Dolby Atmos can be upgraded to 7.1.
Question: Is there a wireless ceiling speaker available supporting Atmos?
Answer: Unfortunately, there are no wireless ceiling speakers for Atmos. Many knock-off speakers have wireless solutions to ceiling speakers supporting Atmos but they are generally pretty terrible in use.
Wired ceiling speakers are known to give quality output without any distortions. It is recommended by audio experts that you go for a wired version of the speakers for best quality surround output.
Conclusion: Which Ceiling Speaker for Atmos Is the Best?
Ceiling speakers can add a much-needed depth to your existing audio systems. They can create surround sound effects that add more value to scenes in movies and TV shows.
All the ceiling speakers for Atmos we have mentioned are highly recommended and rated. So in the end, it comes down to your personal preference. If you were to ask me, I prefer the Bowers & Wilkins CI600 ceiling speakers and they pretty much covered all my needs for a complimentary set of speakers.
A close second for me is the Mica M-6C and for some people, it may tick all the boxes. My only concern is that the sound is not focused so it tends to fizzle out in higher frequencies. For those looking for a budget option, the Sony Elevation speakers deliver performance without breaking the bank.
So when making the choice, always consider your needs, budget, space, and the usability of the speakers.
| Product Image | Product Name / Primary Rating / Price | Primary Button |
|---|---|---|
|
Great Budget Pick
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|