Dolby Digital Plus vs TrueHD: What Soundbars Handle

The Two Dolby Audio Formats

Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD are both Dolby audio formats you'll see on discs and streaming services. Dolby Digital Plus is a lossy format: it compresses audio by removing data that is less audible, which makes it efficient for bandwidth-limited delivery. Dolby TrueHD is a lossless format: it packs the full audio track exactly as it was mastered, requiring much more bandwidth.

Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ use Dolby Digital Plus for their surround and Atmos tracks, while Blu-ray discs typically use Dolby TrueHD for the highest-quality audio. Understanding which format you're playing tells you what your soundbar needs to decode.

Both formats support metadata for object-based audio such as Dolby Atmos, allowing sounds to be placed in a three-dimensional space. The difference lies in how the base audio is encoded: lossy compression discards some data to save space, while lossless retains every bit. For most listeners, the lossy version sounds nearly identical, but true audiophiles may notice a difference on high-end systems.

Why Connections Matter for TrueHD

The biggest practical difference between the two formats is the bandwidth they need. Dolby Digital Plus is designed to fit through a standard HDMI ARC connection, which is why it works with almost any HDMI-connected soundbar. Dolby TrueHD, because it is lossless, needs a higher-throughput path, most commonly HDMI eARC. TVs that only have standard ARC usually can't pass TrueHD through to a soundbar.

If your soundbar has an HDMI input, you can connect a Blu-ray player directly to the soundbar and get TrueHD that way, bypassing the TV's ARC limit. For most people, though, the simplest path is to use a soundbar with eARC and a TV that also supports eARC. The HDMI specification, managed by the HDMI Forum, defines the ARC and eARC features that determine whether TrueHD can pass through. Standard ARC uses the same audio return channel as the TV's audio output, typically limited to compressed formats, while eARC offers a much larger pipe with speeds up to 37 Mbps, enough for lossless multichannel audio. See our guide to HDMI ARC vs eARC for a deeper look.

When checking your TV's specifications, look for an HDMI port labeled "eARC" or "Enhanced Audio Return Channel." Many 2020 and later models include at least one eARC port, but budget models may omit it. If your TV lacks eARC, you can still enjoy TrueHD by connecting a source directly to the soundbar, provided the soundbar has an HDMI input and can process the format.

How to Check Soundbar Support

Most current soundbars from major makers list both Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD in their specifications. Look for the Dolby logos on the box or in the product manual. For TrueHD support over eARC, the soundbar must explicitly state eARC capability, not just ARC.

Some soundbars also support Dolby Atmos over either format: Atmos can be carried inside a Dolby Digital Plus stream (used by streaming services) or inside a TrueHD stream (used by Blu-ray). The soundbar does not need to distinguish, as long as it decodes the underlying format. For recommendations, browse our best Dolby Atmos soundbars selection.

Wireless streaming from your phone over Bluetooth Classic, as described by the Bluetooth SIG, uses a different audio path and does not carry these surround formats. That is why you still need an HDMI connection for full-fidelity surround and Atmos.

Be wary of soundbars that advertise "Dolby Decoding" without specifying the exact formats. Always check the full spec sheet for "Dolby TrueHD" and "eARC" in the connectivity section. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or consult the product's online manual. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) also publishes standards that influence how audio devices interact, but these do not directly define codec support; that comes from the format licensors.

• Check the soundbar's spec sheet for "Dolby TrueHD" and "eARC".
• Verify whether your TV has an eARC-labeled HDMI port.
• For disc players, prefer a soundbar with an HDMI input for direct connection.
• Look for the Dolby Atmos logo to ensure height-channel support.

Which Format Matters for Your Setup

From a listening perspective, the audible difference between lossy Dolby Digital Plus and lossless TrueHD is often small, especially with casual content. The format matters most when you have a high-quality disc player and a sound system that can reveal the extra detail. If you only stream, Dolby Digital Plus will be the format you encounter, and almost any soundbar handles it.

To get the full benefit of TrueHD, you need a soundbar with eARC and a TV that passes it through, or a direct HDMI connection. If you have an older TV with only ARC, TrueHD may be downconverted to Dolby Digital Plus or another lossy format. If you're building a disc-based home theater, consider a 5.1 soundbar or a 7.1-and-up model with eARC support.

For streaming, the source itself is often encoded in Dolby Digital Plus, so even if your soundbar supports TrueHD, it won't be used. That means you can prioritize other features like channel count or wireless rear speakers when buying for a streaming-first setup. On the other hand, if you own a 4K Blu-ray collection, TrueHD support becomes a higher priority.

Another consideration is upmixing: some soundbars can take a stereo or 5.1 track and upscale it to fill more channels, which can improve the experience regardless of format. Look for sound modes that enhance dialogue or surround effects, as discussed in our article on soundbar audio formats.

Finally, remember that the HDMI connection carries both video and audio. If your soundbar does not have eARC but your TV does, you can still use an optical cable as a fallback, but that will force a lossy downmix. For a truly lossless path, eARC or direct HDMI is essential.

Practical Advice for Buyers

When shopping for a soundbar, start by identifying your primary sources. If you mostly stream from services like Netflix or Disney+, Dolby Digital Plus is your baseline, and almost any soundbar with HDMI ARC will suffice. However, if you have a growing Blu-ray collection or plan to add a 4K player, invest in a soundbar with eARC and TrueHD decoding.

Check the soundbar's rear panel: a single HDMI input may be enough for a disc player, but if you have multiple sources (game console, streaming box), a soundbar with multiple HDMI inputs can act as a hub. The HDMI 2.2 specification, as announced by the HDMI Forum, continues to support eARC, so future-proofing with eARC is a safe bet.

Also consider the number of channels. A 3.1 soundbar is fine for dialogue-heavy TV, but for a full surround experience, a 5.1 or 7.1 model with rear speakers is better. Our buying guides can help you narrow down based on channel count and budget: see best 3.1 soundbars and best 5.1 soundbars.

Finally, don't ignore other features like room calibration and dialogue enhancement, which can improve clarity more than the codec difference. The overall speaker quality, driver size, and subwoofer integration play a bigger role in perceived sound quality than the lossy vs lossless distinction.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is Dolby TrueHD better than Dolby Digital Plus?

TrueHD is lossless, so it preserves the master track exactly, but the audible difference depends on your equipment and content. For many listeners, the difference is subtle, especially with streaming content. With a high-end soundbar and a quiet room, you may notice more detail in the TrueHD track.

Do all soundbars support Dolby Digital Plus?

No, but it is very common. Check the specifications for Dolby Digital Plus decoding. If a soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, it almost certainly handles Dolby Digital Plus, as that is the carrier for streaming Atmos.

Can I get TrueHD with a standard ARC connection?

No, TrueHD requires eARC or a direct HDMI input on the soundbar. Standard ARC does not have enough bandwidth for the lossless stream. Some TVs may downconvert to Dolby Digital Plus automatically, but you won't get the full TrueHD quality.

Does Dolby Atmos work with both formats?

Yes, Dolby Atmos can be delivered via Dolby Digital Plus (for streaming) or Dolby TrueHD (for Blu-ray). The soundbar must decode the underlying format to process the Atmos metadata. Both formats can carry height objects, but the lossless version preserves more detail.

How do I know if my soundbar supports TrueHD?

Look for "Dolby TrueHD" or "eARC" in the product specifications. You can also check the manual or the manufacturer's official product page. If the soundbar has eARC and is advertised as supporting any lossless codec, TrueHD is likely included.

What about DTS-HD Master Audio?

DTS-HD Master Audio is a similar lossless format used on Blu-ray discs. Some soundbars support both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, but support varies. Check for the DTS logo as well if you have discs with that soundtrack.