Dolby Digital vs DTS: Which Soundbar Codec to Choose

Dolby Digital and DTS: the basics

Both Dolby Digital and DTS are lossy surround sound formats. They shrink multi-channel audio so it fits into a broadcast, a disc, or a streaming feed, and a soundbar with the right decoder expands that compressed signal back into separate speaker channels.

Dolby Digital and DTS are not interchangeable. A TV or player sends one bitstream or the other, and the soundbar needs the matching decoder. If the bar supports both, you can watch anything. If it supports only one, the TV may have to convert the audio, and you can lose the intended surround presentation. For a fuller introduction to the formats, see Soundbar Audio Formats.

The bitrate difference

Bitrate is the most quoted difference. Dolby Digital was designed to be efficient at lower data rates, while DTS tends to use a higher data rate in many versions. A higher bitrate can preserve more of the original recording in theory, but on a soundbar the practical difference is usually minor.

The decoder inside the bar is only one part of the sound. The number and size of the speaker drivers, the subwoofer, and the room all shape what you hear more than the codec logo. If sound quality is your priority, focus on Soundbar Frequency Response and How Much Soundbar Power Do You Need for Your Room instead of the bitrate debate.

Where Dolby Digital appears

Dolby Digital is the default surround format on many streaming services, broadcast channels, and DVDs. Its successor, Dolby Digital Plus, carries most streaming surround sound and also works as the audio foundation for Dolby Atmos on many platforms. If you stream most of your viewing, Dolby Digital support is the one you need.

You do not need to understand the whole Dolby family to pick a bar, but it helps. Read What Is Dolby Atmos? Object-Based Surround Explained to see how the object-based format builds on the older codec, and use Soundbar Codecs when you compare spec sheets.

Where DTS appears

DTS appears most often on Blu-ray discs and some games. Many DTS soundtracks deliver a wide, energetic surround field, especially on action films. DTS is less common on streaming because streaming services tend to standardize on Dolby Digital.

If your movie collection is mostly discs, DTS support is important. If you rarely play physical media, DTS may not matter to you at all. A bar that supports both formats avoids the question completely.

Soundbar compatibility: HDMI, optical and decoders

The two parts of compatibility are the decoder inside the soundbar and the cable that carries the audio. HDMI is the connection used by modern TVs and soundbars because the standard can carry audio and video over one cable. If you are setting up a new bar, start with HDMI ARC vs eARC.

An optical cable can carry compressed Dolby Digital and DTS as well, but it has less bandwidth than HDMI and cannot carry newer object-based formats. See Optical vs HDMI for Soundbars for the trade-offs.

Set the TV's audio output to bitstream or pass-through when the soundbar supports the codec. That hands the original Dolby or DTS track to the bar. If the bar only supports one codec and you play the other, the TV may downmix to stereo or stay silent. Industry standards behind TVs and soundbars are designed to keep these formats working together, but the TV menu is where you make the final connection.

What about Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X build on the older channel-based formats. A Dolby Atmos track is usually packaged with Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD underneath, and a DTS:X track uses a DTS core. In practice, a bar that advertises Dolby Atmos or DTS:X also contains the older decoders.

That means the Dolby Digital versus DTS choice becomes less important at the top of the market. If you want height effects and object-based placement, compare Dolby Digital vs Dolby Atmos and DTS before you buy.

Which codec should your soundbar decode?

Buy a soundbar that supports both Dolby Digital and DTS when you can. Dual decoding costs little and removes one compatibility worry. Bars that carry both logos cover the DVD and Blu-ray era, and many also handle the immersive versions.

If your viewing source is streaming, Dolby coverage is more important because the services use Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus almost exclusively. If you own many physical discs, DTS coverage is just as important. A bar that handles both works for either library.

Once you know which codecs your sources use, move on to the speakers. A bar with a good center section and clear dialogue improves everyday TV more than a logo on the box. Compare Best HDMI ARC Soundbars in 2026 and Best Surround Sound Bars in 2026 for the models that fit your setup.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Which is better, Dolby Digital or DTS?

Neither is objectively better on a soundbar. Dolby Digital is more common in streaming and broadcast, while DTS is more common on discs. Buy a bar that supports both and choose the format your source provides.

Can a soundbar decode both Dolby Digital and DTS?

Many soundbars do. Look for both logos on the spec sheet. Some budget bars only decode Dolby Digital, which is fine for streaming but less helpful for a disc collection.

Do I need Dolby Atmos or DTS:X?

Only if you want height effects and object-based placement. For most TV shows and music, a bar that handles Dolby Digital and DTS is enough. Atmos and DTS:X build on those older codecs and add another layer.

Should I set my TV to bitstream or PCM?

Use bitstream, sometimes called pass-through, when your soundbar supports the codec. That sends the original Dolby or DTS track to the bar. If you set PCM, the TV decodes the audio and may change the surround format before it reaches the soundbar.

Does Bluetooth matter for Dolby Digital or DTS?

Bluetooth is mainly used for wireless audio streaming, and stereo dominates that path. Surround codecs like Dolby Digital and DTS travel easily over HDMI or optical, so prefer those connections for movie soundtracks.

How can I check what my TV outputs?

Open the audio settings and look for audio output format, digital output, or bitstream. Choose the option that matches what your TV passes to the soundbar. More details are in TV Audio Output.