What's the difference between Dolby Atmos and lossless audio?

image via Engadget

August 28, 2026, 6:00 PM

• •The article explains that Dolby Atmos is object-based spatial audio, while lossless audio is about preserving the original recording without lossy compression.
• •It says most streaming services do not offer Dolby Atmos and lossless together because Atmos streams commonly use the lossy Dolby Digital Plus codec, whereas lossless uses formats such as FLAC or ALAC.
• •The piece notes that true lossless playback usually requires compatible service support and a wired connection, although Qualcomm aptX Lossless is cited as a limited Bluetooth exception.
• •It outlines common audio specs, saying CD-quality lossless is 16-bit/44.1kHz and hi-res lossless can reach formats like 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz.
• •The author argues that for everyday listening, Dolby Atmos often produces a more obvious audible upgrade than lossless audio.
• •A correction notes the article previously misstated the meaning of DAC and was updated to digital-to-analog converter.

The article compares Dolby Atmos and lossless audio, arguing that they improve different parts of music playback. Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional soundstage by placing sounds in virtual space, while lossless audio preserves more of the original recording data than compressed formats like MP3 or AAC. It says true lossless listening often needs compatible hardware, a capable DAC for hi-res files and usually a wired connection because standard Bluetooth is lossy. The author concludes that Dolby Atmos tends to deliver a more obvious upgrade for everyday listeners, while also noting that not every Atmos mix is equally effective.

Read original article