What Is Windows Sonic for Headphones?

It’s entirely free to use.

Some games sound better.

Boy wearing headphones

Xbox.com

Slightly over the top sound.

Some crackling sounds when on the Xbox dashboard.

Windows Sonic for headphones is Microsoft’s take on spatial sound.

An animation of how spatial sound surrounds its users

Xbox.com

It attempts to create a surround sound experience even if you have ordinary stereo headphones.

To use it, you simply activate it through a setting on your Xbox One.

You’re able to hear enemies coming and can locate them faster than through other audio devices.

A picture depicting the benefits of Dolby Atmos for headphones

Dolby Atmos

What is Dolby Atmos?

There’s a free trial.

Some games sound better and more immersive.

Good excuse to buy dedicated headphones.

App provides support for other surround sound systems.

It costs $14.99 to purchase a license.

It involves more setup than Windows Sonic.

Only minimal improvements for the price.

Dolby Atmos is Dolby’s spatial sound technology.

The Xbox One supports Dolby Atmos technology when it comes to home theater setups and headphones.

Generally, Dolby Atmos is considered slightly superior to Windows Sonic.

Should You Go With Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos?

Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos are both very similar forms of spatial sound technology.