Xbox One owners have been given the choice between two spatial surround technologies: Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos. Both aim to improve audio quality and immersion while playing a game, but which is best for you? In the Windows Sonic vs. Dolby Atmos battle, we compared features, pricing, sound quality, compatibility, and other key factors to help you decide which is best for you.

Windows Sonic for Headphones is Microsoft’s take on spatial audio. Launching on Xbox One and Windows 10 devices, it’s free to use with any up-to-date console. It’s integrated with the system software for added convenience, and you can use any Xbox One stereo headset with it.

It attempts to create a surround sound experience even if you have a regular stereo headset. This should give the sound extra depth and make it sound three-dimensional, so you can hear everything around you.

To use it, simply enable it through a setting on your Xbox One. Once enabled, any application or game that can render to 7.1 channel formats will treat your headset as if it were a virtual 7.1 device.