Is Dolby Atmos worth paying extra for in a soundbar?

Reviewers are split. Premium bars with dedicated up-firing drivers (Sonos Arc Ultra, Bose Smart Soundbar) produce a genuinely more immersive effect, while specialist reviews of cheaper 'Atmos' bars often note the height effect is subtle or virtualized. If immersion is your priority, the consensus favors spending more; if you mainly want clearer, bigger TV sound, a good 2.1 or 3.1 bar is a better value.