What is spatial audio and which headphones provide the best experience?

Maybe you've heard of spatial audio, but have you experienced it before? There's a reason companies like Apple are interested in this latest advancement in sound design, and you don't want to miss it! Read on to find out what spatial audio is and which headphones are best to use it with.

In recent months, you might have heard of spatial audio. It is now used in many popular Apple apps, like Apple Music, Apple TV, and FaceTime. Other companies are also starting to integrate this audio technology into their products.

However, if you haven't taken the time to learn what spatial audio is, you might be wondering, "What is it?" Well, no worries, we've got you covered! We'll explain what spatial audio is, how to hear it on your own, and which headphones provide the best spatial audio experience. Let's go!

So what is spatial audio and how does it work?

Spatial audio, in short, is a type of 3D audio. Previously, 3D audio was simulated using a stereo mix to move the sound between the left and right speakers. The result was that the sounds seemed to be around you, but at a 2D level that excluded anything higher or lower.

With spatial audio, the sound mixes together to make it seem like it's coming not only from the front, back, and sides, but also from above and below. It basically creates a 360 degree sound experience.

While some uses for 3D audio focus more on launching sound effects in seemingly different directions, others put you right in the middle of the action. For example, if you listen to a song with spatial sound, it may make you feel like you are sitting directly in the middle of the studio while the music is playing.

There is a sense of depth and reality that goes beyond the illusion of sounding. Apple Music has also integrated head tracking with some of its spatial audio features so that capable headphones can simulate the direction of the source. Imagine the sound in your headphones changing as you turn your head so that the source of the sound appears to be coming from your phone rather than staying the same no matter where you look.

It should also be noted that Dolby Atmos has been around for quite some time and plays an important role in the spatial audio space. Don't be surprised if you see the two names being used almost as synonyms.

How can you experience spatial audio on your own?

There are many ways to experience spatial audio. More and more products supporting Dolby Atmos are available. And there are a lot of choices that will let you enjoy spatial audio.

One of the fastest and easiest ways currently available is straight to iPhones. Apple Music now has its own spatial audio sections and playlists with tons of content for you to check out. There is also additional compatibility with Apple TV and FaceTime apps, although we recommend that you listen to a few songs first.

Technically, any helmet can work. However, if you're looking for a better experience, you'll need a high-quality pair of headphones that have spatial audio in mind. Let's review these next.

AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

Apple's line of AirPods headphones are a great way to listen to spatial audio content the way it should be. All of them are capable of providing a sound listening experience (no pun intended).

The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have head tracking capabilities that add an extra layer to the mix. The newly announced 3rd generation AirPods also have head tracking support. If you own a pair of these headphones or earphones, you are already well placed to experience 3D audio content. You can get AirPods with head tracking starting at $ 179 from Apple.

Beats by Dre Solo Pro

Want an on-ear alternative to AirPods Max? Try the Beats by Dre Solo Pro. They are perfect for listening to Dolby Atmos and feature active noise cancellation. They even support easy pairing and device switching for iPhones, including Siri commands. You can get them for $ 299,95.

Sennheiser HD560S

The Sennheiser HD 560S audiophile headphones are a fantastic way to enjoy music. Although they are not wireless, there is a good trade-off. They can instead use their wired connection for a pure lossless audio experience. They are also light and easy to transport. For the best possible audio quality, this is a solid bet. You can pick them up at Best Buy for $ 199,98.

Don't wait to get started with spatial audio

If you're interested in spatial audio, it's worth checking out. Ultimately, describing what it looks like or how it works is just not the same as experiencing it for yourself.

You can use regular headphones to get a taste of what it looks like, so you don't have to buy special space headphones right away. However, if you like it and want to improve the quality, those on this list will absolutely live up to it.

Think you have a pair of headphones that would be perfect for spatial audio? Let us know in the comments below!