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Surround sound formats are technologies that reproduce audio with a greater sense of space and directionality than traditional stereo sound. These formats aim to create a more immersive listening experience by placing sounds in a three-dimensional soundfield around the listener. They typically achieve this by using multiple audio channels that are routed to different speakers positioned around the room.

The most common surround sound formats are based on channel configurations, often denoted by a decimal system. The first number indicates the number of full-range channels, while the number after the decimal indicates the number of subwoofer channels for low-frequency effects. For example, 5.1 refers to five full-range channels (front left, center, front right, surround left, surround right) and one subwoofer channel. 7.1 adds two more surround channels (back left and back right) for even greater spatial detail.

Beyond these channel-based formats, object-based audio formats have emerged. These formats do not assign sounds to specific channels but rather describe them as audio objects with associated metadata defining their position in 3D space. The playback system then renders these objects to the available speaker configuration, offering greater flexibility and adaptability. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are prominent examples of object-based audio technologies. These advanced formats can create a dome of sound, including overhead effects, significantly enhancing realism for movies, games, and music. The choice of surround sound format often depends on the content creator's intention, the playback hardware available, and the listener's preference for immersion.