DTS Sound Unbound is a Windows app that provides access to DTS audio tools, including DTS Headphone:X and a DTS:X decoder. Headphone:X uses Microsoft Spatial Sound to place game audio cues around the listener, including above and below. It works with any pair of headphones and offers custom tuning for a database of more than 500 headphones. The decoder plays DTS-encoded content stored locally or streamed to a device; it is available on its own or bundled with Headphone:X. The app is available through the Microsoft Store. Its listed free plan costs 0.00 USD per free, while DTS audio technologies may require in-app purchases. A free trial period is also available, with no trial length stated. Headsets integrating DTS Headphone:X v2.0 and PCs integrating DTS:X Ultra automatically license supported features; some older integrations require an in-app purchase. The app can be installed on up to 10 devices. Its current focus for DTS-encoded content is headphones and multichannel speakers connected directly to a PC sound card. The FAQ also describes DTS Sound Unbound and DTS:X for Home Theater on Xbox consoles, and calls the Home Theater upgrade free on Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X.
Who it is for
DTS Sound Unbound suits Windows users who want spatial game audio through headphones, including people whose headset or PC already licenses supported DTS features. It may also suit users who play DTS-encoded content locally or streamed to a device, or Xbox owners interested in DTS:X for Home Theater.
What is good
- Headphone:X works with any pair of headphones.
- Custom tuning covers a database of more than 500 headphones.
- Spatial audio places game cues around, above and below the listener.
- The app can be installed on up to 10 devices.
- Some compatible headsets and PCs automatically license supported DTS features.
What to know first
- Audio technologies may require in-app purchases.
- Windows support requires version 10.0.18362.380 or higher.
- The current content focus is headphones and multichannel speakers connected directly to a PC sound card.
Verdict
Choose DTS Sound Unbound if you want DTS Headphone:X spatial audio on Windows, especially if your headset or PC includes a supported license. The free app also offers a trial period, but access to audio technologies may require in-app purchases. Look elsewhere if you need noise reduction, an equalizer, audio routing or app-specific profiles.
Get started with DTS Sound Unbound
- Open the DTS Sound Unbound page at https://consumer.dts.com/dts-sound-unbound/.
- Install the app from the Microsoft Store.
- Check that your PC runs Windows 10 version 10.0.18362.380 or higher.
- Start the free trial or use in-app purchases for DTS audio solutions.
- Check whether your headset or PC automatically licenses supported DTS features.
What the free plan stops at
The listed app plan is 0.00 USD per free, but audio technologies may require in-app purchases. The FAQ does not state the trial length.
Questions about DTS Sound Unbound
What does DTS Sound Unbound do?
It provides access to DTS audio solutions, including DTS Headphone:X and a DTS:X decoder. Headphone:X uses Microsoft Spatial Sound to render game audio cues around, above and below the listener.
Does it work with any headphones?
DTS Headphone:X works with any pair of headphones and offers custom tuning for a database of more than 500 headphones.
What does the app cost?
The listed app plan is 0.00 USD per free. DTS audio technologies may require in-app purchases, and a free trial period is available.
Which Windows version is supported?
The FAQ says the app runs on Windows 10 PCs with version 10.0.18362.380 or higher.
Can I use it on Xbox?
The FAQ describes DTS Sound Unbound and DTS:X for Home Theater availability on Xbox consoles, including Xbox Series S and Series X. DTS:X for Home Theater is described as a free upgrade on Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X.
How many devices can have the app installed?
DTS Sound Unbound can be installed on up to 10 devices.
DTS Sound Unbound plans and pricing
All plansCompared on audio enhancement software
- Free plan
- No
- Noise reduction
- No
- Equalizer
- No
- Virtual surround
- Yes
- Audio routing
- No
- App-specific profiles
- No
- Supported platforms
- Windows
