HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision: The HDR Formats That Actually Matter

High Dynamic Range has gone from a buzzword on TV boxes to a real reason to upgrade a screen. The problem is that the label HDR hides several different standards. When you start comparing HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision, plus basic HDR10, the alphabet soup gets confusing fast.

This article cuts through the marketing and focuses on what changes your picture on screen: metadata, brightness targets, and device support. You will see how HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision differ, and what that means whether you create content or just want movies and games to look their best.

HDR basics: what HDR actually changes

Before comparing formats, it helps to pin down what HDR does at a technical level.

HDR video extends two main parameters compared to Standard Dynamic Range (SDR):

1. Brightness range (luminance) – how bright the brightest highlight can be and how deep the shadows are.

2. Color volume – how saturated and accurate colors can be across that brightness range.

Most SDR content assumes a peak brightness around 100 nits and uses the Rec.709 color gamut. Modern HDR standards target:

• Peak brightness up to 1,000–10,000 nits in the mastering environment.

• Wider color gamut, typically Rec.2020 as a container, with content often graded toward DCI‑P3 inside it.

A practical example: in SDR, a sun glint on a car hood and a bright white wall may both end up near the same brightness on your TV. With HDR done well, the sun glint pops while the wall stays bright but less intense, closer to how the eye sees it outdoors.

HDR formats differ mainly in how they describe that brightness and color information to your TV and how much control they give the display over tone mapping.

HDR10: the baseline HDR format

HDR10 is the most widely supported HDR format and serves as the common denominator for HDR playback.

Technically, HDR10 includes:

• Bit depth: 10‑bit color.

• Transfer function: PQ (Perceptual Quantizer, ST.2084).

• Color space: Rec.2020 container.

• Metadata: static metadata (MaxCLL and MaxFALL).

Static metadata means a single set of parameters describes the whole movie, episode, or game. If a film is mastered with a MaxCLL of 1,000 nits and MaxFALL of 400 nits, the TV receives those two key values once and builds a single tone‑mapping curve around them.

Example: how HDR10 behaves on a mid‑range TV

Imagine a movie mastered at 1,000 nits on a professional reference monitor. You watch it on a mid‑range TV that peaks at 600 nits.

With HDR10:

• The TV sees MaxCLL=1,000 nits.

• It knows it cannot hit that peak, so it compresses the signal above roughly 400–500 nits.

• Every scene, whether dark or bright, uses that same global tone‑mapping curve.

A night scene with small streetlights and a bright desert scene at noon both share the same compression strategy. Dark scenes can look great, but certain bright highlights may clip or lose subtle detail because the TV is making one global compromise.

HDR10 is free to use, royalty‑free, and mandatory on UHD Blu‑ray and most streaming platforms, which is why it is everywhere.

HDR10+: dynamic metadata on an open standard

HDR10+ builds on HDR10 by adding dynamic metadata. Instead of one set of metadata for the entire program, HDR10+ lets the content carry metadata per scene or even per frame.

Technically, HDR10+ keeps:

• 10‑bit color.

• PQ transfer function.

• Rec.2020 container.

It adds:

• Dynamic metadata defined by the HDR10+ standard, describing how each scene should be tone mapped.

• A licensing program, but no per‑unit royalty fees.

Example: HDR10+ on the same 600‑nit TV

Take the same 1,000‑nit master as before, but graded with HDR10+ metadata.

For a dark alley scene:

• The dynamic metadata can tell the TV to prioritize shadow detail.

• Highlights such as neon signs get mapped carefully so they glow without blowing out.

For a bright desert scene:

• The metadata can shift the tone curve, preserving sky gradients and sand texture.

• The TV uses more of its 600‑nit headroom for specular highlights.

Because the TV receives guidance scene by scene, it can adapt its tone mapping instead of using one compromise curve. The improvement is most visible on modest displays that cannot reach mastering brightness.

HDR10+ is pushed heavily by Samsung and Amazon Prime Video. Many Samsung TVs and some Panasonic and Philips models support it, though adoption on game consoles and external devices is more limited than HDR10 or Dolby Vision.

Dolby Vision: dynamic metadata plus higher headroom

Dolby Vision is a proprietary HDR format that also uses dynamic metadata but goes further in a few areas.

Core features include:

• Up to 12‑bit color support in the standard (though many consumer pipelines still operate at 10‑bit internally).

• PQ transfer function.

• Rec.2020 container.

• Dynamic metadata at scene or frame level.

• A defined ecosystem for content creation, distribution, and playback with certification.

Dolby Vision also supports higher mastering brightness targets. Many Dolby Vision titles are graded at 1,000 or 4,000 nits, with the standard allowing up to 10,000 nits. The metadata describes not just content brightness but also the reference display used in grading.

Example: Dolby Vision on different classes of displays

Consider a Dolby Vision movie mastered at 4,000 nits.

On a premium TV with 1,500‑nit peak brightness:

• The Dolby Vision engine in the TV uses dynamic metadata to map highlights intelligently.

• It can preserve more specular highlight detail than a simple 1,000‑nit HDR10 grade would allow.

• Colors in bright highlights, such as fireworks or chrome, stay more saturated and nuanced.

On an entry‑level HDR TV with 400‑nit peak brightness:

• The same Dolby Vision metadata informs a different mapping curve.

• The TV focuses on midtones and shadow detail, compressing the highest highlights more aggressively.

• The overall image looks balanced instead of washed out or overly dark.

Because Dolby Vision includes a reference display model and certified playback implementations, the goal is more consistent results across very different TVs.

HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision vs HDR10: key technical differences

The phrase HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision often hides the third player: basic HDR10. All three formats can coexist on the same service or disc. The main differences come down to metadata, brightness targets, and ecosystem support.

Metadata and tone mapping

Metadata controls how your TV interprets the HDR signal.

• HDR10: static metadata only (MaxCLL, MaxFALL). One tone‑mapping strategy per title.

• HDR10+: dynamic metadata at scene or frame level. TV can adapt tone mapping over time.

• Dolby Vision: dynamic metadata at scene or frame level, with a more detailed model of the mastering display and content characteristics.

In practical terms, dynamic metadata usually means:

• Better highlight preservation.

• More consistent brightness from scene to scene.

• Fewer cases where a movie suddenly looks too dark after a bright sequence.

Brightness targets and bit depth

Brightness and bit depth affect both peak highlights and banding.

• HDR10: typically mastered at 1,000 nits, sometimes 4,000; 10‑bit.

• HDR10+: similar mastering ranges to HDR10; 10‑bit.

• Dolby Vision: designed for mastering up to 10,000 nits; supports 12‑bit in the spec, even if much of the consumer chain still runs at 10‑bit.

Higher brightness targets give colorists more creative room for intense highlights, even if most consumer TVs cannot hit those peaks. The tone‑mapping engine then compresses that range down to what each display can show.

Device and content support

Support is where hdr formats comparison gets messy, because no single format wins everywhere.

• TVs:

  • Many Samsung TVs: HDR10 and HDR10+; no Dolby Vision.

  • Many LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense models: HDR10 and Dolby Vision; some also support HDR10+.

• Streaming platforms:

  • Netflix: HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

  • Disney+: HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

  • Amazon Prime Video: HDR10, HDR10+, and some Dolby Vision.

  • Apple TV+: HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

• Disc and players:

  • UHD Blu‑ray: HDR10 mandatory; Dolby Vision and HDR10+ optional.

  • Many premium players support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

• Game consoles:

  • Xbox Series X|S: HDR10, Dolby Vision for games and media.

  • PlayStation 5: HDR10 only (no Dolby Vision or HDR10+ for games at the time of writing).

Side‑by‑side comparison table

Here is a condensed hdr formats comparison table focused on the most relevant aspects.

FeatureHDR10HDR10+Dolby VisionMetadata typeStatic (per title)Dynamic (per scene/frame)Dynamic (per scene/frame)Bit depth (spec)10‑bit10‑bitUp to 12‑bitTransfer functionPQ (ST.2084)PQ (ST.2084)PQ (ST.2084)Typical mastering peak1,000–4,000 nits1,000–4,000 nits1,000–4,000 nits (up to 10,000 in spec)Color space containerRec.2020Rec.2020Rec.2020LicensingOpen, royalty‑freeLicensed standard, no per‑unit royaltyProprietary, licensing and certificationTV supportNearly all HDR TVsStrong on Samsung, some othersStrong on LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, othersStreaming supportUniversal baselineAmazon Prime Video, some othersNetflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, many othersUHD Blu‑ray supportMandatoryOptionalOptionalBackward compatibilityN/AFalls back to HDR10Falls back to HDR10

HDR10 vs HDR10+: is the upgrade visible?

Comparing hdr10 vs hdr10+ helps clarify the value of dynamic metadata even before bringing Dolby Vision into the picture.

On a high‑end TV with strong processing and high peak brightness, the gap between HDR10 and HDR10+ can be subtle. The TV already has robust tone‑mapping algorithms and enough headroom to handle bright content.

On a mid‑range or entry‑level HDR TV, the difference can be more obvious. Typical improvements include:

• Fewer blown‑out highlights in challenging scenes, such as fireworks or snow.

• More stable overall brightness when cutting between dim interiors and bright exteriors.

• Slightly better shadow detail because the tone curve can be tuned scene by scene.

For example, a thriller that moves between dark basements and bright city skylines often shows visible shifts in HDR10. With HDR10+, those shifts are moderated by metadata that anticipates each change and suggests a new mapping strategy.

However, HDR10+ content is still less common than HDR10 or Dolby Vision. If your main streaming services rarely mark shows as HDR10+, you may not notice a large real‑world difference even if the TV supports it.

HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision: which format actually helps more?

When evaluating HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision, the biggest difference is not picture quality in a vacuum. It is ecosystem maturity and content availability.

On paper, Dolby Vision has a few advantages:

• Wider adoption on major streaming platforms.

• Strong support on premium TVs and several mid‑range models.

• Support for 12‑bit workflows and higher mastering peaks.

HDR10+ has its own strengths:

• Open standard with no per‑unit royalty.

• Backed by Samsung, which dominates global TV market share.

• Good integration on Amazon Prime Video and some UHD Blu‑ray titles.

In practice, the real‑world difference between a well‑graded HDR10+ title and a well‑graded Dolby Vision title on the same TV is often smaller than marketing suggests. The content grade and the TV’s tone‑mapping implementation matter more than the format label alone.

Concrete example: streaming the same movie in different formats

Consider a movie available in three versions on different platforms:

• Service A: HDR10 only.

• Service B: HDR10+.

• Service C: Dolby Vision.

On a Samsung TV that supports HDR10+ but not Dolby Vision:

• Service B’s HDR10+ version almost always looks better than Service A’s HDR10 version, thanks to dynamic metadata.

• Service C falls back to HDR10, so it behaves like Service A.

On an LG OLED that supports Dolby Vision but not HDR10+:

• Service C’s Dolby Vision version typically looks better than Service A’s HDR10 version.

• Service B falls back to HDR10, narrowing the gap between A and B.

On a TV that supports all three formats:

• Service B and C may look very similar, with small differences dictated by the specific grade and the TV’s tone mapping.

This example shows why format support on your specific hardware should heavily influence which label matters more to you.

Practical advice for regular viewers

For most viewers, the best strategy is not to chase every format logo. Instead, focus on matching your viewing setup to the content you actually watch.

1. Choose the TV based on native format support

If you mainly use:

• Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and watch a lot of movies and prestige series, a TV with Dolby Vision support is usually the safer bet. These platforms invest heavily in Dolby Vision masters.

• Amazon Prime Video and own a Samsung TV or plan to buy one, HDR10+ support will matter more, because Samsung does not support Dolby Vision on its TVs.

If you watch across many platforms, a TV that supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ gives the most flexibility. Several models from brands like TCL and Hisense offer this triple‑format coverage.

2. Use the highest‑quality app or source available

When a title is available in multiple HDR formats, pick the combination that aligns with your TV’s strengths.

• On a Dolby Vision TV, use the app or service that delivers Dolby Vision rather than HDR10.

• On an HDR10+ TV, prefer the HDR10+ stream when available.

For UHD Blu‑ray, check the disc packaging. Some discs carry both HDR10 and Dolby Vision or HDR10+. Your player and TV will negotiate the best supported mode automatically, but knowing what the disc includes helps set expectations.

3. Calibrate or at least configure HDR modes carefully

Even the best HDR format can look poor with bad settings.

• Use the TV’s Movie, Cinema, or Filmmaker Mode for HDR content, not Vivid.

• Turn off or reduce aggressive dynamic contrast and eco brightness controls that can fight HDR tone mapping.

• If available, enable features like tone‑mapping optimization that reference your room brightness.

A basic calibration or even a well‑chosen preset often makes a bigger difference than the gap between HDR10+ and Dolby Vision on the same screen.

4. Do not ignore SDR quality

Many channels, sports broadcasts, and older shows are still SDR. A TV that handles SDR well, with good upscaling and accurate colors, will improve more of your viewing hours than exotic HDR capabilities you rarely trigger.

Practical advice for content creators

If you grade or deliver HDR content, the hdr formats comparison looks different. You care about mastering workflows, deliverables, and how your work survives on a wide range of displays.

1. Start with a robust HDR10 master

HDR10 remains the baseline deliverable for nearly all platforms and UHD Blu‑ray.

• Grade on a reference display that can hit at least 1,000 nits and cover most of DCI‑P3 inside Rec.2020.

• Use the PQ curve and ensure clean roll‑off into highlights.

• Pay attention to MaxCLL and MaxFALL so that consumer TVs do not over‑compress your image.

A strong HDR10 master gives you a stable foundation for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision metadata passes.

2. Add Dolby Vision where the platform supports it

If your distribution includes Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, or UHD Blu‑ray with Dolby Vision:

• Use a Dolby‑approved workflow, such as Dolby Vision CM 4.0 or later, in tools like DaVinci Resolve or Baselight.

• Generate a Dolby Vision metadata track (Level 2 or 4, depending on your needs) and validate it on a consumer reference TV as well as the grading monitor.

Dolby Vision lets you create trims for different target displays. For example, you can define separate looks for:

• 1,000‑nit consumer LCD.

• 600‑nit OLED.

These trims help maintain creative intent across devices with very different capabilities.

3. Consider HDR10+ for open, royalty‑light distribution

If your content targets:

• Amazon Prime Video.

• Broad multi‑platform distribution without Dolby licensing.

Then adding HDR10+ metadata to your HDR10 master can improve playback on Samsung and other HDR10+ TVs.

Many color‑grading tools now support HDR10+ metadata export. The typical workflow is:

1. Grade in HDR10.

2. Analyze scenes to generate dynamic metadata.

3. Export HDR10+ metadata and validate on consumer HDR10+ displays.

Because HDR10+ falls back gracefully to HDR10, you avoid fragmenting your deliverables.

4. Test across real consumer hardware

Do not rely solely on reference monitors and scopes.

• Test on at least one mid‑range LCD and one OLED.

• Check dark scenes in a dim room and bright scenes in a typical living room.

• Verify that automatic brightness limiters and eco modes on TVs do not break your intended contrast.

Comparing hdr10 vs hdr10+ and HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision on real hardware often reveals issues such as:

• Overly aggressive highlight compression on cheaper sets.

• Banding in gradients when the bit depth drops in the delivery chain.

• Unexpected color shifts in near‑black areas.

Adjust metadata trims and mastering decisions based on these tests rather than on spec sheets alone.

FAQ: HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision and related questions

Is Dolby Vision always better than HDR10+?

Not always. Dolby Vision has a richer ecosystem and some technical advantages, but the visible difference depends on the specific title, the grade, and your TV. A well‑authored HDR10+ stream on a Samsung TV can look better than a basic Dolby Vision stream on a poorly configured display.

Does HDR10+ work on a Dolby Vision TV?

Usually, HDR10+ content will fall back to HDR10 on a Dolby Vision‑only TV. The TV plays the HDR10 base layer without the HDR10+ dynamic metadata. Some newer models support both formats, but that capability must be listed explicitly in the specifications.

Is HDR10 good enough if my TV does not support Dolby Vision or HDR10+?

Yes. A strong HDR10 implementation still delivers a clear step up from SDR, with higher brightness, better contrast, and richer colors. You will not get dynamic metadata benefits, but many viewers are satisfied with HDR10 when the TV is calibrated and has decent peak brightness.

Do I need special HDMI cables for Dolby Vision or HDR10+?

You do not need format‑specific cables, but you do need cables that support the required bandwidth. For 4K HDR at 60 Hz with 10‑bit color, use High Speed HDMI with Ethernet or Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, especially for long runs or when using game consoles.

Which format is best for gaming: HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision?

Gaming support is still evolving. HDR10 is the most widely supported format for games. Dolby Vision for gaming is available on Xbox Series X|S and some TVs, improving consistency across scenes. HDR10+ Gaming exists but has limited platform support. For now, a good HDR10 implementation with proper calibration matters more than the specific advanced format.

Will future TVs make HDR10+ or Dolby Vision obsolete?

Future TVs with much higher brightness and better local dimming will reduce the need for aggressive tone mapping, but dynamic metadata will still help manage creative intent. HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision are likely to coexist for years, with devices continuing to support multiple formats for compatibility.

Final thoughts: choosing what actually matters

When comparing HDR10+ vs Dolby Vision, the key is not chasing theoretical maximums. Instead, match your choices to what you watch and what your hardware supports.

For regular viewers:

• Prioritize a TV with solid HDR brightness, contrast, and wide color support.

• Make sure it supports the HDR format your favorite services use most.

For content creators:

• Build a reliable HDR10 foundation.

• Layer Dolby Vision and HDR10+ metadata where distribution and budget justify it.

Handled this way, HDR stops being a logo war and becomes what it should be: a tool for more lifelike, controlled, and engaging images on the screens people actually use.