5 Best Sonos Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is an impressive addition to the home audio scene, particularly for those who value a cinematic experience paired with modern design. Its 9.1.4 surround sound capability, enhanced by Dolby Atmos, creates an immersive audio environment that truly brings movies and music to life, making it an enticing option for home theater enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the Sound Motion technology, which ensures sound is delivered precisely around the room, enhancing the listening experience.

The soundbar also excels in clarity, thanks to its Speech Enhancement feature, which is helpful for those who may struggle to hear dialogue in films. Plus, the sleek design adds a touch of elegance to any room without being intrusive. Connectivity is another strong point; it supports various options including HDMI eARC, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2, allowing for seamless streaming from multiple devices. The ability to expand your sound system by adding Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers is a plus for those looking to elevate their audio setup.

The Sonos Arc Ultra is relatively large and may not fit well in smaller spaces. While the setup is straightforward, requiring just a single HDMI connection, users who are less tech-savvy might still find some aspects of the Sonos app to be a learning curve. Additionally, while the sound quality is exceptional, adding extra components like a subwoofer or rear speakers can increase the cost significantly. The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is ideal for audio lovers seeking a high-quality, immersive experience with multi-room audio capabilities.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar offers a great blend of features, making it an excellent choice for home entertainment enthusiasts. One of its standout strengths is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos technology, which delivers immersive 3D surround sound, enhancing your movie and music experience. The audio quality is impressive, featuring vibrant bass and crystal-clear dialogue. Additionally, the soundbar supports multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and HDMI, allowing for easy integration with various devices.

The setup process is user-friendly, requiring just two cables and guided steps through the Sonos app, making it accessible even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Plus, with voice control compatibility via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you can easily command the soundbar without needing to find the remote.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the soundbar performs well on its own, it might not satisfy audiophiles looking for the deepest bass since it doesn't come with a built-in subwoofer—though you can add one later. Additionally, while it supports multi-room audio, you’ll need to invest in more Sonos products for a fully immersive surround sound setup, which can add to the cost. It's also worth noting that the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is not waterproof, so it’s best kept in a dry environment. Weighing in at 6.35 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to mount or place on a shelf, yet it also has a sleek design that should complement most living spaces.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an excellent option for users seeking a high-quality soundbar with advanced features, especially those who want to enjoy music and movies in a connected, smart home environment. Its strengths in audio quality and user-friendly setup make it a strong contender in the soundbar market, despite some limitations on bass depth without a separate subwoofer.

The Sonos Ray is a compact soundbar that offers clear and powerful sound, making it a good option for those seeking to enhance their home entertainment without taking up much space. It features a stereo audio output mode and dynamic sound that creates a surprisingly wide soundstage for its size. The setup is straightforward with only two cables and assistance from the Sonos app, making it user-friendly even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Connectivity options are strong, with Wi-Fi, Optical, and Ethernet available, and it supports streaming via popular services like Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and more through the Sonos app. However, it's worth noting that the Sonos Ray does not support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which could be a drawback for users looking for the latest in surround sound technology. Additionally, it does not come with a subwoofer, which might affect the depth of bass for some users. There is no voice control feature included, which could be a limitation for those who desire hands-free operation.

Its compact size (22 inches wide) and sleek black design make it easy to fit into various home setups, and its ability to integrate into a multi-room audio system is a significant plus for those who want a cohesive audio experience throughout their home. The Sonos Ray is best suited for users who prioritize ease of use, compact design, and solid sound performance, but it may not meet the needs of those looking for advanced surround sound capabilities and voice control features.