After the self-induced tumult Sonos went through last year, I can perceive why some individuals are reluctant to spend cash on the corporate’s merchandise. However newly appointed CEO Tom Conrad has proven that he’s decided to get again on monitor and revitalize Sonos because the main whole-home audio model. The contentious cell app is in a a lot better place now than it was a few years in the past, although some prospects nonetheless encounter bugs and the frustration of audio system randomly vanishing from their system. It’s not all roses, however the scenario is shifting in the suitable path — and I took Sonos’ choice to cancel its video player as a promising signal of renewed focus.
I’m not about to promote any of my Sonos gear. For one, the corporate’s whole-home platform presents conveniences that opponents don’t match — no less than not with out trouble. More often than not, I’m streaming from Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music. But when I’m watching a sports activities recreation on my TV, I can pipe the audio from my Sonos soundbar to a speaker in a special room to observe the motion. Taking part in one thing over Bluetooth? With many of the firm’s newest audio system, you are able to do the identical factor and unfold that music throughout your total Sonos system.
Why you need to belief my Sonos suggestions
I’ve coated Sonos extensively for a number of years at The Verge. This has included reporting on the corporate’s newest information, reviewing a prolonged listing of Sonos merchandise, and bringing consideration to the app fiasco, which ultimately led to the ouster of former CEO Patrick Spence. Audio and residential theater are two of my major focus areas in product opinions, so I’m well-versed with regards to figuring out whether or not a speaker or soundbar is nice — or simply one other also-ran product.
I wouldn’t fault anybody for ready to see the place Sonos and its app go from right here, particularly on condition that Sonos raised costs on numerous merchandise final yr — together with soundbars and sensible audio system — because of the ongoing tariff situation in the US. The corporate nonetheless makes some genuinely terrific {hardware}, nevertheless, so in the event you’re questioning that are the true standouts, I’ve obtained you coated.
What I’m on the lookout for
I put in lots of hours testing Sonos’ numerous audio system and soundbars of their supposed environments. Meaning listening to a product just like the Transfer 2 each indoors and outdoors, having film marathons to check the capabilities of Sonos soundbars, and spending the majority of full days gauging the audio efficiency of audio system just like the 5. With units which are marketed as being water-proof, I’ll typically convey them to lake getaways or use them close to the pool to make sure that they will deal with splashes and on a regular basis parts.
Sonos has an intensive lineup of audio system spanning numerous type components: there are desk audio system, moveable Bluetooth audio system, soundbars, subwoofers, and, separate from all that, you could have a number of lingering Ikea Symfonisk merchandise which are designed to mix into your private home decor. The most effective decide will rely upon what you want.
Some “audiophiles” may flip their noses up at the concept that Sonos {hardware} can ship wonderful sound. However I feel most individuals will probably be lots proud of the audio high quality. Even the corporate’s smaller merchandise constantly ship clear, nice audio.
A part of what makes the Sonos ecosystem so interesting is the whole lot you are able to do with it. Wish to play your TV’s audio in different rooms? You are able to do that. When you’ve obtained a Bluetooth-capable document participant, the tiny Sonos Roam can play your vinyl and hyperlink that audio to the remainder of your system. Line-in permits for a similar at increased constancy. Most significantly, the Sonos controller app helps virtually each music streaming service available on the market at present.
Few tech firms proceed to supply software program updates and new options for his or her merchandise so long as Sonos does. Audio system launched a decade in the past are nonetheless suitable with the corporate’s newest S2 platform and proceed to obtain firmware updates.
The most effective Sonos speaker to start out with
$219
The Good
- Improved sound (now in stereo)
- Bluetooth and line-in help
- Privateness-conscious microphone controls
The Dangerous
- No extra Google Assistant
- Rejiggered controls have a studying curve
- Line-in requires USB-C dongle
When you’re on the lookout for a decent-sounding, compact speaker to place within the kitchen, workplace, or actually wherever in your house, the Period 100 is the best choice. Sonos improved upon this speaker’s predecessors, the Play:1 and Sonos One, by upgrading to stereo drivers for richer, wider audio. Bluetooth playback is now supported, together with line-in audio (by way of an optional dongle). And the Period 100 additionally has reworked bodily controls, together with a quantity bar you may slide your finger throughout and, lastly, devoted monitor controls.
The speaker has a sublime design, and you need to use hands-free voice controls to summon Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Management to skip tracks or swap to a special playlist. Sonos dropped the Era 100’s price to $199 in April after which raised it once more in September, although we’d argue that $219 remains to be honest for what you’re getting.
The most effective total Sonos speaker
$599
The Good
- Highly effective audio with spectacular stereo separation
- Can crank loud with out distorting
- Common 3.5mm line-in: no adapter required
The Dangerous
- Lacks sensible speaker performance
- Simply collects mud
- You’ll find yourself wanting two, which will get very costly
The Sonos 5 isn’t simply Sonos’ best-sounding speaker; it’s on the prime of the pack in comparison with all opponents. From an audio high quality perspective, it beats the HomePod, the newest Echo Studio, and different mass market audio system — each these which are sensible and never. Can you discover higher hi-fi bookshelf audio system? Completely, however these aren’t natively tied into music providers like Sonos gear is. The 5 is a hefty unit and takes up an honest quantity of desk house. However when you throw some music on, its highly effective stereo output is sufficient to deal with any ceremonial dinner or weekend get-together.
There’s nothing “sensible” in regards to the 5. It lacks microphones and voice assistant performance. However that simplicity is interesting in its personal proper: you’re getting a rattling good speaker that ties into the Sonos platform. The 5 additionally incorporates a 3.5mm aux enter, making it a great turntable companion — particularly in the event you spring for a stereo pair.
The most effective moveable Sonos speaker
$499
The Good
- Improved stereo sound
- For much longer battery life
- Helps line-in playback
The Dangerous
- No extra Google Assistant
- Can’t be used as a speakerphone
- Hefty for a conveyable speaker
With regards to moveable audio system, the Transfer 2 is in an entire completely different league than Sonos’ smaller Roam 2. It’s greater and heavier, however a built-in deal with makes it simpler to lug the Transfer 2 round your private home or out to the yard. There’s no comparability between the 2 with regards to audio: the Transfer 2 smokes the much more compact Roam 2. And just like the Period 100, it makes use of a stereo driver association, whereas the Roam mixes the whole lot all the way down to mono and sounds extra muffled.
The Transfer’s bigger measurement provides it a transparent benefit by way of bass punch, and except for enjoying music wirelessly, you’ve obtained the choice of plugging in different units over USB-C for line-in audio. I additionally proceed to understand that the battery within the Transfer 2 is user-replaceable, which might’t be mentioned of many Bluetooth audio system. You’ll be capable of preserve having fun with your funding for lengthy, lengthy into the longer term. And with a mud / water resistance score of IP56, it may possibly deal with rain and splashes of water with out issues; simply don’t drop it right into a pool.
I choose the Transfer 2 over conventional moveable audio system since, no less than every time I’m house, the Sonos lets me play music over Wi-Fi at a better constancy than Bluetooth can supply. Plus, the Transfer 2 additionally helps Apple AirPlay and Spotify Join, so it’s straightforward to only skip the Sonos app altogether if you want.
The most effective Sonos soundbar for house theater lovers
$1099
The Good
- Extra immersive sound than authentic Arc
- Bass positive factors are substantial sufficient to make this a viable standalone possibility
- Now helps Bluetooth audio
The Dangerous
- Sonos app stays buggy for some
- Play:1 and Play:3 now not supported as surrounds
- Nonetheless no DTS:X
- Full encompass setup skyrockets the price
Launched in late 2024, the Arc Extremely improves on the unique Arc with considerably extra highly effective bass response. That’s largely because of the inclusion of Sonos’ newer SoundMotion know-how, which manages to get a greater low-end wallop from a soundbar that’s not a lot bigger than the mannequin it replaces. This implies some patrons can get away with shopping for the Arc Extremely by itself with out including a subwoofer.
The Arc Extremely delivers Dolby Atmos encompass sound that’s extra convincing and immersive than another Sonos soundbar so far, and it’s up there with the perfect you could find from a single-enclosure speaker. Vocal readability has additionally improved considerably thanks to raised middle channel efficiency. One other improve over the primary Arc is the addition of Bluetooth audio help.
The most effective Sonos soundbar for smaller rooms
$470
The Good
- Wider, extra expansive sound
- HDMI eARC brings higher efficiency
- Sleeker design than first Beam
The Dangerous
- No up-facing Atmos audio system
- Doesn’t have automated Trueplay
- Identical acoustic structure as prior mannequin
There are many situations and TV rooms the place the Arc Extremely is perhaps too highly effective. When you’re in a smaller house or don’t want the best possible encompass sound, the Beam (Gen 2) begins to make extra sense. It nonetheless has Atmos, however the impact is virtualized because the Beam lacks the Arc Extremely’s upward-firing audio system. Even so, the house theater expertise you’ll get from the Beam will blow away any audio system constructed right into a TV.
The most effective Sonos subwoofer for most individuals
$499
The Good
- Modern, distinctive design
- Good bass presence for its measurement
- Straightforward setup course of
The Dangerous
- Not appropriate for giant residing rooms
- Nonetheless not low cost
In the identical vein, except you’re hell-bent on rumbling your partitions, the $499 Sub Mini subwoofer is greater than sufficient for layering some additional oomph and growl onto Hollywood blockbusters and your favourite TV reveals. The $899 Sub 4 is Sonos’ flagship subwoofer, however loads of folks have saved lots of of {dollars} by pairing the Sub Mini with any of the corporate’s soundbars — they usually’ve been ecstatic with the outcomes.
As its title suggests, the Sub Mini is extra compact than the Sub 4, which makes it simpler to seek out an not noticeable spot to position it. Even in the event you’re the sort to do a sub crawl and put it someplace in plain sight, I’d argue it appears extra fashionable than the blocky Sub 4.
The most effective finances Sonos speaker
$180
The Good
- Inexpensive means into Sonos ecosystem
- Might be mounted as a shelf
- Passable sound for the dimensions
- Good possibility for Sonos encompass sound
The Dangerous
- No built-in mic for voice assistants
- You’ll need two for the very best audio expertise
- No 3.5mm aux enter
Sonos and Ikea might need ended their partnership in 2025, however that doesn’t imply you need to sleep on the prevailing Symfonisk merchandise earlier than they’re utterly phased out. The second-gen Symfonisk bookshelf speaker, specifically, stays one of the crucial reasonably priced methods into the Sonos ecosystem, even when Ikea raised the value earlier than discontinuing the speaker. Sound-wise, it’s not far off from the outdated Sonos One / Play:1 and is a really pleasing speaker. Plus, the lower cost tag makes it simpler to persuade your self to scoop up two for a stereo pair. These — or the Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker — make nice rear encompass audio system in the event you’re on a finances.
The Sonos product worthy of a second likelihood
$372
The Good
- Trendy design and wonderful consolation
- Sound, ANC, and transparency are all good
- TV Audio Swap is handy, versatile, and appropriate for gaming
The Dangerous
- TV Audio Swap handoff could be glitchy
- Headphones can’t be grouped with Sonos audio system
Boy oh boy, did Sonos’ wi-fi headphones come proper on the worst attainable second. The corporate’s app disaster utterly sidelined the Ace headphones upon their debut in 2024. Some prospects have been additionally disillusioned that the Ace can’t play music over Wi-Fi or be grouped with the corporate’s in-home audio system.
However right here’s the factor: the Ace headphones are nonetheless unbelievable. They’re comfy, have a stunning design (with simply swappable ear pads), and sound detailed, highly effective, and expressive. They help wired audio over USB-C along with Bluetooth. And the TV Audio Swap characteristic is a helpful perk that I nonetheless typically use late at evening when my Arc Extremely would disturb others. You possibly can route any audio that may usually come via the soundbar — out of your TV, gaming console, or streaming system — via two pairs of headphones and hear privately (with spatial audio encompass sound). The newer TrueCinema mode even helps you to fine-tune the latter to raised mirror the acoustics of your house.
No, the Ace headphones aren’t what I’d think about the best of a wearable product from Sonos. However they continue to be an entirely spectacular debut that fell sufferer to the corporate’s poor software program selections.
Pictures by Chris Welch / The Verge
Replace, January fifteenth: Adjusted pricing and availability. Brandon Widder additionally contributed to this publish.
