Our research on Sonos products: what each one is best for, how they compare and which alternatives to consider.
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Sonos · Soundbars
You want the best all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar with excellent dialogue and room to add a sub and rear speakers later.
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Cons
Sonos · Soundbars
You want a compact soundbar with clear dialogue for a bedroom or apartment TV.
Pros
Cons
Sonos · Smart Speakers
You care about music quality and want a compact speaker that can grow into a multiroom system.
Pros
Cons
Thinking about buying Sonos? VerdictFox covers 3 Sonos products in smart speakers and soundbars, each with an independent Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Our highest-rated Sonos pick is the Sonos Arc Ultra, which typically sells for $899–$999 on Amazon.com.
The Sonos Arc Ultra is best for premium single-bar Atmos. Its key feature is big, clear Atmos sound from one bar, and it usually costs $899–$999. Buy it if you want the best all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar with excellent dialogue and room to add a sub and rear speakers later. Skip it if you don't want to rely on the Sonos app or want everything in one box for less. Our verdict: Buy, with a research score of 8.9 out of 10.
The Sonos Era 100 is best for music lovers. Its key feature is rich stereo sound for any room, and it usually costs $179–$219. Buy it if you care about music quality and want a compact speaker that can grow into a multiroom system. Skip it if you mainly want a cheap voice assistant. Our verdict: Buy, with a research score of 8.8 out of 10.
The Sonos Beam is best for mid-size rooms. Its key feature is compact Atmos soundbar with great dialogue, and it usually costs $369–$499. Buy it if you want a compact soundbar with clear dialogue for a bedroom or apartment TV. Skip it if you want deep bass without adding a subwoofer. Our verdict: Buy, with a research score of 8.5 out of 10.
How does Sonos compare with rivals? In soundbars, the main alternatives include the Samsung HW-Q990D (full surround in one box, $999–$1,499), the Bose Smart Soundbar (bose fans with Bose speakers, $399–$499) and the VIZIO V21x-J8 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (budget upgrade, $99–$149). Our best soundbars list ranks them side by side so you can see where Sonos wins and where it does not.
Before you add a Sonos product to your cart, compare the model number with the one we cover, because older or regional versions can look similar. Choose a listing sold by Amazon or Sonos directly, and register the warranty once it arrives.
Use HDMI eARC to connect: it carries Dolby Atmos and lets your TV remote control volume. Measure the space under your TV; the bar should be no wider than the TV. A subwoofer adds the rumble movies need, but it may bother neighbors in apartments.