After the yr of self-induced tumult that Sonos has been via, I can perceive why some persons are reluctant to spend cash on the corporate’s merchandise. However interim CEO Tom Conrad has proven that he’s decided to get again on observe and revitalize Sonos because the main whole-home audio model. The contentious cellular app is in a significantly better place at this time than just some months 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 transferring in the correct path — and I took Sonos’ choice to cancel its video participant 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 provides conveniences that rivals don’t match — at the least not with out problem. More often than not, I’m streaming from Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music. But when I’m watching a sports activities sport 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 latest audio system, it’s doable to do the identical factor and unfold that music throughout your complete Sonos system.
Why it is best to belief my Sonos suggestions
I’ve lined Sonos extensively for a number of years at The Verge. This has included reporting on the corporate’s newest information, reviewing a prolonged record 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 main 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. However remember that tariffs would possibly ultimately result in worth will increase for a few of these merchandise. Placing the software program misstep apart, this firm makes some genuinely wonderful {hardware}, so when you don’t wish to danger paying extra, now is likely to be the time to purchase. And when you’re questioning that are the true standouts, I’ve obtained you lined.
What I’m on the lookout for
How I take a look at Sonos audio system
Collapse
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 gadgets which can be marketed as being water-proof, I’ll typically deliver 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 components.
The suitable speaker for the correct state of affairs
Collapse
Sonos has an in depth lineup of audio system spanning numerous kind elements: there are desk audio system, transportable Bluetooth audio system, soundbars, subwoofers, and, separate from all that, you may have the Ikea Symfonisk merchandise which can be designed to mix into your house decor. The most effective choose will depend upon what you want.
Good sound high quality
Collapse
Some “audiophiles” would possibly flip their nostril up on the concept of Sonos {hardware} being able to wonderful sound. However I feel most individuals will likely be lots proud of the audio high quality. Even the corporate’s smaller merchandise persistently ship clear, nice audio.
Adaptability
Collapse
A part of what makes the Sonos ecosystem so interesting is the whole lot you are able to do with it. Need to play your TV’s audio in different rooms? You are able to do that. For those who’ve obtained a Bluetooth-capable file 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 greater constancy. Most necessary of all, the Sonos controller app helps virtually each music streaming service available on the market at this time.
Prolonged software program help
Collapse
Few tech corporations proceed to offer software program updates and new options for his or her merchandise so long as Sonos. Audio system launched a decade in the past are nonetheless appropriate with the corporate’s newest S2 platform and nonetheless obtain firmware releases.
The most effective Sonos speaker to begin with
$199
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
For those who’re on the lookout for a decent-sounding, compact speaker to place within the kitchen, workplace, or actually anyplace in your house, the Period 100 is your 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 (with a separate dongle). And the Period 100 additionally has reworked bodily controls, together with a quantity bar you may slide your finger throughout and, lastly, devoted observe controls.
The Period 100’s built-in mics allow you to change the music when the bodily controls are out of attain.
The speaker has a chic design, and you should utilize hands-free voice controls to summon Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Management to skip tracks or swap to a special playlist. Sonos not too long ago dropped the Period 100’s worth to $199, which is greater than honest for what you’re getting. I’d purchase now and keep away from risking the price going up once more, due to tariffs.
Learn our full Sonos Period 100 overview.
The most effective general Sonos speaker
$549
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 good 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 rivals. From an audio high quality perspective, it beats the HomePod, Echo Studio, Nest Audio, and different mass market audio system — each these which can be good and never. Can you discover higher hi-fi bookshelf audio system? Completely, however these aren’t natively tied into music companies like Sonos gear is. The 5 is a hefty unit and takes up a good quantity of desk house. However when you throw some music on, its highly effective stereo output is sufficient to deal with any banquet or weekend get-together.
There’s nothing “good” concerning 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 includes a 3.5mm aux enter, making it a great turntable companion — particularly when you spring for a stereo pair.
The most effective transportable Sonos speaker
$44
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 transportable speaker
Relating to transportable audio system, the Transfer 2 is in an entire totally different league than Sonos’ a lot smaller Roam 2. It’s larger and heavier, however a built-in deal with makes it simpler to lug the Transfer 2 round your house or out to the yard. There’s no comparability between the 2 with regards to audio: the Transfer 2 smokes the way more compact Roam 2. Just like the Period 100, it has a stereo driver association, whereas the Roam mixes the whole lot all the way down to mono and sounds extra muffled.
The Transfer 2 is each water resistant and drop-resistant, so it’s constructed for dealing with your outside events.
The Transfer’s bigger dimension provides it a transparent benefit by way of bass punch, and other than taking part in music wirelessly, you’ve obtained the choice of plugging in different gadgets over USB-C for line-in audio. I additionally proceed to understand that the battery within the Transfer 2 is user-replaceable, which may’t be stated of many Bluetooth audio system. You’ll have the ability to maintain having fun with your funding for lengthy, lengthy into the longer term. And with a mud / water resistance ranking of IP56, it could deal with rain and splashes of water with out issues; simply don’t drop it right into a pool.
I want the Transfer 2 over conventional transportable audio system since, at the least at any time when 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 simply skip the Sonos app altogether if you want.
Learn our full Sonos Transfer 2 overview.
The most effective Sonos soundbar for house theater fanatics
$999
The Good
- Extra immersive sound than unique Arc
- Bass good points 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 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 due to the inclusion of Sonos’ new SoundMotion expertise, 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.
That little indent makes it simpler to seek out the Arc Extremely’s quantity contrls.
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 easiest you could find from a single-enclosure speaker. Vocal readability has additionally improved considerably thanks to higher heart channel efficiency. One other improve over the primary Arc is the addition of Bluetooth audio help.
Learn our full overview of the Sonos Arc Extremely.
The most effective Sonos soundbar for smaller rooms
$443
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 eventualities and TV rooms the place the Arc Extremely is likely to be too highly effective. For those who’re in a smaller house or don’t want the very best encompass sound, the Beam (Gen 2) begins to make extra sense. It nonetheless has Atmos, however the impact is virtualized for the reason that 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.
Learn our full Sonos Beam (Gen 2) overview.
The most effective Sonos subwoofer for most individuals
$429
The Good
- Glossy, distinctive design
- Good bass presence for its dimension
- Simple setup course of
The Dangerous
- Not appropriate for giant dwelling rooms
- Nonetheless not low cost
- Trueplay tuning solely works on iOS
In the identical vein, until you’re hell bent on rumbling your partitions, the $429 Sub Mini subwoofer is greater than sufficient for layering some further oomph and growl onto Hollywood blockbusters and your favourite TV reveals. The $799 Sub 4 is Sonos’ flagship subwoofer, however loads of individuals have saved tons of of {dollars} by pairing the Sub Mini with any of the corporate’s soundbars — and so they’ve been ecstatic with the outcomes.
How Mini is the Sub Mini? Smaller than most canines.
As its identify suggests, the Sub Mini is extra compact than the Sub 4, which makes it simpler to seek out an not noticeable spot to put it. Even when you’re the sort to do a sub crawl and put it someplace in plain sight, I’d argue it seems to be extra fashionable than the blocky Sub 4.
Learn my full Sonos Sub Mini overview.
The most effective funds Sonos speaker
$180
The Good
- Inexpensive manner into Sonos ecosystem
- Could be mounted as a shelf
- Passable sound for the scale
- Good possibility for Sonos encompass sound
The Dangerous
- No built-in mic for voice assistants
- You’ll need two for one of the best audio expertise
- No 3.5mm aux enter
Sonos and Ikea is likely to be winding down their partnership, however that doesn’t imply it is best to sleep on the prevailing Symfonisk merchandise earlier than they’re fully phased out. The Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2), particularly, stays essentially the most inexpensive gateway into the Sonos ecosystem, even with its latest worth hike. Sound-wise, it’s not far off from the outdated Sonos One / Play:1 and is a really satisfying 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 Image Body Speaker — make wonderful rear encompass audio system when you’re on a funds.
Learn our full Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker overview.
The Sonos product worthy of a second likelihood
$299
The Good
- Fashionable 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 doable second. The corporate’s app disaster fully sidelined the Ace headphones. Some prospects had been additionally dissatisfied 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 improbable. 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 night time when my Arc Extremely would disturb others. You’ll be able to route any audio that might usually come via the soundbar — out of your TV, gaming console, or streaming machine — via two pairs of headphones and pay attention privately (with spatial audio encompass sound). Sonos’ new TrueCinema mode even helps you to fine-tune the latter to higher mirror the acoustics of your house.
TV Audio Swap helps you to privately hearken to no matter’s popping out of your Sonos soundbar with out disturbing others.
No, the Ace headphones aren’t what I’d take into account 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 choices.
Learn our full Sonos Ace overview.
Images by Chris Welch / The Verge
Replace, July 18th: Adjusted pricing and availability. Brandon Widder additionally contributed to this publish.
