Sonos remains a leading force in multiroom audio, offering a range of speakers designed to fit any budget and lifestyle. With over 30 years of experience, CNET’s team of 35 product reviewers and 15,000 sq. ft. of lab space ensures unbiased evaluations. This guide cuts through the noise to help you choose the best Sonos speaker for your needs.
Why Sonos Matters
Sonos pioneered the idea of whole-home audio streaming before many others. It’s not just about high-fidelity sound; it’s about seamless integration with popular services like Spotify and Apple Music, often with built-in voice control through Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Sonos Voice Control. The company’s evolution from a niche iTunes player to a full-fledged streaming ecosystem demonstrates its adaptability.
Top Sonos Speakers: A Breakdown
Best Sound for the Money: Sonos Era 100
The Era 100 replaces the original Sonos One, offering improved sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity. While it drops Google Assistant support, an optional adapter allows for easy analog source integration.
Best Budget Option: Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker
A collaboration between Sonos and Ikea, the Symfonisk line delivers Sonos compatibility at a lower price point. Though discontinued, it remains available while supplies last. It’s ideal for stereo setups or as affordable rear speakers for soundbars. Note: The bracket for mounting is sold separately.
Best Portable Speaker: Sonos Roam 2
Weatherproof and durable, the Roam 2 seamlessly switches between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Its premium price reflects its quality and versatility.
Best Value Soundbar: Sonos Ray
Sonos Ray offers excellent multiroom capabilities in a compact form factor. Connected via optical cable, it delivers surprising soundstage width without the need for HDMI. Pair it with Sonos Ones for a basic surround sound system.
Best Home Theater Under $500: Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Beam Gen 2 adds Dolby Atmos support, creating an immersive cinematic experience. While a subwoofer is recommended for deeper bass, the virtual surround capabilities are impressive.
Best Desktop Speaker: Sonos Era 300
The Era 300 is a refined tabletop speaker with Dolby Atmos spatial audio and Bluetooth connectivity. An inexpensive adapter enables analog source integration for broader compatibility.
Best Premium Home Theater: Sonos Arc Ultra
The Arc Ultra represents Sonos’ highest-end soundbar, offering HDMI eARC, Dolby Atmos playback, and superior bass performance. It eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer, making it a complete home theater solution.
Understanding the Sonos Ecosystem
Sonos has expanded its product range to include various options, from portable speakers like the Roam 2 to high-end soundbars like the Arc Ultra. The latest S2 operating system supports hi-res audio (Dolby TrueHD and Atmos), while legacy systems remain on the older S1 platform.
Key Features and Compatibility
- Wireless Connectivity: Sonos operates primarily over Wi-Fi, avoiding Bluetooth except for the Roam and Era series.
- Streaming Services: Supports over 100 streaming services.
- Voice Assistants: Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri (though the Era speakers lack Google Assistant).
- AirPlay 2 & Spotify Connect: Seamless integration with Apple and Spotify ecosystems.
- Analog Input: The Amp, Five, and Port models allow analog connections for non-digital sources.
Competition and Alternatives
Sonos faces competition from WiiM, DTS Play-Fi, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Yamaha MusicCast, and Denon HEOS. More affordable options exist, with wireless speakers starting around $100 and soundbars like the Polk React available for under $300.
Conclusion:
Sonos continues to innovate in the multiroom audio space, offering a blend of quality, convenience, and integration. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly entry point or a high-end home theater setup, Sonos provides solutions for every need. The key is understanding the ecosystem and choosing the right products for your specific setup.
