One of the best Sonos audio system to purchase proper now

Sonos has constructed out a big assortment of sensible audio system, soundbars, subwoofers, moveable gadgets, and extra. And we will’t neglect concerning the many Symfonisk audio system that the corporate has launched in partnership with Ikea. 2023 has seen the corporate introduce main new merchandise together with the Period 100 and Period 300, and extra are on the way in which.

With such a broad portfolio of {hardware} at costs ranging wherever from $120 to $899, selecting the most effective Sonos speaker in your wants isn’t at all times as easy because it might sound. You most likely have some thought of the class of speaker you need — soundbar, desk speaker, or one thing moveable — however even then, it takes some narrowing right down to land on the suitable product.

I’m The Verge’s audio reviewer and have intently adopted Sonos during the last a number of years. I’ve additionally spent many, many hours listening to every of those gadgets, so I’ve acquired you lined relating to the suitable suggestions.

What I’m searching for

The proper speaker for the suitable state of affairs. Sonos has an intensive lineup of audio system spanning varied kind elements: there are desk audio system, moveable Bluetooth audio system, soundbars, subwoofers, and separate from all that, you’ve acquired the Ikea Symfonisk merchandise which can be designed to mix into your house decor. One of the best decide will depend upon what you want. Good sound high quality. Some “audiophiles” may flip their nostril up on the thought of Sonos {hardware} being able to wonderful sound. However I believe most individuals can be loads proud of the audio high quality — particularly from audio system just like the Sonos 5. Even the corporate’s smaller merchandise persistently ship clear, nice audio.Adaptability. A part of what makes the Sonos ecosystem so interesting is every thing you are able to do with it. Wish to play your TV’s audio in different rooms? You are able to do that. For those who’ve acquired 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 in the marketplace as we speak.Prolonged software program assist. Few tech corporations proceed to supply 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 receiving firmware releases regularly.

Greatest speaker for getting began with Sonos

$249

Sonos’ Period 100 sensible speaker is a substitute for the older Sonos One, using two tweeters (left and proper) and one bigger woofer. Along with Wi-Fi, the Period 100 additionally helps Bluetooth audio and line-in playback by way of an optionally available 3.5mm to USB-C adapter.

Sonos landed on a profitable formulation for a wise speaker with the Sonos One. And with the Period 100, the corporate has improved upon the One in quite a few methods. It’s very comparable in measurement — nonetheless excellent for any desk, bedside desk, or countertop — however the newer speaker is able to stereo playback, whereas the One may solely do mono (except you had two of them in a stereo pair). The improved bass response can be immediately noticeable. Regardless of its comparatively compact measurement, the Period 100 produces a full, properly balanced sound signature.

Except for higher sound, the Period provides assist for Bluetooth playback and line-in audio. The previous makes it simpler for associates to play music from their very own gadgets when visiting, and the latter permits you to run a turntable by your Sonos system. That was beforehand a a lot pricier proposition and required both the Sonos 5 or one thing just like the Amp. It’s nice to see it come to the entry-level tier.

The Period 100 is sufficiently small to make for an awesome desk or countertop speaker. Photograph by Chris Welch / The Verge

The Period 100 retains the One’s hands-free voice controls and sensible assistant capabilities, however sadly, Google Assistant isn’t out there on this speaker. As an alternative you’re left with Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Management. Sonos revamped the topside controls, so that you get devoted observe controls and an indented bar for quantity changes. The brand new entry-level Sonos speaker is barely dearer than the Sonos One was, but it surely provides sufficient new performance to simply justify a value enhance.

For those who transfer round the home rather a lot all through the day or end up outdoors, it is likely to be price contemplating the Sonos Transfer moveable speaker as your start line. It doesn’t sound fairly as wealthy because the Period 100, but it surely packs loads of quantity and good total audio high quality right into a speaker you could carry wherever you want it.

Learn my full overview of the Sonos Period 100.

Greatest price range Sonos speaker

$130

The versatile Symfonisk bookshelf speaker prices lower than every other Sonos speaker and delivers sound high quality just like a Sonos One. It’s an awesome start line for a brand new Sonos consumer.

The Symfonisk lineup of audio system is collectively developed by Sonos and Ikea, and they could be a nice entry level to the world of Sonos. There’s maybe no higher deal in the complete portfolio than the versatile bookshelf speaker, which sells for beneath $120. This trendy unit is nice for therefore many alternative use instances: it’s an awesome choice for anybody getting began with Sonos, delivering sound high quality that’s principally on par with a Sonos One in a unique kind issue that some folks may choose. Bear in mind you could pair two bookshelf audio system collectively for stereo audio (or to make use of as encompass audio system). Ikea sells loads of equipment for it, together with a flooring stand and wall bracket. 

Ikea’s Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker is an ideal selection for anybody new to Sonos. Photograph by Chris Welch / The Verge

Greatest sounding Sonos speaker

$549

Because the flagship desk speaker in Sonos’ lineup, the Sonos 5 offers very good sound high quality that outperforms every other sensible speaker in its value vary. It additionally has an auxiliary enter for enjoying different audio sources by your Sonos system.

What the Sonos 5 lacks in smarts (there are not any built-in mics on this product), it makes up for with pristine sound. Excluding soundbars, the Sonos 5 is Sonos’ largest, strongest speaker. Play a few of your favourite tracks by the 5, and also you’ll rapidly come to grasp why it ranks above the remainder of the lineup in audio constancy, element, and total efficiency. It’s among the many best possible standalone audio system in the marketplace at its value level and can outclass any HomePod, Echo, or Nest Audio speaker you take a look at alongside it. Pair two of them collectively in stereo, and your music will sound chic; a pair of Fives may also be used as rear surrounds, although there are extra inexpensive choices for that state of affairs.

It additionally outperforms the Period 300 — at the very least relating to stereo playback. The newer speaker has a singular benefit with spatial audio music; the 5 isn’t able to taking part in Atmos mixes because it’s a standard, stereo unit. However it nonetheless sounds higher total and particularly whenever you crank the amount. For those who care about lossless audio and getting the best stage of constancy out of your Sonos system, that is the corporate’s best possible choice.

The Sonos 5 presents the most effective sound high quality of the corporate’s whole speaker lineup. Picture: Sonos

Except for its highly effective, enveloping sound, the 5 has one comparatively distinctive {hardware} function among the many Sonos lineup: there’s a 3.5mm aux enter that can be utilized for plugging in a file participant or one other audio system of your selecting. The one different Sonos gadgets with line-in performance are the Amp and Port. 

Greatest moveable Sonos speaker

$399

The Sonos Transfer is a big wi-fi speaker you could simply transfer round the home or to the yard for a celebration. The built-in deal with makes it simpler to hold, and when away from Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to take heed to the Transfer in Bluetooth mode.

Sonos’ unique Bluetooth speaker isn’t “moveable” in the identical sense because the a lot smaller Roam, but it surely’s simple sufficient to lug round totally different rooms of your house or haul out to the yard for a celebration. It’s a hefty little factor at 6.6 kilos, however at the very least there’s a deal with molded into the again of the speaker for simpler carrying. 

Sonos advertises as much as 10 hours of steady playback when the Transfer is off its wi-fi charging base. Like the corporate’s different audio system, you’ll be able to stream music over Wi-Fi utilizing the Sonos app. However with the Transfer, you may as well flip the change on the again to Bluetooth mode and pair a telephone, laptop computer, or every other audio supply to pay attention that manner. 

The wi-fi Sonos Transfer can go wherever you want it and sounds even higher than the One. Photograph by Dan Seifert / The Verge

Sound-wise, the Transfer may very effectively be Sonos’ greatest speaker greenback for greenback. It’s fuller and bassier than the outgoing Sonos One, which may’t be used unplugged, and is greater than highly effective sufficient to fill an outside patio space with sound. The Period 100’s change to stereo places it above the Transfer for me; it’s acquired higher readability and sounds extra dynamic in consequence. However with the Transfer, you’re nonetheless getting excellent audio and complete freedom for the place you place it. And better of all, Sonos’ moveable audio system have computerized Trueplay, that means they use their very own built-in mics to supply the very best audio for no matter surroundings you’re utilizing them in. Every time the Transfer (or Roam) is picked up and put someplace new, this course of mechanically occurs within the background whilst you pay attention. One final thing: Sonos has made efforts to assist the Transfer final lengthy into the longer term by providing a battery substitute equipment that may be bought when the included battery now not holds a passable cost.

Learn my full overview of the Sonos Transfer.

Greatest Sonos speaker for journey

$179

The tiny, moveable Sonos Roam can be utilized like several Bluetooth speaker whenever you’re on the go. However at dwelling, it performs music over Wi-Fi like different Sonos merchandise. The built-in mics make it simple to make use of Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Sonos Voice Management.

The Sonos Roam is a small, light-weight Bluetooth speaker that’s simple to toss into your bag and convey wherever or journey with. It additionally makes for an awesome toilet speaker and may be positioned all through the house in areas that is likely to be missing audio protection out of your different Sonos gadgets. When used round the home, the Roam will play music over Wi-Fi identical to your different Sonos audio system — and it has built-in mics for voice controls. Take it on the street, and it really works like several Bluetooth speaker. And in case you occur to personal a turntable that helps Bluetooth, you’ll be able to play your vinyl assortment throughout your whole Sonos system by pairing the turntable with the Roam.

The Sonos Roam is way extra moveable than the Transfer and is straightforward to take wherever. Photograph by Chris Welch / The Verge

You possibly can solely count on a lot from the tiny Roam by way of sound high quality. It outputs clear, detailed audio and may fill small rooms, however the bass and total presence are not any match for one thing just like the Sonos Transfer or the Period 100. You possibly can at all times hyperlink two Roams collectively for a extra immersive stereo listening expertise. 

Learn my full overview of the Sonos Roam.

Greatest Sonos speaker for spatial audio

$449

The hourglass-shaped Sonos Period 300 is designed from the bottom up for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. It helps the identical Bluetooth and line-in options because the Period 100. For those who pair two 300s along with an Arc or Beam (Ge 2), you may get actually immersive dwelling theater encompass sound.

The Sonos Period 300 is a promising glimpse into the way forward for music. With six drivers inside (together with an upward-firing speaker), it’s constructed to showcase spatial audio. Discover the suitable Dolby Atmos observe from Apple Music or Amazon Music and it may be a mind-blowing expertise: you’ll actually really feel like music is coming from past the speaker’s comparatively small footprint. The Period 300 bounces hold forth your partitions and ceiling to intensify immersion and provides songs extra dimensionality.

It’s a secure guess that the Period 300 doesn’t appear to be every other speaker you personal. Photograph by Chris Welch / The Verge

The Period 300 can be the one Sonos speaker that may ship full Dolby Atmos audio — together with peak results — whenever you use a stereo pair as rear surrounds for an Arc or Beam (Gen 2) soundbar. For those who’re a house theater fanatic, that perk alone may very well be sufficient to decide on this speaker over the Sonos One SL, which might in any other case be my suggestion for rear surrounds.

However we’re nonetheless within the early days of spatial audio from streaming music companies, and the standard of Atmos mixes can range wildly from album to album. If you wish to expertise the most effective of what’s on the market, the Period 300 is a worthwhile funding. However in case you’re nonetheless largely listening to stereo in 2023, the 5 stays the way in which to go.

Learn my full overview of the Sonos Period 300.

Greatest Sonos soundbar

$899

The Sonos Arc is the corporate’s flagship soundbar, providing a plethora of drivers together with upward-firing Dolby Atmos audio system. This soundbar offers immersive, highly effective sound, whether or not you’re watching motion pictures or having fun with music.

At $899, the Sonos Arc soundbar doesn’t come low cost. However this Dolby Atmos soundbar is a real powerhouse that may deliver out probably the most from the newest Hollywood blockbusters or your Netflix streams. With 11 drivers in all (together with two up-firing peak audio system), the Arc delivers actually immersive dwelling theater audio. The corporate has continued to enhance its flagship soundbar with firmware updates which have targeted on clearer dialogue and different enhancements. 

The Sonos Arc is among the many best possible, most immersive soundbars in the marketplace as we speak. Photograph by Chris Welch / The Verge

The Arc contains mics for voice assistants and sensible speaker performance, however you’ll be able to optionally buy the Arc SL from Costco in case you’d choose to go with out them. For those who’re severe about your house theater system and wish the most effective, strongest soundbar that Sonos presents, the Arc is the transfer. You’ll rapidly recover from the steep value when you hear it.

Learn my full overview of the Sonos Arc.

Greatest price range Sonos soundbar with Dolby Atmos

$499

The newest Sonos Beam matches into the center of Sonos’ soundbar lineup. It helps Dolby Atmos by virtualized encompass sound and presents eARC compatibility with newer TVs.

Stepping right down to the mid-level Sonos Beam doesn’t imply you’ll be settling for lackluster sound. Whereas it lacks correct up-firing peak audio system for Dolby Atmos content material, the second-gen Beam does a formidable job of virtualizing these channels in a manner that’s convincing to your ears — particularly in small- to mid-size rooms. The inclusion of eARC means you don’t have to fret about any lip sync points when watching motion pictures or audio delay whereas gaming.

The Sonos Beam soundbar is a superb choice for getting Dolby Atmos with out breaking the financial institution. Photograph by Chris Welch / The Verge

Whereas the second-gen Beam is analogous in measurement and weight to the primary, it incorporates a perforated plastic grille as a substitute of the hard-to-clean material of the unique mannequin. And priced at $449, it’s actually simpler in your pockets than the flagship Arc.

Learn my full overview of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).

Greatest Sonos soundbar for a bed room

$279

The Ray is Sonos’ entry-level soundbar that’s greatest for bedrooms and smaller residences. It solely connects to TVs by way of optical cable, thus lacking out on HDMI-CEC performance. However regardless of its cheaper value and lowered measurement, the Ray nonetheless produces balanced, dynamic sound that beats any TV audio system.

With its optical-only design and no HDMI connection, the entry-level Sonos Ray is greatest fitted to smaller rooms or secondary TVs. You don’t get any Dolby Atmos assist with this $279 soundbar, and it doesn’t have a devoted middle channel for dialogue. Nonetheless, the Ray offers balanced, crisp audio and surprisingly huge sound for its comparatively small measurement.

In order for you a soundbar for the bed room or a smaller house, the entry-level Sonos Ray makes a number of sense. Photograph by Chris Welch / The Verge

Bass output is restricted in comparison with Sonos’ pricier soundbars, however in case you’re searching for a easy answer that sounds good for each motion pictures and music, the Ray isn’t a nasty buy. I’d advocate saving a bit extra for the Beam when you have any plans to construct out your house theater system with extra Sonos audio system, nonetheless. 

Learn my full overview of the Sonos Ray.

Greatest Sonos subwoofer

$799

Sonos’ premium Sub subwoofer can add a brand new stage of depth and highly effective bass response to your house theater setup. It’s appropriate with all Sonos soundbars and lots of audio system, together with the Sonos One and Sonos 5.

If you wish to unleash the complete potential of any Sonos dwelling theater setup, the Sub is a necessary piece of equipment. It’s acquired loads of increase and floor-shaking energy (if you would like it) for these blockbuster motion sequences, and the Sub additionally provides one other layer of depth whenever you’re taking part in music by your system. 

The Sub can both be positioned upright or laid flat on the ground; you’ll be able to conveniently disguise it beneath a sofa, which may’t be mentioned of the cylindrical Sub Mini. However there’s no denying that the most effective low-end rumble that Sonos presents comes at a stiff premium: the Sub prices $799, and gross sales on the subwoofer are uncommon to come back by. 

Greatest price range Sonos subwoofer

$429

It might probably’t totally match the loudness and sheer energy of the flagship Sub, however the extra compact Sub Mini nonetheless kicks out loads of increase that may make you are feeling the low-end bass out of your sofa.

The Sub Mini can’t totally match the loudness of the full-size Sub, but it surely will get you surprisingly shut — and for considerably much less cash. It’s additionally arguably extra trendy, buying and selling the dust-magnet shiny end for a matte design. The Sub Mini’s lowered measurement makes it simple to position discreetly someplace close to your TV with out calling a lot consideration to the {hardware} itself.

Learn my full overview of the Sonos Sub Mini.

Most trendy Sonos speaker

Ikea’s Symfonisk Image Body Speaker conceals a great-sounding Sonos speaker behind a chunk of artwork. It’s a superb selection for individuals who don’t like the way in which most audio system look.

The Symfonisk bookshelf speaker is a superb deal, but it surely nonetheless appears to be like like a speaker. For those who’re trying to camouflage tech in your house in order that it blends in with different decor, that’s the place the Symfonisk image body speaker shines. When mounted in your wall, it appears to be like like a chunk of art work — albeit with an influence wire popping out of the underside. For those who don’t love the default sample, Ikea sells a rotating number of substitute artwork panels, together with these colourful limited-edition ones.

Not everybody likes devices clashing with their dwelling decor, and the Symfonisk Image Body Speaker is a superb choice for them. Photograph by Chris Welch / The Verge

Behind the entrance piece of artwork are Sonos drivers and waveguides that assist distribute sound from the image body speaker all through a room. There are numerous prospects and potential use instances for this factor: you’ll be able to mount two image body audio system collectively on the identical wall for encompass sound with any Sonos soundbar. And when the TV’s off, they match into the room higher than any conventional speaker can.

Learn my full overview of the Symfonisk Image Body speaker.

One of the best time to purchase Sonos merchandise

One unlucky factor about Sonos gear is that it hardly ever goes on sale. Sometimes the corporate will low cost some merchandise, however if you wish to lower your expenses, your greatest guess is to buy the Sonos licensed refurbished retailer. I additionally advocate checking your closest Greatest Purchase(s) for open field audio system; you’ll be able to land some wonderful offers this fashion, and the merchandise typically look model new.

Is it price shopping for older Sonos audio system?

Usually, I counsel folks to stay to the present lineup of Sonos {hardware}. However there are exceptions. For instance, the second-generation Play:5 and Sonos 5 sound similar and supply the very same options. The newer mannequin has extra processing energy, however that’s not going to matter to your ears, is it? If you will discover the older speaker for the suitable value, go for it. You may also wish to search out previous merchandise in case you’re attempting to kind a stereo pair. However relating to different gadgets just like the Beam soundbar, the second-gen mannequin presents considerably higher sound. There’s ample motive to select the newest revision.

What concerning the Amp and Port?

If you wish to retrofit your present passive audio system and convey them into your whole-home Sonos system, that’s the place the $699 Amp is available in. Sonos additionally sells the cheaper $449 Port you could hyperlink to a receiver or different audio gear for a similar finish consequence. The massive distinction between them is energy: the Amp presents 125 watts per channel, so it’s capable of energy floor-standing or bookshelf audio system that lack their very own amplification.

Sonos and privateness

Whereas Sonos presents a number of voice-enabled sensible audio system, the corporate could be very privateness acutely aware. The brand new Period 300 and 100 each embrace two methods of turning off the built-in microphones: there’s a button on high that briefly mutes them, and if you wish to totally disable the mics, there’s a bodily change on the again of every speaker for doing so. Sonos additionally sells “SL” fashions of its Arc soundbar (a Costco unique), Sonos One, and Roam that don’t embrace microphones. When utilizing Sonos Voice Management, all requests are processed regionally on-device and never despatched to the cloud.