Here at WIRED, we like Sonos audio system. We actually do. Throughout the previous decade, we’ve reviewed all the firm’s wirelessly connectable audio system, from its small shelf audio system to its TV soundbars, and we have beneficial each one in all them. But turning your own home right into a Sonos-powered shrine to sound is not low-cost. Like Apple merchandise, Sonos audio system promote at a premium, beginning at $120 for a primary bookshelf speaker. But which of them do you have to purchase? Read on for our suggestions.
Updated December 2022: We’ve added the Sonos Ray Soundbar and the Sonos Sub Mini subwoofer and up to date pricing and retailers.
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Best Overall Sonos Speaker
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is simply concerning the smallest Sonos speaker, nevertheless it packs sufficient oomph to fill most rooms. Compared to its predecessor, the Gen 2 mannequin has a sooner processor and extra reminiscence. So it not solely sounds higher, it will additionally last more—which implies you will not have to fret about upgrading it for some time.
We suggest different Sonos audio system on this information, however you can also’t go improper by simply getting extra Sonos Ones to refill your home. Their hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant integration additionally makes them much more versatile. They can play music, inform you the climate, discover a recipe, and reply easy questions, like every of our different favourite sensible audio system. They additionally work with Siri by way of AirPlay 2. They’re way more reasonably priced than different Sonos audio system too, and their small dimension means you possibly can disguise them in nearly any room.
It’s practically an identical to the One however would not have microphones, so you possibly can solely management it out of your cellphone or the contact buttons on it (and you do not have to fret about somebody listening in to your own home). The SL can be a great way so as to add extra satellite tv for pc audio system to your own home. And in order for you a speaker that may actually belt it out, the Sonos Five ($549) sounds implausible and is mic-less.
Best Speakers to Fill Out a Room
Earlier this yr, Sonos reunited with Ikea to launch a second-generation model of its bookshelf speaker. At $120, it is a bit pricier than its $99 predecessor, nevertheless it does include a number of upgrades, together with a rise in reminiscence and a sooner processor. We have but to check this mannequin, however we did just like the first-generation model.
Looks apart, it sounds nearly nearly as good as a Sonos One. You can mount it proper to your wall or stand it upright on a bookshelf or desk. And if you wish to community a number of audio system collectively for a bigger room, or related rooms, that is the most cost effective approach to do it. It would not instantly take audio instructions, as a result of it has no mic, so you may want a Sonos One, Google speaker, or Alexa speaker that you would be able to yell at if you wish to management it together with your voice. Other than that, it does the whole lot you’d need a Sonos to do.
Sonos and Ikea additionally launched a brand new model of their distinctive desk lamp. There is a white model, a black model, and a $169 model with a textile mild shade. It provides enhanced sound and is extra customizable this time round, with swappable shades. The first mannequin, which you’ll be able to examine in our twin overview, sounded nice. We have excessive hopes for the brand new model. Finally, if wall artwork is extra your fashion, Ikea provides the Symfonisk Picture Frame with a built-in Sonos Wi-Fi Speaker for $249. We are at present testing the desk lamp and will replace this information with our ideas quickly.
Best Portable Speaker With Bluetooth
The Sonos Roam (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the corporate’s smallest and most moveable speaker. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity (it is one in all our favourite Bluetooth audio system), you possibly can simply throw it right into a tote bag and play music on the go. Using the Sonos app, out there for Android and iPhone, you even have the power to stream from main providers like Spotify, Apple Music (with help for AirPlay 2), Tidal, and extra. And you possibly can management the speaker by way of voice instructions utilizing Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
It could not provide audiophile-approved sound for its stature, nevertheless it’s nonetheless pretty spectacular. The dual-driver system, subwoofer, and tweeter work in tandem to offer a daring bass and clear highs—with zero distortion when the quantity is cranked up. And with as much as 10 hours of listening, it will final you a full seaside day—and then some.
The Sonos Move is a much bigger moveable speaker with higher sound. It packs Bluetooth connectivity, 11 hours of battery life, and onboard microphones that adapt its sound to the setting, plus it is water resistant. Can’t resolve between the Roam and Move? You should purchase each of them for $578 at Sonos.
Best Sonos Soundbar (for Most)
As with the unique Beam (8/10, WIRED Recommends), the second-generation Beam delivers spectacular sound and has a smooth design. In phrases of upgrades, it has a sooner processor, help for Dolby Atmos (with appropriate TVs and streaming apps) for enhanced sound, and an HDMI eARC port for higher-definition audio. You’ll additionally get hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant, and it really works with Airplay 2. You can pair it with a Sonos Sub (an costly subwoofer) and two different Sonos audio system for {surround}.
Sonos tweaked the design too, including a polycarbonate grille to the entrance as a substitute of a cloth cowl as seen on the Gen 1 mannequin. That’s presupposed to make it simpler to mix in together with your inside decor. It’s $50 greater than the earlier mannequin, which is not that way more costly than the already costly soundbar. For non-Sonos alternate options, learn our Best Soundbars information.
Sonos sub speaker gen 3Photograph: Sonos
The commonplace Sonos Sub will value you $749 at Sonos or Target. It’s excellent however costly. If you’re working with a smaller area, the more cost effective Sonos Sub Mini is $429 at Sonos (Target). Don’t hassle shopping for {surround} audio system till you personal a Sub, although. It will make a profound distinction.
Best Small Soundbar
If you could have an house or a smaller room, or are simply getting began within the soundbar division, the Sonos Ray (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a stable choice for you. The Ray is available in a compact body, however don’t let that idiot you. The soundbar produces clear, crisp sound that simply fills your area with zooms and booms, quiet conversations, and another moments you wouldn’t wish to miss in your favourite films and exhibits. Plus, with adjustable settings within the Sonos app, you possibly can configure your superb listening expertise for each track in your favourite album.
This small soundbar simply matches on leisure facilities and dressers, or you possibly can mount it in your wall to release as a lot valuable area as attainable.
Wanna take it to the following degree? You can pair the Ray with the Sonos Sub Mini to spherical out the sound in your room. The Sub Mini is wi-fi (apart from an influence twine), so it connects seamlessly to your present system via the Sonos app. This subwoofer is $429 at Sonos and Target.
Best for Big Home Theaters
A soundbar could make all of the distinction in a house theater, and they value loads lower than a full surround-sound setup. And when you’re searching for one which’s actually highly effective, the Sonos Arc (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the way in which to go. It has full Dolby Atmos help, and in lots of rooms, it could actually bounce hold forth your partitions and ceiling nicely sufficient that it seems like you could have a {surround} setup.
With three tweeters and eight mid-woofers, it delivers deep bass and has extra steadiness and depth than the Beam. It’s additionally loads longer, stretching 45 inches, or concerning the width of a 55-inch TV. Its design is elegant and understated within the traditional Sonos approach—you will not at all times discover the bar, however while you do, it is not an eyesore in any respect.
