There’s the Sonos One, the One SL, and the Five. The Arc and the Beam. Yes, the Sonos product line is flexible and diverse, and just about anyone can find a solution for their needs. But with plenty of options also comes the paradox of choice — Where do you start? What Sonos speakers are best for you? What’s the difference?
If you’re asking yourself those questions, you’ve come to the right place. We put this guide together to demystify and simplify Sonos, and bring you closer to delivering beautiful, wireless music in every room in your home.
Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at Sonos and wireless multi-room audio.
What is Sonos?
Sonos is a multi-room wireless streaming system. Let’s take that one step at a time. A Sonos “system” consists of a streaming device, amplifier, and speaker, all contained within one unit, like the Sonos One speaker or Arc soundbar. You plug the speaker into a wall power outlet, download the free Sonos app onto your smartphone, iPad, or computer, and Sonos will walk you through setup, step-by-step so that you’re off and running in no time. Every Sonos product connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, so you can play your music wirelessly from a music streaming service like Spotify or TIDAL, or from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
When you add more than one Sonos speaker to your home, you can play a different song in each room or listen to the same one throughout the house, which is where “multi-room” comes in. From small and compact for a kitchen or bathroom to larger and versatile speakers for a home theater surround sound, all are designed to deliver big, room-filling audio anywhere you put them. (Sonos speakers will even optimize it based on your room’s acoustics, thanks to the easy to use, built-in audio calibration technology called TruePlay.)
What is music streaming?
Instead of buying music song by song, wireless streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Qobuz, or TIDAL give you instant access to almost any song or album recorded, ever, via a monthly or annual subscription of about $15 (or roughly the price of one CD). You don’t own the music; you are listening to it, continuously streaming over your Wi-Fi and into a pair of Sonos speakers. This is very different from Bluetooth, where you are transmitting the music from your phone (and as a result, every alert and sound your phone makes, too). With Sonos, the music continues (even if you get a phone call) and does not drain your phone’s battery.
Our Top Pick
Top 10 Sonos Speakers
10 Best Sonos Speakers Review
- Powered by a 47% faster processor, the next-gen dual-tweeter acoustic architecture produces detailed stereo separation while a 25% larger midwoofer deepens the bass
- Place this speaker anywhere and everywhere you want to listen. The compact design fits beautifully on your bookshelf, kitchen counter, desk, or nightstand
- Go from unboxing to unbelievable sound in just a few minutes. Simply plug in the power cable, connect your phone or tablet to WiFi, and open the Sonos app.
- Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter
- With a tap in the Sonos app, Trueplay tuning technology analyses the unique acoustics of your space and optimises the speaker’s EQ. So all your content sounds just the way it should.
- Featuring six optimally positioned drivers all around the front, sides, and top to support Dolby Atmos Music, the breakthrough acoustic design projects sound from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, immersing you in every dimension of the song
- No matter where you are or what you play, the listening experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Custom waveguides disperse sound right, left, forward, and above, creating a sensationally spacious stereo soundstage you can enjoy all around the room
- Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter
- Experience mind-bending multichannel surround sound when you pair two speakers with Sonos Arc or Beam (Gen 2). Supercharged by Dolby Atmos, the lateral and overhead channels in each product create an all-encompassing soundstage to envelop you in the story
- With a tap in the Sonos app, Trueplay tuning technology analyses the unique acoustics of your space and optimises the speaker’s EQ. So all your content sounds just the way it should.
- Powered by a 47% faster processor, the next-gen dual-tweeter acoustic architecture produces detailed stereo separation while a 25% larger midwoofer deepens the bass
- Place this speaker anywhere and everywhere you want to listen. The compact design fits beautifully on your bookshelf, kitchen counter, desk, or nightstand
- Go from unboxing to unbelievable sound in just a few minutes. Simply plug in the power cable, connect your phone or tablet to WiFi, and open the Sonos app.
- Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter
- With a tap in the Sonos app, Trueplay tuning technology analyses the unique acoustics of your space and optimises the speaker’s EQ. So all your content sounds just the way it should.
- All-new Sonos Five - Experience vividly clear, room-filling sound for music and more with Five, tuned by renowned producer Giles Martin. Enjoy control with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and more
- Deep bass - Five's unrivalled acoustic design features 3 high-excursion woofers within a sealed architecture that eliminates reverb and echo
- Ultra-wide soundstage - 2 precisely-angled side tweeters create spatial extension and rich stereo sound, while a center tweeter optimizes vocal playback
- Smart stereo sound - Place a single speaker horizontally for stereo sound. Pair 2 speakers in an upright position and each automatically adjusts to mono for more detailed stereo separation and an even wider soundstage
- Note- Voice services not available in your region.
- Featuring six optimally positioned drivers all around the front, sides, and top to support Dolby Atmos Music, the breakthrough acoustic design projects sound from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, immersing you in every dimension of the song
- No matter where you are or what you play, the listening experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Custom waveguides disperse sound right, left, forward, and above, creating a sensationally spacious stereo soundstage you can enjoy all around the room
- Stream from all your favorite services over WiFi. Pair a Bluetooth device with the press of a button. Connect a turntable or other audio source using an auxiliary cable and the Sonos Line-In Adapter
- Experience mind-bending multichannel surround sound when you pair two speakers with Sonos Arc or Beam (Gen 2). Supercharged by Dolby Atmos, the lateral and overhead channels in each product create an all-encompassing soundstage to envelop you in the story
- With a tap in the Sonos app, Trueplay tuning technology analyses the unique acoustics of your space and optimises the speaker’s EQ. So all your content sounds just the way it should.
- All-new Sonos Sub - Hear and feel the difference with Sub, the wireless subwoofer for deep bass.
- No buzz, just bass - 2 force-canceling drivers at the center of Sub eliminate vibration and rattle so you get powerful bass without any distortion.
- Made to be seen and heard - The award-winning and versatile design features a slim, sculptural shape and high-gloss finish. Stand Sub upright or lay it on its side.
- Lower lows and higher highs - Sub takes over the lowest frequencies, enhancing the midrange playback from paired speakers so you experience fuller, more detailed sound.
- Note- Voice services not available in your region.
- All-new Sonos Arc - Bring all your entertainment to life with the brilliantly realistic sound of Arc, featuring Dolby Atmos. Enjoy control with your TV remote, voice, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and more
- 3D sound with Dolby Atmos - Experience shows, movies, and games with the precise and immersive sound of Dolby Atmos
- Tuned to perfection - Enhanced Trueplay tuning technology optimizes the sound for the unique acoustics of the room
- Immerse yourself in the music - Stream music, radio, podcasts, and more from your favorite services with the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2 when the TV is off
- Note- Voice services not available in your region.
- All-new Sonos Five - Experience vividly clear, room-filling sound for music and more with Five, tuned by renowned producer Giles Martin. Enjoy control with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and more
- Deep bass - Five's unrivalled acoustic design features three high-excursion woofers within a sealed architecture that eliminates reverb and echo
- Ultra-wide soundstage - 2 precisely-angled side tweeters create spatial extension and rich stereo sound, while a center tweeter optimizes vocal playback
- Smart stereo sound - Place a single speaker horizontally for stereo sound. Pair 2 speakers in an upright position and each automatically adjusts to mono for more detailed stereo separation and an even wider soundstage
- Note- Voice services not available in your region.
- Note- Voice services are not available in your region.
- The compact smart soundbar for TV, music, and more. Enjoy the panoramic sound and crystal-clear dialogue for shows, movies, and games.
- Effortlessly enrich your entertainment experience with the latest generation of Beam, now with Dolby Atmos. When the TV is off, stream music and more from all your favorite services. Control is easy with the Sonos app AirPlay 2.
- Dolby Atmos maps sounds in space for a 3D effect so you experience planes as if they’re flying overhead, hear footsteps moving across the room, and feel the score all around you. The new precision-perforated grille enhances the sleek design and blends seamlessly into your home, whether you place Beam on furniture or mount it on it.
- A 40% faster chip pushes the sonic boundaries for a soundbar of this size, creating two new audio paths for a virtual surround sound experience.
- The new precision-perforated grille enhances the sleek design and blends seamlessly into your home, whether you place Beam on furniture or mount it on it.
- More sound all around—Engineered to deliver true 360° sound for consistent, uniform coverage. SoundLink Revolve+ II plays louder and deeper with longer battery life than SoundLink Revolve II
- Durable portable speaker—SoundLink Revolve+ II is water and dust resistant (IP55 rating), so you can keep the music playing even if it starts to rain. Plus, it’s easy to grab and go, with a flexible fabric handle
- Improved battery life—With up to 17 hours from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you get more play time than with the original SoundLink Revolve+ speaker. Charging is easy via the Micro-B USB port
- Built-in microphone—Take calls and access your device’s default voice assistant right from the speaker. Or connect the speaker to an Amazon-Alexa-enabled device, like the Echo Dot, for even more hands-free control of your music.
- Connecting is easy—Voice prompts talk you through pairing your device to this Bluetooth speaker. Multi-connect lets you pair two devices at one time and easily switch between them for complete control of the music.
Home Theater System Buying Guide
So, to recap, a complete all-in-one system designed for home theaters will combine an amplifier and speakers in the same package.
A few years ago, an all-in-one system was a different beast than it is today.
Previously, a system would often include an amplifier, a DVD player and surround speakers. All in a single package. This was often called home-theater-in-a-box.
However, times change, and this type of system isn’t very common now. You may still see some budget home theater models around. But I wouldn’t recommend these for great home theater sound.
I think you should spend your hard-earned money on something better.
At present the main choice is between two types of system:
- All-in-one home theater systems: these come with some form of an amplifier and a complete set of surround sound speakers and subwoofer.
- Soundbar systems: all the speakers are built into a single, stylish, and compact unit that you install under (or over) your TV. Some of these have separate surround speakers and a subwoofer to install around your room. Most have all the speakers contained in one box.
So, the first choice you need to make is, do you want a more traditional all-in-one system – or a soundbar system?
So, what are some of the points to look out for?
Do I Need to Buy an Amplifier or Speakers?
Every complete system will include these.
The main advantage of an all-in-one system is that you will be getting an amplifier and speakers designed to work well together.
You don’t need to worry about matching the speakers with the amplifier. And, you don’t need to be concerned with many of the technical details which confuse many people.
A complete package will usually include all the extras required to get it all up and running. Like speaker wire, for example. However, you may want to double-check this, as some may not.
Obviously, if you are buying a wireless system, then speaker wire won’t be an issue!
Also, be careful when you are searching for these systems. You will find all types of products under this category – including complete surround sound speaker packages – with no amplifier included.
Many people get confused about this. They can end up buying a speaker package without realizing that they will need an amplifier to make it all work.
All the systems I mention on this page are complete systems with speakers and amplifiers.
How Do I Choose a Home Theater System?
Before buying a home theater package, think about these issues:
- Type: do you want a more traditional all-in-one surround system – which comes with an amplifier and home theater speakers – or a more modern soundbar system? Also, don’t forget that you could also buy an AV receiver and a separate surround sound speaker package.
- Price: your budget will quickly narrow down your choices. The cheapest home theater system is a simple stereo soundbar. Surround sound is better for movies, but you don’t have to have this. For systems with a bigger price tag, then you will generally get more features, better build quality and improved sound quality. You just need to decide what price bracket will buy the best home theater system for your home.
- Speakers: how many speakers do you want? Do you just want stereo sound? Or a stereo 2.1 system with a subwoofer? From here you can get 3.1, 5.1 surround sound… or more. Dolby Atmos systems have elevated channels for immersive 3D sound. These might be 5.1.2 or 7.1.4.
- Center Speaker: Do you want a system with a dedicated center? This should help speech to be clearer. Or is stereo enough? Most all-in-one systems will have dedicated centers. Some soundbars have a center speaker built into the unit along with the front left and right speakers. Some don’t and are stereo only.
- Surround Sound: do you want a system with dedicated surrounds that you need to install around your living room? Most all-in-one 5.1 systems will have this. Most soundbars will have all the speakers contained in the actual soundbar itself. But some soundbar systems do allow for rear-mounting surround speakers.
- Connections: what external devices do you want to connect to your system? Or, do you just want to hear the sound from your TV? Do you want to connect a Blu-ray player? Or your mobile device via Bluetooth? Also, check how the system connects to your TV. Many soundbars use HDMI ARC – so your TV needs to support this.
- Features: which other options do you need? Bluetooth? Music streaming capabilities? Video streaming services like Netflix or Spotify?
- Wireless: do you want wireless speakers? Some soundbars have a wireless subwoofer and options to add wireless surrounds. Many all-in-one surround sound systems will use wires to connect the speakers. Some don’t.
Conclusion
Sonos has a wide range of quality products that vary in shape, size, and of course, price. Sonos speakers provide the best sounding system with optimum performance. Whether you want a speaker that you can take with you on the go, to connect to a turntable to listen or one for listening to podcasts in the kitchen, there’s a Sonos speaker for you. They can connect with other speakers and are also easy to set up.
Looking for the best Sonos speaker deals? We have covered here in this list the top best Sonos speakers available in the market. We hope you find the best fit for your needs.
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