When it comes to creating an immersive home theater experience, a soundbar is an essential component. Sonos, a renowned brand in the audio industry, offers a range of soundbars that cater to different needs and preferences. With so many options available, choosing the best Sonos soundbar can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of each Sonos soundbar model to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Sonos Soundbars
Before we dive into the specifics of each model, it’s essential to understand what makes Sonos soundbars unique. Sonos is known for its commitment to delivering high-quality audio, and its soundbars are no exception. Here are some key features that set Sonos soundbars apart:
- Wireless connectivity: Sonos soundbars can connect to your TV and other devices wirelessly, making it easy to set up and use.
- Multi-room audio: Sonos soundbars can be integrated with other Sonos speakers to create a multi-room audio system, allowing you to stream music and audio to different rooms in your home.
- Voice control: Sonos soundbars are compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to control your audio experience with voice commands.
Sonos Soundbar Models
Sonos offers three soundbar models: the Sonos Beam, Sonos Playbar, and Sonos Playbase. Each model has its unique features, pros, and cons.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is the smallest and most affordable Sonos soundbar. It’s designed for smaller rooms and is perfect for those who want a compact soundbar that won’t take up too much space.
- Key features:
- Compact design (25.6 inches wide, 2.7 inches high, and 4.3 inches deep)
- Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
- Multi-room audio capability
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- HDMI input with ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- Pros:
- Compact design makes it perfect for small rooms
- Affordable price point (starts at $399)
- Easy to set up and use
- Cons:
- Limited bass response
- No Dolby Atmos support
Sonos Playbar
The Sonos Playbar is a mid-range soundbar that offers better sound quality and more features than the Sonos Beam.
- Key features:
- Sleek design (35.4 inches wide, 2.7 inches high, and 5.5 inches deep)
- Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Ethernet)
- Multi-room audio capability
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Optical input with ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- Supports Dolby Digital 5.1
- Pros:
- Better sound quality than the Sonos Beam
- Supports Dolby Digital 5.1
- Easy to set up and use
- Cons:
- No HDMI input
- No Dolby Atmos support
Sonos Playbase
The Sonos Playbase is a high-end soundbar that offers the best sound quality and most features among the three models.
- Key features:
- Sleek design (28.6 inches wide, 2.3 inches high, and 14.2 inches deep)
- Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Ethernet)
- Multi-room audio capability
- Voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- HDMI input with ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- Supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Atmos
- Pros:
- Best sound quality among the three models
- Supports Dolby Atmos
- Easy to set up and use
- Cons:
- Most expensive option (starts at $699)
- Large design may not fit under some TVs
Comparison Table
| Model | Sonos Beam | Sonos Playbar | Sonos Playbase |
| — | — | — | — |
| Price | $399 | $699 | $699 |
| Design | Compact (25.6 inches wide) | Sleek (35.4 inches wide) | Sleek (28.6 inches wide) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Wi-Fi and Ethernet |
| Multi-room Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos Support | No | No | Yes |
Which Sonos Soundbar is Best for You?
Choosing the best Sonos soundbar depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Room size: If you have a small room, the Sonos Beam may be the best option. For larger rooms, the Sonos Playbar or Playbase may be more suitable.
- Budget: If you’re on a tight budget, the Sonos Beam is the most affordable option. If you’re willing to spend more, the Sonos Playbar or Playbase may offer better sound quality and more features.
- Sound quality: If you’re looking for the best sound quality, the Sonos Playbase is the top choice. If you’re willing to compromise on sound quality, the Sonos Beam or Playbar may be a better option.
- Dolby Atmos support: If you want Dolby Atmos support, the Sonos Playbase is the only option.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Sonos soundbar can be overwhelming, but by considering your specific needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision. The Sonos Beam is perfect for small rooms and those on a tight budget, while the Sonos Playbar offers better sound quality and more features. The Sonos Playbase is the top choice for those who want the best sound quality and Dolby Atmos support. Whichever model you choose, you can be sure that you’ll get a high-quality soundbar that will enhance your home theater experience.
What is the main difference between Sonos soundbars?
The main difference between Sonos soundbars lies in their design, features, and price points. The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar ideal for smaller rooms, while the Sonos Playbar is a larger soundbar suitable for bigger rooms. The Sonos Arc is a premium soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos and has a more immersive sound experience.
When choosing a Sonos soundbar, consider the size of your room, your budget, and the type of content you’ll be watching. If you have a small room and a limited budget, the Sonos Beam may be the best option. If you have a larger room and want a more immersive sound experience, the Sonos Arc may be the better choice.
Which Sonos soundbar is best for a small room?
The Sonos Beam is the best soundbar for a small room. It’s compact design and affordable price make it an ideal choice for smaller spaces. The Sonos Beam also has a built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your TV and other smart devices with your voice.
In addition to its compact design, the Sonos Beam also has a surprisingly good sound quality. It’s able to produce clear and balanced sound, making it perfect for watching TV or streaming music. The Sonos Beam also has an HDMI port, making it easy to connect to your TV.
Which Sonos soundbar supports Dolby Atmos?
The Sonos Arc is the only Sonos soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a type of audio technology that provides a more immersive sound experience. It allows sound to come from above and below, creating a more realistic sound experience.
The Sonos Arc has 11 speakers, including two that are angled upwards to bounce sound off the ceiling. This creates a more immersive sound experience, making you feel like you’re part of the action. The Sonos Arc also has a more powerful amplifier, allowing it to produce deeper bass and clearer sound.
Can I use a Sonos soundbar with my existing TV?
Yes, you can use a Sonos soundbar with your existing TV. Sonos soundbars have an HDMI port, making it easy to connect to your TV. You can also connect your Sonos soundbar to your TV using an optical cable.
When connecting your Sonos soundbar to your TV, make sure to set the TV’s audio output to the correct setting. This will ensure that the sound is sent to the Sonos soundbar instead of the TV’s built-in speakers. You can also use the Sonos app to adjust the sound settings and customize the sound to your liking.
Can I add a subwoofer to my Sonos soundbar?
Yes, you can add a subwoofer to your Sonos soundbar. Sonos offers a wireless subwoofer that can be paired with any Sonos soundbar. The subwoofer adds deeper bass to the sound, making it more immersive and engaging.
To add a subwoofer to your Sonos soundbar, simply pair it using the Sonos app. The app will guide you through the pairing process, and you’ll be able to adjust the subwoofer’s settings to customize the sound. The subwoofer is wireless, so you can place it anywhere in the room without worrying about cables.
Can I use a Sonos soundbar with my gaming console?
Yes, you can use a Sonos soundbar with your gaming console. Sonos soundbars have an HDMI port, making it easy to connect to your gaming console. You can also connect your Sonos soundbar to your gaming console using an optical cable.
When using a Sonos soundbar with your gaming console, make sure to set the console’s audio output to the correct setting. This will ensure that the sound is sent to the Sonos soundbar instead of the TV’s built-in speakers. You can also use the Sonos app to adjust the sound settings and customize the sound to your liking.
Is a Sonos soundbar worth the investment?
A Sonos soundbar is worth the investment if you want a high-quality sound experience for your home theater. Sonos soundbars are known for their clear and balanced sound, making them perfect for watching TV or streaming music.
While Sonos soundbars may be more expensive than other soundbars on the market, they offer a range of features and benefits that make them worth the investment. They’re easy to set up and use, and they can be paired with other Sonos speakers to create a whole-home audio system. Additionally, Sonos soundbars are built to last, with high-quality materials and construction that will withstand years of use.