If you want seamless integration with your home audio system, the best Sonos soundbars are designed to deliver premium audio quality, offering clear sound and deep bass right out of the box. Their compatibility with other Sonos devices allows you to build a multi-room audio experience easily controlled via the Sonos app. However, they might lack some of the advanced sound customization features found in other brands.
In our rigorous, data-driven analysis, three Sonos soundbars earned a spot in our buying guide. We examined over 140 soundbars, certifying products as tested, and analyzed 400,918 reviews. Shockingly, 92% of experts failed our Trust Rating, but our unique approach filtered out fake reviews. This meticulous process ensures that the best soundbar recommendations are based on reliable data. The winning Sonos models stood out for their superior performance and integration capabilities.
How Did We Rank the Best Sonos Soundbars?
To determine the best Sonos soundbar, we meticulously examined testing methodologies across over 200 websites. We explored customer reviews, assessed expert opinions, and analyzed our True Score to provide a comprehensive buying guide. Our analysis pinpointed the most critical criteria for soundbars: 2 essential test results, 2 desirable test outcomes, and 1 must-have specification. This rigorous process ensures you get the most accurate and reliable recommendations for your audio needs. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must be Sonos
? Test Criteria
- Total Harmonic Distortion: A total harmonic distortion (THD) below 1% at 80 decibels to guarantee high-fidelity audio reproduction without unwanted frequencies.
- Volume Output: The volume output exceeds 85 decibels, delivering powerful and immersive sound performance.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Latency: With a latency under 100 milliseconds, it ensures minimal delay in data transmission or audio processing.
- Low-End Roll Off: A low-end roll-off of <45 Hz to ensure there is plenty of thump and rumble in the bass to enhance your music or movie-watching experience.
Latest Updates
- 04/09/2024: Published the list of best Sonos soundbars based on our True Score system.
Top Sonos Soundbars For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
To secure a spot on our list, a Sonos soundbar must meet our stringent criteria for audio performance and quality. If it doesn’t meet these standards, it won’t be featured!
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc delivers Dolby Atmos audio, clear dialogue, and smart connectivity, making it an excellent option for movies, music, and gaming. Its high-frequency clarity and user-friendly features make it a great choice.
True Score
888625Experts
929kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $47$899.00$852.00
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Premium sound quality
- Great voice clarity
- Smart features/connectivity
- Deep bass output
- Loud max volume
Reasons to Avoid
- Mediocre surround sound
- No full EQ
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled No 
Depth 4.56" 
Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes 
Energy Star Certified No Equalizer Settings n/a 
HDMI ARC Yes 
Height 3.43" 
Number of Audio Channels 5.0.2 
Subwoofer Optional (sold separately) 
Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos 
Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa 
Wall Mountable Yes 
Weight 13.8 lbs 
Width 45" 
Wireless Connectivity NFC, Wi-Fi 
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes 
Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 85.99 High End Roll Off (Hz) 17.98k Max Volume Test (db) 91.6 Latency (ms) 25 THD @ 80dB 0.25 All Retailers
- $852.00$899Save $47
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $884.52$899Save $14
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $899.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you enjoy music, movies, and games without the need for deep bass, the Sonos Arc is a great choice for enhancing your home audio experience. While it’s expensive and doesn’t have a subwoofer and speakers like the premium setup, it’s still a great investment due to its high-frequency sound reproduction and low latency, providing a more immersive audio experience than the Beam Gen 2. High-frequency clarity enhances detail for sounds such as speech and instruments, and low latency ensures audio and visual content are synchronized perfectly, enhancing your gaming experience.
If you’re an audiophile who doesn’t need the deepest bass, it’s a fantastic option, given its frequency range. Though the low-end roll-off could be better at 85.99 Hz, it has an unmatched high-end roll-off at 17,984.02 Hz. It can’t produce the richest bass, which feels less immersive, but it’s adept at reproducing the details of high-frequency sounds, such as vocal sibilance and instruments in jazz and acoustic music.
Its Wi-Fi and HDMI ARC capabilities and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant make it a versatile and user-friendly option. The max volume is 91.6 dB, creating loud enough audio, and with a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 0.25, the sound remains undistorted at higher volumes. Its 25 ms latency creates minimal delay, enhancing the experience for gamers and movie buffs.
Thanks to its best-in-class high-frequency sound reproduction, minimal latency, and connectivity options, it’s ideal for those who prioritize clarity and responsiveness in their audio experience. This is an impressive option for tech-savvy people who value a rich soundstage for music, movies, and gaming without the deepest bass.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a good mid-range soundbar with decent volume and clarity. It is ideal for casual listeners and dialogue-heavy content, and its user-friendly features make it a solid choice for everyday experiences.
True Score
878617Experts
9011kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $24$499.00$475.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive sound profile
- Great vocal clarity
- Helpful smart features
Reasons to Avoid
- Subpar surround sound performance
- Limited wireless connectivity
- Lacks bass power
Specifications
Depth 3.9" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Equalizer Settings n/a HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.7" Number of Audio Channels 3 Subwoofer na Surround Sound Supported na Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Wall Mountable Yes Weight 6.3 lbs Width 25.6" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity na Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 57.39 High End Roll Off (Hz) 6.74k Max Volume Test (db) 90.1 Latency (ms) 32 THD @ 80dB 0.43 All Retailers
- $475.00$499Save $24
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $487.00$825Save $338
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $499.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $499.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Our Verdict
If you’re a gamer or podcast listener, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a solid soundbar that blends performance with functionality at a mid-range price, making it a good investment. The Gen 2 provides a more immersive listening experience and Dolby Atmos support than the Gen 1. Though it has a lower max volume and less bass and treble range compared to the Arc setup, the Gen 2’s user-friendly features, sound quality, and price still make it a very good purchase.
Its max volume is decent at 90.1 dB, with a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 0.43. There’s less headroom with a lower max volume, so you won’t get as loud a sound before experiencing distortion. Though the latency of 32 ms is slightly higher than the others, it remains within a range that won’t noticeably affect gaming for most users.
This soundbar will fulfill your needs if you’re a casual listener who likes dialogue-heavy content. Its low-end roll-off at 57.39 Hz could be better, meaning that it can’t deliver rich bass in movies or bass-heavy music, making a less immersive experience. The high-end roll-off is 6,736.40 Hz, so it can’t produce the highest treble like cymbals and vocal sibilance. With Wi-Fi and HDMI ARC, it ensures seamless connectivity with TVs. If you like news channels or podcasts, its dialogue enhancement feature will pair well with your content.
Overall, this is a good option if you want a user-friendly soundbar suitable for games and podcasts. While its frequency range may deter avid audiophiles, it still provides low latency and a good max volume. If you’re a casual listener with small to medium-sized rooms, its overall balance of features and performance makes it a strong choice.
Did you know 92% of soundbar reviewers are
untrustworthy?
Our research found 10 of 122 soundbar reviewers as of July 2024 can be trusted, and shockingly 1 out of 3 on Google Page 1 were fake reviews showing no proof of test claims. See our Expose and Trust List. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.
To do this, we give every soundbar review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Sonos Arc With Sub One Sl Speakers
The Sonos Arc with Sub One SL Speakers is an outstanding setup that offers Dolby Atmos support, low latency, clear dialogue, and room-filling sound with low distortion, ideal for movies, gaming, and bass-heavy music.
True Score
87841Experts
9111kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $14$899.00$884.52Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Astounding Dolby Atmos and surround soundstage is suitable for movies
- Deep extended low bass is great for home theaters
- Built-in Alexa Google Assistant and mobile app
- Super-low audio latency is good for TV shows
- Room correction feature
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks a full graphic EQ
- Lacks a full HDMI In port
Specifications
Depth – Dialogue Enhancement Feature – HDMI ARC – Height – Number of Audio Channels – Subwoofer – Surround Sound Supported – Voice Assistant – Wall Mountable – Weight – Width – Wireless Connectivity Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity – Works With – All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 34.62 High End Roll Off (Hz) 2.67k Max Volume Test (db) 97.6 Latency (ms) 17 THD @ 80dB 0.22 All Retailers
- $884.52$899Save $14
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $899.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $899.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $899.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Our Verdict
Despite the premium price, the Sonos Arc with Sub One SL Speakers provides advanced technologies, superior sound quality, and versatility, making it an outstanding choice for movies, gaming, and bass-heavy music. Unlike the Arc and Beam Gen 2, it uses the power of a subwoofer, ensuring unmatched room-filling sound and bass.
This setup outperforms all other soundbars with a max volume of 97.6 dB, ensuring your audio fills the room without distortion. With an unparalleled Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 0.22, you get undistorted sound quality even when cranking up the volume. Its unmatched low latency of 17 ms makes it the best choice for gaming, preventing the annoying lag between what you see and what you hear.
This soundbar is an outstanding choice if you enjoy bass-heavy music and spoken word content. The Arc’s best-in-class low-end roll-off at 34.62 Hz allows it to reproduce deep bass frequencies, which delivers a richer audio experience. However, the system’s sub-par high-end roll-off at 2,673.34 Hz means that it can’t produce the high frequencies that contribute to the clarity of sounds like cymbals and string instruments.
Though its high-end frequencies aren’t remarkable, it has unmatched latency, best-in-class max volume, and low-end roll-off. The low THD at high volumes guarantees pristine sound quality across all listening levels. This soundbar will provide a premium audio experience if you enjoy movies and bass-heavy music.
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
If you encounter a soundbar not working, it might be a simple fix related to connectivity or settings. For those desiring deep, rich bass, the best soundbar with subwoofer can significantly enhance your audio setup. Gamers might focus on the top gaming soundbar for an immersive experience, while music enthusiasts could benefit from the detailed soundscapes of the best soundbar for music.
For detailed product insights, our Bose Solo Soundbar Series II review provides an overview of its compact, room-filling capabilities. Additionally, outdoor events can be elevated with the best tailgate speakers, offering portability and power. Meanwhile, our Sonos Five review highlights its superior audio fidelity, making it a top choice for audiophiles.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Sonos Soundbars?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these soundbars and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a soundbar that will sound great.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 1 | Yes | The amount of distortion introduced by the soundbar when it processes an audio signal at a given volume (typically 80, 85 or maximum dB output.) |
| Max Volume | > 85 dB | Yes | The maximum volume that a soundbar reaches when it’s output it turned up to 100%. |
| Low End Roll Off | < 45 Hz | No (nice to have) | The point at which bass begins to sharply fall below the target response point on a frequency response graph, making harder to hear. |
| Latency | < 100 ms | No (nice to have) | The time it takes for a soundbar to process audio signal from a source and output it through the speakers. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
(Publication category Score is 80%+)
We looked at 120+ soundbar reviewers and while 10 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Rating above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for soundbars.
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every soundbar review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Soundbars Test Data & Results
1. total harmonic distortion test result
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures the fidelity of soundbars by indicating the percentage of unwanted harmonics added to the original audio. A THD under 1 ensures minimal distortion, critical for preserving audio quality across music, movies and games. This low distortion level enhances clarity, maintains detail, and ensures a high-fidelity listening experience, crucial for understanding dialogues, appreciating music nuances, and immersing in game sounds.
We believe Sonos soundbars should have less than 1% THD because this helps confirm their ability to accurately reproduce a wide range of audio without perceptible distortion. We say “perceptible” because it’s impossible to remove all distortion, but you can reduce it to the point it’s impossible to notice. Low THD also helps improve your comfort by preventing fatigue during extended use, making it an essential for anyone that marathons movies, games or music.
harmonic distortion
< 1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of distortion that exists in an audio signal when it is played back at a target volume.
Units of Measurement: None or %
Tools to Measure: Audio Analyzer
Why It’s Important:
High levels of distortion ruin audio quality. Keeping distortion low helps keep music accurate and high-fidelity.
Total Harmonic Distortion (lower is better)
2. max volume test result
max volume
>85 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The maximum volume that a soundbar is able to hit when the output is turned all the way up.
Units of Measurement: dB (Decibels)
Tools to Measure: Sound level or decibel meter
Why It’s Important:
Max volume is how you ensure you’ve got enough volume to fill large rooms and helps ensure clarity at normal listening levels.
Maximum volume is the easiest aspect of a soundbar to understand: it’s just how loud the soundbar itself will actually get. What’s less clear is why a Sonos soundbar getting loud is so important. While higher max volumes give you the ability the fill rooms with sound or use a soundbar as makeshift party speakers, they’re also responsible for helping ensure that audio stays clear when listening at normal listening levels.
This is commonly referred to as “headroom”, and having enough headroom on a soundbar means that the soundbar is able to play back sounds at a high enough level (and with good enough clarity) that the volume level you’ll normally listen to music, movies or games with will sound perfectly clear and distortion free. We recommend your Sonos soundbar have no less than 85 dB of maximum volume, but getting past 91 dB is ideal, and the higher you go, the better your soundbar is at filling larger and larger rooms.
Max Volume (in dB; higher is better)
3. Low end roll off test result
When it comes to getting the most bass you can out of your soundbar, low-end roll off is a great indicator of just how deep the bass on it can get. If a Sonos soundbar doesn’t have a roll off that starts deep enough into the bass part of the audio spectrum, then it’ll result in quiet or even absent bass, which removes most of the punch and impact of not only music, but also movies and video games. the longer it takes bass to roll off, the better.
When it comes to most soundbars for most use cases, we recommend a roll off that doesn’t start until at least 45 Hz, but it only gets better the further you go down. It’s worth noting that the roll off will only get so low, so don’t expect to find soundbars hitting the teens for roll off, but it isn’t uncommon for very bass-forward options to hit 30 Hz before roll off starts. By aiming for at least 45 Hz, you have a much better chance of getting the deep, rumbling bass you’re looking for out of your music, movies or games.
Low end roll off
< 45 Hz
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The point at which bass begins to sharply decline and becomes rapidly inaudible.
Units of Measurement: Hz (Hertz)
Tools to Measure: Oscilloscope
Why It’s Important:
If bass takes longer to start rolling off, it’ll generally be more present in the audible parts of the audio spectrum put out by a soundbar, giving sound “punch” and “depth.”
Low end roll off (in Hz; lower is better)
4. latency test result
Large amounts of latency create problems when trying to sync up audio and video. While you’ve got a bit of wiggle room with how much of a delay can exist between the audio that comes out of your soundbar and the images on your TV, it’s not a ton. If there’s too much latency the mismatch starts to become obvious, and people start looking like they stopped talking while dialogue is still playing. This is especially concerning for gamers, who rely on audio and video to sync up well enough that the footprints you hear around the corner are accurately getting closer.
It’s for these reasons we recommend a latency less than 100 ms. For most content, this is a low enough delay that any mismatch is going to be largely unnoticed. If you’re a highly competitive gamer and don’t want to do calibration out of the box to line up the A/V, the lowest latency you can find is going to work best. For music and moves, though, 100 ms or less will work great.
latency
< 100 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: Time it takes for the soundbar to process and produce the sound it receives from the source
Units of Measurement: milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Software
Why It’s Important:
Long delays create mismatches between audio and video, which breaks immersion and frustrates gamers.
Latency (in milliseconds; lower is better)
Best Sonos Soundbars: Mistakes To Avoid
- Not Considering Room Size and Layout: One common mistake is not taking into account the size and layout of the room where the soundbar will be used. Different Sonos soundbars have varying capabilities in terms of sound projection and room-filling abilities. Choosing a soundbar that is too small for a large room or too large for a small room can result in suboptimal audio performance. Proper soundbar placement is crucial to maximizing its performance; it should be centered beneath your TV, at ear level, to ensure the sound is directed optimally toward the listening area. For smaller spaces, the best small soundbar can deliver superior audio quality without overwhelming the room, ensuring that even compact environments enjoy a rich and balanced sound.
- Ignoring Compatibility: Another common mistake is ignoring compatibility with existing audio equipment or the devices you plan to use with the soundbar. Ensure that the Sonos soundbar you choose is compatible with your TV, streaming devices, or other audio sources. Additionally, if you plan to expand your Sonos system in the future, consider compatibility with other Sonos speakers and components. When choosing between HDMI vs Bluetooth for your soundbar, note that HDMI offers stability and supports advanced audio like Dolby Atmos, ideal for home theaters. Bluetooth, however, allows for convenient wireless streaming from various devices.
- Not Researching Features: Many consumers make the mistake of not thoroughly researching the features and capabilities of different Sonos soundbars before making a purchase. Each model may offer different features such as voice control, virtual surround sound, HDMI ARC support, and compatibility with various streaming services. By researching and comparing these features, you can choose the soundbar that best suits your needs and preferences. When considering soundbar vs surround sound, it’s essential to evaluate your space and audio expectations.
- Overlooking Setup and Installation Requirements: Some consumers overlook the setup and installation requirements of Sonos soundbars. Depending on the model, setup may involve connecting the soundbar to your TV, configuring audio settings, and integrating it into your home network. Additionally, consider whether you’ll need additional accessories such as mounting brackets or speaker stands. Failure to account for setup and installation requirements can lead to frustration and difficulties in getting the soundbar up and running properly. Furthermore, configuring how to control the soundbar with the TV remote can streamline your audio experience, allowing for seamless volume adjustments and power control directly from your TV’s remote, provided your soundbar supports HDMI-CEC or has a compatible learning feature.
The Best Sonos Soundbars Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Low End Roll Off
|
High End Roll Off
|
Max Volume Test
|
Latency
|
THD @ 80dB
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 |
|
|
|
|
|  $852.00 $899 $47 |
| 87 |
|
|
|
|
| $475.00 $499 $24 |
87 |
|
|
|
|
|  $884.52 $899 $14 |
