Best Sonos Setup (2022): Which Speakers and Soundbars Should You Buy?
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 really helpful each one in every of 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 must you 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.
Special supply for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This contains limitless entry to WIRED.com and our print journal (if you would like). Subscriptions assist fund the work we do day by day.
Best Overall Sonos Speaker
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is simply in regards to the smallest Sonos speaker, however 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 suggests you will not have to fret about upgrading it for some time.
We advocate different Sonos audio system on this information, however you can also’t go unsuitable by simply getting extra Sonos Ones to refill your own home. Their hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant integration additionally makes them much more versatile. They can play music, let you know the climate, discover a recipe, and reply easy questions, like all of our different favourite sensible audio system. They additionally work with Siri through AirPlay 2. They’re way more reasonably priced than different Sonos audio system too, and their small dimension means you’ll be able to cover them in nearly any room.
It’s almost similar to the One however would not have microphones, so you’ll be able to solely management it out of your telephone 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 if you’d like 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 12 months, 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, however it does include a couple 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 pretty much 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 couple of audio system collectively for a bigger room, or linked rooms, that is the most cost effective technique to do it. It would not straight take audio instructions, as a result of it has no mic, so you will want a Sonos One, Google speaker, or Alexa speaker you could yell at if you wish to management it together with your voice. Other than that, it does every little thing you’d desire 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 affords 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 assessment, sounded nice. We have excessive hopes for the brand new model. Finally, if wall artwork is extra your fashion, Ikea affords the Symfonisk Picture Frame with a built-in Sonos Wi-Fi Speaker for $249. We are presently 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 transportable speaker. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity (it is one in every of our favourite Bluetooth audio system), you’ll be able to 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 assist for AirPlay 2), Tidal, and extra. And you’ll be able to management the speaker through voice instructions utilizing Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
It could not supply audiophile-approved sound for its stature, however it’s nonetheless pretty spectacular. The dual-driver system, subwoofer, and tweeter work in tandem to supply 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 seashore day—and then some.
The Sonos Move is a much bigger transportable speaker with higher sound. It packs Bluetooth connectivity, 11 hours of battery life, and onboard microphones that adapt its sound to the atmosphere, plus it is waterproof. Can’t resolve between the Roam and Move? You can buy 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 modern design. In phrases of upgrades, it has a sooner processor, assist for Dolby Atmos (with suitable 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 an alternative of a material cowl as seen on the Gen 1 mannequin. That’s imagined 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 options, learn our Best Soundbars information.
Sonos sub speaker gen 3Photograph: Sonos
The customary Sonos Sub will value you $749 at Sonos or Target. It’s very good however costly. If you’re working with a smaller house, the less expensive Sonos Sub Mini is $429 at Sonos (Target). Don’t trouble shopping for {surround} audio system till you personal a Sub, although. It will make a profound distinction.
Best Small Soundbar
If you’ve gotten an condominium or a smaller room, or are simply getting began within the soundbar division, the Sonos Ray (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a strong 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 house with zooms and booms, quiet conversations, and some other moments you wouldn’t need to miss in your favourite motion pictures and exhibits. Plus, with adjustable settings within the Sonos app, you’ll be able to configure your ultimate listening expertise for each tune in your favourite album.
This small soundbar simply matches on leisure facilities and dressers, or you’ll be able to mount it in your wall to unlock as a lot treasured house as potential.
Wanna take it to the subsequent stage? 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 wire), so it connects seamlessly to your present system by way of 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 should you’re searching for one which’s actually highly effective, the Sonos Arc (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best way to go. It has full Dolby Atmos assist, and in lots of rooms, it may bounce hold forth your partitions and ceiling properly sufficient that it appears like you’ve gotten a {surround} setup.
With three tweeters and eight mid-woofers, it delivers deep bass and has extra stability and depth than the Beam. It’s additionally loads longer, stretching 45 inches, or in regards to the width of a 55-inch TV. Its design is elegant and understated within the standard Sonos approach—you will not all the time discover the bar, however if you do, it is not an eyesore in any respect.
