Sonos Buying Guide: Expert Recommendations for Your Audio Needs

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After a tumultuous year, many consumers are hesitant to invest in Sonos products that Sonos has been through. However, interim CEO Tom Conrad is committed to revitalizing Sonos as the leading whole-home audio brand. The mobile app has seen significant improvements over the past few months, although some users still report bugs and issues with speakers disappearing from their systems. While challenges remain, the overall direction appears positive, and the company’s recent decisions, including cancel its video player, signal a renewed focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

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As a long-time Sonos user, I have no intention of selling my devices. The Sonos whole-home platform offers conveniences that competitors struggle to match. I frequently stream music from services like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Additionally, when watching sports on TV, I can easily pipe audio from my Sonos soundbar to speakers in different rooms, enhancing my viewing experience. The ability to play audio over Bluetooth with many of the latest Sonos speakers adds to their versatility spread that music across your entire Sonos system.

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While some may choose to wait and see how Sonos and its app evolve, it’s important to consider that tariffs could lead to price increases on certain products. Despite the software challenges, Sonos produces exceptional hardware, making now a potentially advantageous time to purchase. For those curious about the standout products, I have compiled a list of recommendations.

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Featured in This Article

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The Best Sonos Speaker to Start With

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If you need a compact speaker for your kitchen, office, or any room in your home, the Era 100 is an excellent choice. Sonos has enhanced this speaker compared to its predecessors, the Play:1 and Sonos One, by upgrading to stereo drivers for richer audio. It now supports Bluetooth playback and line-in audio a separate dongle. The Era 100 features redesigned physical controls, including a volume slider and dedicated track controls.

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The speaker boasts an elegant design and supports hands-free voice controls via Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control for easy track navigation. Sonos recently dropped the Era 100’s price to $199, making it a worthwhile investment before potential price increases due to tariffs.

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Read our full Sonos Era 100 review.

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The Best Overall Sonos Speaker

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The Sonos Five is not only the best-sounding speaker from Sonos but also outperforms competitors like the HomePod, Echo Studio, and Nest Audio. While there are superior hi-fi bookshelf speakers available, they lack the seamless integration with music services that Sonos products offer. The Five is a substantial unit, occupying a fair amount of desk space, but its powerful stereo output is perfect for any gathering.

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Although the Five lacks smart features like microphones and voice assistants, its simplicity is appealing. It connects effortlessly to the Sonos platform and includes a 3.5mm aux input, making it an excellent companion for turntables, especially in a stereo pair.

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The Best Portable Sonos Speaker

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The Move 2 stands out among portable speakers, surpassing the smaller Roam 2 in audio quality. While it is larger and heavier, a built-in handle makes it easy to transport. The Move 2 features stereo drivers, providing superior sound compared to the mono output of the Roam.

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The larger size of the Move 2 enhances its bass response, and it offers USB-C connectivity for line-in audio. The user-replaceable battery is a significant advantage, allowing for long-term use. With an IP56 dust and water resistance rating, it can withstand rain and splashes, although it should not be submerged.

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For home use, the Move 2 allows for higher fidelity music playback over Wi-Fi compared to Bluetooth. It also supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, providing flexibility in how you choose to listen.

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Read our full Sonos Move 2 review.

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The Best Sonos Soundbar for Home Theater Enthusiasts

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Launched in late 2024, the Arc Ultra enhances the original Arc with improved bass response, thanks to Sonos’ new SoundMotion technology. This advancement allows some users to enjoy the Arc Ultra without needing an additional subwoofer.

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The Arc Ultra delivers immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound, surpassing previous Sonos soundbars and competing with the best single-enclosure speakers available. Vocal clarity has also improved, thanks to enhanced center channel performance. Additionally, Bluetooth audio support has been added, expanding its functionality.

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Read our full review of the Sonos Arc Ultra..

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The Best Sonos Soundbar for Smaller Rooms

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For smaller spaces, the Beam (Gen 2) is a more suitable option than the Arc Ultra. While it still supports Atmos, the effect is virtualized due to the absence of upward-firing speakers. Nevertheless, the Beam provides a superior home theater experience compared to built-in TV speakers.

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Read our full Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review.

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The Best Sonos Subwoofer for Most PeopleSources:

• do a sub crawl
• Read my full Sonos Sub Mini review
• winding down their partnership
• Symfonisk Picture Frame Speaker
• Read our full Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker review
• new TrueCinema mode
• Read our full Sonos Ace review