the best sonos speakers to buy in Sonos continues to be a key player in the home audio market, offering a range of speakers that cater to various needs and preferences.
the best sonos speakers to buy in
Recent Developments at Sonos
After a tumultuous year marked by internal challenges and leadership changes, Sonos is working to regain its footing in the competitive audio landscape. Newly appointed CEO Tom Conrad has made it clear that revitalizing the brand and enhancing its reputation as a leading whole-home audio provider is a top priority. The company has made strides in improving its mobile app, which had previously faced significant criticism. While some users still report bugs and issues with speakers disappearing from their systems, the overall direction appears positive. The decision to cancel the video player project is seen as a strategic move to refocus on core audio products.
Despite these challenges, many loyal customers remain committed to their Sonos gear. The company’s whole-home audio system offers unique conveniences that are difficult to replicate with competitors. For instance, users can stream music from services like Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music while also routing audio from their TV to speakers in different rooms. This flexibility is a significant selling point for Sonos products.
Why You Should Trust My Sonos Recommendations
Having covered Sonos extensively at The Verge for several years, I have a deep understanding of the company’s products and the audio market. My experience includes reporting on the latest news, reviewing a wide array of Sonos devices, and analyzing the app issues that contributed to the departure of former CEO Patrick Spence. With a focus on audio and home theater in my product reviews, I am well-equipped to evaluate whether a speaker or soundbar stands out or falls short in performance.
While it’s understandable for potential buyers to hesitate given the recent price increases on various Sonos products due to ongoing tariffs, the company still offers exceptional hardware. For those interested in the standout options, here’s a detailed look at the best Sonos speakers to consider in 2025.
The Best Sonos Speaker to Start With
Sonos Era 100
Score: 8
- Pros: Improved sound (now in stereo), Bluetooth and line-in support, privacy-conscious microphone controls.
- Cons: No more Google Assistant, rejiggered controls have a learning curve, line-in requires USB-C dongle.
Where to Buy: $219 at Amazon, $219 at Best Buy, $219 at Sonos
The Sonos Era 100 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact speaker for spaces like kitchens or offices. This model improves upon its predecessors, the Play:1 and Sonos One, by incorporating stereo drivers for a richer audio experience. Bluetooth playback is now supported, along with line-in audio through a separate dongle. The speaker features an elegant design and offers hands-free voice controls via Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control, allowing users to easily manage their playlists.
While the price fluctuated earlier this year, $219 is a fair price for the features and performance offered by the Era 100.
The Best Overall Sonos Speaker
Sonos Five
Pros: Powerful audio with impressive stereo separation, can crank loud without distorting, regular 3.5mm line-in (no adapter required).
Cons: Lacks smart speaker functionality, easily collects dust, you’ll end up wanting two, which gets very expensive.
Where to Buy: $599 at Amazon, $599 at Sonos, $599 at Best Buy
The Sonos Five stands out as the best-sounding speaker in the Sonos lineup and competes favorably against other high-end speakers in the market. Its audio quality surpasses that of the HomePod, Echo Studio, and Nest Audio, making it a top choice for audiophiles. While it is not a smart speaker and lacks voice assistant functionality, this simplicity is appealing to many users who prioritize sound quality over smart features.
The Five is a substantial unit that requires some desk space but delivers powerful stereo output, making it ideal for gatherings and events. Its 3.5mm aux input also allows for easy connection to turntables or other audio devices, enhancing its versatility.
The Best Portable Sonos Speaker
Sonos Move 2
Score: 9
- Pros: Improved stereo sound, much longer battery life, supports line-in playback.
- Cons: No more Google Assistant, can’t be used as a speakerphone, hefty for a portable speaker.
Where to Buy: $499 at Amazon, $499 at Best Buy, $499 at Sonos
The Sonos Move 2 is a standout in the portable speaker category, offering superior audio quality compared to the smaller Roam 2. While it is larger and heavier, its built-in handle makes it easy to transport. The Move 2 features a stereo driver arrangement, providing a more dynamic sound experience than its compact counterpart.
With a user-replaceable battery and an IP56 dust and water resistance rating, the Move 2 is designed for longevity and durability. It also supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, allowing users to bypass the Sonos app if desired, making it a versatile choice for both home and outdoor use.
The Best Sonos Soundbar for Home Theater Enthusiasts
Sonos Arc Ultra
Score: 8
- Pros: More immersive sound than original Arc, substantial bass gains, now supports Bluetooth audio.
- Cons: Sonos app remains buggy for some, Play:1 and Play:3 no longer supported as surrounds, still no DTS:X.
Where to Buy: $1099 at Amazon, $1099 at Best Buy, $1099 at Sonos
The Sonos Arc Ultra, introduced in late 2024, enhances the original Arc soundbar with improved bass response and Dolby Atmos surround sound capabilities. This soundbar is designed to deliver a more immersive audio experience, making it suitable for serious home theater setups. The inclusion of Bluetooth audio support adds to its versatility, allowing users to connect various devices easily.
While the Arc Ultra is a powerful standalone option, those looking for a full surround setup may find costs escalating quickly. However, the sound quality and performance justify the investment for many home theater enthusiasts.
The Best Sonos Soundbar for Smaller Rooms
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Score: 8
- Pros: Wider, more expansive sound, HDMI eARC brings better performance, sleeker design than first Beam.
- Cons: No up-facing Atmos speakers, doesn’t have automatic Trueplay, same acoustic architecture as prior model.
Where to Buy: $469 at Amazon, $499 at Best Buy, $499 at Sonos
For smaller spaces, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers a compelling alternative to the Arc Ultra. While it may not match the flagship soundbar’s immersive capabilities, it still provides room-filling sound that significantly enhances the audio experience compared to built-in TV speakers. The Beam supports Dolby Atmos, albeit in a virtualized format, making it an excellent choice for those who want quality sound without overwhelming their space.
The Best Sonos Subwoofer for Most People
Sonos Sub Mini
Score: 7
- Pros: Sleek, unique design, good bass presence for its size, easy setup process.
- Cons: Not suitable for large living rooms, still not cheap, Trueplay tuning only works on iOS.
Where to Buy: $499 at Amazon, $499 at Best Buy, $499 at Sonos
The Sonos Sub Mini is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their audio experience without breaking the bank. It offers a compact design that fits well in various settings and provides sufficient bass for most users. While it may not be suitable for larger spaces, it pairs well with Sonos soundbars and is a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive Sub 4.
The Best Budget Sonos Speaker
Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2)
Score: 7
- Pros: Affordable way into Sonos ecosystem, can be mounted as a shelf, satisfactory sound for the size.
- Cons: No built-in mic for voice assistants, you’ll want two for the best audio experience, no 3.5mm aux input.
Where to Buy: $179.99 at Ikea
Despite the end of the partnership between Sonos and Ikea, the Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2) remains a budget-friendly option for those looking to enter the Sonos ecosystem. It offers sound quality comparable to older Sonos models and is an excellent choice for creating a stereo pair or as rear surround speakers in a budget setup.
The Sonos Product Worthy of a Second Chance
Sonos Ace
Score: 7
- Pros: Stylish design and excellent comfort, sound, ANC, and transparency are all good, TV Audio Swap is convenient and versatile.
- Cons: TV Audio Swap handoff can be glitchy, headphones can’t be grouped with Sonos speakers.
Where to Buy: $399 at Amazon, $399 at Best Buy, $399 at Sonos
Sonos’ wireless headphones, the Ace, faced challenges upon release due to the app crisis. However, they still offer impressive sound quality and comfort. The headphones support wired audio over USB-C and Bluetooth, making them versatile for various listening scenarios. The TV Audio Swap feature allows users to route audio from their soundbar to the headphones, providing a private listening experience.
While the Ace headphones may not be the ideal wearable product from Sonos, they remain a noteworthy option for those looking for quality audio in a stylish package.
Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge
Update, October 23rd: Adjusted pricing / availability and updated the copy to reflect that Sonos has raised prices across the board. Brandon Widder also contributed to this post.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: October 24, 2025 at 5:36 am
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