the best sonos speakers to buy in Sonos is making a strong comeback in 2026, with a lineup of speakers that cater to various audio needs and preferences.
the best sonos speakers to buy in
Introduction to Sonos’ Revival
After a tumultuous year marked by internal challenges and leadership changes, Sonos is positioning itself for a brighter future under the guidance of newly appointed CEO Tom Conrad. The company is focused on revitalizing its reputation as a leading brand in whole-home audio solutions. While lingering issues with its mobile app have frustrated some users, improvements have been made, and the company’s decision to cancel its video player indicates a renewed focus on audio products.
Despite the ups and downs, many loyal customers, including myself, remain committed to Sonos products. The convenience of Sonos’ whole-home platform is unmatched, allowing seamless streaming from services like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Additionally, the ability to pipe audio from a Sonos soundbar to speakers in different rooms enhances the overall experience, especially during events like sports games. This article will explore the best Sonos speakers available in 2026, highlighting their features, pros, and cons.
Why You Should Trust My Sonos Recommendations
My extensive coverage of Sonos at The Verge has equipped me with a deep understanding of the brand and its products. Over the years, I have reported on the latest news, reviewed numerous Sonos products, and analyzed the app issues that led to the departure of former CEO Patrick Spence. My focus on audio and home theater in product reviews allows me to discern which speakers and soundbars stand out in a crowded market.
While some may hesitate to invest in Sonos products due to recent price increases and ongoing app concerns, the company continues to produce exceptional hardware. Below, I will outline the standout speakers in the Sonos lineup, catering to various needs and budgets.
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, Best Buy, and Sonos.
The Sonos Era 100 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact speaker for various spaces, such as kitchens or offices. This model improves upon its predecessors, the Play:1 and Sonos One, by incorporating stereo drivers for a richer audio experience. It also supports Bluetooth playback and line-in audio through an optional dongle.
The Era 100 features a sleek design and hands-free voice controls for Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control, allowing users to manage playlists effortlessly. Although the price fluctuated earlier in the year, it currently stands at a reasonable $219, making it a solid investment for quality audio.
The Best Overall Sonos Speaker
Sonos Five
Score: 9
- Pros: Powerful audio with impressive stereo separation, can crank loud without distorting, regular 3.5mm line-in.
- Cons: Lacks smart speaker functionality, easily collects dust, you’ll end up wanting two, which gets very expensive.
Where to Buy: $599 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sonos.
The Sonos Five stands out as the best-sounding speaker in the Sonos lineup and outperforms many competitors in the market. Its audio quality surpasses that of the HomePod and Echo Studio, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles. While it may not match the fidelity of high-end bookshelf speakers, its integration with music services makes it a compelling option.
The Five’s robust design takes up considerable desk space, but its powerful stereo output is perfect for gatherings and parties. Although it lacks smart features like microphones and voice assistants, this simplicity allows users to focus on the audio experience. The inclusion of a 3.5mm aux input makes it a great companion for turntables, especially when paired in stereo.
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, Best Buy, and Sonos.
The Sonos Move 2 is a standout in the portable speaker category, offering superior audio quality compared to the smaller Roam 2. Although it is larger and heavier, its built-in handle makes it easy to transport around the house or outdoors. The Move 2 features a stereo driver arrangement, providing a more dynamic sound experience.
With enhanced bass response and the option to connect other devices via USB-C for line-in audio, the Move 2 excels in versatility. Its user-replaceable battery ensures longevity, allowing users to enjoy their investment for years. Additionally, the speaker’s IP56 rating for dust and water resistance makes it suitable for outdoor use, although care should be taken to avoid submersion in water.
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: $1,099 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sonos.
Launched in late 2024, the Sonos Arc Ultra significantly enhances the original Arc soundbar with improved bass response and immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound. The inclusion of Sonos’ SoundMotion technology allows for a more powerful audio experience, making it a viable standalone option without the need for an additional subwoofer.
The Arc Ultra excels in vocal clarity and overall sound quality, making it one of the best single-enclosure speakers on the market. The addition of Bluetooth audio support further broadens its usability, although some users may still experience issues with the Sonos app.
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 the 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, Best Buy, and Sonos.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is an excellent choice for smaller spaces, offering room-filling sound without the overwhelming power of the Arc Ultra. While it lacks the upward-firing speakers for true Dolby Atmos immersion, the Beam still delivers an impressive audio experience that surpasses built-in TV speakers.
With its sleek design and enhanced sound capabilities, the Beam is a strong contender for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater setup without breaking the bank.
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.
Where to Buy: $499 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sonos.
The Sonos Sub Mini is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their audio experience without overwhelming their space. Priced at $499, it offers a compact design that fits well in various environments while providing substantial bass for movies and music alike.
While the flagship Sub 4 offers more power, the Sub Mini is more than sufficient for most users, making it a popular choice for pairing with Sonos soundbars.
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.
Although Sonos and Ikea ended their partnership in 2025, the second-generation Symfonisk bookshelf speaker remains an affordable entry point into the Sonos ecosystem. It offers sound quality comparable to older models like the Sonos One and Play:1, making it a great option for budget-conscious consumers.
While the lack of built-in voice assistants may deter some, the Symfonisk speaker is an excellent choice for those looking to create a stereo pair or enhance their surround sound 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.
- Cons: TV Audio Swap handoff can be glitchy, headphones can’t be grouped with Sonos speakers.
Where to Buy: $399 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Sonos.
Despite launching during a challenging time for Sonos, the Ace headphones offer a comfortable fit and impressive sound quality. Although they cannot connect to Sonos speakers via Wi-Fi, their wired audio capabilities and the unique TV Audio Swap feature make them a valuable addition to the Sonos ecosystem.
While the Ace headphones may not be the ideal wearable product from Sonos, they still deliver a compelling audio experience that deserves recognition.
As Sonos continues to refine its offerings and address past challenges, the 2026 lineup showcases a commitment to quality and innovation in the audio space. Whether you’re looking for a compact speaker, a powerful soundbar, or an affordable entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, there’s a product to meet your needs.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: January 16, 2026 at 8:46 pm
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