the best sonos speakers to buy in Sonos continues to evolve its product lineup, offering a range of speakers that cater to various audio needs and preferences.
the best sonos speakers to buy in
Introduction to Sonos’ Evolution
After the self-induced tumult Sonos went through last year, I can understand why some people are reluctant to spend money on the company’s products. However, newly appointed CEO Tom Conrad has demonstrated a commitment to revitalizing Sonos as the leading whole-home audio brand. The contentious mobile app has seen significant improvements compared to a couple of years ago, although some customers still encounter bugs and experience the frustration of speakers randomly vanishing from their system. While challenges remain, the situation is moving in the right direction, and the company’s decision to cancel its video player signals a renewed focus on its core audio offerings.
As a long-time Sonos user, I have no intention of selling my Sonos gear. The company’s whole-home platform offers conveniences that competitors struggle to match without hassle. For instance, I often stream from Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music. When watching a sports game on my TV, I can pipe the audio from my Sonos soundbar to a speaker in a different room to follow the action seamlessly. If I want to play something over Bluetooth, many of Sonos’ latest speakers allow me to spread that music across my entire Sonos system.
Why You Should Trust My Sonos Recommendations
I’ve covered Sonos extensively for several years at The Verge, reporting on the company’s latest news and reviewing a wide range of Sonos products. My focus areas include audio and home theater, which means I am well-versed in determining whether a speaker or soundbar is exceptional or merely average. Given the recent price increases on several products due to ongoing tariff issues in the U.S., I wouldn’t fault anyone for waiting to see how Sonos and its app evolve. Nevertheless, the company still produces genuinely impressive hardware, and if you’re wondering which products stand out, I have you covered.
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 a USB-C dongle.
Where to Buy: $219 at Amazon, $219 at Best Buy, $219 at Sonos
If you’re looking for a decent-sounding, compact speaker to place in your kitchen, office, or anywhere in your home, the Era 100 is your best option. Sonos has improved upon this speaker’s predecessors, the Play:1 and Sonos One, by upgrading to stereo drivers for richer, wider audio. Bluetooth playback is now supported, along with line-in audio (via an optional dongle). The Era 100 features an elegant design and offers hands-free voice controls to summon Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control to skip tracks or switch playlists. Although Sonos dropped the Era 100’s price to $199 in April and then raised it again in September, $219 remains a fair price for what you’re getting.
Read our full Sonos Era 100 review.
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, $599 at Sonos, $599 at Best Buy
The Sonos Five isn’t just Sonos’ best-sounding speaker; it stands out among all competitors. In terms of audio quality, it surpasses the HomePod, the latest Echo Studio, and other mass-market speakers, both smart and traditional. While you can find better hi-fi bookshelf speakers, they often lack the seamless integration with music services that Sonos gear offers. The Five is a hefty unit that occupies a decent amount of desk space, but its powerful stereo output is sufficient for any dinner party or weekend gathering.
Notably, the Five is devoid of smart features, which some may find appealing. It lacks microphones and voice assistant functionality, but this simplicity allows users to enjoy a high-quality speaker that integrates well into the Sonos platform. Additionally, the Five features a 3.5mm aux input, making it an excellent companion for turntables, especially if you opt for a stereo pair.
Read our full Sonos Five review.
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
When it comes to portable speakers, the Move 2 is in a different league compared to Sonos’ smaller Roam 2. While it is larger and heavier, a built-in handle makes it easier to transport the Move 2 around your home or out to the backyard. The audio quality of the Move 2 significantly outperforms the compact Roam 2, which tends to sound more muffled due to its mono output.
The Move’s larger size provides a clear advantage in terms of bass response. In addition to wireless music playback, you can plug in other devices over USB-C for line-in audio. A notable feature is that the battery in the Move 2 is user-replaceable, allowing you to extend the life of your investment. With a dust and water resistance rating of IP56, it can withstand rain and splashes, although it’s advisable not to submerge it in water.
I prefer the Move 2 over traditional portable speakers, as it allows me to play music over Wi-Fi at a higher fidelity than Bluetooth can offer. The Move 2 also supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, enabling you to bypass the Sonos app if desired.
Read our full Sonos Move 2 review.
The Best Sonos Soundbar for Home Theater Enthusiasts
Sonos Arc Ultra
Score: 8
- Pros: More immersive sound than the 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, $1,099 at Best Buy, $1,099 at Sonos
Introduced in late 2024, the Arc Ultra improves on the original Arc with significantly more powerful bass response, thanks to Sonos’ newer SoundMotion technology. This enhancement allows some buyers to enjoy the Arc Ultra on its own without needing to purchase a separate subwoofer.
The Arc Ultra delivers Dolby Atmos surround sound that is more immersive than any other Sonos soundbar to date, rivaling the best offerings from other brands. Vocal clarity has also improved, thanks to better center channel performance. Another upgrade is the addition of Bluetooth audio support, making it easier to connect various devices.
Read our full review of the Sonos Arc Ultra.
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: $469.99 at Amazon, $469.99 at Best Buy, $469.99 at Sonos
For smaller spaces where the Arc Ultra might be too powerful, the Beam (Gen 2) offers a compelling alternative. While it may not match the flagship soundbar’s Dolby Atmos immersion, it still provides room-filling surround sound at a lower price point. The Beam supports Atmos, but the effect is virtualized due to the absence of upward-firing speakers. Nevertheless, the home theater experience it delivers will surpass any built-in TV speakers.
Read our full Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review.
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, $499 at Best Buy, $499 at Sonos
The $499 Sub Mini subwoofer is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their audio experience without breaking the bank. While Sonos’ flagship Sub 4 is available for $899, the Sub Mini provides ample bass for most users, making it a popular choice when paired with any of the company’s soundbars.
Its compact design makes it easier to find a suitable spot in your home, and it looks more stylish than the bulkier Sub 4.
Read my full Sonos Sub Mini review.
The Best Budget Sonos Speaker
Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2)
Score: 7
- Pros: Affordable entry into the 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-gen Symfonisk bookshelf speaker remains one of the most affordable ways to enter the Sonos ecosystem. Despite a price increase before discontinuation, its sound quality is comparable to older models like the Sonos One and Play:1. The lower price tag makes it easier to justify purchasing two for a stereo pair, and it serves as an excellent option for rear surround speakers on a budget.
Read our full Ikea Symfonisk bookshelf speaker review.
The Sonos Product Worthy of a Second Chance
Sonos Ace
Score: 7
- Pros: Stylish design and excellent comfort, good sound, ANC, and transparency.
- 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
The Sonos Ace headphones launched at a challenging time, coinciding with the company’s app crisis. Some customers were disappointed that the Ace cannot play music over Wi-Fi or be grouped with Sonos’ in-home speakers. However, the Ace headphones are still impressive, featuring a comfortable design and excellent sound quality. They support wired audio over USB-C in addition to Bluetooth, and the TV Audio Swap feature allows you to route audio from your TV or gaming console through two pairs of headphones for private listening.
While the Ace headphones may not represent the ideal wearable product from Sonos, they remain a noteworthy debut that deserves recognition despite the company’s software challenges.
Read our full Sonos Ace review.
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Last Modified: January 16, 2026 at 7:37 am
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