Right here at WIRED, we like Sonos audio system. We actually do. All through the previous decade, we’ve reviewed the entire firm’s wirelessly connectable audio system, from its small shelf audio system to its TV soundbars, and we’ve advisable each considered one of them. However turning your own home right into a Sonos-powered shrine to sound isn’t low-cost. Like Apple merchandise, Sonos audio system promote at a premium, beginning at $120 for a primary mannequin. However which of them do you have to purchase? Learn on for our favorites, from tiny Bluetooth audio system to full house theaters.
Up to date Could 2024: We have added the Victrola Stream Carbon as one other nice Sonos turntable choice, and we have up to date hyperlinks and costs.
Particular provide for Gear readers: Get WIRED for simply $5 ($25 off). This consists of limitless entry to WIRED.com, full Gear protection, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions assist fund the work we do daily.
Finest General Sonos Speaker
The Sonos Period 100 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favourite Sonos speaker, for its excellent mix of sound and options. It’s the identical form and dimension because the Sonos One which got here earlier than, which suggests it simply blends into most areas. The speaker comes outfitted with a quantity slider and a play-pause button so that you don’t should take your cellphone out everytime you wish to management it. It has a USB-C enter as effectively, together with a change on the again of the speaker to manually disable the built-in microphone for privateness.
The Period 100 has giant woofers and angled tweeters that create actual stereo sound, together with a quick processor that enables the speaker to obtain software program updates for longer. WIRED senior editor Parker Corridor says the speaker sounds noticeably higher than the 2 generations of Sonos One speaker that got here earlier than it. It packs a punchier, extra outlined bass, crisp definition, and room-filling sound. There’s additionally a room-tuning characteristic that adjusts the audio based mostly on the place you place it (however this works higher on iOS units). We’re additionally completely satisfied to see the addition of Bluetooth pairing, along with Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to stream audio with no Sonos account and in addition pair it with a cellphone simply.
When you’re in search of a cheaper speaker that is additionally freed from microphones, the Sonos One SL is a strong different. You may solely management it out of your cellphone 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.
Finest Audio system to Fill Out a Room
In 2022, Sonos reunited with Ikea to launch a second-generation model of its bookshelf speaker. At $130, it’s kind of pricier than its $99 predecessor, nevertheless it does include a number of upgrades, together with a rise in reminiscence and a quicker processor. We nonetheless have but to check the second-gen mannequin, however we did just like the first-generation model.
You may mount it proper to your wall or stand it upright on a bookshelf or desk. And if you wish to community a number of audio system collectively for a bigger room, or linked rooms, that is the most affordable approach to do it. It would not straight take audio instructions, as a result of it has no mic, so you may want a Sonos One, Sonos Period 100, Google speaker, or Alexa speaker you could yell at if you wish to management it along with your voice. Apart from that, it does every thing you’d desire a Sonos to do.
{Photograph}: IKEA
As with the primary mannequin, the second-generation Symfonisk Speaker Lamp has nice sound, and it makes for a pleasant addition to any room. I preserve it on the media console in my residence. The lamp will get shiny sufficient to gentle the lounge, and I really like utilizing the speaker to hearken to podcasts each morning. It additionally has a extra trendy and elevated look in comparison with its predecessor—with glass shades that are available in each black and white. However it’s a fingerprint magnet. I might suggest the textile shade ($240) if that’ll trouble you. My solely gripe is that it lacks a microphone, so you’ll be able to’t management it utilizing voice instructions. You may, nevertheless, join it to an Amazon or Nest sensible speaker to make the most of the sensible assistant assist. If wall artwork is extra your fashion, Ikea gives the Symfonisk Image Body with a built-in Sonos Wi-Fi Speaker for $260.
Finest Giant Speaker
The Sonos Period 300 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a somewhat awkward and startling look (we predict it appears to be like like a robotic’s butt), however the sound high quality makes up for it. Below the hood are six speaker drivers, 4 tweeters, and a few mid/bass drivers—all of which ship detailed, huge, and assured sound. The standout characteristic, nevertheless, is spatial audio. With sound that spreads in all instructions and for a considerable distance with out missing definition, we predict the Period 300 surpasses the Apple HomePod by a large margin when filling rooms. It is value noting that it helps Amazon and Apple’s spatial audio catalog, however not Tidal’s library of Dolby Atmos content material.
As with the Period 100, the Period 300 has bodily controls together with a quantity slider, play/pause, skip ahead/backward, and voice-assistant interplay (with a alternative between Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Management). Within the again, you may discover a socket for energy, a change to mute the mics, a USB-C auxiliary enter, and a button for Bluetooth pairing (which suggests you do not have to make use of the Sonos app to regulate it). When you go for the Sonos companion app, you’ll be able to alter EQ, tune the audio system to your surroundings through the TruePlay characteristic, and pair different Sonos audio system collectively.
Finest Moveable Speaker With Bluetooth
The Sonos Roam (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the corporate’s smallest and most moveable speaker. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity (it is considered one 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. Utilizing the Sonos app, out there for Android and iPhone, you even have the flexibility to stream from main providers like Spotify, Apple Music (with assist for AirPlay 2), Tidal, and extra. And you may management the speaker through voice instructions utilizing Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
It might not provide audiophile-approved sound for its stature, nevertheless it’s nonetheless pretty spectacular. The twin-driver system, subwoofer, and tweeter work in tandem to supply a daring bass and clear highs—with zero distortion when the amount is cranked up. And with as much as 10 hours of listening, it’s going to final you a full seashore day—after which some.
{Photograph}: Sonos
The Sonos Transfer 2 (8/10, WIRED Evaluations) is not as moveable because the Roam—it weighs in at 6.1 kilos whereas the Roam is 0.95 kilos—however the second-generation model comes with a justifiable share of upgrades (which explains the upper value). It packs 24 hours of battery life (a serious improve from 11 hours on its predecessor), a contact interface for media controls (as an alternative of bodily buttons), and the choice to attach through Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi (the unique Transfer was strictly Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when in use). It additionally comes outfitted with a second tweeter (each of which fireplace on each the left and proper above the mid/bass driver) and a 3rd digital amplifier—delivering punchy, detailed sound. It is value noting that, not like the primary Transfer, the newest model would not have assist for Google Assistant. You may have the selection between Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Management. It is a strong speaker for many who are already a part of the Sonos ecosystem and are in search of a speaker they will not take past their lounge or yard.
Finest 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. By way of upgrades, it has a quicker processor, assist for Dolby Atmos (with appropriate TVs and streaming apps) for enhanced sound, and an HDMI eARC port for higher-definition audio. You may additionally get hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant, and it really works with Airplay 2. You may 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 cloth cowl as seen on the Gen 1 mannequin. That is presupposed to make it simpler to mix in along with your inside decor. It is $50 greater than the earlier mannequin, which is not that rather more costly than the already costly soundbar. For non-Sonos alternate options, learn our Finest Soundbars information.
Sonos sub speaker gen 3{Photograph}: Sonos
The usual Sonos Sub will value you $799 at Sonos. It is excellent however costly. When you’re working with a smaller house, the more cost effective Sonos Sub Mini is $430 at Finest Purchase. Do not trouble shopping for {surround} audio system till you personal a Sub, although. It should make a profound distinction.
Finest Small Soundbar
When you have an residence 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 another moments you wouldn’t wish to miss in your favourite motion pictures and exhibits. Plus, with adjustable settings within the Sonos app, you’ll be able to configure your preferrred listening expertise for each track in your favourite album.
This small soundbar simply suits on leisure facilities and dressers, or you’ll be able to mount it in your wall to unlock as a lot valuable house as potential.
Wanna take it to the subsequent degree? You may pair the Ray with the aforementioned Sonos Sub Mini to spherical out the sound in your room. The Sub Mini is wi-fi (except for an influence twine), so it connects seamlessly to your present system via the Sonos app.
Finest for Huge House Theaters
A soundbar could make all of the distinction in a house theater, and so they value quite a bit lower than a full surround-sound setup. And in the event you’re in search of 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 possibly bounce pontificate your partitions and ceiling effectively 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 steadiness and depth than the Beam. It is also quite a bit longer, stretching 45 inches, or in regards to the width of a 55-inch TV. Its design is elegant and understated within the ordinary Sonos approach—you will not all the time discover the bar, however if you do, it is not an eyesore in any respect.
