Supreme sound: The ultimate Sonos buying guide 2024

Sonos' new Ace headphones, a new product category for Sonos, offer high-end noise cancellation and exceptional sound quality. They have eight beamforming microphones for unmatched noise cancellation and voice targeting for their transparency mode.

The headphones also feature a unique capability that allows seamless playback of your TV's audio for private home cinema viewing. However, unlike other Sonos products, they cannot stream music over Wi-Fi or be grouped with other Sonos speakers.

These headphones are a pleasure to wear, a testament to Sonos' commitment to comfort and luxury. Their lightweight construction, metal and vegan leather elements, and memory foam cushioning provide a luxurious feel and a comfortable fit around your ears.

With 40mm custom drivers in each ear, these headphones produce vibrant sound with a wide soundstage. They support spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and dynamic head-tracking, all contributing to a truly immersive audio experience. For those who prefer a wired connection, the headphones come with 3.5mm and USB-C adapters, supporting lossless audio.

The headphones have physical, tactile control buttons, including dedicated power and mode toggling on the earcups and a volume slide button known as the "content key". This button also functions as the TV Audio swap button, allowing seamless switching from soundbar to headphone audio.

An exciting future update for Sonos is the release of a software feature called TrueCinema, designed to enhance the sound based on the room environment. The Sonos Ace is also supported by Apple and Android.

The Sonos Era 300 is a ground-breaking speaker designed for immersive audio with Dolby Atmos support. It has six optimally positioned drivers: four tweeters and two woofers, providing 360-degree sound. Smaller and less powerful than the Sonos Five, it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and line-in via USB-C. The Arc delivers an extraordinary listening experience, combining advanced acoustics with aesthetic appeal. It offers easy setup, adjustable EQ, and Trueplay tuning while redefining spatial audio.

Sonos offers a stand, wall mount, floor stand, tilt & swivel wall mount for alternative placement and space-saving.

The Sonos Era 100 is a significant upgrade from the now-discontinued Sonos One speaker (which we have reviewed highly and is still available). It offers finely tuned stereo sound with rich bass. The speaker boasts dual tweeters, a 25 per cent larger woofer, and advanced connectivity options such as Bluetooth and USB-C line-in, resulting in a significantly deeper bass and a vaster soundstage. Ideal for any room, it can also be paired with additional speakers to create a cinematic surround sound experience.

Sonos offers a wall mount, stand, floor stand, tilt & swivel wall mount for alternative placement and space-saving.

Known for its unparalleled Hi-Fi sound quality, the Sonos Five is the largest standalone speaker offered by Sonos. It provides clear stereo separation, detailed vocal reproduction, and deep bass for audio immersion. The speaker features three high-excursion woofers and three angled tweeters designed to deliver excellent performance. It also includes a 3.5mm line-in connection, allowing seamless integration with turntables, CD players, and other devices. The speaker can be positioned horizontally for stereo sound or vertically for mono and is controlled by adaptive touch controls. Available in matte black and white, the Sonos Five is a versatile option for individual use or as part of a multi-room setup.

Sonos offers a Sanus speaker stand for optimal listening height.

The Sonos Move 2 is an upgraded version of its 2019 Move speaker, with improved Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6 connectivity. With a new acoustic design, it boasts two tweeters for stereo sound and a precision-tuned woofer for a deep, captivating bass. The Move 2 also boasts an enormous 24 hours of battery life, doubling its predecessor's. It is weather-resistant and equipped with a built-in handle for easy portability. It's worth noting that the Move 2 does not support Google Assistant.

Likewise, extended battery life is the primary factor to consider when deciding between the Move 2 and the original Move. If you do not plan on using the speaker on the go and are happy with 11 hours of battery life, we recommend choosing the first version of the Move to save money.

The Sonos Roam 2 is the perfect companion for summer excursions, delivering robust sound and impressive bass in a compact, resilient package. Whether at the beach, on a trail, or lounging by the pool, its lightweight construction is waterproof (IP67) and drop-resistant. With a battery life of 10 hours, it ensures continuous enjoyment. Though high volumes can compromise audio precision, the Roam 2 consistently delivers exceptional clarity and versatility, making it an excellent choice for music enthusiasts on the move.

Sonos offers an Otterbox case and wireless charger for improved portability and more comfortable keeping.

With a microphone-free design, the Sonos Roam SL provides a cost-effective alternative to its predecessor, the Roam. Although it foregoes features such as voice command, Trueplay, and Sound Swap, it remains a compelling choice for music enthusiasts. Seamless connectivity via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth ensures uninterrupted streaming no matter where you are. Its durable construction can withstand various environments, and the meticulously tuned amplifiers and drivers deliver exceptional sound quality. Portable and lightweight, it's prepared to accompany you on all your adventures.

The Sonos Move is a versatile, portable smart speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It has dual Class-D amplifiers, a downward-facing tweeter, and a faithful mid-woofer to ensure an incredible listening experience. It can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. The Move has an IP56 rating, protecting it against dust, water, and harsh weather. The speaker features Auto Trueplay technology, which adapts the sound to any environment. Its sturdy build and ergonomic handle make it a breeze to carry around.

Sonos offers a Travel Bag, Wall Hook and Indoor/outdoor mount for improved portability and convenient at-home placement.

The smallest and most portable speaker in the Sonos lineup, this compact marvel seamlessly transitions from indoor to outdoor settings, delivering surprisingly powerful sound wherever you go. With both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it easily integrates into your Sonos multiroom setup or can function as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. It uses Automatic Trueplay technology to fine-tune itself for optimal sound in any environment. Rugged and water-resistant, it's crafted with precision acoustics to deliver impressive clarity and depth.

The Sonos Arc is a top-tier Dolby Atmos soundbar, replacing the now-discontinued Playbar and Playbase. Boasting 11 high-performance drivers, it delivers an immersive, multidimensional Dolby Atmos sound experience. The Trueplay tuning technology optimises the audio based on your room setup. Its elegant design seamlessly fits in front of a TV or can be mounted on a wall. The Sonos Arc supports HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, offering easy setup and smart home integration to elevate your home cinema and music experience.

Sonos offers a wall mount and extendable Sanus TV mount for more seamless home integration.

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a sleek soundbar with an exciting update: Dolby Atmos support. Despite not having upward-firing drivers, its upgraded CPU, 40 per cent faster than the original Beam, can generate virtual height channels for a captivating audio experience. The new Beam has an eARC connection and a polycarbonate grille, retaining its predecessor's aesthetic. It offers sound reproduction precision for music and movies, featuring clear dialogue and well-balanced audio. Dolby Atmos delivers immersive spatial audio, enriching the depth and dimension of every scene and musical piece.

Sonos offers a wall mount and Sanus TV mount for seamless home integration.

The Sonos Ray is Sonos' latest, most compact, budget-friendly soundbar, tailored for use with smaller and older TVs equipped with optical connectivity. In contrast to the Arc and Beam, it lacks Dolby Atmos, built-in microphones, and smart speaker capabilities. Nevertheless, the Ray delivers impressive sound quality for its size and seamlessly integrates into Sonos multi-room or home cinema setups. A 40 per cent faster chip enables virtual surround sound, while its elegant design features a precisely perforated grille, making it a stylish addition to any home entertainment system.

Sonos offers a wall mount for space-saving home integration.

The Sonos Sub, Sonos' sole wireless subwoofer, enriches any system with its clean, pulsating bass. Its force-cancelling drivers effectively eliminate distortion, and its sleek, high-gloss design allows for vertical or horizontal placement. The Sub seamlessly connects wirelessly to any Sonos speaker or Amp, elevating the experience of a multi-room or home theatre setup. Simple to set up using WiFi and the Sonos app, it provides the option to fine-tune bass levels. Featuring a low 25 Hz frequency response and automatic EQ adjustments, the Sub delivers a more immersive, powerful sound. Offered in black or white, it seamlessly combines style and functionality.

The Sonos Sub Mini is a smaller, more budget-friendly version of the Sub, weighing 14 pounds instead of the Sub's 36 pounds. It boasts dual force-cancelling woofers in a cylindrical, acoustically sealed design, stands vertically and connects wirelessly via 5 GHz WiFi. You can pair the Sub Mini with Sonos Ray, Beam (Gen 2), Era 100, One, and One SL soundbars or speakers to enhance the bass. For a fuller, more immersive audio experience, Sonos recommends pairing the Sub Mini with the Ray or Beam.

The Sonos Amp sets itself apart from the Sonos Port by featuring an HDMI ARC port. This allows you to connect passive bookshelf speakers to your TV and Sonos system without a soundbar. It provides a cost-effective alternative for individuals with an existing speaker setup who may need more money or space for a soundbar or desire a more immersive surround sound experience with speakers positioned throughout their space.

With 125 watts per channel, it can power outdoor speakers and deliver crystal-clear, undistorted sound at higher volumes. You can connect your CD player, TV, and turntable and indulge in multiroom listening with other Sonos speakers. The Amp's advanced heatsink guarantees optimal heat management, while seamless smart home control through partner integrations allows you to craft your perfect sound system without compromising on space or aesthetics.

Sonos offers a Sanus wall mount for convenient placement.

The Sonos Port is designed to integrate non-Sonos equipment into your system seamlessly. Connecting to your existing stereo or receiver transforms your sound system to support multiroom listening. Notable features include AirPlay 2 support and a 12-volt trigger, automatically activating your connected receiver via the Sonos app. The Sonos Port's matte black finish blends seamlessly with other stereo components.

This innovative speaker seamlessly combines art and audio. Designed to be hung on a wall in any orientation or leaned against it, the speaker's grille can be personalised with interchangeable artwork. Despite its compact cone, this speaker delivers awe-inspiring sound quality comparable to the Sonos One. Additionally, it can be paired with another picture frame speaker to create a stereo setup. Offered in black or white frames, it effortlessly integrates into any home décor.

The Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2) is an affordable and versatile speaker available in either black or white. It offers functionality and performance similar to the Sonos One. This speaker can be positioned upright, placed horizontally, or mounted on a wall to serve as a shelf for storing books. While it may not match other Sonos speakers' premium build and sound quality, it is the most budget-friendly option in the Sonos lineup. The speaker seamlessly integrates with other Sonos products, supports popular streaming services, and produces rich, expansive sound.

Ikea also offers separate mounting brackets, floor stands, and variations of the bookshelf speaker - one with an LED light and the other with an LED spot – making it even more distinct and space-saving. They can also be purchased as a pair, with an additional book cover front for a more seamless blend into your bookshelf.