Best Sonos Speakers (2026): Soundbars, Headphones, Dolby Atmos, and More | WIRED

Overview

Sonos speakers are still great. There, I said it. Though the app issues that began in 2024 have put the company in quite the consumer-confidence hole, my reference models have worked fine for over a year now. I use an old (now discontinued) Sonos Symfonisk Lamp from IKEA every night to put my daughter to bed, and speakers like the Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 are among the most accessible and best-sounding wireless speakers in my library.

While new challengers like Wiim have won my heart (their amps are incredible for the money), Sonos remains the easiest, most versatile way to set up a multi-room audio system or plug-and-play surround sound system. For anyone looking to spread the sound around in a variety of speaker shapes and sizes, these are the best Sonos speakers worth grabbing (and why).

Details

Updated March 2026: We've updated this guide with long-term testing of the Sonos app and speakers, removed discontinued models, added specs, and refreshed our tips and advice with the latest products and information.

I've tested every major Sonos product, from the ancient Play:1 and Play:5 to the latest Era 100, Era 300 speakers, and flagship Arc Ultra soundbar. Apart from their recent app troubles, my experience over the years has always been overwhelmingly positive. Here are my favorite aspects of Sonos:

Simple setup, loads of options: The Sonos app guides you through setting up a new system or adding speakers to an existing one. Some Google Assistant speakers offer similar setup and features, but it's not as seamless to group them. My favorite Sonos competitor is Wiim, which offers similarly intuitive products, but only two standalone speakers (testing to come). Wiim focuses more on streaming amplifiers like the Wiim Amp Pro for connecting traditional speakers. Sonos has many more product models for different use cases, from soundbars to headphones.

Easy streaming: The Sonos app supports almost every major streaming service, and Sonos gear supports in-app services like Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect for direct streaming. Sonos soundbars like the Arc Ultra provide impressive home theater support, while also letting you stream TV audio to other speakers throughout the home, or as part of a surround sound system.

In-house Voice Control: Sonos once provided support for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, but the brand dropped Google support in newer speakers like the Era 100, Era 300, and Sonos Arc Ultra. In its place, Sonos added its own in-house voice assistant, Sonos Voice Control (SVC), voiced by actor Ginacarlo Esposito. Apart from solid perfomance, SVC provides better privacy protection. SVC touts multiple measures to protect your privacy, including using AI data instead of customer data and local processing that doesn't reach the cloud.

Top-tier sound and build quality: Every Sonos speaker I've tested rises above average, and most sound truly excellent. This is no accident, as the brand has always been deeply focused on sound quality, and things have only improved with the latest Era speakers. I toured Sonos' Santa Barbara, CA, facility ahead of the Eras release, and was struck by the company's commitment to improving the audio architecture, as well as using more replaceable parts (like screws in place of glue) so its speakers are more repareable than most rivals. Sonos speakers are built to last and sound good doing it.

While I've always enjoyed Sonos products, there are some drawbacks, mainly around the new software.

They live and die by the app: The Sonos app was an oak for years, but in 2024 the company updated the entire system and problems ensued. From dropping speakers off the network to basic control issues, the app update was confirmed by the new CEO as a profound mistake. After multiple updates, I've noticed few issues with the app, and others have reported improvement. Sonos is also reportedly working on another app update for 2026, including new features and a focus on simplified control.

They're pricey: Apart from their app issues, Sonos products are roundly among the most expensive options in their class. I think they mostly make up for this with their sound and build quality, but they're rarely offered at large discounts and there are few options for budget shoppers.

A lack of inputs and accessories: This is mostly a complaint about older speakers and the soundbar, but Sonos devices don't always include as many playback options as rivals. The Arc Ultra, for example, offers no remote and only one HDMI input for connection, when competitors like the Samsung HW-Q990F offer multiple HDMI inputs and a dedicated remote. Older speakers, like the Sonos One, omit Bluetooth, but thankfully newer options like the Era 100 have adopted it.

The Era 100 sounds much better than a speaker this size has a right to. After years of iterative design for Sonos' entry-level smart speaker, the Era 100 was a full redesign. That starts with a taller tubular design made with more fixable parts, trading some of the previous model's glue for removable screws. Inside are three drivers, including two wave-guided tweeters for some (minor) stereo separation and a hearty woofer for full, balanced sound that lays down plenty of detail with an easygoing touch. Sonos Trueplay can even help adapt the sound to your space.

For Surround Sound Photograph: Ryan Waniata Photograph: Ryan Waniata Photograph: Ryan Waniata Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sonos Era 300

Regardless of how you feel about the design (I actually think it looks quite dashing), the Era 300 is a ringer for both stereo music and its more lofty design purpose: three-dimensional sound from formats like Dolby Atmos. To that end, the Era 300's futuristic curves contain four tweeters, with one pointed up and two aimed at the sides to bounce sound around the room with 3D audio mixes. Those are aided by two woofers for beefy bass that provides a commanding presence.

The speaker sounds elegant yet expansive on its own, but connect two of them to the Sonos Arc Ultra as rear surrounds and you've got the most immersive (and pricey) whole-home soundbar setup I've experienced. Like the Era 100, the 300's topside controls provide intuitive response, while a USB-C input meets microphone mute and Bluetooth pairing keys at the back. It's built with less glue for reparability, and leans into the Sonos app for multiple ways to stream and connect with other Sonos speakers. The one drawback, if you can call it that, is that 3D audio is still less available than stereo, with services like Spotify continuing to balk, but the technology is still growing.

Best Portable Speaker Photograph: Parker Hall Photograph: Parker Hall Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sonos Roam 2

The Sonos Roam is the company’s smallest and most portable speaker. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity (it's one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers), you can easily throw it into a tote bag and play music on the go from anything on your phone. Using the Sonos app, you also have the ability to connect to tons of streaming services, from Spotify and Apple Music (with support for Air Play 2) to Audible and Bandcamp over Wi-Fi, or control playback with your voice via Alexa or Sonos Voice Control.

It may not offer audiophile-approved sound for its stature, but it's still fairly impressive. The dual-driver woofer and tweeter work in tandem to provide bold bass and clear highs—with zero distortion when the volume is cranked up. And with up to 10 hours of listening, it'll last you a full beach day—and then some. Oh yeah, did I mention it's dunkable and offers top-notch dustproofing thanks to IP67 certification? —Parker Hall

For Longer Trips Courtesy of Sonos Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sonos Move 2

If you're after a portable with more punch (and gravity), the bulky Sonos Move 2 fills the gap. It offers three drivers, including dual tweeters for some stereo spacing, IP56 dust and water resistance (it's not dunkable), and up to 24-hours of playback time. Like the Roam 2, it features Bluetooth for streaming on the go, alongside Wi-Fi and a USB-C port that can double as an analog line-in (with a separate adapter). It provides similar touch controls to the Era 100 and Era 300, and like those speakers, drops Google Assistant voice commands in favor of Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control from its far-field microphone array.

The Move 2 sounds bigger than its size, which is no small feat for a speaker that weighs over six pounds. That makes it more backyard barbecue buddy than mobile companion, filling a solid gap between the Roam and Era 100. When connected over Wi-Fi, you'll get access to loads of streaming services via the Sonos app, and the same grouping and network abilities with other Sonos speakers that beg you to build out a clan of companions. The Move 2's high price is its biggest drawback, but its style, sound, and features make it an attractive, if offbeat option in the Sonos family.

Best Soundbar Photograph: Ryan Waniata Photograph: Ryan Waniata Photograph: Ryan Waniata Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sonos Arc Ultra

In the midst of Sonos' biggest software woes, the Sonos Arc Ultra emerged as a much-needed win. A notable upgrade over the original Arc, the Ultra provides more refined clarity, punchier bass, and a more expansive soundstage to make it one of the best soundbars I've tested. Its collage of 14 speakers, including dual upfiring tweeters, provides striking immersion with regular surround sound mixes and an even deeper dive for Dolby Atmos shows and movies.

The Ultra's ability to add-on speakers makes it a great anchor point for a whole-home setup, including the ability to send TV sound throughout the home, or as the centerpiece of a multi-component surround sound system. Testing it with the Sonos sub 4 and dual Sonos Era 300s was by far the most engulfing 3D soundbar setup I've experienced (with a price to match). I discovered a few flubs with the app in my original testing, but these were soon corrected for weeks of flawless streaming, and the app has only improved since then. The only real downsides are the bar's high price and lack of home theater inputs, but its performance puts it in a class of its own.

★ A cheaper alternative: The Sonos Beam gen 2 is ripe for replacement, but it's a solid little setup if space is a factor. It offers notable improvements over the original Beam, including improved acoustic architecture with an upgraded waveguide system, but does not include upfiring drivers, so its Dolby Atmos support is strictly virtualized with the aid of digital signal processing.

Noise-Canceling Headphones Photograph: Ryan Waniata Photograph: Ryan Waniata Photograph: Ryan Waniata Chevron Chevron Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace didn't offer the whole-home Wi-Fi experience that my colleagues and I hoped for, but take away those lofty expectations and you're left with an extremely capable and insanely comfortable first try at wireless noise-canceling headphones. The goods start with competitive noise canceling and natural-sounding transparency mode. The latter pairs great with the Ace's home theater skills, embodied in the TV Swap feature that allows the headphones to take over TV sound from select Sonos soundbars like the Arc, Arc Ultra, and Beam soundbars.

The sound signature is understated but detailed, with a softer touch to the midrange and treble that still readily digs up instrumental timbres. The pair comes in a slick hard case and includes removable earpads for longevity. Again, I want to emphasize that there are very few headphones I've worn for hours on end that remain this comfy, which makes them all the more alluring for both home theater times and travel adventures. You'll want a modern Sonos soundbar to take full advantage, but the Ace are good enough to stand on their own.

Sonos Shelf for $59: This shelf is reversible, so you can place a Sonos One or Era 100 speaker on the left or right. It has an indent so the speaker fits right in, and it hides the cord and directs it through the bottom.

Sonos Era 100 wall mount: Keep your Era 100 discrete with these nifty wall mounts.

Sonos Ea 100 stands (pair): These minimalist stands for the Era 100 are perfect for a surround sound setup.

Sonos Era 300 stands (pair): Stylish (and pricey) stands to build out a blow-out Dolby Atmos setup with a Sonos Arc Ultra.

Sonos USB-C line-in adapter: Connect analog audio to your Era 100, Era 300, or Move 2 USB-C input

Sonos Roam/Roam 2 wireless charger: Cut the cord for good with this easy-access Roam speaker charging station. (You'll find cheaper knock-offs on Amazon, but I can't vouch for compatibility.)

Longer (or shorter) power cables at Sonos: Depending on your power outlet situation, you may need a longer cord.

Sonos Ace ear cushion replacements: Hopefully your ear pads are still going strong, but it's nice to know these are available.

Other accessories at Sonos: Sonos sells a variety of niche accessories that may help, depending on your setup.

Which products Sonos has on the horizon is anyone's guess, but reports claim the brand has plans to release something in 2026. Rumors last year about a new A/V switcher device led nowhere, as the device was reportedly shelved.

While this is strictly speculative, if I had to guess the next product for update, it's the Beam Gen 2. The current version is pricey for a fun-sized bar that doesn't include Dolby Atmos support, something Sonos went all in on with the latest products like the Era 300 and Arc Ultra soundbar. Could we see a full-on Beam replacement this year?

We also know that Sonos is planning another app update, according to Bloomberg, designed to simplify controls and bring some new i OS features. The company would love to put all the issues of its 2024 app update in the rearview, so I'll be watching closely to see how the new features work with my Sonos reference models.

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Key Takeaways

• Sonos speakers are still great
• While new challengers like Wiim have won my heart (their amps are incredible for the money), Sonos remains the easiest, most versatile way to set up a multi-room audio system or plug-and-play surround sound system
• Updated March 2026: We've updated this guide with long-term testing of the Sonos app and speakers, removed discontinued models, added specs, and refreshed our tips and advice with the latest products and information
• I've tested every major Sonos product, from the ancient Play:1 and Play:5 to the latest Era 100, Era 300 speakers, and flagship Arc Ultra soundbar
• Simple setup, loads of options: The Sonos app guides you through setting up a new system or adding speakers to an existing one