Right here at WIRED, we like Sonos audio system. We actually do. All through the previous decade, we’ve reviewed all the firm’s wirelessly connectable audio system, from its small shelf audio system to its TV soundbars, and we’ve really useful each considered one of them. However turning your property 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 fundamental mannequin. However which of them do you have to purchase? Learn on for our favorites, from tiny Bluetooth audio system to full residence theaters.
Up to date Could 2024: We have added the Victrola Stream Carbon as one other nice Sonos turntable possibility, and we have up to date hyperlinks and costs.
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Greatest General Sonos Speaker
The Sonos Period 100 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favourite Sonos speaker, for its good mix of sound and options. It’s the identical form and dimension because the Sonos One which got here earlier than, which implies it simply blends into most areas. The speaker comes geared up with a quantity slider and a play-pause button so that you don’t must take your cellphone out everytime you need to management it. It has a USB-C enter as nicely, together with a change on the again of the speaker to manually disable the built-in microphone for privateness.
The Period 100 has massive 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 function that adjusts the audio based mostly on the place you place it (however this works higher on iOS units). We’re additionally joyful to see the addition of Bluetooth pairing, along with Wi-Fi, so you may stream audio and not using a Sonos account and in addition pair it with a cellphone simply.
If you happen to’re searching for a inexpensive speaker that is additionally freed from microphones, the Sonos One SL is a strong different. You’ll be able to 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 property). The SL can also be a great way so as to add extra satellite tv for pc audio system to your property.
Greatest 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, however it does include just a few 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’ll be able to mount it proper to your wall or stand it upright on a bookshelf or desk. And if you wish to community just a few audio system collectively for a bigger room, or linked rooms, that is the most affordable option to do it. It does not immediately take audio instructions, as a result of it has no mic, so you will want a Sonos One, Sonos Period 100, Google speaker, or Alexa speaker that you may yell at if you wish to management it together with your voice. Aside from that, it does every little thing you’d need 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 maintain it on the media console in my residence. The lamp will get brilliant sufficient to gentle the lounge, and I 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. Nevertheless it’s a fingerprint magnet. I might advocate the textile shade ($240) if that’ll hassle you. My solely gripe is that it lacks a microphone, so you may’t management it utilizing voice instructions. You’ll be able to, nevertheless, join it to an Amazon or Nest good speaker to make the most of the good assistant assist. If wall artwork is extra your type, Ikea gives the Symfonisk Image Body with a built-in Sonos Wi-Fi Speaker for $260.
Greatest Giant Speaker
The Sonos Period 300 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a slightly awkward and startling look (we predict it seems to be like a robotic’s butt), however the sound high quality makes up for it. Beneath the hood are six speaker drivers, 4 tweeters, and a few mid/bass drivers—all of which ship detailed, large, and assured sound. The standout function, 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 will discover a socket for energy, a change to mute the mics, a USB-C auxiliary enter, and a button for Bluetooth pairing (which implies you do not have to make use of the Sonos app to manage it). If you happen to go for the Sonos companion app, you may alter EQ, tune the audio system to your surroundings by way of the TruePlay function, and pair different Sonos audio system collectively.
Greatest 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 may simply throw it right into a tote bag and play music on the go. Utilizing the Sonos app, obtainable 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’ll management the speaker by way of voice instructions utilizing Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
It might not provide audiophile-approved sound for its stature, however 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 seaside 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 worth). It packs 24 hours of battery life (a serious enhance from 11 hours on its predecessor), a contact interface for media controls (as a substitute of bodily buttons), and the choice to attach by way of Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi (the unique Transfer was strictly Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when in use). It additionally comes geared up 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 does not have assist for Google Assistant. You may have the selection between Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Management. It is a strong speaker for individuals who are already a part of the Sonos ecosystem and are searching for a speaker they will not take past their lounge or yard.
Greatest 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 suitable 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’ll be able to 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 a substitute of a cloth cowl as seen on the Gen 1 mannequin. That is presupposed to make it simpler to mix in together 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 Greatest Soundbars information.
Sonos sub speaker gen 3{Photograph}: Sonos
The usual Sonos Sub will value you $799 at Sonos. It is excellent however costly. If you happen to’re working with a smaller house, the more cost effective Sonos Sub Mini is $430 at Greatest Purchase. Do not hassle shopping for {surround} audio system till you personal a Sub, although. It would make a profound distinction.
Greatest Small Soundbar
In case 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 possibility 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 every other moments you wouldn’t need to miss in your favourite motion pictures and reveals. Plus, with adjustable settings within the Sonos app, you may configure your excellent listening expertise for each tune in your favourite album.
This small soundbar simply matches on leisure facilities and dressers, or you may mount it in your wall to liberate as a lot valuable house as potential.
Wanna take it to the subsequent degree? You’ll be able to 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 wire), so it connects seamlessly to your present system by the Sonos app.
Greatest for Large House Theaters
A soundbar could make all of the distinction in a house theater, and so they value rather a lot lower than a full surround-sound setup. And in case you’re searching for 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 might bounce hold forth your partitions and ceiling nicely sufficient that it feels 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 rather a lot longer, stretching 45 inches, or in regards to the width of a 55-inch TV. Its design is elegant and understated within the common Sonos manner—you will not all the time discover the bar, however while you do, it isn’t an eyesore in any respect.
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