In the aftermath of the considerable turbulence that Sonos has recently brought upon itself—a period of turbulence characterized by strategic missteps and a particularly damaging debacle involving its mobile application—it is perfectly understandable that many consumers remain hesitant to commit their money to the company’s hardware. That hesitation, however, must now be measured against signs of recovery. Under the guidance of Tom Conrad, the newly appointed chief executive, there is an emerging sense that Sonos is actively striving to reorient its trajectory and reclaim its reputation as the premier brand in whole-home audio. While the software at the center of so much criticism remains a work in progress, evidence suggests that it is far more stable than it was a year ago. Bugs and frustrations continue to surface—for example, speakers occasionally disappearing inexplicably from the system—yet even critics must admit that the general direction of progress is encouraging. Importantly, the company’s decision to abandon its dalliance with a video player indicates a renewed focus on reinforcing and refining its core strength: audio.
Personally, I am not inclined to part with any of my existing Sonos equipment. There are practical reasons for this loyalty. The company’s whole-home platform continues to offer conveniences that competing ecosystems struggle to equal without considerable friction. My primary use case consists of streaming music from popular services such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music, which integrate seamlessly into Sonos’ infrastructure. Yet Sonos’ strength extends beyond music. Consider, for instance, watching a sports broadcast: with a few taps, I can direct the sound from my Sonos soundbar in the living room to a speaker positioned in another room, allowing me to follow the game without interruption. The same versatility applies to Bluetooth playback—modern Sonos speakers allow that signal to be extended system-wide, thereby transforming a simple stream into whole-home audio.
The credibility of my assessment is not incidental. For many years at *The Verge*, I have covered Sonos in depth—reporting on corporate developments, testing an extensive range of its products, and analyzing in detail the app crisis that ultimately led to the resignation of former CEO Patrick Spence. Home theater systems and audio technology have long been central to my reviewing focus. As such, I have cultivated the necessary expertise to evaluate whether a given speaker or soundbar is a genuine standout or merely another contender in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
Of course, I will not begrudge anyone who would prefer to wait and observe how Sonos manages its ongoing software evolution. Waiting might appear wise, but there is also a practical consideration to keep in mind: Sonos has confirmed that, later this year, it will increase the prices of certain products in response to the tariffs instituted during President Trump’s administration. In other words, those holding back could find themselves paying significantly more. Thus, if you are tempted by any of Sonos’ hardware, now represents a particularly opportune moment to buy. And for anyone uncertain which models merit the strongest recommendation, my extensive testing offers precise guidance.
My methodology for evaluating Sonos equipment is rigorous, based on spending long stretches of meaningful time with each device in the sort of contexts where it was intended to be used. Portable speakers such as the Move 2 undergo extensive trials both indoors and in outdoor settings; soundbars are tested through extended movie marathons; and high-end devices like the Five are measured against full days of varied listening to discern performance subtleties. If a speaker claims water resistance, I personally use it near pools or lakes to confirm that it survives exposure to splashes and the rigors of daily life.
Sonos’ portfolio is broad and diverse. It encompasses compact desk speakers, Bluetooth portables, substantial soundbars, subwoofers designed for cinematic bass, and even its distinctive collaborations with Ikea under the Symfonisk brand, which integrate seamlessly into home décor while retaining robust audio identities. Choosing the right model depends entirely on an individual’s space, needs, and personal listening habits.
As for sound quality, some audiophiles may insist that Sonos’ consumer-friendly ethos precludes excellence. My testing suggests otherwise. Even the company’s more modest devices tend to produce audio that is clear, balanced, and sufficiently powerful to satisfy the majority of listeners. Beyond fidelity, the platform’s appeal lies in adaptability. A Sonos system can distribute TV audio throughout the home, connect seamlessly with Bluetooth-capable turntables, or accept higher-fidelity line-in sources. Moreover, the Sonos app continues to support virtually every music streaming service of consequence, underscoring its dominance in cross-platform convenience.
Uniquely, Sonos also distinguishes itself with extraordinary software longevity. Speakers released a decade ago remain not only compatible with the company’s S2 platform but continue to benefit from firmware improvements. This form of aftercare is exceedingly rare in consumer electronics and ensures that buyers can invest in Sonos equipment with long-term confidence.
Having examined the product range, my recommendation for the best entry-level option begins with the Era 100. Compact yet potent, it offers stereo improvements over its predecessors, supports Bluetooth and line-in connectivity, and features redesigned physical controls, including an intuitive touch-sensitive volume bar. Voice control is integrated through Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control. At a price point of $199, recently reduced, it strikes an impressive balance of quality and accessibility.
For those seeking the highest-caliber audio experience Sonos has to offer, the Five remains unrivaled. Though devoid of smart features such as built-in voice assistants, the Five excels through its sheer audio power, rich stereo separation, and support for direct 3.5mm line-in connections—a boon for vinyl enthusiasts. Its simplicity is its virtue, underscoring the notion that not every outstanding product must also function as a smart assistant.
Those who value portability should consider the Move 2. Though heavier than Sonos’ smallest portable options, its enlarged form provides commanding audio presence, deeper bass response, and a battery designed for user replacement. Its durability, with resistance to drops and water, makes it suitable for outdoor gatherings. Furthermore, it offers Wi-Fi playback, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect, ensuring fidelity above that of basic Bluetooth.
In home theater contexts, Sonos offers two major soundbars. The Arc Ultra represents the company’s flagship, integrating Dolby Atmos with formidable bass capabilities and Bluetooth support. Those in smaller living spaces, however, may prefer the Beam (Gen 2), which offers a more modest but still expansive sound that significantly surpasses the built-in audio of any television.
For subwoofer support, the Sub Mini achieves a superb balance of size, price, and performance. Its compact design allows discreet placement while delivering satisfying bass depth. For most users, it represents a more practical choice than the costlier Sub 4.
Those operating on a tighter budget should not overlook Ikea’s Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker, now in its second generation. Despite its modest cost, it integrates elegantly with the Sonos ecosystem, providing enjoyable sound at an entry-level price, and doubling well as a surround speaker when used in pairs.
Finally, Sonos’ Ace headphones, introduced amid the company’s troubled software episode, deserve reconsideration. Overshadowed at launch, they remain stylish, comfortable, and acoustically impressive. With features like USB-C wired playback, immersive spatial audio, and the TV Audio Swap functionality for discreet late-night listening, they stand as a commendable first venture into headphones, although limited by Sonos’ current system restrictions.
Taken together, these products reflect a company that, despite recent stumbles, is rediscovering clarity of purpose. Sonos continues to engineer hardware that blends adaptability, longevity, and convenience, all while offering audio quality that satisfies most households. Under its renewed leadership, the brand appears intent on reclaiming its former standing. For consumers, the present moment—prior to price increases—offers an excellent opportunity to join or expand within the Sonos ecosystem.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/652171/best-sonos-speakers
