The alternatives: Sonos’s other soundbars
If the Ray doesn’t offer enough, it’s definitely worth checking out its two bigger brothers – bigger in size, bigger in quality
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) £449 / stuff.tv/sonosbeam What’s the story?
The Beam is a serious upgrade on the Ray.
Not only does it support HDMI EARC for full compatibility with other AV gear, but it has Dolby Atmos too – new in the Gen 2 version. This isn’t Sonos’s most advanced or big-sounding soundbar (see right), but it’s hard to say it isn’t worth the extra outlay over the Ray.
Is it any good?
Yes. Sonos has squeezed some serious tech into a streamlined device that’s incredibly easy to use, though it doesn’t have any up-firing drivers as you’d expect from an Atmos bar – the result being that you never feel completely enveloped in the bubble of sound that Atmos promises. Alexa and Google Assistant are both supported natively; the only downside is that there’s no HDMI passthrough.
Key specs
Drivers 1x tweeter, 4x midwoofers, 3x passive radiators Connectivity HDMI EARC, optical, Ethernet, IR receiver, Wi-fi, Airplay 2 Dimensions 651x100x69mm, 2.8kg
Stuff says ★★★★★
With its stylish build and top features, it’s easy to recommend the Beam
Sonos Arc £899 / stuff.tv/sonosarc What’s the story?
The range-topping Arc looks every inch a Sonos, with impeccable build quality and design. It does look a bit ungainly sitting beneath a television smaller than 55in, but the 8.7cm height and 11.6cm depth make it pretty discreet otherwise. This one was launched in 2020 with the promise of a huge soundstage.
Is it any good?
Packing 11 drivers, two of them firing upwards, the Arc offers incredible midrange fidelity that’s so crucial to the home cinema experience. The side-firing drivers give a real sense of width, and the up-firing equivalents match them in adding height to the sound. It can’t produce the effect of a multi-speaker Atmos setup, but it’s excellent even so. Four far-field mics along the top let you talk to it using Google Assistant or Alexa.
Key specs
Drivers 3x tweeters, 8x midwoofers
Connectivity HDMI EARC, optical, Ethernet, IR receiver, Wi-fi, Airplay 2 Dimensions 1142x116x87mm, 6.25kg
Stuff says ★★★★★
The best compact Atmos soundbar that doesn’t require spending silly money.