What To Know
- The soundbar is available in black or white and comes with a built-in optical audio port, an HDMI ARC port, and an Ethernet port for wired connectivity.
- If you’re looking for a compact and affordable soundbar that delivers solid sound quality, the Sonos Soundbar is a great option.
- Whether you choose the Sonos Soundbar or Sonos Arc, you can be confident that you’re getting a premium audio experience from one of the leading brands in the industry.
Sonos has established itself as a leading brand in the world of premium audio, offering a range of high-performance soundbars and home theater systems. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Sonos Soundbar and Sonos Arc, two of the company’s most popular soundbar options, to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your home entertainment needs.
Design and Features
Sonos Soundbar
The Sonos Soundbar features a sleek and compact design, measuring 27 inches in length and only 2.5 inches in height. Its low-profile form factor makes it easy to place under most TVs without obstructing the screen. The soundbar is available in black or white and comes with a built-in optical audio port, an HDMI ARC port, and an Ethernet port for wired connectivity.
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc is a larger and more feature-rich soundbar, measuring 45 inches in length and 3.4 inches in height. It boasts a curved design and a premium fabric grille, giving it a sophisticated and elegant appearance. The Arc includes all the connectivity options of the Sonos Soundbar, plus an additional HDMI eARC port for lossless audio transmission. It also features built-in Dolby Atmos support for immersive surround sound experiences.
Sound Quality
Sonos Soundbar
The Sonos Soundbar delivers impressive sound quality for its compact size. It utilizes three mid-woofers and three tweeters to produce a balanced and detailed soundscape. The soundbar supports Dolby Digital and stereo audio formats, providing clear dialogue and a wide soundstage.
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc takes sound quality to the next level. Its advanced 5.1.2 channel configuration, featuring five mid-woofers, three tweeters, and two up-firing speakers, creates a truly immersive surround sound experience. The Arc supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Digital Surround, delivering a cinematic audio performance that transports you into the action.
Connectivity and Control
Sonos Soundbar
The Sonos Soundbar offers a variety of connectivity options, including optical audio, HDMI ARC, and Ethernet. It can be controlled via the Sonos app, the included remote control, or voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc expands on the connectivity options of the Sonos Soundbar by adding an HDMI eARC port. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 for wireless audio streaming. Like the Sonos Soundbar, the Arc can be controlled through the Sonos app, remote control, or voice commands.
Dolby Atmos Support
Sonos Soundbar
The Sonos Soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos.
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos, which is an immersive surround sound format that creates a three-dimensional sound experience. The Arc’s up-firing speakers bounce sound off the ceiling to create a more enveloping and realistic soundscape.
Price and Availability
Sonos Soundbar
The Sonos Soundbar is available for $399 on Sonos.com and authorized retailers.
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc is available for $799 on Sonos.com and authorized retailers.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Sonos Soundbar and Sonos Arc depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a compact and affordable soundbar that delivers solid sound quality, the Sonos Soundbar is a great option. However, if you want the ultimate home theater experience with Dolby Atmos support and premium sound quality, the Sonos Arc is the clear choice.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Sonos Soundbar | Sonos Arc |
| — | — | — |
| Design | Compact, low-profile | Curved, elegant |
| Dimensions | 27″ x 2.5″ | 45″ x 3.4″ |
| Connectivity | Optical, HDMI ARC, Ethernet | Optical, HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, Ethernet |
| Sound Quality | Dolby Digital, stereo | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Digital Surround |
| Dolby Atmos Support | No | Yes |
| Control | Sonos app, remote, voice | Sonos app, remote, voice, AirPlay 2 |
| Price | $399 | $799 |
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose the Sonos Soundbar or Sonos Arc, you can be confident that you’re getting a premium audio experience from one of the leading brands in the industry. Both soundbars offer exceptional sound quality, connectivity options, and control features. Ultimately, the best decision for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which soundbar is better for small rooms?
A: The Sonos Soundbar is a more suitable option for small rooms due to its compact size and lower price point.
Q: Can I use either soundbar with a TV that does not have an HDMI ARC port?
A: Yes, both the Sonos Soundbar and Sonos Arc can be connected to TVs without HDMI ARC using the optical audio port.
Q: Which soundbar has better dialogue clarity?
A: Both soundbars offer excellent dialogue clarity, but the Sonos Arc may have a slight edge due to its Dolby Atmos support, which can enhance the precision of speech and sound effects.