Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
We've recently launched Soundbars 1.3! Read the R&D Article to learn more.

Sonos Arc Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Review updated Dec 06, 2023 at 09:47 am
Sonos Arc Picture
7.6
Mixed Usage
7.9
Dialogue/TV Shows
7.5
Music
7.4
Movies

The Sonos Arc is the manufacturer's flagship soundbar released in 2020. It's a smart soundbar with built-in voice assistant capabilities designed for easy integration into your living room. Support for multi-channel audio formats like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital brings a real and life-like feel to your favorite movies and shows. Connect this soundbar to other Sonos products to spread audio throughout your home or to build out the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc for improved performance.

Our Verdict

7.6 Mixed Usage

The Sonos Arc is good for mixed usage. It's a premium standalone bar suitable for everything from music to movies to TV shows. Right out of the box, dialogue is clear and accurate, and instruments are reproduced with fidelity. It also supports many different audio formats, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. You can always add on a sub and satellites to improve its performance down the line.

Pros
  • Sleek and very well-built design.
  • Supports Atmos.
  • Great stereo soundstage.
Cons
  • Compression artifacts at max volume.
  • No full EQ.
7.9 Dialogue/TV Shows

The Sonos Arc soundbar is very good for dialogue-centric TV shows and podcasts. Its discrete center channel is designed to improve vocal reproduction, and dialogue is clearly and accurately reproduced. If you want, you can even use the dialogue enhancement tool to make voices more crisp. There's no Bluetooth compatibility, but you can stream audio to the bar wirelessly over Wi-Fi or Apple AirPlay 2.

Pros
  • Sleek and very well-built design.
  • Low audio latency.
  • Room correction feature available on iOS.
Cons
  • No Bluetooth support.
  • Compression artifacts at max volume.
7.5 Music

The Sonos Arc is good for music. Like most premium setups on the market, it offers a room correction feature to optimize the output based on your room's unique acoustics. Voices and lead instruments are reproduced with clarity and accuracy from the jump, making it suitable for listening to lots of different genres. Plus, you can adjust its bass and treble to make it sound how you wish. As a standalone bar, you don't get much rumble in the low-bass, so you'll have to add a separate sub if you're a real bass lover.

Pros
  • Sleek and very well-built design.
  • Great stereo soundstage.
  • Room correction feature available on iOS.
Cons
  • Compression artifacts at max volume.
  • No full EQ.
7.4 Movies

The Sonos Arc is satisfactory for movies and performs quite well for a standalone bar. Sound stretches past the bar's edges, giving you a wide and immersive surround sound experience. Dialogue is clear, and sound effects stretch into the space around you. However, without a dedicated sub, you don't get as much rumble in action-packed scenes, and the lack of satellites reduces the overall cinematic feel.

Pros
  • Supports Atmos.
  • Low audio latency.
  • Great stereo soundstage.
Cons
  • Compression artifacts at max volume.
  • No full EQ.
  • No Full HDMI In.
  • 7.6 Mixed Usage
  • 7.9 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 7.5 Music
  • 7.4 Movies
  1. Updated Dec 06, 2023: Updated review text for clarity. No changes in test results.
  2. Updated Jun 02, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
  3. Updated Mar 07, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
  4. Updated Mar 06, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
  5. Updated Dec 20, 2022: Updated review text for clarity and consistency. No changes in results.
  6. Updated Nov 30, 2022: Added market comparison with the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus to Height (Atmos).
  7. Updated Nov 11, 2022: Retested the bar's sound with firmware version 14.18.
  8. Updated Oct 31, 2022: Added mention of the Sonos Arc Costco variant to the Variants box.
  9. Updated Jul 12, 2022: Thanks to user feedback, added additional information about swipe controls to Bar Controls box.
  10. Updated Mar 31, 2022: We added our subjective impressions of the bar's soundstage with Atmos content. Since we don't factor this into our scoring, there were no changes to the Height (Atmos) score.
  11. Updated Jan 19, 2022: New update adds DTS support.
  12. Updated Jan 06, 2022: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  13. Updated Aug 03, 2021: Retested for audio delay with LG TVs.
  14. Updated Jul 27, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  15. Updated Jun 14, 2021: Updated results since this setup now features a height level adjustment feature, following the 13.1.2 firmware update.
  16. Updated Mar 31, 2021: Added note about a user-reported issue with Samsung TVs.
  17. Updated Mar 18, 2021: Updated latency measurements with new methodology.
  18. Updated Feb 12, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  19. Updated Feb 09, 2021: Updated 5.1 PCM (eARC only) to 'Yes' after updating the bar's firmware.
  20. Updated Feb 09, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  21. Updated Sep 21, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
  22. Updated Aug 06, 2020: Added notes that the room correction feature is only available on iOS.
  23. Updated Jul 06, 2020: We've retested the soundbar with the latest firmware update.
  24. Updated Jun 29, 2020: Review published.
  25. Updated Jun 23, 2020: Early access published.
  26. Updated Jun 16, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  27. Updated Jun 16, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  28. Updated May 31, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

This soundbar is available in both white and black. We tested the Black variant and expect the White variant to perform similarly.

You can also check out our reviews for the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc if you're curious about how the bar performs with a subwoofer and satellites added on.

Sonos has also released a Costco-exclusive version of this soundbar called the Sonos Arc SL. We expect it to perform the same, but it doesn't have a built-in microphone. If you come across another variant of this soundbar, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Sonos Arc is a very differently designed soundbar when compared to the Sonos Playbar or the Sonos Beam. It's much bigger and has new features like Atmos support, which isn't available on the other models. You can upgrade this setup by purchasing a wireless subwoofer and satellites, transforming it into a full Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc, depending on the satellite speakers you buy.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best soundbars for movies.

Sonos Beam

The Sonos Arc is more versatile than the Sonos Beam since it supports eARC and Atmos content. The Arc can deliver deeper bass and has better surround and height performances. That said, the Beam performs better at max volume. It's also shorter and much easier to fit between the legs of a 55-inch TV.

Samsung HW-Q990C

The Samsung HW-Q990C and the Sonos Arc are slightly different setups, and you may find it more useful to compare the Samsung with the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc. As a standalone bar, the Arc lacks a subwoofer and satellites, so its surround sound isn't quite as impressive as the Samsung's full setup. Still, it performs well on its own, making it a solid choice for those who don't have as much space in their living room.

Sonos Playbar

The Sonos Arc is a bit more versatile than the Sonos Playbar. The Arc has HDMI ports and also supports Atmos and eARC, unlike the Playbar. Both sound fairly bright, and the Playbar performs better at max volume than the Arc.

Sony HT-A7000

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the standalone Sony HT-A7000. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup with better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. It also reproduces a slightly more extended low-bass. However, the Sony is better built. Unlike the Sonos, it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The Sonos Arc is better for mixed usage than the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). The Arc is a 5.0.2 setup with a better Atmos performance. It also gets louder, albeit with more compression at max volume. However, the Beam is more compact and better built. You can also upgrade both setups with a subwoofer and satellites.

Sony HT-A5000

The Sonos Arc is better than the Sony HT-A5000. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup with better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. Its default sound profile is also more balanced and neutral, which some listeners may prefer. However, the Sony has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. It also supports more wireless playback options, including Bluetooth.

Sony HT-A9

The Sonos Arc is better than the Sony HT-A9. These setups have very different designs, as the Sonos is a long standalone bar while the Sony is a small box with four satellites. The Sonos reproduces a slightly more extended low-bass and has a better center channel performance. However, the Sony has a better soundstage. You can also upgrade both of these setups with subwoofers.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

The Sonos Arc and the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are both premium standalone setups supporting Dolby Atmos content. Their performances are similar overall. The Sonos supports DTS content, unlike the Bose, and it has a few more sound enhancement features like auto-volume mode. The Bose is better built, with more wireless playback options.

Vizio Elevate

The Vizio Elevate is a better soundbar than the Sonos Arc. The Sonos has a bright sound profile that lacks a bit of bass, especially compared to the Vizio's bass-heavy sound profile. The Vizio has a Full HDMI In port that supports 4k passthrough, unlike the Sonos. You can check out the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers to compare its performance with its full setup.

Sonos Ray

The Sonos Arc is a better standalone soundbar than the Sonos Ray. The Arc is a 5.0.2 setup that supports Atmos content, unlike the Ray. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances and offers HDMI connectivity. The Ray offers a better value for listeners who want a simple setup for music and TV shows.

Samsung HW-Q800C

Compared to the standalone Sonos Arc, the Samsung HW-Q800C has a dedicated subwoofer, making it more versatile overall. The Samsung is better built and capable of bringing more thump and rumble in the bass range. It's more customizable, too, and offers a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sonos. The Sonos is a great option if you're low on space, and it even has a better stereo soundstage. You can also check out the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc to understand how it performs with a sub and satellites added on.

JBL Bar 1000

The JBL Bar 1000 is a premium setup with speakers and a subwoofer, so you may find it more worthwhile to compare it to the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc or the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. The Sonos Arc review is relevant for the standalone bar only, and while it does quite well, its surround sound isn't on par with these more premium setups.

LG S95QR

It may be more useful to compare the LG S95QR to the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc since the Sonos Arc review is valid only for the standalone bar. Adding a sub and satellites to the Arc brings an improved sound that's more on par with the LG which has a bar with satellites and a sub included. The standalone Arc is a good alternative if you don't have a lot of space in your living room.

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus

The Sonos Arc and the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus are both very premium standalone soundbars with Dolby Atmos support. The Sonos has a wider, more immersive soundstage, which is especially noticeable with Atmos content. However, it doesn't come with HDMI In ports like the Sennheiser, and it doesn't support as many wireless playback options like Bluetooth.

Devialet Dione

The Sonos Arc is better than the Devialet Dione for most uses. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that doesn't reproduce as much low-bass as the Devialet, but its wider, more immersive soundstage makes it ideal for watching movies. It has a better surround performance and more enhancement features to help you customize its sound. There's DTS support and built-in voice assistant capabilities, which the Devialet lacks. Also, you can add on rears or a dedicated sub to improve its performance, giving you more flexibility than the Devialet.

LG S90QY

The Sonos Arc is better than the LG S90QY. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup, so it's a standalone bar. Still, it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It can't reproduce as much low-bass as the LG, which comes with a dedicated sub, but you can always add one if you want to improve bass reproduction. The LG comes with additional sound enhancement features like EQ presets, but the Sonos' out-of-the-box sound is impressive without any tweaks.

JBL Bar 9.1

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the Sonos Arc. The JBL has a dedicated subwoofer and satellites, which reproduce a more extended low-bass and a better surround performance. It also comes with EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port. However, you can also upgrade the Sonos to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc for better performance.

Klipsch Cinema 1200

The Sonos Arc and the Klipsch Cinema 1200 are two different soundbar setups. The Sonos is a standalone 5.0.2 bar, while the Klipsch is a full 5.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. As a result, the Klipsch can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it has a better surround performance. However, its soundstage performance isn't as impressive as the better-built Sonos, and it doesn't support DTS content. You may also want to compare it to the full Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Samsung HW-Q950A

The Samsung HW-Q950A is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer and satellites, so it reproduces a more extended low-bass and has better surround performance. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume and comes with a graphic EQ and Full HDMI In port. However, the Sonos is better built and has a better soundstage performance. Also, you can upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Yamaha YAS-209

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Yamaha YAS-209. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It's also better built and comes with a room correction feature. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, the 2.1 Yamaha has a dedicated subwoofer reproducing a more extended low-bass. It also comes with EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port that supports high-quality passthrough, unlike the Sonos.

Klipsch Cinema 800

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc or the Klipsch Cinema 800. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. There's even a room correction feature and built-in voice assistant support, which the Klipsch lacks. However, the Klipsch has a dedicated sub that can reproduce a thumpier low-bass out of the box. It also has two Full HDMI In ports, meaning you can use it for high-quality passthrough.

Sony HT-ST5000

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the standalone Sonos Arc or the Sony HT-ST5000. The Sony comes with a dedicated sub that reproduces a more extended low-bass. It's better built and comes with EQ presets and three Full HDMI In ports. However, the Sonos has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also comes with a room correction feature, and you can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Samsung HW-Q900C

Since the Samsung HW-Q900C has a dedicated subwoofer, it can bring a more extended low-bass compared to the standalone Sonos Arc. You can always compare the Samsung with setups like the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc and the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers to understand how the bar performs with a sub added on. Either way, it does well for a standalone bar, so it may be more suitable if you don't have space for a sub in your living room.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700

The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 is a slightly better soundbar than the Sonos Arc. The Sonos isn't as well-built, but it supports Atmos, which is great for a more immersive listening experience. However, the Bose has a more neutral sound profile, allowing for Bluetooth playback. Both setups can be upgraded easily.

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX and the Sonos Arc are both very premium standalone bars. The Sennheiser reproduces a more extended low-bass thanks to its integrated subwoofer. It supports more wireless playback options, and unlike the Sonos, it offers a graphic EQ, presets, and a Full HDMI In port. However, the Sonos is better built with a better soundstage performance. Unlike the Sennheiser, it has bass and treble adjustments and built-in voice assistant support. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Vizio M Series M512a-H6

The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is a better soundbar for mixed usage than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Vizio has a better surround performance, and unlike the Sonos, it has a Full HDMI In port and EQ presets. It also reproduces a more extended low-bass thanks to its dedicated sub. The Sonos is better built and has a room correction feature and built-in voice assistant support. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Sony HT-G700

The Sonos Arc is a better setup than the Sony HT-G700. The Sonos feels better built, has a more balanced sound profile, and can get louder with fewer compression artifacts. It also offers a better center, surround, and height performance and has room correction. However, the Sony has EQ presets and more inputs, including an HDMI Out and a Full HDMI In port.

LG SP9YA

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc or the LG SP9YA. The LG comes with a dedicated subwoofer that reproduces a more extended low-bass. Also, it comes with EQ presets for sound customization. However, the Sonos has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Also, it can be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage and the Sonos Arc are soundbars with different setups, but the Bang & Olufsen is better for dialogue and TV shows. While the Bang & Olufsen is a 3.0 setup with a more bass-heavy sound, it has a graphic EQ and presets to customize it to your liking. It has more physical inputs, including a Full HDMI In port, and it has outstanding wireless playback options. However, the Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup with side-firing speakers, which significantly improves its surround performance, unlike Bang & Olufsen, which downmixes this content into stereo. It also has a better height performance and a room correction feature.

Samsung HW-Q800A

The Samsung HW-Q800A is a better 3.1.2 setup than the 5.0.2 Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer, which helps produce a thumpy, rumbling low-bass. It also has a graphic EQ and four presets, letting you customize its sound profile. Only the Samsung is Bluetooth compatible, and it has a Full HDMI In port, so you can use the bar as a hub between devices. However, the Sonos has a better soundstage and a more immersive surround sound performance. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites as the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

The Sonos Arc and the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 are premium standalone soundbars. However, the Sonos is better overall. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances and has more sound enhancement features. In addition, its default sound is more neutral, especially in the mids, so voices are clearer and more detailed in the mix.

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar

The Sonos Arc is better than the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the Bowers & Wilkins, it has Dolby Atmos support and an HDMI ARC port. Its soundstage, center, and surround performances are better, and it offers more sound enhancement features. That said, it isn't Bluetooth-compatible like the Bowers & Wilkins.

Klipsch Cinema 600

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc or the Klipsch Cinema 600. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built, with a better soundstage and a room correction feature. It also supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the Klipsch. You can also update the Sonos with a wireless subwoofer and surround satellites. However, the 3.1 Klipsch comes with a dedicated subwoofer.

Samsung HW-Q900A

The Samsung HW-Q900A is a better soundbar than the Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass and a Full HDMI In port. It offers more wireless playback options, and you can customize its sound using its graphic EQ and presets. However, the Sonos is better built, with a better soundstage performance. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

LG GX Soundbar

The Sonos Arc is better than the LG GX Soundbar. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built and offers better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. Unlike the LG, it has room correction and built-in voice assistant support. The 3.1 LG gets louder and has a Full HDMI In port that supports high-quality passthrough.

LG SN9YG

The LG SN9YG is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The LG has a dedicated subwoofer reproducing a more extended low-bass. It also has EQ presets, a Full HDMI In port, and wireless playback options. However, the Sonos offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc or the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch. The Nakamichi is slightly better for movies as it has a better surround performance. It also comes with EQ presets, two subwoofers, and four satellites. However, the Sonos is a standalone bar that has a better soundstage. It also has room correction and voice assistant support built into the bar. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

The Sonos Arc has the edge over the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. While both bars offer similar performance in many ways, like stereo soundstage and dynamics, the Sonos has a slightly better less bright, piercing center performance . Its surround performance is more natural, too, and it has an Optical port that supports DTS. However, the Bose is better built and supports more wireless playback formats.

Samsung HW-Q930C

Our review for the Sonos Arc only encompasses the standalone bar, so you may find it more useful to compare the Samsung HW-Q930C with the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc to get a sense of how it performs with a subwoofer and satellites. Without these add-ons, the Sonos has a less impressive surround sound, especially compared to the Samsung. Still, it may be a good alternative if you don't have a ton of space in your living room, as it does well for a standalone bar.

Bose Smart Soundbar 600

The Sonos Arc and the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 are standalone Dolby Atmos soundbars with smart features, such as built-in voice assistant support. The Sonos is better overall, with a wider stereo soundstage that makes audio stretch all around you as if you were in a movie theater. It's a bit bigger than the Bose and gets louder. Plus, you find more sound enhancement features, like room correction.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Bose is a 5.1.2 setup with satellites and a subwoofer, so naturally, its surround sound is improved compared to the bar on its own. That said, the Sonos still offers solid performance for a standalone bar, and you can even upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want. You may prefer to compare this setup to the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc or the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Samsung HW-Q700A

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q700A or the Sonos Arc. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup, has better soundstage and surround performances, and comes with a room correction feature. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc. However, the 3.1.2 Samsung comes with a subwoofer, and graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. Its Full HDMI In port supports high-quality passthrough and more wireless playback options.

Samsung HW-B550

Since the Samsung HW-B550 comes with a subwoofer, it can reproduce more bass than the standalone Sonos Arc. That said, the Sonos shines in other regards. Its stereo soundstage is better, as is its surround sound performance. It can playback height content like Dolby Atmos, unlike the Samsung soundbar. You can always add a sub on to the Sonos to improve its bass performance, too.

Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module or the standalone Sonos Arc. The Sony is a 7.1.2 setup with discrete satellites and a subwoofer. It's better built, with a better surround performance. Unlike the Sonos, it has two Full HDMI In ports for high-quality passthrough. That said, the Sonos has better soundstage and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for better performance.

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

The Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Vizio reproduces a more extended low-bass and offers a better surround performance. It also comes with EQ presets for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sonos. The Sonos is better built with better soundstage and Atmos performance. It also can be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. It also has built-in voice assistant support, whereas the Vizio only supports voice assistants when you connect a third-party device.

Samsung HW-Q60C/Q6CC

Compared to the standalone Sonos Arc, the Samsung HW-Q60C/Q6CC has a dedicated subwoofer. As a result, the Samsung can reproduce more low-bass in the mix. You can also add a sub to the Sonos, and our results for the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc and the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers give you an idea of how it will perform in comparison. Still, the standalone option is a good alternative for those without much room in their setup, and its stereo soundstage is better than the Samsung. Plus, it doesn't have to downmix surround and height content like the Samsung.

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Sonos offers better soundstage and Atmos performances. It can also be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, the JBL's dedicated sub reproduces a more extended low-bass and has EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Bose is better built, with a more neutral sound profile and a more extended low-bass, thanks to its dedicated subwoofer. It also has a better soundstage performance. However, the Sonos supports Atmos content, and you can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

LG S75Q

The Sonos Arc is better than the LG S75Q. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 standalone bar with a premium design. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances and supports more premium features like room correction. While the LG comes with a dedicated sub, it doesn't reproduce as much low-bass compared to the Sonos.

Vizio M Series M51a-H6

The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Vizio gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has a more extended low-bass thanks to its dedicated subwoofer. Its satellites help create a more immersive surround experience. It also offers some EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port. However, the Sonos is better built with a better soundstage performance and a room correction feature. You may also want to compare this bar with the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

LG S80QY

The Sonos Arc and the LG S80QY are both Dolby Atmos soundbars with different designs. The Sonos is a standalone soundbar with a 5.0.2 setup, and it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It doesn't come with a dedicated subwoofer like the LG, so it doesn't reproduce as much low-bass out of the box. However, you can always add a separate subwoofer to improve the Sonos' bass reproduction.

Bose Smart Soundbar 300

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Bose Smart Soundbar 300. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup with a more extended bass and sound enhancement features. It also has better surround and soundstage performances and supports Dolby Atmos content. It can even be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. However, the 3.0 Bose offers more wireless playback support.

Vizio V Series V51-H6

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc or the Vizio V Series V51-H6. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup that has satellites and a dedicated subwoofer, so it reproduces a more extended low-bass. However, the 5.0.2 Sonos is better built and supports Dolby Atmos content. Also, it has a better soundstage performance and a room correction feature. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for a better performance.

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The Sonos has a better soundstage performance, and thanks to its two up-firing speakers, it also has a better Atmos performance. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. However, the JBL is more compact and has some EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port.

Samsung HW-A550

The 5.0.2 Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the 2.1 Samsung HW-A550. The Sonos is better built and has a discrete center channel and two up-firing speakers that support Atmos. It has a better soundstage performance and offers room correction and built-in voice assistant support. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. However, the Samsung has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port and supports Bluetooth. You can also upgrade the Samsung with satellite speakers.

Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300

The Sonos Arc is better soundbar than the Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300. The Sonos has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box with a more extended low-bass. It also supports Dolby Atmos, unlike the Harman/Kardon. That said, the Harman/Kardon offers more wireless playback options, comes with three Full HDMI In ports, and supports high-quality passthrough. You can also upgrade both setups with a subwoofer, and you can also see the results for the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Samsung HW-Q600B

The Samsung HW-Q600B and the Sonos Arc each have different strengths and weaknesses. The Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer, bringing a little more rumble in the bass. It also has more sound enhancement features and a Full HDMI In port for video passthrough. However, the standalone Sonos offers a better stereo soundstage, and you can always upgrade it with a sub and satellites to improve its sound.

Samsung HW-Q70T

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that offers better surround, Atmos, and soundstage performances. It also comes with a room correction feature, and you can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, the Samsung has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port, which some users may prefer.

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

The full 5.1.2 setup of the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is much better than the Sonos Arc soundbar by itself. Adding the two rear satellites provides a much better surround sound experience, which is very immersive with surround content. It also makes the soundstage wider, although it does lose a bit of focus. The added subwoofer also creates more bass. On the other hand, the standalone soundbar might be a better option for people with limited space.

Polk Audio Signa S4

The Sonos Arc is better than the Polk Audio Signa S4. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup with a standalone design and is ideal if you don't have a lot of space. Also, it has better soundstage, Atmos, and surround performances than the Polk. It even has additional features, like room correction and built-in voice assistant support. You can upgrade it with a sub and satellites if you want.

Denon Home Sound Bar 550

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Denon Home Sound Bar 550. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that comes with a discrete center channel. It has a better soundstage performance, gets louder, and has a room correction feature. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. However, the Denon is smaller and has EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port.

Samsung HW-B450

The Sonos Arc is better than the Samsung HW-B450. The Sonos is a premium 5.0.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage and surround performances, too. However, if you want a simple setup for watching TV, the Samsung soundbar is still a solid pick at a more affordable price.

LG SN8YG

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc or the LG SN8YG. The LG is a 3.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass thanks to its dedicated subwoofer. It also has EQ presets, a Full HDMI In port, and more wireless connectivity options. However, the 5.0.2 Sonos is better built, with better soundstage and surround performances. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Sony HT-S100F

The Sonos Arc is better than the Sony HT-S100F. The Sonos supports Dolby Atmos content and has better center, surround, and soundstage performances. It is better built and has a room correction feature and built-in voice assistant support, unlike the Sony.

Samsung HW-Q90R

The Samsung HW-Q90R is a better soundbar than the Sonos Arc. The Samsung is a 7.1.4 setup with a more neutral sound profile and better performance at max volume. It also has a better surround performance and has a graphic EQ and presets to customize its sound. However, if you already have Sonos speakers, the Sonos app is very useful and allows you to control your ecosystem, which is nice. Also, the Sonos can be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Bose TV Speaker

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Bose TV Speaker. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Unlike the Bose, it supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant support. It also comes with more sound enhancement features, including room correction. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for a better performance.

Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR

The Sonos Arc is better than the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR. The Sonos is better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the Polk Audio, it has room correction and built-in voice assistant support. However, only the Polk Audio has a Full HDMI In port and EQ presets.

Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module

The Sonos Arc and the Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module are two premium soundbar setups. The Sonos is a standalone 5.0.2 bar with a discrete center channel. It can get louder, and you can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites. The better-built Sony has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It even comes with a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough and supports more wireless playback options.

Samsung HW-Q950T

The Samsung HW-Q950T is a better overall soundbar than the basic Sonos Arc setup. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup with a better-balanced sound profile, and it has a graphic EQ and presets so you can tweak the sound to your liking. You can stream audio to the bar using Bluetooth, too, and it supports 4k @ 60Hz passthrough. It also has a better surround performance. However, the Sonos is a 5.1.4 setup with better center and height performance. It has room correction and an auto-volume/night mode. While it has limited inputs, you can also stream audio using Apple AirPlay.

Samsung HW-Q60T

The standalone Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q60T. The Sonos has better soundstage and surround performances. It also supports Dolby Atmos content and offers a room correction feature. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, the Samsung comes with a dedicated subwoofer, a graphic EQ for sound customization, and a Full HDMI In port.

Bose Solo 5

The Sonos Arc is better than the Bose Solo 5. The Sonos supports Dolby Atmos content and has better center, surround, and soundstage performances. Unlike the Bose, it has a room correction feature and built-in voice assistant support. However, some users may prefer the Bose's more compact design.

Sony HT-X9000F

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the Sony HT-X9000F. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built with better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. Unlike the Sony, it has built-in voice assistant support, offering more sound enhancement features like room correction. Also, some listeners may prefer its more neutral default sound profile.

Sony HT-X8500

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-X8500. The Sonos is better built, with better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. It also comes with a room correction feature and can be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. However, the 2.1 Sony has some EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sonos.

Yamaha YAS-109

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Yamaha YAS-109. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup, is better built, and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances, and it comes with a room correction feature. Some listeners may prefer its more neutral sound profile out of the box. However, the 2.0 Yamaha has more wireless playback options and comes with a Full HDMI In port.

Polk Audio Signa S2

The standalone Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Polk Audio Signa S2. The Sonos is better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better center, surround, and soundstage performances and has built-in voice assistant support. It also comes with a room correction feature. However, unlike the Sonos, the Polk comes with EQ presets.

Samsung HW-A450

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A450. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup, is better built, and offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It also supports Dolby Atmos content and comes with a room correction feature. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, unlike the Sonos, the Samsung has a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization.

Samsung HW-A650

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A650. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that offers better center, surround, and soundstage performances. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it supports Dolby Atmos content, offers built-in voice assistant support, and comes with a room correction feature. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, unlike the Sonos, the Samsung has a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port.

LG SP11RA

The LG SP11RA is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The LG has a dedicated subwoofer reproducing a more extended low-bass and has discrete satellite speakers. It offers more wireless playback options, too. It also comes with EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sonos. However, the Sonos offers better soundstage and Atmos performances. It can also be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Klipsch Cinema 700

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc or the Klipsch Cinema 700. The Sonos is a premium standalone 5.0.2 soundbar. It's better built and has better surround and Atmos performances. However, it doesn't reproduce as extended of a low-bass as the Klipsch. Also, the Klipsch supports more wireless playback options.

LG SN6Y

The Sonos Arc is better than the LG SN6Y. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built and has better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the LG, it has built-in voice assistant support and a room correction feature, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. However, the 3.1 LG has some EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port.

Yamaha YAS-408

The standalone Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Yamaha YAS-408. The Sonos is better built, and unlike the Yamaha, it supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant support. It offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances and even comes with a room correction feature. However, the Yamaha reproduces a more extended low-bass, supports more wireless playback options, and has a Full HDMI In port.

Sony HT-Z9F

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-Z9F. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It comes with a room correction feature, and its out-of-the-box sound profile is more neutral. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, the 3.1 Sony has EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port that supports 4k passthrough.

Samsung HW-Q600A

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q600A or the standalone Sonos Arc. The Sonos has a better soundstage performance, and it has a room correction feature. It also offers better surround and Atmos performances. However, the Samsung has a graphic EQ for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port. You can also upgrade the Sonos to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Vizio V Series V51x-J6

The Sonos Arc is better for mixed usage than the Vizio V Series V51x-J6. The Sonos is better built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has a room correction feature and better soundstage performance. It has built-in voice assistant support, though you'll have to purchase a separate third-party device to use voice assistants with the Vizio. However, the Vizio comes with EQ presets.

Yamaha YAS-207

The Sonos Arc is better than the Yamaha YAS-207. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the Yamaha, it supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant connectivity. It also has better soundstage, center, and surround performances and more sound enhancement features available. The Yamaha has a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also has a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sonos.

Samsung HW-T450

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-T450. The Sonos is better built with a better soundstage, center, and surround performance. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant support. It also comes with a room correction feature and an HDMI ARC port. However, the Samsung comes with EQ presets, unlike the Sonos.

LG SN11RG

The LG SN11RG is a better overall soundbar compared to the Sonos Arc as a standalone bar. The LG has a subwoofer plus satellites to help its sound, but you can purchase these speakers separately for the Sonos Arc. The LG can also reproduce more bass, and while it can't get as loud as the Sonos, it can reach its max volume with fewer compression artifacts. It also has more sound enhancement features and connectivity options like two Full HDMI In ports. It even supports Bluetooth for a wireless connection. That said, on its own, the Sonos has a better height performance. Unlike the LG, you can also use it with Apple AirPlay.

Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built and offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, too. Unlike the Yamaha, it supports Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant support. There are even more sound enhancement features, such as room correction.

Bose Soundbar 500

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Bose Soundbar 500. The Sonos supports Dolby Atmos content, and it offers better soundstage and surround performances. It also reproduces a more extended low-bass. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, the Bose supports more wireless playback options.

Samsung HW-Q70R

The Samsung HW-Q70R is better for mixed usage than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer, reproducing a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Sonos, it has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port. Also, it supports more wireless playback options. The Sonos has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it has room correction and built-in voice assistant support. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Samsung HW-Q800T

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q800T or the Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box and fewer compression artifacts when played at max volume. Unlike the Sonos, the Samsung has an HDMI In port and a graphic EQ. However, unlike the Samsung soundbar, the 5.0.2 Sonos doesn't downmix surround content into stereo, providing a more immersive movie-watching experience. The Sonos also performs better with Atmos content.

Klipsch Cinema 400

The Sonos Arc is better than the Klipsch Cinema 400. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup, is better built, and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances, and it has room correction. Unlike the Klipsch, it has built-in voice assistant support. The 2.1 Klipsch has a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass.

Vizio V Series V21x-J8

The standalone Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Vizio V Series V21x-J8. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built and, unlike the Vizio, supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has better soundstage, center, and surround performances and has a room correction feature. Some listeners may prefer its more neutral default sound profile to the Vizio's bass-heavy sound. The 2.1 Vizio comes with EQ presets, unlike the Sonos.

LG SPD7Y

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the LG SPD7Y. The standalone Sonos is better built and has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. It also has a more neutral sound profile with its room correction feature, which some users may prefer. It also has built-in voice assistant support. However, the LG has EQ presets for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port.

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Sonos is better built with a better soundstage performance. It comes with dedicated center, surround, and Atmos channels, and it has more sound enhancement features. Some listeners may prefer its more neutral sound profile out of the box. Also, it has built-in voice assistant support and an ARC port.

Samsung HW-Q60R

The standalone Sonos Arc is better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Sonos supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant support. It comes with room correction and has better surround and soundstage performances. However, the Samsung is more customizable thanks to its graphic EQ and presets.

JBL Link Bar

The Sonos Arc is better than the JBL Link Bar. The Sonos is a better-built 5.0.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It even has a room correction feature, unlike the JBL. However, the JBL comes with EQ presets, which some users may prefer for sound customization.

Vizio V Series V21-H8

The Sonos Arc is better than the Vizio V Series V21-H8. The Sonos is better built and supports Dolby Atmos content and voice assistants. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances and comes with room correction. However, the Vizio comes with EQ presets, which some listeners may prefer for sound customization.

LG SP7Y

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the LG SP7Y. The Sonos is better built and has a room correction feature and built-in voice assistant support. It offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances and supports Dolby Atmos content. It gets louder than the LG, albeit with more compression at max volume. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, unlike the Sonos, the LG has a dedicated subwoofer, EQ presets, and a Full HDMI In port.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 SSE

The Sonos Arc and the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 SSE are two very different soundbar setups. The Sonos is a premium standalone soundbar that you can upgrade to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. It has a better soundstag but on its own, can't reproduce as much low-bass as the Nakamichi. Thanks to its satellites, the Nakamichi also has a better surround performance. That said, you can always add on satellites to the Sonos to improve its surround sound.

Sony HT-S200F

The Sonos Arc is better than the Sony HT-S200F. The Sonos is a better-built 5.0.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances and built-in voice assistant capabilities. It even has a room correction feature, unlike the Sony. That said, the Sony comes with EQ presets, which some users may prefer for sound customization.

Samsung HW-T650

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-T650. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup, is better built, and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and it comes with a room correction feature. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. However, unlike the Sonos, the 3.1 Samsung has some EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port.

Hisense HS218

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the Hisense HS218. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built. Unlike the Hisense, it supports Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant capabilities. It also offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It even has some more sound enhancement features, like room correction.

LG SL6Y

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the LG SL6Y. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built. It has better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the LG, it supports Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant capabilities. However, unlike the Sonos, the 3.1 LG has a Full HDMI In port and EQ presets.

Sony HT-S350

The standalone Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-S350. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built and offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It supports Dolby Atmos content, offers built-in voice assistant support, and has a room correction feature. However, unlike the Sonos, the 2.1 Sony has some EQ presets for sound customization.

Samsung HW-Q80R

The Samsung HW-Q80R is better than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also has a graphic EQ for sound customization. However, the Sonos has better soundstage and surround performances. It comes with room correction and built-in voice assistant support. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Samsung HW-Q900T

The Samsung HW-Q900T is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass thanks to its dedicated sub. It gets louder and supports more wireless playback options. Also, it has a graphic EQ for sound customization and two Full HDMI In ports. However, the 5.0.2 Sonos is better built, with better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

TCL Alto 9+

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the TCL Alto 9+. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built and offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Unlike the TCL, it has built-in voice assistant support and a room correction feature. Some users may also prefer its more neutral sound profile out of the box. That said, unlike the Sonos, the TCL has a Full HDMI In port that supports high-quality passthrough.

TCL Alto 6+

The Sonos Arc is a much better soundbar than the TCL Alto 6+. The Sonos is a better-built 5.0.2 soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. There are also more sound enhancement features available, including room correction. Even though it doesn't come with a dedicated sub like the TCL, it can still reproduce a similar amount of low-bass.

LG Eclair QP5

The Sonos Arc is better than the LG Eclair QP5. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 standalone soundbar with a premium design. It offers better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances than the LG. Even though the LG has a dedicated sub, it can't reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Sonos. That said, the LG's small design may be more ideal for some users.

LG SL10YG

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the LG SL10YG or the standalone Sonos Arc. The LG is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Sonos, it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The Sonos has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

LG SN10YG

The LG SN10YG is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The LG has a wireless subwoofer, which helps it reproduce a thumpy, boomy bass. It offers more sound enhancement features like EQ presets and has a larger variety of physical inputs. However, the Sonos offers a better height and surround performance.

Samsung HW-S60A

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-S60A. The Sonos has a better soundstage performance, and thanks to its two up-firing speakers, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also comes with a room correction feature. However, the Samsung has a graphic EQ and presets and supports Bluetooth connectivity.

Vizio SB2020n-J6

The Sonos Arc and the Vizio SB2020n-J6 are two very different soundbar setups. They're both standalone bars, but the Sonos is a much more premium model. It has a better soundstage, support for surround sound and Dolby Atmos content, and a much more versatile performance. The Vizio, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly model that only supports PCM content. However, the Vizio is still suitable for users on a tight budget who mostly listen to dialogue-focused content like TV shows.

Samsung HW-T550

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-T550. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that's better built and offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it supports Atmos content and has a room correction feature. However, the 2.1 Samsung has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port.

LG SK9Y

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the LG SK9Y. The Sonos is better built and has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. However, the LG has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.

TCL Alto 8i

The Sonos Arc is better than the TCL Alto 8i. The Sonos is a better-built 5.0.2 setup with built-in voice assistant support. It also has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. It doesn't come with a Full HDMI In port like the TCL.

Samsung HW-Q850A

The Samsung HW-Q850A has a better performance than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung has a more extended low-bass thanks to its dedicated subwoofer and a better surround performance due to its discrete satellite speakers. It also has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port and supports Bluetooth. However, the Sonos has a better soundstage performance and room correction feature. You can also upgrade to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Vizio SB36512-F6

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a somewhat better soundbar for mixed usage than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Vizio offers more wireless playback options and reproduces a more extended low-bass. It has EQ presets, a Full HDMI In port, a dedicated subwoofer, and satellites. The Sonos is better built and offers a better soundstage performance. It also has built-in voice assistant support, a room correction feature, and a dialogue enhancement mode. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.

Vizio SB46514-F6

The Vizio SB46514-F6 is better for mixed usage than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Vizio is a 5.1.4 setup with a discrete sub and satellites. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and its Full HDMI In port supports high-quality passthrough. It also has a better surround performance and more wireless playback options. That said, the Sonos has a better soundstage and built-in voice assistant capabilities. It also has more sound enhancement features like room correction and dialogue enhancement. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for a better performance.

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R

The Sonos Arc is better than the Vizio M-Series M21d-H8R. The Sonos is a better-built 5.0.2 setup with better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Unlike the Vizio, it supports Dolby Atmos content and built-in voice assistant capabilities. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume. However, only the 2.1 Vizio has a Full HDMI In port and EQ presets.

Klipsch Bar 48

The Sonos Arc is better than the Klipsch Bar 48. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup, is better built, and supports Atmos content. It has better soundstage and surround performances and built-in voice assistant support. It even comes with some more sound enhancement features, like room correction. However, the 3.1 Klipsch comes with a dedicated sub, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass.

Samsung HW-Q65T

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q65T. The Sonos has a better soundstage performance, and it supports Atmos content. Also, it comes with a room correction feature. However, the Samsung has a graphic EQ and a Full HDMI In port.

onn. 42" 5.1. 2. Dolby Atmos Soundbar

The Sonos Arc is better than the onn. 42" 5.1. 2. Dolby Atmos Soundbar. The Sonos is a bit different, as it's a 5.0.2 standalone bar with a more premium design that you can later upgrade with a sub and satellites. Still, it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. There are more sound enhancement features available, too, and DTS support. It can't reproduce as much bass on its own compared to the onn.

Sony HT-CT800

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the Sony HT-CT800. Unlike the Sony, the Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has better center and surround performances and built-in voice assistant capabilities. There's even a room correction feature available. However, the 2.1 Sony has more wireless playback options and EQ presets for sound customization.

LG SK1

The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the LG SK1. Unlike the 2.0 SK1, the 5.0.2 Arc supports Atmos content. The Sonos also has more sound enhancement features, including room correction and dialogue enhancement. It also has an eARC port, unlike the LG. The LG has less compression and distortion when played at max volume, so you might prefer this bar if you tend to crank up the volume.

Samsung HW-Q850T

The Samsung HW-Q850T is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Samsung comes with a subwoofer and satellites, and it has a more extended low-bass. It's also more customizable thanks to its graphic EQ and presets. It's Bluetooth-compatible and comes with a Full HDMI In port. However, the Sonos has a better soundstage and Atmos performance. You can also compare the Samsung to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers.

Samsung HW-Q59CT

The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the Samsung HW-Q59CT. The Sonos is better built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better soundstage, surround, and center performances. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it has room correction and built-in voice assistant support. However, only the Samsung has a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization.

Roku Smart Soundbar

The 5.0.2 Sonos Arc is a better soundbar for TV shows and movies than the 2.0 Roku Smart Soundbar. Unlike the Roku, the Sonos has a dedicated center channel, which allows it to reproduce voices and dialogue clearly and more accurately. It doesn't downmix surround content into stereo, which provides a more immersive listening experience. Unlike the Roku, the Sonos also supports Atmos content and has a room correction feature and a wider and more focused soundstage.

+ Show more

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

This soundbar is a lot longer than the Sonos Beam. It has a similar plastic finish, though it still feels high-end and sturdy. There are two plastic grilles on its sides and a black plastic mesh between the grille in the front and top sides of the bar. You can also purchase this soundbar in white if you prefer.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
No
Enclosure
No Subwoofer

Although you can purchase a Sonos subwoofer separately, this setup comes without a subwoofer.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
No

This setup comes without satellites, although you can purchase these speakers from Sonos separately.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 44.9" (114.1 cm)
Height 3.4" (8.7 cm)
Depth 4.7" (12.0 cm)

This wide soundbar doesn't fit between the legs of most 65" TV stands. Still, it isn't very tall, so it doesn't block the screen unless your TV sits flush on your table.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width N/A
Height N/A
Depth N/A
Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width N/A
Height N/A
Depth N/A
Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
No
Mountable Satellites
No
Satellite Brackets Included
No

You can mount the bar to your wall. However, you'll have to buy the brackets separately.

8.0
Design
Build Quality

This soundbar has a very premium feel. It's mostly made of plastic, which feels heavy and solid. Plastic grilles on the bar's sides help protect the drivers inside.

Design
In The Box

  • Bar power cable (6.2 ft / 1.9m)
  • HDMI cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • HDMI to optical adapter (9 cm)
  • Manuals

Sound
7.2
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Tested Preset
No Preset
Slope
0.37
Std. Err.
3.33 dB
Channels
5.0.2
Low-Frequency Extension
51.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

This soundbar has a decent stereo frequency response. Like most premium setups, it has a room correction feature to optimize the bar's output based on your room's unique acoustics. Sonos calls this feature TruePlay, and it's available with iOS devices. With it on, the bar offers a fairly even sound, especially in the mids. Voices and lead instruments are clear and detailed in the mix, with a touch of extra brightness in the treble to make higher-pitched sounds sparkle. Some people may find it sounds a bit piercing, though. Naturally, as a standalone bar, you don't get a very extended low-bass, so you don't feel much rumble with bass-heavy genres like EDM.

7.2
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
No Preset
Suggested Bass Setting
0
Suggested Treble Setting
-3
Slope
-0.09
Std. Err.
3.08 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
51.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

You can adjust the bar's treble if you prefer a more neutral sound with stereo content. The resulting frequency response is more balanced with less brightness in the mix, especially with higher-pitched voices and instruments like cymbals. The bass is also adjustable, but these features can't alter the low-frequency extension, so you'll have to add on a separate sub if you want more thump and rumble.

8.0
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.28 dB

The soundbar's stereo soundstage is great. It feels larger than the bar itself, thanks to the side-firing speakers that reflect sound from the walls to the listener. The focus is also very good, and you can easily pinpoint where the sound objects are coming from in the soundstage, like footsteps in a film. That said, if you're listening to Atmos content, the soundstage sounds wider, although more diffused.

7.6
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
96.2 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
2.65 dB

This bar gets loud enough to fill larger and more open spaces with sound. There's a bit of compression as you push it to max volume, though, especially in the bass range.

8.2
Sound
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.25
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.23

At normal listening volumes, the amount of distortion falls within good limits, resulting in clean and pure audio reproduction. Updating the bar to firmware version 14.18 reduces the amount of distortion at max volume, so you don't notice as much of a reduction in audio quality as the volume increases.

8.5
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.40
Std. Err.
2.94 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
95.1 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.32
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.56

This soundbar can reproduce vocal clarity in the mix thanks to its discrete center channel. The channel's frequency response is quite even and balanced, too, so dialogue is detailed and easy to understand.

6.4
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)
Slope
0.01
Std. Err.
3.27 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
93.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.39
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.98
7.1 Rears
No

The soundbar's surrounds performance is acceptable. Side-firing drivers built into the bar itself simulate surround objects like voices in the soundstage. Unfortunately, this doesn't sound as clear or as real as the discrete localization provided by the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc.

6.3
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Slope
0.55
Std. Err.
2.91 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
80.6 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.07
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.18

As with most soundbars, this setup uses up-firing drivers built into the bar to ricochet sound off the ceiling, creating the illusion of height. These channels have a fairly even frequency response, especially in the mids, so sound effects reproduce with accuracy. It lacks a lot of bass, though this is normal for a standalone soundbar.

As part of our tests, we also subjectively evaluate the bar's soundstage performance with Atmos content. Overall, it performs well for a standalone setup. You get the sense of sound stretching around and above you with various effects. That said, it can't replicate the same amount of height as the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. With the addition of satellites, effects like drones in Ready Player One are clearer and more real, so it seems as if they're flying right over your head. Meanwhile, the standalone bar just makes it seem like these drones are coming from the front of the TV. Still, it offers a solid performance, even compared to similar setups like the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus.

5.7
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
No
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
EQ
No
Surround Level Adjustment
No
Rear Level Adjustment
No
Height Level Adjustment
Yes
Virtual Surround
No

Like most premium setups on the market, this bar comes with a room correction tool designed to optimize its sound based on the unique acoustics of your living area. It's called Trueplay, and you can access it through the Sonos S2 app, though this is only available on iOS. You'll also find bass and treble adjustments to help you customize the bar's sound. However, compared to other premium manufacturers like Samsung, there isn't a full graphic EQ to customize its sound across the range.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
Adapter into HDMI ARC
HDMI Out
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
No
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
No
Ethernet
1
Subwoofer Output
No

The Sonos Arc has a limited number of inputs. It has an HDMI ARC port. If your TV doesn't support HDMI ARC or eARC, you can also use the included HDMI-to-Optical adapter to connect the soundbar to your TV's Optical port. You can connect the bar to your home network using the Ethernet port.

Some users reported that this soundbar's sound cuts out for a few seconds when connected to a Samsung TV. However, we couldn't replicate this phenomenon in our tests. Let us know in the forums if you experience a similar issue.

9.6
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

This soundbar has excellent audio format support via its HDMI ARC port. The bar supports pretty much every Dolby signal, and thanks to its eARC support, it can also play lossless Dolby TrueHD.

0
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Not Supported
Dolby Digital
Not Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Not Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Not Supported
DTS
Not Supported
DTS:X
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Not Supported

If you're looking for a soundbar with several Full HDMI In ports, check out the Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Supported
DTS
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

Via optical, the soundbar can play both DTS and Dolby Digital, which are found on most streaming services and some Blu-ray discs.

9.3
Connectivity
Latency
ARC
25 ms
Optical
21 ms
Full HDMI In
N/A

The Sonos Arc has fantastic latency performance. It has extremely low latency via its ARC connection and when using the HDMI-to-optical adapter. This ensures that your audio is in sync with the video on your screen. However, some apps and TVs compensate for latency differently, so your real-world experience may vary.

Some users have reported latency issues when the bar is connected to an LG TV; we didn't notice this in our tests. If you experience anything similar, please let us know in the forums.

0
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
8k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
HDR10 Passthrough
No
HDR10+ Passthrough
No
Dolby Vision Passthrough
No
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
No
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
No
3.0
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
No
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
Chromecast built-in
No
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Spotify Connect
Yes

Unfortunately, like many Sonos products, this bar doesn't have Bluetooth support. Still, it's easy to stream audio from your mobile devices to the bar over Wi-Fi. Those with Apple products can use AirPlay 2 as well.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
No

The interface of this soundbar is minimal. A main light changes color and blinks depending on the command. A second one also lights up whenever the soundbar's microphone is activated, but that's about it.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

This soundbar has touch-sensitive controls that allow you to play/pause audio, raise or lower the volume, and mute the microphone. If you swipe right or left over the controls, you can skip to the next or previous track, respectively.

Additional Features
Remote

This bar doesn't come with a remote since you're meant to control it through the Sonos S2 app. Through the app, you can link other Sonos products, too.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
Yes (Built-in)
Google Assistant
Yes (Built-in)
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
Yes

This bar has both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. There's a mic mute button to turn off the speaker if you don't always want it to be listening to you. However, if you purchase the Sonos Arc SL variant from Costco, this feature won't be available since it lacks a microphone.