The best Sonos speakers to buy in 2025.
The app is improving, and the speakers continue to be of high quality.
After a period of self-inflicted turmoil, it’s understandable that some consumers might hesitate to invest in Sonos products. However, interim CEO Tom Conrad has demonstrated his commitment to revitalizing the brand and restoring its status as a leader in home audio. The company’s mobile app has improved significantly over the past few months, although some users still experience issues, such as speakers randomly disappearing from their system. While not a perfect situation, the progress is apparent, and the decision to cancel the video player is seen as a sign of a renewed focus.
As of today, I have no intention of parting with my Sonos equipment, primarily because its platform offers conveniences that the competition struggles to match without complications. I usually stream music through Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music, but the ability to send audio from a sports game from my Sonos soundbar to a speaker in another room to keep up with the action is very convenient. Moreover, with most recent speakers, it’s possible to stream music via Bluetooth and play it throughout the entire system.
With several years of experience covering Sonos, I have analyzed news, evaluated a wide range of products, and highlighted app issues that led to the previous CEO’s departure. My focus on audio and home theater allows me to assess whether a speaker or soundbar is truly exceptional or simply one among many.
It’s understandable that some may choose to wait before making a purchase, given the current software situation. However, it’s worth noting that tariffs could result in price increases on certain products. Despite the app shortcomings, Sonos produces high-quality hardware, so it may be a good time to acquire products before costs rise.
I have spent time testing various Sonos speakers and soundbars in their designed environments. This includes listening to models like the Move 2 both indoors and outdoors, as well as movie marathons to assess the soundbars' capabilities. I’ve taken the waterproof devices on trips to the lake or pool areas to ensure they withstand splashes and everyday elements.
The Sonos product line includes desktop speakers, portable speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers, as well as Ikea’s Symfonisk products designed to integrate into home decor. The choice of the best product will depend on individual needs.
Some audiophiles may doubt Sonos hardware’s ability to deliver exceptional sound, but the majority will be satisfied with the audio quality. Even the smaller models manage to produce clear and pleasant sound. The appeal of the Sonos ecosystem lies in its multiple functionalities: you can play TV audio in other spaces or use a Bluetooth turntable to connect to the rest of the speaker system.
The company is notable for continuing to provide software updates and new features to its products for many years. Speakers released a decade ago are compatible with the latest S2 platform and continue receiving firmware updates.
The article addresses different recommendations for Sonos speakers based on their type, such as the best model to start with, the ideal all-around Sonos speaker, the standout portable speaker, the best soundbars for cinephiles, and more.
The Era 100 is recommended as the ideal compact speaker for environments like the kitchen or office, improving on its predecessors with Bluetooth support and line-in audio.
The Sonos Five is highlighted as the best in sound, surpassing significant competitors, while the Move 2 stands out as the best portable speaker, ideal for outdoor use.
Soundbars such as the Arc Ultra and Beam (Gen 2) are designed to offer immersive experiences, with the Arc Ultra excelling in bass response and surround sound capabilities.
Finally, the Sub Mini is mentioned as a suitable choice for those looking to add more power to their sound system without exceeding their budget.
The Ace, despite arriving at an unfortunate time, offers excellent sound and useful features for those wishing to listen to TV audio privately. Although this product is not ideal in its integration with the rest of the system, it remains an impressive option in the Sonos lineup.
