Top Sonos Speakers to Consider in 2025
After the rollercoaster year Sonos has had, it’s understandable that some gamers might hesitate to invest in their products. However, new CEO Tom Conrad is committed to steering the company back on course and reestablishing Sonos as the top name in whole-home audio. The mobile app has seen significant improvements since last year, although some users still face bugs and the occasional issue of speakers disappearing from their network. While it’s not perfect, the progress is encouraging, and the decision to scrap the video player suggests a renewed focus on core audio offerings.
I’m not planning to part with my Sonos gear anytime soon. The whole-home platform offers conveniences that are hard to find elsewhere without a lot of hassle. I often stream from services like Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music, but when I’m watching a sports game, I can easily send the audio from my Sonos soundbar to a speaker in another room to keep up with the action. Plus, with many of the latest speakers, you can stream via Bluetooth and enjoy that music throughout your entire Sonos setup.
—
Why you can trust my Sonos picks
I’ve been diving deep into Sonos products for several years. This includes covering the latest developments, reviewing a wide range of their gear, and highlighting the app issues that led to the previous CEO’s departure. Audio and home theater are my main focus areas, so I know how to spot a great speaker or soundbar from the rest of the pack.
—
I wouldn’t blame anyone for waiting to see how Sonos and its app evolve, especially since the company has recently increased prices on several products, including soundbars and smart speakers, due to ongoing tariffs in the US. Still, Sonos continues to produce some outstanding hardware, so if you’re curious about the standout options, here’s a rundown.
Featured Products
Sonos Five
Sonos Era 100
Sonos Move 2
Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2)
The best Sonos speaker to start with
If you need a compact speaker that sounds great for your kitchen, office, or any room, the Era 100 is the way to go. Sonos has enhanced this model over its predecessors, the Play:1 and Sonos One, by adding stereo drivers for a richer audio experience. It now supports Bluetooth playback and line-in audio (with an optional dongle). The Era 100 also features revamped physical controls, including a sliding volume bar and dedicated track buttons.
The speaker boasts an elegant design and allows for hands-free voice controls with Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control to skip tracks or change playlists. The price was dropped to $199 in April but increased to $219 in September, which still feels reasonable for what you get.
The best overall Sonos speaker
The Sonos Five is not only the best-sounding speaker from Sonos; it also outperforms many competitors. In terms of audio quality, it surpasses the HomePod, the latest Echo Studio, and other popular speakers, both smart and traditional. While you can find better hi-fi bookshelf speakers, they often lack the seamless integration with music services that Sonos offers. The Five is a substantial unit that takes up some desk space, but its powerful stereo output is perfect for any gathering.
The Five is straightforward, lacking microphones and voice assistant features, but that simplicity is part of its charm: it’s a fantastic speaker that integrates well with the Sonos ecosystem. It also includes a 3.5mm aux input, making it a great companion for turntables, especially in a stereo setup.
The best portable Sonos speaker
When it comes to portable options, the Move 2 stands out compared to the smaller Roam 2. It’s larger and heavier, but the built-in handle makes it easy to carry around your home or to the backyard. The audio quality is significantly better than the more compact Roam 2, which tends to sound muffled due to its mono output.
The Move 2’s size gives it an advantage in bass response, and it can play music wirelessly or connect other devices via USB-C for line-in audio. I appreciate that the battery is user-replaceable, which isn’t common in many Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to enjoy your investment for years. With an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance, it can handle splashes and rain, though it’s best to avoid submerging it.
I prefer the Move 2 over traditional portable speakers because, when I’m home, it allows me to stream music over Wi-Fi at a higher quality than Bluetooth. It also supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, so you can bypass the Sonos app if you prefer.
The best Sonos soundbar for home theater enthusiasts
Launched in late 2024, the Arc Ultra enhances the original Arc with significantly improved bass response, thanks to Sonos’ new SoundMotion technology. This allows some users to enjoy the Arc Ultra on its own without needing a subwoofer.
The Arc Ultra delivers immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound, making it one of the best single-enclosure speakers available. Vocal clarity has also seen a boost due to better center channel performance, and it now supports Bluetooth audio.
The best Sonos soundbar for smaller rooms
For smaller spaces, the Beam (Gen 2) is a more suitable option. While it still supports Atmos, the effect is virtualized since it lacks the upward-firing speakers found in the Arc Ultra. Nevertheless, the Beam provides a home theater experience that far surpasses built-in TV speakers.
The best Sonos subwoofer for most people
Unless you’re looking to rattle the walls, the $499 Sub Mini is more than sufficient for adding depth to movies and shows. While the $899 Sub 4 is Sonos’ flagship subwoofer, many users have been thrilled with the results of pairing the Sub Mini with any Sonos soundbar.
The Sub Mini is compact, making it easier to find a discreet spot for it. Even if you choose to place it in plain sight, it has a more stylish design compared to the bulkier Sub 4.
The best budget Sonos speaker
Although Sonos and Ikea ended their partnership in May, the existing Symfonisk products are still worth considering. The Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker (Gen 2) remains the most affordable entry into the Sonos ecosystem, even with its recent price increase. It offers sound quality comparable to the older Sonos One and Play:1, making it a great option. Plus, the lower price makes it easier to justify buying two for a stereo setup. These speakers also work well as rear surround speakers on a budget.
The Sonos product worthy of a second chance
Sonos’ wireless headphones, the Ace, launched at a challenging time due to the app issues. Some users were disappointed that the Ace can’t connect over Wi-Fi or group with in-home speakers.
However, the Ace headphones are still impressive. They’re comfortable, stylish, and deliver detailed, powerful sound. They support wired audio via USB-C in addition to Bluetooth. The TV Audio Swap feature is particularly useful for late-night gaming sessions, allowing you to listen privately through headphones while routing audio from your TV or console.
While the Ace headphones may not be the ideal wearable from Sonos, they are a strong debut that suffered from the company’s software missteps.
