OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Sonos Arc Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£590N. of audio channels:5.0.2Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

Sonos Arc Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 95 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Sonos Arc
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 81% of models
Score components

95%

6.7

Technical score

5%

8.5

Reviews score ( 61 · 34)

Reviews score 5% · 8.5 · based on 95 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 81% of soundbars
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

7.4

Price

▲Better than 59%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 81% of models
Score components

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

7.1

Formats

16%

5.1

Connectivity

14%

8.7

Controls

12%

6.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.5

Smart features

5%

3.7

Design

▲Better than 81%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models
Grades by review (95)
61 reviews: 38 with a printed score, 23 estimated from the review. 34 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 87%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the Sonos Arc

Based on 92 owners sharing their experience in online comments

51%positive1%mixed48%negative

Owners praise the Arc’s powerful, immersive sound, while unreliable HDMI connections and frustrating setup issues often spoil the experience.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say ARC or eARC works for a while, then the TV switches back to its own speakers after restarts, days, or TV power cycles, needing re-enabling.50
  • Owners report spending hours power cycling, swapping cables, resetting settings or factory-resetting the TV, and calling support before sound returned.27
  • Owners report sound cutting out for seconds or minutes, pops when switching inputs or apps, and audio falling out of sync with Dolby Vision or HDR.22
  • Owners say TV, soundbar and streaming devices handshake inconsistently over HDMI and CEC, so some sources work while others fail.14
  • Owners say Arc's height sound is weak or missing for some, and Atmos streams can cut out or lag on certain TVs and sources.8
  • Owners say the complete Arc system with sub and rears costs a lot, but they feel the sound quality justifies the price.4
  • Owners say dialogue is too quiet on streaming apps and DVDs while live TV sounds fine, and speech enhancement barely helps.3
  • Owners say the picture goes black or gray for 5 to 10 seconds during streaming or 4K discs, often after pausing; unplugging the TV clears it.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #32 of 189 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Sonos Arc

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 81% of models
Score components:

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

7.1

Formats

16%

5.1

Connectivity

14%

8.7

Controls

12%

6.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.5

Smart features

5%

3.7

Design

6.7
Reviews score
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

7.4

Price

6.9
Brand name
Sonos
N. of audio channels
5.2
This soundbar offers 5.2 audio channels, more than 91.5% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
87 dB SPL
Market range: <75 dB SPL – >105 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 87 dB SPL, lower than 81.1% of soundbars.
Min frequency
51.1 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 51.1 Hz, lower than 50.6% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Atmos streaming on this model uses Dolby Digital Plus.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4, which is newer than that of 73.4% of soundbars and the same as that of 4.8% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
no
This soundbar does not have remote control. 73.9% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
yes
This soundbar has far-field microphones. 88.3% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
eARC
This soundbar uses HDMI eARC, which is newer than that of 73.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 17% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 78.7% of soundbars and the same as what 21.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Available via the Sonos app.
Show more
Width
1,142 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 1,142 mm wide, wider than 93.6% of soundbars.
Height
87 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 87 mm high, taller than 88.2% of soundbars.
Thickness
116 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 116 mm thick, thicker than 81.8% of soundbars.
Weight
6,250 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 6,250 g, more than 94.2% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Show more

Sonos Arc vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.0.2 vs 2.0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 7 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (11 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    11 vs 4
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
    Dolby Atmos streaming on this model uses Dolby Digital Plus.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5.2 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.0.2 vs 2.0
  • 7 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (11 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    11 vs 4
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
    Dolby Atmos streaming on this model uses Dolby Digital Plus.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3
  • 4 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (6 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    6 vs 2
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Sonos multi-room ecosystem.
  • Native Apple Music support
    This soundbar supports native Apple Music, the average soundbar does not.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the Sonos app.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the Sonos app.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 4 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (4 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    4 vs 0
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • Easier firmware updates
    This soundbar uses over-the-air, app-based for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    over-the-air, app-based vs app-based, USB
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    Requires an adapter; no direct AUX input.
  • 380 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,142 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,142 mm vs 762 mm
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This soundbar has fewer USB ports than the average soundbar (0 vs 1). The average soundbar has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • 6.21x more expensive
    Sonos Arc is more expensive than the average soundbar (£590 vs £95).
    £590 vs £95
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • 6.1 dB SPL lower max SPL
    This soundbar has a lower max SPL than the average soundbar (87 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    87 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • 100 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    19,900 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    Requires an adapter; no direct AUX input.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This soundbar has fewer USB ports than the average soundbar (0 vs 1). The average soundbar has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • No auto power-off
    This soundbar does not support auto power-off, the average soundbar does.
  • 380 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,142 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    1,142 mm vs 762 mm
  • 20 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (87 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    87 mm vs 67 mm
  • 4,250 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (6,250 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    6,250 g vs 2,000 g
  • 30 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (116 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    116 mm vs 86 mm
  • 1 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2020 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    June 10, 2020
    2,020 vs 2,021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Andrew Robinson
≈ estimated
03/12/2023
Full review · setup, ease of use and comparison
Verdict
Sonos Arc is easy to set up and a sensible step up from TV audio, though it offers less control than a dedicated system.
9.0
Audio Arkitekts
≈ estimated
14/11/2023
Hands-on review · sound, features and setup
Verdict
Sonos Arc earns a strong recommendation for buyers who want Atmos sound without a full cinema setup.
8.0
Upgradeitis
≈ estimated
25/07/2023
Head-to-head review · sound tests against Beam and Play:Bar
Verdict
Sonos Arc is excellent if you already own Sonos speakers and can add a subwoofer and rear speakers; otherwise, look elsewhere.
9.0
Archway Tech
≈ estimated
04/11/2022
Long-term review · two years of daily use
Verdict
Sonos Arc is still a strong choice for movies and music, though Android users may prefer alternatives.
9.5
Steven Foster
≈ estimated
28/06/2022
Long-term test · one year of daily use
Verdict
Sonos Arc is still the best soundbar in its category and price range, and a great value.
9.0
Chris Loh
≈ estimated
09/05/2022
Home theatre system review · unboxing, setup and listening
Verdict
Sonos Arc sounds great and is recommended if you have the budget, though expansion is limited.
9.0
The Tech Lab
≈ estimated
09/05/2022
Hands-on review · sound, setup and smart features
Verdict
Sonos Arc has excellent standalone sound and is a good compromise before adding surround speakers.
9.0
SoulOfTech
≈ estimated
16/03/2021
Unboxing and review · sound tests and setup
Verdict
Sonos Arc delivers well-balanced, clear sound that meets expectations, though it is pricey and a little light on bass.
8.0
HiFi Brothers
≈ estimated
14/02/2021
Customer review · home theatre and Atmos tests
Verdict
Sonos Arc is a good Atmos soundbar with some nuances, best suited to existing Sonos owners who add more speakers.
9.5
Adam Lobo TV
≈ estimated
19/09/2020
Unboxing and review · music and movie listening tests
Verdict
Sonos Arc has outstanding sound with clear vocals and bass, making it a strong main soundbar despite minor drawbacks.
9.0
NeverEnoughTech
≈ estimated
19/07/2020
Full review · design, features, sound and Playbar comparison
Verdict
Sonos Arc delivers the reliability and sound you'd expect from Sonos; most buyers will not regret it, though the extras cost more.
9.0
Aaron X Loud and Wireless
≈ estimated
01/07/2020
Hands-on review · sound, bass and gaming tests
Verdict
Sonos Arc is a strong speaker that anyone looking for a good soundbar should consider.
More graded video reviews (4)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.4
rtings.com
✓ explicit
06/12/2023
Lab test · General-purpose soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is a sleek Dolby Atmos bar with a wide stereo sound for TV, films and music, but it lacks rumble in action scenes without a sub.
10
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
04/11/2024
Hands-on review · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is a simple, dynamic Dolby Atmos soundbar that suits 55-inch TVs, though it has no HDMI pass-through ports.
9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
12/02/2024
Full review · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is a dynamic, all-in-one Dolby Atmos bar, superb with music and movies, though it lacks DTS:X and HDMI pass-through.
8.2
cnet.com
✓ explicit
04/06/2020
Listening test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is an excellent all-in-one Atmos soundbar, best for buyers who want voice assistants and multiroom music, but it needs a newer TV for Atmos.
8.0
whathifi.com
≈ estimated
04/07/2024
Long-term test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc greatly improves TV sound, but on an older set it stops at 5.1 surround instead of Dolby Atmos.
9.0
hifioasis.com
✓ explicit
05/11/2024
Hands-on test · Sound and features
Verdict
The Sonos Arc suits Sonos owners who want a wide, versatile soundbar, though Trueplay needs an iPhone and music bass lacks punch without a sub.
9.0
gq-magazine.co.uk
≈ estimated
06/07/2020
Month-long test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is a rich, detailed soundbar that suits film fans, though Atmos needs a recent TV and a streaming service with Atmos titles.
8.0
rtings.com
✓ explicit
11/02/2021
Lab test · 5.1.2 surround setup
Verdict
The Sonos Arc with Sub and One SL speakers is a well-balanced soundbar with wide surround, but it lacks a full equalizer and Bluetooth.
8.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
04/06/2020
Detailed review · Premium soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is a premium, wide-sounding soundbar with bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer, though its treble can turn harsh and some formats are rejected.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
01/11/2022
Review · Standalone soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is a simple, great-sounding standalone soundbar, best for buyers with a newer TV that has eARC and a spare HDMI port.
6.3
soundguys.com
✓ explicit
21/03/2025
Expert review · Dolby Atmos
Verdict
The Sonos Arc gives strong bass and clear dialogue for movies, but it's less immersive than promised and Android users miss key features.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
04/06/2020
Expert review · Home cinema
Verdict
The Sonos Arc gives powerful bass and a wide sound field from one unit, but it only expands with Sonos speakers and has no remote.
8.0
homesandgardens.com
✓ explicit
15/04/2026
Expert review · Movies and music
Verdict
The Sonos Arc gives warm, wide sound for movies and music, but without a subwoofer its bass feels weak in tense scenes.
9.4
techgearlab.com
✓ explicit
Not Dated
Hands-on test · Atmos sound
Verdict
The Sonos Arc has powerful, controlled bass and a surround-like feel, but it works best in flat-ceiling rooms and needs an iPhone for tuning.
9.0
smart-home-fox.de
≈ estimated
20/01/2025
Lab and listening test · Soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc sounds excellent and is easy to set up, but its surround is weak on its own and its best sound needs an eARC connection.
7.0
welt.de
≈ estimated
23/02/2021
Hands-on test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc sounds impressive and needs no subwoofer, but its Dolby Atmos only works with a newer TV that has an eARC port.
7.0
manager-magazin.de
≈ estimated
15/06/2020
Hands-on test · Stereo and Atmos
Verdict
The Sonos Arc sounds clear and transparent and is simple to use, but Atmos needs a newer TV, so older owners should look elsewhere.
8.0
galaxus.de
✓ explicit
16/06/2020
Listening test · Atmos bar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc fills the room with Atmos sound and handles busy racing scenes well, but sound never seems to come from above.
8.0
futurezone.at
≈ estimated
06/06/2020
Hands-on test · Beta S2 app
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is easy to control and set up, but on an older TV without eARC it only plays 5.0 sound, not Dolby Atmos.
8.3
hifi.de
✓ explicit
27/03/2023
Test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Sonos Arc is a strong film soundbar with convincing overhead sound and easy setup, though its treble can turn sharp.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sonos Arc

  • Immersive Dolby Atmos performance with a wide, room-filling soundstage
  • Exceptional dialogue clarity, especially with the built-in Speech Enhancement feature
  • Sleek and attractive design that fits well with 55-inch and larger TVs
  • Seamless integration into the Sonos multi-room ecosystem
  • High-quality musical performance for a wide range of genres
  • Easy setup process via the Sonos app and single-cable HDMI eARC connection
  • Built-in voice assistant support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

What customers don't like about Sonos Arc

  • Bass can feel slightly lacking on very deep, bass-heavy tracks without a dedicated subwoofer
  • High price point compared to some competitors
  • Single HDMI port limits connectivity for those with multiple external devices
  • Lack of support for DTS:X audio format
  • Trueplay room correction feature is exclusively available to iOS users
  • Noticeable audio compression when played at maximum volume

Verdict

The Sonos Arc is a premium 5.0.2-channel smart soundbar featuring 11 high-performance drivers, including two upward-firing speakers and three silk-dome tweeters, powered by 11 Class-D amplifiers to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Measuring 1141.7 mm wide with a sleek 270-degree curved grille, it integrates advanced features like Trueplay room tuning, Speech Enhancement, and Night Sound, while offering seamless control via the Sonos app, voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant), and Apple AirPlay 2. Its primary advantages include an exceptionally wide soundstage, crisp dialogue clarity, and effortless integration into the broader Sonos multi-room ecosystem. However, notable drawbacks include its high price point, the lack of Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming, and a performance dip in sub-bass that often necessitates adding a separate, expensive Sonos Sub for a full cinematic experience.

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