Unlock The Battle Of The Bars: Sonos Soundbar Vs Sonos Arc, Head-To-Head
What To Know
- Both the Sonos Soundbar and Sonos Arc seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem, enabling you to control them using the Sonos app or voice assistants.
- However, if you desire an immersive home theater experience with Dolby Atmos and a wider soundstage, the Sonos Arc is worth the investment.
- If you prioritize affordability, a compact design, and a solid audio experience, the Sonos Soundbar is an excellent choice.
Sonos, renowned for its exceptional home audio systems, offers two top-notch soundbars: the Sonos Soundbar and the Sonos Arc. Both devices deliver immersive and room-filling sound, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two soundbars, helping you make an informed decision for your home theater setup.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sonos Soundbar features a sleek and compact design, measuring 27 inches in length and 3.5 inches in height. Its low profile makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or for placement under a TV. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is a larger and more substantial soundbar, spanning 45 inches in length and 3.4 inches in height. Its wider profile and curved design give it a more cinematic presence.
Audio Performance
Both the Sonos Soundbar and Sonos Arc boast excellent audio performance, but they have distinct capabilities. The Sonos Soundbar delivers clear and balanced sound with enhanced bass response, thanks to its three mid-woofers and three tweeters. It excels in providing an immersive experience for movies and TV shows, with its virtual surround sound creating a wider soundstage.
The Sonos Arc takes audio performance to the next level with its 11-speaker array, including two up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos compatibility. Dolby Atmos creates an overhead sound experience, adding depth and immersion to your listening. The Arc’s wide soundstage and precise audio projection make it an ideal choice for larger rooms and home theaters.
Features and Connectivity
The Sonos Soundbar offers a range of features, including HDMI ARC for easy connection to your TV, optical input for older TVs, and Bluetooth for wireless streaming from your devices. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect for convenient music playback.
The Sonos Arc expands on these features by including HDMI eARC, which provides a higher bandwidth connection for lossless audio transmission. It also has a built-in microphone for voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Room Calibration and Sound Modes
Both soundbars come with Sonos’ Trueplay technology, which analyzes your room acoustics and adjusts the sound output to optimize the listening experience. The Sonos Soundbar uses your mobile device‘s microphone for Trueplay calibration, while the Sonos Arc uses its built-in microphones.
The Sonos Arc offers additional sound modes, such as Night Mode for reducing loud sounds at night and Speech Enhancement for clarifying dialogue. These modes provide greater flexibility in tailoring the sound to your preferences and listening environment.
Multi-Room Audio and Integration
Sonos soundbars are renowned for their multi-room audio capabilities, allowing you to connect multiple Sonos speakers and devices to create a whole-home audio system. You can play different music in different rooms or sync them for a synchronized listening experience.
Both the Sonos Soundbar and Sonos Arc seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem, enabling you to control them using the Sonos app or voice assistants. They also work with Apple HomeKit and Google Home for integration with other smart home devices.
Price and Value
The Sonos Soundbar is priced at $449, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget. The Sonos Arc, with its advanced features and Dolby Atmos support, comes with a higher price tag of $899.
When considering value, it’s important to assess your needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a compact and budget-friendly soundbar for a smaller space, the Sonos Soundbar offers excellent value. However, if you desire an immersive home theater experience with Dolby Atmos and a wider soundstage, the Sonos Arc is worth the investment.
Which Sonos Soundbar is Right for You?
The choice between the Sonos Soundbar and Sonos Arc ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, a compact design, and a solid audio experience, the Sonos Soundbar is an excellent choice. If you seek an immersive home theater experience with Dolby Atmos, advanced features, and a larger soundstage, the Sonos Arc is the superior option.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which soundbar is better for music listening?
A: Both soundbars offer excellent music playback, but the Sonos Arc’s wider soundstage and Dolby Atmos support provide a more immersive and detailed listening experience.
Q: Can I use the Sonos Soundbar as a center channel for a Sonos home theater system?
A: Yes, the Sonos Soundbar can be used as a center channel when paired with other Sonos speakers.
Q: Do these soundbars support Dolby Vision?
A: No, neither the Sonos Soundbar nor the Sonos Arc support Dolby Vision.
Q: Which soundbar has better bass response?
A: The Sonos Arc, with its dedicated subwoofer output, offers more powerful and customizable bass response.
Q: Can I mount the Sonos Arc on the wall?
A: Yes, the Sonos Arc includes a wall mount for easy installation on the wall.