Top Sonos Speakers to Buy in 2025 – Expert Picks
▼ Summary
– The author, a former senior reviewer at The Verge, extensively covered Sonos products, including audio, home theater, and smartphones, from 2011 to 2025.
– Sonos has improved its contentious mobile app under interim CEO Tom Conrad, though some bugs remain, and the company has refocused by canceling its video player.
– Sonos products offer unique conveniences like whole-home audio streaming, Bluetooth compatibility, and the ability to play TV audio across multiple rooms.
– The author recommends specific Sonos products: the Era 100 for compact sound, the Five for best audio quality, the Move 2 for portability, and the Arc Ultra for home theater.
– Despite initial setbacks, the Sonos Ace headphones are praised for comfort, design, and features like TV Audio Swap, though they lack Wi-Fi connectivity.
Sonos continues to dominate the wireless audio market with its versatile lineup of speakers and soundbars, offering premium sound quality and seamless whole-home integration. Despite recent software challenges, the company’s hardware remains some of the best in the business, making now an excellent time to invest before potential price increases.
For those new to the ecosystem, the Era 100 stands out as the perfect entry point. This compact speaker delivers surprisingly rich stereo sound, supports Bluetooth and line-in connections, and includes intuitive touch controls. At its current $199 price point, it’s a steal compared to competitors.
Audiophiles seeking uncompromising quality should look no further than the Sonos Five. This powerhouse outperforms most smart speakers on the market with its room-filling stereo separation and deep bass response. While it lacks voice assistant functionality, its pure focus on audio excellence makes it ideal for music lovers who prioritize sound over smart features.
When portability matters, the Move 2 shines as Sonos’ most capable wireless speaker. Its rugged, weather-resistant design handles outdoor adventures while delivering audio that puts smaller Bluetooth speakers to shame. The inclusion of a replaceable battery ensures this investment lasts for years.
Home theater enthusiasts have two excellent options depending on room size. The Arc Ultra represents the pinnacle of Sonos’ soundbar technology with groundbreaking SoundMotion bass and immersive Dolby Atmos. For more compact spaces, the Beam (Gen 2) offers impressive virtualized Atmos effects at a more accessible price.
The Sub Mini provides the perfect balance of performance and value for those wanting to enhance their bass without breaking the bank. Its discreet size makes placement easier than bulkier alternatives while still delivering satisfying low-end impact.
Budget-conscious buyers shouldn’t overlook the Symfonisk Bookshelf Speaker before Ikea phases out these collaborative products. These affordable speakers integrate perfectly with the Sonos ecosystem and make excellent surround sound options.
Even Sonos’ Ace headphones deserve reconsideration despite their rocky launch. Their premium build quality, exceptional sound, and innovative TV Audio Swap feature make them a compelling choice for private listening, especially when paired with a Sonos soundbar system.
Each product in Sonos’ lineup serves distinct purposes, but all share the brand’s hallmark of excellent sound quality and long-term software support. Whether building a complete home audio system or adding a single speaker, these options represent the best the company currently offers.
(Source: The Verge)
