Your Cart

Your shopping cart is currently empty

Sonos Arc, Beam or Ray: Choosing the best soundbar for your home

Sonos Arc, Beam or Ray: Choosing the best soundbar for your home

So you've heard about Sonos soundbars. You love the sound and the ease-of-use that a Sonos speaker provides. But the real question is – how do you choose your first speaker? Here’s a breakdown for each soundbar to help you make an informed decision. For a quick-glance comparison, you can use our soundbar comparison feature HERE.

Why Choose Sonos

Getting your hands on a Sonos soundbar means you get the following perks:

  • Night mode, speech enhancement, EQ
  • No separate remote control
  • Wifi streaming via app, Airplay, multiroom
  • Add surround & sub, up to 5.2.2
  • Trueplay™ function that tunes your soundbar to you room
  • Software updates so your soundbar never gets outdated
  • Expand the system when you are ready

Read The Ultimate Guide to Sonos Home Cinema for more details on a Sonos sound system at home.

Comparison 1: The Outside

Sonos Arc, Beam, Ray Size Comparison

Sonos Arc – The largest of the three, the Sonos Arc is a mean machine for the avid movie and music enthusiast. Suitable for TVs of 55" and above.

Close-up of Sonos Arc in Living Room

Sonos Beam – The middle ground, the Sonos Beam is perfect for the budding music or movie fan. Suitable for TVs below 65".


Close up of Sonos Beam in Living Room

Sonos Ray – The starting ground. The Sonos Ray is an all-in-one introductory soundbar for anyone looking to upgrade from their TV speakers. Suitable for TVs below 55".

Close up of Sonos Ray in Living Room

Comparison 2: The Inside

Size and aesthetics aside, there are some differences in the sound quality of the three soundbars. At three difference price points, each soundbar undoubtedly punches above its weight class.

Sonos Arc, Beam, Ray Soundbars Quick Comparison

Whether you're a full-on movie buff or a new homeowner looking for your first upgrade from TV sound, there's a great-sounding Sonos to elevate your listening experience.

Final Guiding Questions

Choose the Sonos Arc if,

  • You want a soundbar with the best, immersive sound experience.
  • You want to hear every detail in your music, TV, movies and more.
  • Your TV is more than 55”
  • Your TV has a HDMI Arc or eArc output

Choose the Sonos Beam if, 

  • You want Dolby Atmos immersive audio
  • You’re looking for a surround sound experience
  • Your TV is smaller than 65”
  • Your living room space is between small to medium
  • Your TV has a HDMI Arc or eArc output

Choose the Sonos Ray if,

  • You’ve just spent a large sum of money on your home renovation
  • You’re looking to upgrade from your TV speakers, without blowing your budget
  • Your TV is smaller than 55"
  • You’re unsure of your TV output ports
  • Start small with your home sound system and explore more in the future

You may also like

Prefer to experience it in-store?

Drop by one of our stores for the best experience in audio and customer service!

FIND STORE