Sonos Arc Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Sonos Arc is a premium soundbar designed for those seeking top-notch audio quality and smart features. It offers a sleek design and high build quality, making it a stylish addition to any modern living room. Constructed from premium materials, it features a matte finish that resists fingerprints and a precision-drilled metal mesh grille for even sound dispersion. However, its large size might not suit smaller setups, and the high price could be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.

In terms of audio performance, the Arc excels with 11 high-performance drivers and Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive sound experience. It delivers deep bass without needing an external subwoofer, although room size and acoustics can affect performance. The soundbar supports various audio formats, ensuring versatility.

Smart features include built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, along with Apple AirPlay 2 support. While these features add convenience, occasional issues with voice recognition and setup complexity might arise. Connectivity options are robust with HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and an optical adapter, though the lack of Bluetooth might disappoint some users.

Setup is straightforward, guided by the Sonos app, which also offers Trueplay room-tuning for optimized sound. The absence of a dedicated remote might be a downside for some, but the app provides comprehensive control. The package includes the soundbar, power cable, HDMI cable, and quick start guide, but no remote.

Though expensive, the Sonos Arc offers excellent value for those prioritizing high-quality sound and smart features. Its design, audio performance, and connectivity options make it a strong contender in the premium soundbar market, despite a few minor drawbacks.

---

If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Sonos Ace or Sonos Era 100 or Sonos Sub Mini.

Introduction

So, you're probably on the hunt for a new soundbar, right? If you're aiming for top-notch audio quality and smart features, the Sonos Arc might just be what you need. This sleek soundbar aims to deliver a superior listening experience, whether you're binge-watching your favorite series or jamming out to a curated playlist.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let's set some expectations. The Arc is designed to impress with its high-quality sound, but it's not just about the audio. It offers a blend of functionality, smart home integration, and a bit of aesthetic appeal. However, it’s worth mentioning that this premium soundbar comes with a hefty price tag, so it’s perfect for those willing to invest in high-end home entertainment gear.

Now, how about the details that make or break your decision? From its design and build quality to its connectivity options, we’re here to give you the lowdown on what makes this soundbar tick. Ready? Let's get started!

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of this soundbar are truly impressive. The soundbar boasts a sleek, elongated shape that effortlessly blends into any modern living room setup. With its elegant curves and minimalist aesthetic, it feels like a natural extension of your entertainment center rather than an intrusive gadget.

Materials and Finish

The soundbar is constructed from premium materials that give it a sturdy and durable feel. The matte black or white finish doesn’t just look good; it also resists fingerprints and smudges, keeping it looking pristine with minimal effort. The front grille is made from a precision-drilled metal mesh, which not only adds to the soundbar's refined look but also helps in evenly dispersing sound.

Size and Placement

Measuring at 45 inches wide, it’s on the larger side. While this makes it perfect for larger TVs, it could be a tight squeeze for smaller setups. However, if you have the space, the size adds to its presence, making it a focal point in your room.

Build Quality

The build quality is top-notch. Every part fits together seamlessly, and there are no visible gaps or uneven edges. It feels solid and well-constructed, capable of withstanding the occasional bump or movement. You can tell that attention to detail was a priority in its design.

Touch Controls

One of the cool features is the touch-sensitive buttons on the top of the soundbar, which allow you to play, pause, adjust the volume, and skip tracks. These buttons are responsive and add to the overall clean look since they don’t interrupt the soundbar’s smooth lines.

Wall Mounting

If you prefer a wall-mounted setup, there's an optional wall mount available. It’s designed to keep the soundbar close to the wall and maintain an uncluttered look. This versatility in placement options is a big plus.

Downsides

On the downside, the soundbar's large size might be a bit overwhelming for smaller rooms or setups. Additionally, the premium materials and design come with a higher price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, the combination of sleek design, high-quality materials, and thoughtful features make this soundbar a standout in terms of design and build quality. It’s not just a soundbar; it’s a statement piece.

Audio Performance

If you're an audio enthusiast, the audio performance of this soundbar will really get you excited. With a total of 11 high-performance drivers, you’re looking at a seriously powerful setup. The sound quality is crisp and clear, but it’s the immersive nature that really steals the show. Thanks to Dolby Atmos, you get a soundstage that feels like 3D audio, making it seem like the sound is coming from all around you. Pretty cool, huh?

Let's talk bass. This soundbar delivers deep, resonant bass without needing an external subwoofer, although if you’re a bass junkie, adding one might still be a good idea. The mid-range and treble are equally impressive, offering a balanced sound that’s perfect for everything from movies to podcasts.

But nothing's perfect, right? While the soundbar excels in most areas, it’s worth noting that its performance might vary depending on the room size and acoustics. In a larger room, you may need to crank up the volume, and some subtle details might get lost. But honestly, for most living rooms, it’s more than up to the task.

Another highlight is the soundbar's ability to handle different audio formats. Whether it's Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or even PCM, this soundbar can process them all, leading to a versatile and enjoyable experience. Basically, whatever you throw at it, it can handle.

In summary, the audio performance of this soundbar is truly top-notch. It's like having a mini cinema in your living room, minus the sticky floors and overpriced popcorn. But yes, remember that for the best experience, room setup and acoustics do matter. Small trade-offs for what you get, though!

Voice Control and Smart Features

The Sonos Arc is decked out with some pretty sweet voice control options. It comes with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means you can control your soundbar, ask for weather updates, or even set reminders just by speaking. How cool is that? If you’re a fan of Apple products, you’re in luck too. The Sonos Arc supports Apple AirPlay 2, making it super easy to play music from your iPhone or iPad. Essentially, it turns your soundbar into a smart home hub. However, there is a slight hiccup. Having all these voice assistants packed into one device might cause some confusion every once in a while. Sometimes, they might not catch what you’re saying on the first try, especially if there’s a lot of background noise or if you're trying to talk from across the room.

Another neat feature is the Sonos S2 app. This app allows you to fine-tune the audio settings, group other Sonos speakers, and even set up voice control preferences. It’s pretty user-friendly and adds a lot of convenience. On the downside, the initial setup of voice assistants can be a bit of a hassle. You’ll need to link your accounts and go through a few steps, but once that’s out of the way, you're golden. All in all, the voice control and smart features make this soundbar more than just an audio device. They turn it into an interactive part of your smart home system. Sure, there are a few bumps in the road, but the overall experience is genuinely impressive.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Connectivity and compatibility can make or break a soundbar's usability in your home setup. The Sonos Arc offers a solid variety of options, ensuring it fits seamlessly into most entertainment systems. HDMI eARC is the big star here. This high-bandwidth connection supports the latest audio formats, including Dolby Atmos. It ensures that you get the best quality audio without signal loss. If your TV has an HDMI eARC port, you're golden. But what if it doesn't? Sonos thoughtfully includes an optical adapter, so you can still connect using a standard optical cable. Sure, you might miss out on some advanced audio features, but it’s a great fallback. Wireless connectivity is a breeze thanks to built-in Wi-Fi. This allows the soundbar to sync with your other Sonos speakers for a multi-room audio experience. You can also stream directly from your favorite services like Spotify, Apple Music, and more without reaching for your phone.

The soundbar supports AirPlay 2, making it a cinch for Apple users to stream audio from their devices. However, the Sonos Arc lacks a traditional Bluetooth connection, which might be a letdown if you’re used to quick pairing with various gadgets. Instead, it relies heavily on Wi-Fi for its smart features and streaming capabilities. This could be a dealbreaker if you prefer the simplicity of Bluetooth. To keep things simple, here's a quick list of what's included:

• HDMI eARC for top-notch audio quality
• Optical adapter for older TVs
• Wi-Fi for wireless streaming and multi-room audio
• AirPlay 2 for seamless integration with Apple devices

In summary, the connectivity options are mostly top-tier, but the lack of Bluetooth might be a sticking point for some. If your setup is mostly modern, you’ll find the options available more than sufficient to meet your needs.

Setup and User Experience

Setting up this soundbar is a breeze and won't leave you scratching your head. The included instructions are clear and straightforward, making the whole process pretty painless.

Initial Setup: Unbox the soundbar, plug it into the power outlet, and connect it to your TV using the HDMI eARC port. If your TV doesn't support eARC, you can use the optical adapter that's included in the box.

App Integration: Now, here’s where it gets even better. You’ll need the Sonos app, which is available for both iOS and Android. The app guides you through the rest of the setup step-by-step. It handles everything from connecting to your Wi-Fi to integrating with the rest of your Sonos system if you have other Sonos products.

Trueplay Tuning: Trueplay is Sonos's room-tuning feature that adjusts the soundbar's audio output to match the acoustics of your room. You use your phone to walk around the room as the soundbar plays test sounds. It's like magic turning your living room into a theater.

Voice Control: If you’re a fan of voice assistants, you'll appreciate that this soundbar integrates seamlessly with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Setting up voice control is as simple as enabling the functionality in the app and linking your accounts.

User Experience: The Sonos app is incredibly intuitive. You can control everything from volume to room settings with just a few taps. You can also sync it with your favorite streaming services, so your playlists are always a tap away.

Remote Control: An interesting quirk is that there's no dedicated remote control. Instead, you rely on the app or your TV's remote. This could be a downside if you're someone who prefers having a physical remote.

Software Updates: Regular software updates keep the system fresh and functional. These updates install automatically without needing much intervention from you, ensuring your soundbar always performs at its best.

Possible Hiccups: The only slight drawback might be the app's dependency. If you're not a fan of managing yet another app, this might be a minor inconvenience. Additionally, the initial setup does require a stable internet connection, so if your Wi-Fi is spotty, you might hit a few snags. In summary, the setup and user experience are pretty seamless, thanks to the Sonos app and its user-friendly interface. Once you’re all set up, managing the soundbar is smooth sailing, and the sound quality adjustments through Trueplay are truly something special.

What's in the Box

When you crack open the box of the Sonos Arc, you'll find a neat package that promises a swift setup and a stellar audio experience. So, what's inside?

• Soundbar Unit: Of course, the main event is the soundbar itself, sleek and modern in design, ready to elevate your audio game.
• Power Cable: A standard power cable is included, ensuring you can plug in and power up right away.
• HDMI Cable: You get an HDMI ARC cable for connecting to your TV, ensuring a seamless and high-quality audio transmission.
• Optical Audio Adapter: For those with older TVs that don't support HDMI ARC, the optical audio adapter is a nice touch.
• Quick Start Guide: This handy guide walks you through the initial setup, making it easy even for the less tech-savvy among us.

One thing to note is the absence of a remote control. Since the soundbar relies heavily on voice control, smart features, and the Sonos app, a physical remote isn't included. This might be a bummer for those who prefer traditional remotes. But hey, it's one less thing to lose between the couch cushions, right?

Overall, the contents are straightforward and minimal, reflecting the soundbar's sleek design and user-friendly approach. Everything you need to get started is right there, so you can jump into enjoying your favorite shows and music without much fuss.

Price and Value

Let's talk about the dollars and cents. The Sonos Arc isn't the cheapest soundbar out there, but it offers a lot for its price tag. This soundbar is in the premium segment, so you can expect to pay a bit more than you would for an entry-level model. But the question is, is it worth the extra cash? For starters, the Arc delivers a rich, immersive audio experience that few other soundbars can match. If you’re an audiophile or just love high-quality sound, you'll appreciate the investment. It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, which gives you a 3D sound experience. This is not something you find in budget soundbars. But let’s not ignore the downsides. The price might be a bit steep for casual users or those on a tight budget.

Also, if you don't have a compatible TV or streaming device that supports these advanced features, some of that premium experience might go to waste. On the flip side, you’re getting more than just a soundbar. The Arc integrates seamlessly with other Sonos products, creating a whole-home audio system if you decide to expand later. Plus, it comes with smart features like voice control, which adds more value. So, is it worth it? If you’re serious about sound quality and are willing to pay for it, the Sonos Arc offers excellent value. But if you're looking for something simple and cheap, you might want to look elsewhere.

Video by: Sonos

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the Sonos Arc is a top-notch soundbar that delivers stellar sound quality, sleek design, and a host of smart features. Audio performance is where it truly shines, with its immersive Dolby Atmos capability that makes movie nights feel like cinema experiences. If you're a fan of crystal-clear dialogues and rich bass, this device won't disappoint. Though it might be a bit on the pricy side, the sound quality and features make it worth every penny. The design and build quality are equally impressive. With its minimalist and elegant look, it fits seamlessly into any modern living room setup. However, its considerable size might be cumbersome for smaller spaces or certain TV stands. Connectivity is a breeze, thanks to a wide range of options like HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Plus, the seamless integration with other Sonos products makes it incredibly versatile. Despite these perks, some users might find the absence of Bluetooth a bit limiting. On the smart features front, voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa adds a layer of convenience.

Though it’s pretty responsive, the voice control can occasionally be a bit finicky, especially in noisy environments. Setting up the Arc is straightforward, making it easy even for those who aren't tech-savvy. The user experience is generally smooth, but a few hiccups with app connectivity have been reported by some users. When you unbox this soundbar, you get everything you’d reasonably expect: the soundbar itself, a power cable, an HDMI cable, and a quick start guide. It’s well-packaged and gives a sense of premium right from the get-go.

In terms of value, the soundbar does come with a hefty price tag, but the overall package justifies the cost. If you’re looking for a high-end soundbar that performs in almost every area, this one is a strong contender. So, is it perfect? Not quite, but it comes pretty darn close. If premium sound quality and smart features are your priorities and you don't mind shelling out a bit more, the Sonos Arc is definitely worth considering.

---

Pros & cons

---

Technical specifications