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- Best overall: Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar
- Best budget: Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker
- Best premium: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar
- Best for travel: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar is the TV-focused choice, with optical audio input and a compact design for smaller rooms.
- Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the portable pick, with 14 hours of battery life and an IP67 rating.
- A soundbar is the better fit for improving television audio; a Bluetooth speaker is the better fit for listening away from the TV.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar adds HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos support for buyers seeking a broader home-cinema setup.
- Compare the connection type, battery needs and listening location before choosing a Black Friday 2026 speaker.
Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar and Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker solve different audio problems: one improves TV sound from a fixed position, while the other plays music around the home and outdoors. I’m Priya Natarajan, and we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the distinction clear for Black Friday 2026 shoppers.
On paper and in owner reviews, the deciding factors are straightforward: the Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar uses an optical cable and household power, while the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker runs on its rechargeable battery and carries an IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating. The picks below also cover upgraded soundbars and portable alternatives, so you can match the device to the room, connection and listening routine.
How We Picked
- Compared each product’s core role, separating television soundbars from portable Bluetooth speakers.
- Checked manufacturer specifications for connectivity, battery life, dimensions, audio formats and durability ratings.
- Considered owner feedback for setup, everyday usability, portability and sound in the product’s intended setting.
- Included alternatives at different feature levels, including compact TV soundbars and speakers with longer battery life.
- Prioritized clear use cases and practical Black Friday 2026 buying criteria over temporary pricing claims.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Main connection | Battery life | Water and dust rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar | Compact TV audio | Optical audio | Mains-powered | Not rated |
| Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Outdoor portable audio | Bluetooth | Up to 14 hours | IP67 |
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar | Home cinema and Sonos systems | HDMI eARC | Mains-powered | Not rated |
| Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar | TV dialogue | HDMI-ARC or optical | Mains-powered | Not rated |
| JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Long outdoor sessions | Bluetooth 5.1 | Up to 20 hours | IP67 |
| Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) | Compact everyday portability | Bluetooth | Up to 12 hours | IP67 |
| Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker | Light travel | Bluetooth 5.3 | Up to 16 hours | IP67 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar
The Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar is the best compact TV upgrade for viewers using an optical audio connection, with four Class-D digital amplifiers in its small, mains-powered frame.
Best for: Small-room TV audio and existing Sonos systems
- Amplifiers
- 4 Class-D digital amplifiers
- Audio input
- Optical audio
- Dimensions
- 22 × 3.74 × 2.79 inches
- Power
- Mains-powered
- Compact profile fits below many televisions
- Connects to a TV through optical audio
- Works with the Sonos app and compatible Sonos speakers
- No HDMI eARC input
- Not a battery-powered portable speaker
Is the Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar is a sensible Black Friday 2026 pick for a small-room TV setup with optical audio. The Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar's four amplifiers and compact dimensions suit viewers who want a dedicated soundbar without moving to a larger home-cinema system.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the best grab-and-go pick for listeners who want rugged 360-degree sound, with up to 14 hours of battery life.
Best for: Outdoor listening, travel and poolside use
- Battery life
- Up to 14 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Sound
- 360-degree audio
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth
- Portable design with an IP67 rating
- Up to 14 hours of battery life
- Can float when used in water
- Does not connect to a TV as a conventional soundbar
- No Wi-Fi or HDMI connection
Is the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for portable listening. The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker's IP67 rating, floating design and up to 14 hours of battery life suit trips and outdoor use better than a mains-powered TV soundbar.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar is the best step-up soundbar for home-cinema listeners who want HDMI eARC, with support for Dolby Atmos audio.
Best for: TV, films and a Sonos home-audio system
- Audio format
- Dolby Atmos support
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Dimensions
- 25.6 × 3.9 × 2.7 inches
- Power
- Mains-powered
- HDMI eARC simplifies connection with compatible televisions
- Dolby Atmos support adds a more immersive sound format
- Can join compatible Sonos speakers in a multiroom setup
- Larger and more feature-rich than a basic compact bar
- Requires household power
Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar is worth considering for Black Friday 2026 if HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos matter to your TV setup. The soundbar also suits households that want to connect compatible Sonos speakers across rooms.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar
The Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar is the best straightforward upgrade for dialogue-focused TV listening, with two angled full-range drivers aimed across the room.
Best for: Clearer television dialogue and simple setup
- Drivers
- 2 angled full-range drivers
- TV connections
- HDMI-ARC and optical
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth
- Height
- 2.21 inches
- Low-profile shape fits under many televisions
- Offers both HDMI-ARC and optical connections
- Bluetooth supports wireless music playback
- No rechargeable battery for portable use
- Does not offer the broader feature set of a larger home-cinema bar
Is the Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar is a practical Black Friday 2026 option for viewers prioritizing dialogue and a simple connection. HDMI-ARC and optical inputs offer flexibility, while its 2.21-inch height helps it fit beneath a wide range of televisions.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the best portable pick for longer listening sessions, with up to 20 hours of battery life and an IP67 rating.
Best for: Long outings and music shared outdoors
- Battery life
- Up to 20 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Power-bank feature
- USB-A device charging
- Long battery life for a portable speaker
- IP67 rating for dust and water resistance
- Can charge a compatible device through its USB-A port
- Larger than compact travel speakers
- Not designed to replace a TV soundbar
Is the JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for listeners who value extended playback and outdoor durability. The JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker's up to 20-hour battery life, IP67 rating and USB-A charging feature support long days away from an outlet.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)
The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is the best compact premium-style portable pick for flexible everyday listening, with an IP67 rating.
Best for: Portable listening at home and on day trips
- Battery life
- Up to 12 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth
- Dimensions
- 7.9 × 3.6 × 2.1 inches
- Compact shape is easy to carry
- IP67 rating supports outdoor use
- Designed for both upright and laid-flat placement
- Up to 12 hours of battery life is below the JBL Charge 5
- Does not provide HDMI or optical TV input
Is the Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is a good Black Friday 2026 fit for listeners who want a compact, water-resistant Bluetooth speaker. The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)'s IP67 rating and up to 12 hours of battery life suit everyday carry better than fixed TV use.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker
The Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker is the best lightweight everyday option for casual music listening, with up to 16 hours of battery life.
Best for: Light travel and personal listening
- Battery life
- Up to 16 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Speaker driver
- 1.8-inch driver
- Small, light design with a carrying strap
- Up to 16 hours of battery life
- IP67 rating for dust and water resistance
- Less suitable for filling a large room than larger speakers
- Cannot connect to a television as a soundbar
Is the Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker is a useful Black Friday 2026 pick for light travel and personal listening. The Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker's IP67 rating, carrying strap and up to 16 hours of battery life make it easier to take along than a home soundbar.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Sonos Ray or Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4?
Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar is better for television sound, while Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is better for portable music, because the two products have different connections and power sources. Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar uses optical audio and household power; Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker connects over Bluetooth and runs for up to 14 hours.
Choose Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar when the main goal is improving TV audio in a smaller room. Choose Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker when you want audio that moves between rooms, travels outdoors or sits beside a pool. Neither one is a direct substitute for the other: the right pick depends on where you listen and what device supplies the audio.
Is Sonos Ray a good soundbar for a small room?
Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar is a good small-room TV soundbar, with a 22-inch width and an optical audio input. The compact size makes placement easier on a TV stand, while the optical connection supports televisions with a compatible audio output.
Check the back of the television before buying Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar, since the soundbar does not use HDMI eARC. The product is mains-powered, so it stays near an outlet and is not designed to follow you around the home. Buyers who want HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos support should compare Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar instead.
Is Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 suitable for outdoor use?
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is suited to outdoor listening, with an IP67 rating, a floating design and up to 14 hours of battery life. Bluetooth pairing keeps setup simple with a compatible phone or tablet, and 360-degree audio supports listening from different positions around the speaker.
The portable format is useful for travel, a garden or poolside listening, but it is not a TV soundbar with optical or HDMI input. Compare JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker if longer playback and USB-A device charging are higher priorities; compare Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker if a lighter carry is more important.
Can a portable Bluetooth speaker replace a TV soundbar?
A portable Bluetooth speaker does not replace a TV soundbar as directly as a model with a dedicated television input. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker are built around Bluetooth playback and rechargeable batteries.
Television compatibility depends on the TV’s Bluetooth audio support, pairing behavior and audio delay. A soundbar such as Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar or Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar connects through a TV audio output and stays powered in place. Choose the soundbar category for regular TV viewing; choose portable Bluetooth audio for music away from the screen.
What should I prioritize when choosing a Black Friday 2026 speaker?
The best Black Friday 2026 speaker choice starts with three checks: listening location, connection type and power needs. Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar and Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar suit stationary TV setups, while Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker and JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker suit listening away from the television.
After those checks, compare the specifications tied to your routine. Battery life matters for trips; an IP67 rating helps with dusty or wet environments; HDMI eARC matters for compatible television setups. A compact footprint, app support or a device-charging feature can also influence which product fits your home.
Buying Guide
Start with where you listen
Pick a soundbar for a television setup that stays in one place. Pick a portable Bluetooth speaker for music in different rooms, on a trip or outdoors. Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar and Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker serve these separate jobs.
Check your TV connections
Match the soundbar input to your television. Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar uses optical audio, while Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar and Bose TV Speaker Bluetooth Soundbar offer HDMI-based connections. Confirm your TV has the corresponding port before deciding.
Choose the battery life you need
Compare stated playback time against your regular listening sessions. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers up to 14 hours; JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers up to 20 hours. Soundbars are mains-powered rather than battery-powered.
Consider water and dust exposure
For travel, outdoor use or poolside listening, check the protection rating. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) and Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Portable Speaker have IP67 ratings.
Compare features you will use
Prioritize practical differences over a longer feature list. HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos support matter for some TV setups; a floating design, device charging or a carrying strap matters for portable use. Choose features that fit your listening routine.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Sonos Ray and Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4?
Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar is a mains-powered soundbar with optical audio input for television use. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a rechargeable Bluetooth speaker with up to 14 hours of battery life and an IP67 rating for portable listening.
Does the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 connect to a TV?
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker connects wirelessly through Bluetooth, rather than through HDMI or optical audio. Television use depends on Bluetooth audio support and pairing behavior on the TV, so Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar is the more direct choice for compatible optical TV setups.
Which speaker has longer battery life, Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 or JBL Charge 5?
JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers up to 20 hours of battery life, compared with up to 14 hours for Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Choose the JBL model for longer stated playback; choose the Ultimate Ears model for its floating design and compact format.
Does Sonos Ray need HDMI?
Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar uses an optical audio connection to connect to a compatible television, rather than HDMI. Check that the TV has an optical audio output before choosing it. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar is an alternative with HDMI eARC.
Which is better for travel, a soundbar or a portable Bluetooth speaker?
A portable Bluetooth speaker is the better travel format because it runs on a rechargeable battery and connects wirelessly. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers up to 14 hours of battery life and an IP67 rating, while Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar needs household power and a TV connection.