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- Best overall: Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Best budget: Sonos Ray
- Best premium: Sonos Arc Ultra
- Best for deeper bass: Sonos Sub (Gen 3)
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact Dolby Atmos soundbar; Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is a wireless subwoofer that adds deeper bass.
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Sonos Sub (Gen 3) are complementary products, not substitutes for one another.
- Sonos Sub Mini is a smaller bass option for compatible Sonos soundbars and smaller rooms.
- Sonos Arc Ultra is the premium soundbar pick; Sonos Ray is the straightforward optical-input option.
- Sonos Era 100, Sonos Era 300 and Sonos Move 2 cover stereo, spatial-audio and portable-speaker needs.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact Dolby Atmos soundbar, while the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is a wireless subwoofer designed to add low-frequency impact to a compatible Sonos system. For Black Friday 2026, the practical choice is not one versus the other: choose a soundbar for TV sound, a subwoofer for bass, or both when you want a fuller home-theater setup.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across Sonos soundbars, subwoofers and speakers. The short version: the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) suits many living rooms, the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) suits listeners who want stronger bass, and the right alternative depends on room size, connection needs and whether you want a portable or music-first speaker.
How We Picked
- Compared each product’s core role: TV soundbar, bass module, home speaker or portable speaker.
- Checked manufacturer specifications for dimensions, drivers, connections, audio formats and battery claims.
- Considered owner feedback about setup, room fit, TV compatibility and everyday use.
- Prioritized useful distinctions between products rather than treating soundbars and subwoofers as interchangeable.
- Selected products across compact, premium, music-focused and portable use cases.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Primary role | Key audio feature | Main connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Compact Dolby Atmos TV sound | Soundbar | Dolby Atmos | HDMI eARC or ARC |
| Sonos Sub (Gen 3) | Deeper bass in a compatible setup | Subwoofer | 2 force-cancelling woofers | Wi-Fi |
| Sonos Sub Mini | Bass in a smaller room | Subwoofer | 2 x 6-inch woofers | Wi-Fi |
| Sonos Arc Ultra | Premium home theater | Soundbar | 14 drivers | HDMI eARC |
| Sonos Ray | Compact TV audio with optical | Soundbar | 4 digital Class-D amplifiers | Optical |
| Sonos Era 100 | Everyday music | Home speaker | 3 drivers | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Sonos Era 300 | Spatial-audio music | Home speaker | 6 drivers | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Sonos Move 2 | Portable listening | Portable speaker | Up to 24-hour battery | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the best compact TV soundbar for households seeking Dolby Atmos in a 25.6-inch-wide enclosure. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) connects to a TV through HDMI eARC or ARC and works with other compatible Sonos speakers.
Best for: Compact Dolby Atmos TV setups
- Width
- 25.6 inches
- Audio format
- Dolby Atmos
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC or ARC
- Amplifiers
- 5 digital Class-D
- Compact size fits many TV stands
- HDMI connection supports TV control
- Expandable with compatible Sonos speakers
- No dedicated subwoofer is built in
- Dolby Atmos effects depend on room layout
Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a strong choice for a compact TV upgrade, with Dolby Atmos support and HDMI eARC or ARC. Add the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) later if you want deeper bass.
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#2
Sonos Sub (Gen 3)
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is the best wireless bass upgrade for Sonos home-theater owners who want two force-cancelling woofers. The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) pairs with compatible Sonos soundbars and speakers rather than replacing a TV soundbar.
Best for: Deeper bass in a compatible Sonos system
- Woofer design
- 2 force-cancelling woofers
- Weight
- 29.1 pounds
- Wireless connection
- Wi-Fi
- Finish options
- 2
- Adds low-frequency impact to compatible systems
- Wireless setup keeps the room free of an audio cable
- Can be positioned upright or laid flat
- Requires a compatible Sonos product
- Large cabinet needs floor space
Is the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is worth considering when a compatible Sonos soundbar or speaker needs more bass. The Sonos Sub (Gen 3)'s 2 force-cancelling woofers handle low frequencies, while the paired soundbar continues to provide TV dialogue and other audio.
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#3
Sonos Sub Mini
The Sonos Sub Mini is the best compact bass module for compatible Sonos setups in smaller rooms. The Sonos Sub Mini uses 2 inward-facing 6-inch woofers to add bass without the larger footprint of the Sonos Sub (Gen 3).
Best for: Compact rooms and a smaller bass module
- Woofer size
- 2 x 6 inches
- Height
- 12 inches
- Wireless connection
- Wi-Fi
- Cabinet shape
- Cylindrical
- Smaller footprint than the full-size Sub
- Two woofers support bass output
- Designed for compatible Sonos systems
- Not a standalone TV soundbar
- Less suitable for large rooms than a full-size Sub
Is the Sonos Sub Mini worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sonos Sub Mini suits owners who want added bass in a compact room and already have a compatible Sonos product. The Sonos Sub Mini's 2 6-inch woofers make it a smaller alternative to the Sonos Sub (Gen 3), not a replacement for a soundbar.
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#4
Sonos Arc Ultra
The Sonos Arc Ultra is the best premium TV soundbar for viewers seeking an expansive setup with 14 drivers. The Sonos Arc Ultra supports Dolby Atmos and uses Sonos Sound Motion technology, with room for a compatible subwoofer and surrounds.
Best for: Premium home theater and larger rooms
- Drivers
- 14
- Audio format
- Dolby Atmos
- Width
- 46.3 inches
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Wide soundbar design for a larger TV setup
- Dolby Atmos support
- Expandable with compatible Sonos speakers
- Needs more space than the Beam
- Best suited to a larger TV and room
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sonos Arc Ultra is a compelling premium soundbar for a larger TV setup, with 14 drivers and Dolby Atmos support. Choose it over the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) when a wider soundbar and a more expansive home-theater system suit your room.
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#5
Sonos Ray
The Sonos Ray is the best simple TV soundbar for buyers who need an optical connection and a compact 22-inch design. The Sonos Ray offers an uncomplicated route to clearer TV audio, with expansion options through compatible Sonos products.
Best for: A compact TV setup with optical audio
- Width
- 22 inches
- Amplifiers
- 4 digital Class-D
- TV connection
- Optical
- Dimensions
- 22 x 3.74 x 2.79 inches
- Compact soundbar format
- Optical connection suits compatible TVs
- Simple option for clearer TV audio
- No HDMI eARC connection
- Does not include a separate subwoofer
Is the Sonos Ray worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sonos Ray is a sensible pick for a smaller TV area or a television with optical audio output. The 22-inch soundbar keeps the setup compact, while a compatible Sonos Sub Mini adds bass if your system needs it.
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#6
Sonos Era 100
The Sonos Era 100 is the best everyday smart speaker for listeners who want stereo sound from 3 drivers in a compact cabinet. The Sonos Era 100 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so it works for home listening and direct wireless playback.
Best for: Everyday music and compact stereo sound
- Drivers
- 3
- Tweeters
- 2
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Line-in
- USB-C with adapter
- Stereo playback from one speaker
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Can serve as a compatible home-theater surround
- Requires mains power
- USB-C line-in needs an adapter
Is the Sonos Era 100 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile home speaker for music, with 3 drivers and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Choose it for everyday room listening or as a compatible surround speaker, rather than for portable playback.
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#7
Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 is the best spatial-audio speaker for listeners who want 6 drivers in a home speaker. The Sonos Era 300 supports Dolby Atmos Music and can join a compatible Sonos home-theater setup as a surround speaker.
Best for: Spatial-audio music and home-theater surrounds
- Drivers
- 6
- Audio format
- Dolby Atmos Music
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Line-in
- USB-C with adapter
- Supports Dolby Atmos Music
- Six-driver design
- Can work as a compatible surround speaker
- Requires mains power
- Larger footprint than the Era 100
Is the Sonos Era 300 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sonos Era 300 is a good fit for spatial-audio listeners, with 6 drivers and Dolby Atmos Music support. The speaker also joins compatible Sonos home-theater systems as a surround, making it more specialized than the Era 100.
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#8
Sonos Move 2
The Sonos Move 2 is the best portable Sonos speaker for listeners who want up to 24 hours of battery life. The Sonos Move 2 combines Wi-Fi home playback with Bluetooth and a carrying handle for listening away from a fixed room setup.
Best for: Portable listening at home and outdoors
- Battery life
- Up to 24 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP56
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Charging
- Wireless charging base
- Portable design with a carrying handle
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth playback
- IP56-rated water and dust resistance
- Heavier than compact portable speakers
- Not a substitute for a TV soundbar
Is the Sonos Move 2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Sonos Move 2 is a strong choice for portable listening, with up to 24 hours of battery life and an IP56 rating. Choose it for flexible room-to-room use rather than as the main soundbar for a television.
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Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Sonos Sub (Gen 3) better for a TV?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the TV soundbar, while the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is a bass module with 2 force-cancelling woofers. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) connects to a television through HDMI eARC or ARC and handles dialogue, music and effects.
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) does not replace that soundbar; it pairs with compatible Sonos equipment to add low-frequency output. On paper and in owner reviews, the two products serve different jobs. Choose the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) first for clearer, fuller TV audio. Add the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) when deeper bass is a priority and the room has space for a floor-standing component.
Does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) need a Sonos Sub (Gen 3)?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) works as a TV soundbar without a Sonos Sub (Gen 3), and adding a subwoofer is optional. The soundbar already delivers TV audio and supports Dolby Atmos, so it is a complete starting point for a compact setup.
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is for listeners who want stronger bass impact from a compatible Sonos system. A smaller room or a preference for simpler equipment favours the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) alone. A larger room, action films or bass-heavy music makes the additional module more relevant. Check placement space and system compatibility before adding any Sonos Sub.
Should I choose the Sonos Sub Mini or Sonos Sub (Gen 3)?
The Sonos Sub Mini is the smaller choice for compact rooms, while the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is the full-size option with 2 force-cancelling woofers. The Sonos Sub Mini’s 2 inward-facing 6-inch woofers add bass in a more compact cylindrical cabinet.
Choose the Sonos Sub Mini when cabinet size and room fit matter most. Choose the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) when you want the full-size product and have room to accommodate it. Both are add-on bass modules, not standalone soundbars. For either model, verify compatibility with your existing Sonos product and consider where the subwoofer will sit before choosing.
Which Sonos soundbar suits a small or large room?
The 25.6-inch Sonos Beam (Gen 2) suits compact TV areas, while the 46.3-inch Sonos Arc Ultra is the wider premium soundbar. The Sonos Ray is a 22-inch option for buyers who want a smaller soundbar and an optical TV connection.
Room dimensions, television width and connection type should guide the choice. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) balances compact size with HDMI eARC or ARC and Dolby Atmos support. The Sonos Arc Ultra is better matched to a larger TV setup and adds 14 drivers. The Sonos Ray is a straightforward fit for compatible televisions with optical output. Leave space for the soundbar and avoid blocking the TV’s sensors.
Which Sonos speaker is best for music or portable listening?
The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile 3-driver home speaker, the Sonos Era 300 has 6 drivers for spatial-audio playback, and the Sonos Move 2 offers up to 24 hours of battery life. Each model serves a different listening situation.
Choose the Sonos Era 100 for everyday music and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth playback. Choose the Sonos Era 300 for Dolby Atmos Music and compatible surround use. Choose the Sonos Move 2 when portable placement matters: its IP56 rating supports use in more varied settings, while its battery removes the need for constant mains power. None of these speakers replaces a dedicated Sonos TV soundbar.
Buying Guide
Decide whether you need a soundbar or subwoofer
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2), Sonos Arc Ultra and Sonos Ray are soundbars; the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and Sonos Sub Mini are bass modules. Pick a soundbar for TV audio first, then add a compatible subwoofer if deeper bass is a priority.
Match the soundbar to your TV connections
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports HDMI eARC or ARC, the Sonos Arc Ultra uses HDMI eARC, and the Sonos Ray connects through optical. Check your television’s available audio output before choosing a model.
Measure the room and available placement
The 22-inch Sonos Ray and 25.6-inch Sonos Beam (Gen 2) fit more compact TV spaces than the 46.3-inch Sonos Arc Ultra. Measure the furniture and allow room for airflow, cables and any separate Sonos Sub.
Choose a speaker by listening habits
The Sonos Era 100 suits everyday home listening, the Sonos Era 300 targets Dolby Atmos Music, and the Sonos Move 2 offers up to 24 hours of portable playback. Start with where the speaker will be used most.
Check compatibility before expanding
Sonos home-theater components need compatible products to work together. Confirm the model pairing for a Sonos Sub or surround speaker, then decide whether the extra bass or wider system is worth the space in your room.
FAQ
Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) a subwoofer?
No. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a soundbar for TV audio, with Dolby Atmos support and HDMI eARC or ARC. A Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is a separate wireless subwoofer that adds bass to compatible Sonos setups.
Can the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) work without a soundbar?
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is designed to pair with a compatible Sonos product, so it is not a standalone TV soundbar. Check the compatibility of the Sonos speaker or soundbar in your system before adding the subwoofer.
What is the main difference between the Sonos Sub and Sonos Sub Mini?
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is the full-size wireless bass module, while the Sonos Sub Mini is the more compact model with 2 inward-facing 6-inch woofers. Choose by room size, available placement and compatibility with your Sonos system.
Does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) support Dolby Atmos?
Yes. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos and connects to a compatible television through HDMI eARC or ARC. A suitable TV connection and supported content are needed to access the format.
Which Sonos speaker has a battery?
The Sonos Move 2 is the portable battery-powered speaker in this guide, with up to 24 hours of claimed battery life and an IP56 rating. The Sonos Era 100 and Sonos Era 300 are home speakers that require mains power.
Is the Sonos Ray compatible with HDMI eARC?
No. The Sonos Ray uses an optical audio connection, rather than HDMI eARC. Check that your television has an optical audio output before choosing the Sonos Ray for a compact TV soundbar setup.