As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar
- Best budget: Sonos Ray Soundbar
- Best premium: Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar
- Best for travel: Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sonos Ray Soundbar is a compact TV soundbar with optical audio input and Wi-Fi streaming.
- Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a portable, 360-degree speaker rated for up to 15 hours of battery life.
- Choose Sonos Ray Soundbar for television sound and Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for portable listening.
- The comparison also includes Sonos, JBL and Bose soundbars and portable speakers for different rooms and routines.
Sonos Ray Soundbar and Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker serve different jobs: Sonos Ray Soundbar improves TV audio, while Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker delivers portable 360-degree sound. For Black Friday 2026, the right pick depends first on whether you want a speaker to stay by the television or travel with you.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven soundbars and portable speakers. On paper, the category divides neatly: soundbars connect to a TV for dialogue and film audio, while portable Bluetooth speakers prioritize battery life, durability and easy placement. The picks below explain where each model fits, what its specifications mean and what to consider before choosing.
How We Picked
- Compared core specifications, including dimensions, connectivity, audio configuration and battery ratings where applicable.
- Prioritized a clear use case for each model, such as TV dialogue, room-filling home cinema or outdoor listening.
- Reviewed owner feedback for recurring comments about setup, controls, portability and everyday performance.
- Considered practical compatibility, including TV inputs, Wi-Fi features, Bluetooth and water- or dust-resistance ratings.
- Selected products across different sizes and listening needs rather than treating portable speakers and soundbars as direct substitutes.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Primary connection | Battery life | Protection rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Ray Soundbar | Compact TV setups | Optical audio | Not battery powered | Not rated |
| Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Portable 360-degree listening | Bluetooth | Up to 15 hours | IP67 |
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar | Mid-size living rooms | HDMI eARC | Not battery powered | Not rated |
| Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar | Premium home cinema | HDMI eARC | Not battery powered | Not rated |
| JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker | Long outings and charging a phone | Bluetooth 5.4 | Up to 28 hours | IP68 |
| JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Compact travel listening | Bluetooth | Up to 16 hours | IP68 |
| Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar | Clearer TV dialogue | HDMI ARC or optical | Not battery powered | Not rated |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Sonos Ray Soundbar
The Sonos Ray Soundbar is the best compact TV soundbar for viewers who want simple, clear television audio, with 2 tweeters and 2 midwoofers in its acoustic design.
Best for: Compact TV setups and Sonos households
- Width
- 22 inches
- Drivers
- 2 tweeters and 2 midwoofers
- TV connection
- Optical audio input
- Wireless features
- Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2
- Compact size fits smaller TV stands
- Straightforward optical connection
- Supports Sonos multiroom audio
- No HDMI input
- No built-in voice control
Is the Sonos Ray Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Ray Soundbar is worth considering for a compact TV setup, especially when you want Wi-Fi streaming and Sonos multiroom support. The Sonos Ray Soundbar's optical input suits compatible TVs, but buyers seeking HDMI eARC should compare larger soundbars.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the best portable pick for listeners who want durable 360-degree sound, with a rated battery life of up to 15 hours.
Best for: Travel, patios and everyday portable listening
- Battery life
- Up to 15 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Sound
- 360-degree audio
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth
- Portable design with a hanging loop
- IP67-rated protection against dust and water
- Pairs with compatible Ultimate Ears speakers
- Does not connect directly to a TV as a soundbar
- Battery life varies with listening volume and use
Is the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a strong choice for portable listening, with 360-degree audio, IP67 protection and up to 15 hours of rated battery life. Choose a soundbar instead for dedicated TV audio.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3 · Top pick
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar is the best mid-size home soundbar for TV viewers who want Dolby Atmos support, with a 5.0.2-channel virtualized audio presentation.
Best for: Living rooms and immersive TV sound
- Audio format
- Dolby Atmos support
- Audio configuration
- 5.0.2-channel virtualized sound
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Width
- 25.6 inches
- HDMI eARC simplifies TV audio connection
- Supports Dolby Atmos content
- Works with Sonos multiroom systems
- More expensive and larger than the Ray tier
- Immersive effects depend on room and content
Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar is worth considering for a living room where HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos support matter. The compact 25.6-inch body suits many TV stands, while Sonos multiroom features add value beyond television listening.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar
The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is the best premium home-cinema pick for listeners seeking immersive sound, with a 9.1.4 spatial-audio configuration.
Best for: Large rooms and premium home cinema
- Audio configuration
- 9.1.4 spatial audio
- Width
- 46.4 inches
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Bass technology
- Sound Motion woofer
- Designed for immersive spatial audio
- HDMI eARC connection for compatible TVs
- Integrates with the Sonos home audio system
- Wide cabinet needs ample TV-stand space
- Premium feature set is excessive for basic TV listening
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is a strong premium option for a large room and an immersive home-cinema setup. The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar's 9.1.4 spatial-audio design and HDMI eARC connection suit compatible TVs, but its size and advanced features are more than basic setups need.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker
The JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker is the best portable pick for long listening sessions and phone charging, with a rated battery life of up to 28 hours.
Best for: Long outings and portable playback
- Battery life
- Up to 28 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP68
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Extra feature
- Built-in power bank
- Long rated battery life
- Water- and dust-resistant construction
- Can charge a compatible mobile device
- Larger than compact travel speakers
- Not designed for direct TV audio connection
Is the JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker is a good fit for listeners who want extended portable playback and a built-in power bank. The JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker's IP68 rating adds practical protection, while the speaker remains a Bluetooth option rather than a TV soundbar.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the best compact JBL pick for travel and casual outdoor listening, with up to 16 hours of rated playback.
Best for: Compact travel and everyday carry
- Battery life
- Up to 16 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP68
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth
- Speaker design
- Portable two-way speaker
- Compact cylindrical shape
- IP68-rated water and dust protection
- Easy Bluetooth playback from a phone
- Less battery capacity than the Charge 6
- No HDMI or optical TV input
Is the JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is worth considering when small size and water resistance matter more than the longest playback time. The JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker's IP68 rating and up to 16 hours of rated battery life make it suited to travel and casual listening.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar
The Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar is the best simple dialogue-focused upgrade for small TV rooms, with 2 angled full-range drivers aimed at a wider listening area.
Best for: Clearer TV dialogue with simple setup
- Width
- 23.4 inches
- Drivers
- 2 angled full-range drivers
- TV connections
- HDMI ARC and optical
- Wireless feature
- Bluetooth audio
- HDMI ARC and optical connection options
- Dialogue-focused sound mode
- Compact shape for smaller rooms
- Does not provide the immersive format support of larger systems
- No Wi-Fi multiroom platform
Is the Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar is a sensible choice for viewers who want clearer dialogue and a simple connection to a compatible TV. HDMI ARC, optical audio and Bluetooth cover common needs, while larger soundbars offer more immersive features.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better for a TV: Sonos Ray or Ultimate Ears BOOM 4?
Sonos Ray Soundbar is the better TV choice because it is a soundbar with an optical audio input, while Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker. The products are built for different listening situations rather than being direct substitutes.
Sonos Ray Soundbar has 2 tweeters and 2 midwoofers, and its compact 22-inch width suits smaller setups. Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker instead provides 360-degree sound, IP67 protection and up to 15 hours of rated battery life. Select Sonos Ray Soundbar for a stationary TV; select Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for music away from the television.
Which product is the best overall speaker pick for Black Friday 2026?
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar is the best overall pick for many living rooms because it combines HDMI eARC, Dolby Atmos support and a 25.6-inch body. The mix of TV-focused connectivity and home audio features makes it more versatile for a central living-room setup than a portable Bluetooth speaker.
For shoppers comparing the Sonos Ray vs Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Black Friday options, the Beam sits between the Ray’s straightforward TV role and the BOOM 4’s portable role. The short version: choose Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar for a TV-centered room, Sonos Ray Soundbar for a smaller or simpler setup, and Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for battery-powered listening.
What should shoppers know about soundbar connections?
Sonos Ray Soundbar uses an optical audio input, while Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar, Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar and Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar provide HDMI ARC or eARC connections. Checking a TV’s available ports before choosing a soundbar helps prevent setup surprises.
HDMI eARC is useful for compatible TVs and supported audio formats; optical remains a straightforward digital connection for basic TV sound. Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar includes both HDMI ARC and optical, offering flexibility across common television setups. Portable speakers such as JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker and JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker connect by Bluetooth and are not replacements for a wired soundbar connection.
Which portable speaker is best for travel and outdoor use?
JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker has the longest stated battery life among the portable picks at up to 28 hours, while Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers a more compact 360-degree listening format with up to 15 hours. JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker rates up to 16 hours and carries an IP68 rating.
IP ratings describe protection from dust and water under specified conditions, not a promise that every use is risk-free. Consider the speaker’s size, charging routine and how it will be carried. JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker adds a built-in power bank; Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker has a hanging loop; JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker prioritizes a compact portable shape.
How do owners describe the difference between these speaker types?
Owner feedback commonly separates the products by setup and purpose: soundbar owners focus on TV dialogue and connection simplicity, while portable-speaker owners value battery life, durability and carrying convenience. The difference matters more than a simple ranking of sound quality.
Sonos Ray Soundbar and Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar are built for television use, while Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar and Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar add features aimed at larger or more immersive home setups. Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker and JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker are better matched to music around the home or outdoors. Read owner reviews for notes about room size, TV compatibility and everyday controls.
Buying Guide
Start with the listening location
Choose Sonos Ray Soundbar, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar, Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar or Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar for a TV. Choose Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker or JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker when portable playback is the priority.
Check the TV connection
Confirm the television has the port your soundbar needs. Sonos Ray Soundbar uses optical audio, while Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar and Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar use HDMI eARC. Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar supports HDMI ARC and optical.
Match size and room
A 22-inch Sonos Ray Soundbar suits compact placements; the 46.4-inch Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar needs more room. Portable speakers are easier to move, but their sound and connection use differ from a TV soundbar.
Compare battery and protection
For portable models, compare rated playback time and ingress protection. JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker rates up to 28 hours and IP68, while Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker rates up to 15 hours and IP67.
Decide which features you will use
Prioritize Dolby Atmos on Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar, spatial audio on Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar, or the built-in power bank on JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker only when those features match your routine.
FAQ
Is Sonos Ray better than Ultimate Ears BOOM 4?
Sonos Ray Soundbar is better for TV audio because it connects to a television through optical audio and is designed as a soundbar. Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is better for portable music, with 360-degree sound, IP67 protection and up to 15 hours of rated battery life.
Can Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 connect to a TV?
Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker connects through Bluetooth, so it works with a TV that supports Bluetooth audio output. For a dedicated television setup with a wired connection, Sonos Ray Soundbar offers optical audio, while Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar uses HDMI eARC.
Which soundbar is best for small rooms?
Sonos Ray Soundbar is a strong small-room choice, measuring 22 inches wide and using an optical TV connection. Bose TV Speaker Compact Soundbar is another compact option at 23.4 inches wide, with HDMI ARC, optical input and a dialogue-focused sound mode.
Which portable speaker has the longest battery life?
JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker has the longest stated battery life among these portable picks, rated for up to 28 hours. Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker rates up to 15 hours, and JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker rates up to 16 hours.
Does Sonos Ray support HDMI eARC?
Sonos Ray Soundbar does not have HDMI eARC; it connects to a compatible TV through optical audio. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Soundbar and Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar support HDMI eARC, making them better Sonos options for shoppers who want that connection.
Which speaker is best for outdoor use?
JBL Charge 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker, JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker are portable options with water- and dust-protection ratings. JBL Charge 6 and JBL Flip 7 are rated IP68, while Ultimate Ears BOOM 4 is rated IP67.