Klipsch and Sonos are two of the most popular and well-respected brands when it comes to soundbars. With outstanding audio performance, smart connectivity, and elegant designs, it‘s easy to see why these brands have earned such loyal followings.
But when it comes down to choosing between the two for your home theater setup, which brand comes out on top? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down how Klipsch and Sonos soundbar models compare across all the key factors, from audio quality to price and everything in between. Read on to find out which brand is the better pick depending on your priorities and room setup.
A Brief Background
First, let‘s take a quick look at the histories behind these two audio giants which have made them so ubiquitous in the world of soundbars and speakers.
Klipsch – Founded in 1946 by Paul W. Klipsch, an American audio pioneer, Klipsch has been at the forefront of high-performance audio equipment for over 70 years. The brand is renowned for its use of patented horn-loaded technology that allows its speakers and soundbars to achieve full-bodied audio with enhanced detail and dynamics.
Sonos – Founded in 2002 in Santa Barbara, California, Sonos focuses on wireless HiFi speakers and home audio equipment that can stream music from leading services. Its soundbars and speakers allow multi-room control via intuitive apps that made connected whole-home audio systems accessible to mainstream consumers.
Sound Quality Comparison
When it comes to audio performance, both Klipsch and Sonos deliver premium sound in their own right, but there are some key differences in the actual listening experience you can expect:
Klipsch – Boasts powerful, dynamic sound with deep bass and sparkling highs. The proprietary horn-loaded tweeters and woofers preserve detail at high volumes better than typical drivers. You get an extremely lively, large-scale sound that‘s built for movies, TV, and music.
Sonos – Offers clear and natural audio reproduction focused on balance across bass, mids, and highs. Advanced digital processing provides consistency in quality at different volumes. Excellent clarity particularly for vocal-centric content like podcasts. More laid-back sound better suited for background listening.
Overall, Klipsch soundbars are hard to beat for pure acoustic power but may be overly lively for some. Sonos provides gorgeous fidelity perfect for casual music enjoyment but can lack the excitement desired for action films.
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Most Immersive Sound
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With four upfiring speakers delivering Dolby Atmos height effects plus dual wireless surrounds and a subwoofer, this Klipsch system provides a truly immersive cinematic experience.
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To experience the full potential of each brand’s sound, stepping up to their higher-end models that include separate subwoofers and surround speakers is recommended. For most basic setups, both will still majorly boost your TV’s native audio.
Design
You‘ll be displaying your new soundbar prominently in your living room or home theater, so aesthetics may play a role in your decision.
Klipsch – Features a stylish, angular look with copper or silver accents. Most models have a fabric grille covering the front-facing speakers. Quality materials like wood and metal used across its lineup give off a premium yet understated vibe.
Sonos – Spotlights a minimalist style utilizing matte black or white finishes with smoothly contoured housings. Look is modern yet relatively basic outside of higher-end Arc model with unique grill pattern. Focus is on discreet profile that seamlessly blends into contemporary decors.
Klipsch gives off old-school audiophile appeal while Sonos aims for an elegant, unobtrusive presence. Choose the look that best fits your room’s existing style.
Smart Features
With built-in voice assistants and wireless connectivity, today’s soundbars provide more than just audio. See how Klipsch and Sonos compare when it comes to smart integration and control.
Klipsch – Select models feature Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa support for basic hands-free voice commands. Soundbars connect via WiFi, Bluetooth, or HDMI ARC but lack native smart ecosystem. Klipsch Soundbar mobile app available to adjust settings.
Sonos – Fully integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant across lineup for robust voice control. Proprietary wireless system allows Sonos products to form cohesive ecosystem controlled by excellent Sonos app. Advanced features like individual room tuning.
For the ultimate smart home experience, Sonos soundbars have the edge with both more seamless voice control and multi-room audio capabilities right out of the box. But you can achieve basic voice-based hands-free control with higher-end Klipsch models.
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Smartest Soundbar
With built-in mics for Alexa and Google Assistant voice control plus Apple Airplay 2, TruePlay room calibration, and seamless integration with other Sonos speakers, the Sonos Arc represents the pinnacle of smart connectivity.
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With Arc, you can issue voice commands, optimize its sound to your room’s acoustics, control it from your Apple device, easily expand it into a surround system, and more.
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Surround Sound Capability
For home theater applications, a key consideration is each brand’s ability to integrate with surround speaker setups:
Klipsch – Selected higher-end models like the Cinema 1200 can connect wirelessly to dedicated surround speakers and a subwoofer. Creates true 5.1 or 7.1 system for immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback. Other entries support 2.1 or 3.1 configs only.
Sonos – Via the Sonos wireless network, the Arc soundbar can pair with other brand speakers like the Sonos Sub, Five, and One to achieve 5.1 or 5.1.2 surround sound. Excellent solution but requires more purchases. Lower models cannot expand.
If you envision expanding into a surround setup down the road, specific Klipsch or Sonos models allow for wireless integration of rear channels for more engulfing movie and music playback.
Connectivity
From televisions to mobile devices, soundbars need the requisite ports to make hooking up a streamlined process. See how our two brands compare:
Klipsch – Typically equipped with at least one HDMI port for ARC connection alongside analog, optical digital, Bluetooth, WiFi, and USB inputs. Provides flexibility to integrate with varied AV sources. Certain models still lack advanced HDMI 2.1 though.
Sonos – Arc model has latest HDMI eARC for uncompressed audio passthrough from TV alongside Apple AirPlay 2, WiFi, Ethernet, and Sonosnet. Other entries rely on optical digital audio and lack more robust wired video connectivity. Sonos system is very much wireless-focused.
Klipsch soundbars tend to offer a greater diversity of wired inputs for non-smart devices while Sonos focuses chiefly on wireless interconnectivity between products. Both will cover the essentials like HDMI ARC but Klipsch generally provides more legacy codec support.
Ease of Setup
Complicated soundbar installation can quickly dampen your excitement over an upgrade. Here is how Klipsch and Sonos compare when it comes to the setup process:
Klipsch – Includes necessary HDMI and power cables in the box for fast setup. Detailed owner’s manuals clearly explain connections. Some WiFi-enabled models may require using the mobile app for wireless configuration with your network which can pose challenges if unfamiliar with the process.
Sonos – Seamless setup via Sonos app that walks through each step including wireless linking to WiFi. Trueplay tuning feature available on supported models then custom tailors soundbar output to your room’s actual acoustics. Getting up and running takes just minutes.
With its detailed directions and cables, Klipsch enables quick plug-and-play connections. But technophobes may prefer Sonos and its dead-simple app-based wireless configuration for faster, frustration-free installation.
Price Differences
As premium home theater brands, neither Klipsch nor Sonos soundbars come cheap. But which offers more bang for your buck?
Klipsch – Upper mid-range brand targeting audio enthusiasts. Flagship models retail for $1,000+ but more basic entries like the Bar 40 start under $300. Significant performance gains realized as you climb price ladder.
Sonos – Seen as relatively high-end brand focused on design and technical sophistication. Top soundbar pick Arc goes for around $900 MSRP while newest Ray model starts at just $279. Lower cost but possess smaller soundstages than Klipsch.
On average, you can pay a bit less for Sonos soundbars at a given feature level, though sacrifice some audio horsepower. Klipsch demands higher premiums but rewards owners in listening muscle. Evaluate your performance wants versus budget when choosing.
Verdict – Which is Better?
When determining which brand offers the superior soundbars, there are a few key takeaways:
- Those wanting pure sonic power should choose Klipsch to experience full-bodied audio with exciting dynamics perfect for movies and TV. Just be prepared to pay more for the top-flight performance.
- For seamless whole-home audio integration via intuitive app control and smart assistants, Sonos soundbars enable the greatest multi-room musical enjoyment. Just know bass and width of the audio pales slightly next to Klipsch.
- Casual listeners wanting improved TV and vocal clarity will love a Sonos, while film buffs needing hard-hitting theater sound should go Klipsch for the lively acoustics.
Ultimately, there are no universal "right" choices here – your own listening preferences and priorities for features should dictate whether Klipsch or Sonos soundbars prevail as the ideal pick for your living room or home theater installation.
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Affordable Audio Upgrade
If seeking enhanced TV audio on a budget, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) delivers serious sound quality improvements for under $500.
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Capable of filling rooms with expansive stereo separation plus simulated Dolby Atmos dimensionality, the Beam 2 makes shows and movies so much more engaging without costing a fortune.
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Alternatives to Consider
Stuck deciding between Klipsch vs Sonos? Other brands offer compelling soundbars too. Here are top contenders worth your consideration:
- Bose – Revered for premium quality acoustics and their own waveguide-based audio technologies. Feature-packed models like the Smart Soundbar 900 with Dolby Atmos start around $900.
- Samsung – Major TV manufacturer also produces excellent soundbars, some designed to perfectly pair with their sets. Q-Series models with Dolby Atmos start under $500.
- Sony – Renowned electronic giant makes soundbars to match their premium Bravia TV displays. Immersive models like the HT-A5000 with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X retail just under $1,000.
- Vizio – Budget-priced alternative that punches above its class in audio performance, though less sophisticated connectivity. 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos models like the excellent M-Series All-In-One 2.1 start at just $249.
- Yamaha – Respected AV brand offers a wide range of feature-packed soundbars. ATS-2090 38-inch model with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X goes for around $499.95.
The Bottom Line
When comparing Klipsch vs Sonos soundbars, you can rest assured you’re getting superb audio and features from two top-tier home theater brands. Critical differences in sound profiles, smart capabilities, designs, and pricing exist that sway favor between the two depending on individual shopper needs and room setups. Use this breakdown as a guide to determine whether the lively, powerful acoustics of Klipsch or the easy-to-use, beautifully balanced soundscapes of Sonos make for the best addition to your living room.
