Here is a 2500+ word blog post comparing Sony and Sonos soundbars across various factors to help readers determine which brand and models may be better suited for their needs:
Soundbars have become a popular audio upgrade for most homes looking to enhance their TV and entertainment experience without needing multiple speakers and components. As the soundbar market has grown more competitive, Sony and Sonos have emerged as two of the top brands for premium soundbars loaded with the latest features and audio technologies.
But when it comes to choosing between Sony and Sonos, which soundbar brand comes out on top for factors like sound quality, design, price and overall home integration? This comprehensive guide compares Sony vs Sonos soundbars across the key considerations consumers should weigh when shopping for an audio upgrade.
Sony and Sonos Brand Backgrounds
Before diving into model comparisons, it helps to understand the histories and reputations behind the Sony and Sonos brands.
Sony is perhaps the more recognized legacy brand when it comes to consumer audio and electronics. Founded in 1946 in Tokyo, Sony grew to become an early innovator in products like portable radios and tape recorders before evolving into a juggernaut in the entertainment space with products ranging from TVs to gaming consoles to cameras and beyond. When it comes to audio, Sony helped pioneer early home theater systems and became a trusted name behind receivers and speakers that focused on high fidelity sound.
Sonos took a different path, getting its start in 2002 with a focus squarely on innovating multi-room wireless home audio. Founders John MacFarlane, Craig Shelburne, Tom Cullen and Trung Mai set out to develop a seamless audio system where speakers in separate rooms could play different music or join together for home theater surround sound. That initial vision led to the first Sonos products in 2005 and ignited the connected, app-controlled smart speaker category that Sonos leads today across both music and home theater.
So in Sony you have an established electronics innovator now applying its audio expertise to home theater soundbars. And in Sonos you have a younger start-up brand that helped birth the wireless smart speaker world now looking to unseat longtime audio leaders in the soundbar space. This unique collision between brands has only benefited consumers who now enjoy premium soundbar options from both companies.
Sony Soundbar Lineup
As you begin comparing Sony soundbar models and prices, a few key tiers emerge:
Entry-Level Sony Soundbars: Models in the $100 to $300 range deliver strong audio upgrade from TV speakers. Great for music and TV audio for smaller spaces. Lack more premium features like surround sound and Dolby Atmos. Examples include the Sony HT-S100F and Sony HT-S20R.
Mid-Range Sony Soundbars: Step up to the $400-$900 category for soundbars with dedicated subwoofers, simulated surround sound, and support immersive Dolby Atmos. Ideal home theater audio for most living rooms. Choose from options like Sony HT-G700 and Sony HT-X8500.
High-End Sony Soundbars: Sony soundbars above $1,000 include its flagship all-in-one models with advanced virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capabilities that rival full surround systems. Products like the Sony HT-A9 and Sony HT-A7000 justify luxury pricing with superb object-oriented sound.
Across this Sony lineup you’ll see common features like integrated Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, HDMI ARC ports to simplify home theater connections, and support for streaming music services and voice assistants. Higher-end Sony soundbar prices correspond with more powerful speaker drivers for impactful bass and surround channel replication, more premium materials and designs, and upgraded DSP (digital sound processing) components that refine overall acoustic performance.
Many Sony soundbars also distinguish themselves with proprietary audio innovations exclusive to the brand:
- S-Force PRO Front Surround simulates immersive surround sound from the compact soundbar form factor
- Vertical Sound Engine projects height channels for advanced object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- X-Balanced Speaker Units increase sound pressure and reduce distortion
These technologies allow higher-end Sony models to achieve enveloping Dolby Atmos effects without requiring satellite speakers or other components.
Sonos Soundbar Lineup
The Sonos soundbar lineup may not run as deep or span the same budget to luxury pricing range as Sony’s catalog. But the acoustic innovations Sonos packs into just a few premium soundbar models pose serious competition:
Sonos Ray: As Sonos’ most affordable soundbar yet at $279, the compact Ray delivers impressive TV and music performance for small to mid-sized rooms. Dialogue clarity stands out for TV and movies courtesy of center channel processing. Capabilities like speech enhancement, automatic equalization adjustments based on content, and easy headphone listening check boxes for home theater convenience.
Sonos Beam (Gen 1 and Gen 2): The Sonos Beam launched as a breakthrough $399 soundbar-meets-smart speaker that could play music from over 100 streaming services but also connect to your TV with sharp clarity and rich range missing from most budget soundbars. Voice control options expanded along with performance boosts in a second generation Beam released in 2021.
Sonos Arc: As the flagship Sonos soundbar for $899, the premium Arc justifies its high-end price tag by combining next-gen Dolby Atmos performance with the Sonos app’s expansive streaming music support and reliable multi-room audio syncing with other Sonos speakers. This all-in-one package needs no separate sub or surrounds to produce three-dimensional sound that traditional sound systems cannot match.
Core innovations that give several Sonos soundbars an edge over competitors include:
- Trueplay Tuning: Sonos soundbars instantly optimize their output to sound best for your room’s actual acoustics by playing test tones during an automatic tuning process.
- Dialogue Enhancement: Clear vocal lifting ensures TV shows and movie dialogue cut through any soundtrack for clarity.
- Speech Enhancement: Reduce vocal distortion and flattening for streaming music playback.
- Apple AirPlay 2: Stream audio from any iPhone, iPad or Mac device.
And every Sonos soundbar mentioned integrates with popular voice assistants for handy hands-free TV and music control.
Sound Quality: Sony vs. Sonos
Audiophiles rightfully prioritize sound quality over all else when choosing home theater speakers or soundbars. Sony and Sonos take markedly different approaches to audio performance that make direct sound comparisons interesting across models:
Sony Sound Profile
- Dynamic, powerful audio tuned for movies and multimedia
- Thumping bass output courtesy of built-in subwoofers in higher-end models
- Clear dialogue through dedicated center channel design
- Immersive surround sound simulation via Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing
Experts praise Sony soundbars for their lively, cinematic audio quality suited especially for action films, video games and music videos. The combination of strong bass and enveloping surround effects makes viewers feel in the middle of the on-screen excitement compared to more conservative soundbar processing.
Sonos Sound Profile
- Balanced, natural sound profile adaptable to any content
- Precision stereo separation with wide soundstage
- Pure dialogue clarity enhanced further by vocal boosting tech
- True Dolby Atmos 3D height and space from premium soundbars
Reviewers consistently note the neutral, faithful audio reproduction from Sonos soundbars that allows viewers to hear movies, TV, or music as creators intended. While Sony may add some razzle dazzle effects, Sonos aims for accurate sound. And automatic Trueplay tuning ensures output is optimized to your room’s actual layout.
Both brands support the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. But Sony has an edge reproducing these advanced surround effects internally through more immersive virtualization. Sonos relies on front-firing drivers so needs ceiling-bouncing effects to convey overhead audio channels.
Ultimately sound quality preferences between Sony vs Sonos will come down to tuning taste. Choose Sony for added audio excitement that intensifies action-oriented content. Or go with Sonos for clear neutrality.
Design & Build Quality
You’ll live with your new soundbar as a constant visual component in your home theater setup. So aesthetic design and durable build construction should receive fair evaluation between brands.
Sony Soundbar Design
Sony soundbars share a distinctly angular, asymmetrical look with sloped tops and side- or front-facing subwoofers depending on model. Black or gray cloth wrappings add modern texture while integrated LED displays keep logos subtle. Wall mounting options maintain a compact, near-floating profile. Expect a consistent avant garde appearance across Sony soundbars rather than choices to blend into room decor.
Sonos Soundbar Design
The larger Sonos family of wireless speakers established a muted, understated design aesthetic that fits right in with soundbars like the Ray, Beam and Arc. Matte black or white finishes with beveled corners exude contemporary cool without drawing attention. Touch controls enhance tactile appeal while keeping clutter at bay. And standard soundbar dimensions make wall or TV placement easy with universal brackets.
In terms of ruggedness, both Sony and Sonos soundbars feel solidly constructed out of durable plastic exteriors capable of resisting everyday bumps and dings. Each company backs their soundbar workmanship with standard 1-year warranties. But Sony offers an edge for peace of mind by tacking on an extra year of coverage upon product registration.
Connectivity & Setup
The convenience of connecting a soundbar to your TV and other devices plays a big role in long-term enjoyment. Sony and Sonos approaches in this category differ significantly:
Sony Soundbar Connectivity
- HDMI ARC port for single-cable TV audio integration
- Bluetooth, WiFi and AirPlay flexibility
- Companion mobile app for tuning
- ALEXA voice assistant onboard
Sony soundbars make home theater integration incredibly painless by including an HDMI ARC port for simple one-cable connection to most modern TVs. This allows uncompressed digital audio transmission from the TV’s built-in streaming apps or OTA tuner directly to the soundbar. Standard HDMI inputs on higher-end Sony models also conveniently switch devices like 4K Blu-ray players or game consoles.
Bluetooth streaming opens Sony soundbars to wireless music listening from any phone or tablet. WiFi expands that connectivity to casting content from media apps. And built-in Alexa voice control handles commands to navigate tracks and streaming stations.
Sonos Soundbar Connectivity
- HDMI ARC or optical digital TV hookup
- Apple AirPlay 2 casting built-in
- Spotify Connect music streaming
- Sonos smart speaker ecosystem
Sonos soundbars need a bit more wiring courtesy of either HDMI ARC or optical digital connections to integrate audio from modern TVs. However, the advantage comes from how Sonos soundbars can instantly sync wireless streaming with other Sonos speakers. Add matching rear surrounds or a Sonos SUB subwoofer to create true home theater surround sound. Then play music across every speaker for whole home audio.
Apple AirPlay 2 support makes it just as easy to cast content from any iPhone, iPad or Mac device to Sonos soundbars. While Spotify users can select the Sonos app for direct access to playlists, stations and podcasts.
Both Sony and Sonos offer capable companion apps for managing settings like adjustable EQ, surround profiles and home theater calibration. But Sonos pulls ahead by centralizing multiple services into its controller app vs Sony needing standalone software and skills for streaming.
Voice Assistant Support
Hands-free voice control over soundbar functions and streaming content has become easier than ever thanks to Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri advancements. But Sony and Sonos integrate popular voice assistants to varying degrees:
Sony Soundbar Voice Assistant Support
- Built-in Alexa microphone
Select mid-range and higher Sony soundbars remove the need for an external Alexa device by integrating microphone arrays to hear voice commands. Users can ask Alexa to pause/play/skip tracks from streaming apps, look up compatible artists, adjust volume levels, or launch video playback on the TV. Setup only requires linking the soundbar to your Alexa account.
Sonos Soundbar Voice Assistant Support
- Alexa + Google Assistant compatible
- Siri accessible via AirPlay 2
Rather than commit to a single assistant, Sonos designed its soundbars to work with both Alexa and the Google Assistant for flexible control. Voice commands get routed to external Echo or Nest speaker devices. But you can still ask Alexa to raise soundbar volume, have Google play podcasts, or access Apple Music favorites through Siri using any iPhone.
For private listening, Sony holds the edge granting you audio feedback from its built-in mics. But Sonos gives you smarter assistant selections.
Prices: Sony vs. Sonos Soundbars
Saving the delicate topic of price comparisons for last, Sony and Sonos take distinct approaches to pricing their soundbars across the budget to luxury spectrum:
Sony Soundbar Pricing
- Models spanning $100 to $3,000
- Affordable options under $300
- Flagship models pass $1,000
- Sales frequent
Because Sony produces everything from compact, bass-light sound plates to mammoth Dolby Atmos powerhouses, their pricing model stretches from entry level to elite. For just $100 you can upgrade TV audio with the simple Sony HT-S100F. Or spend closer to $3,000 for the unified surround sound power of the HT-A9. Sony runs regular soundbar sales so watching prices can pay off.
Sonos Soundbar Pricing
- Models ranging from $279 to $899
- No low-budget options
- Flagship Arc model lone $900 category
- Rarely discounted
By concentrating soundbar development resources into just a few models, Sonos keeps prices more consistent at the higher end. The Sonos Ray represents their budget play at $279. And the Sonos Arc anchors premium performance just under $900. Without lower-cost distractions, Sonos can bake more proprietary tech into soundbars even casual listeners appreciate. But less flexibility exists for bargain hunters.
Ultimately Sony gives buyers more affordable pricing tiers to choose from. While Sonos makes a premium soundbar experience more obtainable by limiting models. You’ll pay more upfront for better Sonos hardware. But Sony lets you start small then upgrade.
Verdict: Sony vs Sonos Soundbars
Both Sony and Sonos produce soundbars capable of significantly improving a home theater audio experience. But critical factors may make one brand a better match over the other depending on listening priorities:
Choose Sonos soundbars if you want:
- Seamless whole home streaming sync with other Sonos speakers
- Reliable Apple AirPlay 2 casting from iOS devices
- Simple but powerful 2-channel TV and music playback
- Near-neutral audio fidelity perfect for vocals
- Voice control flexibility between assistants
- Premium build and minimalist aesthetics
Choose Sony soundbars if you want:
- Immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround effects
- Punchy bass courtesy of built-in subwoofers
- Integrated Alexa voice assistant with mic array
- More affordable pricing for basic upgrades
- Expanded connectivity like HDMI switching
- Dynamic, intensified audio for movies and gaming
At the budget end, the $279 Sonos Ray makes a compelling case against compact Sony models like the $200 Sony HT-S350 with its wider soundstage and clearer dialogue. For mid-range home theater domination, the richer Dolby Atmos performance of the $600 Sony HT-G700 tempts over the $399 Sonos Beam Gen 2. And flagship $900 soundbars see the Sonos Arc achieving more enveloping directional audio than the bass-busting $1,300 Sony HT-A7000.
Where Sony rules for audio power, Sonos triumphs for convenience. And buyers with flexibility on sound profile preference and product ecosystems should compare models closely to make the optimal choice. Analyze the soundbar tech spec sheets against intended room sizes. Read detailed reviews that breakdown acoustic qualities. Then factor priorities like voice assistant access, whole home streaming plans, or simply going loud.
Ultimately you cannot go wrong advancing home entertainment past TV speakers with either leading brand. Determine the soundbar features most meaningful for frequent use then choose the Sony or Sonos model delivering everything required.
