
Sonos
The Sonos Ray is a compact, entry‑level 2.0 soundbar that upgrades TV audio with clear dialogue and balanced music playback, while integrating seamlessly into the Sonos multi‑room ecosystem. It lacks HDMI, Dolby Atmos, and deep bass, making it best suited for small spaces and existing Sonos users.
Pros
Current
$219.00
Average
$226.17
Lowest
$149.00
Highest
$289.00
Lower = better sales rank
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Cons
From Expert Reviews
Praised by Experts
Criticized by Experts
From User Reviews
Users Love
Users Complain About
Best For
Small to medium rooms (under 300 sq ft) with 32‑48‑inch TVs, owners of existing Sonos systems, renters who need a compact, cable‑free setup, and music listeners who value clarity and ecosystem integration.
Not Ideal For
Large home‑theater rooms, users seeking deep bass or immersive Dolby Atmos sound, setups that require HDMI‑ARC/eARC, and those who want built‑in voice assistants or Bluetooth streaming.
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers commend the Ray for its compact footprint, clear and balanced sound, and effortless integration into the Sonos ecosystem, noting it as a solid upgrade over built‑in TV speakers. However, they criticize the absence of HDMI, Dolby Atmos, and deep bass, calling it a trade‑off for its low price and size, and point out the lack of voice assistants and Bluetooth as drawbacks.
What Users Say
Everyday users appreciate the Ray’s noticeable improvement over TV speakers, easy app‑based setup, and sleek look, especially when paired with existing Sonos gear. Common complaints focus on the missing HDMI connection, weak bass that often requires a separate Sub, and the lack of built‑in voice assistants or Bluetooth for direct phone playback.
Common Complaints
Missing HDMI/ARC, weak bass without a Sub, no voice assistant, no Bluetooth, and reliance on optical input which some view as limiting audio quality.
What People Are Saying
“Much better than my TV speakers”
“Easy setup with the Sonos app”
“Clear dialogue — I don’t have to turn up the volume anymore”
“No HDMI is a dealbreaker for my setup”
“Bass is weak — I had to buy a sub”
“Wish it had Alexa or Google built‑in”
“No Bluetooth means I can’t easily play from my phone”
“Optical cable limits audio quality compared to HDMI ARC”
How It Compares
vs. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Choose the Beam if you need Atmos, HDMI‑ARC and voice assistants; choose the Ray for a compact, budget‑friendly entry into Sonos.
vs. Roku Streambar Pro
Advantages
Disadvantages
Pick the Streambar Pro for a cheap, HDMI‑ready soundbar with built‑in streaming; pick the Ray for superior music quality and Sonos ecosystem compatibility.
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