Rankings
The Sonos Era 300 is a premium wireless smart speaker delivering immersive Dolby Atmos music and spatial audio through a six-driver array, with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and AirPlay 2 for versatile streaming. While its sound quality and ecosystem integration are top-tier, the app's instability and lack of Google Assistant limit the overall experience.
The Denon AVR-X4800H is a top-tier 9.4-channel receiver offering 125 W per channel, full HDMI 2.1 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz support, and four subwoofer outputs. It combines extensive immersive-audio decoding, Audyssey XT32 (with optional Dirac Live), and HEOS streaming, though its size and lack of front-panel HDMI may limit some installations.
The Bose Smart Soundbar delivers compact Dolby Atmos and AI-enhanced dialogue clarity with extensive streaming options, but bass is weak and DTS support is missing.
The Sonos Sub 4 is a premium wireless subwoofer that delivers deep, distortion-free bass down to 25 Hz and integrates tightly with the Sonos ecosystem via Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Its force-canceling drivers and Trueplay calibration provide clean low-frequency performance, though the unit is heavy and lacks Bluetooth or extensive manual EQ.
The Denon AVR-X2800H is a feature-rich 7.2-channel AV receiver offering strong amplification, extensive Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, and future-proof HDMI 2.1 video handling. It also includes HEOS streaming and a phono stage, though it lacks front-panel HDMI and bi-amp options.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact 3-channel smart soundbar that adds Dolby Atmos, eARC and a faster processor to the original Beam, delivering immersive audio and robust smart-home integration. It excels in clarity and voice-assistant features, though its bass is modest and it lacks Bluetooth and DTS:X support.
The Sonos Era 100 is a compact, AC-powered smart speaker delivering true-stereo sound with dual tweeters and a larger woofer. It supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB-C line-in, but lacks Google Assistant and portability.
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is a feature-rich 9.2-channel AV receiver that delivers strong power, advanced room correction, and top-tier video support. It excels in audio fidelity and video compatibility but may challenge users with its calibration and dated interface.
The Sonos Sub Mini is a compact wireless subwoofer that adds deep, accurate bass to Sonos speaker systems. Its sealed dual-woofer design delivers impressive low-frequency performance, though it is relatively heavy and limited to one unit per room.
A budget-friendly 5.1 home-theater package that delivers solid surround performance with Polk's Dynamic Balance drivers, but the modest subwoofer power and large footprint limit its suitability for very large or tight spaces.
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 ecosystem. It lacks HDMI, Dolby Atmos, and deep bass, making it best suited for small spaces and existing Sonos users.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
— | — | 100 W | 165 W | 300 Wbest | 125 W | — | — | 95 W | — | 100 W | |
40 Hzbest | 25 Hz | — | 25 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | — | — | — | — | 5 Hz | |
22,000 Hz | — | — | 120 Hz | 20,000 Hz | 20,000 Hz | — | — | — | — | 100,000 Hzbest | |
— | — | — | — | — | 7best | 1 | — | 6 | 1 | 6 | |
— | — | — | — | — | 3best | — | — | 2 | — | 2 | |
— | — | 5 | — | 5 | — | — | — | 4 | — | 5.1best | |
| ↓ lower better | 37.194 kg | 12 kg | 2.02 kg | 6.35 kg | 4.47 kg | 15.8 kg | 2.88 kg | 1.95 kgbest | 11 kg | 3.13 kg | 11.5 kg |
— | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 36 monthsbest | 12 months | 12 months | 36 monthsbest | 12 months | 24 months |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | |||||||||||
Bluetooth Version | — | — | 5.0 | — | 5.0 | — | — | — | 4.0 | — | 5.1 |
Ethernet Port | — | true | false | true | true | true | true | true | true | — | true |
Video(4) | |||||||||||
HDMI Inputs | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | 1 | — | 6 | 1 | 6 |
HDMI Outputs | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — | 2 | — | 2 |
HDMI ARC Support | — | — | — | — | — | — | true | false | — | true | true |
HDMI eARC Support | — | — | — | — | — | true | true | false | true | true | true |
Build & Design(1) | |||||||||||
Overall Weight (kg) | 37.194 kg | 12 kg | 2.02 kg | 6.35 kg | 4.47 kg | 15.8 kg | 2.88 kg | 1.95 kg | 11 kg | 3.13 kg | 11.5 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | |||||||||||
Warranty Period (months) | — | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 36 months | 12 months | 12 months | 36 months | 12 months | 24 months |
Accessories(1) | |||||||||||
Remote Control Included | — | — | false | — | — | true | — | — | — | true | — |
Power & Energy(1) | |||||||||||
Standby Power Consumption (W) | — | — | — | — | — | 0.5 W | — | — | 0.1 W | — | — |
Audio(6) | |||||||||||
Channel Configuration | 5.1 | — | 2.0 | — | 2.1 | 9.4 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 7.2 | 3.0.2 | 9.2 |
Supported Audio Formats | — | — | Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo | — | Dolby Atmos Music, Spatial audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, Auro‑3D, IMAX Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio, MPEG‑H, DSD (2.8 MHz & 5.6 MHz), FLAC, ALAC, WAV (up to 192 kHz/24‑bit), MP3, WMA, AAC | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Multichannel PCM, DTS Digital Surround | Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS Digital Surround | Dolby Atmos, Atmos Height Virtualization, Atmos Music, TrueHD, Surround, Digital Plus, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS Neural:X | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD | FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, DSD, MP3, WMA, AAC |
Total Power Output (W) | — | — | 100 W | 165 W | 300 W | 125 W | — | — | 95 W | — | 100 W |
Frequency Response (Low) (Hz) | 40 Hz | 25 Hz | — | 25 Hz | 20 Hz | 20 Hz | — | — | — | — | 5 Hz |
Frequency Response (High) (Hz) | 22000 Hz | — | — | 120 Hz | 20000 Hz | 20000 Hz | — | — | — | — | 100000 Hz |
Subwoofer Power Output (W) | 50 W | — | — | 165 W | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the system for its Dynamic Balance technology, wide dispersion, and high efficiency, noting that it delivers room-filling, premium-feeling audio at an affordable price.
Everyday users consistently commend the system for crystal-clear dialogue, easy installation, and impressive sound output relative to cost, while noting the subwoofer's limited power and the bulk of the tower speakers.
“Outstanding sound-flawless integration with Arc and One SLs”
“Transformed my home theater-bass is so deep and smooth, even at high volumes”
“Easy setup, and the app guides you perfectly”
Choose the Sub Mini for a compact, lighter sub for small spaces; choose the Gen 3 Sub for deeper bass and dual-sub capability.
Opt for the Era 300 for immersive Atmos experience; pick the Era 100 for budget-friendly stereo performance.
Choose Denon if you want a simpler calibration; choose Onkyo for superior room correction and video capabilities.
Professional reviewers consider the Sonos Sub (Gen 3) one of the best wireless subwoofers for integrated smart-audio systems, highlighting its seamless Sonos integration, premium build, vibration-free design, and Trueplay calibration, while noting limited EQ and modest generational gains.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the Sub's deep, clean bass, easy app-driven setup, and aesthetic design, with complaints focusing on its weight, app usability for some demographics, and limited audible improvement over older models.
Professional reviewers rate the Era 100 highly, highlighting its dual tweeters, larger woofer, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C line-in as significant upgrades over the Sonos One, while noting modest sub-bass and missing Google Assistant.
Everyday users praise the rich stereo sound, easy setup, and Alexa integration, but note the lack of Google Assistant, weak sub-bass, and the need to buy adapters separately.
Professional reviewers praise the Sub Mini as a game-changing compact subwoofer, highlighting its dual 6" woofers, sealed force-canceling design, and precise Class-D amplification that deliver deep, articulate bass.
Everyday users love the dramatic improvement in bass depth and the sub's small footprint, but note its size feels larger than expected and it offers limited impact in large spaces.
Professional reviewers praise the Era 300 for its industry-leading sound quality, Dolby Atmos music support, and robust Sonos ecosystem integration, while criticizing the lack of Google Assistant, Chromecast, and the sluggish, crash-prone app.
Everyday users overwhelmingly love the audio performance, describing the sound as room-filling and concert-like, but report Bluetooth connectivity problems, frequent app crashes, Wi-Fi dropouts, and fingerprint-prone finish.
Professional reviewers laud the X4800H for its clean, dynamic amplification, future-proof 8K/120 Hz video capability, and flexible routing, positioning it as a top-tier choice for enthusiasts.
Everyday users consistently praise the powerful, detailed sound and four subwoofer outputs, as well as the convenient HEOS streaming, while noting the unit's large size, missing front-panel HDMI, and occasional firmware/Wi-Fi hiccups.
Professional reviewers praise the Beam (Gen 2) for its premium sound quality, clear dialogue, and effective Dolby Atmos implementation in a compact form factor, highlighting its strong smart-home features and seamless Sonos ecosystem compatibility, while noting drawbacks such as the absence of Bluetooth, limited Android support for Trueplay, and lack of DTS:X support.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the Beam's clear dialogue, easy HDMI ARC setup, reliable Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 streaming, and its sleek design, though recurring complaints focus on missing Bluetooth, Android Trueplay limitations, occasional eARC negotiation issues, and modest bass without a subwoofer.
Professional reviewers praise the Ray for its compact footprint, clear sound, and effortless Sonos integration, but criticize the absence of HDMI, Dolby Atmos, and deep bass.
Everyday users love the noticeable improvement over TV speakers and easy app setup, but complain about missing HDMI, weak bass, and lack of voice assistants.
Professional reviewers gave the AVR-X2800H a five-star rating, highlighting its refined sound, solid build, effective Audyssey calibration, and superior gaming features like VRR and ALLM, while noting the missing front-panel HDMI and outdated remote app.
Everyday users praise the immersive audio, reliable HEOS streaming, and useful phono stage, but report occasional firmware/Wi-Fi reliability issues and a steep learning curve for advanced Audyssey tweaks.
Reviewers rate the soundbar highly for its AI Dialogue Mode and compact Atmos implementation, while noting weak bass and lack of DTS as drawbacks.
Users praise the clear dialogue and smart-home integration, yet many add a subwoofer to address the weak bass and report occasional app issues.
Professional reviewers praise the TX-RZ30 for delivering performance that exceeds its price class, highlighting its clean dialogue, detailed instrument reproduction, and immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the dramatic sound improvement after Dirac calibration, describing the audio as "crystal clear" and cinema-like, while noting the remote feels outdated.
