I just recently finished testing the Sonos Arc Ultra, and I thought it would be helpful to existing Sonos customers and potentially new ones to understand how this new soundbar differs from the previous Sonos model. Choosing the right soundbar is essential to elevate your smart home theater experience, and Sonos offers two high-performing options: the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Arc Ultra. Both soundbars deliver excellent sound quality and feature-rich functionality but cater to slightly different needs. I pulled together this guide to compare each key feature to help you decide which is best for your setup.

Price Comparison

• Sonos Arc: $719 - Buy on Sonos
• Sonos Arc Ultra: $999 - Buy on Sonos

The Sonos Arc is a more budget-friendly option, while the Arc Ultra offers advanced technology and features for a higher price. When choosing, consider your budget and the importance of premium features.

See pricing for Sonos Soundbars

Sound Quality and Acoustic Performance

Sonos Arc

Sonos Arc Soundbar unboxed GearBrain

• Amplifiers: 11 Class-D digital amplifiers tuned to their unique architecture.
• Tweeters: Three silk-dome tweeters precisely angled for crisp highs and clear dialogue.
• Midwoofers: Eight elliptical woofers deliver rich mid-range frequencies and deep bass.
• Please read our full reviewfor more in-depth features on Sonos Arc Ultra.

The Arc creates a dynamic and immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos compatibility and an impressive combination of tweeters and woofers. Its precise tuning ensures high fidelity for movies, music, and TV shows.

See the Latest Pricing for Arc on Sonos

Sonos Arc Ultra

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar unboxed GearBrain

• Amplifiers: 15 Class-D digital amplifiers, adding extra power and precision.
• Tweeters: Seven silk-dome tweeters, two of which fire upward for dedicated height channels, enhancing spatial audio.
• Midwoofers: Six midwoofers ensure smooth playback of mid-range frequencies.
• Sound Motion Woofer: Revolutionary four-motor, dual-membrane design delivers exceptional bass in a compact form.
• Please read our full reviewfor more in-depth features on Sonos Arc Ultra.

The Arc Ultra takes sound performance to another level with a larger soundstage, better-defined spatial audio, and boosted bass thanks to its cutting-edge Sound Motion Woofer. The upward-firing tweeters are especially beneficial for Dolby Atmos content, making it ideal for those seeking a cinematic experience.

See the Latest Pricing on Arc Ultra on Sonos

Microphone and Voice Control

Both soundbars feature a far-field microphone array with advanced beamforming and multichannel echo cancellation for accurate voice control.

• Sonos Arc: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Sonos Voice Control.
• Sonos Arc Ultra: Works with Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa. Google Assistant is not supported.

The Sonos Arc is the better choice if Google Assistant compatibility is essential.

Design and Build

Side view of Sonos Arc (Black) and Sonos Arc Ultra (White) SoundbarsGearBrain

Sonos Arc

• Dimensions:
  • Height: 3.43 in (87 mm)
  • Width: 44.96 in (1,142 mm)
  • Depth: 4.57 in (116 mm)
• Weight: 13.78 lbs (6.25 kg)

The Sonos Arc features a sleek, minimalist design that pairs well with most TVs and home setups.

Sonos Arc Ultra

• Dimensions:
  • Height: 2.95 in (75 mm)
  • Width: 46.38 in (1,178 mm)
  • Depth: 4.35 in (110.6 mm)
• Weight: 13.01 lbs (5.9 kg)

The Arc Ultra is slightly slimmer and lighter, with a refined design that complements modern interiors. Its more compact build allows for easier placement without obstructing TV bezels.

Connectivity and Setup

Inputs for Sonos Arc (Black) and Arc Ultra (White) soundbarsGearBrain

Sonos Arc

• Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2. Includes a Sonos Optical Audio Adapter.
• Trueplay Tuning: Automatically optimizes sound for your room (available only on iOS).
• Setup: Syncs with your TV remote for effortless control.

Sonos Arc Ultra

• Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. Optical Audio Adapter sold separately.
• Trueplay Tuning: Available for both iOS and Android, making it more accessible.
• Additional Features: Bluetooth streaming is included for more flexibility.

Bluetooth on the Arc Ultra offers more streaming options, making it a versatile choice for music lovers. The availability of TruePlay on Android further enhances its usability.

See pricing for Sonos Soundbars

Special Audio Features

Special Audio features in Sonos app for Arc Ultra soundbarGearBrain

Sonos Arc

• Adjustable EQ: Customize bass, treble, and loudness via the Sonos app.
• Dolby Atmos: Experience immersive 3D sound.

Sonos Arc Ultra

• Adjustable EQ: Includes advanced features like Speech Enhancement and Night Sound.
• Speech Enhancement: This lets you adjust dialogue clarity to your preference.
• Night Sound: Reduces loud sounds and enhances quieter ones for late-night listening.

The Arc Ultra’s additional features make it better suited for those who prioritize dialogue clarity and quieter listening environments.

See the Latest Pricing on Arc Ultra on Sonos

Environmental Impact

Sonos Arc

• While sustainably designed, the Arc lacks the newer environmental improvements in the Arc Ultra.

Sonos Arc Ultra

• Designed with improved serviceability, reduced idle power consumption, and more sustainable materials. Packaging is 100% recyclable, and shipping is more efficient due to reduced weight and volume.

If sustainability is a priority, the Arc Ultra is the eco-friendlier option.

Which Soundbar Should You Choose?

Sonos Arc

The Sonos Arc is ideal for those seeking a high-quality soundbar at a more affordable price. It offers excellent sound performance, a sleek design, and compatibility with multiple voice assistants. The Arc is a fantastic choice if you’re upgrading from a basic soundbar and don’t need the most cutting-edge features.

Sonos Arc - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

List Price: $899.00

New From: $689.99in Stock

Used From: $655.70in Stock

Sonos Arc Ultra

For audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, the Sonos Arc Ultra is the ultimate option. Its higher price tag is justified by its larger soundstage, superior bass performance, and advanced features like Bluetooth streaming, Speech Enhancement, and Night Sound. Its sustainability-focused design is a bonus for eco-conscious consumers.

Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - Black

List Price: $979.95

New From: $979.95in Stock

Used From: $970.15in Stock

Conclusion

The Sonos Arc and Arc Ultra are exceptional soundbars that deliver immersive sound and modern features. Choosing the right one depends on your budget, feature preferences, and home theater needs. Whether you opt for the Arc, the Arc Ultra, or Sonos, it offers premium audio quality.

Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine that helps users find, buy, and connect any smart device. It can also find devices compatible with your Sonos devices, system, or other smart gadgets that work with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

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