Collection: Sonos

Sonos uses your WiFi to stream music from a list of several popular streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music. There is also the option of streaming free radio, podcasts or even audiobooks to your speaker.

This multi-room wireless speaker system allows you to listen to music all around the home. The Sonos system requires mains power and a WiFi network or ethernet internet connection, and the rest is done via the free Sonos app on your phone, tablet or PC.

Here’s how to add surround speakers to your Sonos home theater for surround sound.

• Open the Sonos app for iOS or Android
• Tap System in the Settings
• Under the Products section, tap the Sonos home theater room
• Tap Set up Surrounds
• Follow the in-app instructions to add your speakers as surrounds

Choosing between a Sonos soundbar and a Hisense 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar depends on various factors, including audio quality, ecosystem, connectivity and user preferences. Here’s why someone might prefer a Sonos soundbar over the Hisense option.

1. Sonos' Multi-Room and Ecosystem Integration
• Sonos is renowned for its seamless multi-room audio capabilities, allowing users to integrate their soundbar into a whole-home audio system.
• The Sonos ecosystem (including Era speakers, subwoofers and amps) makes it easy to expand and create a fully wireless, high-quality sound experience.
• Hisense soundbars, while decent for standalone use, lack the same level of ecosystem integration.

2. Sound Processing and Software Updates
• Sonos continuously improves sound performance via software updates, optimising the DSP for better audio clarity, spatial performance and voice enhancement.
• Hisense soundbars typically rely on static tuning, meaning the sound profile is mostly fixed after purchase.

3. Superior App Control and Smart Features
• The Sonos app offers an intuitive interface, Trueplay tuning (iOS-only) and seamless streaming from multiple services.
• Sonos soundbars support Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant for voice control.
• Hisense soundbars may offer some smart features, but the app control and ecosystem aren’t as refined.

4. Build Quality and Longevity
• Sonos products are known for their premium build quality and long-term support. A Sonos soundbar is an investment that will likely stay relevant for years.
• Hisense soundbars are more budget-friendly but may not last as long or receive as many firmware updates.

5. Compact, Elegant Design
• Sonos soundbars, such as the Arc or Beam, have a minimalist, high-end aesthetic that blends well into modern living spaces.
• Hisense soundbars tend to have a more bulky, utilitarian design, which might not be as appealing in certain home setups.

When the Hisense 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar Might Be the Better Choice
• More affordable – Hisense offers Dolby Atmos at a lower price, making it a good budget option.
• Dedicated rear speakers – If surround immersion is a priority, the physical rear speakers in a 5.1.2 Hisense setup might provide better spatial effects than a virtualised Atmos setup in some Sonos models.
• More HDMI inputs – Hisense soundbars often include multiple HDMI ports, which can be useful for connecting external devices directly.

Someone would choose a Sonos soundbar over a Hisense 5.1.2 Atmos soundbar if they value:
✔ Superior software and app control
✔ Long-term ecosystem flexibility
✔ Higher build quality and software updates
✔ Seamless multi-room and wireless expandability

However, if a user prioritises cost, included rear speakers and more HDMI inputs, the Hisense 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar could be the better choice.

Sonos speakers are widely considered worth the investment for those who prioritise high-quality audio, convenience and a seamless multi-room listening experience. Known for their ease of use, sleek design and reliable performance, they cater to users who want a wireless, intuitive sound system that can grow with their needs. They bring several benefits.

1. Sound Quality: Sonos speakers are engineered for rich, balanced sound across the frequency range. They deliver impressive clarity, depth and bass, making them suitable for everything from casual listening to more critical, detailed playback.

2. Multi-Room Audio: One of Sonos's standout features is its multi-room capability. Through their app, you can play different audio in various rooms or sync all speakers for whole-home sound. The system is easy to scale up, allowing you to add speakers over time and build a cohesive audio network.

3. Setup and Control: Sonos speakers are straightforward to set up and control via Wi-Fi, without complicated wiring. The app integrates smoothly with popular streaming services, allowing you to control playback, group speakers and adjust settings effortlessly from your smartphone.

4. Ecosystem: The Sonos ecosystem includes a wide range of products—soundbars, subwoofers, portable speakers and amplifiers—that work together seamlessly. This flexibility makes it a great choice for building out both small and large systems with a cohesive look and functionality.

5. Smart Assistant and Voice Control: Many Sonos speakers support smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control playback, set alarms, or ask questions with voice commands.

However, here's what you need to consider before purchasing one.

1. Higher Price Point: Sonos speakers tend to be more expensive than other wireless speakers. While the sound quality and features often justify the price, they may not be the best option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly system.
2. Dependencies: Sonos speakers like the Arc rely heavily on pairing with a Sub (Gen 3) for robust bass performance. Without the Sub, the Arc alone may struggle to deliver the deep, resonant bass that enhances home theater or music experiences, leaving the sound feeling less immersive, especially in larger spaces.

For those who value high-quality audio, intuitive multi-room capabilities and an expandable system, Sonos speakers are an excellent investment. While they come at a premium price, the quality, reliability and user experience make them a favourite among audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The Sonos Era 100 is undoubtedly the more capable device and a breath of fresh air compared to the Sonos One. The Era 100 not only has a punchier sound thanks to its deeper bass but also packs in more functionality than its predecessor. One of the key differences between the two is the addition of an extra tweeter on the Era 100 that allows it to deliver stereo sound. While it loses support for a voice-activated personal assistant, you do get a more expansive soundstage and the ability to use a line-in connection over USB-C. The One, on the other hand, is limited to mono sound, which can make it feel a bit flat at times.

Another advantage of the Era 100 is its ability to use Quick Tune with Android phones. This technology allows it to use its built-in mics to intelligently tune the sound to its surroundings. The addition of a line-in makes it the cheapest Sonos to have one and means you can connect it to a variety of devices, from smartphones to turntables and enjoy your music without any hassle. So, if you're looking for a speaker that can deliver a more immersive and engaging sound experience, the Sonos Era 100 is the way to go. It's a significant upgrade over the One and is definitely worth the investment if you're serious about your music.

Here are some popular and enjoyable ways you can use Sonos speakers and soundbars in your home:

Music streaming: Since the speakers offer excellent audio quality, they are a good pick for streaming music from various services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora. You can choose to create playlists, discover new music, and enjoy high-fidelity sound throughout your home by connecting multiple Sonos speakers or Sonos soundbar.

Home theater experience: Sonos soundbars, such as the Sonos Beam or Sonos Arc, can boost your TV viewing experience. They provide immersive sound, virtual surround sound, and voice control capabilities. You can connect them to your TV and enjoy a cinematic audio experience while watching movies, shows, or playing video games.

Multi-room audio: Sonos speakers work together seamlessly, helping you build a multi-room audio system. You can set up different speakers in various rooms and control them wirelessly from a centralized app. You can choose to play synchronized music across your home or have different audio zones for different purposes.

Voice control: Sonos speakers support voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistants to enable you to control your speaker, play music, adjust the volume, or even control other smart home devices. This hands-free control brings convenience to your daily activities.

Podcasts and audiobooks: You can also enjoy podcasts and audiobooks through various streaming services like Audible or podcast apps. All you have to do is connect your preferred service to your Sonos system and play the content of your choice.

Remember that Sonos offers a wide range of products, and the best way to use them ultimately depends on your needs.