Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sonos Ray
Critics score the Sonos Arc Ultra 88 and the Sonos Ray 80 out of 100, from 21 and 15 professional reviews. 8 outlets reviewed both: 4 scored the Sonos Arc Ultra higher, 2 scored the Sonos Ray higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Sonos Arc Ultra 7 points ahead.
Image: SonosSonos Arc Ultra
Praised for: sound quality (19 of 21), ease of use (5 of 21), connectivity (3 of 21)
Criticised for: price (14 of 21), controls and app (6 of 21)
The catch: Expensive, and no HDMI passthrough.
All 21 reviews of the Sonos Arc Ultra →
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
Image: SonosSonos Ray
Praised for: sound quality (11 of 15), ease of use (5 of 15), value for money (3 of 15)
Criticised for: controls and app (3 of 15), price (3 of 15), call quality (2 of 15)
The catch: No HDMI and no Dolby Atmos.
All 15 reviews of the Sonos Ray →
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sonos Ray | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homes and Gardens | 95 | 70 | +25 |
| CNN Underscored | 89est. | 66est. | +23 |
| SlashGear | 90 | 80 | +10 |
| Engadget | 87 | 83est. | +4 |
| TechRadar | 80 | 80 | same |
| Trusted Reviews | 89est. | 89est. | same |
| CNET | 81 | 83 | -2 |
| Digital Trends | 80 | 83est. | -3 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Sonos Arc Ultra minus the Sonos Ray. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Compare either one with another soundbar → · All soundbars ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Sonos Arc Ultra or the Sonos Ray?
Critics rate the Sonos Arc Ultra higher: 88 against 80. 8 outlets reviewed both: 4 scored the Sonos Arc Ultra higher, 2 scored the Sonos Ray higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Sonos Arc Ultra 7 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sonos Ray?
The Sonos Arc Ultra: broad agreement, scores from 80 to 95. The Sonos Ray: broad agreement, scores from 66 to 89.