Sonos Arc Ultra Review: Is This the Best Soundbar of 2024?

The Sonos Arc Ultra represents a groundbreaking evolution in home audio technology. With its advanced Dolby Atmos capabilities, seamless integration into smart home ecosystems, and a sleek, modern design, it caters to both audiophiles and casual listeners. But does it justify its premium price tag? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore every detail—from sound quality to features, smart integrations, setup process, and real-world performance.

Whether you’re planning to upgrade your home theater system or simply curious about what makes this soundbar a market leader, this review will provide all the answers.

Introducing the Sonos Arc Ultra

Sonos is no stranger to the premium soundbar market, and the Arc Ultra solidifies its dominance. As an upgrade to the highly successful Sonos Arc, this model adds more drivers, refined sound algorithms, and advanced integration options, taking immersive sound experiences to the next level. Designed for both movies and music, it incorporates 3D audio technology to deliver cinematic, room-filling sound.

But what truly sets the Arc Ultra apart is its ability to adapt to modern lifestyles. From connecting seamlessly with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to supporting Apple AirPlay 2 for iOS users, the Arc Ultra is a soundbar that feels ahead of its time.

Features That Redefine Soundbars

The Sonos Arc Ultra is loaded with features that cater to high-end audio needs. Let’s dive into the standout elements that make it a top contender in the market.

1. Dolby Atmos: Immersive 3D Audio

At the heart of the Arc Ultra lies Dolby Atmos, a feature that elevates audio immersion by delivering sound from all directions, including above. When paired with a compatible TV and content, the soundbar replicates effects like:

• Thunder rumbling overhead.
• Helicopters flying across the screen.
• Conversations that feel like they’re happening in the same room.

This 3D sound capability is perfect for action-packed movies, games, and even atmospheric music.

2. Advanced Speaker Array

The soundbar boasts 14 drivers, strategically positioned to create a wide and enveloping soundstage:

• Eight woofers: Deliver powerful bass that adds depth to explosions, drum beats, and more.
• Three tweeters: Ensure clarity in high-frequency sounds, such as dialogue and string instruments.
• Upward-firing drivers: Reflect sound off the ceiling for that signature Dolby Atmos effect.

Each speaker is individually tuned using Sonos’ Trueplay technology, which adapts the audio output to your room’s acoustics. This ensures consistent, high-quality sound, regardless of where you place the soundbar.

3. Smart Features: Convenience Meets Innovation

The Sonos Arc Ultra doesn’t just sound good—it’s smart too. Here’s what you get:

• Voice Assistants: Choose between Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Sonos Voice Control for hands-free operation. Adjust volume, switch inputs, or play your favorite tracks with simple voice commands.
• Apple AirPlay 2: Stream directly from iPhones, iPads, or Macs, making it a favorite for Apple users.
• Multi-Room Audio: Pair the Arc Ultra with other Sonos speakers to enjoy synchronized audio throughout your home.

Sonos has also introduced voice clarity enhancement features that allow you to hear dialogue crisply, even during intense action scenes.

4. Connectivity Options

Modern connectivity options make the Arc Ultra a breeze to integrate into your entertainment setup:

• HDMI eARC: Offers higher bandwidth for uncompressed audio formats, ensuring you experience Dolby Atmos at its full potential.
• Wi-Fi Streaming: No need for tangled wires. Play music, podcasts, or radio from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
• Expandable Ecosystem: Add a Sonos Sub or two Sonos One SLs for surround sound.

Design: Aesthetics Meet Functionality

The Sonos Arc Ultra is designed to complement any living space. Its sleek, minimalist design fits seamlessly into both contemporary and traditional homes.

Key Design Highlights

• Material Quality: Made from premium polycarbonate with a metallic finish that adds durability and style.
• Touch Controls: Located on the top panel, these controls are responsive and easy to use, allowing quick access to play, pause, and volume settings.
• Wall-Mount Option: The soundbar can be mounted below your TV using a custom Sonos wall mount, ensuring a clean and unobtrusive look.

The design isn’t just about looks—it’s engineered to enhance sound dispersion. Subtle details, like the curved grille, ensure sound waves travel freely for better performance.

Audio Performance: A Closer Look

The Sonos Arc Ultra is designed to impress, no matter what you’re listening to. Here’s how it performs across different use cases:

1. Movies and TV Shows

The soundbar’s Dolby Atmos capability truly shines during movie playback. Explosions feel impactful, ambient noises like rainfall add immersion, and dialogues remain clear—even during loud scenes. Watching movies like Dune or Avengers: Endgame transforms into a theater-like experience.

2. Music Playback

Whether you’re streaming classical symphonies or EDM, the Arc Ultra maintains a balanced profile:

• Bass: Rich and deep, making it ideal for bass-heavy tracks.
• Midrange: Accurate, ensuring vocals and instruments are crisp.
• Treble: Clear without being overly sharp, which is perfect for long listening sessions.

3. Gaming

For gamers, the Arc Ultra offers directional sound that enhances gameplay. Hear footsteps approaching from behind or gunshots echoing in a cavern with stunning accuracy.

Setting Up the Sonos Arc Ultra

Setting up the Arc Ultra is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Unbox and Connect: Position the soundbar under your TV or mount it on the wall.
2. Connect via HDMI eARC: Use the provided HDMI cable for the best audio quality.
3. Download the Sonos App: The app guides you through the setup process, including Wi-Fi connectivity.
4. Run Trueplay Tuning: Optimize the sound based on your room’s acoustics.
5. Pair with Sub or Speakers (optional): Add more components for a surround sound setup.

The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, thanks to the intuitive app interface.

Comparison: Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sonos Arc

While the Arc Ultra is a clear upgrade, the original Sonos Arc remains a strong contender for those on a tighter budget.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Industry-leading sound quality with Dolby Atmos.
• Smart features like voice assistants and multi-room compatibility.
• Sleek, premium design.
• Easy setup with intuitive app support.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other soundbars.
• Requires HDMI eARC for full functionality, which may not be available on older TVs.
• No Bluetooth support, relying solely on Wi-Fi for streaming.

Price and Value

The Sonos Arc Ultra is priced at approximately $1,099. While this places it in the premium category, the soundbar’s features, performance, and build quality justify the cost for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Sonos Arc Ultra?

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a game-changer in the soundbar market. Its combination of Dolby Atmos, advanced drivers, smart integrations, and premium design make it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience. However, its high price may be a barrier for some. If you’re an audiophile or someone who prioritizes immersive sound, the Arc Ultra is worth every penny.

For those seeking a more affordable alternative, the original Sonos Arc remains an excellent choice.