The Sonos Arc Ultra enters the scene as an enhanced successor to the original Sonos Arc, a premium soundbar that gained popularity during the pandemic when home entertainment became a necessity. The Arc Ultra builds on its predecessor’s strengths with more powerful bass, dedicated subwoofers, and room calibration for both iOS and Android. Designed for integration with Sonos’ multiroom system, it supports Dolby Atmos and comes with a modest $100 price bump, now retailing around $1,000.
Visually, the Arc Ultra maintains a similar profile to the original, with a sleek frame measuring roughly 46 inches wide. However, it now features a redesigned rear section that houses the controls and introduces a clip-on element. Despite the upgrade, the soundbar lacks a physical remote, relying instead on HDMI CEC compatibility and Sonos’ app for control. Other new features include Sound Motion technology for deeper bass and enhanced clarity, plus quick tuning via Trueplay—now accessible to Android users as well.
Performance: Precision Over Power in Movie Playback
In testing, the Sonos Arc Ultra delivers a more refined and musically focused sound compared to the original Arc. When streaming music from services like Tidal, the Ultra impressed with its richness and bass response. Tracks such as Polvo’s Right the Relation and Bill Ryder-Jones’ We Don’t Need Them sounded fuller and more dynamic on the Ultra. These improvements make the Arc Ultra an ideal choice for audiophiles and music-focused households.
However, for cinematic use, the differences are more nuanced—and perhaps not in the Ultra’s favor. While the Sonos Arc Ultra has enhanced bass and more precise placement of sound elements, it doesn’t offer the same expansive, room-filling presence as the original Arc or competing models like the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. During movie playback—tested with films like Mad Max: Fury Road and Avatar—the Ultra provided a more contained, screen-centered soundstage. Effects were well-positioned, but lacked the immersive spread offered by the original Arc. Fans of explosive, surround-heavy audio might find the original model more engaging for movie nights.
A Soundbar That Shines with Music, but Carries Trade-Offs
Sonos has positioned the Sonos Arc Ultra as its premium standalone soundbar, with versatility to expand into a full surround system. Paired with additional speakers like the Era 300s and Sub 4, the surround effect improves dramatically, though the added investment more than doubles the overall cost. For users seeking impactful bass and musical nuance without relying on external subwoofers, the Ultra is a strong performer. In contrast, Sonos’ more budget-friendly options like the Beam or Ray are less suitable for music, often requiring subwoofer support.
Ultimately, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a smart buy for those prioritizing music performance and bass clarity. However, with the original Arc still available at a $400 discount, movie lovers may find better value—and more cinematic excitement—with the older model. The Arc Ultra redefines what a premium soundbar can do for music, but it leaves behind some of the theater-like thrills that made the first Arc a fan favorite.
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