Our verdict on the Sonos Arc Ultra
- Buy it if
- You want the best all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar with excellent dialogue and room to add a sub and rear speakers later.
- Skip it if
- You don't want to rely on the Sonos app or want everything in one box for less.
- Best for
- Premium single-bar Atmos
- Key feature
- Big, clear Atmos sound from one bar
- Typical price
- £829–£919
Key specifications
| Channels | 9.1.4 |
|---|---|
| Connection | HDMI eARC |
| Width | About 46 in (117 cm) |
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- want the best all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar with excellent dialogue and room to add a sub and rear speakers later
- value very clear dialogue
- can spend around £829–£919
Skip it if you
- don't want to rely on the Sonos app or want everything in one box for less
- mind that expensive
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very clear dialogue
- Convincing Dolby Atmos from a single bar
- Deeper bass than the original Arc
- Trueplay room tuning
Cons
- Expensive
- Sub and rears cost extra
- No HDMI passthrough
What it is
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a soundbar from Sonos, typically £829–£919. Its headline feature is big, clear Atmos sound from one bar, and it is best for premium single-bar Atmos.
What stands out
- Very clear dialogue
- Convincing Dolby Atmos from a single bar
- Deeper bass than the original Arc
- Trueplay room tuning
What to know
- Expensive
- Sub and rears cost extra
- No HDMI passthrough
Is it worth it?
If you want the best all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar with excellent dialogue and room to add a sub and rear speakers later, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a strong choice. If you don’t want to rely on the Sonos app or want everything in one box for less, look elsewhere. The Samsung HW-Q990D (£919–£1,399) is the alternative for full surround in one box. The Sonos Beam (£339–£459) is the alternative for mid-size rooms.
Alternatives worth considering
Samsung · Soundbars
Samsung HW-Q990D
Buy it if You want true surround sound with a sub and rear speakers in a single purchase, especially with a Samsung TV.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Full surround in one box
- Typical price
- £919–£1,399
Pros
- Real rear speakers and sub included
- Powerful, room-filling Atmos
Cons
- Large and complex setup
Sonos · Soundbars
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Buy it if You want a compact soundbar with clear dialogue for a bedroom or flat TV.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Mid-size rooms
- Typical price
- £339–£459
Pros
- Clear dialogue
- Compact size fits under most TVs
Cons
- Atmos effect is virtual
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra worth it?
Yes. The Sonos Arc Ultra stands out for big, clear Atmos sound from one bar, and it suits you if you want the best all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar with excellent dialogue and room to add a sub and rear speakers later. Skip it if you don't want to rely on the Sonos app or want everything in one box for less.
Who should skip it?
If you don't want to rely on the Sonos app or want everything in one box for less, an alternative will suit you better.
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra worth it?
Yes. The Sonos Arc Ultra stands out for big, clear Atmos sound from one bar, and it suits you if you want the best all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar with excellent dialogue and room to add a sub and rear speakers later. Skip it if you don't want to rely on the Sonos app or want everything in one box for less.
What are the downsides of the Sonos Arc Ultra?
Expensive. Sub and rears cost extra