Are you tired of struggling to hear dialogue on your TV? The best compact Sound Bar -2025-Sonos Ray review reveals why this compact Sound bar has become the go-to solution for small spaces and budget-conscious audiophiles. After spending three months testing this entry-level Sonos Sound bar in my bedroom setup, I can definitively say it punches well above its weight class.
The Sonos Ray delivers surprisingly rich audio quality for just $199 (reduced from $279), making it an excellent entry point into the premium Sonos ecosystem. This detailed review covers everything from setup to sound quality, helping you decide if this compact Sound bar deserves a spot in your home theatre setup.
What Makes the Sonos Ray Special?
The Sonos Ray stands out in the crowded Sound bar market for several key reasons. Unlike many budget alternatives, this compact Sound bar maintains the signature Sonos build quality while delivering genuinely impressive audio performance that rivals much larger competitors.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Price: $199 (originally $279)
- Dimensions: 22.0″ x 2.8″ x 3.7″ (56 x 7.1 x 9.5 cm)
- Weight: 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg)
- Audio Configuration: 2.0 stereo (two tweeters, two midwoofers)
- Connectivity: Optical audio, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Voice Control: No built-in microphones (external device required)
- Dolby Atmos: Not supported
- Colour Options: Black or White
Design and Build Quality: Minimalist Perfection
After unboxing the Sonos Ray, I was immediately struck by its elegant simplicity. The Sound bar features Sonos’ signature design language with soft curves and a premium polycarbonate grille that protects the internal drivers while maintaining acoustic transparency.
The compact form factor makes it incredibly versatile. At just 2.8 inches tall, it slides perfectly under my 43-inch bedroom TV without blocking any screen real estate. The tapered edges create a sleek profile that complements modern TV designs beautifully.
Build Quality Assessment
The construction feels solid despite the plastic build. While it doesn’t match the premium materials of the Sonos Arc Ultra or Beam Gen 2, the Ray maintains excellent build standards for its price point. The touch-sensitive controls on top are responsive and integrate seamlessly into the design.
Physical Connections:
- 1x Optical audio input
- 1x Ethernet port (for wired connection)
- 1x Power connector
- 1x Join button (for adding to Sonos network)
Setup Experience: Surprisingly Simple
Setting up the Sonos Ray proved remarkably straightforward – a refreshing change from many Sound bars I’ve tested. The entire process took less than 10 minutes from unboxing to enjoying enhanced audio.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
- Physical Connection: Connect the included optical cable from your TV’s optical output to the Ray
- Power Connection: Plug in the power cable
- App Download: Install the Sonos S2 app on your smartphone
- Network Setup: Follow the in-app prompts to connect to Wi-Fi
- Remote Programming: The app automatically configures your TV remote to control volume
- Trueplay Tuning: Complete acoustic calibration using an iPhone (iOS required)
Trueplay Tuning: Game-Changing Technology
The Trueplay tuning feature deserves special mention. Using your iPhone’s microphone, this technology maps your room’s acoustics and automatically optimizes the Ray’s audio output. The difference before and after Trueplay tuning is immediately noticeable, with dialogue becoming clearer and the soundstage opening up significantly.
Sound Quality Deep Dive: Small But Mighty
Despite its compact size, the Sonos Ray delivers impressive audio performance that transformed my TV viewing experience. The four-driver array creates a surprisingly wide soundstage that extends well beyond the physical boundaries of the Sound bar.
Dialogue Performance: Crystal Clear
The Ray excels at dialogue reproduction – arguably its most important function. Voices come through with exceptional clarity and detail, making even heavily accented dialogue in British dramas perfectly intelligible. The dedicated Speech Enhancement mode provides additional clarity when needed.
Real-World Testing Results:
- TV Shows: Dialogue remains clear even during intense action sequences
- Movies: Balanced mix ensures voices never get lost in the soundtrack
- Gaming: Character voices and in-game audio maintain excellent separation
Music Performance: Surprisingly Capable
While optimized for TV audio, the Ray handles music reproduction admirably. The frequency response remains balanced across genres, though bass extension is naturally limited by the compact form factor.
Music Testing Across Genres:
- Jazz: Excellent instrument separation and vocal clarity
- Rock: Punchy midrange with controlled high frequencies
- Electronic: Adequate bass response for casual listening
- Classical: Good dynamic range and orchestral imaging
Bass Response: Realistic Expectations
The low-frequency extension reaches approximately 73Hz, which means deep bass is limited. However, the available bass is well-controlled and surprisingly impactful for the size. Explosions in action movies have satisfying weight without distortion.
Connectivity Options: Simplified but Effective
The Sonos Ray takes a deliberately simplified approach to connectivity, focusing on essential features rather than overwhelming users with options they may never use.
No HDMI: A Controversial Choice
The absence of HDMI connectivity initially raised concerns, but practical testing revealed this limitation is less problematic than expected. The optical connection handles all common audio formats effectively:
- Dolby Digital 5.1: Full support with stereo downmix
- DTS: Supported via app updates
- Stereo PCM: Native support
Wireless Capabilities
The Ray’s Wi-Fi connectivity opens up extensive streaming options:
- Apple AirPlay 2: Seamless iOS integration
- Spotify Connect: Direct streaming from Spotify app
- Tidal Connect: High-quality streaming support
- Sonos App: Access to 100+ streaming services
Sonos Ray vs Beam Gen 2: Which Should You Choose?
Having tested both Sound bars extensively, the choice between Ray and Beam depends on your specific needs and budget.
Ray Advantages:
- Price: $199 vs $449 for Beam
- Size: More compact design
- Simplicity: Streamlined feature set
- Music Focus: Slightly better for music listening
Beam Advantages:
- Dolby Atmos: Virtual 3D audio support
- HDMI eARC: Better TV integration
- Voice Control: Built-in microphones
- Room Filling: Larger sound projection
Real-World Performance Testing
Over three months of daily use, I tested the Ray across various scenarios to evaluate its practical performance.
Bedroom Setup (Primary Use)
In my 12×10 bedroom, the Ray provides excellent coverage without overwhelming the space. At 30% volume, it fills the room comfortably while maintaining clarity at lower listening levels.
Gaming Performance
Connected to my gaming setup via optical, the Ray delivers impressive gaming audio. Footsteps in competitive games remain clear and directional, while ambient sounds create good atmospheric immersion.
Late-Night Viewing
Night Sound mode compresses dynamic range effectively, allowing comfortable viewing without disturbing neighbors. Dialogue remains intelligible even at very low volumes.
Expandability: Growing Your Sonos System
One of the Ray’s greatest strengths lies in its expandability within the Sonos ecosystem. You can start with the Ray and gradually build a complete home audio system.
Compatible Additions:
- Sonos Sub Mini: Adds deep bass extension (expected 2025 release)
- Sonos One SL: Rear surround speakers ($199 each)
- IKEA Symfonisk: Budget-friendly surround options ($99-$159)
Multi-Room Audio
The Ray integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers throughout your home, creating synchronized audio zones controlled through the intuitive Sonos app.
Limitations and Trade-offs
No product is perfect, and the Ray makes specific compromises to achieve its price point and form factor.
What’s Missing:
- Dolby Atmos support
- Built-in voice assistants
- HDMI connectivity
- Bluetooth pairing
- Dedicated subwoofer output
When to Consider Alternatives:
- Large rooms requiring powerful bass
- Home theatre enthusiasts wanting Atmos
- Users preferring HDMI connectivity
- Voice control priority
Comparison with Key Competitors
The compact Sound bar market includes several noteworthy alternatives worth considering alongside the Ray.
Sony HT-S2000 ($248)
- Pros: Dolby Atmos support, HDMI eARC
- Cons: Less refined app experience, inferior music performance
JBL Bar 2.1 ($179)
- Pros: Includes wireless subwoofer
- Cons: Poor dialogue clarity, limited connectivity
Polk React ($199)
- Pros: Built-in Alexa, wider soundstage
- Cons: Inferior build quality, inconsistent audio
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sonos Ray worth buying in 2025?
Absolutely. At $199, the Ray offers exceptional value combining premium build quality, excellent dialogue clarity, and seamless Sonos ecosystem integration. It’s particularly suited for bedrooms, smaller living rooms, and users prioritizing simplicity.
Can you add a subwoofer to the Sonos Ray?
Yes, the Ray supports the Sonos Sub ($699) or the anticipated Sub Mini (expected 2025). However, the subwoofer costs significantly more than the Sound bar itself.
Does the Sonos Ray support Dolby Atmos?
No, the Ray lacks Dolby Atmos support. For virtual surround sound, consider the Sonos Beam Gen 2 instead.
How does the Ray connect to your TV?
The Ray connects exclusively via optical cable (included). There’s no HDMI connectivity, which limits it to Dolby Digital and DTS audio formats.
Can you use the Ray for gaming?
Yes, the Ray works excellently for gaming via optical connection. It provides clear dialogue and good spatial awareness for competitive gaming.
Does the Ray work without WiFi?
While you need WiFi for initial setup and streaming services, the Ray continues playing TV audio via optical connection even without internet access.
Is Trueplay tuning worth it?
Absolutely. Trueplay tuning significantly improves audio quality by optimizing the Ray’s output for your specific room acoustics. The feature requires an iPhone.
Can you wall mount the Sonos Ray?
Yes, but wall mount brackets are sold separately ($79). The Ray includes mounting points on the rear panel.
Who Should Buy the Sonos Ray?
The Ray suits specific user profiles particularly well:
Ideal Buyers:
- Apartment dwellers seeking compact audio improvement
- Bedroom setups with smaller TVs (32-55 inches)
- Sonos ecosystem newcomers wanting affordable entry point
- Music lovers prioritizing audio quality over features
- Minimalists preferring simple, elegant solutions
Consider Alternatives If:
- You have a large living room requiring powerful sound
- Dolby Atmos support is essential
- Built-in voice control is priority
- You need extensive connectivity options
Value Proposition: Premium Audio at Entry Price
At $199, the Sonos Ray represents exceptional value in the premium Sound bar segment. While it lacks advanced features like Dolby Atmos or HDMI connectivity, it delivers where it matters most: audio quality and user experience.
The combination of excellent dialogue clarity, surprising bass response, and seamless ecosystem integration creates a compelling package that justifies the premium over generic alternatives.
Long-term Performance and Updates
Sonos’ commitment to long-term software support ensures the Ray remains relevant for years. Regular app updates continue adding new features and streaming service compatibility.
Recent Notable Updates:
- DTS support added via firmware update
- Enhanced room correction improvements
- New streaming service integrations
- Performance optimizations
Final Verdict: Compact Excellence
The Sonos Ray successfully achieves its design goals: delivering premium audio quality in a compact, affordable package. While it makes deliberate compromises to reach its price point, these trade-offs feel justified rather than limiting.
For users seeking significant TV audio improvement without complexity or bulk, the Ray excels. Its crystal-clear dialogue, surprisingly robust music performance, and seamless Sonos integration create a compelling value proposition at $199.
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Pros:
- ✅ Exceptional dialogue clarity
- ✅ Compact, elegant design
- ✅ Easy setup and operation
- ✅ Excellent app experience
- ✅ Strong music performance
- ✅ Expandable ecosystem
- ✅ Great value at current price
Cons:
- ❌ No Dolby Atmos support
- ❌ Limited bass extension
- ❌ No HDMI connectivity
- ❌ Requires iPhone for Trueplay
The Sonos Ray represents smart compromises that prioritize audio quality and user experience over feature complexity. For the right user in the right space, it delivers exceptional value that’s hard to match at this price point.