Sonos Ray Review
A small, refined speech-first bar that works especially well inside an existing Sonos system.
At a Glance
The Ray sounds clean and articulate for its size and offers excellent app-based music integration, but its 2.0 architecture and optical-only TV connection keep home-theater ambitions modest.
Sonos Ray Specifications
The Sonos Ray is a compact 3.0-channel soundbar with four drivers, optical TV input, 10/100 Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Trueplay room tuning and Sonos multiroom audio.
Audio & Channels
| Channel Configuration | 3.0 |
| Speakers | 4 drivers |
Audio Formats
| Supported Formats | Stereo PCM; Dolby Digital; DTS Digital Surround |
Included Components
- Sonos Ray soundbar
Sound Features
- Trueplay room tuning
- Speech Enhancement
- Night Sound
- Adjustable EQ in Sonos app
Connectivity
| HDMI Inputs | None |
| Optical Input | 1 optical TV input |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Ethernet port |
Wireless & Streaming
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi |
| AirPlay | Apple AirPlay 2 |
| Multiroom | Sonos multiroom system and Sonos app |
Controls & Smart Features
| App | Sonos app |
| Remote | Compatible infrared TV remote control; no dedicated remote supplied |
| Front Display | Status LED for connection, mute and errors |
Dimensions & Weight
| Soundbar Dimensions | 21.93 x 2.76 x 3.66 in (557 x 70 x 93 mm) |
| Soundbar Weight | 4.19 lb (1.9 kg) |
| Subwoofer Dimensions | Not included |
| Wall Mount | M5 threaded mounting socket; mount sold separately |
Power
| Power Consumption | Auto-switching 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz AC input |
In the Box
- 6 ft (2 m) power cable
- 4.9 ft (1.5 m) optical audio cable
- Setup guide and legal/warranty documentation
Warranty & Support
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship |
| Support | Sonos online support, product guides and direct support channels |
Summary
The single-bar design has no HDMI connection, subwoofer or rear speakers in the box and relies on an optical connection to the TV. It integrates with the Sonos app and ecosystem for music streaming and room grouping.
Should You Buy the Sonos Ray?
The Sonos Ray ranks #9 of 10 in our Best Soundbars Under $300 ranking, with a CORE score of 79/100. It is strongest on sound & dialogue quality and setup & everyday use, where it ranks 1st of 10 on both.
Buy it if
- You want a soundbars under $300 for small rooms and viewers who value dialogue clarity plus Sonos multiroom integration.
- You want strong sound & dialogue quality: it ranks 1st of 10 on this measure.
- You want strong setup & everyday use: it ranks 1st of 10 on this measure.
Skip it if
- Connectivity & compatibility is your top priority. The Samsung HW-S60D scores 91 there, against 68 for the Sonos Ray.
How the Sonos Ray Scored
CORE scores every model in this category on the factors below, listed from most to least important for soundbars under $300. The rank shows where the Sonos Ray places among the 10 models in our Best Soundbars Under $300 ranking.
Technical Assessment
Performance
Voices sit forward and remain clear at ordinary listening levels, while the midrange is balanced enough for casual music. The compact cabinet cannot generate deep low bass or convincing rear effects on its own, and the lack of HDMI ARC means television control is less flexible than on many similarly priced bars.
Reliability and Ownership
The Ray has a mature product history and a large retained owner aggregate without a dominant recurring exact-model fault theme. Its main ownership constraint is ecosystem design: expansion works best with other Sonos components, while the base bar itself has a deliberately limited physical connection set.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Speech remains crisp and easy to understand
- Compact enclosure fits small rooms and narrow furniture
- Sonos app and multiroom playback make music use flexible
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos or discrete surround capability
- Bass depth is limited without adding another Sonos speaker
- Optical-only TV connection reduces connectivity flexibility
What Reviewers and Owners Say
- Controlled testing found strong vocal clarity and a balanced midrange in a compact 2.0 bar, but no Atmos and limited surround immersion.
- Hands-on review praised its big, balanced sound, compact build and simple setup, while noting optical-only TV connectivity and weak positional effects.
Owners rate the Sonos Ray 4.4 out of 5 on average, across 2,758 ratings at 2 US retailers.
Sonos Ray Alternatives
Samsung HW-S60D
Choose it for stronger connectivity & compatibility: it scores 91 there, against 68 for the Sonos Ray.
TCL S55H S Class 2.1
Choose it for stronger bass performance: it scores 82 there, against 60 for the Sonos Ray.
Yamaha SR-C20A
Choose it for stronger connectivity & compatibility: it scores 79 there, against 68 for the Sonos Ray.
How We Evaluate
Last updated October 7, 2026.