The Sonos Arc Ultra delivers powerful, detailed sound and is a breeze to set up thanks to the Sonos app and Trueplay. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 on board, streaming is highly flexible—and if you want deeper bass or true surround, you can add extra speakers or a subwoofer at any time.
- Convincing sound
- Simple setup
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi multi-room capability
- No USB-C port for accessories
- No aux input
- No Chromecast
With the Sonos Arc Ultra, the multi-room pioneer launched a new soundbar in autumn 2024 that appears to get almost everything right at first glance: sleek design, impressive tech and promised 3D audio. But does it truly hit the mark or fall short of that wow factor?
Design & Build
The Sonos Arc Ultra measures just 7.5 cm high, 11 cm deep and a striking 117.8 cm wide. Despite that length it weighs only 5.9 kg and can be wall-mounted with the optional bracket (€89).
Ports & Connectivity
A single rear recess houses power, HDMI (e)ARC and an Ethernet jack—ideal if you prefer wired over built-in Wi-Fi 6. Bluetooth 5.3 handles quick streaming from any phone. There’s no optical input, but Sonos supplies an HDMI-to-optical adapter if you need to save TV HDMI ports.
Setup & Sonos App
Plug in, open the Sonos S2 app, and the Arc Ultra auto-appears. A few taps later you’re playing Sonos Radio or your linked services. For TV audio, connect the HDMI cable to your TV’s (e)ARC port.
Control & Functions of the Sonos Arc Ultra
Besides Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay 2 returns. Google Chromecast is absent—an issue for Android users—though voice control options remain: Amazon Alexa works fully in e.g. in Germany, Sonos Voice Control is still English/French only, and Siri requires a HomePod. Google Assistant stays available if you already own an earlier Sonos product with GA support.
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- You can adjust the volume using swipe gestures.
Special Features
Dialogue Enhancement boosts voices when sound designers go overboard. Night Mode combines that with reduced loud effects—ideal for thin-walled flats.
Sound Quality & Dolby Atmos
Compared with the original Arc, Sonos reworked everything. A new Sound-Motion woofer packs two opposing drivers for beefier bass—Sonos claims double the low-end output. Seven tweeters and six mid-woofers fire forward, upward and sideways for spatial audio. Supported formats include Dolby Digital (+), Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD and DTS Digital Surround, though DTS-HD and DTS:X are missing.
Most users won’t mind: the Sonos Arc Ultra sounds superb—crystal clear with strong, controlled lows that challenge pricier rivals. The stage feels spacious but not truly wrap-around; effects seldom appear beside or behind you. Room shape and surfaces matter, yet those seeking full Atmos immersion often choose discrete speakers anyway.
If you need more width, add the Sonos Ace headphones wireless rears such as two Era 100 or Era 300 plus the Sub 4 for deeper, controllable bass—no cables required.
Sonos Ace
Bluetooth over-ear with excellent ANC, head tracking and Dolby Atmos.
Conclusion
The Sonos Arc Ultra nails high-end sound, modern streaming and elegant minimalism. It’s a top pick for music, movies and games—especially if you hate cable clutter. Add rears and a Sub and you’ve got a bona-fide home-cinema alternative. Simple setup, clever auto-calibration and a polished overall package make the Arc Ultra a strong upgrade over the original Arc.
Technical specifications
- Ear couplingSpeaker
- Transducer principleDynamic
- Weight without cableApprox. 5,900 g g
- Cable length200 cm
What's in the box
- HDMI cable
- Power cable
Special features
- Available in black and white
- WLAN: WiFi 6
- BT version: 5.3
- CPU: Quad Core 1.9 GHz
- Memory: 2 GB SDRAM; 8 GB NV
