Sonos 2026: Which Speakers Survived the Chaos and Still Sound Great?

After surviving a leadership shakeup and app crisis, Sonos is still the king of whole-home audio — if you can ignore the occasional bug. The 2026 lineup offers a mix of refined designs, improved features, and price adjustments that reflect the company’s ongoing evolution.

The Era 100 ($219) remains a strong entry point for new users, combining Bluetooth/line-in support with upgraded stereo drivers. For audiophiles, the Sonos Five ($399) delivers powerful stereo output and immersive sound, though its lack of smart features and need for a second unit to unlock full potential may deter some.

The Move 2 ($399) stands out as the best portable option, with IP56 resistance and replaceable batteries addressing long-standing durability concerns.

The Arc Ultra ($799) redefines home theater experiences with impressive Dolby Atmos and refined bass, though its omission of DTS:X support leaves room for improvement.

The Sub Mini ($499) offers compact design and sufficient bass for most rooms, while the Symfonisk bookshelf speaker ($99) retains its budget-friendly appeal despite the end of the Sonos-Ikea partnership. The Ace headphones ($349) provide excellent ANC and TV Audio Swap but struggle with app integration issues.

Price hikes in 2025 due to US tariffs have raised eyebrows, with The Verge noting the hardware remains "genuinely terrific." While the cost of ownership has increased, the ecosystem’s seamless multi-room capabilities and app refinements under CEO Tom Conrad justify the investment for many.

I’ve found that the Five’s powerful stereo output makes it a solid choice for audiophiles, even if the price has climbed.