Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar for TV and Music - Clear, Room-Filling

Our review of the Sonos Ray finds it to be an excellent choice for anyone who needs a compact soundbar that meaningfully upgrades TV dialogue clarity and bass without dominating a small living room. The biggest reason to buy is its ability to deliver surprisingly wide, dynamic sound from a small standalone unit, so viewers and casual music listeners get richer audio without a complex setup. Setup is intentionally simple, and the Sonos app plus AirPlay 2 support make streaming and control straightforward for most users.

Key Features

• Compact design: The small footprint fits easily under most TVs and works well in apartments or small rooms while preserving a tidy entertainment area.
• Balanced sound: Precisely tuned drivers emphasize clear dialogue and controlled low end so movies and shows sound more detailed.
• Wide soundstage: Dynamic audio processing creates a wider perceived stage than its size suggests, improving immersion for film and gaming.
• Simple setup: Only two cables are required and the Sonos app walks users through installation to get the unit running quickly.
• Stream over WiFi: Built-in support for the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect lets users play content from multiple sources without connecting devices directly.
• TV remote control: The soundbar integrates with most TV remotes so everyday control stays familiar and easy.

Who It's For

The Sonos Ray is ideal for renters, studio apartments, and small living rooms where space is limited but sound quality still matters. It suits viewers who want clearer dialogue for TV shows and movies and casual gamers who want a compact upgrade without adding a subwoofer or rear speakers.

It is less appropriate for audiophiles who need deep, room-shaking bass or for large rooms that require a more powerful multi-speaker setup. Buyers who need guaranteed flawless connectivity in difficult WiFi environments should verify network conditions because some customers report occasional connection issues.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clean, balanced sound that improves dialogue intelligibility and offers solid low frequencies for its size.
• Very compact and unobtrusive, making it well suited to small spaces and minimalist setups.
• Easy integration with the Sonos app, AirPlay 2, and common streaming services for convenient playback options.
• Simple two-cable setup and responsiveness to TV remote control for everyday use.

Cons

• Connectivity and setup experiences are mixed for some users, with occasional reports of WiFi difficulties.
• Not intended to replace a full surround or subwoofer system for listeners seeking deep bass or large-room volume.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Sonos Ray is a strong value for anyone wanting a compact, easy-to-use soundbar that noticeably improves TV and music playback without a complex system. It delivers clearer dialogue, a surprisingly wide soundstage, and convenient streaming features, though those wanting deep bass or absolute connectivity certainty for challenging WiFi should consider more expansive setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it work with a TV remote?
Yes. The Sonos Ray integrates with most TV remotes so you can control volume without an extra controller.

Can I stream music from my phone?
Yes. Stream over WiFi using the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and other supported services.

Is it suitable for a large room?
It performs best in small to medium rooms; people in large rooms may prefer a more powerful soundbar or a system with a subwoofer.