Sonos Arc vs Arc Ultra – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Why Do I Recommend The Sonos Arc Ultra? 

• The Sonos Arc Ultra has a next-generation S3 quad-core processor for faster audio rendering, improved responsiveness, and enhanced support for future firmware upgrades, compared to the Sonos Arc’s S2 chip.
• Sonos Arc Ultra features Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for faster, more stable wireless streaming in high-density environments, compared to the Sonos Arc’s Wi-Fi 5.
• It includes Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio for direct wireless playback from mobile devices, whereas the Sonos Arc lacks Bluetooth functionality.
• The Sonos Arc Ultra has an UltraSpatial Surround Engine for enhanced 3D audio precision and deeper immersion, while the Sonos Arc relies on basic Trueplay tuning with standard Dolby Atmos.
• Sonos Arc Ultra supports Matter and Thread smart home protocols to integrate with next-gen smart home devices, whereas the Sonos Arc lacks support for these modern standards.
• It comes with haptic-sensitive capacitive touch controls for more tactile and responsive interaction, while the Sonos Arc uses basic touch-sensitive buttons without haptic feedback.
• The Sonos Arc Ultra includes a USB-C port for potential audio accessories or expanded functionality, while the Sonos Arc has no additional port for future expandability.
• Sonos Arc Ultra features adaptive beamforming microphones for better voice recognition in noisy rooms, compared to the Sonos Arc’s standard far-field microphone array.

Maybe the Sonos Arc price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Sonos Arc Ultra. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

What Common Both Can Do?

• Premium Soundbar Identity: Both the Sonos Arc Ultra and Arc are designed as high-end soundbars with immersive Dolby Atmos support, tailored for home theater enthusiasts seeking cinematic audio.
• 5.0.2 Channel Setup: Each model features a 5.0.2 speaker configuration—5 forward-facing channels, 2 upward-firing drivers for overhead effects, and no built-in sub, but with a deep low-end from internal woofers.
• Driver Architecture: Both soundbars come with 8 elliptical woofers and 3 silk-dome tweeters, producing clear dialogue, punchy bass, and detailed highs in an expansive soundstage.
• Trueplay Tuning: Automatic room calibration using Sonos Trueplay technology is supported on both, adapting the sound profile to the acoustics of your room dynamically.
• Sonos App Integration: Both use the Sonos app for setup, EQ adjustment, group syncing, and multi-room control—central to the Sonos ecosystem.
• Apple AirPlay 2: iOS users benefit from seamless streaming via AirPlay 2 on both models, allowing audio handoff and multi-room casting from iPhones and iPads.
• HDMI eARC Connectivity: Both support HDMI eARC, which enables high-bandwidth transmission for uncompressed Dolby Atmos signals and audio synchronization with TVs.
• Voice Assistant Support: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are integrated into both soundbars, enabling hands-free control, smart home access, and voice playback.
• Expandable Surround System: Both can be paired with additional speakers like Sonos Era 300s, Sonos Sub (Gen 3), or Sonos One SLs, creating a full 5.1.2 system.
• Streaming Service Compatibility: Access to a wide range of services like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music is identical between both.
• Flexible Placement: Each soundbar can be wall-mounted or placed on a media console, thanks to a similar design language and available accessories.
• Multi-Room Audio: Seamless integration with other Sonos speakers allows both to be part of a whole-home audio system, managed within a single app interface.
• Operating System: Both run on Sonos’ proprietary OS with support for regular updates, ensuring long-term functionality and improvements.