Soundbars are a sleek, impressive (optional) addition to your entertainment setup — sometimes at the expense of making a dent in your budget and decor. They can rescue you from tinny, underwhelming TV speakers and give you a way to play your favorite music. On the other hand, some soundbars don't necessarily deliver quality sound, cost a pretty penny, and can kill the vibe of a perfectly curated mid-century-modern credenza — a big, black bar in the middle of a colorful setup or muted natural wood tones can sometimes throw a decor scheme off kilter.
What it comes down to for a product like this is good quality sound and the buyer's needs. Enter stage left: The Sonos Ray soundbar . Sonos is an established audio technology brand with a focus on sound quality and technologically innovative features.
Much of its equipment ranges in price from $200 to $900, increasing if you purchase tech bundles based on your audio needs. A primary draw to the brand is its expertly engineered smart speakers' sound quality and ability to build upon one another for a tailored audio experience. You can connect multiple products in their app and listen to the same audio throughout your home.
The Sonos Ray Soundbar ($279) occupies a unique space in Sonos's line of products and the broader soundbar market. Because of its lower-end price, it's a no-frills soundbar that doesn't even come with a remote or Bluetooth connectivity (really? in 2024?). This gave me pause at first, but upon testing and refle.