Affordable Sound Improvement
The Sonos Ray, the most budget-friendly soundbar from the renowned American audio brand, offers an impressive upgrade for your TV’s audio system. While it lacks advanced features like 3D audio processing, its primary focus remains on delivering superior sound quality compared to the built-in speakers found in most televisions today.
Current Price Drop
Launched in 2022, the Sonos Ray has consistently ranked among the best budget soundbars. Currently available for just £189 on Amazon, it reflects a considerable £90 discount from its initial price. Although the price dipped lower during the Black Friday sales, this offer on the white model remains highly competitive.
- Original Price: £279
- Discounted Price: £189
- Black Model: Priced at £199
A No-Nonsense Design
The Sonos Ray steers clear of frills, focusing on delivering a straightforward audio experience without the complexities of Dolby Atmos. This model is priced significantly lower than Sonos’s higher-end options, like the Beam and Arc, while still providing a notable audio enhancement over standard TV speakers.
Performance and Features
Expected skepticism surrounded the Ray’s development, considering Sonos’s reputation for high-end products. However, it has emerged as a reliable and appealing option, earning four stars in our audio-visual testing. Reviewers praised its “excellent vocal clarity,” “detailed high end,” and “punchy, forthright projection,” confirming that Sonos met its goal of creating a simple yet effective sound system.
Smart Functionality
Despite being an affordable model, the Ray retains essential smart features, including compatibility with the Sonos app. This allows users to stream music directly and integrate the soundbar into an existing Sonos multiroom setup. Additionally, it can connect to other Sonos devices, such as the Sub Mini and Era 100 wireless speakers, to create a complete surround sound experience.
Limitations
However, the Ray does not include all the features found in more expensive soundbars. It utilizes an optical connection instead of HDMI ARC and lacks support for voice control through services like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Nonetheless, the Sonos Ray remains a compelling and straightforward soundbar available now for £90 off its original price at Amazon.
Related Content
- Read our full Sonos Ray review
- Check out our picks for the best soundbars
- Find the best soundbar deals here
