The Sonos Arc Ultra, released in 2024, offers a 9.1.4 channel configuration with 14 drivers, including up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos support, delivering a more immersive audio experience. In contrast, the Playbar, introduced in 2013, has a 3.0 channel setup without Atmos capability.
Design-wise, the Sonos Arc Ultra has a sleek, modern aesthetic and is larger, measuring approximately 46.38 inches in width, 2.95 inches in height, and 4.35 inches in depth, while the Playbar is more compact at 35.43 inches wide, 3.35 inches high, and 5.51 inches deep. Connectivity is another differentiator; the Arc Ultra includes HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3, whereas the Playbar lacks HDMI ports and Bluetooth, relying solely on optical input and Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Arc Ultra supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, which the Playbar does not. Considering these factors, the Arc Ultra is a more advanced and versatile option, especially for those seeking the latest audio technologies and connectivity features.
Specs Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra has a sleek, modern aesthetic with dimensions of approximately 46.18 inches in width, 3.13 inches in height, and 4.35 inches in depth, and a weight of about 12.7 pounds. The Playbar is more compact, measuring 35.43 inches wide, 3.35 inches high, and 5.51 inches deep, and weighing around 11.9 pounds. Connectivity also differs notably; the Arc Ultra includes HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3, offering versatile integration with modern devices.
As mentioned above, the Sonos Playbar lacks HDMI ports and Bluetooth, relying solely on optical input and Wi-Fi for connectivity. Additionally, the Arc Ultra supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, enhancing user interaction, whereas the Playbar does not offer built-in voice assistant capabilities.
Table Comparison
Here’s a more detailed comparison between the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Sonos Playbar based on their technical specifications:
| Specification | Sonos Arc Ultra | Sonos Playbar |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2013 |
| Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 3.0 |
| Amplifiers | 15 Class-D digital amplifiers | 9 Class-D digital amplifiers |
| Drivers | 14 total: 7 tweeters, 6 midrange, 1 built-in subwoofer | 9 total: 3 tweeters, 6 midrange |
| Built-in Subwoofer | Yes (Sound Motion woofer) | No |
| Up-Firing Speakers | Yes (for Dolby Atmos height effects) | No |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | No |
| DTS Support | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Bluetooth 5.3) | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6) | Yes |
| HDMI Ports | 1x HDMI eARC (2.1) | None |
| Optical Input | No (adapter required) | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Yes (Alexa, Sonos Voice Control) | No built-in voice control |
| Streaming Support | Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Sonos Radio, more | Apple AirPlay (via controller), Sonos app only |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 46.18 x 3.13 x 4.35 inches | 35.43 x 3.35 x 5.51 inches |
| Weight | 12.7 pounds | 11.9 pounds |
| Power Output | Not officially specified | Not officially specified |
| Expandable Setup | Yes (Sub, Sub Mini, Era 100/300 surrounds) | Yes (Sub, rear speakers) |
| Trueplay Tuning | Yes (iOS and Android support) | Yes (iOS only) |
| Mounting | Wall-mountable or table placement | Wall-mountable or horizontal placement |
| Control | Touch controls, Sonos app, voice, TV remote (via HDMI-CEC) | Sonos app, TV remote (via optical sync) |
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Arc Ultra and the Playbar seriously felt like two completely different generations of soundbars when I tested them with The Batman, Inception, and a few episodes of The Last of Us. The Arc Ultra’s 9.1.4 channel layout with up-firing drivers made a huge difference in how space and depth were perceived in a room. During the car chase in The Batman, I could hear engines and explosions rise and fall in height which made it feel more cinematic. The built-in Sound Motion woofer filled the room with bass that felt tighter and more grounded than I expected from an all-in-one setup. Dialogue stayed clear even when the soundtrack swelled up and that helped a lot during more dramatic scenes. It gave me the kind of wide and controlled soundstage I usually expect from a soundbar paired with multiple extra speakers.
The Playbar sounds much more like a simple soundbar with not much spatial imaging. With its 3.0 channel configuration and no up-firing drivers or surround simulation, the sound felt flat in comparison. Watching Inception, the bass didn’t dig as deep and the dream sequences lacked the overhead weight that makes those scenes feel big and surreal. Dialogue was still easy to follow and the midrange had a warm tone that I liked, especially during quieter scenes or when music wasn’t competing with effects. But in action-heavy moments or in wide, open sequences like the beach scene in The Last of Us, the Playbar didn’t fill the room in the same way. It always sounded centered in front of me [which made sense given the channel layout] but that also made it feel more like a TV speaker upgrade than a full theater experience.
The difference really came down to presence. The Sonos Arc Ultra created a fuller, more immersive sound with better control over where effects seemed to live in the room. I think that’s mostly due to the up-firing and side-firing drivers combined with the larger driver array. The Playbar felt dated by comparison—not in terms of build or clarity, but in the way it handled modern spatial mixes. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra. It gave me that sense of being in the scene without asking for additional speakers or subwoofers. For its time, the Playbar did its job well. But today, I think the Arc Ultra is just more equipped for the way movies and shows are mixed now with much better sound structure and 3D spatial imaging.
Design Comparison
The Arc Ultra, released in 2024, comes with the latest tech and design features. Measuring approximately 46.38 inches in width, 2.95 inches in height, and 4.35 inches in depth, and weighing just over 13 pounds, it presents a low-profile silhouette that fits seamlessly beneath most televisions. The cylindrical shape, coupled with a matte finish, gives it a contemporary look that complements various interior styles. The touch-sensitive controls are thoughtfully repositioned to an upward-facing panel at the rear, maintaining the soundbar’s clean lines while providing intuitive access to playback functions. The build feels robust, conveying a sense of durability and premium craftsmanship.
In contrast, the Sonos Playbar, introduced in 2013, embodies a more traditional design. It measures 35.43 inches in width, 3.35 inches in height, and 5.51 inches in depth, with a weight of approximately 11.9 pounds. The rectangular form factor, characterized by sharp edges and a fabric-covered grille, reflects the design trends of its time. The Playbar can be positioned horizontally on a tabletop or mounted on a wall, with internal sensors adjusting the sound output based on orientation. The build quality is solid, with a metal chassis that imparts a sense of sturdiness. However, the design lacks the refined minimalism seen in the Arc Ultra, appearing bulkier and more conspicuous in a modern living room setup.
Both soundbars exhibit high-quality construction, but the Arc Ultra’s design reflects a decade of evolution in aesthetics and user-centric considerations. Its slimmer profile and contemporary styling make it more adaptable to current home entertainment environments. The repositioned controls and subtle design elements of the Arc Ultra contribute to a more seamless integration into modern living spaces. In contrast, while the Playbar remains a well-constructed device, its design feels more dated and may not blend as effortlessly with newer home décor trends.
The Verdict?
I can say the difference between them is pretty clear, especially when you look at how far soundbar tech has come in the last decade. The Playbar, with its 3.0 channel setup and optical-only connection, still sounds decent for everyday TV watching. Dialogue is crisp and the overall sound is warm and balanced. But when I watched movies like Inception or The Batman, I could really feel the limitations. There’s no Dolby Atmos, no HDMI, and the soundstage stays pretty flat. It does the basics well but it’s not built for the kind of immersive audio that’s become standard in newer content.
The Sonos Arc Ultra felt like a completely different level (with a 10 year generation gap). It gave me a full 9.1.4 surround experience from a single unit, and with its 14 drivers including up-firing speakers and a built-in subwoofer, the room just felt more alive during movie nights. It handled both dialogue and effects with more clarity and depth, and it didn’t require any setup beyond placing it under the TV. I also appreciated the small touches—like the refined design, better touch controls, and the extra connectivity like HDMI eARC and Bluetooth. Personally, I would go with the Arc Ultra. I think that for anyone watching newer films and streaming Dolby Atmos content, it’s the more future-ready and rewarding choice. The Playbar had its moment, but the Arc Ultra makes it hard to go back.