Sonos has long been a dominant name in the world of wireless audio, celebrated for its seamless multiroom integration and user-friendly approach. However, the pursuit of high-fidelity sound is not limited to a single brand. The market is rich with impressive alternatives that deliver exceptional audio quality, unique features, and robust ecosystems that can rival, and in some cases surpass, the Sonos experience.
Whether you are building a multiroom system, seeking a portable speaker for on-the-go listening, or wanting a powerful soundbar for your home theater, there are excellent options available. This roundup highlights eight standout products, including several from Sonos itself and key competitors, to help you find the perfect audio solution for your needs and preferences.
Top High-Fidelity Audio Systems to Consider
- Sonos Roam 2 – White – Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Sonos Era 100 – Black – Wireless, Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker
- Sonos Move 2 – White – Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sonos Beam Gen 2 – Black – Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
- Sonos Era 300 – Black – Wireless Smart Speaker with Dolby Atmos
- KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speaker System (Carbon Black)
- Denon HEOS 7 HS2 Wireless Speaker
- Bluesound Pulse 2i Wireless Multiroom Speaker
Sonos Roam 2
The Sonos Roam 2 is the ultimate portable speaker for the audiophile on the move. Its precision-engineered drivers are designed to produce a surprising amount of clarity and bass from such a compact unit. You can bring high-quality Sonos sound to the beach, a picnic, or anywhere else your day takes you.
Built to withstand the elements, this speaker boasts an IP67 rating for complete waterproof and dustproof performance. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to pack, ensuring your outdoor adventures are always accompanied by excellent audio.
Sonos Era 100
The Sonos Era 100 is a powerful and compact smart speaker that represents a significant step forward in the brand’s core audio offering. It is powered by a much faster processor and features a next-generation dual-tweeter acoustic architecture. This design produces detailed stereo separation that was previously unavailable in a speaker of this size, while a larger midwoofer provides deeper, more resonant bass.
Its versatile connectivity allows you to stream over WiFi from all your favorite services, pair a device via Bluetooth with a single button press, or even connect a turntable using an adapter. The compact form factor fits beautifully on any bookshelf, counter, or desk, making it an ideal speaker for any room in your home.
Sonos Move 2
For those who need powerful, portable sound that can fill a room, the Sonos Move 2 is an outstanding choice. Its new acoustic architecture includes two tweeters, creating a higher-fidelity stereo soundstage with crisp vocals and detailed instruments. The precision-tuned woofer delivers deep, dynamic bass that brings the energy of a live performance to your listening experience.
A key feature is the automatic Trueplay tuning, which continually optimizes the speaker’s sound output for its specific surroundings. This ensures you get the best possible audio quality whether you are in your living room or on the patio. Furthermore, the Move 2 offers an impressive 24 hours of playback on a single charge, doubling the battery life of its predecessor.
Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar that dramatically enhances your television’s audio. It enriches your entertainment with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a wide, panoramic soundstage that makes movies and shows more immersive. The compact design fits neatly under most TVs without sacrificing audio performance.
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, creating a compelling 3D surround sound effect that places you at the center of the action. When you are not watching TV, the Beam Gen 2 functions as a superb smart speaker, allowing you to stream music, podcasts, and radio from all your preferred services.
Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 is a revolutionary smart speaker designed specifically for spatial audio. Its unique shape houses six optimally positioned drivers around the front, sides, and top to fully support Dolby Atmos Music. This breakthrough acoustic design projects sound in multiple directions, creating a truly immersive experience that fills the room from wall to wall and floor to ceiling.
Custom waveguides expertly disperse sound right, left, forward, and above, resulting in a remarkably spacious stereo soundstage that can be enjoyed from anywhere in the room. Like the Era 100, it offers versatile streaming over WiFi and Bluetooth, plus a line-in option for connecting external audio sources like a turntable.
KEF LSX II Wireless HiFi Speaker System
For the listener who prioritizes pure, high-resolution audio, the KEF LSX II system is a compelling alternative. This system offers the highest quality sound in its size class, supporting streaming resolutions up to 24bit/384kHz. This makes a true high-fidelity listening experience accessible from a compact and stylish set of speakers.
Its connectivity is a major strength, featuring HDMI ARC for easy TV connection and USB-C for direct linking to a laptop. This makes it an incredibly versatile system for both music and media. You can also integrate it into a larger multiroom setup using AirPlay 2, Chromecast, or Roon to stream the same playlist throughout your home.
Denon HEOS 7 HS2 Wireless Speaker
Denon’s HEOS 7 HS2 is a powerful wireless speaker that stands as a strong competitor in the multiroom audio space. Built with the audio engineering expertise Denon is known for, this speaker is designed to deliver room-filling sound with clarity and power. It is an excellent choice for those who want robust performance from a single unit.
The speaker integrates seamlessly into the HEOS multiroom ecosystem, allowing you to wirelessly connect it with other HEOS speakers throughout your home. You can easily stream music from popular services and control everything from your smartphone, creating a customized and synchronized audio environment.
Bluesound Pulse 2i Wireless Multiroom Speaker
The Bluesound Pulse 2i is a premium wireless speaker focused on delivering high-resolution audio. As part of the Bluesound ecosystem, it is built for listeners who have a library of high-quality music files and want to hear every detail. It supports a wide range of high-resolution audio formats for a truly authentic listening experience.
This speaker is designed for multiroom functionality, allowing you to build a whole-home audio system that does not compromise on sound quality. With its sophisticated design and advanced acoustic technology, the Pulse 2i is an ideal solution for audiophiles seeking a wireless speaker that meets the demands of critical listening.
What to Look For in the 8 Best Alternatives to Sonos for High-Fidelity Audio
When I’m looking for a great-sounding wireless speaker system to compete with Sonos, I focus on a few key things that really make a difference in my daily listening. It’s not just about the brand name; it’s about the performance and how the system fits into my life. Here’s my personal checklist.
First and foremost, I think about sound quality. This is the whole point, right? I look for systems that support high-resolution audio formats like FLAC or even MQA through services like Tidal. A wide frequency range is a good sign, but I pay more attention to how balanced the sound is. Does it have clear highs without being harsh? Is the mid-range, where most vocals and instruments live, full and present? And what about the bass? I prefer a speaker that delivers tight, accurate bass over one that’s just boomy. Some of the best alternatives to Sonos for high-fidelity audio often come from brands with a long history in hi-fi, so that’s a great place to start my search.
Next, I consider the ecosystem and connectivity. A speaker can sound amazing, but if it’s a pain to use, it’ll just collect dust. I check for multi-room capabilities—can I easily group speakers in different rooms and control them from a single app? I also look for a variety of connection options. AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in are huge pluses for me because they make streaming from my phone or tablet seamless. A physical aux input or even an Ethernet port can be a lifesaver for connecting older gear or ensuring a stable network connection.
Finally, I weigh the design and future-proofing. These speakers are going in my home, so I want them to look good. But more importantly, I think about the long term. Is the company known for providing regular software updates? Is the system modular, allowing me to start small and add more speakers or even a separate subwoofer later? This flexibility means my investment can grow and adapt with my needs, rather than being locked into a single, static setup. By focusing on these areas—sound, connectivity, and longevity—I can find a system that truly satisfies my ears for years to come.
FAQ
Are there any Sonos alternatives that sound better?
This is a common question, and the answer really depends on what you’re looking for. “Better” is subjective. Sonos is fantastic for its seamless multi-room ecosystem and user-friendly app. However, if your primary goal is pure, uncompromising sound quality, there are definitely brands that prioritize this above all else. Companies like Bluesound and Bowers & Wilkins often use higher-quality internal components, like better digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and drivers, which can result in a more detailed and audiophile-grade listening experience. So, for a dedicated listening room, you might find a better-sounding option, but for whole-home audio, Sonos’s integration is hard to beat.
Do I need to stick to one brand for a multi-room system?
You don’t have to, but it’s usually a lot easier if you do. Each brand has its own proprietary app and ecosystem for grouping speakers and controlling them. If you mix brands, you’ll likely need to use multiple apps to play music in different rooms, which can get clunky. That said, technologies like AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are breaking down these walls. If all your speakers from different brands support AirPlay 2, for example, you can group them together from your iPhone. It’s not always as robust as a single-brand system, but it gives you more flexibility to pick the best individual speakers.
What is the biggest advantage of choosing an alternative to Sonos?
For me, the biggest advantage often comes down to either sound quality or connectivity. Many alternatives offer support for higher-resolution audio streams right out of the box, which Sonos has been slower to adopt universally. You might also find more physical inputs, like HDMI eARC on many soundbars, which is crucial for getting the best audio from your modern TV. For some people, avoiding a single-brand “walled garden” is a major advantage, allowing them to mix and match gear without being locked into one company’s upgrade path.
Can I build a system piece-by-piece with these alternatives?
Absolutely. In fact, that’s how I would recommend most people start. Almost all the popular alternatives are designed to be modular. You can begin with a single smart speaker for your kitchen, then add a soundbar for your TV later, and perhaps a pair of bookshelf speakers for a stereo setup in another room. The key is to check that the brand you’re investing in has a full range of products that work together within its app. This allows you to spread out the cost and build a system that perfectly matches your space and budget over time.
How important is a dedicated subwoofer?
If you love music with a lot of low-end, like electronic, hip-hop, or even orchestral pieces, a subwoofer is a game-changer. While many standalone speakers have decent bass for their size, a dedicated subwoofer reproduces the lowest frequencies that small drivers simply can’t. This takes the strain off the main speakers, often resulting in clearer mids and highs, and fills the room with a rich, full sound you can feel. When looking at the 8 best alternatives to Sonos for high-fidelity audio, I always check if a system has the option to add a subwoofer, as it’s one of the most significant upgrades you can make.