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Sonos Arc Ultra specifications and in-depth review

Sonos Arc Ultra

Manufacturer: Sonos

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a full-featured soundbar designed to deliver a wide soundstage through its 9.1-channel audio configuration. It supports Dolby Atmos along with Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus formats, making it compatible with a broad range of audio tracks. The unit includes a dedicated smartphone app and on-device controls, while voice command functionality is available through Alexa integration.

On the connectivity side, the Arc Ultra features HDMI eARC alongside a single HDMI port, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi support spanning Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). AirPlay is built in, and the soundbar supports the AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive audio codecs over Bluetooth. Physically, it measures 1178 mm wide, 75 mm tall, and 110 mm deep, with a total weight of 5900 g.

Pros
  • Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus, covering a wide range of audio formats
  • Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codec support allows high-quality wireless audio streaming
  • Wi-Fi connectivity spans three standards including Wi-Fi 6, offering flexible and modern network compatibility
  • HDMI eARC connection enables high-bandwidth audio passthrough from compatible TVs
  • AirPlay and Alexa integration provide practical wireless control and streaming options
  • On-device controls and a dedicated smartphone app offer multiple ways to manage the soundbar without a remote
Cons
  • No remote control included, limiting control options for users who prefer a physical handset
  • Lacks Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, Google Assistant, and Siri/Apple HomeKit, reducing ecosystem flexibility
  • No microphones built in despite supporting voice commands, which depends entirely on external voice assistant hardware
  • Absence of S/PDIF, AUX input, and Ethernet ports limits wired connectivity options
  • At 1178 mm wide and 5900 g, the physical size and weight may pose placement challenges in smaller setups
Who is this for?

This soundbar suits users who want a wide, immersive home theater experience, particularly those with TVs that support HDMI eARC, allowing seamless high-quality audio passthrough without additional cabling complexity. Its 9.1-channel output combined with Dolby Atmos support makes it a strong fit for dedicated home cinema rooms or large living spaces where a broad soundstage can be fully appreciated. Users already invested in the Apple ecosystem will also find value in the built-in AirPlay support, while those who rely on Alexa for smart home control will benefit from its native integration.

Who is this NOT for?

This soundbar is less well-suited to users who rely heavily on a broader smart assistant ecosystem, as it lacks support for Google Assistant, Siri, and Apple HomeKit, which may frustrate those with existing smart home setups built around those platforms. Users who prefer Spotify Connect or Chromecast as their primary streaming methods will find neither available, requiring them to adapt their habits or use alternative playback routes. Additionally, given its width of 1178 mm and weight of 5900 g, it is not a practical choice for compact or minimalist setups where space and physical footprint are a concern.

Audio:

number of channels of sound output 9.1
has aptX ✓
has aptX Adaptive ✓
has AAC ✓

The Sonos Arc Ultra delivers audio through a 9.1-channel output configuration, providing a wide and layered sound presentation. For Bluetooth audio quality, it supports aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs alongside AAC, ensuring compatibility with a range of wireless audio sources and varying levels of Bluetooth codec performance.

Features:

HDMI ARC / eARC HDMI eARC
compatible with Google Assistant ✕
works with Alexa ✓
has Spotify Connect ✕
has Dolby Atmos ✓
has DTS:X ✕
has Chromecast built-in ✕
works with Siri/Apple HomeKit ✕
has AirPlay ✓
supports Dolby Digital Plus ✓
supports Dolby Digital ✓
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕

The Sonos Arc Ultra connects to a TV via HDMI eARC and supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Digital for a wide range of audio format compatibility, though DTS:X is not supported. Streaming options include AirPlay and Alexa integration, while Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, Google Assistant, and Siri/Apple HomeKit are not available. Bluetooth pairing via NFC is also not included.

Connectivity:

has an AUX input ✕
HDMI ports 1
has an HDMI output ✓
Bluetooth version 5.3
Has Bluetooth ✓
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
RJ45 ports 0
has a microphone input ✕
Has S/PDIF Out port ✕

The Sonos Arc Ultra includes a single HDMI port with an HDMI output, while AUX input, S/PDIF output, and Ethernet (RJ45) ports are absent, nor does it feature a microphone input. Wireless connectivity is well covered, with Bluetooth 5.3 built in and Wi-Fi support across three standards — Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) — allowing flexible network compatibility.

General info:

volume 9718.5 cm³
has voice commands ✓
control panel placed on a device ✓
has a remote control ✕
has a rechargeable remote control ✕
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✓
number of microphones 0
thickness 110 mm
weight 5900 g
width 1178 mm
height 75 mm

The Sonos Arc Ultra has a wide physical footprint, measuring 1178 mm wide, 75 mm tall, and 110 mm thick, with a total weight of 5900 g and an overall volume of 9718.5 cm³. It can be controlled directly via an on-device control panel or through a dedicated smartphone app, and it supports voice commands, though it ships without a remote control and has no built-in microphones.

Final Verdict

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a technically well-specified soundbar that targets users seeking a serious home theater audio setup. Its 9.1-channel Dolby Atmos configuration, combined with HDMI eARC connectivity and multi-standard Wi-Fi support, positions it as a capable centerpiece for a modern living room entertainment system. While its ecosystem reach is somewhat limited — notably absent are Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Google Assistant, and Siri — users already aligned with AirPlay and Alexa workflows will find it a coherent and well-integrated choice. Its considerable physical size means it demands adequate space, but for those who can accommodate it, the Sonos Arc Ultra represents a focused and feature-complete audio solution for immersive home cinema use.

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