Sonos is reportedly gearing up to launch its first-ever streaming box, codenamed Pinewood, and it’s shaping up to be something quite different from your typical media streamer, the Verge reports. Unlike an Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or Google Chromecast, Pinewood isn’t just about streaming movies and shows—it’s also designed to be a home theater hub that brings Sonos speakers into the mix in a whole new way.
But here’s the thing: Sources have told Chris Welch from The Verge says it could cost between $200 and $400—which is significantly more expensive than its biggest competitors. And there are also concerns about ads and software issues, given Sonos’ recent history with frustrating app updates.
So, is Pinewood an exciting new option for home theater enthusiasts, or is it just an overpriced streaming box in an already crowded market? Let’s take a closer look.
At first glance, Pinewood doesn’t sound all that different from other streaming devices—it’s a compact black square, slightly thicker than a deck of cards, according to the Verge. But what makes it stand out is what’s happening inside.
Most streaming devices plug into your TV and let you access apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Max. Pinewood does that, too, but with a big twist: it includes multiple HDMI ports with passthrough functionality. That means you can plug in external devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and cable boxes—essentially turning Pinewood into a mini HDMI switcher.
This is a pretty big deal because most streaming boxes only have one HDMI output that connects to your TV. If you’ve ever run out of HDMI ports on your TV, you know how frustrating it can be. Pinewood could help simplify home theater setups by serving as the main hub for all your devices.
One of the most exciting rumors about Pinewood is that it could eliminate the need for a Sonos soundbar altogether.
Right now, if you want Sonos speakers to play sound from your TV, you typically need a Sonos Arc or Beam soundbar connected via HDMI eARC. But with Pinewood, reports suggest you might be able to wirelessly send TV audio to any Sonos speakers, like the Era 300 or Era 100, as standalone left and right channels.
This would be a huge shift for Sonos home theater setups. Instead of relying on a soundbar as the centerpiece, you could create a fully customizable surround sound system with separate speakers—and potentially even use ceiling-mounted Sonos speakers for Dolby Atmos height effects.
If Sonos pulls this off, it could open up entirely new ways to build a home theater system using Sonos products.
Software-wise, Pinewood is expected to offer a unified streaming experience, meaning it will combine content from multiple platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Max into a single interface. That sounds a lot like what Apple TV does with its “Up Next” feature.
But here’s the catch: Netflix has a history of resisting deep integration with third-party devices. The company doesn’t even fully play along with Apple TV’s universal search, preferring to keep users inside its own app.
So, the big question is: Will Netflix really let Sonos fully integrate its content? Or will Pinewood just be another device that redirects you to the Netflix app whenever you want to watch something?
If Sonos somehow convinces Netflix to cooperate, that would be a major win. But based on Netflix’s track record, it’s a big "if."
One of the more controversial aspects of Pinewood is that its software is reportedly being developed in partnership with an ad-tech company called The Trade Desk.
That raises some concerns:
If Sonos starts pushing ads too aggressively, it could turn off potential buyers—especially at a premium price point. After all, cheaper devices like Fire TV and Google Chromecast are designed around ads, but they cost a fraction of what Sonos is expected to charge.
If people are going to pay $200 to $400, they’re going to expect an ad-free, high-end experience. If the interface is filled with ads, it could seriously hurt Pinewood’s appeal.
Speaking of price, $200 to $400 is a lot for a streaming box.
For comparison:
So what will Sonos need to do to justify this price tag? Probably a combination of:
Without those things, it’s going to be a tough sell—especially when Apple, Google, and Amazon all offer cheaper alternatives.
If you’re a Sonos power user, Pinewood could be an incredibly useful addition to your home theater setup. The ability to use any Sonos speaker as part of a surround sound system and have multiple HDMI inputs could make it a great solution for people who want an easy, wireless setup.
But if you just want a streaming device, the high price and potential ads could be deal-breakers.
At this point, Sonos hasn’t officially confirmed anything, so we’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out. If the company gets the pricing, software, and ad experience right, Pinewood could be a great product. But if it feels overpriced, ad-heavy, or clunky to use, it might struggle to compete in an already crowded market.
For now, we’ll keep an eye out for more details—and hope that Sonos finds a way to make Pinewood worth the hype.
