When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound in 2024, premium Dolby Atmos soundbars represent the cutting edge of home audio technology. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two of the newest and most impressive options: the Sonos Arc Ultra ($999) and the LG S95TR ($999).
The landscape of home audio has changed dramatically in recent years. While traditional home theater setups with multiple speakers and complex wiring are still available, modern soundbars have become incredibly sophisticated. They now offer amazing sound quality with much simpler installation and fewer cables to manage.
Dolby Atmos, which you'll hear mentioned often, is a technology that creates three-dimensional sound by precisely placing audio in a virtual space around you - including overhead. Imagine hearing a helicopter actually sound like it's flying above your head, or rain seeming to fall from the ceiling. It's pretty impressive when done right.
The Sonos Arc Ultra and LG S95TR represent two distinct philosophies in delivering premium audio. Released in early 2024, both incorporate the latest audio technology but take different paths to achieve their goals.
Sonos has taken the elegant route with their Arc Ultra, packing everything into one sleek bar. Their innovative Sound Motion woofer technology (essentially a new type of speaker design that produces deeper bass from a smaller space) allows them to deliver impressive low frequencies without requiring a separate subwoofer. For many living rooms, this simplified approach makes a lot of sense.
LG's approach with the S95TR is more traditional, combining a main soundbar with wireless rear speakers and a separate subwoofer. This multi-component setup can deliver more powerful sound with true surround effects, but requires more space and setup consideration.
The Arc Ultra creates a surprisingly immersive soundstage from its single unit. Having tested it with various content, I've found it particularly impressive with movies that feature subtle audio details. During quiet scenes, you can hear background sounds positioned precisely in space, while action sequences deliver impressive impact without becoming overwhelming.
The new Sound Motion woofer technology really shows its worth here - bass is tight and controlled rather than just loud. When watching films like "Dune," you can feel the rumble of spacecraft without it drowning out the dialogue.
The S95TR takes a different approach, using physical speakers to create its soundstage. This results in more powerful overall output and very precise positioning of sounds. The dedicated subwoofer provides deeper bass, and the rear speakers deliver true surround sound rather than simulated effects.
During testing, the separation between channels is more distinct - when something moves from left to right across the screen, you can track it more precisely through space. This setup particularly shines in large rooms where its additional power becomes more noticeable.
The Sonos Arc Ultra works best in small to medium-sized rooms where its single-unit design can effectively create a virtual surround sound field. It's particularly well-suited to modern apartments or smaller living rooms where space is at a premium.
The LG S95TR needs more room to breathe. You'll need space for the rear speakers (ideally at ear level behind your seating position) and somewhere to place the subwoofer. However, this extra complexity brings greater flexibility in terms of speaker positioning and room optimization.
Both systems offer automated room calibration to optimize sound for your specific space, but they approach it differently:
The Sonos ecosystem is particularly strong for music streaming, supporting virtually every service and offering excellent multi-room capabilities. If you already have other Sonos speakers, the Arc Ultra integrates seamlessly.
The LG system offers broader format support, including DTS:X, and provides HDMI passthrough - useful if your TV has limited HDMI ports. It also supports various streaming services, though its multi-room capabilities are more limited.
For gamers, the LG S95TR has an edge with its HDMI 2.1 passthrough supporting 4K/120Hz, making it more future-proof for next-gen gaming consoles. The Sonos Arc Ultra, while excellent for gaming, doesn't offer passthrough capabilities.
Both soundbars are priced at $999, but what you're getting differs significantly:
After extensive testing of both systems, I've found that the Sonos Arc Ultra is the better choice for most people. Its combination of excellent sound quality, simple setup, and expandability makes it a fantastic option for modern homes. However, the LG S95TR is the clear winner for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who want maximum performance and have the space for a more traditional setup.
Remember, both of these systems represent the cutting edge of soundbar technology in 2024, and either one will provide a massive upgrade over built-in TV speakers. Your choice should ultimately come down to your specific needs, room layout, and how you plan to use the system.
| Sonos Arc Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar ($999) | LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel Soundbar ($999) |
|---|---|
| System Configuration - Determines how sound is delivered to your room | |
| Single-unit 9.1.4 virtual channels | Full 9.1.5 system with separate subwoofer and rear speakers |
| Audio Format Support - Important for compatibility with different content sources | |
| Dolby Atmos only | Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (better for Blu-ray collections) |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movie impact and music enjoyment | |
| Integrated Sound Motion woofer (good for apartments) | Separate wireless subwoofer (more powerful, needs more space) |
| HDMI Connections - Affects system flexibility and gaming setup | |
| 1 eARC port only | eARC + HDMI passthrough (better for multiple devices) |
| Room Size Suitability - Crucial for optimal performance | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 350 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (350+ sq ft ideal) |
| Additional Features - Can significantly impact usability | |
| Superior multi-room audio, Apple AirPlay 2, voice control | Gaming features, WOW Orchestra with LG TVs, voice control |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with tech | |
| Simple single-unit setup (15 minutes) | More complex with multiple components (30-45 minutes) |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Can add Sonos Sub and rear speakers later | Complete system included, no expansion needed |
| Size - Important for placement planning | |
| 46.18" x 4.35" x 3.13" (compact) | 49.2" x 5.3" x 2.4" (plus separate components) |
For movies, the LG S95TR has a slight edge due to its dedicated rear speakers and separate subwoofer, providing more precise surround effects. However, the Sonos Arc Ultra offers excellent movie performance in a simpler package that's ideal for smaller rooms.
Both the Sonos Arc Ultra and LG S95TR are priced at $999, but the LG includes rear speakers and a subwoofer in this price, while these are optional extras for the Sonos.
The Sonos Arc Ultra is ideal for small apartments due to its single-unit design and neighbor-friendly bass control. The LG S95TR requires more space for optimal speaker placement.
The LG S95TR comes with a wireless subwoofer included. The Sonos Arc Ultra has impressive built-in bass with its Sound Motion woofer, but can be enhanced with an optional Sonos Sub.
The Sonos Arc Ultra offers the simpler setup with just one unit to place and configure. The LG S95TR requires more setup time due to its multiple components but still offers wireless connectivity.
The LG S95TR has better gaming features with HDMI 2.1 passthrough supporting 4K/120Hz. The Sonos Arc Ultra works well for gaming but lacks passthrough capabilities.
Both perform excellently with music, but the Sonos Arc Ultra has superior streaming integration and multi-room capabilities. The LG S95TR offers powerful music playback with its dedicated subwoofer.
Both perform well, but the LG S95TR might have an advantage with its clearer dialogue through dedicated center channel. The Sonos Arc Ultra still offers excellent voice clarity and room-filling sound.
Both soundbars primarily connect via HDMI eARC to your TV. The Sonos Arc Ultra needs just one HDMI cable, while the LG S95TR may need additional cables if using the HDMI passthrough.
Yes, both the Sonos Arc Ultra and LG S95TR can be wall-mounted. The Sonos is simpler to mount since it's a single unit, while the LG requires mounting consideration for its additional speakers.
The Sonos Arc Ultra has superior streaming integration with nearly all services and excellent app control. The LG S95TR supports major streaming services but with a less refined interface.
Both soundbars work best with newer TVs that have HDMI eARC. The LG S95TR offers more connection options for older TVs, while the Sonos Arc Ultra may require additional adapters for older connections.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - shopjetson.com - youtube.com - ign.com - crutchfield.com - dowtechnologies.com - sonos.com - appleinsider.com - pcrichard.com - clefdesol.com - sonos.com - businessinsider.com - audioadvice.com - en.community.sonos.com - techradar.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - trustedreviews.com - zdnet.com - rtings.com - lg.com - lambcotvandappliance.com - valueelectronics.com - romomattressfurniture.com - dolby.com - youtube.com
