Looking to upgrade your TV sound but feeling overwhelmed by the options? Let's break down two popular choices: the Sonos Ray ($279) and Samsung B-Series 5.1 ($278) soundbars. Both launched in 2022, but they take quite different approaches to improving your audio experience.
Before diving into comparisons, let's get comfortable with what soundbars actually do. These slim speakers replace your TV's built-in audio, which is often thin and unclear due to TV manufacturers prioritizing thin designs over sound quality. Modern soundbars can range from simple stereo setups to complex surround sound systems.
The Sonos Ray takes a minimalist approach with a 2.0 channel configuration - that means two speakers for left and right audio. It's perfect for apartments or smaller rooms up to about 200 square feet. The design is clean and compact, measuring just 22 inches wide.
In contrast, the Samsung B-Series delivers a full 5.1 channel experience - that's five speakers (left, center, right, and two surround channels) plus a subwoofer for deep bass. The "point one" refers to the subwoofer, which handles just the low frequencies. This setup works best in medium to large rooms where the sound has space to spread out.
The Sonos Ray excels at music playback, which isn't surprising given Sonos's music streaming heritage. The sound is detailed and balanced, with particularly clear vocals. While it can't deliver deep bass, it compensates with precise mid-range frequencies that make instruments and voices sound natural.
The Samsung B-Series offers a different experience. Its subwoofer provides that physical bass impact that many listeners love, especially for electronic music or hip-hop. However, the overall music quality isn't quite as refined as the Sonos - you might notice less detail in complex musical passages.
Here's where things get interesting. The Samsung B-Series really shines with movies, creating a more immersive experience through its surround speakers and subwoofer. When a car explodes on screen, you'll feel it. Dialog remains clear thanks to the dedicated center channel.
The Sonos Ray takes a more focused approach. While it can't match the Samsung's surround effects, it delivers exceptionally clear dialogue through clever audio processing. This makes it particularly good for TV shows and movies where understanding speech is crucial.
The Sonos Ray focuses on wireless streaming:
The Samsung B-Series offers more traditional connections:
Sonos has a strong track record of supporting their products with software updates. The Ray can be expanded with additional Sonos speakers for surround sound, though this gets expensive quickly. You could add two Sonos One speakers ($398) and a Sub Mini ($429) for a full surround setup.
The Samsung system comes complete out of the box but has fewer expansion options. However, its HDMI-ARC connection means it's ready for most modern TV features.
Having tested both systems, here's what stands out:
The Sonos Ray:
The Samsung B-Series:
Both soundbars are priced similarly around $279, but offer different value propositions. The Sonos Ray provides a premium build quality and potential for future expansion within the Sonos ecosystem. The Samsung B-Series gives you a complete surround sound setup immediately.
Choose the Sonos Ray if:
Choose the Samsung B-Series if:
Both the Sonos Ray and Samsung B-Series are excellent choices, but they serve different needs. The Sonos excels in smaller spaces and for music, while the Samsung creates a more theatrical experience. Consider your room size, primary use case, and whether you plan to expand your system when making your decision.
Remember, the best soundbar is the one that fits your specific needs and space. Don't be swayed by features you won't use - focus on what matters most for your listening habits.
| Sonos Ray Soundbar ($279) | Samsung B-Series 5.1 ($278) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how immersive the sound experience will be | |
| 2.0 channels (stereo only) | 5.1 channels with wireless subwoofer |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for optimal sound distribution | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200-400 sq ft) |
| Bass Performance - Important for movies and music impact | |
| Limited bass, no subwoofer | Deep bass with dedicated wireless subwoofer |
| Connectivity Options - Affects flexibility of setup and usage | |
| Optical only, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 (no Bluetooth) | HDMI-ARC, Bluetooth, Optical, USB |
| Smart Features - Important for streaming and control | |
| Sonos app control, multi-room audio, regular updates | Basic remote control, Samsung TV integration |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Can add Sonos speakers for surround (expensive) | Complete out of box, limited expansion |
| Primary Use Case Strength - What it does best | |
| Music streaming and dialogue clarity | Movie watching and gaming |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and clarity | |
| Not specified, suitable for small rooms | 430W total system power |
| Setup Complexity - Time to get running | |
| Simple setup, app-guided process | More complex due to multiple components |
| Voice Enhancement - Important for dialogue clarity | |
| Excellent voice clarity through processing | Good with dedicated center channel |
The Samsung B-Series 5.1 ($278) is better for movies due to its dedicated subwoofer and surround sound capabilities. While the Sonos Ray ($279) offers good dialogue clarity, it lacks the immersive experience that true surround sound provides.
The Samsung B-Series delivers significantly better bass thanks to its wireless subwoofer. The Sonos Ray has limited bass response since it's a standalone soundbar without a subwoofer.
The Sonos Ray is ideal for small spaces due to its compact design and focused sound projection. The Samsung B-Series requires more room to accommodate the subwoofer and benefit from surround sound effects.
The Samsung B-Series offers Bluetooth connectivity for easy phone pairing. The Sonos Ray doesn't have Bluetooth but supports Wi-Fi streaming through the Sonos app and AirPlay 2.
The Samsung B-Series provides a better gaming experience with its surround sound capabilities and subwoofer for explosive effects. The Sonos Ray works for gaming but won't deliver the same immersive experience.
It depends on your preferences. The Samsung B-Series includes a subwoofer for fuller sound, while the Sonos Ray works well without one for dialogue and music but lacks deep bass.
Both perform well, but they achieve clarity differently. The Sonos Ray uses advanced processing for excellent dialogue clarity, while the Samsung B-Series uses a dedicated center channel.
Yes, both the Sonos Ray and Samsung B-Series can be wall-mounted. The Samsung includes mounting brackets, while Sonos offers them separately.
The Samsung B-Series offers more universal compatibility with HDMI-ARC and optical connections. The Sonos Ray only uses optical connection, which most TVs support.
The Sonos Ray excels at music streaming with better audio processing and integration with streaming services. The Samsung B-Series offers good music playback but prioritizes movie performance.
The Sonos Ray can be expanded with additional Sonos speakers for a full surround system. The Samsung B-Series comes complete but has limited expansion options.
For home theater use, the Samsung B-Series offers better value with included surround sound and subwoofer at a similar price to the Sonos Ray, which would require expensive additions for similar capabilities.
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: techradar.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - appleinsider.com - youtube.com - sonos.com - cnet.com - howtogeek.com - pcrichard.com - en.community.sonos.com - epicsystems.tech - en.community.sonos.com - cepro.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - bestbuy.com - abt.com - avsforum.com - crutchfield.com - camelcamelcamel.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - images.samsung.com - samsung.com - avblinq.avbportal.com - samsung.com - samsung.com
