Sonos Playbase

Good looks, solid build ; Seamless app integration ; Sonos app is still be best remote app ever ; Responsive touch keys ; Can be expanded with extra speakers

No HDMI ; Expensive if you want to build a system

A convincing argument for throwing out your stereo.

Clear, powerful audio regardless of whether you're watching a movie or listening to music ; Music streaming is a unique feature in the home theater speaker market. ; Simple setup ; Excellent industrial design ; Easy to convert to a wireless 5.1...

Expensive, particularly if you're building a 5.1 setup ; The lovely white finish scratches and scuffs easily ; Stereo separation isn't as good as you'll get with a true multi-speaker setup

As I noted earlier, the Playbase is an extremely compelling one-speaker option for the living room, particularly if you're a music fan. It's easy to set up and adds very little complexity to most TV rigs; not having to run lots of cords is a huge win...

High-impact bass ; Wide sound field ; Great stereo effects ; Dead simple to use ; Add Sonos speakers for 5.1 system

Limited inputs/ relies on TV audio output quality

If you need something other than a soundbar or full-on component speaker system to improve your TV and movie-watching experience, the Sonos Playbase is an outstanding option. At $700 it is indeed expensive, but it sounds great, is easy to use, and it...

Excellent sound quality ; Apartment-shaking bass ; Works flawlessly with other Sonos products ; Easy to set up and use

Optical-only connection ; Virtual surround sounds artificial ; TruePlay calibration for iOS only ; Expensive

The Sonos Playbase continues the company’s philosophy of making easy-to-use and good-sounding speakers in an attractive package. But, due to the lack of support for many surround sound formats, artificial sounding processing and ecosystem lock-in,...

Easy setup ; Excellent, balanced sound ; Makes a great music speaker, too

Expensive ; Lacks DTS and HDMI connectivity ; No mics for our voice assistant future

Great sound, but a tough sell if you haven't already bought into Sonos

Excellent overall audio performance. Large sound field with very good directional imaging for movies. Lots of streaming media options through the Sonos app. Can be expanded to a true 5.1-channel surround system.

Lacks ultra-low frequency, subwoofer-like presence. Can only use other Sonos speakers for 5.1 setup. No Bluetooth.

The Sonos Playbase is a pricey but powerful one-piece sound system. It stands well on its own, offering better bass response than single soundbars can generally produce, even if it lacks much power in the ultra-low frequencies. It integrates directly...

Impressively big, wide soundstage ; Solid, natural bass ; Stylishly minimalist and sturdy build ; Streams just about anything ; Can be part of multi-room and surround systems

Harsh treble detracts from sonic strengths ; Setup by the single optical input can be fiddly ; Lacks high-res audio support ; Won't work perfectly in all rooms

One of the simplest, most stylish and streamiest soundbases around, but the Sonos Playbase isn't flawless

Big sound in a small package ; Beautiful build quality ; Easy setup ; Sounds just as good with music as TV audio

Expensive, especially for a surround system ; Won't work with non-IR remotes ; No DTS or Dolby Atmos support

The Sonos Playbase is a low-slung sound base with impeccable design and impressive sound. Its bass is even better than the Playbar's, so there's no need for a sub. Sonos' app and other speakers make it part of one of the best multiroom systems available.

The wide effect needs breathing room -- unadorned walls, too, if you please. No DTS support, HDMI ports or Bluetooth. If you have a "clawfoot" TV, it may not fit on top.

The Playbase adds excellent home theater and music sound to Sonos' superb multiroom music system. Just make sure your TV fits.

Amazingly big, wide sound for a box this compact ; Natural, punchy bass ; Does all of the great things any other Sonos speaker can ; Can be upgraded to a full 5.1 system

Treble is harsh, often annoyingly so ; Optical-only isn’t very flexible – or even necessarily that simple ; Won’t work perfectly in every room

One significant sonic flaw prevents the otherwise excellent SoundBase getting the full five stars