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Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar

The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 suits people who want a wide, room-filling 13-driver array with Google Assistant and Spotify Connect built in. The Sonos Arc Ultra is the better pick for anyone already in the Sonos ecosystem or who cares most about dialogue clarity and a low-profile curved design. Reviewers consistently praise the Arc Ultra's center-channel speech handling and Trueplay tuning; Sony owners like the raw output and side-firing width but note the setup app is fussier. Both need a compatible TV for Dolby Atmos, and neither includes a subwoofer.

  • Choose the Sonos Arc Ultra if you want the clearest dialogue, automatic room tuning, and a slim curved bar that fits under a wall-mounted TV.
  • Choose the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 if you want the widest driver array, Google Assistant, and Spotify Connect in a single bar.

Prices

  • Sonos Arc Ultra: $859.99 at eBay (checked today)
  • Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar: $1,498.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the Sonos Arc Ultra is $638.01 cheaper than the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar today
Sonos
Sonos Arc Ultra

Sonos Arc Ultra

5(2 ratings)
$859.99at eBayChecked 8 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Automatic Trueplay tuning adapts to the room
  • Adjustable Speech Enhancement for dialogue
  • Slim curved design fits under wall-mounted TVs
  • Expandable with Sonos Sub and Era 300 rears
  • Sonos Voice Control works without a cloud round-trip
Cons
  • Large and heavy for a soundbar
  • Needs the Sonos app for most setup and tuning
  • No Google Assistant
  • Full surround requires extra speakers
Sony
Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 13-Channel Soundbar

Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar

Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 13-Channel Soundbar

$1,498.00at WalmartChecked 20 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • 13 drivers give wide side-firing dispersion
  • High rated power for loud playback
  • Google Assistant and Spotify Connect built in
  • Wall-mountable and relatively light at 5.5 kg
Cons
  • No automatic room calibration
  • No dedicated speech-enhancement control
  • Setup app is less polished than Sonos
  • Spec sheet lists conflicting channel counts (2-channel vs 7.0.2)

What separates them

Sonos Arc UltraSony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar
Channel configuration9.1.4 with 14 drivers (seven tweeters, six midwoofers)7.0.2 with 13 drivers, marketed as 13-channel
Room calibrationAutomatic Trueplay tunes to the room from the appManual setup through the Sony app; no equivalent auto-tune
Dialogue handlingDedicated center array plus adjustable Speech EnhancementCenter channel present but no speech-boost control
Voice assistantsSonos Voice Control and Amazon AlexaGoogle Assistant and Amazon Alexa
StreamingSonos app with Wi-Fi streaming and BluetoothSpotify Connect plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
DesignCurved, low-profile, matte metal, wall-mountableFlat bar with grille cloth, wall-mountable, 5.5 kg
ExpandabilityAdd Sonos Sub and Era 300 rears for full surroundAdd Sony rear speakers and sub within the BRAVIA Theatre line
Power rating150 W peak585 W RMS rated

Price history

$1,498.00$989.10
Oct 28Nov 10
  • Sonos Arc Ultra: lowest $989.10 on Nov 3 at eBay; $1,099.00 on Nov 10.
  • Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar: lowest $1,148.85 on Nov 9 at Zaytoun Solutions.

Prices at every store

Sonos Arc Ultra

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by World Wide Stereo (Authorized)Returns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $1,099.00Checked 50 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Abt ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $1,099.00Free shippingChecked 50 min ago
    Visit Abt Electronics
  • Urban OutfittersNew

    In stock

    $1,099.00Free shippingChecked 50 min ago
    Visit Urban Outfitters
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by tradenest-1 (98.6% positive, 134 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $859.99+ $25.00 shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • BrandsMart USACheck price at BrandsMart USA

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 29 stores and price history →

Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Video & Audio Center

    $1,498.00Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • DoorDashCheck price at DoorDash
  • NFMCheck price at NFM
  • PC Richard & SonCheck price at PC Richard & Son
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecSonos Arc UltraSony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar
OutdoorNoNo
Frequency ResponseDoesn't provide a full frequency range2.4 GHz
BluetoothYesYes
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, Bluetooth, Wi-FiWireless, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Ports And InterfacesHDMI eARC, Ethernet port, HDMI eARC portHDMI input
Wi-FiYesYes
Assistant SupportAmazon Alexa, Sonos Voice ControlGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Smart FunctionsVoice controlSpotify Connect
Speaker PlacementWall MountableWall mounting
Audio Configuration9.1.4 systemTwo-way designs (main drivers)
Audio Channels9.1.4-channel7.0.2 ch
Design HighlightsWall Mountable, Touch controlsWall-mountable
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSonos Arc UltraSony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar
MaterialMetalGrille cloth
StyleMatte finishWall Mount
Driver SizeMultiple sizes of mid-range drivers and tweeters7-inch (subwoofer woofer)
Driver ConfigurationUp-FiringSide-firing, Up-firing
Driver TypeTweeters, MidwoofersPassive radiators, Beam tweeters, Woofer
Number Of DriversSeven tweeters, Six midwoofers13
Nominal Output PowerFifteen amps585 W (RMS rated power)
Max Wattage150 W (Peak audio power handling)585 W
WirelessYes

What reviewers say

Sonos Arc Ultra

Reviewers describe clear, detailed sound with convincing bass and immersive Atmos effects, and several praise the smoother app setup. Some owners who moved up from the original Arc were not blown away by the difference.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedReviewers call it clear and detailed across music and film soundtracks.
  • BassPraisedThe Sound Motion woofer is said to give real punch without adding a Sub.
  • Atmos effectsPraisedOwners describe height and surround effects that fill the room from one bar.
  • DialoguePraisedSpeech comes through clearly, and Speech Enhancement in the app helps further.

Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 Soundbar

Owners of Sony's high-end bars praise the wide Atmos effect and deep bass from the wireless sub. Some find the setup app fiddly and note the bar is wide and heavy for smaller TVs.

What people mention
  • SoundstagePraisedOwners say the bar throws sound well beyond its width, especially with Atmos tracks.
  • BassPraisedThe wireless subwoofer is described as deep and controlled without booming.
  • SetupMixedCalibration and the app work but take time and several attempts for some users.
  • SizeCriticisedThe bar is wide and tall, which can block a TV's bottom edge or crowd a stand.
Reviews
  • The Best Soundbars for 2026
  • Best Soundbars 2026: Options to suit your home cinema needs
  • We tested four premium Dolby Atmos soundbars: can JBL, LG or Sony defeat Sonos?
  • The Best Soundbars for 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026: we tested more than 20 soundbars to find these 7 Dolby Atmos winners

Questions and answers

Which is better for hearing dialogue in movies?
The Arc Ultra. Its center array is tuned for vocals and the app adds adjustable Speech Enhancement. The Sony has a center channel but no speech-boost setting.
Do either of these include a subwoofer?
No. Both are standalone bars. The Arc Ultra pairs with the Sonos Sub, and the Sony pairs with a BRAVIA Theatre sub, sold separately.
Which is easier to set up?
The Arc Ultra. One HDMI eARC cable plus app guidance, and Trueplay tunes itself. The Sony also uses a single HDMI connection but relies on manual app setup.
Is the Sony louder?
On paper yes, with a much higher rated power figure. In practice both fill a normal living room, and the Arc Ultra's tuning keeps balance at high volume.
Which works better with a Google smart home?
The Sony, which supports Google Assistant. The Arc Ultra supports Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control only.
Can I add rear speakers later?
Yes on both. Sonos takes Era 300 or Era 100 rears; Sony takes its own BRAVIA Theatre rear speakers.

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Yes
ColorWhiteBlack
Dolby Atmos EnabledYesYes
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical AudioBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, Ethernet
Crossover Frequency70 Hz (for Arc Ultra and Sub)—
Power SourcePlug in the power cable—
Audio HighlightsDolby Atmos Enabled—
Output Level (SPL)Volume hovering around 30 (out of 50)—
Special PurposeSoundbar—
Width46.4 in wide—
Channels9.1.4—
WiFi✅—
Physical ConnectionsHDMI eARC, Ethernet—
Voice Assistant✅ Sonos Voice Control and Alexa—
Subwoofer Output❌ (Wireless connection to Sonos sub)—
HDMI Inputs0—
Auto Room Calibration✅ Trueplay, plus QuickTune on Android—
Dialogue Enhance Mode✅ Adjustable Speech Enhancement—
Configuration—2 Channel
Battery Life—10 hr battery life
  • Best wireless surround sound speakers with Dolby Atmos
  • Best soundbars for Sony BRAVIA TVs with Dolby Atmos