Testseek.com have collected 144 expert reviews of the Sonos PlayBar soundbar and the average rating is 85%. Scroll down and see all reviews for Sonos PlayBar soundbar.
April 2013
(85%)
144 Reviews
Average score from experts who have reviewed this product.
Users
(82%)
28 Reviews
Average score from owners of the product.
850100144
The editors liked
This is one of the best sounding speakers in our review
SONOS platform is ideal for music lovers
Discrete 5.1 surround from compatible sources
Elegant looks
Wireless operation
A model of simplicity
Very good sound overall
Considering size
Simple connection and set-up
Nice looking and nice personality
Flexible installation
SONOS app puts the world of music at your fingertips
The Sonos Playbar integrates the company's best-in-class digital music software into a thoughtfully designed sound bar. It's dead simple to set up and works seamlessly with other Sonos products
And can even be expanded to a true wireless 5.1 system by ad
Smooth overall sound quality. Surprisingly effective low-end response given the lack of a subwoofer. Flexible wireless streaming. Doesn't distort on deep bass at high volumes.
Full sound without a subwoofe
Excellent for musi
Support for most streaming music services
Ease of setup and use
Offers true wireless 5.1
Fantastic sound for movies and TV
Big whoop
Right? We came here to hear
And the Playbar doesn't disappoint. In tests with an assortment of audio sources
Including a live telecast of the Oscars
A Bluray of Skyfall
Uncharted 3 on a PS3
And lots of songs streamed from Pandora and Songz
Large
Expansive sound field effectively wraps sound around you
Awesome loudness capability
Yet low on distortion
Warm
Easy-on-the-ears sound makes long-term listening a breeze
Best aesthetic design we've seen yet for a soundbar
Music sounds like music
Natural and full
But still with plenty of space. Ease of use and setup is unparalleled
As expected from Sonos. Why isn't anyone out there competing with them?
Great sound
Stylish
Useful sound modes
Simple set up
Great
Room-filling sound for a soundbar
Top-notch build quality
Easy as pie setup
Its own music server
Integrates with Sonos environment
Controllable via smartphone
The editors didn't like
It doesn't have any other connectivity other than Wi-Fi
Expensive
Single optical input
No DTS decoding
Limited by TVs in getting discrete 5.1 sound
Needs mo bass
Gets a bit congested at high volumes
Could use a second fiberoptic input and DTS support
Limited by TV's ability to pass through 5.1 surround
A little pricey
The Playbar's heavily processed sound won't please purists. It's also expensive and there are considerably better-sounding alternatives in its price range. Many buyers would be fine with cheaper AirPlay or Bluetooth alternatives
Requires wired Ethernet unless you already have a Sonos Bridge. No hardware remote control. Highly processed sound isn't for purists
Expensiv
No Bluetooth connectivity
No 3.5mm input
Apps feel clunky
Over-reliant on optical audio
Not ideal for music listening
Lacks a dedicated remote. Like all Sonos gear
It's priced to make you cry. Not much bass
Unless you add the company's 0 subwoofer (more tears). Requires an Ethernet connection or Sonos Bridge
Pricier than the competition – even pricier with a subwoofer
Single input woefully limits flexibility
In large rooms (18 ft distance from TV to viewer) the stereo field felt a bit narrow
Beautiful sound, Integrates well into Sonos system, Can wirelessly add sub and satellites, Clever audio modes, Rich, broadlycompatible apps
Not cheap, Requires particular TVs, No remote in the box, Only one input
We like the Playbar enormously. It sounds stunning, can integrate nicely into an existing Sonos audio system, or be the first thing you add to your home from which a rich, easy to use multi-room audio system can organically grow. We'd be happy to use it ...
Can be integrated into a Sonos whole-home audio system; very good sound with both movies and music; versatile setup options; just two wires: TOSlink and power
Not a surround-sound system; lacks in-your-face bass response; doesn't support Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio, $999
If you already have a traditional home theater audio system with an AV receiver, three or more speakers up front, a subwoofer, and two discrete surround channels, there's no reason to switch to the Playbar; you'll be disappointed if you do. If you're cons...
Was this review helpful?
(80%)
Published: 2013-03-05, Author: Matthew , review by: cnet.com.au
The Sonos Playbar integrates the company's best-in-class digital music software into a thoughtfully designed sound bar. It's dead simple to set up and works seamlessly with other Sonos products, and can even be expanded to a true wireless 5.1 system by ad
The Playbar's heavily processed sound won't please purists. It's also expensive and there are considerably better-sounding alternatives in its price range. Many buyers would be fine with cheaper AirPlay or Bluetooth alternatives
The Sonos Playbar is cleverly designed and does great fake surround, but it's better suited to current Sonos customers than newcomers....
Was this review helpful?
(70%)
Published: 2013-03-05, Author: Mario , review by: gizmodo.com.au
The Playbar does a lovely job, but you could get something that sounds just as good with more features for less money. That said, Sonos is a luxurious, simple and satisfying way to listen to music. If you can afford it in the first place, you won't be dis...
Much improved sound vs. TV speakers, Can be expanded to 5.1 surround, Great design, versatile placement
Limited audio adjustment, High price
Sonos's PLAYBAR music system requires an accompanying smartphone or tablet and a little bit of practice, but as a way of bringing together all your music sources *and* replacing your TV's speakers, it's without equal. It's not the best soundbar we've hear...
Abstract: Sonos' apps are available on iOS and Android and there's also desktop software available for Windows and OS X. There are also third-party alternatives if you want an app that works across Windows 10 on desktops and mobile devices. You can use either Phono...
Impressive sound quality, Stunning music performance, Very easy to setup, Intuitive and simple app, Can be expanded with Sonos Sub and speakers, Remote learning feature
Very pricey, Occasional heavy bass, No HDMI connections
At £699.99 the Playbar from Sonos is at the top end of soundbar price points. With the competition usually including a separate subwoofer and HDMI connections, the Playbar includes none of those at this price. In fact, if you use the facility to turn the...
Abstract: Sonos is famous for its wireless multi-room speakers but it can be hard to know which one is best for you. We explain everything you need to know about Sonos including the app, controller, music services, features, reviews and more. Founded back in 2002...
Published: 2017-12-01, Author: Stuart , review by: pocket-lint.com
Great sound, easy setup, voice control via an Alexa-enabled device, ample bass without sub, Sonos app platform remains one of the best out there, seamless multi-room integration with Sonos system
No HDMI, no 7.1 support, very expensive, no DTS Surround support
The Sonos Playbar is a fantastic piece of kit that really delivers. While the price might seem high on the surface you are getting a speaker that replaces your AV receiver, a stack of speakers, and the ability to make it part of a bigger streaming system...
