When shopping for a premium soundbar to boost your TV, movie and music listening experience, two brands stand out from the pack – Klipsch and Sonos. Both companies make high-performing soundbars packed with features tailored for home theaters and whole-home audio. But with different strengths geared toward different buyers, deciding between them can be tricky.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Sonos and Klipsch soundbars across all the factors that matter most – audio quality, design, smart features, connectivity, expandability, pricing and more. Read on for a detailed feature-by-feature analysis to help you determine the best brand for your needs.
Klipsch vs Sonos Soundbars: How They Compare
While Klipsch and Sonos take different approaches, they both offer premium soundbars that outperform basic models. This overview table summarizes how they stack up across key categories:
| Klipsch | Sonos | |
| Audio Quality | ● Crystal clear, dynamic sound with emphasis on power and detail | ● Balanced, natural soundstage focused on immersive surround effects |
| Smart Features | ● Voice control via Alexa / Google Assistant on some models | ● Advanced smart speaker capabilities with Alexa and Google Assistant support across lineup |
| Connectivity | ● HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, WiFi, Sub/Satellite ports on most models | ● Primarily depends on WiFi with some models having HDMI ARC or optical |
| Expandability | ● Compatible with Klipsch subwoofers and surround speakers (sold separately) | ● Works with full Sonos home theater speaker system (sold separately) |
| Design | ● Premium materials and classic angular look | ● Sleek, minimalist, modern aesthetics |
| Price | ● $200 – $1,000+ | ● $279 – $1,900+ |
As you can see, Klipsch soundbars shine for audio quality while Sonos excels at smart connectivity and ecosystem integration. Both provide a range of options at different price points. The following sections explore their differences in more detail across the key factors buyers consider.
Audio Quality
Delivering superb audio is the primary job of any soundbar. This is the area where Klipsch leaves its biggest impression.
Klipsch leverages exclusive horn-loaded technology that produces dynamic, detailed sound you can crank up to room-filling volumes without distortion. The company is known for smooth, warm acoustic reproduction combined with prominent mid and high tones thanks to specialized tweeters. Vocals come through with lifelike clarity. You get thundering bass courtesy of built-in or companion wireless subwoofers on many models.
Rather than focus on power and precision, Sonos aims for a balanced listening experience with clear definition across low, mid and high frequencies for both music and movie audio. Advanced audio processing creates an immersive surround soundstage that envelops you. Dialogue enhancement tweaks make voices more discernable. Trueplay tuning adapts output to optimize sound based on factors like room size and layout. More premium options add 3D Dolby Atmos for added dimensionality.
Both deliver much better sound than you’d get from low or mid-priced competitors. Klipsch packs more of a sonic punch that home theater fans will appreciate while Sonos provides pleasing tunes for music and cleaner TV/movie audio.
Smart Features
Integration with smart home platforms for hands-free voice control and whole-home streaming sets Sonos soundbars apart.
Only higher-end Klipsch models offer built-in Alexa or Google Assistant support. You can verbally ask questions, get weather updates or control playback. But they don’t provide deeper smart speaker capabilities beyond basics like these.
Meanwhile, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility comes standard across Sonos’ full line. That means every Sonos soundbar doubles as a full-fledged smart speaker. Send music to different rooms, set timers and reminders, check your calendar, listen to the news and much more using only your voice. No other soundbar brand can match Sonos for robust voice assistant integration right out of the box.
Note that Klipsch soundbars with HDMI ARC connections can control basic TV functions like power, volume and input switching using TV remote voice commands passed through compatible smart TVs models. But they rely on those smart TVs’ built-in mics rather than having their own.
Connectivity
From ports to wireless connectivity to audio decoding, what connections a soundbar supports determines what devices you can use with it and what audio formats you can enjoy.
Klipsch configures its soundbars with a generous selection of wired and wireless connection options. HDMI ARC is standard on most models for passing uncompressed digital audio to and from modern TVs. Optical digital outputs provide backwards compatibility with older TVs while analog RCA ports are sometimes included too. Blu-ray players, game consoles and streaming devices plug directly into spare HDMI inputs on certain higher-end Klipsch models as well.
That HDMI support also enables Klipsch soundbars to decode advanced surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. And Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music from smartphones and computers over the air.
The story is quite different with Sonos. Their soundbars stick with minimal ports to maintain a streamlined aesthetic. Mostly you’ll get just an HDMI ARC port for TV audio and Ethernet for wired networking. That forces reliance on WiFi for streaming. Sonos’ proprietary wireless platform is robust and flexible though. You can create an entire ecosystem of Sonos speakers connected over WiFi without needing a central hub or complex wiring.
Lack of HDMI inputs and multi-channel audio decoding does limit Sonos’ capabilities versus serious home theater setups though. Note that certain Sonos models like the flagship Arc do include eARC, Dolby Atmos and TrueHD/Dolby Digital Plus decoding to keep up with latest entertainment gear.
Expandability
Another benefit to Sonos or Klipsch soundbars are expansion options to add satellite speakers, subwoofers and more for upgraded surround sound.
Sonos sells a full range of Play speakers like the Five, One and One SL you can incorporate for genuine 5.1 or greater surround effects. Everything integrates seamlessly over WiFi without rewiring. Control it all from the intuitive Sonos app. Create different listening zones with independent volume control per room. Install in-wall, ceiling or outdoor speakers where desired rather than needing floor space. While building a complete Sonos home theater isn‘t cheap, the level of flexibility and performance is unmatched.
For music or home theater use, Klipsch also makes a variety of subwoofers plus front, rear and height-channel speakers. Hardwired sub/satellite ports on Klipsch bars simplify adding more components down the road. Just plug extra speakers in to activate simulated Dolby Pro Logic IIz processing or up to 5.1 surround. An external amp may be recommended for fuller powering though. Again, costs add up but delivers a terrific immersive experience.
Design
With aesthetics playing a role in home integration, both companies offer soundbars matched to contemporary interior design trends.
Klipsch products stand out through familiar angular construction with wood grain accents and brushed metal speaker grills. The iconic copper design flourishes on higher-end Reference series models also catch the eye. You’ll appreciate the clean dimensions that sit gracefully beneath TVs whether mounted to the wall or resting on media consoles. It’s a stylish yet subtle look refined over decades that asserts a clear premium quality.
Sonos opts for softer lines with matte black or white finishes to blend seamlessly rather than grab attention. Touch-sensitive controls maintain a distinctive modern flair. Wall mounting brackets keep the audio hardware hidden away for a floating appearance. For the latest Sonos Ray, Arc and Beam models, subtle lighting accentuates the minimalist form factor. The unified aesthetic extends across the full Sonos ecosystem too for a consistent look as you expand your system.
Price and Value
As premium soundbar brands, both Sonos and Klipsch command higher prices than no-name competitors. But within their lineups you’ll find options spanning reasonable mid-range budgets all the way up to extravagant home theater installations.
Entry-level Klipsch Cinema and Bar series models start around $250. Step-up Reference series options cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000+. Inclusion of separate subwoofers, surround speakers or height channels adds expense. Yet given their first-rate performance and construction, most Klipsch soundbars deliver excellent value.
The newest Sonos Ray soundbar makes an especially affordable starting point at just $279 with upgraded Beam and Arc models covering the $400 to $900 range. Building a full 5.1 or Dolby Atmos-capable Sonos surround system requires an investment of $1,700 and up. But again, for what you get in terms of versatility, streaming access and multi-room audio, Sonos earns its premier status.
Overall Klipsch prevails if you want superior audio quality for serious TV and movie watching while Sonos excels for wireless connectivity, voice assistance and whole-home audio.
Our Picks: Best Klipsch and Sonos Soundbars
Ready to experience these esteemed soundbar brands for yourself? Here are our top Klipsch and Sonos recommendations across budget levels for both entry-level upgrades and higher-end surround sound:
Budget Buy Under $500
● Klipsch Cinema 600
Priced around $350, the Klipsch Cinema 600 packs incredible performance for the money. Horn tweeters and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer housed in a sleek 45-inch cabinet bathe rooms with premium fidelity. Virtual surround effects, Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connectivity complete a home theater-caliber audio upgrade.
● Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The newer second generation Sonos Beam improves upon the pioneering original with noticeably better sound, Dolby Atmos support and faster processing starting at $499. A center-mounted tweeter ensures clearer dialogue from your TV while angled side-firing drivers create immersive audio across a compact form factor.
Mid-Range Marvel Under $1,000
● Klipsch Reference Theater Pack
This 5.1-channel bundle comes with four surround speakers plus a 12-inch sub for about $950 total MSRP. Klipsch’s amazing Reference Premiere RP-450C center channel soundbar ships with the set for distinctly bright and pleasant audio reproduction sure to please home theater fans.
● Sonos Arc
Sonos’ soundbar flagship provides amazing fidelity and bass from 11 drivers tucked inside its slender frame. This WiFi-enabled smart speaker decodes Dolby Atmos and TrueHD while doubling as the nerve center for building out a Sonos whole-home audio ecosystem. Usually $899 but worth every penny.
All-Out Surround Sound Investment
● Klipsch Reference Theater Pack 5.1.4
Go big with this $1,700 configuration from Klipsch with upfiring speakers for Dolby Atmos height effects plus left, center and right speakers with a 12-inch wireless sub. Reference Premiere series horn-loaded technology ensures full-bodied acoustics sure to please the most discerning ears.
● Sonos Arc + Sub (Gen 3) + Surrounds
Create immersive Dolby Atmos sound that fills the space throughout your room with this popular Sonos 5.1.2 setup. Cost for the latest Arc soundbar, Sub mini subwoofer and pair of Sonos One SL satellite speakers rings up around $1,696 MSRP. Control it all seamlessly from the Sonos app.
Still Can’t Decide? Consider These Soundbar Alternatives
Beyond Klipsch and Sonos, brands like Bose, Yamaha, LG, JBL and Vizio give you more options for standalone soundbars or complete surround sound rigs:
- Bose – Renowned audio pedigree but much pricier
- Yamaha – Emphasis on music over home theater
- LG – Best suited to LG TV owners
- JBL – Solid bass-heavy performance on a budget
- Vizio – Good value low-cost home theater systems
Comparison shop models in your price range from any of these brands to make sure you discover the optimal soundbar for both your ears and wallet.
Klipsch or Sonos Soundbars: Which Should You Buy?
When it comes down to Klipsch vs Sonos, you really can’t go wrong. Both deliver much better audio than built-in TV speakers can manage and come loaded with connectivity options. Their friendly form factors fit almost any space while allowing flexible placement. And models exist for buyers on all types of budgets.
Choose Klipsch soundbars if you mainly want to boost TV, movie and video game audio with powerful, realistic sound. Opt for Sonos if you care more about music streaming, customization or linkage with an existing smart home ecosystem.
Whichever route you decide, be ready for a serious sonic upgrade that makes entertainment at home more thrilling than ever!
