Design and build:

Comparing Sennheiser Ambeo Plus vs Sonos Arc, the Arc is longer in width making it a good fit for 75 to 80” TVs. The Ambeo Plus 41” so it can pair with 65 to 75” TVs easily. Both the soundbars are made of plastic and can be wall mounted. The Ambeo Plus has grilles to protect the driver and a fabric covers the sides of the body. Sonos Arc has plastic grilles and overall, these soundbars have sturdy and durable build.

Performance:

Comparing Sennheiser Ambeo Plus vs Sonos Arc, Ambeo Plus has a 5.1.2 channel configuration and the Arc is a 5.0.2 soundbar. Sonos Arc uses Trueplay feature for its room calibration but this will work with Apple devices and will use their microphone. It has 3 tweeters and 8 woofers for front, sides and upward channels. Its shows deep bass but with a subwoofer, it improves significantly. Atmos effects are powerful and prominent.

They give a good sense of height and the soundfield seems to engulf the user from all around. This is more accurate and powerful than that of Ambeo Plus. Comparing Sennheiser Ambeo Plus vs Sonos Arc, the Arc has a more powerful soundstage. It is wider and broader that can follow the objects on screen. It has a broad stereo image. Instrumental sounds are accurate and seems musical.

Sennheiser Ambeo Plus has a total of 9 drivers and it uses Ambeo Virtualization technology. This focuses on creating a cinematic and immersive surround sound. It offers 4 3D modes including Light, Regular, Boost, or Off. For best results, it is suggested to place the bar within 3.3125' to 16.4375' from walls and ceiling. Just like Sonos Arc, the Ambeo Plus uses Auto room calibration to optimize the sound based on room layout.

It has a wide soundfield with decent accuracy. Overall, the soundbar can deliver dynamic and rich sound which is great coming from a standalone bar. It allows a total of 4 subwoofer connection but that will require some good space in the room.

In terms of loudness the Ambeo Plus can get louder and both are suitable to be placed in large rooms. However, since they are standalone bars, it is suitable to use them medium sized rooms. The soundbars have center channel so you do not have to worry about dialogue clarity. Play TV shows or dialogue heavy contents to get clear, intelligible and loud vocals.

Features:

In terms of settings, both these bars have night mode and dialogue enhancement. Sonos Arc has bass and treble option. Sennheiser Ambeo plus has virtual surround and 4 band graphic EQ. By adding Sonos Port and Boost devices, the SonosNet can stream content to all devices within 100’ range. It has a TV Audio Swap feature that allows you to transfer audio from headphone like Sonos Ace to soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Plus has Google Case with which you can create multiroom audio system. Apple Airplay 2 can also create multiroom audio system. The Airplay and its facilities are also available in the Sonos Arc. Using the Smart Control app, you can get access to several settings including Surround Sound Virtualizer, Sound Profile (Movie, Music, News, etc.), Voice & Night mode, DRC, etc.

These soundbars are compatible with contents from internet radio and online streaming services like iHeartRadio, Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer, Spotify, Tidal, etc.

Connectivity:

A HDMI eARC and Ethernet port are common in both soundbars. Sennheiser Ambeo Plus also has 2 HDMI In, stereo RCA, USB (for updates only) and Sub out port. Sonos Arc has HDMI to optical adapter in case you have a TV with only optical port. Comparing Sennheiser Ambeo Plus vs Sonos Arc, the Arc is less versatile as it does not support Bluetooth or Chromecast. The bars have Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, Apple Airplay 2.

Multiple speaker pairing:

Sonos Arc can be a part of Sonos multiroom system where it can connect up to 32 devices and create 16 groups. It will work with Sonos S2 OS. Completing a system like pairing Sonos Sub and Era 100 to the Sonos Arc bring impressive result.

The Sennheiser Ambeo Plus can easily be paired with the Sennheiser Ambeo Sub. This 8” subwoofer connects to the bar wirelessly.

Control options:

These soundbars have basic controls on the bar. Sonos Arc has volume, mute, source change, Bluetooth and a multifunction button (play/pause, voice assistant). On Sennheiser Ambeo plus you will find play/pause, volume up/down, mute options.

Comparing the Sonos Arc vs Sennheiser Ambeo Plus, the Sonos Arc does not have any remote control. You will only get the Sonos S2 app. Sennheiser Ambeo Plus has both remote and mobile app. It has compact and comes with basic control options.

Cost:

Comparing Sennheiser Ambeo Plus vs Sonos Arc, the Sonos Arc is less costly. Ambeo Plus exceeds $1000 whereas the Arc is available under $900.

FAQ:

Sonos Arc, surrounds and sub or Sennheiser Ambeo Plus and sub, which is better?

Sonos Arc with sub and surrounds perform way better than the Ambeo Plus. Surround speakers with the Arc works together in producing impactful and immersive experience.

What is Sonos Voice Control?

The Sonos Voice Control feature is designed to work with Sonos products. Use it to command and control Sonos Arc and other Sonos products. Users can give several commands to multiple devices at once. Say the wake words ‘Hey Sonos’ and give commands. The following services are supported to play contents from: Sonos Radio, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Pandora.