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.

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,...

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

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

Good bass reproduction ; Clear vocals ; Solid and elegant design ; Multiroom expandability

App not up to par ; Too colored sound ; No DTS or Dolby Atmos support

Great design ; Brilliant sound ; Works perfectly with existing Sonos system ; Excellent design for TVs on stands

Expensive ; Built-in woofer can't shake a room

The Sonos PlayBase is an excellent soundbar, but the $699 price of admission may be too high for many.