Sonos vs Samsung Soundbar: Multiroom and TV Sound

Proprietary ecosystems: how they differ

Both Sonos and Samsung soundbars use proprietary wireless technology for multiroom audio, rather than standard Bluetooth. Bluetooth Classic, as described in the Bluetooth technology overview, is designed for point-to-point audio streaming between a source and one speaker. For whole-home audio, a soundbar must connect over Wi-Fi or a proprietary protocol to keep multiple rooms in sync. That is why both brands insist you use their own apps and wireless links to group speakers.

Proprietary means you are investing in one brand's product family. Sonos built its entire brand around this idea: you start with one soundbar or speaker, then add Sonos components to other rooms, all controlled from the Sonos app. Samsung's ecosystem, which includes its own wireless speaker connections and works with the SmartThings app, also locks you in but leans heavily on the Samsung TV as the hub. For more on app-based control, see our explainer on soundbar app control.

• Sonos: One app, dozens of compatible speakers, easy grouping, but you need to buy Sonos components.
• Samsung: Tighter integration with Samsung TVs via Q-Symphony and shared wireless links; you can mix with some Samsung wireless speakers.

Voice control: which assistant works?

Voice control has become a standard feature on modern soundbars, and both Sonos and Samsung offer models with built-in microphones that let you change volume, skip tracks, and pause music hands-free. The exact voice assistant support differs by model and region, but the key is that voice commands are processed through the soundbar's own network connection and mic array. This makes a soundbar a convenient entry point for a whole-home voice setup, as explained in our guide to soundbar voice assistants.

When comparing voice control, think about which assistant you already use in your home. Sonos has historically supported Alexa and Google Assistant on many of its products, while Samsung has offered Bixby and sometimes Alexa, but the availability changes. The real advantage of a soundbar with a mic is that it sits in your living room, so voice pickup works even when the TV is on, letting you control audio without reaching for a remote. For details on how microphones are positioned and how to place the bar, see our page on soundbar voice assistant mics.

Wireless multiroom features

Multiroom audio is where Sonos shines. The Sonos platform allows you to group any combination of Sonos speakers and play the same music or different playlists in separate rooms, all from one app. The app also supports streaming services, and you can create zones that automatically sync when you walk from one room to another. Samsung's multiroom system is functional but often more limited outside its own ecosystem. You can pair Samsung soundbars and some wireless speakers, but the grouping options are not as granular as what Sonos offers.

Both platforms have adopted universal streaming protocols like AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, which let you cast audio from a phone or computer without the brand's app. This is useful if you do not want to commit entirely to one ecosystem. For a deeper dive into how these wireless standards interact with soundbars, read our articles on soundbar Wi-Fi multiroom and AirPlay 2. If you are comparing Sonos to Bose's multiroom solution, see Sonos vs Bose multiroom.

TV sound and home theater integration

For TV sound, both companies offer soundbars that support the latest HDMI eARC connection, which lets you send lossless audio from the TV to the soundbar over a single cable. HDMI is the standard for this because it carries both audio and video, and the HDMI Forum continues to update the spec to support higher bandwidth and new features, as noted on the HDMI Licensing Administrator site. With eARC, you can enjoy Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from streaming apps or Blu-ray players.

Samsung has a clear advantage when paired with a Samsung TV: Q-Symphony, which uses the TV's built-in speakers along with the soundbar to create a wider soundstage. Sonos also excels in the home theater space with its Arc, Beam, and Ray soundbars, which can be paired with a Sonos Sub and rear speakers. Both support rear speaker kits, but Sonos's wireless surround add-ons are easy to set up. For more on rear speakers, see our guide to soundbars with rear speakers. If you are weighing channel counts, our article on soundbar channel numbers explains what the numbers mean.

When choosing a soundbar for TV, consider the size of your room and how loud you like to listen. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders warns that sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss with long exposure, so aim for a soundbar that can deliver clear dialogue at moderate volumes. For more guidance, read our article on soundbar room size and power.

Which soundbar should you pick?

Your choice comes down to what you value more: a flexible music multiroom system or deep integration with your TV vendor. If you already own a Samsung TV, a Samsung soundbar makes sense because features like Q-Symphony and the wireless subwoofer pairing are designed to work together without configuration. If you are starting a whole-home audio setup and want to extend beyond the living room, Sonos is the more mature platform with a wider catalog of speakers and a better app experience.

Look at the specific soundbar models in each brand's current lineup and compare their specs. Our buying guides for best Sonos soundbars and best Samsung soundbars break down the options by performance and features. For those who want a soundbar that works with any TV, check the best soundbars overall and narrow by your budget.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I control a Sonos soundbar with Samsung SmartThings?

No. Sonos is controlled exclusively through the Sonos app or its own voice and AirPlay/Chromecast support. It does not integrate with Samsung's SmartThings ecosystem. You would need to use the Sonos app or a compatible assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Do Samsung soundbars work with non-Samsung TVs?

Yes, Samsung soundbars connect to any TV via HDMI ARC or eARC, optical cable, or Bluetooth. However, features like Q-Symphony require a Samsung TV, so you lose that extra integration if you own a different brand.

Which brand has better voice control?

Both have competent voice control with built-in mics, but the assistant availability varies by model. Sonos has historically supported Alexa and Google Assistant on most products, while Samsung offers Bixby on many models and sometimes Alexa. Choose based on which assistant you already use at home.

Is a Sonos multiroom system expensive to build?

Sonos speakers and soundbars are premium products, so building a multiroom setup can be an investment. The cost adds up as you add more zones, but you can start with just a soundbar and add speakers later. The app makes expansion easy, and the system is designed to scale.

Does Samsung have a true multiroom like Sonos?

Samsung offers a multiroom feature through its wireless speakers and the SmartThings app, but it is not as mature or flexible as Sonos. Samsung's ecosystem is more focused on pairing with its soundbars and TVs, and you generally cannot combine a wide variety of speakers as you can with Sonos.

Which brand gives the better sound for movies?

Both can deliver excellent movie sound, especially with Dolby Atmos models. Samsung's Q-Symphony can create a wider soundstage when used with a compatible TV, while Sonos offers a clear, balanced sound with excellent dialogue clarity. Your choice may come down to the specific model and whether you want rear speakers.