Sonos vs Samsung Soundbars: Buy-for-Scale or Buy-for-Power — A Practical Guide

TL;DR: Choose Sonos if you want a modular, software-first multi-room audio platform that you can expand over time. Choose Samsung if you need a one-time, TV-focused system with broad HDMI connectivity and strong value for a complete home theater. Both support Dolby Atmos and streaming; the right pick depends on ecosystem, upgrade strategy, and use case.

Who this guide is for

• IT and AV buyers planning multi-room installations for offices, hospitality, or retail
• Executives and procurement managers weighing total cost of ownership and vendor lock-in
• Home theater or gaming buyers deciding between phased expansion or a one-box solution
• AV integrators and facilities managers needing clarity on compatibility with SmartThings, HDMI 2.1, and enterprise control systems

Quick comparison at a glance

Core philosophical difference

Think of Sonos as a platform and Samsung as a system. Sonos prioritizes a software-first, modular experience: you buy one speaker now and add others later, all coordinated by a single app and Wi‑Fi mesh. Samsung prioritizes hardware completeness: rich HDMI connectivity, bundled rear speakers and subwoofers, and features that plug directly into Samsung TVs and SmartThings.

“Sonos is the choice for buyers wanting a scalable, whole-home audio investment that can be customized over time.”

That distinction shapes procurement strategy. If procurement needs predictability and a one-time install that “just works” with TV and gaming gear, Samsung’s bundled approach often looks cheaper and simpler. If your priority is long-term flexibility, phased budgets, or a consistent audio experience across rooms, Sonos’s model reduces future friction.

Connectivity, formats and gaming considerations

Both vendors support modern spatial audio—Dolby Atmos is available on higher-end models from each brand—and both offer voice assistants and music streaming integrations. Where they diverge is in low-level connectivity and gaming support.

• HDMI and passthrough: Samsung includes more HDMI inputs on many models, and select soundbars have HDMI 2.1 with 4K@120Hz passthrough—important for high-frame-rate gaming on next-gen consoles. If you’re building a gaming room, that passthrough reduces the need for external switchers and preserves console features (VRR, ALLM).
• eARC and audio fidelity: Sonos relies heavily on eARC to preserve high-bitrate audio from TVs and sources. eARC (an HDMI feature that preserves high-quality TV audio) ensures Atmos and multichannel tracks reach the soundbar intact when the TV is the hub.
• File and codec support: Samsung commonly supports a broader set of local file formats on network playback; Sonos focuses on streaming services and tight platform integration.

If low latency and multiple HDMI sources are part of the spec sheet, add “HDMI 2.1 passthrough” to your requirements checklist. If centralized control and wireless multi-room sync are priorities, prioritize eARC-compatible Sonos models.

Use cases and recommendations

Meeting rooms and office rollout

Recommendation: Sonos.

Why: Multi-room consistency, simple Wi‑Fi-based installs, and centralized control through a single app make Sonos a better match for phased rollouts across meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and lobbies. You can start with a soundbar for each conference room and later add lobby speakers without changing the control model or training staff on multiple interfaces.

Hospitality and retail (distributed audio)

Recommendation: Sonos for ambiance and phased installs; Samsung for isolated high-impact theater rooms.

Why: For background music and brand consistency across several zones, Sonos offers easier scaling and playlist management. For a hotel’s dedicated screening room or a retail space needing a single powerful theatre experience, a Samsung bundled system delivers strong upfront impact.

Home theater and gaming

Recommendation: Samsung if gaming and HDMI bandwidth matter; Sonos if you prioritize cleaner multi-room audio and streaming ecosystem.

Why: Samsung’s HDMI breadth and 4K@120Hz options keep console features intact. Sonos offers cleaner setup for a whole-home listening experience but may require additional components to match the same surround depth or gaming passthrough.

Executive homes or small-scale installations

Recommendation: Sonos for phased investment and elegance; Samsung for immediate, powerful theater.

Total cost of ownership & manageability

Two financial dynamics matter: upfront spend and lifecycle costs. Samsung often wins on upfront value when you buy a packaged system (soundbar + sub + rears), especially if that avoids buying separate components. Sonos spreads cost out: you buy incrementally and pay for the ecosystem over time.

Lifecycle considerations:

• Software updates: Sonos has a strong track record of over-the-air firmware updates that keep older hardware functional and compatible with new services. That reduces mid-life replacement risk.
• Vendor lock-in: Samsung’s accessories can be model-specific; some subwoofers and rear speakers only pair with certain S- or Q-series soundbars. That narrows future choices unless you stay inside Samsung’s ecosystem.
• Central management: For multi-site deployments, ask vendors whether they offer enterprise provisioning, warranty extensions, or central monitoring. Sonos supports onboarding at scale through business-focused partners; Samsung integrates tightly with SmartThings where applicable but may require third-party AV control systems (Crestron, Control4) for advanced centralized management.

Alternatives and budget options

If flagship prices feel excessive, consider competitive alternatives from JBL, LG, and Sony. These brands often match core features—Dolby Atmos support, voice assistants, and reasonable HDMI connectivity—at lower price points, making them suitable for pilots, temporary installs, or environments where budget trumps premium service and long-term expandability.

Decision checklist

• Do you need multi-room audio or phased expansion?
  

  Choose Sonos.

• Is HDMI 2.1 passthrough and low gaming latency required?
  

  Choose Samsung (or a gaming-oriented alternative).

• Will the soundbar need to integrate with SmartThings or Samsung TVs?
  

  Choose Samsung for native integration and Q‑Symphony sync with compatible 2020+ Samsung TVs.

• Do you prefer to buy once and get a full home theater out of the box?
  

  Samsung’s bundled packages offer strong value.

• Is long-term OTA support and cross-vendor flexibility a priority?
  

  Sonos’s software-forward approach reduces obsolescence risk.

FAQ — quick operational answers

Will Sonos work with non-Sonos speakers?

Sonos is primarily a closed ecosystem for multi-room sync; it excels when you standardize on Sonos devices. Third-party integration exists but is limited compared with open AV matrixes.

Which Samsung soundbars support Q‑Symphony?

Q‑Symphony works with many Samsung soundbars and 2020+ Samsung TVs; check Samsung’s compatibility list for model pairings before procurement.

Can either system be managed remotely for multiple sites?

Both vendors have commercial partners and provisioning options. For enterprise-grade remote management, plan for an AV integrator or a control system (Crestron, Control4) that can bridge devices into your management stack.

How important is eARC?

Critical if you route audio through the TV and want full Atmos or uncompressed audio from streaming apps and consoles. Verify both TV and soundbar support eARC.

One-line verdict

Choose Sonos for scalable, multi-room audio with long-term software support; choose Samsung for a one-time, TV-centric home theater with broad HDMI connectivity and strong bundled value.

Need a procurement-ready checklist tailored to meeting rooms, hospitality, or gaming suites? Download a printable checker that aligns technical specs (HDMI versions, eARC, voice-control, warranty) with business requirements and budget tiers to simplify vendor selection and RFPs.