Sonos Era 300Mains-powered spatial music speaker and optional Sonos surroundEra 300 is worth considering for deliberate spatial-music listening or a planned Sonos surround system.Wi-Fi$479No brand hub or Thread router required
Apple HomePod (2nd generation)Smart speaker, Matter Controller and Thread Border RouterThe second-generation HomePod makes sense as an Apple-focused music or TV speaker with a home hub included.Thread$349No brand hub or Thread router required
Sonos RaySmall optical TV soundbar with Sonos music streamingRay is a reasonable $219 Sonos TV upgrade when space is tight, the TV has optical output and its remote can send compatible infrared commands.Wi-Fi$219No brand hub or Thread router required
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)Compact HDMI soundbar with virtual Dolby Atmos height effectsBeam Gen 2 remains a sensible compact TV soundbar when its 65 cm width, HDMI control and Sonos music features fit the room.Wi-Fi$499No brand hub or Thread router required
Apple HomePod miniSmart speaker, Matter Controller and Thread Border RouterApple replaced HomePod mini with HomePod mini 2 in October 2026, but the original still does the same Apple home hub and Thread job.ThreadNo brand hub or Thread router required