For many, the Sonos brand is synonymous with high-quality wireless speakers for a variety of different uses. From home theater setups to outdoor parties, there is a Sonos speaker for everyone.
Sonos’ flagship product is the Sonos Arc. However, you might become confused when you want to buy a Sonos Arc soundbar and see both the Sonos Arc and Sonos Arc SL.
What exactly is the difference between the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Arc SL? They are similar, except that the Sonos Arc is a standard version, and the Arc SL is a special edition. Sonos Arc SL was released toward the end of 2020, and it doesn’t have an in-built microphone, unlike the standard Sonos Arc. In this article, we’ll compare the Sonos Arc to the Arc SL to help you decide which of the soundbars suits your needs better.
Sonos Arc vs. Arc SL: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sonos Arc | Sonos Arc SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | June 8, 2020 | December 2, 2020 |
| Price | $899 | $1,087.50 |
| Microphone | Yes | No |
| Color | Black, White | Shadow Black |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
- Features Dolby Atmos
- Enhanced Trueplay tuning technology
- Support for AirPlay 2 as well as many favorite music streaming services
- Blends in beautiful underneath a TV
Sonos Arc vs. SL: What are the Differences?
The Sonos Arc and the Sonos Arc SL are both wireless speakers that allow users to enjoy high-quality immersive audio, all thanks to their in-built Dolby Atmos technology support. However, there are a few key differences between these two models.
Microphone
Sonos Arc features a built-in microphone, which you can use to control the soundbar’s inbuilt voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant). However, the Sonos Arc SL lacks an inbuilt microphone. Sonos Arc SL’s lack of a microphone is the major difference between both soundbars.
The absence of a microphone on the Sonos Arc SL is to ensure the privacy of its users. If you would love to have a high-quality soundbar that doesn’t listen in on your conversations, then the Sonos Arc SL is the ideal option for you.
Price and Availability
One of the main differences between the Sonos Arc and the Arc SL is their cost. Sonos Arc currently retails at $899, even though it was initially listed at $799 after its initial release in 2020.
However, Sonos Arc SL is more expensive than the Sonos Arc. It currently retails at $1,087.50 at Amazon, while the refurbished version of the Sonos Arc SL is listed at $679 on the official Sonos website.
The price difference between both soundbars is over $400, which makes Sonos Arc the more affordable option between both soundbars.
Color
Sonos Arc is available in two colors — white and black, while the Sonos Arc SL is only available in shadow black. This means the Sonos Arc gives you more color flexibility than the Sonos Arc SL.
Audio Quality
Sonos Arc and Arc SL have excellent audio quality, with clear vocals and crisp highs. In addition, they are identical in all audio ramifications. The Sonos Arc and Arc SL have eleven Class-D digital amplifiers, three tweeters, and eight woofers.
Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, which allows you to immerse yourself in a surround sound experience right at your fingertips.
- Complete Privacy: Sonos Arc SL doesn’t include microphones so you never have to worry about anyone listening in.
- Eleven High Performance Drivers With Rich Bass
- Wi-Fi Streaming, 3D Sound With Dolby Atmos
- Wirelessly Connect With Other Sonos Speakers
- Setup With HDMI eARC
Sonos Arc vs. Sonos Arc SL: 5 Must-Know Facts
- The “SL” in Sonos Arc SL means “Speechless.”
- Sonos Arc was released six months before the Sonos Arc SL.
- Sonos Arc SL does not have an in-built microphone.
- Sonos Arc SL is only available in shadow black, while the Sonos Arc is available in both black and white.
- Sonos Arc and Arc SL have the same features, except that the Sonos Arc has an in-built microphone.
Sonos Arc vs. Sonos Arc SL: Which One is Better?
When it comes to Sonos, the Arc series is definitely one of the better options. With a vast array of features and capabilities, the Arc series is perfect for anyone looking for top-of-the-line sound quality and convenience.
Both models have an excellent sound quality and can fill any room with music without having to worry about placement. So, which is better? Well, that really depends on what you’re looking for in a soundbar.
If you care about your privacy, then Arc SL is right for you. However, we highly recommend the Sonos Arc because even though it is $400 cheaper than the Arc SL, it offers similar high-quality audio output and has a voice control feature that allows you to control your soundbar without touching it.
