Sound bars don't immediately benefit from Wi-Fi connectivity the way music systems do, because you usually use them with your TV, and your TV isn't something you need to put in your pocket and walk around with.

When is a soundbar more than just a soundbar?

Excellent product from sonos, it sounds better then the bose solo, it produce enough bass and clarity from the tweeter, the downside is that you need to purchase the sonos sub to make it better, which cost you the same price as the sonos playbar itself

Having effectively modernised hi-fi, the wireless titan that is Sonos has set its sights on the booming soundbar business, and seemingly almost by default, finds itself a home cinema player, too. But can the brand really replicate its audio success in the world of TV and multichannel audio?

Easy wireless setup; big, bold audio quality; well-built; Sonos Controller app and music services are good fun

Solitary optical input proves limiting; no DTS decoder onboard; multichannel package painfully expensive

Since its launch in 2005, the Sonos wireless music system has won accolades and an extensive fan base thanks to an early focus on tapping into the digital music libraries that consumers built after the iPod's launch in 2001, and an evolving graphic interface that, in today's version, brings the...

The Sonos Playbar has a lot going for it, which makes it an easy recommendation. The combination of solid sonic performance and easy-to-use streaming capabilities makes it a winner for just about anyone. If you want to be able to stream music to your soundbar, the Playbar is a must-audition product.

Great sound great system

Sonos has never been that easy to explain to newcomers, even as the company has tried to simplify its message. A distributed audio setup that streams to any room in your house? A wireless streaming system that plugs into everything from Pandora to iTunes on your home computer? Wireless Hi-Fi?

Ease of setup and use; Offers true wireless 5.1; Fantastic sound for movies and TV

No 3.5mm input; Apps feel clunky; Over-reliant on optical audio; Not ideal for music listening

(4.5 out of 5) Performance (4 out of 5) Value The number of soundbars entering the market has been growing at an astounding rate, so I was not terribly surprised to hear that Sonos was entering the fray.

Sonos's PLAYBAR music system requires an accompanying smartphone or tablet and a little bit of practice, but as a way of bringing together all your...

Much improved sound vs; TV speakers, Can be expanded to 5.1 surround, Great design, versatile placement

Limited audio adjustment; High price