Sonos RAYG1US1BLK Review: A Standalone Soundbar With WiFi Streaming?
The Sonos RAYG1US1BLK is a compact, versatile soundbar that delivers balanced sound and easy setup, making it a strong choice for enhancing TV audio and music in smaller spaces.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
The Sonos Ray, model RAYG1US1BLK, is a compact soundbar designed to upgrade audio for television, music, and gaming. This standalone unit aims to deliver a surprisingly wide soundstage and clear dialogue from a small footprint, targeting users who want improved sound without a complex multi-speaker setup. It’s positioned for those seeking an easy-to-integrate audio upgrade with the convenience of wireless streaming and simple control via an existing TV remote.
This review analyzes the specifications, features, and design of the Sonos RAYG1US1BLK to determine if its compact form factor and connectivity options justify its place in the competitive soundbar market. The bottom line: it’s a compelling option for users prioritizing streamlined setup, multi-room audio potential, and balanced sound in a space-conscious design.
Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar for TV
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Sonos RAYG1US1BLK at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Sonos Ray (RAYG1US1BLK) |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 3.74″ x 22″ x 2.79″ |
| Weight | 1950 Grams |
| Speaker Type | Soundbar |
| Audio Channels | 2.0 |
| Connectivity | Optical, Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Wireless Technology | Apple AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, NFC |
| Control Method | App, Remote |
| Additional Features | Dolby Enabled, Multi Room Audio |
| Enclosure Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
Design and Build
The Sonos Ray presents a minimalist, low-profile design intended to fit neatly under most televisions without visual clutter. Its compact dimensions of 3.74 inches deep by 22 inches wide by 2.79 inches high make it one of the more space-efficient soundbars available. The enclosure is constructed from polycarbonate, a durable plastic commonly used in electronics, contributing to its light weight of 1950 grams. The black finish is standard, and the overall aesthetic is clean and modern, designed to blend into a home entertainment setup without drawing attention. The physical design supports shelf mounting, offering flexibility for placement without requiring specialized wall brackets.
Performance and Features
Audio Performance
According to the manufacturer, the Sonos Ray is engineered to deliver clearer, more powerful sound than typically expected from a small standalone soundbar. It features a 2.0 channel stereo configuration, with a specified frequency response down to 20 Hz, suggesting an emphasis on bass reproduction. The key audio claims include precisely balanced sound with crisp dialogue and solid bass, a dynamic soundstage that enhances drama, and support for Dolby audio formats. The speaker uses dynamic drivers, with a tweeter diameter listed at 2.76 inches, and has a maximum output power of 10 watts per channel. This performance is targeted at enhancing TV shows, movies, music, and gaming audio without the need for additional speakers.
Connectivity and Ports
The primary wired connection for audio is an optical input, which is used to connect to a television. It does not feature an HDMI eARC port, which may be a consideration for users with premium AV setups seeking the highest bandwidth audio passthrough. For power, it uses a standard power cable. Beyond wired connections, the Ray’s standout feature is its robust wireless connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi for streaming audio directly from the internet and integrates with Apple AirPlay 2 for casting from Apple devices. It also features NFC for simplified pairing and includes an Ethernet port for a more stable wired network connection if desired.
Key Features and Software
The Sonos Ray’s functionality is heavily tied to the Sonos app and its ecosystem. Through the app, users can stream music from a wide variety of supported services over Wi-Fi, including via Spotify Connect. The app is also central to the setup process and ongoing control. A significant feature is “Dolby Enabled” support and “Multi Room Audio,” allowing the Ray to be grouped with other Sonos speakers for synchronized playback throughout a home. Control is versatile, offering options through the Sonos app, your existing TV remote (via the optical connection’s CEC functionality where supported), or voice control through integrated assistants when used within the broader Sonos system.
Setup, Support and Ownership
The manufacturer emphasizes a “zero-stress setup” involving only two cables: the power cable and the included optical cable to connect to the TV. Guidance is provided through the Sonos app, which walks users through the process. As a standalone product, it does not require additional components to function, but it exists within the Sonos ecosystem, meaning it can be expanded later with products like a Sonos Sub for deeper bass or satellite speakers for surround sound. Support is covered by a one-year limited warranty. Ongoing ownership involves software updates delivered via the Sonos app to maintain functionality and potentially add new features over time.
What Owners Say
Overall owner feedback for the Sonos Ray is positive, with many users praising its sound quality relative to its size and the simplicity of its setup process. The compact design that fits easily into smaller spaces is frequently highlighted as a major benefit. The ability to integrate into a multi-room Sonos system and use wireless streaming features like AirPlay 2 is also a valued aspect. Some feedback notes that while the bass is solid for its size, those seeking room-shaking low frequencies might find it lacking without adding a subwoofer. The reliance on the optical connection instead of HDMI eARC is mentioned by some as a limitation for the latest home theater setups.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Impressively compact yet powerful sound output
- Effortless two-cable setup guided by the Sonos app
- Versatile wireless streaming via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect
- Balanced audio with clear dialogue and solid bass for its size
- Seamless integration into a multi-room Sonos ecosystem
- Convenient control via TV remote or dedicated app
Cons
- Bass depth is limited without adding a separate subwoofer
- Full feature set requires a WiFi connection and the Sonos app
- Lacks an HDMI eARC port for connection to premium AV receivers
- Audio driver specifications like total wattage are not fully detailed by the manufacturer
- Dependent on optical input, which may not support all high-end audio formats
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The Sonos RAYG1US1BLK is an ideal choice for users with limited space who want a significant audio upgrade over their TV’s built-in speakers without dealing with a tangle of wires and components. It’s perfect for those who value easy setup, clean design, and the ability to stream music wirelessly from their phones or services. It’s also a great entry point for anyone considering building a multi-room audio system with Sonos products in the future. For more insights on soundbars that prioritize clear dialogue, consider our guide on the best TV soundbars for voice clarity.
This soundbar may not be the best fit for home theater enthusiasts who demand the absolute highest-fidelity surround sound experience with dedicated channels and lossless audio support via HDMI eARC. Users who already have a sophisticated AV receiver setup might find its optical-only input limiting. Similarly, those who primarily want thunderous, deep bass for action movies or music may feel the need to budget for an additional subwoofer. If your main goal is immersive surround sound, explore our expert picks for the best surround sound soundbars.
Final Verdict
The Sonos RAYG1US1BLK successfully delivers on its core promise: providing a substantial audio upgrade in a compact, user-friendly package. Its strength lies in its balanced performance, offering clear vocals for dialogue and a surprisingly wide soundstage that enhances both TV viewing and music listening. The integration of robust WiFi streaming and multi-room audio capabilities through the Sonos ecosystem sets it apart from many basic soundbars, offering long-term value and expandability. The simple, two-cable setup process removes a common barrier to entry for improving home audio.
While it has limitations, such as the lack of HDMI eARC and bass that can be enhanced with a subwoofer, these are understandable trade-offs for its size, price point, and design philosophy. It excels as a standalone solution for small to medium-sized rooms and serves as a capable hub for a future Sonos system. For those seeking a straightforward path to better TV and music sound with modern streaming convenience, the Sonos Ray is a highly compelling choice. For other options focused on wireless connectivity, our review of the best WiFi soundbars offers further comparisons.
FAQs
Does the Sonos Ray have a built-in voice assistant?
The Sonos Ray does not have built-in microphones for voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant on its own. However, when used as part of a Sonos system that includes a voice-enabled device (like a Sonos One or Sonos Beam), you can control the Ray and the rest of your system using voice commands through that connected device. Control for the Ray itself is primarily through the Sonos app, your TV remote, or Apple AirPlay 2.
Can I use the Sonos Ray without a WiFi network?
Yes, you can use the Sonos Ray in a basic capacity without WiFi. Using the included optical cable, you can connect it directly to your TV to play audio from your television sources. However, to access its full feature set—including streaming music from the internet, using AirPlay 2, setting up multi-room audio with other Sonos speakers, or receiving software updates—a WiFi connection and the Sonos app are required.
What is the difference between Dolby Enabled and having Dolby Atmos?
“Dolby Enabled” typically means the soundbar is optimized to work with Dolby audio formats like Dolby Digital, which are common in broadcast TV and streaming services. It processes these signals to create a wider, more immersive soundstage from its speakers. Dolby Atmos, in contrast, is a more advanced object-based surround sound technology that adds height channels for a three-dimensional audio experience. The Sonos Ray supports Dolby audio formats but does not list Dolby Atmos support in its specifications; for that, you would need to look at other models in the Sonos lineup or competitors’ products.
How does the Sonos Ray connect to other Sonos speakers for multi-room audio?
Multi-room audio is set up and managed entirely through the Sonos app. Once your Sonos Ray and any other Sonos speakers (like a Sonos One or Move) are connected to the same WiFi network and added to the Sonos app, you can group them together. This allows you to play the same audio synchronously across all grouped speakers in different rooms or play different audio in separate zones, all controlled from your phone or tablet. For more on multi-room audio systems, check out our article on the best smart speakers for multiroom audio.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.