Vizio Elevate & Sonos Arc share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Vizio Elevate rather than the Sonos Arc.
Why Do I Recommend The Vizio Elevate?
- The Vizio Elevate includes a wireless subwoofer for powerful low-frequency effects that enhance action movies and music depth, while the Sonos Arc requires a separate subwoofer for similar bass performance.
- Vizio Elevate features rotating height speakers for precise Dolby Atmos overhead effects and improved sound placement, whereas the Sonos Arc uses fixed up-firing drivers.
- It supports DTS:X for broader surround format compatibility and immersive audio from Blu-ray discs, while the Sonos Arc supports only Dolby Atmos.
- The Vizio Elevate has two HDMI inputs with an HDMI eARC output for connecting multiple source devices directly to the soundbar, whereas the Sonos Arc includes only a single HDMI eARC port.
- Vizio Elevate comes with wired rear surround speakers for a true 5.1.2 surround experience in large rooms, while the Sonos Arc relies on virtual surround processing without included rear speakers.
- It features Bluetooth connectivity for quick pairing with smartphones and tablets to stream music wirelessly, whereas the Sonos Arc lacks Bluetooth functionality.
- The Vizio Elevate includes Chromecast built-in for convenient multi-platform music casting and whole-home audio integration, while the Sonos Arc depends on its proprietary Sonos app and AirPlay 2.
- Vizio Elevate provides full-featured remote control for immediate on-device adjustments like EQ tuning and input selection, whereas the Sonos Arc primarily relies on app control or a TV remote.
Maybe the Sonos Arc price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Vizio Elevate. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Vizio Elevate | Sonos Arc |
| Audio Channels | 5.1.2 with separate surrounds and subwoofer | 5.0.2 single bar without included subwoofer |
| Height Speaker Mechanism | Rotating front speakers | Fixed up-firing drivers inside bar |
| DTS:X Support | Yes | No |
| Subwoofer | Wireless subwoofer included | Optional external subwoofer |
| Rear Surrounds | Wired surrounds included | Optional wireless surrounds |
| HDMI Inputs | Two HDMI inputs plus one HDMI eARC output | Single HDMI eARC only |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes, with HDMI adapter |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Chromecast Built-in | Yes | No |
| AirPlay 2 | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Multi-room | Limited basic casting | Full Sonos multi-room ecosystem |
| Voice Assistant Built-in | No | Alexa and Google Assistant built in |
| Room Tuning | Manual EQ and app adjustments | Sonos Trueplay automatic tuning |
| Cabinet Size | Larger bar depth with separate sub and surrounds | Slimmer single-bar design |
| Weight | Heavier due to subwoofer and surrounds | Lighter single unit |
| Power Handling | Higher total system wattage | Lower single-bar wattage |
| Remote Control | Full-featured remote included | Minimalist remote, primary control via app |
| Display Panel | Front LED display for modes | Small status light only |
| Price | Check Vizio Elevate Price | Check Sonos Arc Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Dolby Atmos Support: Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, allowing immersive 3D audio with height effects for movies, games, and music. This shared capability ensures a cinematic soundstage when paired with Atmos-enabled content.
- HDMI eARC Connectivity: Each model includes HDMI eARC, providing high-bandwidth audio transmission and simplified one-cable connection to modern TVs. This ensures lossless audio formats and synchronized control using a single remote.
- Optical Audio Input: Both offer an optical audio input for compatibility with older TVs or devices lacking HDMI eARC. This adds flexibility for connecting legacy equipment while still delivering digital sound.
- 4K HDR Passthrough: Vizio Elevate and Sonos Arc can pass through 4K HDR video signals without degradation. This is important for users with UHD sources who want to maintain picture quality while routing through the soundbar.
- CEC TV Control: Each supports Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), enabling the TV remote to adjust soundbar volume and power. This creates a seamless user experience without juggling multiple remotes.
- ARC/CEC Volume Sync: Both soundbars synchronize volume levels with compatible TVs using Audio Return Channel protocols. This helps avoid audio dropouts and maintains consistent volume adjustments.
- Wireless Music Streaming: Both can stream music wirelessly from mobile devices or networked servers. This convenience allows easy playback from smartphones or streaming apps without physical cables.
- Multi-Channel Surround Processing: Each unit processes multi-channel surround formats to create a spacious, enveloping sound field. This provides theater-like audio from movies and games even without separate rear speakers.
- High-Resolution Audio Playback: Both handle high-resolution audio files, preserving detail and dynamic range in music playback. Listeners can enjoy studio-quality sound with compatible files and services.
- Voice Control Compatibility (via external or built-in assistants): While Sonos Arc has built-in voice assistants and Vizio Elevate can pair with external smart speakers, both allow voice control for volume, playback, and input switching. This hands-free operation adds convenience for smart home users.
- Streaming Service Support (Spotify, Tidal, etc.): Each integrates with major streaming services, letting users directly access popular platforms. This simplifies enjoying music, podcasts, or radio without additional hardware.
- Wireless Firmware Updates: Both receive wireless firmware updates to improve performance and add features over time. This ensures long-term reliability and compatibility with new audio formats or standards.
- App-Based Control: Each soundbar is controllable via a mobile app, offering quick adjustments for sound modes, input selection, and system updates. The apps enhance user control beyond the included remotes.
- Wall-Mountable Design: Both are designed for wall mounting, allowing flexible placement beneath a TV or on a media wall. This helps achieve a clean, integrated appearance in living spaces.
- LED Status Indicators: Both feature LED indicators to show power, mode changes, and connection status. These visual cues make it easy to confirm the soundbar’s operational state at a glance.
- Night Mode / Dialogue Enhancement: Each provides a night or speech enhancement mode that balances loud effects and raises dialogue clarity for late-night viewing. This keeps voices clear without disturbing others.
- Automatic Lip Sync Correction: Both automatically adjust audio timing to match on-screen video. This ensures dialogue and sound effects stay perfectly aligned for an immersive experience.
Common Features
| Feature | Vizio Elevate | Sonos Arc |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI eARC Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Audio Input | Yes | Yes |
| 4K HDR Passthrough | Yes | Yes |
| CEC TV Control | Yes | Yes |
| ARC/CEC Volume Sync | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Music Streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Channel Surround Processing | Yes | Yes |
| High-Resolution Audio Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Compatibility (via external or built-in assistants) | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Service Support (Spotify, Tidal, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Firmware Updates | Yes | Yes |
| App-Based Control | Yes | Yes |
| Wall-Mountable Design | Yes | Yes |
| LED Status Indicators | Yes | Yes |
| Night Mode / Dialogue Enhancement | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Lip Sync Correction | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Vizio Elevate Price | Check Sonos Arc Price |
FAQ
What audio formats do both Vizio Elevate and Sonos Arc support? Do either of these soundbars include a subwoofer in the package? Can these soundbars be wall-mounted easily? Are they compatible with voice assistants? Do they both support HDMI eARC? Is Bluetooth connectivity available on both devices? Can I stream music from my smartphone or networked services? Do they offer automatic room tuning? Are firmware updates provided wirelessly? Do they both enhance dialogue clarity? Can either system be expanded for more speakers later? Do they work with 4K HDR video sources? Is there an included remote control with both? Can I control the volume with my TV remote? Do both provide LED status indicators? |