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Set up the Arc Ultra in the Sonos app first, then connect its included HDMI cable to your TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port. Once audio is playing, check Now Playing or the Sonos app’s Settings to see which audio format the soundbar is receiving.
Set up the Arc Ultra in the Sonos app
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Download the Sonos app for iOS or Android. Put the Arc Ultra where you plan to use it and connect it to power. Keep the included HDMI cable nearby.
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Start setup in the app. For a new Sonos system, choose Speaker or component, sign in or create an account, select Add when the Arc Ultra appears, and follow the prompts. If you already have a Sonos system, go to Settings > Add Speaker or Component.
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When prompted, connect the HDMI cable to the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port and follow the remaining app instructions. Port labels and TV settings vary; consult the TV’s manual if you cannot identify the correct connection or setting.
#1 Best Overall
SaleSonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos - Black- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
- Unparalleled 9.1.4 spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos
- Ultra-clear dialogue plus Speech Enhancement, powered by AI, detects the human voice to clarify every word
- Elegant design looks great in your home and won’t distract from your entertainment
- Control with your TV remote, the Sonos app, the touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, and Amazon Alexa
The Arc Ultra must be set up with the Sonos app before it can play TV audio. Complete this setup before adding a Sub or rear surrounds; add compatible components afterward through the app.
Choose the right TV connection
Use HDMI ARC or eARC for the standard TV connection. The TV must have an ARC/eARC port to use it. Optical is a fallback option for some Sonos home-theater setups, using an optical audio adapter, but it has important limits for the Arc Ultra experience.
| Connection | Audio formats and Atmos | TV control |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC | Supports many Dolby Digital Plus Atmos streams. It does not carry lossless Dolby Atmos using Dolby TrueHD. | Supports HDMI-CEC features; a TV remote works automatically with HDMI ARC. |
| HDMI eARC | Required for lossless Dolby Atmos using Dolby TrueHD. The TV and source also need to support the format. | Supports HDMI-CEC features when enabled on the TV. |
| Optical audio adapter | Does not provide Dolby Atmos. | Does not provide HDMI-CEC or TV power voice commands. Set up the remote in the Sonos app. |
Sonos’s Arc Ultra setup guidance specifies the included HDMI cable; it does not establish that an optical adapter is included. Do not assume one is in the box. Check the TV manual for port and setting details.
Rank #2
- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
- Unparalleled 9.1.4 spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos
- Ultra-clear dialogue plus Speech Enhancement, powered by AI, detects the human voice to clarify every word
- Elegant design looks great in your home and won’t distract from your entertainment
- Control with your TV remote, the Sonos app, the touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, and Amazon Alexa
Get Dolby Atmos and verify the signal
Atmos depends on more than the soundbar: the TV, source device, specific title, and streaming-service plan can all affect availability. A service that offers Atmos does not necessarily deliver it for every program.
HDMI ARC can carry many Atmos streams encoded in Dolby Digital Plus. For lossless Atmos using Dolby TrueHD, eARC is required. Some devices, including Apple TV, pass Atmos using Dolby MAT, so the format shown by the Sonos app can reflect how the source device delivers audio.
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Start playback of a title and source that support Atmos, with a service plan that includes it.
Rank #3
SaleSonos Arc Ultra soundbar + Sub 4 subwoofer + Era 300 Speakers (Pair)- The ultimate Dolby Atmos experience: The lateral and overhead channels in Arc Ultra and both Era 300 speakers immerse you an an all-encompassing spatial audio soundstage. You’ll hear planes as if they’re flying above, sense footsteps moving across the room, and feel like you're inside your music.
- Feel the bass: Experience every rumble, roar, and beat you've been missing with clean, pulse-pounding bass. Sub 4 takes over the lowest frequencies so paired speakers are free to focus on midrange and high frequencies so everything sounds even clearer.
- Wonderfully wireless: Place Sub 4 anywhere in the room, even under your sofa. It connects to the soundbar over WiFi, so you can create the setup that works best for your space.
- Perfectly tuned for the room: Using the microphones in your iOS device, Trueplay tuning technology analyzes the unique acoustics of your space and optimizes the EQ. So all your content sounds just the way it should.
- Breeze through setup: Simply plug in the power cable, connect your phone or tablet to WiFi, and open the Sonos app. It will guide you through connecting the soundbar to your TV and syncing your TV remote for streamlined control.
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Open Now Playing in the Sonos app and look for the Atmos badge when the Arc Ultra is receiving an Atmos signal.
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For further format details, check the TV audio format in the Sonos app’s Settings.
Set up TV remote and voice control
For TV power and volume voice commands, use HDMI ARC/eARC and enable HDMI-CEC on the TV. Add Sonos Voice Control or Alexa in the Sonos app if you want to use voice commands. These TV power commands do not work over optical.
Rank #4
- Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
- Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
- Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off.
- Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice.
- Effortless setup with only two cables and smart Trueplay tuning.
A TV remote works automatically with an HDMI ARC connection. If you use an optical-connected system, set up the remote in the Sonos app instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot missing TV audio or setup problems
The app cannot find the Arc Ultra
Follow Sonos’s “Product not found” troubleshooting guidance. Confirm that the soundbar is powered and that you are following the app’s setup flow for either a new or existing Sonos system.
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The Arc Ultra is connected but no TV audio plays
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Check that the HDMI cable is connected to the TV’s ARC/eARC port, not just any HDMI input.
Best Value
SaleSanus Soundbar TV Mount for Sonos Arc & Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar- Crafted in partnership with Sonos, this soundbar mount is exclusively custom-built to guarantee an optimal Sonos Arc sound bar performance. Our engineers designed this premium mount with the utmost attention to detail and the highest quality material to complement the Sonos Arc premium audio experience.
- The SANUS soundbar mount designed for the Sonos Arc soundbar is height adjustable to easily fit a wide range of TV sizes from 50” – 90”. The easy release latch allows you to effortlessly adjust the height to fit your personal listening preferences. This Sonos Arc Mount is also depth adjustable to ensure easy access to the soundbar I/O button & keep power ports, mics, and Atmos drivers unobstructed.
- When attached to a full-motion tv mount, the sound moves in symbiosis with your tv mount. Furthermore, the universal compatibility allows this SANUS soundbar mount to work not only with SANUS TV mounts but also other TV mounts brands, VESA Patterns, and for many 50"-90" TVs. This means you can use this SANUS Soundbar Mount to create a seamless look between your TV and your Sonos Arc regardless of the TV mount or TV brand.
- Easy 3 Step installation, no drilling required. Everything you need to install this Sonos Arc Sound Bar mount is included in the package. Rest assured knowing every SANUS Product is safety tested & quality built.
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Consult the TV manual for the correct ARC/eARC audio and HDMI-CEC options. Menu names and locations differ by TV, so there is no universal settings path.
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Check the received audio format in the Sonos app’s Settings. If you expected Atmos, verify that the title, source device, service plan, TV, and connection support the format you want.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

