Sonos Arc Ultra vs Marshall Heston 120: Which Soundbar Should You Choose?

Explore the key differences between Sonos Arc Ultra and Marshall Heston 120 soundbars to find your perfect audio match.

When you’ve got around $1,000 to spend on a soundbar, choices suddenly get exciting—and a bit overwhelming. Since its debut in late 2024, the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar has held the crown in its price range, but the arrival of heavy-hitters like the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar shakes things up. Both boast unique styles and impressive features while sitting comfortably in the same price bracket. So, how do you pick the one that’s right for your space, your ears, and your vibe?

Let me walk you through my personal experience with both, diving into their specs, standout features, and who each soundbar truly suits best.

Specs Breakdown: Head-to-Head

Why You Should Choose Marshall Heston 120

1. You Crave a Soundbar That’s a Design Statement

Sure, the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar is sleek and modern, fitting seamlessly into any contemporary living room. But if you want a soundbar that doubles as a conversation starter, Marshall’s Heston 120 soundbar is your go-to. It balances boldness and class with its iconic Marshall aesthetic—think faux leather wrapping the sides, a textile grille upfront and on top, topped with the legendary Marshall logo and the tactile control knobs reminiscent of classic guitar amps.

I love that it looks seriously cool without tipping into gaudy territory. It genuinely complements furniture rather than just blending into the background.

2. You Dig Physical Controls

In an era dominated by remote controls and smartphone apps, physical buttons might seem quaint. But if you appreciate the tactile feel of turning a knob or pressing a button, the Heston 120 soundbar delivers. Its top-mounted control knobs are not just functional—they feel like tiny analog instruments, adding to the immersive experience.

Sonos Arc Ultra has physical controls too, but they’re a bit more minimal and less satisfying to the touch compared to Marshall’s hands-on approach.

3. You Want Broad Wireless Ecosystem Support

While Sonos excels in smart home integration, Marshall Heston 120 casts a wider net when it comes to wireless audio ecosystems. Both support Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, which covers the essentials if you’re in those camps.

But the Heston 120 adds Google Cast and Tidal Connect into the mix—perfect if you’re swimming in the Google ecosystem or a Tidal subscriber. This flexibility can make a big difference for enthusiasts who like options.

Why You Should Choose Sonos Arc Ultra

1. You Seek the Pinnacle of Spatial Audio

Both soundbars deliver impressive audio quality, packing deep, punchy bass and crisp highs. But the Sonos Arc Ultra pulls ahead with a slightly more detailed frequency response and a bass that hits deeper.

More importantly, Sonos’ expertise in sound technology shines here. The Arc Ultra creates a richer, more enveloping soundstage thanks to its advanced driver setup and expert use of Dolby Atmos. The experience is genuinely immersive, making movie nights feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

2. You’re Ready to Build a Wireless Audio System

If you’re not content with a standalone soundbar, Sonos Arc Ultra is designed to grow with you. Marshall supports only wired subwoofers—limited to their own model.

Sonos, on the other hand, lets you wirelessly connect a variety of Sonos speakers and subwoofers. Whether it’s the Sonos Sub 4 or stylish Sonos Era 300 speakers as surround sound, the options are plentiful. Sonos even offers bundled sets to create a complete surround sound system right out of the box.

I personally paired the Arc Ultra with two Era 300s and a Sub 4, and the result was nothing short of spectacular—a full-bodied, room-filling audio experience that transformed my living room.

3. You’re Already Invested in the Sonos Ecosystem

Even if you don’t plan to add more Sonos speakers right away, owning multiple Sonos devices creates a seamless, interconnected audio ecosystem. You can easily stream music throughout your home, control volumes independently, or pair speakers into stereo sets—all controlled effortlessly through the Sonos app.

This ecosystem also future-proofs your setup. Want a second pair of speakers in the bedroom or a dedicated stereo pair for your office? It’s all just a tap away.

"Sonos Arc Ultra can create a soundscape that truly immerses you in Dolby Atmos and surround sound." – Personal Experience

Final Thoughts: Which Soundbar Wins Your Heart?

Choosing between the Sonos Arc Ultra and the Marshall Heston 120 boils down to what you value most. If you want a bold, stylish design with tactile controls and broader wireless service compatibility, the Marshall Heston 120 ticks those boxes beautifully. On the flip side, if immersive spatial audio, expandability, and a strong wireless ecosystem are your priorities, Sonos Arc Ultra is tough to beat.

So, which soundbar speaks your language? The classic rocker aesthetic and analog charm of Marshall, or the sleek sophistication and smart audio magic of Sonos?

FAQ

• What are the main design differences between the two soundbars?
  Marshall Heston 120 features an iconic vintage amplifier look with faux leather and control knobs, while Sonos Arc Ultra boasts a sleek, modern design available in black or cream.
• Do both soundbars support Dolby Atmos?
  Yes, both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, but Sonos Arc Ultra offers a more immersive spatial audio experience thanks to its advanced driver arrangement.
• Can I connect wireless surround speakers to both soundbars?
  Sonos Arc Ultra supports wireless expansion with various Sonos speakers and subwoofers, whereas Marshall Heston 120 only supports wired subwoofer connections.
• Which soundbar offers better compatibility with music streaming services?
  Marshall Heston 120 supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Google Cast, and Tidal Connect, offering broader compatibility. Sonos Arc Ultra supports AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.
• Are physical controls important on these soundbars?
  Both have physical controls, but Marshall Heston 120's analog-style knobs provide a more tactile and satisfying experience compared to Sonos Arc Ultra’s minimal controls.

Ready to celebrate your favorite album art in style? Browse and shop our exclusive collection of iconic album cover posters to bring your music passion to your walls at Architeg Prints.