Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: Which Should You Choose?

We compare Sonos’ 6-inch and 8-inch in-ceiling speakers to help you pick the right size for your space, listening style and budget

FAQS & Tutorials - Updated 31st July 2025

Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: Which Should You Choose?

Written By

Elliott Peeters-Vanstone

Sonos In-Ceiling Speakers Compared: Which Size Is Right for You?

If you’re planning to install Sonos in-ceiling speakers, there’s now more choice than ever. With the introduction of the new 8-inch Sonos ceiling speakers, many people are wondering whether to go for the larger, more powerful model or stick with the tried-and-true 6-inch version.

Both offer discreet design, solid performance and seamless pairing with the Sonos Amp, but there are some important differences when it comes to sound coverage, bass performance, and installation.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know before choosing between Sonos’ 6" and 8" ceiling speakers, including real-world pros and cons, ideal use cases, and tips from our installation team to help you plan the perfect setup.

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Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: SHS 60-Second Summary

Sonos 6-inch Ceiling Speakers

RRP: £699 Per Pair
(See Latest Price)

Sonos 6-Inch Ceiling Speaker Pros:
✓ Great for smaller rooms
✓ Shallower mounting depth
✓ Lower price per pair
✓ Proven track record

Sonos 6-Inch Ceiling Speaker Cons:
✖ Less bass extension than 8-inch model
✖ Narrower sound dispersion
✖ May need more speakers in larger rooms

Sonos 8-inch Ceiling Speakers

RRP: £999 Per Pair
(See Latest Price)

Sonos 8-Inch Ceiling Speaker Pros:
✓ Deeper bass response
✓ Wider coverage for open-plan spaces
✓ Higher peak output with more headroom
✓ More dynamic top-end with better detail

Sonos 8-Inch Ceiling Speaker Cons:
✖ Higher price per pair
✖ Larger cut-out & mounting depth

Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: What’s the Difference?

If we're talking pure specs, the 6-inch model features a 6.5-inch woofer, a 1-inch tweeter, and offers a 90-degree coverage angle. The 8-inch version steps things up with an 8-inch woofer, a slightly larger 1.2-inch tweeter, and a wider 100-degree dispersion. These also reach slightly deeper in the bass, down to 29Hz vs 36Hz on the smaller model.

On paper, the 8-inch offers a little bit more. You can expect wider coverage, deeper bass, and more headroom at higher volumes. But this isn’t a simple case of one being better than the other. These are two well-matched speakers designed for different kinds of rooms and different types of listening.

The 6-inch speakers still deliver excellent clarity and performance, especially in smaller to medium-sized rooms. They’re also easier to install in ceilings where space is tighter, thanks to the shallower mounting depth. So, for setups where you just want clean, natural sound without going over the top, they’re a fantastic option.

Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: Installation & Compatibility

The good news is that regardless of whether you go for the 6-inch or 8-inch Sonos in-ceiling speaker, the installation process is pretty much identical. Both models are passive speakers, so they’ll need to be powered by an amplifier and for most setups, the Sonos Amp is the go-to choice.

You can run up to 3 pairs (6 speakers total) of either model on a single Sonos Amp. Once connected, the Sonos system automatically recognises the speakers and unlocks a few handy features through the app:

Trueplay tuning: The Amp applies custom EQ and DSP tailored to Sonos architectural speakers.
Limiter control: Ensures smoother volume balance across the frequency range.
Dual mono option: If you can’t place your speakers ideally for stereo separation, you can toggle this setting so each speaker plays both left and right channels.

Wiring & Hardware

All you’ll need is 16-gauge 2-core speaker cable, one length per speaker. Everything else, including banana plugs, comes in the box with the speakers and amp.

Cut-Out Sizes & Mounting Depth

When it comes to fitting them into your ceiling, this is where the practical differences between the two sizes really start to matter:

6-inch speakers
- Cut-out diameter: 8.25" (210 mm)
- Mounting depth: 4.73" (120 mm)
8-inch speakers
- Cut-out diameter: 10.12" (257 mm)
- Mounting depth: 5.32" (135 mm)

This means the 8-inch version needs more ceiling space, both in width and depth. If you’re working with tight cavities, low joists or heavy insulation, the 6-inch model may be the safer choice.

Both models use a dog foot clamping mechanism for secure mounting and feature pivoting drivers, not just pivoting tweeters. That flexibility is a big win for tricky installs like pitched ceilings.

They also come with a flush, bezel-less matte white grille, which you can paint to match your ceiling. And as always, we recommend using fire hoods, not just for building regs but for peace of mind. Our go-to options would be either the Firetopper Pro II or the BluCube Universal Speaker Hood.

Learn More: Do In-Ceiling Speakers Require Fire Hoods? or Ceiling Speakers: Everything to Know Before Install in 2025

Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: Room Size, Type & Layout

Getting the right in-ceiling speaker isn’t just about specs. It’s also about how they’ll sound in your space. Room size, ceiling height, layout and even furniture placement all play a big part in getting things right.

Small to Medium Rooms (Up to ~25m²)

In most standard rooms, like bedrooms, bathrooms or smaller lounges, the 6-inch speakers will be more than enough. They offer balanced performance without overpowering the space and are a great match for rooms with standard ceiling heights.

Larger or Open-Plan Rooms (25m²+)

If your space is open-plan, has high ceilings, or includes lots of hard surfaces like a kitchen-diner, the 8-inch model has some clear advantages. The added bass response, wider dispersion, and greater headroom help the sound carry more evenly, especially across larger or less symmetrical layouts.

You might only need two 8-inch speakers to cover a big room, while a similar space could require four 6-inch speakers for similar impact. So while the 8-inch model is more expensive per pair, you may not always need as many of them.

For more general speaker advice, check out our guide on how to choose the perfect ceiling speakers to use with Sonos.

Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: Listening Preferences & Use Case

In the same way that room size and layout matter, how you actually plan to use your ceiling speakers can be just as important when choosing between the 6-inch and 8-inch Sonos models.

Background Listening & Ambient Setups

If your goal is to create a relaxed, ambient environment, maybe in a bedroom, bathroom or chill-out space with smart lighting and mellow playlists, the Sonos 6-inch ceiling speakers are a great fit. They’re clean, well-balanced and deliver plenty of presence without overwhelming the room.

Hosting, Entertaining & Room-Filling Sound

If you love hosting, enjoy more bass-heavy music, or want the room to feel alive when people walk in, the 8-inch speakers will serve you better. They offer more dynamic top-end, deeper low-end and simply feel a bit punchier overall. Great for open-plan kitchens, living rooms or anywhere you want sound to fill the space more confidently.

Home Cinema & Surround Setups

Planning to use in-ceilings as rear surrounds with a Sonos soundbar and Sub? The 6-inch speakers can easily handle this role in most standard lounge setups. If, however, you’re building a more dedicated home cinema experience and want to take it to the next level, the 8-inch speakers may be worth the upgrade, as long as your space can accommodate them.

If you're building a home cinema, here’s our guide to the best ceiling speakers for Dolby Atmos.

Lifestyle Fit

Ultimately, two people can have the same room size and layout, but very different needs. It’s not just about what fits. It’s about what fits you. Think about how you listen, what kind of atmosphere you want to create, and how often you’ll really make use of the added performance the 8-inch model offers.

Sonos 6" vs 8" In-Ceiling Speakers: Budget & Planning Considerations

Let’s be honest, budget plays a big part in most setups, and if cost is your deciding factor, it’s best to be clear on that upfront before diving too deep into specs.

Price Breakdown

6-inch speakers: £699 per pair (See Latest Price)
8-inch speakers: £999 per pair (See Latest Price)

It’s a noticeable jump in price, but the total cost doesn’t always scale as simply as you might think.

In larger rooms, you might only need fewer 8-inch speakers to get the coverage you want, while a 6-inch setup could require more units to fill the space evenly. In some cases, that cost might balance out. But if you’re planning a multi-room system, the 8-inch option will likely start to add up faster.

That said, the 6-inch speakers are still seriously capable and, for most homes and more casual listening, will do a brilliant job. If you’re trying to stretch your budget across a whole house, mixing and matching could make a lot of sense. For example, 8-inch in the kitchen-diner, 6-inch in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Just don’t assume that bigger automatically means better. Your space, use case, and budget all need to work together.

How Many Ceiling Speakers Should You Use & Where Should They Go?

There are a lot of ways to approach speaker placement, and it can quickly become overwhelming. Rather than trying to map out every possible layout, here are our top three recommendations to help you plan your space more confidently.

1. Start with the Furniture, Not Just the Room Shape

One of our most common tips is to think about how the room is used, not just how it’s shaped. We often plan speaker placement around key listening areas like a sofa, dining table or kitchen island. The goal is to optimise sound where it actually matters most, not just focus on the square footage.

2. Use General Spacing Guidelines

We recommend keeping no more than 5 metres and no less than 1 metre between a left and right pair of speakers. If your speakers end up too far apart and stereo performance isn’t ideal, you can toggle on Dual Mono mode in the Sonos app when using the Sonos Amp. This makes both speakers output the same left and right channels for a more balanced result.

If the room layout is still a bit of a mystery (maybe it’s a new build or renovation) we’ll generally position the speakers as centrally and evenly as possible throughout the space.

3. Budget Will Influence Layout

In some cases, the best layout might be two pairs of speakers spread across a larger room. But if the budget only allows for one pair, placing them more centrally can still give you a decent experience.

Also, things like roof lanterns, lighting, or structural features might affect where you can actually position speakers. These are all details our team looks at when helping customers plan their systems. If you’re still unsure about speaker positioning or how many you need, feel free to get in touch with our team, we’d be happy to help you plan it out.

Final Verdict: Which Sonos In-Ceiling Speaker Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, and that’s exactly the point. Both the 6-inch and 8-inch Sonos in-ceiling speakers are excellent, but the right choice depends on your space, your listening habits, and your budget.

The 6-inch model is ideal for most small to medium-sized rooms, especially if you’re after clean, background sound in spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, or home offices. It’s easier to install, more affordable, and still delivers impressive clarity and presence.

The 8-inch version steps things up with deeper bass, wider coverage, and more headroom, making it a better choice for larger or more open-plan rooms, or for listeners who want a fuller, more dynamic sound. It’s also great if you enjoy hosting or want a bit more punch in your day-to-day audio experience.

And if you're building a multi-room system? You can always mix and match. There’s no rule saying every room has to use the same size throughout. In fact, a hybrid setup might make the most sense for your home.