Sonos Sub Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£620
  • Avg. price in US: ~$790
  • Audio output power: ?
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 13000 g

Sonos Sub review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.0

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

7.5

Audio

20.0%

7.5

Battery

18.0%

6.2

Durability

16.0%

6.1

Connectivity

8.0%

7.8

Controls

3.0%

2.0

Design

3.0%

8.9

Smart features

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.0
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 7.3
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 8.3
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    1.0

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £620

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is a premium wireless subwoofer featuring two Class-D digital amplifiers, dual force-canceling drivers to eliminate cabinet rattle, and a frequency response extending down to 25 Hz. It measures 15.3 x 6.2 x 15.8 inches and weighs 36.3 lbs, offering versatile placement options as it can sit upright or lay completely flat under furniture. Main pros include its powerful, distortion-free deep bass performance, seamless Wi-Fi integration with the Sonos ecosystem, and Trueplay acoustic room-tuning. However, major cons are its high price point, heavy and bulky build, and the strict requirement that it only functions with other compatible, non-portable Sonos speakers.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sonos Sub

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

7.0
Sonos Sub has a technical score of 6.95 points, which is higher than 57.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Sonos Sub has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

7.2

Price

7.0
Sonos Sub has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is lower than 94.4% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

152.00 mm
Sonos Sub has a driver unit size of 152.00 mm which is larger than that of 95.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 152.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

2
Sonos Sub has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

25.00 Hz
Sonos Sub has a lowest frequency of 25.00 Hz which is lower than that of 84.5% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 25.00 Hz.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Sonos Sub does not support Bluetooth audio. 94.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

?
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

?
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Sonos Sub does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

?
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

?
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

?
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Sonos Sub does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
Show more
IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Sonos Sub is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Sonos Sub is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Sonos Sub lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

side
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Sonos Sub does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Sonos Sub supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Sonos Sub does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Sonos Sub supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports documented one-tap or quick device pairing.
Show more
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

13,000 g
Sonos Sub weighs 13,000 g which is heavier than that of 97.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

38.9 cm
Sonos Sub has a height of 38.9 cm which is taller than that of 94.8% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

40.2 cm
Sonos Sub has a width of 40.2 cm which is wider than that of 92.8% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

15.8 cm
Sonos Sub has a depth of 15.8 cm which is deeper than that of 82.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

handle
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

Sonos
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Sonos Sub supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

OTA; App
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Sonos Sub supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Sonos Sub supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Sonos Sub vs the average portable speaker

  • 102 mm larger main driver
    Sonos Sub has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (152 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 152.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
    When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 50 mm

    Sonos Sub has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (152 mm vs 50.00 mm).152.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Sonos Sub supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Wi-Fi is supported, but no dedicated hardware toggle is specified.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
    When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 12 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    Sonos Sub has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (104 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 104.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    Sonos Sub has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (104 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).104.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Sonos Sub includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 35 Hz deeper bass extension
    Sonos Sub has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (25 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 25.00 Hz.
    What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <= 60 Hz

    Sonos Sub has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (25 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).25.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    Sonos Sub has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 app eq bands.
    What it is: The number of adjustable equalizer frequency bands available in the app.
    When it matters: When fine-grained sound adjustment in the companion app matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5 bands

    Sonos Sub has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).3 vs 0
  • Has an equalizer
    Sonos Sub has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports fast pairing
    Sonos Sub supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
    Supports documented one-tap or quick device pairing.
    What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
    When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 102 mm larger main driver
    Sonos Sub has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (152 mm vs 50.00 mm).
  • 12 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    Sonos Sub has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (104 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Sonos Sub includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 35 Hz deeper bass extension
    Sonos Sub has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (25 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 51 mm larger built-in subwoofer
    Sonos Sub has a larger built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (152 mm vs 101 mm).
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Sonos Sub supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Ethernet support
    Sonos Sub has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    Sonos Sub has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
  • Has an equalizer
    Sonos Sub has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports fast pairing
    Sonos Sub supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Supports party mode
    Sonos Sub supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Has an FM radio
    Sonos Sub has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Has a sleep timer
    Sonos Sub has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Sonos Sub supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    Sonos Sub supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports voice assistants
    Sonos Sub supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Sonos Sub supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sonos Sub has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 20 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    Sonos Sub has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (60 dB vs 80 dB).
    Signal-to-noise ratio: 60.00 dB.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Sonos Sub does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    Sonos Sub does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    Sonos Sub does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Sonos Sub has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 0.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Sonos Sub does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Sonos Sub does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    Sonos Sub is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Sonos Sub is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Sonos Sub does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Sonos Sub does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • Does not support auto power-off
    Sonos Sub does not support auto power-off, while the average portable speaker supports auto power-off.
    No automatic inactivity-based power-off.
  • 12,200 g heavier
    Sonos Sub is heavier than the average portable speaker (13,000 g vs 800 g).
  • 26.5 cm taller
    Sonos Sub is taller than the average portable speaker (38.9 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 22.1 cm wider
    Sonos Sub is wider than the average portable speaker (40.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 7.5 cm deeper
    Sonos Sub is deeper than the average portable speaker (15.8 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 7 older
    Sonos Sub was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2012 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2012.
  • Is not water resistant
    Sonos Sub is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Sonos Sub is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sonos Sub has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Sonos Sub has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    Sonos Sub does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • 20 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    Sonos Sub has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (60 dB vs 80 dB).
    Signal-to-noise ratio: 60.00 dB.
    What it is: The ratio between the wanted audio signal and background noise.
    When it matters: When cleaner audio with less background noise matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 80 dB

    Sonos Sub has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (60 dB vs 80 dB).60.00 dB vs 80 dB
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Sonos Sub does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
    When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • 12,200 g heavier
    Sonos Sub is heavier than the average portable speaker (13,000 g vs 800 g).
    What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
    When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 1000 g

    Sonos Sub is heavier than the average portable speaker (13,000 g vs 800 g).13000 g vs 800 g
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Sonos Sub does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sonos Sub does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.

Graphic comparison of Sonos Sub and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sonos Sub?

  • Deep, powerful bass performance that can be both heard and felt
  • Force-cancelling dual drivers prevent any cabinet rattling or vibration
  • Sleek, attractive modern design that complements home decor
  • Highly versatile placement options as it can stand vertically or lay completely flat under furniture
  • Extremely simple wireless setup and seamless integration via the Sonos app
  • Allows paired soundbars and speakers to sound cleaner by taking over low frequencies
  • Trueplay tuning effectively optimises sound based on room acoustics

What customers dislike about Sonos Sub?

  • Premium pricing makes it a very expensive addition to an audio setup
  • Heavy and bulky footprint makes it physically challenging to move around
  • Locked into the Sonos ecosystem and cannot be connected to non-Sonos hardware via a physical sub output
  • Piano gloss finish on older generations easily attracts dust, fingerprints, and scratches
  • Trueplay acoustic calibration feature is exclusively limited to iOS/Apple devices
  • Can be overwhelmingly loud for smaller apartments or shared-wall neighbours if not turned down

Expert reviews

T
techradar.com
30/05/2012
Summary of the review
T
theguardian.com
20/07/2012
Summary of the review
W
whathifi.com
10/01/2019
Summary of the review
R
rtings.com
11/02/2021
Summary of the review
P
perfectacoustic.co.uk
19/05/2021
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
24/02/2020
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
26/06/2012
Summary of the review
W
wired.com
20/07/2012
Summary of the review
H
hifi.de
05/02/2023
Summary of the review
P
perfectacoustic.de
20/05/2021
Summary of the review
C
connect.de
23/07/2012
Summary of the review
S
spiegel.de
22/06/2012
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
20/03/2013
Summary of the review
P
perfectacoustic.fr
25/09/2021
Summary of the review
S
sitegeek.fr
19/11/2015
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
25/10/2012
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
12/10/2025
Summary of the review
X
xataka.com
06/09/2012
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P
perfectacoustic.es
21/05/2021
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X
xataka.com
06/09/2012
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P
perfectacoustic.it
25/05/2021
Summary of the review
A
afdigitale.it
22/11/2023
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G
gizchina.it
26/01/2021
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T
tweakers.net
29/11/2020
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F
fwd.nl
21/06/2026
Summary of the review
F
fwd.nl
29/11/2016
Summary of the review
P
perfectacoustic.nl
(N/A)
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