Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Sonos Sub Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£620Audio 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.

6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.6

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 58% of portable speakers
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 97%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

7.2

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.8

Durability

16%

5.8

Connectivity

8%

7.7

Controls

3%

2.0

Design

3%

8.8

Smart features

â–²Better than 51%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    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.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sonos Sub

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

7.2

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.8

Durability

16%

5.8

Connectivity

8%

7.7

Controls

3%

2.0

Design

3%

8.8

Smart features

6.6
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Sonos Sub has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

6.8
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
152 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 152 mm which is larger than that of 95.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
25 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 25 Hz which is lower than that of 84.5% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio. 94.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Bluetooth profiles supported
?
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker 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
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
side
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
13,000 g
This portable speaker 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
38.9 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 38.9 cm which is taller than that of 94.8% of portable speakers.
Width
40.2 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 40.2 cm which is wider than that of 92.8% of portable speakers.
Depth
15.8 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 15.8 cm which is deeper than that of 82.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
handle
Show more
Companion app name
Sonos
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
OTA; App
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Sonos Sub vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 102 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (152 mm vs 50 mm).
    152 mm vs 50 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker 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.
  • 12 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (104 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    104 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 35 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (25 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    25 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 vs 0
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 102 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (152 mm vs 50 mm).
    152 mm vs 50 mm
  • 12 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (104 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    104 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 35 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (25 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    25 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 51 mm larger built-in subwoofer
    This portable speaker has a larger built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (152 mm vs 101 mm).
    152 mm vs 101 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker 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.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 vs 0
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Has an FM radio
    This portable speaker has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • 20 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (60 dB vs 80 dB).
    60 dB vs 80 dB
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker 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.
  • 12,200 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (13,000 g vs 800 g).
    13,000 g vs 800 g
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 6.89x more expensive
    Sonos Sub is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£620 vs £90).
    £620 vs £90
  • 11.4% worse value for money
    Sonos Sub offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (6.77 vs 7.5).
    6.77 vs 7.55
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sonos Sub is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 20 dB lower signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (60 dB vs 80 dB).
    60 dB vs 80 dB
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (13,000 g vs 800 g).
    13,000 g vs 800 g
  • 26.5 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (38.9 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    38.9 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 22.1 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (40.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    40.2 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 7.5 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (15.8 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    15.8 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 7 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2012 vs 2019).
    2012 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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
T
tweakers.net
29/11/2020
Summary of the review
F
fwd.nl
21/06/2020
Summary of the review
F
fwd.nl
29/11/2016
Summary of the review

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 don't like 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

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.

Compare Sonos Sub with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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