Are you considering buying a wireless speaker from Sonos, but are unsure about the differences between the Sonos One and the Sonos One SL? You’re not alone! Both speakers are part of the popular Sonos family, but they cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, specifications, and capabilities of each speaker to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos One and Sonos One SL share a similar design language, with a compact, cylindrical shape that fits seamlessly into any home décor. Both speakers feature a durable, premium build quality that exudes a sense of sophistication and style. The main difference lies in their physical appearance: the Sonos One has a matte white or black finish, while the Sonos One SL has a sleek, glossy finish that gives it a more modern look.
In terms of dimensions, both speakers measure 4.09 inches tall, 4.09 inches wide, and 4.76 inches deep, making them perfect for bookshelves, countertops, or side tables. They’re also surprisingly light, weighing in at just 4.08 pounds. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to move them around the house or take them with you on the go.
Touch Controls and Microphone
One of the most notable differences between the Sonos One and Sonos One SL is the presence of microphones on the Sonos One. The Sonos One comes equipped with six far-field microphones, which enable advanced voice control capabilities through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means you can use voice commands to control your music, answer phone calls, and even control other smart devices in your home.
In contrast, the Sonos One SL does not have microphones, making it a more private and secure option for those who are concerned about voice data collection. Instead, the Sonos One SL relies on physical touch controls, including play/pause, volume up/down, and previous/next track buttons. While this might seem like a limitation, the Sonos One SL still offers seamless control through the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2.
Audio Performance
When it comes to audio performance, both the Sonos One and Sonos One SL deliver exceptional sound quality that’s typical of Sonos products. Both speakers feature a single tweeter and a single mid-woofer, which work together to produce a rich, detailed sound with good bass response.
The Sonos One and Sonos One SL support a wide range of audio formats, including PCM, AAC, and MP3. They also support Apple’s Trueplay technology, which allows the speakers to automatically adjust their sound output based on the acoustics of the room they’re in. This results in a more balanced and accurate sound that’s tailored to your specific listening environment.
AirPlay 2 and Multi-Room Audio
Both the Sonos One and Sonos One SL support Apple AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream music from your iPhone or iPad to your Sonos speaker. This feature is especially useful for Apple ecosystem users who want to enjoy seamless music streaming without the need for additional hardware.
In addition to AirPlay 2, both speakers support Sonos’ proprietary multi-room audio technology. This allows you to connect multiple Sonos speakers together and control them from a single app, creating a whole-home audio experience that’s unmatched by most other wireless speakers.
Smart Features and Integrations
One of the key differences between the Sonos One and Sonos One SL is their level of smart features and integrations. The Sonos One is a smart speaker that supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music, news, and entertainment with voice commands. You can also use the Sonos One to control other smart devices in your home, such as Philips Hue lights or Nest thermostats.
In contrast, the Sonos One SL does not support voice assistants, but it does integrate seamlessly with the Sonos app and other Sonos speakers. This means you can still control your music and access features like Sonos Radio and Apple Music, but you won’t get the added convenience of voice control.
Additional Features and Accessories
Both the Sonos One and Sonos One SL come with a range of additional features and accessories that enhance their overall value proposition. Some of these features include:
* Automatic software updates, which ensure that your speaker stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
* A humidity-resistant design, which makes the speakers suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, or other areas prone to moisture.
* A range of accessories, including wall mounts, stands, and power adapters.
In terms of accessories, the Sonos One has a more comprehensive range of options, including voice-enabled accessories like the Sonos Beam soundbar. The Sonos One SL, on the other hand, has a more limited range of accessories, but still offers a selection of stylish and functional options.
Pricing and Value
The Sonos One and Sonos One SL have different price points, which reflect their respective feature sets and capabilities. The Sonos One typically retails for around $199, making it a premium option for those who want advanced smart features and voice control.
The Sonos One SL, on the other hand, retails for around $179, making it a more affordable option for those who want high-quality sound without the added cost of voice assistants and smart integrations.
Value Proposition
So, which speaker offers the better value proposition? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a smart speaker with advanced voice control and smart integrations, the Sonos One is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality wireless speaker with excellent sound and a more affordable price tag, the Sonos One SL is the way to go.
Ultimately, both speakers offer exceptional value and performance, making them excellent options for anyone looking to elevate their home audio experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sonos One and Sonos One SL are two wireless speakers that cater to different needs and preferences. While both speakers offer exceptional sound quality and sleek designs, they differ significantly in terms of features, smart integrations, and price points.
By understanding the key differences between these two speakers, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Whether you’re looking for a smart speaker with advanced voice control or a high-quality wireless speaker with a more affordable price tag, Sonos has got you covered.
What are the main differences between Sonos One and Sonos One SL?
The main differences between Sonos One and Sonos One SL lie in their smart speaker capabilities and microphones. The Sonos One is a smart speaker that comes with built-in microphones and supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control. On the other hand, the Sonos One SL is a non-smart speaker that does not have microphones and does not support voice assistants.
In terms of design and sound quality, both speakers are identical, offering the same compact size, sleek design, and high-quality audio performance. However, the lack of microphones and voice assistant capabilities on the Sonos One SL makes it a more affordable option for those who do not need or want smart speaker features.
Is the Sonos One SL worth the lower price if I don’t care about smart speaker features?
If you don’t care about smart speaker features and voice assistants, the Sonos One SL is definitely worth considering. It offers the same excellent sound quality and compact design as the Sonos One, but at a lower price point. You’ll still be able to control the speaker using the Sonos app or any other compatible controller, and you’ll have access to all the same features and functionality as the Sonos One, minus the voice assistant capabilities.
Additionally, the Sonos One SL is a great option for those who are concerned about privacy and security. Without microphones, there’s no risk of your conversations being recorded or monitored. Overall, the Sonos One SL is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality wireless speaker without the smart features.
Can I use the Sonos One SL with a separate smart speaker?
Yes, you can use the Sonos One SL with a separate smart speaker. Since the Sonos One SL does not have built-in microphones or voice assistant capabilities, you can pair it with a separate smart speaker or device that supports voice assistants. This way, you can still control the Sonos One SL using voice commands, while also taking advantage of the excellent sound quality and compact design.
For example, you could pair the Sonos One SL with an Amazon Echo or Google Home device, and use voice commands to control the speaker. This setup allows you to have the best of both worlds: the excellent sound quality of the Sonos One SL, and the convenience of voice control.
Does the Sonos One SL support Apple AirPlay 2?
Yes, the Sonos One SL does support Apple AirPlay 2. This means that you can easily stream music from your Apple devices, such as your iPhone or iPad, directly to the Sonos One SL. You can also use the Sonos app to control the speaker and access additional features and functionality.
AirPlay 2 support on the Sonos One SL also means that you can use the speaker as part of a multi-room audio system, streaming music to multiple rooms and speakers seamlessly. This makes the Sonos One SL a great choice for anyone who wants to create a whole-home audio system with their Apple devices.
Can I use the Sonos One SL with a Sonos Beam or Sonos Bar?
Yes, you can use the Sonos One SL with a Sonos Beam or Sonos Bar. The Sonos One SL is a wireless speaker that can be paired with other Sonos speakers, including the Sonos Beam and Sonos Bar, to create a multi-room audio system.
You can use the Sonos app to group the speakers together, allowing you to control them simultaneously and stream music to multiple rooms. This is a great way to create a whole-home audio system, with the Sonos One SL providing additional audio coverage in areas where you need it.
Is the Sonos One SL compatible with other smart home devices?
The Sonos One SL is compatible with many other smart home devices, including smart thermostats, security cameras, and more. Since the Sonos One SL does not have built-in microphones or voice assistant capabilities, you’ll need to use a separate smart speaker or device to control these devices using voice commands.
However, you can still use the Sonos app to control the speaker and access additional features and functionality. You can also use IFTTT (If This Then That) recipes to automate tasks and integrate the Sonos One SL with other smart home devices.
Can I upgrade a Sonos One SL to a Sonos One in the future?
No, you cannot upgrade a Sonos One SL to a Sonos One in the future. The Sonos One SL is a distinct product with its own hardware and software, and it is not possible to add microphones or voice assistant capabilities to the speaker.
If you decide you want the features and functionality of the Sonos One in the future, you’ll need to purchase a new Sonos One speaker. However, the Sonos One SL is still a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality wireless speaker without the smart features, and it’s a more affordable option than the Sonos One.