The Sonos One (Gen 2) is a compact, powerful smart speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality and seamless integration with popular streaming services. This second-generation model builds upon the success of its predecessor, boasting improved audio performance, enhanced voice control capabilities, and a sleek, modern design. Whether you’re looking for a high-fidelity audio experience for your living room, a multi-room setup for your home, or a convenient way to control your smart home devices, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a compelling choice.
This review will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Sonos One (Gen 2) to help you decide if it’s the right smart speaker for you. We’ll examine its sound quality, voice control capabilities, app integration, and compatibility with other Sonos products. We’ll also compare it to other popular smart speakers on the market to provide a comprehensive perspective.
One of the standout features of the Sonos One (Gen 2) is its ability to seamlessly integrate with popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. You can easily access and control your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly from the speaker or through the Sonos app. The app offers a user-friendly interface and provides a wide range of customization options, including EQ settings, alarm scheduling, and multi-room grouping.
Overall, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a sophisticated and versatile smart speaker that delivers excellent sound quality, convenient voice control, and seamless integration with popular streaming services. It’s a great choice for music lovers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking to elevate their home audio experience.
| Name: | Sonos One (Gen 2) |
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| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
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Sonos One (Gen 2) Review: An In-Depth Look
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, boasting a refined design, enhanced sound quality, and the integration of both Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. This compact smart speaker stands out as a premium option in the competitive world of smart home audio.
Design and Build Quality
Sonos has opted for a minimalist aesthetic with the One (Gen 2), featuring a sleek, cylindrical design that seamlessly blends into any decor. The speaker is available in a range of colors, including black, white, and a new “Shadow” option, offering a more subtle and sophisticated appearance. The top surface houses touch controls for volume, play/pause, and track skipping, while a small LED indicator at the front subtly signals when the speaker is active.
The construction is solid and robust, with a high-quality plastic casing that feels substantial and premium. The speaker’s overall footprint is compact, making it suitable for placement on shelves, desks, or nightstands. While the One (Gen 2) doesn’t come with a physical remote, the intuitive app control and voice commands eliminate the need for one.
Sound Quality: A Big Step Up
The most significant improvement in the Sonos One (Gen 2) lies in its sound quality. Compared to the first-generation model, the Gen 2 boasts a richer, more detailed audio experience. The speaker delivers impressive clarity and punchy bass, handling both vocals and instrumental music with grace.
Even at higher volumes, the audio remains crisp and distortion-free. The One (Gen 2) excels at reproducing a wide range of genres, from classical and jazz to pop and rock, thanks to its finely tuned audio drivers. While it may not offer the sheer power of larger speakers, the sound quality surpasses many other smart speakers in its price range.
Features and Functionality: Alexa and Google Assistant Integration
The Sonos One (Gen 2) truly shines when it comes to its voice control features. It supports both Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred voice assistant. This dual-assistant functionality is a significant advantage, allowing you to seamlessly integrate the speaker into your existing smart home ecosystem.
Whether you want to control music playback, check the weather, or set alarms, the One (Gen 2) responds to your commands with ease. The voice recognition is accurate and reliable, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience. The speaker also features a built-in microphone that allows for clear and natural voice interactions.
Setup and Connectivity
Setting up the Sonos One (Gen 2) is incredibly easy, thanks to the intuitive Sonos app. The app guides you through the process step-by-step, from connecting the speaker to your Wi-Fi network to linking your music streaming services. The setup process is quick and hassle-free, even for first-time Sonos users.
The One (Gen 2) supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections for reliable streaming. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to stream audio directly from your smartphone or tablet, although this functionality is best reserved for impromptu listening sessions, as the quality might not be as good as streaming over Wi-Fi.
App Experience: Streamlining Your Music
The Sonos app is the heart of the Sonos One (Gen 2) experience. It provides a comprehensive control center for your music, offering access to a wide range of streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more.
The app’s user interface is clean and intuitive, allowing you to easily browse your music library, discover new artists, and create custom playlists. You can also manage multiple Sonos speakers from a single app, creating a multi-room audio system with ease. The app also offers advanced audio settings, such as equalization and bass boost, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences.
Voice Control: Alexa and Google Assistant Hands-Free
The inclusion of both Alexa and Google Assistant provides an unparalleled level of voice control for the Sonos One (Gen 2). With Alexa, you can use voice commands to play music, set alarms, check the weather, and control other compatible smart home devices. Google Assistant offers similar functionality, allowing you to manage your calendar, send messages, and much more.
The speaker’s microphone effectively picks up voice commands, even in noisy environments. Switching between Alexa and Google Assistant is as simple as saying “Alexa” or “Hey Google,” giving you complete control over your listening experience.
Multi-Room Audio: Expanding Your Sound
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is designed to be part of a larger Sonos system, allowing you to create a multi-room audio experience. You can connect multiple Sonos speakers throughout your home and seamlessly stream music to all of them, or even play different music in different rooms.
This feature is ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying your favorite music in every corner of your home. The multi-room audio capabilities of the Sonos One (Gen 2) set it apart from other smart speakers and offer a truly immersive listening experience.
Comparisons to Other Smart Speakers
The Sonos One (Gen 2) faces stiff competition from other premium smart speakers, such as the Amazon Echo Studio, the Apple HomePod, and the Google Nest Audio.
While these competitors offer their own unique strengths, the Sonos One (Gen 2) stands out with its exceptional sound quality, dual-assistant compatibility, and seamless integration into a multi-room audio system.
For users seeking a well-rounded smart speaker that delivers both superior audio and voice control, the Sonos One (Gen 2) emerges as a compelling choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior sound quality with clear vocals and punchy bass
- Dual-assistant compatibility (Alexa and Google Assistant)
- Seamless integration into a multi-room audio system
- Intuitive app experience with a wide range of streaming services
- Compact and stylish design with a premium build quality
Cons:
- Pricey compared to some other smart speakers
- No built-in display for visual information
- Bluetooth connectivity is limited to short-range streaming
Verdict: Is the Sonos One (Gen 2) Worth the Price?
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is a premium smart speaker that delivers an exceptional listening experience. It excels in sound quality, voice control, and multi-room audio capabilities. While the price tag may be a deterrent for budget-conscious consumers, the speaker’s exceptional performance and feature set justify its cost for those who prioritize audio quality and smart home integration. If you’re looking for a versatile and high-performance smart speaker that elevates your home entertainment experience, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is undoubtedly worth considering.
Design and Build Quality
The Sonos One (Gen 2) maintains the sleek and minimalist aesthetic that Sonos is known for. Its compact, cylindrical design seamlessly blends into any décor, whether it’s perched on a bookshelf, nightstand, or kitchen counter. The matte black or white finish exudes a premium feel, and the touch-sensitive controls on the top panel are both stylish and intuitive. The speaker feels incredibly solid and well-built, with a sturdy plastic construction that inspires confidence. Despite its compact size, the Sonos One (Gen 2) feels substantial and robust, capable of withstanding the bumps and bruises of everyday use. The speaker’s weight also adds to its sense of quality, reassuring you that it’s built to last. Overall, the design and build quality of the Sonos One (Gen 2) are a testament to Sonos’ commitment to crafting high-end audio devices that look as good as they sound.
Sound Quality: A Big Step Up
The Sonos One (Gen 2) takes a significant leap forward in sound quality compared to its predecessor. The speaker boasts a richer, more detailed audio experience with improved clarity and a wider soundstage. The bass is tighter and more controlled, providing a more impactful and satisfying listening experience. You can clearly discern individual instruments and vocals, with each element standing out in the mix. Whether you’re enjoying classical music, pop hits, or podcasts, the Sonos One (Gen 2) delivers a nuanced and immersive sonic experience. The audio fidelity is impressive for a speaker of its size, making it a perfect choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. The speaker’s ability to fill a room with sound without distortion or muddiness is a testament to its exceptional audio engineering.
Features and Functionality: Alexa and Google Assistant Integration
The Sonos One (Gen 2) shines in its integration with popular voice assistants, offering a seamless experience for those who prefer hands-free control. You can choose between Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or even use both simultaneously! Setting up voice control is a breeze. Simply link your preferred assistant account within the Sonos app, and you’re ready to start giving commands.
With Alexa, you can play music, check the weather, set alarms, and control smart home devices. Google Assistant allows you to do the same, plus you can ask for directions, search for information, and even control compatible smart devices.
The voice recognition is remarkably accurate, even in noisy environments. The microphones are strategically placed to pick up your voice clearly, ensuring your commands are understood.
The Sonos One (Gen 2) also offers a range of voice-controlled features specific to music playback. You can easily adjust volume, skip tracks, play specific artists or genres, and even create custom playlists using your voice.
The ability to switch between Alexa and Google Assistant without needing to unlink or reconfigure your device is a major advantage. This gives you the flexibility to choose the assistant that best suits your needs at any given time.
This seamless integration with voice assistants elevates the Sonos One (Gen 2) beyond a simple smart speaker. It transforms it into a powerful hub for your smart home and entertainment, placing a world of possibilities at your fingertips – or should we say, your voice.
Setup and Connectivity
Setting up the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a breeze. The process is incredibly intuitive, even for tech newbies. You’ll need the Sonos app, available for both iOS and Android. Once downloaded, the app will walk you through a step-by-step process, guiding you to connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network. The app does a fantastic job of detecting your network and connecting the speaker automatically, eliminating the need for any complex manual configuration.
The Sonos One (Gen 2) supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, ensuring compatibility with most modern home setups. For a truly wireless experience, you can also connect the speaker to your home’s existing Sonos system, expanding your multi-room audio setup effortlessly. The speaker also features an ethernet port for a wired connection if you prefer a more stable connection or have a stronger wired network setup.
One thing to note is that while the Sonos One (Gen 2) offers Bluetooth connectivity, it’s primarily for pairing with another Bluetooth-enabled device, not for streaming music directly from your smartphone. This is a bit of a limitation for those who prefer Bluetooth streaming, but it’s understandable given the emphasis on Sonos’s own music streaming ecosystem.
App Experience: Streamlining Your Music
The Sonos app is the heart of the Sonos One (Gen 2) experience, providing seamless control over your music library and streaming services. The app itself is beautifully designed, intuitive to use, and available for both iOS and Android devices. You can easily browse your music by artist, album, or playlist, and discover new music through curated radio stations and personalized recommendations.
One of the most impressive features of the app is its ability to seamlessly integrate with multiple streaming services. Whether you’re a Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Tidal subscriber, the Sonos app lets you access your entire music library with ease. The app also supports a wide range of other music services, including Pandora, SoundCloud, Deezer, and TuneIn.
The app also allows for sophisticated music management, letting you create custom playlists and group speakers together to play the same music throughout your home. The ability to set up multi-room audio and control multiple Sonos speakers simultaneously is a key feature that sets Sonos apart from the competition.
Beyond just music playback, the Sonos app lets you adjust the equalizer settings to fine-tune the sound to your liking. You can also customize the volume levels for individual speakers, ensuring a balanced audio experience throughout your home.
Overall, the Sonos app is a testament to the company’s commitment to user experience. It’s incredibly user-friendly, packed with features, and seamlessly integrates with your preferred music services. This app elevates the Sonos One (Gen 2) experience and makes it a truly enjoyable way to control and enjoy your music.
Voice Control: Alexa and Google Assistant Hands-Free
The Sonos One (Gen 2) boasts seamless integration with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music and smart home devices with your voice. This hands-free functionality elevates the listening experience, making it even more convenient.
Setting up voice control is simple: just link your Alexa or Google Assistant account within the Sonos app. Once connected, you can use simple voice commands like “Alexa, play my favorite playlist” or “Hey Google, turn the volume up.” You can also use voice commands to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and control playback. The microphones on the Sonos One (Gen 2) are exceptionally sensitive, picking up your voice from across the room even in noisy environments.
Beyond music control, you can leverage the power of voice assistants for a wide range of tasks. Ask Alexa or Google Assistant to set timers, check the weather, control compatible smart home devices, and even make calls. This integrated voice control feature transforms the Sonos One (Gen 2) into a true smart home hub, simplifying your life and enhancing your connected home experience.
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Multi-Room Audio: Expanding Your Sound
One of the standout features of the Sonos One (Gen 2) is its ability to create a multi-room audio experience. This means you can seamlessly connect multiple Sonos speakers throughout your home and play the same music in every room or different music in different rooms. It’s like having a personal DJ for your entire house!
Setting up a multi-room system is incredibly straightforward thanks to the user-friendly Sonos app. You simply add additional Sonos speakers to your system, and the app will guide you through the pairing process. Once connected, you can control the music playback in each room individually or group multiple rooms together for a synchronized sound.
Imagine having a dinner party where guests can enjoy the same music in the dining room and living room, or creating a relaxing ambiance with soothing tunes playing in your bedroom and bathroom. With the Sonos One (Gen 2), the possibilities are endless.
The multi-room audio feature also allows you to take advantage of Sonos’s Trueplay technology, which automatically adjusts the sound profile of each speaker to optimize it for the specific room’s acoustics. This ensures that you get the best possible sound quality no matter where you are in your home.
Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant atmosphere for entertaining or simply enjoy your favorite music in multiple locations, the Sonos One (Gen 2)‘s multi-room audio capabilities make it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking to expand their home sound system.
Comparisons to Other Smart Speakers
The Sonos One (Gen 2) competes in a crowded market of smart speakers, so it’s worth comparing it to some of its key rivals.
Amazon Echo (4th Generation): The Echo is a strong contender with its excellent sound quality, particularly for bass, and a competitive price point. However, the Sonos One edges it out in terms of overall sound quality, particularly in the highs and mids. The Sonos One also offers a more refined and user-friendly app experience.
Google Nest Audio: The Nest Audio boasts a similar price point to the Sonos One and delivers excellent audio quality for its size. However, the Sonos One wins out in terms of app functionality, soundstage, and overall clarity. Additionally, the Sonos One is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you more flexibility.
Apple HomePod mini: While the HomePod mini is compact and offers excellent sound for its size, it’s limited to Apple’s ecosystem. The Sonos One, on the other hand, is more versatile, working with both Alexa and Google Assistant and offering compatibility with a wider range of streaming services.
Sonos Roam: The Sonos Roam is Sonos’s portable speaker, offering a similar sound signature to the Sonos One but with added portability. However, the Sonos One offers superior sound quality and a wider range of features, making it a better choice for home use.
When it comes to smart speakers, the Sonos One (Gen 2) stands out with its excellent sound quality, versatility, and robust app experience. While it might not be the cheapest option, it offers a compelling combination of features and performance that makes it a strong contender in the crowded smart speaker market.
Pros and Cons
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is a fantastic smart speaker with a lot to offer, but like any product, it does have its drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of its key strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The Sonos One (Gen 2) delivers rich, detailed audio with impressive clarity and depth, surpassing many competitors in its price range. You can enjoy your music with crisp highs, powerful bass, and well-balanced mids, making it suitable for various genres.
- Seamless Multi-Room Audio: Sonos is renowned for its multi-room audio capabilities, and the One (Gen 2) seamlessly integrates into a Sonos system. You can easily group multiple speakers together for synchronized playback, creating an immersive audio experience throughout your home.
- Voice Control Flexibility: With support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, you can choose the voice assistant that best suits your needs. This provides flexibility and convenience for hands-free control of your music, smart home devices, and more.
- Versatile Connectivity: The One (Gen 2) offers a variety of ways to connect to your network, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet. This ensures reliable connectivity and a stable connection for high-quality audio streaming.
- User-Friendly App: The Sonos app is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to control your music, adjust settings, and manage your speakers effortlessly. You can access numerous streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music through the app.
- Durable Design: The Sonos One (Gen 2) is built with a robust and sleek design, boasting a compact size that fits well in any room. The textured finish feels premium and resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
Cons:
- Price: The Sonos One (Gen 2) is relatively expensive compared to other smart speakers with similar features. While the sound quality and features justify the cost for some, it might be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Physical Controls: The speaker lacks physical buttons for volume control, requiring you to use the app or voice commands for adjustments. This can be a slight inconvenience if you prefer direct controls.
- No Bluetooth: While Wi-Fi and Ethernet are reliable for network connectivity, the lack of Bluetooth might be a drawback for some users who want to play music directly from their phone or other Bluetooth devices.
Overall, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a fantastic smart speaker that excels in sound quality, multi-room audio capabilities, and voice control flexibility. However, its high price and limited physical controls might be drawbacks for some users.
Verdict: Is the Sonos One (Gen 2) Worth the Price?
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is a premium smart speaker that delivers excellent sound quality, versatile features, and seamless integration with your smart home. While it comes at a higher price point than some competitors, its exceptional audio performance, robust functionality, and top-notch build quality make it a compelling choice for music lovers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Here’s the bottom line: If you’re seeking a high-fidelity smart speaker that excels in sound quality, features, and ease of use, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is definitely worth the investment. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prioritize affordability over premium audio, there are more affordable alternatives available. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and priorities.
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In conclusion, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a fantastic smart speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality, a sleek design, and a seamless integration with various streaming services. Its voice control capabilities and impressive features make it a worthy contender for your home audio system. Whether you’re looking for a standalone speaker or a starting point for a multi-room setup, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a solid choice.
With its impressive audio performance, intuitive controls, and versatility, the Sonos One (Gen 2) stands out in a crowded market. Its ability to connect with other Sonos devices and its support for voice assistants make it a truly smart speaker. For music lovers seeking a premium audio experience with a touch of convenience, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a great option.
While the Sonos One (Gen 2) offers exceptional sound quality and a user-friendly interface, it does come at a higher price point compared to some other smart speakers. However, its exceptional build quality, advanced features, and seamless integration with various streaming services justify the cost. The Sonos One (Gen 2) is a worthy investment for those who prioritize sound quality and functionality over budget-friendly options.
Overall, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a highly recommended smart speaker that delivers on its promises. Its combination of exceptional sound, smart features, and a sleek design makes it a perfect addition to any home. If you’re looking for a top-tier smart speaker with a focus on quality and performance, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is a fantastic choice.
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