Featured product
Sonos One
by Sonos
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Why it has stayed popular
The Sonos One has remained a staple in the wireless speaker world thanks to its seamless multi-room integration, reliable app control, and surprisingly rich sound for its compact footprint. Its support for multiple voice assistants and steady firmware updates have kept it relevant long after its launch.
Who It Fits
The Sonos One is a strong match for households that value a connected listening experience across multiple rooms. If you already own other Sonos speakers or plan to build a multi-room setup over time, the One slots in effortlessly and lets you group, ungroup, and control zones from a single app. It also suits listeners who want a compact speaker that can sit on a kitchen counter, bookshelf, or nightstand without dominating the space. Casual listeners who stream from popular services will appreciate the deep app integration, while more hands-on users can fine-tune sound through Trueplay tuning on supported devices. It is less ideal for someone who wants a purely portable speaker, since it requires wall power, or for listeners who prefer a completely platform-agnostic setup outside the Sonos ecosystem. For those already invested in or curious about whole-home audio, it remains one of the most approachable entry points.
What to Weigh Before Buying
Before committing to the Sonos One, consider how deeply you want to tie yourself to the Sonos platform. Its biggest strengths—multi-room grouping, synchronized playback, and unified app control—shine most when you own more than one Sonos device. A single One still sounds good, but you are paying for ecosystem benefits you may not fully use. Think about where you will place it, since it needs a nearby outlet and performs best on a stable surface rather than tucked into a crowded shelf. Room acoustics matter, and Trueplay tuning can help, but it requires an iOS device for the tuning process, which may frustrate Android-only households. Voice assistant support is a nice perk, but not everyone wants a microphone-equipped speaker in private spaces, and you can disable it. Finally, while the One handles a range of genres well, bass-heavy listeners may find its low end lacking compared to larger speakers or a paired stereo set.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Sonos One does not feel like the right fit, there are several worthwhile alternatives depending on your priorities. The Amazon Echo line offers strong voice integration and broad smart-home control at a lower barrier to entry, though multi-room audio is less polished and sound quality varies more across models. The Apple HomePod mini appeals to those deep in the Apple ecosystem, with tight Siri and Apple Music integration, but it is more limited in streaming service support. For listeners who prioritize portability, JBL's Flip and Charge series deliver rugged, battery-powered sound that the One cannot match, though they lack true multi-room synchronization. If sound quality is your top concern and portability is irrelevant, a larger bookshelf speaker or a stereo pair of smaller powered speakers may offer more satisfying dynamics. Each option trades something the Sonos One provides, so the right choice depends on whether ecosystem cohesion, voice features, portability, or raw fidelity matters most to your daily listening.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Sonos One without voice assistants?
Yes. The built-in microphone can be disabled with a physical toggle, and you are not required to set up any voice assistant during installation. The speaker functions fully as a wireless speaker controlled through the Sonos app, AirPlay, or supported streaming services without voice features.
Does the Sonos One work with other Sonos speakers I already own?
Yes. It integrates into an existing Sonos system through the Sonos app, allowing you to group it with other speakers for synchronized playback across rooms. You can also pair two Ones as a stereo set or use one as a rear surround speaker with a compatible Sonos soundbar.
Can the Sonos One be used outdoors?
It is designed for indoor use and requires a wall outlet, so it is not a true portable speaker. While it can be used on a covered patio with power access, it lacks the weatherproofing and battery power needed for outdoor or rugged use.