Choosing the right speaker for your home can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many options out there. If you’re eyeing the Sonos lineup, you’ve probably come across the Sonos One and the One SL. Both promise stellar sound quality and seamless integration into your smart home setup, but what sets them apart?
In this article, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Sonos One and the One SL, helping you decide which one fits your needs best. Whether you’re after voice control features or simply want a robust speaker for your favorite tunes, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down what each speaker brings to the table so you can make an informed choice.
Overview of Sonos One and One SL
Both the Sonos One and One SL offer exceptional sound quality. They integrate seamlessly into smart home setups.
Key Features of Sonos One
The Sonos One includes built-in voice control. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can manage music, check news, and control smart home devices hands-free. The microphone array ensures accurate voice recognition even when music is playing. With AirPlay 2 compatibility, you can stream directly from your Apple devices. It features touch controls for easy adjustments. The speaker is humidity resistant, making it suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Stereo pairing and multi-room audio provide flexible listening experiences.
Key Features of Sonos One SL
The Sonos One SL lacks built-in voice control. It’s ideal if you don’t need voice assistants. This model offers the same rich, room-filling sound as the Sonos One. You can control it via the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and more. It also supports stereo pairing and multi-room audio. Similar to the Sonos One, it’s humidity resistant for versatile placement. The touch controls allow you to play, pause, and adjust volume easily.
Design and Build Quality
As a homeowner and designer, you notice and appreciate the finer details in speaker design.
Sonos One Design Details
Sonos One has a sleek, minimalist design. Its compact size fits any room. The speaker grille wraps around seamlessly. The touch controls on top add a modern touch. Available in matte black or white, it blends with your decor.
Sonos One SL Design Details
Sonos One SL mirrors the Sonos One’s design. It looks identical sans the microphone grille. It shares the same compact size for versatility in placement. Matte black or white finishes ensure it complements existing furnishings.
Audio Performance Comparison
Both the Sonos One and One SL deliver impressive audio. You’ll find consistent sound quality and features in both models.
Sound Quality of Sonos One
The Sonos One offers rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. This speaker uses two Class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter, and one mid-woofer. You’ll appreciate the Trueplay tuning, which adjusts sound based on your room’s acoustics. Voice control enhances the listening experience, allowing hands-free adjustments.
Sound Quality of Sonos One SL
The One SL matches the Sonos One in sound performance. It features the same two Class-D digital amplifiers, tweeter, and mid-woofer. Trueplay tuning is also available, delivering optimal sound in any room. Without voice control, the One SL suits users who prioritize audio quality over smart features.
Connectivity and Control
Sonos One and One SL offer various connectivity and control features. Each caters to different needs in your home setup.
Smart Features and Voice Control in Sonos One
The Sonos One integrates seamlessly with smart home systems. Alexa and Google Assistant support are built-in. You can control music and smart devices using voice commands. Use the touch controls on top for quick access. AirPlay 2 compatibility lets you stream directly from Apple devices.
Connectivity Options in Sonos One SL
The Sonos One SL focuses on simplicity. It doesn’t include voice control. Connect through Wi-Fi for uninterrupted streaming. Use the Sonos app for music management. AirPlay 2 is available for Apple users. The One SL maintains the same high-quality sound without the smart features.
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Both speakers allow Ethernet connection for stable, wired setups. Choose Sonos One for voice assistants or One SL for straightforward audio performance.
Price and Value for Money
The Sonos One retails for around $219. The One SL comes in at about $179. If you need voice control, the Sonos One offers excellent value. It includes Alexa and Google Assistant.
You don’t require smart assistants? The One SL saves you $40. Both models share the same sound quality. This makes the One SL a budget-friendly option.
Consider your needs. Both speakers support multi-room audio. You get Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections with either model. The difference lies in smart features.
Do you want voice commands or simple audio performance? Your preference determines which offers better value. For a smart home setup, investing in the Sonos One makes sense. Otherwise, the One SL delivers outstanding sound for a lower price.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Sonos One and the One SL really boils down to what you need from your speaker. If you’re into smart home integration and love using voice commands, the Sonos One is a fantastic choice with its Alexa and Google Assistant support. But if you prefer a simpler setup without voice control and want to save a bit of money, the One SL delivers the same impressive sound quality at a lower price. Both speakers are excellent in their own right, so you can’t go wrong with either option.
