Sonos One Gen 2 Speaker Review

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The Sonos One Gen 2 speaker is a noteworthy addition to the home audio market, offering a blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features. As a successor to the original Sonos One, this model retains the sleek, modern design and integrates seamlessly into various home decor styles. This review will delve into the various aspects of the Sonos One Gen 2 speaker, covering its design, sound quality, smart features, and overall performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Sonos One Gen 2 speaker is designed with elegance and functionality in mind. It boasts a minimalist aesthetic with smooth edges and a compact form factor, making it a versatile choice for any room in the house. Available in both black and white finishes, the speaker can either stand out or blend in, depending on your preference.

The build quality of the Sonos One Gen 2 is impressive. It feels solid and well-constructed, with a durable exterior that is resistant to minor bumps and scratches. One notable feature is its humidity resistance, which means you can safely place it in areas like the kitchen or bathroom without worrying about damage from moisture.

Connectivity Options

When it comes to connectivity, the Sonos One Gen 2 primarily relies on Wi-Fi. Unlike many other wireless speakers, it does not support Bluetooth, which might be a drawback for some users. However, this design choice aligns with Sonos’ strategy of creating a multi-room audio system that remains consistently connected to your home network.

Setting up the speaker is straightforward, thanks to the Sonos app, which guides you through the process of connecting the device to your Wi-Fi network. Once connected, the speaker can be controlled via the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and even directly through voice commands with built-in voice assistants.

Voice Assistant Integration

One of the standout features of the Sonos One Gen 2 is its integration with voice assistants. The speaker supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control music playback, check the news, set alarms, and manage other smart home devices using voice commands. This hands-free functionality adds a layer of convenience and makes the Sonos One Gen 2 a central hub for smart home automation.

For those who prefer not to have a microphone in their speaker, Sonos also offers the One SL variant, which provides the same audio performance without the voice assistant capabilities. This option is ideal for users who are more privacy-conscious or who simply do not need voice control features.

Sound Quality

The Sonos One Gen 2 excels in delivering rich, room-filling sound that defies its compact size. Equipped with a mid-woofer and a tweeter, the speaker produces well-balanced audio with clear mids and highs, and a surprising amount of bass. The sound profile is suitable for a wide range of music genres, making it a versatile choice for any music lover.

A unique feature of the Sonos One Gen 2 is its Trueplay room correction technology. This feature allows the speaker to adjust its audio output based on the acoustics of the room it is placed in. Trueplay is only available on iOS devices, but Android users can still customize the sound through the Sonos app’s bass and treble sliders.

Performance in Different Environments

The Sonos One Gen 2 is designed to perform well in various environments. Its compact design allows it to fit comfortably in small spaces like bookshelves or countertops, while its powerful audio output ensures it can fill larger rooms with sound. The speaker’s humidity resistance makes it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms, where other speakers might struggle.

In addition to being used as a standalone speaker, the Sonos One Gen 2 can be paired with another Sonos One for stereo sound. This setup provides better sound separation and a more immersive listening experience. Furthermore, the speaker can be integrated into a larger Sonos home theater system, acting as rear surrounds when paired with a Sonos soundbar like the Arc or Beam.

Multi-Room Audio and Ecosystem

A significant advantage of the Sonos One Gen 2 is its ability to integrate into the broader Sonos ecosystem. Sonos is renowned for its multi-room audio capabilities, allowing users to connect multiple speakers throughout their home and control them through a single app. This functionality enables synchronized playback across all speakers or the ability to play different audio in different rooms.

The Sonos app is user-friendly and provides a wealth of features, including access to various streaming services, playlist management, and sound customization. The app’s intuitive interface makes it easy to manage your audio system, whether you’re controlling a single speaker or a whole-home setup.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Superior Sound Quality: The Sonos One Gen 2 offers rich, detailed sound with good bass response and clear highs.
  • Voice Assistant Integration: Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant provide hands-free control and smart home integration.
  • Trueplay Room Correction: Adjusts audio output based on room acoustics for optimal sound quality.
  • Multi-Room Audio: Integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers for a comprehensive home audio system.
  • Durable Design: Humidity-resistant build allows placement in various environments, including kitchens and bathrooms.

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth Support: Limits connectivity options, relying solely on Wi-Fi.
  • Trueplay Limited to iOS: Android users cannot access the Trueplay room correction feature.
  • Higher Price Point: Positioned in the premium speaker market, which may not be suitable for budget-conscious consumers.

Final Thoughts

The Sonos One Gen 2 speaker is a powerful, versatile, and well-designed addition to any home audio setup. Its combination of superior sound quality, voice assistant integration, and seamless multi-room audio capabilities make it a standout choice for music enthusiasts and smart home users alike. While the lack of Bluetooth support and the Trueplay feature’s limitation to iOS devices might be minor drawbacks, the overall performance and functionality of the Sonos One Gen 2 more than compensate for these issues.

Recommendations

For those looking to enhance their home audio experience with a high-quality, smart speaker, the Sonos One Gen 2 is an excellent choice. Its rich sound, intelligent features, and ability to integrate into a larger Sonos ecosystem make it a worthwhile investment. Here are a few recommendations based on different use cases:

  1. Smart Home Integration: If you already use smart home devices and want a speaker that can act as a central hub, the Sonos One Gen 2’s built-in voice assistants and smart home compatibility make it a perfect fit.
  2. Multi-Room Audio: For those looking to create a comprehensive home audio system, the Sonos One Gen 2’s ability to connect with other Sonos speakers allows for synchronized music playback throughout your home.
  3. Compact Spaces: Its compact and durable design makes the Sonos One Gen 2 ideal for placement in small or humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
  4. Stereo Sound: If you want to experience more detailed stereo sound, consider pairing two Sonos One Gen 2 speakers in the same room. This setup provides better sound separation and an enhanced listening experience.
  5. Home Theater System: For a more immersive home theater setup, use the Sonos One Gen 2 as rear surround speakers when paired with a Sonos soundbar like the Arc or Beam.

In conclusion, the Sonos One Gen 2 speaker is a versatile and high-performing device that caters to a wide range of audio needs. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home audio system, integrate smart home functionality, or simply enjoy high-quality music playback, the Sonos One Gen 2 is a commendable choice that delivers on its promises.

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