Let’s take a look at the differences between the Denon Heos 5 vs. Sonos PLAY:5.
Most of the differences are slight, but Sono’s sound quality is a big one.
Since it comes with an extra class-D amplifier, tweeter and a mid-woofer you can expect a deeper and clearer sound from Sonos Play:5.
Whereas Heos 5 offers us Bluetooth compatibility and a dual-band network support for more efficiency.
So in terms of sound quality Sonos PLAY:5 is the better model to go for, while Denon Heos 5 comes out ahead with its network support.
The Short Version
Sonos PLAY:5 = 6 class-D digital amplifiers, 3 tweeters, 3 mid-woofers, includes an audio line-in, no USB port, 1 ethernet port, no Bluetooth available, supports a 2.4 GHz wireless network, can be placed both vertically and horizontally.
Denon Heos 5 = 5 class- D digital amplifiers, 2 tweeters, 2 mid-woofers, includes an audio line-in, comes with a USB port, 1 ethernet port, compatible w/ Bluetooth, works with 2.4GHz and 5Ghz bands, horizontal placement only.
Which one are you getting?
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 20:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Denon Heos 5 vs. Sonos PLAY:5 — Easy Comparison Chart
| Sonos PLAY:5 (Gen 2) | Denon Heos 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Network | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n networks on2.4GHz and 5Ghz bands |
| Placement | Vertical or Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Ethernet Port | 1 | 1 |
| Class-D Digital Amplifiers | 6 | 5 |
| Tweeter | 3 | 2 |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Audio Line-in | Yes | Yes |
| Mid-Woofer | 3 | 2 |
| USB Port | No | 1 |
Denon Heos 5 vs. Sonos PLAY:5 — What’s Different?
Sound Quality – When it comes to the sound quality between Denon Heos 5 vs. Sonos Play:5, Sonos definitely has the advantage here, even if it isn’t a huge difference.
With its 6 digital amplifiers, vs. Hoes 5, and 3 mid-woofers compared to the 2 which Heos 5 comes with, you can expect a more powerful and rich sound from the Sonos Smart Speaker.
USB Port – Additionally, Heos 5 also includes a USB port addition as well. While it’s not a huge difference, Play: 5 doesn’t come with one.
Wireless Network – Heos 5 comes ahead due to its support of both a 2.4 & a 5GHz wireless network for better connectivity options, whereas Sonos Play: 5 only offers support for a 2.4GHz network.
Placement – In terms of placement, Sonos Play: 5 can produce a powerful sound both when placed vertically or horizontally, while Heos can only be placed horizontally.
Bluetooth – Lastly, Heos 5 offers us Bluetooth compatibility which can be pretty handy when out and about.
Unfortunately Sonos Play: 5 lacks in this department.
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 20:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API