Let’s get straight to the differences between the Sonos ONE vs. Sonos PLAY:1.
The major differences are Sonos ONE compatibility with Apple Airplay 2 and its in-built Alexa.
Apart from that, both models are very similar in terms of audio capabilities and quality, as well as the features offered.
The Short Version
Sonos ONE = Mono output, stereo output only when paired w/ other speakers, 2 class-D digital amplifiers, 1 tweeter, 1 mid-woofer, adjustable bass & treble, no bass radiator, no audio line-in, comes w/ built-in Alexa, compatible w/ Trueplay, Apple Airplay 2, set up over WiFi, app control, humidity resistant, auto-switching 100-240 V power supply, 2.4 GHz WiFi support, one ethernet port, touch control, wall mount available.
Sonos PLAY:1 = Mono output, stereo output only when paired w/ other speakers, 2 class D digital amplifiers, 1 tweeter, 1 mid-woofer, adjustable bass & treble control, no bass radiator, no audio line-in, compatible w/ Alexa, comes w/ Trueplay, no Airplay 2, set-up over WiFi, 2.4 GHz WiFis support, one ethernet port, button control, wall mount available.
Which one are you getting?
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 23:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sonos ONE vs. Sonos PLAY:1 — Easy Comparison Chart
| Sonos ONE | Sonos PLAY:1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 in. | 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 in. |
| Weight | 4.08 lbs. (1.85 kg) | 4.08 lbs. (1.85 kg) |
| Product finish | White w/ white matte grille; Black w/ black matte grille | White w/ light metallic grille; Black w/ graphite grille |
| Mono Output | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Output | Only when paired with other speakers | Only when paired with other speakers |
| Class-D Digital Amplifiers | 2 | 2 |
| Mid-Woofer | 1 | 1 |
| Adjustable Bass & Treble Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Tweeter | 1 | 1 |
| Audio line-in | No | No |
| Amazon Alexa | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Alexa Built-in | Yes | No |
| Trueplay | Yes | Yes |
| AirPlay 2 coming this year | Yes | No |
| Set Up Over WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Power supply | Auto-switching 100-240 V | Auto-switching 100-240 V |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz |
| One App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Ethernet Port | One | One |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Button Control | No | Yes |
| Touch Control | Yes | No |
| Wall mount | Yes | Yes |
| Change orientation | No | No |
| Humidity Resistant | Yes | Yes |
Sonos ONE vs. Sonos PLAY:1 — What’s Different?
AirPlay 2 – For the iOS users, you’ll be glad to know that Sonos One is compatible with Apple Airplay 2, a feature that allows you to send any sound from your iPhone, iPad or Mac straight to the Sonos ONE smart speaker.
Unfortunately, Sonos Play 1 lacks this addition because it comes with less processing power than the more modern Sonos ONE.
Amazon Alexa Built-in – Additionally, Sonos One smart speaker also comes with an in-built Alexa, meaning that you can enjoy voice control over your device without needing an Alexa-enabled device such as the Echo.
While Play: 1 is compatible with Alexa’s voice commands, it doesn’t come built into the speaker.
On-Device Control – When it comes to on-device control, Sonos One smart speaker features touch buttons to control the device, while the Play: 1 model comes with physical buttons for on-device control.
Last update on 2023-09-22 at 23:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API