Sonos PLAY:1 vs. PLAY:3

Sonos Play 1 vs Play 3

Let’s look at the differences between the Sonos PLAY:1 vs. PLAY:3, and see which is a better fit for you.

So far, we like Sono’s Play:3 rich bass sound with its mid-range drivers and passive bass radiator that Play:1 lacks, as well as its ability to play audio both in mono and stereo mode based on the orientation.

Whereas Sonos PLAY:1 is a more budget-friendly option that is also humidity resistant making it a practical choice if you want to have it often out by the pool.

However, in our opinion, we believe that Sonos PLAY:3 with its advanced audio and flexible pairing capabilities is the better model in this comparison.


The Short Version

Sonos PLAY:1 = Mono output, stereo output when paired with another Play:1, 2 class-D digital amplifiers, 1 tweeter, 1 mid-woofer, adjustable bass & treble, no audio line-in, Amazon Alexa voice commands, compatible w/ Trueplay, set-up over WiFi, works w/ a 2.4 GHz WiFi network, no Bluetooth, button control, can change orientation, wall mount available.

Sonos PLAY:3 = Mono output in vertical position, stereo output in horizontal position, 3 class-D digital amplifiers, 1 tweeter, 2 mid-woofers, adjustable bass & treble, bass radiator, no audio line-in, voice control w/ Amazon Alexa, compatible w/ Trueplay, set-up over WiFi, supports a 2.4GHz WiFi, one ethernet port, button control, can change orientation, wall mount available.

Which one are you getting?

Last update on 2024-03-18 at 18:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sonos PLAY:1 vs. PLAY:3— Easy Comparison Chart

Sonos PLAY:1 Sonos PLAY:3
Dimensions6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 in.
5.2 x 10.6 x 6.3 in.
Product finishWhite w/ light metallic grille; Black w/ graphite grilleWhite w/ light metallic grille; Black w/ graphite grille
Wall MountAvailableAvailable
A Bass RadiatorNoYes
Weight4.08 lbs. (1.85 kg)5.71 lbs. (2.6 kg)
Mono OutputYesIn vertical position
Stereo OutputOnly when paired with other PLAY:1In horizontal position
Humidity ResistantYesNo
Class-D Digital Amplifiers23
Tweeter11
Mid-Woofer12
Adjustable Bass & Treble ControlsYesYes
Audio line-inNoNo
Amazon AlexaYesYes
Amazon Alexa Built-InNoNo
TrueplayYesYes
Set Up Over WiFiYesYes
One App ControlYesYes
WiFi802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz
BluetoothNoNo
Change orientationNoYes
Ethernet PortOneOne
Button ControlYesYes
Touch ControlNoNo

Sonos PLAY:1 vs. PLAY:3 — What’s Different?

Sonos Lifestyle

Change Orientation – Sonos Play: 3 allows you to change its orientation based on the position it’s placed in.

For example, when placed vertically it will produce a mono output and will have a stereo output when in a horizontal position.

Whereas Sonos Play:1 should always be in a vertical position, and can only produce a stereo output when paired with another Sonos Play:1.

Sound Quality – In terms of sound quality, Sonos Play:3 can deliver a richer sound with its mid-range drivers and passive bass radiator for that deep bass quality.

Design & Size – When it comes to the design, Play:1 is slightly more compact with its measurements of 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 in. vs. Play:3 bulkier dimensions of s 5.2 x 10.6 x 6.3 in.

Humidity Resistant – Lastly, Sonos Play:1 comes with the advantage of being humidity resistant, allowing you to bring the music into the kitchen or bathroom as well.

Whereas Play:3 lacks this function and should be kept in dry areas at all times.

Last update on 2024-03-18 at 18:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API