Today, we’ll take a look at the differences between the Sonos PLAY:1 vs. PLAY:5.
Of them all, the most important is the improved audio quality, as well as the in-built stereo sound of the Sonos Play:5.
Of course, you still have the option of purchasing two Sonos PLAY:1 speakers in order to achieve that powerful stereo sound, but if you prefer to shell out for a smart speaker that can produce both mono as well as high-quality stereo sound, Sonos PLAY:5 is the way to go.
The Short Version
Sonos PLAY:1 = Mono output, stereo output only when paired with other speakers, 2 class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter, one mid-woofer, adjustable bass & treble, no audio line-in, compatible w/ Alexa, works w/ Trueplay, set-up over WiFi works w/ a 2.4GHz WiFi network, humidity resistant, one ethernet port, button on-device control, wall mount available.
Sonos PLAY:5 = Mono output on vertical position, stereo output in a horizontal position, 6 class-D digital amplifiers, 3 tweeters, 3 mid-woofers, adjustable bass & treble, audio line-in, voice control w/ Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant via the line-in port, Siri coming soon, compatible w/ Trueplay, set-up over WiFi, one app control, humidity resistant, compatible w/ 2.4GHz WiFi network, one ethernet port, touch on-device control, can change orientation, wall mount available.
Which one are you getting?
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 06:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sonos PLAY:1 vs. PLAY:5 — Easy Comparison Chart
| Sonos PLAY:1 | Sonos PLAY:5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 in. | 8.03 x 14.33 x 6.06 in. |
| Product finish | White w/ light metallic grille; Black w/ graphite grille | White or black matte enclosure w/ graphite grille |
| Weight | 4.08 lbs. (1.85 kg) | 14 lbs. (6.36 kg) |
| Humidity Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Mono Output | Yes | In vertical position |
| Stereo Output | Only when paired with other speakers | In horizontal position |
| Class-D Digital Amplifiers | 2 | 6 |
| Tweeter | 1 | 3 |
| Mid-Woofer | 1 | 3 |
| Adjustable Bass & Treble Controls | Yes | Yes |
| A Bass Radiator | No | No |
| Audio line-in | No | Yes |
| Amazon Alexa | Yes | Yes |
| Google Assistant | No | Via line-in port |
| Siri | No | Coming soon |
| Trueplay | Yes | Yes |
| Set Up Over WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| One App Control | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Ethernet Port | 1 | 1 |
| Size | Small | Big |
| On-Device Control | Button | Touch |
| Wall Mount | Available | Available |
| Change orientation | No | Yes |
Sonos PLAY:1 vs. PLAY:5 — What’s Different?
Voice Control Options – When it comes to voice commands, both smart speakers have support for Amazon Alexa.
However, Sonos Play:5 additionally offers compatibility with Google Assistant via line-in port as well as Siri.
Mono & Stereo Output – Additionally, Sonos Play:5 can support both mono output when positioned vertically, as well as stereo sound when horizontal.
Whereas Play:1 only supports mono sound, but when you pair it up with another PLAY:1 you can get that desired stereo output as well
Design – In terms of size, Sonos Play:1 is a much more compact device measuring at 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 in., and weighing at 4.08 lbs., vs. the bulkier 14 lbs. & 8.03 x 14.33 x 6.06 in. measurements of the Sonos Play:5.
Sound Quality – With Sonos Play:5 you can also expect much higher quality and a wider range of sound with its three dedicated mid-woofers, three tweeters, and an amplifier for each of these audio elements.
While Play:1 only comes with a single tweeter and mid-woofer.
Controls – Both smart speakers also feature on-device controls in order to control them.
Sonos Play:5 features more advanced touch style buttons which allow you to tap to change volume and swipe to change the track, while Play:1 comes with physical buttons.
Audio Line-In – Lastly, Sonos Play:5 also comes out ahead due to its included audio line-in port.
This allows you to connect your smart speaker to a TV, phone or any other source to enjoy a high-quality sound.
Unfortunately, Play:1 lacks this feature.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 06:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API