Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker Review: 120W Power & Premium Sound

The Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker is a premium wireless home speaker that delivers rich, clear, and immersive sound. Released on May 12, 2020, the Sonos Five is a powerful option for audiophiles and casual listeners. With its sleek design and excellent connectivity, this speaker has earned its place in the world of high-quality home audio systems. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, movie buff, or someone who loves hosting gatherings, the Sonos Five Speaker guarantees an extraordinary audio experience.

Quick Highlights

  • Maximum Output Power: 120W
  • Dimensions: 8.03″D x 14.33″W x 6.06″H
  • Connectivity: Wireless via Wi-Fi (No Bluetooth)
  • Equalizer: Bass/Treble
  • Weight: 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg)
  • App Integration: Sonos S2
  • Price: $542.00

Release Date

The Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker was officially released on May 12, 2020. It has quickly become a favorite among consumers looking for high-end audio solutions without a complicated setup.

Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker Unboxing

  • Unboxing of the Speaker

Unboxing the Sonos Five Speaker reveals a sleek and minimalistic design. Inside the box, you’ll find:

  • The speaker
  • A power cable, and
  • A user manual.

There’s no charger included, as the speaker runs entirely on AC power. The setup process is straightforward, requiring only the Sonos S2 app for pairing and configuration. The speaker’s sturdy build and compact size make it easy to place in any room, ensuring optimal sound distribution.

Quick Specs: Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker

  • Speaker Type: Home Speaker
  • Connectivity Technology: Wireless
  • Maximum Output Power: 120W
  • Power Source: AC Only
  • Dimensions: 8.03″D x 14.33″W x 6.06″H
  • Weight: 13.9 lbs
  • EQ: Bass/Treble
  • Voice Assistant Compatibility: None
  • Wi-Fi: Yes (2.4 GHz)
  • Multi-Room Audio: Yes

See Full Specifications

Design and Display

The Sonos Five’s design is sleek, modern, and minimalistic. It features a matte finish with no visible buttons besides tactile controls for volume and track navigation. The speaker’s dimensions, measuring 8.03″D x 14.33″W x 6.06″H, are ideal for most spaces, providing a compact yet powerful presence. The speaker is designed to sit horizontally, and while it lacks RGB lights, it has a sophisticated, no-frills look that fits effortlessly into any room.

Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker Controls

controls-1controls-2

The Sonos Five is equipped with tactile controls to adjust the volume, pause/play music, and skip tracks. These buttons are user-friendly and provide quick access to control features. However, there is no microphone on the speaker, meaning it does not support voice commands or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Differences Between Sizes and Variants

Unlike other Sonos speakers, the Sonos Five comes in one size and variant. This simple offering provides users with a powerful speaker without the additional complications of choosing between different models or sizes.

Sonos Five Speaker Colors

Speaker Colors

Currently, the Sonos Five is available in white and black colors. This monochrome option is designed to blend well with most home décor styles. Its neutral tone and clean design make it a perfect addition to any room, offering both visual and auditory appeal.

Features of the Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker

  1. Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker Connectivity

The Sonos Five connects to your home Wi-Fi network, offering seamless integration with your music streaming services. AirPlay 2 compatibility means you can stream audio directly from Apple devices. Unfortunately, it does not support Bluetooth, so you must rely on Wi-Fi or wired connections.

  1. Multi-Room Audio

Sonos allows for multi-room audio, making the Sonos Five a great choice for creating a synchronized sound system across multiple rooms. Using the Sonos S2 app, you can group Sonos speakers and enjoy the same track throughout your home.

  1. Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker Sound Quality

With a maximum output of 120W, the Sonos Five delivers rich, full-range audio. You can adjust the bass and treble to your preference using the built-in equalizer, ensuring a customized listening experience. The speaker is engineered to produce clear, immersive sound, filling the room with high-quality audio.

  1. Simple and Efficient Setup

The Sonos Five’s setup is effortless, especially if you’re using the Sonos S2 app. The app walks you through the connection process and enables easy control over your music, volume, and more. The tactile controls on the speaker add an extra layer of convenience for users who prefer physical controls.

  1. Premium Build and Design

The Sonos Five’s build quality is robust and sleek. It is made of durable materials and weighs 13.9 lbs. Though it doesn’t feature any waterproofing or impact resistance, it is built to last. Its modern design, combined with premium materials, makes it an attractive addition to any home.

Price and Availability

Price

The Sonos Five Speaker is priced at $542.00. This price reflects its premium build and exceptional audio performance, which makes it a great value for audiophiles.

Availability

The speaker is available for purchase directly from Sonos, as well as various third-party retailers. It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on the retailer or any promotions.

Comparison: Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker vs. Sonos Era 300 Speaker

Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker Comparison

When considering high-quality home speakers, the Sonos Five and the Sonos Era 300 are two top-tier options. Both offer remarkable sound experiences, but they cater to different user needs. The Sonos Five has established itself as a powerhouse with exceptional audio quality, sleek design, and reliable connectivity, making it a favorite among audiophiles. On the other hand, the Sonos Era 300 represents a newer model, incorporating advanced features like enhanced spatial audio and greater flexibility in terms of connectivity and placement.

Key Features Comparison

When choosing between the Sonos Five and Sonos Era 300, it’s important to understand the unique features and differences of each speaker. Below is a detailed side-by-side comparison of these two premium home audio devices to help you make an informed decision.

Feature Sonos Five Sonos Era 300
Release Date May 12, 2020 March 2023
Price $542.00 $699.00
Maximum Output Power 120W 180W
Connectivity Wireless via Wi-Fi (No Bluetooth) Wireless, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2
Voice Assistant None Alexa, Google Assistant
Audio Performance High-quality sound with rich bass and full-range audio Powerful sound with Dolby Atmos support and spatial audio
Multi-Room Audio Yes (via Sonos S2 app) Yes (via Sonos S2 app)
Wi-Fi Frequency Band 2.4GHz 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Size & Weight 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg), 8.03″D x 14.33″W x 6.06″H 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg), 10.0″ x 7.8″ x 6.0″
Design Minimalistic, Black color only Modern, Available in black or white
Equalizer Bass/Treble Bass/Treble, Enhanced Surround Sound
Bluetooth Support No Yes (Bluetooth 5.0)
AirPlay 2 Support Yes Yes
Smart Features No voice assistant, no smart features Built-in voice assistant support, smart home integration
Portability Moderate (due to size and weight) Highly portable due to compact size
Waterproof No No
USB/Audio Inputs Yes (Aux input) No
Color Options Black only Black, White
App Integration Sonos S2 Sonos S2
Setup Easy, through the Sonos S2 app Easy, through the Sonos S2 app

Side By Side Analysis

  1. Audio Performance and Power

    • Sonos Five: The Sonos Five features a powerful 120W output, delivering crisp and dynamic sound with an emphasis on bass. It’s perfect for larger rooms or creating a full home theater experience.
    • Sonos Era 300: The Sonos Era 300 takes audio performance a step further with a maximum output power of 180W. It supports Dolby Atmos for a spatial sound experience that immerses listeners in dynamic, 3D sound, making it ideal for high-quality music and movie audio.
  2. Connectivity Options

    • Sonos Five: The Sonos Five uses Wi-Fi for wireless streaming, which limits its connection options. There’s no Bluetooth support, so the speaker relies entirely on your Wi-Fi network for music playback.
    • Sonos Era 300: The Era 300 offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and Apple AirPlay 2 support, providing greater flexibility in how you stream audio. Whether you prefer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, this speaker ensures a hassle-free connection experience with various devices.
  3. Design and Portability

    • Sonos Five: The Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker has a large, hefty design, weighing 13.9 lbs and measuring 8.03″D x 14.33″W x 6.06″H. It comes in a sleek black finish, providing a minimalist aesthetic that fits well in any space.
    • Sonos Era 300: The Era 300 is more compact and lightweight, weighing just 7.5 lbs and measuring 10.0″ x 7.8″ x 6.0″. It comes in both black and white, offering versatility for matching any home décor. Its smaller size also makes it easier to move around.
  4. Voice Assistant Support

    • Sonos Five: The Sonos Five does not feature any built-in voice assistant support. It is entirely controlled through physical buttons or the Sonos S2 app, which may limit its smart home integration for users who prefer hands-free control.
    • Sonos Era 300: The Era 300 excels with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant integration. This allows you to control your music, volume, and other smart home features directly through voice commands, making it an excellent choice for smart home enthusiasts.
  5. Price

    • Sonos Five: At $542, the Sonos Five is more budget-friendly, considering its audio performance and feature set. It offers a high-quality listening experience at a relatively affordable price.
    • Sonos Era 300: The $699 price tag of the Era 300 reflects its advanced features, such as enhanced spatial audio and voice assistant integration. While it’s priced higher, it offers more versatile connectivity and improved sound performance for audiophiles.

Who is the Better Option?

Both the Sonos Five and Sonos Era 300 offer top-tier audio quality and performance, but the Sonos Era 300 outshines the Sonos Five in several key areas:

  1. Spatial Audio: The Era 300’s ability to produce 3D sound with Dolby Atmos makes it a superior option for those looking for an immersive, cinematic audio experience.
  2. Voice Assistant Integration: The inclusion of Alexa and Google Assistant on the Era 300 provides greater convenience and ease of use.
  3. Connectivity Flexibility: With Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 support, the Era 300 offers more connection options compared to the Sonos Five, which lacks Bluetooth connectivity.

However, if you prioritize budget, and simplicity, and prefer a classic design without needing voice assistants or advanced spatial audio, the Sonos Five is a great choice. It’s also ideal for users who want a more traditional, straightforward home speaker experience.

Overall Verdict: The Sonos Era 300 is the better option for those seeking the latest audio technology, voice control features, and multiple connectivity options. For users looking for an affordable yet premium sound experience without extra features, the Sonos Five remains an excellent choice.

Should You Buy the Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker?

If you prioritize exceptional sound quality, ease of use and multi-room capabilities, the Sonos Five Wi-Fi Speaker is a great choice. While it lacks certain features like voice assistant support and Bluetooth, it excels in areas that matter most to audiophiles, such as sound performance and integration with the Sonos ecosystem. The Sonos Five delivers a premium experience at a price that reflects its high-end performance.

Conclusion

The Sonos Five Speaker offers a remarkable combination of power, connectivity, and design that sets it apart in the home audio market. With 120W of maximum output power, it provides clear, immersive sound, making it ideal for a variety of listening environments. The Sonos S2 app enhances the speaker’s functionality, allowing users to control music, set up multi-room audio, and adjust the equalizer to achieve the perfect sound. Additionally, its sleek design and compact size allow it to fit seamlessly into any home décor.

While the Sonos Five lacks Bluetooth support and built-in voice assistants, it compensates with its exceptional sound quality and wireless capabilities. The speaker is a great investment for those who value premium audio without the hassle of complicated setup processes. Whether you are using it for music, movies, or gatherings, the Sonos Five delivers a premium experience that justifies its price tag. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a high-performance home speaker with straightforward functionality, the Sonos Five is well worth the investment.

No, the Sonos Five is not water resistant and is best used indoors.

No, the Sonos Five does not have built-in voice assistant support.

You can control it using the tactile controls on the speaker or through the Sonos S2 app.

Qaisar Abbas
WhatSpeaker.Com
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