If you’re in the market for a subwoofer for your Sonos audio setup, Sonos offers two options: the Sonos Sub Mini and the Sonos Sub 4. While they share similarities, they are designed for different purposes, and we’ve spent a ton of time with both so we can help you decide which to buy.
The Sonos Sub Mini is a compact subwoofer designed to enhance the low-end frequencies of your Sonos sound system. It features two force-canceling woofers that deliver deep, dynamic bass without unwanted distortion or rattling. The Sub Mini is designed to pair with smaller Sonos speakers like the Beam, Ray, One, or One SL, significantly boosting their bass performance for a more immersive listening experience.
In contrast, the Sonos Sub 4 is a powerful wireless subwoofer that dramatically elevates the audio experience of your Sonos home theater system. It also features two force-canceling woofers that deliver deep, dynamic bass without distortion, immersing you in your movies and music. Unlike the Sub Mini, which is suited for smaller spaces and speakers, the Sub 4 is built to handle the low-end frequencies of even the most demanding content, making it ideal for larger rooms and Sonos soundbars like the Arc, Arc Ultra, and Beam.
The Sonos Sub 4 was released earlier this year and replaces the Sub 3, which you may still find on the market in some outlets. The latest model shares many specifications with its predecessor, the Sub 3. However, it features a new matte finish and improved internals, including a better processor, enhanced memory, and updated Wi-Fi radios for superior connectivity. The Sonos Sub 3 remains one of our best subwoofers of the year. But let’s dig deeper.
Design
The Sonos Sub Mini’s cylindrical design differentiates it from traditional boxy subwoofers. Its rounded shape and compact size blend seamlessly into your home décor. It’s small enough to tuck away under a sofa or side table and is available in matte black or white finishes, enabling it to disappear further into the room.
A distinctive feature of the Sub Mini is its center tunnel, which adds visual interest and serves a functional purpose by improving airflow. This contributes to the subwoofer’s efficient performance and deep bass output. The top of the Sub Mini features a subtle pairing button, maintaining a clean and minimalist aesthetic. Overall, the Sub Mini’s design exemplifies Sonos’ commitment to combining form and function, offering powerful bass in a stylish, discreet package.
The new Sonos Sub 4 maintains the iconic minimalist aesthetic for which Sonos is known while introducing subtle refinements for even better integration into your home. It features a sleek design with clean lines and a compact footprint, allowing it to fit comfortably in various locations without dominating the room.
A key update is the move to a matte finish, available in black and white, replacing the glossy finish of its predecessor. This discreet change allows the Sub 4 to blend harmoniously with other Sonos speakers and home décor. The signature oval cutout in the center remains a defining feature, enhancing airflow for optimal performance.
While larger than the Sub Mini, the Sub 4’s design prioritizes discreetness, ensuring it complements your home theater setup without drawing unnecessary attention. In summary, Sub 4’s design demonstrates Sonos’ commitment to producing products that look as good as they sound, delivering a premium audio experience in a sophisticated package.
Setup and networking
The Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 offer a seamless and user-friendly setup experience, primarily relying on the Sonos app for configuration and control. And even though the Sonos app has taken a stumble in recent month after its redesign, setting up a Sonos device is still relatively easy. After plugging in the power cord, you use the app to connect the subwoofer wirelessly to your existing Sonos system, whether a soundbar, speaker, or multiroom setup. The app provides clear instructions to guide you through the setup process, making it easy even for those unfamiliar with Sonos products.
Networking for both subwoofers is managed over your home’s Wi-Fi network, ensuring a stable and reliable connection for audio streaming. Additionally, both models include an Ethernet port for a wired connection if preferred or if your Wi-Fi signal is weak. This flexibility allows you to optimize your connection based on your home network setup. Once connected, the Sonos app will enable you to fine-tune the subwoofer’s performance with adjustable EQ settings and volume control, ensuring optimal bass integration with your specific speakers and room acoustics.
Performance
While the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 enhance your audio experience with deeper bass, their performance varies based on design and intended use. The Sub Mini delivers a surprisingly robust and detailed bass response with its compact size and dual force-canceling woofers. It’s specifically tuned to complement smaller Sonos speakers like the Beam, Ray, One, and One SL, adding depth and richness to your music and movies without overwhelming the room.
On the other hand, the Sub 4 is engineered for a more impactful and room-filling bass experience. Its larger size and more powerful woofers produce more profound, visceral, low-end frequencies that can shake the foundations of your home theater. This makes it the ideal companion for larger rooms and higher-end Sonos soundbars like the Arc and Beam.
Versatility
Regarding versatility, both the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 offer flexibility in different ways. The Sub Mini shines with its compact size and wireless connectivity, allowing for easy placement in various locations without being restricted by cables. Depending on your room layout and aesthetic preferences, you can tuck it away discreetly under furniture or position it more prominently. Its smaller footprint also makes it suitable for smaller rooms where space is at a premium.
The Sub 4, while larger, offers versatility in its ability to handle a broader range of audio content and room sizes. Its powerful performance makes it an excellent choice for larger living spaces and home theaters where it can deliver a truly immersive bass experience. Additionally, the Sub 4’s compatibility with a broader range of Sonos speakers, including the Arc and Beam, gives you more flexibility in building your ideal sound system. Both subwoofers offer adjustable EQ settings through the Sonos app, allowing you to fine-tune the bass response to match your specific preferences and room acoustics, further enhancing their versatility.
Price and warranty
When it comes to price, the Sonos Sub Mini is the more budget-friendly option, retailing for $429. This makes it a more accessible entry point for those looking to add a subwoofer to their Sonos system without breaking the bank. The Sonos Sub 4, with its larger size and more powerful performance, comes with a higher price tag of $799. This reflects its premium features and ability to deliver a truly cinematic bass experience. It’s also worth noting that since there’s little difference between the 3rd and 4th generation Sonos Subs, if you can find the 3rd gen, you can score a decent deal as Sonos depletes its stock.
Both the Sub Mini and Sub 4 are backed by Sonos’s standard warranty, which typically includes a one-year warranty for parts and labor. This warranty covers defects in materials and quality under normal use. However, specific warranty terms may vary depending on your region and the retailer you purchase from, so it’s always advisable to check the details at the point of sale.
Conclusion
The Sonos Sub Mini and Sonos Sub are both wireless subwoofers designed to enhance your Sonos speaker system, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
The Sub Mini is significantly smaller and lighter, making it ideal for smaller rooms and more discreet placement. In contrast, the Sub is larger and heavier, commanding a more prominent presence.
The Sub delivers more powerful bass with greater depth and intensity, making it suitable for larger rooms and home theater setups. While the Sub Mini still provides impressive bass for its size, it doesn’t deliver the same room-shaking experience as the Sub. Additionally, the Sub Mini is considerably more affordable than the Sub.
You should choose the Sub Mini if you’re looking for a compact and budget-friendly subwoofer that adds noticeable bass to a smaller room or if you prioritize aesthetics and discretion. On the other hand, opt for the Sonos Sub if you desire the most powerful bass for a larger room or home theater setup and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, room size, and desired bass intensity.
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