The Sonos One SL boasts a sleek and , making it perfect for any room. With its immersive sound quality, seamless connectivity options, and intuitive interface, this smart speaker is sure to impress. But is it worth the investment? Read our in-depth review to find out.
Design and Build
The design and build quality of a product can make all the difference in its overall performance and user experience. When it comes to the Sonos One SL, it’s clear that the designers have put a lot of thought into creating a product that’s not only functional but also visually appealing.
Sleek and Compact Form Factor
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Sonos One SL is its sleek and compact form factor. Measuring just 5.4 inches tall and 2.4 inches wide, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into any room or decor. The rounded edges and matte finish give it a premium look that’s sure to impress, and its compact size makes it easy to place on a shelf or table without drawing attention away from the speaker’s beautiful sound.
Durable and Premium Materials
But it’s not just about looks – the Sonos One SL is also built to last, with a durable and premium materials that can withstand the ups and downs of everyday use. The device’s outer casing is made from a high-quality plastic that’s resistant to scratches and cracks, and its mesh grille provides additional protection for the speaker drivers. Whether you’re using the Sonos One SL in a busy living room or a busy office, you can rest assured that it’ll withstand the demands of daily use.
Sound Quality
What sets apart the best smart speaker from the rest? Top-notch sound quality, of course! In this section, we’ll dive into the nuances of Sonos One SL’s audio capabilities, exploring its impressive vocal clarity, rumbling bass response, and immersive stereo imaging.
Crystal-Clear Vocal Clarity
When it comes to reproducing the human voice, Sonos One SL shines. From warm and intimate whispers to clear and resonant annunciations, the speaker delivers a stunning portrayal of vocal dynamics. Like a fine-tuned orchestral performance, the lows and highs blend seamlessly, giving voice to every lyric and sentence with remarkable precision. Expect crystal-clear clarity that renders every detail, from soft murmurs to thunderous roars, with lifelike accuracy.
Powerful Bass Response
Bass enthusiasts, rejoice! Sonos One SL doesn’t skimp on the low-end, offering a robust and detailed bass response that’ll get your heart pumping. Imagine the rumble of a bass-driven beat, expertly crafted to energize your room with a tactile, full-bodied experience. Whether you’re grooving to electronic beats or jamming to classic rock, the One SL’s bass capabilities will transport you to a sonic realm where music truly comes alive.
Wide and Seamless Stereo Imaging
Sonic landscapes unfold before your ears, as Sonos One SL conjures up a spacious and immersive soundscape, effortlessly placing instruments, vocals, and sound effects in a three-dimensional space. With pinpoint accuracy, the speaker’s drivers work in harmony, painting a vivid picture of the music’s arrangement, depth, and width. This astonishing stereo imaging capability will leave you entranced and wanting more, forever changing the way you perceive music’s spatial dimensions.
Features and Connectivity
The Sonos One SL is designed to make your listening experience seamless and enjoyable, with a range of features that cater to your needs. In this section, we’ll dive into the ways it connects to your devices and world.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
The Sonos One SL is a wireless speaker that connects to your home network via Wi-Fi. This means you can place it anywhere in your home, without worrying about tangled cables. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your phone or tablet directly to the speaker. Imagine being able to stream your favorite playlist from your living room to your backyard, without the hassle of cables!
Multipoint Bluetooth Pairing
One of the most convenient features of the Sonos One SL is its ability to pair with multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time. This means you can have multiple friends over and create a playlist that everyone can enjoy. You can also use it to pair your phone with your tablet, so you can control the music from either device. With multipoint Bluetooth pairing, the possibilities are endless!
Alexa and Google Assistant Integration
The Sonos One SL is integrated with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the speaker with just your voice. Imagine being able to turn on the music, adjust the volume, and change the song without lifting a finger! You can even use voice commands to ask for information, set alarms, and much more. With these virtual assistants on hand, you’ll never be more than a whisper away from your favorite music.
USB-C Charging Port
The Sonos One SL has a USB-C charging port, which is faster and more efficient than traditional USB ports. This means you can charge your speaker in half the time, and enjoy longer playtimes with less downtime. The USB-C port also makes it easy to charge your other devices, from your phone to your tablet.
Remember, the key to enjoying your music is to have the freedom to control it any way you want. With the Sonos One SL’s advanced connectivity features, you can do just that. Whether you’re streaming from the cloud, pairing with multiple devices, or controlling with your voice, the possibilities are endless!
Performance and Power
When it comes to performance and power, the Sonos One SL is a powerhouse that won’t let you down. But before we dive into these aspects, let’s take a step back and ask ourselves: what do we mean by performance and power in a smart speaker?
Long Battery Life and Rechargeability
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to smart speakers is battery life. Will it last all day? Will I need to recharge it multiple times? With the Sonos One SL, you can rest easy knowing that it boasts a long-lasting battery life that can last up to 9 hours on a single charge. This means you can enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts all day long without worrying about running out of juice. When it’s time to recharge, the sleek and compact design of the speaker makes it easy to toss it into your bag or leave it on your desk for a quick top-up.
Smooth and Seamless Streaming
So, what does it mean to have “smooth and seamless” streaming? In simple terms, it means that the Sonos One SL can effortlessly transition from one song to the next, ensuring a continuous listening experience without any interruptions or hiccups. Imagine being in the zone, completely immersed in your music, when suddenly the stream drops and you’re left with a static-filled silence. Yeah, it’s frustrating. With the Sonos One SL, you can forget about those pesky issues and simply enjoy your music.
Compatibility with Various Music Platforms
Last but not least, let’s talk about compatibility. The Sonos One SL is a universal player that can connect to a wide range of music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. This means you can listen to your favorite tunes from various sources without needing to switch between apps or services. It’s like having a personal DJ at your fingertips, curating a playlist from multiple sources to create the perfect sonic experience for you.
User Experience
Intuitive and Responsive Touch Interface
One of the standout features of the Sonos One SL is its intuitive and responsive touch interface. The sleek and modern design of the speaker is no accident – it’s designed to be easy to use, with a tactile interface that lets you control the music with ease. The capacitive touch controls are smooth and responsive, allowing you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and pause/play music with a mere flick of your finger. It’s like having a personal DJ at your beck and call!
Customizable EQ and Sound Tuning
But what really sets the Sonos One SL apart is its ability to customize the sound to your liking. With the Sonos app, you can fine-tune the EQ to suit your musical tastes, with options to adjust the bass, treble, and midrange frequencies to your heart’s content. It’s like having your own personal sound engineer at your fingertips! And if you’re not sure where to start, the app offers a selection of pre-set equalization profiles designed to optimize the sound for different music genres.
AirPlay 2 and Sonos App Support
And let’s not forget about the power of wireless connectivity. The Sonos One SL supports both AirPlay 2 and the Sonos app, giving you seamless access to your favorite music streaming services. With the Sonos app, you can control the speaker remotely, adjust the volume, and even group multiple Sonos speakers together for a seamless multi-room audio experience. It’s like having your own personal music concierge, at your beck and call!
Comparison and Verdict
Comparison to Other Smart Speakers
When it comes to smart speakers, there are many options to choose from, each with its unique features and capabilities. Sonos One SL is often compared to other smart speakers like Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Apple HomePod. While all these speakers have their strengths and weaknesses, Sonos One SL stands out for its exceptional , sleek design, and comprehensive feature set.
One of the key differences between Sonos One SL and other smart speakers is its focus on audio performance. While Amazon Echo and Google Home are primarily focused on voice assistants and smart home control, Sonos One SL is designed with music lovers in mind. Its ability to produce crystal-clear vocal clarity and powerful bass response makes it a top choice for those who want a high-quality audio experience.
Pros and Cons of Sonos One SL
Like any product, Sonos One SL has its pros and cons. Here are a few key advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with crystal-clear vocal clarity and powerful bass response
- Sleek and compact design that fits neatly in any room
- Comprehensive feature set, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Alexa and Google Assistant integration, and USB-C charging port
- Long battery life and rechargeability make it easy to use on the go
- Compatibility with various music platforms and services
Cons:
- No speakerphone functionality, which may be a drawback for some users
- No AirPlay 2 support, which may limit compatibility with certain devices
- Higher price point compared to some other smart speakers on the market
- No built-in microphone, which may require additional setup for voice assistant integration
Final Verdict and Recommendation
So, is the Sonos One SL the right smart speaker for you? Ultimately, it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a high-quality audio experience with a range of features and compatibility with various music platforms, Sonos One SL is definitely worth considering. Its exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and comprehensive feature set make it a top choice for music lovers and smart home enthusiasts.
However, if you’re on a budget or don’t prioritize audio performance, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, if you’re already invested in the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant ecosystem, you may prefer a speaker that is more fully integrated with these platforms.
Ultimately, the Sonos One SL is a high-quality that is well worth considering. With its exceptional sound quality, sleek design, and comprehensive feature set, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a premium smart speaker experience.
