The world of smart speakers has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, with various brands vying for dominance in the market. Sonos, a renowned name in the audio industry, has been at the forefront of this revolution with its innovative products. The Sonos One, in particular, has garnered significant attention for its exceptional sound quality and sleek design. However, with the release of the second generation of the Sonos One, many users are left wondering about the differences between the two models. In this article, we will delve into the key distinctions between the Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect smart speaker for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 appear identical, with the same compact and stylish design that has become synonymous with the Sonos brand. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice some subtle differences. The Gen 2 model features a new, more seamless design, with a single piece of molded plastic that wraps around the speaker. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also improves durability.
Weight and Dimensions
Both the Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 have the same dimensions, measuring 4.72 inches in height, 4.72 inches in width, and 4.69 inches in depth. However, the Gen 2 model is slightly heavier, weighing 4.08 pounds compared to the Gen 1’s 4.04 pounds.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a crucial aspect of any speaker, and the Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 deliver exceptional audio experiences. Both models feature a single tweeter and a single mid-woofer, which work in tandem to produce clear and balanced sound. However, the Gen 2 model boasts a more powerful amplifier, which results in slightly better sound quality, particularly at higher volumes.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of both models is identical, ranging from 60 Hz to 20 kHz. This ensures that both speakers can produce a wide range of frequencies, from deep bass notes to crisp high notes.
Smart Speaker Capabilities
Both the Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 are equipped with smart speaker capabilities, allowing you to control your music, adjust the volume, and access various smart home devices using voice commands. However, the Gen 2 model features improved voice assistant integration, with support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Multi-Room Audio
One of the standout features of the Sonos One is its ability to integrate with other Sonos speakers, allowing you to create a seamless multi-room audio experience. Both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 models support this feature, enabling you to control music playback in different rooms using the Sonos app.
Connectivity Options
The Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. However, the Gen 2 model features improved Wi-Fi connectivity, with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Both models feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet. However, the Gen 2 model boasts improved Bluetooth range and stability.
Processor and Memory
The Sonos One Gen 2 features a more powerful processor and increased memory compared to the Gen 1 model. This results in faster app loading times, improved voice assistant performance, and enhanced overall system responsiveness.
Processor Specifications
The Sonos One Gen 1 features a quad-core processor, while the Gen 2 model boasts a more powerful quad-core processor with a higher clock speed.
Power Consumption
The Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 have similar power consumption profiles, with both models consuming around 6 watts of power when in use. However, the Gen 2 model features improved power management, which results in reduced power consumption when the speaker is in standby mode.
Power Consumption Comparison
| Model | Power Consumption (W) |
| — | — |
| Sonos One Gen 1 | 6.1 |
| Sonos One Gen 2 | 5.9 |
Price and Value
The Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 are priced similarly, with the Gen 1 model available for around $199 and the Gen 2 model available for around $219. However, the Gen 2 model offers improved sound quality, enhanced smart speaker capabilities, and better connectivity options, making it a better value proposition.
Value Comparison
| Model | Price | Value |
| — | — | — |
| Sonos One Gen 1 | $199 | 8/10 |
| Sonos One Gen 2 | $219 | 9/10 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 may appear identical at first glance, there are several key differences between the two models. The Gen 2 model boasts improved sound quality, enhanced smart speaker capabilities, and better connectivity options, making it a better choice for those looking for a premium smart speaker experience. However, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sacrificing some features, the Gen 1 model is still a great option.
Recommendation
If you’re in the market for a new smart speaker, we recommend opting for the Sonos One Gen 2. Its improved sound quality, enhanced smart speaker capabilities, and better connectivity options make it a better value proposition. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Sonos One Gen 1 is still a great choice.
Final Verdict
The Sonos One Gen 2 is a superior smart speaker that offers improved sound quality, enhanced smart speaker capabilities, and better connectivity options. While it may be slightly more expensive than the Gen 1 model, its improved features and performance make it a better value proposition.
What are the main differences between Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2?
The main differences between Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 lie in their internal hardware and features. Gen 2 has a more powerful processor, increased memory, and a new Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chip. These upgrades enable Gen 2 to support more advanced features, such as increased Wi-Fi range and improved smart home integration.
In contrast, Gen 1 has a less powerful processor and less memory, which can result in slower performance and limited feature support. However, both speakers share the same design, sound quality, and compatibility with the Sonos ecosystem. This means that users can still enjoy high-quality audio and seamless multi-room audio with either speaker.
Is the sound quality different between Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2?
The sound quality of Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 is identical. Both speakers feature the same drivers, tweeters, and amplifiers, which produce the same clear and balanced sound. The sound quality is not affected by the internal hardware upgrades in Gen 2, so users can expect the same audio performance from both speakers.
In fact, the sound quality of both speakers is widely praised for its clarity, depth, and nuance. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, both Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 deliver an immersive audio experience that is sure to please even the most discerning listeners.
Can I use Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 together in a multi-room setup?
Yes, you can use Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 together in a multi-room setup. Both speakers are compatible with the Sonos ecosystem, which allows you to group multiple speakers together to create a seamless multi-room audio experience. This means you can play the same music in multiple rooms, or play different music in each room.
To set up a multi-room system with both speakers, simply connect them to your Wi-Fi network and use the Sonos app to group them together. You can then control the music playback and volume of each speaker individually or as a group. This flexibility makes it easy to create a customized multi-room audio system that meets your needs.
Does Sonos One Gen 2 support more smart home integrations than Gen 1?
Yes, Sonos One Gen 2 supports more smart home integrations than Gen 1. The new BLE chip in Gen 2 enables support for more advanced smart home features, such as Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Assistant. This means you can use Gen 2 with a wider range of smart home devices and platforms.
In contrast, Gen 1 has limited smart home integration, although it still supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, the smart home features on Gen 1 are not as seamless or integrated as those on Gen 2. If you’re looking for a speaker that can integrate with your smart home system, Gen 2 is the better choice.
Is Sonos One Gen 2 worth the upgrade from Gen 1?
Whether or not Sonos One Gen 2 is worth the upgrade from Gen 1 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a speaker with more advanced features, improved performance, and increased smart home integration, then Gen 2 may be worth the upgrade.
However, if you’re happy with the sound quality and features of Gen 1, and don’t need the latest and greatest technology, then you may not need to upgrade. Gen 1 is still a great speaker that offers excellent sound quality and seamless multi-room audio. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your individual circumstances and priorities.
Can I use Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 with the same Sonos app?
Yes, you can use Sonos One Gen 1 and Gen 2 with the same Sonos app. The Sonos app is compatible with both speakers, and allows you to control music playback, adjust settings, and customize your listening experience.
The Sonos app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and provides a user-friendly interface for controlling your Sonos speakers. Whether you have Gen 1, Gen 2, or a combination of both, the Sonos app makes it easy to manage your speakers and enjoy your music.
Will Sonos continue to support Sonos One Gen 1 with software updates?
Yes, Sonos will continue to support Sonos One Gen 1 with software updates, although the frequency and scope of these updates may vary. Sonos has a history of supporting its products with regular software updates, which add new features, improve performance, and fix bugs.
However, it’s worth noting that Gen 1 may not receive all the same features and updates as Gen 2, due to its older hardware. Nevertheless, Sonos will continue to provide critical updates and security patches for Gen 1 to ensure it remains a secure and functional part of the Sonos ecosystem.