Electronics

SONOS One (2017)

Voice Control Bliss or Bluetooth Miss?

⚑️ Quick Verdict - SONOS One (2017)

  • Best For: Smart home audio integration and multi-room listening.
  • Strengths: Integrated voice control, robust multi-room audio, clear sound profile.
  • Drawbacks: No Bluetooth connectivity, limited portability, initial setup can be complex for new users.
  • Verdict: A versatile smart speaker for connected homes.

βš–οΈ Pros & Cons Explained

AspectProsCons
Sound QualityUsers consistently praise its clear, balanced sound for its size, suitable for various music genres.Some real users note that the bass can be less impactful at very high volumes compared to larger speakers.
Voice Assistant IntegrationOffers seamless Alexa integration for hands-free control, simplifying smart home commands and music playback.Initially, some users found limited voice assistant support beyond Alexa at launch, though Google Assistant was added later via software update.
Multi-Room CapabilityProvides a robust and reliable Wi-Fi-based multi-room audio system, allowing synchronized playback across multiple speakers.The system requires a stable Wi-Fi network, and the absence of Bluetooth means no quick, ad-hoc device pairing.
Setup & ConnectivityMany users found the app-guided setup straightforward for integration into an existing Sonos system.New users sometimes reported initial network configuration challenges or confusion without prior Sonos experience.

πŸ”§ What’s Included? & Why It Matters

ComponentWhy It Matters
SONOS One (2017) SpeakerThe core device, providing premium audio and integrated voice control capabilities for your home.
Power CableEssential for powering the speaker, allowing it to remain continuously connected to your Wi-Fi network for always-on functionality.
Quickstart GuideProvides basic instructions for initial setup, helping users connect the speaker to their Wi-Fi and begin using the Sonos app.

πŸ’° Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency

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AspectPositiveNegative
Sound PerformanceOffers premium sound quality for its compact size, often exceeding expectations for a speaker in its category, making it a strong value for audio enthusiasts.Some audiophiles may find that it lacks the profound bass or wider soundstage of larger, more expensive dedicated audio systems.
Smart FeaturesThe integrated voice control (Alexa at launch, Google Assistant later) enhances convenience, allowing hands-free control over music, smart home devices, and information, adding significant value.Its dependence on Wi-Fi for core smart functionality means it cannot serve as a portable or offline smart speaker, limiting its versatility in certain use cases.
Ecosystem IntegrationBeing part of the Sonos ecosystem means seamless multi-room audio and access to a vast array of music services, offering long-term value through expandability.Realizing the full benefits of the Sonos One requires investment into the broader Sonos ecosystem, which may be a higher initial cost for new users compared to standalone smart speakers.

πŸ” SONOS Comparison – How This Version Improves Over Previous Models

AspectSonos Play:1SONOS One (2017)
Voice ControlNo integrated voice assistant.Integrated Amazon Alexa (Google Assistant added later via update).
Microphone ArrayNo microphones.Far-field microphone array for voice recognition.
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Ethernet.Wi-Fi, Ethernet (retains same core network connectivity, still no Bluetooth).
Design & ControlsMesh grille, physical buttons.Monochromatic finish, capacitive touch controls.

βš”οΈ Alternatives vs SONOS One (2017)

AspectAmazon Echo (2nd Gen)Google Home (Original)SONOS One (2017)
Sound QualityFunctional for voice commands and casual background listening.Decent for background music and clear vocals.Richer, more balanced audio with better bass and clarity for music playback.
Voice AssistantNative Alexa integration with extensive smart home control capabilities.Native Google Assistant integration with strong search and productivity features.Integrated Alexa (Google Assistant added via update).
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio out.Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.Wi-Fi for superior multi-room audio, Ethernet; No Bluetooth for audio streaming.
EcosystemPrimarily Amazon's smart home and content ecosystem.Primarily Google's smart home and services ecosystem.Sonos multi-room audio system, integrates with over 100 music services.
Build QualityStandard consumer electronics build, fabric finish.Standard consumer electronics build, fabric base.Solid, premium build quality, designed for stationary use.

πŸ’‘ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  • Does the Sonos One (2017) have Bluetooth?No, the Sonos One (2017) does not have Bluetooth connectivity. It relies on Wi-Fi for all audio streaming and multi-room functionality.
  • Can I use two Sonos One (2017) speakers as a stereo pair?Yes, you can pair two Sonos One (2017) speakers to create a stereo pair, providing a wider soundstage and more immersive audio experience.
  • Is the Sonos One (2017) portable or battery-powered?No, the Sonos One (2017) is not portable and requires a constant power connection to function. It does not have an integrated battery.
  • What voice assistants are supported?At launch, the Sonos One (2017) supported Amazon Alexa. Google Assistant support was added later via a software update.

πŸ‘ Positive Reviews - What Users Love

  • Users appreciate the clear and balanced sound, especially for its compact size, making it suitable for various room sizes.
  • The integration of voice control is frequently highlighted as convenient, allowing for hands-free music control and smart home management.
  • Many users value the seamless multi-room audio experience, noting the reliability of the Wi-Fi connection for synchronized playback across different rooms.
  • The speaker's design is often praised for its modern and understated aesthetic, blending well into different home decors.
  • Its ability to integrate with a wide range of music streaming services is a significant plus for many users.

πŸ‘Ž Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better

  • Some users express disappointment over the lack of Bluetooth, limiting quick ad-hoc connections from non-Wi-Fi devices.
  • The initial setup process can be challenging for users new to the Sonos ecosystem, particularly concerning network configuration.
  • A few users note that while the sound is good, the bass response can sometimes feel less impactful at higher volumes compared to larger, dedicated audio systems.
  • The speaker's reliance on Wi-Fi means it cannot be used in areas without a strong network connection, affecting its versatility.
  • Some users desired more comprehensive voice assistant features at launch beyond basic commands.

πŸ“‹ Key Details & Specifications

AspectDetail
Dimensions161.45 x 119.7 x 119.7 mm (H x W x D)
Weight1.85 kg (4.08 lbs)
AudioTwo Class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter, one mid-woofer
MicrophonesFar-field microphone array for voice capture
Voice AssistantsAmazon Alexa (at launch), Google Assistant (added via software update)
ConnectivityWi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz), 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port
ControlsCapacitive touch controls for volume up/down, previous/next track, play/pause, microphone mute
Power SupplyAuto-switching 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz AC universal input
Operating Temperature0Β°C to 40Β°C (32Β°F to 104Β°F)
FinishMatte Black or Matte White

πŸ”š Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?

  • The SONOS One (2017) is an excellent choice for individuals looking to build or expand a multi-room audio system with integrated smart assistant capabilities. Its sound quality is robust for its size, offering clear and balanced audio that enhances everyday listening. The convenience of voice control, combined with Sonos's reliable Wi-Fi-based multi-room ecosystem, makes it a strong contender for a connected home.
  • However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations, primarily the absence of Bluetooth, which means it relies solely on Wi-Fi for streaming. This can be a drawback for those who frequently desire quick, ad-hoc connections from various devices. While setup is generally straightforward within the Sonos app, new users unfamiliar with network configurations might experience a slight learning curve.
  • Overall, if you prioritize high-quality sound in a multi-room setup and value hands-free voice control within a stable ecosystem, the SONOS One (2017) remains a highly capable smart speaker that delivers a premium audio experience for its category. It's best suited for those committed to a Wi-Fi-centric audio solution rather than a portable or standalone Bluetooth speaker.

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