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Ready to take your home audio to the next level? A subwoofer is the key to unlocking deep, immersive bass that truly brings movies, music, and games to life. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle.
We’re putting the Sonos Sub Mini up against the bigger, more powerful Sonos Sub (specifically, the third generation or later). This comparison will help you understand the key differences between these two subwoofers, so you can make an informed decision for your listening needs. Get ready to feel the rumble!
Whether you’re looking for a compact solution for a smaller room or want the ultimate bass experience, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each model. We’ll cover everything from their design and sound quality to their features and value. Let’s find out which Sonos subwoofer reigns supreme!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | sonos sub mini | sub 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Design | Sealed cabinet | Sealed cabinet |
| Woofers | Dual 6-inch woofers | Dual force-canceling woofers |
| Amplification | Class D digital amplifiers | Class D digital amplifiers |
| Frequency Response | 25 Hz | 25 Hz |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Trueplay Tuning | Yes | Yes |
| Placement | Vertical | Vertical or Horizontal |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches | 15.2 x 15.8 x 6.2 inches |
| Weight | 9.0 lbs | 36.0 lbs |
| Voice Control | Yes (via Sonos app) | Yes (via Sonos app) |
| Compatibility | Sonos ecosystem | Sonos ecosystem |
| Finish | Matte Black, White | Matte Black, White |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size and Design
- Sonos Sub Mini: Compact cylindrical design, smaller footprint ideal for smaller rooms. Easier to integrate into a space but may not deliver the same low-end impact as a larger subwoofer.
- Sub 4: Larger, more traditional rectangular design. Requires more space but offers a more powerful and room-filling bass response.
- Winner: Sub 4
Driver Configuration
- Sonos Sub Mini: Features dual 6-inch woofers, inward-facing to eliminate vibration. Delivers a punchy bass, well-suited for smaller spaces.
- Sub 4: Typically features dual woofers, of a larger size than the mini, providing a deeper and more impactful bass experience. The exact size varies depending on the specific “sub 4” model, but it is generally designed to move more air.
- Winner: Sub 4
Amplification
- Sonos Sub Mini: Class D digital amplifiers, specifically tuned for the drivers. Offers efficient power delivery for its size, contributing to a balanced sound.
- Sub 4: Class D digital amplifiers, providing significantly more power, matching its larger drivers and intended for larger rooms and more demanding audio content.
- Winner: Sub 4
Bass Extension (Frequency Response)
- Sonos Sub Mini: Extends low frequencies, but not as deeply as the Sub 4. Suitable for smaller rooms where extreme low frequencies are less critical.
- Sub 4: Extends very low frequencies, delivering a deeper and more impactful bass response, ideal for a more immersive experience.
- Winner: Sub 4
Wireless Connectivity
- Sonos Sub Mini: Connects wirelessly to other Sonos devices via Wi-Fi. Easy setup and placement flexibility within a Sonos system.
- Sub 4: Connects wirelessly to other Sonos devices via Wi-Fi. Same ease of setup and placement flexibility as the Mini within a Sonos system.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Sonos Sub Mini: Generally more affordable. A good choice for those seeking to add bass without breaking the bank.
- Sub 4: Pricier. Reflects the larger size, more powerful amplification, and deeper bass extension.
- Winner: Sub Mini (for budget)
Room Correction
- Sonos Sub Mini: Compatible with Sonos Trueplay, which optimizes the sound based on room acoustics (iOS devices only). Improves bass performance in the specific listening environment.
- Sub 4: Compatible with Sonos Trueplay, which optimizes the sound based on room acoustics (iOS devices only). Improves bass performance in the specific listening environment.
- Winner: Tie
Recommended Room Size
- Sonos Sub Mini: Best suited for smaller to medium-sized rooms, such as bedrooms or small living rooms.
- Sub 4: Designed for medium to large rooms, providing a more immersive and powerful bass experience in larger spaces.
- Winner: Sub 4
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Value | sonos sub mini |
| Best for Small to Medium Rooms | sonos sub mini |
| Best Bass Performance | sub 4 |
| Best Design | Tie |
| Best for Large Rooms | sub 4 |
What They Have in Common
- Wireless Connectivity: Both the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 connect wirelessly to your Sonos system, eliminating the need for unsightly cables. This allows for flexible placement options within your listening space.
- Sonos Ecosystem Integration: Both subwoofers seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for easy control and multi-room audio experiences through the Sonos app. This provides a unified audio experience.
- Class D Amplification: Both utilize Class D digital amplifiers, which are known for their efficiency and ability to deliver powerful audio performance with minimal heat generation. This ensures optimal audio output.
- Trueplay Tuning: Both support Trueplay tuning technology, which analyzes the acoustics of your room and customizes the subwoofer’s output for the best possible sound, regardless of placement.
- Sealed Cabinet Design: Both feature a sealed cabinet design, which helps to deliver tight, accurate bass response and reduces distortion. This results in a cleaner and more precise audio experience.
Sonos Sub Mini Vs Sub 4 Buying Guide
Price and Value
The Sonos Sub Mini offers a more accessible entry point into the world of Sonos subwoofers, typically priced lower than the Sub (Gen 3). This makes it an attractive option for those seeking enhanced bass without breaking the bank. The Sub (Gen 3), on the other hand, represents a premium investment. While more expensive, it provides a significant upgrade in terms of raw power and overall performance, especially in larger rooms or for users with more demanding audio setups. Consider your budget and room size to determine which offers the best value for your needs.
The Sub Mini delivers excellent value for its price point. It balances performance and cost. The Sub (Gen 3) provides superior audio but at a higher cost.
Size and Design
The Sub Mini is significantly smaller and more compact than the Sub (Gen 3). Its cylindrical design allows for more flexible placement options, making it suitable for smaller rooms or spaces where floor space is limited. The Sub (Gen 3) is a larger, rectangular subwoofer, designed to deliver powerful bass in larger environments. Its design is more traditional, requiring more space for optimal performance. The design choice depends on the room size and aesthetic preferences.
The Sub Mini’s compact design is a key selling point. The Sub (Gen 3) is a larger unit, designed for bigger spaces.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Sub Mini delivers a punchy and well-defined bass response, suitable for most listening environments. Its performance is impressive for its size, providing a noticeable enhancement to the overall audio experience. The Sub (Gen 3) offers a deeper, more impactful, and more room-filling bass. It excels at reproducing low frequencies with greater accuracy and power, making it ideal for home theater setups and users who prioritize a truly immersive audio experience. The choice depends on your sound preferences.
The Sub Mini provides great sound, while the Sub (Gen 3) delivers a more powerful, immersive experience. The difference is most noticeable in larger rooms.
Compatibility and Setup
Both the Sonos Sub Mini and the Sub (Gen 3) are designed to seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem. They connect wirelessly to your existing Sonos speakers, making setup straightforward and hassle-free. The Sonos app guides you through the process, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience. Compatibility is not a major differentiating factor, as both work with the same Sonos components. Both require a Sonos soundbar or speaker system for operation.
Both are easy to set up and integrate. The main difference is the overall sound quality.
Room Size and Placement
The Sub Mini is best suited for smaller to medium-sized rooms, such as bedrooms, offices, or living rooms. Its compact size allows for versatile placement, allowing it to blend well into any space. The Sub (Gen 3) is better suited for larger rooms, such as dedicated home theaters or open-plan living areas. Its powerful bass response requires more space to fully realize its potential. Consider the size of your room when making your decision.
The Sub Mini is perfect for smaller spaces. The Sub (Gen 3) is best for larger spaces where its output can be appreciated.
Features and Technology
Both subwoofers utilize advanced technologies to optimize bass performance. Sonos’s Trueplay tuning technology, available on iOS devices, allows you to calibrate the subwoofer to your specific room acoustics. The Sub (Gen 3) features a more robust amplifier and driver configuration, contributing to its superior performance. The Sub Mini, while smaller, still benefits from Sonos’s engineering expertise, delivering a high-quality bass experience. The main difference lies in the raw power and depth of the bass.
Both include Sonos technology. The Sub (Gen 3) offers more power and advanced features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sonos sub mini If…
- You have a smaller listening space or room.
- You want a more compact and discreet subwoofer.
- You prioritize affordability and a lower price point.
- You are looking for a subwoofer that is easier to move and reposition.
Buy sub 4 If…
- You have a larger listening space and desire more powerful bass.
- You want the deepest and most impactful low-end performance.
- You value the most premium audio experience and are willing to invest more.
- You want the flexibility of horizontal placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Sonos Sub Mini and the Sub (Gen 3)?
The primary difference lies in size and power. The Sub Mini is smaller and designed for smaller rooms, while the Sub (Gen 3) is larger and delivers more powerful bass, suitable for larger spaces and more demanding audio setups. The Sub Mini also has a lower price point, making it more accessible.
Which subwoofer is better for a small room?
The Sonos Sub Mini is the better choice for smaller rooms. Its compact size and optimized performance make it ideal for rooms where space is limited. Its bass response is also well-suited for smaller environments, without overwhelming the space.
Which subwoofer is better for a home theater setup?
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) is the better choice for a home theater setup. Its more powerful bass output and greater depth provide a more immersive and cinematic experience. It is designed to handle the demands of movie soundtracks and deliver a truly impactful sound.
Can I use the Sonos Sub Mini with any Sonos speaker?
Yes, the Sonos Sub Mini is compatible with most Sonos speakers and soundbars. However, it requires a Sonos soundbar or speaker system to function. It will enhance the bass performance of the paired speakers, resulting in a fuller sound.
How easy is it to set up the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub (Gen 3)?
Both subwoofers are designed for easy setup. Using the Sonos app, the setup is straightforward and user-friendly. The app guides you through the process of connecting the subwoofer to your existing Sonos system. The process takes only a few minutes.
Does the Sonos Sub Mini support Trueplay tuning?
Yes, both the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub (Gen 3) support Trueplay tuning. Trueplay uses the microphone on your iOS device to analyze your room’s acoustics and optimize the subwoofer’s performance for the best possible sound. This helps to tailor the bass response to your specific environment.
Is the Sonos Sub Mini worth the price?
The Sonos Sub Mini offers excellent value for its price. It provides a significant enhancement to the bass performance of your Sonos system at a more accessible price point. If you want a noticeable upgrade and have a smaller room, the Sub Mini is a great choice.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Sonos Sub Mini and the Sub (Gen 3) depends on your needs. The Sub Mini is perfect for smaller rooms, offering great bass at a lower price. The Sub (Gen 3) delivers a superior audio experience with deeper, more powerful bass, making it ideal for larger rooms and demanding audio enthusiasts. Consider your budget, room size, and audio preferences to make the right choice.
Winner: Sonos Sub (Gen 3)