Sonos is a well-respected brand in the home and portable audio markets. It is known for its range of Wi-Fi-connected speakers, soundbars, amplifiers, and subwoofers.
In 2012, Sonos introduced its first subwoofer — the Sonos Sub. Its unique design set it apart from other subwoofers, and since then, two more generations of the Sub have been released. The latest version, Gen 3, has a glossy finish instead of a matte finish like the previous models. While the Sonos Sub is great, its price tag of $799 and weight of over 35 pounds may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who want a powerful bass without spending so much.
That’s where the Sonos Sub Mini comes in. Released in 2022, the smaller Sub Mini offers a cylindrical design and is far more lightweight than its older brother. It’s also quite a bit cheaper, too, at $429. But does it match the Sub when it comes to sound quality? Do I need the big guy, or will the Sub Mini do the trick for my needs?
Let’s compare both the Sonos Sub Mini and the Sonos Sub (3rd Gen), weighing in on key criteria like design, performance, and price, to help you decide which Sonos subwoofer is the one for your home.
Design
Sonos has always been cutting-edge when it comes to speaker design, and the Sonos Sub was an eye-popping addition when it was introduced to the company’s lineup over a decade ago, with Sonos maintaining the same core aesthetic ever since.
The third-generation version of the Sonos Sub is available in glossy white and black finishes, which some owners and reviewers have complained attracts attention to fingerprints. In contrast, the Sub Mini is more lightweight, compact, and available in matte white and black finishes that match other Sonos speakers.
Both Sonos Subs also feature an Ethernet port, an AC power input (with included cord), and an NFC pairing button for quick Wi-Fi connectivity.
Overall, we’ll award a point to the Sub Mini for its fresh, modern design.
Winner: Sonos Sub Mini
Setup and networking
Setting up both the third-gen Sub and Sub Mini to your Wi-Fi through the Sonos app is easy.
Both subs are also equipped with wired Ethernet ports. Using Sonos’ Trueplay feature is recommended after adding a Sub to your network, as it automatically adjusts the Sonos Sub to deliver the right amount of output based on the environment in which it’s placed.
In terms of versatility, the Sub Mini wins, and for performance, the Sonos Sub comes out on top. But when it comes to price and warranty, the Sonos Sub Mini wins. At the end, it’s a tie between both.
Editors’ Recommendations
