Sonos Five Review 2025

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Overview of Sonos Five

As a proud owner of the Sonos Five, I can confidently say that it is one of the best wireless speakers I have ever used. The design is sleek and modern, with a minimalist aesthetic that blends well with any decor. The matte black finish gives it a premium look and feel, and the touch controls on the top panel are intuitive and easy to use.

But what really sets the Sonos Five apart is its sound quality. The speaker boasts six Class-D amplifiers, three custom-designed woofers, and three tweeters, resulting in a rich and powerful sound that fills any room. The bass is deep and punchy, while the midrange and treble are clear and detailed. Whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a game, the Sonos Five delivers an immersive audio experience that is hard to beat.

In terms of connectivity, the Sonos Five offers both Wi-Fi and Ethernet options, as well as an aux port for wired connections. The speaker is also compatible with a wide range of streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, among others. The Sonos app allows you to control the speaker from your smartphone or tablet, and you can also use voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Overall, the Sonos Five is a top-of-the-line wireless speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality and a sleek design. Whether you’re an audiophile or just looking for a high-quality speaker for your home, the Sonos Five is definitely worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

As someone who values both aesthetics and functionality, I find the design and build quality of the Sonos Five to be impressive. The speaker has a sleek and modern look that would complement any home décor. The minimalist design features a clean front with no visible buttons or knobs, creating a seamless and elegant appearance.

Materials and Dimensions

The Sonos Five is made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. The speaker’s housing is made of matte black or white plastic, which feels sturdy and solid. The front grille is made of metal mesh, adding to the speaker’s durability and protection. The dimensions of the Sonos Five are 8 x 14 x 6 inches (203 x 364 x 154mm), making it a compact and space-saving option for any room.

Weight and Portability

At 6.36kg, the Sonos Five is not the lightest speaker on the market, but it is still relatively easy to move around. The speaker has a convenient handle on the back, making it easy to carry from room to room. However, it is not a portable speaker that you can take with you on the go. The Sonos Five is designed to be a stationary speaker that you can move around your home as needed.

One thing to note about the Sonos Five is that it is not humidity-resistant. If you plan to use it in a bathroom or other humid environment, you may want to consider a different speaker that is designed to withstand those conditions.

Overall, I am impressed with the design and build quality of the Sonos Five. It is a well-made speaker that looks great and performs even better.

Audio Performance

The Sonos Five delivers impressive sound quality that is sure to impress audiophiles and casual listeners alike. In this section, I will discuss the bass, midrange, treble, volume, and sound output of the Sonos Five.

Bass and Low End

The bass on the Sonos Five is deep and powerful, making it ideal for genres such as hip-hop and electronic dance music. It doesn’t overpower the rest of the sound, however, and remains tight and controlled even at high volumes. The Sonos Five also has a frequency response that extends down to 35Hz, allowing it to reproduce the lowest notes of most songs.

Midrange Clarity

The midrange on the Sonos Five is clear and detailed, making vocals and instruments sound lifelike and natural. The Sonos Five’s midrange is well-balanced and doesn’t sound recessed or overly emphasized. This makes it a great choice for genres such as rock and jazz.

Treble and High Frequencies

The treble on the Sonos Five is crisp and detailed, allowing cymbals and other high-frequency instruments to shine through in the mix. The Sonos Five’s high-frequency response extends up to 20kHz, giving it a wide range of frequencies to reproduce. The treble is well-balanced and doesn’t sound harsh or sibilant.

Volume and Sound Output

The Sonos Five is capable of filling even large rooms with sound, thanks to its powerful amplifier and custom-designed drivers. It can get quite loud without distorting, making it a great choice for parties and other social gatherings. The Sonos Five can also be paired with another Sonos Five to create a stereo pair, which can provide an even more immersive listening experience.

Overall, the Sonos Five delivers studio-quality sound that is sure to impress even the most discerning listeners. Its well-balanced sound signature, powerful bass, and clear midrange and treble make it a great choice for a wide range of genres. Additionally, its ability to get loud without distorting and its stereo pairing capabilities make it a versatile and powerful speaker system.

Connectivity Options

The Sonos Five offers a variety of connectivity options to suit different preferences and needs. In this section, I will discuss the different types of connectivity available on the Sonos Five.

Wi-Fi and Streaming

The Sonos Five supports Wi-Fi connection and streaming. This feature allows you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to the Sonos Five. With Wi-Fi connection, you can enjoy uninterrupted music playback, and you can also control the speaker from your device using the Sonos app.

Bluetooth and BLE

Unlike some other Sonos speakers, the Sonos Five does not support Bluetooth connectivity. However, it does support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) which allows for easy setup using the Sonos app. BLE is also used for proximity detection, allowing the speaker to automatically turn off when not in use.

Ethernet Port

The Sonos Five features an Ethernet port which allows for a wired connection to your network. This is useful for situations where Wi-Fi connectivity is not available or if you prefer a wired connection for better stability.

Line-In and Turntable Connection

The Sonos Five also features a line-in port which allows you to connect an external audio device such as a CD player or turntable. This feature is useful for those who have a collection of physical media that they want to play on the Sonos Five.

In summary, the Sonos Five offers a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, BLE, Ethernet, and line-in connection. While it does not support Bluetooth connectivity, it does offer other features such as Airplay 2 support and the ability to control the speaker using the Sonos app. Overall, the Sonos Five is a versatile speaker that offers a variety of connectivity options to suit different needs and preferences.

Smart Features and Compatibility

If you’re looking for a smart speaker that can do it all, the Sonos Five is a great choice. It comes with a range of features that make it easy to control your music and other smart home devices.

Voice Control and Assistants

One of the most convenient features of the Sonos Five is its compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. With these assistants, you can control your music, set alarms, check the weather, and even control other smart home devices using just your voice.

Sonos App and Ecosystem

The Sonos app is the hub of the Sonos ecosystem, and it’s where you’ll be able to control all of your Sonos devices. With the app, you can adjust the volume, skip tracks, and access your favorite streaming services. You can also use the app to set up your Sonos Five and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.

Third-Party Integrations

The Sonos Five also works with a range of third-party integrations, including Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Spotify Connect. With these integrations, you can easily stream music from your favorite apps and devices directly to your Sonos Five.

In addition to these integrations, the Sonos Five also features NFC pairing, which makes it easy to connect your smartphone or other NFC-enabled device to the speaker with just a tap.

Overall, the Sonos Five is a versatile and feature-packed smart speaker that’s perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio system. With its wide range of compatibility and smart features, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy high-quality audio and convenient control over their music and other smart home devices.

Setup and Usability

Setting up the Sonos Five is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a few easy steps. The Initial Setup Process involves plugging the speaker into a power source and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network using the Sonos app. The app will guide you through the entire process, which should take no more than a few minutes.

One of the standout features of the Sonos Five is its Trueplay Tuning technology. This feature allows you to optimize the sound quality of the speaker based on the acoustics of your room. To use Trueplay Tuning, you’ll need to walk around the room with your smartphone or tablet while the app plays a series of test tones. The app will then use this data to adjust the speaker’s EQ settings to provide the best possible sound quality in your room.

The Sonos app is essential for controlling the Sonos Five and accessing its various features. The app is available for iOS and Android devices and is easy to use. Once you’ve set up the speaker, you can use the app to adjust the volume, change tracks, and access various settings. The app also allows you to group multiple Sonos speakers together and control them as a single unit.

In addition to the app, the Sonos Five also supports firmware upgrades. These upgrades can be installed via the app and provide new features and bug fixes. It’s important to keep your speaker up to date with the latest firmware to ensure optimal performance.

Overall, the Sonos Five is a well-designed speaker that is easy to set up and use. Its Trueplay Tuning technology is a standout feature that allows you to optimize the sound quality for your specific room. The app is intuitive and provides access to various settings and features, while firmware upgrades ensure the speaker stays up to date with the latest features and bug fixes.

Comparisons and Alternatives

When it comes to premium wireless speakers, Sonos is a well-known brand that has been dominating the market for quite some time now. The Sonos Five is one of their newest offerings, and it boasts some impressive features. However, it’s always good to know what other options are out there before making a purchase. In this section, I’ll be comparing the Sonos Five to some of its closest competitors.

Sonos Five vs Sonos Move

The Sonos Move is another popular speaker from the Sonos lineup. While the Move is a bit more expensive than the Five, it has some additional features that make it worth considering. For one, it’s portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. It also has a built-in battery, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in all the time. The Move also has Bluetooth connectivity, which the Five lacks. However, if you’re looking for a speaker that’s designed for home use, the Five is the better choice.

Sonos Five vs Sonos Arc

The Sonos Arc is a soundbar that’s designed for use with your TV. While it’s not exactly a direct competitor to the Sonos Five, it’s worth mentioning because it’s part of the same product lineup. If you’re looking for a speaker that’s specifically designed for home theater use, the Arc is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a speaker that’s more versatile and can be used for music playback as well as TV audio, the Five is a better choice.

Sonos Five vs KEF LSX

The KEF LSX is a high-end wireless speaker that’s designed for audiophiles. While it’s more expensive than the Sonos Five, it has some features that make it worth considering. For one, it has a more powerful amplifier, which means it can play music at higher volumes without distorting. It also has a larger woofer, which means it can produce deeper bass. However, if you’re not an audiophile and just want a speaker that sounds great and is easy to use, the Sonos Five is the better option.

Sonos Five vs Bose Home Speaker 500

The Bose Home Speaker 500 is another wireless speaker that’s worth considering if you’re in the market for a premium speaker. While it’s slightly more expensive than the Sonos Five, it has some features that make it worth considering. For one, it has a built-in display, which can be useful for controlling the speaker and seeing what’s playing. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, which the Sonos Five lacks. However, if you’re looking for a speaker that’s designed for use with the Sonos ecosystem, the Five is the better option.

Technical Specifications

As a reviewer, I believe that it’s important to dive into the technical specifications of the Sonos Five to give readers a better understanding of its capabilities. In this section, I’ll cover the processor and amplifiers, tweeters and woofers, and the power and electrical requirements.

Processor and Amplifiers

The Sonos Five is powered by a 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 processor, which provides enough processing power to handle high-resolution audio files without any lag. It also features a Class-D amplifier, which delivers efficient power to the mid-woofers and tweeters, resulting in clear and detailed sound.

Tweeters and Woofers

The Sonos Five has three mid-woofers and three tweeters, each with their own Class-D amplifier. The mid-woofers deliver deep, rich bass, while the tweeters provide clear and detailed high frequencies. The combination of these two types of drivers results in a balanced sound that is suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Power and Electrical Requirements

The Sonos Five requires a standard AC power source and consumes up to 240W of power when in use. It also has a 3.5mm input, which allows you to connect devices that don’t have wireless connectivity. The Class-D amplifiers provide efficient power usage, which helps to reduce your electricity bill while still delivering high-quality sound.

User Experience and Feedback

As a reviewer, I always take user experience and feedback into consideration when evaluating a product. In the case of the Sonos Five, I found that the user experience was generally positive, with a few minor complaints.

Touch Controls and Physical Buttons

One of the standout features of the Sonos Five is its touch controls, which allow you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and play/pause music with a simple tap or swipe. I found these controls to be intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate through my music library.

In addition to the touch controls, the Sonos Five also has physical buttons on the top of the speaker, including a play/pause button and volume controls. These buttons are a nice addition for those who prefer a more tactile experience.

User Reviews and Testimonials

When researching user feedback for the Sonos Five, I found that many users praised the sound quality and ease of use. One user on SoundGuys noted that “the sound quality is amazing, and the speaker is easy to set up and use.”

However, there were a few complaints about the price and lack of Bluetooth connectivity. One user on TechRadar mentioned that “the Sonos Five is expensive compared to other speakers on the market, and the lack of Bluetooth connectivity is a drawback for some users.”

Additional Features

The Sonos Five comes with a range of additional features that make it a versatile and valuable addition to any home audio setup. Here are a few of the standout features that I found particularly impressive:

Equalizer Settings

The Sonos Five offers a range of equalizer settings that allow you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences. Whether you prefer more bass or a brighter treble, the Sonos app allows you to adjust the settings to your liking. This feature is particularly useful if you’re using the speaker in a room with less-than-ideal acoustics, as it allows you to compensate for any deficiencies in the sound.

Radio and Streaming Services

With support for a wide range of radio and streaming services, the Sonos Five is a great choice for anyone who wants to access their favorite music with ease. Whether you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, the Sonos app makes it easy to stream your music directly to the speaker. You can also access thousands of radio stations from around the world, making it easy to discover new music and stay up-to-date with the latest hits.

Hi-Res Music Support

If you’re a serious audiophile, you’ll be pleased to know that the Sonos Five supports hi-res music playback. With support for FLAC, ALAC, and WAV files, you can enjoy your music in all its uncompressed glory. This feature is particularly useful if you have a large collection of hi-res music files, as it allows you to enjoy them in the best possible quality.

Sonos Five Review 2025 | Final Thoughts

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Sonos Five Speaker Review 2025 | Frequently Asked Questions

How does the sound quality of the Sonos Five compare to other premium speakers?

The Sonos Five delivers bold, expansive sound that can fill a large room. It has a wide soundstage and powerful bass, making it a great choice for audiophiles and music lovers. While it may not have the same level of detail and clarity as some high-end speakers, it still offers impressive sound quality for its price range.

What are the key features and specifications of the Sonos Five?

The Sonos Five has a sleek design and comes in either black or white. It weighs 6.36 kg and has a model number of FIVE1US1 or FIVE1US1BLK. It is Wi-Fi-enabled and has an Ethernet port, as well as an aux port for wired connections. It is not waterproof and does not have a microphone or Bluetooth connectivity. The Sonos Five requires the Sonos app and Wi-Fi to set up, and the aux port may have latency issues.

Is the Sonos Five compatible with other Sonos products and wireless speakers?

Yes, the Sonos Five is compatible with other Sonos products and can be used as part of a multi-room audio system. It can also be paired with other wireless speakers that support AirPlay 2.

What improvements have been made from the Sonos Play:5 Gen 1 and Gen 2 to the Sonos Five?

The Sonos Five has several improvements over its predecessors, including updated internals for better sound quality and increased processing power. It also has a sleeker design and improved touch controls.

Can the Sonos Five be used as part of a stereo pair, and is it worth investing in two units?

Yes, the Sonos Five can be used as part of a stereo pair to create a wider soundstage and more immersive listening experience. Whether or not it’s worth investing in two units depends on your personal preferences and the size of the room you plan to use them in.

How do user reviews on platforms like Reddit rate the Sonos Five, especially for audiophiles?

User reviews of the Sonos Five on platforms like Reddit are generally positive, with many audiophiles praising its sound quality and ease of use. Some users note that it may not have the same level of detail and clarity as some high-end speakers, but overall it is still considered a great choice for music lovers.