Our Verdict
The Sonos One is the smart speaker that takes music seriously. Platform-agnostic, Alexa and Google built-in, and Trueplay room calibration — but the sound quality is why you buy it. Nothing in the Echo or Nest range comes close.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Sound quality is in a different class to Echo or HomePod mini
- Platform-agnostic — Alexa, Google, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2
- Pairs with any other Sonos speaker for multi-room audio
- Trueplay room calibration optimises sound for your space
- 10-year software support track record — genuinely long-term
✗ Cons
- More expensive than Echo or Google Nest Audio
- Requires Sonos app for initial setup and full features
- No 3.5mm or optical input on this model
Key Specifications
| Voice | Alexa + Google built-in |
|---|---|
| AirPlay | AirPlay 2 |
| Multi-room | Sonos system |
| Calibration | Trueplay automatic |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Performance
The Sonos One is the smart speaker that takes music seriously. Platform-agnostic, Alexa and Google built-in, and Trueplay room calibration — but the sound quality is why you buy it. Nothing in the Echo or Nest range comes close. Headline specifications include voice of Alexa + Google built-in, airplay of AirPlay 2 and multi-room of Sonos system. Sound quality is in a different class to Echo or HomePod mini A 4.7★ rating across 41,000 Amazon reviews reflects consistently high customer satisfaction.
Build Quality & Design
Sonos built the Sonos One (Gen 2) Smart Speaker to justify the editor's pick position — and the construction reflects that ambition. Pairs with any other Sonos speaker for multi-room audio. Trueplay room calibration optimises sound for your space. The warranty terms reflect the brand's confidence in long-term reliability.
Value for Money
The premium price point is justified by what's delivered. The key trade-off: More expensive than Echo or Google Nest Audio. Best suited to: Those who take music quality seriously and want a smart speaker ecosystem that sounds as good as it works. Those with different priorities should check the alternatives section below.
Final Verdict
The Sonos One is the smart speaker that takes music seriously. Platform-agnostic, Alexa and Google built-in, and Trueplay room calibration — but the sound quality is why you buy it. Nothing in the Echo or Nest range comes close.
FAQ
Is the Sonos One (Gen 2) Smart Speaker worth the money?
The Sonos One is the smart speaker that takes music seriously. Platform-agnostic, Alexa and Google built-in, and Trueplay room calibration — but the sound quality is why you buy it. Nothing in the Echo or Nest range comes close. Those who take music quality seriously and want a smart speaker ecosystem that sounds as good as it works.
Who should NOT buy the Sonos One (Gen 2) Smart Speaker?
Those who want a cheap smart home hub — the Echo Dot is £30 vs Sonos One's £200. If smart functionality matters more than sound, Echo wins.
Is the Sonos One (Gen 2) Smart Speaker available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
