Pros
Easy setup
Excellent sound quality
Seamless integration with Amazon Music and Sirius XM
Alexa voice control capabilities
Well-designed and durable
Good app integration
Consistent sound quality across multiple genres
Ability to stream from multiple platforms (iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, etc.)
Expandable with additional Sonos speakers
Trueplay tuning for sound optimization
Good voice recognition
Cons
No battery or Bluetooth functionality
Lacks stereo by itself, requires a second speaker for stereo sound
Inconsistent Alexa functionality, especially compared to Echo devices
Main Product Advantages
10 Integration with music services
The Sonos One integrates seamlessly with popular music services like Amazon Music, Pandora, iTunes, and more. It also supports apps for Sirius XM and local radio stations.
9 Easy setup
Setting up the Sonos One is straightforward, even for older users or those not highly tech-savvy. The process involves downloading the app and following simple steps. However, the Trueplay tuning feature can be a bit confusing and may fail several times.
9 Sound quality
The Sonos One offers deep, rich sound that is a significant upgrade over older sound systems. It works well with various music genres and provides great detail and bass.
8 App functionality
The Sonos app is user-friendly and supports several music services. However, the initial setup process requires a mobile device, and the app lacks support for some advanced features like initiating playback via Plex.
8 Build quality and design
The Sonos One is a well-designed speaker with a modern aesthetic. However, users have noted some issues with touch-sensitive controls and functionality with moisture.
7 Expandability and smart home integration
The Sonos One can be integrated into a larger Sonos system for multi-room audio. It supports Alexa and is expected to support Google Assistant in the future. However, it lacks some advanced smart home capabilities like Drop-In and calling functionality.
6 Voice Control with Alexa
Alexa integration allows for hands-free control of music and other functions like setting alarms and getting weather updates. However, it is less responsive compared to dedicated Alexa devices like Echo.
6 Interference with other Alexa devices
The inability to change the wake word from 'Alexa' leads to interference when used alongside Echo devices, which could be mitigated by more flexible settings.
5 Connectivity
The Sonos One lacks Bluetooth and battery support, making it less convenient for portable use. It also lacks line-in, optical, and other physical connection options.
4 Customer support
Users have reported mixed experiences with Sonos customer service, describing them as blunt and unapologetic at times. This can be disappointing given the high-end positioning of the product.
Overview
The Sonos One (Gen 1) is a voice-controlled smart speaker that masterfully blends great sound with Amazon Alexa, providing hands-free control of your music and more. It's available in black and has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
Hands-Free Music Control
One of Sonos One's standout features is its integration with Amazon Alexa. Use your voice to play songs while you cook, or tell Alexa to turn the volume up while you’re in the shower. You can even request your favorite lullaby when tucking the kids in. The convenience of voice control makes it easy to enjoy your music without having to use your hands.
Ease of Setup
Connecting Sonos One to Amazon Alexa is a straightforward process over Wi-Fi. Simply set up the speaker, select the Sonos skill in the Amazon Alexa app, and you're all set. This seamless integration ensures that you can start playing music, getting news and answers, and managing your smart devices with voice commands right away.
Family and Guest-Friendly
Since Alexa responds to any voice, anyone in your home can take charge of the music. This means kids can call out their favorite sing-alongs, friends can skip or replay tracks, and party guests can request their favorite songs in real-time. No additional app is required, making it incredibly user-friendly.
Conclusion
The Sonos One (Gen 1) - Voice Controlled Smart Speaker in black offers a compelling blend of high-quality sound and easy-to-use voice control via Amazon Alexa. Despite being discontinued by the manufacturer, its features and performance make it a noteworthy choice for anyone seeking a versatile and user-friendly smart speaker. Whether you are cooking, showering, or hosting a party, Sonos One adapts to meet your audio needs effortlessly.
