Sonos Sub Mini vs Sub: Which Sonos Subwoofer Is Right?
Ready to feel your music and movies like never before? The rumble of a great subwoofer can transform your listening experience, adding a depth and impact that your existing speakers might be missing. If you’re considering a Sonos system, choosing the right subwoofer is crucial for achieving that immersive sound.
Sonos offers two primary subwoofer options: the compact Sonos Sub Mini and the larger, more powerful Sonos Sub (often referred to as Sub Gen 3 or later). This comparison will dive deep into the differences between these two models, helping you determine which one best suits your needs and your space.
We’ll explore their design, sound quality, features, and, of course, the all-important price point. Whether you’re setting up a small apartment system or a dedicated home theater, understanding the strengths of the Sonos Sub Mini vs Sub 4 will guide you to the perfect bass solution for your home.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | sonos sub mini | sub 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Design | Sealed enclosure | Sealed enclosure |
| 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 or horizontal | 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 |
| Compatibility | Sonos ecosystem | Sonos ecosystem |
| Finish | Matte Black, Matte White | Black, White |
| Automatic Software Updates | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size & Design
- Sonos Sub Mini: Compact and cylindrical design, specifically engineered for smaller spaces. Offers a sleek aesthetic but may lack the visual impact of a larger subwoofer.
- Sub 4: Larger, rectangular design; typically more powerful and can fill larger rooms. More substantial presence but requires more space.
- Winner: Depends (Space considerations)
Acoustic Performance
- Sonos Sub Mini: Dual 6-inch woofers, delivers deep bass with less distortion in smaller rooms. Limited in output compared to larger subs.
- Sub 4: Dual woofers (size varies), produces significantly deeper and louder bass, ideal for larger rooms and more demanding audio setups.
- Winner: sub 4
Amplification
- Sonos Sub Mini: Class D amplifiers, optimized for the drivers and enclosure. Provides efficient power delivery for its size.
- Sub 4: Class D amplifiers, offering higher power output to drive larger woofers and deliver more impactful bass.
- Winner: sub 4
Wireless Connectivity
- Sonos Sub Mini: Connects wirelessly to your Sonos system, setup is simple and offers flexibility in placement.
- Sub 4: Connects wirelessly to your Sonos system, offering the same flexibility and ease of setup.
- Winner: Tie
Compatibility
- Sonos Sub Mini: Compatible with a wide range of Sonos products, including soundbars and speakers, but best suited for smaller setups.
- Sub 4: Fully compatible with the Sonos ecosystem, ideal for larger setups and home theater configurations.
- Winner: sub 4
Price
- Sonos Sub Mini: Generally more affordable than the full-sized Sub, making it a budget-friendly option for smaller rooms.
- Sub 4: More expensive, reflecting its enhanced performance and suitability for larger spaces.
- Winner: sonos sub mini
Bass Extension & Output
- Sonos Sub Mini: Bass extension is adequate for smaller spaces, but may struggle to fill larger rooms with deep, impactful bass.
- Sub 4: Offers significantly greater bass extension and output, delivering a more immersive and powerful listening experience.
- Winner: sub 4
Placement Flexibility
- Sonos Sub Mini: Easier to place due to its smaller size, can fit into tighter spaces, but the cylindrical shape might limit placement options.
- Sub 4: Requires more space, placement options are more limited by its size and shape, but offers more placement flexibility due to its higher output.
- Winner: sonos sub mini
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Bass Performance | sub 4 |
| Value | sonos sub mini |
| Size and Aesthetics | sonos sub mini |
| Ease of Setup | Tie |
| Power | sub 4 |
What They Have in Common
- Sonos Ecosystem: Both the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 are designed to seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for easy multi-room audio setup and control via the Sonos app.
- Wireless Connectivity: Both subwoofers support Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling wireless placement and simplifying the setup process, eliminating the need for direct wired connections to your sound system.
- Trueplay Technology: Both models feature Trueplay tuning, which uses the microphone in your iOS device to analyze the acoustics of your room and optimize the bass output for the best listening experience.
- Sealed Enclosure Design: Both Sub Mini and Sub 4 utilize a sealed enclosure design, which contributes to accurate and controlled bass reproduction, preventing unwanted noise and distortion.
- Class D Amplifiers: Both subwoofers employ Class D digital amplifiers, which provide efficient power delivery to the woofers, ensuring clear and impactful bass performance.
Sonos Sub Mini Vs Sub 4 Buying Guide
Price and Value
The Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 present different value propositions based on their price points. The Sub Mini is the more affordable option, making it an attractive entry point for smaller rooms or those new to the Sonos ecosystem. It offers a significant bass upgrade without breaking the bank. The Sub 4, being the flagship, commands a higher price, reflecting its superior performance and ability to fill larger spaces with deep, impactful bass. Consider your budget and room size when evaluating the value each sub offers.
Assessing the value also involves considering the overall system. If you already own Sonos speakers, the Sub Mini can be a cost-effective way to enhance your existing setup. If starting from scratch, the Sub 4 might provide a more complete and immersive experience, particularly in larger rooms, despite the higher initial investment. Evaluate your needs and budget accordingly.
Sound Quality and Performance
Sound quality is a primary differentiator. The Sub 4, with its larger drivers and powerful amplification, delivers deeper and more impactful bass. It can handle a wider frequency range and provides a more visceral experience, ideal for home theaters and larger listening areas. The Sub Mini, while impressive for its size, offers a more contained bass response. It’s best suited for smaller rooms where its output is sufficient.
The Sub Mini is designed for smaller spaces and provides a more focused bass experience. The Sub 4 provides the capability to fill large rooms. The Sub 4 offers a more detailed and dynamic bass response. The Sub Mini is excellent for everyday listening, the Sub 4 excels for immersive movie-watching and high-fidelity music playback.
Design and Aesthetics
Both subs share Sonos’ minimalist design philosophy, but they differ in form factor. The Sub Mini boasts a cylindrical design, making it more compact and easier to integrate into various room layouts. Its smaller footprint allows for more flexible placement options. The Sub 4, on the other hand, is a more traditional rectangular shape, which may require more deliberate placement to optimize performance and aesthetics.
The Sub Mini’s cylindrical shape offers a modern look, while the Sub 4’s design is more traditional. The Sub Mini is ideal for small spaces. The Sub 4 is better suited for a dedicated home theater. Both come in black or white. Consider your room’s design and personal preference when choosing.
Room Size and Placement
Room size is a crucial factor. The Sub Mini performs well in smaller to medium-sized rooms, typically up to 200-300 square feet. Its output is optimized for these environments, providing a balanced and impactful bass response without overwhelming the space. The Sub 4, however, can effectively fill larger rooms, easily accommodating spaces exceeding 400 square feet, delivering a more immersive experience.
Placement is important for both. With the Sub Mini, placement flexibility is enhanced due to its smaller size. The Sub 4 benefits from strategic placement, often near a wall or corner, to maximize bass reinforcement. Consider room acoustics and furniture placement. Experiment with positioning to find the optimal sound for your space.
Compatibility and Connectivity
Both the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 seamlessly integrate with the Sonos ecosystem. They connect wirelessly to other Sonos speakers and components via Wi-Fi. This simplifies setup and eliminates the need for messy wires. Both are compatible with the Sonos app, allowing for easy control and adjustments to bass levels, Trueplay tuning, and other settings.
Both subwoofers support the same connectivity options. The setup process is identical. The Sonos app makes controlling the subs very easy. Integration with other smart home systems is also possible. Both are designed to work flawlessly with a range of Sonos products.
Features and Functionality
Both subs offer essential features like automatic room correction through Trueplay (iOS only) to optimize sound for your room’s acoustics. They also allow for adjustable bass levels via the Sonos app. The Sub 4, due to its increased power, might offer more subtle adjustments and a wider range of bass output. The Sub Mini offers a simplified experience.
Both offer the core Sonos experience. The app allows users to adjust the bass levels. Trueplay is a very useful feature to optimize the sound. The Sub 4 may offer a slightly greater degree of control due to its more powerful drivers. Both offer a smooth and user-friendly experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sonos sub mini If…
- You have a smaller listening space or prefer a more compact subwoofer.
- You want a more affordable option without sacrificing significant bass quality.
- You prioritize a sleek and minimalist design that blends easily into your home decor.
- You want a subwoofer that is easy to move and reposition.
Buy sub 4 If…
- You have a larger room and need more powerful, deeper bass.
- You want the absolute best bass performance Sonos offers.
- You prioritize a more impactful and immersive audio experience for movies and music.
- You are willing to pay a premium for top-of-the-line bass quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Sub Mini and Sub 4?
The primary difference lies in their size, power, and the environments they’re designed for. The Sub Mini is smaller, more affordable, and suited for smaller spaces. The Sub 4 is larger, more powerful, and designed for larger rooms and more demanding audio experiences. The Sub 4 gives a deeper impact.
Which sub is better for a small apartment?
The Sonos Sub Mini is the better choice for a small apartment. Its compact size and sufficient bass output are perfectly suited for smaller living spaces. Its performance-to-size ratio is excellent, and it won’t overpower the room. It is a more budget-friendly option.
Can I use the Sub Mini with any Sonos speaker?
Yes, the Sonos Sub Mini is compatible with almost all Sonos speakers, including soundbars (like the Beam and Arc), bookshelf speakers (like the One and Five), and other Sonos products. It integrates seamlessly through the Sonos app. Some older speakers might require a firmware update.
Does the Sub 4 require more power than the Sub Mini?
Yes, the Sub 4 requires significantly more power due to its larger drivers and amplification. This increased power allows it to deliver a more impactful bass response, especially in larger rooms. The Sub Mini is more power-efficient but still delivers a great bass.
Is Trueplay tuning available on both subwoofers?
Yes, Trueplay tuning is available on both the Sub Mini and Sub 4. However, it’s important to note that Trueplay requires an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) to function. The feature uses the device’s microphone to analyze the room’s acoustics and optimize the subwoofer’s performance.
Which sub is better for movies?
The Sonos Sub 4 is generally the better choice for movies, especially in larger rooms or home theater setups. Its powerful bass response provides a more immersive and cinematic experience. The Sub Mini is still effective for movies in smaller rooms, but the Sub 4 elevates the experience.
Can I connect the Sub Mini or Sub 4 to a non-Sonos sound system?
No, the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 are designed to work exclusively within the Sonos ecosystem. They connect wirelessly to other Sonos devices and are controlled through the Sonos app. They cannot be connected directly to non-Sonos sound systems.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Sonos Sub Mini and Sub 4 comes down to your room size, budget, and desired level of bass impact. The Sub Mini offers an excellent value proposition for smaller spaces, providing a significant bass upgrade without a hefty price tag. The Sub 4 delivers a more powerful and immersive experience, ideal for larger rooms and home theaters. Consider your specific needs and listening environment when making your decision.
The Sub Mini is a great value, but the Sub 4 provides a more powerful and immersive experience. Consider the size of your room and your budget. Both subs offer easy integration. Consider your personal preference. Choose the sub that best suits your needs.
Winner: Sonos Sub 4