Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL: Which is Better?
By Linus Tan
Updated April 2023
The Sonos One (Gen 2) and Sonos One SL are both incredible home speakers with great features and sound quality. Though they look almost identical on the surface, they do bear some minor differences.
In this review, we compare the Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL in terms of price, design & specs, and sound & software to determine which is the better smart home speaker for you.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Design & Specs
#3 Sound & Software
Sonos One (Gen 2)
Premium smart home speaker
✓ Unparalleled audio quality
✓ Built-in microphone
✓ Compatible with Alexa & Google
Sonos One SL
Great sound around the room
✓ Exceptional audio quality
✓ Multi-room support
✓ Sleek & modern design
#1 Price
Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL
The Sonos One (Gen 2) and Sonos One SL are priced fairly similarly to each other. The Sonos One (Gen 2) is listed for US$219 while the Sonos One SL goes for US$199.
When deciding between the two models, the price difference is not significant enough to be a deciding factor. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific needs for certain features, which we will explore now.
#2 Design & Specs
Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL
The Sonos One (Gen 2) and Sonos One SL are almost identical side-by-side. The one minor difference you will notice is on the top control panel of the speaker. The Sonos One (Gen 2) has an extra "microphone" symbol because it has a built-in microphone, which is visible on the top of the speaker.
Other than that, both speakers feature the same two Class-D digital amplifiers, one tweeter and one midwoofer, which contribute to their superior sound quality.
#3 Sound & Software
Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL
Here’s where the main difference of the speakers lie. The extra built-in microphone in the Sonos One (Gen 2) gives it its ability to double up as a powerful smart home speaker as well. It is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to control your smart home devices and access your favourite music streaming services with your voice.
In contrast, the Sonos One SL simply functions as a speaker. Both speakers offer Hi-Res Audio support with the new Sonos S2 application, allowing them to reproduce the full range of sound from recordings. This provides a pleasant audio experience that replicates the quality with which the musicians and engineers were working in the studio at the time of recording. The speakers also feature Trueplay tuning, which automatically adjusts the sound based on your room's acoustics, ensuring that you always get the best possible sound quality.
Compare Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL
Final Thoughts
Sonos One (Gen 2) vs Sonos One SL
If you’re getting your first Sonos speaker, it’s definitely worth it to fork out a little more for the Sonos One (Gen 2) to get the added benefit of smart home compatibility with Alexa or Google.
While if you’re simply looking to expand your Sonos sound ecosystem, getting the Sonos One SL will be more than enough as you will only need it to function as a speaker.
If you like to read more on smart home speakers, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Smart Home Speakers
Apple Homepod Mini vs Sonos One (Gen 2)
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Google Nest Mini
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)
Apple HomePod Mini Review
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Review
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) vs HomePod Mini
Amazon Echo Dot vs Echo Pop
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