Do you want to bring top-quality sound into your home with a Sonos speaker? Are you feeling confused by the “One” and “One SL” options?
Well, do not be worried, my friend. These two speakers offer superb audio and integration with the Sonos ecosystem. However, these are some key differences that you must consider before making a decision. These differences make one of these speakers a better choice for you than the other.
In today’s post, I am going to dive deep into the battle of the Sonos One vs one sl, comparing their features, design, pros and cons, and price points. I will help you choose the ideal Sonos speaker that perfectly aligns with your requirements. So read on!
Features
Sonos One SL does not have a microphone. It simply means that there is no support for Google Assistant or Alexa on this speaker. Accordingly, you would not be able to ask your favorite voice assistant to play music, control smart home devices, or check the news. All these features are not available in SL.
On the other hand, I have found that the implementation of Alexa on the Sonos One is remarkable. It has the capability to do everything, just like the Amazon Echo. As compared to Amazon’s own speaker, it offers better audio quality.
When it comes to video calling platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, you might assume that Sonos One would be a better option than SL. However, the truth is that both of these speakers lack the ability to chat on these video calling channels.
If you are on the lookout for a more intelligent and voice-controlled experience, Sonos One would be the best choice. As said earlier, One SL does not have a microphone, so it will give you peace of mind if privacy is your top concern.
Sonos One Vs One SL Design
The Sonos One and Sonos One SL speakers are almost the same. They both look like small cylinders with a smooth mesh exterior. Both of these speakers are available in black or white.
The only real difference in their physical appearance is that the Sonos One has microphone buttons and a light ring on the top for voice control and updates. The Sonos One SL does not have these things, so it looks simpler and more minimalistic.
Other than that, both speakers are the same size and weight and have buttons for volume, play/pause, and skipping tracks. Both of these speakers are made to handle humidity. They are only designed for indoor use. They have two tweeters, Class-D digital amplifiers, and a mid-woofer inside.
On the top of the device, there are touch controls that you can tap and swipe to control the music. You can use these buttons to play, pause, skip, and replay the music. The only difference in design is that the more expensive speaker has a microphone. The Sonos One has a built-in far-field mic array that uses advanced technology to understand voice commands accurately.
The more expensive speaker has a microphone added to its design. The Sonos One has a built-in microphone system that is good at picking up your voice accurately when you give commands. If you look at the Sonos One speaker, you will find a microphone activation button and LED lights. On the other hand, you would not see this extra feature on Sonos One SL.
These two speakers have an Ethernet port, so you can connect them directly to your router. In addition to this, they have a port for the power cable on their base.
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Smart Assistance
The Sonos One speaker has a microphone. It plays decently with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can talk to it and do more. It is like having a mini-smart speaker inside!
On the other hand, the Sonos One SL speaker prefers a quieter life. It does not have a microphone or any smart assistant features. Instead, it is all about playing music and making it sound amazing. You need to pick only one voice assistant to live on your Sonos One. You cannot have both Alexa and Google Assistant together, but you can have Sonos Voice Control with either Alexa or Google Assistant.
The Sonos One SL, on the other hand, does not have a built-in voice assistant feature, so it is perfect for those who do not want tech to listen in on their conversations.
Sound Quality
Are you wondering if the Sonos One and Sonos One SL have different sound quality? Well, they do not! Regarding the sound quality, both of these speakers are on opposite sides of the same coin.
They provide top-notch sound with strong bass so that you can enjoy your favorite music. No matter which one you choose, you are getting superb speakers and music processing technology. It is just like choosing between two cars that look different but have the same powerful engine inside.
So, both of them will give you an incredible sound experience. Now, it is all about deciding which features you prefer, not the sound quality.
Price
The price of these two speakers may be the deciding factor. Sonos One is almost $249.
On the other hand, Sonos One SL costs you $199—a bit cheaper than Sonos One.
To be very honest, the price difference is not very big. However, I suggest you pick the speaker that suits your needs and fits your budget!
Pros and Cons Of Sonos One vs One SL
Lets have a look at the pros and cons of sonos one vs One SL
Pros and cons of Sonos One
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek design | There is no support for making calls using Alexa |
| Superb sound quality | |
| Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant | |
| Moisture-resistant finish |
Pros and cons of Sonos One SL
| Pros | Cons |
| Great audio quality | Absence of microphone |
| Great for setting up a home theater ambiance | |
| Durable design | |
Cost less than Sonos One |
Sonos One vs One SL – Which One Should I Buy?
The Sonos One and the Sonos One SL speakers are awesome. However, there are some key differences you should be aware of. The One speaker is amazing because it has a microphone built-in! You can talk to it just like you talk to Alexa. You can ask it to play music, set alarms, or even answer your questions. It is super cool!
On the other hand, the One SL speaker is a bit different. It does not have a microphone, but it is still great for playing music. It is cheaper and simpler, especially if you already have another speaker with a microphone or if you do not need voice control.
So, if you like talking to your speaker, Sonos One is the perfect choice for you. And if you prefer an affordable option, Sonos One SL is the way to go. Remember, no matter which one you pick, you’ll get awesome sound quality from Sonos!
Final Verdict
The Sonos One and the Sonos One SL are pretty similar speakers. The main thing that sets them apart is that the Sonos One SL does not have a microphone and cannot use voice assistants.
If you enjoy talking to your gadgets, then the Sonos One is the way to go! It is like having a helpful tech buddy. But if you prefer a speaker without a microphone, then the Sonos One SL is perfect for you. It is great for listening to music without any interruptions.
Both speakers can still connect to your phone or tablet using the Sonos app. They also work well with other Sonos speakers to create a cool audio system for your whole house. Plus, they both provide amazing sound that fills the room.
Just think about what you want and let the speaker make the choice for you!