Sonos Sub Mini Review: Big Bass, Small Price?

The Sonos Sub Mini represents a significant shift in the landscape of home theater audio. For years, achieving truly immersive bass required a considerable investment. Now, Sonos offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on the quality we expect from the brand. This review will delve into the performance, design, and overall value of the Sonos Sub Mini, examining whether it lives up to the hype and its more expensive sibling.

Table of Contents

Design and Build Quality

The Sub Mini is undeniably compact. Its cylindrical design, measuring approximately 6.9 inches in diameter and 6.1 inches tall, makes it surprisingly unobtrusive. This diminutive size belies a robust build. The matte black finish is sleek and fingerprint-resistant, a welcome feature for those who appreciate a clean aesthetic. The overall feel is premium, reflecting Sonos’ commitment to quality.

The placement of the power port and connection points is intuitive and well-considered. Setting up the Sub Mini is a breeze, thanks to its seamless integration with the Sonos app. The lack of visible buttons adds to its minimalist appeal, further enhancing its sleek profile. This unobtrusive design makes it suitable for a variety of spaces, from smaller living rooms to dedicated home theaters.

Sound Performance: Deep Bass Without the Rumble

The Sonos Sub Mini might be small, but it doesn’t skimp on bass. It delivers a surprisingly deep and resonant low-end, significantly enhancing the cinematic experience of movies and the immersive quality of music. The bass is tight and controlled, avoiding the muddy or boomy sound sometimes associated with smaller subwoofers. This precision is a testament to Sonos’ engineering prowess.

The Sub Mini intelligently integrates with other Sonos speakers, creating a cohesive and balanced soundscape. Whether paired with a Sonos Arc, Beam, or One, the Sub Mini complements the overall audio profile without overpowering other frequencies. This harmonious blend ensures a rich and full listening experience, allowing you to truly appreciate the nuances of your audio content.

We tested the Sub Mini with a variety of genres, from action-packed blockbusters to intricate classical compositions. In each instance, the Sub Mini performed admirably, adding depth and impact without overshadowing the mid-range and high-frequency details. The bass response is consistently smooth, even at higher volumes. There’s a noticeable lack of distortion, even when pushed to its limits. This controlled output is a significant advantage, allowing for extended listening sessions without ear fatigue.

Features and Connectivity

The Sonos Sub Mini boasts seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. Setting it up is a straightforward process using the Sonos app. The app guides you through the connection, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Once connected, the Sub Mini automatically adjusts its output based on the content being played and the volume level.

The Sub Mini supports automatic software updates, ensuring you always benefit from the latest performance enhancements and bug fixes. This feature eliminates the need for manual updates, streamlining the ownership experience. This commitment to ongoing improvements keeps the Sub Mini relevant and ensures its long-term value.

While the Sub Mini lacks some of the advanced features found in its larger counterpart, such as multiple inputs or customizable EQ settings, its simplicity is a strength. It focuses on delivering powerful, controlled bass without unnecessary complications. The user-friendly design and effortless integration into the Sonos ecosystem are significant advantages.

Comparison to the Sonos Sub

Naturally, a comparison with the larger Sonos Sub is inevitable. The Sub Mini is significantly smaller and more affordable. While it lacks the earth-shattering power of its bigger brother, it still delivers a surprisingly impressive low-end. The difference is noticeable, but not necessarily a deal breaker for most users. The Sub Mini’s compact size makes it ideal for smaller rooms where the larger Sub might feel overwhelming.

The Sonos Sub offers a deeper, more powerful bass response, better suited for larger spaces or those who prefer a more intense low-end experience. However, the price difference is substantial. The Sub Mini represents an excellent value proposition for those who don’t need the extreme power of the larger model.

User Experience

The Sonos Sub Mini’s user experience is largely defined by its seamless integration with the Sonos app. The setup process is intuitive and requires minimal technical expertise. The app’s user interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it simple to adjust the volume or check the status of the subwoofer. The Sub Mini itself is unassuming, lacking any visible buttons or controls, which contributes to its minimalist aesthetic.

The lack of physical controls might be a drawback for some users who prefer more direct control over their devices. However, the convenience of the app-based control outweighs this minor inconvenience for most. The app provides all the necessary functions without cluttering the device itself.

Value for Money

The Sonos Sub Mini offers exceptional value for its price. It delivers high-quality bass performance that surpasses many competitors in its price range. The compact design makes it suitable for a variety of spaces, and its seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience. The build quality is excellent, reflecting Sonos’ commitment to craftsmanship. Considering its performance, design, and ease of use, the Sonos Sub Mini represents a compelling investment for audiophiles on a budget.

Who Should Buy the Sonos Sub Mini?

The Sonos Sub Mini is an ideal choice for users who want to enhance their home audio system with powerful, controlled bass without breaking the bank. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller living rooms, apartments, or bedrooms. It’s a great option for those who value a seamless user experience and appreciate the premium build quality that Sonos is known for.

Consider the Sonos Sub Mini if you own other Sonos speakers and want to complete your home theater setup. Its excellent integration with the Sonos ecosystem makes it a natural addition to an existing Sonos system. Moreover, its compact size and relatively affordable price make it a more accessible option compared to its larger sibling, the Sonos Sub.

The Sonos Sub Mini is a remarkable achievement in audio engineering. It successfully delivers powerful, controlled bass in a compact, elegantly designed package. Its seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem and straightforward setup process enhance the overall user experience. The exceptional value for money makes it a compelling option for those seeking to improve their home audio without a significant financial investment. Ultimately, the Sonos Sub Mini is a worthy addition to any home theater system, offering a satisfying low-end experience. It’s a strong contender in its class.