Echo Sub vs. Sonos Sub

Make your Jazz collection come to life with a wireless subwoofer!

Including a subwoofer such as Echo or Sonos Sub will further enhance the sound quality of your already existing Echo or Sonos speaker set.

With a Sub, you can enjoy exceptional deep rich sound that an ordinary speaker might not be able to produce, and will allow you to experience movies, audiobooks, songs, podcasts, and more, in a whole new way!

Today, we’ll be looking at Echo Sub vs. Sonos Sub, and how these two can benefit your audio experience. So whether you’re looking for an addition to your existing Echo family, or something with a far more powerful base, both subwoofers have something to offer.

Feel free to skip down to any part you prefer by using our navigation system below.

Echo Sub vs. Sonos Sub — Differences

Sonos Sub-extra-1

Difference #1: Woofer – A woofer’s purpose is to create that rich, deep bass sound that we all know and love. Echo Sub includes a single 6″ 100W woofer that will do just that with its ability to play all the way down to 30Hz.

While Sonos Sub doesn’t come with an actual woofer, it does, however, include two force-canceling speaker drivers that are positioned face-to-face for a much deeper sound all the way down to 25 Hz, with zero buzz or rattle.

So in terms of bass, Sonos comes out ahead.

Difference #2: Built-in Tweeter – Sonos Sub also includes a built-in tweeter that has been designed to produce high audio frequencies.

While it’s true that you’re looking for a deeper bass tone, this will actually help Sonos produce a much clearer audio quality that will make your music collection come to life.

While Echo Sub doesn’t come with a built-in tweeter.

Difference #3: Amplifier – Sonos comes out ahead once again by having two class-D digital amplifiers, as opposed to Echo’s single amplifier.

This will help your bass speaker to carry sound much better throughout the whole room or even your home for a more intense listening experience.

Difference #4: Network – Both your Sonos and Echo Sub will need to be set up and after operated using a WiFi connection.

While both subwoofers support a 2.4GHz network, Echo takes it a step further by also connecting with a 5GHz network too! Providing a much more reliable connection with far fewer interruptions.

However, Sonos Sub can also be directly plugged into your router via Ethernet cable so you can expect a strong WiFi connection without having to shell out for an extender such as the Sonos Boost.

Difference #5: Compatibility – It’s a given that your new subwoofer should belong to a set of speakers in order to enhance your favorite tracks, movies, audiobooks, and more.

Echo Sub will fit in nicely with Echo Dot (3rd Gen), Echo (3rd Gen & 2nd Gen), Echo Plus (2nd Gen), and Echo Studio.

This allows you to create a very nice bundle using an Echo Sub and two Echo 3rd generation devices that will allow you to enjoy the premium sound quality and hands-free control with Alexa.

While Sonos Sub will complement most Sonos speakers with the exception of Sonos Connect, Port and Move.

Difference #6: Volume Controls – If you wish to turn down the volume of your bass, you can do so with Sonos Sub’s volume control addition. Unfortunately, Echo Sub doesn’t come with those types of controls, so if you wish to turn down the bass you’ll need to ask Alexa to do so via the app and even then, you won’t be able to set it to a more specific level, which can be a nuisance.

Difference #7: Positioning – When it comes to setting up your new subwoofer, Sonos Sub is far more flexible as it can be placed both upright, as well as on its side, and even under the couch! So you can enjoy soul-shaking bass without it being in the way!

While the more compact Echo Sub can only be placed in an upright position.

Difference #8: TruePlay – For you Apple users, Trueplay is going to be the next best software for your Sonos sub!

This allows you to find the best output for your subwoofer, regardless of the room set up, decor and even size. So you can enjoy a beautiful sound or an immersive movie experience just by using your iPhone, iPad, or any other iOS device.

Difference #9: Size & Design – Sonos Sub is definitely a lot bulkier in terms of size with its large dimensions of 15.3” x 15.8” x 6.2”, compared to Echo’s much more compact 8.0” x 8.3”.

Yet Sonos Sub can easily be hidden in a corner behind the couch or placed on its side in order not to take up too much space, while Echo’s smaller design makes it ideal to put on a shelf or the coffee table for a more modern touch.

In terms of colors, Sonos Sub comes in two different options, premium white gloss, or premium black gloss, while Echo comes in a charcoal tone that’s quite common in Echo devices.

Difference #10: App Control – While both subwoofers can be operated with their coinciding app (Alexa for Echo, Sonos for Sonos Sub).

It’s true that Sonos offers far more flexibility via its app such as music streaming, volume control, and managing the EQ levels.

While with Echo Sub, you can use Alexa to ask to play music or turn down the bass when paired with an Alexa-enabled device.

Difference #11: Price – It’s true that Sonos Sub is far pricier than Echo, but it does produce much deeper bass, while also including great compatibility with software such as Trueplay for a more enhanced experience.

While Echos cheaper price tag can provide a smart subwoofer without having to break the bank.


Echo Sub vs. Sonos Sub — Comparison Chart

  Echo Sub Sonos Sub
Woofer One 6″ 100W woofer N/A
Force-Cancelling Speaker Drivers N/A 2
Built-in Tweeter N/A Yes
Amplifier One Class-D Digital Amplifier. Two Class-D Digital Amplifiers.
Low-Frequency Response 30Hz Plays Down to 25 Hz
Network Dual-band Wi-Fi supports
802.11 a/b/g/n
(2.4 and 5 GHz) networks.
802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz WiFi
Volume Controls N/A Yes
Microphone Far-Field Microphone Array N/A
Positioning Upright Upright & On the Side
Microphone LED Yes
Trueplay N/A Yes
Compatible With Echo Studio,
Echo Dot (3rd Gen),
Echo (3rd Gen),
Echo (2nd Gen)
and Echo Plus (2nd Gen)
Most Sonos speakers,
except Sonos Connect,
Port and Move
Compatible with Alexa Yes Yes
One-app Control Alexa Sonos
Ethernet Port N/A Yes
Dimensions 8.0” x 8.3” 15.3″ x 15.8″ x 6.2″
Finish Charcoal Premium white gloss;
premium black gloss.

Echo Sub vs. Sonos Sub — Things in Common

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Compatibility with Alexa – The main and only thing in common for both subwoofers, is that they both are compatible with the Alexa voice control feature which will enable you to have more hands-free control over your device.

However, you’ll need to have an Alexa-enabled device prior, such as Echo Show or Echo Dot in order to take advantage of this feature.


Echo Sub vs. Sonos Sub — Accessories

In terms of accessories, both Echo Sub and Sonos Sub have quite a bit to offer that will further enhance your listening experience.

For your Sonos set, you could also include a Sonos Amp to accompany your Sonos system, and it will provide a 55W per channel at eight ohms of resistance for an even more intense sound.

Additionally, check out the iPort xPRESS Audio Keypad which will allow you to have remote control over your Sonos speaker or even a group of speakers! Handy for those moments you’re chilling on the couch, and don’t have your smartphone on you to change the track.

When it comes to setting up your Echo Sub, if you’re worried that your WiFi network might not be sufficient, you can also check out the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender, that will work to improve the connection between the subwoofer and your home network.


Echo Sub vs. Sonos Sub — Our Thoughts

Sonos Sub-extra

While both wireless subwoofers will complement your already existing set of smart speakers, we feel that Sonos Sub is the superior model on the list.

While it’s true that Echo Sub is definitely a lot more affordable, comes with decent bass, and is a good addition if you already have a set of Echo speakers, it still doesn’t quite beat Sonos.

Not only does Sonos Sub come with exceptionally rich bass quality with its two force-canceling speaker drivers, a tweeter that can carry higher frequencies, two amplifiers, as well as the volume controls.

It also integrates with software such as Trueplay that will provide you with the ideal audio setting for any room you’re in!

So, if you’re looking for deep & rich bass and don’t mind shelling out a little more, then Sonos Sub is a good option to check out.

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 17:36 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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