Sonos One Review: The Best-Sounding Smart Speaker

The Sonos One pairs audiophile-grade sound with Alexa or Google Assistant. Our review after 3 years of daily listening.

16 min read 3,593 words
Last updated:
⏱ 14 min read

Dec 6, 2025

By Jordan Haven

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Last updated: May 20, 2026

OUR TOP PICK

Best Smart Speaker 2025

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

The best smart-speaker for most people

9.4

Expert Score


Premium 360° sound with Dolby processing

Built-in Zigbee smart home hub

Temperature sensor included

Works with 140,000+ smart devices
$99.99
$129.99

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Top Picks at a Glance

Google

Google Nest Audio

4.6 (45,000+)

$99.99
$119.99

View on Amazon

Apple

Apple HomePod mini

4.6 (28,000+)

$99.00

View on Amazon

Sonos

Sonos One (Gen 2)

4.7 (15,000+)

$219.00
$249.00

View on Amazon

Echo Dot (5th Gen)
Amazon

Echo Dot (5th Gen)

4.6 (180,000+)

$49.99
$59.99

View on Amazon

Amazon

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

4.7
(245,000+ ratings)

$99.99
$129.99
Save 23%
  • Premium 360° sound with Dolby processing
  • Built-in Zigbee smart home hub
  • Temperature sensor included
  • Works with 140,000+ smart devices
Google

Google Nest Audio

4.6
(45,000+ ratings)

$99.99
$119.99
Save 17%
  • Premium sound with 75mm woofer
  • Ambient IQ adapts to room noise
  • Voice Match for personalized results
  • Multi-room audio support
Apple

Apple HomePod mini

4.6
(28,000+ ratings)

$99.00
  • Computational audio for 360° sound
  • Siri voice assistant built-in
  • Intercom feature across devices
  • Thread smart home protocol support

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What is the best smart speaker for most people in 2025?

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is our top pick for most users, offering premium 360° sound with Dolby processing, a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, and compatibility with 140,000+ devices. It’s priced at $99.99–$129.99, balancing performance and affordability.

How does the Sonos One (Gen 2) compare to other smart speakers?

The Sonos One (Gen 2) stands out for its exceptional sound quality and smart home integration, with a 4.7 rating. While pricier ($219–$249), it excels in room-filling audio and works seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for multi-platform control.

Which smart speaker integrates best with existing smart home devices?

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) leads in smart home compatibility, supporting Zigbee, Alexa, and 140,000+ devices. The Google Nest Audio and Apple HomePod mini also offer strong integration for Google Home and HomeKit ecosystems, respectively.

Is the Sonos One worth the higher price compared to competitors?

If sound quality is your priority, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is worth the investment. It delivers premium audio and multi-room capabilities, though it costs nearly double cheaper options like the Echo or Nest Audio. Choose it for audiophile-grade performance over budget-friendly alternatives.

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Jordan Haven
Written byJordan Haven

Smart home enthusiast and tech writer helping families navigate the connected home journey. I've tested hundreds of devices across Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home, and SmartThings ecosystems. My mission: make smart home tech accessible to everyone, not just tech experts. When I'm not reviewing the latest gadgets, you'll find me creating automation routines that make daily life just a little bit easier.

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