With a little trick, Sonos products can be bought significantly cheaper: The manufacturer sells refurbished products at a reduced price via the refurbished program.
Sonos Refurbished includes free shipping and a full warranty. Is the deal worth it? I have tried it out.
Experience with Sonos Refurbished
What is the condition of the refurbished Sonos speakers that are offered at a low price? I wanted to test it and ordered a Sonos Beam, a Sonos One SL in white and a One SL in black.
Instead of 199 euros for a new One SL, Sonos is currently charging just 139 euros for the refurbished version. So what’s the difference?
According to the manufacturer , the goods are extensively tested and then sold. So are these formerly defective devices or simply returns that can no longer be sold as new?
No difference to new goods
The speakers in my test were no different from new. The delivery was just as fast and was delivered in the original packaging, which is no different from a new product.
The speakers were packed in a sealed cardboard box and in the fabric-like cover.
The devices had no visible signs of use, no scratches whatsoever – even if you searched extensively for them. There were even no fingerprints or other dirt to be found.
Of course, the technical function was also as you would expect from Sonos – flawless.
In the case of the Sonos One SL, there was a saving of a whole 60 euros. A good deal considering that the product is indistinguishable from new.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 1) was also significantly cheaper and in perfect condition. Not only on the outside, but of course also in terms of function.
Sonos offers the same guarantee on these refurbished devices as on new products, as well as a 100-day right of return and free shipping.
Reduced home theater sets
Recently, Sonos Refurbished not only offers individual speakers but also entire sets.
Availability often fluctuates, currently the selection ranges from a two-pack of the portable Sonos Roam to a huge home theater set with the Sonos Arc soundbar, the large subwoofer and two Sonos One rear speakers for surround sound.
For comparison: A home cinema set with Sonos Arc and Sub normally costs €1803.00, in the refurbished program only €1328.00. A saving of an impressive €475.00.
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.