Sonos Sub vs Sub Mini: Is the small one enough for living room?

Since fall 2022, there has been a smaller version in addition to the large Sonos Sub: the Sonos Sub Mini.

But which subwoofer is suitable for which rooms and is it really worth paying the extra for the large sub?

I have compared both models in detail and reveal the advantages and disadvantages.

This much in advance: the Sonos Sub Mini will be sufficient for most rooms. The compact device, which resembles a small garbage can, packs an enormous punch.

With the help of a sealed housing, two force-canceling drivers and good true-play tuning, the Sub Mini’s bass is not only strong, but also sounds good.

Another advantage: any neighbors can sleep better.

Sub vs Sub Mini: The small differences

Of course, there are some differences between the two devices. In addition to the dimensions, there is also the price: while the large sub is currently on offer for €849, its little brother costs just €499. Whether the surcharge is worth it depends heavily on the size of the room.

Is the Sub Mini enough for the living room?

Sound is always somewhat subjective. However, I was able to test both devices and will try to give you a few practical examples so that you can better assess the situation for yourself.

My living room is 30 square meters in size. With normal background music via two Sonos One or TV programs with the Sonos Beam 2, I didn’t hear any difference between the small and the large subwoofer.

Even when watching movies at normal volume, I hardly noticed any difference: both subwoofers do a decent job and let you not only hear but also feel the low frequencies.

If you watch movies at the same volume as they are shown in real cinemas – i.e. really loud – you will notice a slight difference between the models.

The Sub Mini reaches its limits a little earlier and reduces the bass slightly (like all Sonos speakers). The large Sub has a little more staying power here.

Differences only at high volumes

You notice the same with music at party volume – so loud that you can’t have a normal conversation at the same time.

Here, too, the Sub Mini turns down a little earlier – but still has an amazing performance. I use a Spotify playlist with corresponding test songs for testing.

So if you want to fill a living room well over 30 square meters with sound and need higher volumes, you are better off with the large sub. Especially as it can even be combined with two other large subs.

For everything below that – and for normal volumes – the Sub Mini is easily sufficient. Incidentally, it cannot be combined with another Sub Mini.

Differences: Sonos Sub vs Sub Mini

Apart from size and price, there are hardly any technical differences: both models work with two opposing woofers (so-called force-canceling technology).

The shape of the woofers naturally differs slightly due to the design.

Sonos Sub with bass reflex system

Reader Ralf drew my attention to another difference, thank you very much!

“The functionality of the two subs is the same, but the large sub also works with a bass reflex system. The sound / pressure from inside the enclosure is directed outwards via two openings using two tubes. The openings are located in the “shaft” in which the two opposing cones also emit the sound. The Mini, on the other hand, does not require a bass reflex system.”

Incidentally, both subwoofers can be tuned with the Sonos Trueplay system: The integrated microphone in Apple devices can be used to tune the sound to the respective room, which brings audible benefits.

NFC chip in the Sub Mini

The Sub Mini has an integrated NFC chip on the top, which makes the initial setup even faster.

However, this would not be a reason for me to buy it, as the normal setup is already very fast and well thought out.

The Sub Mini supports 5 GHz WiFi, the large Sub 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. However, as the WiFi is only used for communication between the Sonos speakers and the additional 2.4 GHz WiFi offers no advantages whatsoever, this aspect can be safely ignored.

The only real difference is for very large rooms or very high volumes: As already mentioned, the Sub Mini cannot be paired with other Sonos subwoofers.

With large sub, up to three devices can play simultaneously.

Both subwoofers are compatible with most other Sonos speakers.