Sonos One 2019
Score: 80/100
Amazon Echo Dot Max
Score: 75/100Rankings
The Sonos One (Gen 2) is a compact, humidity-resistant smart speaker offering clear sound, three voice assistants, and Trueplay tuning. Its lack of Bluetooth and modest bass limit flexibility for some users. Ideal for existing Sonos owners seeking a small, voice-controlled speaker for kitchens or offices.
The Amazon Echo Dot Max is a compact smart speaker featuring a two-way woofer-tweeter system that delivers room-filling sound with a notable bass boost. It lacks detailed connectivity specs and a built-in battery, which may limit flexibility. Ideal for Alexa-centric homes in small to medium spaces.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
89 mmbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 1,800 g | 499 gbest |
89 mmbest | — | |
6best | — | |
1 yearsbest | — | |
161 mmbest | 99 mm | |
120 mmbest | 109 mm | |
120 mmbest | 109 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 1800 g | 499 g |
Height (mm) | 161 mm | 99 mm |
Width (mm) | 120 mm | 109 mm |
Depth (mm) | 120 mm | 109 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Sonos One for its high-quality drivers, six-mic voice array and Trueplay tuning, emphasizing its superior sound and reliable wired connectivity compared to competing smart speakers. They also note the trade-offs of missing Bluetooth and modest bass output, positioning the device as a premium choice for users already invested in the Sonos ecosystem.
Everyday users love the easy setup, robust voice-assistant integration and clear, punchy audio, especially in kitchens and small rooms. Recurring frustrations center on occasional app glitches, the inability to stream via Bluetooth, and a desire for deeper bass without adding a subwoofer.
Professional reviewers commend the Echo Dot Max for its impressive two-way audio system that delivers room-filling sound and a three-fold bass boost, while the custom AZ3 processor and >50% improved wake-word detection make Alexa interactions feel faster and more natural. The built-in Zigbee hub and Omnisense sensor fusion add proactive smart-home capabilities, though critics note the sound may fall short in larger rooms and the lack of full technical specifications leaves some power users wanting more detail.
Everyday users praise the Echo Dot Max for its helpfulness, vibrant sound that fills small to medium spaces, and seamless Alexa integration for controlling lights and routines. Common complaints focus on limited bass in very large rooms, the need to purchase a separate battery base for portability, and the absence of detailed size and weight information.
“Very helpful. Can do ANYTHING”
“futuristic”
“fills spaces with vibrant sound”
