Echo Studio vs Sonos One: Which Smart Speaker Should You Choose?

When it comes to enhancing your home audio experience, smart speakers have become an essential part of modern living. Two of the most popular options in the market today are Amazon’s Echo Studio and Sonos One. While both speakers offer impressive sound quality, Alexa integration, and seamless connectivity with smart home devices, they cater to slightly different needs. Whether you’re an audiophile looking for premium sound or someone seeking a compact, versatile option for your home, this comparison will help you decide which speaker best suits your lifestyle.

1. Amazon Echo Studio Speaker

The Amazon Echo Studio is the latest and most powerful Alexa speaker, offering an exceptional audio experience for those seeking immersive sound in larger spaces. Featuring five built-in speakers, this device produces a rich and dynamic sound with improved clarity, powerful bass, and crisp highs. Thanks to its integration with Dolby Atmos and spatial audio processing, the Echo Studio delivers a soundstage that feels wide and enveloping. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want to bring cinematic sound into their living rooms or family rooms. The speaker also adapts to the acoustics of the room, ensuring optimal playback no matter the environment. In addition to the impressive audio features, the Echo Studio functions as a smart hub, seamlessly controlling Zigbee and Matter-compatible devices via Alexa.

While the Echo Studio excels in sound quality and functionality, it is not without its downsides. One area where it could improve is connectivity, as some users report occasional issues with the device’s pairing with other devices or networks. Additionally, while the Echo Studio offers a premium audio experience, its price point may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who do not require high-end sound in their setup.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 5 speakers with powerful bass and improved clarity.
2. Spatial audio processing and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.
3. Automatic room adaptation for optimal audio playback.
4. Built-in smart home hub with Alexa integration.
5. Voice control for streaming music from various platforms.

Pros:

1. Rich, dynamic sound with deep bass and crisp highs.
2. Seamless integration with Alexa and smart home devices.
3. Automatic acoustic adjustments for superior audio experience.
4. Access to high-definition and spatial audio formats.
5. Privacy-focused design with mic off button.

Cons:

1. Some may not need the advanced audio features.

2. Sonos One Smart Speaker

The Sonos One is a compact yet powerful smart speaker that delivers impressive sound quality, making it a great option for those looking to enhance their home audio system. With Amazon Alexa built-in, this speaker allows users to enjoy hands-free control, playing music, checking news, setting alarms, and asking questions effortlessly. The rich, room-filling sound makes it an ideal addition to any room, whether placed on a kitchen counter or tucked away on a bookshelf. Its humidity-resistant design also allows it to be placed in more challenging environments like the bathroom. For those seeking a more immersive experience, pairing two Sonos Ones together offers stereo sound and a more detailed audio experience. Additionally, the Sonos One can be integrated into a larger multiroom setup, making it perfect for a seamless home audio system.

While the Sonos One excels in sound quality and ease of setup, it does have a few drawbacks. Some users report occasional issues with voice recognition, where Alexa sometimes struggles to respond to commands accurately. Additionally, while the speaker’s sound is powerful, it might not provide the same deep bass and low-end performance as larger, more specialized speakers. Connectivity can also be inconsistent at times, particularly when trying to pair the device with other smart home systems.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Amazon Alexa built-in for voice control.
2. Compact design fits in most spaces, including bathrooms.
3. Humidity-resistant for placement in varied environments.
4. Stereo sound capability with pairing of two Sonos Ones.
5. Wireless connectivity to other Sonos speakers for multiroom audio.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with rich, room-filling audio.
2. Easy to set up and integrate with the Sonos app.
3. Alexa integration allows hands-free control of music and smart home devices.
4. Compact, versatile design works in various room settings.
5. Can be paired for stereo sound or as rear home theater speakers.

Cons:

1. Some may find the sound not as rich as larger or more premium models.

Echo Studio vs Sonos One: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to smart speakers, two of the most popular options on the market are the Amazon Echo Studio and the Sonos One. Both offer impressive sound quality and smart features, but they target slightly different user needs and preferences.

Audio Performance: Clarity and Immersion

Echo Studio: The Echo Studio is designed with audiophiles in mind, delivering a powerful and immersive sound experience. It features five built-in speakers, including a 5.25-inch woofer for deep bass, a 1-inch tweeter for crisp highs, and a 3-inch midrange speaker for balanced sound. The standout feature of the Echo Studio is its support for Dolby Atmos and spatial audio processing, which creates a wide and enveloping soundstage. Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, the Echo Studio provides a cinema-like experience in the comfort of your home. Its room adaptation technology adjusts sound based on the acoustics of the room, ensuring the best audio experience possible.

Sonos One: The Sonos One is a more compact option but still offers excellent sound quality for its size. It uses two Class-D amplifiers and a bass radiator to deliver clear, balanced sound with a focus on midrange and treble. While it doesn’t have the advanced spatial audio features of the Echo Studio, it still provides a solid audio experience for casual listening and smaller rooms. If you pair two Sonos Ones together, you’ll get stereo separation, providing a richer and more detailed sound. The Sonos One excels in delivering crisp highs and clear vocals, making it ideal for music lovers who want an all-around great speaker in a smaller form factor.

Feature	Echo Studio	Sonos One
Speakers	5 speakers (woofer, tweeter, midrange)	2 amplifiers with a bass radiator
Audio Technology	Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio	Standard stereo sound, optional pairing for stereo
Audio Adaptation	Auto room adaptation for optimized sound	No automatic room tuning
Bass Performance	Deep and powerful bass	Clear bass, but not as deep
Stereo Sound	Can pair with other Echo devices	Can pair with another Sonos One

Smart Features: Alexa Integration vs. Multiroom Audio

Echo Studio: As expected from an Amazon product, the Echo Studio features full integration with Alexa, allowing you to control your music, smart home devices, set reminders, ask questions, and more, all via voice commands. It also supports popular music streaming services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal. The built-in Zigbee hub allows Alexa to control Zigbee and Matter-compatible devices, turning the Echo Studio into a central control hub for your smart home. Additionally, it features Drop In and Announcements, making it easy to communicate with other Alexa devices in your home.

Sonos One: The Sonos One also features Alexa integration, enabling voice commands for music control and smart home management. However, it supports fewer smart home protocols compared to the Echo Studio, with Sonos relying on third-party integrations for smart device control. One of the Sonos One’s standout features is its ability to work seamlessly within the Sonos ecosystem, allowing users to connect multiple Sonos speakers for a multiroom audio experience. Sonos also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which enables users to stream audio from their iOS devices to the speaker.

Design and Versatility

Echo Studio: The Echo Studio is a larger speaker, designed with premium audio quality in mind. It has a cylindrical shape with a fabric cover and a sleek, modern design. While it has a larger footprint compared to the Sonos One, it is still compact enough to fit comfortably in most living spaces. It also has a built-in mic off button, providing additional privacy control, which may appeal to those concerned about security. The Echo Studio is humidity-resistant, which means it can be used in spaces like the bathroom or kitchen without worrying about moisture damage.

Sonos One: The Sonos One features a much smaller, more compact design. It’s a versatile speaker that can fit into tight spaces, whether it’s on a bookshelf, kitchen counter, or bathroom shelf. The Sonos One’s build is both elegant and functional, with a sleek, minimalist look that fits with most home décor. While it’s smaller than the Echo Studio, the Sonos One still provides impressive sound for its size. Like the Echo Studio, it is also humidity-resistant, making it suitable for use in bathrooms.

Feature	Echo Studio	Sonos One
Design	Larger cylindrical form	Compact, minimalist design
Size and Portability	Larger, requires more space	Small, easily portable
Humidity-Resistant	Yes	Yes
Privacy Controls	Mic off button for added privacy	No dedicated privacy features

FAQ

Does the Echo Studio support multiroom audio?

Yes, the Echo Studio can be integrated into a multiroom audio setup with other Echo devices. This allows you to play music throughout your home, ensuring a synchronized audio experience. However, it’s important to note that while the Echo Studio can be part of a multiroom setup, it’s designed for high-quality sound in larger rooms and spaces, making it ideal for immersive audio experiences.

Can I use the Sonos One in a multiroom system?

Yes, the Sonos One is designed to seamlessly work within the Sonos ecosystem. You can pair multiple Sonos speakers together for multiroom audio, allowing you to play the same or different music in different rooms. Additionally, the Sonos One supports Apple AirPlay 2, which enables streaming from compatible iOS devices to the speaker.

Does the Echo Studio have a mic off button?

Yes, the Echo Studio includes a mic off button for added privacy. This feature allows you to turn off the microphone whenever you wish, ensuring that the speaker is not listening to your conversations when you don’t want it to. This is particularly useful for those who are concerned about privacy.

Is the Sonos One compatible with other smart home devices?

The Sonos One works with Alexa for smart home control, but it doesn’t support as many smart home protocols as the Echo Studio. While the Sonos One can integrate with various devices, it often requires third-party integrations for full smart home control. In contrast, the Echo Studio includes a built-in Zigbee hub for more direct control of Zigbee and Matter-compatible devices.

How does the bass performance compare between the Echo Studio and Sonos One?

The Echo Studio excels in bass performance, featuring a 5.25-inch woofer designed to produce deep, rich bass, especially beneficial for large rooms or cinematic sound experiences. In comparison, the Sonos One delivers clear bass for its size, but it doesn’t have the same deep low-end punch as the Echo Studio. The Sonos One focuses more on balanced midrange and treble for a well-rounded sound.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the decision between the Echo Studio and Sonos One depends on your needs. If you are looking for a speaker with outstanding sound quality, Dolby Atmos support, and smart home integration, the Echo Studio is the better option. It is perfect for large rooms and those who want a powerful, immersive audio experience.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a compact, versatile design, integration with the Sonos ecosystem, and a more affordable price point, the Sonos One is a solid choice. It delivers excellent sound for its size and can easily be added to a multiroom audio system. While it may not offer the same level of audio technology as the Echo Studio, it provides great value for those who don’t need the extra features.

In conclusion, the Echo Studio excels in premium audio features and smart home integration, making it a great choice for audiophiles and smart home enthusiasts. The Sonos One is better suited for those looking for a compact, multiroom speaker with solid sound and easy integration.