7 Best Alternatives for SONOS in 2021

While there isn’t much to fault Sonos for, there are various reasons you would want to get an alternative instead. Whether the reason is the price or wanting better features there are many alternatives available. The best alternative is Blue Sound Pulse 2i, which offers better features at admittedly a slightly higher price.

Sonos is among the giants of wireless multi-room speakers. It offers ease of use and compatibility with numerous audio streaming services and voice assistants. The benefits are endless, but like all technology, it is never 100% perfect.

While it may seem like Sonos is as good as it gets, there are reasons to consider other alternatives. For example, one of Sonos biggest con is the price, although, given the quality, you get you can hardly complain. Still, not everyone can afford it. Another reason could be, that you want better features, because, believe it or not, there are better multi-room speakers compared to Sonos. Whether it’s saving some money or better features, we have created the best list of alternative options to suit your needs.

Best Alternatives Options for SONOS.

1. Blue Sound Pulse 2i – Best overall alternative

If you’re looking for quality and don’t mind the price tag attached to it then Blue Sound Pulse 2i is the best choice for you.

The sound quality by Blue Sound is unarguably better than what you would get with Sonos. Blue Sound will offer a better sound definition, especially with high-resolution audios. They have higher volume levels, and reproduce high frequency sounds with precision.

While Sonos is the better option especially when you consider ease of use, compatibility, and price, Blue Sound is a strong contender. Although the price is higher compared to Sonos, the sound quality you get is worth the extra cash.

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2. Polk Audio Omni S6 – Budget-Friendly Alternative

When cost is an issue and you’re not looking to burn a deep hole in your pocket then Polk Audio Omni is a good alternative for you. While there may be other cheaper options, compared to most Sonos, Polk Audio Omni is relatively cheaper. You also do not have to compromise too much on quality.

Truthfully, when it comes to ease of use, Polk Audio Omni S6 can’t compare to Sonos, especially when you consider its App. Unlike Sonos app that allows you control over the speakers, Polk’s DTS Play-Fi user interface isn’t the friendliest. On the upside though, the Omni S6 can handle higher resolution sounds, compared to Sonos.

The bottom line is, Polk Audio Omni S6, has great features and good sound quality at an affordable price, compared to Sonos. Its only drawback is its app that’s difficult to use. Otherwise, Polk is a great alternative that could go toe-to-toe with Sonos.

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3. Amazon Echo – Budget-Friendly Alternative

Another budget-friendly option for you is Amazon Echo. While it may not be as popular as Sonos, Amazon Echo has some great features for the price it costs.

For example, Sonos may have superior sound quality, but Amazon Echo supports Dolby Atmos Music, something Sonos is yet to achieve. This means that your music is mixed with greater precision, hence a more immersive listening with 3D audios. Additionally, the Echo studio has an auto-calibration that tunes the sound to the specifications of your room.

So while Amazon may still have room for improvement when it comes to sound quality, it does make up for it through other great features like 3D audio support. Not to mention, it is significantly cheaper than Sonos, making it a great alternative.

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4. Libratone Zipp Mini Smart – Best Portable Alternative

While it isn’t as compatible as Sonos, the Libratone Zipp Mini smart is a great portable alternative. If you are someone who enjoys sound quality but is always on the go, this wireless portable multi-room speaker is the one for you.

The mini handheld design and built-in strap make it easy to move around with. It offers an extensive Bluetooth range and a rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours of continuous use. Offering a well-balanced 360-degree sound, the Mini smart also makes for a good home multi-room speaker. It allows the connection of up to six speakers, easily set up by its user-friendly app.

So while Libratone Zipp is only compatible with Alexa smart assistant, it the go-to alternative if you’re looking for quality on the road speakers.

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5. Polk Audio Signa S3 – Best Surround System &Home Theatre Alternative

For the best surround sound system that supports Home Theatre, your best pick is Polk Audio Signa S3.  While it may not significantly differ from Sonos in terms of price, the quality and function you get make it more affordable than competing brands.

It comes with a sleek Dolby digital soundbar paired with a wireless subwoofer, that gives you room-filling deep bass. The Signa S3 also comes with a built-in Chromecast that allows you access to numerous streaming services. The best part is, if the price is still an issue, you can always compromise on the Wi-Fi capabilities and get it for a lesser price.

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6. Denos Heos 7 Premium – Best Party Sound Alternative

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Great sound, makes for better music and therefore a much better party. If parties are the reason you’re getting a sound system, then Denos Heos 7 Premium is the best party alternative for you.

It comes with five custom drives, five amplifiers, and two passive radiators that offer you bigger sound that fill an entire room until your backyard. Despite its sleek design, it produces loud and clear sound even when placed in open places, making it great for outdoor parties as well.

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7. Apple Air Play2 HomePod Smart Speaker – Best Alternative for Apples

If you’re already an Apple user looking for a good alternative, your best choice would be Apple AirPlay2 HomePod Smart Speaker. While it’s considerably expensive, it is cheaper compared to Sonos One.

Offering good sound quality, the HomePod works seamlessly with Siri and Apple music. Admittedly, the downside is that it does support any other music streaming service or voice assistant other than Siri. So android users can’t benefit from it.

The upside however is that you can mix and match the HomePod speakers with other hi-fi brands like Libratone Zipp and Audio Pro, that support Airplay2. You still won’t be able to stream music from anywhere other than Apple music, but the sound quality will improve.

Sonos Alternatives	Feature
	Wi-Fi	Bluetooth	Voice Assistant	Music Streaming Apps
Blue Sound Pulse 2i	Yes	Yes	Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant	Amazon Music, Tidal, AirPlay2, Spotify connect
Polk Audio Omni S6	Yes	Yes	Google Assistant	Spotify Connect, Tidal, Pandora, Amazon Music
Amazon Echo Studio	Yes	Yes	Alexa	Amazon Music, Spotify connect,
Libratone Zipp Mini Smart	Yes	Yes	Alexa	Amazon music, AirPlay2, Spotify connect
Polk Audio Signa S3	Yes	Yes	Google assistant,	Spotify, Amazon Music
Denos Heos 7 Premium	Yes	Yes	Alexa	Amazon, Music, Spotify connect
Apple AirPlay2 HomePod	Yes	No	Siri	AirPlay2

Conclusion

The Blue Sound Pulse 2i is our overall best alternative given its superior features even when compared to Sonos. Depending on what you’re looking for, however, the list offers many more suitable alternatives that consider your budget and intended function. At the end of the day, the best Sonos alternative for you is determined by your individual need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.    What is Polk Assist?

It is a smart speaker designed for music, with Google Assistant and Chromecast built into it.

2.    How do I can connect my two Sonos speakers?

The best way to connect two Sonos speakers is by using a Wi-Fi mesh-system.