Sonos Five - Black Wireless HiFi Speaker for Room-Filling Sound

In this review of the Sonos Five, the conclusion is simple: this is a high-fidelity speaker for listeners who prioritize detailed, room-filling sound and deep, controlled bass. Tuned by Giles Martin and built with a sealed acoustic design and three high-excursion woofers, the Five delivers a noticeably rich low end and an expansive soundstage that suits dedicated music listening, small gatherings, or desktop audio setups. Setup is straightforward for many users via the Sonos app and Apple AirPlay 2, though some will find network integration and advanced functionality require patience.

Key Features

• Tuned by Giles Martin: delivers a refined sonic signature with clear vocals and balanced tones that reveal detail across genres.
• Deep bass design: three high-excursion woofers in a sealed architecture reduce reverb and provide punchy, controlled low frequencies.
• Ultra-wide soundstage: angled side tweeters and a center tweeter create spatial extension and precise stereo imaging from a single speaker.
• Smart stereo options: place one horizontally for built-in stereo or pair two vertically to expand separation and width automatically.
• Line-in port: the 3.5 mm input lets you connect a turntable, CD player, or other source for direct playback without streaming only.
• App and AirPlay control: compatible with the Sonos app and Apple AirPlay 2 for easy playback control and multiroom setups.

Who It's For

The Sonos Five is best for listeners who want a single, powerful speaker that produces detailed highs, strong mids, and authoritative bass without a separate subwoofer. It suits apartments, medium rooms, and desktop setups where space is limited but sonic expectations are high, and for users who appreciate a tuned consumer product with a premium feel.

Those who should look elsewhere include buyers seeking a compact portable speaker, a budget entry-level unit, or a speaker that prioritizes absolute plug-and-play simplicity in difficult Wi-Fi environments; customers with persistent network integration issues may prefer a wired or differently-configured system.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality with clear vocals and deep bass for its size.
• Flexible playback options via the Sonos app and Apple AirPlay 2.
• Robust build and a compact footprint that still fills rooms effectively.
• Line-in port for connecting analog sources like a turntable.

Cons

• Some users report mixed experiences with network connectivity and advanced functionality, so setup may not be effortless for everyone.
• Lacks battery power and portability, limiting use to home setups only.

Specifications

Product	Sonos Five - Black
Designed tuning	Tuned by Giles Martin
Drivers	Three high-excursion woofers, center tweeter, two angled side tweeters
Acoustic design	Sealed architecture to reduce reverb and echo
Inputs	3.5 mm line-in port
Control	Sonos app and Apple AirPlay 2
Included	Product and warranty documentation

Our Verdict

The Sonos Five is an excellent choice for listeners who want a single, stylish speaker that delivers deep, controlled bass and a wide, detailed soundstage. It represents good value for those prioritizing sonic performance and app-based control, though buyers who need absolute simplicity or portability should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect a turntable?
Yes. The Five includes a 3.5 mm line-in port for connecting a turntable, CD player, or other analog source.

Does it support multiroom playback?
Yes. The speaker works with the Sonos app and Apple AirPlay 2 for multiroom setups and grouped playback.

Is the Five portable?
No. The Sonos Five requires mains power and is intended for stationary home use rather than portable listening.