Sonos Playbar and Sonos Play 5 are the topmost speakers available in the market. Both devices offer excellent services when it comes to sound quality. However, with almost equal ratings and incredible capabilities, selecting one between the two becomes a tough choice. This article would clear all your doubts by comparing the Sonos Playbar vs Sonos Play 5.
Before further proceeding with this article and comparing both the models, we would like to share our personal choice between the two. Both the models are, undoubtedly, the best quality products with excellent features and capabilities. Both of them do a great job in their way. When comparing the Sonos Playbar Vs Sonos Play 5, it is quite clear that both of them have their benefits and drawbacks. However, we feel that Sonos Play 5 has a slighter edge over Sonos Playbar due to its flexibility and comprehensive integration. Hence, no doubt, Sonos Playbar has its perks, but still, we would recommend Sonos Play 5 over Sonos Playbar.
The first and foremost difference between both the models of Sonos is the feature of humidity resistance. The Play 5 model is built with humidity resistance, allowing it to function in damp environments. Whereas, on the other hand, the Sonos Playbar is not made with humidity in mind.
2. IR Control
Another difference in both the models is the IR Control. The Sonos Playbar provides the benefit of IR control. Hence, you can control the devices with the help of a remote. The Sonos Play 5 model does not support IR control, so you will have to adjust the audio separately while watching TV.
3. Sound Quality
This is the essential feature of any smart speaker device. When it comes to Sonos Play 5, it has a tremendous audio technology that brings the sound to the next level. On the other hand, the Sonos Playbar outclasses the Play 5 model in this regard with support for six mid-woofers and nine amplifiers in total.
4. Connect to TV
This is a significant distinction when talking about both the Sonos speakers. The Play 5 model can connect to the TV through a 3.5mm jack, which makes it a quite popular product in the market. On the contrary, the Sonos Playbar uses a digital optic cable to connect to the television.
5. Night Mode
Another difference which is quite noticeable in both the models is the Night Mode feature. The Playbar speaker of Sonos consists of Night Mode function so that you can quietly binge-watch your favorite shows at night. However, the Play 5 model does not provide any such benefit.
6. Ethernet Port
This is one of the noticeable differences when comparing both the Sonos models. Ethernet cable is an essential commodity of any smart speaker. The Play 5 model consists of one Ethernet port, whereas, on the other side, the Playbar model features two Ethernet ports for connectivity.
7. Design
When it comes to physical appearance, both the models differ quite drastically. The Sonos Playbar is horizontally long, with minimal height and thickness. Whereas, when we talk about the Play 5 model, it is a bit thicker and carries a traditional look.
The configuration is an essential aspect of any smart device. Hence, when it comes to connectivity, both the Sonos models are capable of Wi-Fi connections. Therefore, users can enjoy the sound system with a good Wi-Fi connection.
2. Stereo Output
Another feature which both the Sonos Playbar and Sonos Play 5 share in common is the Stereo Output facility. Both the Sonos models support Stereo Output; however, the Play 5 model only uses the format when in a horizontal orientation.
3. Voice Control Over Amazon Alexa
This is one of the features which both the models enjoy in common. Hence, integration with Amazon Alexa is one of the benefits which is provided by both the Sanos models. Therefore, you can ask Alexa to play music in any area of the house.
4. One App Control
This is one of the best features provided by both the Sonos speakers. Hence, both the Sonos Playbar and Sonos Play 5 facilitates one app control feature through which you can easily adjust various settings through a single app.
Features And Technical Specifications of Sonos Playbar
Both smart devices have increased demand in the market. Due to their extraordinary features and excellent functionalities, both the products have gained massive popularity in the market. However, to perform efficiently, they do need some extra add-ons. These accessories not only ensures the smooth functioning of the machines but also improves their performance.
Both speakers offer support for different mounts. The Sonos Playbar model includes wall mounting, whereas the Play 5 model support both wall-mount and a stand mount. In addition to this, both the Sonos speakers support Sonos Boost that plugs into your router to provide a speedy network to your speakers.
Sonos Playbar has undoubtedly proved to be a top-level smart speaker due to its exceptional sound quality. It consists of 2 Ethernet ports and 9 class D Digital Amplifiers. These speakers can be controlled through an app. However, like any other product, it does have its pros and cons which are as follows.
The Sonos Play 5 sound system is one of the highly demanded sound system available in the market. It consist of a single Ethernet Port with an Audio Line-In facility Moreover, unlike Sonos Playbar, it offers a touch device control. However, this product is also not free from cons. Following are the various pros and cons of this model.
Things We Like
Fantastic sound quality
Easy to set up
Consists Trueplay
Great look
Includes humidity resistant
Things We Don't Like
Lacks night mode
Simple design
FAQs
1. Can Sonos work without Wi-Fi?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Both the Sonos models are incapable of working without a Wi-Fi connection.
2. Â Is Sonos Port better than the Connect?
The Sonos speakers added more processing power inside the Port and redesigned the audio path with an improvement of about 10 dB in the signal, making the Port better than the Connect.
3. Can I control Sonos away from home?
Yes, both the Sonos models enjoy high integration capability and remote features, which helps you to control the devices even when you are not physically present at home.
Bottom Line
Choosing one of them becomes a difficult task. However, after considering all the features and carrying out an in-depth comparison, it can be noticed that Sonos Play 5 is superior to the Playbar model in many aspects. You should check out, comparison between Sonos play 3 and play 5.
Hence, as a result, when the question arises of selecting one model between the two, we would vote for the Sonos Play 5 model. if you want to see more of playbar, do check out Sonos beam vs playbar.
Andrea is a Senior Content Editor who digs into the very minuscule details to give her readers the best hands-on experience of the products. She brings her years of research and engineering experience to help us consistently create immaculate engaging content and products that hold the highest technical integrity.
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