Are you still confused about which audio brand can fulfill all your needs? Denon heos or Sonos are the top ones that will provide you value for your money. In this article, you will get a complete comparison of both the products. Hence read this entire article to get the best shopping experience. We will be providing you with genuine reviews of both the sound systems based on our testing so that you can figure out which one is the better option for you.
Our Verdict
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Sonos and Denon HEOS, both come with the best sound quality and music experience and is the smartest choice available on the market now.
Previous versions of both Sonos and Denon Heos are missing some useful features. A lot of which have been added in the later launches. Sonos has a better sound quality than heos counterpart, but the margin is narrow. But, 24-bit audio and Bluetooth enabled Denon Heos is more versatile. Denon products are also available on discounted prices more often than Sonos.
If you don’t want to explore further in the article, for an in-depth comparison between these two. And want to figure out which one is better for you, Denon Heos counterparts will be a superior choice.
Denon Heos Vs Sonos: Comparison Chart
#1 Sonos Play:1 VS Denon HEOS:1
Features | Sonos Play:1 | Denon Heos:1 |
---|---|---|
Digital Amplifiers (Class-D ) | 2 | 1 |
Stereo Output | YES, When paired with the same speaker | YES, When paired with the same speaker |
Mono Output | Yes | Yes |
Mid-Woofer | 1 | 1 |
Bluetooth | NO | YES |
Wireless Network | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands |
Orientation | Vertical | Vertical |
Audio Line-in | NO | YES |
Ethernet Port | 1 | 1 |
USB Port | NO | YES |
Tweeter | 1 | 1 |
#2Â Sonos Play:3 VS Denon HEOS:3
Sonos Play:3 | Denon Heos:3 | |
---|---|---|
Mid-Woofer | 2 | 1 |
Bluetooth | NO | YES |
Wireless Network | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands |
Orientation | Vertical and Horizontal | Vertical and Horizontal |
Ethernet Port | YES | YES |
USB Port | NO | YES |
Tweeter | 1 | 1 |
Drivers | 3 | 3 |
Audio Line-in | NO | YES |
#3 Sonos Play:5 VS Denon HEOS:5
Sonos Play:5 | Denon Heos:5 | |
---|---|---|
Digital Amplifiers (Class-D) | 6 | 5 |
Bluetooth | NO | YES |
Wireless Network | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands |
Orientation | Vertical and Horizontal | Horizontal |
Ethernet Port | YES | YES |
USB Port | NO | YES |
Audio Line-in | YES | YES |
Mid-Woofer | 3 | 2 |
Tweeter | 3 | 2 |
# Denon Heos 7 has all the features of Denon Heos 5 and includes one main Woofer
#4 Sonos Playbar VS Denon HEOS bar
Sonos Play:5 | Denon Heos:5 | |
---|---|---|
Tweeter | 3 | 2 |
Drivers | 9 | 9 |
IR Remote | NO | YES |
Bluetooth | NO | YES |
Wireless Network | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz | 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands |
Connect to TV | Via Optical Cable | Via Optical Cable and 4HDMI inputs |
3.5mm Output cable | NO | YES |
Audio Line-in | NO | YES |
USB Port | NO | YES |
Ethernet Port | 2 | 1 |
Tweeter | 1 | 1 |
#5Sonos comparison chart
Play: 3 | One | Play: 5 | |
---|---|---|---|
Voice Control | When connected to Alexa device | Built Alexa | When connected to Alexa device |
Drivers | 3 | 2 | 6 |
Line-in | NO | NO | YES |
Multiple Orientation | YES | NO | YES |
Wall mount | YES | YES | YES |
Denon Heos Vs Sonos: Differences
1. Pricing
There is a huge difference in the prices of Sonos and Denon HEOS. Denon Heos is much more expensive than it’s Sonos counterpart. It justifies its price, providing added features along with premium quality sound quality. But still, you can get Denon on discounted prices more frequently than that of Sonos.
2. Bluetooth Connectivity
The Heos line supports Bluetooth, whereas the Sonos line does not. Although the latest Sonos Move has Bluetooth option in it. But other than “Move,” none of the other Sonos speakers. With the addition of Bluetooth, Heos speakers have mostly made it possible to get crisp, audio without a wifi connection. The Bluetooth functionality is super convenient for its users. Turning on Bluetooth to get tunes blasting with just a few seconds of work.
3. Software/Application
The Sonos App is straightforward to use. It works smoothly, and the setup process is straightforward and quick. Heos’ App is a bit more complex to navigate and not tall user friendly. The setup process in Denon isn’t as smooth as on Sonos’.
Denon hasn’t done much to improve its App recently, either. But unlike Sonos, they don’t have the same stable base to pull from as far as software goes. Setting up the speakers is less convenient than it is with Sonos.
There are also some smaller drawbacks with the HEOS app. such as the inability to save specific tracks within the App. You can save playlists, but keeping a single song as a Heos favorite is pretty much impossible.
4. Bandwidth
HEOS supports dual-band wifi. On the other hand, Sonos does neither support Dual-band wifi, nor it has any  Bluetooth option. All Sonos devices still have single-band wifi, 2.4Ghz capable.
Denon Heos Vs Sonos: Similarities
1. Premium Sound Quality
Both Sonos and HEOS are known for their superior unmatched sound quality. Both wireless speakers provide audio outputs that are better than any other speakers available in the market.
2. Supports Multi-room Stereo
You can connect Sonos speakers in different rooms over wifi to create a multi-room sound system. This makes every room and everyone connected. Speakers of the same brand are compatible with each other. And can be connected to play the same or different songs.
3. Remote Control
HEOS and Sonos both have their applications that can run on Android or iOS devices gives us full control. This allows us to stream music wirelessly through popular music services.
Features & Technical Specifications Of Denon Heos
1. 2.4GHz HD Audio And Smooth Sound: With custom Dual drivers. A broad range of mid-woofer and precision dome tweeters provide crystal clear sound. Perfect for a hall or many rooms.
2. Design: HEOS One’s angular front profile makes it look Glamorous and adds a modern look to the place where it is kept.
3. Connection: to Bluetooth or wifi. This allows us to stream music wirelessly through popular services. Like Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio TIDAL, or Rhapsody.
4. Connect your iOS/Android phone or tablet, or Kindle Fire device. Then you can give voice commands through ALEXA, SIRI OR GOOGLE ASSISTANT.
5. Extension: Add another HEOS to the existing one. This can be done to deliver an immersive stereo sound with custom EQ sound tailoring. This provides a smooth, natural balance of tones. This, along with class D dual-channel digital audio amplification, provides clear audio.
6. Set up your speakers in seconds:
-Tap the App,
-Connect to a wireless network
-enjoy crisp, clear, and amplified music.
7. Sound Technology: HEOS Sound, combined with Denon’s 100-year legacy and Japanese precision technology: This speaks of the company’s attention volumes. Innovative craftsmanship in its high-quality audio solutions adds more flavor to it.
8. Portability: Convert your non-portable speakers into a portable system with optional GoPack Battery. These packs of cells deliver up to 6 HOURS of uninterrupted music. These GoPack have a silicon splash guard that seals the leaks. Hence protects them from splashing water while you take a dip in the pool or relax at the beach. The lithium-ion cells are rechargeable. Allowing you to always be connected to your music on the go.
Denon Heos AMP App Details
The HEOS Amp is specially designed for HEOS multi-room audio functionality. With 24GHz audio support, it adds some extra advantage over Sonos. With in-built Bluetooth, you have the option of choosing between wifi or Bluetooth.
1. HEOS Wireless Amplifier can turn on any speaker in the wireless zone: With in-built wifi and Bluetooth, you can play music from anywhere in your home. This can be done using a host of devices in your home theater or sound system.
2. Hall Sound Quality At Your Home: This can be done to deliver an immersive stereo sound with custom EQ sound tailoring. This provides a smooth, natural balance of tones. This, along with class D dual-channel digital audio amplification, provides clear audio.
3. Accurate audio Synchronization with HEOS advanced Multiroom Technology: HEOS Digital technology allows you to play the same song or different ones in multiple rooms. This is done with maximum audio fidelity, without any noticeable delays.
4. A large number of Connection options: Connect your speakers wirelessly via wifi or Bluetooth. Or plug them in using the optical/analog inputs on the back panel. You can too playback hi-res music files via the USB port (up to 24GHz) or use the 3.5mm aux cable.
5. Unlimited wireless music streaming with full control: HEOS application that can run on Android or iOS device gives full control in your hand – This allows us to stream music wirelessly through popular services. Like Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio TIDAL, or Rhapsody.
6. HEOS Sound, combined with Denon’s 100-year legacy and Japanese precision technology: This speaks of the company’s attention volumes. Innovative craftsmanship in its high-quality audio solutions adds more flavor to it. You can be sure that you are getting nothing but the best; Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz: ±1.5 dB
Features & Technical Specification Of Sonos
1. Easy to use: The setup of the speakers is simple and can be controlled through the App. Sonos Move is the only Bluetooth enabled device in its entire timeline. AirPlay 2 is also added as an upgrade from Sonos play-1.
2. Wifi and Bluetooth:You can connect the speakers through wifi and play your favorite music. If you have an unstable internet, you can change to Bluetooth.
3. Voice control : It is powered by in-built Amazon Alexa. Hence, with just a few commands, you can change the tunes in your speaker.
4. Brilliant sound anywhere: Experience surprisingly deep bass, Crisp & crystal clear audio output. Trueplay is used to detect the atmosphere of the room and play the music according to it. True-play gives a perfect tuning to the music played.
5. Ultra Durable Battery : Enjoy up to 10 hours of uninterrupted continuous deep, powerful music. Recharge Move with a compatible USB-C charger or on the included base.
6. Weather-resistant: Sonos Move withstands rain, snow, dust, humidity, UV rays, and extreme heat, salt spray, and cold.
7. Ultra-durable: Move’s components are built and protected by a hard, shock-resistant case.
What You Get Inside The Box
Denon HEOS
- (1) HEOS speaker
- (1) 3.5mm aux cable
- (1)Ethernet cable
- (1)Power Cable
- (1) Information booklet
- (1) Warranty Card
Sonos
- (1) Sonos speaker
- (1) 3.5mm aux cable
- (1)Ethernet cable
- (1)Power Cable
- (1) Information booklet
- (1) Warranty Card
Overview Of SonosÂ
American Audio-based company Sonos was founded in 2002 by John MacFarlane and co. From that time, it dominated the audio market as they were only of its kind. Sonos has much simpler user-friendly software. For setting up the Sonos, you’ll need to use the 3.5mm audio cable, check status lights, and input wifi passwords to get everything online. It’s a way easy to set up Sonos. For years, Sonos had dominated the home wireless audio market to itself. Now, with players like Denon is giving them a tough time. Thanks to its unmatched simple software and usability, it is still standing strong. But that margin is narrowing day by day.
- Premium quality sound.
- Simple, user-friendly Application.
- Bluetooth connectivity not available. (latest except Sonos Move)
- Works on single bandwidth.
- Do not have 2.4GHz audio resolution
Overview Of Denon HeosÂ
Denon was a Japanese company that, in 2015, launched its HEOS. (Home Entertainment Operating System) and came into its wireless multiroom sound system.Denon is quickly climbing over Sonos. And their speakers are superior in many ways. Denon Heos 7 is the best wireless smart speaker available on the market at present. It blows away Sonos speakers in every possible way. Even when you consider that it’s more expensive, it justifies its price. The presence of Bluetooth adds a significant advantage to it. A large no. of ports and connections options gives you more flexibility
- Bluetooth connectivity is available in all of its speakers.
- Supports higher resolution 2.4GHz audio
- Dual Bandwidth support
- The application is not user friendly and laggy.
- More expensive than its Sonos counterparts.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I play tv audio to the rest of the heos speakers?
Most surround sound uses slight off sync to create a feeling of stereo as well as surround sound. Yes, it can stream to the rest of the speakers. Minor delays can not be noticed as it will be less than one second. All the speakers have to be within the range of the same wifi network. It also depends on how many users are connected to that wifi network. You might want to dedicate a wifi router for internal use to sync all the speakers.
Q: Can the Alexa turn off? Can the wifi portable speaker work without Alexa “listening in?
Answer: Yes, you can. You can tap on the microphone to turn it off. The mic light is hardwired to the speaker’s microphones. Any feature using the microphones will turn on the mic light to show that the microphones are in use.
Q:Â How do I set up a Sonos speaker?
Answer:Â Create a Sonos account. Plugin your speaker and then open the Application.
Q: Can I keep the speaker outside at my house or in my garden while gardening?
Answer: Most of the Denon and Sonos speakers are not weatherproof. But some new models like Sonos Move are weatherproof and can be used for outdoor music.
Final Talk
Finally, we can conclude that both Sonos and Denon HEOSÂ have their pros and cons. But both these devices are far better than other wireless sound systems available. Each device has unique features that set it apart. Comparing both, Denon HEOS counterparts have the edge over Sonos. For it’s more advanced features and versatility. Features like Bluetooth compatibility, Dual-band wifi support. And High resolution 2.4GHz audio sets it over Sonos. If you’re really liking Sonos you should definitely check out which is better Echos sub or Sonos sub.
Sonos is still a good option for some with its blend of simplicity, usability, and sound quality. It remains the top choice who wants a premium sound system at a lower budget. Sonos sound, especially when it comes to stereo outperforms HEOS. Suppose Denon solves its software deficiencies. And if Sonos fails to bring all the latest features that Denon provides. It will soon lose its decade long market dominance to HEOS for sure.
Robert Kipperman says
Trying to decide which one to choose. We presently have Sonos.
The app is not user friendly. We always have to fiddle around to get the music going in all the rooms. But it’s 6 years old perhaps it’s improved (the app) . We have a second home, here’s where the decision making comes into play. Never heard of heno dios. Our sound guy only does one of these 2. Which is better?.
Frank says
Not much here more than cobbling together some reports from their web sites. Did you actually try any of these systems?
WHY is the Sonos sound better? Based on what?
And your command of English grammar leaves something to be desired.
Dave says
2.4Ghz audio resolution !? Really?