Sonos Playbase Vs. Playbar : Which One Is Better?

Sound systems are a part of our life. And deciding over a sound device takes a lot of time. You always look around for different features and functions that attract your interest. But due to different options available in the market, selecting the right one is not at all easy. So, after reviewing many products, we are here with two amazing Sonos sound systems. We have compared both the Sonos Playbase and Sonos Playbar device from different aspects. Now let’s have a look at these products.

Our Verdict

Sonos Playbase and Playbars both seem like any other sound devices. But they are different from others because of their advanced features. These devices will give you a completely different experience on your television system. After you install it,  then these devices will take over all the audio duties of your TV sets. Always selecting audio systems with the proper knowledge is the best decision. Because then you can decide which product is suitable as per your requirements. Sonos product works with one another and allows you to build a great sound system for your home. Sonos Playbar provides a cinematic sound that is mountable for your TV, movies, and music. You can enjoy the impressive base of this device that is perfect for your flat-screen TV. When you install this product, then entertainment is at its peak. But, Sonos Playbase provides those speaker systems that can be a part of a multi-room setup. This product suits your TV system in all aspects and is also compatible. So, choosing a Playbase is also the right decision. Moving further, you will discover more features about these two Sonos sound systems. So, let’s get into the comparisons, and then you will get an idea about the device of your choice.

Sonos Playbase Vs. Playbar: Comparison chart

Difference

 1. On-device Controls

This feature supports Amazon Alexa or an IR remote, also you can control it by Sonos app. But except for these options, both have an on-device control system. This feature allows you to control the function of the device even without an app connection.

Sonos Playbar provides side buttons using which you can control the functions. Through these side panel buttons, you can control the volume and play/pause feature. The Sonos Playbase has three touch-interface buttons on the front side. Using these buttons, you can change the volume, tracks, and play/pause the system.

Bottom line: Thus, this touch-interface adds a bit sleeker look unlike the Playbar.

2. Color

The Sonos Playbase is available in two colors- white and black. But Playbar is only available in black color. We know that black color suits modern TV systems. But at the same time, we cannot decline that white and black options complement any home decor and new TV setups.

Bottom line: Choose the device as per your needs.

3. Mount Options

If your TV ends up on the stands or furniture, the Sonos Playbase is the perfect choice for your TV. This product provides an off-wall approach to better TV sound. You need to  put your TV on the Playbase for a well designed and epic home theater.

When it comes to Sonos Playbar, you should know that this product gives the best sounds when mounted on the wall. You can place this device beneath the TV, on the table or console. It has rubberish feet, so it gets settled. But there is only one problem, that if it gets placed on furniture the drivers face upwards rather than forward because of its standing position. So, this can impact the sound in the wrong way.

 Bottom line: So, in this case, Playbar has more options than the Playbase. Because of its wall- mount feature.

4. Design

As per the design, both the systems have an elegant design that will suit your modern TV setups. Sonos Playbase has a flat design with round edges. So that it can slip beneath your TV. Whereas Playbar features a long shape measuring about 900mm wide by 140mm high. This feature is perfect for the wall-mounted TV systems.

Bottom line: So, focusing on the design and decor of your home,  choose the product that will compliment your TV system.

5. Sound Quality

This is an essential factor in these devices as they are the sound systems. Sonos Playbase is available with ten amplified speakers, six mid-range, and three tweeters. At the same time Playbar comes with nine speakers, and an equal number of tweeters as the Playbase. But Playbase also has an extra feature of an S-shaped woofer.

This woofer allows the Playbase to produce more in-depth notes. And makes it more different from the Playbar.Thus, Sonos Playbar does not have a woofer because of which it ends up providing the monotonal sound at the bottom end. But the Playbase has an extra advantage of the woofer. When both the devices got tested Playbar provided to sound better than the Playbase. Because of the S-shaped woofer, Playbase provides a loud note. And this distracts the sound picture. But Playbar offers a bit soft sound, which is enjoyable and convenient for your ears.

Bottom line: So, as per enjoyable and softer sound Playbar is the best option.

6. Ethernet Port

So, Playbase provides one Ethernet port whereas the Playbar offers two Ethernet ports. Now you may be thinking why there is a need for two Ethernet ports. So, now you can use one of those ports to connect to the wired home network. And the other one for internet connectivity. So, this feature allows you to connect to a smart TV.

 Bottom line: As per your needs, select the product. If you want to have the extra advantage of two ports, then you can go for Playbar.

7. Airplay 2

So only a few of Sonos products support Airplay 2 system. And the Sonos Playbase device is one of them. It has the latest hardware system which supports Airplay 2. But Sonos Playbar does not support this system. Still, you can have the Airplay 2 that can get supported by the Playbar. But you need to connect it to one of the Sonos enabled Airplay speakers. 

Bottom line: without any hassle, you can choose Sonos Playbase if you want to connect to Airplay 2.

Similarities

Both these devices had proved to be the best sound systems when we tested them. Sonos Playbase and Playbar combine to form a complete theater sound system. You can enjoy your movies, music, and sports with an unforgettable sound experience.

It’s not easy to search for sound systems that have every feature that can complement your needs. But Sonos has proved its position in these terms. Both of them provide a Wi-Fi connectivity options. So, you can get connected to this device without any hassle. You don’t get any interruptions or interference while you stream your favorite music.

These Sonos products provide a few more options of remote controls. You can control them through the Sonos app, IR remote, or voice. All these products work with the Amazon Echo systems. You can control them through voice commands. And even handle your songs, playlists, radio stations etc.

Both Playbase and Sonos Playbar device has night mode and speech enhancement features. With this speech enhancement feature, the loud TV noise can get controlled. And also turns it into clear and crisp sounds.

The night mode feature helps to balance the music at night time. And enhance the sound by reducing its intensity. Both these products also support the Trueplay feature. It is software that fine-tunes the sound and makes sure it fits the space by measuring the size and shape. But this feature is only available for iOS users.

These systems connect with the digital optical cable, so make a shape for it. Besides this, the installation process is like a breeze. Connect the speakers to your TV via Wi-Fi using your smartphones and enjoy your sound system. With your Playbase and Playbar, you can see almost view everything. Such as cable and satellite boxes, and gaming consoles unless they get connected to your TV sets.

Overview Of Sonos Playbase System

This device is a perfect selection if you want to experience something more than the Playbar. After we tested this product, we learned about its features. And felt that it provides one of the best experiences of sound systems.

Sonos Playbase‘s stereo outputs, Adjustable Bass & Treble Controls are the best features provided. You will have fantastic sound base functions. So, if you plan to have everything, even the iOS option, then Sonos Playbase is the perfect choice for it. This product also provides touch control which differentiates it from the Sonos Playbar.

So, this device is a complete package of entertainment. Thus there are a few more things such as the woofer system which results in a loud sound and is not considered by many. It also does not have the wall- mount system. But still lacking in this field does not make Playbase a limited option.

Its design and style are perfect to go with your modern home designs and is even easy to handle. The easy installation process and many other options complete the sound system. Thus their need is the best factor of the product. Now, let’s look at the Playbar device.

Overview Of Sonos Playbar System

Sonos Playbar device is a high competition to the Playbase product. As you came to know that Playbase has many extra options from Playbar. But there are a few features that are not supported by the Playbase device. And it is available in Playbar products.

When this device came to market, it had button options that did not get provided in the Playbase device. Even though the tools can get controlled by smart things but if you need to handle it using those buttons. Then this option is only provided by the Playbar device.

This product has an advantage of an extra Ethernet port than the Playbase product. You get provided with two ports, which gives you extra convenience to connect your device to a smart TV. So, this product is also a good option when you need a smooth and relaxed sound. Because it does not have the woofers. Thus selecting this is also a good deal.

What You Get In The Boxes?

With the Playbase product, you will get a custom-designed and swivel action base. So, you can get swivels and hover your TV up to 8″. You can hover it above the Sonos Playbase system. And adding to it you can also swivel the TV set up to 20° right or left without worrying about your room location. With this setup, you can have a bright and satisfying angle of view.

And if you go for the Playbar device then remember to get the wall mount. It will help you to place your product above or below the TV, which will provide better sound performance.

Final Words

Now finally, we are at the end of the review. So, now you may have got a clear understanding of these two Sonos products. But still concluding our investigation let us tell you the final comparison conclusion. Both these devices have the same remote control systems and installation process. Everything can get handled via the Sonos app. This feature complements the convenience of the products. So, whenever you choose the sound system for your home, look around every detail that can fulfill your need and also provides the best features.