Sonos Play 5 Gen 1 Vs Gen 2-Full Comparison With Table
By Robert Jones · 2022-11-05
Alright, let's talk Sonos. I've had both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Play:5s knocking about my workshop and home, and folks often ask if the newer model is worth it. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of which one truly delivers.
Alright, let's talk Sonos, shall we? Specifically, those chunky Sonos Play:5s. I've had both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 knocking about my workshop and home over the years. They're interesting bits of kit, really. Folks often ask if it's worth shelling out for the newer model or if the original still holds its own. Well, let's get into it.  *Sonos Play 5 Gen 1 Vs Gen 2-Full Comparison With Table — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ### **Quick Verdict:** **The Gen 2 Play:5 is a significant step up in sound and features; if your budget allows, go for it.** ### **Introduction: A Bit of History** When Sonos first dropped the Play:5, it was quite a thing, wasn't it? A proper "all-in-one" speaker that actually sounded decent and, more importantly, kicked off this whole multi-room streaming lark for a lot of people. I remember setting up the first one in my living room, fiddling with the app, and thinking, "Right, this could be the future." And for many, it was. Fast forward a few years, and the Gen 2 rolls out. Sonos doesn't do updates lightly, so when they brought out a new version of their biggest standalone speaker, you knew there'd be some real changes under the hood. It wasn't just a lick of paint. They re-engineered it, gave it a bit more oomph, and brought it firmly into the modern streaming age. But how much *better* is it? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? ### **First Impressions: Looks and Build Quality** #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 1 (Original)** When you first clap eyes on a Gen 1, it's quite a solid beast. Heavy. You know it's not going to slide off the shelf easily. The design is a bit… well, it's a bit more "early 2010s tech," isn't it? A sort of matte black or white plastic casing, with that perforated metal grille across the front. It's functional, looks alright, but it's not exactly going to win any design awards today. It's got physical buttons on top for volume and play/pause. Simple. Reliable. You can feel where the money went – into the innards, not necessarily the exterior flourishes. I've had a white one in my office for years; it's seen a few knocks, a bit of dust, but it just keeps on trucking. The plastic hasn't yellowed too badly, which is a bonus. It feels like it was built to last, which, considering some of the kit that comes through the workshop, is a genuine compliment. #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 2 (New Play:5)** The Gen 2, though. That's a different animal visually. It's sleeker, more refined. The whole grille is now made from a single piece of acoustic fabric, which looks a lot more contemporary and less "speaker-y" if you know what I mean. It feels more like a piece of furniture, designed to blend in rather than shout about being a speaker. The black version is particularly smart; the white one is lovely too, a really clean aesthetic. They swapped out the physical buttons for touch-sensitive controls, which was a bit of a talking point at the time. Some folks loved the futuristic feel; others missed the tactile feedback. Personally, I found them a bit fiddly at first, especially in the dark. But you get used to them. The build quality is still top-notch; it's still got that hefty feel, still feels solid as a rock. It's just a more modern package all around. They changed the internal layout so it could be placed horizontally or vertically, which is a nice touch for flexibility. ### **Sound Performance: Where the Rubber Meets the Road** This is where it truly matters, isn't it? Looks are one thing, but if it doesn't sound right, what's the point? #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 1: The Original Punch** The Gen 1 was impressive for its time, no doubt. It’s got five drivers: two tweeters, two mid-range drivers, and a single sub-woofer. For a single-box speaker, it put out a fair bit of sound. The bass was pretty decent, considering. It had a respectable thump, enough to fill a decent-sized living room without sounding strained. Mids were clear enough, and the highs weren’t harsh. For background listening, or even cranking it up for a party, it did the job admirably. I remember playing some old Motown tracks through it – plenty of warmth, good separation for a mono box. When paired up in stereo, which I did for a while in the demo room, it sounded even better, naturally. You got a wider soundstage, more detail. But, and this is important, it always had a slightly "boxy" characteristic to its sound. It was powerful, but sometimes a bit… contained. You could tell the sound was coming from a single enclosure. #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 2: Refined Power** Now, the Gen 2. This is where Sonos really upped their game. They completely re-engineered the acoustics. It features six custom-designed drivers: three mid-woofers and three tweeters. They’ve also got three class-D digital amplifiers, perfectly tuned to the acoustics of the speaker itself. What does that mean in plain English? It means it sounds significantly better. The difference is immediate. The soundstage is wider, more open. The bass is tighter, deeper, and more controlled. You don't just hear a rumble; you hear *texture* in the bassline. Mid-range is clearer, voices sound more natural, and the treble is crisper without being fatiguing. It’s just more dynamic, more spacious. It feels less like a box playing music and more like a proper hi-fi experience. I put the Gen 1 and Gen 2 side-by-side in my main listening room once, just to really hammer out the differences. Played a few tracks I know inside out – some Pink Floyd, a bit of Stevie Wonder, even some classical. The Gen 1 was good, don't get me wrong. But the Gen 2 just had more authority, more detail, more *presence*. You could close your eyes and almost believe you had two separate speakers. When you pair two Gen 2s in stereo… well, that's when it truly sings. It becomes genuinely impressive, delivering a sound that would rival many traditional bookshelf systems for several hundred quid. ### **Features and Connectivity: Modern Conveniences** #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 1: The Basics Done Well** The Gen 1 was all about that Sonos ecosystem. Stream from your phone or computer, access all the major streaming services. It connected to your home Wi-Fi, and that was pretty much it for wireless. It did have an Ethernet port, naturally, for a wired connection, and crucially, a 3.5mm auxiliary input. That aux input was a lifesaver for me, letting me hook up a turntable pre-amp or even an old CD player. It's a feature I still appreciate on any modern speaker. It didn't have AirPlay 2 support, which came later, and obviously, no voice control built-in. It was part of the older Sonos system, which eventually became known as the "S1" system when Sonos split their app. If you've got a house full of older Sonos kit, the Gen 1 fits right in. #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 2: The Modern Update** The Gen 2 moves things forward significantly. It still has the Ethernet port and, thankfully, the 3.5mm aux input. That's a huge plus. But it adds AirPlay 2 support, which means Apple users can stream directly to it from their devices without going through the Sonos app. A big convenience. It also works with the newer Sonos S2 app, which is a smoother, more up-to-date experience. If you’re building a new Sonos system, this is the app you’ll be using. Trueplay tuning is a major addition here. You walk around your room with your iPhone or iPad (sorry Android users, it’s an Apple-only feature due to microphone consistency) and the speaker calibrates itself to your room’s acoustics. I've used it loads, and it genuinely makes a difference, particularly in tricky rooms with lots of reflections or odd layouts. It tightens up the bass and balances the sound nicely. It's not a gimmick; it's a proper, useful feature. Another subtle but clever feature of the Gen 2 is its orientation sensors. You can stand it on its side, and it automatically adjusts the sound output for stereo separation. Clever stuff. And while it doesn't have a mic for voice assistants built-in, it can be controlled by a separate Alexa or Google Assistant device, integrating it into your smart home setup if that's your thing. ### **Software and Ecosystem: S1 vs S2** This is a rather important point for anyone considering either of these speakers, especially if you already own some Sonos gear. #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 1: The S1 Era** The Gen 1 Play:5 works with the original Sonos app, now called Sonos S1. If you've got older Sonos components like a Connect, Connect:Amp, or original Play:1s and Play:3s, then the Gen 1 fits perfectly into that ecosystem. The S1 app still functions, it still supports streaming services, and it's generally stable. However, Sonos doesn't provide feature updates for S1 anymore, and some newer services or technologies might not be supported. It's essentially "legacy" software. If you mix S1 and S2 devices in the same household, you'll end up with two separate Sonos systems, which can be a real headache. You can't group an S1 speaker with an S2 speaker for multi-room audio. It's either all S1 or all S2, or you run parallel systems, which is just… not ideal. Something to absolutely bear in mind if you're looking at a used Gen 1 and planning to expand later with newer Sonos kit. #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 2: The S2 Future** The Gen 2 Play:5 runs on the newer Sonos S2 app and operating system. This is where all future Sonos development, features, and new product support will happen. It's a cleaner interface, generally snappier, and offers access to features like AirPlay 2 and higher-resolution audio where available. If you're buying new Sonos kit, or planning to in the future, the S2 system is what you'll be on. So, if you're starting fresh, or have a few S2-compatible devices, the Gen 2 is the obvious choice for compatibility and future-proofing. It keeps everything under one roof, in one app, and avoids the S1/S2 split headache. ### **Price and Value: New vs. Second-hand** #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 1: The Budget Option** Being the older model, the Gen 1 is only available second-hand these days. Prices can vary wildly, but you can usually pick one up for £150-£250, depending on condition and seller. At that price, it's still a very capable multi-room speaker, especially if you're already committed to the S1 system or just want a good speaker for a garage or spare room. For that money, it offers a lot of sound for your pound. However, you're buying into an older ecosystem with no future updates. So, while the initial outlay is lower, you're making a compromise on longevity and features. I'd say if you can get one for under £200 in good nick, and you don't care about S2 or AirPlay 2, it's a decent shout. #### **Sonos Play:5 Gen 2: The Premium Investment** The Gen 2 Play:5 (often just called the "Five" now, as it's the only one they sell) retails for around £499. Not cheap, is it? But for that money, you're getting a truly excellent-sounding, feature-rich, and future-proofed wireless speaker. It's an investment, but one that I think pays off in sound quality and convenience. If you're building a system from scratch, or upgrading, the Gen 2 is the way to go. You get Trueplay, AirPlay 2, S2 app compatibility, and a significantly improved sound. Plus, buying new means a warranty and peace of mind. You might find slightly discounted new stock or refurbished units for a bit less, but expect to pay close to the RRP. ### **A Bit About the Sonos Ecosystem in General** I've seen Sonos systems grow from a niche product to practically ubiquitous in some homes. Their strength has always been that consistent, reliable multi-room experience. Press play on your phone, and music fills the house. Simple. No faffing about with Bluetooth pairing or flaky connections. That's what you pay for, really. It just works. Both Play:5 generations slot into this. The Gen 1, as I said, is for the older S1 system. The Gen 2 is for the modern S2 system. Make sure you know which one you're buying into before you commit. Nothing worse than getting a new speaker home only to find it won't play nice with your existing setup. ### **Who it's for:** * **Sonos Play:5 Gen 1:** * Folks already running an older Sonos S1 system who want to expand cheaply. * Budget-conscious buyers who prioritise sound over the absolute latest features. * Anyone needing a solid, second-hand speaker for a secondary room (kitchen, workshop, etc.) and isn't fussed about future updates. * Those who mainly use the Sonos app for streaming and don't need AirPlay 2. * **Sonos Play:5 Gen 2:** * Anyone starting a new Sonos system or expanding an existing S2 system. * Listeners who demand the best possible sound quality from a single-box speaker. * Apple users who want AirPlay 2 integration. * Users who appreciate Trueplay room tuning for optimised sound. * Those wanting a current product with ongoing software support and a warranty. ### **Who should skip it:** * **Sonos Play:5 Gen 1:** * Anyone starting a *new* Sonos system – you'll be locked into an older platform. * Listeners who want the absolute best sound Sonos offers in a single unit. * Those who rely heavily on AirPlay 2 or want voice assistant integration. * People who want a warranty and the latest features. * **Sonos Play:5 Gen 2:** * Extreme budget buyers – there are cheaper, albeit less capable, options out there. * Those who primarily want Bluetooth connectivity (Sonos doesn't do Bluetooth for primary audio streaming, only setup). * Audiophiles expecting true separates-level sound; it's brilliant for a single box, but still a single box. ### **Comparison Table** | Feature | Sonos Play:5 Gen 1 (Original) | Sonos Play:5 Gen 2 (New Play:5/Five) | | :------------------ | :------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------- | | **Release Date** | 2009 | 2015 | | **Current Status** | Discontinued, second-hand only | Current model, new | | **Drivers** | 2 Tweeters, 2 Mid-woofers, 1 Sub-woofer | 3 Tweeters, 3 Mid-woofers | | **Amplification** | 5 Class-D digital amplifiers | 6 Class-D digital amplifiers | | **Sound Quality** | Good, powerful, slightly boxy | Excellent, spacious, detailed, tight bass | | **Design** | More utilitarian, plastic grille | Sleeker, fabric grille, modern | | **Controls** | Physical buttons | Touch-sensitive controls | | **Orientation** | Horizontal only | Horizontal or Vertical (auto-adjust) | | **Software App** | Sonos S1 app only | Sonos S2 app | | **AirPlay 2** | No | Yes | | **Trueplay Tuning** | No | Yes (iOS devices only) | | **Aux Input** | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes (3.5mm) | | **Ethernet Port** | Yes | Yes | | **Voice Control** | Via separate Alexa/Google device | Via separate Alexa/Google device | | **Price (approx.)** | £150 - £250 (second-hand) | £499 (new) | ### **FAQ** #### **Q: Can I use a Play:5 Gen 1 with a Play:5 Gen 2 in the same stereo pair?** Absolutely not, mate. They run on different software platforms (S1 and S2, respectively), and their internal acoustic designs are completely different. You can only pair two identical Play:5 Gen 1s or two identical Play:5 Gen 2s for stereo sound. #### **Q: Is the Sonos S1 app still supported by Sonos?** Sonos still provides essential security updates and bug fixes for the S1 app and products, but they don't add new features or support new streaming services that might require S2 architecture. It's in maintenance mode, basically. #### **Q: Will my Play:5 Gen 1 become obsolete soon?** "Obsolete" is a strong word, isn't it? It'll continue to function perfectly well within the S1 ecosystem, playing all your music and streaming services it currently supports. However, it won't get new features, and eventually, some streaming services might drop support for older APIs that the S1 system uses. It's likely to have a much shorter "shelf life" for new features compared to an S2 product. #### **Q: Can I upgrade my Gen 1 Play:5 to the S2 app?** No, unfortunately not. The Gen 1 hardware isn't compatible with the S2 software. If you have a mixed system, you can choose to keep everything on S1, or split your system, but you can't magically turn an S1 device into an S2 one. #### **Q: Is the price difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2 really worth it for the sound?** For me, yes, it genuinely is. If you're serious about sound quality from a single-box solution, the Gen 2 is a far superior speaker. The clarity, the bass control, the soundstage – it's all a step up. The extra features like Trueplay and AirPlay 2 just seal the deal. If your budget stretches, and you want something that sounds brilliant and will last for years with ongoing support, the Gen 2 is the clear winner. ### **Final Word** Look, both of these speakers have their place. The original Play:5 was a bit of a pioneer, and it still sounds decent if you can pick one up for a song. It's a solid workhorse for a back room or if you're already locked into that S1 system. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if the price was right and its limitations understood. But the Play:5 Gen 2, or the "Five" as it's now known, is simply a much better speaker in every single measurable way. The sound quality is on another level, the features are more modern, and it's part of the current, actively supported Sonos ecosystem. If you're investing in a main listening speaker, or building a new Sonos system, you'd be mad not to stretch for the Gen 2. It's got more grunt, more finesse, and the Trueplay tuning is a real bonus for getting the best out of it in your particular space. For my money, if you can afford it, the Gen 2 is the one to go for. You won't regret it. It'll be filling your home with proper tunes for years to come. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to put some Led Zeppelin through my pair. Nothing beats it, eh?