If you’re in the market for a high-quality portable Bluetooth speaker, the Sonos Move and Bose S1 Pro are two excellent options to consider. Both deliver powerful, detailed sound in a durable, take-anywhere design.
But which one is right for you? Let’s take an in-depth look at the key differences to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Sonos Move | Bose S1 Pro |
| Sound Quality | Excellent, rich and detailed | Excellent, crisp and powerful |
| Amplifier Power | Two Class-D amplifiers | Custom class D amplifier |
| Drivers | Downward tweeter, dual mid-woofers | High-excursion woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Range | 61Hz – 19kHz | 50Hz – 20kHz |
| Max Volume | 85dB SPL @ 1m | Maximum SPL unknown |
| Features | WiFi/Bluetooth, Sonos app control, Alexa/Google Assistant, Auto Trueplay tuning | Bluetooth, ToneMatch audio processing, position IQ intelligence |
| Design | Rectangular column, IP56 weatherproof rating | Angular with stand mount, IP54 weatherproof rating |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours (50% volume) | Up to 6 hours (max volume) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth, XLR, 1/4″ stereo jack |
| Dimensions | 9.4 x 6.3 x 4.9 in | 13 x 9.1 x 7.1 in |
| Weight | 6.61 lbs | 10 lbs |
| Price | $399 | $599 |
Overview
The Sonos Move is the company’s first portable Bluetooth speaker that can also connect to a Sonos multi-room system via WiFi when at home. It features smart audio technology that automatically tunes its output based on its surroundings, along with voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Bose S1 Pro is designed for musicians and audio professionals, with advanced features for stage use like built-in reverb effects and dual-angle tilt control. Though heavier than the Sonos, the S1 Pro’s ultra-durable construction can withstand the rigors of frequent transport and outdoor use.
Both models produce room-filling, richly textured sound thanks to large speaker drivers and Class D amplifiers. Keep reading to see how they compare in terms of audio performance, features, design, battery life, and more.
Sound Quality
With its pair of Class-D amplifiers and custom-designed driver array, the Sonos Move pumps out excellent audio that belies its compact form factor. Dual mid-woofers work in concert with a downward-firing tweeter to deliver crisp, powerful bass along with detailed highs and smooth midrange response. The sound is well-balanced at any volume with minimal distortion.
The Bose S1 Pro utilizes proprietary Bose technologies like their PositionIQ intelligent spatial processing to provide optimal sound coverage whether you place it vertically or horizontally. The high-excursion woofer and compression driver produce clear, punchy audio with rich bass and sparkling highs. Overall, it sounds spectacular for a portable model.
Both speakers have similar frequency ranges, though the S1 Pro can play a little lower (50Hz Vs. 61Hz on the Move). However, the Move seems to have a slight edge when it comes to overall sound quality and fullness. It goes a touch louder as well.
Features
Smart connectivity is one of the Sonos Move’s strongest attributes. It automatically switches between Bluetooth when in portable mode and WiFi when connected to your home network.
You can control it entirely via the Sonos app for easy multi-room streaming. The built-in microphones enable voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. Auto Trueplay tuning optimizes the sound output using the speaker’s onboard microphones.
With the Bose S1 Pro, what you see is what you get—it’s designed specifically for wireless Bluetooth connectivity and stage/studio use. But it still has some cool features like the ToneMatch processing that optimizes audio playback from any source.
You can connect two S1 Pros together wirelessly or via XLR cable. It also has 1/4″ and XLR combo jacks for easily connecting mics, instruments or other gear.
Both speakers have touch controls, are IP56 rated for weather/dust resistance, and let you stereo pair two units. But the Sonos Move is the only one with WiFi/smart speaker capabilities.
Design
Weighing around 6.5 pounds, the Sonos Move has a rectangular column shape that’s easy to pick up and carry using the integrated handle. Rubberized base and back panels help keep it stable and prevent vibrations. The durable polycarbonate shell and metal grill withstand bumps and dings.
With its angled shape and molded groove, the 10-pound Bose S1 Pro is built for grab and go. The enclosure comprises impact and weather-resistant materials like die-cast aluminum and molded polycarbonate. Integrated stand adapters work with standard speaker stands. For added versatility, you can rotate its multi-angle stand for vertical or horizontal placement.
Both models are relatively compact and their tapered shape aims to project sound forward optimally. The Move measures 9.4 x 6.3 x 4.9 inches versus 13 x 9.1 x 7.1 inches on the S1 Pro. With its rugged build and more tailored stage-friendly design, the S1 Pro likely wins for portability.
Also Read: Choose Between Bose Portable Smart Speaker And Revolve Plus 2.
Battery Life
One advantage of the Sonos Move is its excellent battery life, rated for up to 11 hours of continuous playback at 50% volume. You can get plenty of sessions in before needing a recharge. It conveniently recharges via the included charging cradle or any Qi wireless charger.
At maximum volume, the S1 Pro’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 6 hours of playback time—decent, but less than the Move. It uses a proprietary charging cable.
So when it comes to untethered use, the Sonos Move is the clear winner, giving you more flexibility if you’re off the grid.
Connectivity
As a smart speaker, the Sonos Move can connect over both WiFi and Bluetooth whereas the Bose S1 Pro is Bluetooth only. With WiFi, you get access to convenient features through the Sonos app like multi-room streaming from 100+ services, easy reconnecting, automatic updates, and remote control. Bluetooth pairing is quick and reliable too.
The S1 Pro streams audio via low-latency, high-bandwidth Bluetooth 5.0. Up to two separate devices can be paired simultaneously for taking turns playing DJ. Wired connections are possible as well using dual XLR/TRS combo jacks or 1/4″ stereo jack. Unfortunately, there’s no WiFi or voice assistant support.
For flexibility, especially if you want to integrate with an existing Sonos home sound system, the Move is the better choice. But the S1 Pro covers the core essentials if Bluetooth connectivity suits your needs.
Cost
You can find the Sonos Move available from $399 whereas the Bose S1 Pro retails for around $599. So the Move gives you an equivalent audio experience for considerably less. Plus the addition of WiFi and voice control may make it more valuable long term versus the S1 Pro’s stage focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some good alternatives that rival the Bose S1 Pro’s combination of sound quality, portability, and durability include:
JBL Eon One Pro – Very similar 1×10” powered PA speaker with a bit more power (1000W Vs. 600W) and battery life (10 hours Vs. 6). About the same price as the S1 Pro.
Yamaha DBR12 – Higher output 1×12″ speaker with rechargeable battery. Excellent sound but bigger/heavier than S1 Pro. Around $100 cheaper.
Anker Soundcore Rave Neo – Budget option with colorful light show feature. Doesn’t sound quite as full but solid for the price under $200.
Sonos Move – Though not explicitly a PA speaker, the Sonos Move competes with its great sound, IP56 rating, and long battery life. But no XLR input.
It depends on your needs. Bose is known for class-leading noise cancellation technology and excellent sound in headphones and smaller speakers. Sonos has an edge when it comes to whole home wireless audio and smart connectivity.
For portable Bluetooth speakers specifically, Sonos Move sounds slightly better overall and has WiFi/voice assistant capabilities that Bose can’t match. But Bose makes incredibly durable PA models like the S1 Pro tailored for stage use.
So Sonos generally wins for overall home audio convenience while Bose takes the crown for mobility features and noise cancellation. But both are leaders in their fields.
Looking across their whole product ranges, most audio experts and consumers give Sonos a slight edge for sound quality and its seamless whole home audio platform. Bose still makes great sounding gear but Sonos provides better features and connectivity.
For portable models in particular, the Sonos Move is likely the better overall choice versus the comparable Bose Portable Smart Speaker. The Move has richer sound with added WiFi and voice features.
However, some Bose portables like the powerful S1 Pro PA system can be a good fit for certain use cases like stage performances. So it depends on your exact needs. But for most buyers, Sonos portable speakers are hard to beat.
Pros:
Superb audio quality with punchy, full sound
Rugged and portable amped PA speaker design
PositionIQ tech auto-adjusts EQ for best sound
ToneMatch enhances audio playback quality
Lightweight with integrated handle and stand mounts
IP54 weather resistance rating
Up to 11 hours battery life
XLR and 1/4” inputs for instrument/mic connectivity
Wireless linking of two units
Cons:
Expensive $600 price point
Heavy at 10 pounds
Proprietary charging cable
No WiFi or voice control capability
Angled shape not as stable on flat surfaces
Shorter battery life compared to some competitors
Also Read: Is JBL Xtreme 2 Better Than Xtreme 3?
Final Verdict
For pairing supremely rich, detailed sound with the convenience of both WiFi and Bluetooth in a durable portable form factor, the Sonos Move comes out on top overall. It really provides the best of all worlds—powerful audio, smart features, weatherproof design, long battery life, and flexible control.
But musicians and sound engineers who don’t necessarily need WiFi or voice control will appreciate the Bose S1 Pro for its rugged build quality tailored to live performance and content creation scenarios. It sounds amazing too.
Ultimately it depends on your needs and priorities. But either way, you can’t go wrong with these two exceptional portable Bluetooth speakers!