Sonos Sub 4 Vs. Sub 3: Which One Is Better?

Choosing the right subwoofer can transform your home audio experience, and when it comes to Sonos, the Sub 3 and Sub 4 are top contenders. In this article, I’ll share a detailed comparison of these two models, explaining their differences, strengths, and weaknesses from a user’s perspective. My aim is to help you decide which Sonos Sub fits your sound setup better, based on real features and everyday usability.

A Brief Comparison Table

Pros Of Sonos Sub 4

• Improved Design Aesthetics: The Sub 4 features a sleek minimalist design with a touch-sensitive top panel that blends into modern interiors effortlessly, giving it a premium look in any room where it’s placed.
• Ethernet Port Added: Unlike the Sub 3, the Sub 4 includes an Ethernet port that allows for a wired connection option. This enhances connectivity stability for users with spotty or congested Wi-Fi networks.
• Force-Canceling Architecture: Both Sub models use dual opposing drivers for powerful deep bass without vibrations, and the Sub 4’s updated engineering delivers tighter, richer low frequencies.
• Deeper Bass Extension: The frequency response reaches down to 25 Hz on the Sub 4, helping to reproduce those deep rumbling sounds perfect for movies and bass-heavy music genres.
• Seamless Sonos Ecosystem Integration: Like its predecessor, it easily pairs with any Sonos speaker and works with voice assistants for hands-free control.
• User-Friendly App Control: The Sonos app continues to provide intuitive control over EQ settings and stereo pairing, further refined for the Sub 4’s capabilities.
• Wireless and Wired Flexibility: The addition of Ethernet option caters to a broader range of room setups, enhancing reliability without compromising wireless convenience.
• Quiet Performance: The Sub 4 remains impressively quiet even at high volumes, reducing unwanted noise or distortion during deep bass playback.

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Cons Of Sonos Sub 4

• Higher Price: The premium features and connectivity improvements come with a higher cost, making it a bigger investment than the Sub 3.
• Large Form Factor: Weighing over 36 pounds and occupying significant floor space, it requires careful placement to avoid cluttering your room.
• Touch Panel Sensitivity: While visually sleek, the touch-sensitive panel can be overly responsive or inadvertently activated, sometimes requiring a firmer touch.
• No Bluetooth Support: Like its predecessor, the Sub 4 lacks Bluetooth, so all connections are reliant on Wi-Fi or Ethernet via the new port, limiting versatility outside Sonos devices.
• No Direct Line-In: It does not support direct analog or digital inputs, which may limit its use outside dedicated Sonos setups.
• Power Consumption: As a powerful subwoofer, it draws a consistent amount of power, which might be a consideration for energy-conscious users.
• No Major Sound Boost Over Sub 3: While the design and connectivity are upgraded, the sound performance difference, though noticeable, might not justify the price jump for some users.
• Weight Limits Portability: The heavy build makes moving it around challenging, and it’s best suited for permanent placement.

Maintenance Tips For Sonos Sub 4

• Keep It Dust-Free: Regularly wipe the exterior with a soft microfiber cloth to maintain its pristine finish and avoid dust buildup on sensitive touch areas and speaker grills.
• Check For Firmware Updates: Use the Sonos app to stay updated with the latest firmware, ensuring optimal performance and bug fixes.
• Avoid Exposure To Moisture: Place the subwoofer away from moisture or spills to prevent damage to internal electronics.
• Regularly Inspect Cables: If using the Ethernet port, check cables and connections to prevent network dropouts.
• Position Properly: Place on a flat, stable surface to avoid vibrations that might affect sound quality or cause movement during heavy bass notes.
• Use Surge Protection: Protect the unit with a surge protector to guard against electrical surges.
• Avoid Overheating: Allow for adequate ventilation around the subwoofer to prevent heat buildup during extended use.
• Secure Against Pets Or Children: The weight and design make it sturdy but avoid placing it in high-traffic areas where it might be bumped frequently.

My Experience With Sonos Sub 4

Upgrading to the Sonos Sub 4 felt like an evolution in my home audio setup. The clean, modern design suited my living room aesthetic perfectly, and the new Ethernet port solved connectivity hiccups I sometimes experienced with the Sub 3. The deep bass it pumps out is impressive, with solid rumble and tight control even at higher volumes.

I appreciated the quiet operating noise, letting me enjoy films and music without distraction. Though the price was higher than I expected, the improved build quality and flexibility justified the investment for a serious audiophile setup.

The only minor gripe was the sensitive touch panel, which occasionally registered accidental taps, but that’s a small inconvenience considering the overall experience.

Pros Of Sonos Sub 3

• Excellent Bass Performance: The Sub 3 delivers powerful, clear bass with its force-canceling speakers, enhancing movie watching and music listening experiences.
• Stylish Glossy Finish: The polished look complements high-end audio systems and blends with modern decor.
• Affordable Price Point: Compared to the newer Sub 4, the Sub 3 is more accessible for users wanting quality subwoofer performance without splurging.
• Seamless Integration With Sonos: It pairs easily with existing Sonos speakers and can be controlled through the Sonos app for quick setup and adjustments.
• Wireless Setup Convenience: Only requiring Wi-Fi, it can be placed flexibly around a room without worrying about wired connections.
• Low Distortion Sound: Even at higher volumes, the Sub 3 maintains a distortion-free bass profile, ensuring clarity.
• Force-Canceling Design: Like the Sub 4, it reduces cabinet vibrations, so it doesn’t rattle floors or walls excessively.
• Compact Size For A Subwoofer: It fits comfortably in most rooms without dominating space.

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Cons Of Sonos Sub 3

• Limited Connectivity: It lacks Ethernet support, relying solely on Wi-Fi which can be less stable in congested networks.
• No Touch Panel Improvements: The touch panel can feel less responsive or dated compared to Sub 4’s sleek interface.
• Heavier Weight: At over 36 pounds, it’s still heavy and not easy to move frequently.
• No Bluetooth or Line-In: Limited to Sonos ecosystem and wireless streaming only.
• Glossy Finish Shows Fingerprints: The sleek surface can attract visible smudges and requires regular cleaning.
• Slightly Larger Footprint: While compact for a subwoofer, still requires floor space that may challenge small room setups.
• Firmware Updates Needed: Needs occasional updates to maintain performance; missing updates can cause connectivity or playback issues.
• No Major Tech Enhancements: As a 2018 model, it lacks some newer sound processing features found in recent Sonos products.

Maintenance Tips For Sonos Sub 3

• Cleaning Regularly: Use a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and dust from the glossy surface to maintain its aesthetic appeal.
• Monitor Network Performance: Ensure your Wi-Fi router is optimized for stable Sonos connectivity, and consider upgrading routers if experiencing dropouts.
• Avoid Overexertion: Don’t push volume excessively to avoid long-term damage to the subwoofer drivers.
• Firmware Updates: Keep the device updated via the Sonos app to fix bugs and improve features.
• Handle With Care: Despite its durable build, avoid dropping or knocking the subwoofer to protect its internal components.
• Position Away From Heat Sources: Prevent placing near radiators or vents to avoid overheating.
• Check Power Cords: Inspect cables for wear and replace if frayed to prevent power interruptions.
• Ventilation: Leave space around the subwoofer for proper air circulation during extended usage.

My Experience With Sonos Sub 3

I had the Sonos Sub 3 for several years before switching to the Sub 4, and it never disappointed with its rich bass output and integration ease. The wireless setup made placement flexible, and the Sub 3’s presence in my home theater system was noticeable during movies and music playback.

That said, I occasionally experienced Wi-Fi connectivity issues, especially during busy internet use times in my home. The shiny finish looked fantastic but constantly demanded cleaning to keep it looking new. Overall, it was an excellent choice for my needs back then and remains a solid performer today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

If you’re seeking the ultimate in connectivity and sleek design, the Sonos Sub 4’s enhancements particularly with an Ethernet port and refinements in sound make it the better choice. However, if you want great sound quality at a more affordable price, the Sub 3 still delivers excellent bass and integrates effortlessly with Sonos setups.

Your decision depends on whether you value the newer features and design improvements enough to invest more or prefer the classic proven performance with a slightly lower budget. Either subwoofer will elevate your audio experience beautifully.