
For example, the Bose 30 app does not support AirPlay. These apps have some overlapping features (like Alexa and Google Assistant support), but there is a noticeable discrepancy in the overall quality and number of features presented in the apps. Still, there’s so much more to these speakers than just expandability.įor example, both audio systems come with their own apps. But more on that once we get to the sound section. Once a dedicated sub-woofer is thrown into the mix, the Play:5 manages to sound better than ever as it can channel all of its power on what it does best. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to buy the first of many speakers which will make up an expansive audio system, then we have to give the edge to the Sonos Play:5. It sounds even better when paired with another SoundTouch 30, but even just the one will be enough for most users. This is the larger one of the two speakers, and as you’ll see later on, this makes for a louder speaker. So, if you’re looking to make a one-and-done purchase, the SoundTouch 30 is a slightly better choice. However, $500 is no small amount to give for a speaker. This is the feature that makes them whole-home audio systems, regardless of how large your home may be. If there’s one key feature that truly defines these speakers, it is expandability.īoth the Bose SoundTouch 30 and the Sonos Play:5 can be expanded by installing additional speakers respectively and linking them together. Luckily for us, both of these speakers provide a wealth of features that will keep you entertained for a long time. Of course, no matter how thrilled a Christmas present can get us, our excitement quickly subsides if the contents of the present aren’t as impressive as the wrapping paper. You have two color options here – black or white –, but it packs enough different hues in both versions to make it a distinguishable piece of eye candy. It’s a slightly larger and heavier speaker with a prominent logo, an OLED display that lets you know what song is currently playing, clearly distinguishable buttons on the top (which are sorely lacking the Play/Pause button) and grilles that accentuate the color pallet brilliantly in a way that’s tasteful rather than flamboyant. If, on the other hand, you want an audio system that can stand front and center in your living room, demanding the attention and admiration of you and your house guests, you’ll love the Bose SoundTouch 30. Yet while there’s certainly a lot to like here, there’s very little to show off. The white version can give it some additional character, and it pairs nicely with the back grilles without drawing too much attention – a thing of beauty to behold, but not one that screams for attention. Its compact footprint, elegant all-black exterior and touch buttons on the top all come together to make sure the Sonos:Play 5 is a speaker that you can place anywhere you can even place it vertically if that’s more to your liking. If you’re looking for a stylish yet inconspicuous audio system that can seamlessly blend into a minimalistic background, the Sonos:Play 5 is a godsend. Sure, both of these speakers sound great, but how do they stack up as articles of home décor?


After all, judging a book by its cover is in human nature. The first thing we need to look at is the design. 14 lbs Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet Wi-Fi, Ethernet Design
#Bose soundtouch wifi vs bluetooth driver
Bose SoundTouch 30 Sonos Play:5 Driver Configuration 1 x 4.4” woofer 2 x 2” tweeters 3 x 4” woofers 1 x 1” + 2 x ¾” tweeters Dimensions 17.1 x 9.7 x 7.1 inches 14.3 x 8 x 6 inches Weight 18.5 lbs. That’s why we’d like to use this opportunity to dissect all the ways in which the SoundTouch 30 and the Play:5 speakers differ from one another. However, these two speakers are by no means identical. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either of them.
#Bose soundtouch wifi vs bluetooth portable
Both the Bose SoundTouch 30 and the Sonos Play:5 are easily tied for the title of the best portable whole-home audio speaker. If you’re looking to purchase a $500 whole-home audio system and you’ve narrowed your choices down to these two, you can already be sure you’ll make a great decision.
