When I reviewed the Sonos Sub 3 a few years ago, it was hard not to be impressed by its performance, especially considering its volume capabilities. While the Sonos Sub 4 represents a subtle evolution of its predecessors, it upholds the legacy of excellence and remains one of the best wireless subwoofers on the market. Priced at $789 USD, the Sonos Sub 4 serves as a compelling yet iterative upgrade, enhancing the company’s already impressive bass delivery system and seamlessly integrating with other Sonos home theatre offerings to provide impactful, clear audio for your entertainment setup.
If you’ve owned previous iterations of the Sonos Sub, the Sub 4’s design will feel very familiar. It maintains the iconic aesthetic that has defined the Sonos subwoofer line since 2012. The distinctive square design with its central opening remains intact but now features a sophisticated matte finish available in black or white. This updated finish effectively eliminates the fingerprint issues that plagued its predecessor—something I found particularly frustrating.
Like earlier Sonos Subs, the Sub 4’s versatile design allows for both vertical and horizontal placement, making it adaptable to various room configurations. Whether tucked under a sofa or prominently displayed alongside your entertainment centre, the Sub 4’s clean lines and minimalist aesthetic continue to distinguish it from traditional subwoofer designs. The new matte finish lends a modern touch, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any living room setup while adding a sense of sophistication to your space.
The unit weighs 11.79 kg, marking a notable reduction from the Sub 3’s 13.15 kg while maintaining the same physical dimensions. Honestly, if you had told me this was simply a new colourway of the Sub 3, I would believe you. However, it’s what lies beneath the new matte exterior that truly makes the Sonos Sub 4 so exciting.
While it doesn’t look significantly different, Sonos has made upgrades that ensure the Sub 4 is a more versatile piece of audio technology, built for years of use. Under its sleek exterior, the Sub 4 offers several meaningful technical enhancements. These include increased processing power, expanded memory (doubled to 512 MB), and upgraded Wi-Fi 6 radios for more reliable connectivity, reducing the likelihood of lost connections in homes with Wi-Fi issues. While these improvements aren’t revolutionary, they contribute to a more stable and responsive performance and provide flexibility for firmware updates as Sonos continues to refine its systems behind the scenes.
The dual force-cancelling drivers remain a key feature of the Sub 4’s design, working together to eliminate unwanted vibrations while delivering clean, powerful bass down to 25 Hz. This design choice continues to shine, enabling the Sub 4 to produce substantial low-end sound without the rattles and buzzes that often plague lesser subwoofers. Designed to deliver a more robust bass response, the Sonos Sub 4 pairs seamlessly with a soundbar or other speakers, creating a rich, full-featured sound experience that remains clear even as it shakes your room.
“…the Sonos Sub 4 pairs seamlessly with a soundbar or other speakers, creating a rich, full-featured sound experience that remains clear even as it shakes your room.”
In practical use, the Sub 4 demonstrates why Sonos continues to command premium prices in the audio market. When paired with the Sonos Arc Ultra, it creates a remarkably cohesive sound stage that enhances both movies and gaming experiences. The bass response is notably clean and well-controlled, adding depth without overwhelming the overall audio presentation. In gaming, the Sub 4 brings low-end audio to the forefront without overpowering the broader soundscape.
During movies, the Sub 4 proves particularly impressive. Low-frequency effects in action-heavy titles gain added weight and presence, creating a more immersive experience without sacrificing clarity. The subwoofer’s ability to maintain composure during complex bass passages highlights its refined engineering. It performs especially well in horror, adding depth to the audio that enhances immersion. Each rumble helps set the mood and build tension, elements that might otherwise be lost.
Comparing the Sub 4 to the Sub 3 is somewhat challenging. While the improvements are noticeable, they are subtle. The Sub 4 delivers better clarity in some aspects of audio scores or gaming, especially at higher volumes, but the difference isn’t dramatic. However, when compared to the Sonos Sub Mini, the differences are much more pronounced. The Sub 4’s bass feels significantly more powerful and clear, capturing aspects of the audio that the Sub Mini simply cannot deliver.
True to Sonos’ ecosystem approach, the Sub 4 integrates seamlessly with other Sonos components. The setup process is straightforward through the Sonos app, though some users may encounter initial connectivity challenges, which are typically resolved with a quick reset. The system’s Trueplay tuning feature optimizes performance for specific room acoustics, while the app provides simple controls for adjusting bass levels or disabling the subwoofer for late-night listening.
The Sonos Sub 4 is an impressive piece of technology that continues the evolution of the range, but it might be challenging to justify the cost if you already own a Sub 3. While the improvements are tangible, they are subtle enough that Sub 3 owners may find it difficult to warrant an upgrade. However, for those building a new Sonos system or upgrading from much older equipment, the Sub 4 represents the cutting edge of wireless subwoofer technology. If you own the Sub Mini and have been waiting for a more powerful option before upgrading, now is the time. The Sub 4 delivers significantly more powerful sound, particularly compared to its smaller sibling.
The Sonos Sub 4 excels where it matters most, balancing premium performance and refined features against its substantial price tag and iterative nature. It shines in delivering clean, powerful bass that enhances both gaming and home theatre experiences. Its improved connectivity and sleek design address minor shortcomings of previous generations.
For new Sonos adopters or those upgrading from older systems, the Sub 4 is a compelling, if expensive, option. Its ability to work seamlessly with other Sonos components, particularly the Arc Ultra, creates a sophisticated home audio solution that justifies its premium positioning. While the Sub 4 may not revolutionize the subwoofer market, it underscores Sonos’ commitment to iterative improvement and ecosystem integration. For those who demand the best in wireless audio and have the budget to match, the Sub 4 delivers refined, capable performance that reinforces Sonos’ position at the forefront of premium home audio solutions.
- Dual Sonos-engineered drivers generate deep, dynamic bass
- Ported enclosure enhances the bass response and low-frequency output
