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Looking for the current model? Read our full Sonos Sub 4 review.
The Sonos Sub (Gen 3) was the wireless subwoofer to get for Sonos owners for several years. In late 2024 Sonos replaced it with the Sub 4, and that changes the buying advice. This page covers what the Gen 3 does, how it differs from the Sub 4, and which one makes sense now.
If you’re buying new, get the Sonos Sub 4 (check price on Amazon). It uses the same force-cancelling layout with updated internals, Wi-Fi and a lighter build. Only buy a Gen 3 if you find a genuine discount or a good refurbished unit. For smaller rooms, the Sonos Sub Mini is the cheaper option.
What the Sonos Sub does well
Every full-size Sonos Sub uses two drivers mounted face-to-face inside the cabinet. As they push in opposite directions, their vibrations cancel out, which is why the Sub produces very little cabinet buzz and doesn’t rattle furniture the way some subs do. It connects to your Sonos soundbar or speakers over Wi-Fi, so the only cable it needs is power, and it can stand upright or lie flat under a sofa.
Setup happens in the Sonos app, and Trueplay tuning (on iOS, or using the soundbar’s built-in microphones on newer models) adjusts the bass for your room. For a soundbar owner, it’s about as easy as adding a sub gets.
Sub (Gen 3) vs Sub 4
| Sonos Sub (Gen 3) | Sonos Sub 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2020 | 2024 |
| Driver layout | Two opposed, force-cancelling | Two opposed, force-cancelling |
| Connection | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi (newer radio) |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter build |
| Finish | Gloss | Updated matte |
| Status | Older model, still listed | Current model |
In terms of sound, Sonos positions the Sub 4 as an evolution rather than a revolution: the acoustic design is very similar, with updated processing and wireless hardware. That’s why we wouldn’t pay full price for a Gen 3 now. If you already own one, there’s no pressing reason to upgrade.
Which Sonos products does it work with?
The full-size Sub pairs with Sonos home theater products like the Arc Ultra, Arc and Beam, and with music speakers such as the Five, Era 300 and the Amp. It doesn’t work with non-Sonos soundbars or receivers. Check Sonos’s website for the current compatibility list. Our best subwoofer for Sonos guide covers every option, including adding a third-party sub through a Sonos Amp.
Is it worth the money?
Honestly, it depends on how much you value convenience. A wired sub like the SVS SB-1000 Pro gives more output per dollar, but it can’t connect to a Sonos soundbar. If you’re in the Sonos ecosystem, the Sub is the only full-size option that integrates natively, and the build quality and lack of rattle are genuinely excellent.
Pros and cons
- Effortless wireless setup with Sonos
- Force-cancelling design keeps rattles to a minimum
- Can lie flat under furniture
- Trueplay room tuning
- Works only with Sonos
- Expensive for its output
- Gen 3 has been superseded by the Sub 4
Setup tips
- Place it in the front half of the room if you can. See where to place a sub with a soundbar.
- Run Trueplay after any move.
- If bass sounds boomy, lower the Sub level in the app by a couple of steps rather than turning the whole system down.