Sonos PLAY 5

139 reviews

May, 2013

General overview
Price comparison
Product Specifications

We have collected and analyzed 9 expert reviews and 130 user reviews from international sources. Experts rate this product 85/100 and users rate it 94/100. The average review date is May 18, 2011. We have compared these reviews to 40361 reviews from other Audio Systems. The alaScore™ for this product is 90/100 = Excellent. Last update: May 23, 2013.

Review analysis

(Based on 139 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Showing 1 - 10 of 73 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (66)

Expert review by: David Carnoy (cnet.com)

Sonos Play:5 (black)

Editors' note: Since this review was first written, the product reviewed below is now available in white and black versions. The name has changed from "Sonos ZonePlayer S5" to "Sonos Play:5." Also, support for the Spotify music subscription service is...

Single-speaker streaming audio system; controlled from any iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Android smartphone using a free app; impressive sound from a compact, single housing; elegant design; cuts down on cord clutter; streams Internet-based radio and...

While the Play:5 can wirelessly interact with other Sonos products, you'll need a hard-wired connection or the $49 wireless bridge accessory if it's your only Sonos component; somewhat expensive; not much stereo separation.

The Sonos Play:5 shrinks the Sonos streaming music experience down to a compact single-speaker system with great sound, which you can control from any iOS device or Android smartphone.

Nov, 2009

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Consumer review by: steelfall (cnet.com)

"Once great, not useless."

Entire system was amazing for 2 years. I bought these systems for myself and as gifts for others. I have multiples of each component. Currently, they are all unusable. With each software update it got worse. After most recent update it won't play...

If it actually works, the system and sound are amazing.

This system used to be flawless. But they have fallen victim to their own software updates.

Mar, 2013

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Consumer review by: Amos-E (cnet.com)

"First Class Kit"

The Sonos units and their supporting software, manual and internet facilities are a first-class example of modern consumer technology. Simple to install, with excellent control interfaces and producing high quality sound.

Excellent control interfaces

Doesn't integrate fully with

Mar, 2013

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Consumer review by: coldindc (cnet.com)

"Does not stream music from google play or i-cloud"

Used to play sonos radio stations and music on amazon cloud ONLY. Do not use if you want to play your music.

Really good sales pitch to make you think you can play your music. You cannot.

Does not play your streaming music. Wireless does not mean cordless.

Jan, 2013

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Consumer review by: Arelen84 (cnet.com)

"Excellent sound, compact size, perfect wireless system!"

If you are committed to the ease and advantages of a truly wireless system, this is the one for you. The price is expensive, but worth every penny. I liked it so much, I bought a second system for my vacation home.

Great sound particularly when coupled with the Sonos subwoofer the wireless set up using the Sonos app was as easy as pie and the wireless performance is excellent. I have played a variety of music selections and find the performance to be great.

Nirvana ain't cheap. You are looking at well over a grand for the Play 5 and the subwoofer.

Nov, 2012

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Consumer review by: krisndaventaj (cnet.com)

"UNBELIEVABLE!!"

Highly recommend, I will definitely be adding more Play 5 speakers to my system. I don't believe there is another system like it.

Bought the Play 5 and the bridge and had it all set up and synced within 10 mins, and that time included getting it out of the box. The sound is unbelievable!! Also, being able to play different songs on separate speakers is a great feature.

Haven't found one yet

Aug, 2012

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Consumer review by: EdwardDuran (cnet.com)

"Terrific "Little" Music System!"

I've had a Sonos network up and running with a ZoneBridge and ZonePlayer 120 for a couple of years (see my reviews of those products). So I was already impressed with Sonos. When I learned about the new Play5 and Play3 devices, they appealed to me...

Unit is very well made

No have for cons

Oct, 2011

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Consumer review by: Builtforgolf (cnet.com)

"Much better sounding than one might expect."

I liked the system so much, that I went back twice and each time ordered two more Play:5's. Now I have one or more in the kitchen, office, dining room, living room, bedroom, master bath, and patio.

Fantastic sound even at high volume. Just plug it in and do a little computer work and you are done.

My wife would not have been able to set it up without me. One more thing, it's a little pricey.

Sep, 2011

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Consumer review by: butchcollins (cnet.com)

"INCREDIBLE SOUND IN THIS COMPONENT"

The SONOS S5 is just awesome. I recently bought their ZP90 to add on to my current 8 zone Niles home entertainment system. I was skeptical at first so I initially bought one S5. It is a winner. I am going to buy 2 more and my entire home will have...

Incredible sound. Attractive. Easy to install, easy to use and did I mention that it provides INCREDIBLE sound.

I can't really think of any.

May, 2011

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Consumer review by: butchcollins (cnet.com)