Sonos Sub Mini white matte

Launched in October 2022, the Sub Mini rounds out the subwoofer lineup from Sonos with a smaller form factor and a more accessible price point. This cylindrical model features two 15 cm woofers capable of reaching down to 25 Hz, and integrates wirelessly into the Californian brand’s multiroom audio ecosystem. Designed for small to medium-sized rooms, it’s primarily aimed at owners of soundbars Beam or Ray, as well as One, One SL, Era 100, or IKEA’s SYMFONISK speakers.

A cylindrical design that breaks the mold

The Sub Mini adopts a cylindrical silhouette measuring 30.5 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter, with a modest weight of 6.35 kg. This shape contrasts with traditional rectangular subwoofers and with Sonos’s larger, squarer Sub 4 (40.2 cm per side, 11.79 kg).

The central oblong opening runs through the subwoofer to facilitate the movement of air needed to produce low frequencies. Lean in slightly and you’ll spot the two facing speaker cones inside.

The matte finish, available in black or white, helps the Sub Mini visually recede into the room. One constraint: the subwoofer must be positioned vertically; its cylindrical geometry rules out any horizontal setup or sliding it under furniture.

Two face-to-face woofers to cancel vibrations

The Sub Mini uses a technical principle already employed by its big brother: two 15 cm woofers mounted in opposition. These drivers face each other inside the enclosure, creating a force-canceling effect. When one woofer pushes air forward, the other makes the same motion in the opposite direction. The mechanical forces cancel each other out, eliminating unwanted vibrations that could cause buzzing or distortion.

Each woofer has its own Class D digital amplifier, tuned specifically for the sub’s acoustic design. The enclosure is hermetically sealed, with no port, which limits distortion and improves bass precision.

Advanced digital signal processing (DSP) is used to maximize low-frequency response and compensate for the physical limitations of the compact size. In practice, the sub delivers convincing physical impact on explosions and punchy bass, even if it rarely tickles the claimed 25 Hz.

Smart calibration with Trueplay

Setup takes just a few steps via the Sonos app. Once plugged in, the sub is automatically detected and pairs with the chosen speaker or soundbar. Equalization is automatic: the system adapts the crossover to ensure a smooth transition between the bass handled by the subwoofer and the mids handled by the main speaker. This division of labor also improves overall performance: freed from low frequencies, the soundbar can focus its resources on the mids and highs.

For iOS users, Trueplay takes calibration a step further. This technology analyzes the room’s acoustics by emitting test tones captured by the iPhone or iPad microphone. The algorithm identifies reflections, resonances, and weak spots, then automatically adjusts the Sub Mini and associated speaker’s EQ to compensate.

Manual settings remain available in the app: independent bass level from the master volume, Loudness function (which boosts bass and treble at low volume), or EQ adjustments.

A natural fit within the Sonos ecosystem

The Sub Mini integrates exclusively with the Sonos ecosystem running on the S2 app. It cannot connect to equipment from other brands, but guarantees perfect compatibility with the Beam, Beam Gen 2, Ray, Arc, and Arc Ultra soundbars, as well as the One, One SL, Era 100, Era 300, and SYMFONISK speakers.

Connection is via Wi‑Fi 5 GHz (or 2.4 GHz), ensuring a stable link with no perceptible latency. An Ethernet port is also available for a wired connection to the router.

A notable difference from the Sub 4: the Sub Mini cannot be paired with a second subwoofer. The higher-end model allows the addition of one or two more Subs to increase sound pressure, but the Sub Mini must remain solo in its zone. However, you can deploy multiple subs in different rooms, each Sub Mini associated with its own speaker group.

More compact yet just as convincing as the Sub Gen 4

Launched in 2024, the Sub 4 measures 40.2 x 38.9 cm and weighs 11.79 kg. It features two elliptical woofers measuring 12.7 x 20.3 cm, a more powerful processor, and 50% lower standby consumption. It can be positioned upright or laid flat, offering more flexibility.

At moderate volume, the Sub Mini behaves very similarly to the Sub 4 in terms of firmness and precision. It’s at high volume and in large rooms that the gap widens: the Sub 4 has more power in reserve. Some users even find the Sub Mini more musical for listening in medium-sized spaces.

The Sub Mini suits rooms under 25 m² and compact setups. For a home theater with Arc or Arc Ultra in a large living room, the Sub 4 remains the better fit.

Technical Specifications

Audio and Performance

• Amplification: 2 Class D digital amplifiers, tuned for optimal sound
• Woofers: 2 x 15 cm woofers, positioned face-to-face to reduce vibrations
• Design: Sealed enclosure to minimize distortion and enhance bass
• Frequency: Goes down to 25 Hz for deep bass

Audio Features

• Automatic equalization
• Manual settings: adjust bass, treble, and “Loudness” function via the Sonos app
• Trueplay: optimizes sound according to your room’s acoustics (iOS required)

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 305 x 230 x 230 mm
• Weight: 6.35 kg

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: compatible with 2.4 / 5 GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n)
• Ethernet: 10/100 port for wired connection

Power and Environment

• Voltage: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Operating temperature: 0 to 40 °C

Box Contents

• Sonos Sub Mini
• Power cable (2 m)
• Documentation: quick start guide, legal information, warranty