Sonos Move is the king of flexibility, with built-in battery, weather resistance and the ability to choose between Alexa and Google Assistant. However, these features are more expensive than others, and do not provide the best experience for Apple Music subscribers.
$ 399 on Amazon
Pros
Excellent sound quality
Alexa and Google on board
Portable with rechargeable battery
Supports AirPlay 2
Weather resistance IP 56
Stereo pairing with Sonos speakers
Versus
Expensive
There are no Apple Music voice commands
He doesn't accept Siri
The Apple HomePod delivers massive sound in an impossibly small size, along with Siri voice controls for music and HomeKit. However, since the HomePod is currently limited to Apple Music, it is more suitable for those who are integrated into Apple and do not intend to change things anytime soon.
$ 299 to Apple
Pros
High quality audio
Siri voice commands
Works with HomeKit accessories
Pairing a stereo with another HomePod
Supports AirPlay 2
Cheaper than Sonos Move
Versus
Still expensive
Works with Apple Music only (for now)
Limited Siri capabilities
For indoor use only, no battery
Choosing a winner in a fight with Sonos Move vs. Apple HomePod basically comes down to whether or not you want a portable speaker and which voice assistant you prefer. If you're integrated with Apple and have a subscription to Apple Music, then HomePod will provide a better overall experience with familiar Siri voice controls and amazingly good sound.
If you prefer Alexa / Google Assistant and other music services or just want a great speaker that can go anywhere, then go with Sonos Move.
Discontinuation of Sonos Move and Apple HomePod
Source: iMore
Sonos Move and HomePod are both high quality speakers with excellent sound, integrated AirPlay 2 audio and smart capabilities, but that's where the similarities end. Sonos Move is a much more flexible speaker and not just because it has an integrated rechargeable battery and weather resistance.
The Move works with a variety of popular music services, including Apple Music, and gives users the ability to choose which voice assistant to use, either Alexa or Google Assistant. Since Sonos has a lot of speakers in its line, Move can slide right next to an existing Sonos set. With its portability, it actually makes a great home theater companion. But how do these two speakers fit in on the deeper details?
Apple HomePod puts more emphasis on sound and simplicity. HomePod only works with Apple Music at the moment and Siri, which immediately limits who can and cannot use the speaker. HomePod also only works indoors, as it lacks weather resistance and doesn’t have an internal battery, so don’t expect it to withstand a dip in the pool or provide songs without a nearby outlet.
Despite its limited nature, the HomePod can be paired with an additional HomePod to create a stereo pair, and AirPlay 2 allows it to stay in sync with other compatible speakers in the house. But how do these two speakers fit in on the deeper details?
Sonos Move
Apple HomePod
size
9.44 "x 6.29" x 4.96 "
5.6 "x 5.6" x 6.8 "
Weight
4.08lbs
5.5lbs
finishes
Black and white
Black and white
Weather resistance
Yes (IP 56)
Not
Built-in battery
Yes (11 hours)
Not
amplifiers
2
7
tweeters
1
7
woofers
1
1
Wall mountable
Not
Not
wifi
Yes
Yes
Ethernet
Not
Not
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes (not for music playback)
AirPlay 2
Yes
Yes
Multi-camera audio
Da (Sonos, AirPlay 2)
Yes (AirPlay 2)
Audio output
Not
Not
Voice control
Yes (Alexa, Google)
Yes (Siri)
Intelligent home controls
Yes (Alexa, Google)
Yes (HomeKit)
As you can see, the Apple HomePod is packed in a ton of tweets and amplifiers, which leads to an unmistakable sound, much louder and more complete than its tiny profile suggests. HomePod can also handle basic voice tasks, such as alarm settings and timers, plus it can control HomeKit accessories, but is for indoor use only.
Taking advantage of this impressive sound and other features requires an Apple Music subscription, as it does not work with other services such as Spotify and requires the use of Siri, which is not exactly at the same level of capabilities compared to Alexa and Google Assistant.
Go anywhere with the Sonos movement
Source: Sonos
On the other hand, Sonos Move may not match the number of components inside the HomePod, but it's certainly no slush when it comes to audio quality. The move delivers the signed Sonos sound, which is automatically adjusted and can fill an entire room.
Sonos Move can work both indoors and outdoors, with IP56 weather resistance. Combined with the integrated battery that can keep it running for up to 11 hours, Sonos Move is a great option for parties or even camping with Bluetooth support.
Which you should buy: Sonos Move or Apple Homepod?
If you don't mind the limitations and don't plan on switching from Apple soon, then go with the HomePod, you won't be disappointed. However, if you want to change your technology and services, then you will be much better off with Move. Move can choose between voice assistants and is compatible with most major music applications, including Apple Music. So, if you end up on Apple's side, you're still covered.
Alexa! Hey Google!
Sonos Move
Flexible design, flexible controls
Sonos Move is one of the most flexible speakers around with excellent sound, an integrated battery and the option to use Alexa or Google Assistant. Although expensive, the Sonos Move is a great choice for indoor and outdoor use.
Hi Siri!
Apple HomePod
Great sound for Apple fans
The Apple HomePod offers high-quality audio and provides familiar voice controls for music and HomeKit via Siri. It may have its limitations, but if you're integrated into Apple, this is the smart speaker.
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Portable power
Sonos Move
Affordable alternative
Bose portable smart speaker
Sonos Move is as close as possible to the perfect portable speaker for everyone. 11 hours of battery life, weather resistance, AirPlay 2 and, of course, great sound, Sonos Move has it all. Disadvantages? It takes an hour less than Bose's offer and is more expensive.
$ 399 on Amazon
Pros
Sounds great
Alexa and Google integration
11 hours battery life
AirPlay Support 2
Weather resistance IP 56
Bluetooth support
Includes charging station
Accepts Apple Music
Versus
Expensive
Shorter battery life
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is an affordable alternative to the Sonos Move that covers all the basics and adds an extra hour of battery life. However, this speaker does not work with Apple Music and does not include the charging dock to grab and go, like Move.
$ 299 on Amazon
Pros
360 degree sound
Bluetooth support
12 hours battery life
IPX4 weather resistance
AirPlay Support 2
Alexa and Google integration
Versus
Charging dock sold separately
Does not support Apple Music
They may sound similar, but the choice between Sonos Move vs. Smart Home portable speaker. Bose depends on the convenience and compatibility with Apple Music. Sonos Move includes just a few of these accessories that we believe make them the best for most.
If you want a portable speaker that delivers great sound, weather resistance, long battery life, customizable voice controls, and support for all major music services, then Move is for you. If you appreciate portability and price, then the speakerphone Smart portable Bose may be more suitable. This speaker is thinner, weighs less and is lighter on the wallet, but it lacks accessories like an included charging dock and support for Apple Music.
Portable power in smart home speakers
Source: Sonos
Both the Sonos Move and the Bose portable smart speaker have a wide range of features, making each a fantastic choice for songs in and around the house. Both speakers are weatherproof and work completely wirelessly with built-in charged batteries, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Each speaker can keep the songs running for hours without wires, and both can be used around water and in dusty areas.
Tell him now ...
Although they are slightly different in their delivery, both options support full sound, which keeps everything in sync as you move from room to room and group, allowing them to work with other speakers creating a more immersive experience. For smart controls, both speakers let you choose which voice assistant to use, either Alexa Amazon or Google Assistant, but they also work with Apple's AirPlay 2 technology.
Sonos Move
Bose portable smart speaker
size
9.44 "x 6.29" x 4.96 "
7.54 "x 4.69" x 4.09 "
Weight
4.08lbs
2.34lbs
finishes
Black and white
Silver black
Weather resistance
Yes (IP 56)
Yes (IPX4)
Built-in battery
Yes (11 hours)
Yes (12 hours)
loading
USB-C
USB-C
Loading dock
Yes (Included)
Yes (Not included)
Handle
Yes (integrated)
Yes (Flip-up)
Wall mountable
Not
Not
wifi
Yes
Yes
Ethernet
Not
Not
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
AirPlay 2
Yes
Yes
Multi-camera audio
Da (Sonos, AirPlay 2)
Yes (Bose, AirPlay 2)
Audio output
Not
Not
Voice control
Yes (Alexa, Google)
Yes (Alexa, Google)
Intelligent home controls
Yes (Alexa, Google)
Yes (Alexa, Google)
Convenience and compatibility
Source: Sonos
As you can see, the Sonos Move, although more expensive, has some key features that make it a better overall experience. The included wireless charging dock makes it easy to turn the speaker on and, more importantly, because you don't have to worry about a cable, you can grab it and go whenever you want.
While traveling, the Move has 11 hours of battery life and works with Bluetooth, allowing all friends and family to direct what is being played. In addition, Sonos Move is the only portable speaker that supports Apple Music, so if you rely on Apple's service for your songs, then Move is the way to go.
More portable, more battery
Source: Bose
At almost half the weight and with a thinner profile, with a more traditional handle, Bose's speaker is easier to throw in a bag. The speaker is also much lighter in price, and its battery lasts an hour longer than the Move. While it may not have Apple Music in the oven or have a luxury charging dock in the box, it is almost as capable as the Move. With full sound, home, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Bose 360 degrees, this speaker has a lot of pleasures.
Which should you buy Sonos One or Bose Portable smart speaker?
If price and portability are the most important factors for you, then go with the Bose Portable smart speaker. The Bose speaker is lighter, cheaper and takes out an extra hour of battery life. However, Sonos Move, with its simple charging dock, compatibility with all the most popular music services and, of course, excellent sound, makes it a speaker that fits the needs of almost everyone.
Portable power
Sonos Move
Flexible design, flexible controls
The portable Sonos Move offers almost anything, great sound, AirPlay 2, full home audio, IP56 weather resistance and 11 hours of battery life. Although expensive, Sonos Move supports Apple Music and has a simple charging base.
Affordable alternative
Bose portable smart speaker
An extra hour, lower costs
The Bose Portable Smart Speaker offers overtime over Sonos Move and offers a more affordable price. The lower price does not mean fewer features, because, however, it comes with AirPlay 2, full home audio and 360-degree sound.
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