Sonos Play:5

Good speakers - Woeful apps and software – Great speaker, terrible software and applications, tech support non-existent. Latest update wiped all my music services and can't access folders on PC anymore. These speakes are not cheap, maybe time to look at other brands as Sonos is a poorly run company with no focus on it's customers. Show details

Hands down, the worst speaker system available – If you're into being frustrated and spending more time trying to set up a mediocre sounding system, then this is for you. Don't even look at cheaper options as this system will challenge and confound you on a daily basis. This company tried to emulate Apple with their proprietary indoctrination but has failed miserably, producing a frustratingly… Read more

complex and ultimately unusable system. Save your cash and avoid this nightmare. You probably won't but I guarantee you'll regret it.

No longer in love with SONOS – We've been using SONOS throughout our whole house for about 7 years. We USED to love it. Every room has SONOS equipment in it (including our outside courtyard) however, something has changed recently in their customer service approach. We upgraded our SONOS connect after they advertised it would now wake up our main living room amplifier (which is… Read more

fitted to a BOSE system), however on purchasing it, we found out it didn't actually work with Marantz (which is one of the leading brands). After having to then return it (after they remotely killed our old SONOS connect), we had to wait for a new connect to be sent as once they kill your old product it can't be re-activated (this throw-away approach is disappointing in terms of re-use and the environment). They've now recently advised they are no longer supporting legacy products and have updated their app to no longer work with SONOS products that we still own. We've been one of SONOS' biggest advocates for years, and converted all our friends and family, but unless they reverse their latest decisions on legacy products, we will never buy another SONOS product again. Clearly those of us who made them popular are now paying the price for that Loyalty.

Love my Sonos System – We replaced a Bose lifestyle unit with the Sonos 5, Sonos subwoofer and Sonos sound bar, as the cables from the Bose (in a double brick house) were a challenge to conceal. The sound quality of the Bose system was accoustically superior and it had a built in CD/DVD player. However, the Sonos system is less expensive, has good sound quality, is… Read more

aesthetically superior and CD/DVDs have been superseded by Spotify and Netflix. More importantly (to me) the system has one power cable from each stand alone unit. It is extremely simple to set up (particularly if you get your partner to do it) as Sonos provides clear, easy to understand installation instructions. It took approx 15-20mins from unpacking to have the system up and running. It is easy to control the app with your phone or tablet. Unlike others, we have encountered no problems operating the system, streaming music or using an i pod plug in. Perhaps the negative reviewers should blame themselves, the operator or the internet service, as it's definitely not the product.

learning experience – I wanted to be able to copy my CDs onto my computer and be able to play them. Unfortunately I had little knowledge on what questions to ask to achieve perfectly what I wanted. So I was encouraged to buy this by the salesman. Positives: plays beautifully Easy to set up Sonos app easy to use Negatives: won't play if you don't have wifi… Read more

connectivity (ours is a little hit and miss)

So I have now joined an online music app, (monthly subscription) and as long as I have downloaded the songs, it would appear that I can play the music, even without wifi. (But this is still a learning curve, and I could be incorrect tho I have tested it and this does appear to be so)

The sound of Sonos Play 5 is great. Don't buy this if you have issues with wifi.

I should have maybe bought another one there that had blue tooth and a usb port. But like I said, I had zero knowledge about these things.

Edited to add. In early Dec 2017 I had issues with the speaker not playing. I contacted Sonos and they were great. After connecting in they said there was an issue and they would replace. I had a choice of them mailing me a new speaker or going back to where I purchased and have it replaced. I chose the later, taking an email I had received from Sonos regarding the issue. No issues with getting a replacement. GREAT customer service

Now I have a smile on my face! – Wasted many years with Bose. I literally wasted hours and hours trying to get their app to work. Completely over the whole Bose cheap sound. Moving to Sonos Play 5 Gen 2 after Bose is like switching from AM Radio to FM Radio. Simple. Now looking forward to extending Sonos through the entire house. Don't bother with anything else! Throughout all… Read more

the doom and gloom of the virus, now I am smiling! I think the previous reviews must relate to the previous generation product. There is nothing wrong with what arrived today.

Awesome! Nothing else to say! – I currently have a high end Yamaha 5.1 system and was extremely dubious about purchasing a Play 5 due to some of the negative comments posted online. I took the leap and purchased a Play 5 and wow! Took approximately 5 minutes to set up which was very easy. The quality of the product is outstanding. So much I purchased another Play 5 within the… Read more

hour. It's only the first day, but so far you can't take the smile from my face. Plus it was on sale. Cheapest price in Aus I could find.

Great sound, and great control...if! – These sound great, and are very versatile.. I have read a lot of reviews regarding problems with spotify connectivity, and i have to say they are correct if you use the spotify app to control your speakers..constant disconnections and rage moments. I have found that using the sonos app instead and linking it to your spotify that way it is… Read more

actually seamless and very good.

So don't be put off by nasty spotify problems, just use the sonos app and everything is awesome. 4 stars because they cost a hell of a lot.

Connection is a nightmare! – I bought a brand new Sonos 5. Can not tell you anything about its sound quaility as I have not been able to use the registration process to set it up . You can not even use the aux. port without this online set up. And dont bother with their on-line help unless you have hours to waste, Show details

Programmed Obsolescence – BUYER BEWARE! Sonos forces the products you buy from them into obsolescence through controller app updates and by making their newer products completely incompatible with those you purchased from them just a few years ago. Completely outrageous if you've bought thousands of dollars worth of their gear. Can't believe what they're doing is legal. Stay well clear of them. Show details

Nothing like expected – HomePod is much better at the same price. Disappointed given the size and the reputation of Sonos. I used it for Home Theatre as well as multiroom airplay. Apple is better.

Terrible software, unreliable product – Enjoyed my Play 5 for a while, then the app updated and it didn't connect. Tried a factory reset in the hope it would come good. Can't connect at all despite all attempts and I'm a professional engineer. These products are terrible, audio playback skips when working, and now a > $700 brick of no value. Don't waste your money. Show details

Was good dont buy – Bought it at Harvey Norman just my 5 years interest free period has only just run out now iam told by sonos them selves my $1200 product by 3 will no longer work hopeless frustacted and anger DONT BUY at any cost just a marketing strategy to make you forced in to up grade Some one has to pay for The CEO expensive wine???? Show details

Age of disposal – We have had our Sonos for about 8 years, circa $700 investment, perfect condition, performs what we bought it for, to play music with good sound, poised to expand the system to a TV surround sound unit, and then receive an email from Sonos stating the unit is no longer supported?? What does this mean, it is bound for the scrap heap? If Sonos are… Read more

choosing turnover of their hardware over sustainability and environmental considerations, then their brand should not be supported.

Terrible customer support. Obsolete product after only 5 years – I want to express my disappointment with SONOS' latest decision to no longer support the Play: 5. I have been a customer for over 8 years and have several thousand dollars of SONOS equipment in my household. I most recently purchased a series of SONOS One. I have also led many friends and family members to invest in their ecosystem. This decision… Read more

feels like a big slap in the face and unless it is reversed, I will no longer purchase any more equipment. Further I will no longer recommend the ecosystem to friends and family.

4.5 yr old Play 5 Now obsolete – Sonos announcement that Legacy product support is to cease in Mat, this mean may 4.5 year old system is worthless. If you like to spend thousands of dollars on a sound system that will be bricked by the company then buy Sonos, other flip them the bird and go elsewhere. Show details

When its good it is very good but when its bad it is horrible - Sonos support is non existent – I have had a Sonos system for over 5 years. When it all works it is terrific - sound quality, ease of use etc. However, and it is a big however, when something goes wrong it is very very difficult to get fix or get help from Sonos. Even the simplest of things (eg weak wifi) are a drama. Also it is a weakest link system - if just a single item… Read more

is not working then you are risk of the whole system not working.

And don't get me started about installing Apple Music and the non stop non-informative error message ' you need to reauthorise Apple Music'...............

Mobile app no longer supported by sonos – I have a 3 year old phone running OS 6. Unable to update to a newer version. Sonos no longer supports OS 5 or 6. Unable to use my mobile to control the system. Have to use the terrible PC controller. Show details

Finally its playing, cross fingers! – I was about to take an axe to my sonos play 5 gen 2 today and purchase a blue tooth Bose because I have a party Saturday night and playing anything through my speaker had become impossible. Constant updates, disappearing music library, uncontrollable song selections . As a last ditch effort I called their help line and finally finally I have it… Read more

sorted! I can play from my iPad and iPhone using Apple Play and from my windows computer through the Sonos app. Thank you Lord and the boys at the help desk. I have left reviews and told friends to never ever buy a Sonos ..... but ..... I may very well be back on board! See how Saturday night goes. The 3 stars are for the beautiful sound and the boys on the help desk.

Stopped working after warranty period expires – I won’t expect Sonos products to last more than 12 months. They cannot offer warranty any longer than a year. I bought 12 Sonos products over the past 5 years and 2 of them have failed so far. They want to replace my 5yo sub with a refurbished unit for $700. Ridiculous. I would think a decent $1k sub can last 10-20 yrs. I have resolved to not getting anymore Sonos products after realising its poor workmanship and warranty.

Great system but!!!!! – Such a good system. We have through the whole house. Just so very disappointing about losing play from iPhone feature soon. Sonos, you need to listen to your customers. I was also astounded to learn when I purchased the Sonos One to integrate my whole Sonos system with google that you can only use google play music subscription to play voice… Read more

activated music, you can’t do it from your own library. I don’t want to bang on, and yes, Sonos takes no blame for this and advises this is to do with google but seriously, when is the greed going to end. In my house I have 2 play 5’s downstairs and upstairs, sound bar, sub, 2 Play 1’s in media room, and Sonos one in office. I also have a Sonos amp with switch box to play in 3 zones of wired outdoor speakers. For heavens sake, I feel like I have spent enough with Sonos and google products to not have to be locked into a google play music subscription. Sonos is great but could be soooooooo much better. Reason for 1 Star is losing play from phone feature and google music subscription needed for voice activation.

Sound quality amazing, but the software is the pits – The sound is brilliant for a home system, the highest of quality. Unfortunately, as others have said, the software lets it down. Firstly – with the exception of Spotify, you can’t just cast to the speaker from most native apps like you can with say a chromecast etc.– you actually have to play everything through the Sonos software app, which… Read more

is improved, but still clunky at best.

Secondly, the frequency of updates (both software and firmware) is infuriating. You just want to listen to some music, but you’re waiting 10 mins for an update (and its so stubborn you can’t actually use it until its finished downloading, resetting firmware and updating).

Finally, the wifi connections are a nightmare on my home wifi (and I don't have any issues with any other devices). Heaven forbid if you make any changes to your router settings, it’s a half an hour process just to get your SONOS speakers hooked back into the Wifi system. I have gone back to using my simple $100 Bluetooth speaker all the time because its there ready to use straight away. And I know using the SONOS always requires 10 minutes of updating, tweaking etc before I can listen to any music...that's IF I'm lucky enough that the moons align and I can get it to connect to my WiFi. Sad that my $1000+ 2 x SONOS speakers just sit there in the corner un-used.

Can only play if subscribed to a platform like Spotify – The sound is good but the problem is with Sonos you are locked in to premium services. I just ended my Spotify subscription which was still paid up till the end of the month , but they instantly shut it down so I couldn't use the speaker. I have now ordered a Bose Wi-Fi adaptor. It will probably end up in the garbage bin. Show details

Nice when it works, frustrating when it's not – Good enough sound for normal home use and easy to expand by adding more speakers. Unfortunately extremely unreliable connection to both the speakers and to Spotify. Have to reboot to regularly and sometimes just doesn't want to connect to any speakers (2 x Play 5, 1 x Play 3 and 1 x Play 1). When working, Spotify can be very patchy with just… Read more

randomly stopping of skipping songs. I tried different WiFi routers and noticed some are not compatible with Sonos at all. I still have a bridge connected and even tried the booster for a while.

Not worth it. Good sound but constantly buggy – Great sound when it works, but the system frequently loses my music library (on a new Mac), and drops out/skips songs despite high speed reliable internet and router. Far too buggy for a product of this price. I'd suggest Bose or another brand that doesn't lock you into its software. The sonos also won't play a lot of songs that exist in my spotify library.  Show details

Great value for money! – I was looking for a system for the living room for a while. Sonos 5 was a well researched option and it did not disappoint. The system works great for most type of music in a (35 sqm room) i.e. would not recommend for Classical but for all other kinds the sound is wholesome and enjoyable, this is not an audiophile system but a solid choice for… Read more

everyone else. The aux input comes handy and connecting with the TV, gives new life to movies and shows! The set up was seemless without an issue. The application is easy to use, however, needs a bit getting used to. Online community is a plus as any questions can be answered. Overall, great value for money!

Set up the entire house – Over the last few years have added Sonos one's, 5 and the new beam for our entire house setup. One of the best wifi speakers on the market without a doubt. Very rarely have any issues with wifi dropping out, works seamlessly, and the sound is remarkable for their size. The 5 in particular is a quality speaker with a huge sound and tone. Sonos are… Read more

always updating their app and improving their sound too. Very reliable too never once had an issue with any of our units.

Sounds good, app controls terrible – Sounds great when it works. Dont believe what they say about it being seamless with spotify. Constantly kicks me out or fails to recognise from spotify. Pushes you to the sonos app which is so unusable its hard to believe. If you're happy to just listen to random stuff I guess it would be ok but once you're used to the usability of spotify you cant go back to sonos app.  Show details

NON EXISTENT SUPPORT SERVICES – The product does not appear to connect to wi-fi properly. Whilst it does at times, most of the time it doesn't. When it does the sound is quite good. Phone calls, emails to the Australian support line and an email to the CEO who has his email on the site all to avail.  Show details

Perfect wireless sound – I have two Sonos 5 and one sonos 1 distributed through my home and these devices are amazing. The sound is the best I have heard and being able to run radio stations, albums, spotify all wirelessly at a click of a finger from my phone is a treat. I would not hesitate in purchasing from Sonos again.  Show details

'Software Issues' – Player 5 Gen 1. Great sound quality. Unfortunately only lasted 3 years due to 'Software Issues'. Technical support was good, but no offers were made to replace the unit FOC, instead "Would you like to buy another unit for a discounted price of $500". For any speaker asking a premium price of $750 i would have expected a much better result.  Show details

Great Product .... Weird Reviews – Seems that the world is divided into two groups - those who love this product and those that hate it. I'm in the former. I did have some minor connectivity issues prior to NBN but perfect since (is this the only thing NBN is good for?). Anyway, great sound, no distortion when up to 11 and personally, I have no problem with the app - very user friendly  Show details

Sonos Play 5 Series 1 – Just purchased our Sonos Play 5 Series 1 WiFi speaker and couldn't be happier. We purchased it as an ex demo floor stock from Harvey Norman as it was discounted $250 from the series 2 version. Best value for money option around due to the discounted price. Sound is great even when turned up loud. WiFi works so much better than Bluetooth. Prior… Read more

to purchasing I listened to multiple brands and price breaks from $200 up to $450 and this was by far the best performer.

Waste of money – Bought a Sonos Play:5 speaker in June 2017. Pretty disappointed with it. Does not play a large number of albums in my music library and drops out frequently, sometimes after only playing one or two songs. Can never play a full album without it dropping out. Very annoying, especially when entertaining. Have followed their advice re rebooting modem… Read more

etc with no success. Have tried to uninstall Sonos from my computer with the idea of reinstalling it hoping that would fix the problem but cannot do so as when I try to do this I get a dialogue box saying my password is incorrect, yet it allows me to login to my account on their site using the same password. Should have saved myself $750.00 and stayed with my small bluetooth Bose travel speaker.