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SmartThings vs Sonos

SmartThings logo

SmartThings

Smart Home

Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sonos logo

Sonos

Smart Home

Premium multi-room audio system

From
$179/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SmartThings has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control; Sonos s2 app has not received significant updates beyond bug fixes since launch, making it difficult to search within music services
  • They diverge on capability: SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Sonos covers Multi-Room Audio.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SmartThings and Sonos actually diverge.

Attributes where SmartThings and Sonos differ
AttributeSmartThingsSonos
Starting priceFree$179/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, SmartThings HubWeb, iOS, Android, WiFi-based, Bluetooth
Founded19382002

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in SmartThings

  • Multi-Brand Support
  • Device Control
  • Automations
  • Cloud Backup
  • 500+ device types
  • Routines
  • IFTTT integration
  • Web support

Only in Sonos

  • Multi-Room Audio
  • Trueplay Tuning
  • Streaming Services
  • Alexa
  • Google Assistant
  • AirPlay 2
  • 100+ streaming services
  • MacOS support

Both cover

  • Voice Control
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

SmartThings

  • Smart home controlnot Sonos
  • Automation routinesnot Sonos
  • Device integrationnot Sonos
  • Remote monitoringnot Sonos

Sonos

  • Multi-room audionot SmartThings
  • Home theaternot SmartThings
  • Music streamingnot SmartThings
  • Whole-home audionot SmartThings

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

SmartThings

  • Cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • Cloud communication adds latency compared to local hubs; device response delays up to one second
  • Confusing app transition between SmartThings Classic and SmartThings Connect with certain automations only working in one app
  • API changes requiring paid subscriptions starting October 2026 break third-party integrations like Home Assistant

Sonos

  • S2 app has not received significant updates beyond bug fixes since launch, making it difficult to search within music services
  • Stereo pairing and bonding speakers into zones has technical limits on the number of devices
  • Only receives stereo audio from AirPlay 2, not supporting Dolby Atmos for spatial audio

Pricing, plan by plan

SmartThings

Free
  • Basic (SmartThings app)Free
    • Device control and automation
    • Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter

Sonos

$179/one-time
  • Roam 2 Speaker$179/one-time
  • Era 100 SL Speaker$189/one-time
  • Sonos Play Speaker$299/one-time
  • Move 2 Speaker$489.99/one-time

Which should you pick?

Choose SmartThings if

  • You need multi-brand support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
  • You also want device control.
SmartThings review

Choose Sonos if

  • You need multi-room audio.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, WiFi-based, Bluetooth.
  • You also want trueplay tuning.
Sonos review

Questions people ask

Is SmartThings or Sonos better?
Neither clearly leads. SmartThings starts at Free and Sonos at $179/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SmartThings or Sonos?
SmartThings has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SmartThings and $179/one-time for Sonos.
Does SmartThings or Sonos run on more platforms?
SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub. Sonos runs on Web, iOS, Android, WiFi-based, Bluetooth.
Can I use SmartThings for free?
Yes. SmartThings has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sonos starts at $179/one-time.
What is SmartThings best used for?
SmartThings is most often used for smart home control, automation routines, device integration, remote monitoring. Of those, smart home control and automation routines are not what Sonos is typically brought in for.
What can SmartThings do that Sonos cannot?
SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Sonos covers Multi-Room Audio, Trueplay Tuning, Streaming Services, Alexa. Both handle Voice Control, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SmartThings: Does SmartThings work offline?

No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.

Source
Sonos: Does Sonos support offline listening?

Sonos requires WiFi connectivity for setup, streaming services, and multi-room playback. Local playback via Bluetooth is available on some models like Roam 2 and Move 2, but streamed content cannot be played without internet.

Source
SmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?

SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.

Source
Sonos: What are the starting prices for new Sonos speakers in 2026?

The new Sonos Play costs $299 with 24-hour battery and portability, while the Era 100 SL costs $189 without microphone for basic streaming. Existing models range from Roam 2 at $179 to Move 2 at $489.99.

Source
SmartThings: What is the cost of SmartThings API access for developers?

Starting October 2026, non-commercial developers using SmartThings API for third-party integrations like Home Assistant must pay $4.99/month. Free access continues through Q3 2026.

Source
Sonos: Can I use Sonos with voice assistants?

Sonos speakers support Alexa for voice control and can play Spotify, Apple Music, and other services via voice. Latest models have Alexa built-in, while older models can use the Sonos Alexa skill.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?

Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

Source
Sonos: What music services does Sonos support?

Sonos works with Spotify (with Spotify Connect), Apple Music, and over 100 streaming services through the Sonos app, with direct voice control for popular services.

Source
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