No one will ever accuse a subwoofer of being too shy. Designed to handle the lowest frequencies of audio in movies and music, these loudspeakers literally make their presence felt with every bass-filled rumble and roar. Even so, few subwoofers have ever packed a punch in such a style as of the latest upgrade to the Sonos home theater experience: Sub 4.

If you’re chasing a more cinematic sound experience that does real justice to the rumbles and roars sitting at the lowest end of the audio mix, our newest subwoofer is the fastest way to get there.

Let’s break down what’s new.

Increased memory and processing power
Sub 4 features a more powerful CPU than the previous generation. This allows it to communicate efficiently and effectively with the other components in your home theater system — and, ultimately, to deliver an incredible sense of depth and dimension across the lowest frequency sounds in an audio mix.

Sub 4 was built with not only power but also longevity in mind. Rest assured that it will be capable of receiving the latest software updates and features from Sonos for years to come.

An updated look
At first glance, the visual updates to Sub 4 may appear subtle. The biggest update is an all-new matte finish available in both black and white. This stands in contrast to the high-gloss finish of the previous generation, which was unique in the Sonos lineup but may have disrupted the aesthetic continuity of a full speaker setup. In any case, you’ll likely find Sub 4 to be a slightly more understated addition to your home theater system.

As noted above, Sub 4 combines the best of the old and new. Some things made sense to carry over from Sub Gen 3.
Industry-leading bass? Check. 
Iconic design? Check. 
Perhaps the most relevant continuation is the overall acoustic architecture, which is part of what allows for Sub 4’s backwards compatibility with previous subwoofer generations. 

Want to feel it and hear it for yourself? Book an appointment at the Sonos Flagship Store at Wheelock to hear a live demonstration. You're in for a treat!

Can I use Sub 4 with older Sonos soundbars like the original Beam or Playbar?

Yes! Sub 4 is backwards compatible with all Sonos soundbars and home theater products, including older models. The improved processing power will still enhance your system regardless of which soundbar you're using.

What's the actual difference in bass output between Sub 4 and Sub Gen 3?

The acoustic architecture remains similar, so the raw bass output is comparable. The main improvements are in processing speed, communication efficiency with other speakers, and future-proofing through increased memory—resulting in tighter, more responsive bass rather than simply "louder" bass.

Will Sub 4 work in smaller rooms or apartments without disturbing neighbors?

Yes! Like previous generations, Sub 4 features adjustable bass levels in the Sonos app. You can fine-tune the output to suit your space and reduce disturbance while still enjoying enhanced low-frequency performance compared to soundbars alone.

Can I pair a Sub 4 with a Sub Gen 3 for dual subwoofer setup?

Yes! Sonos supports pairing different subwoofer generations together. You can combine a Sub 4 with a Sub Gen 3 (or Sub Mini) to create a dual subwoofer home theater system for even more impactful bass coverage.

Does Sub 4 require professional installation or calibration?

No! Sub 4 is designed for easy self-setup. Simply plug it in, add it through the Sonos app, and it automatically integrates with your soundbar. Trueplay tuning (on iOS devices) can optimize the sound for your room's acoustics with just a few taps.

Does Sub 4 consume more power than Sub Gen 3?

Despite the increased processing power, Sub 4 is designed to be energy-efficient. Power consumption is comparable to Sub Gen 3, with minimal impact on your electricity bill even during extended use.

How long will Sub Gen 3 continue to receive software updates now that Sub 4 is released?

Sonos typically supports products for many years after newer models launch. Sub Gen 3 will continue receiving updates for the foreseeable future, though Sub 4's enhanced hardware means it will likely be supported longer term.