5 Alternatives to the Sonos SUB MINI BLACK Wireless Subwoofer

The Sonos Sub Mini is a compact wireless subwoofer built to add real low-end weight to a Sonos system, and at £339 it sits in a premium sweet spot. But if you’re comparing options, the first question is whether you actually need a dedicated subwoofer or a broader system upgrade.

WiiM Amp (£319) is the most interesting value rival if you want to build a compact hi-fi or TV system from scratch. It’s not a subwoofer at all — it’s a 2-channel streaming amplifier — but it gives you HDMI, AirPlay, Google Cast, Alexa, and access to Spotify, Amazon Music and Tidal. Compared with the Sub Mini, it offers far more system flexibility and a genuine upgrade path for passive speakers. What’s better: 100W-class amplification, streaming smarts, and a far more complete system foundation. What’s worse: it won’t add bass on its own unless you connect speakers that can deliver it. Choose this if you want one box to power a proper stereo setup rather than simply bolster Sonos bass.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2) (£349) is the obvious Sonos alternative if your real goal is improving TV sound. It’s a compact soundbar with Dolby Atmos support and much stronger dialogue clarity than a subwoofer alone can provide. Compared with the Sub Mini, it gives you a full front soundstage, clearer mids, and a more dramatic all-in-one upgrade. What’s better: it transforms the whole TV experience, not just the low end. What’s worse: bass extension still benefits from adding a sub later, and it costs a touch more. Pick this if you’re starting a Sonos home cinema setup and want the biggest audible leap.

Sonos Era 100 (£199) is a smaller, cheaper Sonos speaker that makes sense if you want a versatile music speaker rather than a dedicated bass unit. It includes Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, and its stereo driver layout gives a more open midrange than you’d expect at this size. Compared with the Sub Mini, it obviously won’t dig deep in the bass, but it can be used in pairs or as part of a Sonos room setup. What’s better: lower price, flexibility, and strong all-round sound for vocals and streaming. What’s worse: no true sub-bass authority. Choose it if you want to stay in Sonos without paying for low-frequency reinforcement.

WiiM Amp Ultra (£499) is for the listener who wants serious hi-fi performance rather than a simple bass add-on. With a premium ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, dual TI TPA3255 amplification, 100W output, RoomFit EQ, HDMI ARC, optical and RCA inputs, it’s a proper centrepiece for a high-resolution stereo system. Compared with the Sub Mini, it is far more ambitious and technically advanced, but also much more expensive. What’s better: cleaner digital conversion, more power, and better speaker control. What’s worse: price and complexity. Choose this if you want audiophile-grade streaming and amplification in one box.

WiiM Amp Pro (£399) sits between the standard WiiM Amp and the Amp Ultra, and is a strong choice if you want better sound than Sonos’ bass module but still value streaming convenience. It supports Google Cast, Alexa and HDMI, and at £399 it remains reasonably priced for a modern streaming amplifier. Compared with the Sub Mini, it again serves a different purpose: it’s about building a system, not just adding low-end weight. What’s better: more versatility and a more complete hi-fi platform. What’s worse: it doesn’t integrate as seamlessly into a Sonos ecosystem. Choose it if you want a smart, expandable amplifier with excellent everyday usability.

In short, the Sub Mini is still the cleanest way to add compact wireless bass to Sonos — but if you want more for your money, the WiiM amps offer far greater system value, while the Beam Gen 2 is the best TV-first alternative.