Wired input availability

Listeners appreciate the generous selection of physical inputs, including HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, Ethernet, subwoofer out and analog AUX, which allows the speakers to integrate easily with TVs, turntables via a phono stage, CD players and other wired sources. However, some studio users miss having balanced analogue connections and find they need external DAC or monitor controllers for ideal DAW integration.

The Charge 6 supports wired playback via its USB C port, allowing laptops, phones and other digital sources to send audio directly as an alternative to Bluetooth, and newer reviews highlight that this same port also carries hi res data for more serious listening.

Listeners appreciate the inclusion of a 3.5 millimeter aux input on the StormBox Mini+, noting that it is a rare feature among waterproof Bluetooth speakers and serves as a handy backup for laptops, older devices, or situations where wireless use is inconvenient or unavailable.

The inclusion of a 3.5 millimetre aux in on the SoundLink Max is praised for letting listeners hook up non Bluetooth sources, and the configurable shortcut button makes switching to this relatively rare wired input especially convenient on a modern portable speaker.

The Move 2 offers USB-C line-in support that works with 3.5mm sources via Sonos’ own adapter, giving flexible wired input options for devices like turntables and computers and allowing those sources to be shared with other Sonos speakers, though reviewers note that generic USB-C adapters they tested did not function properly.

The Flex 2 lacks any wired AUX input, and reviewers who prefer a cable option for TVs or older devices note this as a drawback compared with some competing Bluetooth speakers.

The Wonderboom 4 omits any 3.5mm or other wired input, so owners must rely entirely on Bluetooth and battery power instead of plugging in a simple aux cable.