Best for On-device controls
Sonos Beam (Gen 1)
5.0 feature score
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Best Sonos Speakers for On-device controls
On-device controls Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
4.5 feature score
Balances feature score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Sonos Move 2 Portable Speaker
6 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this feature.
Best overall product
Sonos Era 300 Speaker
4.0 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this feature.
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On-device controls received limited but strong praise, with one review calling the top touch controls a joy to use.
Pros: Dynamic headroom, On-device controls
Cons: Video passthrough support, Bluetooth connectivity
On-device controls were praised in one review for working well directly on the unit.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Voice recognition accuracy
Cons: Bluetooth connectivity, Video passthrough support
On-device controls were praised for tactile playback, volume and grouping functions, especially because they remain usable around water or without relying on the app.
Pros: Voice assistant responsiveness, Wi-Fi streaming reliability
Cons: Wired input, Float capability
On-device controls were mostly praised for responsiveness and convenience, but visibility outdoors drew one criticism.
Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Wi-Fi streaming reliability
Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google
On-device controls were useful and modern, especially the volume slider, though one reviewer still preferred physical buttons.
Pros: Control button responsiveness, Smart features
Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google