# Sonos S1 Controller vs Garmin Audio

The clearest difference is rating: Sonos S1 Controller at 4.7 against Garmin Audio's 4.0. Sonos S1 Controller also leads on ratings volume (821K vs 453) and chart position (#198 vs unranked). Garmin Audio's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and review sentiment (69% vs 52%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Sonos S1 Controller holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sonos S1 Controller has 821K ratings behind it against 453, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of Sonos S1 Controller's written reviews are positive against 69% of Garmin Audio's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Sonos S1 Controller ships an update every 2 months, Garmin Audio every 3 months. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sonos S1 Controller | Garmin Audio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (821K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sonos-s1-controller/id293523031/reviews)** | [4.0 (453 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-audio/id520377783/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **821K** | 453 |
| Positive reviews | 52.1% of reviews | **69.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#198** | — |
| Size | 103 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sonos, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/293523034) | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) |

## What reviewers say

### Sonos S1 Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sonos-s1-controller/id293523031)

**Currently charting:** #198 Top Free · Music (US App Store)

Manage your older Sonos systems with ease. This app allows you to control volume, group rooms, set alarms, and stream from your favorite services. Enjoy thousands of free stations with Sonos Radio.

**Highlights:** Control older Sonos products, Adjust volume, Group rooms, Save favorites, Set alarms, Stream from services, Listen to Sonos Radio

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great sound quality
- 🔍 Versatile and easy to use
- 💡 Whole-home audio experience
- 🎨 Sleek and modern design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connectivity issues
- 🔀 Confusing and unintuitive app updates
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate and control
- ⚠️ Planned obsolescence of older products

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to recognize speakers
- Music playback randomly cuts out
- Inability to control volume from lock screen

**Requested features**

- Restore previous app interface
- Improve search and playlist management
- Add Bluetooth connectivity
- Better integration with personal music libraries


### Garmin Audio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-audio/id520377783)

Control your marine entertainment system wirelessly from your device. Manage music sources, adjust volume zones, and navigate your library with ease. Optimize audio with advanced DSP settings for a premium listening experience on the water.

**Highlights:** Wireless remote control, Music source navigation, Independent volume zone control, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Album art display, Over-the-air software updates, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) setup

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient remote control
- 💡 Great for multi-zone audio control
- 🎨 Intuitive interface
- 🔊 Excellent sound quality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🔍 Inconsistent app performance
- 🔌 Difficulty updating firmware
- 🤖 Lack of Apple Watch support
- 🔇 Volume control problems

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when adjusting volume
- Bluetooth disconnects frequently
- Fails to detect stereo system
- Inconsistent zone control functionality

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch app
- More customization options
- Improved Bluetooth/WiFi reliability
- Streamlined firmware update process


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sonos S1 Controller free?

Sonos S1 Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Garmin Audio free?

Garmin Audio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sonos S1 Controller or Garmin Audio?

Sonos S1 Controller is rated higher. Sonos S1 Controller averages 4.7 out of 5 from 821K ratings, while Garmin Audio averages 4.0 from 453 ratings.

### Do Sonos S1 Controller or Garmin Audio have ads?

Neither Sonos S1 Controller nor Garmin Audio shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sonos S1 Controller or Garmin Audio?

Sonos S1 Controller ships an update every 2 months, and Garmin Audio every 3 months. Most recently, Sonos S1 Controller was updated on September 26, 2026 and Garmin Audio on September 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*