The Sonos One is a popular smart speaker known for its high-quality sound and seamless integration with various music streaming services. However, one question that often arises among Sonos One owners is whether they can use their device as a Bluetooth speaker. In this article, we will delve into the details of using your Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker, exploring its capabilities, limitations, and potential workarounds.
Understanding the Sonos One’s Bluetooth Capabilities
The Sonos One does not support traditional Bluetooth connectivity in the same way that many other portable speakers do. Instead, it relies on Wi-Fi connectivity to stream music and other audio content from various sources. This is because Sonos designed the Sonos One to be a part of a larger multi-room audio system, where speakers can be connected and controlled wirelessly using the Sonos app.
However, this does not mean that you cannot use your Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker at all. Sonos has introduced a feature called “Bluetooth Low Energy” (BLE) that allows the Sonos One to connect to certain devices via Bluetooth. But there are some limitations and requirements to be aware of.
What is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)?
Bluetooth Low Energy is a variant of the traditional Bluetooth technology that is designed to provide low-power, low-bandwidth connectivity between devices. BLE is commonly used in applications such as fitness trackers, smart home devices, and wireless headphones. In the case of the Sonos One, BLE is used to enable connectivity with certain devices, such as smartphones and tablets, for specific purposes like setup and configuration.
How Does BLE Work on the Sonos One?
When you set up your Sonos One, you can use the Sonos app to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Once connected, you can use the app to stream music and other audio content to the speaker. However, if you want to use your Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker, you can use the BLE feature to connect it to your device.
To do this, you need to put your Sonos One in “Bluetooth mode” by going to the Sonos app, selecting the speaker, and then tapping on the “Settings” icon. From there, you can select “Bluetooth” and follow the prompts to connect your device. Once connected, you can stream audio from your device to the Sonos One using the Bluetooth connection.
Limitations of Using the Sonos One as a Bluetooth Speaker
While the Sonos One’s BLE feature allows for some Bluetooth connectivity, there are several limitations to be aware of:
- Audio Quality: The audio quality of the Bluetooth connection may not be as good as the Wi-Fi connection. This is because Bluetooth is a compressed audio format, which can result in a loss of detail and dynamic range.
- Range: The range of the Bluetooth connection is typically limited to around 30 feet (10 meters), which may not be sufficient for larger rooms or outdoor use.
- Compatibility: The Sonos One’s BLE feature is only compatible with certain devices, such as smartphones and tablets. It may not work with other devices, such as laptops or desktop computers.
- Functionality: The Sonos One’s Bluetooth mode is limited to streaming audio from your device. You cannot use the speaker as a hands-free speakerphone or to make voice calls.
Workarounds for Using the Sonos One as a Bluetooth Speaker
If you want to use your Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker but are limited by the BLE feature, there are a few workarounds you can try:
- Use a Bluetooth Adapter: You can purchase a Bluetooth adapter that can connect to your Sonos One’s auxiliary input. This will allow you to stream audio from your device to the speaker using a traditional Bluetooth connection.
- Use a Third-Party App: There are several third-party apps available that can enable Bluetooth connectivity on the Sonos One. However, these apps may not be officially supported by Sonos, and may not work as seamlessly as the native app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Sonos One does not support traditional Bluetooth connectivity, its BLE feature allows for some Bluetooth connectivity. However, there are limitations to be aware of, including audio quality, range, compatibility, and functionality. If you want to use your Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker, you may need to consider workarounds such as using a Bluetooth adapter or third-party app.
| Feature | Sonos One | Traditional Bluetooth Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, BLE | Bluetooth |
| Audio Quality | High-quality audio via Wi-Fi, compressed audio via BLE | Compressed audio |
| Range | Dependent on Wi-Fi network, up to 30 feet (10 meters) via BLE | Typically up to 30 feet (10 meters) |
| Compatibility | Compatible with certain devices via BLE | Compatible with most devices |
| Functionality | Limited to streaming audio via BLE | Can be used as a hands-free speakerphone, to make voice calls, etc. |
By understanding the capabilities and limitations of the Sonos One’s BLE feature, you can make an informed decision about whether to use your speaker as a Bluetooth speaker.
Can I Use My Sonos One as a Bluetooth Speaker?
The Sonos One is not a traditional Bluetooth speaker, but it does have some Bluetooth capabilities. While it can’t be paired with devices like a typical Bluetooth speaker, it can be used with certain devices that support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This allows for some limited functionality, but it’s not the same as using a dedicated Bluetooth speaker.
It’s worth noting that the Sonos One is primarily designed to be used as a Wi-Fi speaker, and it’s best used in conjunction with the Sonos app and other Sonos devices. If you’re looking for a speaker to use on the go or in situations where Wi-Fi isn’t available, a traditional Bluetooth speaker might be a better option.
What Devices Can I Use with My Sonos One via Bluetooth?
The Sonos One can be used with certain devices that support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), such as some smartphones and tablets. However, the compatibility is limited, and it’s not possible to pair the Sonos One with just any device that has Bluetooth. The Sonos One is also compatible with certain Sonos accessories, such as the Sonos Move and the Sonos Beam.
It’s also worth noting that even with compatible devices, the Sonos One’s Bluetooth functionality is limited to certain features, such as setting up the speaker and adjusting settings. For actual music playback, the Sonos One relies on Wi-Fi connectivity.
Can I Use My Sonos One as a Speakerphone?
Yes, the Sonos One can be used as a speakerphone, but only with certain devices that support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). When paired with a compatible device, the Sonos One can be used to make and receive hands-free calls. However, the speakerphone functionality is limited to certain devices and situations.
It’s also worth noting that the Sonos One’s speakerphone functionality is not as robust as some dedicated speakerphones. The sound quality is good, but it’s not designed for heavy use as a speakerphone.
Can I Stream Music to My Sonos One via Bluetooth?
No, the Sonos One does not support streaming music via Bluetooth. While it has some Bluetooth capabilities, it’s not possible to stream music from a device to the Sonos One using Bluetooth. Instead, the Sonos One relies on Wi-Fi connectivity to stream music from various sources, including the Sonos app and other Sonos devices.
If you want to stream music to the Sonos One, you’ll need to use the Sonos app or another compatible service that supports Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows for higher-quality audio and more reliable connectivity.
Can I Use My Sonos One with Multiple Devices at the Same Time?
The Sonos One can be used with multiple devices at the same time, but only in certain situations. When paired with a compatible device via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the Sonos One can be used to control playback and adjust settings. However, when it comes to actual music playback, the Sonos One can only be connected to one device at a time.
If you want to switch between devices, you’ll need to disconnect from one device and reconnect to another. This can be done using the Sonos app or by adjusting the settings on the device itself.
Can I Use My Sonos One as a Bluetooth Speaker for My TV?
No, the Sonos One is not designed to be used as a Bluetooth speaker for a TV. While it has some Bluetooth capabilities, it’s not possible to pair the Sonos One with a TV using Bluetooth. Instead, the Sonos One is designed to be used as a Wi-Fi speaker, and it’s best used in conjunction with the Sonos app and other Sonos devices.
If you want to use the Sonos One with your TV, you’ll need to use a different connection method, such as an optical audio cable or an HDMI connection. This allows for higher-quality audio and more reliable connectivity.
Can I Update My Sonos One’s Bluetooth Capabilities?
The Sonos One’s Bluetooth capabilities are limited by its hardware and software design. While Sonos may release software updates that improve the speaker’s functionality, it’s unlikely that the Sonos One’s Bluetooth capabilities will be significantly expanded.
If you’re looking for a speaker with more robust Bluetooth capabilities, you may want to consider a different model or brand. However, if you’re already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos One is still a great option for Wi-Fi-based music playback.