Sonos is a well-known brand in the home audio industry, offering a range of high-quality speakers that can be connected to your home network and controlled using the Sonos app. However, one question that often arises among Sonos users is whether they can use their Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker. In this article, we will delve into the possibilities of using Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker and explore the limitations and potential workarounds.
Understanding Sonos and Bluetooth Technology
Before we dive into the possibility of using Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker, it’s essential to understand how Sonos and Bluetooth technology work.
Sonos speakers use Wi-Fi connectivity to connect to your home network and communicate with the Sonos app. This allows you to stream music from various sources, including your local music library, online music services, and internet radio stations. Sonos speakers also support AirPlay 2, which enables seamless streaming from Apple devices.
Bluetooth technology, on the other hand, is a wireless personal area network (PAN) technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances. Bluetooth speakers typically use the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) to stream audio from a source device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
Sonos and Bluetooth: What’s the Connection?
Sonos speakers do not have built-in Bluetooth capabilities, which means they cannot connect to devices via Bluetooth in the classical sense. However, Sonos has introduced a feature called “Bluetooth Low Energy” (BLE) in some of its newer models, including the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam. BLE allows these speakers to connect to devices via Bluetooth, but only for specific purposes, such as setting up the speaker or using the Sonos app.
Using Sonos as a Bluetooth Speaker: The Limitations
While Sonos speakers with BLE capabilities can connect to devices via Bluetooth, there are significant limitations to using them as Bluetooth speakers. Here are a few:
- No A2DP support: Sonos speakers with BLE do not support the A2DP profile, which means they cannot stream audio from devices via Bluetooth.
- No device pairing: You cannot pair your Sonos speaker with a device via Bluetooth in the same way you would with a traditional Bluetooth speaker.
- Limited functionality: The BLE connection is only used for specific purposes, such as setting up the speaker or using the Sonos app.
Workarounds for Using Sonos as a Bluetooth Speaker
While Sonos speakers may not have built-in Bluetooth capabilities, there are some workarounds that can enable you to use them as Bluetooth speakers:
Using a Bluetooth Adapter
One possible solution is to use a Bluetooth adapter, such as the Sonos Bluetooth Adapter or the Avantree Bluetooth Adapter. These adapters can connect to your Sonos speaker via the auxiliary input and enable Bluetooth connectivity.
Here’s how it works:
- Connect the Bluetooth adapter to your Sonos speaker’s auxiliary input.
- Pair the adapter with your device via Bluetooth.
- Stream audio from your device to the adapter, which will then play it through your Sonos speaker.
Using a Third-Party App
Another workaround is to use a third-party app, such as the “Sonos Bluetooth” app or the “Bluetooth for Sonos” app. These apps can enable Bluetooth connectivity on your Sonos speaker, allowing you to stream audio from devices.
Here’s how it works:
- Download and install the third-party app on your device.
- Connect your Sonos speaker to the app via Wi-Fi.
- Pair your device with the app via Bluetooth.
- Stream audio from your device to the app, which will then play it through your Sonos speaker.
Conclusion
While Sonos speakers may not have built-in Bluetooth capabilities, there are workarounds that can enable you to use them as Bluetooth speakers. However, it’s essential to understand the limitations and potential drawbacks of these workarounds.
If you’re looking for a seamless Bluetooth experience, you may want to consider a traditional Bluetooth speaker. However, if you’re invested in the Sonos ecosystem and want to use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, the workarounds mentioned above can be a viable solution.
Ultimately, the decision to use Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the possibilities and limitations of using Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker.
| Speaker Model | Bluetooth Capability | BLE Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos One | No | No |
| Sonos Beam | No | No |
| Sonos Move | No | Yes |
| Sonos Roam | No | Yes |
Note: The table above shows the Bluetooth and BLE capabilities of various Sonos speaker models. Please note that this information is subject to change and may not be up-to-date.
Can I Use Sonos as a Bluetooth Speaker?
Sonos speakers can be used as Bluetooth speakers, but with some limitations. While Sonos speakers do not have traditional Bluetooth capabilities, some models can connect to devices via Bluetooth. However, this connection is limited to specific devices and use cases.
For example, the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam are two portable speakers that can connect to devices via Bluetooth. These speakers can stream music from devices, but they also have Wi-Fi capabilities that allow for more features and better sound quality. It’s essential to note that not all Sonos speakers have Bluetooth capabilities, so it’s crucial to check the specifications of your speaker before attempting to connect it via Bluetooth.
What Sonos Speakers Have Bluetooth Capabilities?
The Sonos Move and Sonos Roam are the two speakers in the Sonos lineup that have Bluetooth capabilities. These speakers are designed to be portable and can connect to devices via Bluetooth, allowing for streaming music on the go. The Sonos Move is a larger speaker that is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, while the Sonos Roam is a smaller, more compact speaker that is perfect for taking on the go.
Both the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam have Wi-Fi capabilities, which allow for more features and better sound quality. However, when connected via Bluetooth, these speakers can only stream music from devices and do not have access to other Sonos features. It’s essential to note that other Sonos speakers do not have Bluetooth capabilities, so if you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker, the Sonos Move or Sonos Roam may be the best option.
How Do I Connect My Sonos Speaker to a Device via Bluetooth?
To connect your Sonos speaker to a device via Bluetooth, you’ll need to put your speaker in Bluetooth mode. This can be done by opening the Sonos app, going to settings, and selecting “Bluetooth.” Once your speaker is in Bluetooth mode, you can search for available devices on your phone or tablet and select your Sonos speaker.
Once connected, you can stream music from your device to your Sonos speaker. Keep in mind that when connected via Bluetooth, your Sonos speaker will not have access to other Sonos features, such as multi-room audio or voice control. However, you can still stream music from your device and enjoy high-quality sound from your Sonos speaker.
Can I Use My Sonos Speaker as a Bluetooth Speaker for My TV?
While it is technically possible to use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker for your TV, it’s not the recommended setup. Sonos speakers are designed to work seamlessly with TVs when connected via Wi-Fi, allowing for features like voice control and multi-room audio.
However, if your TV has Bluetooth capabilities, you can connect your Sonos speaker to your TV via Bluetooth. Keep in mind that this setup may not provide the best sound quality, and you may experience latency or lip sync issues. For the best sound quality and features, it’s recommended to connect your Sonos speaker to your TV via Wi-Fi.
What Are the Limitations of Using a Sonos Speaker as a Bluetooth Speaker?
When using a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, there are several limitations to keep in mind. First, not all Sonos speakers have Bluetooth capabilities, so you’ll need to make sure you have a compatible speaker. Additionally, when connected via Bluetooth, your Sonos speaker will not have access to other Sonos features, such as multi-room audio or voice control.
Another limitation is that Bluetooth connections can be prone to interference and latency, which can affect sound quality. Additionally, Bluetooth connections typically have a shorter range than Wi-Fi connections, so you may experience dropped connections if you move too far away from your device.
Can I Use Multiple Sonos Speakers as Bluetooth Speakers?
When using Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers, you can only connect one speaker to a device at a time. This means that you cannot use multiple Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers to create a stereo pair or surround sound setup.
However, if you’re looking to create a multi-speaker setup, you can use Sonos speakers connected via Wi-Fi. Sonos speakers can be grouped together to create a stereo pair or surround sound setup, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. Keep in mind that this setup requires a Wi-Fi connection and cannot be done via Bluetooth.
Is Using a Sonos Speaker as a Bluetooth Speaker Worth It?
Whether or not using a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker is worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a portable speaker that can connect to devices via Bluetooth, the Sonos Move or Sonos Roam may be a good option.
However, if you’re looking for a speaker that can take advantage of all the features that Sonos has to offer, such as multi-room audio and voice control, it’s recommended to use your Sonos speaker connected via Wi-Fi. Additionally, if you’re looking for the best sound quality, a Wi-Fi connection is typically preferred over a Bluetooth connection.