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 potential buyers is whether the Sonos One can be used as a Bluetooth speaker. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Sonos One’s Bluetooth capabilities and explore its limitations.
Understanding the Sonos One’s Bluetooth Functionality
The Sonos One does have Bluetooth capabilities, but it’s essential to understand how it works and what it can do. The speaker uses Bluetooth 4.2 technology, which allows it to connect to devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, the Sonos One’s Bluetooth functionality is not as straightforward as other Bluetooth speakers on the market.
Bluetooth Limitations on the Sonos One
One of the primary limitations of the Sonos One’s Bluetooth functionality is that it can only be used to stream audio from a device to the speaker. This means that you cannot use the Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker to stream audio to other devices, such as headphones or another speaker. Additionally, the Sonos One’s Bluetooth connection is only used for streaming audio and cannot be used for other purposes, such as making phone calls or sending data.
Why the Sonos One’s Bluetooth Limitations Matter
The Sonos One’s Bluetooth limitations may not be a significant issue for everyone, but they are essential to consider, especially if you’re looking for a speaker that can be used in various scenarios. For example, if you want to use the Sonos One as a portable speaker to stream music to a pair of Bluetooth headphones, you’ll be out of luck. Similarly, if you want to use the Sonos One to make hands-free phone calls, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Using the Sonos One as a Bluetooth Speaker: What You Need to Know
Despite the limitations, the Sonos One can still be used as a Bluetooth speaker in certain situations. Here are a few things you need to know:
Pairing the Sonos One with a Device
To use the Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker, you’ll need to pair it with a device, such as a smartphone or tablet. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Sonos app on your device
- Go to Settings > Room Settings > [Room Name] > Bluetooth
- Put the Sonos One in pairing mode by pressing and holding the Play/Pause button until the light on the speaker flashes blue
- Select the Sonos One from the list of available devices on your device
Streaming Audio to the Sonos One
Once you’ve paired the Sonos One with a device, you can stream audio to the speaker using the device’s Bluetooth connection. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the music streaming app on your device
- Select the Sonos One as the output device
- Start playing music on your device
Alternatives to Using the Sonos One as a Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re looking for a speaker that can be used as a Bluetooth speaker in various scenarios, there are several alternatives to the Sonos One. Here are a few options:
Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Portable Bluetooth speakers, such as the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ or the JBL Flip 5, offer more flexibility than the Sonos One when it comes to Bluetooth connectivity. These speakers can be used to stream audio to other devices, such as headphones or another speaker, and can also be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Smart Speakers with Better Bluetooth Functionality
Some smart speakers, such as the Amazon Echo or the Google Home, offer better Bluetooth functionality than the Sonos One. These speakers can be used to stream audio to other devices and can also be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Sonos One can be used as a Bluetooth speaker, its limitations may make it less desirable for certain users. If you’re looking for a speaker that can be used in various scenarios, you may want to consider alternative options. However, if you’re already invested in the Sonos ecosystem and want a high-quality smart speaker with seamless integration with various music streaming services, the Sonos One may still be a great option.
| Feature | Sonos One | Portable Bluetooth Speakers | Smart Speakers with Better Bluetooth Functionality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Limited to streaming audio from a device to the speaker | Can be used to stream audio to other devices and make hands-free phone calls | Can be used to stream audio to other devices and make hands-free phone calls |
| Portability | Not portable | Portable | Not portable |
| Smart Speaker Capabilities | Seamless integration with various music streaming services | May not have smart speaker capabilities | Seamless integration with various music streaming services |
By understanding the Sonos One’s Bluetooth limitations and considering alternative options, you can make an informed decision about whether the Sonos One is the right speaker for your needs.
Can Sonos One be used as a Bluetooth speaker?
The Sonos One can be used as a Bluetooth speaker, but with some limitations. It does not have a traditional Bluetooth connection like most portable speakers. Instead, it uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for setup and control purposes. However, it does support Bluetooth streaming through the Line-In feature.
To use the Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker, you need to connect it to a device using the Line-In feature. This allows you to stream audio from your device to the Sonos One. However, this method has some limitations, such as the need for a physical connection and the lack of support for Bluetooth codecs like aptX or AAC.
What is the difference between Sonos One and a traditional Bluetooth speaker?
The main difference between the Sonos One and a traditional Bluetooth speaker is the way they connect to devices. Traditional Bluetooth speakers use a direct Bluetooth connection to stream audio from devices, while the Sonos One uses Wi-Fi or Ethernet for connectivity. The Sonos One also relies on the Sonos app for control and setup, whereas traditional Bluetooth speakers often use a physical interface or a companion app.
Another key difference is the sound quality and design. The Sonos One is a smart speaker designed for home use, with a focus on sound quality and multi-room audio capabilities. Traditional Bluetooth speakers, on the other hand, are often portable and designed for outdoor use, with a focus on convenience and durability.
Can I use Sonos One with my phone or tablet?
Yes, you can use the Sonos One with your phone or tablet, but the experience may vary depending on the device and the Sonos app. The Sonos One supports streaming from mobile devices using the Sonos app, which allows you to control the speaker and stream music from various services. However, the Sonos One does not support direct Bluetooth streaming from mobile devices.
To use the Sonos One with your phone or tablet, you need to download the Sonos app and set up the speaker using the app. Once set up, you can stream music from your device to the Sonos One using the app. The Sonos app also allows you to control the speaker, adjust settings, and access various music services.
What are the limitations of using Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker?
One of the main limitations of using the Sonos One as a Bluetooth speaker is the lack of direct Bluetooth streaming. This means you cannot simply pair your device with the Sonos One and start streaming music. Instead, you need to use the Sonos app or the Line-In feature to stream audio.
Another limitation is the lack of support for Bluetooth codecs like aptX or AAC. This may affect the sound quality when streaming audio from devices that support these codecs. Additionally, the Sonos One is not designed for portable use, so it may not be the best option if you need a speaker that can be taken on the go.
Can I use Sonos One with multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, the Sonos One can be used with multiple devices at the same time, but with some limitations. The Sonos One supports multi-room audio, which allows you to stream music to multiple Sonos speakers at the same time. However, when using the Line-In feature, you can only connect one device at a time.
To use the Sonos One with multiple devices, you need to set up the speaker using the Sonos app and add multiple devices to the Sonos system. Once set up, you can stream music from multiple devices to the Sonos One, but you may need to switch between devices using the Sonos app.
Is Sonos One a good option for outdoor use?
No, the Sonos One is not a good option for outdoor use. It is designed for indoor use and is not waterproof or weather-resistant. The Sonos One is also not portable, so it may not be the best option if you need a speaker that can be taken on the go.
If you need a speaker for outdoor use, you may want to consider a traditional Bluetooth speaker that is designed for portable use. These speakers are often waterproof, weather-resistant, and compact, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Can I use Sonos One with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes, the Sonos One supports voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. The Sonos One has built-in microphones that allow you to control the speaker using voice commands. You can also use the Sonos app to set up voice control and access various voice assistant features.
To use the Sonos One with voice assistants, you need to set up the speaker using the Sonos app and enable voice control. Once set up, you can use voice commands to control the speaker, play music, and access various voice assistant features.