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 is whether Sonos speakers can be used as Bluetooth speakers. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Sonos and explore the possibilities of using their speakers as Bluetooth devices.
Understanding Sonos Speakers
Before we dive into the Bluetooth aspect, it’s essential to understand how Sonos speakers work. Sonos speakers are designed to be connected to your home network, either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. This connection allows you to control the speakers using the Sonos app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app enables you to stream music from various sources, including your local music library, online music services, and internet radio stations.
Sonos speakers use a proprietary wireless mesh network called SonosNet to communicate with each other. This network allows multiple speakers to be connected and synchronized, creating a seamless listening experience throughout your home. However, this also means that Sonos speakers are not traditional Bluetooth speakers, and their functionality is limited when it comes to Bluetooth connectivity.
Bluetooth Connectivity on Sonos Speakers
While Sonos speakers are not traditional Bluetooth speakers, some models do offer Bluetooth connectivity. However, this connectivity is limited to specific use cases, and it’s not as straightforward as pairing a Bluetooth speaker with your phone.
The Sonos Move and Sonos Roam are the only two Sonos speakers that offer Bluetooth connectivity. These speakers can be paired with your phone or tablet using Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music directly from your device. However, this connectivity is only available when the speakers are not connected to your home network.
When connected to your home network, the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam use Wi-Fi to stream music, and Bluetooth connectivity is disabled. This means that you can’t use these speakers as Bluetooth speakers while they’re connected to your home network.
Limitations of Bluetooth on Sonos Speakers
While the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam offer Bluetooth connectivity, there are some limitations to consider. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Bluetooth connectivity is only available when the speakers are not connected to your home network. This means that you can’t use these speakers as Bluetooth speakers while they’re connected to your home network.
- Bluetooth range is limited. The Bluetooth range on the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam is limited to around 30 feet, which is relatively short compared to other Bluetooth speakers.
- Audio quality may be compromised. When using Bluetooth, the audio quality may be compromised due to compression and other limitations of the Bluetooth protocol.
Alternatives to Using Sonos as a Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that can be used on the go, there are many alternative options available. Here are a few options to consider:
- Portable Bluetooth speakers. There are many portable Bluetooth speakers available that offer long battery life, water resistance, and high-quality audio. Some popular options include the Bose SoundLink Revolve+, the UE Wonderboom, and the JBL Flip 5.
- Wireless headphones. If you’re looking for a more personal listening experience, wireless headphones may be a better option. There are many wireless headphones available that offer long battery life, comfortable designs, and high-quality audio. Some popular options include the Sony WH-1000XM4, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, and the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BT.
Using Sonos Speakers with Bluetooth Devices
While Sonos speakers can’t be used as traditional Bluetooth speakers, you can use them with Bluetooth devices in certain situations. Here are a few scenarios to consider:
- Using a Bluetooth adapter. You can use a Bluetooth adapter to connect your Sonos speaker to a Bluetooth device. This adapter can be plugged into the auxiliary input on your Sonos speaker, allowing you to stream music from your Bluetooth device.
- Using a Sonos-compatible device. Some devices, such as the Sonos Amp, offer Bluetooth connectivity. These devices can be used to stream music from your Bluetooth device to your Sonos speaker.
Table: Sonos Speakers with Bluetooth Connectivity
| Speaker Model | Bluetooth Connectivity | Notes |
| — | — | — |
| Sonos Move | Yes | Bluetooth connectivity only available when not connected to home network |
| Sonos Roam | Yes | Bluetooth connectivity only available when not connected to home network |
| Sonos One | No | No Bluetooth connectivity available |
| Sonos Beam | No | No Bluetooth connectivity available |
| Sonos Playbar | No | No Bluetooth connectivity available |
Conclusion
While Sonos speakers can’t be used as traditional Bluetooth speakers, some models do offer Bluetooth connectivity. However, this connectivity is limited to specific use cases, and it’s not as straightforward as pairing a Bluetooth speaker with your phone.
If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker that can be used on the go, there are many alternative options available. However, if you’re already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, you may be able to use your Sonos speaker with Bluetooth devices in certain situations.
Ultimately, the decision to use a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the possibilities and limitations of using Sonos speakers as Bluetooth devices.
Can I use Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker?
Sonos speakers can be used as Bluetooth speakers, but with some limitations. While Sonos does offer Bluetooth connectivity on some of its models, such as the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam, not all Sonos speakers have this feature. If you’re looking to use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, you’ll need to check if your specific model supports Bluetooth.
It’s also worth noting that even if your Sonos speaker does support Bluetooth, it may not work seamlessly with all devices. Some users have reported issues with connectivity and audio quality when using their Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker. However, for many users, the convenience of being able to stream music directly from their device to their Sonos speaker makes it a worthwhile feature.
Which Sonos speakers support Bluetooth?
The Sonos Move and Sonos Roam are the two Sonos speakers that currently support Bluetooth. The Sonos Move is a portable speaker that can be used both indoors and outdoors, while the Sonos Roam is a smaller, more compact speaker that’s designed for on-the-go use. Both speakers offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music directly from your device.
It’s worth noting that while these speakers support Bluetooth, they also offer Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to stream music from a variety of sources, including Sonos’ own music service, as well as other popular music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
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 usually be done by pressing and holding the play/pause button on the speaker until the Bluetooth light starts flashing. Once your speaker is in Bluetooth mode, you can select it from the list of available devices on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Once you’ve connected your device to your Sonos speaker via Bluetooth, you can start streaming music. You can control the music playback using your device, and you can also adjust the volume using the controls on your Sonos speaker. It’s a relatively straightforward process, and most users should be able to connect their device to their Sonos speaker via Bluetooth without too much trouble.
Can I use my Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker with my TV?
While it is technically possible to use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker with your TV, it’s not always the best option. Many TVs don’t support Bluetooth audio output, so you may need to use a separate device, such as a soundbar or a streaming device, to connect your Sonos speaker to your TV.
If your TV does support Bluetooth audio output, you can connect your Sonos speaker to it using the same process as you would with any other device. However, you may experience some latency or lip sync issues, which can be distracting. In general, it’s better to use a wired connection or a dedicated audio output, such as an optical or HDMI connection, to connect your Sonos speaker to your TV.
Are there any limitations to using Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, there are several limitations to using Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker. One of the main limitations is that Bluetooth connectivity can be unreliable, especially in areas with a lot of interference. You may experience dropped connections or poor audio quality, which can be frustrating.
Another limitation is that Sonos speakers may not support all Bluetooth codecs, which can affect the audio quality. Additionally, some Sonos speakers may not support Bluetooth at all, so you’ll need to check your specific model to see if it’s supported. Finally, using your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker may limit some of the advanced features that Sonos offers, such as multi-room audio and voice control.
Can I use multiple Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers?
Yes, you can use multiple Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers, but there are some limitations. If you’re using a Sonos speaker that supports Bluetooth, such as the Sonos Move or Sonos Roam, you can pair multiple speakers to the same device using Bluetooth. However, you may experience some limitations, such as reduced audio quality or increased latency.
It’s also worth noting that using multiple Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers may not be the best option. Sonos speakers are designed to work together seamlessly using Wi-Fi, which allows for more advanced features like multi-room audio and voice control. If you want to use multiple Sonos speakers together, it’s generally better to use Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth.
Is using Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker worth it?
Whether or not using Sonos as a Bluetooth speaker is worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want the convenience of being able to stream music directly from your device to your Sonos speaker, Bluetooth may be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a more seamless and reliable listening experience, you may want to consider using Wi-Fi instead.
It’s also worth noting that Sonos speakers are designed to work best with Wi-Fi, which allows for more advanced features and better audio quality. If you’re already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, you may want to consider using Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth to get the most out of your speakers.