Sonos speakers have been a popular choice for home audio systems due to their high-quality sound and sleek designs. However, one question that often arises is whether Sonos speakers can be used as Bluetooth speakers. In this article, we will delve into the world of Sonos speakers and explore their Bluetooth capabilities.
Understanding Sonos Speakers
Before we dive into the Bluetooth aspect, it’s essential to understand how Sonos speakers work. Sonos speakers are wireless speakers that use Wi-Fi to connect to your home network. They can stream music from various sources, including your phone, tablet, or computer, as well as from online music services like Spotify and Apple Music.
Sonos speakers use a proprietary technology called SonosNet, which allows them to communicate with each other and with your router. This technology enables features like multi-room audio, where you can play different music in different rooms, and whole-home audio, where you can play the same music throughout your entire home.
Bluetooth Capabilities of Sonos Speakers
Now, let’s talk about Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances. Many speakers, including portable speakers and headphones, use Bluetooth to connect to devices like phones and tablets.
Sonos speakers do have Bluetooth capabilities, but they are limited. The Sonos Move, Sonos Roam, and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) are the only Sonos speakers that support Bluetooth. These speakers can connect to devices via Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music from your phone or tablet.
However, there are some limitations to using Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers. For example, you can only connect one device to a Sonos speaker via Bluetooth at a time. This means that if you’re playing music from your phone, you won’t be able to connect your tablet to the speaker at the same time.
Additionally, Sonos speakers only support the SBC codec, which is a basic codec that doesn’t offer the same level of audio quality as other codecs like aptX or AAC. This means that the audio quality may not be as good as it would be if you were streaming music via Wi-Fi.
Why Sonos Speakers Aren’t Ideal for Bluetooth
While Sonos speakers do have Bluetooth capabilities, they aren’t ideal for use as Bluetooth speakers. There are several reasons for this:
- Limited range: Bluetooth has a limited range, typically around 30 feet. This means that you’ll need to be relatively close to the speaker to maintain a connection.
- Interference: Bluetooth signals can be disrupted by other devices, like cordless phones and microwaves. This can cause dropped connections and poor audio quality.
- Audio quality: As mentioned earlier, Sonos speakers only support the SBC codec, which doesn’t offer the same level of audio quality as other codecs.
Alternatives to Using Sonos Speakers as Bluetooth Speakers
If you’re looking for a speaker to use with Bluetooth, there are several alternatives to Sonos speakers. Here are a few options:
- Portable Bluetooth speakers: Speakers like the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ and the UE Wonderboom are designed specifically for Bluetooth use. They’re portable, waterproof, and offer good audio quality.
- Wireless headphones: If you’re looking for a more personal listening experience, wireless headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II offer good audio quality and long battery life.
Using Sonos Speakers with Other Devices
While Sonos speakers may not be ideal for Bluetooth use, they can still be used with other devices. Here are a few examples:
- AirPlay 2: Sonos speakers support AirPlay 2, which allows you to stream music from Apple devices like iPhones and iPads.
- Spotify Connect: Sonos speakers support Spotify Connect, which allows you to stream music from the Spotify app on your phone or tablet.
- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa: Sonos speakers are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which allows you to control your music with voice commands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Sonos speakers do have Bluetooth capabilities, they aren’t ideal for use as Bluetooth speakers. The limited range, potential for interference, and lower audio quality make them better suited for use with Wi-Fi. However, if you’re looking for a speaker to use with Bluetooth, there are several alternatives available. Ultimately, the best speaker for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
| Speaker | Bluetooth Capabilities | Audio Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Move | Yes, with limitations | Good, but limited by SBC codec |
| Sonos Roam | Yes, with limitations | Good, but limited by SBC codec |
| Bose SoundLink Revolve+ | Yes, with good range and audio quality | Excellent, with support for aptX and AAC codecs |
By understanding the capabilities and limitations of Sonos speakers, you can make an informed decision about whether they’re the right choice for your music listening needs.
Can I use a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker?
You can use a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, but with some limitations. Sonos speakers do not support Bluetooth connectivity in the classical sense. Instead, they use Wi-Fi to connect to your home network and stream music from various sources. However, some Sonos speakers do support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for specific functions like setting up the speaker or using the Sonos app.
To use a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, you’ll need to use the Sonos Move or Sonos Roam, which are the only two Sonos speakers that support Bluetooth connectivity. These speakers allow you to stream music directly from your device via Bluetooth, but you’ll still need to use the Sonos app to control the speaker and access its features.
What Sonos speakers support Bluetooth connectivity?
The Sonos Move and Sonos Roam are the only two Sonos speakers that support Bluetooth connectivity. These speakers are designed to be portable and can be used both indoors and outdoors. They allow you to stream music directly from your device via Bluetooth, making them ideal for use in situations where Wi-Fi connectivity is not available.
It’s worth noting that while the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam support Bluetooth connectivity, they still require a Wi-Fi connection to access the full range of Sonos features and functionality. If you’re looking for a speaker that can be used solely as a Bluetooth speaker, you may want to consider a different option.
How do I connect my Sonos speaker to a device via Bluetooth?
To connect your Sonos Move or Sonos Roam to a device via Bluetooth, you’ll need to put the speaker in Bluetooth mode. To do this, open the Sonos app and select the speaker you want to use. Then, go to the settings menu and select “Bluetooth” to enable Bluetooth mode. Once the speaker is in Bluetooth mode, you can pair it with your device just like you would with any other Bluetooth speaker.
Once paired, you can stream music directly from your device to the Sonos speaker. You can control the music playback using your device, but you’ll still need to use the Sonos app to access the speaker’s features and settings. It’s also worth noting that when using Bluetooth, you may experience a slight delay in music playback due to the limitations of Bluetooth technology.
Can I use a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker without Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can use a Sonos Move or Sonos Roam as a Bluetooth speaker without Wi-Fi. When in Bluetooth mode, these speakers do not require a Wi-Fi connection to stream music. However, you will still need to use the Sonos app to control the speaker and access its features, which means you’ll need a device with a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
It’s worth noting that when using a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker without Wi-Fi, you may not have access to all of the speaker’s features and functionality. For example, you may not be able to use voice control or access certain music streaming services. However, you can still stream music directly from your device via Bluetooth.
Are there any limitations to using a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, there are several limitations to using a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker. For example, Bluetooth connectivity is only available on the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam, which means that other Sonos speakers do not support Bluetooth. Additionally, when using Bluetooth, you may experience a slight delay in music playback due to the limitations of Bluetooth technology.
Another limitation is that when using a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, you may not have access to all of the speaker’s features and functionality. For example, you may not be able to use voice control or access certain music streaming services. However, you can still stream music directly from your device via Bluetooth.
Can I use a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker with multiple devices?
Yes, you can use a Sonos Move or Sonos Roam as a Bluetooth speaker with multiple devices. When in Bluetooth mode, these speakers can be paired with multiple devices, allowing you to stream music from different sources. However, you can only stream music from one device at a time.
To switch between devices, you’ll need to disconnect the speaker from the current device and then pair it with the new device. This can be a bit cumbersome, but it’s still possible to use a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker with multiple devices.
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 be used both indoors and outdoors, and you want to be able to stream music directly from your device via Bluetooth, then a Sonos Move or Sonos Roam may be a good option.
However, if you’re looking for a speaker that can be used solely as a Bluetooth speaker, you may want to consider a different option. Sonos speakers are designed to be part of a larger home audio system, and they offer a wide range of features and functionality that may not be available when using them as a Bluetooth speaker.