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, which can be paired with any device using Bluetooth technology.
Bluetooth Connectivity in 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. For example, the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam portable speakers have Bluetooth capabilities, but they are designed for use with the Sonos app, not as standalone Bluetooth speakers.
The Sonos Move, for instance, can be paired with your device using Bluetooth, but only for setup purposes. Once paired, the speaker will connect to your home network, and you’ll need to use the Sonos app to control it. The Sonos Roam, on the other hand, can be used as a Bluetooth speaker, but only when it’s not connected to your home network.
Limitations of Bluetooth Connectivity in Sonos Speakers
While some Sonos speakers offer Bluetooth connectivity, there are limitations to using them as Bluetooth speakers. For example:
- Limited range: Bluetooth connectivity in Sonos speakers is limited to a range of around 30 feet (9 meters). This means you’ll need to be relatively close to the speaker to maintain a stable connection.
- No multi-room audio: When using a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, you won’t be able to take advantage of the multi-room audio feature, which allows you to play music in multiple rooms simultaneously.
- No voice control: Bluetooth connectivity in Sonos speakers does not support voice control, which means you won’t be able to use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to control the speaker.
Using Sonos Speakers with Bluetooth Devices
While Sonos speakers are not traditional Bluetooth speakers, you can still use them with Bluetooth devices in certain scenarios. For example:
- Line-in connection: Some Sonos speakers, like the Sonos Five and Sonos Amp, have a line-in connection that allows you to connect a Bluetooth device using a 3.5mm audio cable. This connection enables you to play music from your Bluetooth device through the Sonos speaker.
- Bluetooth adapters: There are third-party Bluetooth adapters available that can be connected to a Sonos speaker’s line-in port. These adapters allow you to stream music from your Bluetooth device to the Sonos speaker.
Third-Party Solutions for Bluetooth Connectivity
If you want to use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, there are third-party solutions available that can enable Bluetooth connectivity. For example:
- Bluetooth adapters: As mentioned earlier, there are Bluetooth adapters available that can be connected to a Sonos speaker’s line-in port. These adapters allow you to stream music from your Bluetooth device to the Sonos speaker.
- Streaming devices: Devices like the Google Chromecast Audio or the Amazon Echo Link can be connected to a Sonos speaker’s line-in port, enabling Bluetooth streaming from your device.
Things to Consider When Using Third-Party Solutions
When using third-party solutions to enable Bluetooth connectivity in your Sonos speaker, there are a few things to consider:
- Compatibility: Make sure the third-party solution is compatible with your Sonos speaker model.
- Audio quality: The audio quality may not be as good as using the Sonos app, as the signal is being transmitted through a third-party device.
- Latency: There may be latency issues when using third-party solutions, which can affect the overall listening experience.
Conclusion
While Sonos speakers are not traditional Bluetooth speakers, some models do offer Bluetooth connectivity, albeit with limitations. If you want to use your Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, there are third-party solutions available that can enable Bluetooth connectivity. However, it’s essential to consider the limitations and potential drawbacks of using these solutions.
In summary, if you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker, a Sonos speaker might not be the best option. However, if you already have a Sonos speaker and want to use it as a Bluetooth speaker, there are ways to do so, albeit with some limitations.
| Sonos Speaker Model | Bluetooth Connectivity | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Move | Yes, for setup purposes | Limited range, no multi-room audio, no voice control |
| Sonos Roam | Yes, when not connected to home network | Limited range, no multi-room audio, no voice control |
| Sonos Five | No, but can be used with Bluetooth adapters | Limited range, no multi-room audio, no voice control |
| Sonos Amp | No, but can be used with Bluetooth adapters | Limited range, no multi-room audio, no voice control |
By understanding the limitations and possibilities of using Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers, you can make an informed decision about whether a Sonos speaker is right for your needs.
Can Sonos speakers be used as Bluetooth speakers?
Sonos speakers can be used as Bluetooth speakers, but with some limitations. While they do support Bluetooth connectivity, it’s not as straightforward as with traditional Bluetooth speakers. Sonos speakers use a proprietary wireless networking technology that allows them to connect to each other and to the internet, but they can also be paired with Bluetooth devices.
However, it’s essential to note that not all Sonos speakers support Bluetooth connectivity. The Sonos Move and Sonos Roam are the only two models that currently offer Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re looking to use a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, you’ll need to make sure you have one of these models.
How do I connect my Sonos speaker to a Bluetooth device?
To connect your Sonos speaker to a Bluetooth device, you’ll need to put the speaker in Bluetooth mode. This can usually be done by pressing and holding the play/pause button until the light on the speaker starts flashing blue. Then, open the Bluetooth settings on your device and select the Sonos speaker from the list of available devices.
Once connected, you can stream music from your device to the Sonos speaker. However, keep in mind that the connection may not be as stable as with a traditional Bluetooth speaker, and you may experience some latency or audio dropouts. Additionally, you won’t be able to use the Sonos app to control the music playback when connected via Bluetooth.
Can I use multiple Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers?
Unfortunately, you can’t use multiple Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers in the classical sense. While you can pair multiple Sonos speakers to a single device via Bluetooth, they won’t be able to play the same music in sync. This is because Sonos speakers use a proprietary wireless networking technology that allows them to communicate with each other, but this technology is not compatible with traditional Bluetooth.
However, if you have multiple Sonos speakers, you can use the Sonos app to group them together and play the same music on all of them. This will work even if you’re streaming music from a Bluetooth device, but you’ll need to use the Sonos app to control the music playback.
Are there any limitations to using Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers?
Yes, there are several limitations to using Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers. For one, the connection may not be as stable as with a traditional Bluetooth speaker, and you may experience some latency or audio dropouts. Additionally, you won’t be able to use the Sonos app to control the music playback when connected via Bluetooth, which means you’ll have to use the controls on your device instead.
Another limitation is that Sonos speakers can only be paired with one Bluetooth device at a time. If you want to switch to a different device, you’ll need to disconnect the speaker from the first device and then pair it with the second device.
Can I use Sonos speakers with Bluetooth devices that don’t support Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can use Sonos speakers with Bluetooth devices that don’t support Wi-Fi. Since the Sonos speaker is connected to the device via Bluetooth, it doesn’t need to be connected to the internet to work. This means you can use your Sonos speaker with devices like MP3 players or older smartphones that don’t have Wi-Fi capabilities.
However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to use the Sonos app to control the music playback when connected to a device that doesn’t support Wi-Fi. You’ll need to use the controls on the device instead.
Do Sonos speakers support Bluetooth 5.0?
The Sonos Move and Sonos Roam, which are the only two Sonos speakers that support Bluetooth connectivity, both support Bluetooth 5.0. This means they can take advantage of the longer range and faster data transfer speeds offered by Bluetooth 5.0.
However, it’s worth noting that the benefits of Bluetooth 5.0 may be limited when using a Sonos speaker as a Bluetooth speaker. Since the speaker is designed to work with the Sonos app and the Sonos wireless networking technology, the Bluetooth connection may not be as robust as with a traditional Bluetooth speaker.
Can I use Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers for phone calls?
Yes, you can use Sonos speakers as Bluetooth speakers for phone calls. Since the Sonos speaker is connected to your device via Bluetooth, you can use it to make and receive phone calls. The speaker will use the microphone on your device to pick up your voice, and the audio will be played through the speaker.
However, keep in mind that the audio quality may not be as good as with a traditional Bluetooth speakerphone. The Sonos speaker is designed primarily for music playback, and the microphone on your device may not be optimized for phone calls.