Later this year we will see the launch of the next generation Sonos flagship speaker, the Sonos PLAY:5. Judging from the specifications, the speaker still lacks Bluetooth connectivity that some of us yearn to connect the speaker to smartphones and tablets.
The lack of Bluetooth connectivity plagues the Sonos family with many in the discussion boards and community venting their frustration at the company for choosing to leave something as common as Bluetooth and AirPlay compatibility out of their speakers.
Being able to connect via Bluetooth or AirPlay allows the sound system to be used for games and apps such as YouTube. Companies like Samsung, Bose, LG and Naim include Bluetooth support as standard.
Sonos is able to wirelessly play your iTunes® music, direct from your iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch®, to any room in your home via the Controller app but having Bluetooth connectivity does go beyond that.
So if you have considerable investment in a Sonos multi-room system already and not looking to ‘rip’ it up and start again, here are a couple of options for you to add Bluetooth connectivity to the system.
How to Add Bluetooth Connectivity to Sonos
OPTION 1: Use the Auxiliary Input (only on PLAY:5) and a Bluetooth receiver
The PLAY:5 (both first and second generation) has an auto-detecting 3.5 mm audio line-in connection. This can be used to connect a Bluetooth receiver that outputs analogue sound to the speaker. These receivers are relatively cheap to buy and easy to set up. Some comes with rechargeable batteries, other require power supply from a USB port or wall power adapter.
Once connected and paired with the smartphone or tablet, start you app and listen to the sound on the speaker. You can control the volume both from the mobile device and Controller app. We have taken to list these relatively cheap Bluetooth to Audio receivers below to make it easier for you.
You can then select Line-in as the source from the Controller app and choose to PLAY:5, other PLAYER (speaker) or group of PLAYERs (speakers) for this source.
OPTION 2: Get Sonos CONNECT and a Bluetooth receiver
If you do not have a Sonos PLAY:5 or the PLAY:5 is not in the best place or room to connect to the smartphone or tablet then Sonos CONNECT and a Bluetooth receiver is your answer.
Using the analog audio input on the CONNECT, connect to the Bluetooth receiver’s audio output. This acts as an external audio source. Pair your smartphone or tablet to the receiver using Bluetooth and play your music or audio on all Sonos players in the system.
CONNECT lets you choose which PLAYER or group of PLAYERs to use.
Bluetooth Receivers with Analogue Output
The limitation of course is that the auxiliary or line-in connection is only present in the PLAY:5. Owners of PLAY:3 and PLAY:1 cannot apply OPTION1 and will need OPTION2. In any case, you would need one of the following Bluetooth receivers.
AmazonBasics Bluetooth 4.0 Audio Receiver
Technology: Bluetooth v4.0 A2DP technology, RCA output, RCA to Stereo Phone 3.5mm jack cable included.
Distance: 30 feet (10 meters)
Audio Output: 3.5mm socket with RCA to Stereo Phone Jack cable included
Power Source: Power supply included
Logitech Bluetooth Audio Receiver Adapter
Technology: Bluetooth 3.0 A2DP technology
Distance: up to 50 feet 15 m line-of-sight range
Audio Output: RCA or 3.5mm socket, RCA to 3.5mm cable and power cable included
Power Source: Power supply included
Bose Bluetooth Audio Adapter – OPTICAL
Technology: Bluetooth 4.0 technology with A2DP audio streaming and aptX® technology, which streams CD-quality audio using your aptX®-enabled device. Pair up to 8 Bluetooth devices, and switch among three at any time.
Distance: 30 feet (10 meters)
Audio Output: Optical out and 3.5mm socket (only use one at a time). Optical cable, 3.5 mm audio cable, 3.5 mm female-to-RCA cable and USB-to-USB micro-B cable for charging.
Power Source: USB charging, power adapter included
Harmon Kardon BTA-10 Bluetooth Audio Adapter
Technology: Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR with A2DP, Harman TrueStream connectivity ensures the highest-quality connection.
Distance: 10 meters line of sight
Audio Output: choice of 3.5mm or RCA phonos cables – both are supplied with the unit.
Power Source: power adapter included
TP-LINK HA100 HD Bluetooth Stereo Audio Music Receiver with NFC
Technology: Bluetooth 4.1, compatible with all A2DP stereo Bluetooth devices with NFC – NFC
Distance: Transmits up to 20 meters (66 feet) away, within direct line of sight – BETTER DISTANCE
Audio Output: Connects to any stereo supporting 3.5mm or RCA jacks, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, 3.5mm to RCA cable, USB cable included.
Power Source: power adapter included
HomeSpot NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver
Technology:Bluetooth 4.0 supports auto-reconnect function; (connects automatically to the last paired device during power up); with NFC for tap and pair and tap and connect support. – NFC
Distance: Transmit up to 20m – line of sight – BETTER DISTANCE
Audio Output: 3.5mm headphone socket, Aux-to-RCA audio cable, 3.5mm – 3.5mm Aux-out audio cable
Power Source: USB charging cable with power adapter included
Aukey Portable Bluetooth 3.0 Audio Receiver with Hands Free Calling – IN CAR
A compact Bluetooth car kit with hands free calling support using its onboard microphone. There is a single button to pause or resume the music. The unit comes with is own rechargeable battery for up to 6 hours of use. Distance can be a challenge as this is a small adapter and requires line of sight. Keep source device in a comfortable distance and stationary for smooth streaming.
Technology: Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP for enhanced audio quality, support connect with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. The built-in microphone lets you make crisp, clean sound calls for hands free calling. – SPEAKER PHONE
Distance: 10 meter line of sight, distance limitation
Audio Output: headphone socket, 3.5mm to 3.5mm connector and 3.5 mm cable
Power Source: Up to 6 hours of usage with a single charge, supports charging while playing. Charging cable included.
Mpow Streambot 2-In-1 Wireless Bluetooth Audio Music Streaming Switchable Transmitter and Receiver – IN CAR
Unlike the other Bluetooth devices listed here, which are mainly receivers, the Mpow 2-in-1 is a transmitter and receiver. For our purpose, you will use the receiver function to receive music our sound output from smartphone or tablet. Should you have a need to transmit wirelessly from a source, say an old cassette tape or Mini Disc player then use the transmitter mode. This however will require another receiver should you need to feed the music back to an amplifier or in our case the Sonos CONNECT of PLAYER:5.
Technology: Bluetooth 3.0 A2DP and AVRCP Transmitter (TX) and Receiver (RX) with selector switch – DUAL FUNCTION
Distance: up to 30 ft (10 meters) line of sight
Audio Output: 3.5mm headphone socket. 1 x 3.5mm Audio cable included
Power Source: Built-in rechargeable battery with 6 hours of use in receiving mode, and 8 hours of use in transmitting mode. Charging time approximately 2 hours. USB charge cable supplied.
TaoTronics Portable Wireless Audio Adapter with Hands Free Calling – IN CAR
In the same class as the AUKEY Portable Bluetooth receiver above, and the exact same electronics as the Mpow Streambot Mini below with the inclusion of extra control buttons to change the volume, play/pause music, or skip tracks with ease. Apple devices can even activate Siri with the click of a button. The built-in microphone lets you pick up calls and speak naturally.
Technology: Bluetooth 4.0 receiver with EDR, Connect two Bluetooth devices at once, built-in microphone – SPEAKER PHONE
Distance: 30 feet, (10 meter) line of sight (open space).
Audio Output: 3.5mm headphone socket, 3.5mm to 3.5mm adapter and 3.5mm Audio Cable.
Power Source: 7 hours of talk or play time, USB cable included. Standby time: 200 hours.
Mpow Streambot Mini Bluetooth 4.0 Receiver with Hands Free Calling – IN CAR
With only slight cosmetic differences compared to TaoTronics above, see print on play and pause button, the Mpower Streambot Mini uses the exact same core and electronics as the TaoTronics. It does however have a better recorded battery life of 10 hours.
Technology: Bluetooth 4.0 Receiver A2DP, built-in microphone lets you pick up calls and for hands free calling. – SPEAKER PHONE
Distance: up to 30 feet, (10 meter) line of sight
Audio Output: 3.5mm phone jack, 3.5mm cable and 3.5mm adapter plug included.
Power Source: Built-in battery with 10 hours battery life. Charge time: 1.5 hours. Standby time: 200 hours. USB cable included – BETTER BATTERY LIFE
Etekcity NFC-Enabled Bluetooth 4.0 Audio Receiver – IN CAR
Slightly a different profile, square instead of rectangle, with NFC support for tap to pair and tap to reconnect, the Etekcity Bluetooth Audio Receiver does have a certain appeal to it.
Technology: Bluetooth 4.0 + EDR, Class 2 Receiver with NFC
Distance: 33 feet (10 meters)
Audio Output: 3.5mm socket, 1 x 3.5mm to 2RCA Cable and 1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable included
Power Source: Rechargeable Battery (10 hours) with Lithium, 3.7V 200mAh battery, Charging time: 2 hours. USB charging cable and power adapter included. – BETTER BATTERY LIFE
Multi-room Speakers with Bluetooth and WiFi
If you are new to the whole multi-room music system and really can not do without Bluetooth connectivity then consider one of the following:
Bose
SoundTouch 10 for small rooms [NEW]
SoundTouch 20 (Series III) for average sized room
SoundTouch 30 (Series III) for bigger rooms
Samsung
R1 Wireless 360 Multiroom Speaker
R3 Wireless 360 Multiroom Speaker
R5 Wireless 360 Multiroom Speaker
R6 Wireless 360 Multiroom Speaker
R7 Wireless 360 Multiroom Speaker
LG
LG Music Flow H3 Wireless Multi-room Speaker
LG Music Flow H5 Wireless Multi-room Speaker
LG Music Flow H7 Wireless Multi-room Speaker