Bluetooth Support for Sonos – how to connect via Bluetooth
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 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 a 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.
UPDATES: Apple AirPlay 2 and Sonos Move / Roam
You can now Apple AirPlay from your iOS devices e.g. iPad or iPhone including YouTube video and Netflix movies directly to Sonos speakers. Update your speakers via the Sonos app and you will instantly have support for AirPlay 2 on your Sonos.
Also, Sonos has finally released two speakers with Bluetooth connectivity. You can now get Sonos Move or the smaller Sonos Roam, portable and durable battery powered wireless speakers for indoor and outdoor use. While it supports WiFi and Apple AirPlay 2, it also supports Bluetooth.
This does not mean that it can share your Bluetooth source with the entire network of speakers. Bluetooth support is local to Sonos Move or Sonos Roam. This still leaves all the other Sonos speaker and system with no inherent support for Bluetooth.
How to Add Bluetooth Connectivity to Sonos
So how does one add Bluetooth support to their network of speakers, stream from one Bluetooth source to all (in party mode) or select speakers in the house? Here are your options.
OPTION 1: Use the Auxiliary Input (only on PLAY:5 or Sonos Five) and a Bluetooth receiver
The PLAY:5 (both first and second generation) or Sonos Five (third 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 come with rechargeable batteries, other require a 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 listen to it on PLAY:5, other PLAYER (speaker) or group of PLAYERs (speakers) for this source.
Now, instead of a standard Bluetooth Receiver, consider a smart, connected device such as the Amazon Echo Dot or the Google Home Mini, both offering Bluetooth streaming from mobile device and WiFi connectivity for direct Internet streaming. More on this later.
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 any or all Sonos players in your multi speaker system.
CONNECT lets you choose which PLAYER or group of PLAYERs to use. This can be Sonos PLAY:1, PLAY:3, PLAY:5, Sonos One and other Sonos speakers for TV such as the Beam, Playbase, Playbar and Sub.
Again, instead of a standard Bluetooth Receiver, consider a smart, connected device such as the Amazon Echo Dot or the Google Home Mini both offering Bluetooth streaming from mobile devices and WiFi connectivity for direct Internet streaming. See bottom of the post for more information.
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. Use the links below to access the individual product pages on Amazon.
1. 1Mii B06 Plus Bluetooth Receiver – 3.5mm or RCA
The most complete Bluetooth Receiver in terms of connectivity options, the 1Mii B06 Plus has both RCA and 3.5mm stereo jack output. It also comes with onboard sound processor to add 3D sound effect with a dedicated button on the controls. Switching 3D surround sound on changes the LED power indicator from blue to green.
But, what is really important is it supports Bluetooth 4.2 for high fidelity transmission with aptX and aptX low latency. A power adapter is included and upon connection the receiver will turn on and automatically connect to the previously pair device saving you time. For controls there is a dedicated power switch and a big pause play button in the middle of the unit.
Finally, Dual Bluetooth connectivity feature allows for pairing of up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and to switch between them.
Range: 164ft (50m) line-of-sight in open air and up to 50-70ft (20-30m) indoor
2. Logitech Bluetooth Audio Receiver Adapter – 3.5mm or RCA
The Logitech Bluetooth Audio Receiver adds wireless connectivity to home stereo systems that do not support Bluetooth. it is easy to setup and will automatically reconnect to your devices when in range. It even supports Multipoint Bluetooth allowing for pairing of up to 2 Bluetooth source so you can switch between devices to stream audio wirelessly.
Pairing is super easy, simply press the Bluetooth pairing button, search and connect to the device on your phone initially. Once connected, the device will automatically reconnect when in range. It comes with both RCA and 3.5mm stereo output, perfect for powered speakers or full size AV receiver and Amplifier. A powere adapter is supplied with the receiver.
- 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
3. esinkin Bluetooth Audio Adapter – 3.5mm or RCA
On first look both esinkin and Logitech Bluetooth audio adapters look the same. The only difference is the logo. The esinkin version also supports Multipoint Bluetooth to pair up to 2 devices simultaneously and switch between them. For outputs, it also comes with both RCA and 3.5mm socket. In fact, like the Logitech offering, the RCA to 3.5mm cable, power cable and adapter are included. Even the front blue accent lighting near the bottom of the box is the same.
4. Bose Bluetooth Audio Adapter – 3.5mm, RCA and OPTICAL
Do not mistake this for the Bose SoundTouch Wireless Link Adapter. The Bose Bluetooth Audio Adapter is a Bluetooth receiver to send audio signal to smart speaker or home stereo so you can play music from your pair device wirelessly.
On the other hand, the Bose SoundTouch Wireless Link Adapter is a transmitter that when connected to a media player (CD player, PC output) or home theater’s optical, AUX or RCA output, transmits signal audio wirelessly to Bluetooth enabled speakers.
These work very differently so be sure to get the right one for your application. To add Bluetooth connectivity to a Sonos Play:5 you will need a Bluetooth receiver.
- 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
5. Harman Kardon BTA-10 Bluetooth Audio Adapter – 3.5mm or RCA
Use this audio receiver to stream music from your mobile device to a powered speaker or AV receiver via Bluetooth. The Harman TrueStream connectivity offers quality connection from the source device to the speaker. It is both compact and lightweight and will remember up to 8 different Bluetooth devices to easy pairing. A blue LED indicator light is used to show when it is in pairing or searching mode and when it is connected.
- 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 supplied with the unit.
- Power Source: power adapter included
6. TP-LINK HA100 HD Bluetooth Stereo Audio Music Receiver with NFC – 3.5mm or RCA
Want to remove the hassle of pairing, the TP-LINK HA100 supports NFC for quick pairing with other NFC enabled mobile devices. A separate duplicate tag is included allowing for flexibility of pairing either by tapping on the unit itself or on the tag. This is great for in-car use if you wish to conceal the receiver. The tag can be stuck on the dash or rear seat to allow passenger to quicky pair their device.
The unit also supports up to 20 meters range or 66 feet double that of standard receivers. But that is not all, with a CSR chip onboard, it supports Bluetooth 4.1 and A2DP v1.2 technology for top quality wireless music performance. While it only comes with a 3.5mm output a cable adapter is included to connect to a device with RCA input. Also, it can be charged using a standard USB charger or via the included power adapter.
- 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
7. HomeSpot NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver – 3.5mm or RCA
Finally, we have a Bluetooth Audio Receiver which is also NFC-enabled from HomeSpot. Like the TP-Link offering, you can quickly tap and pair as well as tap to connect to the receiver quickly from an NFC enabled phone. For wireless connectivity, it supports Bluetooth 4.0 (A2DP profile) and can remember up to 8 last paired devices.
The unit comes with a single 3.5mm output but a 3.5mm to 3.5mm and a 3.5mm to RCA cable adapters are included. For power, use the USB cable to connect to an in car USB charging port or to the supplied adapter. And, like the TP-Link unit, it has a line of sight receiving range of up to 66 feet.
- 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
RELATED: Battery Powered Rechargeable In-Car Bluetooth Receivers
Next, we look at in-car bluetooth receivers with built-in battery. The receivers above are of the desktop variety and require separate power adapters to work. The following Bluetooth receivers however are more compact and come with its own rechargeable battery. This offers the flexibility of not only using it at home but in the car or on the go. The latter is as a Bluetooth receiver for wired headphones.
Smart Music Streaming Choices
Here we look at the Amazon Echo Dot and the Google Chromecast Audio or Google Home Mini; both offering Bluetooth streaming from mobile device and WiFi connectivity for direct Internet streaming with analogue output to hook up to either the Sonos PLAY:5 or the Sonos CONNECT.
1. Amazon Echo Dot – EDITOR’S FAVOURITE
The baby version of Amazon’s popular voice activated smart speaker is now in its 4th iteration. It can connect to devices using your home WiFi or Bluetooth. The Echo Dot allows you hands-free convenience as it can hear you from across the room. Even when the environment is noisy, the seven microphones and beam-forming technology lets it pick up on your voice using the far-field voice recognition. Use this to access Alexa Voice services and stream music from your favourite service. Add Sonos skills and you can simply ask Alexa to play to your Sonos speakers.
Amazon Echo Dot features a built-in speaker. You can also connect to your own speakers or headphones over Bluetooth or through a 3.5 mm audio cable to deliver stereo sound to the Sonos PLAY:5 or Sonos CONNECT (and in turn to any Sonos speakers).
2. Google Home Mini (Google Nest Mini)
The Google Home Mini is now Google Nest Mini. It is a smart speaker with Google Assistant built in. Use voice to play music, listen to audiobooks, or stream shows, movies and more to your TV with Chromecast. It does not have a physical audio output like the Amazon Echo Dot but it can connect to other Bluetooth speakers. Pairing a Bluetooth speaker with Google Home Mini boosts the volume and sound quality compared to what you get from the onboard speaker.
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 multi-room speaker systems that also support Bluetooth.
RELATED:
- Sonos Alternatives: 5 Multi-room Speaker Systems for Smart and Connected Audio
- Audio Pro Addon C-series Multi-room Sound System: affordable, fully capable Sonos Alternative
- Sonos Beam: Smart Soundbar with Alexa AirPlay 2 and Google Assistant
- Sonos Play:1 Starter Set – two is better than one
February 27, 2017 @ 6:13 am
Thank you very much for this detailed post! Answers a lot of questions.
October 10, 2017 @ 4:05 am
How can I connect “AUKEY Bluetooth Receiver Wireless Audio Music Adapter A2DP with Hands Free Calling and 3.5mm stereo jack for Home and Car Audio System (BR-C1)” to the speaker? Can I then play all musics from the device that I am connecting with bluetooth with (like other bluetooth speakers)? How should I configure it then? Can I use it in car and home? what else is required?
thank you
October 18, 2017 @ 10:33 am
Hi MK, thank you for your message. These are Bluetooth Receivers that goes to the Line-in source of the Sonos speaker. Currently, only Sonos 5 has this. You will then need a Bluetooth music source, this is typically your smartphone or tablet with your favourite music streaming app such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Play Music, Tidal, Napster or local content. You can also use YouTube or streaming video app. Effectively any sound from your mobile device will be piped through to the speaker via Bluetooth using your mobile device’s Bluetooth and the Bluetooth receiver (as long as they are within range).
For in car models, these receivers have built-in battery so does not require a power source. It will also function as a speak phone to take in-coming for hands-free calling. Obviously, you will need to plug and unplug to move the receiver between your Sonos speaker and the car if you have only one but as they are quite affordably price, you might consider one for the car and a second one for the speaker. These receivers remember your last device so connecting your source will be easy. I would say, apart from your mobile device and the receiver, the only thing you will need is a car adapter or wall adapter with USB charger to top up the charge on the Bluetooth receiver.
Do let us know if you would like more information.
October 19, 2017 @ 3:22 am
unfortunately I have Sonos play:1 is there any way that I can use these methods with Sonos play:1 speaker?
November 1, 2017 @ 8:47 am
Hi MK, you are right, Sonos Play:1 does not have a Line-in source option. To make your speaker truly smart, you can invest in an Echo Dot. With the Sonos Skills added and configured using the Alexa app, you can get Alexa to play your favourite music on Sonos Play:1. Appreciate that this does not solve your Bluetooth connectivity issue for Play:1 as it is a technical limitation.
October 20, 2017 @ 8:43 pm
is there a date when the Play 5’s will pair with my Echo?
November 1, 2017 @ 8:34 am
Hi Bradley,
Thank you for your question. The Play 5 and other Sonos speakers now work with Alexa. You will need the latest Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet to update the Sonos speakers. You will also need the latest Alexa app. There, you can install the Sonos Skills. This will add the speakers under devices. You can see this in the Alexa App under Smart Home. If not, tap on Add Devices under Devices and add your Sonos speakers that way. The speakers are identified by name if you have set this using the Sonos app e.g. Living Room or Kitchen. Once the speakers have been added, you can issue voice commands to Echo to play your favourite radio channel, tunes or playlist to the speakers e.g. “Alexa, play Classic FM in the Living Room”
January 6, 2019 @ 11:30 pm
How do I connect Peloton bike to MPOW 2 in 1 transmitter/receiver to play sound through my Sonnos Connect Amp and Play 5?
January 25, 2019 @ 12:12 pm
Hi Don, first of all, thank you for leaving us a comment here. You can use the headphone output from the Peleton bike. Connect a Bluetooth transmitter there. You will then need a Bluetooth Receiver connected to the Sonos Connect (input) or Play 5 (input) as both do not support Bluetooth inherently. For Sonos Connect, you may need stereo to RCA cable adapter.
July 19, 2019 @ 5:15 pm
Thanks! This article is really helpful.
I’d love to stream Sonos audio to a Bluetooth speaker. I have a both a PLAY:5 and a CONNECT. Can I use either of those to broadcast to a Bluetooth receiver?
September 25, 2019 @ 12:01 pm
Hi Robert, it sounds like what you are trying to do is the opposite of what this post is about. Sonos speakers do not have signal output. The Sonos Connect is a wireless receiver to bring streaming music to conventional amplifier and speakers. To broadcast to a Bluetooth receiver, you need a music streamer. An old tablet or mobile phone should to the trick as a media player. A more dedicated and professional solution would be a network player or the Bluesound Node 2i Wireless Streaming Player.
November 3, 2019 @ 9:32 pm
Hi Samuel – really helpful.
I have a Play 5 and a 2 Sonos 1’s – all in different rooms.
I am looking at getting a bluetooth enabled turntable with pre-amp – which will play to a bluetooth speaker.
So keen to know how I can use my Sonos setup.
I can hard wire the turntable into the Play 5 – but location of turntable and speaker is not ideal – would mean putting them next to each other – and I hey – it is wireless I am after!
If i buy a bluetooth receiver as you have described above – would this allow me to play bluetooth from the turntable to the play 5, and then to pair all the sonos together via my wifi to stream the turntable to all the sonos speakers simultaneously via my wifi network?
Another option is the new Sonos Move – I think this will work for the bluetooth – but question would be can i connect the Move to the turntable by bluetooth, and then play across all speakers on the same sonos wifi network – or are the bluetooth and wifi connections mutually exclusive….
November 6, 2019 @ 9:02 am
Hi Neale, thank you for reaching out. The quick answer is YES. Connecting a Bluetooth receiver to Play 5 will turn it into a Bluetooth speaker. As long as your turntable can support Bluetooth as a source. If at present you are able to connect to a standard Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth headphones to your turntable wirelessly as stereo receivers, then you shouldn’t have any problem connecting to the Bluetooth receiver in the article above.
As for Sonos Move, the Bluetooth speaker mode is exclusive as you said. You won’t be able to use it with WiFi or control the speaker via the Sonos app once toggled to Bluetooth. We can only hope that the feature to control Bluetooth functions is added in future Sonos app updates. Until then, it will not stream your Bluetooth source to multiple Sonos speakers or form a daisy-chain, commonly known as party mode with other Sonos speakers.
November 10, 2019 @ 1:52 pm
Thanks Samuel – really appreciate your response!
I have bought the 1Mii B06 Bluetooth receiver – and will see how I get on with that!
Not sure how to connect the Turntable to the Receiver – as neither have displays – so not sure how the bluetooth’s will discover each other – but will soon find out!
Will keep you posted on success!
November 14, 2019 @ 9:53 am
Hi Samuel
I have a Play 5 which I bought to get better sound from 55″ Samsung tv, this worked perfectly using the tv’s headphone input port but I have now bought a 65″ Q60R Samsung tv which doesn’t have a headphone jack so I’m trying to make my Play 5 discover-able using one of the suggested Bluetooth receivers above.
I have paired and connected the HomeSpot NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver which my tv has found and is telling me that it’s playing the sound but it’s not coming out of the speaker. I feel the problem might be with the Sonos app, I don’t seem to be able to make the speaker discoverable. It’s still shown in the Sonos app but it’s dormant.
I’ve asked Sonos but they say what I’m trying to do isn’t possible. Do you have a view? I tried the Bluetooth receiver after reading your article.
Thanks for your help Joanne
November 14, 2019 @ 12:32 pm
Hi Joanne, Thank you for your post here. You can plug a headphone into the HomeSpot NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver to check if the signal is coming through. If it is connected to your TV, you should be able to hear the sound on your headphones. Once confirmed, connect it to Line-in on Play:5. Older Play:5 has a Headphone output next to Line-in so be sure you are connected to the correct 3.5mm socket.
As for the app, you may need to update your controller app and the players (speakers). Once you can see the Play:5, select Line-in under Browse tab in the Sonos App. Remember to connect the Bluetooth receiver in the Line-in port. Power it on and connect it to the TV. Alternatively, you can use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable to connect your phone directly to Play:5’s Line-in and test if this works. Hopefully the above will help you solve your connection issue.
April 28, 2020 @ 12:22 pm
Can I use a Bluetooth to optical receiver and use the optical in on my beam to get Bluetooth on sonos?
June 2, 2020 @ 8:28 am
Yes, you can use a Bluetooth to Optical Receiver to connect to the Sonos Beam to get Bluetooth to Sonos. However, this may be competing with HDMI-ARC port for TV if you also have that connected. Check the app to see if you can switch between the two sources (HDMI-ARC or optical audio).
June 3, 2020 @ 7:25 pm
We moved the in-car Bluetooth Receivers with rechargeable battery to a separate post. See Bluetooth Music Receivers with Rechargeable Battery for Car Stereo and Wired Headsets.
Also, if you are after a more powerful Bluetooth transmitter receiver, check out our post on Long Range Bluetooth Transmitter Receivers for glitch-free and uninterrupted audio.
July 14, 2020 @ 1:39 pm
Hi, I have sonos play 3 ( wireless hifi system ). I would like it to connect to bluetooth on Amazon Fire TV..How can i do it and where do i get accessories for it ? Is there a way that i can use this as bluetooth system ? Please let me know.
July 14, 2020 @ 3:37 pm
Hi Suresh, thank you for reaching out to us. Unfortunately, Sonos Play 3 do not have audio line-in and does not support Air Play or Bluetooth. However, if you have a Play 5 or the new Sonos Five, you can use the 3.5mm input to add one of the Bluetooth receivers above. You can then use the Sonos app, select your Play 3 speaker and choose Line-in (audio component connected to Play 5 or Sonos Five) under Browse and listen to your music via Bluetooth.
July 17, 2020 @ 2:51 am
ok, Thank you.
August 8, 2020 @ 12:26 am
Hello, I have two Sonos: 1 speakers and a Sonos Connect. Via my iPad and iPhone, I am able to play music via various services through the speakers with ease. I use the ‘Line-in’ option to play vinyl on the speakers with an Audio-Technica turntable. (The AT and Connect are connected to one another.) I would like to be able to listen to vinyl on my Bose wireless bluetooth headphones through the Sonos system. I’m not the most tech savvy person in the world, so want to make sure I am understanding the above article correctly. I will be able to listen to vinyl on bluetooth headphones via the Sonos system by connecting a bluetooth adapter to my Connect’s audio output and then pairing the speakers with said adapter? Will the adapter show up as a ‘Line-out’ option in my Sonos app’s menu of choices?
August 10, 2020 @ 8:57 pm
Hi NET, the Sonos Connect allows you to connect an audio source like your Audio Equipment, the Audio-Technica turntable and share this with Sonos Speakers. It also comes with digital and analogue outputs. Use the analogue output to connect to a Bluetooth Transmitter. Depending on chosen Bluetooth transmitter, cable adapters may be required e.g. RCA to RCA or RCA to 3.5mm female. You can then connect your Bose Bluetooth headphones to this transmitter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to pair the headphone to the transmitter and enjoy your vinyl directly on your Bose wireless Bluetooth headphones.
August 10, 2020 @ 7:32 pm
Hi, first of all – appreciate this article and you responding to the comments/queries on an item which has very little information available anywhere.
I too have a question. I am at the start of the Sonos journey, so do not have a big set up yet, but willing to invest (smartly), if needed.
I have two Sonos Play:3 and would like the ability to be able to play audio over bluetooth (or any other remote way, to be honest) from my phone or android tablet. From reading your article – i have to either get Play:5 or Sonos Connect. I wanted to know if there is any benefit of one over the other – so i can get the right one.
It would make sense to buy Play:5 as i also get a speaker in addition to the bluetooth functionality, but i am not too sure if there is a quality drop or other issues due to the analogue input through 3.5mm jack. If getting a Sonos Connect gives me more feature/compatibility/flexibility in the long run, it would make sense to get the Sonos Connect, instead of Play:5. Hence this question. Much appreciate any advice on this.
August 10, 2020 @ 9:30 pm
Hi Sumit, Thank you for your comment. I have a turntable connected to my Sonos Play:5 in the living room and I can listen to this in the office, kitchen, bedrooms and dining room. Both Sonos Play:5 and Sonos Connect have analogue input, one is 3.5mm, the other is RCA so no real advantage over the other. Both will support Bluetooth Receivers (Bluetooth to analogue adapter) as source and send your music to the speaker(s) on your network. The Sonos Connect does have an advantage in that, if you have an existing HiFi, Amplifier, Home Theatre System or powered speakers, you can add this on your Sonos network via Sonos Connect’s analogue audio out (RCA). You can then use the Sonos Controller app to listen to your music library on your network hard drive, Online Radio Players such as Sonos Play, Radioplayer TuneIn or Streaming Services such as Deezer, Spotify, Amazon Music etc on those speakers. In summary, while the Play:5 supports a source (Line-in) be it a CD player or Bluetooth Receiver, the Sonos Connect supports both a source (Line-in) and output to an amplifier and speakers. The latter makes those conventional speakers or sound system part of your Sonos network.
August 19, 2020 @ 3:48 pm
Hi, we have a sonos one (so no in-line port or bluetooth) and a bluetooth sony turntable (PS-LX310BT) and obviously can’t get them to connect.. At the moment we have to use our little bose portable bluetooth speakers to listen to records on the turntable but the sound quality isn’t the best compared to the sonos. Is there any way to get this to work? I’m happy to buy some sort of adapter but don’t want to spend loads on a sonos connect or whatever sonos recommend. Thanks!
August 27, 2020 @ 10:54 am
Hi Izzy, thank you for your question. The Sony PS-LX310BT is a great turntable. Unfortunately, if Sonos One is your only speaker, there aren’t any option to connect to connect the turntable to the Sonos system. We connect our Audio-Technica AT-LP3 turntable directly to the line-in 3.5mm input of the Sonos Play:5 (RCA female to 3.5mm stereo male adapter required). All generations of of Sonos Play:5 have this including the latest SONOS FIVE. You might be able to find a used Sonos Play:5 to connect to your Sony. Once you have done this, you can send it to any SONOS speaker using the controller app and choosing Line-in as source.
August 31, 2020 @ 8:24 pm
Good afternoon, I have a Sonos sound bar, a Sonos subwoofer, two Sonos speakers hanging from the ceiling, and a Sonos One speaker. The surround sound was connected to my television, but it disconnected for some reason. I control all three sound sources via the Sonos app, which still functions, but the sound is now only coming from the tv’s internal speaker.
September 7, 2020 @ 10:01 pm
Hi Kevin, You might want to check the TV settings to select the correct sound output. This may be either Output only, TV speakers only or both.
September 7, 2020 @ 11:17 am
Hi, following on from the previous comment. I am wanting the Sony PS-LX310BT myself was thinking (maybe foolishly) that if I bought the Sonos Move it should work OK. T or F. Cheers
October 20, 2020 @ 12:20 am
Hello,
First I super appreciate the info you’ve given concerning this topic. Maybe I missed the answer to this question – but I currently own a Sonos One SL and the new Sonos ARC which I have grouped together in the S2 app.
In light of trying to save a few hundred and forgoing buying the Sonos Port – Is it possible to connect a bluetooth receiver to the Arc’s optical audio or HDMI ARC Port and continue to play audio (music) to the grouped speakers via bluetooth (cell phone)?
Thanks again!
October 20, 2020 @ 10:15 am
Hi Tiffany, Thank you for your question. You are right, you can take advantage of Arc’s optical input via Sonos Optical Audio Adapter by getting and connecting a Bluetooth to Toslink optical RECEIVER. This will allow you to play music from your mobile device to the Sonos ARC and grouped speakers. However, you can only connect this if you physically disconnect your TV as there is only one HDMI ARC port on the Sonos Arc.
November 2, 2020 @ 4:48 am
Hi Sam, thanks for the article. Very helpful. I have one question if you can help though. I want to play vinyl from a sony bluetooth enabled (but not wireless) turntable. I have three sonos 1 speakers and a sonos amp. My question is whether I can use a cable from my tuntable to the sonos amp then have the amp distribute wirelessly to the rest of the sonos speakers?
Thankyou
November 2, 2020 @ 4:50 pm
Hi Tony, the quick answer is yes. You should be able to connect your Vinyl or other audio source to the Sonos Amp nad have this play across your chosen Sonos speakers. Sonos Amp is easily the best option for Vinyl players and to be able to play music on your favourite passive speakers.
December 30, 2020 @ 2:32 am
Hi! Does this work for Sonos Beam too? Is there anyway to connect a Bluetooth receiver/transmitter to the speaker via HDMI? As you may already know, Beam doesn’t have much plugs 🙁
July 5, 2022 @ 1:44 pm
Hi Charlie, Beam will work with AirPlay 2 source but not Bluetooth. You can of course add your favourite streaming service(s) to Sonos App and get Beam to stream directly over the Web via WiFi.
April 14, 2021 @ 3:49 am
Hi, I have a Sonos playbar. It will no longer connect to my app and can not be reset. I have been through this issue with Sonos support. They tell me nothing can be done. Can I hook up Bluetooth through the optical input?. Even though I won’t be able to push the inline setting because it is not connected to my Sonos app
July 5, 2022 @ 1:39 pm
Unlikely, if it no longer connects to the app, you won’t be able to switch to Line-in/optical in as your source which is what the Bluetooth dongle uses. Presumably the PlayBar still works with HDMI?
May 31, 2021 @ 9:06 pm
Hello. What a good post and thanks for answering my questions.
I tell you that I have a pair of SONOS play 1s and a boost to listen to music at home.
One of the things that has always frustrated me a bit is the impossibility of using them as a bluetooth audio receiver, I know that is not the purpose of the device but it is a bit sad.
At christmas they gave me a smart xiaomi projector that allows audio to be broadcast via bluetooth. I’ve used it with a logitech receiver and some good speakers but I’ve always wanted to do it with sonos.
My question…
If a bluetooth receiver is connected to the sonos conect, can I output audio through the sonos play 1?
That is, if I have a comect and two sonos play 1s, what I connect to the SONOS CONECT is reproduced by the play 1s or the CONCET. Is it only for analog speakers?
Thank you very much for your help.
June 2, 2021 @ 7:50 pm
Hi David, connect the Logitech Bluetooth receiver to Sonos Connect’s analog input, then with Sonos S1 app, set the Sonos connect as the source and stream to your Sonos Play 1s. A replacement for Sonos Connect is the Sonos Port. If you need to power analog speakers, you will need the Sonos Amp.
June 3, 2021 @ 7:23 pm
Hi. Thanks for u feedback.
Im gonna test the setup and later share whit us the result.
Take care.
Bye.
July 2, 2021 @ 10:28 pm
Hi, many thanks for your extensive advice. I am unsure how this works without having a wifi connection. Is it possible?
I understand technically a Sonos5 plus bluetooth reciever should work just like any other sonos speaker which has bluetooth built in ( e.g. sonos move). And i should also be able to use the sonos 5 by connecting the audio-out of my smartphone with the audio-in of the sonos 5 via cable.
However, crucially I need to configure the sonos app to play through the bluetooth reciever or from spotify directly when connecting my phone with audio cable. But to do this I need wifi. Can this be configured once (when connected to a wifi) and saved in settings to work when not connected to wifi? Else how to use the sonos without wifi?
Many thanks
July 5, 2021 @ 2:12 am
With one of these methods is there a way I could sync a Bluetooth speaker up to my sonos system?
October 6, 2021 @ 4:04 am
Hi there,
I have a Sonos Beam and 2 Ikea Symfonisk. Used to be great at home with wifi and internet but I have moved on a boat and can’t seem to find a setup to make it work in an environment where I have no wifi network with internet. Is there a workaround to enable bluetooth or someway to create a wifi network even without an internet connection so I can listen to music while at sea?
Thanks in advance for any help you may provide.