For many years, Sonos did not offer speakers with Bluetooth. The devices traditionally connect via Wi-Fi and were primarily intended for use in the home.
With the introduction of portable rechargeable speakers, however, Bluetooth was also introduced at Sonos, and with the new Era models, more Bluetooth speakers from Sonos are appearing.
I explain the pros and cons and show you the best Sonos speakers with Bluetooth.
Sonos: Bluetooth & WLAN
As you can see in my large Sonos table, the first portable speaker was launched in 2019: the Sonos Move.
The special feature: for the first time, a Sonos speaker can be connected not only via WLAN, but also via Bluetooth.
Thanks to these two connection options, the speakers can be operated automatically at home via WLAN together with other Sonos speakers and also individually via Bluetooth when out and about.
This function is essential for a mobile speaker, as you rarely have your own WLAN available in the park, at the outdoor pool or when camping.
A cell phone or tablet can be quickly connected to the speaker via Bluetooth to listen to music or podcasts.
Three Bluetooth models to choose from
After the Sonos Move, the company launched another portable Bluetooth speaker on the market: the Sonos Roam.
This device is significantly smaller and easier to handle. The Sonos Roam can also be connected in two ways: In addition to Bluetooth, it can also be operated via WLAN in the home network.
There are now two versions of the Sonos Roam: A version with microphone and voice control and a version without voice control – the Sonos Roam SL.
Sonos Era 100 & 300 with Bluetooth
In 2023, two more Sonos speakers with Bluetooth were launched on the market. The small Sonos Era 100, which was positioned as the successor to the Sonos One, and the Sonos Era 300 as the successor to the Sonos Five.
Both Era models have integrated Bluetooth and are therefore among the first stationary Sonos speakers with this functionality.
Sonos Move: Large Bluetooth speaker
The Move is the largest and therefore heaviest Bluetooth speaker from Sonos. With a weight of 3 kilograms, you’ll think twice about carrying it in your backpack.
However, the device is perfect as a cordless version for the garden or balcony.
Due to its large dimensions, it achieves a lot of volume, which generally ensures better sound for speakers. The Sonos Move can therefore easily provide sound for a garden party with 20-50 guests.
The battery life is specified by the manufacturer as around eleven hours. However, this depends heavily on the volume level: At the lowest level, the battery lasts a little longer, at the highest level it lasts significantly shorter.
The Sonos Roam is charged either on the supplied charging station or directly via the USB-C port on the back .
Sonos Roam: mini speaker with Bluetooth
In contrast to its big brother, the Sonos Roam is a flyweight: it weighs just 430 grams and can therefore be stowed away in a larger jacket pocket.
Its small dimensions make it the perfect companion for vacation trips.
Due to its small dimensions, the maximum volume is significantly lower than that of the Sonos Move.
Nevertheless, the speaker sounds very good, the sound is clear, the low tones balanced to powerful depending on the volume.
At around ten hours, the endurance of the integrated battery is similar to that of the large Sonos Move. Here too, the exact runtime naturally depends on the volume: The louder, the shorter.
Unfortunately, the operation of the Sonos Roam is not so well and intuitively solved: The power button on the back is also used to switch between WLAN and Bluetooth, which is often a bit confusing.
The Sonos Roam is charged either wirelessly via a QI-capable charging pad (not included) or via the USB-C port on the back.
Sonos Era 100 & 300
The latest members of the Sonos Bluetooth family are called Era 100 and Era 300. The models were launched in March 2023 and are among the first stationary Sonos speakers with Bluetooth.
Both devices have a fantastic sound and have been designed for different rooms. The Sonos Era 100 is the successor to the small Sonos One and is perfect for smaller rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens or bedrooms.
Two units can also work in stereo and produce an even better sound.
The Era 300 is also suitable for larger rooms and can be perfectly integrated into a home theater. If you position two behind the sofa, it creates spatial surround effects with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. The sound comes not only from the front and side, but also from the back and above.
Using Bluetooth as a source for Sonos
What hardly anyone knows is that Sonos Bluetooth speakers have a nice side effect. Bluetooth can also be used as a source to play the audio on all Sonos speakers in the system at the same time.
For example, a turntable with Bluetooth can be paired with the Sonos Roam or Sonos Move. From there, the sound from the record player can be passed on to all Sonos speakers in the system.
Other application examples include smartphones and tablets, Bluetooth transmitters and DAB+ radios.
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.