Sonos now supports AirPlay 2 and Siri, so the speakers can now play a role in your smart home with HomeKit. Here’s how you set up a Sonos speaker with HomeKit and AirPlay 2 support.
The Sonos Brand
Sonos is the most well-known brand in music streaming gear, with a wide selection of speakers that include a variety of useful functions. For starters, dozens of prominent music streaming services, including Spotify and Apple Music, are supported, and many devices come with built-in voice commands through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Sonos originated as a means to play iTunes playlists on your current speakers. Still, it has now expanded to include a variety of tabletop speakers, amps, sound bars, and subwoofers that enable streaming music services. Further, the system was first controlled by a desktop program and the CR100 portable controller, and eventually via mobile applications and voice assistants. As a result, Sonos now has several speakers that come with Google Assistant, Alexa, or Sonos Voice built-in.
With the debut of the Sonos Arc and Beam Gen 2, the firm has included one of your most desired features: Dolby Atmos. This feature provides incredible sound quality.
In addition, the variety of Sonos-compatible speakers becomes more appealing than ever when including the cost-friendly Ikea Symfonisk line and Ray soundbars.
Basic Sonos Features
The corporation has updated many of its historical products while also offering new ones with the advent of its S2 operating system. The new Sonos Five, the Sonos Arc soundbar, and an upgraded Sonos Sub have all been confirmed.
Unfortunately, older components, particularly those with “Zone” in the title, are incompatible with the current system.
- Over a regular Wi-Fi network, it works without a hub (no Bluetooth other than the Roam)
- Over 100 streaming providers are compatible
- Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are all compatible
- Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect are both supported
- The new S2 system offers high-resolution audio (such as Dolby TrueHD and Atmos), whereas previous Sonos systems only supported 16-bit/44.1kHz audio
- Stream music from your analog-connected devices across the room (with Amp, Five or Port)
- Dolby Atmos is also present in the Beam Gen 2 and Arc.
The Sonos App
The Sonos app is where you handle most of your audio setup and play until voice control replaces it. The app’s focus has shifted over time, transferring away from services and the speakers themselves.
However, the app continues to provide one of the most significant global searches, and setting up your speakers is simple.
The following devices are compatible with the app:
- iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch are all Apple products.
- Android devices include phones and tablets.
- Apple desktops and laptops
- Desktops and laptops running Windows
- Tablets from Amazon
You’ll be able to access the audio speakers straight from your favorite applications utilizing Play To Sonos and the Sonos app. Moreover, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, and Tidal’s content delivery system are among them. Further, Apple AirPlay 2 is compatible with broadcasting from iOS and related apps.
Install the Sonos AirPlay 2 Update
Yesterday, Sonos released a major update that added AirPlay 2 and Siri support to their latest speakers. Before we look at how this works, it’s smart to check whether your speaker supports this update first:
- Sonos Beam
- Sonos Playbase
- Sonos One
- Sonos Play 5 (second generation)
If you have anything other than the above speakers or maybe older models at home, they may still be compatible if you install the update through one of the aforementioned models. Install the update by following these steps:
- Open the Sonos app on your iPhone.
- Tap ‘More’ on the right-hand side and then choose ‘Update’.
- Update the app so that it runs on Version 9.0.
- Reopen the Sonos app and agree to search for new updates.
- The app should now find the AirPlay 2 update. Tap ‘Update’ to install the new software on your speakers.
After installing the update, an introduction screen will appear in the app confirming that AirPlay 2 is now available. If you play music, from now on you can simply tap the AirPlay icon in Apple Music or Spotify to stream music to one or more speakers. These options are also available from the iOS Control Panel and your lock screen. This update renders the Sonos home kit app nearly unnecessary when it comes to playing music.
Use Sonos speakers for HomeKit
Now that Sonos speakers support AirPlay 2, you can use voice assistant Siri to play music, provided you have a subscription to Apple Music. Because of this, you’ll no longer need an iPhone or other device to play the music you want. From now on, you can simply ask Siri. This works as follows:
- Open the ‘Home’ app on your iPhone.
- Tap the + icon in the upper right corner.
- Select ‘Add Accessory’.
- Tap “No code or no scanning”.
- Choose your Sonos speaker that appears on-screen.
Now you can name your speaker and designate its location in your home by linking it to a room. This allows you, for example, to ask Siri to play music in the kitchen or in the living room, depending on how you have arranged your speakers and rooms in the Home app.
That is it! Now you can easily set up a Sonos speaker with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. If you have any other queries regarding the above methods, let us know in the comments below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Choosing the Right Sonos for Your Home
Sonos One
Whereas the Sonos One SL is the most inexpensive indoor speaker in the series. Moreover, you may upgrade to a model that offers more excellent value for money for a little more money. Further, the Sonos One (Gen 2) boasts great sound quality and combines Alexa and Google Assistant in a single speaker. Additionally, Sonos Voice will be available here and on other smart speakers in the spectrum shortly.
It’s more expensive than Amazon Echos and Google Homes, but it’s still reasonably priced and sounds considerably better. The One, the pioneer smart speaker developed only for music, continues to outperform any competition in its price bracket.
Additionally, The Sonos One has voice control for Alexa and Google Assistant and more outstanding audio quality than any smart speaker at this price point. It allows you to operate your smart home from both systems, and its far-field mic works well.
The Sonos One pairs with a companion One for stereo sound and works smoothly with the Sonos multiroom system. Next, Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect are also supported.
Sound Ray
Sonos has released a new entry-level soundbar that includes the company’s fantastic multiroom audio system. It’s a two-channel speaker with Dolby Digital decoding that’s around two-thirds the dimensions of the Sonos Beam. However, it uses unique waveguides to provide a surprisingly broad soundstage.
While it lacks Dolby Atmos surround sound and an HDMI connector for connecting to your TV the audio quality for songs is excellent. Furthermore, you may use it to construct a 360 sound system with several additional Sonos speakers, such as the Sonos One.
Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the intelligent sound bar to acquire now that it supports Dolby Atmos. Although you won’t get deep bass with no need for a sub, the speaker’s simulated surround capabilities make your movies sound massive.
Sonos Arc
When it first came out in 2013, the Sonos Playbar was a fantastic product: a large soundbar that enabled multiroom audio and a straightforward one-cable hookup to your TV. In the seven years afterward, though, its age has begun to show.
Consequently, after grooving to the all-new Sonos Arc for a few weeks, we say that Sonos has once again lifted the standard. The Arc is without a doubt, one of the greatest soundbars available.
Sonos Beam One and Sub SL
This system will provide enough surround sound and musical delights. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($449), Sonos Sub ($749), and a pair of One SLs sells as a set or separately, along with a pair of Ikea Bookshelves ($198).
While the Sub is pricey on its own, it is an excellent match for the smaller Beam, and the addition of surrounds completes the look. Unfortunately, true Atmos isn’t available with this system. Thus, if you want it, you’ll have to upgrade to the Arc or install the shelf speakers high up on the walls behind you.
When it first came out in 2013, the Sonos Playbar was an excellent product. It was a large soundbar that enabled both multiroom audio and a straightforward one-cable hookup to your TV.
In the seven years afterward, though, its age has begun to show.
Top Sonos Alternatives
Audio Pro
In a short period, Audio Pro has built a name for itself in the multi-room industry. We love the Swedish group’s wireless speakers because they look and sound great. Moreover, when used together, they’re a terrific Sonos alternative.
For the money, the Audio Pro Addon C3, Addon C5A, and Addon C10 all give an outstanding audio performance. They’re engaging musical performers and far superior to many of their competitors for the same price. Notably, many of their models include Bluetooth and line-in inputs, allowing greater versatility.
The Audio Pro line lacks the same home theatre components as other multi-room competitors. Moreover, the software is essential rather than feature-rich. Still, this system is presently unrivaled for audio quality at the cost.
Bluesound
Bluesound’s lure of high-resolution sound support made it our favorite multi-room system for years. Moreover, it was the first viable alternative to Sonos, in our opinion (as multiple Awards trophies attest).
Next, it’s currently in its third iteration and is an excellent Sonos rival with an enhanced BluOS software that simplifies everyday use. It’s probably your best option if you have serious cash and a collection full of hi-res music.
The Pulse 2i, Pulse Flex 2i, Node 2i, Powernode 2i, and Pulse Soundbar 2i are among Bluesound’s current models. However, you may also use previous Bluesound models.
Denon Heos
Denon and Marantz are recognized for their AV receivers, producing soundbars, subwoofers, amplifiers, and wireless speakers. Furthermore, everything may be connected via their common HEOS platform.
Since its introduction, HEOS has received updates to provide high-resolution audio and expanded compatibility. You’ll also gain more Alexa skills, enabling you to use voice commands to control playback.
Moreover, the HEOS system has a silky, expansive, and precise sound. While Audio Pro’s product has a slight advantage in sound quality, HEOS is an excellent all-arounder with a more extensive selection of pick-and-mix components.
Google Chromecast Speakers
Google’s smart speakers, such as the Google Nest Mini, and Nest Audio, offer multi-room audio in the same way as Sonos does. However, the actual brilliance of Chromecast is that it’s embedded into a wide range of different products from several manufacturers. These include Android smartphones, TVs, soundbars, AV receivers, and wireless speakers.
It means you don’t have to adhere to a single brand to go multi-room. Instead, all you need are compatible goods (such as a Sony or Philips TV, Harman Kardon Citation Tower, LG WK7, or Sony STR-DN1080 amplifier) and a network connection. Then, on your iPhone or Android device, just hit play to ‘project’ music to your linked devices.
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