When it comes to expanding your Sonos wireless sound system, two popular options are the Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost. Both devices serve the purpose of extending the range of your Sonos system, but they work in slightly different ways and have some unique features. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both the Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost to help you determine which one is the best fit for your home audio needs.
How They Work
The Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost both connect to your home’s router and create a dedicated wireless network for your Sonos speakers. However, the main difference in their operation is the way they communicate with the speakers.
The Sonos Bridge uses your home’s existing wireless network to communicate with the speakers, while the Sonos Boost creates its own dedicated wireless network. This means that the Boost can help to improve the overall wireless performance of your Sonos system, especially if you have a lot of other wireless devices in your home that may be causing interference.
Features
The Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost both have some unique features that set them apart from each other.
The Sonos Bridge can be used to connect Sonos speakers that are not located within range of the router. This can be especially useful in larger homes or homes with thick walls.
The Sonos Boost, on the other hand, has a built-in Ethernet port, which allows you to connect a wired device, such as a computer or gaming console, directly to the Boost. This can be especially useful for streaming high-quality audio or video content.
Additionally, the Sonos Boost has a built-in amplifier which can boost the signal strength of your speakers, and it also has a feature called “Adaptive Antenna Technology” which helps to improve the wireless performance even further.
Installation
Both the Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost are easy to install and set up. The Sonos Bridge simply requires you to connect it to your router using an Ethernet cable, while the Sonos Boost requires you to connect it to the router using an Ethernet cable and also to plug it into a power outlet.
Once connected, you can use the Sonos app to add the Bridge or Boost to your Sonos system and start streaming music to your speakers.
Pros and Cons
The Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost both have their own set of pros and cons.
The Sonos Bridge is a great option for those who have a larger home or thicker walls, as it can help to extend the range of your Sonos system. It’s also a more affordable option compared to the Sonos Boost.
The Sonos Boost, on the other hand, is a great option for those who want to improve the overall wireless performance of their Sonos system. It also has the added benefit of a built-in Ethernet port and built-in amplifier, which can be useful for streaming high-quality audio or video content. However, it’s also more expensive than the Sonos Bridge.
Differences
In summary, the main differences between the Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost are:
The Sonos Bridge uses your home’s existing wireless network to communicate with the speakers, while the Sonos Boost creates its own dedicated wireless network. This means that the Boost can help to improve the overall wireless performance of your Sonos system, especially if you have a lot of other wireless devices in your home that may be causing interference.
The Sonos Bridge can be used to connect Sonos speakers that are not located within range of the router, while the Sonos Boost has a built-in Ethernet port, which allows you to connect a wired device, such as a computer or gaming console, directly to the Boost.
The Sonos Boost has a built-in amplifier which can boost the signal strength of your speakers, and it also has a feature called “Adaptive Antenna Technology” which helps to improve the wireless performance even further.
The Sonos Bridge is more affordable, while the Sonos Boost is more expensive.
The Sonos Boost is more versatile in terms of features but the Sonos Bridge is more suited for larger homes or homes with thick walls.
Which is better?
Ultimately, the choice between the Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost will depend on your specific home audio needs. If you have a larger home or thicker walls, and you want to extend the range of your Sonos system, the Sonos Bridge may be the better option for you. However, if you want to improve the overall wireless performance of your Sonos system and you have a need for the built-in Ethernet port and built-in amplifier, then the Sonos Boost may be the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both the Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost in my system?
Yes, you can use both the Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost in your system, but it is not necessary. It depends on your specific home audio needs.
Can I use the Sonos Bridge to connect wired speakers to my system?
No, the Sonos Bridge does not have a built-in Ethernet port and is not designed to connect wired speakers to your system.
Can I use the Sonos Boost to connect speakers that are not within range of my router?
No, the Sonos Boost is designed to improve the overall wireless performance of your Sonos system, but it cannot be used to connect speakers that are not within range of your router.
Is the Sonos Boost compatible with other wireless systems?
No, the Sonos Boost is specifically designed for use with Sonos wireless speakers and cannot be used with other wireless systems.
Can I use the built-in Ethernet port on the Sonos Boost to connect a wired speaker?
No, the built-in Ethernet port on the Sonos Boost is designed to connect wired devices such as a computer or gaming console to the Boost, it cannot be used to connect wired speakers.
Will the Sonos Boost improve the sound quality of my speakers?
The Sonos Boost can improve the overall wireless performance of your Sonos system, which may result in improved sound quality. However, it is not designed to directly improve the sound quality of your speakers.
How do I set up the Sonos Bridge or Boost?
Both the Sonos Bridge and the Sonos Boost are easy to set up. Simply connect the device to your router using an Ethernet cable and use the Sonos app to add it to your system. The Sonos Boost also needs to be plugged into a power outlet.
Can I control my Sonos system with the Sonos app, even if I am away from home?
Yes, you can control your Sonos system with the Sonos app, even if you are away from home as long as your devices are connected to the Internet.