How to play Windows audio to a WiFi speaker?

Question

I'd like to play my whole PC (Windows 11) audio to my Sonos WiFi speaker, and I can't find out how. Does anyone know?

Answer 1

Sonos WiFi speakers are not Bluetooth computer speakers; rather, they stream audio from the internet through a WiFi router. In order to use them as computer speakers, you must use applications on the PC to "broadcast" (well, podcast) the audio.

Using the Sonos desktop app or a streaming app that Sonos supports (like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer) is limiting because only the source selected for that app will play -- not other sounds, such as a Zoom call or system beeps.

According to Gear Patrol, " If you have a pair of Ones or One SLs and have them configured in a stereo pair, you can then use a Sonos Port (US$449)," to podcast over your WiFi network.

"If you have a pair of Five or Play:5 speakers, you can bypass the need for a Port because the speakers already have a line-in connection. You can connect one of the speakers directly to your computer (via a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable) and set it as your computer's default sound output." Of course, now you're using one speaker wired, rather than WiFi.

"[T]here's another big reason why you shouldn't using Sonos speakers as computer speakers: the audio/video delay." Input is buffered and processed, so there will be a [small but] noticeable delay [30-75 ms] between audio output and what you hear.

So, on the basis of what Gear Patrol states, you'd be far better off for most purposes getting a pair of wired (or Bluetooth) speakers. On Amazon, for example, I see highly rated wired speakers from US$14 and up, and lesser-rated Bluetooth speakers starting at that price, too. BTW, my experience on Windows is that Bluetooth is not reliable for a long-term connection. If you must have wireless speakers, consider an FM modulator (e.g., this DIY model) and any FM receiver as a more reliable option.