A speaker like Sonos is inevitable if you want to call your home smart. And Sonos is complete in itself if you have a strong Wi-Fi connection at your home. But a few instances demand an excellent accessory to go with the speaker, like Sonos Bridge or Sonos Boost, so that there is no interruption while listening to your all-time favorite music.
Want to know more about these devices and how they work with Sonos speakers? Read on.
Further reading: What Is SonosNet? What You Need To Know
What is Sonos Bridge and Sonos Boost?
Sonos Bridge and Boost are devices connected to the Wi-Fi router to create an exclusive wireless network for your Sonos speaker. This is an excellent way to augment the performance of your wireless network to provide an uninterrupted listening experience.
Sonos Bridge or Boost can be used if you have a busy Wi-Fi network that supports games, videos, and internet browsing. The device extends the wireless coverage to include more areas where you can access the network. As a result, the Sonos system gets strengthened to provide a seamless wireless connection.
Sonos Bridge offers better connectivity for your Sonos speakers. Boost is an advanced version of this technology and is reputed to be more robust. The highlight of this device is its consistency in providing a stable connection.
How Do The Devices Work?
The Wi-Fi add-ons like Bridge and Boost are not amplifiers. They are simple devices that can be plugged into the Wi-Fi router using an ethernet cable. Once this is done, they build a separate network for the Sonos speaker automatically. This is a dedicated network for Sonos devices to get better sound quality.
Connecting the speaker to the newly created network is very easy if you have the Sonos mobile app. Just follow the instructions in the app, and you are all set to have a stable internet connection for your speaker.
This is a good thing for all your other devices that work on the home Wi-Fi. The new network takes some of the load off the Wi-Fi, thus making it faster. The Sonos speakers are free to access the new network without any strain on the home Wi-Fi.
The Sonos Bridge and Boost don’t improve the Wi-Fi speed, like many belief. They are devices that create a separate network for the Sonos devices. So the other devices at your home are not affected by the presence of these accessories. On the contrary, they can perform better connecting over the home Wi-Fi.
When Do You Need Sonos Bridge Or Sonos Boost?
Sonos is generally found to work well with the Wi-Fi network. If there is no need for an add-on for your Wi-Fi, it is best to avoid using one. Use the existing network and see if your speaker is working fine without another device.
But if your Wi-Fi is slow and doesn’t give the desired result due to many devices connected to it, then it is time you purchase Bridge or Boost. This promises a reliable network for streaming music.
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Difference Between Sonos Bridge And Sonos Boost
Basically, Sonos Bridge and Sonos Boost have a similar function where they connect the Sonos speaker to a more reliable network to play superior sound. Sonos has stopped the production of Bridge since the launch of Boost, which is a better version of Bridge itself. There are many advantages if you are using Boost instead of Bridge.
For one, Boost comes with three antennae having 360-degree coverage to penetrate the walls and ceiling. Secondly, it promises 50% more range for your wireless network at home. And finally, the sound received will be of high quality due to the advanced interference rejection. This is true even if the device is set up at a distance.
Many users of Sonos speakers say that their speakers work brilliantly even without a Bridge or Boost. There is little need for the device if you have a broadband connection at your place and your home is 2,000 sq ft or less.
You will need a Wi-Fi add-on only if any of the following is true in your case.
1. Thick Walls
It is commonly seen that Wi-Fi signals find it difficult to penetrate through walls made of stone and brick. While they can easily pass through plaster, drywall, etc., walls made of natural materials create obstacles for the signals. In such situations, a second network is a good option.
2. Wi-Fi Performance Is Poor
Rural areas often have DSL or satellite connections that provide a network speed of 5mbps or lower. You cannot expect Sonos to perform optimally at this speed. Going for a Bridge or Boost will make way for a more stable connection.
3. Big House
A big house means a lot of areas that need network coverage. A place with more than 2,000 sq ft may not get adequate signals in every room. Especially if the Wi-Fi router is at one end of the house, there is less chance that rooms away from this room get a stable network connection. Sonos Bridge or Boost can provide better network coverage in cases like this.
4. More Speakers
If more devices compete for Wi-Fi signals, it is going to create congestion. When you add more devices, there comes a certain point at which the network can accommodate no more devices. The result will be slow internet that cannot stream music without interruptions. Having Sonos Bridge or Boost reduces the load on the Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding what to buy, it is good to know that Boost is a replacement for Bridge. Sonos Boost is like an advanced version of Bridge and comes with many advanced features. Depending upon your personal preferences, you can buy either one. If you already own a Sonos Bridge, there is no reason you should replace it with Boost unless you feel that its performance is not up to the mark.
You can check out the price of Sonos Boost on Amazon here: