By connecting any Sonos speaker or Sonos Bridge / Boost to your WiFi router via an ethernet connection, you may build a dependable mesh network on a separate wireless channel
This implies that your speakers do not need to communicate directly with the WiFi network and may connect to it via any nearby Sonos device.
This extends the range of your Sonos system and guarantees that you have excellent connectivity regardless of the size of your home or the number of WiFi devices you use.
Please keep in mind that the Sonos Bridge or Boost will not increase the speed of your WiFi. Rather, they will connect your Sonos speakers to their own network, which means they will not interfere with other wireless devices on your network, allowing you to listen to music without interruption.
If you are interested in these models, keep reading our Sonos Bridge vs Boost review for more information below.
Winner of Sonos Bridge vs Boost: Sonos Boost
The Sonos Bridge was superseded by the Sonos Boost, and you should only consider installing a Sonos Boost for the reasons stated above. If your WiFi works perfectly at home, the Boost is usually not necessary for a Sonos system.
We usually recommend starting without a Boost and then adding one later if you have any drop-outs or difficulty streaming audio according to this Sonos Bridge vs Boost review.
The BRIDGE has been replaced by the BOOST. The CONNECT has been replaced by the Port. A BOOST is more suited if you’re merely attempting to establish a SonosNet signal for your speakers to connect to. You may also connect the SonosNet signal to another speaker (not a surround or subwoofer).
Sonos Bridge
Description: The Sonos Bridge (previously known as the ZoneBridge or ZoneBridge BR100) is a wireless gateway that is compatible with all Sonos audio devices, including the Sonos Play:3, Sonos Play:5, Sonos ZonePlayer 90, and Sonos ZonePlayer 120.
Features: The $49 (formerly $99) device has no audio outputs and is just intended to transfer wireless signals between the mentioned Sonos systems. In this way, it may be utilized to fill in “dead spots” in a Sonos system at home.
The Sonos Bridge features two Ethernet ports, which may be used to connect to your home network (the Sonos system requires one cable connection) or as a wireless-to-Ethernet bridge for other nonwireless devices on your network (such as an old Xbox 360, TiVo, Slingbox, or Blu-ray player).
The Sonos wireless sound system is simply one of the best-sounding, most dependable, and most adaptable systems available. Although individual Sonos components can connect over Wi-Fi, the very reliable Sonos wireless mesh system also plays a role.
Free of the limitations of ordinary Wi-Fi, the Sonos wireless system with Bridge is perhaps the most robust and dependable available.
Pros
- Wireless connectivity is available immediately.
- Automatic configuration
- Increase the Sonos system’s range
- Increase the Controller’s wireless range
- Simple Internet access for other items in your home
- Connect to a Router Easily, Extend the Range of Your Network, Secure AES Encryption, One-Button Installation
Cons
- None
Sonos Boost
Description: The Boost is a Sonos Bridge alternative that claims to improve your sound setup by upgrading your wireless network. To begin, the Boost will extend the range of your multi-room audio system.
Features: The Boost connects to your home router and creates a separate network for your Sonos products to connect to. Sonos claims that its new gear may increase wireless range by up to 50%.
“Regardless of the power of your home internet connection, rock-solid wireless is our standard,” Sonos added. “That’s why, in addition to making Sonos even easier to get started with our new Wi-Fi set up last month, we also released the Sonos Boost.”
The Boost also has three antennas to help decrease interference from other wireless devices in your home. If your Sonos system is already up and running, you won’t need this, but if your Bridge isn’t re-routing flawless music, you could find the Boost handy.
The Boost is now available in the UK, with pricing starting at £79 through Sonos’ website and a variety of home-soil stores.
Pros
- The Sonos system
- Controls
- Robust
Cons
- None
Sonos Bridge vs Boost Comparison
The Boost has replaced the Bridge, but their functionalities are identical to hooking any single Sonos speaker directly to your router over ethernet – to put your Sonos speakers on their own mesh network.
Because the Boost is a newer product than the Bridge, it has a variety of benefits. The wireless range is 50% larger than Bridge. Three antennas provide dependable 360-degree wireless coverage through walls and ceilings. Power is an advanced wireless interference rejection system.
Sonos Bridge vs Boost: Which one to buy?
The Sonos Bridge improves connectivity for your speakers’ connections to your Sonos system. Boost is a more powerful and current version of this technology. For more consistency, it establishes a specialized mesh network on a different channel. If your connections are inconsistent, you’ll need one.
It is not essential to upgrade to the Boost if you are presently using a Sonos Bridge with your system according to this Sonos Bridge vs Boost review
Because of its improved functionality, Boost is a better alternative when purchasing a new Sonos system with several speakers.
Because Sonos speakers may connect to Wi-Fi on their own, you may not need either option.
Sonos Bridge vs Boost: How to Install a Sonos System Without a Sonos Bridge
When you initially set up your Sonos system, you’ll need the product’s companion app to finish the job according to this Sonos Bridge vs Boost review.
Install the app on your iOS or Android smartphone. It’s also available on the Amazon Appstore. Select the Sonos product you want to install at home. If you have a new system, the app will walk you through the process of adding each one. From start to completion, you may expect a six-step procedure.
Sonos Bridge vs Boost: How to Uninstall a Bridge from a Sonos System
Sonos has a Bridge removal function in their system companion app. Using this program, you’ll discover the easiest technique to remove devices from your network.
The utility analyzes if your Sonos speakers can establish a stable Wi-Fi connection. If the system is unable to complete this step, it will notify you that your Bridge must be replaced with the updated Boost.
Sonos Bridge vs Boost: What if I want to use Boost instead of Bridge?
If the Sonos companion app informed you that your equipment required an update to Boost, the steps to establish this connection are straightforward.
Instead of instantly disconnecting your Bridge, you must first add the Sonos Boost to your network. Before commencing this step, make sure your router’s power and Ethernet wires are ready according to this Sonos Bridge vs Boost review.
Once you’ve sorted everything, navigate to the Sonos app’s settings tab. Select “Add Boost or Bridge” from the system menu. The program will guide you through a series of on-screen instructions.
Your app will recognize the Bridge as long as it is still linked to your network. Select the “Connect to Router” option when it displays.
Situations in which a Sonos Boost is necessary
If your WiFi network speed is less than 5mbps, or if you regularly experience WiFi inconsistencies/difficulties at home, you may want to consider adding a Boost. This is particularly prevalent if you reside in a rural region or if your home’s walls are constructed of stone or are relatively thick in general.
If your speakers are wirelessly connected to your WiFi network, each speaker acts as another laptop, tablet, or phone on your network. As a precaution, we recommend installing a Boost so that your Sonos speakers don’t compete for available network bandwidth with your wireless gadgets!
If your house is huge, your WiFi router may require some assistance. To improve the strength of your WiFi, you should first consider updating your WiFi router. A Sonos Boost will also guarantee that your speakers receive the finest possible network coverage according to this Sonos Bridge vs Boost review.
Conclusion: Sonos Bridge vs Boost [2022 Review]
You do not need to have a Bridge or Boost on your Sonos system. The speakers connect to your existing Wi-Fi connection without the use of any extra equipment. The intensity of your signal determines the outcome. If you stream movies or play video games on a busy network, the Sonos Boost may come in handy.
When your speakers do not need to communicate directly with your network, the system may connect to your player more reliably. We hope you liked our Sonos Bridge vs Boost review and it was helpful.