Sonos Bridge vs. Sonos Boost: Which Is Better?

Sonos have no trouble connecting to wireless set up all alone. In case you have a few technology devices, Wi-Fi can support that.

Now, in this technology era when a single person owns a tablet, smartphone, laptop, and smart TV makes it harder than before for the Sonos sound system to connect because of the burden of technology waves.

Owning a Sonos Bridge or Sonos Boost is not a must, these 2 smart sonos devices connect to the Wi-Fi router to generate an exceptional wireless network to your Sonos speakers.

If you’re stuck between getting Bridge or Boost, choose boost, not because is way better, but because it’s released 9 years later than the bridge. Plus, Sonos bridge and boost serve the same purpose. They have pretty much the same functionality.

Note that the old Sonos Bridge is discontinued by manufacturers. 

What is Sonos Bridge?

Bridge was released back in 2005. The role of this device is to connect to the router and ensure you get no interruption in your Sonos sound system. It creates a dedicated wi-fi network ethernet connectivity when you have a poor internet connection.

What is Sonos Boost?

Boost is more updated version of Bridge and is released back in 2014. To provide reliable and uninterrupted network connection if your internet is working slowly to support the Sonos speakers.

Pointing out the Differences: Sonos Bridge vs Sonos Boost

Newer versions of any technology product come out better than the old ones. This is why companies repeatedly release more updated and better versions of themselves. 

As Sonos Boost is a newer released product than the bridge, it has some conditions that put the extender in a favorable position. 

• Sonos boost is equipped with a much better wireless range which is 50% more than a bridge. This means every corner of your room will be covered without discontinuation.
• Sonos boost has 3 antennas that shield a 360-degree network connection. It will infiltrate through ceilings and walls perfectly fine. 
• Sonos Boost version has more advanced intervention rejection in a necessary situation especially poor connection when it is installed from the distance. 

How Do Bridge & Boost Wireless Extension Work?

When you are using your wireless connection only, because of the traffic of technology waves caused by smartphones, laptops, tablets and other devices is making the work of speakers drop drastically. 

For Sonos not to compete with all technology pieces is creating a dedicated mesh network specified for your Sonos sound system.

Moreover, the Sonos Boost is also a dedicated wireless network for the Sonos speaker that you can purchase as an accessory by choice.

Nevertheless, they are straightforward gadgets that can be connected to the WiFi router with an ethernet cable.

Important Note: The wireless extender does NOT improve or extend your current network speed.

Do You Need to Purchase Bridge or Sonos Boost Extension?

Neither Bridge nor Boost is required for your Sonos speaker system. If you have a strong internet connection, there’s no need to get one of these products. 

If you want to know whether you need a wireless extension or not, you can check if…

• you begin to experience constant dropouts,
• It takes too much time to buffer while trying to play some music

Here are some cases that you may use a little help from the Sonos Bridge and Boost:

1. Your Internet Connection isn’t Sufficient 

First off, you have to measure your internet speed, if it is below 5mpbs, don’t think twice about getting one of these. These issues happen occasionally in rural zones with DSL or satellite connection.

2. You Have Relatively Far Apart Surfaces & Walls

Catching wireless signals from far apart is a big deal and that makes it even harder for your Sonos speakers to engage with wi-fi only. Having thick walls doesn’t allow the traffic of waves to flow easily (if the doors are closed). In this case, you need to think about getting these two wireless extenders.

3. You Own More Speakers   

If your house is too big, having more than 5 Sonos speakers isn’t that many. Think like this, you keep adding another smart device which equals the same as having more speakers in your house. 

After a certain number of smart devices, the limit of network connection can’t handle to support all of the speakers. You are going to need a hand from bridge or boost.

4. Your Living Space is Huge  

If your living space is 2000ft which is a comfortable size for 5 family members, or you own a larger house, don’t think twice, buy a bridge or boost wireless extensions. 

Using only a wi-fi connection won’t help the bridge and boost the wireless extension system to perform in its best condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible for Sonos to Work Without an Internet Connection?

The answer is NO. You will be able to benefit neither from Sonos bridge nor boost without a Wi-Fi connection. As you can guess from their name, these two products build a bridge between the network and boost the performance of your Sonos sound system.

Does Sonos Bridge Connect Wirelessly?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t. You need to plug the Sonos bridge physically. Only Sonos Boost works wirelessly. 

How Far Does Sonos Bridge & Boost work?

The average wireless frequency is 2.4/5 GHz with a speed of 450 Mbps/10.53 Gbps. This signal operates at 100-130 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors.

The Boost performs better than the bridge with a wi-fi range that works at 90 feet range of average wi-fi hotspot connection. This number surely will cover every room without any annoying interruption while listening to music.

How to Setup Sonos Bridge & Boost?

A router has to be wired to a portion of the Sonos system. A Boost is essentially a Wi-Fi gadget that connects to your router directly using an Ethernet cable to establish a steady connection between your home internet and your Sonos system. But the actual gimmick is that, after you’re plugged in, your Sonos system will now run on its own mesh network, independent of (and not integrated with) the Wi-Fi in your house.

Anyway we should be aware of it by now, let’s carry on

1. Download the dedicated Sonos App in the App/Play store.
2. Connect each device to wi-fi
3. Go ahead and open the Sonos App where “New Sonos product found.” is written
4. Press where you see the “Learn More” button.
5. The rest leaves you to follow the instruction.

Final Thoughts

Sonos bridge and Boost are wi fi network extensions dedicated to your Sonos System sound speakers. They both do the same job, so you can stream music, or watch a movie without interruption.

It’s not a must to own these wifi network extensions unless you don’t have a poor internet connection, you own many Sonos speakers, you have thick walls, and live in a big house.

Choosing Boost over the bridge is a better choice because boost is a newer version, and the wi-fi range works more feet away in comparison with the Sonos bridge.

 Further Reading

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