HomePod compatibility with Sonos system

45 replies
28622 views

So i'm wondering if it's possible to use Sonos speakers with the new HomePod. So for example, maybe using two home pods instead of the playbar, but still using a sub, and 2 play ones? I have yet to hear the audio from a Sonos system or the HomePod and just trying to figure out what will work best for me. I use all Apple products, so if the new play ones will support Siri and airplay 2 then i'm probably sold on an all Sonos system.

This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

S

SkeltonAnswer

Prodigy I

I don't want to misrepresent anything, but I think basically it's 'No' across the board here (at least for now).

First, the HomePod isn't going to feature any input ports, so you won't be able to use it instead of a Playbar for TV audio.

Even if they could though, you're talking about some things that would probably require a Connect to manage. The HomePod (or even reasonably priced competitors) don't have the ability to "manage" the kit in that fashion.

Sonos isn't planning to have Airplay 2 support until next Spring, so that's another potential hangup.

Hope that helps, and if I said anything wrong someone will correct me 😉.

Show previous replies

D

drichard

Lyricist II

this is what im waiting for.....air play 2 makes it seem like we can have our sonos system and just add a homepod for our homekit needs and let it join in as just a kitchen speaker per say....im sold on all sonos everything but need a homekit hub....now if this hub can play music... answer questions and control my lights even better fingers crossed that apple allows others to play nicely with airplay 2

B

Bigdoceze

Lyricist I

I am an apt guy who is currently in the design phase of building a home. I have Sonos EVERYWHERE at home and at work. I love it. Also, I am a die hard Apple user. However, if Apple can’t control my Sonos system and joint the party, I will not get a HomePod. I’m several thousand dollars into the Sonos system and won’t reinvent my wheel to stay brand specific. It doesn’t make good logistical or financial sense. So, when we hear that HomePod can control and integrate with Sonos, I’ll jump on board.

S

shoturtle

Prodigy III

Heard the HomePod today, it did sound better then the play one. It was pretty impressive for a speaker the size of the play one. It is up there with the play 3 and play 5 imho. But siri need a bit more work. Apple did not put all the siri function they should have from the iPhone. If falls behind the google home mini in abilities. But they will be a to be pair down the road. So you can have full stereo sound. At 700 dollars vs 2 play one at 350. But I pretty sure if you are completely into the Apple ecosphere, that AppleTV will be linked to the HomePod. Surround 5.1 might have to wait for homepod expansion.

Shepdog

I really want to know what Apple is going to do to incorporate televisions and 5.1 or higher. So far from all the reviews I’ve seen it’s a failure. Great if you have Apple TV. Out of luck otherwise.

Will they have different size speakers, mainly a sub in the future?

Will airplay2 allow Sonos to play nice with the HomePod and give me the ability to mix and match brands? Airplay has been hit and miss. I rarely use it because of issues with connectivity. It constantly drops or refuses to connect on most of my non Apple products like my Yamaha receiver.

Will Sonos reduce the price of the play5? I’ve been impressed that Sonos immediately reduced the price of the one’s. Hopefully they will continue to be aggressive. Apple has a history of being late to the party but shaking up whatever market they enter. If the HomePod is all they do I’m not that fazed but if this is the first of several products from Apple, they have my full attention.

Will the ability to pair in stereo and do multi room audio be as seemless and trouble free as Sonos over WiFi? Again airplay for me has not been great. Multi room music over WiFi is not easy.

I’m as embedded in the Apple ecosystem as anyone but I’m starting to break away. First wink, than Alexa and now Sonos. I’m not thrilled that the HomePod is even more closed than usual for Apple.

Still on the fence waiting to see what moves each company makes in the next few months.

K

Kelleytoons

Contributor II

I know this is a really old thread, but as someone with a complete HomePod system I'd like to answer at least two things here now that Airplay 2 is out (and supported by Sonos on various products). First, HomePod through Apple Music can play anything you have in iTunes, whether you bought it or not. Apple Music allows you to upload all your own collection -- if it's IN Apple Music it will replace it with a better copy (unless you tell it not to do so). If it's not it just adds it as an album like any other (I have a number of things that I recorded off vinyl that may never be released any other way, and they upload and play just fine). You can even tell Siri to play these things -- I say "Hey, Siri, Play Silver Apples of the Moon album" and she plays it even though it's not in the Apple Music catalog.

Also, you can play via Airplay 2 on Sonos speakers. I have Sonos Airplay 2 compatible ones in my bathroom (named "Bathroom" in my Apple Home setup) and can just say "Hey Siri, play some Beatles music in the bathroom" and that happens.

What I don't know right now is if the Amp will work in this manner -- I assume it will, but since I don't have one yet I don't know for sure. I'm planning on getting one to provide sound for my pool area (the amp will be indoors and the wiring going outside) but if it won't be controllable via Siri I'll return it. If anyone's interested by that time I'll report on my success (or failure :>).

Sign up

Login to the community