Not completely. Internet is needed for set up. Most of what you do with them (like streaming) is internet related though.

Once they’re setup, and the line in turned on using the internet connection, assuming they have a line in, you could potentially use those speakers with just a line in. And you may have trouble with grouping, since that relies on an internet connection. 

Seems like a waste of money to buy internet connected speakers to not use the internet, though. You’re paying for a bunch of electronics that aren’t used. I suspect ‘normal’ speakers would be less expensive, and less fiddly to operate. 

Let’s be careful with definitions. “Internet” usually refers to connections to external services. After initial SONOS setup or when adding a new unit, an Internet connection is not required to play local sources, such as Line-In, TV audio, AirPlay, Bluetooth, or music stored on a local hard drive.

A “LAN” (Local Area Network)  is always required, except for Bluetooth feeds to a player. The LAN can be a combination of wired and/or WiFi, as appropriate for the players involved. Controllers and players communicate with each other over the LAN. Bluetooth is unique because an App sends audio directly to a player without using SONOS controllers or the LAN.

hi ya’ll,

thanks a lot for the answers. I appreciate it. Happy music listening.