Sonos

The Sonos Desktop app for Windows serves as a centralized hub for managing and controlling your Sonos audio system directly from your PC.

It offers users the ability to stream music, configure system settings, and manage multiple speakers seamlessly.

Key Features

Comprehensive Music Management: Access and play music from various services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and local libraries.

Multi-Room Control: Manage and synchronize playback across multiple Sonos speakers throughout your home.

Custom Playlists and Queues: Create and manage playlists, and adjust play queues to suit your listening preferences.

System Configuration: Adjust speaker settings, group speakers, and update system firmware directly through the app.

User Interface

• Left Column: Displays a list of connected Sonos speakers and groups.
• Center Column: Shows the current playback queue and now playing information.
• Right Column: Provides access to music sources, including streaming services and local libraries.
• While functional, some users find the interface less intuitive compared to the mobile version, noting that it feels dated and could benefit from a more modern design.

Installation and Setup

Download: Obtain the Sonos Desktop (Sonos Desktop Controller) app from the official website or FileHorse.

Install: Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.

Setup: Launch the app, sign in to your app account, and the app will automatically detect and connect to your existing Sonos system.

How to Use

Playing Music: Navigate to your desired music source, select tracks or playlists, and choose the speakers for playback.

Grouping Speakers: Drag and drop speakers into groups to play synchronized audio across multiple rooms.

Adjusting Settings: Access the settings menu to modify speaker configurations, update software, and manage connected services.

FAQ

Can I play music stored on my PC through the Sonos Desktop app?
Yes, you can add your local music library to the app and stream it to your Sonos speakers.

Does the app support high-resolution audio formats?
It supports formats up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz. High-resolution files will be downsampled to this specification.

Can I control my Sonos system remotely with the desktop app?
The desktop app controls Sonos devices on the same local network. Remote control requires the mobile app with specific configurations.

Is there a dark mode available for the desktop app?
As of now, the Sonos Desktop app does not offer a dark mode feature.

Can I use voice assistants with the desktop app?
Voice assistant integration is managed through the mobile app. Once set up, you can use devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant with your Sonos system.

Alternatives

While the Sonos Desktop app is tailored for Sonos systems, third-party applications like "Phonos" or "SonoPad" offer alternative control interfaces.

However, these may have limited functionality and are not officially supported by Sonos.

Pricing

This program is FREE to download and use. However, access to certain music streaming services may require separate subscriptions.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 2 GB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB of available space

PROS

• Comprehensive control over Sonos devices
• Supports a wide range of music services
• Free to use

CONS

• Dated user interface
• Lacks advanced features found in the mobile app

Conclusion

It provides essential tools for managing your Sonos audio system directly from your PC. While it offers robust functionality, the user interface could benefit from modernization, and it lacks some features present in the mobile version. For users seeking straightforward control of their Sonos devices from a desktop environment, this app serves its purpose effectively.

Also Available: Download Sonos for Mac