Sonos systems are fantastic: flexible, compatible with many popular music services, and easy to set up. However, in professional environments that demand flawless 24/7 operation, certain limitations—particularly those related to WiFi—can cause problems.
Why WiFi can cause audio cuts
Sonos relies heavily on WiFi for realtime audio distributions, and WiFi was not designed for this purpose. Delivering realtime audio requires the network to transmit packets:
Quickly: Each packet usually has only a few tens of milliseconds to reach its destination.
Frequently: Hundreds of packets are sent every second.
Continuously: Audio distribution never stops.
Even a single packet arriving late can result in audible gaps or cracks.
Wireless networks cannot guarantee timely delivery. Signal loss, interference, fluctuating noise, and nearby devices all affect performance. Even a distant weather radar can force your WiFi access point to switch channels, momentarily interrupting audio transmission (see DFS).
WiFi guarantees only a best-effort approach: packets that don’t arrive are retransmitted a few times before being dropped. Unfortunately, this is insufficient for realtime audio distributions.
Bottom line: Sonos requires a flawless local network. Even minor hiccups can create noticeable audio gaps.
Note:
WiFi issues often go unnoticed for regular web browsing, video playback, or email. Dropped packets might slightly delay page loads or videos without obvious disruption.
Native Sonos music services like Spotify or Tidal include strong buffering that absorbs interruptions. However, this buffering is disabled when using a non-Sonos source through a Sonos Port or Connect, affecting any third-party audio source, including Spectre players, DJ setups, or PCs/laptops.
Things you can do to reduce audio gaps
1. Use wired connections whenever possible
WiFi is inherently less reliable for 24/7 realtime audio distributions. If feasible, connect all Sonos devices via Ethernet cables.
2. Increase audio buffering
Increasing buffer size adds a slight audio delay but improves stability during minor network interruptions.
In the Sonos app, select each Line-In device.
Go to Settings → Line-In → Audio Delay.
Raise Audio Delay to the maximum allowed.
3. Enable audio compression
Compression reduces bandwidth requirements, improving reliability at the cost of some audio quality. Use this only as a last resort.
4. Allow your router or access point to auto-select channels
WiFi performance suffers if neighboring devices operate on the same frequency. Most routers can automatically select the least congested channel. Avoid manually locking a channel unless you fully understand the network.
5. Reposition your speakers or router/AP
Distance and obstacles weaken WiFi connections. Place devices closer together for stronger signals.
6. Use a dedicated network for your Sonos system
Reducing the number of devices on the network increases performance and stability.
7. Reduce channel width
Smaller channel widths reduce the risk of interference from neighboring networks.
8. Avoid DFS channels
DFS channels can be reclaimed by weather radars or other critical infrastructure, forcing your network to switch channels and causing temporary outages.
9. Remove sources of radio interference
Appliances like cordless phones, baby monitors, security cameras, microwaves, or drones can disrupt WiFi.
10. Upgrade your router or access point
Higher-quality routers or access points (e.g., Cisco, Mikrotik) offer better reliability for demanding audio setups.
11. Seek professional advice if needed
WiFi networks are complex, and this guide only covers the basics. For critical installations, consider consulting a networking professional.