Spotify is still one of the most popular streaming services for music. One reason for this is probably the good app and the software interface, which many music listeners feel at home with. However, it can do far more than many Spotify users suspect: With the Spotify Connect streaming protocol, many compatible audio devices can be easily supplied with music from the streaming service.
Which devices are compatible, what do I need for Spotify Connect and how can I even set up a wireless multi-room system in my household? All these questions are answered in our guide below.
How does Spotify Connect work?
Spotify Connect is a streaming protocol that is based on a closed WLAN/LAN installation and distributes music streams for subscribers to the streaming service to various end devices. It can be controlled via the popular app or software, but it doesn’t have to be. Every device connected to your Spotify subscription can access the inexhaustible supply of music. This also applies to multiple devices, for example in a multi-room environment with speakers in different rooms. However, there are restrictions for simultaneous streams from one account, because officially a second stream from the same account is terminated when another one is started. With closed multi-room systems such as Sonos, however, this can be partially avoided.
Pairing as with Bluetooth is not necessary. All compatible devices in the WLAN are identified and displayed in the “Connect to device” list in the app. This also applies to devices that are not yet registered in the account as their own end device.
In contrast to using the Spotify app on a smartphone or tablet and transmitting the generated audio stream via Bluetooth or Airplay, Spotify Connect has significant advantages: the stream is routed directly to the end device, the app merely serves as a remote control. Many end devices can also access Spotify controls directly, for example via voice control, whereby Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri and Google Assistant are supported, provided you are using a device equipped with them.
If the connection does not work, the first step is to update the software of both the app and the end device. This is because Spotify only keeps the Connect function fully compatible in the latest version.
Which audio devices can Spotify Connect?
Fortunately, more and more. Spotify itself speaks of cooperations with over 80 manufacturers. Most multi-room system families and WLAN speakers as well as hi-fi devices with streaming function now have it integrated. Many ex-factory systems in cars are now also included. Devices that can use Google Chromecast are automatically addressed as Spotify Connect and can be controlled accordingly. The selection of devices and brands can be found on the Spotify website. This includes devices from:
- Amazon
- Audio Pro
- Bang & Olufsen
- Bluesound/NAD
- Bose
- Bowers&Wilkins
- Canton
- Definitive Technology
- Denon
- Devialet
- Harman/Kardon
- IKEA by Sonos
- JBL
- KEF
- Libratone
- Marantz
- Marshall
- Naim
- Panasonic
- Philips
- Quadral
- Samsung
- Sonos
- Sony
- Devil
- Tivoli
- Yamaha
An updated list of all compatible devices can be found on the Spotify homepage.
Does Spotify Connect also work with a free account?
Normally you need a Spotify Premium account, and many older articles about Spotify claim the same. However, there are a number of audio manufacturers who have integrated the use of Spotify Connect into their devices, even with a free account. These include Bose, Canton and Sonos – find out more in our guide to Spotify Free and Spotify Tap. However, this does not bypass the advertising and other restrictions of Spotify Free, but it does work.
Is Spotify Connect better than Bluetooth?
Qualitatively yes, because Spotify Connect always uses the full data rate of up to 320 kbps to send the music stream, provided the account allows this. Spotify’s data reduction codec is also considered one of the best, so that in practice this rate can already be equated with CD quality. With Bluetooth, the transmission rate is significantly limited depending on the connection quality.
However, the advantages are also of a practical nature: it does not drain the battery when the music is playing, nor does it interrupt playback if the smartphone has network problems or if a call comes in.
