Sonos Users Fear the Worst: Is a Subscription Fee on the Horizon?

A shift to cloud-based servers has sparked outrage among loyal customers, fueling concerns of a pay-to-play future.

Sonos and the Subscription Backlash: Why Users (Including Me) Are Nervous

Imagine paying top dollar for a premium sound system only to worry you might have to shell out more money just to keep it working. That’s the scenario rattling Sonos users lately. As the company transitions its app from local network functionality to cloud-based servers, some customers fear the dreaded subscription model may be next.

A New Tune for the Sonos App

Previously, the Sonos app operated on a local network, meaning users could control their speakers directly from their devices without relying on external servers. But recent updates have rerouted commands through Sonos’ cloud servers, a move that has streamlined system management but also granted the company greater control over user interactions.

This shift caught the eye of developer Andy Pennell, whose analysis of the app architecture raised red flags about its potential for subscription-based features. For users already irked by the company’s app overhaul history, this was enough to spark a flurry of forum debates and social media handwringing.

When Tech Troubles Hit Home

I’ve had my share of frustrations with the Sonos ecosystem. My main issue wasn’t with how the app functioned but with a simple account update.

When my email address changed, I discovered there was no way to transfer my Sonos account to the new email. Customer support’s solution? Delete everything and start over, re-registering my devices from scratch. For someone like me, who only uses the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam, this wasn’t a colossal undertaking—but it was an unnecessary hassle.

On the plus side, I’ve grown to appreciate the basic “Hey Sonos” voice control, which feels more intuitive than Alexa integration, at least in my experience. Alexa on Sonos often struggled to follow instructions, so I gave up on that feature entirely.

However, my in-laws—proud owners of a multi-room Sonos setup—have had a rougher ride. They’ve been plagued by app glitches and persistent struggles to get their devices working harmoniously. It’s disheartening to see a premium product paired with such an inconsistent user experience.

“We Have No Plans…Yet”

Sonos has addressed the uproar over potential subscription fees with a carefully worded statement, asserting that there are “no plans” to charge for app usage. But for many, the assurance rings hollow. It’s not that Sonos has outright denied the possibility—it’s the vagueness of “no plans” that leaves room for concern.

Adding fuel to the fire, a recently laid-off Sonos developer noted the significant resources allocated to the app, which currently generates no direct revenue. For a company grappling with slowing user growth and declining revenue, monetizing its app could seem like an inevitable next step.

Subscription Fatigue Is Real

If Sonos were to go the subscription route, I can confidently say I’d be out. I don’t use my Sonos devices enough to justify a recurring payment. This has happened with other smart devices I’ve owned, and in every case, I simply moved on.

MJD, a fellow Sonos user, echoed my sentiments on an article about this topic over at Mac9to5:

“I enjoy my Sonos system. But the minute they go to a subscription model, I’m gone. You can’t charge a premium price for speakers and then charge for access to them. I’m sick of all these companies going to a subscription for things.”

User MJD, Mac9to5.com

It’s frustrating to watch companies introduce subscriptions for core functionality that was once included in the price of their products. Sonos, with its high-end price tag, seems particularly ill-suited for such a shift.

The Challenge for Sonos

With one million new users added this year—a sharp drop from previous growth rates—Sonos faces a dilemma. The market is competitive, and investors are pressuring the company to innovate and grow revenue. A subscription model could provide financial stability, but at what cost to customer loyalty?

As one of the last bastions of subscription-free tech ecosystems, Sonos has a lot riding on its next move. Whether they stick to their word or eventually pivot to a pay-to-play model, the decision will shape not just the future of their app but also their relationship with their fiercely opinionated user base.

For now, I’ll be keeping an eye—and an ear—on what Sonos does next. While I appreciate the hardware and its core features, the thought of adding yet another subscription to my life? That’s music I don’t want to hear.

Related Articles:

• https://9to5mac.com/2024/12/02/users-fear-the-sonos-app-could-require-a-subscription-company-says-no-plans-in-hand/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/sonos/comments/1h4841m/sonos_redesigned_its_app_and_made_a_subscription/
• https://www.wired.com/story/sonos-redesigned-its-app-and-made-a-subscription-model-possible/