If you've ever reached for the Cast button in Chrome and found your Sonos speakers missing from the list, you're not alone. Sonos doesn't support Chromecast (Google Cast), so Chromecast-enabled apps and the browser's cast feature simply can't see them. The free Cast to Sonos Chrome extension is the Chromecast alternative built specifically for Sonos, it casts a Chrome tab's audio straight to your speakers.
Chromecast vs. Cast to Sonos
- Works with Sonos speakers, Chromecast: no. Cast to Sonos: yes.
- Extra hardware needed, Chromecast: a dongle or Google TV. Cast to Sonos: none.
- Casts any Chrome tab, both can.
- Automatic audio/video sync, Chromecast: varies. Cast to Sonos: yes, built in.
- Price, Chromecast: hardware cost. Cast to Sonos: free to start.
What you'll need
- Google Chrome (or another Chromium browser)
- A Sonos speaker on the same network
- A tab you want to cast
Step-by-step: Cast a Chrome tab to Sonos
1. Install Cast to Sonos
Add the Cast to Sonos extension from the Chrome Web Store and pin it to your toolbar.
2. Open the tab you want to cast
Open any tab with audio or video, YouTube, a music player, a radio stream, or a podcast.
3. Open the Cast to Sonos extension
Click the Cast to Sonos icon in the toolbar to open the casting panel.
4. Choose your Sonos room
Select the Sonos speaker or group you want to cast to.
5. Press play
Press play and your Chrome tab's audio casts to Sonos, just like Chromecast, but for Sonos.
Free to start · No account needed.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't Sonos work with Chromecast?
Sonos speakers don't include Google Cast support, so the Chrome 'Cast' button and Chromecast-enabled apps can't target them. That's the gap Cast to Sonos fills, it gives Sonos the same tab-casting experience Chromecast offers.
How is Cast to Sonos like Chromecast?
You pick a tab, choose a device, and press play, the audio streams to your speaker over your network. The difference is the target is your Sonos system instead of a Chromecast or Google TV.
Do I need any extra hardware?
No. There's no dongle or adapter to buy. Cast to Sonos is a free Chrome extension that talks to the Sonos speakers you already own.
What are the limitations versus Chromecast?
Like any tab-casting setup there's a small buffering delay (handled automatically with video sync), and DRM-protected services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Netflix can't be captured.