ToneRelay support: Coming soon · Model verification pending
Windows audio to Sonos Beam, Arc, Ray and Playbase
ToneRelay support for additional AirPlay speakers is coming soon, with Sonos home-theater models in the preparation list. Compare Windows TV, optical and Bluetooth routes for Beam, Arc, Ray and Playbase while exact-model ToneRelay verification is pending.
Quick answer
Support for more AirPlay speakers is coming soon. Windows audio can reach a Sonos soundbar through a model-specific TV, optical or Bluetooth route. Beam and Arc HDMI connections require the right ARC/eARC path; Ray and Playbase use optical. AirPlay network sending is a different route. Every listed home-theater model is Planned for ToneRelay.
Get ready for upcoming AirPlay speaker support
We are preparing an upcoming ToneRelay release for additional AirPlay speakers. Exact model support will be announced after real-device verification.
- Find your exact model in the compatibility table. Coming soon does not mean every listed model or configuration has been verified.
- When support is released, check the required ToneRelay version, speaker firmware and supported setup for your model.
- Use the shared ToneRelay download once your model is verified. A Pro purchase does not unlock an unverified device in the current release.
- Check actual audible playback, reconnection and acceptable delay on your own PC and network before relying on the setup.
A PC HDMI output is not automatically HDMI ARC
HDMI ARC/eARC is an audio return path normally provided by a compatible TV. A typical PC graphics-card HDMI output sends audio and video to a display; it does not automatically act as a TV’s ARC/eARC connection for a soundbar. Check your exact PC, monitor or TV and soundbar ports before buying adapters. A normal HDMI splitter is not proof of ARC/eARC compatibility.
Compare Windows-to-Sonos soundbar connection routes
| Speaker family | PC audio route to consider | Check before connecting |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam Gen 1 / Gen 2; Arc / Arc SL | PC to suitable TV over HDMI, then TV ARC/eARC to soundbar; optical with the appropriate adapter where supported. | TV ports, audio passthrough, supported formats and required adapters. Ordinary PC HDMI is not automatically ARC. |
| Sonos Beam Ultra | TV HDMI ARC/eARC, Bluetooth audio, or adapter-based USB-C line-in. | The exact connector and Sonos adapter requirements; do not assume generic USB audio support. |
| Sonos Arc Ultra | TV HDMI ARC/eARC or Bluetooth audio. | PC Bluetooth capability, Windows audio output selection, soundbar setup and acceptable delay. |
| Sonos Ray / Playbase | Digital optical from a suitable PC output or TV carrying the PC audio. | Optical output and supported audio formats. Ray and Playbase are not HDMI ARC soundbars. |
Windows 11 and Windows 10 audio output selection
For a PC-to-TV route, choose the TV or display audio output in Windows and check that the app you are playing uses it. For Bluetooth, complete model-specific pairing and select the soundbar’s playback output. For optical or analog source routes, choose the sound device that feeds that connector. The Sonos desktop controller does not redirect every Windows app automatically. Check your own video sync and listening delay.
AirPlay Sonos soundbars from Windows: sender requirements
Sonos lists these home-theater products as AirPlay receivers, but Windows does not offer a general system-wide AirPlay sound output. A network sender must implement the receiver’s connection path and be verified with the model and firmware. Sonos surrounds are not direct AirPlay targets. A soundbar’s TV, Bluetooth or optical playback does not verify an AirPlay sender or imply stereo or multi-room support.
ToneRelay support is coming soon
ToneRelay support for more AirPlay speakers is coming soon. This device has not yet been verified. Current compatibility is not guaranteed.
We are preparing an upcoming ToneRelay release for additional AirPlay speakers. Exact model support will be announced after real-device verification.
All HomePod models are already supported in the current release. Official AirPlay capability alone does not establish ToneRelay compatibility for additional devices. Planned is the model-level verification state until real-device playback is confirmed.
Sonos soundbar and Playbase model status
| Device model | ToneRelay status | Scope and requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 1) | Planned | Second-priority evaluation. Check model-specific TV audio inputs before choosing a Windows audio route. Additional AirPlay speaker support is coming soon; exact model availability is pending verification. |
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Planned | Second-priority evaluation. Check model-specific TV audio inputs before choosing a Windows audio route. Additional AirPlay speaker support is coming soon; exact model availability is pending verification. |
| Sonos Beam Ultra | Planned | Second-priority evaluation. Check model-specific TV audio inputs before choosing a Windows audio route. Additional AirPlay speaker support is coming soon; exact model availability is pending verification. |
| Sonos Arc | Planned | Second-priority evaluation. Check model-specific TV audio inputs before choosing a Windows audio route. Additional AirPlay speaker support is coming soon; exact model availability is pending verification. |
| Sonos Arc SL | Planned | Second-priority evaluation. Check model-specific TV audio inputs before choosing a Windows audio route. Additional AirPlay speaker support is coming soon; exact model availability is pending verification. |
| Sonos Arc Ultra | Planned | Second-priority evaluation. Check model-specific TV audio inputs before choosing a Windows audio route. Additional AirPlay speaker support is coming soon; exact model availability is pending verification. |
| Sonos Ray | Planned | Second-priority evaluation. Check model-specific TV audio inputs before choosing a Windows audio route. Additional AirPlay speaker support is coming soon; exact model availability is pending verification. |
| Sonos Playbase | Planned | Second-priority evaluation. Check model-specific TV audio inputs before choosing a Windows audio route. Additional AirPlay speaker support is coming soon; exact model availability is pending verification. |
Choose a route for music, video or games
For supported music services, Sonos music playback can avoid a live PC audio relay. For video and games, start with the soundbar’s supported TV or wired input if your hardware provides it, then check actual sync. Bluetooth may be convenient on models that support audio pairing, but does not establish low delay. Use headphones or PC speakers when your workflow needs timing that you have not verified on the network route.
Official connection references
Share your device model and Windows audio use case
If your planned speaker is the device you need, share its exact model, firmware, Windows version and listening task through the existing device request form. This helps assess hardware access and demand. A request is not a confirmed test, development commitment or release date.
ToneRelay today and what to do next
ToneRelay supports the full HomePod lineup: HomePod (1st generation), HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini, for Windows audio on one speaker. Support for more AirPlay speakers is coming soon under the same ToneRelay brand and download. Additional supported models and the required release will be published after verification. Buying Pro does not enable a planned device or guarantee future compatibility.
Related Windows audio guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect a Windows PC directly to a Sonos HDMI ARC port?
A standard PC HDMI output is not automatically an ARC/eARC source. A typical route is PC HDMI to a compatible TV, then the TV’s ARC/eARC output to the Sonos soundbar. Check exact port roles and adapter capabilities.
Are Sonos Ray and Playbase HDMI soundbars?
Ray and Playbase use digital optical TV audio. Use an optical source and the required format instead of assuming Beam or Arc HDMI connections apply.
Does Bluetooth playback on Beam Ultra or Arc Ultra prove ToneRelay support?
No. Bluetooth is an official model-specific hardware route. ToneRelay network playback is still Planned and unverified on both models.
Will ToneRelay Pro unlock Windows audio to Sonos soundbars?
A purchase does not enable Planned soundbar support or guarantee future compatibility. All eight listed home-theater models remain unverified with ToneRelay.
When will ToneRelay support more AirPlay speakers?
Support is coming soon in an upcoming ToneRelay release. The exact supported models and required release will be announced after real-device verification. Coming soon is a release announcement, not a claim that every listed device already works.
How can I connect Sonos Beam (Gen 1) to Windows?
A practical wired route is PC HDMI to a suitable TV, then the TV’s HDMI ARC audio output to Beam Gen 1. An ordinary PC HDMI output is not automatically an ARC source. Optical with a suitable adapter is another model-specific TV route. Sonos music control and an AirPlay sender solve different needs. More AirPlay speaker support is coming soon. ToneRelay status for Sonos Beam (Gen 1): Planned; playback has not been verified and current compatibility is not guaranteed.
Can I use Sonos Beam (Gen 2) for Windows 11 audio?
Beam Gen 2 can receive TV audio through HDMI ARC/eARC. Check the TV’s audio output, Windows output selection and supported formats. A cable from a standard PC HDMI output does not by itself provide the required ARC return channel. Wired TV playback does not establish ToneRelay AirPlay compatibility. More AirPlay speaker support is coming soon. ToneRelay status for Sonos Beam (Gen 2): Planned; playback has not been verified and current compatibility is not guaranteed.
Can Sonos Beam Ultra play audio from a Windows PC?
Beam Ultra offers HDMI ARC/eARC and Bluetooth audio, plus USB-C line-in with the required Sonos adapter. Choose according to your PC outputs and use case; a USB-C socket is not proof of generic USB audio-device support. These official hardware routes are separate from ToneRelay’s unverified network sending. More AirPlay speaker support is coming soon. ToneRelay status for Sonos Beam Ultra: Planned; playback has not been verified and current compatibility is not guaranteed.
How do I connect Sonos Arc to Windows audio?
For Sonos Arc, consider PC-to-TV HDMI followed by the TV’s ARC/eARC connection to the soundbar, or a suitable optical route. Confirm ports and audio formats on both devices. Windows HDMI to a TV and AirPlay from Windows are different routes; neither proves ToneRelay has tested Arc. More AirPlay speaker support is coming soon. ToneRelay status for Sonos Arc: Planned; playback has not been verified and current compatibility is not guaranteed.
Can Sonos Arc SL be used as a Windows PC speaker?
Arc SL is a TV-audio soundbar. Check the TV’s ARC/eARC or suitable optical output instead of assuming a direct PC headphone or ordinary HDMI connection. Music can use Sonos playback controls, while live Windows AirPlay sending requires its own sender compatibility checks. More AirPlay speaker support is coming soon. ToneRelay status for Sonos Arc SL: Planned; playback has not been verified and current compatibility is not guaranteed.
Can I connect Sonos Arc Ultra to Windows using Bluetooth?
Arc Ultra has Bluetooth audio as well as a TV HDMI ARC/eARC route. Bluetooth playback from a capable Windows PC is an alternative to network sending, but does not verify ToneRelay. Check delay and device output selection for games, meetings and video; no zero-latency result is asserted here. More AirPlay speaker support is coming soon. ToneRelay status for Sonos Arc Ultra: Planned; playback has not been verified and current compatibility is not guaranteed.
How can I play PC audio on Sonos Ray?
Sonos Ray uses a digital optical TV-audio input. A PC optical output or a TV that passes PC audio to optical may be a route when the output format and connections match. Ray is not an HDMI ARC soundbar. AirPlay receiver capability and ToneRelay support still need to be considered separately. More AirPlay speaker support is coming soon. ToneRelay status for Sonos Ray: Planned; playback has not been verified and current compatibility is not guaranteed.
Can Sonos Playbase play Windows audio?
Playbase uses digital optical TV audio. A suitable PC optical output or PC-to-TV-to-optical route may carry Windows sound, subject to output format and setup. Shared Sonos music playback is another route for stored songs. Do not apply Beam or Arc HDMI assumptions to Playbase. More AirPlay speaker support is coming soon. ToneRelay status for Sonos Playbase: Planned; playback has not been verified and current compatibility is not guaranteed.