Given the basic functionality of Bluetooth, it would seem that connecting to more than one speaker would be impossible. There are, however, several ways to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to one device.
Newer equipment comes with Bluetooth 5. Other solutions include apps like Bose Connect and Ultimate Ears. Samsung Galaxy phones S8 and later as well as iPhones running iOS 11.4 or later are capable of using two speakers at once. JBL’s Connect+ feature in their Bluetooth speakers also allows speakers to piggyback off of each other.
Figuring out which setup is right for you does not need to be complicated. All you need to do is inventory your equipment and select the appropriate connection method based on the devices you have.
Key Takeaways
- Device Compatibility: Modern devices with Bluetooth 5, like Samsung Galaxy S8 and later, iPhones (iOS 11.4+), and certain JBL and Bose speakers, support connecting two Bluetooth speakers simultaneously.
- Bluetooth 5 Advantages: Bluetooth 5 extends connectivity range to 120 feet and allows connecting with two devices at once, a significant improvement over previous versions.
- Dual Audio Apps: Apps like Bose Connect and Ultimate Ears enable multi-speaker connectivity, with Ultimate Ears supporting connections to over 150 speakers and Bose facilitating both party and stereo modes.
Ways To Connect to Connect Multiple Bluetooth Speakers To One Device
Depending on the equipment you have, you may be able to connect to two Bluetooth speakers simultaneously. Newer technology comes equipped with Bluetooth 5 which allows you to pair with two devices at once. Other device manufacturers have developed their own similar solutions.
The Benefits Of Bluetooth 5
Until Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth’s features were somewhat limited, which is why some users appeared to feel intimidated to go beyond connecting to their TVs (our guide). Bluetooth 5, which we have a full tutorial on (as well as how it's different from AirPlay, in case you're an iPhone user) extends the range of Bluetooth connectivity to 120 feet and allows connection to up to two devices at once.
Not very many device manufacturers have adopted the new standard for their devices, but are expected to in the coming years.
With some of these technologies, such as Samsung’s dual audio feature, it’s as simple as flipping a switch. For others, you need to configure your connection through an app. And, if you're interested in whether you can connect multiple devices to one Bluetooth speaker, we have covered this topic as well.
Using a Dual Audio App To Connect Multiple Bluetooth Speakers
If your device lacks a native Dual audio feature, you might consider using a Dual Audio app to connect multiple speakers.
Such apps usually perform best with Bluetooth 5 or newer versions, and, although they might still function with older Bluetooth versions, you may encounter some technical challenges. Nonetheless, attempting this approach could prove beneficial.
Using the Bose Connect App
The commonly used Bose Connect app allows you to connect two SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speakers (on Amazon) to a single phone in either party mode (speakers play the same thing) or stereo mode (each speaker delivers either the left or right channel). It is available for both Android and iOS devices.
To use the Bose Connect App:
- Turn on both speakers.
- Connect your device to one speaker using Bluetooth.
- Once connected, open the Connect app.
- Activate party mode in the app. You can also enable party mode without the app by pressing the Bluetooth and volume-up buttons simultaneously and following the audio instructions.
- Wait for the speakers to connect, entering party mode.
- To switch between stereo and party modes, select Stereo (L/R) in the app.
To switch between stereo and party modes, press and hold the Bluetooth and volume up buttons until you hear “stereo mode” or “party mode.” For unlinking wireless speakers, press and hold the Bluetooth button until confirmed.
This app can also be used with Bose’s Bluetooth headphones, allowing you to not only sync up two pairs of headphones for couples listening but also one pair of headphones and one pair of speakers.
This can be good for having the music on the speaker inside the house and having the same music on your headphones outside.
Using Boom & MegaBoom (Ultimate Ears)
Ultimate Ears has upped the ante by designing an app that allows you to connect over 150 Boom, Boom 2, Boom 3, Megaboom, and Megaboom3 speakers together. In addition, the app enables a block party mode that allows you to connect to your friends’ speakers.
Like the Bose system, you can connect the Bluetooth devices without the app. Connect one of the speakers to your device with Bluetooth. Next, press the Bluetooth and volume-up buttons simultaneously until you hear a tone.
Turn on your second speaker and press the Bluetooth button twice. Repeat the speaker pairing process with the first speaker to connect additional speakers. (Source)
JBL Connect+
Many JBL Bluetooth speakers come with either a Connect, Connect+ or PartyBoost feature that allows them to piggyback off of each other. To take advantage of this, connect a device to one of the speakers. Then turn the second speaker on and press the Connect, Connect+, or PartyBoost button. (Source)
Like with Ultimate Ears, JBL allows you to connect up to an oimpressive 100 JBL Bluetooth devices together, vastly improving upon Bluetooth 5. Using the JBL Connect app, you can also configure two speakers to operate in stereo.
Samsung Dual Audio
On Samsung Galaxy phones S8 and later, you can enable a dual audio mode that allows you to control two speakers at once in the same way you would use Bluetooth regularly. Look at the short video, and then follow the steps listed below.
Simply go to your device settings, and go to connections. Click and hold Bluetooth to advance to the Bluetooth menu and select Advanced. From here, flip the dual audio switch to on.
Like Bose Connect, Samsung’s Dual Audio only allows the connection of two speakers at a time. If you try to connect to a third speaker, it will automatically disconnect from the first one. This is because Samsung’s dual audio mode uses Bluetooth 5 which has the limitation of two paired devices at once.
Connecting Multiple Bluetooth Speakers To iPhone (HomePod)
HomePod is last on this list simply because it requires so many compatible devices. With an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS 11.4 or later, you can connect to two HomePod speakers to run stereo sound. In fact, we have a guide on how to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers to an iPhone. One limitation is that the speakers have to be in the same room in order to work properly..
Using Apple’s Home app, press and hold HomePod, and then tap Settings. Select Create stereo pair, and choose the second HomePod speaker to use for the stereo pair. You can use the button with the two arrows to switch the left and right channels if needed. From here, tap back, and then done.
Connecting Multiple Speakers
Bluetooth 5's adoption by manufacturers will enable pairing more speakers and connecting multiple Bluetooth speakers to them. However, it might take time for devices to integrate Bluetooth 5.
That said, to get the most out of your audio system, consider advanced sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity, offering versatility and better quality than multiple Bluetooth speakers. Additionally, go through our guide on how to make your Bluetooth speakers louder.
The advantage that Bluetooth 5 presents over traditional sound systems is that it can integrate a wide variety of devices beyond just speakers. This includes smart assistant devices such as Alexa and Google Home, as well as headphones (you can look at our guide on connecting multiple headphones here), and even connecting one Bluetooth and one regular device at once (our guide)!
