Home/Home Automation/Guides/Multi-Room Audio System — UK Cost & Brand Guide

Install multi-room audio.

Sonos, Bluesound or Crestron multi-room — speakers, controllers, app set-up and zone naming.

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WiFi range issues

Speakers need network. Mesh WiFi for whole-house.

Quality mismatch

Sonos with premium speakers limited. Match system level.

Subscription costs

Streaming services £10-£20/month per service.

Update incompatibility

Old Sonos speakers may not get updates.

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Sonos Play One (per room)Compact
£200–£250
Sonos Play Five (per room)Premium standalone
£500–£600
In-ceiling speakers (pair)Discreet integrated
£200–£1.5k
Standard 5-room SonosOne speaker per room
£1.5k–£3.5k
Premium 8-room in-ceilingInstalled
£5k–£15k
Smart control integrationPer system
£200–£1.5k
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Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

At a glance

The Home Automation briefing.

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Multi-Room Audio System — UK Cost & Brand Guide infographic
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Home Automation explained

Multi-room audio plays music throughout home. Sonos most popular UK. Expect to pay £1,500–£15,000+ for UK multi-room audio installation.

What Does the Work Involve?

Specialist designs system. Hub or controller (no hub needed for Sonos). Speakers per room (Sonos One, Five, Play). In-ceiling speakers for premium. Network setup. Streaming services pairing. App control.

Typical Costs

ItemLow (£)High (£)Notes
Sonos Play One (per room)200250Compact
Sonos Play Five (per room)500600Premium standalone
In-ceiling speakers (pair)2001,500Discreet integrated
Standard 5-room Sonos1,5003,500One speaker per room
Premium 8-room in-ceiling5,00015,000Installed
Bluesound (premium audiophile)+£500+£3,000vs Sonos
Smart control integration2001,500Per system

How Long Does It Take?

Sonos standalone: 1 day. In-ceiling install: 2-5 days. Whole-house: 1-2 weeks.

DIY or Professional?

Standalone Sonos: DIY-friendly. In-ceiling: specialist installer with Part P electrician.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

CEDIA member or specialist audio installer. Brands: Sonos Approved, Bluesound, Naim.

UK Regulations

Part P for electrical work (in-ceiling speakers). CE marking for products.

Common Problems

  • WiFi range issues: Speakers need network. Mesh WiFi for whole-house.
  • Quality mismatch: Sonos with premium speakers limited. Match system level.
  • Subscription costs: Streaming services £10-£20/month per service.
  • Update incompatibility: Old Sonos speakers may not get updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sonos or premium brand?

Sonos: ease, broad support, mid-fi. Bluesound: audiophile quality, premium price. Naim Mu-So: ultimate UK premium.

Standalone or in-ceiling?

Standalone: portable, easier install, visible. In-ceiling: discreet, premium aesthetic, requires fitting.

Will it work with smart home?

Yes — voice control, app, integration. Sonos works with all major smart home systems.

How long does it last?

Sonos: 7-10 years before requiring update/replacement. Premium audio: 15-20+ years.

WiFi range issues?

Common in larger homes. Mesh WiFi or Sonos Boost extender. Wired backbone for premium.

Streaming subscriptions?

Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal. Premium audio Tidal HiFi for lossless quality. £10-£20/month per service.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

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