The End of an Era: Sonos and IKEA Discontinue Their Symfonisk Speaker Partnership
For nearly a decade, Sonos and IKEA’s Symfonisk collaboration brought high-quality, affordable smart speakers to homes worldwide. But as of 2024, the partnership is officially winding down, marking the end of an innovative chapter in home audio. While existing Symfonisk products will continue receiving software updates, no new models will be developed under this joint venture. Here’s what consumers need to know about the discontinuation, the legacy of these hybrid devices, and where to find discounted units before they’re gone for good.
The Rise and Fall of Symfonisk: A Budget-Friendly Sonos Alternative
Launched in 2019, the Symfonisk lineup bridged the gap between IKEA’s minimalist Scandinavian design and Sonos’ premium audio engineering. The collection included three standout products:
1. Bookshelf Speaker ($120) – A compact, versatile speaker that doubled as a shelf.
2. Picture Frame Speaker ($200) – A wall-mountable art piece with hidden acoustics.
3. Floor Lamp Speaker ($300) – A functional lamp with integrated Sonos sound.
These devices undercut traditional Sonos pricing by 30–50%, making multi-room audio systems accessible to budget-conscious buyers. For example, the Sonos One SL retails for $199, while the Symfonisk bookshelf speaker delivered comparable performance at $120.
Why the Partnership Ended
Industry analysts point to several factors behind the split:
Sonos’ Recent Struggles:
– Canceled a planned streaming video device in March 2024
– Released a widely criticized app update in Spring 2024, leading to CEO Patrick Spence’s departure
– Laid off 7% of its workforce (200+ employees) in restructuring efforts
IKEA’s Shifting Priorities:
– Increased focus on standalone smart home products under the DIRIGERA hub system
– Growing competition from Amazon (Echo) and Google (Nest Audio) in affordable smart speakers
Market Impact:
The Symfonisk line accounted for an estimated 15% of Sonos’ total unit sales in 2023. With its discontinuation, Sonos loses a key entry-level product, potentially ceding market share to competitors like Bose’s Smart Speaker 500 ($279) and Apple’s HomePod mini ($99).
What Happens to Existing Symfonisk Owners?
Sonos has committed to ongoing software support for all Symfonisk devices, ensuring compatibility with:
– Sonos S2 app (despite its rocky launch)
– AirPlay 2 and voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant)
– Future Sonos ecosystem updates
However, hardware warranties will follow IKEA’s standard 1-year policy. Extended coverage options are no longer available for new purchases.
Clearance Deals and Where to Buy
As IKEA phases out inventory, select Symfonisk products have seen discounts of up to 40%:
Current Pricing (July 2024):
– Bookshelf Speaker: $89 (originally $120)
– Picture Frame Speaker: $149 (originally $200)
– Floor Lamp Speaker: $219 (originally $300)
These are available at IKEA stores nationwide and through their online marketplace while supplies last. Third-party retailers like Best Buy and Walmart may also offer liquidation deals.
The Future of Affordable Hi-Fi
With Symfonisk discontinued, consumers have several alternatives:
Best Budget Smart Speakers (2024):
1. Echo Dot (5th Gen) – $49.99
2. Nest Audio – $99.99
3. Sonos Ray Soundbar – $279
For those invested in the Sonos ecosystem, refurbished Play:1 speakers ($149) or the Era 100 ($249) are the closest replacements.
Expert Tip:
“Snag Symfonisk units now if you want expandable Sonos sound on a budget,” advises audio specialist Mark Cohen of SoundGuys. “Their hardware will remain relevant for at least 3–5 more years given Sonos’ update track record.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Symfonisk speakers still work with new Sonos products?
Yes, all models maintain full interoperability with current and future Sonos releases via the S2 platform.
Are there any hidden costs after purchase?
No subscription is required, but some music services (Spotify Premium, Apple Music) need separate accounts.
How long will software updates continue?
Sonos typically supports products for 5+ years after discontinuation. Expect security patches until at least 2029.
Can I pair Symfonisk with non-Sonos devices?
Only through Bluetooth adapters (not natively). They’re designed primarily for Sonos multi-room setups.
Final Thoughts
The Sonos-IKEA collaboration proved that great sound could be both affordable and aesthetically flexible. While the Symfonisk line’s retirement leaves a gap in the market, clearance prices make this an ideal time to build out a cost-effective whole-home audio system. For those who prefer new options, Sonos’ own entry-level offerings or competing smart speakers now represent the next best alternatives.
Explore remaining Symfonisk inventory at IKEA’s official website, or discover Sonos’ latest standalone speakers through authorized retailers. Either way, the legacy of this innovative partnership will resonate in living rooms for years to come.