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Q I’m shopping for an outdoor speaker to use on my back patio and was leaning toward Sonos. Here are my questions: Can I stream audio to Sonos speakers via Bluetooth from my iPhone? Also, are Sonos speakers able to both play tracks from my computer’s iTunes library and stream them from Apple Music? —Jim Flynn

A Before I get to your questions, let’s review the limitations of Sonos as an outdoor audio solution. First issue: Weather. Sonos speakers aren’t weatherproof, so you’ll need to set the speaker up in a covered area, and may have to drag it indoors during storms. You also need to plug Sonos speakers into an AC outlet—something you may or may not have out on your back patio. Finally, you’ll need to verify that your home’s Wi-Fi signal reliably extends outside. (A Wi-Fi extender can be a huge help here.)

As for Bluetooth streaming from your phone, the answer is no: Sonos speakers only stream audio over Wi-Fi. If you’re intent on using that feature, you’ll be better off buying a simple Bluetooth speaker, most of which are both portable and rechargeable.

As for iTunes playback from a computer, Sonos systems support that feature, though Apple Music integration hasn’t happened yet.(Sonos has stated that Apple Music support is coming in late 2015.) While you wait for Apple Music support to arrive, you should feel free to tap the many other streaming services that Sonos offers, including Spotify, Rdio, Tidal, and Pandora.

If you’re hell-bent on staying in the Sonos ecosystem, another option would be to buy a Sonos Connect:AMP ($499). This provides the same wireless features found in other Sonos products, and also has a 2x55-watt amp you can connect to your choice of passive speakers. Once again, a problem here would be weather: You’d have to either devise some sort of weatherproof casing to contain the Connect:AMP, or install it inside your house and route speaker wire through the wall out to the patio.

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