AirPlay is Apple's wireless streaming standard. This means that if you've ever shopped around Apple's ecosystem with iPhones, iPads, or even an Apple HomePod, you're probably already using it. However, to use AirPlay and the products you already own, you need speakers, which is why we've rounded up our favorite AirPlay-compatible speakers. In 2019, AirPlay (and AirPlay speakers) made headlines, with the protocol appearing on more devices, and AirPlay 2, the next generation of Apple's cutting-edge proprietary wireless platform, is on its way. on the stage. AirPlay 2 shakes things up a bit and turns Apple's streaming standard into a platform suitable for multiple rooms; it even adds Siri integration on speakers that never would have had it before. To prepare you for the continued renaissance of Apple-compatible wireless speakers, here are the best Apple AirPlay speakers available to buy right now.
The best AirPlay speakers in 2020:
1. SonosOne
Combines the intelligence of Alexa with the sound quality of Sonos It's rich and full-bodied Alexa and Google Assistant support AirPlay 2 support No Hi-Res Audio support The Sonos One has started a revolution. It is the first smart speaker that does not allow users to choose between intelligence and sound quality (it features both). Since this is a Sonos speaker, you won't be surprised to learn that the Sonos One sounds fantastic. Throw Elegie by Mouse over the speaker keys, and the sound packs a punch and energy. The song's kick drum... well... kicks in and drives the energy of the song. That's an impressive amount of power for such a small speaker. The speaker even handles more complicated pieces of music admirably. Three Trapped Tigers' Silent Earthling sounds crisp and clear, despite the multiple layers of instruments that flow throughout the song. Of course, much of what is written above could also have been said about the original Play:1 when it first launched in 2013. The real story here is how voice control is integrated, it's just wonderful. executed. If that wasn't enough, the Sonos One received an update in 2019, adding AirPlay 2 to what was already a winning speaker. Now you can play any sound from an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer, including YouTube videos and Netflix movies, on Sonos One. You can also ask any Siri-enabled device to control Apple Music on Sonos speakers. Read more: Sonos One review2.Apple HomePod
Great sound, such a smart speaker Great sound Beautiful minimalist design Siri's range is limited Requires Apple Music Apple's official AirPlay and Siri speaker is the HomePod. The obvious advantage of an Apple HomePod over an Echo or Google Home device is that it will work well with your other Apple products. So if you're an Apple fan, the HomePod might be a no-brainer. But it's worth asking the same question you should always ask yourself when you want to splurge on a new Apple product: How much premium do you have to pay to own a device that just fits perfectly into the Apple ecosystem? When we reviewed the device, we were torn because we were really looking at two things at once: how the HomePod presents itself as a high-end speaker and how it works as a smart home hub. In the first category, the HomePod is excellent because it offers incredible sound and a very intuitive setup. But in the latter case, Siri is only poor in its implementation, and the fact that it can't break out of the Apple ecosystem for many key features is also a problem. Read more: Apple HomePod review3.Libratone Zipp 2
Scandinavian design meets Amazon Alexa Built-in battery Rich connectivity options It's full-bodied No Google Assistant support While some devices may outperform the Zipp 2 in overall fidelity and definition, there isn't quite the performance gulf you'd expect . Instead, the Zipp 2 manages to achieve an incredibly awkward output level at full throttle without a hint of distortion, but maybe it just lacks a bit of low- and mid-range definition to make it best-in-class. . The Danish design philosophy at least is more, not quite applies to the Zipp 2 with a list of connectivity that will make most other smart speakers envious. This makes it nearly platform-independent, allowing it to easily fit into many existing multi-room arrangements (people using AirPlay 2-enabled Sonos systems or Apple AirPods seem more likely to benefit here). Factor that in, along with its battery flexibility and satisfying sound, and you've got the smartest multi-room speaker available today. Read More: Libratone Zipp 2 Review4. Bowers & Wilkins training block
A Wedge to pick up where the Zeppelin left off
Unique looks Clever engineering Big, sweeping soundstage Limited connectivity It'll divide people with its looks and shut some people out with its price, but the Formation Wedge is Bowers & Wilkins doing what it does best, offering a bold look and sound more big. The Wedge's sound travels far, without becoming vague or misfocused, and there's enough raw power to fill even large rooms with sound. While the origin of the music is obvious, there's a much less pronounced 'sweet spot' than some underperforming wireless speakers, and the Wedge is pleasant to listen to no matter where you are. Bluetooth (nice aptX HD Bluetooth, too) is available, as is Spotify Connect. And, of course, Apple AirPlay 2. Read More: Bowers & Wilkins Training Wedge Review
5. Sonos Beam
Here's the AirPlay-enabled soundbar you've been waiting for Great compact design HDMI ARC compatible Great sound No Dolby Atmos If you're looking for an AirPlay speaker that can not only stream music but also process TV audio, the Sonos Beam is the best. option that money can buy. It's a fantastic soundbar for the price, taking full advantage of the Sonos and Apple ecosystem, and a joy to use (and set up, if your TV has HDMI ARC). Its smaller form factor means it's a device that will sit comfortably next to a 32-inch TV, but has enough space that it won't be dwarfed by a much larger set. If you're an Apple enthusiast who's also looking for extra features (like Amazon Alexa support and multi-room audio capability through Sonos products), you can't do better than this for an AirPlay Speaker. Read more: Sonos Beam review Looking for Dolby Atmos compatibility? Check out Sonos Arc, which is also AirPlay compatible.6. Naim Mu-so Qb
Powerful sound and stylish looks in a small AirPlay-compatible package
Stylish look Small form factor Full, vibrant sound Setup can be a pain Naim offers some of the most stylish wireless speakers available and the Naim Mu-so Qb, a smaller version of the Mu-so soundbar released in 2014, doesn't is an exception. Simply put, this is an AirPlay-ready speaker cube that adds style to almost any room. And yes, these are our words, not Naim's. The fabric grill on its sides is curved and a glass-shaped acrylic block at the bottom gives the Qb the impression of floating. (Sort of.) It also has a flashy jog wheel on top and illuminated touch buttons that control playback off of your phone. Sound from the Naim Muso Qb is crisp, with excellent bass for its size and good soundstage separation for a wireless speaker. Use angled pilots to make the dispersion as wide and stereo as possible. It's not just an AirPlay speaker, either: it's got Bluetooth, multiple rooms using the Naim app, a USB port for direct playback, and a digital jack that lets you plug in your TV or AV receiver. Performance, portability and versatility? There is nothing better than that. Read More: Naim Mu-so Qb Review
7. Apple HomePod mini
Apple's 'cheap' speaker delivers amazing sound Amazing sound Sleek design Requires Apple Music for full function Siri and smart home features need improvement For anyone looking to get into Apple's smart ecosystem or have an Apple Music subscription, the HomePod mini is an excellent option. It's a lot cheaper than some might expect, with powerful sounds and a sleek design for under $100 / £100 / AU$150. However, Siri and the smart home experience still need work, even years after launch. . For us, audio performance is the number one reason to buy the HomePod mini. It's great for such a small speaker and it really seems like the perfect combination of price and sound quality. Bass isn't too heavy, vocals don't get lost in the mix, and when you pair two minis together, the stereo experience is truly immersive. Read more: Apple HomePod mini review8. Sonos Move
The world's best bluetooth speaker, Sonos Move parties inside and out
Integrates with a network of Sonos home speakers Songs on the go Not as feature-rich when using Bluetooth Can't be used as rear theater speakers Here's the thing with the Sonos Move - it's so good you might want to think about it as not only your mobile party station, but also your primary wireless speaker in the home. With two quality drivers, a robust app that unlocks playback from hundreds of wireless sources, multi-room capabilities, and intelligent audio tuning technology that adjusts output according to the speaker's immediate surroundings, the Sonos Move is designed so much more. beyond your average Bluetooth speaker, with built-in support for Apple AirPlay 2. It's a versatile speaker, sitting securely alongside the built-in Sonos home speakers that the company has made a name for itself. It's not perfect: it's heavy as a byproduct of its incredible sound, it's expensive due to its rich feature set, and unfortunately it can't be used as rear channels for a home theater setup. . But if you've got the cash, it's hard to blame the Sonos Move when it comes to shopping for the world's best Bluetooth speaker. Read more: Sonos Move review Roundup of the best deals of the day Up to 20% off the Sonos One... Apple HomePod - Space Gray Libratone Zipp 2 Portable... Bowers & Wilkins lineup... Naim Mu-so Qb Multi-pieces ... Apple - HomePod mini - Space ... Sonos Move Wireless Portable ...