Best Airplay Speakers

AirPlay speakers have become increasingly popular among Apple users who want seamless, high-quality audio streaming. Whether you’re looking for the best affordable AirPlay speakers or a premium option, this guide will help you find the perfect AirPlay speaker to suit your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 best AirPlay speakers available on Amazon, each offering exceptional sound quality, design, and functionality.

Why Choose the best speakers for airplay?

The benefits of selecting the best speakers for airplay are enormous, especially if one is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. With AirPlay speakers, one is allowed to stream lossless audio, making sure that you enjoy the top quality of sound from your Apple device. Finally, the speaker with AirPlay brings better connectivity and multi-room audio capability compared to normal Bluetooth speakers, which is perfect for home setup.

For the best AirPlay Bluetooth speakers, AirPlay speakers offer another dimension in that users get to seamlessly switch between devices without those range and compression constraints accompanying Bluetooth technology. They would be perfect for anyone who needs to take that step up with their home audio system.

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide is built on extensive research, testing, and expert reviews to ensure that each recommended Airplay Speaker offers the best value for your budget. We’ve carefully selected models that strike a perfect balance between performance, price, and longevity, so you can trust that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

The Quick List – Best Airplay speakers

Here’s a quick rundown of the best speakers for airplay:

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Best AirPlay Compatible Speakers

The Sonos Era 100 stands out as one of the best AirPlay speakers available today, offering a perfect blend of performance, design, and versatility. This speaker is a top choice for those who want high-quality sound in a form factor that fits seamlessly into any room.

In-Depth Features: The Sonos Era 100 is designed to deliver rich, detailed sound that fills the room. It features dual tweeters and a mid-woofer, which work together to create a balanced sound profile with deep bass and crisp highs. This makes it an excellent choice for both music and home theater setups. The speaker’s ability to integrate with other Sonos products through the Sonos app means you can easily build a multi-room audio system that syncs perfectly across your home.

Among the greatest advantages of having the Sonos Era 100 is that it’s integrated with AirPlay 2 and are the best Airplay 2 speakers. You are going to stream your music directly from Apple devices, and no latency will be detected, guaranteeing a perfect experience while you listen to your favorite playlist or watch a movie.

The Sonos Era 100 is designed in a modern, sleek way, fit for any decoration. It’s quite small and can easily be placed on a bookshelf or kitchen counter. Build quality is tough with a solid feel that assures longevity over time.

Read out Guide on Best Sonos Speakers

Specifications

• Special Features: Trueplay tuning, expandable with other Sonos speakers.
• Drivers: Two tweeters, one mid-woofer.
• Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth.
• Voice Control: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant.
• Dimensions: 7.18 x 5.14 x 5.14 inches.

Pros:

• Exceptional Sound Quality
• Versatile Connectivity
• Sleek Design.

Cons:

• Price
• App Dependency

Ideal For: Those seeking the best Apple AirPlay speakers that offer both versatility and premium sound quality, making it perfect for a variety of listening environments.

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Best Affordable AirPlay Speakers

The Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker is a compact yet powerful speaker that combines high-fidelity sound with the convenience of wireless charging. Designed in collaboration with audio experts at Devialet, it delivers deep bass and clear, crisp sound, making it the best affordable AirPlay speaker for users who want excellent audio performance and smart home integration.

In-Depth Features: The Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker is a powerful yet compact speaker designed to deliver exceptional sound quality while seamlessly integrating with your smart home. This speaker features a high-fidelity sound system developed in collaboration with audio experts at Devialet, ensuring deep bass and clear, crisp sound across all frequencies. The SoundForm Elite also doubles as a wireless charging pad, allowing you to charge your smartphone while enjoying your favorite tunes.

Connectivity is the forte of the SoundForm Elite, supporting AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. If you’re playing tunes from an Apple device or connecting through Bluetooth, this assures a stable, high-quality audio experience.

The Belkin SoundForm Elite has a clean and modern design that fits in with any home’s decoration. It’s compact to put in the best places on a nightstand, working desk, or kitchen countertop. Its top surface can feature a wireless charging pad that supports rapid charging for compatible devices, further adding another layer of functionality to its cool design.

Specifications:

• Special Features: High-fidelity sound developed with Devialet, wireless charging pad.
• Drivers: High-excursion woofer and full-range drivers.
• Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• Wireless Charging: Integrated charging pad for smartphones.
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.4 x 4.7 inches.
• Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa.

Pros:

• High-Fidelity Sound
• Wireless Charging
• Compact Design

Cons:

• Price
• Limited Color Options

Ideal For: Those seeking the best affordable AirPlay speakers with high-quality sound and added functionality like wireless charging.

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Best AirPlay Wireless Speakers

For those who demand the best in audio quality, the Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is a premium AirPlay speaker that doesn’t disappoint. It’s perfect for audiophiles and those who appreciate top-tier sound performance.

In-Depth Features: The Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is equipped with a powerful array of drivers and amplifiers, delivering a truly immersive audio experience. It features two tweeters, two mid-range drivers, and a woofer, each powered by its own 50-watt amplifier. This setup ensures that every frequency is delivered with precision and clarity, making it ideal for high-resolution audio streaming.

The speaker also supports multi-room audio, allowing you to link with other Naim components or AirPlay 2-compatible speakers. Beyond that, the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation offers broad and extensive connectivity with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect; hence one of the most versatile speakers around.

This speaker is an art piece as much as it is a high-performance audio device. The Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation has a compact cube shape with an illuminated base and a touch-sensitive control dial; the brushed aluminum finish and high-quality materials make it impossible to go unnoticed in any room.

Specifications

• Power Output: 300 watts total.
• Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect.
• Audio Formats: Supports high-resolution audio.
• Dimensions: 8.27 x 8.27 x 8.27 inches.
• Special Features: Multi-room audio, touch-sensitive control dial.

Pros:

• Audiophile-Grade Sound
• Premium Build Quality
• Versatile Connectivity

Cons:

• Price
• No Built-In Voice Assistant

Ideal For: Audiophiles and users looking for the best AirPlay Bluetooth speakers with premium sound quality and design.

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Outdoor AirPlay speakers

The Sonos Roam is a highly portable AirPlay speaker that doesn’t compromise on sound quality despite its small size. It’s the best AirPlay portable speaker for those who love to take their music on the go.

In-Depth: The Sonos Roam is designed for portability, featuring a lightweight and durable build that’s both waterproof and dustproof. This makes it perfect for outdoor use, whether you’re by the pool, on a hike, or at the beach. Despite its compact size, the Roam delivers powerful sound with deep bass and clear highs, thanks to its precision-engineered drivers.

The other automated feature on the Sonos Roam is the Trueplay tuning, which tailors the sound considering the surroundings that the speaker is in at any moment to make sure that you have the best audio performance. It also easily integrates with Sonos products and works perfectly with AirPlay 2 for streaming music from your Apple devices.

The Roam device has a sleek and functional design. Its triangle shape enables the device to be carried or placed easily anywhere. The rugged construction ensures it will last in outdoor environments, while its IP67 rating assures water and dust protection.

Specifications

• Drivers: Precision-engineered tweeter and mid-woofer.
• Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours.
• Dimensions: 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 inches.
• Special Features: Waterproof (IP67), automatic Trueplay tuning.

Pros:

• Highly Portable
• Automatic Trueplay Tuning
• Seamless Integration

Cons:

• Battery Life
• Price

Ideal For: Music lovers on the go, looking for the best AirPlay portable speakers that offer both durability and high-quality sound.

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Best Apple AirPlay Speakers

The Apple HomePod 2 is the ultimate AirPlay speaker for those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Building on the success of its predecessor, the HomePod 2 offers even more advanced features, including spatial audio capabilities, making it one of the best Apple AirPlay speakers available today.

In-Depth Features: The HomePod 2 is designed to deliver an immersive audio experience with its seven-tweeter array and high-excursion woofer. This setup creates a rich, room-filling sound that adapts to its environment, thanks to Apple’s computational audio technology. The HomePod 2 is also equipped with spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, which enhances the depth and clarity of sound, making it perfect for listening to music, watching movies, or playing games.

Best feature of the HomePod 2 is the perfect compatibility with other Apple devices. You can easily control the speaker by Siri, stream Apple Music, and use it as an interface for your home automation with other smart devices by Apple HomeKit. HomePod 2 offers multi-room audio support; you’re able to sync multiple HomePods or other AirPlay 2-compatible speakers all over your house.

HomePod 2 does not move far away from the original with its nice tubular design, but some refinements find their place. The mesh fabric on the outside is both visually appealing and helps in the acoustic performance. There is a backlit touch surface at the top that facilitates control over playback, adjustment of volume, and interaction with Sir

Specifications

• Drivers: Seven-tweeter array, high-excursion woofer.
• Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth.
• Voice Control: Siri built-in.
• Dimensions: 6.6 x 5.6 inches.
• Special Features: Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, Apple HomeKit integration.

Pros:

• Immersive Sound
• Deep Integration with Apple Ecosystem
• Smart Home Hub

Cons:

• Price
• Apple-Centric

Ideal For: Apple enthusiasts seeking the best AirPlay wireless speakers that offer premium sound quality and deep integration with Apple devices.

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Best AirPlay Stereo Speakers

The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is a stunning AirPlay speaker that combines exceptional sound quality with a unique, eye-catching design. It’s the perfect choice for audiophiles and design-conscious users who want the best AirPlay stereo speakers for their home.

In-Depth Features: The Zeppelin is equipped with five dedicated drivers: two double-dome tweeters, two midrange drivers, and a subwoofer. This configuration delivers a rich, balanced sound with deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The Zeppelin is also capable of producing room-filling sound that maintains its clarity and depth even at higher volumes.

Key to this is that the Zeppelin supports AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream music from any Apple device with little fuss. Also supported are Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL streaming options, making it pretty flexible in how you can play music.

The Zeppelin has a really unique design—an elliptical body that kind of brings every single little detail of the room in which it is placed together. High-quality materials, from an aluminum frame to fabric covering, not only put the aesthetics together but also make the acoustic performance the best. Built-in ambient lighting adds a touch of elegance that creates a visually appealing glow complementing the design of the speaker.

Specifications

• Drivers: Two tweeters, two midrange drivers, one subwoofer.
• Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect.
• Power Output: 240 watts.
• Dimensions: 25.6 x 7.6 x 7.2 inches.
• Special Features: High-fidelity sound, elegant design.

Pros:

• Audiophile-Grade Sound
• Striking Design
• Versatile Streaming Options

Cons:

• Price
• Size

Ideal For: Those who prioritize both audio fidelity and design, making it one of the best AirPlay stereo speakers for a premium home audio setup.

Read our Guide on Best Stereo Speakers of 2024 | Top Stereo Setups for all Budgets

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Best AirPlay Bluetooth Speakers

The Sonos Era 300 is a cutting-edge AirPlay speaker designed to deliver an immersive sound experience, thanks to its support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. It’s ideal for users who want to experience music and movies in a whole new way, making it one of the best AirPlay stereo speakers available.

In-Depth Features: The Sonos Era 300 is engineered to provide a truly immersive audio experience. It features a six-driver array, including four tweeters and two woofers, strategically positioned to deliver 360-degree sound. This setup, combined with Dolby Atmos support, creates a sense of space and depth that brings your audio to life, whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie.

Apart from great sound quality, the Sonos Era 300 also integrates perfectly with other Sonos products, which allows you to build a home audio system that is quite comprehensive. The speaker is also made compatible with AirPlay 2 so you can easily stream music straight from your Apple devices with very little latency.

The Sonos Era 300 is contemporary, smooth, and effortlessly stylish to blend with any interior. The rectangular shape places it well on top of a shelf or TV stand, constructed from premium materials to withstand the durability test of time while providing a luxurious feel. It has touch controls at the top to have easy playback and volume adjustment.

Specifications

• Drivers: Six-driver array for 360-degree sound.
• Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• Dimensions: 10.24 x 7.28 x 5.51 inches.
• Special Features: Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, touch controls.

Pros:

• Immersive Spatial Audio
• Seamless Integration
• Modern Design

Cons:

• Price
• Setup

Ideal For: Users looking for the best AirPlay stereo speakers that offer an immersive sound experience with cutting-edge technology.

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Best AirPlay Stereo Speakers

The KEF LSX II is a high-end AirPlay speaker system that offers superior stereo sound in a compact and stylish package. It’s the ideal choice for those who want audiophile-grade sound quality in a smaller, more manageable form factor, making it one of the best AirPlay stereo speakers on the market.

In-Depth Features: The KEF LSX II features KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver array, which places the tweeter in the acoustic center of the midrange cone, ensuring that all frequencies reach your ears at the same time. This results in a more detailed and accurate soundstage, with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. The LSX II also supports high-resolution audio streaming, making it ideal for audiophiles who demand the best sound quality.

The speaker system is equipped with AirPlay 2, which means you can stream music directly from your Apple devices. Additionally, the LSX II offers one of the finest lines of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and optical inputs for versatility in your audio setups.

The LSX II has a compact, neat design available in a number of finishes, including matte and fabric-covered options. The structure is solid with top-quality and high-end looks, thus being both durable and attractive. Its sizeable unit footprint easily allows it to be placed on a desk or shelf, and it can even be mounted on stands to go more towards a traditional stereo set-up.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.1 x 7.1 inches.
• Special Features: Compact stereo system, versatile connectivity.
• Drivers: Uni-Q driver array.
• Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.
• Audio Formats: Supports high-resolution audio.

Pros:

• Superior Stereo Sound
• Versatile Connectivity
• Compact and Stylish

Cons:

• Price
• No Built-In Voice Assistant

Ideal For: Audiophiles and those seeking the best AirPlay stereo speakers for a high-quality, compact audio setup.

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What to Look For in a Best AirPlay Speaker

When selecting the best AirPlay speakers, understanding the key specifications is crucial. Here are the most important factors to consider:

Drivers

The size and number of drivers determine the sound quality. Larger drivers generally produce better bass, while multiple drivers can enhance the overall sound spectrum.

Connectivity

Besides AirPlay 2, look for additional connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, which can add versatility to your speaker.

Build Quality

A well-built speaker made of durable materials will last longer and often sound better. Metal and high-quality plastics are preferable over cheaper materials.

Tips on Balancing Performance and Price

When choosing the best affordable AirPlay speakers, prioritize sound quality and build over extra features. Ensure that the speaker provides the core functions you need without overspending on unnecessary extras.

How Does AirPlay 2 Improve Multi-Room Audio?

AirPlay 2 enhances multi-room audio by allowing you to stream music to multiple speakers simultaneously, perfectly synchronized, with no lag or drop in quality. You can control every speaker from a single Apple device, playing the same track in every room or different songs in each room.

AirPlay 2 also supports various speaker brands, letting you create a customized, high-quality audio experience throughout your entire home. The technology provides seamless volume control and playback options for each speaker, making it the most efficient way to manage multi-room audio.

Customization and Upgradability

Customization and upgradability are important factors when selecting the best AirPlay compatible speakers. As your audio needs evolve, having the ability to expand your system can be a significant advantage.

• Sonos Era 100 and Sonos Era 300: These speakers are perfect examples of systems that can easily be expanded with additional Sonos products to create a comprehensive multi-room audio setup.
• KEF LSX II: Offers high-end connectivity options and can be paired with other KEF products for an upgraded stereo experience.

Why It’s Important: Future-proofing your setup with the best AirPlay wireless speakers ensures that you can continue to enjoy high-quality sound as your audio preferences and technology evolve.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of an AirPlay speaker are critical factors that influence both the longevity of the product and the overall user experience. When selecting the best AirPlay speakers, it’s important to consider not just how they sound, but also how they look, how durable they are, and how well they fit into your home environment.

Importance of Design

The design of a speaker goes beyond aesthetics. A well-designed speaker will optimize sound dispersion and integrate seamlessly into your living space. Whether you’re looking for a compact speaker like the Apple HomePod Mini or a statement piece like the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin, the design plays a key role in how the speaker will be used and enjoyed.

Build Quality and Materials

High-quality materials such as aluminum, durable plastics, and premium fabrics not only enhance the look of the speaker but also contribute to its durability and acoustic performance. For example, the Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation uses a brushed aluminum chassis that not only looks elegant but also helps in heat dissipation, ensuring the internal components remain cool and last longer.

Cooling and Durability

The cooling mechanisms in high-performance speakers, such as heat sinks and airflow designs, ensure that the speaker performs optimally even during extended listening sessions. This is particularly important in premium speakers like the KEF LSX II, where sustained performance is key to delivering high-fidelity sound over time.

Best Airplay Speakers with Gaming Performance

While AirPlay speakers are primarily designed for music and general audio playback, their performance in gaming can also be a consideration, especially for those using them in a home entertainment setup. Here’s what you can expect from the best AirPlay speakers in gaming scenarios:

Audio Quality in Games

The sound quality of games can be significantly enhanced when using high-end AirPlay speakers. For example, the Sonos Era 300 with its spatial audio capabilities can provide a more immersive experience in games that support surround sound or Dolby Atmos, allowing you to hear every detail from every direction.

Latency and Connectivity

One of the key concerns when using wireless speakers for gaming is latency. Best Airplay 2 speakers minimize latency, ensuring that the audio is in sync with the on-screen action, which is crucial in fast-paced games. The Apple HomePod 2, with its deep integration into the Apple ecosystem, offers low latency and high-quality sound, making it suitable for casual gaming sessions.

Multi-Room and Multi-Device Support

For those who like to game in different rooms or on multiple devices, the multi-room audio capabilities of AirPlay 2 speakers like the Sonos Roam can be a significant advantage. You can seamlessly switch between different rooms without losing audio quality or connectivity.

Cost vs. Performance

In the realm of AirPlay speakers, you often get what you pay for. Premium models like the Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation and Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin deliver exceptional sound quality and build, justifying their higher price tags. However, there are also more affordable options like the Apple HomePod Mini, which offers excellent performance for its price, making it one of the best affordable AirPlay speakers on the market.

Why These Speakers Offer the Best Bang for Your Buck

Each of the speakers on this list has been selected for offering a unique combination of sound quality, design, and features relative to its price. Whether you’re looking for the best AirPlay stereo speakers or a portable option like the Sonos Roam, these speakers represent the best value in their respective categories.

FAQS – best speakers for airplay

Conclusion

Choosing the best AirPlay speaker for your needs depends on several factors, including your budget, the design of the speaker, its sound quality, and how it integrates with your existing devices. Whether you’re an audiophile looking for the highest fidelity or a casual listener who wants a compact, easy-to-use speaker, there’s an AirPlay speaker on this list for you.

From the Sonos Era 100, which offers a versatile and expandable audio system, to the Apple HomePod Mini, which delivers great sound at an affordable price, these speakers represent the best options available in 2024. With features like spatial audio, multi-room capabilities, and seamless integration with Apple devices, these speakers will elevate your listening experience to the next level.