When it comes to driver-housing sonic boxes (cylinders, oblongs, spheres, wedges, jewels and teardrops) if you just want something for blasting out tunes in the kitchen, there are now some splendid options out there for little money. But if you need a wi-fi speaker for home with a bit more versatility and have a slightly more malleable budget, you can get a whole host of features plus better sound and multi-room capabilities for marginally (or substantially) more outlay.
That means they’ll be at your beck and call when it comes to shopping, weather forecasts or taking charge of smart home appliances including your lights and thermostat.
Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 13.8 × 26.9 × 4.7cm Power: : 2 x 25W Features: Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, apt X HD, USB-out for device charging, battery life of 30 hours Connections: 3.5mm aux, dedicated mains charging port and adapter with UK, EU and US adapter plugs TODAY’S BEST DEALS £299 View at Richer Sounds £299 View at Peter Tyson Low Stock £329 View at Audio Visual Online Reasons to buy + Excellent clarity + Impressive bass weight + Classy build and finish Reasons to avoid – No daisy-chaining for multiple Katch G2s
Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII Audio Pro adds Google Cast and AirPlay 2 to a winning recipe Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 16.6 x 32 x 18cm Power: 2x20W + 40W Digital class D Features: wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 Connections: RCA, sub out TODAY’S BEST DEALS £349 View at Electricshop Prime £349.62 View at Amazon £359 View at Richer Sounds Reasons to buy + Levelled-up streaming support + Greater clarity + Cleaner and tighter bass Reasons to avoid – Lacks the fun of the original The 2021 update (sensibly titled MkII) to the three-time Award-winning Audio Pro C10 (also listed, below) adds AirPlay 2 and Google Cast to complete a multi-room home run and gain a 2021 What Hi-Fi? We’re happy to report that it’s still the case today – if £500 ($500) is your maximum budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a speaker that comes close to the Audio Pro C10 MkII. We miss the leather handle and fun, slightly rock’n’roll aesthetic and sonic presentation of the original, but we can’t argue with three options for multi-room streaming (AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Audio Pro’s own slick and functional app) or the levelled-up grippy bass and improved hi-fidelity performance.
Apple HomePod Mini Apple’s new Siri-powered smart speaker is small but mighty Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 8.4 x 9.8 x 9.8 Power: 20W Features: Bluetooth 5.0, Siri, Apple Music, AirPlay 2, music over wi-fi Connections: None TODAY’S BEST DEALS £89 View at John Lewis £89 View at argos.co.uk £99 View at O2 Mobiles Reasons to buy + Sophisticated, engaging sound + Substantial smart skills + Impressive music discovery Reasons to avoid – Limited third-party service support – Lacks a full control app Get its swirling orb of coloured light up and running (when Siri is listening or processing) though, and you realise you’ve got a classy performer on your hands.
From the moment we start playing music, it’s clear that the HomePod Mini comfortably outperforms its size and price, quite frankly embarrassing its direct competition with the sophistication and maturity of its sound. Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation Just a few tweaks make for a superb second version Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 21 x 22 x 21 Power: : 300W Features: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Roon Ready, Hi-res up to 24-bit/384kHz, remote control Connections: 3.5mm aux, USB, optical S/PDIF, Ethernet TODAY’S BEST DEALS £749 View at Sevenoaks £749 View at Richer Sounds Prime £1,519 View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Open, detailed and expressive + Loads of streaming options + Multi-room ready Reasons to avoid – Nothing at this price
You can now choose between an Olive, Terracotta or Peacock grille alongside the standard black, but the best tweaks Naim has made go far deeper. Remove whatever colour grille you’ve gone for and you’ll be rewarded with upgraded and optimised midrange and bass drive units, all powered by a total of 300W of amplification.
Belying its box-like dimensions with a punchy bass alongside sparkling and rich tones across frequencies, the Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation scooped up a 2020 What Hi-Fi? Linn Series 3 The best-sounding wireless speaker we’ve heard Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm):25 x 29.6 x 20.6 Power: : 2x100W Features: Wireless integrated Linn DSM player, Exakt digital crossover Connections: Ethernet, USB, HDMI ARC TODAY’S BEST DEALS £2,690 View at Peter Tyson £2,999.99 View at Selfridges Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Wonderfully articulate + Luxury design + HDMI ARC for TV connection Reasons to avoid – No analogue inputs – No Tidal Masters support
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge This wireless speaker beats the competition by some distance Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm):25.4 x 28 x 26 Power: : 4x40W + 80W Features: proprietary mesh-system wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth v4.1 aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay2, Roon ready Connections: Ethernet, USB TODAY’S BEST DEALS £749 View at Richer Sounds £899 View at Sevenoaks Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Detailed, balanced sound + Multi-room integration + Quality build Reasons to avoid – Limited B&W app – Expensive Yes, it’s pretty expensive for a one-box proposition, but the B&W Formation Wedge offers the kind of detailed, balanced, cohesive sound that cannot be ignored – making it a class-leader in its category. It has the same minimalist looks that the Scandinavian company is known for, complete with textured surfaces and embossed leather carry handle, but the wireless tech adds a whole new dimension to your listening. JBL Link Portable For a great, affordable, durable home smart speaker, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a product that can match JBL’s Link Portable Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 17 x 8.8 x 8.8 Power: 20W Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v4.2, Google Assistant built-in, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, music over wi-fi Connections: 3.5 mm stereo TODAY’S BEST DEALS £139.99 View at Acer UK Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Expansive sound + Packed with features + Premium design Reasons to avoid – No JBL Connect support – Fussy over placement
Dynaudio Music 5 A superb sonic performance from a distinctive speaker Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 20 x 66 x 18.5 Power: 250W Features: 2x 25mm tweeters, 2x 8cm midrange, 13cm woofer, multi-room options, NoiseAdapt, RoomAdapt Connections: mains power, analogue audio jack, Toslink optical digital audio TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Expansive, weighty and accurate + Great for larger rooms + Top-notch build Reasons to avoid – No AirPlay 2 – No Spotify Connect Love or loathe the way it looks, (think huge, Indiana Jones-style ruby or the objects in the abstract chamber in Pixar’s Inside Out) we can’t help but be won over by how the Dynaudio Music 5 sounds.
While the Award-winning Naim (above) just edges it for both subtlety and a slightly livelier sound, there isn’t much in it – and the Dynaudio Music 5 boasts superiority in other ways. Depending on your room size and requirements, the Dynaudio Music 5 brings a meatier – and more easily adaptable – performance to the table.
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Wonderfully accomplished, sophisticated wireless speakers Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 39.5 x 19.7 x 30.5 Power: 2x 125W per unit Features: Bluetooth aptX HD, wi-fi, multi-room, Spotify Connect, Apple Airplay 2 Connections: USB, Ethernet TODAY’S BEST DEALS £3,499 View at Sevenoaks £3,499.99 View at John Lewis Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Excellent multi-room features + Snappy timing + Tight, authoritative bass + Transparent performance Reasons to avoid – No fully featured app They’re not cheap and the aesthetic won’t appeal to everyone, but if you want a wireless pair of standmounts that nothing comes close to right now in terms of sound, you’ve just found them.
The multi-room feature set, while not perfect (we’d prefer a single app to handle every function), is more than made up for by the superb audio performance. This is actually an all-in-one system, comprising a network streamer, Bluetooth receiver and amplifier, all built into a pair of stereo speakers. A Sonos One without voice control is still a great wireless speaker, whether stereo paired, added to a home theatre set-up or used solo. KEF LS50 Wireless II KEF’s revisions have paid off; these sequels are among the most thrilling speaker systems we’ve heard Specifications Hi-res support: 24-bit/384kHz Streaming services: Spotify Connect, Tidal, Google Chromecast, Qobuz, Deezer, Roon ready Bluetooth: 4.2 with aptX Inputs: USB, TOSLINK optical, RCA, ethernet, HDMI eARC Finishes: 4 Dimensions: 30.5 x 20 x 31.1cm (each) Weight: 10kg (each) TODAY’S BEST DEALS £2,499 View at Sevenoaks Prime £2,499 View at Amazon £2,499 View at Richer Sounds Reasons to buy + Big performance leap + Clean, punchy sound + All-encompassing connectivity Reasons to avoid – Nothing at this price
Tidal is one of many streaming services directly accessible from the new KEF Connect app – you have Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify, as well as internet radio and UPnP servers, at your fingertips too. Their Uni-Q driver array, beautiful Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Mineral White and Crimson Red Special Edition finishes, and curved front panel all combine to create a thorough head turner – and really, they ought to be. Audio Pro Addon T3 Another compelling wireless speaker from Audio Pro Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD (cm): 11.5 x 21.5 x 13.5 Power: 2x 5W + 15W Digital class D Features: Bluetooth V4.0 Connections: 3.5mm stereo, USB TODAY’S BEST DEALS £179 View at Currys Check Amazon 411 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Good balance + Expressive and dynamic + Faultless build Reasons to avoid – Size won’t suit everyone
The bass, made feasible by that larger chassis, doesn’t ruin the balance, instead it does just what it should, offering extra stability. And that is where the upgrade on something such as the Roll 2 is justified – the noticeable leap in audio quality will have you enjoying music much more readily than on a smaller speaker. The soundstage is gloriously spacious, giving each instrument enough room to breathe, and the sound is bathed in rich detail and fluid dynamics.
Although we’re prepared to give it some good-natured ribbing for an aesthetic that abandons the dashing handsomeness of other Audio Pro speakers, the Drumfire is put together very well. The big bottom portion of the Drumfire houses a 20cm subwoofer powered by a 200W Class D amplifier to pump bass into the room. Add in multi-room connectivity and the option to extend the Audio Pro family and you have an enticing, excellent high-end speaker. The multi-room titan’s first travel-friendly speaker (the 2019 Sonos Move is technically portable but weighs a hefty 3kg to the Roam’s 430g) isn’t short on connectivity or features.
Specifications Hi-res support: 24-bit/96kHz Streaming services: N/A Bluetooth: 4.0 with aptX Inputs: RCA, 3.5mm, optical digital Finishes: 2 Dimensions: 26 x 17 x 15cm (each) Weight: 4kg (each) TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon 4 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Detailed, agile sonics + Spacious soundstage + Plenty of features Reasons to avoid – Don’t feel premium – Bluetooth issues – Pricey With Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headphone jack, compatibility with TVs, and an optical input that supports 24-bit/96kHZ files, you’re not short of choice when it comes to sources you can add. You’re also spoiled when it comes to placement – the Xeo 10s have a switch that optimises their performance depending on where you put them, be it close to a wall, in a corner or out in open space. DSP and analogue combine to great effect in these wireless wonders, and there are some nice design flourishes to show off (such as the ability to change volume by running your finger along the front edge of the top panel). To get the most from them, you’ll need Dali’s Sound Hub, which is basically a wireless preamp that adds Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer music streaming, plus Bluetooth. It won’t leave you disappointed – the sound is dripping with drive and energy, while the bass has plenty of precision, agility and texture.
The Best Home Bluetooth Speaker
Using a Bluetooth tabletop speaker is the simplest way to get satisfying sound in the home, and we think Klipsch’s The One II is the best all-around choice. It has a full, clear, robust sound that made it the favorite of our panelists in a blind listening test, and its operation couldn’t be simpler.
Bluetooth pairing is simple, and the One II, with nothing but an on/off switch, a volume control, and an input selector, is one of the simplest audio systems you can buy. The Marshall Woburn II is the muscle car of Bluetooth speakers, with dual woofers that produce powerful bass and a sound that’s robust enough to get a dozen people dancing.
The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers for 2021
Big, small, portable, expensive, cheap, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi…the sheer amount of choice can seem overwhelming. Bluetooth is a point-to-point wireless system, pairing a transmitter (your phone or computer) with a receiver (your speaker) to play music. It’s very direct and easy to set up, and can stream pretty high-quality music thanks to technological advancements that have greatly improved audio fidelity over what it was a few years ago. It can also integrate into your home network, so you can easily play audio from any device connected to your Wi-Fi without pairing anything. It’s worth noting that the new Sonos Move supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming, so compatibility isn’t an issue at all. With some exceptions, any speaker you pick up at an electronics store will be able to stream audio either over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
They let you easily stream from your iPhone or iPad at better quality than Bluetooth, but if you’re an Android user, you won’t find much utility in it. Like Chromecast, setting up multi-room Echo audio is performed through the same app as your voice assistant and smart home devices, only it’s all Alexa instead of Google.
These usually aren’t as complex or robust as Wi-Fi multi-room systems, but they’re a simple option that can provide an alternative to using your home network to stream music. Larger speakers generally offer fuller sound and richer bass, but they can be more expensive and are often not portable.
For a speaker to be portable, it needs to both be small and light enough to easily carry around, and be equipped with a battery so it can run without being plugged in. Since Wi-Fi speakers rely on a separate network to enable multi-speaker and multi-room audio playback, they’re rarely portable.
Look for speakers with IPX ratings and guarantees of water and shock resistance if you want to carry them around to the beach, the lake, the slopes, or the sewers. Our guide to IP ratings explains what those numbers mean, so you can know whether your speaker can handle getting dunked in the pool, or if it simply will stay intact in a light drizzle.
Big bass isn’t for everyone, but unless your speaker is downright tiny, it should be able to reproduce low frequencies accurately without distorting at high volumes. Clarity is more important than sheer power, and a balanced, clean sound should be your goal when shopping for a speaker. They also generally support third-party skills that let you do anything from order pizza to play trivia games. The most prominent first-party voice assistant speakers like the Amazon Echo and the Google Home don’t have batteries.
Don’t be afraid to look for similar speakers to the ones on this list, either; a number of the options included here have solid predecessors that you can now find for much less since they’ve been replaced.
The 21 Best Indoor Bluetooth Speakers for Every Home
The best Bluetooth speakers used to be relegated to small, portable music players with often subpar sound, but the market has exploded in recent years. Or maybe a multi-room array like the systems Sonos specializes in, so you can wake up, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, and head into your home office, all without missing a single measure of Pharaoh Sanders’ life-giving melodies.
For listeners leery of Bluetooth’s audio quality—and it’s true that the technology uses lossy codecs, though many won’t notice the difference—a growing number of products connect directly over your wifi network to utilize Apple’s higher-resolution AirPlay system.
Emily Lazar, a Grammy-winning engineer who has mastered records for Haim, Vampire Weekend, Clairo, Beck, and more, likes the Sonos One for its sound and versatility.
Can this tiny Bluetooth speaker replace your whole home stereo?
Wi-Fi-based speakers, like Sonos or models that work with Apple’s AirPlay or Google’s Cast services, offer multi-room setups, higher-quality audio, and instant connectivity with a variety of devices. The option you choose really depends on your needs and home setup — an apartment dweller may be just fine with a good Bluetooth speaker, while someone with a multi-story house may want a more advanced Wi-Fi-based system.
There’s also an NFC chip built into it for simple tap-to-pair with compatible Android smartphones and wired output for an optional subwoofer.
The Core’s headline feature — the ability to create stereo separation without the need for two distinct speakers — does indeed work and lets me hear both left and right channels of music regardless of where I sit in the room.
Mass Fidelity co-founder Ben Webster told me that a lot of effort went into the Core’s Bluetooth processing to produce the best sound quality possible. He notes that Bluetooth was chosen for the Core because it works with virtually any audio you can play with your phone and doesn’t require a special app or protocol, like Sonos and AirPlay do. The Core may offer high-end audio quality that justifies its steep price tag, but the experience of streaming music over Bluetooth is anything but high end. The long-lasting battery made it possible for me to bring it along to my in-laws’ home for Thanksgiving dinner, where I was able to easily replicate the Adele skit from SNL whenever the table conversation turned political.
It comes with a basic IR remote for controlling volume, muting, and power, so I didn’t have to dig for my phone just to quickly silence the music. What many people will notice are the headaches with Bluetooth; the music cutting out if you walk out of the room for a moment or anytime you get a message alert on your phone. Update, 1:45PM, December 14th: An earlier version of this article stated that a single Sonos Play:5 speaker does not produce stereo sound, which is incorrect.
The 6 Best Home Speakers – Fall 2021 Reviews
It has a well-balanced sound profile, making it suitable for listening to a wide variety of audio content. Its balanced mid-range ensures vocals and lead instruments sound clear and present in the mix.
Best Bluetooth speaker 2021, including today’s best portable speakers
You can surprisingly large and refined sound from a can-sized lump of aluminium, and enough power for a big party from a bigger portable speaker. The Beosound A1 v2 finds its way to the top of this list thanks to sheer audio quality for the size – if you want a full, punchy sound that’s fairly expansive, and that doesn’t crush when going loud, then this is the place to start. And it follow B&O’s usual MO of having quite a neutral sound out of the box, but you can use the app to customise the audio – we at T3 like to push up the bass of B&O’s products a little, and that’s so easy to do and then save as a preset. Better sound, longer battery life (13 hours instead of 10), cool new buttons to play with, dust- and sand-proofing (as well as the previous imperviousness to water), and a great price.
Even with just one Wonderboom 2 in play, the 360 degree audio is better than it has any right to be at the price, especially with pop, hip-hop, EDM, bro rock and other outdoor party-friendly sounds. Being IP57 rated, it’s also well protected against grit, salt water, dust and beach-side sand, so long as you keep the USB charger cover in place. Audio Pro Addon C3 The best Bluetooth speaker for the home – also with Wi-Fi streaming Specifications Power output: Not quoted Battery life: 9 hours Apt-X: No AAC: No Reasons to buy + Superb sound, chic Scandinavian looks + Very compact + Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth for streaming Reasons to avoid – No Apt-X or AAC – Audio Pro’s app could be slicker TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Currys View at Electricshop 92 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ There are Bluetooth speakers that are more like updates to the old hi-fi mini systems – you plug them in, they’re mainly for streaming but have a line in, and the emphasis is on superior sound quality.
It also piles on AirPlay and Spotify Connect via Wi-Fi, as well as Audio Pro’s own app, so you can even use it as part of a very chic multi-room setup. Although one thing you should definitely use the app for is to set up the 5 preset buttons on the front of the C3 – these then give instant access to your favourite web radio stations or Spotify playlists.
Slightly surprisingly when connected via Bluetooth there’s no support for the audio-improving Apt-X (Android) or AAC (iOS) codecs. While it may be targeted at those who want dance, pop and rock tunes in the outdoors, its relatively small footprint and attractive design mean it can function perfectly happily indoors – in the kitchen, for instance.
In contrast to the simplicity of the Wonderboom 2, Ultimate Ears has trowelled on the bonus features here, with the ability to pair two in stereo as well as the option to chain anything up to ‘hundreds’ of them (!) A ‘magic button’ on top lets you easily play, pause and skip tracks and, uh, not-so-easily control playlists. With 20 hours of battery life, impressive bass and volume, 360º sound, and build quality that renders it essentially unkillable, the UE Megaboom is by far the best outdoor speaker you can get. And as noted, you don’t need to wait for summer to come back to enjoy it, as it does work well (for pop music in particular) in the kitchen, bedroom or elsewhere. The JBL Charge 5 is a relatively small speaker that doesn’t skimp on sound – it’s chunkier than the B&O A1, and the design is a bit more ‘practical’ (though is likely a little tougher against drops, too). With powerful, accurate audio and some serious volume capabilities, this is a great speaker for a barbecue on the beach or picnic in the park. The real trick to it is that it can also function as a full member of a Sonos or Apple AirPlay 2 setup at home, over Wi-Fi, and it easily switches between the two options. Audio Pro P5 Best portable Bluetooth speaker for audiophiles Specifications Battery life: 4 hours on 100% volume / 14 hours on 50% AAC: Yes Waterproof: IPX4 Aux-in: Yes Weight: 720g Reasons to buy + Connect using Bluetooth or 3.4mm aux + Excellent sound quality + Simple, splash-proof design Reasons to avoid – No music control from the speaker – Battery life isn’t amazing TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Electricshop Bluesound Pulse Flex 2i Best Bluetooth speaker – also has Wi-Fi streaming and can be made portable Specifications Power output: 25W Battery life: none (6 hours with optional battery pack) Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Additional connections: AC Wi-Fi, 3.5mm input, USB audio, 3.5mm headphone output Reasons to buy + Sounds brilliant for the compact size + Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth for streaming + Well designed app Reasons to avoid – Quite drab looks TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Sevenoaks Check Amazon With a wired connection it’s even capable of playing hi-res audio files, for audiophiles, but Tidal (CD quality) and even the likes of Spotify (compressed MP3) sound wonderful. Compared to the Audio Pro speaker further up, Bluesound’s champ is bordering on ugly, but since it sounds even better than the C3, has even more connectivity, and boasts an app that works better, we’ll set aside our aesthetic reservations. This Marshall speaker brings the brand’s penchant for guitar-amp stylish to a a smaller frame, and impressively still keeps most of the signature look with having annoying knobs sticking out and catching on your pockets.
The only downside is that there are a few missing features – there’s no mic (which can be handy for calls) and no way to adjust the sound’s balance, such as an app with EQ settings. Designed to be used outside, the JBL Xtreme 3 is a waterproof, dustproof portable Bluetooth speaker that will withstand all kinds of conditions – be it rain or sandy beaches. It certainly looks and feels durable, though it is pretty damn big compared to most of the speakers here, so you’ll definitely need to use the included shoulder strap to carry it around.
You can pump up the volume to seriously high levels, and the sound quality is crisp, detailed and bassy, all of which make it a great party speaker.
Kanto TUK Bluetooth speaker disguised as a complete music system Specifications Power output: 260W Battery life: none Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Additional connections: 3.5mm input, phono, pre-amp turntable, optical digital, USB audio, 3.5mm headphone output Reasons to buy + Proper stereo + Good physical connections Reasons to avoid – No Wi-Fi streaming TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Amazon Most higher-end wireless speakers also include Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity to service Tidal, Spotify, AirPlay, Chromecast et al. Kanto TUK has no truck with such new-fangled notions. I’ve seen reviews of this saying the bass is a bit thin, but I can assure you on a half decent pair of stands or a reasonably substantial shelf it is booming. A massive, recessed ‘handle’ on the back makes it easy to transport, and as well as being rugged, the base and paint finish are cunningly designed so it doesn’t get marked and scarred by a life of being hefted about and placed on patios. Sonos’ app provides support for any music service you can think of or subscribe to, as well as allowing voice control of tunes via Alexa or Google.
Audio quality takes a noticeable hit when you switch to Bluetooth, compared to Wi-Fi or cloud streaming. UE Hyperboom A big Bluetooth speaker with a huge engine Specifications Power output: 229W Battery life: 24 hours Apt-X: No AAC: No Reasons to buy + Excellent sound overall + Twin Bluetooth connections + Easy to get going with Reasons to avoid – Large and not pretty at all TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at John Lewis View at Currys Check Amazon The sheer scale of the audio here, and how well it maintains its poise while being so big and loud, is beyond what the Sonos Move can manage, though that’s the higher quality speaker overall, we’d say.
Ruark MR1 Mk 2 An even more compact stereo Bluetooth speaker than the TUK Specifications Power output: 20W Battery life: N/A Apt-X: Yes AAC: Yes Reasons to buy + Effortless stereo + Great sound + Optical and line inputs Reasons to avoid – Not entirely wireless TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Amazon View at Amazon With a 3.5mm input and an optical digital one and an output for an active subwoofer, this could be the basis of a neat little system, but it’s also mighty fine as a Bluetooth-only setup.
Best Bluetooth wireless speaker for 2021
So while there are plenty of mini Bluetooth speakers that deliver bigger sound than you might expect, they do have their sonic limitations. For a lot of people it’s a question of finding a speaker that’s not too big or too small — one that travels well but also is capable of producing good sound for its size.
David Carnoy/CNET When it launched, Bose made some bold claims about its new SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker, particularly its extra bass performance. Available in three color options — black, white smoke and stone blue (pictured) — it’s equipped with Bose’s PositionIQ technology to automatically detect the speaker’s orientation and deliver optimized sound based on whether upright, hanging or flat on its back. The Flex also floats and Bose says it can survive drops and bumps, with a soft silicone back and powder-coated steel grille that “won’t peel or flake and is resistant to corrosion and UV light.” Aside from its great design, Bose’s SoundLink Micro stood out because it was able to deliver more bass than every Bluetooth speaker in its size class, and it also managed to have limited distortion at higher volumes. It’s IP67 dust-proof and water-resistant (it can be fully submerged in shallow water for a short time) and has up to eight hours of battery life at moderate volume levels with USB-C charging. Like the Bose, this portable Bluetooth speaker has an integrated strap so you can clip it to your backpack or bike’s handlebars.
But for the fourth-gen Clip 4, JBL has moved to a more oval shape, bulked up the speaker slightly and added USB-C charging. It’s kind of a poor man’s version of JBL’s well-regarded Xtreme 2 speaker, which currently sells for around $200 though its list price is higher. Equipped with a handle and weighing a little over 4 pounds, the speaker reminds me of one of those giant flashlights or “floating lanterns” that were in vogue about 30 years ago. Anker says the Motion Boom delivers “huge stereo sound” and yes, it plays pretty loud and has a decent amount of bass with reasonable clarity.
According to JBL, the speaker is equipped with a “racetrack-shaped driver,” with a separate tweeter and dual passive radiators, which improves both clarity and bass performance over the Charge 4. The Charge 5 comes in six color options: black, blue, gray, red, teal and “squad” (which looks like a kind of camo).
There’s an integrated handle for toting the speaker, but the PartyBox 110 is pretty hefty, weighing in at 23 pounds and measuring slightly more than 22 inches tall. I didn’t test the stereo mode, but I was impressed with the sound of a single PartyBox 110 — it puts out lots of well-defined bass with good overall clarity in the highs and mids — and I suspect that pairing two of these together would be pretty awesome.
But it does deliver enough volume to fill a spacious living room with sound and also plays loud enough for a small pool or beach party. This is your best bet if you want a portable speaker that can deliver big, quality sound and operates on battery power. This portable Bluetooth speaker is both dust- and waterproof with an IP67 certification and is rated for 16 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels (it has USB-C charging while the older XB12 didn’t). David Carnoy/CNET Ultimate Ears Boom Bluetooth speakers come in a few different sizes, but none of them are as big as the all-new Hyberboom.
A supersize wireless speaker that tips the scales at a hefty 13 pounds, the Hyperboom makes the UE Megaboom 3 look unquestionably puny. UE Boom reps told me the Hyperboom was created after the company got feedback from its customers looking for a bigger speaker that could play loud enough and have deep enough bass to power a party.
Besides sounding decent for streaming your favorite music and more, this affordable Bluetooth speaker is also fully waterproof. Like its predecessor, the fully waterproof Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 with Bluetooth connectivity carries a list price of $100, but often sells for less.
This Bluetooth device also has 30% better battery life — lasting up to 13 hours at moderate volume levels, according to Ultimate Ears — and you can link two together to create a stereo sound pairing by pressing a button on each speaker. Sarah Tew/CNET The Tribit MaxSound Plus ($50 with an instant coupon) is about 30% bigger than its sibling XSound Go and costs about $25 more, but it performs substantially better and is one of the best-sounding speakers in its size and price class. It’s also worth noting that the A1 has multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect this to your PC and smartphone at the same time and easily switch back and forth between the two if a call comes in on your phone.
Additionally, the smart speaker is Alexa-enabled, meaning you can activate Amazon’s voice commands assistant by just saying “Alexa.” Sarah Tew/CNET Although a little pricey, Bose SoundLink Micro sounds remarkably decent for its tiny size, delivering more bass than other pocketable speakers. It’s a fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker and available in three color options, although the blue version appears to be hard to find.
The Best Bluetooth Home Speakers
They come in a wide variety, admittedly, as some also support Wi-Fi streaming and others are portable, so you can move them around your house or take the music on the road with you. You can think of the Bose Smart Speaker 500 as a direct competitor (albeit slight more expensive) to the Sonos One. The speaker has two custom drivers pointing in opposite directions so that, despite its compact size, it’s able to deliver a very wide soundstage. Klipsch’s second-generation The Three is a tabletop Bluetooth speaker that delivers solid stereo sound.
It has retro style with real wood, metal knobs and a fabric grille that make it look like it’s straight out of the ’60s or ’70s. And while it’s primarily a Bluetooth speaker, the Three II offers couple different connectivity options, including a 3.5mm jack and USB port, in case you want to play music directly from your smartphone or computer.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm jack, phono stage, RCA, USB The Stanmore II is a tabletop Bluetooth speaker that’s designed to look like one of Marshall’s famed amps.
The knobs on the top of the speaker allow you to control the volume, bass and treble, but there’s also a companion that allows you to adjust the EQ even further. When at home and connected to Wi-Fi, it can be used as smart speaker; you can talk to either Google Assistant or Alexa and control the music with your voice.
The Move is one of Sonos’s two portable speakers (along with the smaller Roam) that has both built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. When connected to Wi-Fi it will optimize its sound for the space it’s in thanks to automatic Trueplay technology.
There’s a button on its back that switches it to Bluetooth, where the move works like a traditional portable speaker. However, you can only play these 360 Reality Audio over Wi-Fi (Chromecast) and only a few services, like Tidal HiFi and Deezer, actually over them.
The Beosound Level is a unique take of the portable home speaker because, well, Bang & Olufsen expects that it will last you a really long time.
It has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, similar to the Sonos Move, but it also has what B&O is calling a “modular design.”
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The best wireless speaker 2021: our top picks from Sonos, Bose, Google, and more
The best wireless speakers in 2021 come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, from compact voice assistant-enabled desk buddies right through to big multi-room models that’ll fill your home with sound. Sonos One The best wireless speaker you can buy Specifications Weight: 4.08 lbs Dimensions: 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 inch / 161.45 x 119.7 x 119.7 mm Drivers: 1 x tweeters, 1 x woofer Supported Connectivity: AirPlay, Bluetooth 4.2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, 3.5mm, RCA Aux-in: Yes USB: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Sevenoaks View at very.co.uk 582 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Full-bodied, rich sound + Alexa and Google Assistant + Combine two for stereo setup Reasons to avoid – Expensive for its size
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021) The best wireless speaker for a detailed sound Specifications Weight: 6.5kg Dimensions: 210 x 650 x 194mm (H x W x D) Drivers: 2 x 1-inch tweeters, 2 x 3.5-inch midrange, 1 x 6-inch subwoofer Supported Connectivity: AirPlay, Bluetooth 5, Spotify Connect, Bowers & Wilkins Music App (with Deezer, Qobuz and TIDAL support) Aux-in: No USB: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at John Lewis View at Sevenoaks Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Balanced, detailed, full-range sound + Very acceptable control app Reasons to avoid – Not quite the stereo separation we were led to expect – Would suit an HDMI input nicely While it isn’t a substitute for an actual pair of stereo speakers, the Zeppelin serves up a wide, well-defined and endlessly engaging sound, no matter the genre of music. There’s a dazzling array of audio source options on offer here, with the biggest draws being Spotify Connect, DAB, Internet radio, Bluetooth and old faithful CD playback. The Pure Evoke C-F6 seems to only be available in the UK right now, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled in case any US or Australian retailers restock the wireless speaker.
Sonos Roam The best Bluetooth speaker that comes with Wi-Fi Specifications Weight: 0.95lbs Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inch / 168 x 60 x 62 mm Drivers: One tweeter, one mid-woofer Supported connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 Aux-in: No USB : Yes (USB-C) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Sevenoaks View at very.co.uk View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Powerful audio performance + Easily portable design + Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Reasons to avoid – Bass can be overwhelming The Sonos Roam is our pick for the best Bluetooth speaker on the planet, with a powerful sound, rugged design, excellent connectivity features, and smart home control.
A bass-heavy audio performance makes it ideal for use outdoors, while a clever Automatic Switching feature means it’s easily used indoors, too – though audiophiles may dislike the overwhelming low frequencies and rhythmic handling.
Its slick design means the Sonos Roam won’t look out of place in your home, while a rugged, waterproof and dustproof build and a decent battery life make it ideal for listening to music outdoors. Naim Mu-So Qb The best wireless speaker for stylish homes Specifications Weight: 12.3lbs Dimensions: 8.26 x 8.58 x 8.24 / 210 x 218 x 212 mm Drivers: 1 x Woofer, 2 x Mid-range, 2 x Tweeter, 2 x Passive Radiator Supported Connectivity: UPnP, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth aptX Aux-in: Yes USB: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Low Stock View at Audio Visual Online Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Amazing looks + Full and vibrant sound + Small form factor Reasons to avoid – Setup isn’t seamless You might not have heard of it before, but Naim audio is a company that produces some of the most stylish connected speakers in the business, and we think the Mu-So Qb is the best they’ve put out yet.
But even if you don’t have your phone in hand, this wireless speaker is still controllable using its sleek touch-screen which allows you to access internet radio stations, for example. Sonos Arc The best wireless speaker for your TV Specifications Weight: 24.6lbs Dimensions: 3.4 x 45 x 4.5 inch / 1141.7 x 87 x 115.7mm Drivers: 11 high quality drivers Supported Connectivity: Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Aux-in: No USB: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Sevenoaks View at very.co.uk Reasons to buy + Dolby Atmos, TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus + Discrete all-in-one soundbar + Amazing surround sound and music playback Reasons to avoid – Doesn’t suit every room
It then enhances the 3D soundscape using Dolby Atmos object tracks to bounce certain sounds off the walls around you so they feel like they’re coming at you from all angles.
While all this might sound complicated, the Sonos Arc setup couldn’t be simpler, involving just a couple of steps on the smartphone app.
The minimalist cable connections and all-in-one system construction add to this no-fuss feeling and streamlined aesthetic – making it the best soundbar you can buy in 2021 that doubles up as a fantastic wireless speaker for your TV. Google Home Max The best Google Assistant home speaker Specifications Weight: 7lbs Dimensions: 13 x 7.3 x 5.9 inch / 335 x 187 x 150 mm Drivers: 2x Tweeters, 2x Woofers Supported Connectivity: DLNA, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm Aux-in: Yes USB: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Sounds incredible + Google Cast built-in + Bluetooth compatible Reasons to avoid – Better sounding speakers are available
KEF LS50 Wireless II The best stereo wireless speakers Specifications Weight: 44.31lbs Dimensions: 12 x 7.9 x 12.2 inch / 305 x 200 x 311 mm Drivers: Uni-Q Driver Array, low frequency aluminium cone, high frequency vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology Supported connectivity : Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, ROON Ready, UPnP Compatible. Add to this a vastly improved app, the ability to adjust the EQ settings, and blissfully easy setup, and you have yourself a pair of stereo speakers that can really do no wrong in our eyes. The Amazon Echo Studio is an impressive offering – a smart-speaker and Dolby Atmos immersive sound home cinema unit, all in one tidy package.
Some of its experiments with upmixing stereo sources can sound a bit confused, but it’s otherwise a very powerful, feature-rich smart speaker – especially considering the price.
As ever with virtualized surround sound, it’s not as impactful as having discrete physical speaker channels above and behind you, hooked up to an AV receiver. But that’s a huge expense, and not practical for all living room arrangements, making the powerful Echo Studio an impressive value option.
[Update: We’ve just reviewed the Amazon Echo Show 10, which comes with a rotating screen and can double up as a home security camera.] Apple HomePod mini The best wireless speaker for Siri Specifications Weight: 0.76lbs Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.9 x 3.9 inch / 8.43 x 9.79 x 9.79 cm Drivers: Full-range driver and dual passive radiators for deep bass and crisp high frequencies Supported connectivity : Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, AirPlay Aux-in: No USB: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at John Lewis View at very.co.uk View at argos.co.uk Reasons to buy + Incredible sound + Sleek design + Only smart speaker with Siri built-in Reasons to avoid – Needs Apple Music for full function – Small number of compatible smart home devices
Braun LE01 The best one-box hi-fi system Specifications Weight: N/A Dimensions: 27.5 x 10.6 x 3.89 inch / 700 x 271 x 99mm Drivers: 3 x front-firing drivers, 2 x passive radiators and 3 x class D amplifiers Supported connectivity : Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, AirPlay, Chromecast Aux-in: Yes USB: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Refined sound and build quality + Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast streaming Reasons to avoid – Needs to be set up using Google Home – Basic app That’s a good thing, because the LE01 smart speaker comes with only Bluetooth 4.2; there’s no sign of aptX hi-res audio streaming.
The Devialet Phantom I is a continuation of the French audio brand’s iconic range of wireless speakers, which come with powerful side-firing bass reflex ports that pulse in time to your music. The sound is nothing short of outstanding, and a good range of connectivity options and an easy-to-use app make the Phantom I easy to recommend – if you have a lot of money to spare, that is. This speaker packs a real punch, presenting a powerful, immersive sound, thumping bass, smooth mids and detailed trebles. If you’re looking for room-filling sound, check out models that feature 360-degree grilles and disperse audio at all angles; the Amazon Echo Studio or the Sonos One are good places to start.
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