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 £69 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 Multiroom Wireless Speaker System
A wireless multiroom speaker system is the easiest way to listen to music, podcasts, and other audio entertainment in more than one room at a time, and we think Sonos is the best option. For better sound or bigger rooms, the higher-end Sonos Five creates a large soundstage on its own, and a pair can compete with similarly priced midrange bookshelf speakers—without the need for a separate amplifier.
If you’re looking for a more affordable multiroom wireless music system that still sounds great—or if advanced voice control is especially important to you—Amazon’s Echo family of smart speakers is a good alternative to Sonos.
On its own, the Dot’s sound quality is pretty solid for a $50 speaker, but its small size and lack of bass mean you probably only want to use it for the most casual music listening or for podcasts and audiobooks.
The best Bluetooth speakers 2021: the top portable speakers for any budget
The best Bluetooth speakers of 2021 are must-have devices for any music lover, thanks to their portable, durable designs and fantastic audio performances. Marshall Kilburn II Small and mighty Specifications Weight: 2.49Kgs Output: 36W Battery life: 20 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon 1 Amazon customer review ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Clear top notes + Rugged and portable + Cool retro aesthetic Reasons to avoid – Slightly muddy bass – Can feel heavy
For those who plan on taking a portable speaker to an outdoor party, Marshall Kilburn II will be a perfect companion. While the bass can be a little muddy at times, it’s excellent for playing guitar music, and its portability means the Kilburn II is great for taking on the road.
The loudness of the portable speaker is best suited for festivals and parties as it comes with multi-directional sound and backfiring tweeters. Marshall Kilburn II definitely stands out from the crowd with its retro look and portable feel, and of course, it all comes at a hefty price tag.
It offers thumping and loud audio without distortion at high volumes; is light enough to carry on a camping trip but remains durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected. Google Nest Audio Specifications Weight: 1.2Kgs Battery life: Always connected Aux-in: No Water resistance: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Subtle and unassuming design + Picks up voice commands very well + Better sound than its predecessor Reasons to avoid – Missing detail in the mids and trebles – Can sound harsh at higher volumes
While Google promised better sound quality over the Home speakers, the Nest Audio doesn’t deliver the jump in performance we were hoping for.
The three microphones also did a good job of picking up our voice, amid both loud music and other noise in the room. It is also worth mentioning that this speaker is not made for outdoor usage as it needs to be plugged into a power outlet all the time. The Nest Audio is good enough for the kitchen or a bedroom, but it doesn’t deliver enough volume to fill a bigger space.
Amazon Echo(2020) Specifications Weight: 970g Battery life: Always connected Connectivity: Bluetooth BLE, Wired Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Futuristic look + Improved, adaptive sound + Alexa responds faster + Zigbee hub integration Reasons to avoid – Max volume isn’t loud enough – Not as clear as the Echo Studio – No Chromecast or Home Kit support To make things fancier, Amazon has wrapped the new Echo in a fabric grille and light ring around the base. While it might not be the best sounding speaker, the additions like a built-in Zigbee smart home hub and a new AZ1 neural edge processor, the Echo provides 2x faster voice processing.
Sony SRS-XB23 Specifications Weight: 570g Battery life: 12 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 5 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Good sound quality + Competitive price + Stereo pairing and Party Mode Reasons to avoid – Lower peak volume – Unclear battery level alerts
While the Sony SRS-XB23 doesn’t have the best sound quality in its class, it seems like an affordable outdoor speaker that most people will love. Another point worth calling attention to is the speaker’s IP67 rating that makes the new XB23 completely dust and water-resistant.
In terms of battery life, Sony promises about 12 hours of playback on a full charge but that’s the average when listening to music at 50% volume. BoAt Stone 1400 Specifications Weight: 1.8Kgs Battery life: 7 hours Output: 30W Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon
Soundcore Anker Flare Specifications Weight: 531g Battery life: 12 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IPX7 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Impressive sound for the size + Waterproof + Excellent mobile app Reasons to avoid – Bass boost and EQ are very mild – Average battery life – Harsh at max volume One of the best looking speakers on the list, the Anker Soundcore Flare brings the best features of its competitors into an affordable package that’s tough to beat. For the price, the Flare offers good sound, a tough waterproof build and an excellent user experience. Sony SRS-XB13 Specifications Weight: 253g Battery life: 16 hours Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 Aux-in: Yes Water resistance: Yes, IP67 TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Visit Site Reasons to buy + Relatively affordable + Diffused sound + Balanced sound quality + 16-hour battery life Reasons to avoid – Low max volume – Four-hour charge time – Awful microphone
On the brighter side, you get a pretty portable design, and in terms of sound quality, the SRS-XB13 is far better balanced than it was in years past. The Mi Smart Speaker comes with two mics with far-field voice wake up support which means you will be able to trigger the Google Assistant.
8 Best Home Stereo Systems [ 2021 Review ]
Based on price, power, sound quality, connectivity, intended use, compatibility, and many other things, you will want to find the exact system that is right for your home audio needs. Because of the complexity of this subject, we have put together a guide of some of the most important factors to keep in mind when picking out your home audio system. From simply listening to music to watching movies and hosting parties, what are you looking to get out of your home audio system? Conversely, if you want to have a stay-at-home setup that never movies, then a full-on surround sound system may be the best way to go for you.
Of course, a smaller system with a compact and simple design is still usable with movies, but it won’t produce the surround sound that some listeners may want. You’re going to want a system that can provide full, rich bass, with clear high frequencies and crunchy mids.
A good system is equipped to handle a wide range of uses, blasting high-end quality audio for any space. 1000-watts with thumping bass may not be necessary for your home theater, but it will be if you plan to crank up the volume for a party or dig into whatever movie you’re watching.
No matter which way you slice it, sound quality is endlessly crucial for a home stereo system. Read reviews from buying customers of whichever system you’re looking at and determine if the sound quality will be useful for you. If your speakers and your stereo systems come with compatible apps, it will add to your level of convenience during setup and navigation. If you’ve got a small room where you’re doing most of your listening, then you can go with a lower volume model, which may save you a little bit of money on the front end.
You’ll want a good subwoofer, especially if you’re hosting people and if you have a massive craving for some extra bass in your music. Likewise, if you have a space that doesn’t have a ton of room for an extra couple of speakers and a subwoofer, then you’ll want to downsize just a little bit. A smaller stereo can be suitable for a wide variety of spaces, whereas larger ones have to stay put and take up a good deal of real estate in your area. Luckily, brands are making systems in very modern and aesthetically pleasing ways that work for basically any home theater.
That means that they can manipulate the sound to ensure that all listeners in the room experience the best possible version of the audio being played. When people are on the dancefloor and feeling the bass pumping out of the subwoofer, the last thing you want is a break in the music.
There are tons of good home audio players that don’t have these types of bells and whistles and still compete with many of the other best options on our list. There are a ton of top-performing audio players for the home out there with excellent speakers and high-end receivers that you can get without overpaying.
Try to keep the buying factors in mind listed in our buyer’s guide as you’re looking, and you should be able to pick out the best home stereo system for you.
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. 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. These speakers are obviously not portable at all, but if you want a centerpiece sound system for your living room or office they’re likely your best choice. 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 best Bluetooth speakers 2021: the top portable speakers for any budget
The best Bluetooth speakers in 2021 all tick three key boxes: they’re portable, durable and they offer superb audio quality in all kinds of environments. Last year, the Sonos Move was discounted by $100 / £100, and we saw lots of excellent deals on models like the JBL Flip 5 and the UE Boom 3 – so it’s well worth shopping the sales. Save $50 – This Bluetooth speaker boasts excellent sound, a lovely water resistant shell and a powerful rubberised finish – and it’s at a great price for Black Friday.
Save $20 – This cute Bluetooth speaker comes with an IPX7 water resistance rating, so you can take it in the great outdoors without a worry.
Save £6 – This tiny Bluetooth speaker sports Micro SD support and AUX capability to provide endless audio options, a 15-hour battery life, and a 66ft wireless range. Well, portable speakers that stream music from your devices via Bluetooth are a great idea if you want high quality audio at home.
They’re also a solid option if you like to listen to music outside, whether that’s while you’re entertaining outdoors or working out, as well as if you like to be able to take a speaker to social events – like a party in your local park or down at the beach. Many of the best portable speakers you can buy today are multi-functional and may also feature voice assistant integration alongside audio playback. This device can seamlessly switch from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth, integrate into a Sonos system, and it comes with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant onboard.
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.
Sonos Move The best-sounding Bluetooth speaker Specifications Weight: 6.61 pounds (3kg) Battery life: 10 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz, and 5GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2 Drivers: One down-firing tweeter, one mid-woofer, two Class-D digital amplifiers NFC: No Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes (USB-C, and comes with charging dock) TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Crutchfield Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 689 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Integrates with a home Sonos speaker network + Great for on-the-go tunes Reasons to avoid – Not as feature-rich when using Bluetooth – Cant be used as rear cinema speakers It’s not perfect – it’s heavy as a byproduct of its incredible sound, it’s expensive due to its rich feature set, and it sadly can’t be used as rear channels for a home cinema set-up. This is a speaker that can get loud and not distort at higher volumes; be light enough to carry on a camping trip but remain durable enough to tumble in a bag unprotected.
JBL’s Flip 5 is a simple soul with Bluetooth-only playback and modest features, but if you desire a rugged, great-sounding portable speaker and can sacrifice voice control or hands-free call functionality, you won’t be disappointed.
Coming in a range of cool colors – including an eye-catching camo print – there’s now a limited Eco Edition that’s made from 90% recycled plastic, while the portable speaker’s entire packaging is biodegradable. [Update: Don’t miss our JBL Boombox 2 review – we were mightily impressed by this portable speaker’s IPX7 waterproof rating, long battery life, and distortion-free sound.] It doesn’t quite meet the sonic dexterity of the Sonos Move, or the value for money of the UE Boom 3 and JBL Charge 4 – but if you love that Bose sound and build quality, this is the portable speaker for you. Anker Soundcore Flare 2 The best budget Bluetooth speaker Specifications Weight: 1.29 pounds Battery life: 12 hours Wireless range: 20m / 66ft Frequency response: N/A Drivers: Dual drivers and passive radiators NFC: No Aux-in: No Bluetooth version: N/A Weatherproofing: IPX7 Charges devices over USB: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Great sound quality + Speakerphone feature + IPX7 water-resistant Reasons to avoid – No 3.5mm AUX jack
UE Wonderboom 2 The best outdoor speaker gets a refresh Specifications Weight: 0.93 pounds Dimensions: 104 x 95.3mm (H x D) Battery life: Up to 13 hours Wireless range: 100 ft (33 m) Frequency response: 75 Hz – 20 kHz Drivers: two 40 mm active drivers and two 46.1mm x 65.2mm passive radiators NFC: No Bluetooth version: N/A Aux-in: No USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Dell Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 5 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Great sound for its size + IP67 dustproof/waterproof rating + 30% better battery life than its predecessor Reasons to avoid – Restrictive soundstage
JBL Charge 5 The best mid-range speaker Specifications Weight: 2.11 pounds Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 (W x D x H) Battery life: Up to 20 hours Wireless range: 30 ft (10 m) Frequency response: 65Hz–20kHz Drivers: N/A NFC: No Bluetooth version: 5.1 Aux-in: No USB charging: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Crutchfield View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Balanced sound quality + Gets extremely loud + Long battery life up to 20 hours Reasons to avoid – Takes a while to charge – No more Aux jack UE Hyperboom Powerful sound for parties both big and small Specifications Weight: 13 pounds Battery life: 24 hours Wireless range: Approx. In terms of features, the Ultimate Ears app allows you to connect the Hyperboom to other UE speakers and use them together, you can switch audio source and adjust volume, and you can select four different playlists in Amazon Music, Deezer or Spotify that can be started by holding down the Play button in three seconds.
Sony SRS-XB23 A powerful canister of sound for all your outdoor adventures Specifications Weight: 1.3 pounds Battery life: Up to 12 hours Wireless range: 30 feet Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz Drivers: X-Balanced Speaker, dual passive radiators NFC: Yes Aux-in: Yes USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Good sound quality + IP67 rating (waterproof) + Stereo pairing and Party Mode Reasons to avoid – Lower peak volume In terms of performance, it can get pretty loud without a massive amount of distortion and the passive radiators help the bass to sound clearer than it has on any of Sony’s previous models. That’s because the XB23 uses Bluetooth 5 and supports three major codecs – SBC, AAC and LDAC, the latter of which you’ll find on newer Android devices and sounds absolutely great. Outdoor adventurers will love the ruggedness of this Sony Bluetooth speaker while us kick-back-and-relax folks will enjoy how snugly it fits into a lawn chair’s cup holder.
Visually near imperceptible from the original A1, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) is an appealing and highly portable Bluetooth speaker that comes with (admittedly flawed) Alexa support. Urbanista Brisbane Scandi design meets decent sound Specifications Weight: 1.5 pounds Battery life: 10 hours Wireless range: 30m (100ft) Frequency response: 80-20,000Hz Drivers: 2 x 52mm NFC: No Aux-in: No USB charging: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Great audio performance + Second speaker pairing Reasons to avoid – Could be more rugged – Boring design
Loud and rich-sounding, it’s a well-priced addition to anyone’s home, with a good battery life and the option to pair it with another Brisbane for true stereo sound. 1MORE Portable BT Speaker A luxurious Bluetooth speaker for the office and the home Specifications Weight: 268g Battery life: 12 hours Wireless range: N/A Frequency response: N/A Drivers: N/A NFC: No Aux-in: Yes USB charging: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Great sound quality for the size + Impressive bass response at low volume Reasons to avoid – Limited IPX4 rating – Average battery life
Some portable speakers are built with durability in mind, and will feature rubberized builds to prevent damage from drops and lightweight designs to make them easy to carry around. Of course, you can absolutely use your new portable Bluetooth speaker solely inside your home – and that means you can choose from a wider range of designs that will look great with your decor.
Sonos Bluetooth speakers are great if you want to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors, with the ability to form part of a wider multi-room system – and you can be sure that they’ll sound fantastic, too. If waterproofing is a priority then look out for models from Ultimate Ears, which combine fun, colorful designs with rugged builds – many of which can withstand a dip in the pool.
Consider high-end audio brands such as Bose and Bang & Olufsen if you want a combination of stylish design and great sound – but be prepared for relatively high prices. If you want to save money then Urbanista, Tribit, and Anker offer brilliant speakers that won’t break the bank.
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 View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Walmart 2 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 Crutchfield View at 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.
Sonos Play:5 The best-sounding wireless speaker from Sonos Specifications Weight: 13.8lbs Dimensions: 8.03 x 14.33 x 6.06 inch / 204 x 364 x 154 mm Drivers: 3 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 288 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Easy to setup + Powerful sound Reasons to avoid – Simple design – Too big for some spaces Pure Evoke C-F6 The best wireless speaker with a radio Specifications Weight: 9.2lbs Dimensions: 14.9 x 5.7 x 8.7 inch / 380 x 145 x 223 mm Drivers: 2 x 3″ full range Supported Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Aux-in: Yes USB: No TODAY’S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Modest and attractive design + Incredible playback options + Built-in radio Reasons to avoid – No Google Cast support
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 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 Prime View at Amazon View at Walmart 122 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ 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 View at Sonos US & Canada View at Walmart Prime View at Amazon 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 View at Bed Bath & Beyond View at Musician’s Friend 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.
Marshall Stanmore The best speaker for rock lovers Specifications Weight: 10.3lbs Dimensions: 13.8 x 7.3 x 7.3 inch / 350 x 185 x 185 mm Drivers: 2x Mid-to-high range, 1x Woofer Supported Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX, USB, Toslink/3.5mm Aux-in: Yes USB: Yes TODAY’S BEST DEALS View at Verishop Prime View at Amazon Prime View at Amazon 2 Amazon customer reviews ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Reasons to buy + Lots of connectivity options + Great retro design Reasons to avoid – Big heavy build – Pricey compared to better-sounding options 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. 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 Best Buy View at Walmart View at Staples 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 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.
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.
Wireless & Multiroom Audio: Speakers, Receivers & Audio Systems
If you’re setting up a home theater system, maybe you’ve already looked at adding a multiroom receiver that adds the ability to deliver high-quality audio to multiple speakers at once. If adding the ease of voice control is on your list of requirements, just look for speakers and sound bars that have Google Home or Amazon Alexa built in.
The best Wi-Fi speakers for 2021: Apple, Sonos, JBL and Polk
Wireless audio for the home is nothing new, but the past few years have brought a proliferation of speakers that use Wi-Fi streaming as an alternative to Bluetooth. Sarah Tew/CNET For $100 there’s a few excellent smart speakers to choose from, such as the Amazon Echo, Nest Audio and HomePod Mini, but the Symfonisk is bigger than all of them. Sarah Tew/CNET At under $200, and with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant as well as excellent sound quality, the Sonos One is the smart speaker to get and will please any music fan. This home speaker is not smart, but the device will respond to Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa commands. Sarah Tew/CNET Google may offer a lot of speakers, including the Nest Audio, but the one that was truly great with music — the Home Max — has been discontinued. If you want a wireless speaker model that’s portable and water resistant, the Sonos Move offers great sound in a very large box.
Sarah Tew/CNET Featuring a compact bar and excellent sound, the Polk MagniFi offers almost everything you need in a streaming TV speaker for your home theater, including Chromecast built-in. It also works great for multiroom audio, allowing playback from multiple speakers all over the house via your Wi-Fi network, all controlled by a single phone app.
The company is moving away from the megalithic single app in favor of supporting third-party music services natively (Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2). The company is moving away from the megalithic single app in favor of supporting third-party music services natively (Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2). For the cost of entry and ease of use and setup, Chromecast built-in is our current favorite Wi-Fi music system. These include: Yamaha MusicCast, Denon HEOS, Bowers and Wilkins Formation, Bose Music and Bluesound.
There are plenty of systems that have largely been abandoned or replaced, whether it’s in favor of a newer version or competition from more popular protocols.
Best Wireless Multiroom Speakers of 2021
Purchasing the speakers, amps, keypads, and switching devices was just the beginning—then you had to hire a technician to snake wires through the walls, make the connections, and adjust the settings to get all the components to play together nicely. Like everything we rate, from printers to pickup trucks, CR buys speakers anonymously through regular retail channels and puts each model through a battery of lab tests for ease of use, versatility, and especially sound quality.
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