Your iPhone is a superb machine for listening to music, particularly when paired with a decent set of headphones. Nevertheless, there are some occasions if you simply wish to flip up the quantity and hearken to your music out loud. That is when an AirPlay-compatible speaker may be simply what you want.
What is Apple’s AirPlay? Your complete guide
Apple’s AirPlay can shortly solid audio and visible content material, and it is obtainable on most units. This is the way it works and easy methods to make it be just right for you.
Apple’s AirPlay system lets you wirelessly stream music from an Apple machine corresponding to your iPhone or your Mac to a appropriate speaker. You’ll be able to nonetheless management the music out of your Apple machine, however you get to benefit from the superior sound high quality that your speaker can supply.
For those who get pleasure from listening to your music or podcasts out loud, then there are many nice AirPlay-compatible audio system on the market to select from. How do you discover the appropriate one in your wants? We check out a few of the finest AirPlay-compatible audio system on the market proper now, that will help you make an knowledgeable alternative.
Greatest AirPlay-compatible audio system: Our prime selections
Apple HomePod mini
1. Greatest Airplay-compatible speaker total
Nice sound and excellent Apple integration at an honest value.
When Apple first launched the primary HomePod, it was priced out of the attain of many customers. The HomePod mini introduced the speaker we thought we might be getting, with first rate sound at an inexpensive value. The combination with different Apple units is seamless.
- Good sound for its measurement
- Nice worth
- Seamless integration with Apple units
- Not very best for greater rooms
- Would not match the sound high quality of the HomePod
AirPlay was designed to let your Apple units work with any AirPlay-compatible units, nevertheless it’s no shock that the expertise works finest with one in every of Apple’s personal wi-fi audio system. The HomePod mini is the best companion to your different Apple gear, with intelligent options corresponding to the power to start out taking part in music in your iPhone, after which transfer that music to the HomePod mini simply by holding your iPhone subsequent to it.
The sound high quality is excellent too, contemplating the dimensions and value of the speaker. It affords a 360-degree sound area, which isn’t shocking given its form, and you may mix two HomePod minis to create a stereo pair. For those who’re all in on the Apple ecosystem, then a HomePod mini is a superb alternative of AirPlay-compatible speaker, permitting to you stream out of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or simply stream straight from the speaker itself.
Apple HomePod 2
2. Greatest Airplay-compatible speaker for Apple integration
Excellent sound high quality that works seamlessly along with your Apple gear.
The unique HomePod was designed to sound unbelievable, and the second-generation mannequin would not shirk from these roots. The sound high quality is spectacular and may fill a decent-sized room. For those who’re an Apple person, it is an ideal match.
- Glorious sound high quality
- Can fill a bigger room than the HomePod mini
- Easy integration with Apple units
- Costlier
- Siri not the perfect voice assistant
If you’d like all of the compatibility of the HomePod mini, however with even higher sound high quality, then the HomePod (2nd generation) might be what you want. It is loads greater than the HomePod mini (clearly) being greater than twice the peak, and a bit of wider, too. It is also a extra cylindrical form than the largely spherical HomePod mini. All that further actual property implies that the HomePod (2nd era) can supply really nice sound. Actually, we have discovered it to be one of many best-sounding good audio system on the market.
Identical to the HomePod mini, the second-generation HomePod works seamlessly along with your different Apple units, too. In addition to supporting AirPlay out of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the HomePod (2nd era) has Siri in-built. You probably have your iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, and HomePod all in shut proximity, saying “Hey Siri” will get a response from the HomePod, whereas Siri in your different units will maintain quiet, so you are not speaking to 4 variations of Siri directly.
Sonos Period 300
3. Greatest airplay-compatible speaker for spatial audio
A singular speaker that gives spectacular spatial audio.
Spatial audio can provide the impression of being immersed inside a soundscape, with the totally different devices positioned throughout you. The Sonos Period 300 manages to create this impact from a single speaker, which is the rationale for its uncommon design.
- Spectacular spatial audio from a single speaker
- Nice Sonos sound high quality
- Works nicely as a part of a multi-speaker system
- Costlier
- Distinctive appears might not be to all tastes
The Sonos Era 300 is probably the most unusual-looking speaker on this checklist, with its distinctive design that appears like two audio system have been glued collectively. The unusual form is for an excellent motive, nonetheless; it permits the Sonos Period 300 to generate spatial audio from a single speaker. There are six drivers inside to push the audio to all areas of the room and offer you a way more immersive expertise. The outcomes are spectacular, producing a soundstage that sounds large and wealthy.
As with all Sonos audio system, the AirPlay compatibility is superb. You’ll be able to shortly choose the Sonos Period 300 as your output supply in your music out of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, permitting you to benefit from the music or audio you are streaming in spectacular sound high quality. It even outguns the HomePod (2nd era), giving a fuller sound with extra backside finish.
Sonos Period 100
4. Greatest worth Sonos Airplay appropriate speaker
A fantastic Sonos speaker at an inexpensive value level.
Sonos has a confirmed monitor document for audio system of this measurement, and the Sonos Period 100 is the perfect one thus far. It improves upon its predecessors by including stereo sound, line-in assist, and higher sound high quality. It really works nicely as a rear encompass speaker, too.
- Nice sound high quality
- Improves upon the wonderful Sonos One
- Provides wired connections
- Not an enormous improve for those who personal a Sonos One
- No Google Assistant baked in
If you’d like the audio high quality that Sonos is legendary for, however do not wish to splash out for the costlier Sonos Period 300, then the Sonos Era 100 is price a glance. It is the most recent in a protracted line of fantastic equally sized audio system from Sonos that features the unique Play:1 and the newer Sonos One. The Sonos Period 100 makes some enhancements on the already wonderful Sonos One, corresponding to improved sound high quality due to the marginally bigger measurement, further tweeter, and bigger mid-woofer. There’s additionally a USB-C aux port for direct connection to a turntable, pc, or different machine, though you may want an adapter.
In addition to utilizing the aux port, the Sonos Period 100 helps Bluetooth streaming, and, in fact, AirPlay 2, permitting you to stream your music straight out of your Apple machine to your Sonos Period 100. You may also arrange two Sonos Period 100 audio system as a stereo pair, and even use them as rear audio system for a encompass sound setup.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021)
5. Greatest AirPlay appropriate speaker for bigger rooms
A press release speaker that boasts spectacular sound high quality.
$704 $799 Save $95
A remake of an iconic iPod dock, the Zeppelin is a speaker with a whole lot of energy and spectacular sound high quality. You may want a good quantity of room for it, however it may simply fill bigger rooms with stereo audio.
- Room-filling sound
- Extensive stereo
- Basic look
- Wants a whole lot of house
- No wired inputs
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is difficult to overlook. Not solely does it have an iconic zeppelin-shaped design, nevertheless it’s additionally a reasonably first rate measurement too, at 65cm large. The unique Zeppelin speaker was launched in 2007 as an iPod dock, permitting you to get pleasure from music out of your iPod in high-quality sound. This up to date model does the identical in your units, letting you wirelessly stream your favourite tunes via a speaker that may do the music justice.
Actually, wi-fi streaming is your solely choice as there isn’t any choice to make use of a wired supply in any respect. AirPlay 2 assist, nonetheless, implies that this is not an enormous downside. The sound high quality is beautiful, with highly effective bass and a large stereo soundstage. It is also a lot loud sufficient, too, with 240W whole amplified energy output. It will probably do in your iPhone or Mac what the unique Zeppelin did in your iPod.
Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd era
6. Greatest AirPlay appropriate speaker for greater budgets
Beautiful appears and sound that come at a major value.
For those who’re prepared to pay for gorgeous audio high quality, then this speaker has it in spades. Not solely does it supply unbelievable sound, however appears the half, too. There could also be cheaper audio system on the market, however few that may supply this stage of high quality.
- Beautiful sound
- Beauty
- Fashionable controls
- Very costly
- Bass may very well be higher
If cash isn’t any object and also you’re on the lookout for an AirPlay-compatible speaker that each appears and sounds unbelievable then you definately may wish to contemplate the Naim Mu-so Qb (2nd generation). It definitely would not come low cost, with a price ticket that is pushing 4 figures; sufficient to purchase your self an entire multi-speaker setup from another well-known manufacturers.
As you’d anticipate for the worth, the sound high quality is nothing in need of gorgeous. Whether or not you are listening to acoustic songs or banging dance tracks, you get a crisp, clear sound with some first rate bass for a speaker of this measurement. The controls are additionally extremely fashionable, with an infinitely-spinning dial on the highest which can be utilized to regulate the quantity or tweak settings, and solely prompts if you attain out for it. And with AirPlay 2 on board, you possibly can get pleasure from music from any of your Apple units with the sensational sound the Naim Mu-so Qb 2ndGeneration can supply.
Audio Professional Addon C10 MKII
7. Most fashionable AirPlay-compatible speaker
A trendy speaker that sounds pretty much as good because it appears.
Audio system aren’t simply meant to be heard; they’re a part of your furnishings, too. Many audio system overlook this and go for perform over type. The Audio Professional Addon C10 MkII affords each, with high-quality sound, and beauty to match. It additionally contains RCA inputs so you possibly can join a turntable, too.
- Stunning design
- Nice sound
- Good readability
- Lacks the leather-based strap of the earlier mannequin
- Not the most affordable choice
If you’d like a speaker that does not simply sound nice however appears nice too, then look no additional than the Audio Pro C10 MkII. The fashionable magnetic grille appears nice, nevertheless it may also be eliminated for a fair bolder look. There is a metallic management panel on prime that appears and feels lovely and is available in grey, black, or white.
The sound high quality is balanced and heat and is exact sufficient to supply nice sound whether or not you are listening to a light-weight acoustic piece or extra bass-driven beats. You have got the choice of wired playback due to the RCA line-in ports, however the Audio Professional C10 MkII additionally helps Bluetooth and Wi-Fi playback, with assist for AirPlay 2. Your iPhone music has by no means regarded or sounded so good.
The underside line: What’s the finest AirPlay-compatible speaker?
For those who’re on the lookout for an AirPlay-compatible speaker that has nice integration along with your different Apple units, affords first rate sound, and will not break the financial institution, then you possibly can’t go far incorrect with the Apple HomePod mini. It has surprisingly good sound for its measurement and works seamlessly along with your iPhone or Mac. It will not take up an enormous quantity of house, both.
For those who’re on the lookout for a speaker from a model with an ideal status for sound however do not wish to should splash an enormous amount of money, then the Sonos Period 100 is a superb speaker that gives good compatibility with AirPlay.
Apple HomePod Mini
Editor’s Alternative
How I selected the perfect AirPlay-compatible audio system
When compiling this checklist, there have been a couple of issues I needed to remember. Firstly, I needed to incorporate audio system that might cowl a spread of use instances, from a speaker in your work desk to 1 that may fill a big room with sound.
Secondly, I needed to incorporate a spread of value choices, so that there have been choices to go well with most budgets. Not everybody can justify shopping for a Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Era, however for many who do have the cash, it is an ideal alternative.
Most significantly, I needed to pick out merchandise that labored nicely with AirPlay, making it easy to stream your music out of your Apple machine to your wi-fi speaker.
How to decide on the perfect AirPlay-compatible audio system
Once you’re on the lookout for an AirPlay speaker, there are a few belongings you want to remember.
Is the speaker appropriate with AirPlay 2?
For those who’re shopping for new, it is extremely seemingly that if a speaker is AirPlay appropriate in any respect, it is appropriate with the upgraded AirPlay 2. Nevertheless, for those who’re shopping for an older mannequin second-hand, make sure to test if it has AirPlay 2 compatibility. There are some key variations between AirPlay vs AirPlay 2, together with some helpful options corresponding to assist for multi-room audio, and assist for lossless audio streaming.
What connectivity does the AirPlay speaker supply?
AirPlay lets you stream music wirelessly out of your Apple machine to an AirPlay-compatible speaker. Nevertheless, there could also be occasions when it’s good to use a distinct kind of connection. Some audio system will supply Bluetooth assist, permitting you to stream from any Bluetooth machine. Some can even supply assist for wired connections; if you wish to connect a turntable, for instance, then this may very well be a deal-breaker.
Is the AirPlay speaker appropriate for my room?
It is simple to purchase a speaker that is not the proper measurement for the house that you simply wish to use it in. A HomePod mini is right for a house workplace, for instance, however may really feel a bit of misplaced in a big open-plan residing house. On the flip facet, a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin can fill a decent-sized room with sound, however is overkill for a small house workplace, and can eat up a whole lot of desk house. Be sure to select a speaker that is appropriate in your wants.
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