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The best AirPlay 2 speakers are essential if you plan to stream music using your iOS devices. While it’s not the go-to streaming option for most people, AirPlay speakers can provide you with a specific and customized listening experience that can trump the typical Bluetooth speakers in certain respects. For one, AirPlay can stream over longer distances, has lossless compression, and allows volume control for both the streaming device and the speakers.
Here are our recommendations for the best AirPlay 2 speakers you can buy today:
The Apple Homepod Mini looks great, has multi-room audio, and seamlessly connects with your iPhone or iPad. What’s notable with this speaker is how it can fill up a room with expressive sound despite its miniature build. Smaller than the Amazon Echo, the Homepod Mini is easily one of the best AirPlay 2 speakers for its size.
The Homepod Mini comes in black and white finishes, and this tiny orb is wrapped with a mesh that is said to optimize sound. The top is transparent and emits a rainbow of colors when it’s “thinking” while it turns white when in playback mode. Tapping the top part controls playback and you’ll find the plus and minus signs for adjusting the volume.
As an Apple device, Siri is a default AI feature. You can expect impressive voice-activated responses, with Siri suggesting songs you might like when you say, “Siri, play something I’ll like.”
360° omnidirectional soundSeamless integration with Apple devicesSmall and elegant designAnswers to “Hey, Siri”Multi-room audio
Limited third party supportNo microphone mute buttonNot water resistant
If you want more AI options from a speaker other than the Apple Homepod, the Sonos One (Gen 2) is one of the best AirPlay 2 speakers in the market today. With Alexa built-in, this speaker can do more than just play music. It’s compatible with AirPlay 2 and can either be a single speaker or a two-speaker stereo setup.
These speakers deliver crisp, immersive sound despite their small size. The Sonos One also works as a multi-room speaker and can be configured using the Sonos app. In terms of streaming services, these speakers offer the best flexibility as it supports Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, and Google Play Music.
The Sonos One is a great choice if you want to have more than one option for voice assistants and music streaming services. The sound may not be the best at loud volumes, but for its size, it’s pretty impressive.
Clear, detailed soundMulti-room audioSupports both Alexa and Google AssistantHumidity resistant
Doesn’t support wired connections
For those who value their privacy but still want to use AirPlay 2 speakers, the Edifier WiFi Smart Speaker is the best choice. It comes with all the bells and whistles of a premium wireless speaker, except for a microphone.
Although this speaker is a bit bigger than most smart speakers, it’s a non-issue considering the fact that it can fill up a room with vibrant sound, thanks to the 4-inch woofer, 40 watts maximum output power, and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology.
The Edifier WiFi smart speaker not only works with iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, but also Android devices. You can stream music using AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth 5, and it is expected to deliver the same quality sound.
This speaker is versatile as it also supports Alexa and Spotify connect. However, if you want to use voice commands, you’ll have to pair it with a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo Dot because it does not have a built-in mic.
Great sound No microphone for privacySupports Alexa and Spotify ConnectWorks with iOS and Android
A bit bulkyNo EQ presets
The Audio Pro Addon C5 speaker is possibly the best AirPlay 2 speaker in its price range. This multi-room, Hi-Fi speaker looks elegant, with a retro theme that adds character to the product. In addition to its aesthetic, the speaker itself sounds fantastic and works with your iPhone, iPad, or Macbook.
The Addon C5 is a huge update from older models, as it now comes with Alexa support and Bluetooth. The speaker software allows you to configure Wireless Presets so it remembers your streaming profile whether you use AirPlay, Spotify, or Bluetooth.
Have an old vinyl record or CD you’ve always wanted to play? Connect your turntable or CD player to the Audio Pro and enjoy your vintage collection with a modern sound. If you have an older Addon model, you can buy the Addon Link 1 to easily set up multi-room sound.
The Audio Pro Addon C5 is made to produce crisp, detailed sound with a deeper bass. The speakers can be adjusted with several EQ settings to suit your preference.
Deep bassUnique, retro designMulti-room function3.5mm AUX input
A bit pricey
To say that Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Level speaker is one of the best AirPlay 2 speakers is an understatement. Engineered to create impeccable sound, this speaker is without a doubt the best device you can use to stream music and other audio. The price point might be a deal-breaker, but if portability, style, and sound is important to you, the Level won’t disappoint. Powered with two dome tweeters, one centered full-range driver, and two 4” woofers, this sound blaster can impress any audiophile with expansive, wide, and full sound that makes its hefty price tag worth every penny.
The selling point of the Level is that it is portable (up to 16 hours of battery life) or can be plugged into a power outlet. With its thin, minimalist design, it looks great whether it’s sitting on a desk, under the TV, or mounted on a wall. No matter how it’s positioned, the Level will send soundwaves to analyze the room and create the right sound according to the room’s size, shape, and acoustics.
Connectivity is also a strong feature of the Level. You can use Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay 2, or Chromecast to stream music and other media from your phone or tablet. Streaming service support includes Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Deezer, YouTube Music, and TuneIn.
Top-notch, studio-grade soundPortableMade to last for yearsCustomized room equalization
Expensive
Audiophiles and musicians might gravitate towards Marshall’s Uxbridge Home Voice speaker because of its iconic salt and pepper fret cloth and the unmistakable logo. Despite its small size, the Marshall Uxbridge delivers full, balanced sound with impressive clarity. Because this speaker uses WiFi, iOS users can use AirPlay 2 to stream music.
The Marshall Uxbridge comes with Alexa, so you can use this for voice commands for other Alexa-enabled devices. The mic is said to have a far-field array for smart voice recognition, so it will hear you even if you’re across the room. A useful microphone button allows you to reset the mic or turn it completely off if you don’t want to use Alexa.
The Marshall Voice app can guide you in setting up your speakers out of the box. You can also access the sound settings from here including a few EQ settings to tweak the sound to your liking. On top of the speaker are three buttons to control the volume, bass, and treble, which is a great alternative to using the app.
One thing to note is that the Uxbridge needs has no battery, so it needs to always be plugged in. It’s also not compatible with other voice assistants like Google Assistant.
Iconic, classy designSurprisingly loud and clear soundStrong streaming app supportAlexa built-in
No batteryNot compatible with other voice assistants
Get the wall-to-wall stereo sound from a single speaker with the Bose Home Speaker 500. Bose is known for its impeccable sound quality, so expect to be delighted with this purchase. The expansive sound is possible thanks to its curved shape and two drivers facing opposite sides to create that surround sound feel.
The Bose Home Speaker 500 works with WiFi, so you can use AirPlay 2 or Spotify Connect, but you also have the option to use Bluetooth. Alexa also comes built-in, so it’s ready to be a part of your Alexa home system if you have it.
You can use the controls on top of the speakers or use the Bose Music app. The app lets you set up user and sound profiles as well as tweak your speaker’s EQ settings according to your preference. Play music from an old device by connecting it to the speaker’s 3.5 mm AUX jack.
Wide, expressive soundSix EQ presetsAlexa built-in3.5 mm AUX jack
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