The Best AirPlay Speakers for Seamless Streaming

While we may appreciate the pastime of collecting physical media, that’s all it is, a pastime. As listeners have evolved from the gramophone to the smartphone, the way music has been enjoyed has shifted through the centuries. Moreover, the streaming age’s prominence is determined by more than the artists who’ve made their names throughout it, as you have the opportunity to revisit songs from centuries ago thanks to most services’ expansive libraries. Having said all that, we narrowed down the best AirPlay-compatible speakers to provide you with the most seamless listening experience possible.

What Exactly is AirPlay?

In 2010, Apple unveiled a surfeit of mainstays, and while the game-changing iPad was the biggest of them all, it’s hard to overlook the innovative new technology that was AirPlay. Years have passed, and it has remained one of the most convenient features offered by the Cupertino manufacturer. However, one caveat was that you were only allowed to stream from one Apple device to another, like an iPhone to an Apple TV.

But, seeing as Apple has an update for everything, AirPlay 2 was first implemented into devices with the initial HomePod, which hit shelves in 2018 before being discontinued in early 2021. The most notable difference between them is the latest iteration’s seamless backward compatibility. Moreover, the original version of AirPlay allows you to stream music or videos from one Apple device to a larger screen connected to the same Wi-Fi network, whether it’s an AirPlay 2-enabled Smart TV or Roku device.

While you can utilize both versions of AirPlay to expand your viewing experience, our specifically selected variety of compatible speakers will liven your home with your favorite songs, podcasts, and more, all at the push of a button.

What to Look For in Airplay Speakers

Sound: Every speaker we’ve included provides high-quality and clear sound, but if you can, it’s always better to test speakers in person, and as the price goes up, so does sound quality (generally speaking). If you’re using AirPlay speakers for serious music listening or movie watching, you definitely want to go for a higher-end pick.

Design/Size: Between large sound bars and small pods, there’s a variety of styles that AirPlay speakers will come in. Because of this, it’s important to consider where in your home you’ll be putting the speaker before grabbing one (and if you have enough space for it).

Connectivity: Keep in mind that AirPlay runs on your WiFi, so some of these speakers may not come with Bluetooth connectivity. This isn’t the end of the world, but some may like having the option, so make sure the speaker you’re eyeing has both if that’s what you need. Every speaker on this list will be compatible with AirPlay 2, so we’ll let you know if it has Bluetooth as well.

Power: Some speakers may run off battery, while plugged in, or both. Having one that can do both is the most convenient option, but for the most part, AirPlay speakers are for the home, so don’t let it make or break your decision if you really like a particular speaker.

Apple HomePod mini

Best Apple Speaker: Seeing as this AirPlay is Apple’s technology, it would be a disservice not to include an option from the revered gadgeteer. Measuring a mere 3.3” high and 3.9” wide, the lightweight speaker is well-equipped with a full-range driver and dual passive radiators, paving the way for thumping bass and pristine highs. It also comes in five unique colorways, so you can add some color if that suits your style.

Design-wise, it’s finished with acoustically transparent fabric that absorbs the sound by letting it pass through, practically operating as a sonic sponge. Lastly, considering it’s an Apple product, it boasts a four-mic array to keep Siri within reach no matter how far it is.

Bose Home Speaker 500

Best Alexa Speaker: Bose’s Home Speaker 500 is a step up from the HomePod Mini but remains surprisingly affordable — plus, its touchscreen interface is too convenient to ignore. It offers everything you look for in a modern speaker, like wall-to-wall stereo sound, a surfeit of built-in voice assistants, and seamless AirPlay compatibility.

In addition to offering Alexa and Google Assistant, the speaker also features six preset buttons to make it as user-friendly as possible. Compositionally, the anodized aluminum gadget stands 8” high, over 6.5” wide, and under 4.5” deep, allowing it to fit in your living space with ease

Sonos Five

Best Speaker for Sound: If you’re eyeing a hi-fi option that won’t cause too big of a dent, the Sonos Five is a reasonably priced speaker that offers an acoustically balanced sound that is easy to access via AirPlay. Moreover, the brand’s Trueplay tuning tech automatically adapts playback results based on the room’s acoustics, assuring your music (or whatever you’re listening to) sounds as intended. 

The humidity-resistant option boasts a trio of high-excursion woofers and a pair of angled side tweeters that provide deep, wide-ranging lows with diminished reverb and echo. While its AirPlay compatibility is the main takeaway, turntable owners can utilize its 3.5mm input for optimized listening across the board.

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker

Best Unique Speaker: Bowers and Wilkins’ Zeppelin takes after its namesake, as its obtuse shape steals the show before you even turn it on and connect. Moreover, the award-winning speaker’s striking design encases a variety of premium components, including a pair of 1″ double dome tweeters, two 3.5″ FST midrange drivers, and a 6″ subwoofer. 

Connectivity-wise, it is compatible with AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream your favorite tracks at a 24-bit clip (with compatible services like Tidal) thanks to digital signal processing and dynamic EQ, making the speaker an ideal purchase for audiophiles.

Sonos Arc

Best Sound Bar: Dolby Atmos is all the rage lately, and a speaker that can bring that multi-dimensional soundscape to your home isn’t easy to find, leaving us to scour the soundbar market. As one of the home theater space’s most beloved options, the Sonos Arc is luckily never hard to find, and user-friendly AirPlay 2 connectivity will let Apple Music subscribers stream the service’s expanding library of Atoms-tailored tracks.

Realistically, the most convenient aspect of this option is that it’s intended for any source of entertainment. Whether you’re watching a movie, catching up on shows, or taking in the big game, there is no shortage of what the Arc is capable of, which gave us no choice but to disregard its shape and include it here.

Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation

Best Wood Speaker: The booming drivers on Naim’s Mu-so speaker are courtesy of its work with Focal, who has set the benchmark for acoustic equipment dating back to the late ’70s. These are encased in premium aluminum boasting a sleek cabinet design that allows over 10% more internal volume and bolstered bass. Moreover, this bracing suppresses vibration and unwanted distortion.

This vintage-styled speaker is AirPlay 2 ready and cooperates with other Naim products, including the first-gen Mu-so. Luckily, it also pairs with other AirPlay-compatible speakers using the Apple Home app. The final result is a wide soundscape that fills your living space with music.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9

Best Premium Speaker: The only issue with the BeoPlay A9 is that it delivers such a booming soundscape that you won’t be able to hear others comment on how cool it looks — well, that and it’s priced remarkably high. But if you’re familiar with Bang & Olufsen, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. The iconic standing speaker’s unrivaled design speaks for itself, which is why we’re here to break down how its sound comes to life.

This gargantuan gadget is packed with dual quarter-inch tweeters, a pair of 3” midrange drivers, two 1.5” full drivers, a single 8’ woofer, and a total of seven class D amplifiers, and its user-friendly AirPlay 2 compatibility makes it all the better.

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