Your iPhone is a good system for listening to music, particularly when paired with a good set of headphones. Nonetheless, there are some occasions while you simply wish to flip up the quantity and take heed to your music out loud. That is when an AirPlay-compatible speaker will be simply what you want.
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Pocket-lint
Apple HomePod mini – Orange
1. Finest Airplay-compatible speaker total
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Apple HomePod 2
2. Finest Airplay-compatible speaker for Apple integration
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Sonos Period 300
3. Finest airplay-compatible speaker for spatial audio
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Sonos Period 100
4. Finest worth Sonos Airplay appropriate speaker
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Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2021)
5. Finest AirPlay appropriate speaker for bigger rooms
What’s Apple’s AirPlay? Your full information
Apple’s AirPlay can shortly forged audio and visible content material, and it is obtainable on most gadgets. This is the way it works and the way to make it give you the results you want.
Apple’s AirPlay system lets you wirelessly stream music from an Apple system corresponding to your iPhone or your Mac to a appropriate speaker. You may nonetheless management the music out of your Apple system, however you get to benefit from the superior sound high quality that your speaker can provide.
In the event you take pleasure in 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 fitting one in your wants? We check out a number of the finest AirPlay-compatible audio system on the market proper now, that can assist you make an knowledgeable selection.
Finest AirPlay-compatible audio system: Our high selections
Apple HomePod mini
1. Finest Airplay-compatible speaker total
Nice sound and ideal Apple integration at a good worth.
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 respectable sound at an inexpensive worth. The mixing with different Apple gadgets is seamless.
- Good sound for its measurement
- Nice worth
- Seamless integration with Apple gadgets
- Not excellent for larger rooms
- Does not match the sound high quality of the HomePod
AirPlay was designed to let your Apple gadgets work with any AirPlay-compatible gadgets, but it surely’s no shock that the expertise works finest with one among Apple’s personal wi-fi audio system. The HomePod mini is the perfect companion to your different Apple gear, with intelligent options corresponding to the power to start out enjoying 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 scale and worth of the speaker. It gives a 360-degree sound discipline, which isn’t stunning given its form, and you’ll mix two HomePod minis to create a stereo pair. In the event you’re all in on the Apple ecosystem, then a HomePod mini is a good selection 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. Finest Airplay-compatible speaker for Apple integration
Very good sound high quality that works seamlessly together with your Apple gear.
The unique HomePod was designed to sound unbelievable, and the second-generation mannequin does not shirk from these roots. The sound high quality is spectacular and may fill a decent-sized room. In the event you’re an Apple person, it is an incredible match.
- Glorious sound high quality
- Can fill a bigger room than the HomePod mini
- Easy integration with Apple gadgets
- Costlier
- Siri not the most effective voice assistant
In order for you all of the compatibility of the HomePod mini, however with even higher sound high quality, then the HomePod (2nd technology) might be what you want. It is so much larger than the HomePod mini (clearly) being greater than twice the peak, and somewhat wider, too. It is also a extra cylindrical form than the largely spherical HomePod mini. All that additional actual property implies that the HomePod (2nd technology) can provide actually nice sound. In truth, we have discovered it to be one of many best-sounding sensible audio system on the market.
Similar to the HomePod mini, the second-generation HomePod works seamlessly together with your different Apple gadgets, too. In addition to supporting AirPlay out of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the HomePod (2nd technology) has Siri in-built. When you 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 gadgets will maintain quiet, so you are not speaking to 4 variations of Siri without delay.
Sonos Period 300
3. Finest airplay-compatible speaker for spatial audio
A novel speaker that provides 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 explanation for its uncommon design.
- Spectacular spatial audio from a single speaker
- Nice Sonos sound high quality
- Works properly as a part of a multi-speaker system
- Costlier
- Distinctive appears to be like is probably not to all tastes
The Sonos Period 300 is probably the most unusual-looking speaker on this listing, with its distinctive design that appears like two audio system have been glued collectively. The unusual form is for an excellent cause, 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 extensive and wealthy.
As with all Sonos audio system, the AirPlay compatibility is great. You may 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 technology), giving a fuller sound with extra backside finish.
Sonos Period 100
4. Finest worth Sonos Airplay appropriate speaker
An awesome Sonos speaker at an affordable worth level.
Sonos has a confirmed monitor document for audio system of this measurement, and the Sonos Period 100 is the most effective one up to now. It improves upon its predecessors by including stereo sound, line-in assist, and higher sound high quality. It really works properly as a rear encompass speaker, too.
- Nice sound high quality
- Improves upon the wonderful Sonos One
- Affords wired connections
- Not an enormous improve in the event you personal a Sonos One
- No Google Assistant baked in
In order for you the audio high quality that Sonos is legendary for, however do not wish to splash out for the dearer Sonos Period 300, then the Sonos Period 100 is price a glance. It is the newest in an extended line of wonderful equally sized audio system from Sonos that features the unique Play:1 and the more moderen Sonos One. The Sonos Period 100 makes some enhancements on the already glorious Sonos One, corresponding to improved sound high quality because of the marginally bigger measurement, additional tweeter, and bigger mid-woofer. There’s additionally a USB-C aux port for direct connection to a turntable, pc, or different system, though you will 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 system 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. Finest AirPlay appropriate speaker for bigger rooms
An announcement speaker that boasts spectacular sound high quality.
$704 $799 Save $95
A remake of an iconic iPod dock, the Zeppelin is a speaker with loads of energy and spectacular sound high quality. You may want a good quantity of room for it, however it could simply fill bigger rooms with stereo audio.
- Room-filling sound
- Broad stereo
- Basic look
- Wants loads of house
- No wired inputs
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin is tough to overlook. Not solely does it have an iconic zeppelin-shaped design, but it surely’s additionally a fairly respectable measurement too, at 65cm extensive. The unique Zeppelin speaker was launched in 2007 as an iPod dock, permitting you to take pleasure in music out of your iPod in high-quality sound. This up to date model does the identical in your gadgets, letting you wirelessly stream your favourite tunes by a speaker that may do the music justice.
In truth, 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 loads loud sufficient, too, with 240W complete amplified energy output. It could possibly do in your iPhone or Mac what the unique Zeppelin did in your iPod.
Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd technology
6. Finest AirPlay appropriate speaker for larger budgets
Beautiful appears to be like and sound that come at a major worth.
In the event you’re keen to pay for beautiful audio high quality, then this speaker has it in spades. Not solely does it provide unbelievable sound, however appears to be like the half, too. There could also be cheaper audio system on the market, however few that may provide 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 in search of an AirPlay-compatible speaker that each appears to be like and sounds unbelievable then you definately may wish to contemplate the Naim Mu-so Qb (2nd technology). It actually does not come low cost, with a price ticket that is pushing 4 figures; sufficient to purchase your self a complete multi-speaker setup from another well-known manufacturers.
As you’d count on for the value, the sound high quality is nothing wanting beautiful. Whether or not you are listening to acoustic songs or banging dance tracks, you get a crisp, clear sound with some respectable 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 while you attain out for it. And with AirPlay 2 on board, you may take pleasure in music from any of your Apple gadgets with the sensational sound the Naim Mu-so Qb 2ndGeneration can provide.
Audio Professional Addon C10 MKII
7. Most fashionable AirPlay-compatible speaker
A classy speaker that sounds nearly as good because it appears to be like.
Audio system aren’t simply meant to be heard; they’re a part of your furnishings, too. Many audio system neglect this and go for operate over kind. The Audio Professional Addon C10 MkII gives each, with high-quality sound, and attractiveness to match. It additionally contains RCA inputs so you may join a turntable, too.
- Lovely design
- Nice sound
- Good readability
- Lacks the leather-based strap of the earlier mannequin
- Not the most cost effective choice
In order for you a speaker that does not simply sound nice however appears to be like nice too, then look no additional than the Audio Professional C10 MkII. The fashionable magnetic grille appears to be like nice, but it surely can be eliminated for a fair bolder look. There is a metallic management panel on high 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 lightweight acoustic piece or extra bass-driven beats. You’ve gotten the choice of wired playback because of 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 appeared or sounded so good.
The underside line: What’s the finest AirPlay-compatible speaker?
In the event you’re in search of an AirPlay-compatible speaker that has nice integration together with your different Apple gadgets, gives respectable sound, and will not break the financial institution, then you may’t go far incorrect with the Apple HomePod mini. It has surprisingly good sound for its measurement and works seamlessly together with your iPhone or Mac. It will not take up an enormous quantity of house, both.
In the event you’re in search of a speaker from a model with an incredible repute for sound however do not wish to should splash an enormous amount of money, then the Sonos Period 100 is a wonderful speaker that provides good compatibility with AirPlay.
Apple HomePod Mini
Editor’s Selection
How I selected the most effective AirPlay-compatible audio system
When compiling this listing, there have been a number of issues I needed to remember. Firstly, I needed to incorporate audio system that will cowl a variety of use circumstances, from a speaker in your work desk to at least one that may fill a big room with sound.
Secondly, I needed to incorporate a variety of worth 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 Technology, however for individuals who do have the cash, it is an incredible selection.
Most significantly, I needed to pick merchandise that labored properly with AirPlay, making it easy to stream your music out of your Apple system to your wi-fi speaker.
How to decide on the most effective AirPlay-compatible audio system
While you’re in search of an AirPlay speaker, there are a few belongings you want to remember.
Is the speaker appropriate with AirPlay 2?
In the event you’re shopping for new, it is extremely possible that if a speaker is AirPlay appropriate in any respect, it is appropriate with the upgraded AirPlay 2. Nonetheless, in the event you’re shopping for an older mannequin second-hand, make sure to verify 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 provide?
AirPlay lets you stream music wirelessly out of your Apple system to an AirPlay-compatible speaker. Nonetheless, there could also be occasions when you must use a special kind of connection. Some audio system will provide Bluetooth assist, permitting you to stream from any Bluetooth system. Some can even provide assist for wired connections; if you wish to join a turntable, for instance, then this may very well be a deal-breaker.
Is the AirPlay speaker appropriate for my room?
It is easy to purchase a speaker that is not the proper measurement for the house that you just wish to use it in. A HomePod mini is right for a house workplace, for instance, however may really feel somewhat misplaced in a big open-plan dwelling house. On the flip facet, a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin can fill a decent-sized room with sound, however is overkill for a small dwelling workplace, and can eat up loads of desk house. Ensure you select a speaker that is appropriate in your wants.
