Best wifi speaker system

Keep reading for our breakdown of the best Wi-Fi speakers for your needs -- and don't miss CNET's guide to the best smart speakers. Bigger cabinets usually mean bigger sound. While this smart speaker is best as part of a Sonos surround sound system, it also makes a great kids' room speaker. Pair this compact speaker with another Sonos One and Apple AirPlay 2 for a flexible, high-quality some theater speaker system which responds to voice commands for less than the price of the Play Read our Sonos One review.

The problem with most Wi-Fi speakers is they don't fit in with the rest of your decor. They're boxy and they're usually black. The Ikea Sonos speaker literally thinks outside the box and delivers a Sonos-compatible lamp that sounds better than most speakers at this price. This home speaker is not smart, but the device will respond to Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa commands. 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.

It's surprising then that the list of affordable-yet-good-sounding Chromecast built-in speakers can be counted on the fingers on one hand. And of those, the JBL Playlist is the best I've heard, with a generously sized speaker and enough volume to fill a typical room. It also has Bluetooth and an auxiliary input to expand its flexibility.

It may not be "smart", but if you want a system that can be controlled via an existing Google Assistant speaker, this is the one to get. Read our JBL Playlist review. If you want a wireless speaker model that's portable and water resistant, the Sonos Move offers great sound in a very large box. Read our Sonos Move review. 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.

Read our Polk MagniFi Mini review. It's one of the best-sounding all-in-one wireless speaker options with plenty of spaciousness and deep bass. Read our Apple HomePod review. The speaker supports wireless playback via Google Chromecast and Spotify Connect. Bluetooth connectivity and a standard audio jack are also on board in case you need to give your Wi-Fi network a break.

Both speakers have compatibility with Amazon Alexa voice commands as well. The Apple HomePod has a minimalist design, a compact footprint, and great audio quality.

This Siri-powered gadget is a perfect option for Apple users, thanks to support for AirPlay 2 wireless streaming. It is available in space gray or white. The praiseworthy audio quality of this Wi-Fi speaker comes courtesy of a built-in woofer, as well as seven built-in tweeters. In addition to bringing full Siri functionality, the built-in chip of the speaker is also crucial for its audio performance — it utilizes the microphones in real time to ensure that the HomePod delivers perfectly tuned sound in any room.

A recent update made the HomePod even more exciting by bringing home theater audio capabilities with support for Dolby Atmos-enhanced sound. The setup delivers better sound than many sound bars , and it doesn't require cables. It will allow you to control compatible gadgets with Siri voice commands. The recently launched HomePod mini is a more compact and affordable option for Apple users.

Its sound is nowhere near as powerful as the original speaker, but it's still great if you're not looking to play loud music. The sonic experience from the Formation Duo speakers is memorable, to say the least. Unless you are attending a live performance, you would be hard-pressed to experience wireless sound with higher fidelity. Available with black or white housings, the Duo wireless speakers are compatible with Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2, among other streaming services.

As their price tag suggests, they can wirelessly play high-resolution audio content. If you are looking for the biggest and loudest sound, go for the Devialet Phantom Reactor lineup. The futuristic design of these Wi-Fi speakers is coupled with truly mind-bending sound quality that's free of any distortion regardless of the volume level.

The Phantom speakers have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Apple AirPlay support, and compatibility with all major streaming services. Connections: RCA, sub out. Reasons to avoid - Lacks the fun of the original. Apple HomePod Mini.

Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD cm : 8. Connections: None. Reasons to avoid - Limited third-party service support - Lacks a full control app. Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation. Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD cm : 21 x 22 x Power: : W. Reasons to avoid - Nothing at this price. Linn Series 3. Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD cm x Power: : 2xW. Reasons to avoid - No analogue inputs - No Tidal Masters support.

Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD cm Features: proprietary mesh-system wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth v4. Connections: Ethernet, USB. Audio Pro Addon C3. Features: wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth V4. Connections: Ethernet, 3. Reasons to avoid - App could be slicker. JBL Link Portable. Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD cm : 17 x 8. Features: waterproof, Bluetooth v4. Dynaudio Music 5.

Specifications Dimensions: HxWxD cm : 20 x 66 x Power: W. Features: 2x 25mm tweeters, 2x 8cm midrange, 13cm woofer, multi-room options, NoiseAdapt, RoomAdapt. Connections: mains power, analogue audio jack, Toslink optical digital audio.

Audio Pro Addon C Power: 2x W per unit. Connections: USB, Ethernet. Reasons to avoid - No fully featured app. Naim Mu-so 2. Features: Bluetooth V4. Reasons to avoid - That price tag. Sonos One. Power: 2x Digital class D. Connections: Ethernet. Reasons to avoid - No hi-res audio. This system might be small, but it has a big sound and lots of features Bluetooth: 4. Inputs: Optical, 3. Finishes: 5. Dimensions: 24 x 15 x 18cm each. Weight: 3. Reasons to avoid - Some issues with the app. Sonos One SL.

Reasons to avoid - No Bluetooth support. Finishes: 4. Dimensions: Weight: 10kg each. Audio Pro Addon T3. Reasons to avoid - Size won't suit everyone. Audio Pro A It's a new design for Audio Pro, but the same winning performance. Power: 52W Digital class D. Reasons to avoid - Lacks midrange body. Ruark MR1 Mk2. Finishes: 2. Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 13cm each. Weight: 1. Reasons to avoid - Lacks a USB input. Audio Pro Drumfire. Power: W Digital class D.

Reasons to avoid - App needs work. Streaming services: Spotify Connect, Tidal. Finishes: 3. Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 31cm each. Reasons to avoid - Could be more usable. Sonos Roam. Sonos' multi-room tech packed into a portable wireless speaker. Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth, wi-fi, AirPlay 2.

Power: Battery. Inputs: USB-C. Battery life: 10hrs. Dimensions hwd : Weight: g. Reasons to avoid - Clarity not exceptional - Average timing and dynamics. Dynaudio XEO