Best wireless speakers in 2024 for music streaming via Wi-Fi

Before we dive into our hand-picked list of the best wireless speakers to buy (which is, presumably, why you’re on this page), it’s worth quickly defining what we mean by a wireless speaker. In this feature, we’re specifically focusing on speakers that are capable of streaming music directly over Wi-Fi from popular services, like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, and more.

It’s worth noting that some also have built-in Bluetooth for direct music streaming from your phone, but the core streaming service element remains standard across all of our picks.

Some speakers will also have extras like smart assistants, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and even DAB radio. There are countless options out there, of course, but we feel that our choices below cover a range of different budgets, features, and styles, that should appeal to most people’s needs. There are a fair few to get through, so scroll down, and see what catches your eye.

By the way, this buying guide doesn’t include any Bluetooth speakers that you can take down to the beach, camping, or wherever else speaker manufacturers assume we have time to go to – check out our separate guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what is the best wireless speaker?

The best wireless speakers you can buy today:

1. Sonos Era 100

Cheaper than its pricier Era 300 sibling, the new Sonos Era 100 replaces the now-discontinued Sonos One. New to its repertoire is Bluetooth support, which is a big plus in our books. It means you’re no longer restricted to Wi-Fi streaming services like Spotify. Apple AirPlay 2 is, of course, still present and accounted for.

During our review, we found the Era 100 really packs a punch, thanks to a 25% larger mid-woofer, two angled tweeters for stereo performance, and three class-D amps.

You also get Amazon Alexa taking care of all of your smart assistant needs. It’s one of the most affordable routes into Sonos’ world, and at this price, we think you should consider picking up a pair to enjoy a true stereo listening experience. Unlike the more expensive Sonos Era 300 further down our list, however, the Era 100 lacks spatial audio.

2. Apple HomePod Mini

While the original HomePod has been discontinued, the Mini variant is still going strong. We think it’s practically a no-brainer for any Apple fan with an Apple Music subscription, thanks to the fact that it’s got built-in Siri smarts. In fact, it’s the only smart speaker with Siri, period, so if that’s your preferred digital butler of choice, then it practically deserves a spot on your shelf.

Assistant aside, we found it sounds far better than its relatively affordable price tag would suggest, making it a perfectly formidable speaker in its own right. Be warned though — if you don’t have an Apple Music subscription, you can only control other music streaming services like Spotify via AirPlay on your phone, which rather limits its convenient operation.

3. Sonos Era 300

We’re big fans on the new Sonos Era 300. During our review, we found it offers incredible, immersive, room-filling sound, thanks to its ability to play nice with spatial audio in the form of Dolby Atmos Music. The clarity is exceptional, with rich sound, a wide soundstage, and punchy bass all present and accounted for — even for non-Dolby Atmos Music content.

Android fans can also finally get in on the Sonos room-tuning action with the accompanying app too, and built-in Alexa smarts are also present and accounted for. If you can afford a couple of them, you can use them as supplemental rear speakers for compatible Sonos soundbars like the Sonos Arc or Beam Gen 2 as well.

With plenty of power, Sonos build quality, and an unusual pinched, oval design, we think the Era 300 has plenty going for it, and is an ideal choice for those looking to enter or expand the Sonos ecosystem.

4. Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation

With a whopping 300 watts of power artfully hidden away beneath its deceptively compact cubic body, the second version of Naim’s critically acclaimed Mu-so Qb sounds far more incredible than its diminutive stature suggests.

Capable of delightful room-filling sound, it handled anything we threw at it with ease, with a fun motion-sensitive control dial, slick app, and AirPlay/Google Cast support thrown in for good measure. It’s one of the more expensive options on our list, but given the delightful design, small footprint, and superb sound, it definitely won’t disappoint.

5. KEF LS50 Wireless II

KEF’s gorgeous pair of active speakers will hit your bank account harder than any other option on this list, but trust us when we say your ears and eyes will be rewarded in equal measure.

Retaining KEF’s iconic design DNA, they’ll comfortably take pride of place in any home setup, demanding attention with their smooth curves, polished finish, and coloured tweeter. Available in a striking range of colours, they’re sure to impress without even being turned on.

Once we fired them up though, we were treated to thumping bass, precise sound, and stereo clarity that a single-source speaker simply can’t match. With Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Bluetooth and more available, they’ll serve you well for years to come.

6. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin

The latest version of the legendary Zeppelin is the most tech-packed variant yet, landing with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0, and support for streaming services like Spotify and Tidal. There’s even support for Amazon’s Alexa smart assistant, for those moments when you’re too lazy to reach for your phone.

During our review, we found the sound to be very impressive, with a wide soundscape doing a decent job of filling a room with clear, precise renditions. It can’t truly replicate the feeling of a proper stereo setup, mind, but no single-source speaker can. With dashing looks and a premium build, it’s ready to take centre stage on whichever table or shelf is lucky enough to house it.

7. Amazon Echo Studio

If you’re already familiar with Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem, it makes sense to stick to familiar territory. Enter the Echo Studio — Amazon’s best-sounding Alexa-powered speaker to date.

Despite its relatively small footprint (at least, compared to most of the other speakers on our list), we found it manages to sound surprisingly full-bodied. A recent update also means that its virtual Dolby Atmos immersive sound experience is now even better, endowing content with a more spacious 3D effect. It won’t replace a dedicated surround setup of course, but considering the price and simple operation, the Echo Studio deserves plenty of praise.

8. Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge

Slathered in Scandi-chic with impeccable sound and craftsmanship, the Beosound Emerge is a unique offering that laughs in the face of bland design. Its slim, compact form is ideal for slotting into a bookshelf, blending into a room without drawing too much attention. And despite its delicate appearance, it remains dust and splash-resistant, letting you pop it on a kitchen counter without fretting.

Specially tuned to provide 180-degree sound, it’s far punchier and wider than its slim profile could ever suggest, thanks to ingeniously placed components which include a 4in woofer, 1.45in mid-range driver, and 0.6in tweeter. The end result? A high-end listening experience that packs in all the refined auditory goodness you’d expect from Bang & Olufsen.

If you can stretch your budget for two, then you’ll unlock studio-quality stereo sound for an even richer experience. All in all, it’s a perfect choice for those looking for quality sound, in an elegant form factor that gracefully elevates its surroundings.

9. Ruark R1S

Fans of Ruark’s critically acclaimed R1 radio should be very tempted by the newer R1S. Featuring the same delightfully compact, minimalistic style as its sibling, the R1S is essentially an internet-connected version, complete with Wi-Fi streaming for services like Spotify and Amazon Music.

Naturally, it also features internet radio, in addition to DAB and FM tuners, with a specific section dedicated to podcasts. If you want to get a little more hands-on, there’s also Bluetooth 5.0 for direct device streaming, along with a USB-C port for keeping your phone/tablet topped up. And if you really want to keep it down while you’re chopping veg, there’s even a headphone port for solo listening.

With a Class A-B amplifier and a bespoke NS+ full-range driver, it promises to deliver class-leading, natural sound, at all volume levels too. Thanks to its delightful front-mounted wooden grille, it looks as good as it sounds as well.

10. Audio Pro C5 MkII

Credit to Audio Pro’s designers — it’s no easy task starting with a box and making it sing, so to speak, but they’ve somehow managed to make one that’s a visual delight. From its sharp angles and gloriously tactile leather handle, the C5 MkII retains all the visual fidelity of its iconic predecessor, with plenty of new tricks to boot.

For starters, it now serves up three ways to stream music to different rooms, thanks to AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Audio Pro’s own streaming solution. Wireless services like Spotify Connect are also supported, as is regular Bluetooth streaming. Under the hood, you’ll find two 0.75in textile dome tweeters, along with a 4in woofer — all of which are powered by one 25W and two 8W digital Class D amplifiers.

Available in a choice of finishes (including black, grey, and white), it promises to grace your ears with powerful sound, while confidently owning any space it sits in in the process.

11. Ruark R2 MK4

The fourth generation of Ruark’s handsome R2 is sleeker and sexier than ever, with a slimmer profile making for a speaker that’ll sit on shelves and window sills without a fuss.

Retaining the original’s wonderfully modern-yet-retro design, we’re particularly taken with Ruark’s iconic circular control dial and real-wood slats. While it offers support for most major streaming services like Spotify and Tidal, it stands out from most of its rivals thanks to the inclusion of a built-in DAB+, FM, and internet radio. There’s also an aux-in and USB-C port for direct playback, along with Bluetooth 5.0 for direct streaming. There’s no smart assistant support, mind, so you’ll have to use your phone to control streaming playback.

What to look for when buying a wireless speaker

The first and most important thing you’ll want to consider when buying a wireless speaker is sound quality. All of the speakers on this list have the audio tick of approval from us, but if you want to get really nerdy about it, you’ll want to delve into details such as frequency response, drivers, and wattage to determine which speaker sounds the best.

Of course, for wireless speakers, connectivity is another critical aspect. While most wireless speakers rely on Wi-Fi, it’s worthwhile to explore whether the speaker supports additional wireless options like Bluetooth, FM Radio or NFC.

If moving around and being portable is important, say you just one one speaker to move around different rooms, you’ll want to look for a battery-powered model (or a Bluetooth speaker).

You’ll want to ensure that the speaker integrates seamlessly with your devices, whether they are smartphones, tablets, or streaming services. If you have an Android phone and YouTube Music, don’t buy an Apple HomePod, for example.

Additional features can greatly enhance the speaker overall experience. Voice assistant integration (such as Siri, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant), multi-room audio support, customizable EQ settings, and the ability to pair multiple speakers for stereo sound or party mode are among the features worth exploring.

Also, check out our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones.

What’s the difference between Bluetooth and wireless speakers?

The main difference between Bluetooth and wireless speakers lies in how they connect and communicate. Bluetooth speakers rely on short-range wireless technology to connect to devices like smartphones, tablets, or TVs, typically within a range of about 30 feet. This makes them ideal for personal use, such as listening to music on the go.

On the other hand, wireless speakers can refer to a broader category that may include Bluetooth speakers but can also involve Wi-Fi-enabled models. Wi-Fi speakers often have a longer range and can connect to home networks, allowing for multi-room audio, better sound quality, and access to streaming services without relying on a phone. Additionally, Wi-Fi speakers may offer features like voice control and app integration, which Bluetooth speakers typically lack.

Are wireless speakers better than wired speakers?

Wireless speakers offer freedom from tangled cords, they can easily connect to multiple devices and can often be placed anywhere in a room without being restricted by the proximity to an outlet. However, wireless speakers may face limitations in sound quality, and potential connectivity issues, particularly in environments with interference.

Wired speakers, in contrast, typically provide superior sound quality due to a direct connection, eliminating latency and potential signal loss. They are often preferred by audiophiles or those using a home theatre setup.