talker wire can be a royal pain to make for with . Not only do you have to vex about cutting and splicing , but there ’s also the expression of it ( if you do n’t have article of furniture or electric cord plow to obscure the cabling ) . as luck would have it , wireless speakers have been on the market for quite some time , and expectant names like Sonos , Bose , and Edifier are the brands behind some of the best wireless speakers you ’ll find these days .
Now , when we use the “ wireless ” moniker , it signify that the speaker touch on to can pair with host devices ( for example , phones , tablets , laptop computer , etc . ) over aBluetoothorWi - Fi connection . In many suit , speakers that unite to the internet may also have an Ethernet interface for hardwiring to a modem or router . In some case , wireless speakers may or may not let in speaker wire terminals .
And to help you find the speaker that best fits your wants and needs , we ’ve gone ahead and round up all the best wireless speakers for 2025 .
The best wireless speaker for most people
Sonos Era 100
Out with the honest-to-goodness and in with the newfangled , they say , and the now - discontinued Sonos One , the essay - and - true wireless web speaker that has sat at the top of this list for ages , could n’t have asked for a more worthy replacement than the Sonos Era 100 . launch early this twelvemonth , the geological era 100 is everything that the One was and more . A potent , summary internet loudspeaker with unsurprisingly excellent sound ( this is Sonos , after all ) , the geological era 100 is many the great unwashed ’s entry into Sonos ' whole - home audio system and is just as at home solo in the kitchen ( phonation command makes it unadulterated while cooking ) as it is stereophonic twin with another Era or even as rear surroundings in a home dramatic art Sonos form .
A bite taller and more cylindric than the One , there are a bunch of rationality to go for the Era 100 over the One ( while they last ) , least of which is that it ’s just $ 30 more , so why would n’t you ? First and frontmost is the sound . Newly configured tweeters are tilt make what our commentator , Simon Cohen , praised as an " telling sense of openness " and " talkative soundstage . " A bigger woofer in the Era 100 also gives it a in spades adult lick , and if filling a small - to - medium - sized room is your goal , few wireless loudspeaker system of this size and budget do it well than this . Add to that Sonos ' fantastic Truplay tuning , adjustable EQ , and AirPlay 2 compatibility and what more could you want ?
The Era 100 also gain from Sonos ' experience with one of the best user - interface apps on the market , turn over you access to all of your streaming military service — hi - res unity , too , as because it ’s a Wi - Fi speaker you could capitalise on all that beautiful lossless audio . But venerate not , theEra 100 does Bluetooth , too , allowing you and other users to relate to it without go through the Wi - Fi connection and send Bluetooth - link music through your Sonos system ’s aggroup speaker , as well . The Era 100 also has a line - in connector should you want tohook up a turntableor other external seed to the verbaliser ( and also charge out to the whole system ) .
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
The only thing missing from the epoch 100 is Google Assistant voice control condition . Thanks to a effectual dispute between Sonos and Google , the pop voice assistant has been absent from all new Sonos talker set out with the geological era 100 and Era 300 , and those that have come since , include Move 2 and Roam 2 speakers . For now , users will have to make up for Alexa and Sonos ' own spokesperson assistant , which ai n’t bad either .
Easy as heck to setup and use , for how the Era 100 sound and the monetary value , this wireless speaker is gruelling to beat .
Best budget wireless speaker
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Not every wireless verbaliser call for to cost an branch and a leg , but spending less than $ 150 does n’t entail you should be stuck with a lackluster machine , either . Fortunately , brands like Bose are all about split the difference when it comes to performance and value , which leads us to the Bose SoundLink Flex ( 2nd Gen ) . Available in Black , Alpine Sage , Sandstone , and Blue Dusk colorways , this lightweight and portable speaker is IP67 - rated for detritus and body of water electrical resistance . This mean the speaker can be submerse in just over three feet of water for 30 minute !
Utilizing Bluetooth 5.3 , the SoundLink Flex maintains a connection of up to 275 foot and can be paired to two legion devices at the same metre . Bose claims you ’ll also get up to 12 time of day of battery life on a single explosive charge , and a work up - in Auto - Off Timer powers the Flex down after 5 , 20 , 40 , 60 , or 180 second of inactivity . As far as sound quality goes , the SoundLink Flex packs a surprising amount of slug for such a small anatomy . triple and mids are both bright and present , and there ’s enough low remnant to drive thrill drums and electronic beats . If you ’re looking for deep bass , though , the Flex is n’t the talker for the job .
We ’re also freehanded fans of the innocent Bose app you ’ll need to download ( available for iOS and Android equipment ) . It ’s not a necessary , but you wo n’t be able to get at Bose ’s three - stria EQ , audio presets , or Bluetooth Multipoint options without it .
Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends
The best premium wireless bookshelf speakers
KEF LSX II
The first generation of KEF ’s superb LSX wireless hi - fi loudspeaker were on this lean for some time , and we ’ve found no reason to take them off — but we have updated our choice with the improved second generation , the KEF LSX II .
We made the comparability to the pop and premiumKEF LS50 Wireless II , which are still among the better - sounding bookshelf you could corrupt for the money , and their wireless public lavatory make them among our favorite speakers we ’ve run into . And KEF ’s LSX II still offer much of what ’s to wish about the KEF LS50 Wireless for less than half the price .
The KEF LSX II stand by with their tradition of offering sound that ’s big , crystal clear , and expressive , with a wide soundstage that defies what should be capable from Speaker so low . But that ’s KEF for you .
Wi - Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity is only the beginning with the LSX II , with the 2d gen ameliorate the speakers ' connection stability with its W2 technology . The optical 3.5 millimeter AUX , subwoofer out , and Ethernet connection options are now join by USB - ascorbic acid and HDMI ARC in the LSX II . It is also now compatible with a whole bunch of third - party services including Apple AirPlay 2 , Google Chromecast , Amazon Music , Qobuz , Tidal , and Spotify Connect . DSD and MQA audio codec living is on strike too , for audiophiles who want to hear the best digital audio possible .
The KEF LSX II benefit from KEF ’s proprietary Uni - Q speaker driver tech that plant the tweeter in the middle of an 11 - inch woofer for what KEF says is a more natural sound . The LSX II are available in five colors : Carbon Black , Mineral White , Cobalt Blue , Lava Red , and Soundwave .
Ideal for Spotify and Tidal subscribers
Edifier MS50A Wi-Fi Smart Speaker
Edifier is an AV brand we ’re always beaming to foreground , and it just so happens that the Edifier MS50A Wi - Fi Smart Speaker sound pretty phenomenal . At 6 column inch wide , 8 inches tall , and 6 inches from front to back , this is one of the larger Wi - Fi speakers on the market , so you ’ll require to make indisputable you have enough tabletop or ledge space . And like many other product on this list , this Edifier speaker ask to be plug into an AC wall plug .
As far as sound quality goes , the Edifier MS50A is a beast . Expect affectionate and punchy low - end and crystalline higher frequencies , thanks to the onboard 15 - watt tweeter . At max volume , the Edifier should output up to 40 watts .
You ’ll demand to download the Edifier Home app to get this speaker link to your connection , but you ’ll definitely want to hang onto this companion app after apparatus . Edifier ’s software is where you ’ll go for firmware updates , playback control ( the top of the speaker boast manual controls ) , and a few other scope .
One of our pet feature of this speaker is its native consolidation of Spotify and Tidal Connect . This intend you wo n’t require to bank on your speech sound for streaming Wi - Fi euphony on either platform . The Edifier can also be see with Alexa , but because the speaker does n’t have a built - in mic , you ’ll call for your phone or an Alexa chic loudspeaker system to do so .
Best wireless speaker for Apple fans
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
No one really recognize why Apple discontinued the first generation of the HomePod , but the point becomes arguable when the comeback interpretation of this wireless speaker is so great , especially if you ’re a drug user of Apple merchandise .
While on the surface , the secondly - gen HomePod does n’t search much different than its predecessor , things have set out markedly better on the inside ( and my mom always say that ’s what counts ) . Driven by Apple ’s advanced S7 processor , the HomePod 2 overstretch off a long ton of nerveless " computational audio " features , like automatically sensing the room and its position in it ( it know when it ’s in a corner or pile between books on a shelf ) , and adjusting its sound accordingly .
This is also keen for maximizing strait for Apple’sSpatial Audio , which sound great in one HomePod , but even well when pair two HomePods together ( they must be the same model and generation ) and tie in them to an Apple TV 4K. This frame-up can be a great root if you ’re also looking to convey better sound to your tv set and place theater of operations experience , but do n’t concern , if medicine is your main thing , the HomePod ( single or stereo pair ) sounds great and supportsApple Music’sDolby Atmos and Spatial Audio tracks , too .
drive home this big speech sound in such a small software is a big 20 mm woofer and five beamforming tweeters , which our own Caleb Denisonvouches for in his review , describing the bass as " full - incarnate , present , and punchy , " and the midrange as " lush , full - bodied , and vindicated , if not a bit frontward in the mix , especially with vocals . "
Apple rooter will make out the HomePod for its deep desegregation with the Apple ecosystem , but others might find that frustrating — Apple Music is the only music religious service supported natively , and the only voice help available is Siri , for example . But the HomePod is dead simple to dress up ( like most of Apple ’s merchandise ) and is a competent smart speaker that , with full compatibility with theMatter standard , works seamlessly with HomeKit and other smart rest home accessories . It even has new built - in temperature and humidness sensors for automatise smart thermostats and screen , for illustration , and it can heed for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to alert you when you ’re out of the house . Not bad for a $ 300 wireless speaker unit .
Best mid-range desktop speakers with inputs galore
Q Acoustics M20
As music lover are mixing and matching engineering science and formats spanninganalog and digitalto create their unique perfect audio solutions , we ’re seeing element and speakers that are making old things newfangled and newfangled things encounter decent with honest-to-goodness things , too . One such set of speakers is theQ Acoustics M20 HD Wireless Music System , which is essentially a solidification of very thoroughly - sounding Bluetooth bookshelf speakers that refuses to stay in its lane by offering a ton of connections and audio tech so they can be used , well , almost any way you like .
In my review of the Q Acoustics M20s , I put them everywhere I could — on my office desk , in my dining room on a bookshelf , with myvinyl record aggregation , with my TV — using its wide range of mountains of inputs include RCA , optical TOSLINK , USB , 3.5 millimeter AUX , and aptX HD Bluetooth for high - solution streaming at 24 - bit/48kHz . True to its name , this set of speakers can be a rightful wireless music system that you could connect to turntable , videodisk musician , CD role player , data processor , TVs , smartphones , and more .
Some groundbreaking digital processing also does a outstanding caper of conform the M20s to those setup locations . Whether they ’re in a corner , against a wall , or out in the open , there ’s a toggle switch on the back that let you tell the speakers where they are so they can adapt . you could even designate the leftover and right predilection of the main powered speaker unit and its connect pair to make for easy access to controls on the back and the location of power sales outlet .
While they do n’t stand toe - to - toe with the agio KEF LSX II on our list , they vocalise great and are a secure value at $ 600 .
Best for Dolby Atmos Music
Sonos Era 300
Do n’t be fooled by the Sonos Era 300 ’s weird hourglass shape , it ’s all part of Sonos ' purpose to let five of the speakers ' six driver do what they do substantially — dash unbelievable Dolby Atmos music outwards and upwards for an immersive spacial audio sound experience . The upshot , if you ’ve yet to explore it on a service such asAmazon Music UnlimitedorApple Music , is , well , I ’ll lease Simon Cohen excuse from his review : " It places you within the medicine , letting a band tell a subtly different story with their interpreter and tool by adjusting how you associate to them beyond a unproblematic odd - rightfulness introduction . "
The under - appreciated music format is mystify itsdue with the Era 300 , to be sure , but that ’s not the only rationality to go for the Era 300 ; it ’s a Sonos and it fathom fantastic no matter what music you throw at it . And to jump back to surround phone for just a 2d , if you ’re looking to build out a Sonos - based home theatre apparatus , lend a pair of Era 300s as rear environment with aSonos Arc Ultra or Beam ( 2nd gen)is a home dramatics setupthat can easily competewith a full Ab receiver - based arrangement .
If Bluetooth is a big mess to you , the Era 300 and its smaller sibling the Era 100 are the first home - based Sonos speakers to bid Bluetooth connectivity as well . And you may use them in tandem — if a friend want to link up over Bluetooth to the Sonos system and share their good Spotify playlist , they can do so and send it to any speaker in the system .
touch sensation controls on the top of the Era 300 are nonrational and fun to expend , letting you slide a finger across a grooved slipper to adjust volume . interruption / play , rails skip , and mic wordless function are there , too , and there ’s even a forcible mic kill switch on the back of the speaker . Also on the back is the Era 300 ’s USB - coulomb bloodline - in port that , with the addition of aSonos line - in adapter , allow you connect an external speech sound source like a turntable if you want toshare your vinyl through your system .
The Era 300 is also a smart speaker , with access to Alexa and its own Sonos Voice Control ( SVC ) , but presently there is no access to Google Assistant . Hopefully this will change in the time to come , but for now , no atomic number 31 for Era 300 or 100 . But that should n’t be a deal breaker , as the Era 300 is easy the good speaker the party has ever made .
The best portable Sonos speaker
Sonos Roam 2
While Sonos did n’t aim to reinvent the wheel with the release of the Sonos Roam 2 ( so short was changed that it only justify amini - followup of the speaker ) , what we did get was a handful of meaningful tweaks to the original Roam ’s design . usable in Black , White , Olive , Wave , and Sunset colorways , the Roam 2 is one of the only Sonos talker that does n’t require AC might . On a full explosive charge , the built - in battery should last for up to five hours , though you ’ll also be capable to operate the speaker while it ’s plugged in for a recharge .
Compared to the former generation , the newer Roam loudspeaker includes a consecrate Bluetooth button . This makes it easy to switch over to the Bluetooth remark in a emergency , but the Roam 2 also works over a Wi - Fi connexion . In terms of well-grounded quality , you’re able to expect a decorous - sized soundstage with admiral discussion paid to the midrange . The Sonos app has a built - in EQ you ’ll be capable to mess up around with , which foretell well for those of us who need a little more bass in our song .
Unfortunately , the Roam 2 does n’t stomach Google Assistant , but you ’ll be able-bodied to use Alexa and Sonos ’ voice assistant to check playback , smart home devices , and a handful of other thing . The speaker is also IP67 - rat , which means it ’ll curb up nicely against dirt , junk , and wet .
Best wireless desktop reference speakers
Kanto Audio Ora
arrive with a very understated design , the Kanto Ora desktop speakers deliver the kind of audio experience we ’d expect from much large drivers . Kanto never stop to get us , and this 100W twosome has got what it takes to take your screen background sound to the next grade . A big hand in this is Class D amplification , which brings studio apartment - stylus power and performance to the mesa . From high to lows , the Ora handles it all , but are particularly impressive when paired with a subwoofer .
The 3 - column inch woofers do a great job of handling bass all their own , but we detect that integrating a sub fill some blue - end line off the speakers . Plus , once a hero sandwich is connected , the Ora mechanically balances the oftenness between the speakers and the dedicated woofer . Connections - smart , you ’ll have the option of USB - C , RCA , and Bluetooth 5.0 , along with an LFE output for a separate sub .
We do wish that the Kanto Ora would have add up with a duo of cable television for our audio machine , and aptX support is sorely miss . But what prevent us coming back to this product is the compact size . Smaller than the average studio monitors , the Ora speaker unit are easy to comprise into most screen background workstations , and can even be wall - mount or placed on verbalizer stands .
Best sounding speaker with retro cool
JBL Authentics 300
Sometimes a blast from the past is what a wireless verbaliser ask to be radical - cool . Such is for certain the showcase with the JBL Authentics 300 , a Wi - Fi loudspeaker system with oodles of aesthetical appeal , on top of awing reasoned quality . Before diving into performance , let ’s take a close look at the exterior , which just so happens to merge false leather , atomic number 79 clipping , and a “ Quadrex ” grille . On paper , it sounds like a ‘ 70s throwback , and it would appear that path in person , too !
gimmick controls are handled by both the JBL One app , as well as some intuitive bulk and EQ knobs on the Authentics 300 itself . LED indicant ring reply to master volume and frequency ( triple , mids , bass ) adjustments . If you contrive on taking the loudspeaker system on - the - go , there ’s even a battery floor LED strip to help you keep tabs on how much big businessman stay . On a full rush , you should get about eight hour of playday .
As far as healthy caliber goes , the Authentics 300 does n’t disappoint . Audio is crisp and clear across the panel , and there ’s a nice amount of basso too . We did acknowledge that you lose some definition when the speaker unit is set to 50 % bulk or less though . In terms of playback , we also extremely recommend you download the JBL One app ( for iOS and Android ) .
You ’ll be able to expend JBL One for everything from Wi - Fi connectivity to software program updates and multi - room audio command . touch base to Wi - Fi also unlocks the power to use the Authentics 300 as an Alexa or Google Assistant smart speaker .
Best party speaker
JBL PartyBox Stage 320
If you ’re face for a portable wireless utterer that can be the beating heart of your next out-of-door shindig , look no further than the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 . This rank savage of a company loudspeaker system delivers some of the biggest bass we ’ve get a line , making it a fantastical choice for EDM , hip - record hop , belt , and R&B hearer . The Stage 320 can really deliver the decibels , too , and thanks to its bass - centric architecture , you should n’t run into much in the way of unwanted vibrations or aberration .
While Wi - Fi is n’t an option for the Stage 320 , the speaker hold Bluetooth 5.4 , which means you ’ll be able to pair up to two gadget , such as smartphones and laptops , at the same fourth dimension . you may also expect up to 300 groundwork of insurance coverage before the Bluetooth handshaking get to falter . Should you want to connect a microphone or cat’s-paw like a guitar , the speaker includes a 3/4 - inch input , too , along with an auxiliary turnout . you could also expect up to 18 hours of bombardment life on a full charge , and you could purchase additional battery packs for quick swop - out !
We recommend downloading the JBL PartyBox app ( useable for iOS and Android devices ) to gain access to feature article like RGB customizations for the speaker ’s LEDs , a Bass Boost place setting , and a five - band graphic EQ .
At close to 36 pounds , it ’s not the most convenient wireless speaker to carry around , though it well - built rubber wheels and telescopic handle make it easy to enthral .
Frequently Asked Questions
We test radio speakersthe same room you would use a wireless speaker . No fancy mensuration equipment , no anechoic chambers , just our ear , the speakers , and some of our favorite music sources . If the loudspeaker system is designed to go outside , we take it outside . If it ’s waterproof , we throw it in a consortium or the ocean . If it ’s a smart speaker , we see how well it respond to our voice commands .
Despite its casual nature , this process is extremely comprehensive and include check out thing you might not have thought about , like stove , connexion stableness , and performance in areas with a lot of radio set frequency interference ( i.e. , the Digital Trends offices ) .
in conclusion , we equate each loudspeaker to some of our go - to model , both in their class and price point , as well as a degree or two above , to feel out if they can plug above their weight .
When buy at for a wireless speaker , there are a number of features , standards , and setting you ’ll require to keep an oculus out for . These may include :
NFC : Shorthand for Near Field Communication , this oft - swash characteristic is actually quite limited when it come to Bluetooth speakers , allow for select phones to pair with a speaker with a quick touch . Since pairing is often as elementary as pressing a push , and speakers will be remembered by your gimmick once pair , it ’s not seen as a must - have feature .
aptX : Another feature circumscribe to phones and devices outside of Apple ’s fringe , aptX is a codec ( or group of codecs ) that allow Bluetooth cyclosis at “ near cadmium quality ” resolution . Apple product do not use aptX , but Android user may observe it meliorate performance when pair with high - quality lead and high - carrying into action speakers .
Passive radiator : A peaceful radiator is a type of number one wood used to raise freshwater bass in a verbalizer . In a sealed loudspeaker system enclosure ( no porthole ) a passive radiator respond to fluctuations in air pressure within the enclosing , creating audio . Since a inactive radiator does n’t have to be powered by an amp , it has no magnet or voice coil , and is , therefore , lighter and smaller than a traditional machine driver . This save place and price while increase the utterer ’s performance .
Pairing ( or Bluetooth pairing):In the case of Bluetooth loudspeaker , pairing is the act of making a wireless connection from a speaker to your wireless gimmick via Bluetooth .
Stereo pairing : The power to treat two individual wireless speakers as the odd and correct verbaliser of a stereo twain . This is unremarkably accomplished using an app , and the speakers need to be compatible with the stereo mating function .
Hi - atomic number 75 music : These are audio caterpillar track that have been created from master recording at much high levels of detail and range than typical MP3 files . They bear up to four times as much data per song , and when played back through high - quality speakers that support them , they deliver more detail , less overlap between instruments and frequency , and generally easily sound when played at higher volume . Hi - res euphony files require Wi - Fi , Bluetooth aptX HD , Sony ’s proprietary LDAC wireless codec , or a wired connective from the source to the speaker system , so not all wireless Speaker are compatible .
Multiroom audio recording : The ability for a wireless verbalizer to become part of a centrally controlled , multispeaker whole - home audio system . In these system , each speaker unit can play a different source , all speakers can toy the same author in perfect sync , or you’re able to combine the two . A good example of a wireless , multiroom audio organization would be Sonos .
WiSA : An acronym for “ Wireless Sound and Audio , ” this measure for wireless audio eliminates supererogatory audio cables for multiroom setups with up to eight speakers . Over 60 popular audio frequency brands , including Klipsch , Bang & Olufsen , and Harman Kardon , offer WiSA products .
It ’s a hobo camp out there , at least when it comes to wireless verbalizer applied science ! Luckily , your pals at Digital Trends have been working with Ab peripherals for many years , and our merchandise expert are quite the heady salvia when it fall to all things television , speaker , soundbars , cyclosis machine , etc .
We ’re also on top of the latest AV news and going to stay up - to - date on the latest consumer technical school innovations .
