Top wireless multi-room speakers 2025: Extensive evaluation of whole-home audio devices
In the ever-evolving world of home audio, multi-room speakers have become a popular choice for creating a harmonious soundscape across various rooms. These devices allow users to enjoy the same song in every room or curate a unique playlist for each space, transforming their homes into musical havens.
For Apple enthusiasts, the Apple HomePod 2 stands out as the best multi-room speaker. With its superior sound experience, the HomePod 2 offers features like Siri integration, AirPlay 2, and Dolby Atmos spatial audio, making it ideal for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. The HomePod 2 delivers natural, dense, and energetic sound, and includes real-time sound optimization to adapt to different environments. However, it is best suited for Apple users, as it tightly integrates with Apple Music and lacks native support for other streaming services via Siri.
The HomePod 2 has also been awarded for its improved bass notes compared to its predecessor. For those seeking a premium multi-room speaker, the Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation is another worthy contender. This speaker boasts upgraded and optimized midrange and bass drive units, powered by a total of 300W of amplification. It is praised for its rich and pleasing sound, with lively treble response, satisfyingly meaty bass, improved timing, and dynamic range.
For those on a tighter budget, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) offers an affordable entry point into the multi-room speaker market. Despite its budget price, the Echo Dot delivers sound that feels weighty, listenable, and surprisingly versatile. Alexa, the cybernetic assistant built into the device, is filled with skills and knowledge, making it a valuable addition to any smart home setup.
Sonos, a well-known name in the multi-room speaker market, also offers a range of speakers compatible with AirPlay 2. The Sonos Era 100, while lacking the spatial audio support of the Era 300, is a very worthy Sonos speaker in its own right. The Sonos Era 300, on the other hand, is praised for its excellent performance, filling testing rooms with cohesive, spacious sound without a hint of a struggle, regardless of the genre of music played.
Other multi-room speakers worth considering include the Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII, which features a redesigned bass port for significant low end, and the Audio Pro C20, which offers a range of wired and wireless inputs, including AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Bluetooth 5.0, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, RCA inputs, a moving magnet phono stage for a turntable, an optical input for digital sources, an HDMI ARC for connecting to a TV, and a sub out for adding a subwoofer.
For those interested in the testing process behind these reviews, our team evaluates each speaker's sound quality, design, functionality, and value for money. We test each speaker in various rooms and with a variety of music genres to ensure a comprehensive assessment of its capabilities.
In conclusion, the multi-room speaker market offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you're an Apple enthusiast, a Sonos devotee, or simply looking for an affordable way to bring music into every room, there's a multi-room speaker out there for you. For a more detailed look at the best AirPlay speakers for those who love multi-room and Apple, be sure to check out our latest list.
- The HomePod 2, praised for its superior sound, Siri integration, and AirPlay 2, is the best multi-room speaker for Apple enthusiasts.
- The Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation, with its optimized midrange and bass drive units, is another premium multi-room speaker option.
- For a budget-friendly multi-room speaker, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) offers surprisingly versatile sound at an affordable price.
- Sonos, a leading brand in multi-room speakers, offers several speakers compatible with AirPlay 2, such as the Sonos Era 100 and the Sonos Era 300.
- The Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII and the Audio Pro C20 are other multi-room speakers worth considering, with features like a redesigned bass port and a variety of wired and wireless inputs.
- In our reviews, we evaluate each speaker's sound quality, design, functionality, and value for money, testing them in various rooms and with a variety of music genres.
- For those who love multi-room and Apple, our latest list provides a detailed look at the best AirPlay speakers available.
