Move Over, Sonos: New Wireless Speakers Shake Up the Multi-Room Audio Market

The multi-room audio market heats up as Bluesound and WiiM challenge Sonos with premium smart speakers bridging price and features.

For years, Sonos has been synonymous with multi-room audio—a name almost interchangeable with wireless whole-home sound. But it looks like the monopoly might finally be cracking. Two fresh contenders, WiiM and Bluesound, have stepped into the ring, unveiling their latest premium smart speakers. And these aren’t just any run-of-the-mill releases; they’re serious challengers aimed right at Sonos’s crown.

Bluesound Pulse Flex 2025: Learning From the Past to Sound Better

The Bluesound Pulse Flex 2025 isn’t a stranger to the game—it’s been around since 2018. But the new 2025 edition packs a punch with a major redesign that’s turned the bulbous, boxy original into something far more elegant. Imagine a droplet shape viewed from above, standing taller and slimmer. And it looks good in three tasteful colors: White Tan, Black Charcoal, and White Pebble Gray.

But let’s get to the heart of any speaker: the sound. The Pulse Flex is powered by a SmartDSP amplifier that drives a 4-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch tweeter, together pumping out a robust 50 watts. It supports Hi-Res Audio up to 24-bit/192kHz and handles formats like MQA and DSD256, catering to audiophiles craving depth and clarity.

All of this runs on Bluesound’s proprietary BluOS streaming platform, which opens the door to over 20 streaming services—a veritable buffet of music.

The connectivity checklist is impressive: dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth with aptX HD, plus wired inputs including USB-C and optical/analog ports. Whether used solo, paired in stereo, as rear satellites in a Bluesound setup, or as part of a multi-room system, the Pulse Flex has the flexibility to fit your audio dreams.

Mark your calendars—Bluesound Pulse Flex hits shelves December 16, 2025.

WiiM Sound: The Bold Newcomer with a Touchscreen Twist

WiiM Sound made its debut back in May 2025, but now it’s finally ready for primetime. This speaker packs 100 watts of power from a 4-inch woofer paired with two tweeters angled slightly outward—yes, that setup mirrors the beloved Sonos Era 100.

Like the Pulse Flex, WiiM Sound supports 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res Audio, ensuring crisp, detailed playback.

What really sets it apart is the 1.8-inch circular touchscreen smack dab on its cylindrical body. This nifty feature lets you control playback, tweak the EQ, and switch inputs without fumbling for your phone or issuing voice commands. Speaking of which, it also comes with a voice remote for hands-free jams. The WiiM streaming platform supports all the major music services, so your playlists are always within reach.

Even smarter, the WiiM Sound automatically tunes itself to your room’s acoustics—no guesswork needed. Use it standalone, pair it up, or slot it in as the center or rear speaker in a Dolby 5.1 surround setup.

Connectivity-wise, it’s on the cutting edge: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, Ethernet, plus a 3.5mm Aux input.

WiiM Sound drops this October 2025, priced at $299—which sits between the Sonos Era 100 at $219 and the more powerful Era 300 at $479. Suddenly, Sonos’s pricing feels a bit less commanding.

A New Era for Multi-Room Audio

The multi-room audio world just got a lot more interesting and competitive. WiiM and Bluesound are delivering a one-two punch against Sonos’s dominance with high-quality, feature-rich alternatives. The era when Sonos Era 100 stood unchallenged may be coming to an end. For consumers, that means more options, better tech, and potentially friendlier prices.

Let’s see how Sonos plans to respond to this fresh wave of competition. One thing’s for sure—the game is on, and the speakers are getting louder.

Sonos, beware! A new alternative is here — Audio Pro Wiim.

FAQ

• What makes Bluesound Pulse Flex 2025 stand out?
  Its elegant redesign combined with powerful SmartDSP amplification and support for Hi-Res Audio and multiple formats like MQA make it a versatile premium speaker.
• How does WiiM Sound’s touchscreen enhance user experience?
  The 1.8-inch touchscreen lets users control music, fine-tune sound, and manage inputs directly on the device without relying on apps or voice commands.
• Are these speakers compatible with multi-room setups?
  Yes, both Bluesound Pulse Flex and WiiM Sound support multi-room configurations and can integrate with other compatible products.
• What streaming services do these new speakers support?
  Both run on proprietary platforms that support over 20 key streaming services, ensuring seamless access to your favorite music libraries.
• When will these speakers be available and at what prices?
  WiiM Sound launches in October 2025 at $299, and Bluesound Pulse Flex arrives in December 2025; they are priced between Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 models.

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