Top AirPlay Speakers 2025: Best 8 Models for Every Need

Explore the best AirPlay speakers of 2025 featuring top sound, design, and features tailored for all your streaming needs.

Why Choose AirPlay Speakers?

Apple AirPlay is one of the easiest ways to stream music and build a multi-room system if you own an iPhone or iPad. This popular wireless standard powers the Apple HomePod Smart Speaker and a variety of third-party brands like Naim Smart Speaker and Sonos Smart Speaker. However, while AirPlay offers convenience and compatibility, it’s not always a guarantee of excellent sound or seamless multi-speaker operation.

When adding a speaker to your setup, be cautious — mixing different models may affect how your system sounds or functions together. For the best multi-room experience, it's often wiser to stick with speakers from the same family, such as pairing a Sonos Era 100 Smart Speaker with an Era 300 or using two Apple HomePod second-generation devices.

We’ve tested and curated the top AirPlay speakers based on audio quality, design, and smart features, helping you find the perfect fit. Our team evaluated each model in dedicated listening rooms and home environments, ensuring solid AirPlay performance and standalone usability.

Quick Picks

Best Overall

Apple HomePod 2
Crafted with excellence, the second-generation HomePod delivers natural, immersive sound but shines brightest with Apple Music subscription – ideal for loyal Apple fans.

Best Budget

Apple HomePod Mini
Apple’s compact and affordable offering packs a surprisingly big sound for its size, perfect if you want AirPlay without breaking the bank.

Best for Spatial Audio

Sonos Era 300
This powerhouse excels at Dolby Atmos tracks, delivering grand, detailed soundscapes, but performs brilliantly with all audio formats.

Best Mid-Range

Sonos Era 100
Versatile, feature-packed, and affordable, the Era 100 is a superb all-rounder that offers great sound for a reasonable price.

Most Versatile

Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation
This compact music box punches above its weight with rich sound and extensive streaming options, justifying its price tag.

Best Stereo System

KEF LSX II LT
A trimmed-down version of the LSX II, the LT model offers balanced, powerful sound and excellent value for a compact desktop stereo system.

Best Premium

Naim Mu-so 2
With stunning detail, bass authority, and a wide feature set, this premium speaker is a powerhouse for audiophiles who want it all.

Best Portable

Audio Pro Addon C3
A talented, compact portable speaker that delivers excellent sound quality, multi-room capabilities, and AirPlay in a sleek package.

1. Apple HomePod 2

The winner of our top smart speaker award for Apple enthusiasts. The HomePod 2 offers:

Pros:

• Natural, solid, and energetic sound
• 3D, immersive atmosphere especially with Dolby Atmos
• Brilliantly crafted design

Cons:

• Primarily suits dedicated Apple users
• Siri control limited for Spotify, Tidal, etc.
• Some rivals offer a more direct sound

Simply put, the HomePod 2 is Apple’s best AirPlay speaker so far and one of the smartest at its price point. It scans the room in real time and optimizes its sound accordingly, powered by the Apple S7 chip, making it a leader in smart speakers.

Built-in temperature and humidity sensors enable smart home automations, making it a highly capable device beyond just music. For those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, it’s a top pick.

2. Apple HomePod Mini

A compact, affordable speaker with powerful sound for its size.

Pros:

• Refined and pleasant sound
• Smart features and AirPlay integration
• Outstanding music discovery

Cons:

• No full-featured app control
• Strongly Apple-dependent

If the larger HomePod 2 doesn’t fit your space or budget, the Mini is a perfect AirPlay 2 gateway. Its small footprint fits anywhere, and Siri offers great voice control, though it favors Apple Music over Spotify. Its sound punches above its tiny frame, making it a great budget pick.

3. Sonos Era 300

The standout AirPlay speaker for spatial audio enthusiasts with remarkable scale and detail.

Pros:

• Grand soundstage and deep bass
• Detailed and energetic performance
• Excels with spatial audio tracks
• Broad streaming service support

Cons:

• Wired adapter sold separately
• Unique design may not suit everyone

The Era 300 is pricey but worth it for its stunning Dolby Atmos delivery and overall sonic performance. Its distinctive hourglass design helps it create immersive audio that fills the room effortlessly. It supports high-resolution music from Qobuz and Amazon Music, making it a feature-rich streaming hub.

4. Sonos Era 100

An excellent AirPlay speaker offering big sound in a more affordable package than the Era 300.

Pros:

• Big, open sound
• Great detail
• Extensive streaming features
• User-friendly app

Cons:

• Wired adapter extra cost
• HomePod 2 edges it on vocal naturalness

The Era 100 is a fantastic mid-range alternative, packing many of the Era 300’s features with a slightly smaller size and price. It integrates well within Apple’s ecosystem and offers an intuitive app experience. If the HomePod 2 feels too pricey or large, Era 100 is a smart pick.

5. Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation

A highly versatile and expressive compact speaker with rich sound and multiple streaming options.

Pros:

• Open, detailed sound
• Multiple streaming methods
• More compact than the larger Mu-so 2

Cons:

• Premium price
• Slightly dated

If you want top-notch AirPlay 2 sound and have the budget, the Mu-so Qb 2 remains a beloved choice. It’s not just about AirPlay — its rich features and bold styling make it a serious contender in its class.

6. KEF LSX II LT

A streamlined LSX II with all the essentials for stellar performance minus the extras.

Pros:

• Cohesive, balanced sound
• Strong, well-defined bass
• Excellent value for most users
• Compact desktop form factor

Cons:

• No aux input
• Fewer luxury finishes

The LSX II LT is a fantastic choice if you want a compact stereo system with AirPlay. It drops some features like Roon Ready and aux input for a more affordable, focused design, while keeping excellent sound quality and connectivity.

7. Naim Mu-so 2

A premium and feature-packed AirPlay speaker with sensational detail and bass.

Pros:

• Stunning detail and dynamics
• Convincing bass
• Extensive wireless and streaming features

Cons:

• High price
• Large footprint
• Aging design

The Mu-so 2 ups the ante from the Qb with bigger size and power. It’s a luxury option for those wanting rich sound, plenty of features, and eye-catching aesthetics.

8. Audio Pro Addon C3

A portable, stylish speaker with great sound and AirPlay support.

Pros:

• Impressive timing and rhythm
• Clean, attractive build
• Punchy, textured bass

Cons:

• App could be smoother
• Bluetooth 4.0 is somewhat outdated

Essentially an upgraded version of the Addon T3 with Wi-Fi and multi-room, the C3 shines with its Scandinavian design and mature sound. It supports major streaming services and offers straightforward setup and AirPlay.

Also Consider

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition: A feature-rich upgrade with refined speakers offering a smooth, full-bodied sound, great if you want a heftier alternative to the Naim Mu-so Qb 2.

Ruark Audio R410: Stunning design and sound that competes with premium models, delivering a flexible and musical experience that doubles as elegant home decor.

Audio Pro Addon C10 MkII: A top-rated alternative to the Addon C3, often discounted and packed with features that keep it a favorite for years.

JBL Authentics 300 & 500: Stylish and powerful, these speakers offer dual voice assistants, Wi-Fi streaming, Bluetooth, Alexa multiroom, and AirPlay 2, with the 500 adding spatial audio and bolder sound.

Sonos Roam: A portable Bluetooth speaker with AirPlay 2 over Wi-Fi, perfect for seamless Apple device integration on the go.

How to Choose the Best AirPlay Speaker

If you’re eyeing an AirPlay speaker, chances are you use an iPhone or iPad for streaming. Just make sure your iOS devices are updated and compatible.

• Size and Style: Choose a speaker that fits your space and aesthetic. Minis like the HomePod Mini or Sonos Era 100 fit anywhere, while giants like Naim Mu-so need their own spot.
• Wi-Fi Stability: AirPlay needs a Wi-Fi connection, so ensure your home network is robust.
• Multi-room Features: AirPlay 2 allows multi-room playback across multiple devices, not limited to Apple’s own products.
• Additional Streaming Options: Most AirPlay speakers (except HomePods) also support Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and more, so Android users can also enjoy them.
• Budget: There are budget-friendly options as well as premium models. Prioritize features that matter most to you.

How We Test AirPlay Speakers

Our expert team tests hundreds of products annually in specialized labs, focusing on sound quality, battery life, connection stability, ease of use, and overall versatility.

We use iPads and iPhones to check AirPlay integration and test various music genres and streaming services to ensure consistent performance. Each speaker is allowed enough time to break in before final reviews.

We compare products against others in their price range and rate them based on value and performance. Our reviews are team-approved to ensure neutrality and accuracy.

FAQs

• Is AirPlay better than Bluetooth?
  AirPlay generally offers superior sound quality due to higher bandwidth and Wi-Fi connection, while Bluetooth is more universally compatible and easier to use without Wi-Fi.
• Which devices support AirPlay?
  All Apple devices support AirPlay naturally, but many third-party speakers like Sonos and Naim also include AirPlay functionality.
• How many AirPlay speakers can I connect simultaneously?
  With AirPlay 2, you can connect approximately 3 to 6 speakers, depending on your environment, without major issues.
• Can Android users use AirPlay speakers?
  While AirPlay itself is Apple-specific, many AirPlay speakers also support Bluetooth and Chromecast, allowing Android users to stream music.
• Do AirPlay speakers require special apps?
  Most AirPlay speakers work seamlessly with iOS devices, and many come with their own apps for enhanced features and settings.

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