Wi-Fi speakers can connect wirelessly to music playback devices on the same network. There is no need for troublesome speaker cords, and there is a high degree of freedom in installation so that you can enjoy music comfortably. It is also attractive that the sound quality is higher than that of the Bluetooth connection.
What is a Wi-Fi speaker?
A Wi-Fi speaker is a speaker that can be wirelessly connected to a playback device equipped with a Wi-Fi function on the same network. Although a wireless LAN environment is required, it is attractive to be able to output high-quality sound even with a wireless connection. There is no need for a cord to connect, and you can save the trouble of wiring.
Streaming playback such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Internet radio is also possible. It’s also useful when you want to listen to music away from your playback device. You can enjoy music in various places as long as you can connect to Wi-Fi.
Difference from Bluetooth speaker
The feature of the Bluetooth speaker is that you can easily listen to music by connecting it to a compatible computer, smartphone, or tablet. Wi-Fi speakers can send and receive data to and from each other over a home network.
Since it can handle data with large file sizes, it is attractive to be able to play high-resolution audio sources. You can enjoy higher quality sound than Bluetooth for wireless communication.
Wi-Fi speakers are also superior in communication speed and are also characterized by a wide communication distance. With Bluetooth speakers, communication may be cut off if the distance is 10 m or more. In contrast, with Wi-Fi speakers, communication is difficult to cut off, and you can enjoy music comfortably in a typical house.
How to choose a Wi-Fi speaker
Check the connection method
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a guideline for connecting home appliances, personal computers, AV equipment, etc., using a home LAN. Images and music data can be used mutually by connecting DLNA-compatible devices via a network.
In particular, if you want to connect a Wi-Fi speaker to an AV device from a different manufacturer, the DLNA compatible model is recommended. DLNA compatible products can be easily connected, which is useful when connecting multiple devices such as TVs, smartphones, and tablets to Wi-Fi speakers.
AirPlay is a proprietary standard for sharing video and audio when connecting Apple products and Apple-certified devices via Wi-Fi. When connecting an Apple product such as an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook to a Wi-Fi speaker, make sure that it supports the AirPlay connection method.
If you have a device that supports AirPlay and a Wi-Fi speaker, you can play songs stored on your iPhone or iPad. However, keep in mind that it is not compatible with Android devices, and both playback devices and Wi-Fi speakers must support AirPlay.
It is convenient if it also supports Bluetooth.
Some Wi-Fi speakers are also available with a Bluetooth communication function. If it supports a Bluetooth connection, you can play songs stored on devices not connected to Wi-Fi.
In addition to connecting to devices that only support Bluetooth connection, it is convenient when you want to enjoy the outdoors or on the go where you cannot secure a Wi-Fi environment. If you have the opportunity to listen to music using Wi-Fi speakers outside of your home, check that it supports a Bluetooth connection.
Check the frequency band of Wi-Fi.
2.4GHz band
There are different types of Wi-Fi frequency bands, and the low-frequency 2.4GHz band has the characteristic of being strong against obstacles and allowing radio waves to reach far. Since radio waves pass through walls and floors, Wi-Fi speakers and playback devices can be connected wirelessly, even in complicated places. In a typical house, radio waves can be delivered to the next room and the room upstairs.
However, please note that it is also used in home appliances such as microwave ovens, IH cooking heaters, and Bluetooth. For example, if there is a microwave oven near a 2.4GHz band Wi-Fi router, they may interfere, and the radio wave may be weakened. Keep in mind that if the radio wave weakens, you may not be able to make a comfortable Wi-Fi connection due to a decrease in internet communication speed or disconnection.
5GHz band
The 5GHz band is a frequency band dedicated to Wi-Fi, and unlike the 2.4GHz band, it is not affected by other home appliances. Even if you use many devices that emit 2.4GHz frequency, you can use Wi-Fi speakers without worrying about radio wave interference.
However, the disadvantage is that it is vulnerable to obstacles such as walls. Be careful when installing Wi-Fi speakers far away from the router.
Depending on the Wi-Fi router, some models support both the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band and switch between them. Check out some “dual-band” Wi-Fi routers that connect to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously.
Check the sound quality.
Wi-Fi speakers have higher sound quality than Bluetooth connections, but the sound quality varies depending on the model. It is essential to check the playback frequency band when checking the sound quality. The reproducible frequency band is displayed by “Hz”.
Also, if you want to stick to higher sound quality, we recommend a high-resolution sound source, a compatible model. You can play a frequency band higher than a CD and enjoy high-definition, a high-resolution sound that is faithful to the original sound.
Check the size that suits your purpose.
The size of the Wi-Fi speaker varies depending on the model, so it is recommended to choose the size that suits the installation location and application. Wi-Fi speakers are roughly divided into two types: stationary type and mobile type.
The stationary type is recommended if you have enough space to install it. Choose a compact model when installing in a small space such as around a desk. The mobile type is convenient for those who want to enjoy music on the go or outdoors. It is small, easy to carry, and has excellent portability.
In addition, there are various designs such as wide types and vertically long model. Consider the installation location and check if it is stable and easy to place.
Check the power supply method.
Wi-Fi speakers have different power supply methods depending on the model, and there are AC power supply and rechargeable types. Since the stationary type consumes relatively large power, AC power models are standard. As a disadvantage, it should be noted that the installation location is limited to the location near the outlet.
On the other hand, if it is a rechargeable type with a built-in battery, it can be used anywhere. It can be installed neatly without the need to handle the power cord. It is also convenient in situations where you cannot secure power when you are out or outdoors.
If the model supports a USB power supply, you can charge it with a mobile battery or a computer. If you are worried about sudden charge depletion on the go, please check it.
Finally, consider your budget. There are a lot of great wifi speakers on the market, but they can range in price from around $100 to $5000. Make sure you know how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect wifi speaker for your needs.
Our Wi-Fi speaker recommendations
- Our Top Pick: Edifier MS50A Microphone Free WiFi Smart Speaker
- Runner-Up: Bose Home Speaker 500
- A Timeless Classic: Marshall Acton II Wi-Fi Multi-Room Smart Speaker
- The Masterpiece: Naim – Mu-So 2nd Generation
- When Money is No Problem: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Wireless Speakers
- The Loudest Pick: Devialet Phantom Reactor 600 Wi-Fi Speaker
1.Edifier MS50A Microphone Free WiFi Smart Speaker
Price: $ 129.99
SPECIFICATIONS:WiFi, Bluetooth V5.0, Touch controls, 5.73 x 5.73 x 8.32 inches, 4.98 lbs, Natively supports Apple Airplay2 and Spotify, Works with Alexa
REASONS TO BUY:
• No built-in microphone helps protect your privacy.
• 5GHz fast WiFi streaming and Bluetooth v5.0 connection.
• Natively supports Apple Airplay2 and Spotify, Works with Alexa.
• Enjoy the EDIFIER sound stage by pairing two MS50A speakers.
• 40W RMS average power rating.
• 2-way speaker with digital crossover.
• All digital platforms with DSP Technology.
• Play directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.s.
REASONS TO AVOID
• No 3.5mm audio input.
• No microphone.
• No battery.
The MS50A is an all-digital platform with DSP technology providing 40W RMS of average power. The 2-way speaker has a digital crossover for improved sound quality. You can play directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.s. The MS50A supports Apple Airplay2 and Spotify, works with Alexa, and has Bluetooth v5.0. The MS50A is an excellent choice for an affordable and powerful speaker.
2.Bose Home Speaker 500
Price: $349
SPECIFICATIONS:WiFi, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, and Alexa-compatible, 4.31 x 6.68 x 8.01 inches, 4.65lbs, 50W output, 3.5 mm AUX port
REASONS TO BUY:
• Wall-to-wall stereo from a single speaker
• Superior voice pickup
• Six preset buttons
• Voice assistants built-in
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Apple airplay 2
REASONS TO AVOID
• Not compatible with other speakers
• Voice control only works with Spotify Premium
The Bose Home Speaker 500 is one of the most popular smart speakers. The speaker has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any home. The speaker has superior voice pickup, so you can always be heard. The speaker also has six preset buttons to access your favorite music easily. The speaker also has voice assistants built-in, so you can always be connected.
3. Naim – Mu-So 2nd Generation
Price: $1,599
SPECIFICATIONS:HxWxD (cm): 21 x 22 x 21, Supports Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Roon Ready, 3.5mm aux, USB, optical S/PDIF, Ethernet
REASONS TO BUY:
• Optimised Speaker Drivers
• Chromecast built-in
• Enhanced Feature Set
• All-new multicore Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
• The Naim Streaming Platform
REASONS TO AVOID
• Home network setup can be complex
• Could be considered expensive for a speaker
If you’re looking for a top-notch wireless speaker with fantastic sound quality, the Naim Audio Mu-so is an excellent option. The company partnered with renowned French audio brand Focal to create superior audio drivers, making for an immersive listening experience.
4. Marshall Acton II WiFi Multi-Room Smart Speaker
Price: $500
SPECIFICATIONS:13.78 x 7.48 x 7.87 inches, 10.34 pounds, Alexa Built-In/Wi-fi, Multi-room function, Bluetooth
REASONS TO BUY:
• Led lights on the front for Built-in Alexa service
• Revolutionary sound now with Alexa
• Control your music without lifting a finger
• Customize your sound with the Marshall app or the analog controls
• Connects to your WiFi network
REASONS TO AVOID
• The design may be too boxy for some people’s taste
• Some people may prefer a different color than the black and gold option
The Acton II has excellent audio quality, thanks to its built-in woofer and two tweeters. It also supports wireless playback via Google Chromecast and Spotify Connect. If you need a break from your WiFi network, you can also connect to the speaker via Bluetooth or a standard audio jack.
5. Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge Wireless Speaker
Price: $899.99
SPECIFICATIONS:HxWxD (cm):25.4 x 28 x 26, 4x40W + 80W, proprietary mesh-system wi-fi, multi-room, Bluetooth v4.1 aptX HD, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay2, Roon ready, Ethernet, USB
REASONS TO BUY:
• 120-degree elliptical design
• 96kHz/24-bit high streaming capability
• Room filling sound
• Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter
REASONS TO AVOID
• Maybe too big for some people
• Not portable
The Formation Wedge is the highest quality sound available wirelessly. Featuring exclusive Formation wireless technology that seamlessly syncs speakers together using a proprietary mesh network and industry-leading 96kHz/24-bit high streaming capability, the Formation Wedge provides an immersive, lifelike soundstage that brings your music to life. Whether you’re listening to your favorite tunes in your home, office, or on the go, the Formation Wedge is the ultimate way to enjoy your music.
6. Devialet Phantom II 95 dB Wireless Speaker
Price: $1,200
SPECIFICATIONS:
REASONS TO BUY:
• Up to 600W of Peak Power
• Bluetooth & WiFi Audio Streaming
• Spotify Connect, UPnP Compatibility
• Shared 1/8″ / Optical Input
REASONS TO AVOID
• No Battery Power
• Large & Heavy
If you want the best sound quality, go for the Devialet Phantom Wireless Speaker. These WiFi speakers have a futuristic design and produce clear sound at any volume.
So, which is the best sound quality WiFi speaker? That question depends on your needs and what you’re looking for in a wireless speaker. If you want excellent sound quality with deep bass and don’t mind spending a little extra, we recommend the Naim – Mu-So 2nd Generation. If you’re looking for something more affordable that still offers good sound quality, check out the Edifier MS50A Microphone Free WiFi Smart Speaker.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most in a wireless speaker – size, privacy, portability, or sound quality. Whichever speaker you choose, take advantage of its features and enjoy listening to your favorite tunes!
FAQs
What is better Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for speakers? ›
Simply put, a Wifi connection gives you the best sound. This is because it has much greater bandwidth. With a wireless connection, the files that are played do not need to be resized or changed before they are sent. Audio file resizing works just like a photo - the smaller the file size, the lower the quality.
How do you tell if a speaker will be loud enough? ›There is a standard test that manufacturers run with their speakers to determine sensitivity, which involves placing a microphone connected to a decibel meter one meter in front of a speaker, and measuring the sound pressure level output, in decibels, with one watt of power being delivered into the speaker.
How do I choose the best wireless speakers? ›- Battery life: Battery life is a key parameter to consider. ...
- Audio quality: Obviously it is nice to have a Bluetooth speaker that sounds goo. ...
- Style: There are very many different styles which are available for Bluetooth speakers. ...
- Size: Bluetooth speakers come in a variety of sizes.
The best speakers recreate sound very accurately. In other words, they don't color the sound by changing it. Ideally, you hear a sound—a trumpet run, a monologue, a gunshot—as it was intended by whoever recorded it. Unfortunately, no speaker is perfect, but the best ones come awfully close.
What are the disadvantages of wireless speakers? ›One of the major issues that you'll run into with wireless speakers is often a slight audio delay that may fluctuate depending on the source. Audio information needs to be transmitted wirelessly in order to reach the speakers, similar to the way your router transmits a wireless Internet signal.
What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi audio? ›Here's the biggest difference: With Bluetooth, you stream music from your phone to a speaker. A Wi-Fi speaker accesses music from the internet, or from a computer on your home network. You can control a Wi-Fi speaker with your smartphone. You just have to stay within range of your Wi-Fi router's signal.
How many watts is a good speaker? ›Much depends on your listening habits and your speaker's efficiency. If you like loud uncompressed music and your speakers are 90dB efficient, 200 Watts is likely plenty of power for you. If you only listen to light classical, jazz and don't expect them to rock the house, 50 Watts is adequate.
How many watts is a good Bluetooth speaker? ›Any speaker with a wattage of 150-500 is best suited for a great music listening experience and is easy on the pocket. All sounds have a frequency, this is the measure of how high or low the sound is.
Does more watts mean better sound? ›Yes, it's true that the higher the power (watts), the louder and cleaner the speakers will play. Small differences in power, however, don't make much of an audible change. In order to perceptively hear a difference (a 3dB increase), the power would have to double.
How can I improve my wireless audio quality? ›- Go to a Quiet Room. ...
- Use the Right Earpads or Eartips. ...
- Adjust Your EQ Settings. ...
- Switch to Tidal for Music Streaming. ...
- Use an External DAC. ...
- Switch Your Bluetooth Codec. ...
- Clean the Headphone Jack. ...
- Turn on ANC on Wireless Headphones.
How do I know what speakers are best for my sound? ›
The higher the sensitivity rating, the louder your speaker is. An average speaker comes with a sensitivity of around 87 dB to 88 dB. A speaker with a sensitivity rating over 90 dB is considered excellent.
What makes good sound quality? ›In order for audio to be heard at the proper volume it is important to aim for certain decibel levels in production. As a rule of thumb, you should shoot for average levels of -12 dBFS (decibels relative to full scale), with peaks no higher than -6 dBFS and low points no lower than -24 dBFS.
Do you lose sound quality with wireless speakers? ›Unlike Bluetooth-only speakers, Wi-Fi speakers have a way of compressing data files that do not lose the quality of the audio. This allows these speakers to play up to high-resolution (Hi-Res) files, which is the highest-quality audio file available.
Does wireless reduce sound quality? ›While Bluetooth as commonly implemented does degrade the audio quality to varying degrees, it doesn't have to. It's primarily up to the device manufacturers to use Bluetooth in a way that diminishes audio quality the least — or preferably, not at all.
What is the range of a wireless speaker? ›Range. Bluetooth speakers connect at varying ranges. Most will reach distances of around 30 feet (9 meters) all the way up to 100 feet (30 meters), depending on the size and style you choose.
Is sound quality better on Bluetooth or wired? ›Sound Quality: As mentioned before, wired headphones generally sound better than wireless headphones because Bluetooth® can only handle so much information through its signal. However, this only applies if you're trying to listen to data-loaded lossless file formats like FLAC, WAV, or ALAC.
Is wireless sound better than wired? ›It's no secret that wired headphones deliver better quality audio than wireless ones. With their well-trained ears, they can detect even the slightest difference in audio quality. This is why both of them prefer wired headphones over wireless ones.
What is the benefit of Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi? ›In addition, Bluetooth, because it requires only an adapter on each connecting device, tends to be simpler to use and needs less power than Wi-Fi, although this is achieved at the expense of range and speed of data transfer, in which Wi-Fi typically exceeds Bluetooth's capabilities.
Which type of speaker is best for home? ›- Sonos Five. ...
- Sonus Faber Omnia. ...
- Sonos Roam. ...
- Bose Home Portable Speaker. ...
- Naim Mu-So Qb 2nd Generation. ...
- Apple HomePod 2. ...
- KEF LS50 Wireless II. The best premium stereo or bookshelf wireless speakers. ...
- Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System. The best wireless speakers for your home theater.
One watt=90 dB. One hundred watts, or 100X more power=110 dB.
How loud is 800 watts speaker? ›
...
What's SPL?
As a rough rule of thumb, if it is an indoor gig, you should aim to have as a minimum around five watts per person. If you are playing outside or want “rave volume”, then you will probably want to double that and have 10 watts per person.
How powerful speakers do I need? ›You'd be surprised by how little power most speakers actually need to sound decently loud. Just 10W to 20W is more than enough for typical loudspeakers in modest listening spaces. Generally speaking, a 50W amplifier is more than enough for home listening with plenty of headroom.
What watt is the loudest speaker? ›The Matterhorn is a quite incredible speaker. It's made up of 40 drivers that help it to create a virtual wall of sound and it's also able to produce 40,000 watts of amplification. The speaker has made the most of 1,100 feet of 12 gauge cable and also 23 pounds of . 003 welding wire.
Which is better high or low watts? ›Higher wattage = more power. When considering the capacity of your power supply, there's one rule of thumb that's important to remember. It's better to have more power than you need because you shouldn't run your power supply at 100% capacity.
Which is better low wattage or high wattage? ›In the end, taking into consideration the lighting levels and Lumens over the Wattage of the lamp will provide a more energy efficient lighting system. Higher Lumen and lower Wattage lamps, especially with LEDs, will provide the best lighting with the lowest energy costs.
Is low watts better than high watts? ›The term wattage or watts refers to energy needed to create a specific amount of light or brightness level (defined by lumen ratings of the luminary). Taking this definition into consideration, low wattage bulbs consume less energy, compared to high wattage bulbs, which are associated with high energy consumption.
Which speaker is most powerful? ›- Amazon Echo Studio. Amazon Echo is a popular name that pops up when talking about the best Bluetooth or loudest speakers. ...
- JBL Boombox 2. ...
- Sony SRS-XB33. ...
- Sonos Move. ...
- Anker Soundcore Rave.
Hi-res audio can be streamed wirelessly between phones and headphones/speakers that support the latest Bluetooth codecs (such as aptX HD, aptX Adaptive and LDAC), but not truly losslessly (i.e not without compression).
Can we increase audio quality? ›Eliminate background noise
The audio quality improves enormously when most of the background noise is eliminated. Technically it is never completely silent, even in the quietest environments there will be some sounds.
How can I make my wireless speakers louder? ›
- Check Out Your Room Area. ...
- Place it On the Floor. ...
- Evaluate What Causes Low Volume. ...
- Place the Speaker Against the Wall or Close to the Corner of a Room. ...
- Acquire Two Speakers. ...
- Double Check the Audio Settings. ...
- Use an Amplifier. ...
- Battery Power.
If you listen to music more than any other audio, you don't need five or more speakers. You really only need two. Music is made for stereo sound, and that's how most of it is still mixed. So instead of spreading your money out over five decent speakers, pick up two really good speakers.
What are the three most important parts of the speaker? ›A speaker is usually comprised of three parts: a box, an optional passive crossover network and one or more drivers.
What are three 3 ways you can be a better speaker? ›- Plan appropriately.
- Practice.
- Engage with your audience.
- Pay attention to body language.
- Think positively.
- Cope with your nerves.
- Watch recordings of your speeches.
Be personal, speak from experience, feel free to entertain as much as inform, be practical, connect with the audience, and never forget that shorter is always better than too long. Your main goal is to tell a story that will inspire your audience--and that they will share with other people.
What is one advantage of using Bluetooth over using Wi-Fi? ›Advantages of Bluetooth
Bluetooth can connect devices from point-to-point and probably better on security than Wifi, as it can cover shorter distances. In addition, Bluetooth offers an optional two levels of password protection.
Bluetooth has only limited devices that it connects at a time while Wifi can connect more users and devices at one time. Bluetooth requires an adapter with the connecting devices making it need less power and simpler to use. On the other hand, Wifi has a high speed on data transferring and an achieved range of expense.
Which has more range Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? ›WiFi requires high bandwidth. Bluetooth demands low bandwidth. WiFi can cover an area up to 32 meters. Bluetooth can cover an area up to 10 meters.