When it comes to finding a wireless speaker with so much choice out there it can be a little tricky to the best for you, however, we're here to help you with your search.
In fact, even the term 'wireless speaker' can be a bit confusing too. Just to clear things up, wireless speakers are can receive audio signals transmitted via WiFi or Bluetooth, without the need for a cable.
That doesn't mean that you won't find some that plug into the power supply as well as those which are portable.
So with that in mind, we've selected a number of wireless speakers based on specs, standout features and reviews to help kick-start your search for the best one for you, plus we've got answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on this speaker-type too.
So, whether you're looking for a brilliant Bose option in the Bose Home Portable Speaker or you're looking for a cracking speaker for audiophiles with the Naim Mu-So 2, we've got you covered.
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Let's dive in!
Best Wireless Speaker 2021
Best Wireless Speaker Sonos - Sonos Move
Brand: Sonos | Colour: Black / White | Battery Powered: Yes | Connectivity Technology: WiFi, Bluetooth | Item Dimensions: 16 x 12.5 x 24 cm | Item Weight: 3 kilograms
We think the Sonos Move is an exceptional wireless speaker that offers some awesome features, making it well deserving of being among the best speakers of 2021.
In terms of sound, you're getting a down-firing tweeter, mid-woofer and two class-D digital amplifiers in one which should produce some seriously impressive, bold audio output.
Working both as a brilliant home and portable speaker, this device includes an ergonomic handle so you can easily take it with you or set it on its charging station.
The Sonos Move also has built-in voice recognition and Alexa technology which makes it a speaker and smart home hub all in one.
Best Wireless Speaker Bose - Bose Home Portable Speaker
Brand: Bose | Colour: Black / Silver | Battery Powered: Yes | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Item Dimensions: 10.4 x 11.9 x 19.15 cm | Item Weight: 1.06 kilograms
There's a great selection of top Bluetooth speakers out there, and another standout choice for us is the Bose Home Portable Speaker.
When it comes to portability, this speaker includes a carry handle, offers up to 12 hours of battery life and is built to withstand bumps, drops and even water splashes.
In terms of sound, this speaker delivers 360-degree audio output from a high-fidelity bose speaker which should sound clear, crisp and quality tones.
The Bose Home Portable Speaker also makes a fantastic smart hub thanks to voice control from Google Assistant or Alexa.
Best Wireless Speaker Marshall - Marshall Stanmore II
Brand: Marshall | Colour: Black / Brown / White | Battery Powered: No | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Item Dimensions: 18.5 x 35 x 19.5 cm | Item Weight: 4.65 kilograms
Marshall is often a pioneer when it comes to delivering high-quality audio output and we think the Stanmore II could be one of their best speakers to date.
When it comes to volume, this speaker produces up to 50W of power which should easily make it loud enough to fill most rooms.
You can use the Marshall App or analogue controls to fine-tune your music and adjust the EQ settings according to your desired taste.
Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX technology should provide you with lossless wireless connectivity with a range as far as 30 feet (10 metres).
While some people like a more modern look with a top RGB speaker, we also think the Stanmore II looks epic, encompassing the classic Marshall amplifier design alongside modern technology.
With all these features, the Stanmore II appeals to a wide variety of people, and easily makes our list of the best speakers under for 300, too.
Best Wireless Speaker KEF - KEF LS50 Wireless II
Brand: KEF | Colour: Black / Red / White / Grey | Battery Powered: No | Connectivity Technology: WiFi, Bluetooth | Item Dimensions: 30.48 x 20.07 x 29.97 cm | Item Weight: 21.4 kilograms
If you can stretch to the price, the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers could be a worthy premium choice that can compete with any of the best home theatre speakers.
These speakers are by no means light, weighing over 20 kilograms and producing an impressive audio output to match with up to 380W of power which is more than you'll likely ever need.
Not only will these speakers be loud, but they also deliver a staggering frequency range of 40 - 47,000 Hz giving you a phenomenally wide range of tones from deeper bass to soaring highs.
Compatible with AirPlay2, WiFi and Bluetooth, these speakers are highly diverse and you can even listen to the latest podcasts and radio thanks to the KEF Connect App.
The speakers also include Metamaterial Absorption technology which acts as an acoustic black hole eliminating 99% of distortion, meaning they should produce only pure, clear sounds.
We think the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are a worthy premium choice for any audiophile.
Best Wireless Speaker Premium - Naim Mu-So 2
Brand: Naim | Colour: Black | Battery Powered: No | Connectivity Technology: WiFi, Bluetooth | Item Dimensions: 62.7 x 26.4 x 12.2 cm | Item Weight: 11.2 kilograms
For audiophiles out there who want a single speaker system with power, look no further than the Naim Mu-So 2.
Naim's second-gen speaker isn't short of grunt with a quoted 450W of power in a single cabinet seeming impressive, even considering the price tag of this behemoth.
As well as being punchy. the quality on offer with the Mu-So 2 is said to be something to behold with a lot of clarity and a rich, bodied experience.
As much as it also looks like an older speaker, this offering is able to connect to all the modern streaming services, and through AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, giving you plenty of choice.
What's more, the Mu-So 2 is also multi-room ready, so if you do happen to have a few thousand pounds knocking about, you could fill your house with incredible audio.
Best Wireless Speaker Amazon- Echo Studio
Brand: Amazon | Colour: Black | Battery Powered: No | Connectivity Technology: WiFi, Bluetooth | Item Dimensions: 206 x 175 mm | Item Weight: 3.5 kilograms
If smart technology is a priority for you with a wireless speaker, the feature-rich Echo Studio could be what you're looking for.
As it's an Amazon device, of course, it includes Alexa technology which means you'll be able to select your favourite music, check the weather or set alarms using only your voice.
When it comes to sound, the Echo Studio boasts five strategically placed speakers to create an immersive listening experience that should fill any room and generate sound in multiple directions.
One of the standout features of this speaker is its ability to sense the acoustics of any room and adjust playback to suit the environment, which should mean it sounds excellent wherever it's placed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wireless Speakers
Should you get NFC in a wireless speaker?
NFC is a 'form' of Bluetooth that means you don't have to go into your phone and connect via the list.
In fact, you can actually tap the device the speaker and it will connect, further simplifying the process.
Do you lose sound quality with wireless speakers?
You'll likely find this a topic of debate for audiophiles, but for more everyday music listening we don't think there is a massive difference.
Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 can carry large amounts of data, much in the same way a wired connection can, which results in higher fidelity.
While there may have been a difference in the past, it appears that the gap has narrowed substantially.
How much should you spend on a wireless speaker?
Speakers vary massively when it comes to price largely because the market is incredibly varied too.
On one hand, you've got people who'd be fine with one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers, but on the other side, you have hardcore audiophiles who need the absolute best of the best and are prepared to pay premium prices to get it.
We'd say hit around the $150 - $250 mark and you should be getting something that ticks a fair few boxes in terms of quality, design, and sound.
Does Wi-Fi provide better sound quality than Bluetooth?
The consensus here is that Wi-Fi can actually provide better sound quality than Bluetooth as audio quality should only be limited by the speed of your network. Bluetooth compresses data more than Wi-Fi, which in turn can lead to lower-quality audio.
However, connectivity is only one side of the story. A speaker also has to have well-made internals that contributes to a great sound. It's no use having a poorly engineered Wifi-enabled speaker just because its method allows for higher quality audio playback, in theory.
Do I need smart assistants in wireless speakers?
Some speakers, such as the Echo Studio are naturally bundled with a smart assistant. In this case, it's Amazon Alexa.
Having one can be useful if you're looking for proper hands-free operation for getting music from streaming services or just want to ask a question.
They aren't a must though, as speakers such as the KEF LS50 Wireless II prove with their audiophile levels of quality.
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