Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Best WiFi Speakers 2024: A Quick Run-through

Share

With Best WiFi Speakers 2024, technology has made huge strides, especially when it comes to simplifying our entertainment setups. With wireless speakers, you can easily enhance the sound in your space without dealing with a mess of wires. The best Wi-Fi speakers come with a range of features to make your life easier. They allow for Wi-Fi streaming, enabling you to control music across multiple rooms, and many also offer voice control through assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri. So, you can simply ask your speaker to play a specific song, and it’ll do just that.

For those who prefer not to use voice control, you can easily turn it off. Plus, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy these benefits. For example, the Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf speaker, which doesn’t have voice control, starts at just $140. To help you find the perfect Wi-Fi speaker for your home audio setup, we’ve compiled a list of the best ones we’ve tested in the Webcrore’s labs. Keep reading to learn more!

Our Top Picks: Best WiFi Speakers 2024

  1. Best WiFi Speakers 2024 Overall: Sonos Era 100
  2. Best budget speaker : Ikea Wi-Fi Symfonisk Bookshelf
  3. Best for Android users : JBL Playlist 150
  4. The best sounding Amazon Echo : Amazon Echo Studio
  5. Best AirPlay speaker: Apple HomePod Mini
  6. Best budget bluetooth speaker : Sonos Roam
  7. Best for streaming to existing systems : WiiM Pro

Sonos Era 100 (Best WiFi Speakers 2024 Overall)

Priced at $245, the Sonos Era 100 is a smart speaker that music lovers will adore. This compact device builds upon the success of the award-winning One model, offering enhancements like stereo playback and improved sound quality. With features like Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility, the Era 100 is now more versatile than ever as a streaming speaker.

Image Credit : sonos.com

Ikea Wi-Fi Symfonisk Bookshelf (Best budget speaker)

You can find several fantastic smart speakers for $120, such as the Amazon Echo, Nest Audio, and HomePod Mini. However, the Symfonisk is larger than all of them. Typically, bigger cabinets result in richer sound quality. While this speaker shines as part of a Sonos surround sound system, it’s also perfect for spaces like kids’ rooms or garages.

Image Credit : ikea.com

JBL Playlist 150 (Best for Android users)

The Best Bluetooth speaker sound quality is crucial for immersive audio experiences. Google offered many speakers, including the Nest Audio, but the one that was truly great with music — the Home Max — has been discontinued. Surprisingly, there are only a few Chromecast built-in speakers that offer both affordability and great sound. Among them, the JBL Playlist stands out as the best in my testing. It boasts a generously sized speaker and enough volume to fill a typical room. Additionally, it features Bluetooth and an auxiliary input for added flexibility. While it may not have smart capabilities, it’s the perfect choice if you want a system that can be controlled via an existing Google Assistant speaker.

Image Credit : jbl.com

Pros:

  • It’s the most affordable Chromecast speaker I’ve come across, and it delivers an open sound that’s hard to beat in this category
  • Setup is a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly Google Home app, which also allows for budget-friendly multiroom setups
  • Bluetooth and auxiliary options offer added convenience

Cons:

  • It might not deliver the punchy bass desired for genres like dance or pop music.
  • The build quality isn’t as impressive compared to its competitors.
  • Since it lacks an onboard battery, it’s limited to being placed in one spot.

Amazon Echo Studio (The best sounding Amazon Echo)

The Echo Studio is made by Amazon, the same folks behind Alexa. It’s simple to set up and can fill a room with its loud sound. With strong bass, clear audio, and nice highs, it’s the top choice among Amazon Echo devices. You can ask Alexa to play music from various streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal.

Image Credit : PCmag.com

Pros:

  • The Amazon Echo Studio delivers powerful sound, great for action movies and spacious music
  • It comes with lots of features like Dolby Atmos and Fire TV connectivity, all at a good price
  • The microphones are sensitive and accurate for voice commands

Cons:

  • Sometimes, the sound isn’t very clear, affecting its ability to showcase 3D music or Atmos effects
  • Multiroom support isn’t as advanced as other brands like Sonos
  • You need a Fire TV device for Dolby Atmos soundtracks

Apple HomePod Mini (Best AirPlay speaker)

The HomePod Mini may not have the same power as the new HomePod, but it’s also much more affordable, costing only a third of the price. Despite its compact size, it’s packed with useful features like Siri voice assistant and temperature/humidity controls. Plus, it delivers great sound quality. If you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and rely on Siri frequently, the HomePod Mini would be a seamless addition to your home.

Pros:

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Compact size
  • Affordable, priced under $100
Image Credit : apple.com

Cons:

  • Siri isn’t the most effective assistant
  • HomeKit lacks compatibility with many accessories
  • Comparable small smart speakers are priced at $50 or lower

Sonos Roam (Best budget bluetooth speaker)

The Sonos Roam is like a powerful Bluetooth speaker on the go. You can take it with you anywhere, or use it as part of a Sonos multiroom setup at home. It’s reasonably priced (for Sonos standards) and offers superior sound quality compared to similar products. Plus, you can choose your preferred voice assistant to make selecting songs even easier. These Sonos wireless Speakers are also the best wireless speakers portable range.

Image Credit : sonos.com

WiiM Pro (Best for streaming to existing systems)

While not exactly a speaker, the WiiM Pro is a fantastic choice for those who want to upgrade their existing stereo system or old Bluetooth speaker, like the Fluance F170, with Wi-Fi streaming capabilities. Priced at just $145, it offers top-notch sound quality and excellent streaming support. The accompanying app simplifies setup and usage, and it’s compatible with many multi-room systems as well.

Image Credit : darko.audio

Read more

Local News