10 Best Airplay 2 Speakers 2026 in the United States

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 (5th Generation) stands out as a premium choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience with AirPlay 2 compatibility. One of its key strengths is the impressive sound quality, delivered through seven effective drivers, ensuring a room-filling audio experience that suits various genres of music. The Active Room Compensation feature optimizes the sound based on the speaker's placement, which is a major plus for those who value great acoustics in different environments.

In terms of connectivity, the A9 shines with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options, allowing easy streaming from various devices. The ability to connect multiple Bang & Olufsen speakers for a multi-room setup enhances its versatility for larger homes or gatherings. The accompanying Bang & Olufsen App gives users the freedom to customize sound profiles and manage settings effortlessly, making it user-friendly for non-tech savvy individuals.

The Beosound A9 is ideal for audiophiles and design enthusiasts who prioritize sound performance and aesthetics. Its premium features and stunning design make it a worthy investment for a sophisticated home audio setup.

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Wireless Multiroom Speaker in Black Oak stands out for its impressive sound quality and aesthetically pleasing design. Its contemporary, elegant look, featuring a precision-crafted aluminum grill and solid oak wood base, makes it a stylish addition to any home. The sound performance is another highlight, with the ability to adjust the audio output to suit different environments and listening preferences, from ambient to directional audio. This makes it versatile for both room-filling sound and more focused listening experiences.

In terms of compatibility, the speaker supports Airplay 2, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, allowing seamless integration with various devices and streaming services. The Beolink Multiroom feature enhances connectivity by enabling music streaming throughout the home, controlled either individually or collectively via the Bang & Olufsen app. However, the speaker does lack built-in voice control, which might be a downside for those who prefer voice-activated smart features. Additionally, the price point is on the higher side, reflecting its premium build and brand reputation, but it might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Weighing 15.84 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which could limit portability. For users prioritizing high-quality sound, elegant design, and extensive connectivity in a stationary setup, the Beosound Balance is a strong contender. Those looking for a more affordable or portable option with voice control functionality might need to consider other alternatives.

The Denon Home 350 Wireless Smart Speaker stands out for its impressive sound quality, powered by a combination of tweeters, mid-bass drivers, and woofers that deliver rich, detailed audio. This makes it a great choice for music enthusiasts who value clarity and depth in their listening experience. Compatibility is another strong point, with support for a wide range of music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music HD, alongside AirPlay 2 and HEOS built-in for seamless integration into multi-room setups.

Connectivity options are robust, including both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for flexible use across various devices. Additionally, the inclusion of Alexa and Siri makes it convenient for voice-controlled operations. The design is sleek and modern, though it is somewhat bulky, which might not suit all spaces. Build quality is solid, ensuring durability. However, it's not waterproof, limiting its use to indoor environments. Smart features like quick select buttons for favorite internet radio stations add to its user-friendliness.

Priced at a premium, it might be on the higher side for some budgets, but the quality and features offered justify the cost for those seeking a high-performance smart speaker. This speaker is particularly suited for users looking to build a comprehensive home audio system without compromising on sound quality or smart functionality.