10 Best Airplay 2 Speakers 2025 in the United States

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 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 Sonos Era 100 is a smart speaker designed to deliver rich, detailed sound with its dual tweeters and a larger midwoofer that boosts bass, making music sound fuller and clearer. Thanks to a faster processor, it handles audio streams smoothly, providing a great listening experience whether it’s music, podcasts, or home theater sound. It supports AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, giving you flexibility to connect from your phone, tablet, or other devices. You can also connect older devices like a turntable using an auxiliary input, which is a nice bonus for vinyl lovers.

Its compact size and clean white design mean it can fit nicely on a shelf or counter without taking up much space, but it’s not built to be portable or water-resistant, so it’s better suited for stationary use at home or in the office. The speaker supports multi-room audio, allowing you to pair it with other Sonos speakers and control everything from the Sonos app. The app also features Trueplay tuning, which adapts the sound to the room’s acoustics, helping your music sound its best wherever you place the speaker.

Smart features include Alexa voice control, making it easy to manage your music hands-free, though it only has one microphone, which might affect voice recognition in noisy environments. While the speaker offers solid connectivity options, it requires a power outlet, so it’s not wireless in terms of power. With a mid-range price point and generally positive user ratings, the Era 100 suits those who want a high-quality, versatile speaker for home use with the convenience of smart features and broad streaming compatibility. If you need something portable or waterproof, you might want to look elsewhere.