10 Best Airplay Receivers 2025 in the United States

The WiiM Amp is a compact but powerful amplifier that transforms passive speakers into smart, high-quality sound systems. With 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms and even more at 4 ohms, it delivers enough power for various speaker types, from bookshelf to outdoor setups. It supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Alexa, making it very compatible with popular smart home ecosystems. Multi-room audio is simple to set up, allowing you to link multiple speakers throughout your home for synchronized playback.

The included WiiM Home App and voice control (via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri) make it easy to manage your music, adjust settings, and control volume without hassle. The HDMI ARC port lets you connect your TV for improved sound in movies and games, and you can add a subwoofer for even richer audio. It streams high-resolution music up to 24-bit/192 kHz, ensuring clear and detailed sound.

The device's design is sleek and compact, though it weighs around 4 pounds, so it’s not the tiniest unit available. Being manufactured in China is common for electronics but might matter to some buyers. This amplifier is ideal for users looking to upgrade their existing speakers with smart, multi-room capabilities and good sound quality, especially if they want easy streaming from various music services and voice control.

The Sony STR-AN1000 7.2 CH Surround Sound Home Theater 8K A/V Receiver offers impressive features, making it a strong contender in the airplay-receivers category. With 165W power output per channel, it delivers robust and immersive audio, especially with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Digital Cinema Auto Calibration IX and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping enhance the sound experience, ensuring precise audio calibration for any room setup.

Connectivity is a major strength, with 8K & 4K/120 HDMI 2.1 support, six HDMI inputs, and two outputs, allowing seamless integration with modern devices. Additionally, it supports various streaming options like Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay, making it versatile for different user preferences. The multi-room capability through Zone 2 & Zone 3 allows audio distribution to different areas of the home, adding flexibility.

Ease of use is addressed with a user-friendly graphical interface that guides the setup process, and compatibility with Google Assistant and Sonos systems enhances its smart home integration. However, the receiver is relatively bulky and heavy, which might be a consideration for those with limited space. While its power consumption of 240W is typical for its class, it may not be the most energy-efficient option. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony STR-AN1000 is well-suited for users seeking a high-quality, feature-rich A/V receiver for an immersive home theater experience.

The Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their home theatre system with high-quality audio and video. One of its standout features is support for 8K Ultra HD, which ensures excellent video quality for movies and gaming. Additionally, it offers a true-to-life cinematic experience with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and other advanced formats, and it provides immersive audio with DTS HD Master and Dolby TrueHD support.

For gamers, features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduce lag and ensure a smooth gaming experience. The receiver has a reasonable power output of 70W x 5, which should suffice for most home setups. Connectivity is a strong point, with four 8K HDMI inputs, Bluetooth for wireless streaming, and compatibility with various streaming services like Spotify and Pandora. The multi-room capability allows you to create a seamless audio experience throughout your home.

Set-up is user-friendly thanks to the on-screen HD Setup Assistant, and the receiver can be controlled conveniently via Smart TV remote or the Denon Remote App. However, there are a few drawbacks. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi, which might limit some streaming options. Additionally, while it supports eARC, its power consumption is on the higher side, potentially leading to higher energy costs. The Denon AVR-S570BT is best suited for users who prioritize high-quality audio and video, ease of use, and multi-room audio capabilities over other features like Wi-Fi connectivity.