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 Denon AVR-X2800H is a solid choice for anyone looking to build or upgrade a home theater setup with AirPlay and multi-room streaming capabilities. It supports 7.2 channel surround sound with 95 watts per channel, offering clear and immersive audio including advanced 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its sound quality is impressive, especially with room calibration features that help tailor audio to your space.

In terms of connectivity, it has plenty of HDMI ports (6 inputs, 2 outputs) including three that handle the latest 8K video, making it future-proof for high-resolution TVs and devices. Wireless options are robust, with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS technology for streaming music from popular services and extending sound throughout multiple rooms easily. The setup process is user-friendly thanks to an on-screen guide and automatic speaker calibration, which is great if you want to avoid complex manual adjustments. Compatibility is broad, supporting various video formats and devices, plus Apple HomeKit control adds convenience for iOS users.

On the downside, while the power output is enough for most home environments, it’s not the highest in its class, so extremely large rooms or very demanding speakers might need more powerful gear. The design is practical and well-built but not especially compact or stylish compared to some competitors. If you want a feature-rich, reliable receiver that balances modern streaming and home theater needs without overwhelming complexity, the Denon AVR-X2800H fits well.

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.