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-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.

The Onkyo TX-NR6100 stands out in the airplay-receiver category with its high audio quality and numerous connectivity options. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring an immersive surround sound experience, and is THX Certified, guaranteeing top-notch sound fidelity. The receiver is also compatible with Sonos systems, which makes it a versatile choice for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem.

Its discrete Zone 2 HDMI feature allows for different 8K entertainment options in separate rooms, adding to its multi-room capability. Furthermore, it is optimized for gaming with HDMI 2.1 enhancements, including 4K/120Hz HDR pass-through and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which will appeal to gamers looking for smooth and responsive gameplay. In terms of power output, the 7.2 channel configuration delivers robust audio performance suitable for home theater setups.

Connectivity options are extensive, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and multiple HDMI ports, making it easy to connect various devices. Network connectivity is seamless with support for Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant, enhancing ease of use through voice controls. However, the receiver's size may be a drawback for those with limited space, and its advanced features might be overwhelming for users who are not tech-savvy. The inclusion of special features like ARC (Audio Return Channel) ensures better audio quality from compatible TVs. This receiver is ideal for home theater enthusiasts and gamers who seek high-quality audio and video performance, along with seamless integration into smart home systems.