Wireless wifi speakers

It's a challenge to find a budget speaker that doesn't have microphones onboard, but they all come with mic switches or you can opt for a "dumb" speaker like the Sonos One SL , if you have privacy concerns. Keep reading for our breakdown of the best Wi-Fi speakers for your needs -- and don't miss CNET's guide to the best smart speakers.

Bigger cabinets usually mean bigger sound. While this smart speaker is best as part of a Sonos surround sound system, it also makes a great kids' room speaker. Pair this compact speaker with another Sonos One and Apple AirPlay 2 for a flexible, high-quality some theater speaker system which responds to voice commands for less than the price of the Play Read our Sonos One review. The problem with most Wi-Fi speakers is they don't fit in with the rest of your decor.

They're boxy and they're usually black. The Ikea Sonos speaker literally thinks outside the box and delivers a Sonos-compatible lamp that sounds better than most speakers at this price.

This home speaker is not smart, but the device will respond to Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa commands. Google may offer a lot of speakers, including the Nest Audio , but the one that was truly great with music -- the Home Max -- has been discontinued. It's surprising then that the list of affordable-yet-good-sounding Chromecast built-in speakers can be counted on the fingers on one hand.

And of those, the JBL Playlist is the best I've heard, with a generously sized speaker and enough volume to fill a typical room. It also has Bluetooth and an auxiliary input to expand its flexibility. It may not be "smart", but if you want a system that can be controlled via an existing Google Assistant speaker, this is the one to get. We chose models capable of outputting high-fidelity stereo sound. Models with multiple speakers, including tweeters and woofers, topped the list to provide a deep, clear and rich, ambient experience.

Pricing : Believe it or not, we looked at Wi-Fi speakers that provide the most value. However, Wi-Fi speakers are often more expensive based on the build and sound quality they output. It's not unusual to spend several thousand dollars for just one wireless speaker. Compatibility : We preferred speakers that are integrated with the most popular streaming audio apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Tidal, Apple Music and more.

Compatibility with platforms such as Apple AirPlay and Chromecast was a bonus. If you're just delving into the world of superior sound, Amazon's Echo Studio may be all you need, with crisp notes and powerful bass. Plus, you get the functionality of Amazon's smart home devices and support. The Bose and Sonos Wi-Fi speakers are a step up in quality, but be prepared to spend nearly double or more. For the ultimate listening experience, the Naim Mu-so Qb V2 is worth the splurge. However, once you get used to its supreme output, it's hard to go back to a basic speaker.

There are several notable differences between Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth speakers. A Bluetooth speaker can connect to devices that broadcast a Bluetooth signal and don't need to be connected to an internet network. However, they tend to quickly drain the devices' battery while operating in Bluetooth mode. Wi-Fi speakers typically output better sound since they don't compress the audio file as Bluetooth playback would. The drawback is portability and price.

Wi-Fi speakers are significantly more expensive. Plus, they need to plug into an electric power source. Bluetooth speakers can operate using batteries, making them the best choice for travel and flexibility.

Wi-Fi speakers often require an app installed on a phone or tablet. The app will help you find the network and log in with the password.

In addition, the app often allows you to adjust the speaker's EQ, as well as stream audio. Depending on the speaker manufacturer, you may be able to connect multiple speakers to a home network. Most Wi-Fi speakers can only be paired with the same model or others within the company's same system. You may want to connect multiple Wi-Fi speakers to a network by creating a same-room home theater system, streaming the same or different audio in multiple rooms, or using the Wi-Fi speaker as an intercom.

Wi-Fi speakers can deliver music and audio seamlessly using your home's network. Devialet surpassed itself with the Gold Phantom, pushing past the limits of what a traditional speaker sets out to do with the arrival of ultra-sharp trebles, immense bass and no distractions whatsoever. Alternative: Devialet shines above most when it comes to wireless speakers and the Phantom Reactor is another brilliant option. Three high-excursion woofers provide unparalleled deep bass with architecture that eliminates reverb.

Place it horizontally and the speaker will automatically separate left and right channels. Or, step up the game with an additional Sonos Five for an unbeatable pairing.

TWS technology means you can connect two speakers together for double the disco power. With IPX6 water resistance to protect from light rain and accidental splashes, no accidents will ruin your day.

Promising degrees of sound, this wireless speaker is intriguing to look at with its extruded aluminum also available in gold and sculptured edges. The BeoSound 2 is engineered to be placed anywhere in a room and still sound incredible when playing everything from chilled acoustic tracks to beat-pounding electronics. Looking for musical accompaniment to your next alfresco dinner party?

And not just because it comes with an attached bottle opener , either. Select from one of three modes: indoor, outdoors, and Bass Boost. With a 50W speaker and wide volume range , this speaker delivers a complex, multi-layered, and refined sound experience—impressive enough that your guests are guaranteed to comment. Want to take the speaker somewhere remote for a proper rave?

It can run for up to 20 hours on half-volume. Pair with another HD-Max speaker for extra volume and heart-thumping surround sound bass. In addition to bringing full Siri functionality, the built-in chip of the speaker is also crucial for its audio performance — it utilizes the microphones in real time to ensure that the HomePod delivers perfectly tuned sound in any room. A recent update made the HomePod even more exciting by bringing home theater audio capabilities with support for Dolby Atmos-enhanced sound.

The setup delivers better sound than many sound bars , and it doesn't require cables. It will allow you to control compatible gadgets with Siri voice commands. The recently launched HomePod mini is a more compact and affordable option for Apple users. Its sound is nowhere near as powerful as the original speaker, but it's still great if you're not looking to play loud music.

The sonic experience from the Formation Duo speakers is memorable, to say the least. Unless you are attending a live performance, you would be hard-pressed to experience wireless sound with higher fidelity. Available with black or white housings, the Duo wireless speakers are compatible with Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2, among other streaming services.

As their price tag suggests, they can wirelessly play high-resolution audio content. If you are looking for the biggest and loudest sound, go for the Devialet Phantom Reactor lineup. The futuristic design of these Wi-Fi speakers is coupled with truly mind-bending sound quality that's free of any distortion regardless of the volume level. The Phantom speakers have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Apple AirPlay support, and compatibility with all major streaming services.

The price tag you see above is for one speaker, so creating a stereo pair for a multiroom setup is expensive. But the results are truly stunning.