Wifi speakers with airplay

Top 8 Best Apple AirPlay Speakers of 2023

If you’re an Apple ecosystem devotee, you’ll probably know all about AirPlay already. It’s Apple’s wireless audio and video streaming standard. To get the best out of AirPlay, you’ll need a speaker with a WiFi connection as compared to Bluetooth, and you’ll get a far higher data transfer rate, which equates to a higher quality sound.

Apple have now released the next generation AirPlay 2 protocol, which allows for multi-room speaker integration and configuration. With AirPlay 2 taking things to the next level, there has never been a better time to buy a compatible speaker, which is why we put together this review of the best Apple AirPlay speakers currently on the market.

So, let’s go through them, starting with our…

Top 8 Best Apple AirPlay Speakers For The Money of 2023

1 Sonos Move Wireless Smart Speaker – Best Affordable Apple AirPlay Speaker

Our first Apple Airplay speaker is the Sonos Move wireless smart speaker. It’s their first attempt at a portable battery powered speaker, and it’s at the lower end of the price scale of the models featured here.

It has an attractive cylindrical design to compliment a classic black color scheme. Although it’s technically portable, the Sonos Move is more likely to be used in and around the home. At 3kg, it’s a little heavy to carry around all day or put in a suitcase or rucksack. If you do take it outside, an Ip56 rating means it’s dust and water resistant. Even light rain won’t be an issue.

Auto-calibration…

Nice touch sensitive controls compliment the stylish design. Standout features include TruePlay technology, which uses microphones to auto-calibrate the sound. The mics monitor the frequency response if you move the speakers, and the speaker makes adjustments accordingly.

Battery life clocks in at 10 hours on full volume with three hours to fully recharge via the convenient charging ring. The battery can also be replaced, which makes a nice change.

Superb sounds…

The Sonos Move offers a delightfully melodic audio experience that can deliver serious power if need be. Two built in D-class amps, a tweeter, and a mid-range woofer can handle pumping hip-hop bass or the subtler instrumentation of classical music.

Connectivity is handled mostly via WiFi, although you can always fall back on 4.2 Bluetooth if out of range. Apple AirPlay 2 is fully supported, as are both Alexa and Google assistant voice assistants.

All in all, the Sonos Move is a great feature rich all-rounder and fully deserves its place on our list of Best Apple AirPlay Speakers.

Our rating: (4.8 / 5)

• Well rounded sound profile.
• Smart TruePlay feature.
• Can integrate with other Sonos speakers.
• Easy to move around the house.

2 Libratone Zipp 2 Wireless Smart Speaker – Most Stylish Apple AirPlay Speaker

Libratone are a Danish Company who’ve brought chic Scandinavian design with a touch of cuteness to their Zipp 2 wireless smart speaker. There is a deliberate attempt not to appear too grown up and sophisticated going on here, which will definitely appeal to some.

Chic and stylish…

The Zipp 2 has a tower design with a two-tone color scheme. You can choose from a red, green, black, or grey fabric grille, which is removable via a zip design. Once again, this is a wireless battery powered speaker making it reasonably portable. It’s good for day trips although probably a little large to find space in your suitcase for holidays.

WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity are both available. Apple AirPlay 2 is fully supported for high quality streaming from Apple devices. Alexa voice assistance is also built in to the Zipp 2. A six mic array picks up even softly spoken commands, reacting quickly and understanding well.

Take control…

The touch sensitive controls sit on top of the tower. The usual controls are all present. A long press of the multifunction button will also reveal other options. These include a feature that will make adjustments to the sound based on the size of the room. It also has SoundSpace, which allows you to link the Zipp2 to other Libratone speakers.

A 4-inch driver and two passive radiators achieve quite a deep low end, which always stays controlled regardless of the volume. The mid-range could be more refined. It’s not harsh or distorted, just lacking finer detail, which leaves vocals especially, sounding a bit airy.

Not the very best in sound quality…

There is definitely better audio to be had at this price from other Apple AirPlay speakers. Still, a good combination of features and connectivity options earn the Libratone Zipp 2 a place on our list.

Our rating: (4 / 5)

3 Sonos Beam Smart Sound Bar – Best Apple AirPlay Sound Bar

Another Sonos offering, the Beam, is a relatively small sound bar that can handle your TV audio or stream from every imaginable service, including Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility. Alexa voice assistance makes this a very versatile speaker that can cover all your living room audio needs.

Nicely designed…

It’s sleek 26 x 3 x 4 inch design comes in classic all white or black color scheme. A wrap-around cloth mesh covers the drivers rather than a metal grille. All the relevant ports are housed at the rear of the unit, and the controls are housed in a panel on the top.

Connectivity can be achieved through a wired or wireless connection via WiFi. Being a Sonos product, it can be used independently or as part of a group of Sonos speakers for a more complete sound.

Don’t let its diminutive size fool you…

The Sonos Beam has an unexpected amount of power when the volume’s cranked up. An impressive audio field is created by the four woofers, one tweeter, and three passive radiators. The only real complaint is the lack of sub bass extension. It needs to be paired with a Sonos sub-woofer for a truly wall shaking experience.

It’s a powerful sound nonetheless, from the low mid-range to the crystal clear highs.

Best for movie night…

The Sonos Beam is probably more suited to the movie experience than for playing music but has just enough bass response to do both jobs effectively. It’s quite the all-rounder and offers pretty good value for money when you consider is versatility.

Interested in Sonos? Then take a look at our comprehensive reviews of the Best Sonos Speakers.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

• Surprisingly powerful.
• Great compact design.
• Can connect with other Sonos speakers.
• Good value.

4 Naim Mu-so Qb 2 Wireless Music System – Best Value for the Money Apple AirPlay Speaker

Rising up the price scale, we come to the Naim Mu-so Qb 2. This beautifully designed unit brings startling power, audiophile level sound quality, and full Apple Air Play functionality to the table.

Black and grey or pay a little more…

The sleek cube shaped design sports slight wave like bulges on the fabric grille that covers three sides. The rear panel houses all the ports and mains power connection. The standard color scheme is a black/grey affair. You can buy different colored fabric grilles at an extra cost. It would be nice to have this option included in the price, considering how expensive it is.

The design highlight is the stylish oversized circular control panel that sits atop the whole unit. The touch sensitive controls are a joy to use. No rival has got close to this level of manual control sophistication. An accompanying remote works perfectly to control basic functionality.

Get connected…

Apple Home compatibility allows the Naim Mu-so Qb 2 to effortlessly connect with any other AirPlay speaker to enable multi-room arrangements. Multi-platform compatibility can also be enabled via the Naim app.

The front side of the cube features two angled tweeters, two directional mid-range drivers, and a large front facing bass driver. Passive radiators on the side panels help to create a more expansive sound. And what a sound. The sound profile has a rich openness across the ranges.

Superb in every frequency range…

The bass is well capable of flexing its muscles when needed. The Qb 2 is equally capable of taking care of mid-range and treble detail in a gentle and refined way. The angled drivers disperse the sound very effectively.

The Naim Mu-so Qb 2 may seem expensive, but there’s nothing to rival its sonic prowess at this price. So, even though it is expensive, it is still fantastic value for the money considering what you get. With a full array of connectivity options and compatibility with multiple platforms, we have ourselves a prime contender for the best Apple AirPlay speaker.

Our rating: (4.1 / 5)

• Best audio quality in its price bracket.
• Attractive design.
• Multiple streaming options
• Multi-room ready.

5 Devialet Gold Phantom Wireless Speaker – Best Premium Apple AirPlay Speaker

The Devialet Gold Phantom wireless speaker comes with a quite staggering price tag that only a few lucky people will be able to justify spending the money on. But the question has to be…

Is it worth the astronomical price tag?

If you have the money, then undoubtedly yes. It’s hands down the absolute best stand-alone, Bluetooth speaker money can buy.

The completely unique egg shaped design is initially confusing, but it all makes sense once you look under the hood. An all metal enclosure houses the revolutionary technology. 22 carat gold plated sides round off the all-white color scheme. It’s certainly not a lightweight model, weighing in at a hefty 11kg’s.

A life of its own…

The Devialet Gold Phantom speaker system comprises two bass drivers, one mid-range driver, and a tweeter. The bass woofers on either side of the oval shape have a life of their own, pulsing to the beat in what can only be described as a hypnotic frenzy.

Features wise, it’s a relatively simple affair. The Devialet Spark app allows EQ adjustment and enables you to play music via your favored streaming platform. Devices can be connected via Apple Airplay 2, WiFi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet connection.

The ultimate in sound quality…

The main focus, however, is most definitely on the astounding audio quality. The drivers pump out a mind boggling 4500 watts, which can produce an incredible 108dBs of sound at its loudest. The bass quality simply defies belief. It can be felt standing a full 10ft away. It leaves you smiling from cheek to cheek.

The mid-range is flawless. It’s like each element has been surgically separated to achieve sonic perfection. A joy to behold. The titanium tweeter delivers consistently perfect detail even at full volume. Regardless of the volume level, the Devialet Gold Phantom produces the same perfectly constructed sound.

Stupidly expensive, but worth it…

Unfortunately, most people can only dream of having the spare cash for such a luxury item, but if you can afford it, buy it! If it wasn’t for the price, the Devialet Gold Phantom would be a serious contender for the best Apple AirPlay speaker.

If we’ve got you intrigued, you can find out even more in our in-depth Devialet Gold Phantom Review.

Our rating: (3.8 / 5)

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