7 Best AirPlay 2 Speakers: Enjoy Multi-room Audio Music
Airplay is Apple’s own streaming technology. Through this, you can listen to music wirelessly by connecting your Apple device to a speaker. Though smart speakers have been in the market for a while, not all third-party speakers are compatible with Airplay, however slowly but surely there is plenty of the best AirPlay 2 speakers being launched in the market recently.
Airplay combines convenience with exceptional audio quality, allowing you to stream playback content anywhere in your house with a click on your device. We have curated a list of the best airplay speakers for you, read along and get the one that suits your needs.
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What to Consider While Getting An AirPlay 2 Speakers Speaker?
Before you start the hunt for Airplay speakers, you need to be aware of the different types of features available. This will help choose the Airplay speaker that is compatible with your specific needs. Given below is a list of features that we focused on while compiling our list of the top seven Airplay speakers available on the market and these features can be key to finalizing the speaker of your choice.
1. Audio Quality
Audio quality is a necessity when it comes to speakers. Since the speakers project volume to large areas, you need to ensure that the speaker you are buying delivers crisp and clear audio regardless of volume and room size.
2. Portability
Since high-quality speakers can be a one-time investment, it can be handy to have a speaker that is portable and therefore is not only a great addition to your house but can be moved from place to place and is also a companion on travels.
3. Compatibility
Though Airplay works on Wifi or internet connectivity, it is beneficial to have speakers that are compatible with different modes of connectivity allowing them to pair with other devices that you might have that can only connect through Bluetooth or an analog connection. Speakers with alternate connections work when you do not have internet.
4. Battery Life
If your speakers have batteries in them, it saves you from having to constantly recharge them while in use and can listen to content even when there is no electricity. Moreover, they are portable and can be placed anywhere in the house without having to worry about power sockets.
5. Ergonomic features
Like all technology today, a device is not limited to its major function. If your AirPlay 2 Speakers has a variety of features that makes it more user-friendly and increases the efficiency of your everyday life, it makes it worth the cost.
7 Best Airplay 2 Speakers in 2021
There are a lot of speakers available on the market however not all of them are compatible. However, in the niche list of compatible speakers to choose from, there is still a variety of them, each with its own unique set of features. Given below is our list of seven of the best Airplay 2 speakers, compiled based on our research and customer reviews.
1. Libratone Zipp 2 Portable Smart Speaker
Audio Quality
These AirPlay 2 Speakers come with FULLROOM technology that delivers outstanding audio quality in all directions of the room, thereby giving you crisp and clear clarity everywhere in the room regardless of its location.
Moreover, it has a space sensing technology that reads the space of the room it is located in and adjusts its equalization accordingly catering its audio to your requirement and thus ensuring a pleasurable experience.
Compatibility
Apart from connecting through Wifi, the Libratone Zipp 2 comes with three additional connections. The speakers can play content through a Bluetooth connection. In a wired connection, it is compatible with both aux and USB cables. It comes with an audio cable that can be connected to devices that do not have Bluetooth or Wifi connectivity.
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Battery Life
It comes with twelve hours of continuous battery life, thereby lasts multiple listening sessions without the need for a constant recharge.
Portability
Due to its sleek design with a handle and wireless connectivity and up to twelve hours of constant playback on a single charge, the Libratone Zipp 2 is easy to store and can be taken anywhere.
Ergonomic Features
It comes with a built-in Alexa feature. This means you can control the device through simple voice commands and without manual intervention. This feature increases user-friendliness and efficiency, apart from choosing songs or genres and playing audiobooks on voice command, the device will be able to answer questions, set timers or alarms, report the daily news and weather.
It also is compatible with smart home technology and can be used to control compatible elements in your home such as light switches, temperature controls, door locks, and so on.
It comes with a multi-room feature that allows you to connect ten Zip 2 speakers to your device, and play content in multiple rooms in your house through a single device.
These AirPlay 2 Speakers also come with sensitive touch technology. If at any time you stream content you want to pause it, you can do so by simply placing your palm on top of the speaker. Playback will resume when you move your hand away, this is extremely efficient when you need to attend to phone calls or have an important conversation.
Moreover, you can preset favorite content such as a radio station, a song, or a playlist. These can be accessed through a simple tap on the device. It has an app as well that increases both user-friendliness and efficiency. Through this application, users can select different features and customize them based on their preferences.
With smart and user-friendly features, exceptional audio quality, and wide-range compatibility, the Libratone Zipp 2 speaker is one of a kind and ticks all the boxes required for an exceptional AirPlay 2 Speaker.
Product Description
- Dimensions: 12.52 x 8.23 x 8.15 inches (Height x Length x Breadth)
- Weight: 4.89 pounds
- Battery Life: 12 hours
- Compatibility: Wifi, Bluetooth, aux, and USB
Pros
- Compatible with Wifi, Bluetooth, and aux
- Sensitive Touch Technology
- Alexa compatible
- Voice Control
- Portable
- Connect ten speakers to a single device
2. Sonos One (Gen 2) – Voice Controlled Smart Speaker
Audio Quality
The Sonos speaker has the exceptional audio quality and ensures rich sound that fills the room regardless of the space of the room.
Compatibility
Unfortunately, the Sonos speaker is only compatible with Wifi, though this is ideal for Airplay 2, it will not connect with devices that have only Bluetooth connectivity or a wired connection.
Battery Life
It does not come with a battery but comes with a power cord, therefore only works when plugged into a power socket to work.
Portability
It comes with a slender design and is easy to store and carry around. However since it was designed to be kept at a place not carried around it does not have a battery, moreover, it is only compatible through Wifi, so you can move it from place to place but it cannot stream content without a power outlet or an internet connection.
Ergonomic Features
It comes with both built-in voice control features and is compatible with Alexa. This means you can control the device without lifting a finger. You can use this voice command feature to play songs and audiobooks or the daily news and weather conditions as well as set timers or alarms.
It comes with a stereo feature that allows you to connect 2 Sonos speakers to your device, and play content in multiple rooms in your house through a single device, or even used as a home theatre system.
It is humidity resistant so can be placed in rooms in your house that are detrimental to other technology such as the kitchen or the washroom. Moreover, it can be mounted to the wall and thereby helps reduce clutter on tables and countertops.
The Sonos speaker has an app that increases both user-friendliness and efficiency. You can use the application to connect devices with ease and customize and select features based on your preference, users can connect devices with ease and select between multiple features and customize them based on your liking.
If you need a wireless speaker for your home or workspace, that guarantees outstanding sound quality, the Sonos One (Gen 2) speaker is an excellent pick.
Product Description
- Dimensions: 6.36 x 4.69 x 4.69 inches (Height x Length x Breadth)
- Weight: 4.08 pounds
- Battery Life: None, have to plug into a power outlet
- Compatibility: Wifi
Pros
- Voice Control
- Alexa Compatible
- Mountable
- Humidity resistant
- Connect two speakers to a single device
Cons
- No battery
- Not compatible with Bluetooth or wired connections
- Not portable
3. Sonos Move – Battery-Powered Smart Speaker
Audio Quality
The Sonos Move AirPlay 2 Speakers comes with a smooth audio quality with a significant base, providing clear audio regardless of location or volume. Moreover, it has a TruePlay feature, which adapts the playback continuously depending on the location you listen to.
Compatibility
The Sonos Move Speaker is compatible with both Wifi and Bluetooth connection, therefore can even work in situations where you might not have access to the internet, which allows you to play content without an internet connection.
Battery Life
It comes with eleven hours of continuous battery life which means you can listen without worry about recharging it constantly. It has multiple options for recharge, users can recharge either using the USB – C charger or on the base stand. Both of these come included in the package.
Portability
With wireless connectivity, compact build, up to eleven hours of constant playback on a single charge, and additional features such as shock and weather resistance, the Sonos Move is easy to store and can be taken anywhere.
Ergonomic Features
You can control the Sonos move with voice commands as it has both a built-in voice control feature and is compatible with Alexa, allowing you to play and change songs and audiobooks, ask the device questions and even get your daily news and weather update by simply speaking.
The voice command feature allows you to control the device without interrupting the work you are doing and thus saves you a lot of time.
With smart and user-friendly features, exceptional audio quality and long battery life, the Sonos move speaker is a great addition to your home or workplace ecosystem.
Product Description
- Dimensions: 9.44 x 6.29 x 4.96 inches (Height x Length x Breadth)
- Weight: 6.61 Pounds
- Battery Life: Eleven hours
- Compatibility: Wifi and Bluetooth
Pros
- Alexa compatible
- Voice Control
- Portable
- Shock Resistant
- Weather Resistant
4. Devialet Phantom II – 95 dB – Compact Wireless Speaker
Audio Quality
The Devialet Phantom speaker has a rich and clear audio quality with zero distortion even at low levels. Therefore ensures powerful playback that fills the room it is located in.
Compatibility
The Devialet Phantom can be connected to your device through multiple options. The speakers can play content wirelessly through both a Wifi and Bluetooth connection. Apart from a wireless connection, it also supports an analog connection and can be connected through an audio cable.
Battery Life
The Devialet speakers do not have an in-built battery and need to be connected to a power socket to function.
Portability
Though these AirPlay 2 Speakers are relatively small in size and can be shifted from place to place with ease, since you cannot play content without a power connection you cannot listen to music on the box. However, you can move it around with ease and store it without any trouble.
Ergonomic Features
It also comes with sensitive touch technology and users can control the device with single strokes, thereby increasing efficiency.
If you need a speaker for your home or workspace that is compatible with both wireless and analog connections with clear and crisp audio regardless of volume or location, the Devialet Phantom speaker is an excellent pick.
Product Description
- Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 inches (Height x Length x Breadth)
- Weight: 9.50 Pounds
- Battery Life: None, have to plug into a power outlet
- Compatibility: Wifi, Bluetooth, and aux
Pros
- Sensitive touch technology
- Compatible with a both wireless and analog connection
Cons
- No battery
5. Sonos Beam – Smart TV Sound Bar
Audio Quality
The Sonos beam speaker produces rich high-definition audio that gives you clear and crisp audio in every corner of the room.
Compatibility
The Sonos beam speaker can be connected through both a wireless Wifi connection and wired connection and is compatible with HDMI cables.
Battery Life
The Sonos beam speaker needs a constant power connection for it to work as it does not have a battery in the device.
Portability
The beam was designed to be a tabletop device and not carried around; it is not a portable speaker. It comes with a compact design and is lightweight making it easy to move if required.
Moreover, its sleek design ensures that it does not take up a lot of space on your table or countertop and does not block the view if kept under the television.
Ergonomic Features
With compatibility with Alexa as well as a built-in voice control feature, the Sonos speaker is easy to use. You can ask it to perform a lot of functions, without even having to touch the device.
This means you can start and stop songs, change songs, get your questions answered, set alarms and timers, and be kept updated on the happenings of the world through news and weather updates from across the room.
Through the Sonos application that is available, users can achieve a variety of functions, including but not limited to connecting devices to the speaker, and customizing the settings they want.
It can also be used as a home theatre system by connecting it with other Sonos speakers.
If you are looking for a speaker that provides rich audio quality when connected to your television, or an addition to your home theatre, the Sonos beam speaker is the one for you.
Product Description
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 25.6 x 2.7 inches (Height x Length x Breadth)
- Weight: 6.35 Pounds
- Battery Life: None, have to plug into a power outlet
- Compatibility: Wifi and HDMI
Pros
- Voice Control
- Alexa Compatible
- Can connect to other speakers
Cons
- Not portable
- No Battery
6. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5 Wireless Multiroom Speaker
Audio Quality
The Beoplay speaker produces powerful music with a clear definition that provides clear music regardless of the space you are in.
It is engineered True360 technology along with its cylindrical design that delivers its outstanding audio quality in all directions of the room, thereby giving you crisp and clear clarity everywhere in the room regardless of its location.
Compatibility
The Beoplay speakers offer wireless connection through both Wifi and Bluetooth, thereby you can have content continuously playing irrespective of whether you have an internet connection or not.
Battery Life
The Beoplay speaker will only work when it is connected to a power source, this is because it does not have any batteries in it.
Portability
The Beoplay speaker is easy to carry around in your luggage and will not take up much space on your countertops, since it comes in a small design.
However, because it was not built to play music without a power connection, you can carry it with you when you travel but can only use it when you have access to a power source.
Ergonomic Features
You can connect other wireless Beoplay speakers to your device, this allows you to play media across different rooms in your house, through a single system. Furthermore, this also comes in handy if you are trying to create a home theatre system at home.
It also comes with user-friendly, sensitive touch technology, users play and pause the content and even control the volume of playback through simple touches.
Apart from this the speakers can also be connected to the Beoplay app and regulated through that. Users can use the app to control, connect and customize.
With both Wifi and Bluetooth compatibility, 360 degrees audio projection, and contemporary stylish design, the Beoplay speakers will both provide great audio playback and will be an aesthetic addition to your home.
Product Description
- Dimensions: 9.7 inches x 5.7 inches x 8.9 inches(Height x Length x Breadth)
- Weight: 5.64 Pounds
- Battery Life: None, have to plug into a power outlet
- Compatibility: Wifi and Bluetooth
Pros
- Sensitive Touch technology
- Compatible with both Wifi and Bluetooth
Cons
- Not Portable
7. Echo (4th Gen) Smart Home Hub
Audio Quality
The Echo speaker provides a rich and detailed sound that adapts to the room size to give you a wonderful listening experience every single time.
Compatibility
TheEcho Smart Hub is an excellent wireless speaker that is compatible with both Wifi and Bluetooth connections. Allowing you to play media both online and offline.
Battery Life
The echo speaker is designed to be in-residence speakers, therefore does not come with batteries. The speakers will only function when connected to a power socket.
Portability
It comes with a design that is easy to move from place to place and fits aesthetically with the decor of your room. It is built to be placed on countertops rather than carried around. Hence you can pack and take it with you when you move from place to place however, you need a constant power source for it to work.
Ergonomic Features
The Echo can be controlled through voice commands. This is due to the built-in Alexa feature that it comes with.
This increases the efficiency of your work and home life, as you can check the weather, time, important news and play media without even having to touch the device.
You can use your Echo speakers for functions other than playing media. It comes with smart home technology and therefore can be connected to compatible systems, becoming a hub of control to control multiple aspects of your house, such as temperature regulation, turning light switches on and off, and locking doors, to name a few.
Through the multi-room feature of the Echo speakers, you can control multiple Echo speakers through a single device. Through this feature, media will be played in all the speakers connected simultaneously. What is even better is that you can access this feature through voice command as well.
Through the Echo speakers, you can communicate with other Echo speakers that are kept apart in different rooms, making it easy to communicate with people who are spread across various locations in the house.
The Echo comes with a Low Power mode and helps you save on energy. When the device is not in use it automatically shifts to this mode and reduces the energy it consumes.
It comes with easy access buttons on the top of the device. You can use this to control the playback, you can play or pause the media and regulate the volume to your comfort level.
If you need a smart speaker, with multifaceted features along with a multi-room control and clear audio quality, the Echo speaker is a great pick for your home.
Product Description
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 5.7 x 5.7 (Height x Length x Breadth)
- Weight: 2.14 Pounds
- Battery Life: None, have to plug into a power outlet
- Compatibility: Wifi and Bluetooth
Pros
- Compatible with both Wifi and Bluetooth
- Alexa Compatible
- Multi-room feature
Cons
- Not portable
Verdict
Though all the Airplay 2 speakers listed in this article will make a great addition to your home or workspace, each with its own set of unique features, our top pick is the Sonos Move speaker.
With wireless connectivity, compact build, up to eleven hours of constant playback on a single charge, and additional features such as shock and weather resistance, the Sonos Move is easy to store and carry and can be taken anywhere.
With its smart and user-friendly features, exceptional audio quality, and long battery life, the Sonos move speaker check all the features for an exceptional speaker.
However the Sonos speaker can be pricey, our budget pick is the Echo (Gen 4), which too has a variety of features, such as the Low Power mode and multi-room control that make it a great addition to your home.
This article listed our top picks for the best AirPlay 2 Speakers on the market. The headphones listed in the article were reviewed based on their audio quality, portability, compatibility, battery life, and other ergonomic features. Our top picks were Sonos Move and Echo (Gen 4). This should help with your search for your ideal Bluetooth earphones for your Macbook Pro.
