Best WiFi Speakers
Are you tired of tangled wires and limited mobility when it comes to enjoying your favourite tunes? Say goodbye to outdated audio systems and embrace the future of wireless sound with WiFi speakers! Whether you’re hosting a party, relaxing at home, or simply want to enhance your audio experience, these cutting-edge speakers offer unparalleled convenience and superior sound quality. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of WiFi speakers, explore the top options available, and help you choose the perfect one for your needs. Get ready to liberate your music!
- Sonos Play: 5
- Exceptional Sound Quality
- Versatility and Multi-Room Audio
- 1. Sonos Play:5 – Best Overall WiFi Speaker
- 2. Klipsch Heritage Wireless Three
- 3. Bose Home Speaker 500
- 4. Sonos One
- 5. Marshall Stanmore II
- 6. Bose SoundTouch 10
- 7. Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST
- 8. Hitachi W100 WiFi Speaker
- 9. Yamaha MusicCast WX-010 Wireless Speaker
- Sonos Play: 5
Sonos Play: 5
A great WiFi speaker is the Sonos Play:5. It offers excellent value for money, the option to set up multiple speakers (including a home theatre system), cutting-edge functionality, and excellent sound.
- Best Overall
- Best Portable WiFi Speaker
- Best WiFi Speaker for Multiple Rooms
- Best WiFi Speaker with Alexa
A great WiFi speaker is the Sonos Play:5. It offers excellent value for money, the option to set up multiple speakers (including a home theatre system), cutting-edge functionality, and excellent sound.
The Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST is the greatest WiFi speaker we have found for on-the-go use since it can withstand water, mud, and even being dropped while still playing your favorite music. With a built-in 12-hour battery, the MEGABLAST is ideal for a full day without access to any power outlets. When you want to put the speaker in the middle of the room or close to the BBQ so that everyone can hear the music, the speaker creates 360° sound, which is great.
The ability to create an economical multi-room speaker arrangement for your home is one of the best benefits WiFi speakers have to offer. Although the Yamaha MusicCast line offers a lot more customization options, I believe Sonos is the superior choice for multi-room speaker setups. Both the Sonos One and Sonos Play:5—which were both highlighted in this article—are excellent on their own or when used as part of a multi-room system.
The Bose Home Speaker 500 is the best WiFi speaker with Alexa integrated if that’s what you’re looking for. Using cutting-edge Bose technology, this outstanding speaker produces sound that fills the entire space. No matter where you are in the room, Alexa can hear you thanks to the Home Speaker 500’s array of microphones. Album art can be viewed in full color on the speaker’s LCD screen, and 6 presets may be set up and accessed via its touch-sensitive control panel. If you’re searching for a fun, exciting-sounding speaker that can play a variety of musical genres, the Home Speaker 500 is unquestionably worth buying.
What to Expect From Wifi Speakers
One thing we’ve observed is that there have been a lot more companies developing WiFi speakers. I can’t say for sure, but I’d believe the rising popularity of smart speakers and Alexa from Amazon has to be a significant factor. Because of the speed and convenience, a virtual assistant delivers, people want to be able to use Alexa. There is a substantial market for voice assistant devices, as seen by the fact that many manufacturers are also releasing one of the two voice assistant options, Alexa or Google Assistant.
Sound quality and multi-speaker integration are further important factors. People are probably sick of the cheap, frequently tinny sound that Bluetooth speakers produce. With many devices offering the option of being paired with subwoofers or even being integrated into a home theatre surround sound system, a competent home WiFi speaker produces a much warmer, fuller sound.
When it comes to multi-speaker/multi-room systems, businesses like Sonos, Yamaha, and Bose are setting the standard. For instance, with Yamaha, you can pair any MusicCast product with any other MusicCast product in addition to two WiFi speakers. This expands the audio ecosystem, providing you with more options and freedom to use your imagination when constructing the ideal home audio system.
Unleashing the Power of Wireless Sound
Exceptional Sound Quality
WiFi speakers deliver stunning audio fidelity with immersive depth and clarity. Designed by renowned audio engineers, these speakers harness advanced technologies, including high-resolution audio support and precision-tuned drivers, to reproduce your favourite tracks with breathtaking accuracy. Experience the music as the artist intended, with every note and detail faithfully reproduced.
Versatility and Multi-Room Audio
One of the greatest advantages of WiFi speakers is their ability to create a multi-room audio system. With multiple speakers strategically placed throughout your home, you can synchronize them to play the same music simultaneously or choose different tracks for each room. Imagine enjoying a seamless musical journey from the living room to the kitchen, effortlessly transitioning as you move around your house.
Our Selection of the 9 Best Wifi Speakers
1. Sonos Play:5 – Best Overall WiFi Speaker
Specs & Features
| Power | 80W |
| Input | AUX, WiFi |
| Weight | 14 lbs |
| Size | 14.3 x 8.0 x 6.0″ |
Design and Features
The Sonos Play:5 will meet your needs if you’re seeking for a modern, stylish WiFi speaker. The entire Sonos product line is very elegant and will go with most interior designs, especially modern and minimalist ones.
The Play:5 has six inbuilt Class-D amplifiers that separately power each of the six-speaker drivers. 3 x 4-inch woofers, 2 x 3-inch left and right tweeters, and a 1-inch centre tweeter with a 50W RMS or 80W peak output each are present. For a speaker this little, it has some real power. Being in front of the Play:5 is necessary for optimal listening because all of the speakers are situated on one side.
The Play:5 includes a built-in gyro and can be positioned either vertically or horizontally, allowing the internal processing to adjust accordingly. The Play:5 transforms into a stereo, single-source speaker when it is horizontal. When the speaker is vertical, it transmits a mono signal, which works best when connecting two Play:5 speakers to form a stereo pair.
While we’re talking about connecting speakers, the Play:5 can be used alone, in pairs, or even as part of a larger audio setup. You can use the Play:5 in a home theatre setup or add it to a multi-room Sonos system. The Play:5 is a versatile WiFi speaker that is well worth the $500 price tag thanks to the alternatives available, as well as the full Sonos line.
The Play:5 can connect to other Sonos speakers and can work with Alexa. You must pair the Play:5 with an Echo or other Amazon Alexa device because Alexa is not built-in.
Connections and Control
WiFi and 1/8-inch AUX are the two audio input choices available. If you would rather use a cable to connect your WiFi speaker to the internet, there is also an Ethernet input available. The Play:5 has six integrated WiFi antennas on each side, ensuring a constant connection to your network. I haven’t come across any complaints concerning WiFi connectivity with any Sonos products to date while reading internet reviews and comments (which are plainly accessible to WiFi networks!). You’ll be happy to know that Airplay is an option if you use an Apple device to play music. The Play:5 lacks Bluetooth functionality.
Both the onboard buttons and the Sonos app can be used to control the Play:5. Three touch-sensitive controls, including a play/pause button and two pads either side, are located above the Sonos badge on top of the speaker. In addition, to play/pause, other controls include volume control and track skipping. The Sonos Join button, which enables you to link one or more Sonos speakers, is located on the speaker’s back. Using the Sonos app, you can set up your multi-speaker system.
Additionally, you may use the Sonos app to connect to your preferred streaming services, carry out the same operations as the onboard controls, and modify audio capabilities and settings.
Sound
The Play:5’s best feature is that it sounds just as wonderful as it looks. The bass has great control and is robust and powerful. It’s undeniably a pleasant sound that works with most musical genres. Vocals and instrumentation come through clearly in the forward-looking mid-range. Additionally, it doesn’t seem like the low-end has muddied the mids. Here, Sonos has unquestionably achieved the ideal balance. The Play:5 is a pleasant speaker to listen to since the highs are clear and sharp and add sparkle to the music.
Consider adding the Sonos Sub for some earth-shattering low-end if you’re seeking for extra bass. The Sub and Play:5 link wirelessly, just like all Sonos speakers.
What’s in the box?
- Sonos Play:5
- Power cable
- Ethernet cable
Conclusion
The Sonos Play:5 is a fantastic WiFi speaker. It provides excellent pricing, the option to set up many speakers (including home cinema), cutting-edge functionality, and excellent quality. The Play:5 is at the top of our list of the best WiFi speakers because we can’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t want to buy it. For some, the $500 price tag is the sole drawback. Consider one of the less expensive solutions on this list if you don’t want to spend that much on a WiFi speaker.
2. Klipsch Heritage Wireless Three
Specs & Features
| Power | 80W |
| Input | AUX, RCA, WiFi, BT |
| Weight | 10.32 lbs |
| Size | 13.7 x 7.0 x 8.0″ |
Design and Features
The Klipsch Heritage Wireless Three would unquestionably take the top spot on our list of the finest WiFi speakers if it were determined solely by appearance. The Three has copper switches, knobs, and wood veneer, which give the speaker an antique look. A woven acoustic cloth is wrapped across the front and sides. The Three is the place to go if you want something current and vintage. Everything is expertly crafted, and the components have a premium look and feel.
The Three has two 5¼-inch bass radiators and a single 5¼-inch low-frequency driver for better bass response. There are two 2¼-inch full-range drivers, which are used for the mids and highs. The Three’s internal amplifiers, which Klipsch tweaked for maximum effectiveness and performance, are bi-amped to the speakers. The drivers’ combined output of 60W RMS and 80W peak is more than adequate to easily fill the majority of living spaces.
Connections and Control
The Three’s many available input possibilities are among its best qualities. These include RCA, USB, and 1/8-inch AUX. On the back of the speaker, there is even a turntable ground connection, and the RCA is switchable between line and phone. The Three’s ability to use both WiFi and Bluetooth gives it an advantage over many other WiFi speakers.
The Three is compatible with Amazon Alexa, just like a lot of WiFi speakers. All Amazon Alexa devices, which must be purchased separately from the Klipsch speaker, pair with the speaker.
You have the choice of The Three with Google Assistant if you prefer it to Alexa. The only limitation of the Google Assistant model is that there is no remote control and only a WiFi input.
When it comes to controls, the Three gives you three options: the onboard controls, a remote, or the Klipsch Heritage app. Two brass rotary knobs and a brass dip switch are part of the onboard controls. You may switch between inputs, modify the volume, and turn the speaker on and off with these three controls.
The included remote, which has dedicated buttons for each input, is about the size of an Apple TV remote and features controls for mute, play/pause, track skip next/previous, and LED brightness adjustment.
You can connect your preferred streaming devices and modify audio settings using the Heritage app, which is accessible on iOS and Android smartphones.
Sound
The Three sounds fantastic, living up to the Klipsch name. Excellent low-end definition is delivered by a rich, warm bass response. The Three is particularly entertaining on the low end for pop, rock, and even urban genres.
The performance of the two full-range drivers for the mids and highs is excellent. The Three has a beautiful, clear sound since the bass and mid-range are distinct. The mids are perfectly positioned, neither too much forward nor too far back. Strong yet never dominating vocals are heard throughout the song. The Three can be heard clearly for both music and vocals thanks to the crisp, clean highs.
The warmth and clarity produced by the Three will be familiar to Klipsch audiophiles.
What’s in the box?
- The Three wireless speaker
- ⅛” AUX cable
- USB type B to USB type A cable
- Wireless remote control
- Power cord
Conclusion
The Three are almost among the very best speakers. Despite having a superior aesthetic to the Sonos Play:5, in my opinion, the Three lacks the Play:5’s adaptability. The Three is going to be the best choice if all you want is a WiFi speaker for music. The speaker is a little more musical than the Sonos and provides more inputs.
Even while Klipsch has a Google Assistant version for people who prefer that voice assistant over Alexa, it is frustrating that it lacks all of the same input possibilities.
At $499 each, the Three and Play:5 are comparable in price to one another. Choose the Three if your primary goal is to play music. Choose the Play:5 if you want to create a multi-room or home theatre system.
3. Bose Home Speaker 500
Specs & Features
| Power | 50W |
| Input | AUX, WiFi, BT |
| Weight | 4.75 lbs |
| Size | 6.7 x 8.0 x 4.3″ |
Design and Features
The Bose Home Speaker 500 resembles the Bose SoundLink Color II. The Home Speaker 500 actually has a similar look to the Bose SoundLink and SoundTouch lines, but it lacks functionality and cannot be paired with them.
The Home Speaker 500 is a sizable pill-shaped speaker with a bottom speaker, a full-colour LCD display in the centre, and a control panel on top. If you like to view your album art in full colour, the LCD on the Home Speaker 500 might impress you. It seemed a little meaningless to me. Although it’s a “nice” feature, it doesn’t truly improve the product as a whole. However, some individuals might prefer their album art to be in full colour, so I’ll let you make that decision.
Connections and Control
The Home Speaker 500 has 1/8-inch AUX, WiFi, and Bluetooth audio input ports. Alexa is also embedded into the Home Speaker 500, eliminating the need for an additional device to access voice commands. No matter how far away you are from the speaker, Bose’s array of eight microphones will pick up your voice. For situations where you don’t want Alexa to listen in, there is also a mute function. You are aware of how nosy she is!
On top of the speaker, the Home Speaker 500 boasts a sizable control panel. Play/Pause, Volume Up/Down, Track Skip, Input Selection, and Bluetooth Control are all included in the audio controls. On top of the speaker is also where you can mute the microphone. The Home Speaker 500 also has six preset buttons on the top that you may use to assign your preferred song, artist, album, playlist, or internet radio station. The Home Speaker 500’s buttons or the Bose Music app can be used to activate the presets. The Home Speaker 500 does not come with a remote control.
You may customize different settings, connect Bose Home speakers to your network, and stream your preferred music services using the Bose Music app. Bose Home speakers can’t be paired, but you can connect them to the same network and stream the same audio to every speaker at once. For a high-quality home audio network, Bose has integrated audio sync technology that allows all speakers to play the same audio simultaneously and without any lag.
Sound
The Home Speaker 500’s bass is powerful and slightly boosted, as one would expect from Bose. The speaker is extremely powerful and can easily fill the majority of living areas. There is no breakup or distortion in the sound, which is controlled. You’ll be happy to know that Home Speaker 500 checks both the loudness and bass boxes if you prefer your WiFi speaker to have both.
The middle range has the standard Bose profile. Although it lacks the Klipsch or Sonos’ level of detail, the quality is still above average. Although vocals and music are audible, the bass slightly muddies the sound. The highs give a nice sizzle to the lively sound this speaker creates. The Home Speaker 500 produces excellent sound for the typical consumer listening to music and podcasts. You could prefer the sound profile of either the Klipsch or Sonos if you are pickier about the audio quality.
Dynamic range is one area where Bose’s Home Speaker 500 excels. No matter how loud or mild you play the speaker, the sound quality stays the same. Even at low volumes, you can still hear a pleasant, snappy bass end, which is something that not many speakers are able to do well. The Home Speaker 500 is a great WiFi speaker if you want something that is loud and entertaining to listen to. Although not audiophile grade, it is undoubtedly a pleasant speaker to listen to.
What’s in the box?
- Bose Home Speaker 500
- AC cord
Conclusion
Look elsewhere if you’re searching for an audiophile-grade speaker. I believe it is safe to conclude that Bose speakers are made for the general public and deliver an enjoyable audio experience. Fans of EDM, rock, urban, and pop music will benefit most from the speaker’s loudness and substantial bass. It’s a plus because Alexa is already embedded into your device. I don’t think that the Home Speaker 500’s lack of control is a deterrent to buying it because you can ask Alexa to adjust the functionality for you. The Home Speaker 500 is a quality WiFi speaker with excellent capabilities that is reasonably priced at about $350.
4. Sonos One
Specs & Features
| Power | 40W |
| Input | WiFi |
| Weight | 4.08 lbs |
| Size | 4.7 x 6.4 x 4.7″ |
Design and Features
It’s crucial to note the differences between the Sonos One and the Sonos Play: 1 before moving on to the Sonos One: You would be wrong to assume that these are the same speakers.
Alexa and price are the first two key distinctions between the Sonos One and Play:1 devices. Alexa is incorporated into the Sonos One but the Play:1 requires an additional device. Cost is the second key distinction. The Sonos One costs more than twice as much as the $150 Play:1. In the course of this review, we’ll discover why this is the case as well as discuss the other differences.
In terms of size, the Sonos One and Play:1 are identical. A little WiFi speaker for the home, the Sonos One is comparable in size to the Apple HomePod or the Amazon Echo Plus. The 6-inch-high speaker’s shape makes it easy to place for general background audio in any room of the house.
The Sonos One has a single tweeter and a single low-frequency driver. Unfortunately, Sonos doesn’t give the actual dimensions or power output of the speaker, but I’d assume that it generates between 20 and 40 watts. A modest to medium-sized living space should easily fit the Sonos One.
Connections and Control
The inbuilt controls and inputs are another distinction between the Sonos One and Play:1. The Sonos One has capacitive touch controllers and numerous microphones for voice commands, whereas the Play:1 has a control panel with three buttons. You can play/pause, skip music, change the volume, and mute/unmute the microphones using the Sonos One’s inbuilt controls. A Join button for connecting more Sonos speakers is located on the back of the Sonos One.
In comparison to the Sonos One, the Play:1 offers both WiFi and 1/8-inch AUX inputs. The Sonos One supports Apple Airplay 2, while the Play:1 does not.
For multi-room, multi-speaker, or home theatre surround sound installations, the Sonos One and Play:1 can both be connected to other Sonos speakers. The identical Sonos app is connected to both speakers, enabling you to join your chosen streaming services, modify audio settings, and link to more Sonos speakers.
You might want to keep in mind one thing. While a Sonos One can be connected to a Play:1, a mono image can be produced. You must pair a Sonos One to another Sonos One and a Play:1 to a Play:1 in order to get stereo sound.
Sound
The Sonos One sounds fantastic, much like all other Sonos speakers. The Sonos One is unquestionably superior to the Apple HomePod and Amazon Echo Plus. The Sonos One’s warmer and fuller sound is its main edge over its rivals.
The Sonos One’s bass response is outstanding for its size. It has a pleasant, powerful bass sound that will make you smile. Great clarity and understanding are provided by the midrange and treble. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Sonos One’s overall audio quality for a speaker of this size. The Sonos One will far surpass your expectations in terms of sound quality for general background music, podcast listening, and using voice help.
What’s in the box?
- 2 x Sonos One WiFi speakers
- Power cable
Conclusion
The Sonos One is the obvious choice if you currently own other Sonos speakers and want to add a speaker to one of your smaller rooms. If all you want to do is add surround speakers to a Playbar for a home theatre system, the Sonos One is also a fantastic option. The Sonos One is excellent if you’re searching for a solitary, little speaker that you can use in any room of your house. You can even connect two of them to create a stereo system in one space. The Sonos One is costly at just over $350, but you do get two speakers with integrated Apple Airplay 2 and Alexa, which are all premium features.
5. Marshall Stanmore II
Specs & Features
| Power | 65W |
| Input | WiFi, RCA, AUX |
| Weight | 10.47 lbs |
| Size | 13.8 x 7.7 x 7.3″ |
Design and Features
Marshall guitar amps are most likely well-known to musicians and music enthusiasts. Almost every guitarist who has picked up an electric guitar in the past 50 years has used one of these recognizable amplifiers. Speakers, headphones, and other accessories are among the consumer audio goods that Marshall recently introduced.
With many of the recognizable components and features, the Marshall Stanmore II is based on a genuine full-sized Marshall amplifier. The Marshall Stanmore II’s design features a vintage Marshall amplifier style, including its form, rotary knobs, speaker grille, and branding. You’ll be shocked and amazed by how comparable the Marshall Stanmore II is to a genuine Marshall guitar amp if you’re a musician and a fan of the brand. You’ll adore this amazing WiFi speaker’s design elements if you enjoy the retro style.
Connections and Control
When connecting the Marshall Stanmore II to play audio, you have three options. These include WiFi, Bluetooth, RCA, and 1/8-inch AUX. The Marshall Stanmore II is also offered in a Bluetooth-only variant.
The Marshall Stanmore II can be controlled in two different ways. Either through the Marshall Voice app or the onboard controls. On top of the Marshall Stanmore II are three rotary knobs and three buttons, which we’ll discuss first. The volume is controlled by one rotary knob, while the other two alter the bass and treble tones. The buttons control input selection, playback and pause, as well as whether or not the inbuilt microphones are muted. Because Amazon Alexa is incorporated inside the Marshall Stanmore II, the speaker has internal microphones. If you prefer the Google Voice assistant, there is also a Marshall Stanmore II with it.
You may connect to, play, and change audio settings for your preferred streaming services using the Marshall Voice app. Currently, the Marshall Stanmore II cannot be paired with other Marshall WiFi speakers, but Marshall is trying to change that in upcoming firmware upgrades. With this upgrade, you might be able to connect the Marshall Stanmore II to speakers that support Alexa rather than just another Marshall speaker. The Marshall website has additional details and updates.
The Marshall Stanmore II with Google Assistant will connect to your Google Home speaker network and cooperate with the other speakers if you already have one set up.
Sound
The Marshall Stanmore II produces a powerful, pleasantly warm tone. The bass is nice and robust, although the low end is a tad fuzzy. The Marshall Stanmore II has a little looser low end than the Klipsch The Three, which is tight, defined, and punchy.
Although the Marshall Stanmore II’s midrange is not as direct and clear as the Klipsch The Three, most listeners will still love the Marshall Stanmore II’s clean response. The highs produce a pleasant little high-end sizzle that improves the clarity of the speaker.
In conclusion, the Marshall Stanmore II has excellent sound quality and is surprisingly loud. Although the Marshall Stanmore II costs $100 less, it is not as good as the Klipsch.
What’s in the box?
- Marshall Stanmore II
- Power cable
Conclusion
The Marshall Stanmore II is an obvious pick if you’re a musician. It will appear fierce next to your large Marshall guitar amp and has excellent sound quality. If the Klipsch The Three appeals to you but you think it’s a bit pricey, the Marshall Stanmore II delivers a comparable retro design style for $100 less. You can choose an Alexa or Google Assistant model, similar to The Three, based on your preferences.
6. Bose SoundTouch 10
Specs & Features
| Power | 30 W |
| Input | AUX, WiFi, BT |
| Weight | 2.89 lbs |
| Size | 5.6 x 8.3 x 3.4″ |
Design and Features
The Bose SoundTouch 10 is a small WiFi speaker that is comparable in size to the Apple HomePod, Sonos One, and Amazon Echo. A little over 8 inches tall, the SoundTouch 10 is mostly made up of the speaker. Four LED indicators are located above the speaker, each one representing a different input so you can identify the source of your audio. A set of controls are located on top of the SoundTouch 10.
Connections and Control
Your SoundTouch 10 can be controlled in three different ways. Using the remote control, the SoundTouch app, or the onboard controls. You can access the six programmed presets and a number of audio features via the onboard buttons. Input selection, volume up/down, and power on/off are all controlled by buttons. The provided remote has the same layout and buttons, but it also has track skip and like/dislike buttons for streaming services.
You may connect numerous SoundTouch speakers, play your preferred streaming services, and modify audio settings using the SoundTouch app.
The SoundTouch 10 offers both Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connectivity, which is a significant benefit for Bluetooth enthusiasts. A 1/8-inch AUX input is also available for cable connections.
It is possible to pair a stereo or mono pair of two SoundTouch 10 speakers. For a multi-room system, these can also be connected to various SoundTouch speakers. Additionally, Alexa devices can be used with the SoundTouch 10.
Sound
The SoundTouch 10 delivers powerful sound despite its small size. Simple enough to fill modest to big rooms. The SoundTouch 10 packs a nice punch for a speaker its size but I wouldn’t say it has a large bass tone. The SoundTouch 10’s low-end has been subtly tweaked to provide a more thrilling low-end response, while true to the Bose brand. Although decent, the mid-range is not as powerful as the Sonos One. Although the Sonos One is just slightly superior in terms of detail and quality, the highs are pleasant and crisp. Despite this, the SoundTouch 10 retails for less than $160 while the Sonos One costs just under $360.
What’s in the box?
- Bose SoundTouch 10
- Remote control + battery
- Power cable
Conclusion
The Bose SoundTouch 10 provides excellent value for the money when looking for a premium, cheap WiFi speaker. The SoundTouch 10 has a few advantages over the other small speakers on this list, including remote control and programmable presets. The speaker can also be connected to a Bose SoundTouch WiFi speaker system or coupled with a second SoundTouch 10 in either mono or stereo. The Bose SoundTouch 10 is fantastic if you enjoy Bose headphones and speakers.
7. Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST
Specs & Features
| Power | 30 W |
| Input | WiFi, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs |
| Size | 3.5 x 9.4 x 3.5″ |
Design and Features
The Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST might just be what you’re looking for if you want a portable WiFi speaker. The MEGABLAST is a fantastic substitute for standard WiFi speakers and is geared for a younger, more energetic consumer that enjoys making noise while on the road.
The JBL Charge or other Ultimate Ears speakers and the MEGABLAST have comparable design elements. A waterproof rubberized cover is used to protect the speaker. The cover provides IP67 waterproof protection in addition to being mud and shockproof for the occasional hit, knock, or drop. Perfect for usage around the house and taking on outside difficulties.
The MEGABLAST is a portable WiFi speaker thanks to its built-in 16-hour battery, which sets it apart from the other WiFi speaker systems on this list.
With two passive bass radiators and a total of four active speaker drivers, the MEGABLAST is slightly under 10 inches tall. Two 2-inch full-range drivers and two 1-inch tweeters are used in the speakers to deliver 360-degree sound.
Connections and Control
The MEGABLAST has Bluetooth or WiFi as two input choices. The MEGABLAST’s ability to use Bluetooth when you’re out exploring and WiFi when you’re at home furthers the device’s adventurous spirit. The speaker has a 330-foot WiFi range and a 150-foot Bluetooth range, both of which are outstanding. Definitely an improvement over rival brands like JBL, Sony, and other premium portable speaker companies.
On the MEGABLAST, there are only three controls available. Changing the volume and turning the internal microphone off. You must download the Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, to use the MEGABLAST’s full capability. You may play audio from your preferred streaming sources and change the EQ settings via the app. Future firmware updates will give the ability to pair several MEGABLAST speakers.
A remarkable feature for a WiFi speaker of this kind is the inclusion of Alexa in the MEGABLAST. You should be aware that not all of Alexa’s features are accessible through the MEGABLAST. Alexa voice or video calling, Drop-in, alerts, and messaging are features that are not currently accessible.
Sound
The MEGABLAST performs better in terms of sound quality than a regular home WiFi speaker. The quality is significantly different and more comparable to a high-end portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s a speaker made more for enjoyment than for high-end sound. However, unlike many WiFi speakers, the MEGABLAST does offer 360° sound.
When compared to the WiFi speakers on this list, the MEGABLAST’s powerful bass sound will sound a little loose and fuzzy. Typical for portable Bluetooth speakers, the mid-range is a tad murky. The highs offer plenty of clarity and sparkle. Again, nothing compares to the high-quality sound of a WiFi speaker at home. You’ll be surprised by the MEGABLAST’s volume, for one thing. Small to medium-sized spaces will be easily filled by this speaker.
What’s in the box?
- Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST WiFi/Bluetooth speaker
- Power cable
- D-ring – for attaching a strap to the speaker
Conclusion
The Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST is the only portable WiFi speaker you need if you want to use it both indoors and outside. When it comes to the portable speaker industry, this brand is comparable to JBL and Sony, and I’m impressed by the Ultimate Ears speakers’ robustness and sound quality. Those seeking a high-end audio experience SHOULD NOT purchase this speaker. The MEGABLAST is a fun, outdoor WiFi speaker, and as such, it excels in this category.
8. Hitachi W100 WiFi Speaker
Specs & Features
| Power | 12 W |
| Input | AUX, WiFi, BT |
| Weight | 4.75 lbs |
| Size | 9.7 x 5.6 x 5.0″ |
Design and Features
Hitachi might be the brand you’re looking for if you’re seeking an inexpensive WiFi speaker. In the Hitachi WiFi speaker lineup, which also includes the W50 and W200, the W100 is one of three midrange models. The speaker has a straightforward design with a speaker grille that completely covers the front and gloss plastic on the rear and sides. A small control panel is located on top of the speaker, and the connection ports are located at the back. Simple and practical at first glance. The W100’s design is certainly not going to win any awards.
Two 2¾-inch full-range drivers with a single 1-inch tweeter positioned in the middle are located behind the speaker grille. The speaker’s 12W of power output is sufficient to fill the majority of small- to medium-sized living rooms. Additionally, options for 10W (W50) and 22W (W200) are available.
Connections and Control
The W100 has three input options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and 1/8-inch AUX. For those who prefer a wired internet connection, there is also an Ethernet connector. On top of the speaker is an NFC tag that allows for quick Bluetooth pairing with NFC-capable devices.
The W100 can be controlled in a few different ways. Use the Hitachi Hi app or the onboard controls. The W100’s top is home to the main onboard control panel, which consists of four buttons: input selection, play/pause/Bluetooth pairing, volume up, and volume down. Additionally, there are three LED indicators that, depending on whether they are flashing or solid, show different information (full details in the user manual). Three additional buttons, for power on/off, WPS mode, and WiFi setup, are located on the back of the W100.
You may add more Hitachi Smart speakers, connect your preferred streaming services, and adjust audio settings using the Hitachi app.
The W50, W100, and W200 models are all compatible if you decide to add more Hitachi speakers. So, using the Hitachi Smart Speaker line, you can create an economical multi-room WiFi speaker setup.
The fact that the W100 is incompatible with Amazon Echo devices will frustrate Alexa users. Alexa will, however, play over your W100 if you connect an Echo through Bluetooth. Simply put, using a WiFi connection will prevent you from doing this.
Sound
The first thing to note about the Hitachi W100 WiFi speaker is this little thing is loud! For a 12W speaker, you’re going to get some serious volume. This is a really compact speaker so don’t expect a big low-end response. The W100 delivers a stereotypical compact speaker bass response which is a little punchy but not very big.
Mid-range is present albeit a little muddy when compared to the other WiFi speakers on this list. Highs are good but do get a little screechy and distort slightly when the volume is turned up beyond 70%. Below this level and the W100 performs just fine. While this might seem negative, you have to keep in mind the W100 retails for around $100 which is super affordable for a WiFi speaker with this many features. If you’re looking for a cheap WiFi speaker for background audio, then you won’t be disappointed with the sound quality the W100 delivers.
What’s in the box?
- Hitachi W100
- Power cable
Conclusion
The W100 or even the W50 are excellent choices if you’re searching for a WiFi speaker in the $100 range. Due to their small size, these speakers may fit almost any place, including a nightstand. The W100 is an excellent option for tiny apartments and homes where background music is preferred over the loud, room-filling sound. The W50, W100, and W200 Hitachi WiFi speakers can be used to build up a multi-room speaker system, despite the W100 not being Alexa compatible. I genuinely enjoy the Hitachi Smart Speaker series for the competitive pricing, functionality, and small size even if they might not sound as nice as the more expensive WiFi speakers on this list.
9. Yamaha MusicCast WX-010 Wireless Speaker
Specs & Features
| Power | 25 W |
| Input | WiFi, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs |
| Size | 4.8 x 6.3 x 5.1″ |
Design and Features
The Yamaha MusicCast WX-010 Wireless Speaker is a direct rival to the Sonos One and Play:1. The WX-010 and Sonos One are very equal in terms of size and weight, however, the WX-010 has a tiny bit less power. The WX-010 has an acoustic fabric covering its front and sides, sturdy metal covering its back, and a capacitive touch control panel on top. The WX-010 is a sleek, simple device that should go well with most home decor. Additionally, you have the choice of black or white.
There are a total of four drivers seated behind the speaker grille. Impressive for such a large speaker. One 1-inch tweeter, one 1-inch low-frequency driver, and two passive bass radiators combine to produce a total of 25W of power.
Incredible MusicCast is one of Yamaha’s greatest features. Multi-room audio setup is entirely new with MusicCast. You can pair various Yamaha MusicCast products, including speakers, soundbars, receivers, HiFis, subwoofers, a turntable, a keyboard, and more, in addition to other MusicCast speakers. While there are numerous similarities between the WX-010 and Sonos One, MusicCast considers the Yamaha to be in a different league.
The speaker’s ability to be mounted on the WX-010 is another little but important characteristic to mention. There are two possibilities here. Using a short screw hook or the threaded mount. This is excellent if you want to install the speaker neatly out of the way or use it as a rear surround in a home theatre system. The WX-010 will mount flush against the wall thanks to the recessed areas for the cable connectors.
Connections and Control
Just WiFi and Bluetooth are the two connectivity methods that the WX-010 supports. Airplay is another alternative available to Apple users. This is Airplay 1, not Airplay 2 because the WX-010 is a few years old. For those who like a connected connection, an Ethernet port is also located at the bottom of the speaker.
The WX-010 may be managed either through the MusicCast app or the onboard capacitive touch panel. You can play/pause, adjust volume, turn on/off, and pair devices with the four onboard controls. Three LEDs are also included, each of which shows a different mode or function.
You must download and link the Yamaha MusicCast app if you want to stream music to the WX-010. The app allows you to play your preferred streaming services, pair the WX-010 with other MusicCast devices, change audio settings, and more. The MusicCast app can be used to operate Amazon Alexa devices, which are also compatible with the WX-010.
Sound
The WX-010 sounds a little flat right out of the box, but I don’t believe that’s inherently a bad thing. You can connect the MusicCast app, which will then let you change the audio settings to your liking.
The WX-010 definitely produces a high-quality, pleasant sound that is comparable to the Sonos One. For a speaker this little, the mid-range is clear, upfront, and offers a surprising amount of detail. The WX-010’s general warm character is maintained while the highs are nice and crisp.
What’s in the box?
- Yamaha WX-010
- Power cable
- 4 x Anti-vibration pads
Conclusion
The WX-010 provides outstanding value for money at slightly over $100. The speaker not only has excellent sound quality but also a host of high-end functions. So why do we rank the Hitachi W100, which costs the same as the WX-010 yet is ranked higher on this list? Since the WX-010 has recently been discontinued, this speaker will run out sometime in 2020. The WX-010 will still function flawlessly with other Yamaha MusicCast products, which is wonderful news. Yamaha is probably going to introduce an updated model of the WX-010 sometime this year, so we’ll definitely be updating this list. The WX-010 offers great sound and features for a very reasonable price of about $100.
The Freedom of Wireless Control
With WiFi speakers, you gain effortless control over your audio experience. Whether it’s adjusting the volume, skipping tracks, or creating playlists, you can do it all from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet. Most WiFi speakers are compatible with popular streaming services, allowing you to access millions of songs with just a few taps.
Conclusion
WiFi speakers have revolutionized the way we enjoy music at home. With their exceptional sound quality, versatility, and seamless integration into smart home setups, these speakers provide an unparalleled audio experience. Explore the top WiFi speakers mentioned in this guide, select the one that matches your needs, and embark on a journey of wireless audio bliss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sonos Play: 5
A great WiFi speaker is the Sonos Play:5. It offers excellent value for money, the option to set up multiple speakers (including a home theatre system), cutting-edge functionality, and excellent sound.
