Sonos alternatives: The best wireless and multi-room speaker systems

It’s arduous to consider now, however there was a time when your solely real looking alternative was Sonos in case you needed a prime wi-fi multi-room audio system.

Lately although, just about any wi-fi speaker with Wi-Fi can kind a part of a multi-room audio system… and with Sonos’ current woes you’d be forgiven for in search of alternate options.

Except it’s significantly aged your wi-fi speaker is nearly sure to are compatible with the likes of Spotify Join, Amazon Alexa, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi or one of many different app, or voice, primarily based management methods.

Upon getting multiple, then, it’s then fairly easy to arrange a multi-room sound system.

Nonetheless, this ‘Combine-and-match’ doesn’t all the time work, although; even well-known platform comparable to Alexa struggles with real, seamless, multi-room music.

The need to have a typical aesthetic all through your own home, at the least the place your multi-room audio system are involved, is apparent. And if you’d like unity of look, why wouldn’t you need unity of sound too, with completely zero lag or syncing points?

So it’s normally greatest to decide on one model and follow their very own audio system, therefore the rationale why Sonos have dominated for thus lengthy.

However your alternative of wi-fi audio and/or good audio system is now so huge, it may be difficult to work out precisely which of them are greatest for you.

It’s easy sufficient to slender your decisions down, although: contemplate if the speaker helps your favorite streaming service, for instance, and take into consideration issues like extra bodily connectivity you may want, or whether or not Bluetooth audio system may very well be an choice.

In the event you’re paying for a top-tier streaming service with hi-res audio content material, you’ll wish to be sure your methods helps these full-fat recordsdata, as nicely.

And whilst you’re at it, be sure your favorite voice assistant is supported (in case you like to regulate your system utilizing your voice, in fact).

And, most essential of all, learn this information to the best-sounding, best-value multi-room speaker methods round, earlier than making any huge choices.

Sonos

Okay, this information is a have a look at one of the best Sonos alternate options however we actually do want to think about why the Santa Barbara stays the chief within the area, regardless of its current struggles.

There’s ubiquity, after which there’s Sonos. The corporate bought in on the bottom ground of multi-room audio, and has expanded its vary over time to make sure there’s a Sonos speaker for each eventuality – and that features residence cinema sound as nicely.

A shrewd collaboration with IKEA a number of years again even introduced Sonos possession to an much more aggressive value, and its total vary of merchandise has one thing for everybody.

From the Alexa-or-Google-Assistant geared up Sonos Period 100 and the battery-powered, transportable Sonos Roam 2, by way of the mic-free 5, to the TV-and-cinema-centric Ray, Beam or Arc Extremely, each cheap requirement is catered for. There’s even the Sonos Amp and Sonos Port for integration into extra conventional and severe hi-fi methods.

Set-up is very easy – even when the app has taken a number of steps backwards as of late – which is one more reason Sonos is so fashionable. The up to date Sonos S2 app, which is now far more steady and logical, helps you thru a number of quick steps to getting your first Sonos speaker up and operating, and after that it’s simplicity itself to get music all through your own home (or, at the least, into as many rooms as you have got Sonos audio system). You’ll be able to even arrange a few Sonos audio system as a real stereo pair.

A number of the older Sonos audio system lack the power to deal with audio recordsdata above CD-standard 16bit/44.1kHz, however newer releases, such because the Period 300, can deal with Extremely HD at 24-bit, as much as 192 kHz.

The Sonos system isn’t as welcoming of third-party audio system as some others – though the addition of Apple AIrPlay 2 makes Sonos slightly extra agnostic than in was earlier than.

Current Sonos launches such because the Transfer, Transfer 2 and Arc Extremely all have Bluetooth, however you received’t discover a USB-in socket wherever within the vary. What you will see that, although, is a killer mixture of ease of use, rock-solid multi-room performance and really respectable sound.

Sonos makes use of a mesh community on which all of the audio system in your house talk – there can be, in impact, a grasp speaker nearest to your router, which talks to the closest speaker, which in flip talks to its nearest speaker… and so forth.

So so long as your Sonos speaker is inside attain of one other Sonos speaker, or a node in your Wi-Fi mesh system, getting (and staying) on-line is easy, and doesn’t require all of the audio system to be in proximity of your router.

Assist for all high-profile streaming companies is in place, and the Sonos app also can incorporate web radio, podcast suppliers, audiobooks, you identify it.

There isn’t a rival system with a extra complete number of content material suppliers. You’ll be able to even entry any audio saved on your own home community, too. And Sonos has gone to extraordinary lengths to ship its Trueplay characteristic.

This mainly measures your speaker’s place in its atmosphere and tweaks the audio output accordingly.

By way of audio high quality, the Sonos vary has been finessed and improved over time, and every new speaker tends to sound slightly fuller a extra full than the earlier mannequin. It’s actually not the final phrase in sonic high quality, however it however has loads to advocate it – all however the least costly Sonos audio system have respectable weight, spectacular readability and greater than sufficient element retrieval to make your music sound energetic and entertaining.

Which, in spite of everything, is basically what it’s all about.

WiiM

WiiM is quick making a reputation for itself as an reasonably priced and easy strategy to improve your audio system with multi-room streaming capabilities. 

WiiM has been described as an reasonably priced choice “at a time when multi-room rivals have misplaced their streaming smarts” – which is clearly a dig on the as soon as undisputed multi-room champion Sonos.

It’s a model born out of Linkplay Expertise, which was based again in 2014 “by a core staff of excessive caliber expertise entrepreneurs” with ex-Google, Broadcom and Harman individuals all concerned.

In contrast to Sonos, WiiM doesn’t have its personal proprietary multi-room syncing expertise. As a substitute, it depends on industry-standard protocols like AirPlay 2, Spotify Join, Tidal and Chromecast to attain multi-room performance. 

Nonetheless, WiiM’s gapless playback nonetheless helps as much as 24-bit/192 kHz audio high quality, and you may create teams of WiiM units and play the identical music or totally different music in numerous rooms, so it behaves identical to a Sonos system.

There are at present quite a lot of WiiM units that can be purchased, starting from the WiiM Mini on the backside finish – an Echo-dot sequence machine designed to hook up with an current system utilizing an Auxiliary cable – to the Extremely and Amp Professional on the prime of the tree.

This higher-end duo tackle the likes of the Sonos Amp with a number of enter and output choices, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, bit-perfect output, as much as 192 kHz, 24-bit with digital optical or coaxial output, and a mess of streaming choices.

However it’s not simply WiiM-branded units, the corporate is dedicated to growing bespoke audio streaming software program and {hardware} for companions too. 

Companions comparable to Audio Professional who, in October 2024, launched two new WiiM-enabled audio system; the C5 MK II WiiM Version and the A10 MK II WiiM version (under).

Learn our complete information to WiiM to study extra.

Denon

Denon’s Heos vary may not have the identical model recognition as Sonos, however it’s a severe contender for these in search of high-quality, feature-rich multi-room audio.

In contrast to Sonos, which operates inside its personal ecosystem, Heos is constructed into a variety of Denon and Marantz AV receivers, amplifiers, and soundbars, making it a superb alternative for residence cinema fanatics who wish to develop their audio setup seamlessly.

At its core, Heos is a Wi-Fi-based multi-room system that helps main streaming companies like Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music, together with high-resolution audio playback as much as 24-bit/192kHz.

It additionally performs properly with Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, providing you with loads of flexibility in the way you management your system.

In contrast to some rivals, Heos units characteristic in depth bodily connectivity choices, together with USB ports, auxiliary inputs, and even optical connections, making Denon’s linked audio system preferrred for many who nonetheless wish to hook up conventional audio sources like turntables or CD gamers, with out a lot problem..

The Denon Residence speaker vary – together with the Denon Residence 150, 250, and 350 – serves as the primary lineup of Heos-enabled audio system, providing spectacular sound high quality that leans in direction of a hotter, hi-fi-inspired presentation.

In the meantime, in case you’re in search of a soundbar with correct multi-room capabilities, the Denon Residence Sound Bar 550 integrates with Heos and even helps Dolby Atmos for an immersive residence theater expertise.

For many who already personal high-end audio system and wish to make them multi-room succesful, Denon’s Heos Amp and Heos Hyperlink act as streaming hubs, very like the Sonos Amp or WiiM Amp Professional, permitting you to include conventional audio system into a contemporary wi-fi setup.

In the event you’re after a high-performance, audiophile-friendly various to Sonos, then Heos is among the strongest and versatile multi-room methods out there at the moment.

Apple

Are you a giant Apple fan already? Absolutely iOS-ed up? In that case, you may get into one of many easiest-to-use, greatest-to-listen-to multi-room methods round with out spending a fortune, particularly for the reason that sub-£100 HomePod Mini went dwell a number of years again. However in case you don’t have at the least one foot within the Apple ecosystem already, these aren’t the audio system for you.

Establishing two as a stereo pair (for correct, genuine left-and-right stereo) is easy – however organising a multi-room system is even simpler. Your Mac or iOS machine will present any and your entire HomePods on its ‘AirPlay Speaker’ checklist, and you may identify them from there.

So long as you retain your directions fairly easy, Siri will fortunately reply to calls of “Hey Siri – play Miles Davis on the lounge” or “Hey Siri – play some 4 Tet within the kitchen and the workplace”. Totally different music, at totally different volumes, in numerous rooms, on the similar time, is out there too: “Hey Siri – play Brian Eno within the bed room at 40% and Kanye West within the kitchen at 60%” shouldn’t be an issue. Extra conventional strategies of controlling all features of playback are within the Apple Music app, too.

However as we are saying, it is advisable to be all-in with Apple. The corporate’s not past behaving like different electronics manufacturers don’t exist, and it will actually such as you to neglect about any streaming service however Apple Music – though the HomePod mini and HomePod (each generations) can do every thing that some other common AirPlay speaker can do So, in case your favourite streaming app is on iOS and has an AirPlay choice, then you’ll be able to beam over your tunes by your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

There are solely a few companies which have native assist on HomePod with out AirPlay nonetheless, and Spotify nonetheless isn’t a type of, which implies you’ll be able to’t set it as your default service. That now not actually issues nonetheless, as following the arrival of iOS 17.4 again in March 2024, it’s additionally now not attainable to set any supported companies as a default service in the identical approach.

As a substitute, the expertise is definitely higher. Actually within the case of Spotify anyway.

We’ve bought a separate characteristic on methods to add a default media app to HomePod, whether or not Deezer, YouTube Music or Spotify, however right here we’re specializing in Spotify particularly.

Utilizing Apple Music offers entry to niceties like superior playback controls, tune and/or artist information, additional listening suggestions, alternate variations and so, and in actual time. Utilizing anything, you’re fortunate if you may get past “Hey Siri – flip the quantity up”.

On the value, the larger HomePod’s sound high quality is basically fairly spectacular. It’s undeniably a 360-degree speaker, capable of distribute music evenly and uniformly in each path. Apple pushed the boat out with HomePod specification, to the tune of seven beam-forming tweeters in round configuration and an upward-firing 102mm long-throw mid/bass driver.

And the outcomes are a punchy, managed backside finish, detailed and open midrange (which makes each vocalist sound their greatest) and properly judged assault on the prime of the frequency vary. Apple’s few audio system merchandise have been notoriously hit-and-miss, however HomePod is the corporate’s greatest effort by a distance.

The Mini undoubtedly punches above its weight too. I did most of my comparability testing in opposition to the Sonos and, whereas it may well’t match the Period 100 once you go above round 70% quantity, it’s greater than a match at mid-levels.

Audio Professional

Admittedly, within the case of Swedish specialists Audio Professional, which means an in depth vary of wi-fi multi-room audio system that largely look a bit like startled koala bears—however behind the playful aesthetic, Audio Professional is all enterprise.

Actually, the largest problem in organising an Audio Professional multi-room system may simply be selecting from the ever-expanding lineup.

The corporate has continued refining its audio system, introducing fashions just like the A15, which provides IPX2 water resistance for extra placement flexibility, the C5A with Alexa, and the C10 MkII, which improves on the beloved C10 with AirPlay 2 and Google Forged assist.

In the meantime, the colossal Drumfire II retains the “fully bonkers” legacy alive, now with multi-room assist that integrates extra easily with the ecosystem.

When you’ve settled in your most well-liked koala-faced speaker dimension, picked a end, and perhaps bypassed the cylindrical A10 (nonetheless going sturdy) in favor of the extra highly effective P5 transportable, organising is comparatively painless.

The vary contains loads of bodily inputssuch as stereo RCA and a 3.5mm jack, alongside Ethernet for rock-solid networking.

Wirelessly, Audio Professional has absolutely embraced trendy streaming: Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Google Forged, Spotify Join, and Tidal Join are all on board, making integration with current setups a lot simpler.

The sub-$100 Hyperlink 1 takes on the likes of the Sonos Port in getting your dumb audio system concerned in an Audio Professional multiroom setup too.

The Audio Professional Management app has additionally improved. Whereas it’s nonetheless not as slick as some opponents, it’s noticeably extra steady than in earlier iterations, with fewer crashes and smoother multi-room grouping.

However what actually issues is the sound, and right here, Audio Professional continues to punch above its weight. Even the extra reasonably priced fashions ship a full-bodied, detailed, and well-balanced sound that simply competes with pricier rivals. The signature assertiveness and dynamism stay, making certain music feels energetic moderately than medical.

In the end, the quirks of the app are a minor trade-off for audio system that supply this stage of sound high quality at such aggressive costs. Audio Professional might not have the model recognition of Sonos, however for sheer audio efficiency, they continue to be one of the compelling alternate options.

Bluesound

Everybody has their very own specific priorities when selecting residence audio gear. Worth for cash, ease of use, aesthetics; these all matter. However for many who put sound high quality above all else, Bluesound stays one of the compelling Sonos alternate options.

Initially developed by the hi-fi stalwarts at NAD, Bluesound has spent the previous decade refining its lineup, mixing high-resolution audio efficiency with a sturdy multi-room ecosystem. It’s one of many few manufacturers that really prioritizes audiophile-grade sound with out sacrificing wi-fi comfort.

The vary continues to evolve, overlaying each multi-room music and residential cinema. The Pulse lineup now contains the most recent Pulse M, that includes an omnidirectional soundstage for higher room-filling audio. There’s additionally the Pulse Mini 2i and Pulse 2i for extra conventional stereo efficiency, plus the Pulse Flex 2i for compact, transportable use.

Residence theater choices embody the Pulse Soundbar+ and the Pulse Sub+, whereas the Node (streamer) and Powernode (streaming amplifier) provide seamless integration with current hi-fi setups. The Vault 2i stays a uncommon all-in-one resolution for storing and streaming lossless music.

Bluesound was one of many first multi-room methods to assist MQA-powered Tidal Masters hi-res audio, and it nonetheless leads in high-resolution assist. It handles as much as 24-bit/192kHz playback, helps an unlimited array of streaming companies—together with Spotify, Qobuz, Deezer, and Amazon Music Extremely HD, and presents aptX HD Bluetooth for high-quality wi-fi audio. Apple AirPlay 2, and Amazon Alexa assist are built-in, and most of the audio system are Roon prepared.

Connectivity stays beneficiant, with digital optical and three.5mm analog inputs, USB for native storage, and Ethernet for wired stability. The setup course of is simple, utilizing a direct Wi-Fi connection for fast pairing by way of the app. The BluOS management app has improved over time, turning into extra intuitive whereas nonetheless providing deep customization for energy customers.

However the true draw continues to be the sound. Bluesound audio system ship an expressive, refined efficiency with glorious element retrieval and dynamic punch. Whether or not you’re listening to hi-res classical recordings or bass-heavy digital tracks, the stability of precision and heat makes each tune really feel partaking.

For many who need multi-room audio with out sacrificing sonic integrity, Bluesound stays a standout alternative. It’s not as mainstream as Sonos, but when high-fidelity wi-fi sound is the precedence, Bluesound is hard to beat.

Naim

Purchase Now: Amazon | From £749

Naim has simply a few audio system in its multi-room vary and they’re tremendous costly. However what your important outlay buys are the merchandise of a longtime, even venerable, high-end hi-fi firm with greater than sufficient experience to blow your socks off.

If it’s no-holds-barred efficiency you need, chew the monetary bullet and reap the sonic advantages. The junior companion of the duo is the $850 / £749 Mu-so QB 2; the chairman of the board the $1,450 / £1,299 2nd-gen Mu-so. And each units appear and feel the cash’s-worth.

They sit on a slab of illuminated Perspex, have luxurious-feeling grilles (out there in fairly quite a lot of very tasteful finishes) and are topped off with a big, illuminated, smooth-scrolling and wildly tactile management wheel.

The QB2 is compact sufficient to take a seat on a shelf or a worktop. At very almost 63cm huge, Mu-so wants a extra important floor to face on – thoughts you, it has an HDMI ARC socket with a view to toughen your TV’s sound, so perhaps just under your tv can be greatest.

Each merchandise have digital optical and three.5mm analogue connections, USB ports for each charging and taking part in iOS gear, aptX Bluetooth and Apple AIrPlay 2 connectivity, Google Forged and Spotify Join, UPnP, web radio… the phrase ‘versatile’ can safely be utilized right here.

Each possible digital file format is supported, and the Mu-so duo is able to full-on hi-res 24bit/192kHz playback.Getting up and operating is lifeless straightforward, significantly for Apple customers. AirPlay can seamlessly share your wi-fi settings between your cellphone or pill and the audio system.

And it may well do this with each extra speaker you carry into the system, so constructing a multi-room set-up takes no time in any respect. Music could be streamed instantly from the Naim management app (for each iOS and Android), and there’s the power to combine a few of your favorite streaming companies in there too. By the requirements of super-convenient wi-fi multi-room audio system – even costly ones – each these Naim merchandise sound very good.

Even in case you’re a stranger to the Naim model, only a swift hear will verify you’re coping with a hi-fi firm that is aware of exactly what it’s doing. Efficiency is fluent and articulate, partaking and entertaining – it’s fully convincing, from the low, textured bass notes to the intense, shining treble. Hearth up a few of your favorite tunes in any room, and also you’ll be in little doubt as to the place your cash’s gone.

Alexa and Chromecast choices

You’ll be able to, as talked about, additionally create a multi-room wi-fi speaker setup utilizing Amazon’s Echo good speaker vary, in addition to organising a multi-room system with Google Residence and the Assistant.

Nonetheless, in our expertise these don’t all the time work so nicely, so for a very seamless affair, follow the manufacturers above.

Synchronization with Alexa MRM or Chromecast can generally be imperfect, with occasional latency or dropouts. Efficiency will also be affected by Wi-Fi community congestion and whether or not a speaker makes use of the two.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi community.

Not all Alexa-compatible audio system assist Multi-Room Music and never all Google Assistant audio system work with Chromecast. It’s…. messy, to avoid wasting the least; however there are hopes that Matter may save the day.

What’s Roon Prepared?

Roon is a music administration and playback platform, not a multi-room system itself, however it’s one thing to think about when purchasing for wi-fi audio system because it considerably enhances the expertise for audiophiles.

Consider it as a complicated digital music librarian that organizes your library (native recordsdata and streaming companies) and supplies wealthy metadata, insightful connections between artists, and high-quality playback. Roon operates with a “Core” (a pc, NAS, or devoted server) that manages your music and “Endpoints” (audio system or community gamers) that play it. You management every thing by the Roon app.

Whereas Roon doesn’t exchange your multi-room system (just like the likes of Sonos and Bluesound, we talked about above), it integrates with it, including highly effective options.

You’ll be able to group zones for synchronized playback, however the zones are outlined by your current system, for instance.

Roon’s strengths lie in its wealthy metadata, music discovery options, and talent to handle massive libraries. It helps high-resolution audio codecs and prioritizes bit-perfect playback. Many high-end producers make “Roon Prepared” units for seamless integration.

Nonetheless, Roon is a subscription service, it doesn’t come free of charge. That’s why its target market is severe music lovers and audiophiles who worth high-quality audio, meticulous group, and a premium person expertise.

However in case you’re enthusiastic about music and need the absolute best management over your multi-room setup, Roon is value contemplating, regardless of the added price.

Multi-room music FAQs