<p>The best wireless speakers for the home don’t just conveniently fill your space with music. They’re often more aesthetically pleasing than the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/productreviews/tech/g25053633/bestbluetoothspeakers/” target=”_blank”>best portable Bluetooth speakers</a>, and they often come with extra features – from builtin smart assistants and multiroom capabilities to <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/productreviews/tech/a44125716/howtosetupsmarthome/” target=”_blank”>smart home control</a> – that make them extra useful.</p><p>Below you’ll find our pick of the best wireless speakers for your home right now, and keep reading for our full buying guide to help you choose the right model for you.<br></p>” datanexthead/>
n
She’s always tried to take a more simplified approach to products, focusing on what she thinks actually matters in use, rather than getting caught up in the jargon. She was one of the first journalists in the world to try Apple’s Vision Pro headset, she’s gone behind the scenes at Peloton and she can give you more than 40 fun facts about Mac.
n
Britta has a First Class Honours degree in Fashion Journalism from the University of the Arts London and prior to a 10year stint as deputy editor of Pocketlint from 2013 to 2023, she wrote about interiors for 3 years, covering the rise in technology in the home.
n
As a freelance journalist, she cofounded The Disconnekt and she’s EditoratLarge for The Ambient. You’ll also find her byline on several prestigious titles including The Telegraph, British GQ, The Express, The Mirror, TechRadar, T3, Stuff, TechAdvisor, Trusted Reviews, Expert Reviews, Wareable and iMore.
n
She’s also been a guest on several radio stations, including BBC Radio, Siren FM and Academy FM, discussing features to implement on devices to keep children safer online. You’ll never find her without her Apple Watch on (usually alongside another fitness tracker she’s testing), aiming to complete her rings so she can justify the extra bar of chocolate. When she’s not recording the dog walk as an Outdoor Walk, she’s trying to keep up with her two young children.
“,”image”:”https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/311a5d670b8a49c7a553e5a9d49eb600_1716385082.file”},{“name”:”Simon Cocks”,”url”:”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/author/531618/simoncocks/”,”@type”:”Person”,”description”:”
Simon Cocks is Good Housekeeping UK’s Technology Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy for the title. He previously also worked across other titles including Esquire UK, Digital Spy, Men’s Health UK and Women’s Health UK.
Simon specialises in testing the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment gear, headphones, speakers, portable chargers, radios, ebook readers and smartphones. He’s reviewed top tech products from brands including Google, Apple, Amazon, JBL and Bose.
A magazine journalism graduate from Kingston University in 2014, Simon also worked on the Discovery and Silkroad inflight magazines. He then gained experience writing about entertainment at SFX and Total Film. He also contributed reviews and interviews to TwitchFilm (later ScreenAnarchy), CultBox and Frame Rated.
He joined Good Housekeeping UK as the Editorial Assistant for Special Projects and was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team between 2014 and 2019. In this role, he conducted price comparison research, wrote detailed household and moneysaving advice guides and edited thousands of indepth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
He has focused on technology and gadgets since 2020, where he started by testing out power banks and instant cameras. He writes reviews, roundups, news articles and deals updates, and also covers top tech deals during sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.
You can follow Simon on Instagram, on Bluesky, on LinkedIn and on Threads.
“,”jobTitle”:”Technology Editor”,”image”:”https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/4ce2e87213f0455d8dd56368b2f0729b_1749637372.file”,”email”:”Simon.cocks@hearst.co.uk”,”sameAs”:[“www.instagram.com/simonrcocks”]}],”about”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”numberOfItems”:16,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:1,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”Era 100″,”description”:”Sonos is one of the most wellknown brands making wireless speakers for the home. It’s been a master in multiroom audio for two decades, offering an easytouse app and excellent support across music streaming services. The Era 100 sits at the entry point to the Sonos range of wireless speakers and is an excellent option.There’s a lovely solid, sleek design with intuitive touch controls on the top, superb sound performance and a range of clever features. The “Trueplay” function allows you to easily tune the Era 100 to its surroundings in a matter of minutes for the best sound performance. Alexa and Sonos Voice Control offer simple handsfree control.Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support are missing, both of which you’ll find on the slightly larger Sonos Era 300 – also on this list – and you can’t use the Sonos mobile app when you aren’t on your wifi network, but otherwise, there’s pretty much everything you could want here from a wireless speaker for the home. Setup is simple through the Sonos app, requiring just a couple of taps, and control through the app is easy too, though as mentioned, you can also use your voice for handsfree playback. Read our Sonos Era 100 speaker review”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189098sonosera100square66697c176f90b.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Sonos”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”Era 100″,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189098sonosera100square66697c176f90b.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”Sonos is one of the most wellknown brands making wireless speakers for the home. It’s been a master in multiroom audio for two decades, offering an easytouse app and excellent support across music streaming services. The Era 100 sits at the entry point to the Sonos range of wireless speakers and is an excellent option.There’s a lovely solid, sleek design with intuitive touch controls on the top, superb sound performance and a range of clever features. The “Trueplay” function allows you to easily tune the Era 100 to its surroundings in a matter of minutes for the best sound performance. Alexa and Sonos Voice Control offer simple handsfree control.Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support are missing, both of which you’ll find on the slightly larger Sonos Era 300 – also on this list – and you can’t use the Sonos mobile app when you aren’t on your wifi network, but otherwise, there’s pretty much everything you could want here from a wireless speaker for the home. Setup is simple through the Sonos app, requiring just a couple of taps, and control through the app is easy too, though as mentioned, you can also use your voice for handsfree playback. Read our Sonos Era 100 speaker review”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Sleek and premium design”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Excellent sound quality”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”You can’t use Sonos app away from your wifi network”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”No Dolby Atmos support”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:2,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”Echo Pop”,”description”:”Amazon’s Echo range of speakers is extensive, with varying sound performance across the models. The Echo Pop doesn’t offer the best sound quality of the range – you want the Echo Studio, also on this list, for that – but it’s compact and discreet, making it a perfect bedside table speaker.What it lacks in precision and clarity on the sound front, it makes up for in features, too. Controlled predominantly by voice like other Echo speakers, you can ask Alexa to play music, audiobooks and podcasts from any music services you have signed up for; you can also ask about the weather, control smart home devices, and set timers or reminders. You can adjust the volume on the Pop itself if you don’t want to use your voice, and there’s a microphone mute button if you want some privacy.Setup is easy through the Alexa app (a couple of steps), as is grouping it with other Echo speakers for multiroom audio. One of the best extras is that the Echo Pop can also act as a wifi extender if you have an Amazon Eero mesh network, giving it multiple uses for its very reasonable price. The colour options are more exciting than other wireless speakers on this list: it comes in Lavender Bloom, Glacier White, Charcoal and Midnight Teal.Read our Amazon Echo Pop speaker review”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189245amazonechopopsquare66697caaafd41.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Amazon”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”Echo Pop”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189245amazonechopopsquare66697caaafd41.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”Amazon’s Echo range of speakers is extensive, with varying sound performance across the models. The Echo Pop doesn’t offer the best sound quality of the range – you want the Echo Studio, also on this list, for that – but it’s compact and discreet, making it a perfect bedside table speaker.What it lacks in precision and clarity on the sound front, it makes up for in features, too. Controlled predominantly by voice like other Echo speakers, you can ask Alexa to play music, audiobooks and podcasts from any music services you have signed up for; you can also ask about the weather, control smart home devices, and set timers or reminders. You can adjust the volume on the Pop itself if you don’t want to use your voice, and there’s a microphone mute button if you want some privacy.Setup is easy through the Alexa app (a couple of steps), as is grouping it with other Echo speakers for multiroom audio. One of the best extras is that the Echo Pop can also act as a wifi extender if you have an Amazon Eero mesh network, giving it multiple uses for its very reasonable price. The colour options are more exciting than other wireless speakers on this list: it comes in Lavender Bloom, Glacier White, Charcoal and Midnight Teal.Read our Amazon Echo Pop speaker review”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Small and discreet”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Eero wifi extender”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”The audio quality is not brilliant”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Predominantly voice control”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:3,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”HomePod mini”,”description”:”The Apple HomePod mini offers brilliant sound performance for its size, and it does so in a neat, compact package that will look excellent on a kitchen counter, bedside table, or indeed anywhere else you might want to place it in your home. It’s more premium in looks than the similarlysized Amazon Echo Pop and Google Nest Mini, and it sounds much better too, deserving its place as our pick for the best mini wireless speaker.Setup is nice and simple if you have an Apple iPhone or iPad, which instantly recognise the HomePod mini, and there are only a couple of taps involved in setup from there. It doesn’t play nice with Android, so if you don’t have Apple devices, this isn’t the wireless speaker for you.However, if you’re an Apple user, a glass control touch panel lights up in all kinds of wonderful colours when you activate Siri, while also offering easy control if you don’t want to use your voice. There’s also a handy Intercom feature for sending announcements to the HomePod mini speaker from your phone, such as when you’re on your way home.The HomePod mini would benefit from an accompanying app, but there’s a lovely range of colours on offer, and it can act as a smart home hub for Apple’s HomeKit compatible devices, giving it an extra use. It’s worth mentioning that we’re also fans of the brand’s larger HomePod (2nd generation), which is a powerful and expensive speaker option to use with other Apple devices. And, if you prefer Alexa, Amazon’s Echo Dot is a great option at around the same size as the small HomePod.Read our Apple HomePod mini speaker review”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189459applehomepodminisquare66697d6c6f76a.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Apple”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”HomePod mini”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189459applehomepodminisquare66697d6c6f76a.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”The Apple HomePod mini offers brilliant sound performance for its size, and it does so in a neat, compact package that will look excellent on a kitchen counter, bedside table, or indeed anywhere else you might want to place it in your home. It’s more premium in looks than the similarlysized Amazon Echo Pop and Google Nest Mini, and it sounds much better too, deserving its place as our pick for the best mini wireless speaker.Setup is nice and simple if you have an Apple iPhone or iPad, which instantly recognise the HomePod mini, and there are only a couple of taps involved in setup from there. It doesn’t play nice with Android, so if you don’t have Apple devices, this isn’t the wireless speaker for you.However, if you’re an Apple user, a glass control touch panel lights up in all kinds of wonderful colours when you activate Siri, while also offering easy control if you don’t want to use your voice. There’s also a handy Intercom feature for sending announcements to the HomePod mini speaker from your phone, such as when you’re on your way home.The HomePod mini would benefit from an accompanying app, but there’s a lovely range of colours on offer, and it can act as a smart home hub for Apple’s HomeKit compatible devices, giving it an extra use. It’s worth mentioning that we’re also fans of the brand’s larger HomePod (2nd generation), which is a powerful and expensive speaker option to use with other Apple devices. And, if you prefer Alexa, Amazon’s Echo Dot is a great option at around the same size as the small HomePod.Read our Apple HomePod mini speaker review”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Great sound performance for the size”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Good set of smart skills”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”No companion app for control”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Not great for Android users”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:4,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”Music Frame Smart Speaker”,”description”:”This one’s an ideal pick if you don’t like the idea of a speaker that looks like a speaker. As the name suggests, Samsung has found a way to disguise a speaker in a piece of wall art!You can wallmount the Frame or show it off on its robust metal stand. It’s easy to pop out the included picture and replace it with your own treasured photo. It’s convincing, too. We can guarantee that visitors will have no idea there’s a speaker hidden within this frame.The only thing you’ll need to plan for is how to hide the cable. If you put this on the wall, there is going to be a dangling cord that needs managing. Otherwise, we found setup straightforward in the SmartThings app. And we’ve had no trouble with playback over Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay and Chromecast. There’s also builtin Alexa, too, so it works as a hidden smart speaker.The main downside is that it’s quite a pricey speaker, at almost £400. It’s also heavy and larger than expected, with unintuitive controls on the body of the unit. The sound is enjoyable and dynamic, though. It’s rich, clear and immersive, thanks to a total of six internal speakers that deliver a spacious experience.It’s worth considering if you don’t have a tight budget and love the idea of a speaker that doubles as wall art. But, if you’re not too fussed, you can get better sound in models that are lighter and less expensive.”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1764686073samsungmusicframe692ef8db8be35.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Samsung”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”Music Frame Smart Speaker”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1764686073samsungmusicframe692ef8db8be35.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”This one’s an ideal pick if you don’t like the idea of a speaker that looks like a speaker. As the name suggests, Samsung has found a way to disguise a speaker in a piece of wall art!You can wallmount the Frame or show it off on its robust metal stand. It’s easy to pop out the included picture and replace it with your own treasured photo. It’s convincing, too. We can guarantee that visitors will have no idea there’s a speaker hidden within this frame.The only thing you’ll need to plan for is how to hide the cable. If you put this on the wall, there is going to be a dangling cord that needs managing. Otherwise, we found setup straightforward in the SmartThings app. And we’ve had no trouble with playback over Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay and Chromecast. There’s also builtin Alexa, too, so it works as a hidden smart speaker.The main downside is that it’s quite a pricey speaker, at almost £400. It’s also heavy and larger than expected, with unintuitive controls on the body of the unit. The sound is enjoyable and dynamic, though. It’s rich, clear and immersive, thanks to a total of six internal speakers that deliver a spacious experience.It’s worth considering if you don’t have a tight budget and love the idea of a speaker that doubles as wall art. But, if you’re not too fussed, you can get better sound in models that are lighter and less expensive.”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”It’s disguised as a picture frame”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Easy setup and enjoyable sound quality”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Expensive”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Heavier than you expect”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:5,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”Authentics 300″,”description”:”Want a ‘70sinspired look complete with leatherlike accents, a front grille, a robust handle and proper knobs and buttons for control? The JBL Authentics 300 is the option to pick for its blend of classic design and uptodate features. It supports app control and sound customisation, Bluetooth, wifi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect.Its smartest trick, though, is offering the simultaneous use of both Alexa and Google Assistant, whereas on other speakers you’d have to choose one or the other. We tested this out, and both work well from the speaker. There’s also a physical mute switch — ideal when you don’t want voice assistants listening in.Another addition we like is the simple “favourite” button, which you can set to launch straight into a playlist of your choosing — it’s just a shame that Spotify isn’t supported directly within the app, though. Nevertheless, we found it simple to set up direct access to a “top hits” playlist on Qobuz or Amazon Music Unlimited.While the Authentics 300 can run on battery power, its 4.9kg weight, lack of waterproofing and limited battery life make it more suitable for indoor use or short relocations rather than extended portability. Beyond these downsides and the high price, though, it’s hard to fault.On test, we loved the rich, powerful sound quality with crisp vocals, deep bass and a balanced midrange. It sounds great whether used over wifi or Bluetooth, and we think the retro style and tactile button and dial controls make it particularly appealing.”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1721734855jblauthentics300669f96ab9e677.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”JBL”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”Authentics 300″,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1721734855jblauthentics300669f96ab9e677.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”Want a ‘70sinspired look complete with leatherlike accents, a front grille, a robust handle and proper knobs and buttons for control? The JBL Authentics 300 is the option to pick for its blend of classic design and uptodate features. It supports app control and sound customisation, Bluetooth, wifi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect.Its smartest trick, though, is offering the simultaneous use of both Alexa and Google Assistant, whereas on other speakers you’d have to choose one or the other. We tested this out, and both work well from the speaker. There’s also a physical mute switch — ideal when you don’t want voice assistants listening in.Another addition we like is the simple “favourite” button, which you can set to launch straight into a playlist of your choosing — it’s just a shame that Spotify isn’t supported directly within the app, though. Nevertheless, we found it simple to set up direct access to a “top hits” playlist on Qobuz or Amazon Music Unlimited.While the Authentics 300 can run on battery power, its 4.9kg weight, lack of waterproofing and limited battery life make it more suitable for indoor use or short relocations rather than extended portability. Beyond these downsides and the high price, though, it’s hard to fault.On test, we loved the rich, powerful sound quality with crisp vocals, deep bass and a balanced midrange. It sounds great whether used over wifi or Bluetooth, and we think the retro style and tactile button and dial controls make it particularly appealing.”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Dual voice assistant support”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Stylish retro design”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Heavy and bulky”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Limited battery life”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:6,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”SoundLink Home”,”description”:”There’s no getting around the fact that the Bose SoundLink Home is a bit expensive for what it offers. It’s a compact and simple portable Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t connect to the Bose app for extra features, isn’t protected from dust and water, and doesn’t have any sound customisation. For £220, that’s going to feel hard to justify for a lot of buyers.But, for many of us, those drawbacks will be outweighed by its stunning design. This is a home speaker that really looks the part. It’s unlike so many Bluetooth models that have garish branding, unsightly materials and colours, or straps and carry handles that you don’t need around the home.Bose has gone all in on design for this little speaker; it has a chic look with curved brushed aluminium all around and a fabric grille over the speaker unit itself, along with intuitive tactile buttons on top. It’s a little retro, a little minimalist, and definitely something that’s going to look the part in a home office or living room. It’s subtle enough to not hog attention, but sleek enough to catch the eye. And it’s available in three classic and understated colours.Beyond looks, it offers great sound and little else. It’s punchy and more capable of filling a room than we’d expected for its small size. It’s nuanced, crisp, and doesn’t get distorted at a high volume, too. If you don’t mind the price and some missing features, it’s one for those who only care about good sound and good looks.”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1757927460bosesoundlinkhome68c7d7d2bd3fc.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Bose”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”SoundLink Home”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1757927460bosesoundlinkhome68c7d7d2bd3fc.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”There’s no getting around the fact that the Bose SoundLink Home is a bit expensive for what it offers. It’s a compact and simple portable Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t connect to the Bose app for extra features, isn’t protected from dust and water, and doesn’t have any sound customisation. For £220, that’s going to feel hard to justify for a lot of buyers.But, for many of us, those drawbacks will be outweighed by its stunning design. This is a home speaker that really looks the part. It’s unlike so many Bluetooth models that have garish branding, unsightly materials and colours, or straps and carry handles that you don’t need around the home.Bose has gone all in on design for this little speaker; it has a chic look with curved brushed aluminium all around and a fabric grille over the speaker unit itself, along with intuitive tactile buttons on top. It’s a little retro, a little minimalist, and definitely something that’s going to look the part in a home office or living room. It’s subtle enough to not hog attention, but sleek enough to catch the eye. And it’s available in three classic and understated colours.Beyond looks, it offers great sound and little else. It’s punchy and more capable of filling a room than we’d expected for its small size. It’s nuanced, crisp, and doesn’t get distorted at a high volume, too. If you don’t mind the price and some missing features, it’s one for those who only care about good sound and good looks.”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Stylish and welldesigned”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Rich and detailed sound quality”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Very expensive for a Bluetooth speaker”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”No weatherproofing or app connectivity”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:7,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”Era 300″,”description”:”The Sonos Era 300 isn’t the largest wireless speaker in the Sonos portfolio, but it is the most impressive. It’s also our toprated wireless speaker for sound quality. There’s deep and impactful bass, coupled with detailed and precise sound overall, making everything sound excellent, whether you’re listening to classical, pop or the radio.The standout feature of this wireless speaker compared to many others is that it supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, delivering a more immersive sound experience. Despite it being a single box solution, it can make compatible tracks feel like they’re coming from multiple speakers around you. The design is modern and striking too, making for a perfect living room statement speaker. Setup and use are both very simple, just like on the smaller Era 100.There’s great support for a huge variety of streaming services, plus Apple AirPay 2, Bluetooth and linein technologies, so there are plenty of options to get your favourite music playing. Alexa is also an option, meaning you can control smart home devices, set reminders or find out about the weather, while Sonos Voice Control allows you to control volume, play tracks and group the Era 300 with another Sonos speaker for multiroom audio using just your voice, should you want to.Read our Sonos Era 300 speaker review”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189336sonosera300square66697d0d2cf1d.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Sonos”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”Era 300″,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189336sonosera300square66697d0d2cf1d.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”The Sonos Era 300 isn’t the largest wireless speaker in the Sonos portfolio, but it is the most impressive. It’s also our toprated wireless speaker for sound quality. There’s deep and impactful bass, coupled with detailed and precise sound overall, making everything sound excellent, whether you’re listening to classical, pop or the radio.The standout feature of this wireless speaker compared to many others is that it supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, delivering a more immersive sound experience. Despite it being a single box solution, it can make compatible tracks feel like they’re coming from multiple speakers around you. The design is modern and striking too, making for a perfect living room statement speaker. Setup and use are both very simple, just like on the smaller Era 100.There’s great support for a huge variety of streaming services, plus Apple AirPay 2, Bluetooth and linein technologies, so there are plenty of options to get your favourite music playing. Alexa is also an option, meaning you can control smart home devices, set reminders or find out about the weather, while Sonos Voice Control allows you to control volume, play tracks and group the Era 300 with another Sonos speaker for multiroom audio using just your voice, should you want to.Read our Sonos Era 300 speaker review”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Unique, statement design”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Superb sound quality”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”More expensive than others on this list”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”The design might not be everyone’s cup of tea”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:8,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”Beosound Emerge”,”description”:”If you’re looking for a bookshelf speaker, Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Emerge takes that to a whole new level. It’s our top pick for the bestdesigned wireless speaker because it’s gorgeous, discreet, made from premium materials, and will blend seamlessly into your home.Control is nice and simple too with the option of voice, app or touch control, and the setup is also quick and easy. Our preferred option for control was the app, which is not only nicely designed but offers several useful features, like the ability to adjust the sound to the room – similar to Trueplay from Sonos – adapt the equaliser and choose from various sound modes.The sound performance is great too with a detailed and balanced delivery that offers a good level of punch without being too much. It doesn’t offer quite as big a sound as some others on this list but you’ll find many of the same features, from Google Assistant support to Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Chromecast.”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189511bobeosoundemergesquare66697db839274.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Bang & Olufsen”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”Beosound Emerge”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189511bobeosoundemergesquare66697db839274.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”If you’re looking for a bookshelf speaker, Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Emerge takes that to a whole new level. It’s our top pick for the bestdesigned wireless speaker because it’s gorgeous, discreet, made from premium materials, and will blend seamlessly into your home.Control is nice and simple too with the option of voice, app or touch control, and the setup is also quick and easy. Our preferred option for control was the app, which is not only nicely designed but offers several useful features, like the ability to adjust the sound to the room – similar to Trueplay from Sonos – adapt the equaliser and choose from various sound modes.The sound performance is great too with a detailed and balanced delivery that offers a good level of punch without being too much. It doesn’t offer quite as big a sound as some others on this list but you’ll find many of the same features, from Google Assistant support to Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Chromecast.”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Elegant and discreet design”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Good sound performance”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”It has some tough competition”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Quite expensive”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:9,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”Move 2″,”description”:”The Sonos Move 2 sits between the Era 100 and the Era 300 in terms of its sound performance, offering a little extra on top of the Era 100 but sacrificing spatial audio support compared to the Era 300. It’s more versatile than both of those Sonos speakers, however, as well as all the others we’ve recommended thanks to its builtin battery.What’s brilliant about the Move 2 is that you get all the features and benefits of a Sonos system when you’re connected to your home network, such as support for various streaming services, and the ability to adjust EQ preferences. You can group the Move 2 with any other Sonos speakers you have to use in a seamless multiroom setup. It also has Sonos Voice Control and Alexa builtin, should you wish to use them when on wifi.The Move 2 has an integrated handle too, along with that integrated battery we mentioned, which allows for up to 24 hours of playback before it needs to be plugged in. It’s perfect for taking into the garden for a BBQ, acting as a traditional Bluetooth speaker when not on your wifi network.Like all Sonos speakers, it’s also easy to set up, very simple to use through the Sonos app or the various alternative options like Apple AirPlay. We like that it comes in a lovely olive green colour, or black and white if you prefer.”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189803sonosmove2square66697ed690232.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Sonos”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”Move 2″,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189803sonosmove2square66697ed690232.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”The Sonos Move 2 sits between the Era 100 and the Era 300 in terms of its sound performance, offering a little extra on top of the Era 100 but sacrificing spatial audio support compared to the Era 300. It’s more versatile than both of those Sonos speakers, however, as well as all the others we’ve recommended thanks to its builtin battery.What’s brilliant about the Move 2 is that you get all the features and benefits of a Sonos system when you’re connected to your home network, such as support for various streaming services, and the ability to adjust EQ preferences. You can group the Move 2 with any other Sonos speakers you have to use in a seamless multiroom setup. It also has Sonos Voice Control and Alexa builtin, should you wish to use them when on wifi.The Move 2 has an integrated handle too, along with that integrated battery we mentioned, which allows for up to 24 hours of playback before it needs to be plugged in. It’s perfect for taking into the garden for a BBQ, acting as a traditional Bluetooth speaker when not on your wifi network.Like all Sonos speakers, it’s also easy to set up, very simple to use through the Sonos app or the various alternative options like Apple AirPlay. We like that it comes in a lovely olive green colour, or black and white if you prefer.”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Great sound performance”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”It can be used indoors and outdoors”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Expensive”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Too heavy to be truly portable”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:10,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”X”,”description”:”The Brane X is an impressive speaker that delivers deep, powerful bass and a surprisingly spacious sound for its size. The way it handles instrumental separation is fantastic, and it makes music feel rich and layered.A word of warning, though. The bass can be a bit too much. We’ve found it’s so strong that it’s best to keep the volume low to avoid shaking the walls. This may or may not be an issue, depending on whether you’re concerned about annoying the neighbours! While the app has controls to customise the sound, tweaking the bass to make it less boomy isn’t truly possible – you can turn it down, but it’s still a lot of bass.Designwise, this has a simple and understated look, and it’s made to be durable, with solid weatherproofing. The range of connectivity options is also great, as it has builtin Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Alexa support. It’s technically portable, with a 12hour battery life, but it’s also on the heavier side, so we’d expect it to stay plugged in at home – it’s probably not something you’ll casually toss in a bag.If you love big, bold bass and want a speaker with smart features and great connectivity, the Brane X is a great choice. You may need to do some finetuning in the app and work around a few quirks, but it is the most powerful allinone speaker we’ve heard for roomfilling sound and wellrounded bass with detail and texture.Read our Brane X speaker review”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1746011485branexproduct681205480622e.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Brane”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”X”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1746011485branexproduct681205480622e.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”The Brane X is an impressive speaker that delivers deep, powerful bass and a surprisingly spacious sound for its size. The way it handles instrumental separation is fantastic, and it makes music feel rich and layered.A word of warning, though. The bass can be a bit too much. We’ve found it’s so strong that it’s best to keep the volume low to avoid shaking the walls. This may or may not be an issue, depending on whether you’re concerned about annoying the neighbours! While the app has controls to customise the sound, tweaking the bass to make it less boomy isn’t truly possible – you can turn it down, but it’s still a lot of bass.Designwise, this has a simple and understated look, and it’s made to be durable, with solid weatherproofing. The range of connectivity options is also great, as it has builtin Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Alexa support. It’s technically portable, with a 12hour battery life, but it’s also on the heavier side, so we’d expect it to stay plugged in at home – it’s probably not something you’ll casually toss in a bag.If you love big, bold bass and want a speaker with smart features and great connectivity, the Brane X is a great choice. You may need to do some finetuning in the app and work around a few quirks, but it is the most powerful allinone speaker we’ve heard for roomfilling sound and wellrounded bass with detail and texture.Read our Brane X speaker review”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Great audio with excellent bass performance”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Versatile connectivity options, including wifi and Bluetooth”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”The booming bass can be overwhelming”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Heavy and expensive”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:11,”item”:{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Product”,”name”:”R410″,”description”:”The Ruark R410 is by far the largest wireless speaker on this list, but it’s also one of the most beautiful, arguably bettered only by the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge. It’s a statement speaker with a retro aesthetic, and one you’ll want to put on display. You will need to make some room, but it’s worth it, not just in terms of design, but sound quality too.It has a slightly more fiddly setup than all the others on this list, requiring you to screw in an aerial if you want to take advantage of the DAB/FM radio feature, as well as connect to your wifi network using the screen on the front and the controls on top (or an Ethernet cable) as there’s no accompanying app. The instructions are very easy to understand though, and the additional remote is really rather lovely, and simple to use once it’s set up.For playing music, there are plenty of options, from Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect builtin, to multiroom capabilities through Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. There’s even an optional USB CD drive, so all bases and devices are covered. The sound performance is excellent from all sources. The screen could be bigger, but it shows album art among other settings – it’s a nice touch and helps this wireless speaker stand out.”,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189947ruarkr410square66697f47453cc.jpg”,”brand”:{“@type”:”Brand”,”name”:”Ruark”},”review”:{“@type”:”Review”,”name”:”R410″,”image”:”https://vaderprod.s3.amazonaws.com/1718189947ruarkr410square66697f47453cc.jpg”,”author”:[{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Britta O’Boyle”},{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Simon Cocks”}],”reviewBody”:”The Ruark R410 is by far the largest wireless speaker on this list, but it’s also one of the most beautiful, arguably bettered only by the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge. It’s a statement speaker with a retro aesthetic, and one you’ll want to put on display. You will need to make some room, but it’s worth it, not just in terms of design, but sound quality too.It has a slightly more fiddly setup than all the others on this list, requiring you to screw in an aerial if you want to take advantage of the DAB/FM radio feature, as well as connect to your wifi network using the screen on the front and the controls on top (or an Ethernet cable) as there’s no accompanying app. The instructions are very easy to understand though, and the additional remote is really rather lovely, and simple to use once it’s set up.For playing music, there are plenty of options, from Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect builtin, to multiroom capabilities through Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. There’s even an optional USB CD drive, so all bases and devices are covered. The sound performance is excellent from all sources. The screen could be bigger, but it shows album art among other settings – it’s a nice touch and helps this wireless speaker stand out.”,”positiveNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Beautiful design”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Simple to use”}]},”negativeNotes”:{“@type”:”ItemList”,”itemListElement”:[{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”1″,”name”:”Quite big”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:”2″,”name”:”Trickier setup than others”}]}}}},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:12,”name”:”How the GH Tech Team tests the best wireless speakers”,”url”:”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/productreviews/tech/g61081884/bestwirelessspeakershome/”,”description”:”When testing wireless speakers for the home, we consider design, sound performance, how easy each model is to set up and how simple they are to use. We also look at what features each wireless speaker offers and how well they work, whether that’s simply playing the music we want to hear, creating a multiroom audio setup or controlling smart home products (like the best smart speakers).We test them with a variety of different music genres – including pop, rock, classical and hip hop – to see how each wireless speaker performs in terms of sound quality, and we listen to the radio, podcasts and audiobooks to see how well they perform when it comes to speech too.We’ve used each of the wireless speakers in our list for several weeks and sometimes months, testing everything from their ondevice controls and accompanying apps, and considering what they’re like for everyday use. We’ve also tested the individual features, from the smart assistants available to how well they perform in a multiroom setup.We’ve chosen a range of different designs, from smaller options that can be tucked neatly away on a kitchen counter, to those that will look fabulous on display in a living room or bedroom, aiming to cater for a mix of different needs and budgets. “,”image”:”https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmgprod/images/bestwirelessspeskerhowwetestcopy66697a78207e3.jpg”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:13,”name”:”Why you should trust Good Housekeeping”,”url”:”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/productreviews/tech/g61081884/bestwirelessspeakershome/”,”description”:”At Good Housekeeping, we’ve been testing products for our homes for decades, so when it comes to audio gear, we know what matters. We’re after great sound, simple setup, reliable features and intuitive designs. Our Tech Team regularly reviews the latest speakers, headphones and smart devices, always looking for models that combine quality with longterm ease of use.This wireless speakers guide was first written by Britta O’Boyle, a freelance technology journalist with years of experience covering smart speakers and home tech. It has since been updated by our Technology Editor, Simon Cocks, who oversees our gadget testing and gets handson with all the new audio releases every year. Every model we recommend here has been used extensively in the home for weeks or even months. We test them with different music styles, podcasts and audiobooks, check out extra features like multiroom audio and smart assistants, and assess design, ease of use and control. You can be confident that the wireless home speakers we highlight aren’t only strong on paper, they’ve been tried in everyday living spaces like yours, too.”,”image”:”https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmgprod/images/listiclelinebreaktransparency6475e995b822b.png”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:14,”name”:”Are wifi speakers worth it?”,”url”:”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/productreviews/tech/g61081884/bestwirelessspeakershome/”,”description”:”It’s easy to get confused between wifi and Bluetooth speakers, especially as wifi speakers often have Bluetooth capabilities too. The biggest difference is that wifi speakers are designed to be used at home and plugged into mains power.Bluetooth speakers, meanwhile, are portable. You can use them at home, which occasionally means extra features like smart assistants when connected to your wifi network. They don’t require constant power, though, running off their rechargeable batteries instead and offering a little more flexibility when it comes to placement.Bluetooth speakers also need to be paired to your phone or tablet to play audio, however, and with this, they then mirror the audio of that connected device. It means that messages or calls take precedence and can interrupt music playback on the Bluetooth speaker.Wifi speakers, on the other hand, stream audio over wifi and don’t require constant connection to your phone or tablet, so what happens on your phone or tablet won’t affect playback. Instead, a companion app is typically involved, allowing for extras like multiroom audio. You command what you want to listen to using the app, your voice, or use technology like Apple AirPlay or Spotify Connect to send music to the wifi speaker.”,”image”:”https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmgprod/images/listiclelinebreaktransparency6475e995b822b.png”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:15,”name”:”Things to consider when buying wireless speakers”,”url”:”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/productreviews/tech/g61081884/bestwirelessspeakershome/”,”description”:”There are a couple of things worth considering when buying, from the different types of wireless speakers (there are a couple), to the different features they offer. Even their size and weight are worth factoring into your decision.Wireless speaker typesWhen it comes to the different wireless speaker types, portable Bluetooth speakers fall under the wireless speaker umbrella, along with smart speakers and multiroom speakers.A growing number of wireless speakers are a combination of all three, offering portability, Bluetooth, multiroom capabilities and smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. Others may only offer one or two of those attributes.ConnectivityThere are also different connectivity options to consider. Bluetooth will be found on the wireless speakers offering portability, but wifi typically offers better range and usually supports higher audio quality.Some wireless speakers also support technologies like Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, and auxiliary input, all of which provide flexibility in how you connect your devices to them.DesignWireless speakers come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are waterproof and a little more rugged, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use, while others offer sleek and modern designs for indoor settings.You may also want to consider their size and weight, depending on where you are planning to put your wireless speaker. If it’s going on a shelf, for example, you’ll want to make sure that shelf can support the wireless speaker you choose.FeaturesMany newer wireless speakers come with smart features, such as builtin voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri that can control smart home devices, set reminders, and answer queries, adding a layer of convenience.If you are looking to create a wholehome audio system, you’ll want to consider wireless speakers that support multiroom audio or offer Apple AirPlay 2 or Chromecast compatibility. These will allow you to synchronise music across different rooms, providing a seamless listening experience throughout your home.”,”image”:”https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmgprod/images/listiclelinebreaktransparency664213936801e.png”},{“@type”:”ListItem”,”position”:16,”name”:”Verdict: Best wireless speakers for the home”,”url”:”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/productreviews/tech/g61081884/bestwirelessspeakershome/”,”description”:”If you need a great allaround wifi speaker with lots of features, it’s worth looking at the Sonos Era 100. It’s a good price at £199, and it has a lot of capabilities, with great sound quality.Alternatively, if you’re in the market for smaller smart speakers to dot around the home and connect as a multiroom system, we’d start by looking at Amazon’s Echo range – the Echo Pop is great for buyers on a budget – or go with the Apple HomePod Mini if you’re a fan of other Apple devices.Just want a compact and stylish Bluetooth speaker made for the home? We like the Bose SoundLink Home for just that reason.”,”image”:”https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmgprod/images/listiclelinebreaktransparency6475e995b822b.png”}]}}]
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Best wireless speaker allrounder
Sonos Era 100
Pros
Sleek and premium design- Excellent sound quality
Cons
You can’t use Sonos app away from your wifi network- No Dolby Atmos support
Sonos is one of the most wellknown brands making wireless speakers for the home. It’s been a master in multiroom audio for two decades, offering an easytouse app and excellent support across music streaming services. The Era 100 sits at the entry point to the Sonos range of wireless speakers and is an excellent option.
There’s a lovely solid, sleek design with intuitive touch controls on the top, superb sound performance and a range of clever features. The “Trueplay” function allows you to easily tune the Era 100 to its surroundings in a matter of minutes for the best sound performance. Alexa and Sonos Voice Control offer simple handsfree control.
Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support are missing, both of which you’ll find on the slightly larger Sonos Era 300 – also on this list – and you can’t use the Sonos mobile app when you aren’t on your wifi network, but otherwise, there’s pretty much everything you could want here from a wireless speaker for the home.
Setup is simple through the Sonos app, requiring just a couple of taps, and control through the app is easy too, though as mentioned, you can also use your voice for handsfree playback.
Read our Sonos Era 100 speaker review
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth, USBC linein |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.02kg |
| Dimensions | 18.25 x 12 x 13.05cm |
| Colours | Black, White |
| Special features | Alexa, Sonos Voice Control, Multiroom audio, Trueplay tuning, Touch controls, Apple AirPlay 2 |
Best budget wireless speaker
Amazon Echo Pop
Pros
- Small and discreet
- Eero wifi extender
Cons
- The audio quality is not brilliant
- Predominantly voice control
Amazon’s Echo range of speakers is extensive, with varying sound performance across the models. The Echo Pop doesn’t offer the best sound quality of the range – you want the Echo Studio, also on this list, for that – but it’s compact and discreet, making it a perfect bedside table speaker.
What it lacks in precision and clarity on the sound front, it makes up for in features, too. Controlled predominantly by voice like other Echo speakers, you can ask Alexa to play music, audiobooks and podcasts from any music services you have signed up for; you can also ask about the weather, control smart home devices, and set timers or reminders. You can adjust the volume on the Pop itself if you don’t want to use your voice, and there’s a microphone mute button if you want some privacy.
Setup is easy through the Alexa app (a couple of steps), as is grouping it with other Echo speakers for multiroom audio. One of the best extras is that the Echo Pop can also act as a wifi extender if you have an Amazon Eero mesh network, giving it multiple uses for its very reasonable price. The colour options are more exciting than other wireless speakers on this list: it comes in Lavender Bloom, Glacier White, Charcoal and Midnight Teal.
Read our Amazon Echo Pop speaker review
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Weight | 196g |
| Dimensions | 9.9 x 8.3 x 9.1cm |
| Colours | Lavender Bloom, Glacier White, Charcoal, Midnight Teal |
| Special features | Alexa, Multiroom audio, Eero mesh wifi extender, Matter controller |
Best mini wireless speaker
Apple HomePod mini
Pros
- Great sound performance for the size
- Good set of smart skills
Cons
- No companion app for control
- Not great for Android users
The Apple HomePod mini offers brilliant sound performance for its size, and it does so in a neat, compact package that will look excellent on a kitchen counter, bedside table, or indeed anywhere else you might want to place it in your home. It’s more premium in looks than the similarlysized Amazon Echo Pop and Google Nest Mini, and it sounds much better too, deserving its place as our pick for the best mini wireless speaker.
Setup is nice and simple if you have an Apple iPhone or iPad, which instantly recognise the HomePod mini, and there are only a couple of taps involved in setup from there. It doesn’t play nice with Android, so if you don’t have Apple devices, this isn’t the wireless speaker for you.
However, if you’re an Apple user, a glass control touch panel lights up in all kinds of wonderful colours when you activate Siri, while also offering easy control if you don’t want to use your voice. There’s also a handy Intercom feature for sending announcements to the HomePod mini speaker from your phone, such as when you’re on your way home.
The HomePod mini would benefit from an accompanying app, but there’s a lovely range of colours on offer, and it can act as a smart home hub for Apple’s HomeKit compatible devices, giving it an extra use. It’s worth mentioning that we’re also fans of the brand’s larger HomePod (2nd generation), which is a powerful and expensive speaker option to use with other Apple devices. And, if you prefer Alexa, Amazon’s Echo Dot is a great option at around the same size as the small HomePod.
Read our Apple HomePod mini speaker review
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Weight | 345g |
| Dimensions | 8.43 x 9.79cm |
| Colours | Space Grey, White, Yellow, Blue, Orange |
| Special features | Siri, multiroom audio, Apple AirPlay 2, Thread smart home hub, Intercom, Touch controls |
Best speaker for matching your decor
Samsung Music Frame Smart Speaker
Pros
- It’s disguised as a picture frame
- Easy setup and enjoyable sound quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than you expect
This one’s an ideal pick if you don’t like the idea of a speaker that looks like a speaker. As the name suggests, Samsung has found a way to disguise a speaker in a piece of wall art!
You can wallmount the Frame or show it off on its robust metal stand. It’s easy to pop out the included picture and replace it with your own treasured photo. It’s convincing, too. We can guarantee that visitors will have no idea there’s a speaker hidden within this frame.
The only thing you’ll need to plan for is how to hide the cable. If you put this on the wall, there is going to be a dangling cord that needs managing. Otherwise, we found setup straightforward in the SmartThings app. And we’ve had no trouble with playback over Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay and Chromecast. There’s also builtin Alexa, too, so it works as a hidden smart speaker.
The main downside is that it’s quite a pricey speaker, at almost £400. It’s also heavy and larger than expected, with unintuitive controls on the body of the unit. The sound is enjoyable and dynamic, though. It’s rich, clear and immersive, thanks to a total of six internal speakers that deliver a spacious experience.
It’s worth considering if you don’t have a tight budget and love the idea of a speaker that doubles as wall art. But, if you’re not too fussed, you can get better sound in models that are lighter and less expensive.
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth, optical |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.6kg |
| Dimensions | 35.3 x 36.5 x 14.3cm |
| Colours | Black |
| Special features | Alexa, SmartThings app multiroom, QSymphony TV pairing, Spotify Connect, Chromecast builtin, Apple AirPlay 2, Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support |
Best wireless speaker for retro style
JBL Authentics 300
Pros
- Dual voice assistant support
- Stylish retro design
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Limited battery life
Want a ‘70sinspired look complete with leatherlike accents, a front grille, a robust handle and proper knobs and buttons for control? The JBL Authentics 300 is the option to pick for its blend of classic design and uptodate features. It supports app control and sound customisation, Bluetooth, wifi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect.
Its smartest trick, though, is offering the simultaneous use of both Alexa and Google Assistant, whereas on other speakers you’d have to choose one or the other. We tested this out, and both work well from the speaker. There’s also a physical mute switch — ideal when you don’t want voice assistants listening in.
Another addition we like is the simple “favourite” button, which you can set to launch straight into a playlist of your choosing — it’s just a shame that Spotify isn’t supported directly within the app, though. Nevertheless, we found it simple to set up direct access to a “top hits” playlist on Qobuz or Amazon Music Unlimited.
While the Authentics 300 can run on battery power, its 4.9kg weight, lack of waterproofing and limited battery life make it more suitable for indoor use or short relocations rather than extended portability. Beyond these downsides and the high price, though, it’s hard to fault.
On test, we loved the rich, powerful sound quality with crisp vocals, deep bass and a balanced midrange. It sounds great whether used over wifi or Bluetooth, and we think the retro style and tactile button and dial controls make it particularly appealing.
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth, Ethernet |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.9kg |
| Dimensions | 34.2 x 19.56 x 18.03cm |
| Colours | Black with gold accents |
| Special features | Alexa, Google Assistant, Multiroom audio, Button and dial controls, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, JBL One app for customisation |
Best small and stylish portable home speaker
Bose SoundLink Home
Pros
- Stylish and welldesigned
- Rich and detailed sound quality
Cons
- Very expensive for a Bluetooth speaker
- No weatherproofing or app connectivity
There’s no getting around the fact that the Bose SoundLink Home is a bit expensive for what it offers. It’s a compact and simple portable Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t connect to the Bose app for extra features, isn’t protected from dust and water, and doesn’t have any sound customisation. For £220, that’s going to feel hard to justify for a lot of buyers.
But, for many of us, those drawbacks will be outweighed by its stunning design. This is a home speaker that really looks the part. It’s unlike so many Bluetooth models that have garish branding, unsightly materials and colours, or straps and carry handles that you don’t need around the home.
Bose has gone all in on design for this little speaker; it has a chic look with curved brushed aluminium all around and a fabric grille over the speaker unit itself, along with intuitive tactile buttons on top. It’s a little retro, a little minimalist, and definitely something that’s going to look the part in a home office or living room. It’s subtle enough to not hog attention, but sleek enough to catch the eye. And it’s available in three classic and understated colours.
Beyond looks, it offers great sound and little else. It’s punchy and more capable of filling a room than we’d expected for its small size. It’s nuanced, crisp, and doesn’t get distorted at a high volume, too. If you don’t mind the price and some missing features, it’s one for those who only care about good sound and good looks.
Key specifications
| Connections | Bluetooth, USBC linein |
|---|---|
| Weight | 875g |
| Dimensions | 21.6 x 5.9 x 11cm |
| Colours | Light Silver, Cool Grey or Warm Wood |
| Special features | USBC audio input, speakerphone functionality, stereo playback with another SoundLink Home |
Best wireless speaker for sound quality
Sonos Era 300
Pros
- Unique, statement design
- Superb sound quality
Cons
- More expensive than others on this list
- The design might not be everyone’s cup of tea
The Sonos Era 300 isn’t the largest wireless speaker in the Sonos portfolio, but it is the most impressive. It’s also our toprated wireless speaker for sound quality. There’s deep and impactful bass, coupled with detailed and precise sound overall, making everything sound excellent, whether you’re listening to classical, pop or the radio.
The standout feature of this wireless speaker compared to many others is that it supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, delivering a more immersive sound experience. Despite it being a single box solution, it can make compatible tracks feel like they’re coming from multiple speakers around you. The design is modern and striking too, making for a perfect living room statement speaker. Setup and use are both very simple, just like on the smaller Era 100.
There’s great support for a huge variety of streaming services, plus Apple AirPay 2, Bluetooth and linein technologies, so there are plenty of options to get your favourite music playing. Alexa is also an option, meaning you can control smart home devices, set reminders or find out about the weather, while Sonos Voice Control allows you to control volume, play tracks and group the Era 300 with another Sonos speaker for multiroom audio using just your voice, should you want to.
Read our Sonos Era 300 speaker review
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth, USBC linein |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.47kg |
| Dimensions | 16 x 26 x 18.5cm |
| Colours | Black, White |
| Special features | Alexa, Sonos Voice Control, Multiroom audio, Trueplay tuning, Touch controls, Apple AirPlay 2, Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support |
Best wireless speaker for design
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge
Pros
- Elegant and discreet design
- Good sound performance
Cons
- It has some tough competition
- Quite expensive
If you’re looking for a bookshelf speaker, Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Emerge takes that to a whole new level. It’s our top pick for the bestdesigned wireless speaker because it’s gorgeous, discreet, made from premium materials, and will blend seamlessly into your home.
Control is nice and simple too with the option of voice, app or touch control, and the setup is also quick and easy. Our preferred option for control was the app, which is not only nicely designed but offers several useful features, like the ability to adjust the sound to the room – similar to Trueplay from Sonos – adapt the equaliser and choose from various sound modes.
The sound performance is great too with a detailed and balanced delivery that offers a good level of punch without being too much. It doesn’t offer quite as big a sound as some others on this list but you’ll find many of the same features, from Google Assistant support to Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Chromecast.
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.3kg |
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 25.5 x 16.5cm |
| Colours | Gold Tone, Black Anthracite |
| Special features | Google Assistant, Multiroom audio, Apple AirPlay, Chromecast builtin, Touch controls, Linein, Upgradeable design |
Best wireless speaker for versatility
Sonos Move 2
Pros
- Great sound performance
- It can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Expensive
- Too heavy to be truly portable
The Sonos Move 2 sits between the Era 100 and the Era 300 in terms of its sound performance, offering a little extra on top of the Era 100 but sacrificing spatial audio support compared to the Era 300. It’s more versatile than both of those Sonos speakers, however, as well as all the others we’ve recommended thanks to its builtin battery.
What’s brilliant about the Move 2 is that you get all the features and benefits of a Sonos system when you’re connected to your home network, such as support for various streaming services, and the ability to adjust EQ preferences. You can group the Move 2 with any other Sonos speakers you have to use in a seamless multiroom setup. It also has Sonos Voice Control and Alexa builtin, should you wish to use them when on wifi.
The Move 2 has an integrated handle too, along with that integrated battery we mentioned, which allows for up to 24 hours of playback before it needs to be plugged in. It’s perfect for taking into the garden for a BBQ, acting as a traditional Bluetooth speaker when not on your wifi network.
Like all Sonos speakers, it’s also easy to set up, very simple to use through the Sonos app or the various alternative options like Apple AirPlay. We like that it comes in a lovely olive green colour, or black and white if you prefer.
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth, USBC linein |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3kg |
| Dimensions | 24.1 x 16 x 12.7cm |
| Colours | Black, White, Green |
| Special features | Alexa, Sonos Voice Control, Multiroom audio, Automatic Trueplay tuning, Touch controls, Apple AirPlay 2, Drop and weather resistant, Portable |
Best wireless speaker for bass
Brane X
Pros
- Great audio with excellent bass performance
- Versatile connectivity options, including wifi and Bluetooth
Cons
- The booming bass can be overwhelming
- Heavy and expensive
The Brane X is an impressive speaker that delivers deep, powerful bass and a surprisingly spacious sound for its size. The way it handles instrumental separation is fantastic, and it makes music feel rich and layered.
A word of warning, though. The bass can be a bit too much. We’ve found it’s so strong that it’s best to keep the volume low to avoid shaking the walls. This may or may not be an issue, depending on whether you’re concerned about annoying the neighbours! While the app has controls to customise the sound, tweaking the bass to make it less boomy isn’t truly possible – you can turn it down, but it’s still a lot of bass.
Designwise, this has a simple and understated look, and it’s made to be durable, with solid weatherproofing. The range of connectivity options is also great, as it has builtin Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect and Alexa support. It’s technically portable, with a 12hour battery life, but it’s also on the heavier side, so we’d expect it to stay plugged in at home – it’s probably not something you’ll casually toss in a bag.
If you love big, bold bass and want a speaker with smart features and great connectivity, the Brane X is a great choice. You may need to do some finetuning in the app and work around a few quirks, but it is the most powerful allinone speaker we’ve heard for roomfilling sound and wellrounded bass with detail and texture.
Read our Brane X speaker review
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.5kg |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 23.7 x 17.7cm |
| Colours | Black |
| Special features | Alexa, Multiroom audio, Touch controls, Apple AirPlay 2 |
Best large wireless speaker
Ruark R410
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Simple to use
Cons
- Quite big
- Trickier setup than others
The Ruark R410 is by far the largest wireless speaker on this list, but it’s also one of the most beautiful, arguably bettered only by the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge. It’s a statement speaker with a retro aesthetic, and one you’ll want to put on display. You will need to make some room, but it’s worth it, not just in terms of design, but sound quality too.
It has a slightly more fiddly setup than all the others on this list, requiring you to screw in an aerial if you want to take advantage of the DAB/FM radio feature, as well as connect to your wifi network using the screen on the front and the controls on top (or an Ethernet cable) as there’s no accompanying app. The instructions are very easy to understand though, and the additional remote is really rather lovely, and simple to use once it’s set up.
For playing music, there are plenty of options, from Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect builtin, to multiroom capabilities through Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. There’s even an optional USB CD drive, so all bases and devices are covered. The sound performance is excellent from all sources. The screen could be bigger, but it shows album art among other settings – it’s a nice touch and helps this wireless speaker stand out.
Key specifications
| Connections | Wifi, Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.5kg |
| Dimensions | 15 x 56 x 29cm |
| Colours | Fused Walnut Veneer, Soft Grey Lacquer |
| Special features | Builtin Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, HDMI ARC/eARC, Multiroom through Apple AirPlay and Google Cast, Internet DAB/DAB+ and FM tuners, CD playback via external USB CD drive |
How the GH Tech Team tests the best wireless speakers
When testing wireless speakers for the home, we consider design, sound performance, how easy each model is to set up and how simple they are to use. We also look at what features each wireless speaker offers and how well they work, whether that’s simply playing the music we want to hear, creating a multiroom audio setup or controlling smart home products (like the best smart speakers).
We test them with a variety of different music genres – including pop, rock, classical and hip hop – to see how each wireless speaker performs in terms of sound quality, and we listen to the radio, podcasts and audiobooks to see how well they perform when it comes to speech too.
We’ve used each of the wireless speakers in our list for several weeks and sometimes months, testing everything from their ondevice controls and accompanying apps, and considering what they’re like for everyday use. We’ve also tested the individual features, from the smart assistants available to how well they perform in a multiroom setup.
We’ve chosen a range of different designs, from smaller options that can be tucked neatly away on a kitchen counter, to those that will look fabulous on display in a living room or bedroom, aiming to cater for a mix of different needs and budgets.
Why you should trust Good Housekeeping
At Good Housekeeping, we’ve been testing products for our homes for decades, so when it comes to audio gear, we know what matters. We’re after great sound, simple setup, reliable features and intuitive designs. Our Tech Team regularly reviews the latest speakers, headphones and smart devices, always looking for models that combine quality with longterm ease of use.
This wireless speakers guide was first written by Britta O’Boyle, a freelance technology journalist with years of experience covering smart speakers and home tech. It has since been updated by our Technology Editor, Simon Cocks, who oversees our gadget testing and gets handson with all the new audio releases every year.
Every model we recommend here has been used extensively in the home for weeks or even months. We test them with different music styles, podcasts and audiobooks, check out extra features like multiroom audio and smart assistants, and assess design, ease of use and control. You can be confident that the wireless home speakers we highlight aren’t only strong on paper, they’ve been tried in everyday living spaces like yours, too.
Are wifi speakers worth it?
It’s easy to get confused between wifi and Bluetooth speakers, especially as wifi speakers often have Bluetooth capabilities too. The biggest difference is that wifi speakers are designed to be used at home and plugged into mains power.
Bluetooth speakers, meanwhile, are portable. You can use them at home, which occasionally means extra features like smart assistants when connected to your wifi network. They don’t require constant power, though, running off their rechargeable batteries instead and offering a little more flexibility when it comes to placement.
Bluetooth speakers also need to be paired to your phone or tablet to play audio, however, and with this, they then mirror the audio of that connected device. It means that messages or calls take precedence and can interrupt music playback on the Bluetooth speaker.
Wifi speakers, on the other hand, stream audio over wifi and don’t require constant connection to your phone or tablet, so what happens on your phone or tablet won’t affect playback. Instead, a companion app is typically involved, allowing for extras like multiroom audio. You command what you want to listen to using the app, your voice, or use technology like Apple AirPlay or Spotify Connect to send music to the wifi speaker.
Things to consider when buying wireless speakers
There are a couple of things worth considering when buying, from the different types of wireless speakers (there are a couple), to the different features they offer. Even their size and weight are worth factoring into your decision.
Wireless speaker types
When it comes to the different wireless speaker types, portable Bluetooth speakers fall under the wireless speaker umbrella, along with smart speakers and multiroom speakers.
A growing number of wireless speakers are a combination of all three, offering portability, Bluetooth, multiroom capabilities and smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. Others may only offer one or two of those attributes.
Connectivity
There are also different connectivity options to consider. Bluetooth will be found on the wireless speakers offering portability, but wifi typically offers better range and usually supports higher audio quality.
Some wireless speakers also support technologies like Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, and auxiliary input, all of which provide flexibility in how you connect your devices to them.
Design
Wireless speakers come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are waterproof and a little more rugged, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use, while others offer sleek and modern designs for indoor settings.
You may also want to consider their size and weight, depending on where you are planning to put your wireless speaker. If it’s going on a shelf, for example, you’ll want to make sure that shelf can support the wireless speaker you choose.
Features
Many newer wireless speakers come with smart features, such as builtin voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri that can control smart home devices, set reminders, and answer queries, adding a layer of convenience.
If you are looking to create a wholehome audio system, you’ll want to consider wireless speakers that support multiroom audio or offer Apple AirPlay 2 or Chromecast compatibility. These will allow you to synchronise music across different rooms, providing a seamless listening experience throughout your home.
Verdict: Best wireless speakers for the home
If you need a great allaround wifi speaker with lots of features, it’s worth looking at the Sonos Era 100. It’s a good price at £199, and it has a lot of capabilities, with great sound quality.
Alternatively, if you’re in the market for smaller smart speakers to dot around the home and connect as a multiroom system, we’d start by looking at Amazon’s Echo range – the Echo Pop is great for buyers on a budget – or go with the Apple HomePod Mini if you’re a fan of other Apple devices.
Just want a compact and stylish Bluetooth speaker made for the home? We like the Bose SoundLink Home for just that reason.
Britta O’Boyle has been a technology journalist since 2003. She’s covered everything from phones, tablets and fitness devices, to smart home, and beauty tech. You’ll find her name on reviews, explainers, roundups and expert tips, covering Apple, Google, Samsung, Sonos, Dyson and many more.
She’s always tried to take a more simplified approach to products, focusing on what she thinks actually matters in use, rather than getting caught up in the jargon. She was one of the first journalists in the world to try Apple’s Vision Pro headset, she’s gone behind the scenes at Peloton and she can give you more than 40 fun facts about Mac.
Britta has a First Class Honours degree in Fashion Journalism from the University of the Arts London and prior to a 10year stint as deputy editor of Pocketlint from 2013 to 2023, she wrote about interiors for 3 years, covering the rise in technology in the home.
As a freelance journalist, she cofounded The Disconnekt and she’s EditoratLarge for The Ambient. You’ll also find her byline on several prestigious titles including The Telegraph, British GQ, The Express, The Mirror, TechRadar, T3, Stuff, TechAdvisor, Trusted Reviews, Expert Reviews, Wareable and iMore.
She’s also been a guest on several radio stations, including BBC Radio, Siren FM and Academy FM, discussing features to implement on devices to keep children safer online. You’ll never find her without her Apple Watch on (usually alongside another fitness tracker she’s testing), aiming to complete her rings so she can justify the extra bar of chocolate. When she’s not recording the dog walk as an Outdoor Walk, she’s trying to keep up with her two young children.
Simon Cocks is Good Housekeeping UK’s Technology Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy for the title. He previously also worked across other titles including Esquire UK, Digital Spy, Men’s Health UK and Women’s Health UK.
Simon specialises in testing the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment gear, headphones, speakers, portable chargers, radios, ebook readers and smartphones. He’s reviewed top tech products from brands including Google, Apple, Amazon, JBL and Bose.
A magazine journalism graduate from Kingston University in 2014, Simon also worked on the Discovery and Silkroad inflight magazines. He then gained experience writing about entertainment at SFX and Total Film. He also contributed reviews and interviews to TwitchFilm (later ScreenAnarchy), CultBox and Frame Rated.
He joined Good Housekeeping UK as the Editorial Assistant for Special Projects and was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team between 2014 and 2019. In this role, he conducted price comparison research, wrote detailed household and moneysaving advice guides and edited thousands of indepth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
He has focused on technology and gadgets since 2020, where he started by testing out power banks and instant cameras. He writes reviews, roundups, news articles and deals updates, and also covers top tech deals during sales like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.
You can follow Simon on Instagram, on Bluesky, on LinkedIn and on Threads.
