When upgrading your wireless speaker, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest high-tech features like Spatial Audio and AI voice assistants. However, it’s often the simpler functionalities that you’ll miss the most if they’re not included.
Having tested numerous wireless speakers throughout my career, I’ve encountered both feature-rich models and straightforward Wi-Fi options. As a dedicated Apple user with devices like the iPhone 16 Pro, MacBook Pro, and Apple TV, there’s one feature that stands out as a deal breaker for me: AirPlay 2.
If you’re considering a switch from Sonos and are an Apple enthusiast, let me explain why AirPlay 2 remains a crucial feature when selecting one of the best wireless speakers.
The Case for AirPlay 2
While browsing the specifications of various wireless speakers, you might assume that AirPlay 2 is a standard feature. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. For instance, Amazon’s Echo lineup lacks support for this technology, including the lossless Echo Studio. During my recent testing of the Sonos Era 100 vs. WiiM Sound, I was surprised to find that the latter also lacked AirPlay 2 support. Clearly, it’s not a guaranteed feature.
So, why is AirPlay 2 important? There are several reasons.
First, while many wireless speakers can stream lossless and high-resolution audio from services like Tidal or Deezer, fewer devices can stream directly from Apple Music. If you’re not using a HomePod or a Sonos multi-room system, AirPlay 2 is the only way to enjoy lossless quality music from Apple Music wirelessly.
Moreover, AirPlay 2 offers a significant advantage by enabling you to stream various audio types from your Apple devices. If your TV’s audio is lackluster, for example, you can wirelessly stream sound to your multi-room speaker system using the Apple TV 4K. Playing Alien: Isolation on your iPad 11-inch (2025)? You can enhance the experience by connecting to an AirPlay-enabled speaker for a richer soundtrack.
From personal experience, I can attest to the flexibility of AirPlay 2. I frequently stream music and TV shows on my Apple devices, and I also use them for content creation. When producing music on my MacBook Pro 2017, the ability to send sound to a high-resolution speaker like my Cambridge Audio Evo One allows me to hear how it sounds on a different setup without the hassle of wired connections. This versatility is invaluable.
So, when shopping for a new wireless speaker, while it’s essential to consider advanced features like Dolby Atmos or automatic room compensation, don’t overlook AirPlay 2 if you’re an Apple user. It can add significant value in ways you might not yet realize.