Best Wireless Speakers: 2022 Buying Guide

Was 2022 the year that wireless loudspeakers broke through the performance ceiling? Passive loudspeakers are not disappearing anytime soon in the high-end category but the writing is certainly on the wall in regard to the future of loudspeakers. Will any of us still be using passive loudspeakers by the end of the decade? We suspect that more and more audiophiles will be making the change as the sonic performance improves with each new product cycle. It is inevitable. It is your destiny.

Think I’m crazy?

Look at the popularity of Sonos as a mainstream consumer audio brand, or the technical performance of loudspeakers like the KEF LS60 and Dynaudio Focus 50?

It really needs to be asked — why can’t a pair of high-end wireless loudspeakers with multiple connectivity options and a subwoofer output work for 99% of the population?

The excellent Sonus faber Omnia Wireless Loudspeaker has been a huge success for the Italian manufacturer of high-end passive loudspeakers. It’s a lifestyle product and most of the market is looking for that; the Omnia just offers a more sophisticated level of industrial design and sonic performance for the money.

Brands like PSB, Bowers & Wilkins, Sonus faber, ELAC, Focal, Triangle, Dynaudio, and KEF are leveraging their future on the bet that the new generation of audiophiles are going to demand wireless and the ability to integrate legacy devices and home theater into that system.

Our picks for the best wireless speakers range from $399 to $11,000 and all of them offer something unique at their specific price point.

Wireless and Bluetooth loudspeakers have made enormous strides in the past few years and there is no shortage of high-end products to meet the budgetary needs of every music listener. Sonos have a commanding slice of the pie in this category and with the S2 app — it’s not hard to understand why. Consumers want usability and the best possible sound quality at a price that they can afford. Our selections for the best affordable wireless speakers offer both performance, flexibility, and a lot of value for the money — even at the very top of the market.

3 boxes if one includes something like a dedicated network player or turntable. To think that consumers want anything more than 2 loudspeakers (and possibly a subwoofer) and 1-2 sources is ignoring the changes in listening behavior and spending habits.

Audiophiles are reluctant to go wireless unless the speakers can support Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Chromecast, or are Roon-Ready like the KEF LS50 Wireless II loudspeakers.

Sonos One SL

Sonos has made some serious improvements to the sound quality of its loudspeakers and it’s easy to understand why a lot of consumers consider them to be the best wireless loudspeakers. The issue with the Sonos One SL is that you’re not getting stereo sound with a single unit; we really don’t see the point of adding a Sonos-based system to your home if you’re not maximising their potential for better sound quality.

A stereo pair of Sonos One SL loudspeakers makes even more sense now with the announcement that you can stream hi-res (limited to 24-bit/48kHz) audio to them through the Sonos S2 app using Qobuz. Anything higher than that (24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz) gets streamed at 16-bit/44.1, but there is a lot of new music available in 24-bit/48kHz and that’s a very positive step for Sonos. The One SL also work with Apple AirPlay 2. Sonos gets major points for having one of the best control apps of any wireless streaming product available.

The Sonos One SL will run you $398/pair and you can add a pair of dedicated stands for an additional $249. The Sonos One SL can also work as surround channels in a Sonos home theater system using the Arc soundbar as the front channels.

Where to buy: $398/pair at sonos.com | Amazon | $539 at Amazon.ca | £338 at Amazon.co.uk

Vanatoo Transparent Zero 

Vanatoo has flown under the radar for a number of years with its Transparent One Encore active loudspeakers, which are one of the best sounding active loudspeakers below-$1,000, but we really think that music listeners operating on a limited budget need to pay close attention to their Transparent Zero desktop loudspeakers which offer a lot more sound quality than you would expect for the price. 

The Transparent Zero support Bluetooth aptX, include USB, optical, and analog inputs, and 4 x 48-watt per channel class D digital amplifier. The 4-inch aluminum woofer, 4-inch passive radiator, and 1-inch soft dome tweeter offer a full-range presentation with surprisingly deep bass response considering the size of the cabinet.

The angled baffle makes them work well on desktops and bookshelves and that should appeal to students or people who work remotely. The Transparent Zero are supplied with a remote control, magnetically attached grill covers, and isolation pads for your desk or credenza. The Vanatoo compete with Sonos in a very crowded segment and fall behind when it comes to the ability to control them with a dedicated app.

Where to buy: $399 at Amazon | $504 at Amazon.ca

Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i

Bluesound’s range of wireless loudspeakers don’t get a lot of attention and that’s definitely a problem. PSB’s Paul Barton (sister brand) has always played an active role in the development of their wireless speakers and almost 50 years of engineering expertise is at play here with the Pulse Mini 2i. 

The Pulse Mini 2i is almost the perfect wireless loudspeaker for a kitchen, office, or small bedroom because it’s so easy to setup, it delivers access to more steaming platforms than any other wireless speakers with the BluOS app, and it has a far more balanced sounding presentation than anything around the $500 asking price. 

The desktop BluOS app is preferable to the one on my iPhone; the Sonos S2 app is still a better experience overall in that regard.

The Pulse Mini 2i can also be grouped with other Bluesound wireless speakers for a multi-room system and one can even use the Bluesound NODE network streamer as a hub if you want to run your home multi-room system that way. 

Where to buy: $599 at Amazon | $749 at Amazon.ca | £749 at Amazon.co.uk

DALI KATCH G2

Have you ever been so smitten by a component that you can’t stop listening to it? I’m currently dealing with that in regard to the DALI Katch G2 and it’s becoming slightly awkward. See our full review here.

The DALI Katch G2 supports Bluetooth aptX HD and includes a 3.5mm input jack for wired sources; including a phono preamp, CD player, or an external DAC. 

The 30 hour battery life claim seemed a tad over zealous on the part of DALI but I’ve left it playing for days streaming from my both my MacBook Pro and an iPad with results that come very close to that number.

Has DALI outfoxed Bluesound, Bang & Olufsen, and even Sonus faber with the Katch G2? I think they have.

You can now pair two Katch G2 speakers to create a stereo pair and I dare to say that this might be the best portable wireless speaker right now below $1,000.

Where to buy: $549 at MusicDirect | $699 at Amazon.ca | £379 at Amazon.co.uk

Q Acoustics M20 HD Wireless Speaker System

There will always be a market for high-end audio components but the future is clearly products like the Q Acoustics M20 HD Wireless Speaker System.

The $699 M20 HD Wireless Speaker system is similar in some ways to the Q Acoustics 3020i but with two big differences; more low end punch and a surprisingly larger sense of scale. Something that came in handy listening to Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, and Mozart.

The M20 isn’t designed for a huge listening space but it had zero difficulty filling my dining room, home office, and den with excellent sound; transparent, spacious, and stronger bass than I would have expected.

The Q Acoustics M20 offer aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming of high resolution-quality audio from devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and network streamers; users can hear their favorite music streamed from popular music services such as Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Qobuz and YouTube. 

The versatile M20 can also deliver sounds from a gaming console, TV, turntable, set-top box, CD player or even a DAP.

The M20 are powered by a built-in amplifier (class D) providing 130 watts of digital power, the 22mm tweeter is decoupled to minimize any internal vibrations that can adversely affect the audio, while the 125mm mid/bass driver and rear-firing reflex port in each speaker combine to deliver a fairly robust presentation.

Where to buy: $699 at Amazon.com | £399 at Amazon.co.uk

PSB Alpha AM5

We’re huge fans of the passive PSB Alpha P5 speakers and knew from the very beginning that the Canadian manufacturer would be adding a wireless active version in 2020. PSB, NAD, and Bluesound are all part of the same family and the PSB Alpha AM5 integrate technology from all 3 companies.

The Alpha AM5 is a powered two-speaker stereo system that features trickle-down acoustic technology from PSB’s most iconic speaker designs; the AM5 powered speaker includes a custom designed driver set with a ¾” aluminium ferrofluid-cooled tweeter and a 5 ¼” midbass woofer that together deliver a rich and detailed full-range sound. You can listen to vinyl with a built-in phono preamp, and stream music and playlists with high-quality Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth.

The 50 watts/channel Class D amplifier provides each loudspeaker with more than enough power for small to medium-sized rooms. The Alpha AM5 work really well with both music and movies and you can integrate one of the Alpha Series subwoofers into your system for a full-range stereo that doesn’t take up a lot of room. An excellent value and one of the best wireless speakers from a brand that makes some of the best high-end loudspeakers.

Where to buy: $749.99 at Amazon | $999 at Amazon.ca

Audioengine HD6 

The Audioengine HD6 fly slightly below the radar because they compete against the Sonos One SL wireless speaker system, but there is no question that they offer better sound quality.

Support for Tidal, Spotify, and Pandora is at your fingertips with the HD6, and audiophiles who manage their music collection via Roon can connect an older Google Chromecast (which acts as a Roon-ready endpoint) to the HD6 via its optical input and stream high-res digital from their smart device. Offered in a multitude of finishes, including a beautiful looking walnut veneer, the HD6 include everything you need to get going in the box.

With support for 24-bit/192kHz digital audio, Bluetooth aptX HD, a subwoofer output, and handy remote control, the HD6 are a true powered wireless stereo system. If you plan on listening to vinyl through the HD6, you will need to add an external phono pre-amplifier as Audioengine does not include one internally. Once everything is set-up, the HD6 deliver an engaging listen with wide stereo separation, a transparent sounding midrange, clean highs, and a true sense of scale that no smart speaker can touch. 

Where to buy: $699 at audioengineusa.com | Amazon

Kanto Audio TUK

Kanto has built a steady reputation offering affordable active loudspeakers that support both digital and analog sources like a turntable. The brand, however, faces stiff competition from its rivals over at Audioengine so it was only a matter of time before someone introduced a higher-end model designed to offer consumers a complete solution with few compromises below $800. Enter the TUK. Ribbon tweeters have been utilized in higher priced loudspeakers for many years, but there is a growing movement at the entry-level to integrate them into bookshelf loudspeakers as they offer a superior level of detail and airiness that conventional tweeters fail to deliver. 

The TUK’s feature an AMT tweeter, and 5.25-inch aluminum midrange woofer that produce a very rich, yet detailed presentation. The TUK can play very loudly, but our listening suggests that the treble can sound a little hot when you do; they are particularly adept with electronic music, pop, and hip-hop. Kanto has wisely chosen to integrate a MM phono stage, USB DAC, headphone amplifier, and support for Bluetooth aptX HD making the TUK one of the most complete active loudspeaker packages available at any price. The optional stands should be considered mandatory, as well as the matte white finish which looks very sleek. 

Where to buy: $899.99 at Amazon | $1099 at Amazon.ca | £729 at Amazon.co.uk

Triangle Borea BR03 BT

The Triangle BOREA BR03 BT Wireless Loudspeakers caught our attention for the simple reason that they offer so much for under $1,000 USD and having just reviewed the impressive KEF LSX II Active Wireless Loudspeakers which retail for $1,400 USD (not including stands) — we needed to take a deeper dive.

Give people a compelling reason to spend $1,000 on a pair of high-end loudspeakers as opposed to buying a cheap plastic soundbar.

Products like the Triangle BOREA BR03 BT accomplish that goal in a rather attractive looking package. 

The amplifier of the BOREA speaker integrates a MM phono preamplifier, which allows you to connect your turntable directly to the speakers. 

The BOREA Active speakers are built to match the quality of the rest of the range and are manufactured from layers of HDF; they also incorporate an innovative DVAS system to absorb the vibrations generated by the movement of the bass drivers. 

This important research on the vibratory behavior of the speaker reinforces this notion of neutrality and clarity when listening. They also benefit from Triangle’s latest generation of drivers, an EFS fabric dome tweeter combined and a midrange/bass driver in natural cellulose paper.

A remote control with a range of more than 15 meters regardless of obstacles (walls, furniture, etc.), a power cable and a 3 meter speaker cable to connect the amplified speaker to the passive speaker are provided with the speakers.

For more information: www.trianglehifi.com

KEF LSX II

KEF introduced the original LSX as a more affordable alternative to the award-winning LS50 Wireless, and for many music listeners, the smaller design may be a smarter buy. The LSX II features a great visual design courtesy of Michael Young and the KEF Product Design Team. 

The LSX II are now available in a wider range of finishes and are far less intrusive when it comes to set-up. What sets the KEF apart from almost all of its rivals is support for Roon, Tidal, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and one of the most intuitive control apps for iOS and Android-devices.

The LSX II Wireless system has a total system power output of 200 watts with separate amplifiers for the woofer and tweeter in each speaker controlled by crossovers. System frequency response is 49Hz to 47Hz (dependent on EQ Settings).

There is also a subwoofer preamp output, should you desire to enhance deeper low-frequency performance that the LSX II’s can provide (especially advisable for movie watching). You can use any powered subwoofer, but one option is the KEF KC62 space-saving compact sub.

One aspect of the LSX that is somewhat glaring is the omission of an internal phono pre-amplifier, so be prepared for the added expense of buying your own if you don’t already own one and want to listen to vinyl.

Since their launch, KEF has introduced a number of accessories including a desktop stand, wall-mount bracket, and pair of stands that improve their versatility, although that comes at a rather steep price for the stands which retail for $350.

Where to buy: $1,399.99 at Amazon.com | Crutchfield

PSB Alpha iQ

We have been waiting patiently for the new PSB Alpha iQ Loudspeakers for almost 9 months. We were very honored to participate in the global launch of the PSB Synchrony Series as the hosts of the YouTube premiere and EIC Ian White has been using the PSB Alpha P5 almost 2 years.

The powered version of the Alpha P5 offer a different approach to setting up a desktop or bookshelf system and there is a lot of technology under the hood. 

PSB has announced the addition of Alpha iQ powered speakers to their product line-up, promising to provide PSB’s “True to Nature Sound” in a compact system with lots of connectivity and music listening options supported by BluOS control and multi-room streaming flexibility.

You can use the Alpha iQ system in place of a soundbar for listening to audio from compatible TVs. Both eARC and ARC audio capabilities are supported.  

You can play music from supported streaming services such as Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, and Internet Radio stations using the BluOS controller app. You can also share music through as many as 63 additional BluOS-enabled components. 

The Alpha iQ system has built-in two-way Bluetooth, with aptX-HD codec support for wireless streaming from any mobile device. You can also use Bluetooth to transmit audio to compatible headphones and playback devices.

Where to buy: $1,499 at Crutchfield

Sonus faber Omnia

If it has not become obvious after 4 decades of award-winning engineering and industrial design, Italian manufacturer, Sonus faber doesn’t cut corners and there is both a cost and benefit to that. The wireless loudspeaker category has suffered through a decade of rather tepid and stale industrial design, but things are about to change.

If you thought that Sonus faber’s Chief Design Officer, Livio Cucuzza and his team would release anything less than the Sonus faber Omnia – you don’t understand their commitment to both design and sound quality.

If you are going to ask consumers to spend $1,995 USD on a wireless loudspeaker that will get labelled by some as a “lifestyle” product, it needs to deliver a very different kind of experience; both tactile and emotional.

The Omnia weighs a hefty 17 pounds and at 26″W x 11″D x 5.2″H is big enough to sit atop an IKEA Kallax unit with 4 shelves; which is where I placed it in my office system with excellent results.

The overall build quality on the Omnia is excellent and the speaker grilles are firmly in place.

The Omnia succeeds on a number of levels where a lot of wireless speakers that have come before it failed; inspired industrial design, ease of use, streaming connectivity options, build quality, and consistently strong sonic performance that makes you want to listen for hours.

The Sonus faber Omnia is a beautiful sounding wireless loudspeaker that needs to be on any shortlist if you’re looking for something for your den, dining room, bedroom, home office, or kitchen.

Where to buy: $1,999 at Crutchfield | Audio Advice

Totem Acoustic KIN Play

Active wireless bookshelf loudspeakers are the future of high-end audio. It is the reality that loudspeaker manufacturers face going forward and not without some degree of trepidation. For high-end companies like Totem Acoustic, a Quebec-based manufacturer with a global reputation for building some of the most musical sounding passive bookshelf loudspeakers around, the KIN Play active wireless bookshelf speaker is a bit of a departure. Totem, as their name might suggest, build really inert loudspeakers. Your knuckles have not felt pain until you rap them against the side of a pair of Totem Sky or Signature One cabinets. 

The KIN Play uphold the family tradition. Equipped with support for Bluetooth aptX HD for wireless streaming of high-res digital audio, the KIN Play support 16-bit/48kHz via a smart device, and 24-bit/192kHz through its optical digital input. The primary analogue input offers support for external devices such as an external DAC, or with the flick of a switch on the rear panel, an internal moving magnet phono pre-amplifier. 

Powered by a 240-watt amplifier, the KIN Play push tone and detail about as well as any wireless loudspeaker we’ve heard yet; including the category leading KEF LS50 Wireless which win the fight overall on points if you are really keeping score. If the KIN Play are only the opening salvo from Totem, then the wireless category is headed in the right direction. 

Where to buy: $1,299 at totemacoustic.com

KEF LS50 Wireless II

5 years have passed since KEF introduced the LS50 Wireless loudspeaker that left competing products in the dust. The LS50 Wireless was a game changing product that made any hi-fi system over $2,000 look over its shoulder in fear.

KEF decided to push the envelope even further by putting all of the electronics, streaming support, and accoutrement in one box – or two boxes in this case for under $2,800. The LS50 Wireless II deliver a high-end audio system that is upgradeable via firmware updates, support for all of the major streaming services, and are a Roon endpoint without the need for an external streamer.

Connect a turntable and phono pre-amplifier, download KEF’s control app, and you have a mostly wireless high-end audio system for the 21^st Century that plays second fiddle to almost nothing. The LS50 Wireless II includes new driver technology, a better app (a major source of contention with the first model) support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.

Everything we liked about the original LS50 has been improved; better resolution, improved sense of scale, and even more robust low end response. The LS50 Wireless II is one of the best wireless speakers at any price.

KEF have recently introduced the groundbreaking KC62 compact subwoofer that can extend the low end response of their wireless loudspeakers to almost 20 Hz. For under $4,000, KEF have created a three-piece hi-res wireless speaker system that can compete with most passive systems below $10,000. No small accomplishment there.

Where to buy: $2,799 at Amazon | Crutchfield | $3,699 at Amazon.ca | £2,499 at Amazon.co.uk

KEF LS60

When the KEF LS50 was first introduced, it caused an earthquake within the high-end audio industry; the loudspeaker category needed something that would shake designers out of their complacency and the LS50 accomplished that goal in a very significant way.

From a technical perspective, the LS50 reinvented the passive bookshelf or stand-mounted loudspeaker and KEF couldn’t make the award-winning loudspeaker fast enough.

Over time, that design has evolved significantly including wireless versions that have also become category disrupters.

The KEF LS60 has reinvented the wireless floor standing category and we suspect KEF won’t be able to meet the demand for it should the sound quality match its stunning industrial design.

The LS60 Wireless consists of two thin-profile floor-standing powered speakers. The “powered” designation means that they have built-in amplifiers. As a result, there is no need to connect the speakers to an additional amplifier, stereo, or home theater receiver. 

The primary speaker includes all the physical source connections. The audio signals that are needed for the secondary speaker are transferred from the primary speaker via an Ethernet connection. 

The LS60 Wireless has a total system power output of 1400 watts with separate amplifiers for the low end, midrange, and treble. System frequency response is 31 Hz to 24 kHz +/- 3dB. 

There is also a subwoofer preamp output, should you desire to enhance deeper low-frequency performance (especially advisable for movie watching). You can use any powered subwoofer, but one option is the KEF KC62 space-saving compact sub.

The LS60 is compatible with Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast, as well as streaming directly from Spotify Connect and Tidal. 

The LS60 Wireless system is also Roon Ready.

KEF’s own Connect app (iOS, Android) also provides access to Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, and TuneIn as well as providing source selection and EQ setting options. 

The LS60 system supports Hi-Res audio (PCM up to 24bit/384kHz, DSD, and MQA).

Where to buy: $6,999/pair at Crutchfield

Dynaudio Focus 50

The Dynaudio Focus 50 are the flagship model in the range and offer a rather full-range sound; the 73 pound enclosure is 46″H x 12″W x 15″D and they are offered in 3 rather elegant but understated Danish wood finishes.

Unlike the LS60 which can be slightly forward sounding and somewhat bass heavy depending on placement and distance from the corners, the Focus 50 have a more reserved but fuller sounding presentation that is more natural sounding. The added warmth in the midrange and airier top end make them an easier long-term listen.

The Focus 50 benefit from some distance from the wall but they also come with one unique feature that the LS60 does not offer.

What makes this series special is that they are the first wireless speakers to incorporate Dirac Live room correction software. 

The Focus series consists of three models, the Focus 10 bookshelf and Focus 30 and 50 floorstanding speakers. 

All three speakers are powered (active), which means they have their own built-in amplifiers (Class D). This means that they don’t have to be connected to an external amplifier, stereo, or home theater receiver in order to work. You connect the speaker to power, then stream or listen to audio from a connected source. 

The speakers come in pairs. One speaker of the pair (aka the Primary Speaker)  provides all the connectivity for both speakers and then distributes the needed audio signals between the two speakers wirelessly or via digital coaxial cable. 

Also, unlike traditional speakers where the entire speaker is connected to an amplifier or receiver, each driver in a Focus Series Speaker is paired with its own amplifier. This is designed to provide optimum performance for each speaker across its frequency range and power handling capability. 

Dynaudio’s Focus 50 supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Qplay, UPnP, Netradio, and Bluetooth. 

In addition to streaming, the Focus 50 also provide physical input connections, which include Digital Optical/Coaxial, and Analog line-in. A subwoofer preamp output is also included for connection to an optional external subwoofer (Dynaudio hopes it’s one of theirs). 

In addition to Dirac Live, streaming, and physical connections, the Focus Series also has WiSA technology built-in. This enables the speakers to connect wirelessly to a compatible TV or USB dongle, for a wireless TV audio system.

This means you don’t have to connect a soundbar or home theater receiver to the TV and connect wired speakers. You can add a great TV or movie listening experience with the Focus series speakers without the traditional wired surround sound system.

The Dynaudio Focus 50 are available through authorized Dynaudio dealers in a White High Gloss, Black High Gloss, Walnut Wood, or Blonde Wood finish for $11,000 USD.