When you need an AirPlay speaker, it’s essential to ensure it supports AirPlay alongside typical Bluetooth functionalities. Look for robust bass, clear highs, and balanced mids to enjoy music thoroughly. Features like voice assistant integration and custom sound settings can enhance your listening experience, making these speakers versatile for both home and outdoor use.
Unfortunately, a staggering 92% of expert reviews aren’t trustworthy. Our unique approach combines True Score with our proprietary Trust Rating to filter out fake reviews, ensuring only the best speakers make it to our guide. Our buying guide highlights four top-performing speakers from over 100 analyzed and certified as tested reviews, drawn from 1,148,527 reviews.
How Did We Rank the Best AirPlay Speakers?
By dissecting the testing methods from over 200 sites, evaluating customer reviews, and assessing expert opinions, we crafted a comprehensive guide to the best AirPlay speakers. Our process involved identifying 2 required test results, 1 nice-to-have test result, and 1 must-have specification. This thorough approach, combined with our True Score, guarantees that our recommendations are both accurate and trustworthy. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must support AirPlay (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is enough)
? Test Criteria
- Low-End Roll-Off: A low-end roll-off of <60 Hz to ensure there is some rumble in the bass to enhance your music or movie-watching experience.
- Volume Output: The speakers should deliver powerful and immersive sound performance, exceeding 85 decibels in volume output.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Battery Life: Can play for a minimum of 9 hours before the battery needs recharging.
Latest Updates
- 04/14/2024: Published the list of best AirPlay speakers based on our True Score system.
Top AirPlay Speakers For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
To secure a spot on our list, AirPlay speakers must meet our stringent criteria for audio performance and quality. If it doesn’t meet these standards, it won’t be featured!
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Tribit Stormbox Blast
The Tribit Stormbox Blast offers great value with exceptional battery life, water resistance, and range, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and casual listeners prioritizing affordability over deep bass.
True Score
85836Experts
952kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $45$199.99$154.99
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great sound profile
- Exceptional runtime
- Excellent build quality
- Portability
Reasons to Avoid
- Sound compression at the maximum volume
- Heavy
Specifications
Battery Charge Time 4 hrs 
Battery Life 32 hrs 
Built In Microphone n/a 
Depth 6.4″ 
Height 8.9″ 
IPX Rating IP67 
Size 16″(w) x 8.9″(h) x 6.4″(d) 
Smart App Tribit 
Speaker Pairing n/a 
Water Resistant Yes 
Wattage 90W 
Width 16″ 
Wireless Range 100 m All Specs
Test Results
Battery Life (Hours) 32 Volume Output (dB) 97 Low End Roll Off (Hz) 57 High End Roll Off (Hz) 15.3k All Retailers
$154.99$200Save $45Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$199.99Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Tribit Stormbox Blast is a great value if you need reliable performance at an affordable price. With its best-in-class 32-hour battery life and IP67 water resistance rating, this speaker is suited for outdoor enthusiasts and party hosts who need their music to last through any condition. Its expansive 100m wireless range and powerful volume output of 96.7 dB cater to those who value convenience and a strong, clear sound during beach outings, backyard parties, or simply enjoying music at home.
If you are a casual music listener who doesn’t mind having the deepest bass or clearest high-frequency sounds, you won’t mind the frequency response of this speaker. Its 57.39 Hz low-end roll-off isn’t the greatest for producing deep bass, and the 15,342.66 Hz high-end roll-off could be higher for clear vocal melodies, but it still delivers a balanced sound that’s well-suited for a wide range of music genres. If you love listening to music while exercising or hiking, the Tribit’s combination of durability, battery life, and portability positions it as an excellent option for music lovers on the move despite not matching the Bose S1 Pro+ in raw volume power.
If you enjoy camping, beach trips, or any outdoor adventure, the Tribit Stormbox Blast ensures your music plays without interruptions thanks to its unbeatable battery life and range. The main compromise is the lack of deep bass and high-frequency clarity, but its overall performance and features offer tremendous upside for its price point, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and casual listeners.
Category Snapshot
Speakers
- Total Brands/Products Tested
33 Brands, 260 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Bose, JBL
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$20-$500
- Average True Score
77.25
- Important Test Criteria
Frequency Response (Hz)
Max Volume (dB or dB SPL)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Top Speaker Experts
- Typical Warranty
1-2 years
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Bose S1 Pro+
Best For Loudest
Despite its high price and lack of deep bass, the Bose S1 Pro+ delivers best-in-class high-frequency clarity and volume for large indoor gatherings and vocal-centric content. However, its battery life, lack of water resistance, and limited range limit outdoor use.
True Score
83812Experts
93764Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$699.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Outstanding sound profile
- Decent build quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Bulky
- Narrow soundstage
- Sub-par battery life
Specifications
Battery Charge Time 5 hrs Battery Life 11 hrs Built In Microphone No Depth 11″ Height 13.10″ IPX Rating n/a Size – Smart App Bose Music Speaker Pairing Yes Water Resistant No Wattage 108W Width 9.40″ Wireless Range 30 ft All Specs
Test Results
Battery Life (Hours) 11 Volume Output (dB) 105 Low End Roll Off (Hz) 59 High End Roll Off (Hz) 17.7k All Retailers
- $699.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes 
$699.00Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$699.00Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Our Verdict
If you want a robust Airplay speaker for large indoor gatherings or personal listening to vocal-centric content, the Bose S1 Pro+ is an outstanding value if you want exceptional audio performance. Though it has the highest price on the list, it also has a best-in-class volume output of 105.3 dB, which is ideal if you host large parties and value loud clarity and power in your audio.
If you like podcasts, vocal-centric music, dialogue-heavy movies, and video games, it has an unmatched high-end roll-off at 17726.19 Hz, producing audio with exceptional clarity and detail where capturing the nuances of audio is crucial. Its low-end roll-off at 59.07 Hz isn’t as good, though, so it cannot produce deep, strong bass, which compliments genres like hip-hop, EDM, and explosive action movies.
The S1 Pro+ has a wireless range of 30 feet, so it has some limitations when used in outdoor environments. Its 11-hour battery life is also lower than the competition’s, so it might not be suitable for long events without access to power. It also lacks water resistance, so be careful if you use it outside.
If you host parties, love music, and listen to podcasts, the S1 Pro+ has exceptional high-frequency sounds and volume despite lacking water resistance and a built-in microphone. The compromise is its high price and lack of deep bass, but the Bose S1 Pro+ caters best to those looking for a high-quality, versatile Bluetooth speaker capable of delivering in situations where audio performance is paramount.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Apple Homepod 2nd Generation
If you’re an Apple enthusiast who enjoys personal and small-group listening, the Apple Homepod 2nd Generation offers high-quality audio performance and integration with Apple Music and iTunes. It is ideal as a smart home’s central audio hub.
True Score
838225Experts
911kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $20$299.00$279.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Well-balanced audio
- Fairly loud volume output
Reasons to Avoid
- Average build quality
- Subpar portability
Specifications
Battery Charge Time n/a Battery Life Wired Built In Microphone Yes Depth 5.59″ Height 6.6″ IPX Rating n/a Size – Smart App Apple HomeKit, Apple Music, iTunes, Siri Speaker Pairing Yes Water Resistant No Wattage 1680 W Width 5.6″ Wireless Range 300 ft All Specs
Test Results
Battery Life (Hours) 0 Volume Output (dB) 85 Low End Roll Off (Hz) 55 High End Roll Off (Hz) 17.5k All Retailers
- $279.00$299Save $20
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $299.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $299.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $309.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
The Apple Homepod 2nd Generation is a superb mid-range option if you’re committed to the Apple ecosystem since it offers seamless integration with Apple Music and iTunes. Though it’s a wired model, it has an extensive wireless range of 300 ft, making it ideal for use in smart homes as a central audio hub. This speaker is tailored for Apple users seeking high-quality audio performance that works harmoniously with their other Apple devices, from iPhones to MacBooks.
If you prefer personal listening or listening in small groups to well-blended audio, it delivers crisp, detailed sound with a great low-end roll-off at 54.96 Hz and an outstanding high-end roll-off at 17472.05 Hz. This ensures rich bass and clear highs, perfect for a variety of music genres, podcasts, and more immersive movie-watching experiences at home. Its volume output of 85.2 dB isn’t bad, but it isn’t the loudest speaker that would work well for large gatherings.
Compared to the other units on our list, the Homepod focuses more on smart home integration and less on portability and outdoor use. Given its wired nature and absence of water resistance, it offers voice control through Siri and speaker pairing capabilities for a multi-room audio experience.
If you’re looking for an Airplay speaker that delivers exceptional audio quality and acts as a smart home controller, this is a great option to consider. The trade-off comes with its lack of portability and outdoor readiness. However, for indoor use, especially in smart homes, its audio performance and deep integration with Apple services make it an attractive choice for tech-savvy users and audiophiles alike.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
JBL Boombox 3
For bass lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the JBL Boombox 3 offers long-lasting power and durability. It excels with best-in-class deep bass, solid high-frequency clarity, notable battery life, and water resistance.
True Score
82806Experts
933kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$449.95Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great sound quality
- Long battery life
- Great build quality
Reasons to Avoid
- 14.7-pound weight may be heavy for some
Specifications
Battery Charge Time 6.5 hrs Battery Life 24 hrs Built In Microphone No Depth 20″ Height 25.7″ IPX Rating IP67 Size – Smart App JBL Portable Speaker Pairing Yes Water Resistant Yes Wattage 180 W Width 48.2″ Wireless Range 30 ft All Specs
Test Results
Battery Life (Hours) 30 Volume Output (dB) 94 Low End Roll Off (Hz) 53 High End Roll Off (Hz) 15.8k All Retailers
- $449.95
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $489.95$550Save $60
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $499.95
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $499.99
Availability
Free Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re a bass enthusiast who values power and resilience in speakers, the JBL Boombox 3 delivers robust performance, exceptional audio performance, and durable design at a mid-range price. Its unparalleled low-end roll-off of 52.63 Hz allows it to produce deep bass for hip-hop, electronic dance music (EDM), action-packed movie scenes, and video game immersion.
The high-end roll-off at 15,792.24 Hz, while not the highest, still guarantees clarity for vocal tracks and high-frequency details. Its frequency response range makes it well-suited for music and movies, gaming, and outdoor activities where sound quality can greatly enhance the experience. Its volume output is 94.5 dB, which is still respectable, but it’s not the loudest model on our list, so it’s better suited for either your personal listening or small to medium-sized parties.
If you’re a party host or outdoor enthusiast, the fantastic 30-hour battery life and IP67 water resistance lets it produce uninterrupted sound outdoors across a wide range of music genres, from deep bass tracks to high-tempo beats. Compared to the Tribit Stormbox Blast, both speakers offer exceptional battery life and water resistance, but the JBL Boombox 3’s frequency range surpasses the Stormbox by producing deeper bass and clearer high frequencies.
It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and social butterflies looking for a speaker that combines deep bass output with durability. The compromise is its price, size, weight, and high-frequency performance, but for small to medium-sized outdoor parties and beach outings, its performance justifies its design and price.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best AirPlay Speakers?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these Bluetooth speakers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a speaker that will sound great.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low End Roll Off (Hz) | < 60 Hz | Yes | The point at which bass response starts to fall sharply, causing it to rapidly become inaudible. |
| Volume Output (dB) | > 85 dB | Yes | The maximum volume that a Bluetooth speaker is able to output when turned to max. |
| Battery Life (Hours) | > 9 Hr | No (nice to have) | The length of time a Bluetooth speaker can play before the battery goes flat. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 50+ Bluetooth speaker reviewers and only 9 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for Bluetooth speakers.
- Becca Fischer – Rtings, MuckRack
- Michelle Powell – TechGearLab, MuckRack
- Brent Butterworth – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every Bluetooth speaker review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Bluetooth Speaker Test Data & Results
1. Low End Roll Off Test Results
Low End Roll Off
< 60 Hz
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The point at which bass begins to sharply decline and becomes rapidly inaudible.
Units of Measurement: Hz (Hertz)
Tools to Measure: Oscilloscope
Why It’s Important:
If bass takes longer to start rolling off, it’ll generally be more present in your speaker’s output, which will give music much more “punch” and depth.
The low-end roll off is key in determining how deep the bass on your Bluetooth speaker will sound. A Bluetooth speaker with a roll off that doesn’t start at a sufficiently low frequency leads to bass that sounds weak or is missing entirely, which makes music sound weak. Essentially, the deeper the bass can extend before rolling off, the more robust the sound.
For the majority of Bluetooth speakers and typical usage scenarios, aiming for a roll off that begins no higher than 60 Hz is advisable. However, the lower the frequency where roll off begins, the better the bass experience. It’s important to understand that there’s a limit to how low the roll off can go, so expecting Bluetooth speakers to achieve roll off points in the teens might be unrealistic. It’s also important to remember that Bluetooth speakers don’t have subwoofers and are also generally small, which limits how deep their bass can get.
Low End Roll Off (in Hz; lower is better)
2. Volume Output Test Results
Maximum volume is the most straightforward test to grasp when it comes to Bluetooth speakers: it simply refers to the loudest level at which the speaker can play. However, the importance of having a high maximum volume might not be immediately obvious. Beyond the ability to fill rooms with sound or serve as party speakers, higher maximum volumes play a crucial role in ensuring audio clarity at typical listening volumes.
This concept is known as “headroom.” Adequate headroom in a Bluetooth speaker means it can reproduce sounds at a level that is both loud enough and clear enough, ensuring that your usual listening levels for music or podcasts are crisp and free from distortion. Your Bluetooth speaker should have a minimum of 85 dB of maximum volume, but 91 dB or even higher is ideal. The higher the maximum volume, the better the speaker is at delivering sound that can fill increasingly large spaces without sacrificing sound quality.
Volume Output
>85 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The maximum volume that a Bluetooth speaker can hit at 100%.
Units of Measurement: dB (Decibels)
Tools to Measure: Sound level or decibel meter
Why It’s Important:
Max volume is how you ensure you’ve got enough volume to hear your music at a party without audio becoming heavily distorted.
Volume Output (in dB; higher is better)
3. Battery Life Test Results
Battery Life
> 9 Hours
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time speakers can play before the battery dies.
Units of Measurement: Hours
Tools to Measure: Timer
Why It’s Important:
Battery life is what keeps your speaker going when you’re out and about, otherwise your speaker can’t survive heavy usage in a day or a weekend.
Your Bluetooth speakers are more than likely going to be battery powered. They might not run solely on battery power, but it is more common than not for Bluetooth speakers to be able to play without being plugged into a wall. That means, you’ll want your speaker to be able to play for as long as possible without having to be plugged in to charge, so even if you forget your charging cable, you’re not shackled to 4 hours of play time.
It’s for this reason that we recommend that Bluetooth speakers have at least 9 hours of playtime – enough to get you through a full day of playing your speakers. That said, there’s no upper limit to battery life – the more you can get “under your belt”, the better. If your speaker can deliver more than 17 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’ve got more than enough for two days and change, which is plenty of time to remember you need to plug the speaker in.
Battery Life (in hours; higher is better)
Best AirPlay Speakers: Mistakes To Avoid
- Overlooking Compatibility: Neglecting to ensure that the AirPlay speakers you’re considering are compatible with your Apple devices can lead to frustration and limited functionality, as not all speakers support the latest AirPlay versions or have seamless integration with Apple products. When exploring how to connect your iPad to Bluetooth speakers, ensure the speakers you choose offer AirPlay or Bluetooth connectivity and are compatible with your iPad model to enjoy wireless audio streaming from your device.
- Ignoring Audio Quality: Focusing solely on brand reputation or design aesthetics without assessing audio performance can result in disappointment, as some AirPlay speakers may prioritize style over sound quality, compromising your listening experience. The best wireless surround sound system prioritizes models that excel in both audio performance and design aesthetics to create an immersive home theater experience without sacrificing style for sound quality.
- Disregarding Connectivity Options: Not considering the variety and versatility of connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or auxiliary inputs can limit your speaker’s usability, especially in environments where wireless connectivity may not be reliable or available. When learning how to connect to a Bluetooth speaker on a Mac, ensure your speaker supports AirPlay connectivity and follow the steps provided by your Mac’s operating system to establish a seamless wireless connection for audio playback.
- Underestimating Room Size Considerations: Failing to take into account the size and acoustics of your room can lead to suboptimal sound dispersion and coverage, as larger spaces may require more powerful speakers or multi-room setups to deliver immersive audio experiences. If they have the capabilities, you can learn how to connect to multiple Bluetooth speakers to increase the coverage if your speakers aren’t quite loud enough to fill your room.
The Best AirPlay Speakers Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Battery Life
|
Volume Output
|
Low End Roll Off
|
High End Roll Off
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 |
|
|
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|  $154.99 $200 $45 |
| 83 |
|
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| $699.00 |
83 |
|
|
|
|  $279.00 $299 $20 | |
| 82 |
|
|
|
| $449.95 |
