I test Wi-Fi speakers for a living — if you’re switching away from Sonos, this one feature is an absolute must-have

1. Audio
2. Hi-Fi
3. Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers

I test Wi-Fi speakers for a living — if you’re switching away from Sonos, this one feature is an absolute must-have Features By Josh Russell published 18 January 2026

Sorry Spatial Audio — this is my most essential Wi-Fi speaker feature

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Future) Share Share by:

• Copy link
• Facebook
• X
• Whatsapp
• Reddit
• Pinterest
• Flipboard
• Threads

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google

When you’re upgrading your wireless speaker, it can be tempting to focus on finding the most trailblazing features. Spatial Audio. AI-enriched voice assistants. HDMI input for home cinema sound. But sometimes you’ll find it’s the more prosaic features that you’ll miss most if they’re absent.

I’ve tested a lot of wireless speakers over my career, so I’ve got a lot of experience in both feature-packed superstars and no-frills Wi-Fi workhorses. But I’m also heavily invested in Apple’s ecosystem – I use an iPhone 16 Pro, MacBook Pro, Apple TV and Apple Music. That’s why there’s one feature that’s an absolute deal breaker for me: AirPlay 2.

So if you’re stepping outside of Sonos’s ecosystem for the first time and, like me, Apple gadgets are your go-to, let me explain why this is still a killer feature when picking up one of the best wireless speakers.

You may like

• The best wireless speakers, all tested by us — from Apple, JBL, Sonos and more
• WiiM VS Sonos – which Wi-Fi speaker offers the best sound?
• I'm an audio reviewer, and these are the top 5 Bluetooth speakers of 2025 — picks from JBL, B&O, LG and more

The argument for AirPlay

Peruse the specs of some wireless speakers and you’d be forgiven for thinking AirPlay 2 is a ubiquitous feature these days. But that’s not always the case. For example, Amazon’s Echo range doesn’t support the technology, not even in the lossless Echo Studio. And while carrying out the testing for my recent Sonos Era 100 VS WiiM Sound feature, I was surprised to find out that the latter didn’t have AirPlay 2. So it’s definitely not always a given.

But why does it matter? Well, for several reasons.

First of all, while many wireless speakers allow you to stream lossless and even hi-res audio direct from services like Tidal or Deezer, fewer devices can natively stream from Apple Music. So if you’re not using a HomePod or Sonos multi-room system, AirPlay 2 offers the only way to wireless enjoy lossless quality music from Apple Music.

It’s not just about streaming services though. A far bigger benefit of AirPlay 2 is the fact it allows you to wirelessly stream all kinds of audio from your Apple devices. Tired of your TV outputting insipid audio? With the Apple TV 4K, you can stream sound wirelessly to your multi-room speaker system. Playing Alien: Isolation on your iPad 11-inch (2025)? Then you can enjoy its creepy soundtrack with real depth by connecting to an AirPlay-enabled speaker.

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

I know first-hand just how flexible AirPlay 2 can be. Not only do I stream music and TV shows on my Apple devices but I often use them to create content too. When I’m producing music on my MacBook Pro 2017, being able to ping my sound to a high-res speaker like my Cambridge Audio Evo One allows me to hear what it sounds like on a different setup without having to faff around with wired connections. That kind of versatility really cannot be beat and the fact I can do this with any audio from my Apple devices really is invaluable to me.

So when you’re shopping for a new wireless speaker, yes, it’s worth looking out for fancy features like Dolby Atmos or automatic room compensation. But if you’re an Apple user, don’t sleep on AirPlay as it’ll add value in all kinds of subtle ways you might not even be able to predict yet.

Today's best wireless speaker dealsSonos Roam 2 SG$324.90ViewSee all pricesKEF LSX II LT Wireless Bookshelf Speaker SG$1,399ViewSee all pricesSonos Era 300 Wireless Speaker SG$639ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

TOPICS Sonos Apple Josh RussellSocial Links NavigationReviews Editor

Josh is Reviews Editor at TechRadar. With over ten years of experience covering tech both in print and online, he’s served as editor of T3 and net magazines and written about everything from groundbreaking gadgets to innovative Silicon Valley startups. He’s an expert in a wide range of products from Spatial Audio headphones to gaming handhelds. When he’s not putting trailblazing tech through its paces, he can be found making melodic techno or seeking out the perfect cold brew coffee. 

Show More Comments

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more I'm an audio reviewer, and these are the top 5 Bluetooth speakers of 2025 — picks from JBL, B&O, LG and more    WiiM Sound review: the multi-room sound specialist's first wireless speaker hits (almost) all the right notes    Why Sonos can't afford to lose the Music Intelligence race    Forget Sonos, WiiM and Bluesound both just launched new small wireless speakers to build your multi-room hi-fi dreams around    I tested the Sonos Arc Ultra and compared it to a top JBL Dolby Atmos soundbar – here’s the one I’d recommend you buy    I tried Fender's new Bluetooth speakers and they absolutely rock    Latest in Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers This dictaphone-style music player would be my perfect commuting companion    Edifier ES60 review: a solid speaker that falls just short of the competition    Roland's cheap new Bluetooth speaker is for performing as well as chilling    I can't stop thinking about these affordable IKEA speakers that look like art    Bose shows Sonos and Spotify how it's done — shutting down servers won't shut down your old SoundTouch speakers    I tried Fender's new Bluetooth speakers and they absolutely rock    Latest in Features More than messages! Here are 7 hidden features that make Apple Messages an essential app    Best of both: the LG Wing is the phone I wish I'd tried before phone design became boring    Ditched your Sonos speaker? Ensure your upgrade has this vital feature    I played the Nintendo DS game threatening Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s Metacritic ranking — here’s how it went    Keep your huge screens and triple cameras — I just want the iPhone 5s back    iPhone 18 rumor roundup: all the biggest rumors rated    LATEST ARTICLES

1. 1Microsoft announces affordable Surface Go tablet