10 Best Airplay 2 Speakers 2025 in the United States

The SAMSUNG HW-Q990C 11.1.4ch Soundbar offers a robust Dolby Atmos sound experience, boasting 11 front-facing speakers, a subwoofer, and 4 up-firing channels, ensuring immersive audio. The inclusion of rear speakers and features like SpaceFit Sound Pro, which calibrates the audio based on your room, enhances the overall sound quality. However, at 50.3 pounds, it is not very portable and is best suited for stationary setups like home theaters or gaming consoles.

The soundbar is also equipped with Adaptive Sound and Game Mode Pro, making it ideal for varied entertainment needs, including gaming and movie watching. Compatibility is a strong point with support for Airplay 2, allowing seamless integration with Apple devices, and the built-in Alexa provides convenient voice control for smart home enthusiasts. Q-Symphony is a standout feature for those with Samsung TVs, as it synchronizes the TV and soundbar speakers for an improved audio experience.

Connectivity options are plentiful, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, though the reliance on a corded electric power source may limit some placement options. The design is sleek and modern, though the weight and lack of water resistance limit its versatility. The soundbar excels in delivering high-quality sound and smart features but is less suited for those needing a portable or waterproof option.

The Sonos Era 100 is a smart speaker designed to deliver rich, detailed sound with its dual tweeters and a larger midwoofer that boosts bass, making music sound fuller and clearer. Thanks to a faster processor, it handles audio streams smoothly, providing a great listening experience whether it’s music, podcasts, or home theater sound. It supports AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, giving you flexibility to connect from your phone, tablet, or other devices. You can also connect older devices like a turntable using an auxiliary input, which is a nice bonus for vinyl lovers.

Its compact size and clean white design mean it can fit nicely on a shelf or counter without taking up much space, but it’s not built to be portable or water-resistant, so it’s better suited for stationary use at home or in the office. The speaker supports multi-room audio, allowing you to pair it with other Sonos speakers and control everything from the Sonos app. The app also features Trueplay tuning, which adapts the sound to the room’s acoustics, helping your music sound its best wherever you place the speaker.

Smart features include Alexa voice control, making it easy to manage your music hands-free, though it only has one microphone, which might affect voice recognition in noisy environments. While the speaker offers solid connectivity options, it requires a power outlet, so it’s not wireless in terms of power. With a mid-range price point and generally positive user ratings, the Era 100 suits those who want a high-quality, versatile speaker for home use with the convenience of smart features and broad streaming compatibility. If you need something portable or waterproof, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Sonos Move is a versatile and durable smart speaker designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a great option for those who enjoy audio on the go. It offers impressive sound quality, with rich bass and a wide soundstage that adapts to your surroundings through its automatic Trueplay tuning feature. This speaker stands out for its battery life, providing up to 11 hours of continuous play, which is excellent for outdoor activities like picnics or beach trips.

Compatibility is a strong point, as the Sonos Move supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing seamless integration with other Sonos devices at home or easy connectivity when you're away. The built-in Amazon Alexa voice control adds convenience, letting you play music or check the news hands-free. Additionally, its weather-resistant design (IP56 rated) ensures it can withstand various outdoor conditions, from rain to UV rays.

The Sonos Move is best suited for users who value high-quality sound in a portable package and are willing to invest in a reliable, smart speaker for various environments. Its strong features make it an attractive choice, but potential buyers should weigh its weight and price against their specific needs.