10 Best Airplay Receivers 2025 in the United States

The Denon AVR-X2800H is a solid choice for anyone looking to build or upgrade a home theater setup with AirPlay and multi-room streaming capabilities. It supports 7.2 channel surround sound with 95 watts per channel, offering clear and immersive audio including advanced 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its sound quality is impressive, especially with room calibration features that help tailor audio to your space.

In terms of connectivity, it has plenty of HDMI ports (6 inputs, 2 outputs) including three that handle the latest 8K video, making it future-proof for high-resolution TVs and devices. Wireless options are robust, with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS technology for streaming music from popular services and extending sound throughout multiple rooms easily. The setup process is user-friendly thanks to an on-screen guide and automatic speaker calibration, which is great if you want to avoid complex manual adjustments. Compatibility is broad, supporting various video formats and devices, plus Apple HomeKit control adds convenience for iOS users.

On the downside, while the power output is enough for most home environments, it’s not the highest in its class, so extremely large rooms or very demanding speakers might need more powerful gear. The design is practical and well-built but not especially compact or stylish compared to some competitors. If you want a feature-rich, reliable receiver that balances modern streaming and home theater needs without overwhelming complexity, the Denon AVR-X2800H fits well.

The Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver is a robust choice for anyone looking to build a high-quality home theater system with AirPlay and multi-room audio capabilities. With 125 watts per channel across nine channels, it delivers powerful and clear sound suitable for large spaces. Audio quality is enhanced by support for advanced surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro 3D, which provide a rich, immersive listening experience both for movies and music. The receiver’s design includes HEOS multi-room technology, allowing you to stream music wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirPlay 2, making it easy to enjoy Hi-Fi audio throughout your home. It supports popular streaming services like Spotify and Pandora, adding convenience for casual listening.

Connectivity is a strong point: seven HDMI inputs and three outputs support 8K and 4K video pass-through with advanced gaming features like VRR and ALLM, ensuring future-proof compatibility with modern devices. Setup is user-friendly thanks to the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction and a clear on-screen interface, helping even beginners get the sound just right. Voice control support for Alexa, Siri, and other assistants adds a modern touch for hands-free operation.

The receiver is relatively heavy and somewhat large, which might require ample space in your entertainment setup. Also, while it handles surround sound impressively, the 9-channel design might be more than needed for smaller rooms or simpler setups. This makes the Marantz Cinema 40 well suited for users seeking a powerful, versatile home theater receiver with excellent audio and video quality, strong connectivity options, and easy multi-room streaming, though it may be more than necessary for casual listeners or very small spaces.

The Onkyo TX-RZ50 9.2-Channel AV Receiver is a powerful and versatile option for anyone looking to enhance their home audio setup. With 120 watts per channel and THX certification, it promises excellent audio quality, making it ideal for both music lovers and movie enthusiasts. The inclusion of Dirac Live Room Correction technology means that you can fine-tune the sound to fit your room's acoustics perfectly, which is a standout feature for audiophiles. Additionally, the Klipsch Optimize Mode further tailors the audio experience when paired with Klipsch speakers.

For gaming enthusiasts, the receiver offers an ultimate 4K gaming experience, ensuring top-notch audio-visual performance for your games. The receiver supports a robust set of connectivity options including 8 HDMI ports, Bluetooth, and app control, providing flexibility for various devices. Its multi-room capability allows you to enjoy high-quality audio throughout your home, though it might require a bit of setup. Ease of use is bolstered by its compatibility with Sonos, making it easier to integrate into existing smart home systems.

However, the unit is quite hefty at 37.1 pounds and may require a sturdy shelf or cabinet. While it boasts an array of advanced features, its power consumption is relatively high, particularly in operating mode at 850 W. Users who prioritize energy efficiency might find this a drawback. All things considered, the Onkyo TX-RZ50 is a solid choice for those looking for a high-performance, feature-rich AV receiver that excels in audio quality and connectivity, suitable for both entertainment and gaming purposes.