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 60 7.2-Ch Receiver stands out as an impressive choice for home theater enthusiasts looking for an airplay receiver that delivers high-quality audio and video. Its audio quality is particularly commendable, supporting both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which create an immersive 3D surround sound experience. Additionally, its 100W power output per channel ensures rich and powerful audio performance, making it suitable for larger rooms and detailed soundscapes.

Connectivity options are a strong point, with a generous eight HDMI ports (including three 8K UHD inputs) that allow seamless integration with various devices like TVs, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles. The built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HEOS multi-room capabilities further enhance its versatility, making music streaming easy via platforms like Spotify and Pandora. Setting up the receiver is straightforward, thanks to the Audyssey MultEQ XT32, which simplifies room acoustic correction. The graphical interface is user-friendly, catering to those who may not be tech-savvy.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The receiver is relatively heavy, weighing about 29.8 pounds, which could be a concern during installation. While it supports a wide range of audio formats, the reliance on voice control compatibility may not appeal to everyone, especially if users prefer traditional remote operation. Another potential issue is the price point; while it offers advanced features, budget-conscious buyers may find it on the pricier side compared to simpler models. Additionally, while its performance is top-notch, it might be overkill for casual users who just need basic audio enhancements.

The Marantz Cinema 60 7.2-Ch Receiver is an excellent choice for serious movie and music lovers seeking an airplay receiver with robust features and high audio fidelity. It's best suited for those looking to create a sophisticated home theater setup rather than casual listeners.

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.