When it comes to enjoying high-quality audio from your wireless speakers, choosing the right connection method can make a big difference. Two of the most common ways to stream music wirelessly are via Bluetooth and WiFi. While both have their own advantages, WiFi tends to offer several benefits that can enhance your listening experience. In this post, we'll explore why WiFi, particularly through Apple AirPlay, might be the better choice for your audio needs. To get the benefits, you'll need to have a "good" speaker to start with. Putting AirPlay or any other wireless platform in place for a middling or bad speaker, will still deliver meh results. At the end of the article we highlight three mid-range AirPlay-compatible speakers worth considering.
Why WiFi is Superior to Bluetooth for Audio Streaming
Higher Sound Quality WiFi connections generally support higher audio quality than Bluetooth. This is because WiFi can handle larger amounts of data at faster speeds, allowing for uncompressed or less compressed audio formats. Bluetooth, on the other hand, often compresses audio files to transmit them, which can lead to a slight loss in sound quality.
Longer Range Bluetooth typically works within a range of about 30 feet. WiFi, however, can cover your entire home as long as your speaker and device are connected to the same network. This means you can move around more freely without worrying about losing connection.
Multi-Room Audio One of the standout features of WiFi streaming through AirPlay is the ability to set up a multi-room audio system. You can play different songs in different rooms or synchronize audio across multiple speakers. This is something Bluetooth can't do as effectively.
Stable Connection WiFi connections are generally more stable and less prone to interference than Bluetooth. This means fewer dropouts and interruptions, ensuring a smoother listening experience.
More Functionality WiFi speakers often come with additional features that aren't possible with Bluetooth. For example, you can use voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, integrate with smart home systems, and stream from a variety of sources, including streaming services and your personal music library.
Recommended Mid-Range AirPlay Speakers
Here are three mid-range AirPlay-compatible speakers that provide excellent value and performance, and deliver quality sound that benefits from your AirPlay connection:
Sonos One (Gen 2) The Sonos One is a versatile smart speaker with rich sound and voice control built-in. It supports both AirPlay 2 and Alexa, making it a great addition to any smart home setup.
Bose Home Speaker 500 Known for its impressive sound quality and sleek design, the Bose Home Speaker 500 offers stereo sound from a single speaker and supports AirPlay 2, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Denon Home 150 The Denon Home 150 is a compact speaker that packs a punch. It supports AirPlay 2 and has HEOS built-in for multi-room audio. Its minimalist design fits well in any room.
Which Should You Choose For Music Listening?
While Bluetooth is convenient for quick connections, and fine for casual listening, WiFi offers superior sound quality, range, stability, and functionality, making it a better choice for home audio systems. That said, a cheap or tiny wireless AirPlay speaker will not offer enough of a benefit over bluetooth. The three mid-range AirPlay speakers highlighted above provide a great starting point for anyone looking to upgrade their wireless audio experience. Happy listening!
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