Apple products have a reputation for being exclusive, which is sometimes a challenge when looking for wireless speakers. In order to connect, the speakers need Airplay compatibility, which is not that often found. To save you some time, here is a list of 7 best airplay speakers ranked in order of effectiveness. Each speaker has the same important specs to help with the overall comparison, followed by a brief product description including pros and cons.
1. COWIN MD-3119 – Easiest Portable Airplay Speaker
Important Specs:
- Bluetooth version: n/a
- Playtime: 9hrs (WiFi) / 12 hrs (Bluetooth)
- Internal storage: n/a
- App: COWIN (Apple Store/ Google Play Store)
- Product dimensions: 7.9 x 3.9 x 3.9in / 20.06 x 9.90 x 9.90 cm
- Product weight: 3lbs / 1360 grams
This little beauty is one of the best airplay speakers on this list. Not only does it have airplay compatibility, it also works with Alexa, so it’s great for your home: you can use it in the living room, kitchen, and, why not, bathroom. The reviews speak highly to the bass quality as well as how well it runs on Bluetooth connection when used outdoors. A minor flaw – not even in product quality – is that Alexa cannot work on voice command and the microphone button on the speaker must be manually pushed. This limits where the speaker can be placed in the room as it needs to be kept within reach.
2. Yamaha WX-030BL – Top Sound Quality
Important Specs:
- Bluetooth version: 2.1
- playtime n/a
- Internal storage: no
- App: MusicCast Controller (Apple Store/ Google Play Store)
- Product dimensions: 4.5 x 9.6 x 6.1 inches/ 11.43 x 24.38 x 15.49 cm
- Product weight: 4.9lbs / 2.2 kg
This Yamaha model has fantastic sound quality, due in part to the built-in subwoofer. The same music can be played simultaneously on 2 speakers and can be stretched across 9 different rooms via the MusicCast app. The only detraction is that the Wi-Fi connectivity sometimes falls off. For some, the sound on these speakers may put them on the top of the list for best airplay speakers, but the connectivity issues may outweigh the performance.
3. GGMM-M3 – Top Quality & Aesthetics
Important Specs:
- Bluetooth version: 4.0
- Playtime: 10 hours
- Internal storage: no
- App: GGMM Music (Apple Store/ Google Play Store)
- Product dimensions: 5.5 x 6.7 x 13.4in/ 13.97 x 17.01 x 34.03 cm
- Product weight: 7.14lbs / 3.238 kg
There are a few GGMM models on this list and this one has a nice retro vibe. It works up to 160ft away from Wi-Fi and can connect with up to 16 devices. According to reviews, the Bluetooth setup is nice and easy. Additionally, this speaker comes in 4 different color options and the reviews speak to the quality of the product.
Sound quality is what keeps this speaker in the top 7 for best airplay speakers, but the connectivity is sometimes given negative reviews and the Android app is difficult to connect with the speaker.
4. August WS – Longest Battery Playtime
Important Specs:
- Bluetooth version: 2.1
- Play time: 22 hours
- Internal storage: no
- App: August Alink (Apple Store/ Google Play Store)
- Product dimensions: 70.9 x 22.1 x 27.2in / 180 x 56.13 x 69.08 cm
- Product weight: 1.63lbs / 739 grams
This is an under-appreciated brand of speaker that delivers quality airplay compatibility. While it cannot connect to as many speakers as other brands on this list, it does still hold its own as far as sound and delivery. If this August model doesn’t do it, there is also a slightly stronger option as well. One of the few downsides to this is that each time the speaker is turned on, the Wi-Fi needs to be reconnected which can take more time than many would like. On the plus side, you get FM radio compatibility.
5. GGMM E2 – Most Lightweight Speaker
Important Specs:
- Bluetooth version: 4.2
- Playtime: 5hrs (wifi) / 14 hrs (Bluetooth)
- Internal storage: Can preset up to 6 radio channels
- App: GGMM – E Series (Apple Store/ Google Play Store)
- Product dimensions: 3.2 x 1.1 x 5 in / 127mm*82mm*28mm
- Product weight: 8.5oz / 236g
Don’t underestimate the tiny nature of this little GGMM model. It has decent sound quality and can multiply across 16 speakers. Additionally, the app has decent ratings and this model is compatible with Alexa. Due to the small nature, it charges the fastest too – with just 2 hours and it’s good to go.
There are a few downsides to this model to take into consideration. It doesn’t have bass and there is no Aux attachment on a speaker. However, there is a USB connection for an AUX adapter. Additionally, it can only attach to Bluetooth on a 2.5Ghz network.
6. GGMM M4 Wireless Speaker – Highly Compatible with Other Speakers
Important Specs:
- Bluetooth version: 4.0
- Playtime: 10 hours
- Internal storage: no
- App: GGMM Music (Apple Store/ Google Play Store)
- Product dimensions: 16.6 x 11 x 7.3in / 42.16 x 27.94 x 18.54 cm
- Product weight: 8.5lbs / 3.85 kg
This GGMM model is the next version beyond the M3 (#3 on this list). However, it has its own unique features and quirks that make it stand separately as one of the best airplay speakers available. Not only does this model offer 4 different styles, it can be synced with up to 10 speakers simultaneously. Additionally, this model comes with a 3-year warranty and a lifetime support guarantee.
One of the downsides is that this speaker cannot cast Pandora and airplay doesn’t work in multiple rooms without the app and hard copies of the music.
7. B&O PLAY by Bang and Olufsen – Only Model With Built-In Amplifier
Important Specs:
- Bluetooth version: 4.0
- Playtime: n/a
- Internal storage: no
- App: Bang & Olufsen (Apple Store/ Google Play Store)
- Product dimensions: 8.7 x 25.1 x 15.6in/ 22.09 x 63.75 x 39.62 cm
- Product weight: 10.34lbs / 4.69 kg
This B&O model is Alexa compatible and can connect to additionally B&O speakers for a more all-around sound experience. The best feature of this little speaker is a built-in amplifier that helps increase sound quality. While this model still makes the list of the best airplay speakers, it does have a few setbacks. There are consistent reviews mentioning poor connectivity issues. Additionally, if needed, the customer service was an issue brought up in several reviews as well as being a poor quality and non-US based.
Conclusion
Newer speakers are consistently incorporating airplay into their models, which is great for iOS users. This creates an ever-growing list of speakers that are compatible with Apple devices. If you use any of the models on this list and have feedback, or if you use a different model than we included on this list, feel free to share. Don’t forget to leave your comments, suggestions, and opinions in the comment section!
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