Macworld
Apple’s HomePod and HomePod mini are obvious choices for Apple users, but there are plenty of alternatives that work with your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Whether you want a compact kitchen speaker, a multi-room setup or a stereo system for music and TV, you could find features and value that better suit your needs.
AirPlay makes it easy to stream audio from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to a compatible wireless speaker, while AirPlay 2 lets you play music across multiple rooms. You can listen to your own music library or stream from Apple Music, Spotify and other services. We explain how AirPlay works and what it offers later in this guide.
Our picks cover a range of designs, features and budgets to help you choose the best speaker for your Apple devices. For Apple Music and Siri, start with the HomePod mini 2 or choose the full-size HomePod for richer sound. The Audio Pro A28 W is a good option if you want separate stereo speakers and a TV connection, while the Sonos Era 300 is our pick for Dolby Atmos music.
AirPlay 2 support is a priority for the speakers in this roundup, particularly if you want to build a multi-room system. We also include portable options for listening around the house or away from home, clearly identifying which support AirPlay and which rely on Bluetooth so you can choose the right connection for the way you listen.
Best speakers for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV 2026We’ve tested the best speakers you can buy to use with your Apple products below, so read on to find out which AirPlay speakers are best.
HomePod mini 2 – Best compact speaker for Apple MusicPros
- Impressive sound for its size
- Apple Music voice control
- Flexible stereo and multiroom playback
Cons
- Limited improvement over original
- Requires constant external power
Why we like it: It’s a compact sound system offering effortless Apple Music playback.
The HomePod mini 2 suits iPhone owners who want a compact speaker for Apple Music, with Siri voice control and multiroom playback. At $149/£149, it’s pricier than its predecessor. Our colleagues at Macwelt found its sound slightly clearer and punchier, with impressive results for its size, but the improvement is too small to justify replacing a working original.
Setup requires an iPhone or iPad and Wi-Fi, with settings managed through Apple’s Home app. You can ask Siri to play Apple Music, send audio using AirPlay, or transfer playback by bringing a compatible iPhone close. Touch controls handle playback and volume. Original minis and mini 2s work together for multiroom listening, but stereo pairs require matching models.
At 84.3mm high, 97.9mm wide and 335g, it fits easily on a shelf or bedside table. Wireless connections include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. There’s no battery: it’s suitable for moving between power outlets indoors. On compatible Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later, it also works as the default speaker. You can also use four HomePod mini 2 speakers for TV surround sound with the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, arranging them as matching front and rear pairs. Alternatively, use two second-generation HomePods at the front and two mini 2 speakers behind you. Macwelt found latency reduced, but still excessive for recording instruments.
For better stereo separation, buy two matching minis; for stronger bass and bigger sound, consider the full-size HomePod. Existing owners should keep their original minis unless they need the new audio options or forthcoming Siri AI. Sound Glow’s animated lighting also works on the original, so that alone is no reason to upgrade.
Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023) – Best HomePod for sound qualityPros
- Rich, detailed, room-filling sound
- Dolby Atmos music playback
- Easy setup and stereo pairing
Cons
- Siri can be frustrating
- No wired audio input
Why we like it: It offers rich, immersive sound with powerful bass and Dolby Atmos support.
The second-generation HomePod suits Apple Music subscribers who want fuller sound than the mini can deliver, particularly for a living room or an Apple TV setup. At $349/£349, the premium buys stronger bass, greater detail and Dolby Atmos support. In our testing, its presentation was rich, immersive and better balanced than the original HomePod, with particularly pleasing results across classical, pop and rock.
Setup is straightforward: plug it in, bring an iPhone close, select a room and wait a few minutes. Settings live in Apple’s Home app, while Apple Music playback requires a subscription. Control music through Siri, your iPhone or the touch surface; our reviewer found phone control intuitive but Siri frustratingly prone to choosing the wrong songs. AirPlay supports other audio apps and multiroom playback alongside HomePods and minis.
Measuring 168mm high and 142mm wide, and weighing 2.3kg, it’s compact enough for a shelf but needs a permanent power connection. There’s no battery, so think occasional moves between rooms rather than outdoor portability. Connections include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and Thread, but no wired audio input; the power cable is detachable (the first-generation wire was attached, but could become detached).
The full-size HomePod is worth the extra over a mini if bass, room-filling sound and spatial audio are your priorities. If your budget allows, two second-generation HomePods create a more immersive stereo system: our reviewer found the results stunning, particularly with Apple TV. Stereo pairs must use the same HomePod model and generation, but different models can play together in a multiroom setup. If you already have two second-generation HomePods, you can add two HomePod mini 2 speakers as rear surrounds, provided you also have a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K running the latest software.
Read our full Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023) review
Audio Pro C10 MKII W – Best for sound qualityPros
- Clear, detailed, powerful sound
- Versatile wireless and wired connections
- Useful app and preset controls
Cons
- Deep bass lacks impact
- No USB-C audio input
Why we like it: It offers clear, detailed sound with versatile connections.
The Audio Pro C10 MKII W suits listeners who want a main music system with more connection options than a HomePod. Our reviewer preferred its clarity and precision even to Apple’s full-size speaker. Vocals sounded smooth, strings and percussion retained their detail, and dense rock arrangements remained distinct. Its 80W output comfortably handles living-room listening, although the deepest bass could have more impact.
The Audio Pro app provides streaming services, EQ and room correction, while six preset buttons recall saved playlists or radio stations without reopening the app. For Apple Music, use AirPlay 2 from your iPhone, iPad or Mac; our reviewer used an iPad successfully. AirPlay 2 also enables multiroom playback with HomePods and compatible speakers from other brands. Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect broaden its appeal beyond Apple households.
Measuring 166 × 320 × 180mm and weighing just over 4kg, this is a speaker to leave in one room. It needs mains power, has no battery, and doesn’t have a water-resistance rating. Connections include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, RCA input and a subwoofer output, but no USB-C audio.
It earns its premium over a HomePod mini through sound quality, power and connectivity. Against HomePod 2, our reviewer favored its clarity and precision; RCA input and a subwoofer output add flexibility. Choose HomePod 2 for Siri and Dolby Atmos. Paired minis merit consideration for stereo separation.
Read our full Audio Pro C10 MKII W review
Audio Pro A28 W – Best stereo speakers for music and TVPros
- Expansive, detailed stereo sound
- HDMI ARC for TV audio
- Flexible streaming and multiroom support
Cons
- Needs space and connecting cable
- No USB-C or 3.5mm input
Why we like it: You get spacious stereo sound and flexible connections for music and TV.
If you prefer separate stereo speakers, the Audio Pro A28 W is an excellent option for music and TV sound. Our reviewer found its presentation more spacious and immersive than a single HomePod, with smooth vocals, weighty bass and clear percussion even in busy tracks. Its combined 150W output filled the room comfortably without approaching maximum volume.
Setup involves connecting the left speaker to mains power and linking it to the right using the supplied speaker cable. Bluetooth provides a quick connection, while Wi-Fi enables AirPlay 2 playback from Apple Music and other iPhone, iPad or Mac apps. Multiroom support includes Audio Pro, AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. The Audio Pro app offers a 10-band equalizer and sound presets, while an included remote handles playback and input selection.
Each sturdy MDF cabinet measures 238 × 150 × 200mm, and the pair weighs 6.43kg. They need bookshelf or stand space, and their connecting cable makes moving them less convenient than relocating a single speaker. There’s no battery or published water-resistance rating. Wired connections include RCA, optical and HDMI ARC for a TV, plus a subwoofer output; USB-C and 3.5mm inputs are absent.
Choose the A28 W over a HomePod mini if you want a powerful main music system with separate stereo speakers and wired connections. The HomePod 2 offers Dolby Atmos, built-in Siri and suits smaller spaces and tighter budgets.
Read our full Audio Pro A28 W review
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition – Best premium all-in-one music speakerPros
- Powerful, detailed, room-filling sound
- Stereo from one enclosure
- AirPlay 2 multiroom support
Cons
- Large and expensive
- No wired audio inputs
Why we like it: It’s a distinctive all-in-one wireless speaker offering powerful, detailed sound.
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition suits Apple Music listeners who want a powerful main music system without separate speaker cabinets. Its distinctive enclosure houses left and right channels alongside a dedicated subwoofer, with 240W of amplification. Our reviewer praised its precise strings, rich cellos and clear vocal harmonies, while rock tracks had weighty guitars and crisp electronic detail.
For network setup, the Bowers & Wilkins Music app guides you through naming the speaker’s location and connecting to Wi-Fi; an account and email verification are required. The app provides streaming services, bass and treble adjustments, and lighting controls. Apple Music plays through AirPlay 2, which also enables multiroom listening with compatible speakers, including HomePods. Alternatively, Bluetooth supports standalone playback without network setup. There’s no built-in voice assistant.
At 650mm wide, 210mm high and 194mm deep, and weighing 6.6kg, this needs a substantial shelf or sideboard. It requires mains power, has no battery, and, it seems, no water-resistance rating. Bluetooth includes AAC and aptX Adaptive, but there are no wired audio inputs: the USB-C port doesn’t accept music playback.
Its bass, power and built-in stereo channels justify spending more than on a mini. Against the HomePod 2, it offers stereo from one enclosure and Bluetooth playback, but costs more and lacks Siri and Dolby Atmos. Choose HomePod for those features; Zeppelin for a dedicated music system.
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review
Sonos Era 100 – Best for building a Sonos systemPros
- Clear, room-filling stereo sound
- AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth playback
- Flexible Sonos multiroom system
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos support
- Wired input needs extra adapter
Why we like it: It offers flexible connectivity and an expandable multiroom system.
The Sonos Era 100 suits listeners who want a compact music speaker with room to build a multiroom system. Its two angled tweeters deliver stereo sound from one cabinet, while a substantial woofer supplies convincing bass. In our listening tests, Enya’s layered vocals sounded light and shimmering, electronic details remained crisp, and rumbling drums gave the presentation weight.
Initial setup requires Wi-Fi and the Sonos app, even if you subsequently use Bluetooth. The app manages services and settings, including Trueplay room tuning and adjustable EQ. Apple Music plays through AirPlay 2 from an iPhone, iPad or Mac. You can group compatible speakers through AirPlay or build a Sonos multiroom system, while touch controls handle playback, volume and grouping.
Measuring 182.5 × 120 × 130.5mm and weighing 2.02kg, it fits comfortably on a shelf or kitchen counter. It needs mains power and has no battery, making it suitable for occasional moves between rooms. Sonos describes it as humidity resistant; don’t treat that as waterproofing. Connections include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, with line-in or Ethernet available through separately purchased USB-C adapters.
Spend more than on a HomePod mini for the Era 100’s stereo presentation, Bluetooth and optional wired input. Choose HomePod 2 if Dolby Atmos and built-in Siri matter more; the Era 100 doesn’t support spatial audio. In our listening tests we felt that two Era 100s widened the stereo soundstage though.
JBL Cove M1 – Best compact alternative to HomePodPros
- Warm, detailed, engaging sound
- Straightforward setup and AirPlay playback
- Stereo and multiroom support
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos support
- No wired audio input