2024-03-16 17:44:19
WiFi speakers can replace the stereo system in the living room. The small boxes are connected to the Internet and play music via streaming services. Models with good sound are expensive, as the Stiftung Warentest test shows.
The most important things at a glance
With a wealth of offerings like Spotify and other streaming services, it’s no wonder that favorite songs often come from the internet. For those who already spend a lot of time streaming, integrating a Wi-Fi speaker into their setup could be an option worth considering.
The small speakers deliver a decent sound despite their compact size. However, models with good test scores cost expensive, as Stiftung Warentest states in its “test” issue 05/2023. Overall, none of the boxes scored “very good”.
WLAN speakers in the test: This is how Stiftung Warentest tests them
Stiftung Warentest tested a total of 61 WLAN speaker boxes. All devices in the test can play music on multiple devices at the same time and are therefore multiroom speakers. You can play music via streaming from the internet as well as from your hard drive, notebook, smartphone, tablet or internet radio. The speakers are controlled via app, voice assistant or directly on the device.
In the test, the speakers have to play classical, pop, electronic and radio plays to prove their sound. In addition to the sound quality, the handling and power consumption are also checked.
The result of the WLAN speaker test: JBL impresses with good ratings
The test winner, JBL Authentics 500, impresses in all categories and is awarded the quality rating “good”. But numerous other speakers also have good features.
It stands out as the lightweight among the speakers Sonos Move 2 stands out, which has the lowest weight of all tested models, also with a rating of “good”.
The test winner: Wi-Fi speakers from JBL
The test result: The JBL Authentics 500 loudspeaker is characterized by its “test” quality rating of “good (1.8)”, with the sound, handling and power consumption in particular standing out with their good rating.
Product details: The rectangular design in retro 70s style gives the speaker a nostalgic charm. The premium aluminum frame, faux leather casing and grille enhance its look. The speaker is connected directly to the power supply and can be controlled either via the controls on the box or the JBL One app. In addition, the integration of voice assistants such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa enables the speaker to be operated via voice command.
The speaker, which weighs 7.8 kilograms, offers an impressive sound experience with Dolby Atmos music. A wireless connection is possible via Bluetooth and music playback from Spotify Connect and Airplay are possible. Additionally, the speaker can make calls in another room without interrupting the music playing. Multiple devices can be connected together to play the same music in different rooms.
Best sound: JBL speakers
The test result: The Boombox 3 from JBL received the “test” quality rating “good (1.8)”, with the power consumption particularly standing out with a rating of “very good”. The sound is also impressive with a good rating.
Product details: The design of the speaker has a round shape, with a metal handle and orange highlights for easy carrying of the speaker. A built-in battery enables a battery life of 24 hours with a charging time of just under four hours. The box is dust and waterproof and therefore perfect for use on the go, even in different weather conditions such as snow and rain.
The JBL box can be paired with multiple devices using Bluetooth and WiFi. It is ideally controlled via the JBL app, although it can also be used without it. Unlike some other models, the speaker doesn’t have a built-in voice assistant, but it does offer a wide range of music playback options including Spotify, Apple Airplay 2 and Google Chromecast.
Weighing 6.7 kilograms, the speaker is light enough for mobile use and yet offers a robust construction for outdoor use.
Good for iPhone users: HomePod from Apple
The test result: The Apple speaker scored “satisfactory (2.8)”. When it comes to sound, it achieves good marks and is a good choice for Apple users and smart home fans.
Product details: In the meantime, the HomePod was shelved and discontinued. He has been back since 2023. Visually, almost everything in the 2nd generation remains the same. The basic shape is the same, the new model is only slightly smaller. The larger display on the top is new.
Inside, however, there are major differences: Instead of seven speakers, there are now only five in the housing. With a few software tricks, the sound should still be better than its predecessor. With 3D audio and automatic room detection, HomePod optimizes sound. It doesn’t matter whether it’s on the shelf, on the table or in the kitchen. You connect two HomePods together as a stereo pair and thereby amplify the sound.
The HomePod listens to voice commands via Apple’s voice assistant Siri and the built-in microphones. Smart home fans can look forward to Matter’s support. This is a standard for smart devices like doorbells and thermostats. This significantly expands the HomePod’s compatibility with other smart home devices.
As usual, the HomePod is less compatible with other smartphones. If you don’t have an iPhone, you won’t be able to use the stylish box.
The lightest: WiFi speakers from Sonos
The test result: The Sonos Move 2 loudspeaker was awarded the “test” quality rating “good (2.2)”, with the power consumption in particular standing out with a good rating. But the sound also received a good rating. It is also significantly lighter than the competition in the first places.
Product details: The Move 2 plays music at home via Wi-Fi and on the go via Bluetooth. New to the second generation is a second tweeter in the housing. The speaker can therefore reproduce stereo sound. The built-in battery has a runtime of 24 hours, significantly longer than its predecessor.
The automatic Trueplay function uses the speaker’s microphones to analyze the individual acoustics of the room and optimize the sound. Weighing 3.1 kilograms, the Sonos Move 2 is light yet robust enough for mobile use.
Our conclusion on the WLAN speaker test
Although many models in the test impress with good sound, there are often disadvantages in terms of connections and versatility. The Test winner from JBL scores with good sound and low power consumption, which makes it ideal for use at home. The Boombox 3 Wi-Fi from JBL not only offers good sound, but also a handle for on the go, making it an attractive alternative to the test winner, which is only suitable for home use.
For iPhone owners it is Apple HomePod an excellent choice. On the other side is the Sonos Move 2 a top-notch option for those looking for a lightweight and portable option for on-the-go use and who already have a Sonos speaker at home.
Things to know about WiFi speakers
How does a WiFi speaker work?
A WiFi speaker works by being integrated into a wireless network. Thanks to the wireless WLAN connection, music from the home network or the Internet can be played easily. The control works simply via an app on your cell phone.
What strengths and weaknesses do WiFi speakers have?
Large WLAN speaker boxes usually offer good sound quality, and this also applies to the speakers examined by Stiftung Warentest. Thanks to WLAN, the range is also greater than with Bluetooth transmission. Stereo sound can also be produced with two suitable devices, which sometimes makes a stereo system unnecessary. The boxes are controlled via apps on the smartphone; a classic remote control is not necessary.
Most large WiFi speakers require a permanent power connection; only some models have a battery and can therefore be operated on the go. However, the weight of the devices does not necessarily make this easy. Small Bluetooth boxes are recommended here. However, these are not suitable for large rooms.
Which is better: WiFi or Bluetooth speakers?
This question depends primarily on the intended use. If you want to take your speaker with you on the go, purchasing a Bluetooth speaker probably makes more sense. For very good sound quality in your own four walls, it makes more sense to purchase a WiFi speaker.
For the most part, WiFi speakers offer better sound quality than Bluetooth speakers because the audio files are not reduced in size when streaming, for example. The speakers can also play music independently of the cell phone. You connect directly to the streaming server. So the cell phone doesn’t have to be nearby. And the music doesn’t stop when you get a call.