2024-03-02 08:02:16
Music lovers know: it only sounds really good in stereo. But which speakers are best suited for this? Stiftung Warentest has now examined this and found a clear test winner.
The most important things at a glance
Improve the sound of your television, enjoy music from your record player or optimize your gaming experience with your game console: stereo wireless speakers make it possible because they play music from numerous devices – of course also wirelessly from cell phones etc.
The advantage: With two speakers you can achieve real surround sound. Stiftung Warentest also finds this and is taking a close look at radio boxes as pairs for the first time in the “test” issue 03/2024. One brand stands out in particular with a “very good” overall grade. We show the results and test winners:
Stereo wireless speakers in the test: This is how Stiftung Warentest tests them
For its test, Stiftung Warentest examined 15 wireless speakers that can be used in pairs as stereo speakers. These include many branded products from manufacturers such as Nubert, Elac, JBL, Sonos and Apple as well as cheaper boxes from Ikea and Amazon.
Of course, the sound of the stereo wireless loudspeakers is particularly important to the examiners, and in addition to the sound, they also pay attention to the sound pressure and frequency ranges. They also look at the handling and power consumption of the devices.
The results of the stereo wireless speaker test at a glance
Overall, the test results are pleasing: nine out of 15 loudspeakers are “good”, one is even “very good”. However, four devices are only “satisfactory”, including two test products from Apple. A pair of speakers from Amazon is only “sufficient” – its power consumption is too high.
With an overall grade of “very good” 1.5, the stereo wireless speaker from Nubert the clear test winner. It is also the most expensive model in the test. Also in second place are speakers from Canton and KEF no inexpensive products (both “good (1.7)”).
The examiners’ price tip is tied for fifth place: the stereo wireless speaker from Harman-Kardon is the cheapest “good” in the test (2.3). The environmental tip from Stiftung Warentest is also cheaper than the test winners: the loudspeaker with the lowest power consumption comes in third place with a grade of “good (1.8)”. It comes from the manufacturer Elac.
Technical data: Stereo wireless speakers in comparison
Test winner: stereo wireless speakers from Nubert
The test result: With the overall grade of “very good (1.5)”, the stereo wireless speaker from Nubert is the clear test winner. The speakers offer the best sound and also the best handling of all models examined.
Product details: Thanks to the integrated amplifier, the Nubert brand HiFi speakers ensure excellent sound, regardless of the source. The many connection options mean you can play music from almost any source and enjoy stereo sound. You can use the sound balance to adjust the tone individually. The manufacturer promises that setting is very easy using the remote control.
2nd place: stereo wireless speakers from KEF
The test result: With the “test” quality rating of “good (1.7)”, the speakers from KEF come in second place together with a product from Canton. Its sound is slightly weaker than that of the test winner, but its power consumption is significantly lower.
Product details: KEF’s stereo wireless speakers play all major music services and support all common audio formats. In addition to the wired connection options, Bluetooth, Apple Airplay 2 and Co. also provide connectivity. Multi-room operation is also no problem for these speakers, so you can connect additional speakers and listen to music in several rooms at the same time.
Environmental tip in third place: stereo wireless speakers from Elac
The test result: Stiftung Warentest gives the Elac stereo loudspeaker a grade of “good (1.8)”. This is third place. In addition to the good sound, the low power consumption is particularly positive: the Elac speakers require the least energy of all the devices in the test. That’s why they are also the environmental tip of the auditors.
Product details: Low energy consumption also means comparatively low electricity costs. The Elac brand speakers are not only more sustainable than other models, but also more economical. Although the manufacturer does not use wireless connection options such as Spotify Connect or Airplay, the other connections still ensure that you can play music from televisions, game consoles, record players and other devices.
Price tip in 5th place: Stereo wireless speakers from Harman-Kardon
The test result: With an overall grade of “good (2.3),” Harman-Kardon’s speakers came in tied for fifth place. They are the cheapest in comparison and are therefore the price tip from Stiftung Warentest.
Product details: These speakers are real price tips with good sound. Although there are significantly fewer connections available than the competition, wireless connection options such as Apple’s Airplay 2 are on board. Multi-room operation is also possible. And: Unlike the other stereo wireless speakers shown here, the speakers from Harman-Kardon can be controlled via voice command.
Our conclusion on the stereo wireless speaker test
Only with two speakers can you ensure real stereo sound at home, says Stiftung Warentest and finds many speakers that, when coupled, provide great sound experiences. The most expensive stereo wireless speakers in the test ended up at the top: The Speaker from Nubert is the clear test winner with a “Very Good”. But also cheaper models like this Boxes from Harman-Kardon deliver good sound. When making your choice, it is best to make sure you have the right equipment for your needs.
Interesting facts about stereo wireless speakers
How do you achieve true stereo sound at home?
As Stiftung Warentest states, true surround sound is only possible with two speakers that are coupled together and well placed. According to the examiners, a so-called stereo triangle is ideal, in which the two speakers and the person listening are at the same distance from each other. The speakers should be at ear level. If this alignment is not possible due to space constraints, balance controls, equalizers and other technical improvement systems can help to optimize the sound.
What should you pay attention to when equipping stereo wireless speakers?
Next to the Preis and the Klang Other criteria are also crucial for speakers. This is important, for example Size, after all, the boxes should fit into your room. But what matters most is the technical equipment.
Woofers, mid-range speakers and tweeters as well as preamplifiers with the appropriate performance ensure the perfect sound from the radio speakers.
Cables can be used to pair with TVs, game consoles, record players, and more. Sources can also be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, Google Chromecast or Apple Airplay. When purchasing, make sure that all connections are available that you need: jack plug, HDMI, USB and an optical digital input make sense if you don’t want to do without cables.
If you want to enjoy music in several rooms at the same time, you need one speaker Multiroom function and WiFi. For one easy to use Either a clear remote control, apps for detailed settings or voice control ensure.