NOOK HD Tablets-Now with Google Play
Best AirPlay speakers
(Updated May 13, 2013 11:08 PM PDT)
Matthew Moskovciak
Senior associate editor
While AirPlay can offer better sound quality than Bluetooth, it's still hard to recommend many of these speakers due to their high price. Also note that AirPlay is an Apple-only affair: only iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and PCs and Macs running iTunes will be able to stream audio to AirPlay speakers. By comparison, Bluetooth speakers work with both iOS devices and the vast majority of smartphones and tablets, and typically offer a better value.
Below are the best AirPlay speakers we've reviewed, but be sure to check out our list of best Bluetooth speakers as well.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air
While the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air is as pricey as the earlier Zeppelin, Apple AirPlay support and improved sound quality make it a better value.
Price: $598.17 - $599.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Libratone Zipp
The Libratone Zipp is one of the best-sounding and best-looking portable wireless speakers out there, but its high price and Wi-Fi limitations give us pause.
Price: $399.00 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Samsung DA-E750
The Samsung DA-E750 is by far the best-looking audio dock out there, with support for AirPlay and Bluetooth, but its extravagant price keeps it from being a good value for most buyers.
Price: $597.99 - $699.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Logitech UE Air Speaker
The Logitech UE Air Speaker is a worthwhile third-party AirPlay speaker for homes demanding premium sound from iOS devices, but bargain hunters can save $100 and go portable with the Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker.
Price: $349.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Philips Fidelio SoundRing
While it's a bit overpriced, Philips Fidelio SoundRing is one of the better compact AirPlay speakers we've tested -- and it has a battery-powered option to boot.
Price: $166.32 - $170.66 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Klipsch Gallery G-17
While it packs an impressive punch in terms of sound performance and feature set, the G-17 is more expensive than an iPad and doesn't seem worth its $550 price tag.
Price: $219.94 - $549.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review