Wireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews

Below, listed alphabetically, are brief comments on each of the brands we’ve identified as participants in the wireless digital multiroom category. Consult the company Websites for additional information. Most of the brands use a proprietary app, but several are using the DTS Play-Fi or Qualcomm AllPlay open platforms, which allow the mixing of any products using the same system.—RS

Anthem: Anthem, a sister company of Paradigm, offers A/V receivers and a surround processor that can be recognized by the DTS Play-Fi app.
anthemav.com

Bang & Olufsen: B&O’s BeoLink Multiroom platform allows sharing of music among a wide range of B&O speakers and integrated sound systems.
bang-olufsen.com/beolink

Bluesound: Bluesound’s hi-res-audio multiroom solution (from the makers of PSB speakers and NAD electronics) includes speakers, amp, and preamp modules, and the unique Vault 2 ripper/music server.
bluesound.com

Bose: The Bose proprietary SoundTouch platform now extends to standalone powered speakers, soundbars, the Wave Music System, and an amp/player module.
bose.com

Definitive Technology: The Def Tech Play-Fi-driven W Series offers premium powered speakers and soundbars, plus amp and preamp player modules.
definitivetech.com

Denon Heos: The Heos offerings are exceptionally thorough, including several powered speakers, a soundbar, amp, and preamp modules, and a four-zone multiroom player/amplifier for integrators.
usa.denon.com/us/heos

Fon: Fon’s Gramofon music player is a Spotify Connect Wi-Fi adapter for existing sound systems that’s recognized by the Qualcomm AllPlay app.
gramofon.com

Fusion Research: The unique Ovation Play-Fi music server integrates high-res Play-Fi wireless technology with custom-installed home automation systems.
fusionrd.com

Harman Kardon: The HK Omni lineup (two powered speakers and preamp/player) handles hi-res files up to 96-kHz/ 24-bit.
harmankardon.com

HItachi: Hitachi offers three powered speaker models in its Smart Wireless series, all using the Qualcomm AllPlay platform.
hitachi-america.us/products/consumer/tv

LG: LG’s MusicFlow system offers an extensive lineup, with four powered speakers, four soundbars, and a network extender.
lg.com/us/wireless-speakers

MartinLogan: MartinLogan products now featuring DTS Play-Fi include the Crescendo and Bravado powered speakers, the Motion Vision X soundbar, and the Forte amp/player.
martinlogan.com

McIntosh: The venerable McIntosh has integrated Play-Fi into a powered desktop speaker and several audio components.
mcintoshlabs.com

Monster: Monster, which now offers three SoundStage speakers on Qualcomm’s hi-res AllPlay platform, says it has significant feature updates planned for this summer.
monsterproducts.com

Paradigm: Like the MartinLogan wireless speakers, the Paradigm Premium Wireless series uses the Play-Fi platform and benefits from Anthem Room Correction (ARC).
paradigm.com/wireless

Phorus: Phorus, now owned by DTS, is the inventor of the Play-Fi platform. The brand offers two powered speakers and a versatile Play-Fi/aptX Bluetooth receiver for existing systems.
phorus.com

Polk: Polk’s Play-Fi products include three affordable powered speakers (including a portable version of its entry-level S1), a soundbar, and both amp and preamp player modules.
polkaudio.com

Raumfeld: The wireless brand from German speaker maker Teufel, Raumfeld’s high-res-compatible system offers entry-level and premium powered speakers that include full-size floorstanders and a soundbar.
us.raumfeld.com

Riva: After making its mark with high-quality portable Bluetooth speakers, Riva plans to introduce its multiroom WAND system sometime this year.
rivaaudio.com

Samsung: Samsung’s proprietary multiroom system started with the Shape series speakers but is focused now on three Radiant360 products created at its new audio lab.
samsung.com/us/video/multi-room

Sonos: The inventor of the category remains the dominant player with an extensive line of speakers, player modules, and a soundbar; the speakers all benefit from Trueplay room correction.
sonos.com

Wren: Wren’s one product is a premium powered speaker, the V5, available for multiroom use as the Play-Fi compatible V5PF, and the V5US that also adds AirPlay and Bluetooth capability.
wrensound.com

Yamaha: Yamaha’s app-driven, hi-res compatible MusicCast technology now appears across the company’s A/V receiver line, as well as in soundbars, powered monitors, and a powered tabletop speaker.
usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/musiccast

Related: Wireless Wonders: 7 Wireless Speakers Reviewed