A connected speaker can serve as a main system in your living room or as an extra broadcasting device in a small bedroom. Primarily, you need to take into account the speaker size. And while the sound quality will be a primary factor in your choice, the design is equally important. Manufacturers often try to stand out with bold choices.

The entry-level models remain classic in design, taking the shape of a cylinder, ball, or paving stone. They’re often available in black or white. Some go a little further with green, yellow, or orange. The more upmarket you choose to go, the more luxurious the materials become, incorporating real wood and even aluminium structures.

The connected speakers benefit from excellent sound reproduction capabilities, and most are compatible with High-Resolution playback. They automatically have Qobuz as an integrated feature or are able to access it via a standard wireless connection. They are controlled through a mobile application. In addition, they often have auxiliary inputs to connect to a turntable, or even a HDMI socket for direct connection to a TV.

This type of speaker usually works independently. However, it’s also possible to link up certain models in pairs. This way, you can create a stereo set that could rival a traditional HiFi system. Some connected speakers simply have the same shape, appearance, and equipment as HiFi speakers, with the addition of Wi-Fi and a smartphone control application.

1. HomePod mini

If you are a fan of Apple products, own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then the HomePod mini is for you. For a low cost, it allows music to be played in all rooms. Of course, it has Siri, the voice assistant, but it is not mandatory to use it.

It only works via Wi-Fi, so you’ll need to use AirPlay 2 to send it music from the Qobuz app. The sound quality is generally acceptable for small rooms. Otherwise, it is possible to combine two in stereo. With 5 colours to choose from, it is also one of the easiest speakers to integrate into your decor.

Conclusion

The HomePod mini is great for cheap sound around the house, especially if you’re an iPhone owner. There is a Google equivalent at a comparable price for owners of Android smartphones.

2. IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame with Speaker

By partnering with Sonos, IKEA has released different decorative speakers in the form of shelves, lighting fixtures, and a picture frame. It is the latter that features amongst our selection. With a thickness of just 6 cm, it can be attached to the wall and be personalised with different frontal designs (optional).

The IKEA Picture Frame Speaker is the only AirPlay 2 compatible wall-mounted model. It is Sonos compatible and benefits from all the integrated services, including native Qobuz. This loudspeaker offers medium sound quality to rooms. It is also possible to create a stereo pair.

Conclusion

The IKEA Symfonisk Picture Frame with Speaker version combines decorative features and music. Wi-Fi-operated, it is a real wall speaker that is unlike any other. With the Sonos app, it can read everything.

3. Sonos Era 100

The new Sonos Era 100 replaces the One that has made the brand so successful over the past ten years. It is therefore considered an entry-level compact connected speaker. A little larger than the One, it now has two tweeters for stereo sound reproduction.

It has the added benefit of Bluetooth and a multifunction input intended for mini-jack receivers and Ethernet sockets. Quality has taken a leap forward with more reliability and a better soundscape. This speaker, available in either black or white, can work as a stereo pair.

Conclusion

The Sonos Era 100 is the universal connected speaker par excellence. Compact, super well equipped, with integrated Qobuz, it can turn its hand to anything. It also includes the Sonos voice assistant intended solely for controlling the music and the speaker.

4. Bluesound Pulse M

The Pulse M represents the new generation of Bluesound connected speakers. It moves away from the design of previous models with a cylindrical format and softened edges. Above all, this allows it to incorporate two tweeters designed to achieve 360° surround sound.

This Bluesound speaker uses the brand’s usual equipment with a dual analogue and digital auxiliary input. It still has a USB port to play music from a USB stick and a headphone socket. It has two-way Bluetooth for connecting wireless headphones. Everything runs on BluOS, the High-Resolution wireless protocol with integrated Qobuz.

Conclusion

With the Pulse M, we’re going more upmarket. No voice assistants but superior sound quality and excellent sound distribution throughout the room thanks to its Omni-Hybrid technology. Finally, the touch keys on top allow you to repeat your favourite tracks.

5. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin

Bowers & Wilkins has used modern technologies to upgrade its Zeppelin loudspeaker. Originally serving as an iPod dock, it has now become a connected speaker. It has kept its instantly recognisable airship design which, over time, has become a little more elongated.

The Zeppelin works both in AirPlay 2 and with the B&W Music app, both of which integrate Qobuz in High-Resolution. No wired connectivity options have been provided. To stand out even more, this speaker is designed to work alone.

Conclusion

Bowers & Wilkins has passed on the DNA of classic loudspeakers in favour of this connected model: the sound is defined and the bass dynamic. It easily replaces a small pair of bookshelf speakers, plus it has style.

6. SVS Prime Wireless Pro

SVS does not only develop subwoofers and the proof can be found with this pair of connected speakers. With their improved connectivity, the Prime Wireless speakers have certainly earned the Pro suffix. They have an HDMI ARC port so they can be placed either side of the TV in place of a sound bar.

With AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and DTS Play-Fi protocol support, you’re spoiled for choice in terms of control apps. SVS totally excels with small beefy speakers that sound much larger than they are.

Conclusion

This pair of integrally-linked Prime Wireless Pro connected speakers can compete with both a HiFi system and a soundbar. Capable of reproducing a large sound stage with insane sub-basses for their size, these speakers certainly deserve your attention.

7. McIntosh RS150

McIntosh HiFi speakers are little known in France. The success of the brand is largely due to its electronics range of products. But if you want to enter the McIntosh universe without breaking the bank, there are suitable connected speakers. The RS150 incorporates all the American manufacturer’s usual gimmicks, including a glass front, green/blue backlighting, and large chrome buttons.

Thanks to its large format, it provides ample charge to the two on-board speakers, adding sound to large rooms. Turning up the volume is no problem. Connectivity is provided by AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, which gives you the freedom to use the music apps of your choice, both on iOS and Android.

Conclusion

The RS150 smart speaker allows you to bring McIntosh sound into your home. Suffice to say that it is certainly ready to rock the house with its extraordinary physical abilities, while still offering you a typical HiFi listening experience.

8. JMR Agapé

The famous French HiFi speaker manufacturer, Jean-Marie Reynaud, has launched himself into the connected model market. But not just anyhow. The first creation, called Agapé, is a refined example of the brand’s know-how with a large all-in-one wooden enclosure.

It is actually composed of two satellite speakers which frame a subwoofer, all in a single box. The construction is dependable, just as much as the selected speakers. JMR wanted to create a qualitative alternative for a smooth transition from traditional HiFi systems.

Conclusion

The JMR Agapé is a high-fidelity system that lives up to its name. The qualities of the timbres are unprecedented in this product category. Whopping in size, it requires a solid support to accommodate it. And you’ll never regret switching to smart speakers again.

9. Sonus faber Omnia

All of Sonus faber’s Italy can be found in the Omnia connected speaker. It comes in a chic and original format and is a worthy descendant of the brand’s traditional speakers. Wood, fabric, and metal are combined with the latest network playback technologies thanks to AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Roon.

It also has an HDMI ARC port, which allows it to be used under a television like a sound bar. It has plenty of capacity with the equivalent of an internal subwoofer. Thanks to the implementation of a 4-way configuration with 7 speakers, the timbres are outstanding.

Conclusion

The Sonus faber Omnia is a luxury item coupled with a HiFi speaker. Or the opposite. The signature sound of the Italian manufacturer can be found by simply listening. In addition, the connectivity is excellent, which we didn’t really expect from a historical specialist in passive speakers.

10. Piega Ace 30 Wireless

Piega has two passions: metal and the AMT flat tweeter. Two constants across the brand’s entire range of HiFi speakers. It has used some of its traditional models and added network connectivity, and much more. The Ace 30 library models remain compact despite the array of on-board technologies.

Encased in 22 cm-high metal enclosures, the Piega Ace 30 uses 2-way configuration. The woofer measures just 12 cm. However, the bass is beyond what one would expect from such small speakers. They also demonstrate reliability without being aggressive; perfect for long-term listening on different frequencies.

Conclusion

The Piega Ace 30 Wireless are equivalent to a HiFi system and based on bookshelf speakers. But here, everything is integrated. The integrated connectivity means it can serve as the centre of a complete audio and video system, and, via the WiSA protocol, even means it can be multichannel.