September 4, 2024, 3:22 pm | Read time: 14 minutes

Everyone knows small Bluetooth boxes for rich sound on the go, but what about the large speakers for your home setup? Where once a whole sound system with bulky boxes and endless cable clutter was needed, today just a few discreet small devices in some corners of the room are enough for cinema-like stereo sound. And cable clutter is a thing of the past with the best Wi-Fi speakers: Simply connect to your home network and stream music anytime with your smartphone or voice command.

The Wi-Fi speaker comparison shows: While quality has improved, not every model offers full sound enjoyment. Buyers may encounter everything from interference to tinny tones–even with high-priced devices.

In the Smart Home: Without Smartphone, No Sound

Anyone getting a Wi-Fi speaker should be aware that almost nothing works without a smartphone: You need your phone for setup, updates, and control. Connecting cables and starting is no longer easily possible with most devices–including streaming speakers. For some apps, you even need to create a customer account first. However, all devices can be controlled by multiple users across multiple smartphones.

App control also has advantages: Integrating speakers into your home network and existing smart home allows for quick multiroom setup. Multiroom means all speakers in the network can be controlled together, but they don’t have to be in the same room. Through the app, you as a user are usually very flexible: You can group several speakers or play something different on each device.

Voice Assistants and Data Privacy: A Mismatch

The biggest criticism in the Stiftung Warentest test: Voice control via assistants like Alexa or Google is convenient and practical–but it compromises personal data protection. Even without voice assistants, security is not always guaranteed: Eight of the tested devices were downgraded in their test scores. This was partly because the password requirements for the associated account are too weak, and also because deficiencies were found in the fine print of the privacy policies–even with well-known manufacturers like Amazon, Google, and Sony.

To be on the safe side, turn off the voice assistants and control your Wi-Fi speakers via the appropriate app. Manufacturers like Teufel and Sonos scored particularly well in the test with watertight privacy policies–but only with voice assistants disabled.

Read also: Sonos removes core function of its speakers for Android users

Teufel Hotlist S: Test Winner at Stiftung Warentest

Great doesn’t always have to be expensive–this is proven by the best Wi-Fi speaker and test winner at Stiftung Warentest. The Teufel Hotlist S Wi-Fi speaker delivers the best sound quality among all 38 test devices. Stiftung Warentest gives the sound a “good” (2.5) rating, and the Holist S also scores particularly well in energy efficiency (“very good”). Despite its rather compact size, it delivers rich sound with an integrated subwoofer–no matter where it is placed. The 360-degree design allows users to enjoy full sound from any position in the room.

The price of the Hotlist S is not exactly cheap, but it is still in the mid-price segment of smart speakers–and thus a good deal. The manufacturer has also equipped the wireless speaker with an AUX input for analog music sources. Those who already have one or more Amazon Echo or other Teufel speakers at home also benefit from the multiroom function.

Advantages

• energy-efficient
• good sound
• best data protection (without voice assistant)

Disadvantages

• data protection gaps when using voice assistants

Ikea Symfonisk: The Speaker in a Picture Frame

It is the runner-up in the 2022 Stiftung Warentest test–and the only speaker that stands out. Literally: The Symfonisk Wi-Fi speaker from furniture manufacturer IKEA disguises itself as a picture frame. It comes in black or white and can be filled with different artworks, called panels. Then it is mounted on the wall at the desired location. The built-in technology comes from a collaboration with Sonos–and it pays off: Stiftung Warentest gives it a “good” rating in the listening test and a solid second place.

Those who already have Sonos brand Wi-Fi speakers at home benefit additionally from the collaboration with the furniture manufacturer: All IKEA speakers are compatible with existing Sonos devices and integrate seamlessly into the home sound network. Apart from the good sound quality, the Symfonisk is appealing due to its design: Where other speakers might disrupt the overall visual appearance, it blends in almost invisibly. Only the 3.50-meter-long cable needs to be discreetly placed. Another advantage: The speaker offers musical enjoyment at a reasonable price. Compared to other Wi-Fi speakers, it is in the affordable mid-price segment.

Advantages

• mid-price segment
• unique design

Disadvantages

• data protection issues

Sonos Five: The Best Wi-Fi Speaker 2021

The Sonos Five speaker topped the Stiftung Warentest test in 2021 as the test winner–despite being relatively high-priced compared to other speakers. However, it also scores well in comparison: Stiftung Warentest even gives it a “very good” rating for sound: “powerful, balanced, and dynamic”–so goes the test conclusion. The Sonos Five is still a good alternative this year. However, it is not exactly compact and is more of a statement piece in the living room. For perfect sound, buy it twice and place it upright. When placed upright, the smart speaker automatically switches to stereo mode.

The Sonos Five’s features are particularly worthwhile for fans of cinema sounds: Six amplifiers, three tweeters, and three midrange drivers inside the Wi-Fi speaker provide the highest musical enjoyment. So, one can forgive the Sonos Five for not offering Bluetooth pairing or a voice assistant. At least there is an AUX input for alternative music sources. And of course, the test winner is also compatible with other Sonos products and can be controlled in the shared app in the multiroom system. 

Advantages

• high data protection

Disadvantages

• relatively high-priced
• no Bluetooth

Bose Portable Smart Speaker: Great Sound–Even on the Go

If you’re looking for an all-rounder to take with you, the Bose Portable Smart Speaker won’t disappoint: It’s the only device in the comparison that can be used as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth speaker on the go. Most other models are not suitable for this due to the lack of battery operation. To make this immediately apparent to the user, the Bose Bluetooth speaker even has a carrying handle. Stiftung Warentest confirms that it is also suitable for stationary home use with good sound quality: The smart speaker receives a “good” rating in the listening test. However, testers criticize the speaker’s long startup time.

Stationary operation is possible with the multiroom speaker, but due to the lack of intended mains operation, it is rather impractical. Theoretically, it can also be operated with a power supply via a USB-C cable–but this is probably not the ideal option for the built-in battery. In fact, the Bose speaker makes the best impression as a portable device. Since it is qualitatively (and in price) far above the usual Bluetooth boxes, it also delivers significantly better sound–for garden or house parties, vacation homes, RVs, and travel. Fully charged, it offers a battery life of over eight hours.

Advantages

• good sound
• suitable for on the go

Disadvantages

• data protection with major flaws
• no mains operation intended

Sony SRS-RA3000: Flexible Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Speaker

Sony’s Wi-Fi speaker combines the portable Bluetooth device with the stationary Wi-Fi sound box in the living room. The third-place finisher at Stiftung Warentest secures an overall “satisfactory” (2.7) rating and scores in its own way: It can’t quite match the sound quality of stationary boxes–but as a Bluetooth box to go, the music experience here is very good in comparison. The high connectivity and flexibility of the Sony speaker are decisive for the user when purchasing.

The Sony Wi-Fi speaker can be operated via the associated app. Although the smart speaker does not offer a built-in voice assistant, there are analog controls on the surface. Due to its design, the Sony RA3000 offers the same sound quality throughout the room. Although Stiftung Warentest states that user account protection is provided, the Sony device was downgraded in the test: The privacy policy shows significant deficiencies.

Advantages

• Bluetooth connectivity for on the go
• compact

Disadvantages

• satisfactory sound
• deficiencies in privacy policy

KEF LS50 Wireless II: High-End Speaker with Digital Limitations

The KEF Wi-Fi speaker pair is by no means a bargain–on the contrary: The speakers are among the most expensive devices on the market. However, the sound quality is simply outstanding, and the KEF speakers offer the highest flexibility: The available Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make the high-quality boxes equally suitable as a stationary home system and impressive party boxes. In addition, there are connections for TV, turntable, or console–HDMI eARC, analog, optical, and coaxial inputs for almost any source. The exceptional color selection from dark gray to wine red makes a clear and elegant statement: These Wi-Fi speakers are not meant to be hidden. With additional accessories, they can also be placed on a stand–which, in turn, has a rather unconventional design.

Despite the high purchase price, there are deductions in the B-note: The associated app of the KEF LS50 Wireless is unnecessarily stubborn and not particularly reliable. Some users took a very long time to even set up the boxes–a reliable connection is not always established. Given the high price of these Wi-Fi speakers, there is room for improvement. Nevertheless, once set up and connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the KEF boxes offer the highest sound quality for the living room, and thanks to the multiroom system, for the entire house. However, these speakers do not support voice assistants.

Advantages

• outstanding sound
• stylish design
• many connections

Disadvantages

• connection issues

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge: The All-Rounder

The Beosound Emerge is first and foremost an eye-catcher: Its slim, tall design resembles a book–and that’s exactly how it can be placed. Thanks to the forward-facing sound output, it is also suitable for narrow corners or bookshelves. So, if you don’t like the look of this Wi-Fi speaker, you don’t have to present it in the middle of the room. Thanks to 180-degree sound–as promised by the manufacturer–a full sound still reaches almost everyone in the room.

The Emerge is otherwise an all-rounder: It streams many different services, can be controlled via app or directly on the device, and offers an AUX and LAN connection. In addition, it can be paired via Bluetooth–but without battery operation, it is not suitable for on the go. Stiftung Warentest certifies the Bang & Olufsen Wi-Fi speaker a “good” rating in the listening test–only at very high volume does the device show weaknesses.

Advantages

• good sound
• Bluetooth connectivity

Disadvantages

• distortion at high volume

Amazon Echo (4th Generation): Good Sound and Many Extras

Even though the Amazon Echo only receives a “satisfactory” (2.9) rating for sound quality in the Stiftung Warentest speaker test, it must be considered as a whole package. First, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other Wi-Fi speakers. And of course, it is more of a smart home addition in your own home than a full-fledged stereo system. With the integrated voice assistant Alexa, it offers numerous additional functions that make life easier for the user: Alexa controls countless electrical devices in the smart home, reads articles or books aloud, searches the internet, and provides weather information.

The Echo connects with other devices via the multiroom function or plays music as a standalone device from internet radio or services like Spotify. The price-performance ratio is overall good–at least if the Amazon Echo is not used solely as a speaker. Despite its light weight and handy dimensions, the Echo is not intended as a Bluetooth speaker for on the go. It requires a power supply and does not offer battery operation. However, it is still practical for garden parties, vacations, or business trips.

Advantages

• many additional functions
• affordable

Disadvantages

• no display on the device

More on the topic

Surprising Top 3 “Stiftung Warentest” Tests Wi-Fi Speakers – an Affordable Model Surprises

Big Test of Voice Assistants How Apple’s HomePod Stacks Up Against Amazon Echo and Google Home

Xiaomi Mi L09G: The Best Wi-Fi Speaker for Beginners

There are certainly users who want better sound quality for their living room but are not willing to invest several hundred euros in a Wi-Fi speaker. And indeed, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker is just the right model for that: At an astonishingly low price, it brings full connectivity and rich sound into your home. Of course, the listening experience with the Xiaomi speaker is not comparable to the sound quality of a Sonos device, for example. But those who have only listened to music and movies through TV or even phone speakers will find access to a whole new world of sound here for the first time.

The smart speaker offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, has a touch control panel, and comes with an integrated Google Assistant. In the Stiftung Warentest test, the speaker scores with quick setup and a good voice assistant–although deficiencies in the privacy policy also led to a downgrade here. Those willing to invest a little more buy the speaker twice–this rounds off the sound experience, especially in conjunction with the TV.

Advantages

• affordable
• high connectivity

Disadvantages

• not outstanding sound

Conclusion: The Best Wi-Fi Speakers in the Test

Whether for the home living room, the smart home, on the go, or for the next garden party: Wi-Fi speakers are now almost indispensable. Once you’ve switched from normal TV sound to the unexpected sound quality of a good speaker, you’ll never want to go back. And even though the purchase often involves a significant financial investment: Smart speakers are available in almost all price categories and for all needs.

If you want to try it out first or don’t want to make a big investment, Xiaomi’s Wi-Fi speakers are good entry-level devices. The Amazon Echo, on the other hand, offers numerous additional functions and only serves as a speaker on the side–but with surprisingly good sound quality. The Sonos brand is already present in many living rooms and now offers a wide range of different boxes and smart speakers. Particularly unusual is the speaker in a picture frame from IKEA. If you want a flexible device that will be by your side on the go, get the Bose Portable Speaker. Particularly audiophile people invest in a speaker from KEF, with which they will never again be annoyed by poor sound.

However, Stiftung Warentest criticized the inadequate data protection of some Wi-Fi speakers in the test. As a user, it is therefore advisable to be sparing with your own data and simply turn off the integrated voice assistants–if they are not needed. Most devices even have a “microphone off” button, such as the Amazon Echo. Without worrying about data protection, the Wi-Fi speaker sounds much better.