Joybuy Insights

Which Multiroom Speaker Should You Choose for Whole-Home Sound?

Published July 18, 2026 by Joybuy, your Head of Product Recommendations

Want your favourite playlist to follow you from the living room to the kitchen without any interruption? Or to create a different musical atmosphere in each room? Setting up a multiroom audio system can quickly become a headache. Between Wi-Fi speakers, protocols like AirPlay 2, and a myriad of connectivity options, it's easy to get lost.

This guide is here to demystify the topic and help you choose the multiroom speaker that truly meets your needs. We'll then present a selection of products that tick all the boxes—performance, design, and versatility—to help you build the sound ecosystem that's right for you.

How to Choose Your Multiroom Speaker

Before you dive in, here are the key points to consider to make the right choice, in line with your current equipment and market standards.

1. Connectivity: Wi-Fi First, Bluetooth as a Bonus

The fundamental difference between a simple connected speaker and a true multiroom model is the connection.

  • Wi-Fi: This is the foundation of multiroom audio. It offers a much wider range than Bluetooth and superior bandwidth, allowing for the streaming of high-fidelity (Hi-Fi) audio without lossy compression. It's what ensures perfect synchronisation between the different speakers in your home.
  • Bluetooth remains a convenient option for a quick, one-off connection, for instance, for a guest's device. A powerful Bluetooth speaker can be a good starting point, but for a true ecosystem, Wi-Fi is essential.

2. Ecosystem Compatibility: AirPlay 2 and Google Cast

For speakers from different brands to communicate, they must speak a common language. The two major protocols are:

  • AirPlay 2: Developed by Apple, this protocol allows you to stream music from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to one or more compatible speakers. It's a simple and stable solution for fans of the Apple ecosystem.
  • Google Cast (or Chromecast built-in): This is the equivalent in the Android and Google universe. It allows you to "cast" audio from a myriad of apps (Spotify, Deezer, YouTube Music, etc.) to compatible speakers.

Choosing speakers compatible with one or both of these protocols ensures maximum flexibility to expand your setup in the future.

3. Physical Connections: Don't Overlook Traditional Sources

A modern wireless Hi-Fi speaker must be versatile. For audiophiles, the presence of physical inputs is a major asset. An RCA or AUX (3.5mm jack) input will allow you to connect external sources like a turntable, a CD player, or even your television, and stream their sound across your entire multiroom audio system.

Our Recommended Multiroom Speaker Systems

Here is our selection of models that cater to different needs in terms of power, design, and features.

Audio Pro C10 MkII: Versatile Power

Audio Pro C10 MkII Grey Compact Wireless Multiroom Speaker

What sets it apart: The Audio Pro C10 MkII is the ideal centrepiece for a multiroom system. It combines an ample 80W of sound power with ultra-comprehensive connectivity. Its clean Scandinavian design and removable fabric grille blend elegantly into any interior.

Highlights:

  • Powerful and immersive sound: An 80W Class D amplifier with a 5.25-inch long-throw woofer.
  • Universal compatibility: Supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and the proprietary Audio Pro Multiroom system.
  • Comprehensive connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, RCA line-in, and a subwoofer output.
  • Simplified control: 6 preset buttons for direct access to your favourite playlists or radio stations.

Who is it for? For those looking for a powerful and versatile main speaker, perfect for a large living room and capable of juggling wireless streaming and physical sources.

Audio Pro C5 MkII: Compact Without Compromise

Audio Pro C5 MkII White Wireless Multiroom Speaker

Its key advantage: The C5 MkII takes the excellent foundation of its bigger sibling and packs it into a more compact form factor. Ideal for providing sound in a bedroom, office, or kitchen, it delivers dynamic audio with surprisingly present bass for its size. It works just as well on its own as it does integrated into a larger Audio Pro ecosystem.

Highlights:

  • Surprising audio quality for its size, with a 41W Class D amplifier (2x8W + 25W).
  • Flexible multiroom: Compatible with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Audio Pro Multiroom.
  • Varied connections: RCA and 3.5mm AUX inputs for connecting external sources.
  • Practicality: 6 preset buttons for instant access to your content.

Who is it for? For those who want to expand their multiroom system into other rooms, or who are looking for a compact yet powerful solution for a smaller space.

Edifier S300: Retro Design and High-Resolution Audio

Edifier S300 Hi-Fi Tabletop Speaker

What makes it special: The Edifier S300 embraces a retro aesthetic with its stunning MDF wood cabinet and a strong focus on high-resolution audio. It's aimed at sound enthusiasts who appreciate both acoustic performance and beautiful design. Its compatibility with the LDAC codec makes it a top-tier option for high-quality Bluetooth streaming.

Highlights:

  • High-resolution audio: Supports formats up to 24-bit/96kHz and the LDAC codec for superior quality wireless streaming.
  • 80W RMS Hi-Fi sound: A Class D amplification system powers a mid-bass driver and dome tweeters for a wide frequency response (48Hz-40kHz).
  • Multiroom via AirPlay 2: Allows for synchronised playback in multiple rooms and the creation of a stereo pair via the Edifier Home app.
  • Modern connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C, and AUX input.

Who is it for? For the design-conscious audiophile seeking a wireless Hi-Fi speaker that can deliver studio-quality sound and integrates into the living room like a true piece of furniture.

Need Accessories or Other Options?

To connect your existing equipment (turntable, CD player, etc.) to your new connected speaker, a quality cable is essential to preserve signal integrity.

Discover our selection of AUX audio cables to ensure optimal sound transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Wi-Fi speaker and a Bluetooth speaker?

A Bluetooth speaker connects directly to a single source (smartphone, computer) over a short distance. It's a simple and often portable solution. A Wi-Fi speaker, on the other hand, connects to your home network. The advantages: a much greater range, better sound quality, and, most importantly, the ability to synchronise with other speakers to create a true multiroom experience.

Can you mix speaker brands in a multiroom system?

As a general rule, proprietary multiroom ecosystems (like Sonos or Audio Pro) only work with speakers from the same brand. However, if models from different brands are all compatible with a standard protocol like AirPlay 2 or Google Cast, you can group them and control them from a single app (such as Apple Home or Google Home).

Does a multiroom speaker need to be plugged in at all times?

Yes, the vast majority of multiroom speakers, especially Hi-Fi models like those in our selection, need to be permanently plugged into a power outlet. Their primary purpose is to provide fixed sound for a living space. While portable, battery-powered models with Wi-Fi do exist, they belong to a separate product category that often involves compromises on power and audio quality.