Apple’s AirPlay 2 music streaming system is integrated into many speakers and offers many advantages. With AirPlay 2, several speakers in the same WiFi can be controlled at the same time.
The same music can be playing in the bathroom, bedroom and living room, for example, while a different music source is playing in the kitchen and on the balcony.
The control for AirPlay 2 is already integrated in every newer Apple device: In iPhones, Macbooks, iMacs or iPads. AirPlay 2 can even be controlled with the Apple Watch.
List with AirPlay 2 speakers
It’s not just Apple’s Homepods that are equipped with AirPlay 2. Many other manufacturers have built the streaming protocol into their devices and can be added to a system.
In this list I try to list all available speakers with AirPlay 2. If a model is missing, please let me know in the comments below.
Differences: AirPlay vs AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 was introduced in 2018 and brought significant improvements and new features compared to its predecessor. The most important differences and new features include
- Multi-room audio: AirPlay 2 enables audio content to be streamed to multiple AirPlay 2-compatible speakers in the same network at the same time. This enables synchronized playback of music in different rooms, which was not possible with the first version of AirPlay.
- Improved buffering: AirPlay 2 improves streaming performance through more efficient buffering, resulting in fewer interruptions and generally more stable playback.
- Integration into Apple Home: AirPlay 2 is fully integrated into Apple’s HomeKit. AirPlay 2-compatible speakers can be controlled via the Home app and used in scenes and automations.
- Voice control via Siri: With AirPlay 2, users can use Siri to control music on AirPlay 2-compatible devices, including selecting songs, controlling playback and adjusting volume.
- Expanded device support: While AirPlay was limited to Apple devices and some third-party speakers and receivers, AirPlay 2 supports a wider range of devices and brands, increasing availability and choice for users.
In summary, AirPlay 2 offers an enhanced and improved experience compared to AirPlay. In particular through the support of multi-room audio, a more stable connection and integration into the Apple ecosystem with voice control via Siri.
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.