Top Ranking Multi-Room Wireless Systems of 2025: Evaluated by Professional Critics

In the realm of multi-room audio systems, three brands stand out as top recommendations for 2025: Sonos, Apple HomePod 2, and Audio Pro. These systems offer seamless synchronized audio, smart features, and excellent sound quality.

Sonos, a pioneer in the multi-room audio industry, continues to impress with its Era 100 and broader family. Known for its excellent sound quality, wide streaming service support, and user-friendly operation, Sonos remains a favourite among audiophiles. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its products, which boast excellent build quality and mostly fantastic sound quality.

The Apple HomePod 2, designed for iOS users, is another contender in the multi-room audio market. With impeccable build quality, fantastic user-friendliness, and a full, rich sound, the HomePod 2 plays tunes with infectious enthusiasm and has very good bass. Siri is the only option for voice commands on the HomePod 2, but it delivers a smooth and responsive user experience. The HomePod 2's primary connection is locked to Apple's AirPlay 2 tech, ensuring seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Audio Pro is another multi-room system that offers great sound quality at reasonable prices. Its larger offerings are easy to use and deliver great sound quality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality audio experience without breaking the bank. However, Audio Pro's speaker range is somewhat limited compared to some multi-room systems. The Audio Pro app is slightly lacking in features, but the focus on sound quality more than makes up for this.

Multi-room systems allow music to play throughout a home, adapting to the user's activities. These systems can incorporate various types of speakers, including portable wireless, soundbars, and hi-fi speakers. Wireless speakers have improved significantly in terms of sound quality, offering a more immersive audio experience.

Multi-room systems can be built over time, allowing for cost spreading. For instance, the affordable Audio Pro Link 1 hub turns other speakers into a multi-room system, making it an accessible entry point for those interested in multi-room audio.

Loxone provides a flexible smart home system with integrated multi-room audio capabilities, offering another option for those seeking a comprehensive smart home solution with high-quality audio.

Rumours suggest that a HomePod with a screen may launch this year, further expanding Apple's multi-room audio offerings.

Looking back, the original Sonos system marked a significant milestone in the evolution of multi-room audio. Since then, multi-room audio has significantly evolved, offering more features, better sound quality, and greater integration with smart home systems.

The HomePod 2 is a significant improvement sonically from the original 2018 HomePod. It offers a much more precise low end than its predecessor, ensuring a more balanced and immersive audio experience. The HomePod 2 doesn't succumb to sibilance like a lot of speakers at this price, making it a reliable choice for music enthusiasts.

Setting up the HomePod 2 is a breeze when paired with an iPhone. Multiple HomePods (both full-size and Minis) can be linked to create a multi-room system, providing flexibility for users to customise their audio setup according to their needs. The HomePod 2 also works as home cinema speakers when connected to the Apple TV 4K, offering a versatile solution for home entertainment.

In conclusion, the multi-room audio market is more vibrant than ever, with Sonos, Apple HomePod 2, and Audio Pro leading the charge. Each system offers unique features and benefits, ensuring that there is an option for everyone, from audiophiles to budget-conscious consumers.