The Best Wireless Speakers of 2018 – Small & Mighty to Outright Ass-Kickers!
We put together a diverse list of the Best Wireless speakers of 2018 that has something for everyone –the budget conscious to those with high-end taste, and popular brands like Sonos to esoteric winners like Audio pro or Naim. Everything on this list delivers top-quality performance. Picking the best wireless speakers of 2018 comes down to three key areas: Sound Quality, Features/Usability, and Value. Here at the HiFi Jedi, we put the strongest emphasis on sound quality, the essence of what any speaker is for. There are a ton of great speakers on the market nowadays, but we feel strongly that those on this list is are the most ass-kicking and sweet sounding no-brainers!
From Least Expensive to Most Expensive, here’s the full Best Wireless Speakers of 2018 list!
Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3 Next Generation Ultra Portable
Cambridge has made a few tweaks and updates to this top value performer, and it’s only made a good thing better. For those in the know, Cambridge is a serious player in the Hi-Fi space, known for making seriously good separate stereo components for discriminating ears. True, this is a crowded space with many strong performers, but for the size, versatility, and price this rugged small portable had to be included again. Need a rugged splash-proof option for the beach under $25, then this is a no-brainer and with over 25K great reviews on Amazon, it’s a clear winner and kiscks off our entry point of the Best Wireless speakers of 2018 list.
Read our full OONTZ Angle 3 review
Shop now $24.99
JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black)
If you live in a big city, then good chance you’ve seen this on many couriers and delivery bikers running around the city. The Clip 2 is tough to beat when it comes to the bang for the buck you get with this little guy. Big portable sound, well thought-out features and superb value. This little powerhouse had to be on the Best Wireless speakers of 2018 list!
- IPX7 Waterproof Rating
- Integrated 3.5mm Audio Cable
- Mic for Speakerphone Calls
- Connects with Additional Clip 2 Speaker
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Super Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Ultimate Ears has been making some of the best portable speakers on the market, and the Wonderboom is a great example. Big 360 degree sound, great battery life, waterproof and easy pairing with others make this one of favorites –add to that a $30 price drop on there was no way this cool rugged speaker was not going to make this list. We also love the design and feel of this compact class leading winner. Heading to the beach or the pool –then pick your favorite color grab one, or a few of these! The Ultimate Ears UE ROLL 2 is another fantastic option that’s a worthy mention, particularly if you’re on the move! Yes, we love UE! Read our Full Review of the UE Wonderboom
UE BOOM 2 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
These just keep getting better. Yes, they may cost a bit more than other similar portables in the same size class, but the sound and power are well worth it and many older colors and designs are deeply discounted across Amazon and eBay. You can add additional speakers as well. This is one of my favorite small portables –the Ultra boom is also fantastic as well which delivers even bigger sound with a small increase in size. In short, the UE Boom is a Rock solid pick and deserves another consecutive mention on our Best Wireless Speakers of 2018 list with ease!
Bang & Olufsen (B&O) Beoplay S3 Bluetooth [Editors Choice at a reduced price]
This Beoplay S3 continues to amaze us. B&O is known for building top quality and meticulously designed products, but with the latest price cut bringing it down to under $150 (previously over $300), no longer are you paying a big premium for B&O style over performance –in short, this speaker ROCKS! As noted in our last years’ list, we didn’t expect this kind of big detailed sound, beating others costing up to 2X more, so needless to say we were surprised and delighted when we first fired-up this top performer. True, it only boasts Bluetooth (no airplay or Wifi), but with this sound at the new lower price, this is without question the clear winner in the non-portable best wireless speaker space and we look forward to seeing upcoming versions. Read our full [Beoplay S3 Wireless Speaker Review]
Sonos PLAY:1 Compact Wireless Smart Speaker for Streaming Music (White/Black) Click for details 
Back again for 2018 with new improvements and refinements, such as built-in Alexa, the Sonos Play 1 remains a benchmark in the space. Sonos pioneered the space and they continue to kick ass and remain high on our Best Wireless speakers of 2018 list. The Play 1 delivers a sweet rich sound with greater detail than ever with a surprisingly deep bass extension for speaker of this size. You can also add another speaker for full stereo sound! And now there are more pricing options than ever, with the first generation Sonos Play 1’s under $150, The new model at $199, and now a great two-speaker package for under $400 The Sonos Play 1 continues to deliver tremendous performance and value!
Shop now on Amazon Starting at $149
Sonos PLAY:3 Mid-Sized Wireless Smart Speaker for Streaming Music (White/Black)
Another classic benchmark speaker from Sonos, the Play 3, easily makes the cut again with an even more attractive price at $249 from $299. We have one of these in our large office and we never get bored of its detailed room-filling sound. Use it standing up or vertical, it’s happy just about anywhere you place it. Connect’s to your WiFi network in minutes and also works with Alexa. It might look a tad boring, but it will put a smile on your face from the moment you turn it on –pair two of these together and you’ve got something really special –an old favorite that’s tough not to like in every way. Read the full Sonos Play:3 Review
Libratone ZIPP WiFi + Bluetooth Multi-Room Wireless Speaker Click for Details
When I think best portable wireless speakers, I think about this guy. If you want to get more serious about your portable sound it’s tough to beat this powerful great sound. Libratone is really making a name for themselves in wireless speaker technology – their entire line is solid! You can add more speakers as well for true stereo or surround sound. Airplay, Bluetooth, DLNA, Multiroom up to 6 speakers –this one is a winner. Check out our video Libratone Zipp Review
Audio Pro Addon C10 2‑way Speaker – (One of Our Favorites)
If you’re not familiar with Audio Pro, you should be. These Sweedish speakers have been tough to find, but looks like Amazon caught on and you can easily find there now. In short, this speaker is able to sit at the table with those at double the price. Tons of features, fantastic build and at $350 you are going to have a tough time finding anything that will sound better. If you are in the market for a non-portable at this price then this speaker MUST be on your shortlist and easily sits at the very TOP of our Best Wireless speakers of 2018 list. It’s got a big sound, punch rhythmic bass and full of clarity and detail. This is what you call a winner!
Check out our full video review here: Audio Pro Addon C10 Review & Test (Best Wireless Speakers)
Sonos PLAY:5 Ultimate Wireless Smart Speaker for Streaming Music (Black)
The big boy from Sonos –In short, this is one of the best all-around wireless home speaker options that begin to rival, if not exceed, some far bigger home systems. At under $500 it’s not cheap, but for the sound, it delivers it’s a steal! One of these will fill a room with rich detailed sound that will compete with full-size separate systems –match with a second speaker and you are now getting into the big leagues of wireless sound and the upper end of the best wireless speakers anywhere. This one is my favorite of the bunch for sound quality and value. It’s not as fine as the Naim (below) but most, unless you’re a serious audiophile like me, you won’t even notice. The Sonos 5 definitley qualifies as “Ass-Kicking” and one of the best out there that delivers real rich full sound like a full blown home stereo.
Naim – Mu-So Qb Wireless Music System – Welcome to True Wireless Hi-Fi!
Not familiar with Naim audio? Well you should be. There’s a reason Bently chose them as their stereo partner. Naim is one of the worlds leading and very iconic audio equipment manufacturers based in England. We’re talking about some of the most serious and best sounding equipment on the planet, and not something you will find at stores like Best Buy. Some of their CD players cost more than $40k! Naim is starting to make more “accessible” products, such as the Mu-So” line of products for the masses, and this is one of them with a new lower price (Used to be $999). When you get into this level it’s really about being able to appreciate more than just volume and bass punch, but about the fine realism and detail in the music. Aside from its impeccable design and build quality, this will be a statement piece in any room. We also can’t stop touching the gorgeous control dial which feels like it would fit on new Aston-Martin! There was no chance that this didn’t belong on the Best Wireless speakers of 2018 list!
Also be sure to check out:
Our Best Headphones for 2018
Get ready for the best new Wireless Speakers for 2019 coming soon!
