Kinds of wireless speaker
- Wi-Fi streaming speakers: wireless stereo pairs such as KEF's connect to the router to play from music services and apps, and they offer Bluetooth as a backup.
- True wireless stereo pairs: speakers such as Mitchell Acoustics' uStream link to one another the moment they're powered on; your phone then joins them over Bluetooth.
- Portable stereo pairs: rechargeable pairs for the garden or holidays; some have carry cases made for them.
- Portable Bluetooth speakers: one-piece speakers ranging from something you'd drop in a bag to models with a carry strap. Plenty are bass-heavy and tough enough for outdoor use.
- Party speakers: tall, powerful Bluetooth towers with lighting, to move from lounge to garden.
- Single Wi-Fi speakers: one box that streams in high quality, some adding Dolby Atmos height or linking to a matching TV.
- Neckband speakers: worn round the neck so TV audio reaches your ears at low volume, ideal once the house has gone to bed.
- Wireless subwoofers: add-on bass units, each designed to partner particular soundbars or home cinema systems by its own maker.
Connections compared
| Connection | Suits | Worth checking |
| Wi-Fi | Streaming services, hi-res music and more than one room. | Good Wi-Fi coverage in that room, and which app controls them. |
| Bluetooth | Instant set-up and playing whatever's on your phone. | How far from the phone it works, and whether a single source suits you. |
| HDMI ARC | Connecting to a TV with one cable. | An ARC or eARC socket on the TV. |
| Optical | TVs and consoles without ARC. | A digital optical output on the source. |
| Battery | Music away from a socket. | Hours per charge and how it recharges. |
Making the choice
How do you play music?
For Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal subscribers, Wi-Fi brings higher quality and lets the app do the controlling; casting via Chromecast or AirPlay 2 works from most phones. For zero set-up, a Bluetooth pair that plays whatever's on your phone is hard to beat.
Do you want TV sound?
Pick a pair with an optical or HDMI ARC socket and stand one speaker each side of the TV. This gives clearer voices and wider sound than most TV speakers. Use a wired connection rather than Bluetooth so the sound stays in step with the picture.
Wireless still means plugs
Most wireless speakers still need mains power. The wireless part is how the music arrives and, usually, how one speaker in a pair talks to the other. Only a battery portable has no lead at all.
Taking it outdoors
Heading out to the garden or away on holiday? Weigh up how big and heavy it is and how long it plays. If sand or rain is likely, look at its water and dust rating, and favour a handle or strap on the larger models.
Party speakers
These towers are designed to pump out bass and light shows across a big room or garden, and some accept a mic, a guitar or DJ decks. They're big and heavy, so plan where one will live between parties.
Before you order
- Test your Wi-Fi where the speakers will go; a weak signal causes drop-outs.
- Count the sockets. A pair usually needs two.
- Bass later? Check for a subwoofer output or support for a wireless sub adapter.
Want music in several rooms? See multi-room speakers. Stands and brackets are in audio accessories.
The brands we sell
Our wireless speakers come from TCL. Use the brand filter to compare them.
Buying wireless speakers from KDH Electrical
All our wireless speakers carry their maker's UK guarantee. Delivery is free once you pass £600, with most orders arriving within 3–7 working days.
If you find it for less at a UK retailer, try our price match. Ring 01622 541312 for help choosing, or call before visiting our showroom in Rochester to find out what's on display.
Wireless Speakers: your questions answered
Do wireless speakers need Wi-Fi?
Not all. Bluetooth models connect directly to a phone, while Wi-Fi models rely on the router to stream.
Do they still need plugging in?
Most do, one socket per speaker. Only portable speakers run on a battery.
What is true wireless stereo?
A pair of speakers that act as left and right channels while talking to each other over the air, so no lead joins them.
Will they work with iPhone and Android?
Bluetooth works with both. On Wi-Fi models, AirPlay 2 covers Apple users and Chromecast covers Android.
Will the sound lag behind the TV picture?
Connect by HDMI ARC or optical rather than Bluetooth to keep sound and picture in sync.
What is a neckband speaker?
A wearable speaker draped round your shoulders. Because the sound is right by your ears, you can follow the TV at low volume without waking anyone.
Can a wireless subwoofer join any soundbar?
No. Each one is made to partner certain bars or systems by its own maker, so check the list on the product page.