Featured in this article
Best Amp for MostWiiM Amp ProRead more$379 $322 (15% off)
Amazon
Best Amp for Budding AudiophilesWiiM Amp UltraRead more$529
Amazon
Best Preamplifier for Your Dumb AmpPro Plus (preamplifier)Read more$219Amazon
For Sonos VibesAudio Pro A10 MKII WiiM EditionRead more$229Amazon
For more than a decade, Sonos was the first name in simple and reliable whole-home streaming. Sonos speakers and soundbars are still excellent performers with an impressive ability to play sound in sync or separately across your home, but the company's 2024 app debacle created a lingering mess of connection and control headaches. That left many of the brand's legions of users looking elsewhere. Within that vacuum, WiiM has quickly become a top alternative.
WiiM is not a direct Sonos replacement. The brand recently started making wireless speakers, but rose to prominence from its streaming amplifiers and preamps for wired speaker setups. The Sonos connection comes from WiiM's software, which makes it easy to set up, link, and control devices throughout your home from a single app, headache-free.
After months of testing, I've become a true WiiM believer (WiiM-liever?), but the number of options is overwhelming. These are the best WiiM devices, and some quick tips to help you on your streaming journey.
Check out our other guides for more home theater help, including the Best Bookshelf speakers, the Best Soundbars, Best TVs, and Best Sonos Speakers.
How Do I Set Up a WiiM Amplifier and Speakers?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWiiM makes setup very simple, starting with the app that connects the amplifiers to your network. From there, it's a matter of physical connection to your speakers.
WiiM Amplifiers include two speaker outputs, left and right, each with a negative and positive connection. All you need is some basic speaker wire (see below for options). Then you can simply connect the negative output from the amplifier to the speaker's negative input, and the positive output to the speaker's positive output. Your speaker wire will be color coordinated to help, but the most important thing is to connect the like connections.
The easiest connection type is a banana plug, which WiiM amplifiers (like virtually all modern amplifiers) include. If your speaker wire doesn't already include banana plugs, you can either connect the wire directly by unscrewing the inputs at the back and threading it threw, or add banana plugs. Here's a quick video that shows you how.
Is My WiiM Amplifier Powerful Enough for Any Speakers?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronSpeaker power requirements can seem very confusing, but with a setup like the WiiM Amp and Wiim Amp Pro, it's really pretty simple. Both WiiM's entry-level amplifiers offer ample power for most speakers you'll come across, rated for 60 watts per channel with most regular speakers, and up to 120 watts with more challenging speakers.
By “more challenging” I'm referring to speakers with a lower impedance. Impedance is often the source of great debate online, but it's essentially how much resistance your speaker puts up against electrical current. Think of it like plumbing: the wider the pipe, the less resistance the water encounters, so the more flow the system can take. That's why speakers with lower impedance, rated in ohms, can generally be more difficult to amplify. Because they allow for more electrical current to flow, they require more power.
Both the WiiM Amp and Amp Pro are set up for speakers rated at lower impedance, including 4 ohm and 6 ohm speakers, as well as higher impedance 8 ohm speakers. The WiiM Amp Ultra has even more power, and offers an impedance range between 2-8 ohms, for even more options. For the most part, unless you're using especially challenging speakers, any pair should work. If you're concerned, you can simply look up the rated power in watts and impedance in ohms required for any speakers you're interested in before you buy.
What Is a Streaming Preamplifier and How Does It Make a Dumb Amplifier Smart?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWiiM's streaming pre-amplifiers make it easy to smarten up virtually any legacy amplifier in your collection. They work a lot like WiiM Amplifiers, but without the ability to power speakers, so you save some money and use your own amplifier, while still adding the convenience of WiiM streaming, smarts, and network grouping.
To use a WiiM streaming preamplifier, connect your source components like a TV, CD player, or turntable, then connect the preamp to your amplifier over one of its many outputs. Amplifier connection options include RCA analog, Optical and Coaxial digital, and USB output. Simply plug it into one of your amplifier's available inputs, and you're ready to roll.
Best Amp for Most
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
WiiM
Amp Pro
$379 $322 (15% off)Amazon
$379Crutchfield
I used the WiiM Amp Pro as the central hub in my living room for several months. Its sleek aluminum design looks like a Mac Mini with a volume knob and minimalist display, virtually disappearing on my console. As an amplifier, it provides plenty of stereo power for various speaker types. Its range of streaming options includes Spotify Connect, Google Cast, Tidal Connect, and in-app services like Amazon Music and Pandora. Like Sonos devices, you can use the dedicated app to link WiiM devices together to control music throughout your home, adjust sound settings, adapt the performance to your room, and much more.
The Amp Pro's sound quality rises above its price, especially considering all it offers, with a minor but welcome step up in performance from the regular WiiM Amp. One reason you might choose the standard model is that, unlike the Pro, it supports AirPlay for streaming from iPhones and Apple Music. It's an odd quirk that the cheaper version provides a service others lack, and it's worth considering for Apple Music fans (Bluetooth is also available).
What impressed me most about both amplifiers is their reliability, including rock-solid Wi-Fi connection and consistent communication with every TV I tested over HDMI ARC, something with which many pricier amps I've tested struggle. That lets you use your TV remote for power and volume, alongside the included voice remote with built-in Alexa voice control. Other inputs include RCA analog for a turntable (you'll need a phono pre-amp), optical digital, and a subwoofer out. Both entry-level amps provide slick usability for a versatile stereo setup (or several).
SpecsConnectivityInput: HDMI ARC, Optical, RCA analog, USB, Ethernet; Output: subwoofer outPower output60 watts per channel (up to 120 watts) in stereoWireless streamingWi-Fi 6, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Cast, Alexa Cast, Roon Ready, Bluetooth 5.3, in-app servicesAudio formatsStereo PCM, Dolby Digital, MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, WMA, OGG (up to 24-bit/192-kHz)Dimensions8.5 × 7.5 × 2.6 inchesBest Amp for Budding Audiophiles
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
WiiM
Amp Ultra
$529Amazon
$529Wiim
I was dubious that the WiiM Amp Ultra would provide a noticeable performance boost over the Amp Pro, but connecting it to my current reference speakers, the SVS Ultra Evolution bookshelves, was an immediate upgrade. TV sound is more immersive and engaging, dialog is clearer, and streaming lossless tracks from services like Spotify Connect provides richer definition, better instrumental separation, and a wider stereo image. The Amp Ultra is also more powerful, making it a better option for those with larger or more challenging speakers, like floor-standers.
Beyond the sound quality, the Amp Ultra's 3.5-inch color touchscreen provides a fancier visual aesthetic, with adjustable settings like a digital VU meter (those cool needles you'll see on vintage amps). You can tap your way through numerous onboard settings, supplementing the slick aluminum voice remote and WiiM app.
As with other WiiM amplifiers, you can connect your TV over HDMI ARC, as well as devices like a CD player or turntable, though at this price, it's a shame there's no built-in phono stage. Another miss is Apple AirPlay, which really should be included. It's got all the other streaming options you could ask for, and the same grouping skills that make WiiM devices so convenient for those building out multiple systems. I also like that the Amp Ultra includes extras like banana plugs for simple speaker connection, so all you need to get going is speaker wire.
SpecsConnectivityInput: HDMI ARC, Optical, RCA analog, USB, Ethernet; Output: subwoofer outPower output100 watts per channel (up to 200 watts) in stereoWireless streamingWi-Fi 6, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Cast, Alexa Cast, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth 5.3, in-app servicesAudio formatsStereo PCM, Dolby Digital, MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, WMA, OGG (up to 24-bit/192-kHz)Dimensions7.87 x 8.3 x 3 inches
Best Preamplifier for Your Dumb Amp
Courtesy of WiiMSave to wishlistSave to wishlistPro Plus (preamplifier)
$219Amazon
$219Crutchfield
If you just need a simple way to drag your favorite legacy or vintage amplifier into the 21st century on a budget, the WiiM Pro Plus is your accessory of choice. Its simple and compact design quietly fades into your decor, and includes connection options for virtually any amplifier in your arsenal.
Reviewer Parker Hall connected the unit to his fancy NAD amplifier for music streaming, and said the Pro Plus worked flawlessly over multiple weeks of testing. For amps like this, it makes sense to use your WiiM's digital connection, though he said the analog line-out also sounded good (just not as good).
Streaming options include all the top names, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast Audio, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and more. The one missing input for this budget-forward model is HDMI ARC for seamless connection with your TV. You can still connect a TV over the optical input, but you'll probably want to jump up to the Wiim Ultra preamplifier for convenience (not to be confused with the WiiM Amp Ultra).
SpecsConnectivityInput: Optical, RCA analog, Ethernet; Output: Optical, RCA analog, Coaxial, TriggerPower outputN/AWireless streamingWi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Chromecast Audio, Alexa Cast, Roon Ready, Bluetooth 5.0, in-app servicesAudio formatsStereo PCM, MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, OGG (up to 24-bit/192-kHz)Dimensions5.5 × 5.5 × 1.6 inchesFor Sonos Vibes
Courtesy of Audio ProSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAudio Pro
A10 MKII WiiM Edition
$229Amazon
$229WiiM
This standalone speaker is a great way to replicate the Sonos speaker experience you may have known and gotten to love. It connects to Wi-Fi, but can also be paired to a phone via Bluetooth, which means you can stream to it via virtually anything.
I have had this speaker in my bathroom for a little over a year, and it has worked famously to help me get my sing-along on while in the shower. I like that it has physical buttons for volume, playing and pausing music, and presets for quickly getting whatever you want to hear going—they even work with damp fingers. Sound quality is excellent, with the dynamic drivers and class D amplifier putting out a small room-filling 50 watts. —Parker Hall
SpecsConnectivity3.5mm (headphone) inputPower output52 wattsWireless streamingWi-Fi 5, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0Audio formatsMP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, WMA, OGGDimensions7.64 × 5.51 × 5.51 inches
Some Speaker Pairings to Consider
A budget option- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Sony
SS-CS5M2
$280 $228 (19% off)Amazon
Sony's affordable three-way bookshelf speakers are my speakeasy secret to an ultra-affordable sound system. They're uncommonly good for their asking price, with three separate drivers, including a tweeter, a 5.12-inch woofer, and a high-range “super tweeter” for sparkling treble. Their bass isn't awesome, so you may need to add a subwoofer down the road, but this is the best way I know to get great audio on a budget.
A Midrange Pair
Courtesy of ELACSave to wishlistSave to wishlistELAC
Debut 2.0
$400 $329 (18% off)Crutchfield
Elac, powered by former Pioneer guru Andrew Jones, is one of the best speaker brands for affordable performance I've tested. The Debut 2.0 is a great midrange model that WIRED Editor Parker Hall praised for lush, smooth, and neutral sound that gives you a natural representation of your music and other audio.
Fancier Pairs
Photograph: Ryan WaniataSave to wishlistSave to wishlistSVS
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
$1,199Amazon
$1,200SVS (pair)
$1,200Best Buy (pair)
If you're looking for stylish sound cubes with plenty of punch, a wide soundstage, and gin-clear treble, I haven't found a better match than the SVS Evolution. With advanced speaker technology and premium build quality, these are among my favorite pairs for hearing it all without spending thousands of dollars.
Courtesy of FocalSave to wishlistSave to wishlistFocal
Theva No. 1
$1,098 $999 (9% off)Amazon
$1,098Crutchfield
$1,098Sweetwater
For something on the smoother side, Focal's lovely Theva No.1 bookshelf speakers deliver premium detail with a creamy finish that sounds as natural and transparent as it is soothing. For those after something truly moving, the Theva hit the sweet spot for price, design, and performance.
Other Gear You May Need
16-gauge speaker wire: As a recent test in which audiophiles couldn't identify sound being sent through a banana seems to confirm, basic speaker wire is all you'll ever need. This cheap Amazon roll should be durable and versatile enough for any audio rig.
Banana plugs: These simple plugs make it easy to attach your speakers to any modern amplifier. You can attach them to your speaker wire with a pair of cable cutters, or take them to your local stereo shop if you're not into DIY.
Elived Universal speaker stands: I've used these height-adjustable speaker stands for testing speakers and soundbars since 2024. They offer cable control, a sturdy build, and a relatively stylish design at a great price.
Comments
Back to topTriangle
Ryan Waniata is a staff writer, editor, video host, and product reviewer for WIRED with over 10 years of experience in A/V. He has previously published at sites including Digital Trends, Reviewed, Business Insider, Review Geek, and others. He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, ... Read MoreTopicsShoppingbuying guidesSpeakersaudioAudio VisualsTVsThese Premium Soundbars and Wireless Speakers Compete With Fancy Wired SetupsSoundbars just keep getting better, but some rise above the rest. These are the best high-end soundbars and wireless A/V speakers I’ve tried.Ryan WaniataSennheiser’s New TV Headphone Dongle Gives Me a Taste of the FutureSennheiser’s new TV transmitter system uses the power of Auracast to connect nearly infinite headphones—if you can find a pair you like.Ryan WaniataThe Best USB Hubs for Connecting All Your GadgetsDitch the dongles. These multiport USB hubs will maximize your connectivity options.Luke LarsenWhich Sonos Speakers Should You Buy?From smart speakert so soundbars, Sonos makes the best streaming speakers you can buy. These are my personal favorites.Ryan WaniataWith Better Sound and Slick Design, the WiiM Amp Ultra Is a Future ClassicThis amazing Sonos Amp alternative offers nearly everything you could want from a modern stereo.Ryan WaniataThese Are WIRED's Favorite MIDI Controllers for Recording and BeyondWant to digitally control your favorite instruments? These tools will help.Pete CottellThe KEF Muo Hits a Hi-Fi Bluetooth Speaker Sweet SpotIs a $250 Bluetooth speaker worth it? If it's this one made by KEF, it just might be.Chris HaslamThe Best Laptop Docking Stations to Supercharge Your WorkstationLaptop docking stations expand what your laptop can do, and I’ve been testing the best of the best to see which you should buy.Luke LarsenTired of Typing? These Are the Best Ergonomic Keyboards I’ve FoundI've tested a ton of keyboard options to make your typing life easier, and a couple I’d avoid.Henri RobbinsThis 5.1 Soundbar Bundle Is $100 OffSony's upgraded Bravia Theater System 6 packs a complete home audio setup into a single box.Brad BourqueThe Best Noise-Canceling Buds to Bring SilenceEveryone needs a good pair of ANC earbuds. These are the best of the bunch.Ryan WaniataApple’s Studio Display XDR Does HDR Better Than Any Other Monitor. Is That Enough?The Studio Display XDR monitor comes at a time when HDR-capable screens are everywhere. Apple still does it best, but at a hefty cost.Luke Larsen
Wired Coupons
T-Mobile Promo CodeSamsung GS25+ Free With T-Mobile for Business SuperMobile
Squarespace Promo CodeSquarespace Promo Code: 20% Off Annual Acuity Subscriptions
LG Promo CodeLG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order
Dell Coupon Code10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers
.png){kind=logo}
Samsung Promo Code30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026
Canon Promo Code10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off
