The wifi speaker, whether intelligent or more traditional, now occupies an increasingly central place in the connected home. It is becoming a key element in the family digital ecosystem. But faced with the proliferation of models on the market, how can you navigate and make the choice best suited to your needs? To guide you in this process, we have put together essential advice and practical tips to consider when purchasing your new wifi speaker. Whether you are looking to energize evenings with friends, simplify your daily life or immerse yourself in a bath of music alone, this article is for you.
Understand the basics: What is a wifi speaker and how does it work?
A wifi speaker is a speaker with a wireless internet connection that allows you to stream music directly from your connected devices, without requiring a physical cable. This type of speaker can be controlled via a dedicated application, a voice assistant or even a touch interface depending on the model. It’s literally your entire music library, as well as online streaming services, that comes to your home on demand, without the slightest broadcasting constraint.
Comparatively, Bluetooth speakers are limited by signal range, while wired speakers require a direct connection to your sound source. WiFi speakers thus offer optimal freedom and sound quality for an immersive listening experience.
Evaluate your needs
Predominant use
Before you start looking for your wifi speaker, it is crucial to define how you plan to use it. Do you want a versatile speaker for home use or rather a portable speaker to take music everywhere with you?
Integrated or modular system
Some wifi speakers are designed to operate standalone, with all features built-in. Others are part of a modular system, where you can add different components to expand their capacity and coverage throughout the home.
Integration into the digital ecosystem
If you already have some connected devices, it may be beneficial to choose a wifi speaker that integrates easily into your existing ecosystem. For example, speakers compatible with voice assistants can make managing your smart home even more convenient.
Choose sound quality
Audio quality is of course a central criterion when it comes to choose the right wifi speaker. Although subjective, it depends on several parameters:
Power and clarity
The RMS wattage indicates the maximum volume the speaker can reach without distortion. Clarity, for its part, depends on the quality of the components (speakers, tweeters, subwoofer, etc.). Don’t hesitate to listen to in-store demos to get an idea.
Hi-Res Audio Compatibility
For even higher quality, Hi-Res Audio compatibility can be a plus. This certification guarantees the reproduction of high-resolution audio files.
Adapting to your space
The size of your room and the arrangement of your furniture can influence the sound reproduction. Some speakers are equipped with technologies that automatically adjust the equalization based on the acoustics of the room.
Technical characteristics and functionalities
In addition to sound quality, here are the technical specifications and functionalities to examine:
Connectivity
In addition to wifi, some speakers offer bluetooth connectivity, USB ports or auxiliary inputs for wired connections.
Autonomy
For portable speakers, battery life is an important criterion. It can vary from a few hours to a full day depending on use.
Remote control
The remote control interface is a key element. It can be in the form of an application to install on your smartphone, an integrated voice assistant or touch controls directly on the speaker.
Water resistance
If you plan to use your speaker in humid environments (e.g. bathroom), water resistance may be essential for the safety of your device.
Design and aesthetics
The aesthetics of the speaker are often a criterion of choice for many consumers. It should not only fit harmoniously into your interior, but also please you visually. Keep in mind that certain designs can impact sound quality, particularly in terms of dispersion of acoustic waves.
Price and warranty
The wifi speaker market is large, and prices vary depending on brands, features and quality. Allocate a budget in line with your needs, while keeping in mind that this is a medium or long term investment. Make sure the warranty offered is satisfactory and understand what it entitles you to in the event of a problem.
Brands and user feedback
Finally, learn about brands known for their audio quality and durability. User feedback, which can be viewed on specialized sites or social networks, can give you a more concrete overview of what you could expect from each model.
By following these tips and taking the time to define your priorities, you will be ready to make the right choice among the multitude of wifi speakers available on the market. Remember that your new device must above all meet your needs and offer you a musical experience that meets your expectations.
