Best wireless speakers and iPod/iPhone docks 2013: What Hi-Fi? Awards

If you happen to use a portable device as your main source of music, a quality wireless speaker should be near the top of your wish list. After all, it's one of the most convenient ways of listening to music.

And, we've got four of the best. Each is a very worthy Award-winner for 2013, and they range in price from £100 to £500, all of which cater for a wide range of wireless demands. Oh, and they also all sound pretty spectacular too.

MORE: Best wireless speakers and docks: Awards 2013

The world isn't short of wireless speakers around £100, but there aren't many that come remotely close to matching the Cambridge Audio Minx Go for sound quality and convenience. This Bluetooth-toting speaker succeeds last year's winner, the Logitech S715i as our favourite budget buy.

A two-hour charge gives a mighty 18 hours of playback which is great news, given the Minx Go's tendency for delivering lively, enjoyable music. Given it's portable design, there's even a decent amount of bass on offer. You really are looking at a superb portable package: it's our Product of the Year in this category.

The Denon Cocoon Stream DSD-501 is next on our hit-list at the higher £250 pricepoint. The Denon was up against some serious competition including the JBL OnBeat Rumble, B&W Z2 and the Libratone Zipp.

But, it was the Denon's combination of rich, refined sound quality, a neat feature set and fine ease of use which had us reaching for the best wireless speaker £150-£250 Award. AirPlay is the main attraction but the Denon's accommodating enough to let Android users stream music via a compatible media player, too. It really is a well thought out wireless speaker.

From the Denon, we make the short jump up to the Geneva Model S Wireless DAB+, our favourite wireless speaker between £300 and £400. This neat box of tricks offers superb build quality and a premium feel which rivals such as the Cambridge Audio Minx Air 100 just can't match. Then there's the added bonus of its DAB, FM tuners and alarm clock.

Over Bluetooth and through its tuners, the sense of clarity and the amount of detail on offer are outstanding.The Geneva really pushes sound performance to a new level at this price.

Last, but by no means least, we reach the Audio Pro Allroom Air One. The leatherbound speaker oozes class straight out of the box. Turn it on, start streaming via AirPlay or its Direct Link functionality and you're guaranteed a real sonic treat.

There's a marturity and refinement to the sound which is unheard of from wireless speakers at this price. Rivals such as the B&W A5 and Cambridge Audio Minx Air 200 push the Audio Pro close, but none can match it for brilliant all-round performance.

MORE: See all 99 of our Awards 2013 winners

See all our wireless speaker reviews

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

Join us on Facebook

Find us on Google+

Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.

Latest in AV
Pick Of The Month March 2025 5-star products on grey background
WiiM strikes again, the B&W Zeppelin Pro impresses while Technics' latest turntable earns five-stars
In For Review logo over yellow turntable system on table
In for Review: Google’s latest streamer, a Pro-Ject turntable, Cyrus' premium CD player and more
Wooden speakers in listening room with Rewind logo
Rewind: our verdict on the WiiM Ultra, ProAc D20R, Sony Bravia Projector 8 and more
What Hi-Fi stand at Bristol with Rewind logo
Rewind: Rega’s latest amp, a treat from Neat, surprise iPhone 16e launch and more
Google TV Streamer on a white background
Google TV's latest update adds a secret feature that could hint towards new hardware
iPhone 16e in black and white on a white background
Apple Event 2025: the new iPhone 16e (not SE 4), but no new HomePod or AirPods
Latest in News
Damian Penaud of France runs with the ball during a Guinness Six Nations 2025 match in February
Ireland vs France live stream — how to watch Six Nations 2025 match online now, team news
Google TV Streamer
The Google TV Streamer just fixed its biggest flaw
philips gamepix 800 smart on white background
Philips' new gaming projector has some impressive specs – but it also faces some stiff competition
Q Acoustics' three Q SUB models side by side against a brown backdrop
Trio of new Q SUB subwoofers bring bass boosts for Q Acoustics' multi-Award-winning speakers
QD-OLED TV: Samsung QE65S95C
The historically anti-OLED Samsung is now selling more OLED TVs than Mini LED models
LG G5 OLED TV wall-mounted with Apple TV+'s Wolfs on screen
LG has officially revealed the G5 OLED TV's price – and there are already some tempting pre-order deals