Buzzy Audio Brand WiiM’s First Smart Speaker Makes for a Compelling Sonos Alternative

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WiiM may not be a household name, but it’s long been a buzzy brand among audio enthusiasts, particularly for its affordable offerings. It’s best known for its music streamers, which turn powered speakers or stereo systems into WiFi-enabled multiroom speakers.

But, aside from collaborations with brands like Audio Pro, WiiM has never made its own speakers until recently. Earlier this year, the brand came out with the WiiM Sound, and it followed it up with the Sound Lite last week. Here’s what you need to know about WiiM’s speakers, and how they stack up to rivals like Sonos.

WiiM Sound: Design and Construction

The WiiM sound has a similar size and shape to smart speakers like Sonos’ Era 100, or Apple’s HomePod. Because it’s a WiFi speaker, you can use the speaker as a part of a multiroom setup — one in the living room and one in the bedroom, for example. Key to the speaker’s appeal is that it works with WiiM’s other devices; you can plug a WiiM Mini into your stereo setup and have a WiiM Sound streaming the same music in another room.

WiiM Sound Smart Speaker

$299.00

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The WiiM Sound stands out from rivals like Sonos thanks to the clever, circular touchscreen on its front. It’s not a truly essential feature, but in testing it out, I was surprised to find it was more useful than gimmicky. You can control the speaker through the app, but it is handy to be able to change settings or adjust the EQ directly from the speaker. The top of the speaker controls playback and volume, with a sensor that lights up the buttons when you place your hand over it. Setting it up through WiiM’s app was a breeze as well.

WiiM Sound: Features and Sound Quality

While it’s undoubtedly stylish, the mesh grille doesn’t have quite the same minimalist appeal as Sonos’ Era speakers, or the cheery colorfulness of Apple’s HomePod speakers. It does, however, come with a remote, which is handy, although arguably not crucial since you can do most things from your phone.

If you’re not into the flashy screen and don’t need the remote, the WiiM Sound Lite will be available to buy starting Dec. 25, and it costs $229. WiiM confirmed that the Sound Lite has the same power as the Sound, minus the bells and whistles of the touchscreen and remote.

As for audio quality, the WiiM Sound shines; the speaker has dual tweeters and a 4” woofer. The result is crisp-sounding audio and full, balanced bass. It’s also loud enough to fill a medium-sized room, without the need to turn the volume up to harsh levels. You can also use the speaker’s room-tuning feature to ensure the best-sounding audio for your space.

WiiM Sound: Verdict

At $300, the WiiM Sound is $80 more expensive than Sonos’ entry-level Era 100 (the yet-to-be-released Sound Lite is $229) and the same price as Apple’s HomePod, making it a pricier entry among WiiM’s otherwise affordable line. And unlike other speakers, the WiiM Sound does not support Apple Music or AirPlay 2, which could reduce its appeal for iPhone users (you can still stream audio using Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect, or cast using Google or Alexa Cast).

While the high price and limitations for iOS users are drawbacks, the excellent sound quality, stylish design, and useful touchscreen interface make this a worthwhile, versatile smart speaker for the home.