Wiring it into our reference system, it is clear that this is a different animal altogether to its predecessor. While its richness across the frequencies is retained, the soundstage appears more open, with even more granular detail fed in. Playing George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, we try out the upmixing modes and, as with 5.1, they seem to have little effect individually. They make a much bigger difference when activated together, though, most noticeably by dramatically increasing volume but also adding a reverb effect that, while delivering a sense of greater spaciousness, also muddies the instrumentation. Bluesound’s light touch when it comes to re-engineering these speakers has paid dividends. They retain the character from previous incarnations, so we get treated to that same confident, full-bodied presentation, only more detailed and spacious. Swapping to The Social Network in 5.1, we try out the upmixing modes and find that they have little effect individually. Engage them both together, though, and a degree of extra spaciousness and atmosphere is added to the opening bar scene without the rapid-fire dialogue between the actors losing much in the way of clarity. Key specs – Drivers: 2; Wireless: Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth; Voice Assistant: Google Assistant; Remote: No; Companion App: No; Dimensions: 140 x 140 x 193mm; Weight: 1.43kg

The best wireless speakers can transform how you enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks and live radio at home but don’t cost as much as you might think. This recess at the rear includes inputs for HDMI eARC, optical, 3.5mm analogue and USB A, as well as an ethernet port and RCA output for an external sub. The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ can also connect wirelessly, via a dedicated wi-fi module, to a pair of Pulse Flex 2i speakers for surround sound and/or a Pulse Sub+ for extra bass. That’s just one of a number of inputs, with the Mu-so 2nd Gen also housing a 3.5mm analogue input, USB Type-A port and Optical SPDIF. Sonically, it’s a powerhouse across the frequency range and can reach extremely high levels of volume with no noticeable drop-off in quality or clarity. There’s no support for voice assistants but the Mu-so 2nd Gen is a room-filling wonder of a wireless speaker. Though it will divide opinion aesthetically, there’s no questioning the Symfonisk picture frame speaker’s merit as a wireless streaming device. The Pulse 2i’s more muscular character makes for a startling first impression. This isn’t a small unit by any stretch, but it belies its physical heft to deliver a weight and scale of sound that easily fills our listening room. It pulls no punches when it comes to its dramatic and impressively detailed low end.

We regularly test new releases and keep this list up to date with the best wireless speakers available. If you need a bit of additional help working out what to look for when choosing a wireless speaker, you’ll find a comprehensive buying guide prior to the list of entries. Best wireless speaker: At a glance The key is to look for one that fits with the devices you already own. Although some support multiple digital assistants, the vast majority support one or another so be careful which you buy if this is a priority.

Of that power, 50W is used to drive an upward-firing 133mm mid/bass driver that sits behind an acoustic reflector that’s shaped to disperse the driver’s higher frequencies as far and wide as possible. It’s accompanied by a couple of 19mm tweeters driven by 15W of power each - they’re angled out at 45-degrees from each other in a further effort to create as wide a soundstage as possible. Bluesound calls this layout ‘omni-hybrid’. That said, if you're in the market for a soundbar and are already firmly in the Bluesound camp, there's plenty to like about the Pulse Soundbar+. Setting the Pulse up for the first time is an object lesson in how this process should be done. You actually get excellent literature to help you but the process is so effortlessly straightforward, I would be amazed if anyone has ever had to read it. The apps are easy to find and both Android and iOS are excellent examples of the breed. It really is one of the very best operating systems going at the moment and it makes many rivals seem fiddly and unreliable by comparison. No less importantly is that it scales effortlessly as you add more devices.As we’ve noted, the Bluesound is at the top end of both size and price for a speaker of this nature. The good news is that in terms of pure room filling ability, it isn’t at any disadvantage to twin chassis rivals. At one third of its output, the Pulse 2i isn’t ‘loud for a one box’ it’s a genuinely visceral sounding thing. My test phase with the Bluesound coincided with the latest release from Paula Temple, Edge of Everything. This is Techno with a capital ‘T’, a cross between club music and two machines having a fight. Normally, something like the Bluesound would not be my go-to device for this sort of thing but it does a fine job. Internet radio, podcast player, TV soundbar and smart technology control hub are just some of the roles the best wireless speakers can play. All-in-one wireless speaker systems capable of all of that aren’t as cheap as a regular Bluetooth speaker but there are plenty of reasonably-priced, feature-rich options for those on a budget.

The Gen 2 model listed here added increased memory and updated the speaker’s processor but it’s otherwise identical to the original, which sounds great wherever you position it thanks to Sonos’ TruePlay feature, which tunes the EQ automatically according to the resonances of your room. The effects aren’t always dramatic but Trueplay always manages to improve the Sonos One’s already impressive audio output.

The Bluesound Pulse M is guaranteed to get your pulse racing with its combination of attractive design and engaging performance

When we named Bluesound’s second generation ourmulti-room Product of the Year in 2015,t­heNode 2was an integral component. Given the lengthy period of time since, however, it was of little surprise that other manufacturers not only caught up, but surpassed the Node 2’s performance.