Soundcast

Popular Mechanics

Wireless Speaker System: Abusive Lab Test!

The average home is filled with wireless signals, all bouncing around in the same limited spectrum space. This can foil a wireless sound system trying to transmit tunes around the house, but some setups handle interference better than others. We tested three systems, including two designed for multiroom use, against a grueling wireless traffic jam. Here’s how they fared.

The Tests:

We placed the transmitters and receivers in separate rooms, with a phalanx of interference-causing devices between them .

Bose
The only system to fail this test completely—interference ruined the signal.
Sonos
At first, the signal was completely blocked. But we switched channels and got clear, rich sound.
Soundcast
What interference?
Winner: Soundcast

How far can the wireless signal travel through a fixture-filled home? We walked the receivers down a concrete-filled apartment building to see.

Bose
The speaker got almost three stories from the transmitter before breaking into static.
Sonos
Once again, the sound called it quits just shy of three floors down.
Soundcast
Yep, three stories was the limit.
Winner: Three-way-tie

Bottom Line
The Bose is a practical (if pricey) one-speaker solution. But if your house is full of interference—or you want a multiroom rig—opt for the Sonos or SoundCast. The Sonos is more feature-filled, the SoundCast simpler.