The 10 Best Audio Streamer Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts
Do you want to listen to your favorite music without bothering others? Do you frequently find yourself in a situation where you don’t know what to listen to? If the answer is yes, then you need an audio streamer. Streaming music is becoming more accessible than ever.
Thanks to a wide range of affordable streaming devices, anyone can now enjoy their favorite tunes in any room at home or on the go. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about audio streamers. From top picks to price factors and features, we’ll cover it all!
Our experts have determined the models that would be the greatest fit for your requirements, specifically Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Stereo Network Streamer, after doing extensive study and analysis over a considerable time. Consider Andover Audio Songbird Plug-and-Play Hi-Res Internet Streamer as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are definitely worth considering, and we've put up a useful shopping guide to help you decide!
RELATED: We researched 10,291 customers’ review in 2024 to find the best streaming media player. Take a look at the top picks and buying guides to find the best one.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Stereo Network Streamer - All-in-One Wireless Media Streaming with WiFi (Lunar Grey)]()
- ✓ POWER TO TRANSFORM YOUR DIGITAL EXPERIENCE - Dual Wolfson WM8740 DACs (premium digital to analogue converters) give music more detail and warmth. Hear musical nuances that you’ve never noticed in songs that you’ve listened to a thousand times.
- ✓ ADVANCED UNSAMPLING FOR CLEANER AUDIO – Cambridge Audio’s advanced Adapted Time Filter 2 (ATF2) technology upsamples all incoming digital audio sources into a 24-bit/384kHz signal, which helps resolve very fine detail.
- ✓ WIRED OR WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY - Via wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi dongle), connect to your home network for Internet Radio, online music services, AirPlay, and music libraries stored on your computer.
- ✓ STUNNING SOUND QUALITY - The convenience of digital audio without compromising audio quality. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) lets you enjoy the effortless accessibility of digital audio and also appreciate the sonic excellence that Cambridge delivers.
- ✓ MUSIC ANY WAY YOU WANT IT – With the CXN (V2) network streamer, pick from the sources you use daily – Spotify, Google Play, Pandora, Apple AirPlay 2, or other internet radio channels.
TOP Choice #2
![Andover Audio Songbird Plug-and-Play Hi-Res Internet Streamer]()
TOP Choice #3
![Cocktail Audio X50Pro FM Tuner/Music Server/CD Ripper/Network Streamer (Silver)]()
- High speed optical disk drive for quick CD ripping. 7 inch TFT LCD(1024 x 600 pixels) screen for intuitive GUI. DAB+/FM Tuner built-in. USB Audio Class 2.0 Output for connecting to an USB Digital-to-Analogue Converter(DAC). I²S Digital Out(two HDMI Out and one RJ45 Out) to support up to Native DSD including 24Bit/192Khz, and two I²S HDMI Out will surely increase compatibility with other brands DAC devices. Giga Fast Ethernet(10/100/1000Mbps) built-in.
- Equipped with Quad Core ARM Cortex A9 Processor, additional powerful XMOS microcontroller, beautiful whole glass-sanding aluminum enclosure crafted by precision CNC machine and versatile features of software developed by in-house R&D team, the X50Pro surely will be the best pure digital music player and server for the audiophiles in the world.
- The X50Pro is the very digital source device that the audiophiles have been looking for to manage huge amount of hi-res digital music collections conveniently, and to connect to their existing external DAC and Amplifier to play with superb sound quality. The X50Pro is the reference multipurpose Music Server with the functions of Media Player, CD Ripper, Network Streamer, Music Recorder and much more for music lover.
- As X50Pro is equipped with ultra-low phase noise oscillator, CCHD-575 from Crystek Corporation, extensively shielded SMPS with aluminum cover and highly qualified printed circuit board designed by in-house R&D team, the X50Pro surely guarantees great sound quality with jitter and electrical noises minimized to negligible level.
- Equipped with high-performance Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 processor running at 1.0Ghz. XMOS 32bit/500MIPS 8 Core Powerful Microcontroller. Reference-level sound quality delivered by a combination of Ultra-low phase noise oscillator, CCHD-575 from Crystek Corporation, and completely shielded SMPS with aluminum cover to minimize electrical noises and in-house circuit design ability accumulated for decades. DDR-1066 1GByte Main Memory and 8GByte Nand Flash Memory.
4
![Cocktail Audio X50Pro FM Tuner/Music Server/CD Ripper/Network Streamer (Black)]()
- As X50Pro is equipped with ultra-low phase noise oscillator, CCHD-575 from Crystek Corporation, extensively shielded SMPS with aluminum cover and highly qualified printed circuit board designed by in-house R&D team, the X50Pro surely guarantees great sound quality with jitter and electrical noises minimized to negligible level.
- High speed optical disk drive for quick CD ripping. 7 inch TFT LCD(1024 x 600 pixels) screen for intuitive GUI. DAB+/FM Tuner built-in. USB Audio Class 2.0 Output for connecting to an USB Digital-to-Analogue Converter(DAC). I²S Digital Out(two HDMI Out and one RJ45 Out) to support up to Native DSD including 24Bit/192Khz, and two I²S HDMI Out will surely increase compatibility with other brands DAC devices. Giga Fast Ethernet(10/100/1000Mbps) built-in.
- Equipped with Quad Core ARM Cortex A9 Processor, additional powerful XMOS microcontroller, beautiful whole glass-sanding aluminum enclosure crafted by precision CNC machine and versatile features of software developed by in-house R&D team, the X50Pro surely will be the best pure digital music player and server for the audiophiles in the world.
- The X50Pro is the very digital source device that the audiophiles have been looking for to manage huge amount of hi-res digital music collections conveniently, and to connect to their existing external DAC and Amplifier to play with superb sound quality. The X50Pro is the reference multipurpose Music Server with the functions of Media Player, CD Ripper, Network Streamer, Music Recorder and much more for music lover.
- Equipped with high-performance Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 processor running at 1.0Ghz. XMOS 32bit/500MIPS 8 Core Powerful Microcontroller. Reference-level sound quality delivered by a combination of Ultra-low phase noise oscillator, CCHD-575 from Crystek Corporation, and completely shielded SMPS with aluminum cover to minimize electrical noises and in-house circuit design ability accumulated for decades. DDR-1066 1GByte Main Memory and 8GByte Nand Flash Memory.
5
![Bluesound Node Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streamer - Black (N130BLKUNV)]()
- HDMI eARC, OPTICAL & ANALOG INPUTS
- QUAD-CORE 1.8GHz ARM CORTEX A53 PROCESSOR
- OPTICAL, COAXIAL & USB AUDIO OUTPUTS
- Included components: Ethernet Cable
- MQA MUSIC AND HI-RES AUDIO STREAMING
- 32-BIT/384kHz PREMIUM DAC DESIGN
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![Cocktail Audio N25 Streamer/Network Player/Roon Point/MQA DAC (Silver)]()
- The N25 has high connectivity by offering digital inputs (Coaxial/Toslink), HDMI ARC in, 3x USB host ports, digital outputs (Coaxial/Toslink), analogue output, USB audio input/output, HDMI output, GigaFast Ethernet LAN, etc.
- Equipped with a USB Audio Class 2.0 input, the N25 can work as a USB digital to analogue converter (DAC). An external USB DAC can also be connected, whilst using the N25 for its versatile streaming and music serving functions.
- It offers high-quality playback from local USB storage, home network sources like NAS, major online streaming services, internet radio, DAB+/FM radio, aptX HD Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Airplay for iOS devices and much more. Optionally, the N25 provides Bluetooth transmission, allowing playback of music from the N25 via Bluetooth headphones or speakers. It also supports playback covering a huge variety of audio formats including, DSD, MQA, DXD, HD FLAC, HD WAV, CAF, ALAC, AIFF and more.
- Based on a dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor, running at 1.0Ghz, selected components and proven cocktailAudio software, the N25 meets all the requirements for modern digital music playback, with exceptional audio performance and versatile features.
- The N25 offers high quality digital radio via a DAB+ Tuner and also FM radio. Any song or broadcast can be recorded with high quality sound to external USB storage or NAS drives connected to the N25.
- Additionally, for use as a complete and convenient music system throughout the home, the N25 provides not only a Multiroom Function(Group Play), carefully developed by the cocktailAudio team over several years, but also a HDMI ARC input to connect with TVs. Finally, when paired with optional extras, you can expand its functionality as a music server, aptX Bluetooth transmitter, and more.
- The N25 is built with premium components, such as the audiophile ES9018K2M DAC chips, as well as featuring enhanced hardware circuit design technologies, such as a clean power supply path through the use of separate digital and analogue parts, as a simplification of the signal circuit path. This results in the delivery of clear and transparent sound.
- The N25 is based on long proven cocktailAudio technologies, such as the hardware circuit design and versatile custom-designed software, developed by an in-house R&D team, to achieve the best audio performance and ease of use across all its functions.
- The N25 is the World’s most advanced Network Audio Player, featuring a Sabre32 Reference DAC chip and high-performance Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 processor, running at 1.0Ghz. It has been designed to meet all the requirements of digital music playback, keeping pace with today’s digital world.
- As the N25 is built based on the Sabre³² reference DAC, ES9018K2M, it can be used as an audiophile D/A Converter, with a wide dynamic range and low distortion when connected to compact disc players or any other digital audio source.
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![Cocktail Audio X35 Roon Ready All-in-One Media Player (Black)]()
- Rugged chassis construction with 13mm thickness aluminum front and knobs with CNC cutting
- Breathtaking sound quality delivered by ES9018K2M Sabre³² Reference DAC
- Toroidal transformer to minimize idle noise High speed optical disk drive for quick CD ripping
- Giga Fast Ethernet(10/100/1000Mbps) built-in
- Power Source Type: Corded Electric
- Included Components: Remote Controller
- Unlimited Entertainment. Get the most 4K content of any streaming media player. Watch Netflix, Amazon Video, Disney+ and Vudu in crisp 4K HDR, and YouTube, Hulu Live, Google Play Movies & TV, and more in 4K. Stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K. Add a game controller (sold separately) and play today’s most popular games like Fortnite with GeForce NOW
- Fast. Really Fast. SHIELD TV takes media streaming to a whole new level, powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, SHIELD TV is the world’s most powerful Android TV streaming media player.
- Best-In-Class Design. The new SHIELD TV is compact, stealth, and designed to disappear behind your entertainment center, right along with your cables. With Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band AC Wi-Fi, a built-in power supply, and a microSD card slot for storage expansion, it is powerful, feature-packed, and built for behind-the-scenes brilliance. The all-new remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated, backlit buttons—including a user-customizable button. With voice control, Bluetooth, IR control for your TV, and a built-in lost remote locator, you have the most advanced remote yet.
- Dolby Vision - Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling.
- Voice Control. The built-in Google Assistant is at your command. See photos, live camera feeds, weather, sports scores, and more on the big screen. Dim the lights and immerse yourself in your favorite show or music using your voice. And control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Echo.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming device with one Roku voice remote
- Find your lost remote: Simply press the button on your streaming device and your Roku remote will play a sound
- Outrageously powerful: Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels like Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video that launch in a snap on the fastest, most powerful Roku player ever
- Cinematic streaming: Roku Ultra is the centerpiece of your home theater with spectacular 4K and Dolby Vision picture plus immersive Dolby Atmos sound
- Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 200+ free Live TV channels on The Roku Channel
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the Roku voice remote
- Private listening: Plug headphones into the Roku remote with headphone jack or use a wireless pair with the Roku mobile app to listen without disturbing a quiet house
- Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
- Our best Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room in the house with our best Wi-Fi or choose to wire up over Ethernet
- Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
- Unlimited Entertainment. Enjoy the most 4K HDR content of any streaming media player, and access to thousands of apps and games, including top apps like Netflix,YouTube, Prime Video, Disney + and Hulu. Add a game controller (sold separately) and play today’s most popular games like Fortnite and GeForce Now. Even stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.
- Power Source Type: Corded Electric
- Best-In-Class Design. Designed for the most demanding users and beautifully designed to be the perfect centerpiece of your entertainment center, SHIELD TV Pro levels you up to more storage space, more RAM, the expandability of 2x USB 3.0 ports, and Plex Media Server. Get the best connectivity with Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band AC Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. The all-new remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated, backlit buttons—including a customizable menu button. Plus, with voice control, Bluetooth, IR control for your TV, and a built-in remote control locator, you have the most advanced remote yet.
- Included Components: Remote Controller
- Voice Control. The built-in Google Assistant is at your command. See photos, live camera feeds, weather, sports scores, and more on the big screen. Dim the lights and immerse yourself in your favorite show or music using only your voice. And control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Echo.
- Dolby Vision - Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR, and surround sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio.
- The Best of the Best. SHIELD TV delivers an amazing Android TV streaming media player experience, thanks to the new NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling. 2x USB 3.0 ports for storage expansion, USB cameras, keyboards, controllers, and more. Plex Media Server built-in, 3 GB RAM, and 16 GB storage.
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What to Look For in a best audio streamer?
A range of elements, including those listed below, influence the best audio streamer. The study process varies depending on the material. We'll be able to assist you and provide solutions since we're here to help you.
Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best audio streamer:
Streaming Stick Vs Box
Although the difference is not significant, a stick refers to what you would imagine. It is a stick-like device which plugs into your television. Some designs have evolved over the years so dongles are now called dongles.
Streaming boxes such as the Apple TV sit under your TV, and are connected via HDMI cables.
If you don't have any wall-mounted TVs and are unable to place a box, there is no benefit to them. If this is the case, you can get a stick to hide it behind your TV.
Streaming boxes such as the Apple TV sit under your TV, and are connected via HDMI cables.
If you don't have any wall-mounted TVs and are unable to place a box, there is no benefit to them. If this is the case, you can get a stick to hide it behind your TV.
Resolution
If you have a 4K television, and a fast internet connection, then a television streaming device that supports 4K is the perfect way to watch ultra-high-definition content. You can future-proof your set by purchasing a streaming device that supports 4K resolution if you do not have a 4K TV.
Connectivity
Are you planning to connect a USB storage device or ethernet cable or a sound system using an optical or analog audio cable? You should ensure that your streaming box supports the correct connections. If you are concerned about your home network's bandwidth, you will also need a device that supports 802.11ax Wi Fi (or WiFi 6),
App Selection
This has always been the main factor when choosing a streaming device. However, app selections have become more similar, at least for major streaming services, and it is now easy to choose an app. The app list will show you which service is available.
Ecosystem Tie-ins
Apple TV is the only way to access pple services and apps (like Apple Arcade or Fitness+), although Apple TV has an Apple TV app that allows you to view Apple TV+ content and rent videos from iTunes. Fire TV is the best way to access Amazon Prime Video. Google's music and video services can be accessed through Chromecast and Android TV. Roku offers apps for Amazon and Google Play Movies & TV. However, it is not as sophisticated and has fewer smart home controls than other platforms.
Remote Control Features
While some remotes have buttons that allow you to fast-forward, rewind and perform other functions, others are simpler. Remotes that can turn on your TV's volume and have microphones to allow you to speak commands. There is no perfect remote, but you can look through the included ones to determine what is most important.
Private Listening Options
Bluetooth headphones are supported by many devices. This is useful for those times when you don’t want to wake your children or spouse. Roku devices also allow wired headphones via the Roku mobile application and the remote control of its set-top boxes.
Performance
Set-top boxes load faster than streaming sticks and your spending will affect the speed and smoothness of the process.
Content Discovery Features
The media-streaming device is evolving beyond static apps. Roku Feed, the Apple TV's TV app (TV), and Amazon recommendations are available directly from the Fire TV Home screen. These approaches can be compared to help you decide which is most attractive.
Captive Portal Support
You might encounter Wi-Fi networks which require you to log in using a web browser if your streaming device is being taken on the road. It is also known as "captive portal" and it does not support all streaming devices.
RELATED: Looking to buy correct best budget streaming device? We cover all use cases. Compare quality, prices, and customer reviews to find the best one for you.
FAQs
Will A Streaming Device Work In Your Country?
Yes. Yes. You can use a VPN to bypass restrictions on certain services or shows.Can I Get All The Channels I Want On Any Device?
Each streaming device can access major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max. However, all streaming services may not have the same access. The Spectrum TV app is a good example. Although it is accessible on all platforms, the app is not available for Amazon Fire TV devices. Before you make a purchase, it is a smart idea to check that the device supports all of your apps. You might find yourself in a difficult situation if your phone doesn't support one of your favourite services.How Much Data Does TV Streaming Use?
This depends on the resolution and platform you are streaming from. Based on data collected from major streaming platforms, bandwidth usage can drop to hundreds of megabytes an hour for low definition (480p) videos. However, streaming services that stream standard HD/1080p video report between 2 and 3 gigabytes an hour. You can expect to see 4K video at 7 to 8GB an hour, depending on the video.What Is A Streaming Device And How Does It Work?
A streaming device, or streaming stick, allows you to stream (i.e. You can stream (or streaming stick) entertainment content, such as movies, TV series, music or photos. It is usually connected to an HDMI port.The apps that you will have access to depend on which streamer you are using. It's worth noting, however, that a subscription does not automatically come with a service. If you wish to view Netflix for example, you'll need to purchase it separately. However, there are some deals available for certain streaming services.
Do You Need A Streaming Device With A Smart TV?
Not necessarily. Smart TVs often come equipped with their own streaming platforms that allow users to download top apps such as Netflix or Hulu. Samsung smart TVs have a lot of options. TVs are now compatible with major streaming services like Roku, Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV.What Kind Of Internet Connection Do You Need For Your Streaming Device To Be Effective?
A minimum 5Mbps internet connection is required to stream the majority of streaming content at 1080p. You will be able to stream 4K video without any interruptions if you have more bandwidth.Do Streaming Devices Have Monthly Fees?
No. No. Monthly fees are not charged for streaming devices. You will need to pay monthly fees to watch certain channels, such as Netflix and HBO Max.What Is The Point Of A Streaming Stick If You Have A Smart TV?
Although many smart TVs today come pre-installed to run a variety of apps, it is true that external streaming devices almost always enhance the interface for a particular app.Amazon's Fire Stick gives you more control over your TV than standard Amazon TV apps. Other products from Amazon come with Alexa, giving you additional options to use your voice to control your TV.
A smart TV may not come with every available streaming service. Apple TV Plus is a rare app that comes preinstalled on smart TVs. This is why you need Apple's 4K HDR streaming device, which Panasonic TVs do not support.
When updated data are available, our system and editor will update a list of best audio streamer. Please periodically review our website for the newest data.
We can help you with more than just finding best audio streamer. Please do not hesitate to contact us when you need assistance.
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