Best music streamers 2025: top network audio players tested by our experts

Cambridge Audio CXN100 streamer with smartphone app on a wooden shelf
(Image credit: Cambridge Audio)

If you stream music wirelessly and want the best sound quality possible from your high-resolution digital library, then a dedicated network audio player (or music streamer) is a must-have for your hi-fi system.

Despite our love of physical formats such as CD and vinyl, streaming music wirelessly is convenient, versatile and space-saving. Whether you have meticulously curated hard drives full of hi-res digital downloads and CD rips, or enjoy streaming in high quality from Tidal or Qobuz, playing music and internet radio from one box using a wi-fi or wired connection is a versatile and high-performance experience.

There is a variety of dedicated music streamers on the market across a broad price range. Compact, budget models from the likes of WiiM, Cambridge Audio and Bluesound are gaining in popularity, while more high-end models from Audiolab, Cyrus, Naim and Linn are available for audiophiles who crave every drop of authenticity and insight from their digital music library.

Whichever music streamer you choose, make sure it supports the streaming options you use the most, supports the high-res formats that your digital music is stored in, and has all the connections you require. Along with great sound quality, the best music streamers need to provide a rock-solid and stable wireless connection and be easy to use with the dedicated app – crucial when juggling multiple streaming options.

Every music streamer on this list has been tested by What Hi-Fi?'s team of in-house expert reviewers in our dedicated listening rooms, so our recommendations in this guide are a result of real-world testing. You can read more about our music streamers testing process, or scroll down to see the best streamer we rate at every budget.

The quick list

Recent updates

3rd January 2025: We've added the new five-star Cyrus 40 ST as our best high-end streamer, and added the entry-level Bluesound Node Nano to the Also Consider list.

Written by
Kashfia Kabir
Written by
Kashfia Kabir

I've been reviewing hi-fi and audio products at What Hi-Fi? for over a decade. When testing and recommending the best network music streamers, I value excellent sound performance and look out for a seamless experience considering the numerous streaming methods and music services these multi-tasking products have to juggle. During testing, I put particular focus on how user-friendly the streamer and accompanying app are, and make sure there are no dropouts in the wi-fi or hiccups when streaming. My top picks in this list range from the affordable to the high-end, and all have passed these crucial tests to deliver the best performance expected at their price point.

Best music streamer overall

What Hi-Fi? 2024 Awards winner. The MXN10 is the finest affordable music streamer on the market today.

Specifications

Sources: AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Internet Radio
Network: Wi-fi, ethernet
Inputs: N/A
Outputs: Coaxial, optical, RCA line level
Headphone output: No
Max file resolution: 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512
Dimensions (hwd) : 5.2 x 21.5 x 19.1cm
Weight: 1.2kg

Reasons to buy

+
Brilliant all-round sonic performance
+
Affordable price
+
Great streaming features and file compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-
Somewhat basic physical controls
-
No MQA support via Tidal
-
No on-unit display

Until we reviewed the WiiM Pro Plus (below), the Cambridge Audio MXN10 was the most affordable music streamer to pass our test rooms. It still remains great value, however, and delivers so much performance out of its dinky stature, for what we think is still an affordable, entry-level price tag to the world of music streaming. The strikingly minimalist streamer doesn’t come with a remote, nor are many physical connections on the back – an RCA line level analogue output, one coaxial and one optical are all you get – yet this tiny titan still offers everything you need by delivering truly five-star levels of performance.

Controlled via Cambridge Audio’s tidy StreamMagic app, the MXN10 hosts a plethora of streaming methods and services, including Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz and internet radio, as well as support for Bluetooth 5.0 and playback of files stored elsewhere on your local network. It's a breeze to use.

Effectively encompassing its older brother CXN (V2)'s performance on a smaller scale (in size and price), the MXN10 impressed us by delivering much of that musical cohesion and rhythmic and dynamic prowess we like so much in the CXN. Compared with its former rival Bluesound Node (2021), the MXN10 adds a new layer of dynamic expression and rhythmic agility that sounds more authentic to the original song. Scale and authority are impressive from such a dinky device, while the tone and texture of instruments come to the fore with a great amount of detail. It's balanced and energetic, and turns its hand to every music genre we play through it.

And despite competition from a newer Bluesound Node (2024), the MXN remains our favourite music streamer at this level for offering greater insight and dynamic transparency. If you have a tight budget and a small space, but want a step-up in hi-fi performance from the WiiM, this MXN10 is still the winner. It has the sonic chops and is a seriously impressive piece of kit for this still relatively affordable price tag.

Read the full Cambridge Audio MXN10 review

Best budget music streamer

What Hi-Fi? 2024 Awards winner. Potent performance from a terrifically budget music streamer.

Specifications

Sources: AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.1, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, TuneIn internet radio
Network: Wi-fi, internet
Inputs: Line level stereo RCA, digital optical
Outputs: Line level stereo RCA, digital optical, digital coaxial
Headphone output: No
Max file resolution: 32bit/384kHz; DSD512
Dimensions (hwd): 42 x 140 x 140mm
Weight: 400g

Reasons to buy

+
Detailed, expressive and organised sound
+
Great control app
+
Simple to set up and operate

Reasons to avoid

-
Plasticky build
-
Could conceivably sound more muscular

The WiiM Pro Plus is less than half the price of the budget music streamers we'd previously reviewed (see Cambridge Audio MXN10, above), and this tiny, extremely affordable unit impressed us so much that we knew it was worthy of a 2023 What Hi-Fi? Award win when we first reviewed it.

It's as feature-packed as any of its pricier alternatives, with AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and both wi-fi and ethernet connections available. The WiiM control app is its crowning glory – set up is swift and fuss-free, everything is logically laid out, and its user-friendliness will win many over. Through the app, you get access to all other streaming apps and music stored on the same network. It also has line-level RCA, coaxial and optical connections, and can handle digital audio files at a resolution of up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. That's more versatile than we'd expect at this budget end.

It's ideal for adding streaming powers cheaply and easily to an older hi-fi system, but can also be used as a way of creating a multi-room system with existing kit.

On the audio quality front, the Pro Plus delivers a sound that's clear, detailed and even quite dynamically adept. Feed it high-quality source files, and you'll be rewarded with a big soundstage with instruments all relayed in an assured and confident manner. Voices in particular get the benefit of this quality, as the midrange is full of character, attitude and emotion. It's not quite as muscular or as richly textured as its pricier alternatives, but there's plenty of attack that keeps a song's natural rhythm flowing. We certainly found ourselves enjoying every minute of it.

There is a new WiiM Ultra launched at High End Munich 2024 that adds a touchscreen display, more connectivity options and a new DAC chip, but it's pricier at $329 / AU$599 and we have yet to review this step-up model. Despite increasing competition from the likes of the Bluesound Node Nano (yours for £299 / $299 / €349), the entry-level Pro Plus is a well-executed streamer that's easy to use, sounds accomplished and is packed with features. At its affordable price, we couldn't ask for more.

Read the full WiiM Pro Plus review

Best mid-price music streamer

An excellent step-up streamer with extensive features and incredibly clean, spacious and articulate sound.

Specifications

Sources: UPnP, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready
Network: Wi-fi, ethernet
Inputs: Coaxial, optical, USB type A, USB type B
Outputs: Coaxial, optical, balanced XLR, RCA line level
Headphone output: No
Max file resolution: 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, MQA
Dimensions (hwd) : 8.5 x 43 x 30.5cm
Weight: 3.55kg

Reasons to buy

+
Clean, precise and articulate sound
+
Expansive, open soundstage
+
Extensive features and specs
+
Lovely to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Loses a touch of its predecessor’s sonic solidity and warmth

Following a much-loved, illustrious product such as the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) – a multiple Award-winner and Hall of Fame entrant – is no mean feat, but the new CXN100 accomplishes it in style. It cleverly (or conservatively, depending on your point of view) sticks with the same design and many of the same features, but the new model's innards have been completely redesigned and updated.

It now boasts the latest StreamMagic Gen 4 module (the same used in the MXN10, above) and a new ESS 32-bit DAC chip that means the CXN100 is smarter and better specified than previously. Newer, more efficient components have also been used throughout the CXN's circuitry. The list of streaming features is extensive – you can stream from your local NAS storage, from popular music streaming services, and with every streaming and playing method available (including wired connectivity).

But it's the CXN100's sound quality that is the real talking point here: it takes huge steps forward in clarity, precision and openness. It's a bold, spacious sound and is more articulate and refined than the outgoing CXN (V2) in many areas. In our review, we said, "There’s a sparkling clarity to the sound, revealing ample detail from every song we stream through the CXN100. This is complemented by leading edges of notes that stop and start with startling precision... this whole presentation leads to a faster, snappier and more propulsive performance."

A leaner presentation means the CXN100 majors in attack and agility, with crystal-clear edges to notes bringing everything into crisp detail. We miss a touch of that richness and warmth in the old CXN (V2) that made it relaxing to listen to; the more affordable and smaller MXN10 has that natural warmth to voices, but it can't quite compete with the step-up CXN100's newfound levels of accuracy and space.

Feed it hi-res recordings and partner with equally accomplished amplifier and speakers, and the new CXN100 will perform admirably.

Best premium music streamer

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. Extensive features, refined performance – Cambridge further elevates its streaming experience.

Specifications

Sources: UPnP, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready
Network: Wi-fi, ethernet
Inputs: HDMI eARC, USB type A, USB type B, optical, coaxial
Outputs: Optical, coaxial, balanced XLR, RCA line level
Headphone output: No
Max file resolution: 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, MQA
Dimensions (hwd): 9 x 43 x 30.5cm
Weight: 4.1kg

Reasons to buy

+
Remarkably clear, open and controlled sound
+
Refined and detailed presentation
+
Expansive stereo imaging
+
Exhaustive streaming features
+
HDMI input
+
Lovely to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Similar specs as more affordable siblings

Cambridge Audio has pretty much perfected its music streaming experience, with the new premium EXN100 model offering everything we already liked about the MXN100 and CXN100 streamers (above) while pushing the performance boundaries even further.

It is powered by the very same StreamMagic Gen 4 streaming module as its siblings, so it is seamless and unfussy in operation. We like the more premium feel of the knurled control/volume dial that is smooth in use, and the upgraded look and aluminium-fronted chassis, along with a large colour display in the middle, feel classy, too. The same extensive streaming features – from UPnP network streaming to Tidal Connect to integrated Bluetooth – all return, but a key highlight is that the EXN100 adds the much-requested HDMI eARC input to its many physical digital and analogue connections.

The EXN100 shares the same ESS Sabre DAC as the CXN100 (and supports the same file formats as its cheaper siblings too), but Cambridge Audio's engineers have done plenty of work to ensure they get the very best performance out of this DAC. Along with a carefully tuned signal path, changes made to the post-DAC analogue stage and the use of premium components, the EXN100 is a notable step above the midrange CXN100 in every way concerning sound quality.

The same sonic character is present, but it's even cleaner, more detailed, more open and large-scaled sound, with impressibly stable stereo imaging and a precise, controlled sense of rhythm. It sounds agile and well-balanced, with deep, taut bass and clear highs – it's a wonderfully refined performance. It's a more solid and muscular performer than its leaner CXN100 sibling – therefore making it more engaging and nabbing the 2024 What Hi-Fi? Award win over it – and it's more detailed, dynamic and powerful than the older Azur 851N it effectively replaces. The EXN100 delivers a " spry, composed and room-filling sound – elements that could be difficult to juggle, but the Cambridge Audio streamer handles it all in an almost understated manner," we said in our review.

You'll need to level up to the more high-end Naim ND5 XS 2 or Audiolab 9000N if you want a greater dose of subtlety, transparency and verve, but the EXN100 is a stellar, feature-rich performer at this level.

Read the full Cambridge Audio EXN100 review

Best audiophile music streamer

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. A slick and sophisticated performer that delivers class-leading precision and insight.

Specifications

Sources: UPnP, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, TuneIn radio, Apple AirPlay 2
Network: Wi-fi, ethernet
Inputs: USB Type B, USB Type A
Outputs: Single-ended RCA, balanced XLR, optical, coax
Headphone output: No
Max file resolution: 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, MQA
Dimensions (hwd): 9.4 x 34 x 34cm
Weight: 4.8kg

Reasons to buy

+
Impressively even and insightful presentation
+
Expressive dynamics
+
Fine build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
No Bluetooth or Chromecast support
-
No coax or optical digital inputs

Audiolab's flagship network audio streamer does things a little differently. Firstly, it has high-end brand Lumin providing the streaming platform and app (to great success), rather than PlayFi which is used in its other streamers. The 9000N doesn't have Bluetooth or Chromecast amongst its list of streaming talents; nor does it have coax or optical digital inputs. While we would have liked the convenience of those missing features, Audiolab claims that Bluetooth's performance limitations has no place in an audiophile product at this premium level. On the plus side, the 9000N is compatible with extensive hi-res file resolutions, supports AirPlay, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready and more alongside UPnP network streaming, and the Lumin-based streaming is very stable, even if the app is a little cluttered.

Audiolab has focused all its attention on delivering the best-sounding streamer possible at this level. A lot of care has been taken over the DAC circuitry, filtering, clocking accuracy and providing low-noise and stable power feeds to all the circuitry. What results is a beautifully insightful, precise and tonally neutral performance that is also hugely engaging to listen to.

The 9000N delivers an expansive soundstage and handles complex musical arrangements with utter composure; dynamic shifts are handled with confidence as well as with subtlety and punch. It resolves detail with astounding maturity and delivers nuances in vocals and textured depths of instruments with ease. The Naim ND5 X