Streaming audio or video content from your macOS or iOS device to an external device like a television or speaker requires AirPlay compatibility. While the Apple TV box is most people's go-to solution, there are many other AirPlay alternatives to consider.

Best Overall AirPlay Receiver: Denon AVR-S670H

A Denon AVR-S670H A/V receiver on a desk
Denon

Packing a punch with 75 watts per channel, the Denon AVR-S670H delivers room-shaking sound for small- to medium-sized spaces. It’s a 5.2-channel receiver with Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility to stream your favorite tunes from your iPhone.

The AVR-S670H also features Audyssey MultEQ room-correction tech to auto-calibrate the sound to your environment. It also has a plethora of HDMI options (six in and two out), including three 8K ports and full HDMI 2.1 support, making it the ideal choice for movie buffs and gaming enthusiasts.

Setup is effortless, and you also get voice control with all major virtual assistants, allowing you to make adjustments without getting off the couch. However, audiophiles should note that there is no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support. For this, you need to consider the more expensive AVR-S770H.

denon airplay receiver
Denon AVR-S670H 5.2-Channel Receiver
Best Overall

The AVR-S670H from Denon is a 5.2-channel receiver and supports AirPlay 2 for wireless streaming from Apple devices. It features Audyssey MultEQ room calibration for optimal sound in your home theater, along with excellent HDMI support, including 8K resolution, HDR formats, and HDMI 2.1 with eARC and ALLM for seamless gaming experiences.

Pros
  • HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support
  • VRR and ALLM for lag-free gaming
  • Multi-room streaming capabilities
  • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through support
  • Phono input for vinyl lovers
Cons
  • No Dolby Atmos or DTS: X support

Best Budget AirPlay Receiver: Belkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2

A Belkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2 next to a speaker
Belkin

The Belkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2 works with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to leverage your existing audio systems to accept an AirPlay connection. Simple to use, this adapter enables you to play music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without having to replace your devices.

Whether you want to use your speakers to listen to your favorite tunes or play music through your TV, as long as your device has an audio input connection, you're good to go. While it's an expensive investment for an adapter, it's much more affordable compared to upgrading your current speakers or TV.

A Belkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2 adapter
Belkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2
Best Budget
$89 $100 Save $11

The Belkin SoundForm Connect AirPlay 2 is an easy-to-use adapter that allows you to stream from your Apple devices to any existing audio system with either an optical or 3.5mm audio input. This adapter is a much more budget-friendly way to get your audio system to accept AirPlay connectivity.

Pros
  • Supports high-resolution CD-quality audio
  • Easy to use
  • Includes a power cable
  • Easily makes an existing speaker AirPlay compatible
Cons
  • Expensive for an adapter
  • AirPlay 2 only

Best AirPlay Receiver Hub: Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen

apple tv 4k

You can use the Apple TV 4K as a smart home hub, and it’s the go-to device for Apple lovers looking for an AirPlay receiver. The upgrade to the faster A15 Bionic chip ensures even more seamless control across your Apple ecosystem, while you also get HDR10+ support in addition to Dolby Vision and Atmos from the previous iteration.

The 3rd-Gen is lighter and sleeker than before, and you also get an upgraded Siri remote. You can even use your iPhone to find the remote when it goes missing. You can choose from Apple TV 4K with Wi-Fi and 64GB of storage or Wi-Fi plus Ethernet with 128GB.

An Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen with Siri remote
Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen 
Best Hub

With a faster chip and the addition of HDR10+, upgrading your Apple TV 4K to the latest generation is worthwhile. It still supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for outstanding home theater streaming, while the upgraded Siri remote is less cumbersome and overly touch-sensitive than before. 

Pros
  • Free 3-month Apple TV+ subscription
  • Sharp, detailed, and vibrant 4K video
  • Live view of HomeKit-enabled devices
  • Can share photos and videos to your TV
  • Simultaneous listening with two sets of AirPods
Cons
  • HDMI and USB-C cables sold separately
  • Requires an HDMI port

Best Premium AirPlay Receiver: Marantz SR8015 11.2 Channel AV Receiver

A Marantz SR8015 11.2 Channel AV Receiver
Marantz

The Marantz SR8015 is a high-fidelity powerhouse delicately packed into a sleek, metal chassis. It has a beefy amp section and a master preamp feeding each of the 11.2 channels with 140W of power. It can drive even the most demanding speakers, and with its future-proof HDMI 2.1 platform, this receiver can handle the latest video and audio formats, keeping you ahead of the game for years to come.

Audiophiles will adore the immaculate soundstage. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, you’ll be blown away by the enveloping surround sound dropping you right in the middle of the action. It does come at a premium price, but you certainly get a premium performance.

A Marantz SR8015 11.2-Channel A/V Receiver
Marantz SR8015
Best Premium

The Marantz SR8015 is a mighty, premium speaker. The price tag might make you sweat, but so will its incredible audio. With 11.2 channels, each fed by up to 140W of power, it will aid any home theater in providing sonic joy to your ears. It’s future-proof and supports all known audio formats for movie buffs, as well as delivering excellent features for gamers.
 

Pros
  • Dedicated low-latency gaming mode
  • Supports every surround format
  • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
  • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz HDMI pass-through support
  • 8K upscaling available on all eight HDMI ports
Cons
  • Can get hot
  • Very expensive

Best AirPlay Receiver for Older Devices: Sonos Port

A Sonos Port resting on a desk next to a plant.
Sonos

This multi-room audio streaming device is compatible with AirPlay 2. You can use Siri to issue commands, or you can control the Sonos Port via your iOS device. And, although the selection of connections might not be up to the standard of something like the Marantz SR8015 Receiver, it does allow you to connect and control older peripherals that aren't considered smart.

The Sonos Port is somewhat future-proof, as it can bring your old audio devices back to life. Not only is this convenient, but it saves you money too. Although you won't be able to connect this to your home theater setup, the Sonos Port is undeniably convenient thanks to its small, compact form.

A Sonos Port
Sonos Port
Best for Old Devices

The Sonos Port can bring all those old devices you might still have lying around to life once more. It’s compatible with AirPlay 2, so you can control the device directly from your iPhone or iPad or use Siri to do your bidding. You can stream to multiple rooms, making it a highly convenient device to own.

Pros
  • Seamless integration with HomeKit
  • Small and compact
  • Durable
Cons
  • Small selection of connections

FAQ

Q: What is an AirPlay receiver?

An AirPlay receiver allows you to cast audio, video, and photos from your iOS or macOS devices wirelessly to your TV or other devices. Some receivers can even adapt existing speakers, TVs, and setups to accept AirPlay where there is no wireless or internet connection required.

Q: How do I add Airplay to my stereo?

Using an Airplay receiver adapter, you can plug the device directly into your speakers using a 3.5mm or optical connection. Using your Apple device, you can use AirPlay to stream music to your speakers.

Q: Is Airplay over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

AirPlay uses Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth since it can achieve a higher quality of streaming.