WiiM, a rising star in the affordable audio streaming market, unveiled its first-ever smart speaker last week: WiiM Sound. It looks a lot like HomePod 2 and directly challenges it — and whatever version of it Apple releases next — with an impressive feature set.
WiiM Sound could appeal to audiophiles seeking high-resolution audio in a smart package — at a price that undercuts Apple’s.
WiiM Sound smart speaker: A HomePod-inspired design with a crucial upgrade
The new WiiM Sound smart speaker features a design clearly inspired by Apple’s HomePod, which could see a new version as a home hub with touchscreen later this year. WiiM Sound is roughly the same size and shape as HomePod 2, though perhaps “a little narrower and squarer” according to early hands-on impressions from What Hi-Fi? at audio show High End Munich 2025, where the HomePod doppelgänger debuted.
The top panel features touch-capacitive controls for playback and volume, with a sturdy woven fabric covering. But WiiM made one significant design improvement over the current HomePod 2: the addition of a 1.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display on the side of the speaker. This feature has long been rumored for Apple’s HomePod but hasn’t materialized yet, allowing WiiM to beat Apple to the punch. The screen can display album art, presets and menu settings. It also provides direct navigation control for playlists and apps.
Audiophile-grade features
Photo: WiiM
The WiiM Sound speaker promises exceptional audio fidelity with high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz playback capability. It delivers 100W of power through a 4-inch woofer and dual-balanced mode radiator tweeters, designed to provide room-filling audio.
One of the most impressive aspects of WiiM Sound is its sophisticated room optimization technology. The speaker features automatic room correction that takes “precise acoustic measurements of your room, crafting customized corrections for your audio equipment.” This adaptive technology allows the speaker to optimize its sound output based on its placement and the acoustic properties of the surrounding space.
Sound customization goes even further with 24 preset EQ profiles and a 10-band graphic and parametric EQ for precise adjustments. Those help users tailor the sound to their preferences.
Connectivity and streaming options
WiiM Sound comes equipped with next-generation connectivity including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 100Mbps Ethernet for fast, reliable streaming. The speaker supports universal casting from popular music services via Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, DLNA or Alexa Cast.
Users can stream from more than 20 different music services or from apps on other devices, making it extremely versatile for various streaming needs. Notably absent, however, is support for Apple’s AirPlay. That’s not too surprising given WiiM’s direct competition with Apple in this space.
Voice control is available through Alexa, Google Assistant or the included WiiM Voice Remote, providing multiple options for hands-free operation.
Multi-room and home theater capabilities
WiiM Sound offers impressive versatility beyond standalone use. Users can pair two WiiM Sound speakers to create a left/right stereo setup for an expanded soundstage. The speaker also supports multi-room synchronization, allowing users to stream audio across their home with WiiM, Google Cast or Alexa multi-room.
Perhaps most impressively, WiiM Sound can function as a surround or center channel speaker in a Dolby 5.1 setup for immersive home cinema experiences when paired with a WiiM device that has an HDMI ARC input, such as the new WiiM Amp Ultra.
WiiM demonstrated the capability at High End Munich 2025, where WiiM Sound speakers were used in conjunction with Audio Pro wireless speakers as front and left/right speakers, showcasing a very compact TV/cinema setup.
WiiM’s expanding product ecosystem
WiiM Sound is just one of three new WiiM wireless audiophile devices expected in Q3 2025.
Another is the company’s first subwoofer, Sub Pro. It pumps out 250W of bass with an eight-inch driver and a frequency range of 25-200Hz. Sub Pro features the same room correction technology as Sound, adjusting its output to optimize bass response in any space.
The third new product is WiiM Amp Ultra, described as the company’s “most refined streaming amplifier yet.” This device features a unibody aluminum chassis with a 3.5-inch touchscreen on the front. It uses audiophile-grade components including an ESS ES9039Q2M Sabre DAC. It can deliver 100W of power per channel to drive up to four passive speakers simultaneously.
WiiM Sound could be trouble for Apple HomePod
Photo: WiiM
In lieu of proper testing upon release, WiiM Sound’s actual audio quality remains unknown. But early impressions seem promising. If WiiM can deliver audio performance comparable to the HomePod 2 at a lower price point, while offering additional features like the touchscreen display, extensive EQ options and broader streaming service compatibility, Apple could face serious competition in the premium smart speaker market.
For audiophiles waiting for a smart speaker that prioritizes sound quality and customization without being locked into a specific ecosystem, WiiM Sound might be exactly what they’re looking for.
WiiM Sound smart speaker pricing and availability
WiiM plans to launch the Sound smart speaker in Q3 2025 on Amazon and other retailers. However, the company has not yet announced pricing details.
Given WiiM’s reputation for “delivering well-thought-out products at very affordable prices,” as one industry observer put it, experts anticipate WiiM Sound could put up serious competition for HomePod 2, which retails for $299. Industry analysts expect WiiM Sound will likely undercut Apple’s pricing. That would be consistent with WiiM’s usual pricing strategy, which has fueled much of its success to date.
