AirPlay, Apple's wireless audio streaming technology, is a solid option for anyone tired of connecting and disconnecting iDevices to their speakers. And with the introduction of the new Lightning connector on most new Apple products, wireless streaming is an even better choice, as we have yet to see many speaker docks adopt the new proprietary connector. With AirPlay, you can stream music from one source to multiple speakers in various locations, provided that they're all on the same Wi-Fi network. AirPlay works with iPhones, iPods, and iPads as well as over iTunes from a PC or Mac. AirPlay also transmits track metadata, such as the artist, album, and song title. And with iTunes, you can set volume levels for individual wireless speakers. So why choose AirPlay over Bluetooth for wireless streaming? Bluetooth used to have a reputation for poor sound quality, although that has largely been eliminated with the latest Bluetooth speakers. Instead, the difference is in features. Bluetooth wireless speakers can only connect to one device at a time. In addition, you have to be within direct range of the device—33 feet is the theoretical limit, but in practice it's usually much less, and rarely exceeds 20 feet even with a clear line of sight. On the other hand, Bluetooth has the advantage of being more common, as it works with more devices (such as Android phones). Also keep in mind, most of these speakers have a 3.5mm auxiliary input, so you can connect your computer or Android device using the right cable.  If you're tied to a lot of Apple products already, you'll definitely want to give AirPlay a look. The compatible speaker systems are generally pretty expensive, but they also typically provide stellar audio performance. And as with most Apple-associated products, the speaker systems feature minimal and elegant design elements that are sure to fit in with the rest of your Apple ensemble. Serious audiophiles should still stick with their tethered systems, just because occasional signal dropouts can be maddening. But for the rest of us, the ease and convenience of wireless music nearly anywhere is sure to please.   FEATURED IN THIS ROUNDUP: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air $599.95 list%displayPrice% at %seller%With Bowers and Wilkins, you definitely pay for the name and visual design as much as the audio quality. But the excellent-sounding Zeppelin Air iPod dock with wireless streaming via AirPlay does not disappoint. As such, this dirigible-looking speaker is our top choice for AirPlay Speakers. Read the full review ›› Bowers & Wilkins Z2 $399.99 list%displayPrice% at %seller% The elegantly designed, yet relatively affordable, Bowers & Wilkins Z2 speaker system raises the bar for audio quality, and offers wireless AirPlay connectivity along with a Lightning connector to dock your iPhone or iPod touch. Read the full review ›› Bowers & Wilkins A5 $499.99 list%displayPrice% at %seller% The Bowers & Wilkins A5 is a joy to listen to, and even at high volumes, it's generally a solid performer, though some deep bass tracks distort at maximum volume. Setting the A5 up is a piece of cake thanks to a free app, and the design is, like most Airplay docks (and B&W products) simple and easy on the eyes. Also be sure to check out the Bowers & Wilkins A7, which is essentially a bigger, more powerful version of the A5. Read the full review ›› Libratone Zipp $449 direct %displayPrice% at %seller% The wireless Libratone Zipp is portable, ultra-stylish, and a solid audio performer at moderate volumes. The Zipp adds value with a feature called PlayDirect, which allows wireless audio streaming even when there are no available Wi-Fi networks—something that can't be said of some of its pricier competitors. Read the full review ›› iHome iW1$299.99 direct %displayPrice% at %seller% It's a shame the portable and Apple AirPlay-equipped iHome iW1 speaker distorts at high volumes, but it's not necessarily a deal-breaker if you don't listen to music with deep bass. The iHome iW1 is one of the more affordable AirPlay speakers, and the rechargeable battery makes it a solid option for taking your tunes with you on the go. Read the full review ›› JBL OnBeat Air$249.95 direct %displayPrice% at %seller% The JBL OnBeat Air is substantially less expensive than most AirPlay docks, and it offers reasonable audio performance. There are some issues with distortion at top volumes and it doesn't get all that loud, but the addition of a docking arm for your iDevices makes it a viable option for a mini home theater. Read the full review ››

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