WiiM, an audio brand consistently receiving high praise for products like its award-winning Pro Plus music streamer, is set to launch its first smart speaker, the WiiM Sound, posing a direct challenge to the Apple HomePod. The official UK release date is confirmed for mid-November, with the price matching its main rival: £299 (approximately $400 / AU$612), the same cost as the HomePod 2. While some might have expected an undercut, this competitive pricing suggests WiiM’s confidence in its feature set.
The WiiM Sound is positioned as an audiophile-friendly smart speaker, boasting support for high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Its acoustic design includes a 4-inch long-throw woofer and dual 1-inch tweeters, providing a substantial 100W of peak power. A key feature is the automatic self-calibration, allowing the speaker to optimize its audio performance for any room environment.
Beyond sound quality, the WiiM Sound offers immense user flexibility. A unique 1.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen provides direct control over playback, sources, EQ settings, and can display album art. For smart control, the speaker supports both Alexa and Google Assistant (via a bundled remote or compatible external devices), alongside its intuitive WiiM Home mobile app. Critically, its extensive connectivity ensures seamless multi-room integration across various platforms, including Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Alexa Cast, and DLNA (with Roon Ready support pending). This agnosticism makes it a compelling, flexible alternative to locked-in systems from Apple or Sonos. Furthermore, the WiiM Sound can function as a standalone unit, a stereo pair, or as surround/centre channels in a home cinema setup. With this blend of high-end audio specifications, broad connectivity, and unique control options, the WiiM Sound is a serious new contender in the premium smart speaker market.