Chromecast Audio has revolutionized how we listen to music at home by turning regular speakers into smart streaming devices. This small, affordable disc connects to almost any speaker with an audio input and allows wireless streaming from your favorite music apps.
The right speaker paired with Chromecast Audio can deliver impressive sound quality without the cost of a dedicated smart speaker system.
When choosing a speaker for Chromecast Audio, consider audio quality, connectivity options, and size. The speaker should have either a 3.5mm auxiliary input, RCA inputs, or optical input to connect with the Chromecast device.
Bass response, clarity, and volume capacity are also important factors that affect your listening experience.
We tested dozens of speakers with Chromecast Audio and found the Sonos Five stands out for its room-filling sound and versatility. While Chromecast Audio was discontinued in 2019, many users still have the device or find them second-hand, making compatible speakers a valuable investment for those who prefer this streaming method.
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Best Speakers for Chromecast Audio
We’ve tested dozens of speakers to find the perfect companions for your Chromecast Audio device. Our top picks offer excellent sound quality, easy connectivity, and great value for your money. These speakers will help you stream your favorite music with crystal-clear sound throughout your home.
Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker
The Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker delivers impressive sound quality and smart features that make it the perfect companion for Chromecast Audio streaming.
Pros
- Rich, room-filling sound from compact design
- Seamless integration with Google Assistant
- Made with 70% recycled materials
Cons
- Bass could be stronger for larger rooms
- Setup can be tricky for some users
- Limited compatibility with Apple services
We spent a few days testing the Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker, and we’re genuinely impressed with its performance.
The compact design packs a surprising punch with its 3-inch woofer and 0.7-inch tweeter. Music sounds clear and balanced, with vocals coming through crisp and clean.
When we played our favorite playlists, the speaker filled our medium-sized living room with sound.
The built-in Chromecast functionality works flawlessly. We simply tapped the cast button in Spotify and YouTube Music, and our tunes started playing instantly with no lag or interruptions.
The wireless connection stayed strong throughout our testing, even when we moved our phone to another room.
What really sets this speaker apart is the smart home integration. We asked Google Assistant to adjust our smart lights, check the weather, and play specific songs – all without touching our phones.
The speaker heard us clearly even with music playing at moderate volumes. We also paired two units in our kitchen and dining area, creating an impressive stereo setup that made our morning routines much more enjoyable.
The eco-friendly design deserves mention too. The speaker looks sleek in charcoal, and knowing it’s made from mostly recycled plastic gives us peace of mind. We placed it on our bookshelf, and its neutral design blended in perfectly with our decor.
Battery life impressed us during testing. We got nearly 10 hours of playback at moderate volume before needing to recharge. The speaker also remembers multiple Bluetooth connections, making it easy to switch between different devices in our household.
For the price point, this Google speaker offers exceptional value. While audiophiles might want more bass, most users will be more than satisfied with the sound quality for everyday listening. The combination of smart features and good audio makes this an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their Chromecast Audio experience.
WiiM Pro Streamer
The WiiM Pro is a must-buy for anyone wanting to add modern streaming capabilities to their existing speakers with excellent sound quality and versatile connectivity options.
Pros
- Supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz with gapless playback
- Works with multiple streaming platforms including Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music
- Compatible with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and voice assistants
Cons
- Setup can be slightly confusing for first-time users
- App occasionally needs updates to fix minor bugs
- Price point higher than basic Bluetooth receivers
We recently tested the WiiM Pro with our home audio system, and it’s truly transformed how we listen to music.
This small, unassuming device packs serious audio capabilities into its compact frame. When we connected it to our older but excellent-sounding speakers, they suddenly felt brand new again.
The sound quality is impressive. We streamed some high-resolution tracks from Qobuz and TIDAL, and the difference was noticeable compared to standard Bluetooth adapters we’ve used before.
Bass response was tight and detailed, while vocals came through with clarity that surprised us. The gapless playback feature works perfectly for albums meant to flow together.
Setup was mostly straightforward using the WiiM Home app. We had it running in about 10 minutes.
The device offers both digital outputs (optical and coaxial) and analog, giving flexibility depending on your existing equipment. We tried both connections and found the digital output delivered slightly better sound when paired with our DAC.
The multi-room capabilities really shine when you have several audio systems. We grouped the WiiM Pro with our AirPlay speakers in the kitchen, and everything played in perfect sync.
This feature alone makes it worth the investment if you have speakers in different rooms.
Voice control works well too. We asked Alexa to play our favorite playlist, and the WiiM Pro responded immediately. The same was true when using Siri on our iPhone. For Spotify users, the Connect feature means you can control everything directly from the Spotify app.
What makes the WiiM Pro special is how it bridges the gap between older audio equipment and modern streaming services without compromising sound quality.
Unlike simple Bluetooth receivers, the WiiM Pro maintains signal integrity over your home network, resulting in better sound and range. We could control playback from anywhere in our home without interruption. For audiophiles on a budget, this device offers tremendous value.
RIVA Arena WiFi Speaker
The RIVA Arena delivers impressive room-filling sound with versatile connectivity options, making it a solid choice for Chromecast audio despite occasional reliability issues.
Pros
- Powerful 50-watt output with 6 drivers creates authentic stereo sound
- Multiple connection options (WiFi, Bluetooth, AUX, USB)
- Compact size with premium build quality
Cons
- Occasional Chromecast connectivity issues
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Setup can be challenging for some users
We spent some time testing the RIVA Arena speaker this week, and we’re impressed by how much sound comes from such a compact package.
The first thing we noticed was its solid construction – it feels substantial at 3 pounds with a sleek, minimalist design that looks great in any room.
Sound quality is where this speaker truly shines. Those six drivers pumping out 50 watts of power deliver crisp highs and surprisingly deep bass for a speaker this size.
We placed it in our living room corner, and it easily filled the space with rich, detailed audio. The Trillium audio technology isn’t just marketing hype – it genuinely creates a wider soundstage than you’d expect from a single speaker.
Connecting to Chromecast was mostly smooth in our testing. We streamed Spotify directly through WiFi, and the sound quality was noticeably better than when using Bluetooth.
The multi-room capability worked well when we added a second speaker to our kitchen. However, we did experience a few dropped connections when streaming for extended periods.
The versatility of connection options impressed us. Beyond Chromecast, we connected via Bluetooth from our phones, plugged in directly with the AUX cable, and even used the USB port to charge our device while playing music.
The built-in controls on top are intuitive, though we mostly used the app for adjustments.
Battery life isn’t a concern since this is primarily a plug-in speaker, though RIVA does offer an optional battery pack for portable use. The speaker maintains consistent sound quality at both low and high volumes, with minimal distortion even when we cranked it up during a small gathering.
The RIVA Arena supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect for seamless streaming from virtually any device.
Polk Audio Signa S3
The Polk Audio Signa S3 is a fantastic investment for anyone wanting to enhance their TV audio experience with built-in Chromecast capabilities at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Built-in Chromecast for easy music streaming
- Crystal clear dialogue with Voice Adjust technology
- Simple setup with included cables and wireless subwoofer
Cons
- Bass can be a bit overwhelming at times
- Limited EQ customization options
- Not ideal for very large rooms
We recently set up the Polk Audio Signa S3 in our living room, and we’re impressed by how much it transformed our TV viewing experience.
The slim profile fits perfectly under our TV without blocking the remote sensor, which was a problem with bulkier soundbars we’ve tried.
Setup was incredibly easy. We just plugged in the HDMI ARC cable (included in the box), connected the wireless subwoofer to power, and everything paired automatically. Within minutes, we were enjoying much improved sound.
The remote is simple but effective, letting us adjust volume and bass levels without complication.
The built-in Chromecast feature is what truly sets this soundbar apart from others in this price range. We’ve been streaming music directly from Spotify and YouTube Music with no lag or connectivity issues.
The sound quality for music is impressive too – clear highs and solid mids, while the wireless subwoofer adds depth to bass notes.
For movie nights, we’ve found the Voice Adjust technology to be a game-changer. We can finally hear dialogue clearly without constantly adjusting the volume between quiet conversations and loud action scenes.
With three different voice settings, we’ve found one that works perfectly for our viewing preferences.
The wireless subwoofer packs a surprising punch for its compact size. We placed it in the corner of our room and it fills the space with rich bass. Sometimes it can be a bit too powerful, but a quick adjustment on the remote fixes that issue right away.
For the price, we believe this 2.1 channel system offers exceptional value compared to similar models we’ve tested. The Dolby Digital decoding creates an immersive sound experience that makes us feel like we’re in a small home theater.
Google Audio Smart Speaker
The Google Audio Bluetooth Speaker delivers impressive sound quality and smart home integration that makes it worth every penny for anyone wanting to enhance their Chromecast audio experience.
Pros
- Room-filling sound with deep bass and clear vocals
- Seamless Google Assistant integration for hands-free control
- Eco-friendly design using 70% recycled materials
Cons
- Slightly bulky compared to some portable speakers
- Requires Wi-Fi for full functionality
- Price point higher than basic Bluetooth speakers
We recently got our hands on this Google Audio speaker, and the sound quality truly impressed us.
The 3-inch woofer pumps out rich bass while the tweeter delivers crisp highs. Music fills even larger rooms nicely, making it perfect for entertaining guests or creating ambiance throughout the home.
Pairing with Chromecast Audio was a breeze. We simply connected through the Google Home app, and within minutes, we were streaming music from our phones.
The dual-band Wi-Fi keeps connections stable even when streaming high-quality audio files.
Voice control works remarkably well. Even from across the room, the speaker picked up our commands to adjust volume, skip tracks, or check the weather.
We found ourselves using Google Assistant for controlling smart lights and other connected devices more often since getting this speaker.
Two of these speakers can be paired together for stereo sound. We tested this feature in our living room, and the difference was noticeable.
The soundstage opened up dramatically, creating a more immersive listening experience that rivals more expensive sound systems.
The eco-friendly design deserves mention too. The fabric cover feels premium despite being made from recycled materials.
The speaker’s slender profile fits well on bookshelves or countertops without demanding too much space.
Battery life isn’t an issue since this is a plug-in speaker. We appreciated the consistent performance without worrying about charging.
For those wanting whole-home audio, these speakers can seamlessly transfer music from room to room.
Smart Home Tip: For the best Chromecast Audio experience, place your Google Audio speaker centrally in rooms where you spend the most time.
Buying Guide
Finding the perfect speaker for Chromecast Audio can feel overwhelming. We’ve created this guide to help you make the right choice without the headache.
Sound Quality
Sound quality should be your top priority. Look for speakers with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass.
Pro Tip: Try to listen to speakers before buying if possible. Sound quality is subjective and what sounds good to one person might not sound good to another.
Connectivity Options
While Chromecast Audio uses Wi-Fi, having additional connection options gives you flexibility.
- Bluetooth: For when Wi-Fi isn’t available
- Auxiliary input: For direct connections
- Multi-room capability: For whole-home audio
Size and Placement
Consider where you’ll place your speaker. Smaller rooms need less powerful speakers, while larger spaces benefit from bigger, more powerful units.
Power Source
Some speakers need to be plugged in, while others run on batteries. Battery-powered speakers offer portability but may sacrifice sound quality.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What To Look For |
| Frequency Response | Determines range of sounds | Wider range = better sound |
| Power Output | Affects volume and clarity | Higher wattage for larger rooms |
| Build Quality | Impacts durability and sound | Solid materials, good weight |
Price Range
Set a budget before shopping. While price often correlates with quality, there are excellent options at various price points.