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Speakers

Speakers are foundational to the way we enjoy music from Spotify, Apple Music, and other services — and our own music collections. And increasingly, they’re also a convenient way of controlling smart home devices compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Siri. Companies like Sonos offer multiroom audio platforms capable of synchronizing music across speakers of all different sizes. Whether you’re looking for a smart speaker or a simple Bluetooth speaker to take everywhere, The Verge covers the best of what’s out there in 2025.

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Youtube
Andrew Liszewski
Sonos details the best features of its new 8-channel speaker amp.

Yesterday the company announced its first new hardware since 2024. The Sonos Amp Multi is targeted at high-end sound systems and professional audio installers, but this video explaining all of the amplifier’s features will make anyone with a handful of old speakers lying around want to add one to their setup.

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Andrew Liszewski
Sonos’ first new hardware since 2024 is an amplifier for pro audio installers.

Following a focus on improving its software and mobile app, the Amp Multi is Sonos’ first new hardware debut since the launch of its Arc Ultra soundbar in 2024, as reported by Bloomberg. The Amp Multi lets users connect traditional speakers to their wireless audio systems using eight amplified outputs, but is designed for professional installations.

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<em>The Amp Multi can stand alone on a piece of furniture but can also be rack-mounted in a dedicated room housing other AV gear.</em>
<em>It features eight amplifiedoutputs that can be assigned to any zones using Sonos’ mobile app.</em>
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The Amp Multi can stand alone on a piece of furniture but can also be rack-mounted in a dedicated room housing other AV gear.
Image: Sonos
The Echo Dot Max is Amazon’s biggest little speaker yet

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Verge Score

The hardware finally feels ready, but Alexa Plus is still a work in progress.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
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Andrew Liszewski
Ikea’s new Bluetooth speaker lamp launches in the US.

The Blomprakt Bluetooth speaker lamp was first announced last July as part of a new lineup following the end of Sonos and Ikea’s partnership earlier this year. It’s priced at $59.99 in the US making it much cheaper than Ikea’s $179 Sonos-compatible Symfonisk lamp speaker, but the Blomprakt lacks Wi-Fi and streaming support.

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<em>The Blomprakt Bluetooth speaker lamp is available in black, light blue, and beige color options.</em>
<em>The speaker supports Spotify Tap and has a button and dial for controlling volume and adjusting the lamp’s brightness.</em>
<em>The lamp’s cord can be positioned on either side of the speaker depending on where you want the light and sound directed.</em>
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The Blomprakt Bluetooth speaker lamp is available in black, light blue, and beige color options.
Image: Ikea
Your Sonos speakers can now control your Hue lightsYour Sonos speakers can now control your Hue lights
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy