With the development of streaming and digital music, the network audio player has become the central element of many hi-fi systems. This device allows you to play all your music stored on a NAS or a remote computer. The music is then streamed to the local network via DLNA. Network media players are versatile and allow you to access thousands of web radios and a wide range of online music services such as Deezer, Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz. Designed to complement or replace CD, SACD and Blu-ray players, network audio players must be carefully chosen to ensure they work harmoniously with your hi-fi system and your favorite music service or audio files. So which network audio player should you choose? Find out in this comparative guide about the best network audio players of 2026.
What is a network audio player?
Today, there is a wide range of connected hi-fi amplifiers that can directly access music shared over the local network and streaming services. Network players are dedicated devices that allow you to benefit from these same features with an older amplifier or an amp that doesn’t feature a WiFi, Ethernet or Bluetooth connection. Adding a network audio player lets you modernize your hi-fi installation to enjoy greater ease of use, a vast musical catalog and excellent musicality.
Network audio players have also revolutionized the way music playback is controlled. You no longer have to get out of your seat to use the controls on your amp or rummage for the remote control behind the cushions on the sofa. Now you can select, sort and play all your music using a smartphone or tablet. Each manufacturer has its own mobile app that provides access to music shared over the network, compatible streaming services and web radios.
The best mini WiFi/Bluetooth audio players
Compact, discreet and easy to install, mini network players are the ideal solution for upgrading your hi-fi system. Thanks to their small size, they can be easily placed behind the amplifier, hidden in a cabinet or positioned behind a pair of active speakers, providing discreet streaming and multi-room capabilities. Often priced at under €150, these models are an excellent way to easily stream content from a smartphone to your hi-fi system or soundbar in your living room, while gradually building a true multi-room audio ecosystem.
WiiM Mini: affordable streaming and multi-room
24/192, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, streaming services, DLNA, multi-room, voice assistants, optical and mini-jack outputs
An ultra-compact model, the WiiM Mini is primarily designed for those who want to modernise an existing hi-fi system (often vintage or purely analog) without replacing it and without cluttering up their furniture. Measuring just 7cm in diameter and 2.4cm thick, it slips discreetly behind an amplifier or active speakers, making it the perfect solution for users who want to add WiFi or Bluetooth for streaming music. Thanks to its 24-bit/192kHz compatibility and mini-jack and optical outputs, it can be easily integrated with older amplifiers and modern DACs. Its appeal lies precisely in this versatility. It provides access to local DLNA files, web radio stations and all major streaming services (Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, etc.). As an added bonus, you can create a multi-room system with other WiiM, LinkPlay or AirPlay 2 devices to enjoy music throughout your home. It is easy to control via its touchscreen interface, the WiiM mobile app or voice commands thanks to its compatibility with Alexa and Siri.
Everything works perfectly. Good value for money. No wi-fi disconnection and perfect gapless playback, unlike Chromecast audio, which I was using before. High quality DAC.
Review shared by huyanh on Son-Vidéo.com ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WiiM Pro: a true connected hub
24/192, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, streaming services, DLNA, multi-room, voice assistants, RCA and optical inputs
While it builds on the solid foundations of its smaller sibling, the WiiM Mini, focusing on ease of use, extensive compatibility with streaming services and multi-room support, the WiiM Pro network player goes much further in terms of audio quality and connectivity. Its more powerful DAC ensures even more accurate playback, while its extended connectivity with RCA and optical inputs radically changes its integration potential. For example, you can connect an external source (CD player, TV, preamplified turntable, etc.) and then stream it wirelessly throughout your home’s multi-room ecosystem. In addition, there is a dedicated output for connecting a subwoofer.
Of course, it includes all the streaming options that made the brand so successful, with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth streaming, DLNA playback, as well as access to web radio stations and streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer and Amazon Music, to name but a few. The WiiM Pro is therefore the natural choice for those who want to go beyond simple streaming and are looking for a truly connected hub capable of thoroughly modernizing their entire home audio ecosystem.
Note from the expert
WiiM multi-room uses the LinkPlay ecosystem, which is one of the most flexible and protocols on the market. It not only allows you to easily synchronize several WiiM devices, but also lets you add devices from other brands that also use this platform, such as Audio Pro, Elipson, Octavio and many more. This wide compatibility makes it easier to create a hybrid multi-room system while benefitting from unified control and stable synchronization from the WiiM app.
FiiO SR11: for AirPlay and Roon streaming
AirPlay, Roon Ready, 32-bit/768kHz USB-C input, digital outputs
The FiiO SR11 is a small network streamer designed to be paired with an external DAC or DAC amplifier via a USB, optical or coaxial connection. It is particularly suited to those who appreciate simplicity and efficiency, as it does not require any external control app. To achieve this, it uses AirPlay streaming, which allows it to be integrated into an Apple environment. Your iPhone, iPad or Mac becomes the remote control, allowing you to instantly send music to your hi-fi system. For more discerning users, its Roon Ready certification also makes the SR11 a natural choice for integration into a high-fidelity multi-room ecosystem, with centralized music management and optimal transmission quality. Finally, its USB-C input allows high-resolution playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz from a computer.
Bluesound Node Nano: the compact version of a best-seller
24/192 and DSD256, AirPlay 2 and bi-directional Bluetooth, USB input, streaming services, multi-room
A miniature version of the best-selling Bluesound Node 2026, the Bluesound Node Nano is designed for users who want high-fidelity sound without cluttering up their setup. It is ideal for music lovers who want to upgrade a compact hi-fi system, as well as users of more ambitious systems who are looking for a discreet but powerful streamer for their amplifier, pair of active speakers or even external DAC. With its ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC capable of processing streams up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD256, it is ideal for lossless streaming enthusiasts and users with extensive local libraries thanks to its wide range of decoded audio formats: FLAC, ALAC, WAV, MQA, MP3, etc.
When it comes to connectivity and compatibility, the Node Nano makes no compromises: RCA analog outputs, optical and coaxial digital outputs, USB-A port for playing files from a USB stick or hard drive, Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi, and bidirectional Bluetooth 5.2 (capable of streaming to headphones or receiving a stream from a smartphone). As for software, it integrates with the BluOS ecosystem, giving it access to major streaming services (Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, etc.), web radio stations, the local network via UpnP (NAS, server), and AirPlay 2.
Small, smart and solid sounding, the Nano does a decent job of proving that size doesn’t always matter.
What Hi-Fi ? ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best WiFi/Bluetooth audio players with a screen
Network audio players equipped with a screen are becoming the new standard. In addition to adding a modern touch to the installation, they make the experience much more convenient and user-friendly, bringing playback to life by displaying album covers, dynamic VU meters and a wealth of information about the tracks being played. These screens are often touch-sensitive, making it much easier to navigate between tracks, streaming services and various settings, offering far superior ergonomics to traditional players without a display. More comprehensive than mini streamers, these music players often offer an extensive range of connectors, allowing them to be used as DACs or pre-amplifiers. This selection brings together the best models currently available, combining high performance, design and ease of use.
WiiM Ultra: the best value for money
24/192, bidirectional Bluetooth, Chromecast, streaming services, DLNA, multi-room, voice assistants, HDMI ARC and phono inputs
As the brand’s flagship model, the WiiM Ultra is designed for users who want to enjoy the WiiM ecosystem in its most advanced form, with a device capable of replacing a network player, a DAC and a small modern preamplifier. Whereas the Mini and Pro models provide streaming, the Ultra is aimed at an audience that wants to upgrade their setup to a more ergonomic, versatile and visual system. Its 3.5-inch full color touchscreen is designed for those who like to control their system directly from the device: source selection, sound settings, presets, album covers and even a VU meter to add a vintage touch.
When it comes to streaming, the WiiM Ultra makes no compromises: Wi-Fi 6E, bidirectional Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, support for all major services (Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, etc.), DLNA/UPnP, Chromecast, and even voice control via smart assistants. Its ESS Sabre ES9038 Q2M DAC ensures playback of Hi-Res music up to 24-bit/192kHz, while its comprehensive connectivity makes it the ideal solution for centralizing all your sources. Television (HDMI ARC), turntable (built-in phono input), CD player or games console: the WiiM Ultra is designed to be the true hub of a modern setup. Finally, the numerous customization options with graphic equalizer, preconfigured DSP and acoustic calibration via microphone allow you to optimize the sound reproduction to suit the characteristics of the room, the speakers and the user’s preferences.
The WiiM Ultra network player marks a significant advance on the best-selling WiiM Pro, while remaining affordable. At €399, it succeeds in combining high-level sound performance, premium design and features that are rare in this price range, such as a phono input, HDMI ARC and an amplified headphone output.
Excerpt from our review of the WiiM Ultra
EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2: the best-seller
32/768 and DSD512, DLNA, Bluetooth and Roon Ready, streaming services, USB DAC, HDMI ARC input, preamp mode
In just a few years, EverSolo has established itself as a specialist and leader in hi-fi audio players thanks to a range of ultra-complete and high-performance devices. The brand’s best-seller, the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2, is aimed at music lovers who want a versatile, modern and extremely intuitive device without compromising on musicality. One of its strengths is a very large 6-inch touchscreen combined with a smooth and intuitive Android interface. All streaming features are directly accessible, with the ability to select the source, install apps from major streaming services, browse your music library (local storage via SSD or DLNA sharing) and make numerous adjustments using multiple equalizers. During playback, you can display the album cover, colorful spectrum displays, or choose from countless VU meters. All these features are also available remotely via a mobile app, which is one of the best designed and regularly updated.
The EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 player can also act as a DAC and preamplifier, making it an ideal choice for simplifying your setup. Its technical excellence is embodied in a dual ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, a very low-noise linear power supply, symmetrical architecture and a high-precision dual clock. This ensures optimal playback of Hi-Res music up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. Finally, the EverSolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 offers extremely rich connectivity with HDMI/ARC, digital inputs/outputs (optical, coaxial, USB), balanced XLR and RCA outputs, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi/Ethernet, USB ports, internal storage via NVMe SSD, DLNA compatibility, Roon Ready and support for major streaming services (Tidal, Qobuz, etc.). CD enthusiasts will appreciate the ability to connect a USB CD player to play or even rip their collection.
Note from the expert
Hi-Res music primarily preserves more information from the original recording. With extended dynamics, a more precise soundstage and better reproduction of micro-details, it offers a more natural and immersive listening experience, especially on a high-quality hi-fi system. To fully enjoy this potential, a high-performance network player is essential: it guarantees clean conversion, a stable power supply and faithful signal processing, without compression or artefacts.
FiiO R7: the perfect network player for hi-fi headphones
32/768 and DSD512, DLNA, bi-directional Bluetooth, Roon Ready and AirPlay, streaming services, USB DAC, preamp mode, powerful headphone amp
The FiiO R7 stands out with its compact vertical design, designed for users who want a comprehensive hi-fi solution with a large, tilted touchscreen for easy control. It is particularly aimed at those who mainly listen to music through headphones, whether at the office, in a living room or at night. With its two THX AAA-788+ amplifier modules and three headphone outputs (4.4mm, 6.35mm and XLR), it is designed for music lovers who want a highly sophisticated music player capable of powering both demanding headphones and sensitive in-ear monitors. With power output of up to 3650mW into 32 ohms (balanced), it is an ideal solution for those who want to get the most out of their high-end headphones without adding an additional dedicated amplifier.
The FiiO R7 also acts as a streamer, USB DAC and pre-amplifier. Its analog and digital inputs, combined with its dual USB ports, allow you to centralize your sources: a music library stored on an external drive, playback from a Windows or Mac computer, integration into an existing hi-fi system… it adapts to all configurations. The Android-based network section makes it the perfect choice for accessing all streaming services without any limitations. The Google Play Store allows you to freely install Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music or any other app, while streaming can also be done via AirPlay, DLNA or Roon Ready, with support for high-resolution files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 thanks to an ESS Sabre ES9068AS DAC.
More than ‘just’ a network streamer or desktop DAC, the FiiO R7 is a brilliantly flexible player that can handle pretty much any source you care to throw at it, and play it back through almost any pair of headphones regardless of cable or connection.
Stuff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Atoll MS120: French streaming
24/192 and DSD128, DLNA, Bluetooth and Roon Ready, streaming services, DAC, optical and coaxial, headphone output
An iconic model in the French manufacturer’s range of streamers, the Atoll MS120 focuses above all on signal purity, without compromise or unnecessary features. Unlike versatile streamers that offer a multitude of additional features, the Atoll MS120 has a deliberately minimalist interface, perfect for those who want to focus on the essentials: playback of Hi-Res files up to 24-bit/192kHz, flawless UPnP/DLNA integration, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Qobuz compatibility, and control via the Atoll app. It is ideal for music lovers looking for a fast solution focused purely on music management, without complex software layers.
Thanks to its comprehensive range of connectors, including RCA, optical and coaxial outputs, digital inputs and a USB port for external drives, the Atoll MS120 can be easily integrated into an ambitious hi-fi system, where it can replace both the network player and the external DAC. It is therefore ideal for those who want to simplify their system while improving quality.
The best high-end network players
High-end network players represent the pinnacle of digital music playback. Designed to get the most out of Hi-Res files, lossless streaming platforms and local libraries, they combine premium components, advanced digital processing, comprehensive connectivity and modern interfaces. They are generally capable of replacing several devices (streamer, DAC, preamplifier, equalizer, etc.), while offering remarkable precision. This selection features the most high-performance network players currently available, designed to achieve uncompromising quality, ease of use and integration.
Cambridge Audio EXN100: high-end streaming
32/768 and DSD512, UpnP, aptX HD Bluetooth, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, streaming, USB DAC, preamp mode
The flagship product from British manufacturer Cambridge Audio, the EXN100 is a streamer, DAC and hi-fi preamplifier that embodies the perfect balance between elegance, versatility and first-class performance. Using the 4th generation StreamMagic platform, it offers seamless access to all your content: local files shared via UPnP or stored on a USB device, streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify and Deezer, internet radios, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth 5.0.
Equipped with an ESS ES9028Q2M converter, it supports most formats such as WAV, ALAC, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+ and OGG Vorbis. Hi-Res certified, it can decode music up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. This DAC can also be used to process external sources thanks to four digital inputs, including a USB-B port for connecting a computer and an HDMI eARC for TV. It features digital and analog outputs with volume control for direct connection to a power amplifier. Finally, a 5″ color screen displays album art, metadata and playback information, which is handy if you like to visually follow what you’re listening to.
The EXN100 represents the latest incarnation of a formula Cambridge Audio has been working on for over a decade. The result is a product that offers sensational performance combined with all round usability that is exceptionally easy to live with.
Trusted Reviews
EverSolo DMP-A8: the all-in-one solution
32/768 and DSD512, DLNA, Bluetooth, AirPlay and Roon Ready, streaming services, USB DAC, preamp mode
The EverSolo DMP-A8 is the high-end model above the flagship EverSolo DMP-A10, clearly aimed at discerning users who want to take a decisive step up from the DMP-A6. Where the latter was a high-performance entry point into the EverSolo universe, the DMP-A8 is designed for those who want to get the most out of an ambitious hi-fi system: AKM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 DAC, more rigorous dual power supply, true balanced preamplifier and passive R2R volume control. All these features are designed to deliver a more transparent, detailed and nuanced sound reproduction, capable of accompanying very high-end amplifiers.
Designed to be the heart of a full system, the EverSolo DMP-A8 lets you centralize all your digital and analog sources. Its five digital inputs, including a USB-B for use as a DAC from a computer and an HDMI ARC for TV, are perfect for modern setups combining hi-fi and multimedia uses. The RCA and XLR inputs allow you to integrate an analog source such as a pre-amplified turntable, while the numerous outputs facilitate integration into an existing or evolving system.
For connected music lovers who want easy access to digital tracks, this device offers the countless network features that have made the brand successful, with direct access to streaming services, DLNA-shared music, web radios, as well as AirPlay, Bluetooth and Roon Ready compatibility. Its large 6″ touchscreen and mobile app offer ideal ergonomics for those who want a system that is simple to use on a daily basis, but ultra-comprehensive in terms of settings. Microphone auto-calibration and graphic or parametric equalizers allow advanced users to adjust their setup with a precision rarely seen on a network player.
Note from the expert
When your hi-fi equipment has balanced XLR inputs and outputs, it is always preferable to use this type of connection rather than RCA connectors. Balanced connections have the advantage of naturally eliminating noise interference thanks to their phase-opposed transmission system, which is much more resistant to electromagnetic interference. They also offer a higher signal voltage, which improves dynamics and reduces the risk of loss or degradation over long distances. The result is a cleaner, more stable signal and more accurate sound reproduction.
Rose RS451: Hi-Res and 4K HDR video streamer
32/768 and DSD512, 4K HDR 60fps video, DLNA, Bluetooth, AirPlay and Roon Ready, streaming services, USB DAC
The Rose RS451 player is designed for users looking for a versatile solution capable of handling high-resolution music and modern video content with the same level of excellence. It stands out by supporting videos up to 4K HDR 60 fps, in addition to Hi-Res music playback up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. This model is therefore particularly suitable for those who want a single device to centralize all their digital uses: listening to Qobuz in Hi-Res, watching concerts, streaming YouTube videos, accessing local video files or playing a vast music library stored on SSD, USB or the network. Its large touchscreen and Rose OS ecosystem allow for smooth, intuitive and visual navigation, perfect for everyday mixed audio/video use.
Thanks to its new-generation ESS Sabre DAC and wide range of connections – HDMI, USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet – it can play both digital files and physical sources. In addition to its RCA and XLR outputs with preamplifier function, this streamer incorporates a genuine headphone amplifier with three dedicated outputs and gain adjustment for high-quality listening in complete privacy.
Frequently asked questions
Bluetooth has the advantage of being simpler, as it transmits the sound directly from a smartphone or computer. However, this solution is limited: significant compression, inferior quality even with aptX HD and LDAC, and reduced range leading to the music cutting out as soon as you change rooms. Conversely, a network player connected via Wi-Fi ensures much more stable and higher-quality transmission, with playback managed directly by the device while the smartphone is used only as a remote control. For true hi-fi sound, the network player remains the preferred solution.
A DLNA/UPnP network audio player is a device capable of playing music stored on a local network, for example on a computer, NAS or shared hard drive. Thanks to DLNA and UPnP protocols, it automatically detects available music libraries and can access them without complex configuration. The network player then becomes the main playback device: it retrieves audio files directly via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then converts them to send them to the amplifier or speakers. It is an ideal solution for centralizing all your digital content and enjoying stable, smooth and high-quality playback without having to let your computer or smartphone manage the sound.
Roon is a music platform that centralizes, organises and enriches your entire audio library: local files, NAS and streaming services such as Qobuz or Tidal. Roon offers a visual interface rich in metadata, biographies, full discographies, links between artists, as well as an extremely powerful search engine. Technically, Roon relies on software or a server that centralizes music and then streams it to Roon Ready-compatible devices that receive the optimized audio stream.
Hi-Res (or high-resolution) music refers to audio files that offer higher definition than CDs. They use a higher sampling frequency and bit depth, which allows them to capture more audio information. There are many advantages: more nuanced, detailed and natural sound, a wider soundstage, better dynamics and reproduction that is closer to the original recording. Voices gain presence, instruments gain nuance, and ambiences gain realism.
If you want to enjoy sound from all your apps, including YouTube, an AirPlay or Chromecast-compatible network player is ideal. These protocols, which are simpler and more stable than Bluetooth, transmit sound via Wi-Fi, offering higher bit rates, much greater range and the ability to listen to your music anywhere in the house. They also allow you to play files in higher quality (up to 16/48 for AirPlay and 24/96 for Chromecast). The choice depends mainly on your equipment: AirPlay for Apple devices, Chromecast for Android.
A multi-room network player is a device capable of streaming music to several rooms in your home in perfect synchronisation or independently. Connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, it communicates with other compatible devices to create a full audio ecosystem. This allows you to play the same song throughout your home or choose a different source in each room, all controlled from a single app. It is the ideal solution for enjoying music everywhere, without additional cables and with great ease of use.
Network players are mainly controlled via a dedicated mobile app installed on a smartphone or tablet. This app allows you to access streaming services, browse your music library, manage audio settings and, where applicable, control an entire multi-room system. Most models can also be controlled from a computer, a supplied remote control, or via voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Some have a built-in screen for quick access to the main controls.
