Fancy filling your entire home with music? Now you can with multi-room audio. Here’s how...

Years ago, playing the same music in different rooms involved expensive installation with concealed wires and custom speakers. Then Sonos came along, offering the ability to pair up multiple speakers to play music wirelessly without the fuss and cost of a high-end set-up. These days, multi-room music systems are widely available. They allow you to play music via a smartphone app from an array of digital streaming services either in stereo in a number of rooms – ideal if you’re listening to your favourite podcast while moving around – or simply playing different tunes in different rooms.

WHAT SPEAKERS OFFER THIS?

Depending on the brand, you can connect two or more speakers to play the same music on every device, with no lag or delay. While there are lots of speakers out there that can pair wirelessly to play music in stereo, this is often done via a Bluetooth connection so it generally relies on having a strong Wi-fi and broadband network to function. Without it, the connection can drop if you move one device out of the central hub’s range. Wi-fi extenders or a mesh Wi-fi system (try Netgear’s Orbi or Google Nest Wi-fi) will help boost your connection to avoid this. If, however, you prefer to invest in a range of speakers that won’t need this extra leg-up, look at other brands, such as Sonos, Bose, Samsung and Denon, which can all create their own mesh systems.

HANG ON…. WHAT’S A MESH SYSTEM?

Traditionally, all the tech in your home that requires a Wi-fi signal – from your tablet and smartphone to smart speakers, smart thermostat and so on – is linked wirelessly to one single router. The further you move a device away from that router, the weaker the signal will be. Mesh systems work differently in that there are a number of devices that work together to create a joined-up Wi-fi network. So instead of everything passing via one router, you have multiple access points in different areas, rather like a chain or a mesh, providing more consistent coverage throughout your home.

HOW DO I CONTROL THEM?

Multi-room system brands will require you to download their own free app to a phone or tablet. You can sync this to your music streaming app and control the speakers together or independently.

CAN I ONLY PLAY MUSIC ON SPEAKERS?

Not at all. These days, soundbars can be used to boost the audio from your TV as well as double up as standalone speakers, so these too can be connected wirelessly. If you already have a soundbar and you’re looking to expand your network of linked speakers, consider buying a new speaker from the same brand for hassle-free connection.

WHAT ABOUT CDS AND VINYL?

Those who racked up large collections of music on vinyl or CD before the advent of streaming services need not worry – you can still play your favourite tunes with a little help. Sonos Amp (£599) will link a turntable or CD player to multiple speakers so your treasured collection doesn’t just sit there gathering dust.