Multiroom audio system cost guide

Whether you love dancing to your favourite tunes while you’re getting ready for work, or you don’t want to miss a moment of your favourite radio play while you move between rooms, a multiroom audio system could be a sound investment. Here, we’ll look at the average multiroom audio system cost and what to look out for.

Multiroom audio system cost

It could cost anywhere from £500 to £5,000 to get a multiroom audio system installed.

Ultimately, the total cost will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Whether your system is wired or wireless.
• Whether it’s fitted retrospectively or at the point of first fix (if it’s wired).
• If you want your speakers in or out of view.
• The quality of the sound.
• Whether you want a wall-mounted or handheld control (or both).
• How many rooms it’s installed in.
• Your location.

The cost will also vary based on whether you’re getting multiroom audio installed on its own, or whether you’d like it installed as part of a larger package that includes other smart home technology.

Multiroom streaming audio costs

When you’re budgeting for your multiroom audio system, here are the three main elements you’ll need to factor in.

• The sound system: The sound system itself will range in cost depending on its quality, features and capabilities. Some will allow you to create ‘zones’ within your home that can play simultaneously, while many wireless systems can be controlled via apps on your phone.
• Speakers: Do you mind your speakers being in view? In which case, you could opt for freestanding or wall-mounted speakers. Alternatively, you could pay extra for speakers that are concealed in walls, ceilings or even behind artwork.
• Other smart features: Consider whether you want to include other elements of smart home technology in your property, such as smart lighting or security. If so, you’ll need to think about whether you’d like them all to be integrated so that they can be controlled from one central place.

Multiroom wired vs wireless audio

One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make when you’re picking out your multiroom audio system is whether to go wired or wireless. There are a number of benefits to opting for a wired system, but there are some downsides too.

Multiroom wired audio pros:

• More reliable.
• Sound is often of higher quality.
• Puts less strain on your home network.
• Works even if your internet is slow.
• Works better in some brick and stone homes.
• Can be more expensive.

Multiroom wired audio cons:

• Messy to install retrospectively.
• Expensive to install retrospectively.

As you can see, a wired system is a more reliable option. However, if you’re going to opt for this solution, it’s usually best to think about it right at the beginning of a new building or renovation project – ideally, at the point of the first fix or earlier.

If you’re considering installing a multiroom audio system retrospectively, it will usually be cheaper (and less messy!) to opt for a wireless system. That said, if your internet connection is slow or unreliable, you might still prefer to install a wired system retrospectively.

Multiroom wired audio cost

If you decide to install a wired audio system, there are two main options:

• Design your own: The cheaper option is to design your own system and then get an electrician in to install the cabling. Usually, this would involve placing the central kit in a garage or cupboard that’s out of the way, and then tracing the cabling into as many rooms as you’d like your audio system to function in.
• Use a smart home technology installer: A smart home technology specialist can design a wired network and then install and integrate the equipment as well. This is a particularly good solution if you’re considering installing your multiroom audio along with other types of smart home technology, as you could get all your technology installed for a fixed price.

Key takeaways

• Think of multiroom audio as soon as you can during a building or renovation project.
• When choosing between wireless and wired systems, consider the strength and reliability of your internet connection.
• Prices will vary based on the sound system and speakers you pick out.
• Consider adding other elements of smart technology to your home at the same time.