You’ll want to make sure that the network music player you buy is compatible with the way you stream and play digital music. So check for compatibility with your preferred streaming service. If you play music stored on your computer or network-attached storage (NAS) drive on your local Wi-Fi network, check for compatibility with the music file formats (WAV, MP3, etc.) you use.

You can also get streaming capability in some integrated amps, stereo and home theater receivers, and powered speakers. Looking for multi-room wireless music streaming? Lots of streamers can be part of a multi-room system like Sonos, Bluesound, HEOS, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and others.

Check out our list of best network music players to see some of our favorites.