KEF

KEF LS50 Wireless II

B
Ranked #8 in Bookshelf Speakers
554 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

The KEF LS50 Wireless II compromises on clarity and depth for the sake of convenience.

Consolidated from 50 cited sources across 37 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

  • 1 glowing source
  • 34 positive sources
  • 11 mixed sources
  • 4 unconvinced sources
See the sources
Flagged as a product to avoid

2 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

The wireless version adds convenience but sacrifices some clarity and depth compared to its wired counterpart, making it a less compelling value.

Flagged 27 July 2026

1 earlier flag predates the point where runs began recording their reasoning, so its grounds were never written down.

Why the boards include products to avoid

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Pros & cons

  • ✓ The active that best manages actives' inherent risks
  • ✓ KEF has kept the W2 platform's firmware and app updated for years
  • ✓ Well-built hardware
  • ✓ Sits atop Wirecutter's powered bookshelf recommendations
  • ✗ Reduced clarity
  • ✗ Less depth than wired model
  • ✗ Lower value
  • ✗ Still a streaming computer glued to a speaker
  • ✗ Degrades to a dumb input box when KEF eventually sunsets the platform

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 16 articles, 30 video reviews and 4 community sources

34 positive sources

P Popular Science Sarah Jones, Chris Coke, Tony Ware · reviewer · Sept 2025
The LS50 Wireless II is pricey, typically retailing for $2,999/pair, plus $449 for optional S2 floor stands . (Willing to sacrifice some features to save some money? KEF also makes a baby-in-size-not-sound brother speaker system, the $1,499 Wi-Fi-connected LSX II .) But if you crave a highly resolving, deeply engaging experience and your budget supports it, the LS50 Wireless II’s versatile connectivity options and potent sound make it an ideal all-in-one listening system.
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D Digital Trends Digital Trends · 1.4M subscribers · Jun 2017
With customizable EQ, premium digital conversion, and tailor-made amplification, the LS50 Wireless are the perfect conversion of minimalist design and audiophile sound.
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W WIRED Ryan Waniata · reviewer · Jun 2024
The LS50 Wireless II (9/10, WIRED Recommends ) take everything we love about the smaller LSX II into the stratosphere, with incredible high-frequency precision, a warm and satiny midrange, spacey stereo imaging, and sledgehammer bass. Based on the beloved LS50 studio monitor series, the wireless version adds custom amplification and digital correction, along with built-in digital inputs, 3.5-mm analog, and HDMI ARC.
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A Andrew Robinson Andrew Robinson · 440K subscribers · Jun 2021
The LS50 Wireless II speakers are powered, bluetooth enabled and wireless. The question is are they as good or better than the LS50 Metas? This ultimately may depend on how you feel about a neutral sounding speaker. The good thing is that if you are looking for an easy hifi & home theater speaker, the LS50 2 is as reliable as they come.
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A Audioholics Article
The LS50 are very strong and as long as the electronics don't get in the way of good sound, the wireless speakers are very good, too. A friend bought a pair of the LS50 and I know he wouldn't have chosen them if the sound wasn't really good- we worked for two audio dealers- the last being a custom integration company and he's now VP at a different one- all three sold excellent equipment.
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C CRUTCHFIELD CRUTCHFIELD · 210K subscribers · Feb 2021
KEF's LS50 Wireless II powered speakers improve upon the original by adding more power and by adding high-frequency sound absorption behind the tweeter. The result is KEF's best pair of wireless stereo speakers yet.
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Z Z Reviews JamesWInGermany · owner · Nov 2017
The Kef LS50 Wireless absolutely rock! I was able to negotiate the price down from 2300€ to 1750€. Each active speaker bi-amped (30 watts per tweeter and 200 watts for mid-bass woofer) with the DSP crossover and amps perfectly tuned to the needs of the drivers.eliminating the roulette of finding an appropriate amp to make the passive version sound their best.
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C CRUTCHFIELD CRUTCHFIELD · 210K subscribers · Aug 2020
KEF LS50 Wireless powered speakers are beautiful to look at, and produce a detailed, rich sound that makes them a perfect centerpiece for your music system.
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U Ultimate Stream DJMikeron · owner · Jan 2021
I love my ls50 Wireless 2 , I Hope and wish on the Next Upgrade would be to make the Wireless Connection, my Local Dealer and HiFi Friends say use Ethernet it is better. Yes it is but that is Not what Ipaid for . I sold all my components with Lots of Cables to Go Wireless . My phone my MacBook my I Mac ,my soundbar all work well on wifi but not the LS 50 .
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A Abt Electronics Abt Electronics · 196K subscribers · Mar 2022
The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers are perhaps the best powered bookshelf speakers on the market. Their unique design isn't the only feature that sets them apart. The audio quality is incredible.
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G Gearpatrol Article
If you’re looking for an all-in-one speaker system that marries audiophile ambition with convenience, the LS50 Wireless II is an award-winning option that should be at the top of your list. These are active (i.e., built-in amplification and streaming) stereo speakers, so you don’t need to worry about finding a separate amplifier, DAC, or streamer.
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G Geekanoids Geekanoids · 167K subscribers · Apr 2021
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is more than a high-performance loudspeaker; it’s the perfect all-in-one speaker system, streaming from any source thanks to wireless compatibility with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and more, plus wired connections for your TV, games console and turntable. Great sound, no strings attached.
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W What Hi-Fi? Article · Aug 2026
In fact, the LS50 Wireless II is still outstanding at its price. As a major step up at the time from the groundbreaking LS50 Wireless , the LS50 Wireless II remains an exemplary choice if you are seeking a system that offers you a clean, admirably precise sonic presentation.
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J Jiles McCoy Jiles McCoy · 116K subscribers · Oct 2021
The BEST Powered speaker and sub ever?
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S Smart Home Sounds Elliott Peeters-Vanstone · reviewer
But for most people, we think the LS50 Wireless II makes more sense. You're still getting seriously high-end KEF sound, just in a system that's easier to accommodate and a little easier to justify, which is why it's our pick for the best premium KEF wireless system overall.
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W What Hi-Fi? What Hi-Fi? · 62.3K subscribers · Nov 2017
KEF's LS50 is no stranger to the What Hi-Fi Awards. 5 years young, the speaker made to mark KEF's 50th birthday won a Best Buy in 2013 and remains an outstanding performer. But, this isn't simply an LS50. The LS50 Wireless is a complete, versatile digital wireless music system in a pair of speakers. And that's why it's our Systems Product of the Year.
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T Thomas & Stereo Michael-xz1nk · owner · Mar 2019
I bought a pair of LS50's last year and love them. I find the mid-range and high detail from the Uni-Q driver to be glorious for my ears and tastes. I have now become a big KEF fan like you and others. A friend just got a pair of LS50 W's and he shares my sentiments.
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O OASTHAR OASTHAR · 45.7K subscribers · Jan 2026
On the other hand, the KEF LS50 Wireless II continues to shine with its award-winning sound quality, proven reliability, and a mature app experience that makes everyday use effortless. While Cambridge offers more raw power and input flexibility, KEF's consistency and refined sonic character still give it the edge in overall musical balance. If you want a future-forward system with maximum versatility, the LRX is a compelling challenger. But, if you want guaranteed performance from a trusted name, the KEF LS50 Wireless II remains a gold standard
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F Facebook Facebook post
KEF LS50 Wireless II Powered Bookshelf Speakers Review - The KEF LS50 Wireless II deliver phenomenal, well-balanced hi-fi sound with flexible streaming and wired connectivity, making them an excellent all-in-one system for serious music listening and TV use.
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M MiNi TG MiNi TG · 26.8K subscribers · Dec 2025
If you value sound precision and modern convenience, they absolutely live up to the hype.
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E ecoustics.com Ian White · reviewer · Dec 2024
Everything we liked about the original LS50 has been improved; better resolution, improved sense of scale, and even more robust low end response. The LS50 Wireless II is one of the best wireless speakers at any price.
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A Audiofied Audiofied · 13.7K subscribers · Jan 2022
These are some pricey speakers, but the KEF LS50 Wireless II sounds so incredibly good, it feels like they're worth every penny.
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A Ampreviews Article
With the second generation of the LS50 Wireless, KEF didn’t just fine-tune an icon—they evolved it into a remarkably mature system that feels complete, confident, and surprisingly grown-up.
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L Living Entertainment Living Entertainment · 9.1K subscribers · Mar 2021
With the USB input being replaced with HDMI Arc, the new KEF LS50W II opens up a lot of new opportunities in the Soundbar alternative space, tested with everything from CDs and Blurays to games on the Xbox Series X and even the Playstation 2, these speakers prove to be an absolute force to be reckoned with.
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A Architeg Prints Architeg Prints · reviewer · Nov 2025
Launching under the weight of sky-high expectations, the LS50 Wireless II confidently lives up to its legacy—a rare successor that blends innovation, style, and performance seamlessly.
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R Reviewsinside Reviewsinside · 4.6K subscribers · Jun 2025
If you're a music lover, audiophile, or anyone looking to upgrade your sound system, these speakers could be a game-changer. We’ll explore the features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your home or audio setup.
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F Facebook Tom Sawyer · owner
The Ls50 w II is a full living room system with very high output that you can feel and all you need to get going, i have the 62 sub and don't really need it.
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P PixelGem PixelGem · channel · Mar 2026
However, overall, I've been really impressed with the KFL LS50 Wireless 2, and I think it's a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio system
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T TotallydubbedHD campersruincod6134 · owner · Oct 2019
LS50’s are amazing quality! Superior imaging to any speaker I have heard. No speakers image as accurate as these. Perfect for spatial audio a la video game.
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A Andrew Robinson FatedMaster1907 · owner · Dec 2020
I'm literally driving to Best Buy to pick up a pair of LS50 wireless 2. Very excited after seeing this review. A bit of a wait but they finally here!
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D Darko Audio YouTube review · Sept 2020
How far we come.20 years ago I was mixing and matching.amps, preamps, DACs, transports , cables.now just LS50 Wireless II.
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T Thomas & Stereo bennychen7433 · owner · Sept 2018
I use the LS50 speakers as part of Home Theatre system. On my two channel hifi system better speakers. Great review!
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S Son-Vidéo.com: blog Valentin Lefort · reviewer
These various models quickly established themselves as some of the best on the market.
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M Mojo Article
The best premium wireless speakers
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11 mixed sources

T Tharbamar karlhahnert4066 · owner · Feb 2019
Having owned the LS50 Wireless (twice) and still owning the LS50 passives paired with Rega Elex-r, RME ADI-2 FS and Auralic Aries mini I have the exact same experience as stated in the video clip. To me, listening to the LS50 Wireless is a fantastic sound experience, whereas the passives convey a more musical experience. Good video, and glad to hear someone who dare speak their own mind!
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A AudioTribe AudioTribe · 91K subscribers · Mar 2025
So I have entered the K LS50 app and unfortunately I cannot find an equalizer and I don't like that but probably they come exactly like with the best equalizer that you can you can find. I don't know. So I am not that glad that I don't have an equalizer but I am glad to have them
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W What Hi-Fi? ripclaw669 · owner · Oct 2012
I agree with John, I listened to them yesterday (compared to a pair of Monitor Audio and B&W) and if anything, they were bland and clinical in comparison - I had zero fun listening to them. Which doesn't mean they are bad speakers per se, but it proves how much more important personal taste is than any kind of review. Went with B&W in the end.
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A AudioTribe AudioTribe · 85.6K subscribers · Mar 2025
So they are very expensive. They are a little bit more expensive than the uh JBL Party Box Ultimate, but they should be much better in audio quality, much better in design, much better in every way except in loudness. And to see how loud they are, I have placed at a meter and a half a dig meter to measure the power of the sound of the bass. And if these two speakers are really that good.
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J Jiles McCoy AdamsOlympia · owner · Oct 2021
It’s a very interesting dual power amp design driving the LS50 Wireless 2 - Class D for low frequency, class A/B for HF — with plenty of headroom. I absolutely love the Kef sound - my favorite of all the non-boutique mass produced speakers — and this setup would probably be my end game if money was no object.
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T Tharbamar Tharbamar · 74.8K subscribers · Feb 2019
KEF LS50 Wireless is a great pair of speakers for the people who like to stream their music and to get rid of many components from typical Hifi system but it will not or can not replace the system of pure analog set up of hardcore audiophiles and music lovers but it is the future of music listening for most people except for the guys like me with pure love of analog playback.
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L LabelHifi Clément · reviewer
KEF conserve deux atouts décisifs : la technologie MAT qui absorbe 99% des réflexions dans la chambre arrière du tweeter (absent du Torus), et une réputation acoustique construite sur des années de tests indépendants.
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S Seriously Into Audio Since 1974 Article
I love my KEF speakers, only thing is that I can't get on the KEF control app. It says the app cannot find my speakers? I've tried several times to delete the app and install it again but it still doesn't work!
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W What Hi-Fi? ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΣ-ε8η · owner · Nov 2017
Hallo can you tell to KEF to make a larger size of LS50 WIRELESS ? SAME DESIGN BUT LARGER CABINET AND THE UNI Q 6.5 inch for more bass for electronic music !
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M Mark's Musings Article
It has been shipped back to KEF twice for electronic failures. They covered the repair under warranty, but I had to pay to ship them to KEF.
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K r/KEF u/Consistent_Trust4657 · owner
KEF LS50II Wireless - A Warning.
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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #8 of 31 on our bookshelf speakers tier list, in B tier. That placement draws on 50 cited sources across 37 outlets.

4 of the 50 sources with a clear view are critical of it: Facebook, Geezer Into Tech and Roon Labs Community. Reduced clarity. Less depth than wired model. Lower value. Still a streaming computer glued to a speaker. Degrades to a dumb input box when KEF eventually sunsets the platform.

On our bookshelf speakers board, KEF LS50 Wireless II ranks #8 (B tier) ahead of Klipsch RP-600M II at #30 (F tier). Klipsch RP-600M II: Solid cabinet, but the hyped horn sound fatigues over years and the community calls the line overrated. Buy the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1.

On our bookshelf speakers board, KEF LS50 Meta ranks #2 (A tier) ahead of KEF LS50 Wireless II at #8 (B tier). KEF LS50 Meta: A decade-proven, over-engineered platform with zero software dependence. Its long reign as the category benchmark is itself longevity evidence.

Ranked nearby in Bookshelf Speakers