Customer Ratings & Reviews

USE CASE: Before digging in, let's be clear: the KEF LS50 Wireless II (LS50W2) isn't just a pair of speakers: it's a complete wireless streaming DAC and dual amplified stereo system controlled with your phone or tablet. It has an attractive, minimalist aesthetic and as such makes the most sense when used as a standalone system to bring superior stereo sound into a living or working space. It can perform well as a desktop system, but I would argue that the price is difficult to justify when used exclusively in this way- if you’re plugging them into a computer you’ll be paying for a lot of technology you don’t need, and in my opinion they’re oversized and overpowered for exclusively near-field use. CONNECTIVITY: The LS50W2 is set up and controlled through the KEF Connect app, which requires an iOS or Android device. Once you’re up and running, though, you can use the speakers with almost any digital source. Roon, Google Cast, AirPlay 2, and UPnP are all supported, as is Bluetooth (though if you ask me using Bluetooth with speakers this good is like putting cheap gas in a racing car). They also support direct play from the apps and web browser interfaces of all the major music streaming services in addition to an assortment of physical ports including S/PDIF via TOSLINK or RCA and eARC-enabled HDMI suitable for connection to a television. In short, whatever the source or the control device, you’ll almost certainly be able to play it on the LS50W2. So what’s missing? Well, there is no USB input (don’t be fooled by the USB port on the back, it’s for service access to the internal electronics) and analog input is limited to a humble 3.5mm plug. Those considering use in a home theater should also note that LFE is not supported, nor are outputs for surround speakers. SETUP: I found the system very easy to set up, but again, this is a digital device that’s controlled with an app, so if you’re the sort of person who wants control in the form of physical switches and dials you may want to look elsewhere. If you’re comfortable using a smartphone, you should get on just fine. Each speaker must be connected to a grounded power socket- cords are included, but they are only two meters (about six and a half feet) long. The good news is that they have a standard C13 plug in the back so you can easily and cheaply buy a longer cord if desired. Optionally, you can also attach the main speaker to your router and to the companion speaker with ethernet cables. Wiring to the internet is only necessary if your Wi-Fi connection is dodgy. Wiring the speakers together will increase the sample rate of the audio stream from 96kHz to 192kHz, but you’re unlikely to hear the difference. The speakers function in a master/slave relationship, and all of the inputs (and a set of simple touch controls) are on the master unit. The quick setup guide will tell you that this should be your right channel, but reversing them is a simple toggle switch in the app, so put it on whichever side makes sense for your space. There is a simple IR remote included as well for basic control once you have your playlist going (power, mute, volume, source, play/pause, and previous/next track). PERFORMANCE STRENGTHS: The most impressive thing about the LS50W2 is its versatility: with a minimum of care taken positioning the speakers and utilizing the in-app EQ they can be made to sound very good in almost any space. I use them primarily for near- and mid-field listening on stands pointed at a chair near the back corner of my living room. Aside from an area rug in that corner this room has basically no acoustic treatment and even putting aside the odd positioning would make an audio snob shake his head: hard floor and ceiling, lots of bare walls, only moderate furnishing (including a big glass table), and a huge picture window with plastic blinds all along one side. Despite all this, they have an excellent horizontal soundstage and a level of fidelity that I would have doubted was possible given the setting. In fact, they don’t sound bad even if you’re just hanging around in the room (BEHIND the speakers!). PERFORMANCE WEAKNESSES: Though quite powerful for their size (enough to fill pretty much any residential-sized room at what I would consider to be plenty loud volumes), note that these are designed to reproduce fine detail, not to blast your hair back at a house party. There’s very little vertical soundstage, though that’s not really a fair criticism considering you generally need floorstanding speakers to get that. In my experience they don’t perform quite as well on a table or shelf as they do on a proper filled speaker stand, so I would recommend stand mounting if that’s possible for your space. The LS50W2’s greatest weakness from a sound reproduction standpoint is a consequence of its small size: weak sub bass performance. If you live in an apartment like I do that might be a blessing in disguise, but there is an RCA subwoofer output on each unit if you want to bring the low end power; the in-app EQ includes basic bass management controls to assist with integration. SUMMARY: If you’re fortunate enough to have a proper listening room the KEF LS50 Wireless II will rival traditional stereo systems with separate components well above its price point, but what really makes it special is that even if you just want to throw the speakers wherever they fit into an existing multi-use space they will sound at least passable for critical listening. That is extremely impressive. The audiophile community is home to a great many snobs that turn up their noses at this kind of casual approach to high-end audio, and if I’m honest there’s better sound out there to be had for those with the time, money, and interest to make a hobby of it, but for the rest of us? At this price, with these features, this compact, this attractive, this flexible and easy to use; I wouldn’t choose anything else.

Game-changer. Combining sleek design with exceptional sound quality, these speakers offer an immersive listening experience. The wireless connectivity is seamless. The sound is rich and detailed, with a balanced bass and crystal-clear highs that cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Top-tier choice for anyone looking to elevate their home audio setup.

So I read and read and watched videos and dug up as much info as I could for a couple months before purchasing these for my wife. Turns out they are worth the hype and the fact that they upsample music wirelessly is amazing. There is a soundstage, while not the biggest or tallest, it is crisp with MQA and FLAC sounding the best to me. These bad boys are super solid and top heavy on the Kef stands. I took a 3-input female plug adapter and ran the speakers and sub to it then plugged that adapter into a short extension and plugged under my furniture for quick and easy way to unplug and move to the living room and the stands make it easy to move them as well. Also, took me a week to realize the speakers come paired wirelessly, even if you link them with the given cable. You have to go into setting and link them, which is dumb for some very smart speakers.

Great alternative to the LS50 Meta (passive) speakers. These are a big step up from my Sonos speakers but I use them as computer speakers. I'm not an audiophile but these sound better than any other speakers I have. I'm sure audiophiles would be thrilled to add these speakers but these definitely appeal to people who like the no-fuss setup of streaming music without all the wires you typically have with an amp/receiver and everything is built in. If I had the space, the cash for a killer amp/receiver, or was a purist, I would probably go for the passive LS50 Metas and a powerful amp to drive them. BUT I prefer the less work but still sounds great, all-in-one solution that these powered speakers offer.

Im giving a rating 5/5 star,I like it because its compact wireless ready, it suits for my desktop gaming as well a clarity of the sounds is amazing best Hi-Fi bookshelf.

Best speakers I've had in my life. It looks super premium and sounds soul touching. Everytime i pass by it i cant help but stop and admire the look of it. The titanium color with the red accent to put the cherry on top is a color combo made in heaven. Only gripe is the sign up process plus the lack of type c input port but technically not needed. Overall never going back and why should I?

One of the best speakers for HiFI audiophiles. I felt a subwoofer could add more punch if you are a Bass lover. Amazing clarity in mid and high range. Looks modern, small realestate , overall amazing!!

This speakers definetly change my perception of music. I did a lot research online and get the best deal with Bestbuy

Incredible sound, amazing look, I love it. For music is the best choice

These are some amazing speakers. I love the KEF sound profile and having an all in one system without having to purchase a separate amplifier and source makes it so much more convenient. Paired it with the KF92 subs and it just sounds amazing.

It’s good for as book shelf speakers,but not as good as Klipsch tower model 7 mark 1 or 2. Technical wide is awesome as wireless interfaces with smartphones/ Wi-Fi/DAC build in with optical and coaxial inputs/especially subwoofer output…

Terrible software and connection quality. Almost never works consistently and constant have to reboot and wait. Airplay works maybe 5% of the time.

Like others have said, these powered speakers sound suprisingly good for their size and are flexible in their use. They sound *great* with a sub; I bought the KEF KC62 (which died in the first year while still under warranty, so it was replaced for free). HOWEVER, I've had them 1.6 years and the left speaker just started occasionally cutting out and I hear a light scratching sound. It sounds like a loose connection would back in the days of wired speakers, but these are wireless. It's tolerable now -- it doesn't happen very often -- but I will be super bummed if this increases. Given that the KC62 failed, I'm wondering about the build quality of these modern devices. I have another system -- wired speakers with Bluesound node streamer -- with an old Onkyo amp I bought in 1978 and it's still going strong after 46 years (knock wood). My other complaint is that occasionally I lose WiFi connectivity to the speakers which doesn't happen with my other streaming system. I'm using Apple Music with Airplay 2 on a modern Macbook Air to stream to the LS50w2. If I restart Apple Music, everything works again. Not a huge deal, just annoying. It happens roughly once for every ten hours of play. If you're going to buy these, you might want to consider purchasing the extended warranty. No, Best Buy isn't paying me to say this. I bought one when I replace the KC62 sub.

The new KEF LS50 Wireless Speakers are a masterpiece of design and sound. Their crystal-clear audio, powerful bass, and expansive soundstage make every listening session a joy. The wireless connectivity is seamless, and the intuitive app makes control effortless. With a sleek, modern design, these speakers are as visually stunning as they are acoustically impressive. Perfect for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, the LS50 Wireless delivers a premium experience worth every penny. Highly recommended!

The KEF LS50 speakers are nothing short of a masterpiece in the world of high-fidelity audio. Combining stunning design with unparalleled sound quality, these speakers are a top choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Sound Quality The LS50 delivers an incredibly precise and natural soundstage, thanks to KEF's signature Uni-Q driver array. This innovative design creates a three-dimensional listening experience, with crisp highs, lush mids, and tight, punchy bass that feels balanced and immersive. The clarity and detail are exceptional, allowing you to hear every nuance of your favorite tracks as the artist intended. Design and Build Visually, the LS50 is a work of art. The sleek, minimalist design is complemented by a range of elegant finishes that fit seamlessly into any decor. The curved cabinet not only looks modern but is also engineered to minimize resonances, ensuring the purest sound reproduction possible. Performance Despite their compact size, the LS50s perform like much larger speakers. Whether you're using them in a small studio apartment or a larger living space, they fill the room with sound effortlessly. They also excel in both stereo and home theater setups, proving their versatility across multiple applications. Conclusion The KEF LS50 speakers represent the pinnacle of audio engineering, blending aesthetics, functionality, and superior performance. For anyone seeking a speaker that redefines what’s possible in its category, the LS50 is a worthwhile investment that will transform how you experience music. Rating: 5/5

(This review is for the average joe, which is what I am...audiophiles will not gain anything useful here. however, thank you for all of your hard work, because it helped me purchase these). I originally purchased the Devialet 98db Phantom 2s. They sound wonderful and look pretty cool and are a bit smaller than the LS50s. However...they totally stink in terms of staying connected via bluetooth and often will lose connection between left and right...so I had consistent pausing, loss of channel and connection issues. One day I spent over two hours (unsuccessfully) attempting to connect them...they just wouldn't budge. I was well pass the return/refund point, but I took them back and was able to finesse the manager into taking them back as defective. However, a day later I realized I was missing wireless hifi sound. There was no way I could continue with my JBLs or my BOSE... there was simply no comparison. I momentarily wished I'd never heard the hifi sound in my home, because I then wouldn't know what I was missing. 24 hours later I purchased the LS50s. I unpacked them, downloaded the KEF Connect app, plugged them in and they were connected before I even knew how to control them. Turns out it is remarkably easy to work them...I mean absolutely simple and a complete 180 difference form the devialet connection experience. I've never had to reconnect them, as with the devialets it was a near daily suffering. The stereo field with the LS50s is spectacular. If you get them, turn them up...loud...that's where hifi really shines. The sound comes at you from the air... with meh speakers, you are constantly aware that the music is originating from a speaker...with these, it comes at you from everywhere (in front of you), every instrument is distinguishable as well as where the mixdown/production wanted it to be. There's no muffled bass, there's no cacophony of tinny/screechy/shaky high end...the mid range vocals aren't out in front of everything else...It's delightful. Acoustic, jazz and classical are stunning experiences...electronic/synth music is wonderful. hifi doesn't really shine with "rock-type" offerings. Its often kind of muddy to begin with. If it is all you listen to, you can probably go a less expensive route and have a wonderful experience. However, if vocal choral, electronic, brass/reed/acoustic/strings/percussion are your jam... go buy them. Just do it, its worth it to not have to deal with wires. You'll need to be dealing with hi res files, so consider a hi res streaming service like Qobuz, which you can access directly from the Wifi network through the app meaning you are streaming FLAC files and getting an enormous sound experience. I love them. I am so glad I made a fuss and returned the Phantom 2s. And not for nothing, The LS50s look pretty cool, too and look like actual speakers.

Great sound quality; elegant, attractive design; simple to setup and operate. Note this does not have a two pin RCA input, but I was able to use RCA output from my turntable to connect to the Aux input of these speakers to retain analog signal.

I've owned a pair of Bose series 200 bookshelf speakers for over 20 years and have always enjoyed the sound they produce. Now I have these and the sound that comes out of them blows my mind. The fact that they are wireless is just the icing on the cake!

Love these speakers!! Purchased them on sale to replace larger master bedroom Sony soundbar/sub. Here's the thing about sound: Once you get used to a great speaker, everything else sounds like trash. So I already like KEF (have their R3's in my living room, really love those, too!) but wanted a smaller footprint with better room-filling sound than my soundbar offered. Hooked these up to my TV via HDMI ARC, and linked my Roku remote to control them. Not that they really need a sub -- but ended up finding a KEF Kube 8 subwoofer (which is not super bass heavy) at an open-box price, so my system is complete. No receiver required, either. Sound (esp. mid-range) is crystal clear and enveloping. Perfect size for my space. The sound does not get distorted at higher volume levels either. They sound amazing cranked up. Great job again, KEF!!

I’ve gone through 2 pairs of these LS50 Wireless II speakers due to technical connectivity issues. Thanks to BestBuy membership I’ve been taken care of, however, the overall quality of these are concerning. Sound: Great sound for the size. Actually, great sound period. If you like Jazz, vocals (skewed to male vocals), and acoustic music, these are great. I also enjoyed them with Dance and pop tracks. Hip-Hip and Rap requires a sub. Very open. Airy to an extent, but still focused. Make vocals like Gregory Porter are the sweet spot for me. I love how jazz tracks play on these, and am fond of the way they reproduce the string slaps on a standing double bass. They are lively and fun, lending to great versatility. I play as much dance on these as I do Jazz. I even enjoyed Pink Floyd and acoustic guitar. Sound was significantly upgraded by the addition of a KC62. Once the sub is added, these really open up. Tech: These have been a connectivity and tech nightmare. I’ve had quality issues with 2 pairs, forcing replacements. HDMI connectivity issues ruined the experience for me. AirPlay 2 works great, even streaming Deezer via the native app was fine. Overall: I’d recommend these for sound and airplay. I would not recommend for HDMI connectivity for playback of TV and Movie audio. If they are audio only for you, stick to built in sources via the KEF app or Airplay 2. Avoid for HDMI. In the end the issues plagued these so much that I got rid of my pair. I’m going to install the LS60s hoping the newer internals fix the connectivity problems. The sound of the LS50 Wireless II was so good it convinced me to upgrade to the LS60 and give Kef another chance.