My laptop is my only computer I have. After having a desktop and a laptop it’s really nice to just have a single computer, but one thing that annoyed me was having to unplug the audio cable every time I wanted to work from somewhere other then my desk. I know it sounds stupid, but my speakers made this pop and hum when unplugged. So I went in search for a solution.

Solution 1. Airport Express – $99

The Airport Express allows you to Airplay audio to any set of computer speakers you decide to plug into it. But it has a horribly delay. On average it’s a good 5+second delay to start and stop/pause the audio. Even when listening to music there are also many hiccups where the audio would drop out for a few seconds here and there.

Solution 2. Beats Pill by Dr Dre – $199

So I gave up on Airplay and switched to Bluetooth audio. I mostly just listen to talk tech podcasts, so I figured a smaller speaker would be plenty. But the constant issues with pairing, drops in audio and low crackling sound drove me crazy so I returned the unit after 5 days.

Solution 3. Big Jambox by Jawbone – $299

I figured if I was going to give Bluetooth a shot I should drop another $100 and go with what I have heard others in the tech community praise. It did have better pairing support, but sadly bluetooth audio is just awful no matter how much you decide to spend on it.

Solution 4. The Winner – $118.27

During this 5 month process I found out that the Apple TV didn’t have the delay and as many hiccup issues like the Airport Express. So I switched my gears back to Airplay. I bought the items below and hooked up the speakers I already had and it’s great. No delay very few hiccups and it’s Airplay so all my Apple devices can easily send audio to it with ease.

Here is a list of everything I bought to make it work:
Apple TV – $99
Optical to analog audio converter – $15.98
Stereo Female to RCA Male Cable – $1.71
Optical Cable – $1.58

I know the other more expensive options are more portable, but my needs were just going wireless. I am not a high standard audio person, but like I said I mainly just listen to tech podcasts and even then the bluetooth quality drove mad, so personally I recommend staying away from those options.