Audioengine has a strong presence in the compact powered speaker category, and one of its most enduring products is the A2+ Series. Labeled as a home music system, the A2+ began as the A2 Desktop Hi-Fi system in 2007, followed by the first A2+ in 2013, which added a USB DAC. The A2+ Wireless followed in 2019 with Bluetooth connectivity, followed by the A2+ Next Gen and Anniversary Editions in 2025.
Building on the success of one of its best-known products, Audioengine has unveiled the A2+ Gen 3 for 2026 with additional improvements designed to keep it relevant in today’s market.
As with its predecessors, the A2+ Gen 3 consists of two compact powered speakers. The primary speaker (left) incorporates wireless and wired source connectivity, along with the amplification required to power both speakers. The secondary speaker (right) is passive and connects to the primary speaker using standard speaker cable.
Audioengine has been a major supporter of this type of system, with the A2 and A2+ helping inspire additional high-performance compact speaker systems such as the A5+, HD3, HD4, HD5, HD6, A1-MR, and more.
What’s New with A2+ Gen 3
The significant addition to the A2+ Gen 3 is the incorporation of Bluetooth 5.3 with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, along with more refined USB compatibility.
“For years, the A2+ has been the product people recommend when someone asks how to get the highest-quality sound from a small desktop setup,” said Nate Rodriguez, President and CEO of Audioengine. “The A2+ Gen 3 keeps the size and simplicity people already know and love, but gives it broader Bluetooth support and better USB compatibility.”
aptX Adaptive is designed to dynamically adjust transmission based on the audio content and wireless environment. The system supports aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and LC3. Bluetooth audio support now provides a 24-bit input through compatible aptX codecs, while the internal Qualcomm QCC3040 Bluetooth receiver handles wireless playback.
Another update Audioengine is including in the A2+ Gen 3 is the switch from Class A/B amplification to Class D, as well as an increase in power output from 15 to 20 watts per channel.
What Makes the A2+ Legacy Special
The A2+ has remained a successful part of the Audioengine lineup since its initial introduction as the A2, combining high-quality sound, straightforward connectivity, and a compact footprint without requiring apps, accounts, or a complicated setup. The A2+ Gen 3 continues that focus while introducing updated amplification and wireless connectivity to the platform.
“Technology changes, but the reason people buy an A2+ really hasn’t,” Rodriguez said. “They want their music to sound great without turning listening into a project. That continues to be the idea behind this product.”
Comparison
| Audioengine Model | A2+ Gen 3 (2026) | Audioengine A2+ Next Gen (2025) |
| Price | $299 | $279 |
| Product Type | Powered Wireless Speaker System | Powered Wireless Speaker System |
| System Configuration | 1 x Primary Speaker 1 x Secondary Speaker | 1 x Primary Speaker 1 x Secondary Speaker |
| Amplifier Type | Class D | Dual Class AB |
| Power Output | 20W RMS per channel at 4 ohms (measured in compliance with 16 C.F.R. § 432.3) Peak Power Output per channel 30W per channel at 4 ohms (AES) Total Peak Power Output: 60W (AES) | 15W RMS per channel at 4 ohms (measured in compliance with 16 C.F.R. § 432.3) Peak Power Output:30W per channel at 4 ohms (AES) Total Peak Power Output: 60W (AES) |
| Woofer (each speaker) | 1 x 2.75” aramid fiber | 1 x 2.75″ aramid fiber |
| Tweeter (each speaker) | 1 x 0.75“ Silk dome | 1 x 0.75″ silk dome |
| Bass Reflex | Yes – Front Slot | Yes – Front Slot |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Chip | Qualcomm QCC3040 | Qualcomm QCC 3031/3034/3040 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and LC3 | aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Inputs | 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R, USB-C | 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R, USB-C |
| Built-in USB DAC | Yes – PCM5100A DAC Chip | Chip model not indicated |
| Outputs | RCA variable line-out | RCA variable line-out |
| Input Voltages | 100-240 V 50/60 Hz auto-switching | 115/240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| SNR | >95 dB (typical A-weighted) | >95 dB |
| THD+N | Less than 0.05% at all power settings | <0.05% |
| Crosstalk | <50 dB | <50 dB |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-22 kHz ±2.0 dB | 65 Hz-22 kHz ±2.0 dB |
| Enclosure Material | Hand-crafted and hand-painted cabinets using a 13-step process | Hand-crafted and hand-painted cabinets using a 13-step process |
| Finishes | Black (matte) Green (matte) Yellow (high gloss) White (high gloss) Red (high gloss) | Satin Black Matte Blue Hi-Gloss White Hi-Gloss Red |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 6″ (15.6 cm) x 4″ (10.6 cm) x 5.25″ (13.8 cm) | 6″ (15.6 cm) x 4″ (10.6 cm) x 5.25″ (13.8 cm) |
| Weight | Left (active) – 3.6 lb (1.72 kg) Right (passive) – 3.2 lb (1.51 kg) | Left (active) – 3.6 lb (1.72 kg) Right (passive) – 3.2 lb (1.51 kg) |
| Included Accessories | 1 x A2+ Gen 3 Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX Adaptive powered (left) speaker 1 x A2+ Gen 3 Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX Adaptive passive (right) speaker Pre-Stripped Speaker wire 1 x USB-C cable 1 x AC power cord 1 x Mini-jack audio cable 2 x Microfiber speaker bag 1 x Microfiber cable bag 1 x Setup guide | 1 x A2+ Next Gen Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX Adaptive powered (left) speaker 1 x A2+ Next Gen Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX Adaptive passive (right) speaker Pre-Stripped Speaker wire 1 x USB-C cable 1 x Power supply 3.5mm mini-jack audio cable Quick start guide Protective microfiber bags for speakers and cables |
The Bottom Line
The wireless powered speaker category has become an increasingly popular option for a wide range of audio setups. These include computer workstations, gaming systems, soundbar replacements, and space-saving compact music systems.
Audioengine is a go-to brand in this category, offering consistently solid products that often perform beyond expectations. The periodic upgrades to the A2+, now in its third generation, continue that trend while keeping the price at or below $300.
However, despite the addition of Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, claimed improvements in USB audio, and the switch from Class A/B to Class D amplification, there are still some omissions from the A2+ that may be deal breakers for certain users.
For example, the A2+ still doesn’t provide HDMI ARC or a dedicated phono preamplifier. Adding these two features would noticeably improve setup flexibility, making the A2+ a more practical soundbar alternative while also bringing vinyl enthusiasts into the fold.
It is also important to keep in mind that there is some notable competition from brands such as KEF and Edifier.
KEF commands much higher prices but includes some of the aforementioned features, such as HDMI eARC, on several models, including the LSX II and LSX II LT. KEF also includes Wi-Fi, providing access to more streaming options than Bluetooth alone.
On the other hand, Edifier’s M90 does include HDMI eARC and is often on sale for around $300, while its step-up R2750DB MKII could appeal to listeners who don’t mind a larger speaker.
Ultimately, the Audioengine A2+ Gen 3 is for those looking for a compact desktop audio solution with minimal connectivity needs, or who primarily intend to use its Bluetooth wireless connection.
Where to Buy:
Related Reading:
- Cambridge Audio Launches L/R Active Wireless Speakers at CES 2026 to Take On KEF
- Onkyo Creator GX-AiO Series Pairs 2.1 Sound With HDMI ARC and Phono From $399
- KEF LS LUXE Wireless Speakers Bring Ross Lovegrove Design to Compact Hi-Fi
- KEF Unveils Coda W: Bluetooth Speakers with aptX Lossless, But No Wi-Fi?
