WiiM Mini black

When Google discontinued the Chromecast Audio in 2019, it left a gap for everyone who wanted to connect their hi-fi system to streaming without replacing it. The WiiM Mini fills that gap. This small black puck measuring 69 mm across turns any amplifier into a connected system, with native support for Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music. Everything is controlled from a mobile app or by voice command.

Pocket-sized format, multiple connections

The WiiM Mini fits in the palm of your hand. Its dimensions (69 × 69 × 24 mm for 40 g) allow it to slip behind an amplifier or a pair of active speakers without taking up space. The top side houses three capacitive touch buttons (play/pause, volume +/-) and a multicolour LED that indicates operating status.

Around the edge, connectivity remains simple but complete for this price range. There is a 3.5 mm mini-jack analog output, a Toslink optical output, a mini-jack analog input, and a USB-C port for power. The lack of an Ethernet port means you have to use Wi-Fi, with dual-band 2.4 and 5 GHz. Bluetooth 5.2 completes the wireless connection options.

The Toslink optical output is a game changer compared with many entry-level streamers. It lets you use the WiiM Mini as a simple digital transport to an external converter, bypassing the internal DAC. This configuration delivers the best sonic results.

Streaming and integrated services

The WiiM Home app centralizes access to streaming platforms: Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Tidal, Napster, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio. It lets you browse catalogues, create queues, and manage device settings. The interface is functional, though not as polished as the native apps of the streaming services.

In practice, it’s better to use Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect. These protocols let you control playback directly from the service’s own app, with a richer interface and guaranteed drop-free playback. The WiiM Mini appears as a playback destination in the app, just like any connected speaker.

AirPlay 2 opens the door to the entire Apple ecosystem. Any iOS or macOS app can stream its audio to the WiiM Mini: Apple Music, YouTube, podcasts, videos. Resolution is limited to 16-bit/48 kHz via AirPlay 2, versus 24-bit/192 kHz over direct Wi-Fi from the WiiM Home app.

Audio quality and built-in DAC

The WiiM Mini features a Burr-Brown PCM5121 converter, a tried-and-tested Texas Instruments chip in the entry-level segment. Manufacturer specs indicate a signal-to-noise ratio of 102 dB and harmonic distortion of 0.009% on the analog output. These figures place performance in the upper range for a device at this price.

The analog output is suitable for everyday use: desktop speakers, a secondary system, background listening. For a more demanding hi-fi setup, the optical output to an external DAC reveals the device’s full potential. The digital stream then comes out intact, “bit-perfect”, without alteration up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

The analog input adds an unexpected feature: it digitizes the incoming signal to redistribute it through the outputs or to other WiiM devices in a multiroom configuration. Handy for sharing the sound of a CD player or a pre-amplified turntable in several rooms.

Multiroom and smart home integration

The WiiM Mini can join a multiroom group in several ways. Via AirPlay 2, it synchronizes with HomePods, compatible Sonos speakers, or other certified devices. Via Amazon, it integrates with Echo speaker groups. Via the WiiM Home app, it pairs with other devices from the brand for synchronized playback.

A discreet built-in microphone is used only to automatically calibrate the time delay between several speakers in a multiroom configuration. It is not a microphone for voice control: that relies on an iPhone, a HomePod, or an Echo already present in the room.

Alexa and Siri can control playback, volume, and track selection by voice command, provided they are configured in the app. The WiiM Mini does not have a built-in mic for direct voice recognition.

Settings and equalization

The WiiM Home app offers 26 EQ presets by music genre, supplemented by a 10-band graphic equalizer and a parametric equalizer. This latter, more technical option allows you to precisely target specific frequencies to correct room flaws or compensate for speaker characteristics.

The “Adaptive EQ” function automatically adjusts the response curve based on the metadata of the current track. Results vary depending on taste: some will appreciate the added punch on rock, while others will prefer to disable the option for neutral reproduction.

The analog output level can be set to 2 Vrms, 1 Vrms, 800 mVrms, or 500 mVrms depending on the input used on the amplifier. In “variable” mode, volume is controlled from the app or the buttons on the device. In “fixed” mode, the WiiM Mini outputs the signal at a constant level, leaving volume control to the amplifier.

Technical specifications

Digital audio

• Digital-to-analog converter: TI PCM5121 DAC
• Supported audio formats: MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, OGG
• Maximum audio resolution: up to 192 kHz / 24-bit via digital output

Wireless connectivity

• Dual-band Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
• Bluetooth 5.0

Protocols and streaming

• AirPlay 2 (receive only)
• DLNA
• Spotify Connect
• Tidal Connect
• Amazon Music Cast

Physical connections

• Inputs
  • 1 × 3.5 mm line input
• Outputs
  • 1 × 3.5 mm analog output
  • 1 × Toslink optical digital output

Compatible streaming services

• Spotify
• Deezer
• Qobuz
• Amazon Music
• Tidal
• Pandora
• Napster
• Apple Music
• TuneIn
• iHeartRadio
• LinkPlay Radio

Control and integration

• Voice assistants: Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri
• Control app: WiiM Home (iOS / Android)
• Advanced features
  • Multiroom via AirPlay 2, AVS Multiroom, or WiiM app
  • Voice control via Alexa and Siri
  • Multi-source streaming (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, line input)

General information

• Product type: compact network audio player / audio streaming hub
• Power supply: 5 V DC – 1 A (USB-C)
• Dimensions: 69 × 69 × 24 mm
• Weight: 40 g
• Included accessories
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • Stereo RCA to 3.5 mm jack cable
  • 3.5 mm jack cable
  • Toslink optical cable