WiiM Pro Plus vs Ultra – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

WiiM Ultra & WiiM Pro Plus share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the WiiM Ultra rather than the WiiM Pro Plus.

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The WiiM Ultra?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The WiiM Ultra? 

  • The WiiM Ultra includes a 3.5-inch color touchscreen for direct navigation and instant visual feedback, whereas the WiiM Pro Plus has no display and relies solely on the mobile app for control.
  • WiiM Ultra supports HDMI ARC input for seamless TV integration and synchronized volume control, while the WiiM Pro Plus lacks any HDMI connectivity and cannot receive audio directly from a television.
  • It features a built-in moving-magnet phono stage for direct turntable connection and accurate RIAA equalization, whereas the WiiM Pro Plus requires an external phono preamp for vinyl playback.
  • The WiiM Ultra comes with a dedicated subwoofer output for precise bass management and easy integration of a powered sub, while the WiiM Pro Plus provides only standard stereo outputs without subwoofer support.
  • WiiM Ultra includes a USB audio output for direct digital connection to an external DAC to ensure bit-perfect high-resolution streaming, whereas the WiiM Pro Plus lacks USB audio out and depends on optical or coaxial connections.
  • The WiiM Ultra provides a 3.5 mm headphone jack with a built-in amplifier for private high-fidelity listening, while the WiiM Pro Plus has no headphone output and requires an external amp for headphones.
  • WiiM Ultra uses a 12 V barrel power supply for stable current delivery and improved dynamic performance, whereas the WiiM Pro Plus uses a 5 V USB-C supply.

Maybe the WiiM Pro Plus price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the WiiM Ultra. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check WiiM Ultra Best Price

Check WiiM Pro Plus Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureWiiM UltraWiiM Pro Plus
DAC chipsetESS Sabre ES9038Q2MAKM AK4493SEQ
Front display3.5″ full-color touchscreen with album art and on-device menusNo display
Phono supportBuilt-in moving-magnet phono preamp with RIAA EQNo phono stage
TV integrationHDMI ARC input with volume control from TV remoteNo HDMI ARC
USB audio to external DACUSB audio output (UAC2) to feed an external DACNo USB audio out
Local media via USBUSB-A host port for local drive playbackNo USB host playback
Headphone listening3.5 mm headphone output with onboard ampNo headphone output
Subwoofer connectivityDedicated subwoofer out with bass managementNo subwoofer out
AirPlay 2Not supportedSupported
Physical controlsRotary control and touch UI on the unitBasic buttons only
Remote in the boxPremium remote includedRemote typically sold separately
Power input12 V barrel power supply5 V USB-C power
Chassis & finishLarger, premium build with curved frontMore compact, simpler finish
Analog inputsLine-in plus dedicated MM phono inputLine-in only
Digital inputsAdds HDMI ARC alongside optical/coaxOptical/coax only
System bass managementOn-device crossover control for sub integrationNo onboard crossover management
USB DAC flexibilityWorks as a network transport to high-end USB DACsLimited to coax/optical digital out to external DACs
PriceCheck WiiM Ultra PriceCheck WiiM Pro Plus Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • High-Resolution Streaming: Both devices support up to 24-bit/192 kHz high-resolution playback, ensuring audiophile-grade clarity and detail for lossless music.
  • Multi-Room Audio: Each model integrates with the WiiM Home app to enable synchronized multi-room playback across compatible speakers throughout the home.
  • Streaming Services: Both units work with Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, and other major platforms for versatile music access.
  • DLNA/UPnP Support: Each model streams local files from networked storage or PCs using DLNA or UPnP protocols for flexible media sharing.
  • Chromecast Built-In: Both provide Chromecast functionality, allowing direct casting from compatible apps without additional hardware.
  • Alexa Casting: Each supports Alexa Casting, letting users send audio from Alexa-enabled devices directly to the streamer.
  • Voice Assistant Control: Both work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts for convenient hands-free operation.
  • App Control: Each uses the same WiiM Home app on iOS and Android for setup, playback control, and device grouping.
  • Parametric EQ: Both include a 10-band parametric equalizer and preset graphic EQ modes for precise sound customization.
  • Digital Outputs: Each offers optical and coaxial S/PDIF outputs for high-quality connections to external DACs or receivers.
  • Analog Line-Out: Both provide stereo RCA line-level outputs with fixed or variable settings for direct connection to amplifiers or powered speakers.
  • Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Each model supports dual-band Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet for stable network connectivity.
  • Bluetooth 5.1: Both feature Bluetooth 5.1 with receive and transmit modes for flexible wireless input or output.
  • Gapless Playback: Each supports gapless playback, allowing uninterrupted transitions between songs in albums or live recordings.
  • Hi-Res File Formats: Both handle popular formats such as FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC, MP3, and WMA for wide compatibility.
  • Automatic Updates: Each receives over-the-air firmware updates, ensuring ongoing improvements and new features.

Check WiiM Ultra Best Price

Check WiiM Pro Plus Best Price

Common Features

FeatureWiiM UltraWiiM Pro Plus
Streaming ResolutionUp to 24-bit / 192 kHz high-res playbackUp to 24-bit / 192 kHz high-res playback
Supported ServicesSpotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora, iHeartRadioSpotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora, iHeartRadio
Multi-room AudioWorks with WiiM Home app for whole-home synchronized playbackWorks with WiiM Home app for whole-home synchronized playback
DLNA / UPnPStreams local files via DLNA/UPnP from NAS or PCStreams local files via DLNA/UPnP from NAS or PC
Chromecast Built-InYesYes
Alexa CastingYesYes
Spotify HiFi ReadyYesYes
Voice Assistant ControlWorks with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri ShortcutsWorks with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Shortcuts
App PlatformSame WiiM Home app (iOS/Android) for setup, EQ, and groupingSame WiiM Home app (iOS/Android) for setup, EQ, and grouping
EQ Options10-band parametric EQ and preset graphic EQ modes10-band parametric EQ and preset graphic EQ modes
Digital OutputsOptical and Coaxial S/PDIFOptical and Coaxial S/PDIF
Analog Line-OutStereo RCA line-level output with variable or fixed modesStereo RCA line-level output with variable or fixed modes
NetworkDual-band Wi-Fi and wired EthernetDual-band Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet
BluetoothBluetooth 5.1 (receive and transmit)Bluetooth 5.1 (receive and transmit)
Gapless PlaybackYes, supports gapless for albums and live recordingsYes, supports gapless for albums and live recordings
Hi-Res File FormatsFLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC, MP3, WMAFLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC, MP3, WMA
Automatic UpdatesOTA firmware updates with new featuresOTA firmware updates with new features
Price Check WiiM Ultra Price Check WiiM Pro Plus Price

FAQ

Do both support high-resolution audio?
Yes, both the WiiM Ultra and WiiM Pro Plus support up to 24-bit/192 kHz playback for high-resolution music streaming.

Which one has better DAC performance?
The WiiM Ultra includes the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, which provides greater detail, clarity, and a wider soundstage compared to the AKM DAC in the WiiM Pro Plus.

Can both be controlled with the WiiM Home app?
Yes, both models use the WiiM Home app for setup, streaming, multi-room grouping, EQ control, and firmware updates.

Do they both support Chromecast and Spotify Connect?
Yes, both models come with Chromecast Built-In and Spotify Connect support, making them easy to stream directly from apps.

Is AirPlay 2 available on both devices?
No, the WiiM Pro Plus supports AirPlay 2, while the WiiM Ultra does not include AirPlay 2 functionality.

Can I connect a turntable directly?
The WiiM Ultra has a built-in moving-magnet phono stage with RIAA EQ, allowing direct turntable connection, while the WiiM Pro Plus does not include phono support.

Do both have Bluetooth?
Yes, both feature Bluetooth 5.1 with receive and transmit capability, letting you stream to or from Bluetooth devices.

Which device works better with a home theater setup?
The WiiM Ultra is better for home theater use because it has HDMI ARC for TV integration and a dedicated subwoofer output with bass management.

Can I connect an external DAC to both models?
Yes, but with differences. The WiiM Ultra can connect via USB audio out as well as coaxial and optical, while the WiiM Pro Plus is limited to coaxial and optical only.

Do both devices support gapless playback?
Yes, both support gapless playback to maintain seamless album and live recording transitions.

What are the power supply differences between them?
The WiiM Ultra uses a 12 V barrel power supply, while the WiiM Pro Plus runs on 5 V USB-C power, making the Pro Plus easier to power from compact sources.

Are both capable of multi-room streaming?
Yes, both can be grouped with other WiiM devices through the WiiM Home app for synchronized multi-room playback.

Do they both support firmware updates?
Yes, both models receive over-the-air firmware updates, ensuring improvements and added features over time.

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