Short answer: the Audioengine A2+, if you are buying new. The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex ranks higher than it (#18 vs #19 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.5/5 vs 3.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Audioengine A2+ is still sold new at $299.
The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex is the more accurate option. A compact wireless streaming speaker with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Roon, which can pair as a cable-free stereo set. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.69 against 2.78 for the Audioengine A2+. The catch: Standalone preference is only 3.69.
What the Audioengine A2+ does well: Tiny desktop speakers with Bluetooth, USB and analog inputs and a variable RCA output. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex lacks. The catch: The 2.78 standalone score and roughly 106Hz measured -3dB point reveal how much bass is missing without reinforcement or a subwoofer.
Buy the Audioengine A2+ new; the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex | Audioengine A2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £898 per pair Discontinued | $299.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active wireless | - |
| Drivers | 1” decoupled double-dome tweeter, 4” woven-glass woofer | 0.75” silk dome tweeter, 2.75” fiber woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.5H x 5.1W x 5.1D in | 6” x 4” x 5.2” (152 x 102 x 133 mm) |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) each | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right |
| Amplifier Power | 100W each (2 x 50W) | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| Wireless | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, Formation mesh | - |
| Country | United Kingdom (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | 2.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.43 | 6.10 |
| Inputs | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 105.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| EQ | - | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| App | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
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