This year, Connected magazine’s Comparison Table shines a spotlight on Auracast, a technology that’s transforming the way we listen, share and control audio.

It’s always exciting to kick off a new year with a fresh look at the products, tools and tech that are shaping the way we work, listen and connect. As with the first edition of the year in each Connected, the comparison table highlights products on the market that are revolutionising the AV space and we’re diving into something that’s been quietly transforming the way people interact with audio: Auracast.

If you’ve been keeping an ear to the ground, you’ll know this is one of those technologies that seems simple at first glance, but has the potential to reshape the landscape of audio delivery.

At Connected, we like to spotlight products and categories that are not only growing fast but are also genuinely improving the experiences of the people using them. Auracast fits that bill perfectly. Over the past year, we’ve seen it move from a niche curiosity to a tool with real, tangible benefits across work, leisure and public spaces.

So why Auracast? For starters, it’s gaining popularity fast. Whether you’re at a workplace, an educational setting or even a public venue, Auracast opens new ways to share audio directly with listeners, removing the barriers of traditional broadcasting or hardware-heavy setups.

In a world where flexibility and mobility are increasingly valued, Auracast allows anyone with a compatible device to tap in seamlessly. It’s a win-win: Content creators get wider reach, listeners get more control and the tech itself encourages smarter, more user-friendly audio environments.

“The demand for this technology is mostly being driven by venues and integrators, rather than by just a compliance and regulatory push,” Amber Technology business category manager Mikael Sandstrom explains. Amber Technology distributes the Williams AV range of Auracast solutions.

“One key advantage is true stereo audio, which opens up completely new opportunities. Imagine a sports match or a concert where thousands of people were wearing headphones and listening to the mix directly in stereo. It’s not just for the hearing impaired; it’s for the audiophile too,” he says.

Beyond the obvious benefits, there’s a layer of nitty-gritty tech that makes Auracast genuinely interesting to professionals in the space. Auracast isn’t just about streaming audio; it’s about orchestrating the listening experience in a way that feels natural. It uses advanced broadcasting protocols to manage multiple streams efficiently, reduce latency and ensure audio clarity even when multiple users are tuned in at once.

For venues and event organisers, this is a game-changer. No longer are listeners battling poor signal or confusing setups. Auracast brings a level of predictability and reliability that was previously hard to achieve.

Jands distributes a range of Auracast solutions, including Auri by Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, which was used in one of the first Auracast stadium installations in Australasia, Stadium Taranki in Plymouth, New Zealand.

Jands business development manager Andrew Attard has seen some world-class venues already making use of this technology: “Places like the Sydney Opera House, ICC Sydney and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) have all made use of Auracast technology. I’ve actually enjoyed the experience more on my headphones than on the PA system, even though I’m not hearing impaired.

“It’s not because the traditional systems are bad, but because the acoustic barrier between myself and the artist is gone, and I can hear them like they’re rehearsing right in front of me. I can hear certain subtleties like someone breathing in between songs and it’s a very personal and immersive experience.”

Unlike other transmitters, Auri can even broadcast two simultaneous stereo streams from the same inputs. In a theatre, for example, it can send one stream optimised for hearing aids or cochlear implants that are Auracast compatible and another in high-fidelity 24kHz stereo for attendees wanting the best possible sound, all without needing separate hardware. It’s exactly this kind of flexibility that shows the real promise of Auracast in professional environments.

One of the key features that stood out in our coverage is the ability for users to choose their own listening experiences. Want to join a talk or a seminar but skip the background music? Auracast can make that happen. It’s customisable, responsive and built for the kinds of dynamic environments where traditional audio solutions often fall short. From a practical standpoint, it empowers listeners and operators alike, giving them tools to control volume, mix streams and manage multiple inputs without breaking a sweat.

We’ve also seen a lot of positive feedback from early adopters, which makes it clear that this isn’t just a tech trend, it’s a solution people genuinely value. Schools, corporates and live venues are reporting smoother setups, fewer interruptions and happier audiences. In other words, Auracast isn’t just a cool new feature; it’s a practical upgrade that meets real needs.

“Auracast won’t face the same challenges as hearing loops. Infinium Auracast solutions are easy to retrofit and require minimal pre-engineering,” Mikael explains.

“Gone are the days of coordinating with builders about when flooring goes down to lay copper loops. The Infinium system can be installed right at the end of the project with ease. That said, the same principles still apply; ensuring sufficient receiver coverage, clear signage and accessibility to hearing-impaired users is essential.”

Looking ahead, the growth potential in this space is huge. As more devices adopt compatible protocols and as awareness increases, Auracast could become a staple in everyday audio delivery. The industry is imagining a world where workplace meeting audio is instantly accessible to everyone, seamless assistive listening in theatres and public events where every attendee can tailor their own experience, all without complicated setups or additional hardware.

Here’s to a year of smart listening, smoother setups and the technologies that make them possible.

Below is a detailed comparison table of Auracast solutions on the market today.

2025 Comparison Table - Auracast