A potential three-way battle awaits at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend – and that's just the teams. Lewis Hamilton sensationally smashed the Mercedes monopoly last time out with his first ever GP victory as a Ferrari driver, and the Red Bull Ring has been a particularly happy hunting ground for Lando Norris.

Austrian Grand Prix 2026 free stream

US: Apple TV (FREE)
Austria: Servus TV (FREE)
Luxembourg: RTL Play (FREE)
Belgium: RTBF Auvio (FREE)
Blocked? Watch your Austrian GP stream with a VPN

Austrian Grand Prix 2026 Schedule

(All times BST)

Friday, 26th June
12.30pm – Practice 1
4pm – Practice 2

Sunday, 27th June
11.30am – Practice 3
3pm – Qualifying

Sunday, 28th June
2pm – Austrian Grand Prix

Austrian Grand Prix 2026 Preview

Save for an impressive second-place finish in Miami, Norris has gone under the radar so far this season. But the reigning champion made the podium again in Barcelona, benefitting from the electrical issue that forced Kimi Antonelli to retire his car when he was in second, to stay well within reach of Hamilton and George Russell.

Norris has fared pretty well in Spielberg over the years. It was the site of his first F1 podium in 2020 and his first proper duel with Max Verstappen in 2024, something he'd previously shied away from. In 2025, he won there for the first time.

Although it was through no fault of his own, Antonelli's failure to score points in Barcelona has the potential to play on his mind. Not only has it allowed Hamilton to take a hefty chunk out of his championship lead, but it comes just as he returns to a circuit at which he retired early a year ago, due to a collision with Verstappen.

Can the 19-year-old hold his nerve, or is the momentum shifting?

Below we'll show you how to watch Austrian Grand Prix live streams from anywhere in the world.

Watch Austrian Grand Prix 2026 live from anywhere

Most F1 live streams are location-sensitive, which means you won't be able to access your preferred coverage when travelling abroad. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a straightforward but powerful app that lets you alter your virtual location and thus unblock any Austrian GP stream – including the free coverage in the US, Austria, Luxembourg and Belgium.

NordVPN is our pick of the best VPN services. It's affordable, fast, stable and easy to use. Try it risk-free for 30 days and see for yourself.

How to use a VPN for any Austrian GP live stream

1. Sign up to the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For the F1, you may wish to choose the US for Apple TV.

3. Head over to Apple TV on your browser or device and enjoy the free Austrian Grand Prix live stream.

How to watch Austrian Grand Prix 2026 in 4K Ultra HD in the UK

In the UK, you can watch the Austrian Grand Prix, along with every F1 race, in 4K via Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream packs. You'll need to subscribe to an Ultra HD package and have a 4K TV.

Head over to the Sky Sports F1 Ultra HD channel to watch every race, qualifying and practice in 4K and HDR.

Need Sky? Browse today's best Sky TV deals.

F1 season pass

F1 TV Pro includes live HD coverage of every F1 practice, qualifier and race. No ad breaks.

F1 TV Pro is available in over 188 countries – but not the UK (you can use the basic 'Access' version for live timings but you can't watch any races live). F1 TV Premium is available in the US.

F1 TV Pro is available via the F1 TV website, iOS/Android apps, Roku TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV and other mobile devices.

Latest F1 TV Pro prices:

• F1 TV Pro in India – $3.99/month (cheapest)
• F1 TV Pro in South Africa – $4.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Brazil – $5.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Netherlands – €11.90/month
• F1 TV Pro in USA – $10.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Mexico – $129/month

Watch Austrian Grand Prix 2026 live streams in the USA

The Austrian Grand Prix is the first F1 race that will be completely free-to-air on Apple TV in the USA.

The entire weekend of action from the Red Bull Ring will be available to watch for free on the platform without a subscription.

Although F1 Practice sessions are free-to-air all season as standard, all competitive action is usually behind a paywall.

A subscription costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day FREE trial, though better deals are available to Apple customers.

Buying an eligible Apple device, including select iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac models, gets you free Apple TV access for three months.

Apple One, which bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade and 50GB of iCloud Storage, starts at $19.95 per month after a 1-month free trial.

Alternatively, for a limited time the Apple Music Student Subscription includes Apple TV, and costs $6 per month.

Watch Austrian Grand Prix 2026 live streams in Australia

Fox Sports has the rights to show every live F1 race in Australia. That means Foxtel and Kayo Sports subscribers get a front-row seat to the Austrian GP too.

Kayo offers new customers a FREE 7-day trial to test the waters, after which it starts at AU$29.99 a month for the base Standard tier. For up to 4K video quality and simultaneous streaming on up to two devices, you'll need the Kayo Premium plan for AU$45.99 a month.

Subscribers can also stream the action via Foxtel Now by adding the Sports package ($30 a month).

10Play shows free highlights of every 2026 F1 race.

Austrian Grand Prix 2026: Start Times Around The World

• Feast your eyes on the best TVs
• Splash the cash on our cheap TV deals
• Our pick of the best streaming services

VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams in Dubai

Viewers in Dubai can watch World Cup 2026 through beIN Sports on satellite, beIN Connect or TOD (be warned: you have to pay 700AED extra for TOD). The main tournament channels will be beIN Sports Max 1-6.

You do get a choice of languages: Arabic coverage will be shown on beIN Sports Max 1-4, English-language coverage on beIN Sports Max 5 and French-language coverage on beIN Sports Max 6.

But can you watch the World Cup for free in Dubai? And how can American, Australian and British expats watch their usual World Cup lives stream in The City of Gold?

Don't worry, we'll explain how to watch the World Cup in Dubai for free with this VPN trick...

Quick guide to FREE World Cup streams

Dubai has no free World Cup live streams. However, if you're working or vacationing in Dubai during the World Cup, you can use Norton VPN (try 60 days) to connect to your usual free World Cup live streams on the likes of BBC iPlayer in the UK, SBS in Australia and CazeTV's YouTube channel in Brazil.

Best websites with free World Cup streams:

• UK: BBC / ITV
• Australia: SBS On Demand
• Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube
• Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• Ireland: RTE Player
• Netherlands: NOS
• Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• Turkey: TRT

Watch World Cup 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams while travelling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country, such as the Dubai, and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. Some VPNs don't work for this – but Norton VPN does, and we're using a lot.

You get a best-in-class 60-day money back guarantee and up to 63% off:

What internet speed do you need?

For the best experience when streaming World Cup matches live:

HD – 10Mbps+
Full HD – 20Mbps+
4K UHD – 25Mbps+

• I found all the ways to watch World Cup in 4K

Thanks to Norton VPN, if you find yourself in Dubai – or indeed the UAE – during the 2026 World Cup, you can easily access free World Cup coverage from your home country, potentially even watching the games completely free if you're usually based in the UK, Australia or even the USA.

FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures and dates

Thursday, June 18
Czechia vs South Africa (Group A): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Canada vs Qatar (Group B): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Mexico vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 19
USA vs Australia (Group D): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Morocco (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Brazil vs Haiti (Group C): 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT / 1:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Turkey vs Paraguay (Group D): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 20
Netherlands vs Sweden (Group F): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Curaçao (Group E): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Tunisia vs Japan (Group F): 12 a.m. ET (Sun.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 21
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Iran (Group G): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Group H): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
New Zealand vs Egypt (Group G): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, June 22
Argentina vs Austria (Group J): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
France vs Iraq (Group I): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Norway vs Senegal (Group I): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)
Jordan vs Algeria (Group J): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 23
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Group K): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
England vs Ghana (Group L): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Panama vs Croatia (Group L): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Wed.)
Colombia vs DR Congo (Group K): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, June 24
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Canada (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Morocco vs Haiti (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Brazil (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Czechia vs Mexico (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)
South Africa vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, June 25
Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Germany (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Japan vs Sweden (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Tunisia vs Netherlands (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Paraguay vs Australia (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Turkey vs USA (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 26
Norway vs France (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Senegal vs Iraq (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Uruguay vs Spain (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Egypt vs Iran (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)
New Zealand vs Belgium (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 27
Croatia vs Ghana (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Panama vs England (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Colombia vs Portugal: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Algeria vs Austria: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Jordan vs Argentina: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 28 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Monday, June 29 — Round of 32
Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group F: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group E vs Third Place Group A/B/C/D/F: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. BST
Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group C: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 30 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group E vs Runner-up Group I: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group I vs Third Place Group C/D/F/G/H: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Winner Group A vs Third Place Group C/E/F/H/I: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, July 1 — Round of 32
Winner Group L vs Third Place Group E/H/I/J/K: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Winner Group G vs Third Place Group A/E/H/I/J: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Winner Group D vs Third Place Group B/E/F/I/J: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, July 2 — Round of 32
Winner Group H vs Runner-up Group J: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Runner-up Group K vs Runner-up Group L: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Winner Group B vs Third Place Group E/F/G/I/J: 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, July 3 —Round of 32
Runner-up Group D vs Runner-up Group G: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST
Winner Group J vs Runner-up Group H: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Winner Group K vs Third Place Group D/E/I/J/L: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, July 4 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 5 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, July 6 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, July 7 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Thursday, July 9 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Friday, July 10 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 11 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Tuesday, July 14 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Wednesday, July 15 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 18 — Third-place playoff
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 19 — Final
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

• Our full streaming guide: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• I'm Indian – here's how to watch the World Cup in India
• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams in the UAE

The UAE beat Bolivia to secure a spot in the intercontinental playoff finals, but were denied a World Cup 2026 berth after losing to Iraq. But, despite not being able to cheer for their home team, football fans in the UAE are keen to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But can you watch the World Cup free live streams from the UAE?

While beIN Sports will be offering every game live in one place, football fans visiting the Middle East can watch the World Cup for free in the UAE – we'll show you how below.

How to watch the World Cup 2026 in the UAE

All 104 matches in the World Cup 2026 is being shown by beIN Sports across 24 MENA countries, including the UAE.

Cord-cutters can catch all the action live online via beIN Connect and TOD (which has partnered with Talabat), with coverage available in up to 4K HDR.

For TV users, there are six dedicated beIN Sports Max channels, beIN Sports 4K HDR, and beIN Sports News. Coverage will be in Arabic on beIN Sports Max 1-4, English on beIN Sports Max 5, and French on beIN Sports Max 6.

beIN Sports packages start at $8/month for five channels on the Together plan, while the Premium plan costs $30/month and provides access to 24 beIN Sports channels. Alternatively, the Talabat Pro + TOD bundle is available for Dh329/year (roughly $90/year).

However, you can only access World Cup 2026 live streams on beIN Sports with a UAE IP address. Abroad right now? Here’s how to unblock beIN Sports from anywhere in the world...

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 for free in UAE

The UAE is one of the few countries with no free World Cup live streams. However, if you're traveling in the UAE during the World Cup, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in your usual country and watch free streams on the likes of BBC iPlayer in the UK, SBS in Australia and CazeTV's YouTube channel in Brazil.

Here are the countries showing every game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for free:

• UK: BBC / ITV
• Australia: SBS On Demand
• Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube
• Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• Ireland: RTE Player
• Netherlands: NOS
• Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• Turkey: TRT

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country, such as the UAE, and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. Some VPNs don't work for this – but Norton VPN does, and we're using a lot.

Plus you get a best-in-class 60-day money back guarantee if you're not happy with it.

Which UAE Pro League players are at World Cup 2026?

As many as 14 UAE Pro League players are playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026:

• Al Bataeh's Diney for Cape Verde
• Al Jazira's Simon Banza for DR Congo
• Al Ain's Ramy Rabia for Egypt
• Al Ahli Dubai's Saeid Ezatolahi for Iran
• Al Ittihad Kalba's Saman Ghoddos for Iran
• Al Ittihad Kalba's Shahriar Moghanlou for Iran
• Al Nasr Dubai's Mehdi Ghayedi for Iran
• Al Wahda's Mohammad Ghorbani for Iran
• Al Dhafra's Ibrahim Bayesh for Iraq
• Dibba Al Fujairah's Mohanad Ali for Iraq
• Al Ain's Soufiane Rahimi for Morocco
• Al Bataeh's Aziz Ganiev for Uzbekistan
• Baniyas' Otabek Shukurov for Uzbekistan
• Dibba Al Fujairah's Abdulla Abdullaev for Uzbekistan

Thanks to Norton VPN, if you find yourself in the UAE during the month-long World Cup, you can easily access free World Cup coverage from your home country, potentially even watching the games completely free if you're usually based outside the UAE.

FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures and dates

Thursday, June 18
Czechia vs South Africa (Group A): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Canada vs Qatar (Group B): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Mexico vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 19
USA vs Australia (Group D): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Morocco (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Brazil vs Haiti (Group C): 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT / 1:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Turkey vs Paraguay (Group D): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 20
Netherlands vs Sweden (Group F): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Curaçao (Group E): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Tunisia vs Japan (Group F): 12 a.m. ET (Sun.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 21
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Iran (Group G): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Group H): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
New Zealand vs Egypt (Group G): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, June 22
Argentina vs Austria (Group J): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
France vs Iraq (Group I): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Norway vs Senegal (Group I): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)
Jordan vs Algeria (Group J): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 23
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Group K): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
England vs Ghana (Group L): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Panama vs Croatia (Group L): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Wed.)
Colombia vs DR Congo (Group K): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, June 24
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Canada (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Morocco vs Haiti (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Brazil (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Czechia vs Mexico (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)
South Africa vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, June 25
Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Germany (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Japan vs Sweden (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Tunisia vs Netherlands (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Paraguay vs Australia (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Turkey vs USA (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 26
Norway vs France (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Senegal vs Iraq (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Uruguay vs Spain (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Egypt vs Iran (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)
New Zealand vs Belgium (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 27
Croatia vs Ghana (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Panama vs England (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Colombia vs Portugal: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Algeria vs Austria: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Jordan vs Argentina: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 28 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Monday, June 29 — Round of 32
Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group F: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group E vs Third Place Group A/B/C/D/F: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. BST
Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group C: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 30 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group E vs Runner-up Group I: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group I vs Third Place Group C/D/F/G/H: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Winner Group A vs Third Place Group C/E/F/H/I: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, July 1 — Round of 32
Winner Group L vs Third Place Group E/H/I/J/K: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Winner Group G vs Third Place Group A/E/H/I/J: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Winner Group D vs Third Place Group B/E/F/I/J: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, July 2 — Round of 32
Winner Group H vs Runner-up Group J: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Runner-up Group K vs Runner-up Group L: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Winner Group B vs Third Place Group E/F/G/I/J: 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, July 3 —Round of 32
Runner-up Group D vs Runner-up Group G: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST
Winner Group J vs Runner-up Group H: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Winner Group K vs Third Place Group D/E/I/J/L: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, July 4 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 5 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, July 6 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, July 7 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Thursday, July 9 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Friday, July 10 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 11 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Tuesday, July 14 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Wednesday, July 15 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 18 — Third-place playoff
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 19 — Final
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans
• Our full streaming guide: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• I found all the ways to watch the World Cup in 4K – but there's a catch
• I'm Indian – here's how to watch the World Cup in India

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams in India

The biggest World Cup to date is currently underway in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and it’s delivering as expected. From Cape Verde holding the mighty Spain to a goalless draw and Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick in his first game of the tournament, there's drama aplenty. And there's so much more action yet to come!

Luckily for football fans in India – who were left without an official broadcaster for months as negotiations dragged on, partly due to concerns over the late-night kick-off times – ZEE has finally struck a deal with FIFA to broadcast the 2026 World Cup.

But can you watch ZEE5 from anywhere in the world? And are there any free Indian streams? Follow our guide below for where to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams in India, including free streams.

How to watch the World Cup 2026 in India

All 104 matches in the World Cup 2026 is being shown by ZEE, after it struck a last-minute deal with FIFA, which includes broadcasting rights for a total of 39 FIFA events from 2026 to 2034.

Cord-cutters can catch all the action live online via the ZEE5 website or mobile apps.

For TV users, Zee has launched four dedicated sports TV channels (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV).

There are two main plans to choose from. The Zee5 All Access + Sports plan costs Rs 799 for 3 months, while the Zee5 Premium plan is priced at Rs 1,699 per year. The latter includes streaming options at 4K Ultra HD, support for Dolby Atmos, and permission to stream on up to four devices simultaneously.

However, you can only access World Cup 2026 live streams on Zee5 with an Indian IP address. Abroad right now? Here’s how to unblock Zee5 from anywhere in the world...

Can I watch FIFA World Cup 2026 for free in India

Technically, yes. While DD Sports (through DD Free Dish) will be showing World Cup matches for free in India, they'll only broadcast the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final. Nothing more!

However, if you're traveling in India during the World Cup, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in your usual country and watch free streams on the likes of BBC iPlayer in the UK, SBS in Australia and CazeTV's YouTube channel in Brazil.

Here are the countries showing every game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for free:

• UK: BBC / ITV
• Australia: SBS On Demand
• Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube
• Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• Ireland: RTE Player
• Netherlands: NOS
• Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• Turkey: TRT

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams on Zee5 while traveling outside India. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any local World Cup 2026 live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate Norton VPN as one of the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a best-in-class 60-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

Is ZEE5 the best way to watch World Cup 2026 in India?

Several issues have emerged with ZEE5 over the last couple of weeks. First, the platform sneakily reduced the number of simultaneous connections from three to one under its Rs 799/3-month plan, with the change even applying to existing subscribers.

However, following heavy backlash online, particularly on platforms like X, ZEE5 restored the plan to its original format. One X user (@Sooraj9847) even called it "The biggest scam in the history of Indian digital platforms".

Users in India are also complaining that ZEE5 isn't delivering the promised 4K video quality on its Rs 1,699 plan. Combined with a broadcast glitch during the Mexico vs South Africa opener, as well as ad cuts just seconds after the final whistle, this has led to considerable frustration among football fans in India.

Thanks to Norton VPN, however, if you find yourself in India during the month-long World Cup, you can easily access free World Cup coverage from your home country, potentially even watching the games completely free if you're usual based outside India

FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures and dates

Wednesday, June 17
Portugal vs DR Congo (Group K): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
England vs Croatia (Group L): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ghana vs Panama (Group L): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Thu.)
Uzbekistan vs Colombia (Group K): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, June 18
Czechia vs South Africa (Group A): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Canada vs Qatar (Group B): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Mexico vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 19
USA vs Australia (Group D): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Morocco (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Brazil vs Haiti (Group C): 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT / 1:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Turkey vs Paraguay (Group D): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 20
Netherlands vs Sweden (Group F): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Curaçao (Group E): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Tunisia vs Japan (Group F): 12 a.m. ET (Sun.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 21
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Iran (Group G): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Group H): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
New Zealand vs Egypt (Group G): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, June 22
Argentina vs Austria (Group J): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
France vs Iraq (Group I): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Norway vs Senegal (Group I): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)
Jordan vs Algeria (Group J): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 23
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Group K): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
England vs Ghana (Group L): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Panama vs Croatia (Group L): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Wed.)
Colombia vs DR Congo (Group K): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, June 24
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Canada (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Morocco vs Haiti (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Brazil (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Czechia vs Mexico (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)
South Africa vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, June 25
Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Germany (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Japan vs Sweden (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Tunisia vs Netherlands (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Paraguay vs Australia (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Turkey vs USA (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 26
Norway vs France (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Senegal vs Iraq (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Uruguay vs Spain (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Egypt vs Iran (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)
New Zealand vs Belgium (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 27
Croatia vs Ghana (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Panama vs England (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Colombia vs Portugal: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Algeria vs Austria: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Jordan vs Argentina: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 28 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Monday, June 29 — Round of 32
Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group F: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group E vs Third Place Group A/B/C/D/F: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. BST
Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group C: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 30 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group E vs Runner-up Group I: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group I vs Third Place Group C/D/F/G/H: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Winner Group A vs Third Place Group C/E/F/H/I: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, July 1 — Round of 32
Winner Group L vs Third Place Group E/H/I/J/K: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Winner Group G vs Third Place Group A/E/H/I/J: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Winner Group D vs Third Place Group B/E/F/I/J: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, July 2 — Round of 32
Winner Group H vs Runner-up Group J: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Runner-up Group K vs Runner-up Group L: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Winner Group B vs Third Place Group E/F/G/I/J: 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, July 3 —Round of 32
Runner-up Group D vs Runner-up Group G: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST
Winner Group J vs Runner-up Group H: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Winner Group K vs Third Place Group D/E/I/J/L: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, July 4 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 5 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, July 6 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, July 7 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Thursday, July 9 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Friday, July 10 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 11 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Tuesday, July 14 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Wednesday, July 15 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 18 — Third-place playoff
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 19 — Final
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

• I found all the ways to watch the World Cup in 4K – but there's a catch
• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans
• Our full streaming guide: How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Watch England vs Croatia live streams

England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against familiar foes Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Three Lions are desperate to end a 60-year wait for their second World Cup triumph, and there could be no better way of laying down a marker than by beating the side that knocked them out in the 2018 semi-finals.

Thomas Tuchel's men stormed through UEFA qualifying with eight wins from eight and no goals conceded. However, their recent form in international friendlies has been less convincing. England drew with Uruguay and lost to Japan in the spring, before needing a Harry Kane strike to edge past New Zealand 1-0. They did, though, look better most recently in a 3-0 defeat of Costa Rica.

Croatia have also had a mixed build-up to the tournament – the Vatreni lost to Brazil and Belgium before only narrowly beating Slovenia last week. Nevertheless, the 2018 runners-up remain international football's great overachievers and are one of only two nations, alongside France, to have reached the semi-finals of the past two World Cups.

Soon-to-depart head coach Zlatko Dalić will once again lean on the experienced trio of Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić and Ivan Perišić. Coach and players were all there when Croatia beat England in 2018, and their know-how will be crucial if they're to produce another deep run in the competition.

Follow our guide below for where to watch England vs Croatia live streams from anywhere with a VPN.

How to watch England vs Croatia for free

England vs Croatia is free-to-air in multiple countries across the globe:

• UK: ITV (English commentary)
• Australia: SBS On Demand (English commentary)
• Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube (4K) (no account required)
• Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• Canada: CTV (TV provider details required)
• Croatia: HRT
• France: M6
• Germany: ZDF
• Ireland: RTE Player (English commentary)
• Italy: Rai
• Mexico: TV Azteca
• Netherlands: NOS
• Spain: RTVE
• Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• Turkey: TRT

If you're from one of these countries but are currently abroad and want to watch England vs Croatia live, you can simply use a VPN. More details below...

Watch England vs Croatia live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular England vs Croatia live streams while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, allowing you to watch any World Cup 2026 live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate Norton VPN as one of the best VPNs for streaming sport - get up to 63% off with our deal....

Watch England vs Croatia live streams in the US

As mentioned above, England vs Croatia in the US will be shown on FOX, which will be carrying 70 games this tournament.

If you've cut the cord, you can get Fox (or FS1 for the remaining 34 matches) through a Live TV streaming option, such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected cities), Fubo, or DirecTV.

Alternatively, you can tune in via FOX One, which comes with a 3-day free trial, after which it costs $19.99/month.

To access your usual streaming service from outside the US, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed above.

• Expert TV advice: I found all the ways to watch the World Cup in 4k

Watch England vs Croatia live streams in the UK

England vs Croatia will be broadcast free-to-air in the UK on ITV1 and ITVX, and all you need is a valid TV licence to stream the match from anywhere, completely FREE.

Sam Matterface is expected to be lead commentator, with Lee Dixon on co-commentary.

Outside the UK during the opening night? Use Norton VPN to watch England vs Croatia as if you were back at home.

Watch England vs Croatia live streams in Australia

England vs Croatia will be broadcast for free in Australia, thanks to SBS.

Cord-cutters can catch all the action via the SBS On Demand streaming service and app.

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access SBS On Demand when traveling outside of Australia. We use Norton VPN, which is super-simple and fast.

Watch England vs Croatia live streams in Canada

Football fans in Canada can watch England v Croatia free on CTV, but only if they have a cable provider.

The match will also be available to watch on TSN, as well as its online streaming platform TSN+, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.

TSN will have all 104 games from this tournament with CTV only carrying a selection.

Traveling outside Canada? Use Norton VPN to watch England vs Croatia as if you were back at home.

England vs Croatia: Q+A

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
• I found all the ways to watch World Cup in 4K
• How to watch 2026 FIFA World Cup online

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 free

The World Cup is in full swing, and if you’re looking for those all-important free live streams, you’ve come to the right place.

Forty-eight nations are competing in the tournament, which is being staged across 16 venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In this guide, we’ll show you how you can stream all 104 matches of the World Cup for free, whether you’re in India, the UK, the US or anywhere else in the world.

▶︎ Follow our full World Cup streaming guide here

How can I watch FIFA World Cup 2026 for free

Certain countries have all 104 games of the World Cup for free, including the UK (BBC / ITV), Australia (SBS) and Ireland (RTE Player) too.

But you won’t find free streams everywhere. In India, ZEE5 has the broadcast rights, while coverage in the US is split across Fox and FS1. In Canada, you can watch a portion of games for free on CTV, but if you want full tournament coverage, you will need TSN.

The answer to these issues lies in the form of a VPN. If you’re visiting countries such as India, the USA or Canada during the World Cup from a country with free coverage, you can use Norton VPN to unblock your free stream.

It’s really simple, and right now Norton VPN is just £2.50/month and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 free streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams while travelling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any World Cup 2026 live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate Norton VPN as one of the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a best-in-class 60-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

Countries with Free World Cup streams

We have the full list of countries with every World Cup game for free right here:

• UK: BBC / ITV
• Australia: SBS On Demand
• Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube
• Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• Ireland: RTE Player
• Netherlands: NOS
• Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• Turkey: TRT

FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures and dates

Thursday, June 11
Mexico vs South Africa (Group A): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
South Korea Republic vs Czechia (Group A): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 12
Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
USA vs Paraguay (Group D): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 13
Qatar vs Switzerland (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Brazil vs Morocco (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Haiti vs Scotland (Group C): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Australia vs Turkey (Group D): 12 a.m. ET (Sun.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 14
Germany vs Curaçao (Group E): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Netherlands vs Japan (Group F): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador (Group E): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Mon.)
Sweden vs Tunisia (Group F): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, June 15
Spain vs Cape Verde (Group H): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Egypt (Group G): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (Group H): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Iran vs New Zealand (Group G): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 16
France vs Senegal (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Iraq vs Norway (Group I): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Argentina vs Algeria (Group J): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Wed.)
Austria vs Jordan (Group J): 12 a.m. ET (Wed.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, June 17
Portugal vs DR Congo (Group K): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
England vs Croatia (Group L): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ghana vs Panama (Group L): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Thu.)
Uzbekistan vs Colombia (Group K): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, June 18
Czechia vs South Africa (Group A): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Canada vs Qatar (Group B): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Mexico vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 19
USA vs Australia (Group D): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Morocco (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Brazil vs Haiti (Group C): 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT / 1:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Turkey vs Paraguay (Group D): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 20
Netherlands vs Sweden (Group F): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Curaçao (Group E): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Tunisia vs Japan (Group F): 12 a.m. ET (Sun.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 21
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Iran (Group G): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Group H): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
New Zealand vs Egypt (Group G): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, June 22
Argentina vs Austria (Group J): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
France vs Iraq (Group I): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Norway vs Senegal (Group I): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)
Jordan vs Algeria (Group J): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 23
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Group K): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
England vs Ghana (Group L): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Panama vs Croatia (Group L): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Wed.)
Colombia vs DR Congo (Group K): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, June 24
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Canada (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Morocco vs Haiti (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Brazil (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Czechia vs Mexico (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)
South Africa vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, June 25
Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Germany (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Japan vs Sweden (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Tunisia vs Netherlands (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Paraguay vs Australia (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Turkey vs USA (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 26
Norway vs France (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Senegal vs Iraq (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Uruguay vs Spain (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Egypt vs Iran (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)
New Zealand vs Belgium (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 27
Croatia vs Ghana (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Panama vs England (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Colombia vs Portugal: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Algeria vs Austria: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Jordan vs Argentina: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 28 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Monday, June 29 — Round of 32
Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group F: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group E vs Third Place Group A/B/C/D/F: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. BST
Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group C: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 30 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group E vs Runner-up Group I: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group I vs Third Place Group C/D/F/G/H: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Winner Group A vs Third Place Group C/E/F/H/I: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, July 1 — Round of 32
Winner Group L vs Third Place Group E/H/I/J/K: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Winner Group G vs Third Place Group A/E/H/I/J: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Winner Group D vs Third Place Group B/E/F/I/J: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, July 2 — Round of 32
Winner Group H vs Runner-up Group J: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Runner-up Group K vs Runner-up Group L: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Winner Group B vs Third Place Group E/F/G/I/J: 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, July 3 —Round of 32
Runner-up Group D vs Runner-up Group G: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST
Winner Group J vs Runner-up Group H: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Winner Group K vs Third Place Group D/E/I/J/L: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, July 4 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 5 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, July 6 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, July 7 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Thursday, July 9 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Friday, July 10 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 11 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Tuesday, July 14 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Wednesday, July 15 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 18 — Third-place playoff
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 19 — Final
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
• Or save money with these unmissable cheap TV deals
• Where to find the best Formula E live stream

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

If you are looking for a way to upgrade from your TV’s subpar audio without taking up space in your home, then a soundbar is a great way to go.

There are a range of options on the market, from budget bars to more premium models. The Sonos Arc Ultra is an example of the latter, and it has snagged a What Hi-Fi? Award for its excellent performance.

Since its release in 2024, the Arc Ultra has been relatively unchallenged. But the new Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S has stepped into the ring with its eye on the prize.

Boasting both a subwoofer and a soundbar as opposed to the Arc Ultra’s all-in-one design, they are two different beasts. But who will come out on top when it comes to audio performance? We have put both soundbars head-to-head in our test room, so we can tell you from experience which model is most worth your money.

Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S: price

So how much will each soundbar set you back? The Sonos Arc Ultra launched at £999 / $999 / AU$1799 but, since its release, you can get it cheaper. In the UK, the Sonos model has dropped to £799 at most retailers, although we have seen it fluctuate.

The Sony system launched at £799 / $1100 (around AU$1320), and has remained at that price since its release. This combo has not been out as long as the Arc Ultra, so there is still an opportunity for the price to drop as time goes on.

There is the option to buy the Bravia 7 without the subwoofer but, for reasons that will become clear, we recommend spending the extra cash.

Right now, though, it is a tie between the two bars when it comes to cost.

**Winner: draw**

Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S: design

The two soundbars offer opposing designs that cater to different sides of the market.

The Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S consists of a soundbar and subwoofer, so there is one extra bit of kit to consider compared to Sonos’ single all-in-one bar.

Offering a versatile design, the accompanying subwoofer is easy to place in our test room and connects to the soundbar quickly. You can use it in two different positions, either with the grille facing the listener or the side of the room.

The Arc Ultra is longer than the Bar 7 soundbar, coming in at 8 x 118 x 11cm (hwd) versus Sony’s 6 x 95 x 13cm (hwd). The Sonos model is also heavier, weighing 5.9kg compared to 4.6kg.

With the Sony bar, you will find a small remote control that puts functionality over style. From here, you can control the power, input, bass levels, volume and turn on Night mode. There’s no such addition with the Sonos, however.

You can find the Sonos bar in either a black or white finish, whereas the Sony system is only available in black. Neither of the bars has a display, and the Sony has no buttons on the top of the bar. The Arc Ultra features touch-sensitive buttons, though these are situated on a ledge at the back. A display with both models would make navigating the settings without relying on the accompanying apps feel more straightforward.

Both designs offer their own benefits. The Sonos offers a slightly simpler set-up with its all-in-one build, but the Sony’s soundbar is more compact and offers versatility with the subwoofer’s placement.

That all depends on what you need from your soundbar, so it’s a draw this time round.

**Winner: draw**

Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S: features

In terms of physical connectivity, both bars have an HDMI that supports eARC, but the Sony model has an extra HDMI port.

Dolby Atmos is available with both systems, but the Bravia 7 also offers DTS:X, which provides more options for surround sound.

The Sony bar offers a 5.1.2-channel configuration. Under the hood of the main bar, you will find nine drive units, split between side, centre, up-firing and bass channels. That differs from the Sonos, which is packing a 9.1.4-channel configuration. This is made up of seven tweeters, six midrange woofers, and a 'Sound Motion' woofer.

They both use their company's respective apps. The Bravia Connect and Sonos apps let you fine-tune the settings of the bars. With the Sony’s app, you can also pair the subwoofer (and the surrounds if you have them) from the app, where they recognise the product almost immediately, which makes for an easy set-up.

Both apps are easy to use, but Sony’s user interface is more intuitive and this results in a smoother overall experience.

From both apps, you can calibrate the soundbar to your space (the Arc Ultra employs Sonos Trueplay). Once we have calibrated the bars to our space, we are offered a wider soundstage with both systems. It’s worth noting that the subwoofer is not included in this process with the Sony system, so it must be adjusted by ear using the bass settings with the app or the remote.

There is also the option to expand your set-up with both systems. With the Sony soundbar and subwoofer, you can also add in the Sony Theatre Rear 8 speakers, costing £449 / $500 / AU$599 on their own.

Sonos’ offerings here are more comprehensive, as you can connect other products from the brand, such as the Sonos Sub 4 or the Era 300 speakers. These can be arranged in a multi-room set-up or in one room.

For its more comprehensive HDMI support and better app experience, the Bravia Theatre Bar 7 takes it.

**Winner: Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S**

Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S: sound

Sony and Sonos take different approaches when it comes to audio performance here. But both are five-star systems that provide a massive upgrade from the majority of TV speakers.

When we start up the Bravia Theatre Bar 7, we are greeted with a punchy, cohesive sound that is immediately likeable. It offers an immersive experience, which is put to the test with Top Gun: Maverick as Maverick attempts to reach hypersonic speed in a jet, and the soundbar stretches the height effects above the TV screen.

The Arc Ultra also impresses, matching the Sony’s sense of scale and punch. Effects sound like they're coming from all around you, and are placed with precision, while certain sounds (like rain) stretch far beyond the confines of the TV to which the soundbar is connected.

Bass performance is strong with both soundbars, but the Sony’s added subwoofer gives it the edge in terms of agility and precision. We also find that the bass is well-integrated with the main soundbar and performs with the same precision as the rest of the system. That’s not to dismiss the Sonos performance with lower frequencies, as the bass it delivers is "tight, tuneful and expressive in a way that is rare in the soundbar world".

We listen to the Bravia Theatre Bar 7 without the subwoofer, and it still delivers clear vocals and convincing height effects. But the sound is thinner and lacks the sense of scale and authority that we get when the subwoofer is added.

Both soundbars produce clear vocals, but the Sonos model produces richer voices that lend a more emotive and warm feel to the sound.

When playing music, this warm approach carries foward with the Sonos to make it a more emotive performer than the Sony. The soft vocals of Aurora’s Churchyard start with the appropriate low-level dynamics and build to the punchy chorus as the bass kicks in. As with the Sony’s performance with movies, the Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S delivers a more precise and energetic bass than the Arc Ultra.

Both soundbars are excellent sonic performers, but the Sonos bar inches past the Sony system for its warmer overall sound.

**Winner: Sonos Arc Ultra**

Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S: verdict

If you are looking to upgrade your TV’s audio and get a more immersive audio experience, then either of these soundbars will deliver. Where the Sonos Arc Ultra offers a warm, spacious sound, the Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S counters with a more agile and well-integrated bass.

One of their designs might suit you more, but the Sonos Arc Ultra just takes the crown for its richer sonic performance.

**Winner: Sonos Arc Ultra**

MORE:

These are the best soundbars on the market

Here's our full review of the Sonos Arc Ultra

Check out the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

George Russell hasn't had a whole lot to smile about of late, but he's bared his teeth in Montmeló, taking pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix after topping two of the three Practice sessions. He pipped Lewis Hamilton to the front slot on the grid by just 0.064s, with Kimi Antonelli only 0.319s off the pace. Lights-out is scheduled for 2pm BST / 9am ET.

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026 free stream

Spain: Mediaset Infinity (FREE)
Austria: Servus TV (FREE)
Luxembourg: RTL Play (FREE)
Belgium: RTBF Auvio (FREE)
Blocked? Watch your Barcelona-Catalunya GP stream with a VPN

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026 Schedule

(All times BST)

Sunday, 14th June
2pm – Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026 Preview

Russell was the pre-season favourite, but just six races into the current campaign he's already 68 points behind his teenage teammate Antonelli and two off his former teammate Hamilton, who can almost taste his first victory in the red of Ferrari.

This is his best Qualifying result for his new team, and it comes hot on the heels of back-to-back second place finishes in Grands Prix. In his maiden season with Ferrari, the closest he got to a GP podium was fourth.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a decent track for the Scuderia even in their troubled recent years too, with its mix of high- and low-speed turns offering something for everyone. It's the reason it hosted pre-season testing for so many years.

Not only did Antonelli lead every lap in a dominant outing in Monaco, he also gained some much-needed confidence off the line, both at the start and after the red flag. Five consecutive victories equals Hamilton's longest ever winning run, while only five drivers in the entire history of F1 have strung together more.

Russell, in the same car, has failed to score in his past two outings, and last made a GP podium in the second race of the season. Whether it's a coping mechnism or what he truly believes, the 28-year-old appears wholly convinced that bad luck is to blame for the vast deficit to his teammate.

The Brit, however, has been streets ahead of Antonelli so far in Spain. The Italian, incidentally, had to retire his car on his only previous outing here.

Having each had to retire last time out, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris are also out to claw back some ground this afternoon.

Below we'll show you how to watch Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix live streams from anywhere in the world.

Watch Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026 live from anywhere

Most F1 live streams are location-sensitive, which means you won't be able to access your preferred coverage when travelling abroad. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a straightforward but powerful app that lets you alter your virtual location and thus unblock any Barcelona-Catalunya GP stream – including the free coverage in Spain, Austria, Luxembourg and Belgium.

NordVPN is our pick of the best VPN services. It's affordable, fast, stable and easy to use. Try it risk-free for 30 days and see for yourself.

How to use a VPN for any Barcelona-Catalunya GP live stream

1. Sign up to the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For the F1, you may wish to choose Spain for Mediaset Infinity.

3. Head over to Mediaset Infinity on your browser or device and enjoy the free Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix live stream.

How to watch Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026 in 4K Ultra HD in the UK

In the UK, you can watch the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, along with every F1 race, in 4K via Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck. You'll need to subscribe to an Ultra HD package and have a 4K TV.

Head over to the Sky Sports F1 Ultra HD channel to watch every race, qualifying and practice in 4K and HDR.

Need Sky? Browse today's best Sky TV deals.

Extended highlights of the race are also available on Channel 4 at 6.30pm BST on Sunday evening.

F1 season pass

F1 TV Pro includes live HD coverage of every F1 practice, qualifier and race. No ad breaks.

F1 TV Pro is available in over 188 countries – but not the UK (you can use the basic 'Access' version for live timings but you can't watch any races live). F1 TV Premium is available in the US.

F1 TV Pro is available via the F1 TV website, iOS/Android apps, Roku TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV and other mobile devices.

Latest F1 TV Pro prices:

• F1 TV Pro in India – $3.99/month (cheapest)
• F1 TV Pro in South Africa – $4.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Brazil – $5.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Netherlands – €11.90/month
• F1 TV Pro in USA – $10.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Mexico – $129/month

Watch Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026 live streams in the USA

In the USA, Apple TV is showing the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix – and practice sessions are free-to-air all season.

A subscription costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day FREE trial, though better deals are available to Apple customers.

Buying an eligible Apple device, including select iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac models, gets you free Apple TV access for three months.

Apple One, which bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade and 50GB of iCloud Storage, starts at $19.95 per month after a 1-month free trial.

Alternatively, for a limited time the Apple Music Student Subscription includes Apple TV, and costs $6 per month.

Watch Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026 live streams in Australia

Fox Sports has the rights to show every live F1 race in Australia. That means Foxtel and Kayo Sports subscribers get a front-row seat to the Barcelona-Catalunya GP too.

Kayo offers new customers a FREE 7-day trial to test the waters, after which it starts at AU$29.99 a month for the base Standard tier. For up to 4K video quality and simultaneous streaming on up to two devices, you'll need the Kayo Premium plan for AU$45.99 a month.

Subscribers can also stream the action via Foxtel Now by adding the Sports package ($30 a month).

10Play shows free highlights of every 2026 F1 race.

Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026: Start Times Around The World

• Feast your eyes on the best TVs
• Splash the cash on our cheap TV deals
• Our pick of the best streaming services

VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.

If you have a smart TV that is getting into old age, you may find that your everyday navigation is becoming slower and slower. Even if the picture still looks great, having to wait for apps to load in order to watch your latest obsession can get quite tedious. You may not want to upgrade to a newer model, whether that's because you are on a budget or simply aren't ready to let go.

But don't worry, because we have a few tricks that will hopefully get your TV running a little faster. Much of this is good practice, even if your TV is spritely and new.

Without further ado, let's get into it.

Get rid of unused apps and clear your cache

This is a great start to get your TV running a little faster, and it takes a matter of minutes.

A cache is a temporary storage area where data is kept for quick access, and it stores information from apps, websites and system processes to help them load faster when you turn the TV on. But if it gets too full, this can delay your system's processing and lead to buffering and lag.

To clear your cache, go to the settings menu and navigate to Apps or Storage. From there, you will be able to select individual apps and clear the cache on each.

You can also remove any unused apps on your TV to help speed up your experience. Still have that streaming platform downloaded that you haven't used in months? Get it out the way to get the most from your system.

Keep the firmware up to date

Getting a notification for an update may seem like a pesky pop-up, but outdated firmware can really slow down your TV. If your model still receives updates, it's best to install them as they fix bugs, add new features and improve overall performance.

You will be able to run these installations by going into the settings menu, and finding the option that says System Updates or something similar. The wording varies by brand, but it should be relatively straightforward to locate.

Give it a few minutes to do its magic, and your TV will hopefully run a little smoother.

If your TV is more than a few years old, it may no longer receive the latest updates. That's where the next option might be the best option.

Add a streaming stick

It costs a bit of extra cash, but adding a streaming stick or box to your set-up is the fastest way to give your old smart TV a facelift. You can simply plug your streaming device into the TV's HDMI port, and it will take over all the streaming functions.

This then gives you access to a range of streaming services that your old TV's platform may no longer offer. That includes Netflix, Disney+ Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.

There is a wide selection of models to choose from, and we have found the cream of the crop in our best streaming devices guide. Our top recommendation comes with the Award-winning Apple TV 4K, which we rated highly for its excellent picture and expressive sound. You can currently pick it up for about £149 / $149 / AU$219.

If you are looking for a budget option, then our top pick is the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd gen). This five-star streaming stick is available for £70 / $60 / AU$120. The even cheaper Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is also on the cards, costing £35 / $35 (around AU$67). We have not reviewed this model yet but, if it's performance is anything like its more expensive sibling, then it should be a great upgrade.

Connect via Ethernet

Another reason your TV might be running slow is an issue with your wi-fi. If your TV is on the older side, then it may be running outdated wi-fi hardware that cannot reach the highest router speeds. That often leads to slow loading time and buffering which quickly becomes tedious.

Connecting an Ethernet cable from your router to your TV can speed this up, though. While using wi-fi is the more convenient option thanks to its wireless nature, using Ethernet is more reliable because of its direct connectivity.

You might well have a suitable Ethernet cable knocking around in your house already, but they are readily available to buy if you need to add one to your collection.

Re-organise your home screen

If none of that has helped, you can also maximise the efficiency of your home screen by making your most-used apps easier to access. Instead of scrolling through reams of apps and having to put up with buffering, you can pin your favourite ones to the home screen so you can get to them in a few clicks.

The way to do this differs by brand. Some require you to long-hold the app and pin it from there, or you may have to venture into the settings menu.

It can also help make your TV's home screen feel more personalised, creating a more modern overall look.

MORE:

These are the best streaming devices

Here are the best TVs

And check out the best budget soundbars on the market

Watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams

Co-hosts Mexico will kickstart the biggest World Cup edition to date against South Africa in a rematch of the opening game in Johannesburg in 2010. That match ended in a draw, and Mexico's lone scorer that day, Rafael Marquez, is now part of the coaching staff and will be hoping his team can go one better this time.

The match will be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca, which is set to become the first venue to host matches at three different World Cup tournaments. It previously hosted the finals in 1970 and 1986, with Mexico reaching the quarterfinals on both occasions.

Even more important is that Javier Aguirre’s men arrive in good form. Mexico are unbeaten in their last eight matches, including impressive draws against the likes of Belgium and Portugal in March.

As for South Africa, they will be featuring at the World Cup for the first time in 16 years. Currently ranked 60th in the FIFA rankings, they will be hoping to upset the home favourites in the opening fixture.

Follow our guide below for where to watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams from anywhere with a VPN.

How to watch Mexico vs South Africa for free

Being the first game of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico vs South Africa is free-to-air in multiple countries across the globe:

• UK: ITV (English commentary)
• United States: Tubi
• Australia: SBS On Demand (English commentary)
• Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube (no account required)
• Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• Canada: CTV (TV provider details required)
• France: M6
• Germany: ZDF
• Ireland: RTE Player (English commentary)
• Italy: Rai
• Mexico: TV Azteca
• Netherlands: NOS
• New Zealand: TVNZ
• South Africa: SABC
• Spain: RTVE
• Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• Turkey: TRT

If you're from one of these countries but are currently abroad and want to watch Mexico vs South Africa live, you can simply use a VPN. More details below...

Watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular Mexico vs South Africa live streams while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any World Cup 2026 live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate Norton VPN as one of the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a best-in-class 60-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

Watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams in the US

As mentioned above, Mexico vs South Africa in the US will be shown completely free on Tubi.

You can also watch it on FOX, which will be carrying 70 games this tournament.

If you've cut the cord, you can get Fox (or FS1 for the remaining 34 matches) through a Live TV streaming option, such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected cities), Fubo, or DirecTV.

Alternatively, you can tune in via FOX One, which comes with a 3-day free trial, after which it costs $19.99/month.

To access your usual streaming service from outside the US, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed above.

• Expert TV advice: I found all the ways to watch the World Cup in 4k

Watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams in the UK

Mexico vs South Africa is free-to-air in the UK on ITV1 and ITVX, and all you need is a valid TV license to stream the match from anywhere, completely FREE.

Outside the UK during the opening night? Use Norton VPN to watch Mexico vs South Africa as if you were back at home.

Watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams in Australia

Mexico vs South Africa will be broadcast for free in Australia, thanks to SBS.

Cord-cutters can catch all the action via the SBS On Demand streaming service and app.

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access SBS On Demand when traveling abroad.

Watch Mexico vs South Africa live streams in Canada

Football fans in Canada can watch Mexico vs South Africa free on CTV.

The match will also be available to watch on TSN, as well as its online streaming platform TSN+, which costs CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year.

TSN will have all 104 games from this tournament with CTV only carrying a selection.

Traveling outside Canada? Use Norton VPN to watch Mexico vs South Africa as if you were back at home.

Mexico vs South Africa: Q+A

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

There’s a war going on for your living room. The premium TV technology of choice of the last few years – OLED – is under attack from a new, stunningly bright and vibrant foe – RGB Mini LED.

Every major brand has either launched its first RGB Mini LED TVs or is about to. Hisense launched its first RGB Mini LED models last year, in fact, but those were gigantic, 100+ inch sets, so a long way from a serious proposition for most people.

Hisense is also the first brand to submit to us a proper, mainstream RGB Mini LED TV to review, though – the UR9.

RGB Mini LED TVs are pitched at different levels by different brands, but Hisense is absolutely pitching the UR9 as a rival to flagship OLEDs. The price confirms as much.

So, what better way to benchmark it than against our current favourite flagship OLED, the Sony Bravia 8 II.

That, then, is what we’ve done. Over several days, we’ve tested the Hisense UR9 and Sony Bravia 8 II side by side, feeding all of our favourite discs and streams into both simultaneously, and judging them on picture quality, sound quality, features, usability, design and price.

This might not be a full RGB Mini LED vs OLED battle – the Hisense UR9 doesn’t represent all RGB Mini LED TVs, after all – but it is the opening skirmish in the broader TV tech war. And it's an eye-opening one at that.

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: price

The Hisense UR9’s pricing is interesting to say the least. In the UK, the 65-inch model we tested is priced at £2999, which places it in the same price category as brand-new flagship OLEDs.

In Australia, meanwhile, the UR9’s price of AU$3999 makes it slightly more affordable by local standards.

In the US, though, the pre-launch price of $3500 had dropped vastly to just $2000 by the time the TV actually hit stores.

Things are much more straightforward with the Sony Bravia 8 II, the 65-inch version of which launched at £2999 / $4000 / AU$5295, but can now be bought for £2299 / $2798 / AU$4995.

The inconsistent international pricing of the Hisense UR9 makes it a little tricky to judge this round, but seeing as we’re a primarily UK publication, and that we reviewed a UK sample, we’re going to prioritise the UK pricing and call this it in favour of the Bravia 8 II.

WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: design

The Sony Bravia 8 II and Hisense UR9 are both smart-looking TVs, but they take rather different approaches to design.

Sony has essentially carried over the styling of the A95L, resulting in a TV that looks purposeful, premium and monolithic. While it lacks the ultra-thin glamour of some rival OLEDs, the Bravia 8 II still feels like a flagship product, with its clean lines and understated aesthetic giving it a suitably high-end appearance.

The feet can be installed in either a low-profile position that leaves the bottom edge of the screen sitting just millimetres above your furniture, or a raised position that creates space for a soundbar. The downside is that those feet can only be positioned at the furthest extremes of the chassis, meaning you'll need furniture that's at least as wide as the TV itself.

The Hisense UR9 is a more practical proposition. At 4.5cm thick, it's chunkier than the Sony and doesn't have quite the same premium flair, but it is solidly built and neatly finished, with slim bezels and a restrained dark metallic finish.

Hisense has also made a couple of sensible usability-focused decisions. The centrally mounted pedestal stand occupies a footprint of only around 42cm, making the TV much easier to place on narrower furniture, and it too offers two height positions so that a soundbar can be accommodated beneath the screen.

The UR9's integrated Devialet sound system is more visually obvious than Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ setup, with perforations running down the sides of the chassis and across the top edge to house the side- and up-firing speakers. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does contribute to the TV's more functional, engineering-led appearance.

Ultimately, neither of these TVs is likely to be bought primarily for its styling, but the Bravia 8 II's cleaner, more premium design gives it the edge. The UR9 is practical and perfectly attractive in its own right, but it lacks the sense of sophistication that Sony's flagship delivers.

WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: features

The biggest difference between these two TVs is, of course, their panel technologies.

The Sony Bravia 8 II uses Samsung Display's latest QD-OLED panel, paired with Sony's XR processor and a custom heatsink. Because OLED technology is self-emissive, every pixel can be controlled independently, with no need for local dimming zones.

Sony doesn't publish specific brightness figures for its TVs, but the Bravia 8 II is estimated to hit around 1900 nits in small highlights, making it one of the brightest OLED TVs currently available.

The Hisense UR9, meanwhile, uses an RGB Mini LED backlight with 980 local dimming zones. Rather than relying on a conventional white backlight shining through colour filters, it uses separate red, green and blue Mini LEDs to generate colour directly. Hisense claims a peak brightness of up to 3500 nits for the 65-inch model we tested.

On paper, then, these TVs take radically different approaches to creating their images. We're not going to award points for one technology over the other here, though, because what ultimately matters is how those technologies perform in practice. We'll get to that in the picture quality section.

There are other differences in the feature sets of the two TVs worth highlighting, though.

Hardcore gamers are generally better served by the Hisense. All three of its HDMI sockets are full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, with support for 4K/170Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. It also features a DisplayPort connection, which remains extremely rare on TVs and could prove useful for committed PC gamers.

The Sony supports 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, too, but still offers only two HDMI 2.1 sockets, one of which doubles as the eARC connection. That limitation remains one of our biggest frustrations with Sony's flagship TVs.

That said, we'd probably take the Sony's two HDMI 2.1 sockets and two additional standard HDMI inputs over the Hisense's three HDMI sockets and DisplayPort arrangement. The latter will be useful to a niche audience, but many buyers are more likely to benefit from having an extra ‘standard’ HDMI connection available.

HDR support favours the Hisense, though. The UR9 supports every major HDR format currently in use, including HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The Bravia 8 II supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, but, as is customary for Sony TVs, HDR10+ is absent.

The Bravia 8 II fights back with Google TV, which remains one of the stronger smart TV platforms available and features excellent app support. The UR9's VIDAA operating system is fast and responsive, but there are some notable omissions.

Most significantly, while the Apple TV app is present, it lacks access to the Apple TV Store and users' purchased libraries. That's a genuine disappointment, as Apple's movie store remains the best pay-as-you-go film streaming service available, particularly for 4K HDR movies.

Sony also offers IMAX Enhanced certification, its Studio Calibrated Modes for services such as Netflix and Prime Video, and Sony Pictures Core integration.

Ultimately, neither TV completely dominates on features, but the Hisense's broader HDR support, extra HDMI 2.1 socket and more advanced gaming specification give it the edge overall.

WINNER: Hisense UR9

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: picture quality

This is, of course, the section that really matters.

The Hisense UR9 makes an immediately strong impression. Once switched into either Filmmaker Mode or IMAX Cinema, it produces a rich, vibrant and remarkably composed image that rarely behaves like a traditional backlit TV.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the UR9 is how well controlled its RGB Mini LED backlight is. Throughout our testing, blooming is kept impressively in check, black levels are consistently strong and the TV almost entirely avoids the brightness pumping, flickering and shifting backlight behaviour that often gives Mini LED technology away.

Extra-bright HDR content is a particular strength. Movies such as Pan look spectacular on the UR9, with dazzling highlights and bold colours that comfortably outgun the Bravia 8 II for outright brightness. Sunlight bursting through clouds and glinting off fantasy scenery is delivered with real punch and intensity.

The UR9 is also a very accomplished motion performer, and it combines its brightness with rich colours, excellent shadow detail and a pleasingly cinematic warmth that stops the image from ever becoming gaudy or overblown.

In isolation, it's one of the best backlit TVs we have ever tested.

Direct comparison with the Bravia 8 II reveals why OLED remains the reference technology, though – at least for now.

Despite its impressive brightness and excellent local dimming, the Hisense simply can't match the Sony's pixel-level contrast control. Counterintuitively, some of the brightest highlights against the darkest backgrounds actually appear more impactful on the Bravia 8 II than on the much brighter Hisense, because the OLED can render them without any concern about blooming.

More significantly, the Sony produces a more solid and perceptually three-dimensional image. Objects and characters stand out from their surroundings with greater depth and dynamism, while subtle gradations within shadows, clouds and highlights appear more convincing and refined.

We've observed this extra solidity from OLED many times before, but the side-by-side comparison between these two TVs demonstrates it particularly clearly. Next to the Bravia 8 II, the UR9 simply looks a little flatter and less immersive.

The Sony also has the advantage when it comes to viewing angles. While the Hisense holds up better than many LCD-based rivals, the sweet spot in which it performs at its very best is still relatively narrow. Thanks to its OLED panel, the Bravia 8 II performs consistently from almost any angle.

And while blooming is rare on the UR9, it isn't entirely absent. Difficult scenes such as the bomb-test sequence in Oppenheimer or the opening starfield of Alien: Romulus reveal imperfections that even this highly accomplished RGB Mini LED set cannot completely escape.

The Bravia 8 II, meanwhile, is simply sensational. Its combination of dazzling brightness by OLED standards, vibrant colours, exceptional shadow detail and razor-sharp definition creates an image of astonishing depth and realism.

What impresses most isn't any single strength, but how naturally all of its strengths come together. The Bravia 8 II consistently delivers a picture that feels balanced, authentic and effortlessly cinematic, whether you're watching a pristine 4K Dolby Vision disc or a much more humble SDR stream.

The Hisense UR9 proves that RGB Mini LED can get surprisingly close to flagship OLED performance, and many viewers will adore its combination of brightness, richness and stability. But when viewed side by side, the Bravia 8 II remains the more complete and convincing picture performer.

WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: sound quality

Both the Sony Bravia 8 II and Hisense UR9 are unusually sonically accomplished by modern TV standards.

That's important, because while we always recommend pairing a premium TV with a dedicated sound system, for many buyers that’s either impractical or unpalatable.

The Hisense UR9 certainly doesn't disappoint. Its Devialet-tuned 4.1.2-channel sound system delivers a presentation that is impressively spacious and full-bodied, with particularly convincing width and height effects.

Dolby Atmos soundtracks benefit from a strong sense of scale, while bass is deeper and more substantial than most flatscreen TVs can manage. The overall character is smooth, rich and easy to listen to over extended viewing sessions.

The UR9's audio system isn't flawless, though. Dynamics can feel a little restrained during big action sequences, and dialogue doesn't always have the clarity and expressiveness we'd ideally like.

We also found ourselves preferring the Standard sound mode over the more expansive Theatre setting. While Theatre mode undoubtedly sounds bigger, it can introduce a slightly diffuse and faintly echoey quality to voices that makes dialogue seem less natural than it should.

The Sony Bravia 8 II takes a very different approach. Rather than relying on conventional speaker placement, its Acoustic Surface Audio+ system uses actuators to vibrate the screen itself, effectively turning the display into a speaker.

The result is one of the most cohesive and convincing audio performances we've heard from a TV.

Dialogue and effects are tied directly to the action on screen in a way that traditional TV speaker systems struggle to replicate, creating a stronger sense that sound is genuinely coming from the people and objects you're watching.

Like the Hisense, the Sony also sounds surprisingly spacious, with effects extending well beyond the edges of the screen. Detail levels are excellent, too, and the Bravia 8 II combines subtle dynamic nuance with enough punch to make action scenes engaging and exciting.

Bass depth isn't as generous as it is from the Hisense, but it's impressively controlled, and the overall tonal balance is exceptionally well judged.

Ultimately, these are two of the best-sounding TVs you can currently buy. The Hisense delivers scale, warmth and impressive Atmos effects, but the Sony's superior detail, greater dynamic expression and uniquely direct delivery give it the edge.

WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: verdict

The Hisense UR9 is a hugely important TV.

Not only is it the first mainstream RGB Mini LED TV we've fully reviewed, it's also the first serious attempt to take on flagship OLEDs with a fundamentally different display technology.

And the good news for RGB Mini LED fans is that, in some ways at least, it succeeds.

The UR9 is bright, vibrant and impressively refined. More importantly, it avoids many of the traditional pitfalls of backlit TVs, with excellent black levels, impressively restrained blooming and a consistency that often feels surprisingly OLED-like.

In several respects, it's one of the best backlit TVs we've ever tested.

But while the UR9 proves that RGB Mini LED is a genuinely exciting technology with enormous potential, it also demonstrates just how high the bar currently is at the top end of the OLED market.

Ultimately, picture quality remains the most important factor in any TV buying decision, and it's here that the Sony Bravia 8 II retains a clear advantage. The Hisense has the stronger gaming specification, broader HDR support and spectacular brightness, but the Sony's superior contrast control, greater three-dimensionality and more natural, cinematic image make it the more accomplished performer overall.

This isn't a verdict on RGB Mini LED versus OLED as technologies, and it certainly isn't the last battle in what is shaping up to be one of the most interesting periods in TV tech for years.

Instead, it’s the verdict on the very best OLED TV currently available versus the first mainstream RGB Mini LED model. And while the Hisense UR9 proves that RGB Mini LED is ready to compete with the very best, the Sony Bravia 8 II remains the TV to beat.

OVERALL WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

When it comes to multi-room music systems, Sonos has ruled the roost for years now. The Era 300 is perhaps the jewel in its crown – but there could be a new pretender to the throne in the shape of Denon’s Home 400.

Launched as part of a new range of Home 2 wireless speakers, the Denon Home 400 has a lot in common with the Sonos Era 300. Both offer spatial audio, have similar sonic architecture, and can form part of much larger audio ecosystems, so it only felt right to take a closer look at what sets them apart.

While we’re yet to give the Denon Home 400 the full What Hi-Fi? review treatment, we can still compare the two and see where it might hope to outdo the Era 300. Here’s the tale of the tape.

Denon Home 400 vs Sonos Era 300: price

The Denon Home 400 hit the shops recently with a pretty substantial price of £449 / $599 / AU$999.

In the UK that’s exactly how much the five-star Sonos Era 300 would have set you back when it launched just over three years ago, but it’s now available for a much more wallet-friendly £359 / $379 / AU$695 (and we’ve even seen it drop very slightly lower).

That’s a fair chunk of extra cash you’ll need to find for the Denon, so we’ll be expecting big things when it comes to testing it.

Denon Home 400 vs Sonos Era 300: design

There’s no denying Sonos took a bit of a risk with the design of its Era 300, but there’s sonic logic behind its unusual shape.

In order to facilitate its spatial audio skills, Sonos fitted the Era 300 with four tweeters (one forward-firing, two side-firing, one upward-firing) and two horizontally angled woofers – so while it might be divisive, its design is born out of the physical positioning of the drivers.

In every other way the Sonos Era 300 is pretty minimalist. It comes in either black or white and there’s no display, but you do get a set of touch-sensitive controls on top that blend in nicely. The build quality is typically high, too.

Denon’s Home 400 also feels suitably premium as befits its price. It’s a touch bigger but weighs slightly less and has a more familiar shape, while the fabric covering gives it a softer appearance. A set of rubberised buttons down the side offer control over volume and playback, plus a trio of shortcuts for your favourite sources or sound modes.

The Home 400 comes in either charcoal or stone colours (basically black or silvery grey) but overall feels like the nicer of the two on a purely aesthetic basis, with the Sonos perhaps a little too stark for some tastes. At the end of the day, though, it’s purely personal preference.

Denon Home 400 vs Sonos Era 300: features

Both these speakers can form discrete parts of wider multi-room music systems but they’re also equally happy operating on their own, with spatial audio support the main way to differentiate them from a lot of their wireless speaker siblings.

Both speakers have six drivers inside, but the Denon Home 400 has two that point upwards compared to just one inside the Sonos Era 300.

Both also support Dolby Atmos, but the Denon is a little more flexible over where you source your Atmos-powered spatial tunes from. On the Era 300, you’ll need to use Amazon Music or Apple Music, while the Home 400 is happy playing them from Tidal’s catalogue as well.

In terms of wireless connectivity, there’s no separating them. Wi-fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 are all on the menu for streaming from Spotify, Tidal et al, but the Denon is a little more welcoming to wired sources.

There are USB-C and 3.5mm connections on the back of the Home 400, whereas the Sonos only has the former, with a separate adapter required if you want to connect something using an aux cable.

As well as full multi-room use, you can also create stereo pairs with both of these speakers, plus they’re compatible with soundbars from their respective manufacturers and can be used as rear channels in a surround set-up.

If you like telling your speakers what to do, you’ll probably be better served by the Sonos Era 300, which has native support for both Amazon Alexa and Sonos’s own voice assistant.

There’s a microphone onboard the Denon Home 400 (and a mute button on the back) but it doesn’t support voice control out of the box. In fact, the only way to talk to it (at least if you want to get a response) is to use Siri, but that's only if you have an Apple HomePod or HomePod Mini connected on the same network. You can then link them together within the HEOS app and summon Siri via the Home 400. It's a rather bizarre workaround, we admit, and we'll explore more when we have our review sample in for testing.

Denon Home 400 vs Sonos Era 300: sound

We’re yet to get the Denon Home 400 into our testing rooms for a full review, so a definitive verdict on its abilities will have to wait, but after hearing it at the launch of Denon’s full Home 2 range back in March, plus some further dedicated ears-on time for this piece, some initial assessments are possible.

The impact of those two upward-firing drivers is immediately apparent, with a real sense of space between the instruments. The soundstage has a really nice three-dimensional quality to it that makes music sound more lifelike, although, as is often the case with spatial audio, the mixes can sometimes be a little off depending on the particular song being played.

In general, though, first impressions are good. The Home 400 puts on an engaging performance that seems to strike a nice balance between all aspects of the frequency range.

When it comes to the Sonos Era 300, however, there’s no such uncertainty surrounding its performance. In our five-star review first published in March 2023, the Era 300 was described as an “immensely immersive experience”.

Particularly impressive is the sheer scale of the sound it’s capable of producing, which projects more effectively than any similarly sized wireless speaker we’ve tested so far, particularly when you feed it Dolby Atmos tracks (although quite how effective it is varies by song).

On the whole it sounds detailed, dynamic and cohesive, with deep, impactful bass and plenty of rhythmic flair.

Fundamentally the Era 300 has set a high standard for the Denon Home 400 to reach, but there are reasons to believe it could give Sonos a real run for its money.

Denon Home 400 vs Sonos Era 300: early verdict

With smart looks, an extensive list of features and promising early signs of its sonic performance, the Denon’s Home 400 looks like it could be a serious contender. The lack of voice control is slightly surprising, but with Alexa and co. popping up in so many other devices around the average home it doesn’t feel like a huge absence.

Can it beat the Era 300 though? Sonos’s unusually shaped speaker was the first one to convince us that spatial audio was more than just a gimmick, and its standard stereo performance is hugely enjoyable too, so it’s not going to be easy for the Denon to take the crown.

Once we’ve had the opportunity to fully scrutinise the Denon Home 400 and compare it with the Era 300, we’ll be able to pass judgement on which of these wireless speakers is the best – and it could well be a close battle. Stay tuned for the full review.

MORE:

Which Sonos speaker should you buy? Find out here

The best multi-room systems around

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Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams

The friendlies are done, and the biggest FIFA World Cup in history is underway across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which will together host a record 48 teams in 104 matches from June 11 to July 19.

One of the biggest sporting events on the planet will, of course, have multiple streaming options, including free ones, and we've gone ahead and found the best ones for you.

Today's action features six matches as Groups G, H and I conclude their group-stage campaigns, with both fixtures in each group kicking off simultaneously. First up are Erling Haaland's Norway vs Kylian Mbappé's France and Senegal vs Iraq in Group I. The focus then shifts to Group H, where Cape Verde take on Saudi Arabia while Uruguay face Spain. Finally, Group G wraps up with Egypt vs Iran and New Zealand vs Belgium.

Follow our guide below for where to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams.

How can I watch FIFA World Cup 2026 for free

Every game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is free-to-air in several countries across the globe:

• UK: BBC / ITV
• Australia: SBS On Demand
• Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube
• Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• Ireland: RTE Player
• Netherlands: NOS
• Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• Turkey: TRT

If you're from one of these countries but are currently abroad and want to watch a FIFA World Cup 2026 live stream, you can simply use a VPN. More details below...

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any World Cup 2026 live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate Norton VPN as one of the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a best-in-class 60-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams in the US

Coverage for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US is split between FOX (70 matches) and FS1 (34 matches).

If you've cut the cord, you can get these TV channels through a Live TV streaming option, such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected cities), Fubo, or DirecTV.

Alternatively, you can tune in via FOX One, which comes with a 3-day free trial, after which it costs $19.99/month.

Free streaming service Tubi aired the World Cup opening ceremony and two matches – Mexico vs South Africa and USMNT vs Paraguay – completely FREE to US football fans.

To access your usual streaming service from outside the US, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed above.

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Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams in the UK

Every single one of the 104 matches in FIFA World Cup 2026 is free-to-air in the UK.

The coverage is split between BBC iPlayer and ITVX, and all you need is a valid TV license to stream the matches from anywhere, completely FREE.

Outside the UK during the World Cup? Use Norton VPN to watch the tournament as if you were back at home.

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live streams in Australia

Every FIFA World Cup 2026 game will be broadcast for free in Australia, thanks to SBS.

Cord-cutters can catch all the action via the SBS On Demand streaming service and app.

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access SBS On Demand when traveling abroad.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview

European champions Spain are one of the bookmakers' favourites for this World Cup thanks largely to their well-balanced squad, but also their incredible recent form. They won Euro 2024 and have lost just one of their last 28 international matches across all competitions.

They face their biggest competition from France, runners-up at the last World Cup and winners in 2018. France’s story in the last two editions was largely scripted by Kylian Mbappé, but his storyline heading into this year’s World Cup is one he’d be desperate to change and silence a few critics from the Real Madrid fanbase.

Elsewhere, you have five-time winners Brazil and Euro 2024 runners-up England, along with the ageless Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina. Don't forget Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal either, who will be desperate to win the only trophy that has avoided him in his career.

But a FIFA World Cup isn't just about the top teams and the top players. It's also about the underdogs, especially this time around with the tournament expanded to 48 teams. Lower-ranked nations, who often bring more zest than skill, could certainly spring a few surprises. Perhaps a Morocco-like run from a lesser-known side — Scotland, Norway, Turkey?

FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures and dates

Thursday, June 11
Mexico vs South Africa (Group A): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
South Korea Republic vs Czechia (Group A): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 12
Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
USA vs Paraguay (Group D): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 13
Qatar vs Switzerland (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Brazil vs Morocco (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Haiti vs Scotland (Group C): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Australia vs Turkey (Group D): 12 a.m. ET (Sun.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 14
Germany vs Curaçao (Group E): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Netherlands vs Japan (Group F): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador (Group E): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Mon.)
Sweden vs Tunisia (Group F): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, June 15
Spain vs Cape Verde (Group H): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Egypt (Group G): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (Group H): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Iran vs New Zealand (Group G): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 16
France vs Senegal (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Iraq vs Norway (Group I): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Argentina vs Algeria (Group J): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Wed.)
Austria vs Jordan (Group J): 12 a.m. ET (Wed.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, June 17
Portugal vs DR Congo (Group K): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
England vs Croatia (Group L): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ghana vs Panama (Group L): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Thu.)
Uzbekistan vs Colombia (Group K): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, June 18
Czechia vs South Africa (Group A): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Canada vs Qatar (Group B): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Mexico vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 19
USA vs Australia (Group D): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Morocco (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Brazil vs Haiti (Group C): 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT / 1:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Turkey vs Paraguay (Group D): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 20
Netherlands vs Sweden (Group F): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Curaçao (Group E): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Tunisia vs Japan (Group F): 12 a.m. ET (Sun.) / 9 p.m. PT / 5 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 21
Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Iran (Group G): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Group H): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
New Zealand vs Egypt (Group G): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, June 22
Argentina vs Austria (Group J): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
France vs Iraq (Group I): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Norway vs Senegal (Group I): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)
Jordan vs Algeria (Group J): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 23
Portugal vs Uzbekistan (Group K): 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
England vs Ghana (Group L): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Panama vs Croatia (Group L): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Wed.)
Colombia vs DR Congo (Group K): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, June 24
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Switzerland vs Canada (Group B): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Morocco vs Haiti (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Scotland vs Brazil (Group C): 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Czechia vs Mexico (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)
South Africa vs South Korea (Group A): 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, June 25
Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Ecuador vs Germany (Group E): 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Japan vs Sweden (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Tunisia vs Netherlands (Group F): 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Paraguay vs Australia (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Turkey vs USA (Group D): 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, June 26
Norway vs France (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Senegal vs Iraq (Group I): 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Uruguay vs Spain (Group H): 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Sat.)
Egypt vs Iran (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)
New Zealand vs Belgium (Group G): 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, June 27
Croatia vs Ghana (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Panama vs England (Group L): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Colombia vs Portugal: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Algeria vs Austria: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)
Jordan vs Argentina: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT / 3 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Sunday, June 28 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group B: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Monday, June 29 — Round of 32
Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group F: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group E vs Third Place Group A/B/C/D/F: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. BST
Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group C: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, June 30 — Round of 32
Runner-up Group E vs Runner-up Group I: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Winner Group I vs Third Place Group C/D/F/G/H: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
Winner Group A vs Third Place Group C/E/F/H/I: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Wed.)

Wednesday, July 1 — Round of 32
Winner Group L vs Third Place Group E/H/I/J/K: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
Winner Group G vs Third Place Group A/E/H/I/J: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
Winner Group D vs Third Place Group B/E/F/I/J: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Thu.)

Thursday, July 2 — Round of 32
Winner Group H vs Runner-up Group J: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
Runner-up Group K vs Runner-up Group L: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Fri.)
Winner Group B vs Third Place Group E/F/G/I/J: 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT / 4 a.m. BST (Fri.)

Friday, July 3 —Round of 32
Runner-up Group D vs Runner-up Group G: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST
Winner Group J vs Runner-up Group H: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
Winner Group K vs Third Place Group D/E/I/J/L: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 a.m. BST (Sat.)

Saturday, July 4 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 5 — Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Mon.)

Monday, July 6 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Tue.)

Tuesday, July 7 – Round of 16
TBC vs TBC: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Thursday, July 9 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. BST

Friday, July 10 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 11 — Quarter-finals
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST
TBC vs TBC: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST (Sun.)

Tuesday, July 14 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Wednesday, July 15 — Semi-finals
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Saturday, July 18 — Third-place playoff
TBC vs TBC: 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. BST

Sunday, July 19 — Final
TBC vs TBC: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

There's only one Kim worth mentioning at the 2026 Monaco Grand prix, and he's starting from pole at Monte Carlo today. Kimi Antonelli, fittingly, has F1 royalty for company. He shares the front row with Max Verstappen, while Lewis Hamilton starts from third. Lights-out is scheduled for 2pm BST / 9am ET.

Monaco Grand Prix 2026 free stream

Austria: ORF On (FREE)
Luxembourg: RTL Play (FREE)
Belgium: RTBF Auvio (FREE)
Blocked? Watch your Monaco GP stream with a VPN

Monaco Grand Prix 2026 Schedule

(All times BST)

Sunday, 7th June
2pm – Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco Grand Prix 2026 Preview

Mercedes' teenage sensation has scored four victories from five GPs so far this season, to lead George Russell by 43 points. Raw pace is one of the reasons Mercedes have won every Grand Prix so far, but that straight-line speed is of limited use in the Principality. The Ferraris, Red Bulls and McLarens, meanwhile, have looked a little more nimble in the corners.

It's these factors that make Antonelli's latest pole arguably his most impressive. His teammate, for context, only went sixth-fastest in Qualifying. Local boy Charles Leclerc and Frenchman Isack Hadjar complete the front five, while Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are way back in the 7th and 8th slots on the grid.

Wet weather and bad decisions have been essential to a good Monaco GP experience for many years now, but it's looking like wall-to-wall sunshine today. What we could get, however, is a drastically different race to anything we've seen so far this season.

Monte Carlo's narrow streets almost certainly played a part, however small, in the FIA's decision to trim the cars down for 2026. While it's fair to say that the ruling body's reforms haven't been universally well-received, they may yet help to revive F1's under-fire jewel.

Below we'll show you how to watch Monaco Grand Prix live streams from anywhere in the world.

Watch Monaco Grand Prix 2026 live from anywhere

Most F1 live streams are location-sensitive, which means you won't be able to access your preferred coverage when travelling abroad. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a straightforward but powerful app that lets you alter your virtual location and thus unblock any Monaco GP stream – including the free coverage in Austria, Luxembourg and Belgium.

NordVPN is our pick of the best VPN services. It's affordable, fast, stable and easy to use. Try it risk-free for 30 days and see for yourself.

How to use a VPN for any Monaco GP live stream

1. Sign up to the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For the F1, you may wish to choose Austria for ORF On.

3. Head over to ORF On on your browser or device and enjoy the free Monaco Grand Prix live stream.

How to watch Monaco Grand Prix 2026 in 4K Ultra HD in the UK

In the UK, you can watch the Monaco Grand Prix, along with every F1 race, in 4K via Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream packs. You'll need to subscribe to an Ultra HD package and have a 4K TV.

Head over to the Sky Sports F1 Ultra HD channel to watch every race, qualifying and practice in 4K and HDR.

Need Sky? Browse today's best Sky TV deals.

F1 season pass

F1 TV Pro includes live HD coverage of every F1 practice, qualifier and race. No ad breaks.

F1 TV Pro is available in over 188 countries – but not the UK (you can use the basic 'Access' version for live timings but you can't watch any races live). F1 TV Premium is available in the US.

F1 TV Pro is available via the F1 TV website, iOS/Android apps, Roku TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV and other mobile devices.

Latest F1 TV Pro prices:

• F1 TV Pro in India – $3.99/month (cheapest)
• F1 TV Pro in South Africa – $4.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Brazil – $5.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Netherlands – €11.90/month
• F1 TV Pro in USA – $10.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Mexico – $129/month

Watch Monaco Grand Prix 2026 live streams in the USA

In the USA, Apple TV is showing the Monaco Grand Prix – and Practice sessions are free-to-air all season.

A subscription costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day FREE trial, though better deals are available to Apple customers.

Buying an eligible Apple device, including select iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac models, gets you free Apple TV access for three months.

Apple One, which bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade and 50GB of iCloud Storage, starts at $19.95 per month after a 1-month free trial.

Alternatively, for a limited time the Apple Music Student Subscription includes Apple TV, and costs $6 per month.

Watch Monaco Grand Prix 2026 live streams in Australia

Fox Sports has the rights to show every live F1 race in Australia. That means Foxtel and Kayo Sports subscribers get a front-row seat to the Monaco GP too.

Kayo offers new customers a FREE 7-day trial to test the waters, after which it starts at AU$29.99 a month for the base Standard tier. For up to 4K video quality and simultaneous streaming on up to two devices, you'll need the Kayo Premium plan for AU$45.99 a month.

Subscribers can also stream the action via Foxtel Now by adding the Sports package ($30 a month).

10Play shows free highlights of every 2026 F1 race.

Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Start Times Around The World

• Feast your eyes on the best TVs
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• Our pick of the best streaming services

VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.

Watch IPL 2026 Final live streams

It's the IPL Final 2026 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Defending champions RCB, who won the final in this very stadium last year, will be looking to become just the third team to win back-to-back IPL titles, while Gujarat Titans, who first won in 2022, are also hunting their second piece of silverware.

Follow our guide below for where to watch RCB vs GT in the 2026 IPL Final live from anywhere with a VPN.

• IPL 2026 Final: Sunday, May 31, 10am ET / 3pm BST
• US: Willow TV / Sling
• UK: Sky Sports
• Free Stream: Cricbuzz App (iOS / Android)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free

How can I watch IPL 2026 Final for free

You can watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans in the 2026 IPL Final for free on Cricbuzz (iOS / Android) in select MENA countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

Kayo Sports also offer a 7-day free trial to watch all the action live for free in Australia, after which a subscription starts at AU$30/month.

Outside these countries at the moment? Use NordVPN to unlock your free stream from anywhere in the world.

Watch IPL 2026 Final live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular IPL 2026 final live stream while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate NordVPN as the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

Watch 2026 IPL Final live stream in the US

Cricket fans in the US will be able to watch RCB vs GT in the 2026 IPL Final via the dedicated cricket service Willow TV. The service costs from $10 a month and is available from a number of cable providers including Dish, Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon Fios and more.

If you don't have cable, then the best option is to try an OTT provider such as Sling TV. There are options to pay just for Willow (from $10 a month), or add it to your existing Sling plan. You can check out your options and sign up on its website.

To access your usual streaming service from outside the US, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed above.

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans

Watch IPL Final 2026 live stream in the UK

The IPL Final 2026 between RCB and GT is being shown on Sky Sports and its dedicated Sky Sports Cricket channel in the UK.

Looking to invest in Sky Sports? Check out our dedicated guide to all things Sky.

Outside the UK during the match? Use NordVPN to watch the 2026 IPL Final as if you were back at home.

Watch IPL 2026 Final live stream in Australia

As usual, it is Fox Sports that has live and exclusive coverage of the IPL Final in Australia. If you want to watch online then the best option is Kayo Sports, which starts at $30.

New customers, however, can try the first month of Kayo for just $1. Alternatively, there's a generous FREE 7-day trial before you commit.

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access Kayo Sports when traveling abroad.

Watch IPL 2026 Final live stream in India

Cricket fans in India can watch every ball of the 2026 IPL Final between RCB and GT on the Star Sports Network on TV and online on JioHotstar.

Subscriptions to JioHotstar start from just Rs. 79/month (around $0.85 USD). You can just get an annual package for just Rs. 499 ($5.40 USD).

Anyone outside of India who wants to watch their home cricket coverage can just pick up a good VPN.

IPL 2026 Final Preview: RCB vs GT

RCB enter the final having beaten GT twice in the three games these two teams have played this year, including a dominant performance in Qualifier 1 where they scored 254 with the bat and bundled GT out for just 162.

Even though GT slipped up in Qualifier 1, they put on quite the show in Qualifier 2, defeating fan favourites Rajasthan Royals thanks to a blistering 47-ball century from captain Shubman Gill, alongside a half-century from his partner in crime, Sai Sudharsan. Both players have now crossed 700 runs this season and will undoubtedly be the biggest keys if GT are to win at home.

Speaking of which, the match is at GT's home ground, where they have managed to win five of their seven games here thanks to the pace assistance they have been getting. Earlier reports suggest that the IPL 2026 final is going to be played on Pitch No. 6, which is the same one on which they managed to defeat RCB in Ahmedabad earlier this season.

The trio of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna will once again be hoping to use any assistance on the pitch to their maximum advantage. However, GT will also want their premier spinner Rashid Khan to come to the party. He slipped up in the qualifier too and got smashed for 45 runs in just two overs.

On the RCB side, the batting unit looks to be a lot longer than GT's, with contributions from everyone, starting with Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer at the top, all the way down to the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Tim David.

And if it is a fast-bowling pitch, RCB certainly wouldn't mind that, given they have world-class fast bowlers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, alongside third seamer Rasikh Salam Dar, who has been excellent this season as well.

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If you're looking for versatile desktop speakers that sound great as well as offering useful connectivity in an ultra-compact form, our advice for many years has been Ruark Audio's MR1 range of dinky, powered speakers.

The Ruark MR1 Mk3 is our current reigning champ in this field, but nipping at its heels is the Cambridge Audio L/R S, the first active speakers from the brand, offering a similarly compact form for the same price as the Ruarks.

For those who can't accommodate a full hi-fi system in their small spaces, or want to upgrade from a budget Bluetooth speaker for their home audio, these small-but-talented desktop speakers are an ideal solution. We've recently tested the new Cambridge L/R S and compared them with the Award-winning Ruarks to balance their strengths and weaknesses – let's find out which is the best pair for you.

Cambridge L/R S vs Ruark MR1 Mk3: price

In the UK, it's a dead heat with the Cambridge L/R S and Ruark MR1 Mk3 both costing £399. There's a bit more variation if you're in the US or Australia, as the Cambridge speakers will cost you $549 / AU$949, while the Ruark pair is yours for $579 / AU$899.

The Ruarks are available in two finishes: the rich walnut veneer of our review sample, or a more modern charcoal lacquer, with no difference in cost.

Cambridge Audio offers more colourful options with six finishes in total: black, white, green, orange and blue, which all cost the same amount. But if you opt for the walnut veneer finish of our review sample, you'll have to cough up a little extra as they cost £449 / $599 / AU$1049 per pair.

**Winner: Ruark Audio MR1 Mk3**

Cambridge L/R S vs Ruark MR1 Mk3: Build & design

Both speakers are pleasingly compact, making them ideal for small spaces, such as placing on your desktop and on either side of your computer.

The Ruark MR1 Mk3 are smaller than the Cambridge L/R S – they're certainly shorter, with the L/R S barely 2cm deeper. They're the same width, though, which makes both of them very appealing for fitting into spaces where traditional hi-fi or bigger speakers simply won't get a look in.

We love the build quality of both speakers, which is of a high quality for this price. Which style you prefer is a matter of taste: the beautifully curved cabinet of the Ruark or the crisp, clean edges of the Cambridge? Do you prefer the woven fabric grille (which isn't removable) on the Ruark, or the stark, no-grille, minimal aesthetic of Cambridge?

We like the walnut veneer's texture and finer details on the Ruarks, and equally like the way the logo is printed on top of the Cambridge speaker. Both are smart-looking and offer a lifestyle-friendly aesthetic compared with traditional designs.

Apart from the looks, there are practical considerations when making your choice. There are no on-unit controls for input selection or volume on the Cambridge speakers at all, in keeping with its pared back design. A colour-changing LED underneath the primary speaker indicates the input chosen and status, but that's all the feedback you'll get when facing the speakers.

Ruark, conversely, has its trademark RotoDial controller on top of the primary speaker, which lets you select the input and change volume with ease. It's a more tactile interaction with your speaker, and especially handy if the speakers are within reach on your desk.

If your speakers are placed further away or are being used as TV speakers, then you'll be glad to hear both sets come with a slim remote control. It's particularly crucial for the Cambridge, so don't lose it.

These are two-way speakers, with the Cambridge L/R S featuring a 21mm aluminium tweeter and 7.6cm mid/bass driver, with a bass reflex slot situated at the back.

The Ruark MR1 Mk3 features a 20mm silk dome tweeter with a bigger 8.5cm mid/bass driver, with a downward-firing bass reflex port.

Both use Class D amplification for greater efficiency and control, with the Cambridge claiming the more powerful 50W per channel, while Ruark goes for half that figure at 25W per channel. Numbers, of course, only tell half the story.

Both units house the main power, amplifiers and connections in one "primary" unit, which then feeds signal to the secondary unit with an interlinking cable.

The supplied 2m cable for the Cambridge speakers features bespoke 4-pin conductors at either end, with a neat locking mechanism that keeps the connection secure.

The 3m cable connecting the Ruark speakers (3.5mm connectors at either end) is a nicely braided affair that's sturdy and looks good, too. We found the supplied cables long enough for desktop use, but both brands offer optional longer leads (5m) if required, at extra cost.

**Winner: Draw**

Cambridge L/R S vs Ruark MR1 Mk3: connectivity

Titchy as they are, the Ruark MR1 MK3 is loaded with a variety of connections. The big news is the inclusion of a built-in moving magnet phono stage, which makes it easier to plug in turntables – such as the Rega Planar 1 or Pro-Ject Primary E – for a neat, affordable vinyl system. You also get a USB-C input for plugging in your laptop, and a combined optical/3.5mm aux input for other sources, with the adapter for the digital optical socket included in the box.

Ruark says that its customers have been perfectly happy with the optical input when using the MR1 speakers with a TV, and adding an HDMI input would increase the cost beyond its asking price, which the brand didn't want to do.

Cambridge's speakers similarly omit the HDMI input and feature a USB-C input and separate optical input, and opt for a pair of RCA line level analogue inputs for connecting a variety of sources to the L/R S. There's no built-in phono stage here, which we feel is a bit of a miss, but you can plug in a turntable with an integrated phono preamp, such as the Sony PS-LX3BT, via RCA.

For easy streaming from your phone or laptop, both speakers offer Bluetooth, with up to the aptX HD codec supported. Pairing is swift and easy in both cases, and streaming music from Tidal or Apple Music is fuss free.

Ruark says its internal DAC can handle up to 24-bit/192kHz hi-res audio files, although the USB-C input’s limit is capped at 96kHz. With Cambridge, the optical and USB-C both support hi-res files up to 24-bit/96kHz, but the speakers’ DSP will automatically downsample all files to 48kHz.

At this level, we find that such differences in file resolution aren't particularly obvious, with CD quality sounding more than good enough for these speakers. Considering the intended audience for these affordable, desktop speakers – and with no networked streaming on board – we imagine not being able to play full-fat hi-res downloaded tracks won't be a high priority for most listeners.

And finally, you get a single subwoofer output with both speakers, should you require more bass oomph.

**Winner: Ruark Audio MR1 MK3**

Cambridge L/R S vs Ruark MR1 Mk3: features

Ruark keeps things simple with the MR1 Mk3's plug-and-play, accessible nature, and around the back of the main speaker you'll find the ability to change the gain level for each input (and reset them). That's it.

Cambridge offers a fair bit more customisation, with the engineers taking into consideration any adverse sonic effects that might happen depending on your listening position and where you'll be placing the L/R S speakers.

You have three toggle switches at the back of the main unit: one to tell the speakers if they're placed on a desktop or not; one to tell the speakers if they are placed close to a back wall or in free space; and one to indicate whether the primary speaker (with the power cable) is the left or right channel.

These modes help to mitigate any booming you might get in the mid/bass when the speakers are backed up against a wall, reduce any unwanted reflections from the desk they are placed on, and to help with time alignment when your listening positioning is higher than the drivers' output when they're placed on a desk.

Cambridge also offers optional desk stands (£49 per pair) to help angle the speakers towards your listening position – we would recommend this for the clearest, most solid sound.

We would try all the different toggle modes to find out the best-balanced sound for your tastes and listening position, as some combinations might work better than you might initially think.

Did you remember to hold on to that remote control? Cambridge also offers three EQ modes – Normal, Voice and Movie – that you can choose using the remote. These are subtle effects worth experimenting with, although we preferred the balanced Normal mode overall with all kinds of media we played.

**Winner: Cambridge Audio L/R S**

Cambridge L/R S vs Ruark MR1 Mk3: sound

The Cambridge L/R S speakers offer a pleasing performance with their even-handed tone and refined way with detail.

Their smooth balance makes them easy to listen to for long hours, with no peakiness or hardness in the treble, nor any untoward flabbiness in the bass. Yes, we'd like to hear the lower frequencies plunge deeper and have more muscle, but they are otherwise taut and nimble.

There is a sense of orderliness to the way the L/R S delivers music, and we found during our review that there is "a good amount of detail on offer, thanks also in part to a clean, low-distortion background". Voices are nicely focused too.

That evenly balanced presentation is impressive, although it does mean some songs end up sounding quite cultured and reserved when they should be more gritty and brazen.

"On some tracks – such as on Eminem’s The Way I Am and Forget About Dre – we find ourselves willing the speakers on, to tackle the propulsive rhythm with more punch and panache," we said in our review.

These Cambridge speakers do spark into life with the volume turned up, and they can certainly go louder than you'd expect from their small stature. Just be aware that, as with most speakers, that lovely balance suffers at much higher volumes.

The Ruark MR1 Mk3 offer a more boisterous and more exciting presentation, with a more powerful, muscular bass that we wish was just a little more tuneful, but does dig impressively deep for such dinky speakers.

Even more impressive is how much bigger and more open they sound; they project sound into the room with greater power than the L/R S, and there is more space surrounding the instruments and voices.

Dynamic shifts are handled with greater authority and punch, and it's a more involving listen overall. "The speakers’ rhythmic drive remains excellent for such compact speakers," we said in the review. "They are full of propulsive momentum, grabbing us by the lapels with Eminem’s fierce delivery in Forget About Dre and delivering tracks from Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Macklemore with oodles of energy."

The Ruarks are still subtle and insightful enough when it comes to more delicate pieces of music, and voices are full of texture, nuance and personality. The MR1 Mk3 have traded a touch of their previous midrange sweetness for greater power in this third-generation model, but the mids are also clearer, more detailed and more expressive than the Cambridge L/R S.

Compared with the Ruarks, the Cambridge speakers sound a little muted when it comes to expressive voices, rhythmic punctuality and dynamic subtlety. There is what sounds like a "cloudy veil" over the midrange, whereas the Ruarks sound much freer, more confident and allow songs to luxuriate in a more layered soundstage.

The Ruarks' built-in phono stage is of a high quality too, and both sets of speakers have a consistent sonic character no matter which input you use.

**Winner: Ruark Audio MR1 Mk3**

Cambridge L/R S vs Ruark MR1 Mk3: verdict

There is plenty to like about the compact Cambridge L/R S speakers, from their crisp, clean aesthetic to the various modes that make them customisable to where you place them in the room. Their sound quality is easy to get along with, with a smooth, even tone across the frequencies.

But the Ruark speakers beat them for outright clarity, subtler insight and better dynamics. They offer a bigger scale of sound and simply sound more fun, even if the deeper low frequencies could be reined in a little. That built-in phono stage is a boon for first-time vinyl users, and using the MR1 Mk3 is just a little bit more convenient thanks to the handy, tactile on-unit controls.

For the same price, the petite Ruark speakers are the more entertaining and versatile pair. Our Award-winners keep their crown for another round.

**Overall winner: Ruark Audio MR1 Mk3**

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1976 vs today: veteran audio experts discuss the biggest shifts in music and hi-fi during What Hi-Fi?'s 50-year lifetime

Yamaha’s return to the high-end headphone scene in late 2022 could hardly have gone any better. Its comeback YH-5000SE open-backs made headlines and scooped awards around the world for their extraordinary sound and, yes, price tag.

We called them “exceptional performers” in our YH-5000SE review and decorated them with a What Hi-Fi? Temptation Award. But for all their success, it was hard to ignore the fact that they were only accessible to those who could slap down the price of a second-hand SUV on their next pair of headphones. Cans for every music-loving Tom, Dick and Harry, they are not.

At the time, the Japanese company teased that a more affordable version could be coming down the road, and a few years later it finally delivered on that with the YH-4000 (and closed-back YH-C3000). Much to our delight, the YH-4000 are less than half the price of the YH-5000SE and, even more pleasingly, don’t compromise heavily on the physical design or engineering.

So are they the bargains of the century, or do the pricier OGs justify their premium? As part of our YH-4000 review testing, we compared both pairs’ sound, build, comfort and accessories to find out…

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: price

The Yamaha YH-5000SE launched in December 2022 at £4799 / $5000 / AU$7499, making them some of the world’s most expensive headphones, and that price has held up well.

Besides the headphones themselves, the cost includes a second type of earpads, a 4.4mm balanced cable and a headphone stand.

The YH-4000, meanwhile, arrived in January 2026 at a much more palatable, albeit still high-end, price of £2199 / $2499 / AU$3999.

They forgo the generous array of accessories bundled with the YH-5000SE, sticking to the more typical headphone offering – one set of earpads, a single-ended cable and a carry case. Their price tag puts them in the ballpark of other acclaimed open-backs, such as the Austrian Audio The Composer.

**Winner: Yamaha YH-4000**

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: build & design

We praised the YH-5000SE for being “one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve worn”, owing to their relative lightweight (320g) and a combination of a wide leather headband, large, softly cushioned earpads (one set is made from sheepskin leather, the other Toray Ultrasuede) and a carefully judged clamping pressure.

Within their magnesium open-back earcup housings are Dutch weave stainless steel filters and specially shaped internals that carefully control directivity and manage pressure around the planar magnetic drive unit.

The YH-4000 use the same 50mm orthodynamic (planar magnetic) driver as the YH-5000SE. The only difference is that in the YH-4000, Yamaha has tweaked the damping and revised the internal filter, which balances the pressure inside the earcup.

Neither pair may not look particularly flash – they wouldn’t stand a chance in a beauty contest next to the likes of the Focal Utopia or Meze Audio Empyrean II – but their functional, industrial aesthetic is far from offensive and, most importantly, is built with obvious care to the standards you would expect at this price.

Such is the visual similarity between them and the YH-4000, that a ‘spot the difference’ game between the two pairs would fall under a ‘Challenging’ difficulty level.

The particularly keen-eyed will spot some things, however, such as the YH-5000SE’s brighter steel headband, flashes of silver in the centre of the earcups, and silver (as opposed to black) screws. The YH-5000SE’s single-ended cable also comes with a more advanced design.

Essentially, the less-expensive YH-4000 are physically almost identical to their siblings, with the only truly meaningful difference between the two from a design standpoint being the extra accessories bundled with the pricier pair.

So it isn’t surprising that we also heaped praise on the YH-4000 in our review, calling its fit, finish and material quality “top-class” and “designed to last for decades”.

Such similarity isn’t typical between headphones of such wildly varying asking prices, and value-wise certainly falls in favour of the more affordable pair.

That said, value aside, the YH-5000SE’s extra little touches do edge it, and their bundled accessories will undoubtedly appeal to hardcore head-fi fans.

**Winner: Yamaha YH-5000SE**

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: sound

Even more surprisingly, given the gulf between the two pairs’ prices, it’s another case of comparability when it comes to performance.

While the YH-5000SE do edge the comparison, delivering small advantages in terms of absolute detail resolution and dynamic finesse, the YH-4000 share their sonic character and offer a great deal of their siblings’ talent – certainly more than you might expect considering their relative price.

Value-wise, that makes them the better performance-per-pound (or dollar) proposition.

“Rarely have we come across a piece of hi-fi that’s so capable of putting a spotlight on the smallest of details but still encourages the full musical experience to shine through,” our expert reviewers noted in our YH-5000SE review.

Both pairs are indeed exquisitely detailed and deliver a class-leading level of clarity, but also responsive, precise and agile enough to be hugely entertaining as well as informative.

While some may believe the YH-4000 and YH-5000SE verge on being over-analytical – a view we can have some sympathy for – they don’t lack character for that; they both have excellent rhythm and timing and can carry the ebb and flow of a track beautifully.

They are “organic and fluid in a way that makes most others sound pretty mechanical”, and “never sound flustered, no matter how complicated a piece of music gets,” we said.

They aren’t the most muscular or dramatically dynamic headphones we’ve come across – the aforementioned Austrian Audios have greater punch while the Focal Utopia (2022) drive harder – but their tonal naturalness and the textures and subtleties they can dig up, plus their ability to track each note and convey leading edges crisply without veering into hardness, are where the Yamaha headphones pull well clear of most competitors.

They’re wonderfully articulate performers that deliver a degree of finesse we go as far as calling “spellbinding”.

Again, comparisons between the two pairs highlighted minor discrepancies in the YH-5000SE’s favour. With either model, be aware that sophisticated electronics – something of the Chord Hugo TT2 DAC/headphone amplifier’s ilk, say – are necessary to take full advantage of the headphones’ talents.

**Winner: Yamaha YH-5000SE**

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: verdict

In absolute terms, the YH-5000SE are the slightly better headphones of the two, edging the head-to-head with modest improvements across the sound and design departments. But when you factor in just how much more affordable the YH-4000 are, the value pendulum swings enthusiastically in the other direction.

Indeed, Yamaha has done a fine job of bringing its flagship sound quality to a wider market, even if that market remains thoroughly within the realms of the ‘high-end’. Its engineers went ‘all out’ with the YH-5000SE, spending years successfully crafting a pair that would make a real mark and impression on the established head-fi market and its fans.

The YH-4000, however, somehow manage to be an even bigger achievement given the level of construction and engineering they retain while being much more attainable. Put simply, we haven’t heard anything else at this level that tells us more about the recording.

**Overall winner: Yamaha YH-4000**

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How to choose the right pair of headphones for you

Sennheiser or Sony?

It's a tough question to answer, especially when both brands have put out two pairs of premium headphones – the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless and the Sony WH-1000XM6 – adorned with glowing five-star reviews. How do you choose between two sets of over-ears from two brands working at the top of their game?

That question is only made harder by the fact that the Sennheisers are a chunk cheaper than the Sonys, meaning that price is becomes a new dimension to this already tricky conundrum. The Momentum 5 Wireless are newer, too, so now age becomes a factor to add to the mélange, and that's before we consider the usual aspects of sound quality, features, build, comfort etc.

It's a lot to consider, but don't worry, we're here to help. We've broken down the virtues and vices of these outstandingly capable noise cancelling cans to put you in the best position possible to find exactly what you're looking for.

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6: price

Competition at this level is fierce, but the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless do have price on their side. At £330 / $400 / AU4749, they're cheaper than many of their premium rivals, and a good deal less than the £400 / $450 / AU$699 asking price of the Sony WH-1000XM6.

We'd caveat that slightly by mentioning the fact that the XM6's price can drop a little during sales events, though never so drastically as to come close to the price of the Sennheisers. Not yet, anyway.

In short, a clear win for the Momentum 5 Wireless for value.

** Winner: Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless **

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6: build and comfort

We're keen on the build and design of these rival pairs, though not necessarily for exactly the same reasons.

The Momentum 5 Wireless may be the cheaper of the two, but if anything they exude a higher perceived value than their slightly functional-looking Sony WH-1000XM6. Little touches, such as the headband’s attractive fabric exterior, go a long way to making the Momentum 5 Wireless feel more premium, and while the XM6 are well made, they keep things functional and decidedly un-flashy on the aesthetics front.

The fabric exterior of the Sennheisers' headband and carry case grant them a suave appeal, and our only real reservation is that the earcups feel just a little cheap and plasticky to the touch.

The Sonys are made pretty much entirely of plastic too, but their overall construction feels more durable and robust. They have the added bonus of folding away completely, something which the Momentum 5 can't do.

The WH-1000XM6 weigh in at 254g, a good deal lighter than the 290g of the Sennheisers, while their nicely judged clamping force and firm-yet-forgiving earpads rarely put our our ears under any undue strain or causing excess overheating over time.

To be fair to them, the Momentum 5 Wireless are also comfortable. We spend a long time listening to the Sennheiser over-ears, and though we find some mild on-ear heating past the hour mark, we generally don’t suffer with that aching feeling that can make extended listening a miserable experience.

Both over-ear designs feature a combination of touch-capacitative controls on the earcups and physical buttons. In both cases, haptics are expertly implemented, responding quickly and effectively to our commands when controlling playback or activating noise modes. You will, though, enjoy deeper levels of control customisation via the Sony Sound Connect app than via Sennheiser's Smart Control Plus platform.

This is a close one. The Sennheisers are a little more luxurious to behold, but the Sonys win back serious points for their portability, durability and greater control customisation.

** Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 **

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6: features

Two pairs of premium headphones, two premium feature sets to match.

Bluetooth codec support is impressive across the board, with the Momentum 5 Wireless offering SBC and AAC codecs alongside higher-quality aptX HD, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive flavours. The Sennheisers currently use Bluetooth 5.4, but an upcoming firmware update later this year will push this to 6.0 and include LE Audio for reduced latency, better battery life and potentially boosted audio quality.

Conversely, the XM6 grant standard SBC and AAC and, of course, Sony's LDAC codec for streaming hi-res music at higher data rates over Bluetooth from a compatible device.

On Bluetooth, Multipoint connectivity is available on both pairs, meaning you can connect to two devices simultaneously.

Both grant app support, with respective platform a pleasure to use. The Sony app isn't the fanciest in the world, but it's certainly one of the most in-depth and customisable around, offering the likes of a 10-band equaliser and access to touch control personalisation. The Sennheiser SmartPlus app isn't quite as in-depth, but outmatches Sony for its usability and ease of navigation, and you're still able to perform useful actions such as tweaking your EQ settings or adjusting the amount of ANC you're getting via a handy slider.

Battery life is reasonably strong for the WH-1000XM6, reaching around 30 hours with noise cancelling switched on. That number is roundly beaten by the Momentum 5 Wireless: a very healthy 57 hours when noise cancelling is on and you’re playing at a reasonable volume is a very nice feather in Sennheiser’s cap,.

If you're into spatial audio, neither set will leave you feeling glum. The Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless have Dolby Atmos on the menu when listening to supported content, with dynamic head tracking to be added via an upcoming firmware update.

The WH-1000XM6 support Sony’s ‘360 Reality Audio Upmix’ tech, although you will have to go through a short set-up and ear scan if you want to make proper use of it.

Happily, you can listen to either pair via a wired connection. The Sony WH-1000XM6 grant wired listening via an included 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable, whereas the Sennheisers offer a wired option via either 3.5mm to 3.5mm or USB-C to USB-C, with the latter method capable of handling lossless files up to 24-bit/96kHz.

A good showing from Sennheiser, but Sony's flagship cans do have a few extra tricks up their sleeve. 'Speak-To-Chat', which drops the volume level when you start talking, is available on the WH-1000XM6, as is 'Quick Attention Mode' for letting you hear ambient sounds straight away by placing a hand on the exterior of the right earcup.

The WH-1000XM6 also make use of Sony's DSEE Extreme sound enhancement engine to bring poor-quality digital audio files nearer to high-res quality.

These two are roughly neck-and-neck when it comes to features: Sony might have a few more tricks up its sleeve that make daily portable use seamless, while Sennheiser's substantially longer battery life and inclusion of USB audio are major strengths.

** Draw **

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6: ANC and call quality

Sennheiser made a big effort to improve the noise cancelling for its new Momentum over-ears, with the fifth-gen cans using twice as many microphones (a total of eight) as their predecessors.

Those additions pay off. The Momentum 5's ANC doesn't clear the bar set by the Sony WH-1000XM6, but it will keep most noises – traffic, wind, air conditioners – at bay.

The overall effect does feel more like a softening of sounds rather than a complete exclusion, something which the Sonys do more effectively and more naturally. Take both pairs somewhere properly challenging, such as a public gym, and the XM6 will handle the full range of frequencies more effectively than their Sennheiser rivals.

Harsh sounds, such as clanking weights, are more convincingly filtered out by the XM6, and we feel more isolated from noises than when wearing the Sennheisers. Stand by a roadside with both pairs to hand, and the Sonys will all but eliminate those low traffic rumbles – the Momentum 5 Wireless, meanwhile, will soften rather than fully exclude them.

Call quality, meanwhile, is at a high standard no matter the cans you choose. Both pairs are excellent at reducing exterior sounds, especially the swirling bluster of wind noise, all while spotlighting human speech. The Momentum 5 make voices sound warmer and more natural, whereas the XM6 are impressively clear but can sound a tiny bit robotic by comparison.

Excellent call quality on each, but the XM6 have the noise cancelling talents to take this particular round.

** Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 **

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6: sound quality

The Momentum 5 Wireless are excellent premium noise cancelling headphones, and some of the finest wireless over-ears that Sennheiser has produced in recent times.

We hear much of the same sonic DNA from the superb five-star Sennheiser HDB 630 in these more affordable headphones, with the Momentum 5 Wireless sharing the same feeling of clarity, dexterity and richness as their bigger brothers.

Their midrange is arguably their greatest strength. While the Sennheisers can be a touch rich in the lower frequencies, their midrange reproduction is superb, offering a naturalness and insight that gives the Sony WH-1000XM6 a serious run for their money. If anything, they're even better with voices than their Sony rivals, and that's really saying something.

The Sennheisers are rich, smooth and brilliantly precise headphones, with a personality that makes listening a refreshingly undemanding experience, offering levels of poise and maturity that very few comparable alternatives can match.

As we said in our review: "We could spend days on end listening to the Momentum 5 Wireless and feel neither frustration nor fatigue. While words such as 'undemanding' or 'relaxed' might otherwise be used synonymously with 'boring' or 'bland', we in fact find that these are headphones that strike a great balance between refinement and fun."

That said, if you've got the money to spend, it's definitely worth seeking out the WH-1000XM6 for a proper step up in audio quality. The XM6 don't have the midrange sweetness of the Sennheisers, but they're a punchier, more entertaining pair with ample talent across the board.

As we enthused in our review, the WH-1000XM6 "deliver the most detailed, dynamic, precise and open sound we’ve heard from a wireless Sony flagship. The headphones just seem capable of diving into any track you play and extracting an unbelievable amount of information".

Precision meets power to thrilling effect, and leading edges of notes are sharply drawn and hit with precision and force. The XM6 are great at breaking things down so that you hear each individual element of a song, but they also make sure to put everything back together again into one cohesive, thrilling whole.

While their midrange isn't quite as sweet as the Sennheisers, and they might be a touch more fatiguing to listen to over longer periods, the XM-1000XM6 are the more entertaining, musically talented of the two. Their dynamics land with more verve and contrast, while their rhythmic abilities can make the Momentum 5 Wireless sound just a touch sluggish by comparison.

The Sennheisers are superb, but the WH-1000XM6 justify their extra outlay. For us, they're the sonically superior pick if you have a bit more cash to spend.

** Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 **

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless vs Sony WH-1000XM6: verdict

The five-star Momentum 5 Wireless are a great reminder that Sennheiser is more than ready to take on all-comers in the premium wireless headphones space.

Their sound is easily worthy of its five-star accreditation, bolstered by a very healthy feature set, a huge battery life, and, perhaps most importantly, a lower price tag than that of the Sony WH-1000XM6. If you can't stretch to the more premium Sonys, the Momentum 5 are the logical step down.

If you do have the cash to spend and you want a great value return on your not-inconsiderable investment, we still recommending going for the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Not only are they more sonically exciting and engaging than the Sennheisers, but their massive bag of class-leading features, not to mention their effortlessly ergonomic design for daily portable use, make them the complete package. They're our current What Hi-Fi? Award-winners for a reason.

**Overall winner: Sony WH-1000XM6**

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Read our review of the Sony WH-1000XM6

Also consider the Sennheiser HDB 630

"Sound comes first" – we speak to Sennheiser about German engineering, changing ownership, and 80 years of making music

Sony and B&W are two of the biggest names in the wireless headphones market, and with Sony recently launching its ultra-premium 1000X The Collexion headphones, there is little doubt that it had the B&W Px8 S2 squarely in its sights.

We’ve already put each of these headphones through their respective paces, with both gaining very respectable four-star reviews, but if you’re thinking of spending upwards of £550 / $800 on your next pair of headphones, where is your money best spent between the two?

We’ve put them head to head in a battle of the flagship wireless cans to help you decide – read on to find out which pair comes out on top.

Sony 1000X The Collexion vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: price

We already know that these two pairs of headphones don’t come cheap – after all, they are the premium options in their brands’ respective wireless lineups.

However, the B&W Px8 S2 are still a chunk of change more expensive than their Sony competitors at £629 / $799, compared with the Sony’s asking price of £550 / $650.

You probably aren’t considering either of these headphones if budget is a prime concern, but an £80 saving between the two is still not to be sniffed at. The win goes to the Sony The Collexion if you’re keen to save a bit of cash, but there are listeners who will find value in the extra outlay for the B&W. More on that below.

** Winner: Sony 1000X The Collexion **

Sony 1000X The Collexion vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: design and comfort

There’s one big difference between the design of the 1000X The Collexion and the Px8 S2 which is likely to divide opinion, and that is their materials. Sony has chosen to play it safe with a faux leather across the earcups and headband, while B&W has decided to revert back to animal products for its premium line, and use Nappa leather.

There’s not a lot of difference in the feel of the two, and you probably wouldn’t know the Sonys weren’t leather, or vice versa, if we hadn’t mentioned it. Still, we’d say B&W’s over-ears edge it as the more premium-looking of the two, with their signature aluminium plates on the earcups and exposed cable design on the arms giving the classy cans a higher perceived value than the Sonys.

We also worry with the Sony 1000X The Collexion that their faux leather exterior can be prone to marking and scratches, something we found when trying out our test pair.

Sony uses aluminium on the arms and over the top of the headband for its rival over-ears. They still look smart and nicely finished, but are bulkier (even though they’ve been slimmed down compared with the WH-1000XM6) and are just a little plainer overall.

However, Sony gains back some points when it comes to actual wear. The Sonys are very comfortable, and put hardly any pressure onto the ears or the top of the head while listening. There is also a bigger space inside the earcups, so they are more accommodating to larger ears. They are actually a touch heavier than the Px8 S2, at 320g compared with B&W’s 310g, but you wouldn’t know that from wearing them.

The B&W Px8 S2 are by no means uncomfortable, but do offer a slightly snugger fit across the board, and that just makes you more aware of them during longer listens. This does make them feel a bit more secure than the Sonys, though, which can feel a touch unstable and prone to movement on smaller heads.

As for controls, the B&W Px8 S2 goes all in on physical buttons, while the Sony 1000X The Collexion offer a mixture of touch controls for playback and call control, alongside a couple of buttons for switching between sound modes and noise cancellation.

We did find the B&W controls slightly awkward to use at first, but it’s always a learning curve with any on-ear controls, so users might find themselves acclimatising over time. The touch controls on the Sony, conversely, are responsive and slightly easier to use on the go, and we would generally find their system preferable to the one found on their rivals.

It's a close run on this one, with plenty of positives – and indeed drawbacks – on both sides. Considering the use of leather could write the Bowers & Wilkins cans off for a whole section of listeners though, we’re going to label this one a draw.

** Winner: Draw **

Sony 1000X The Collexion vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: features

Sony’s headphones tend to have some of the richest feature sets of any wireless headphones we test, and 1000X The Collexion are no different. The premium over-ears use Sony’s Sound Connect app, which is packed with ways to make the headphones sound your own.

As usual, alongside the standard noise cancellation and customisable ambient sound settings, Sony offers Adaptive Noise Cancelling mode, which can alter your noise cancellation level automatically depending on what you are doing. This has long been a great feature of established Sony headphones, such as the WH-1000XM6, and one we do find ourselves using pretty regularly.

Another useful feature is Scene-based Listening, which can have the headphones play music when the app detects you’re doing certain things, such as walking, running or on your commute home.

There are other features that we don’t turn to as often. There are now three spatial audio settings for ‘Music’, ‘Cinema’, and ‘Game’, plus a ‘Background Music’ setting for making your music sound like it’s playing in the distance – supposedly to better aid your concentration while working.

These are fun to play around with, and we did enjoy testing the ‘Cinema’ setting while watching movies, but we envision these will be ‘nice to haves’ rather than anything you’ll find ourselves using daily.

Bowers & Wilkins’ app is much more straightforward, with options for noise cancellation or ambient sound, the ability to turn on wear detection and a 5-band EQ. By comparison, Sony offers a 10-band offering (and a number of presets) on The Collexion. There’s no spatial audio support on the Px8 S2 either, nor is there Bluetooth LE as there is on The Collexion, though there have been promises for these in the future via a firmware update.

Both headphones support the standard SBC and AAC codecs, as well as higher-quality codecs for compatible devices – that’s LDAC for the Sony 1000X and aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive for the B&W Px8 S2.

B&W’s Px8 S2 do grant the better battery life at 30 hours with ANC on, compared with the Sony 1000X’s 24 hours, the latter of which feels a little stingy.

Still, for the pure amount of features offered on the Sonys, they take the win here.

** Winner: Sony 1000X The Collexion **

Sony 1000X The Collexion vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: ANC and voice calls

Sony’s over-ear headphones have offered some of the very best noise cancelling you can buy for some time, and although Sony has said sound quality has taken precedence over the very best ANC here, it’s still really good.

The 1000X use the same QN3 chip and 12-mic array as found in the WH-1000XM6, and we find they do a great job of suppressing noise throughout the frequencies.

The noise cancelling on B&W’s Px8 S2 is a little disappointing by comparison. They still block out a good chunk of background whirrs and rumbles, but higher frequency noises are more prone to cutting through – much more than we notice on the Sonys. We imagine that’s at least in some part down to the fact the B&W have four mics fewer than the Sony, offering eight in total.

Call quality is good across both pairs, with a decent level of noise reduction and callers sounding clear and detailed. Our callers largely reported the same, though they did say there was more richness to our voice through the B&W Px8 S2, with the Sony cans sounding ever so slightly thinner.

Overall, the better noise cancelling on the Sony 1000X The Collexion is the biggest win here, so we’re giving this one to them.

** Winner: Sony 1000X The Collexion **

Sony 1000X The Collexion vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: sound quality

Behind both of these headphones’ respective performances are optimised drivers that were created especially for them. The 1000X The Collexion use a bespoke carbon composite 30mm drive unit, adapted from the one found in the WH-1000XM6, with a soft edge and hard centre.

The Px8 S2 uses a new 40mm carbon cone driver, also adapted to have a stiffer chassis, alongside a new motor system and voice coil.

The Sony 1000X exist to deliver a performance worthy of a 10^th birthday celebration, promising more refinement, detail and maturity compared with the standard XM6 – and they do live up to that promise. They have a wide open presentation, excellent detail levels and incredible clarity and insight, all complemented by a powerful yet controlled low end.

To be fair, all of that can also be said of the B&W Px8 S2, but we are particularly impressed with their handling of low frequencies, with plenty of power and authority in the bass. In our review, we also highlighted how engaging they are when listening to Keane's Everybody's Changing, writing: “The rise and fall in dynamics is handled superbly. The instruments deliver enthusiasm and life but the Bowers also communicate the tinge of sadness that comes from the lyrics".

While there’s a greater sense of scale on the 1000X over the B&W Px8 S2, it’s how these headphones make us feel that is perhaps the biggest difference between the two – and it’s here that the Sonys fall down.

The Sony 1000X simply aren’t as explicit or dynamic as we’d like, which makes them sound more removed and ultimately not as engaging as the B&W.

In our review, we described them as “standoffish”, and said that they “trade off some of that signature expressiveness we’ve heard in other Sony headphones for greater openness and detail, something that reduces the extent to which we feel truly involved with our music”.

In absolute terms, that means the Px8 S2 are just more interesting to listen to long-term, and we feel more emotionally connected to our music when we are listening to them. For that, they take the win.

** Winner: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 **

Sony 1000X The Collexion vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: verdict

If you’re considering spending this much money on a pair of headphones, you want to make sure you’re spending wisely. Thankfully there are clear winners across our categories, and which pair you ultimately pick will depend on your given priorities.

The B&W are the more expensive, but they do at least justify this by being the more premium feeling of the two. The compromises here are that they come with minimal features for customisation and good-but-not-great noise cancelling, all of which is worth considering if you like your headphones to be the complete package.

For those who are looking for more in those aforementioned areas, the Sony 1000X The Collexion make a solid case for themselves, thanks to their decent build and handsome feature set.

This is backed up by a spacious, detail-rich sound – plus they’re a bit cheaper. Yet for the better sound quality of the two, we recommend the B&W Px8 S2 for their rich, detailed and more engaging personality.

** Overall winner: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 **

MORE:

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs 1000X The Collexion: which premium wireless headphones should you pick?

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: what are the differences?

The best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy

The rain hasn't materialised yet, but the meteorologists say it's definitely coming. From a viewing perspective wet-weather races are always superb, but the additional focus they demand from the drivers could have either a defusing or an escalating effect at what's so far been a hot-tempered Canadian GP weekend.

Toto Wolff had to step in twice after George Russell raised the ire of his teammate Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen once again threatened to quit F1 and even Charles Leclerc saw red. That was just yesterday. Lights-out is scheduled for 9pm BST / 4pm ET.

Canadian Grand Prix 2026 free stream

Canada: CTV (FREE)
Austria: Servus TV (FREE)
Luxembourg: RTL Play (FREE)
Belgium: RTBF Auvio (FREE)
Blocked? Watch your Canadian GP stream with a VPN

Canadian Grand Prix 2026 Schedule

(All times BST)

Sunday, 24th May
9pm – Canadian Grand Prix

Canadian Grand Prix 2026 Preview

Russell has faced heavy criticism in recent weeks for being comprehensively outperformed by his teenage teammate, so there was no way he was going to oblige when Antonelli attempted an audacious overtake during the Sprint. Russell held his line and then some, steering the championship leader towards the grass.

From then on in things got messy for the Italian, who went even bigger with his next attempt, only to end up in the grass once more. Russell raced to victory and Lando Norris capitalised on Antonelli's second ill-fated lunge to ride home in second.

Russell then secured his third straight Canadian Grand Prix pole – his fourth, if you count yesterday's Sprint – with Antonelli securing a front-row lockout for Mercedes, ahead of McLaren pair Norris and Oscar Piastri. Best of frenemies Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen start side-by-side behind them.

Speed, however, is only one part of the equation this weekend. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a tricky customer at the best of times, with its heavy-braking chicanes and dastardly walls lurking in wait to penalise the slightest bit of understeer. However, in the rain and with two fewer practice sessions than usual, chaos could ensue.

Below we'll show you how to watch Canadian Grand Prix live streams from anywhere in the world.

Watch Canadian Grand Prix 2026 live from anywhere

Most F1 live streams are location-sensitive, which means you won't be able to access your preferred coverage when travelling abroad. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a straightforward but powerful app that lets you alter your virtual location and thus unblock any Canadian GP stream – including the free coverage in Austria, Luxembourg and Belgium.

NordVPN is our pick of the best VPN services. It's affordable, fast, stable and easy to use. Try it risk-free for 30 days and see for yourself.

How to use a VPN for any Canadian GP live stream

1. Sign up to the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For the F1, you may wish to choose Austria for Servus TV.

3. Head over to Servus TV on your browser or device and enjoy the free Canadian Grand Prix live stream.

How to watch Canadian Grand Prix 2026 in 4K Ultra HD in the UK

In the UK, you can watch the Japanese Grand Prix, along with every F1 race, in 4K via Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck. You'll need to subscribe to an Ultra HD package and have a 4K TV.

Head over to the Sky Sports F1 Ultra HD channel to watch every race, qualifying and practice in 4K and HDR.

Need Sky? Browse today's best Sky TV deals.

Extended highlights of the race are also available on Channel 4 at 1.20am BST on Monday morning, and repeated at a more sociable 9.40am.

F1 season pass

F1 TV Pro includes live HD coverage of every F1 practice, qualifier and race. No ad breaks.

F1 TV Pro is available in over 188 countries – but not the UK (you can use the basic 'Access' version for live timings but you can't watch any races live). F1 TV Premium is available in the US.

F1 TV Pro is available via the F1 TV website, iOS/Android apps, Roku TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV and other mobile devices.

Latest F1 TV Pro prices:

• F1 TV Pro in India – $3.99/month (cheapest)
• F1 TV Pro in South Africa – $4.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Brazil – $5.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Netherlands – €11.90/month
• F1 TV Pro in USA – $10.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Mexico – $129/month

Watch Canadian Grand Prix 2026 live streams in the USA

In the USA, Apple TV is showing the Canadian Grand Prix – and practice sessions are free-to-air all season.

A subscription costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day FREE trial, though better deals are available to Apple customers.

Buying an eligible Apple device, including select iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac models, gets you free Apple TV access for three months.

Apple One, which bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade and 50GB of iCloud Storage, starts at $19.95 per month after a 1-month free trial.

Alternatively, for a limited time the Apple Music Student Subscription includes Apple TV, and costs $6 per month.

Another option for US viewers looking to watch the Canadian Grand Prix is Netflix, which will live stream its first ever F1 weekend from Montreal.

Watch Canadian Grand Prix 2026 live streams in Australia

Fox Sports has the rights to show every live F1 race in Australia. That means Foxtel and Kayo Sports subscribers get a front-row seat to the Canadian GP too.

Kayo offers new customers a FREE 7-day trial to test the waters, after which it starts at AU$29.99 a month for the base Standard tier. For up to 4K video quality and simultaneous streaming on up to two devices, you'll need the Kayo Premium plan for AU$45.99 a month.

Subscribers can also stream the action via Foxtel Now by adding the Sports package ($30 a month).

10Play shows free highlights of every 2026 F1 race.

Canadian Grand Prix 2026: Start Times Around The World

• Feast your eyes on the best TVs
• Splash the cash on our cheap TV deals
• Our pick of the best streaming services

VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 have been the brand's most premium wireless headphones for the last couple of years, with the flagship, What Hi-Fi? Award-winning pair our firm recommendation as the most entertaining wireless headphones around.

There is now a fresh pair of premium Sony over-ears in town, with Sony marking 10 years of its 1000X wireless line with a completely new addition: the Sony 1000X The Collexion over-ears, which offers a distinct sound, design philosophy and materials from the XM6, and all for a significantly higher asking price, too.

We can predict your next question already: is the WH-1000XM6 still the best pair to go for if you want stellar Sony performance in the upper echelons of the wireless headphones market? Or do the new 1000X The Collexion offer a better performance for their higher price?

To answer those queries, we've broken everything down so that you can see how the two overlap, where they differ and, crucially, which is the right pair for you.

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs 1000X The Collexion: price

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are priced at £400 / $450 / AU$699, although discounts will often knock up that official RRP down a little during sales events.

The 1000X The Collexion will set you back £550 / $650, making them the costliest wireless Sony headphones yet, and the closest that Sony has ever come to operating within the more rarefied area of the market currently occupied by the likes of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (£629 / $799) or the Focal Bathys (£699 / $799).

£150 / $200 is quite a considerable jump to The Collexion from the WH-1000XM6, so if you're keen to save quite a few pennies, it's the What Hi-Fi? XM6 Award-winners we'd pick for outright value.

**Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6 **

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs 1000X The Collexion: design and comfort

Considering that what we have here are two premium pairs of Sony headphones, you'd be within your rights to assume that they would be cut from a very similar aesthetic cloth.

You would, however, be misguided, because design-wise, there's plenty to distinguish one pair from the other.

Externally, the 1000X The Collexion are classier cans, with a clean, minimalist exterior and oval earcups adorned with a few metallic physical buttons on the left cup. Think of a slightly more prestige spin on the look of the Sonos Ace and you'll be in the right sort of ballpark.

Everything on the 1000X The Collexion is made either from metal or faux leather, contrasting with the predominantly plastic construction of the XM6. The latter don't have the same premium look or feel as a result, but their smoother edges are less susceptible to marks and scratches than the faux leather surfaces found on The Collexion cans.

We sense that the more expensive The Collexion over-ears are designed as much to be admired as listened to, whereas the WH-1000XM6 feel more durable and practical for day-to-day portable use. That said, neither set have an official IP waterproof rating, so we'd urge you to be cautious when taking either out in wet weather.

Still, the XM6 fold away completely, something their more premium stablemates can't do, and offer a lighter overall weight: 254g against the 312g of their counterparts.

That light weight makes the XM6 a pleasure to live with, with a nicely judged clamping force and firm-yet-forgiving earpads rarely putting our our ears under any undue strain or causing excess overheating over time.

In fairness to The Collexion, they're still comfortable and easy to wear, even with their slightly greater mass. The headphones' slimmer profile does help to mitigate their on-head weight somewhat, with the width of the earcups measuring around 40mm from inside to out, compared with the 45.4mm of the WH-1000XM6. However, some members of our review team found The Collexion didn't clamp over their head as snugly as the XM6 do.

Both over-ears use a predominantly touch-based control system accompanied by a few on-unit buttons. In both cases, haptics are expertly implemented, responding quickly and effectively to our commands and offering ample levels of control customisation via the Sony SoundConnect app.

The 1000X The Collection sport the more luxurious, premium aesthetic, but if you want a pair of headphones capable of surviving the rigours of everyday use, the WH-1000XM6 are the ones to pick.

**Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6**

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs 1000X The Collexion: features

There's not much to choose between our rivals here, with both sets of wireless cans offering generous, high-performing features to keep you satisfied beyond the bounds of mere sound. There are, however, some key distinctions to be aware of.

If you’re a fan of spatial audio, both offer support for Sony’s ‘360 Reality Audio Upmix’ tech. This comes in the form of a ‘Cinema’ mode for the XM6, expanding out to 'Music' and ‘Game’ iterations with The Collexion. Those settings add varying degrees of spatial processing depending on your content, and we find that they grant you a more open, immersive experience as a result.

Both the 1000X The Collexion and the XM6 support standard SBC and AAC codecs alongside higher-quality LDAC for streaming hi-res music at higher data rates over Bluetooth from a compatible source device.

You can listen to either set via a wired connection thanks to an included 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable, though note that your headphones will have to be switched on to do so. Be aware, however, that there's no wired listening via USB-C on either set; the USB-C port is for charging only.

Sony’s Speak-To-Chat feature, which drops the volume level when you start talking, is available on both, though we found that, with the 1000X The Collexion in particular, the headphones can often confuse human speech with other sounds. If you don’t want your cans to keep cutting out every few minutes, you can turn Speak-to-Chat off via the companion Sound Connect app.

That app, by the way, is the one you'll be using for both pairs. No, it doesn't exactly look particularly swanky, but what you do get with the Sound Connect platform is excellent customisation for your headphones. From a ten-band equaliser to touch control personalisation, Sony does a fine job of ensuring you can enjoy your cans your way.

Both headphones offer some form of Sony's DSEE digital upscaling tech, although the given flavour depends on how much you're spending.

The more affordable WH-1000XM6 support DSEE Extreme to help improve poor-quality digital audio files to near high-res quality, but The Collexion take things a step further with DSEE Ultimate. Essentially an even more powerful iteration of Sony's patented software, The Collexion are the first Sony wireless over-ears to make use of the tech.

Battery life is the one area where The Collexion headphones fall behind, with 24 hours on offer with ANC switched on (extending to 32 hours with ANC off). You'll get a fair bit more from the XM6, which offers 30 hours of playtime with ANC turned on.

**Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6**

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs 1000X The Collexion: ANC & call quality

These are two areas where we can't see either Sony pair letting you down. That's not to say both are identical, but we're dealing with very capable operators when it comes to voice calls and ANC.

The WH-1000XM6 feature 12 microphones in total, with six on each earcup bolstered by various noise cancelling algorithms and an adaptive noise cancelling optimiser which constantly adapts to changes in your environment as you’re moving around.

Across noise cancelling and voice calls, the XM6 are superb. ANC is natural and immensely effective, damping down bass and midrange rumblings with ease, and while some might prefer the cocoon of isolation provided by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), the Sony cans' natural, subtle handling of external sounds really is up there with the best.

Voice calls are similarly outstanding. Three exterior mics with beamforming AI concentrate audio on your voice, resulting in precise, natural-sounding conversations which all-but entirely shut out background noise.

While Sony warned us that noise cancelling wasn’t such a focus for The Collexion as it was for the WH-1000XM6, the costlier cans are still very good in this particular arena. Much of the same tech from their established siblings is on-hand, including a QN3 processing chip and 12 mics to capture surrounding noise.

The Collexion do a fine job of suppressing noise throughout the frequencies, and while you might get the slightest hint of a shrill bird tweet just about breaking through that barrier, middle and lower range sounds are filtered out nicely. It isn't quite as effective as the XM6's noise-cancelling talents, but it still works at a reasonably high level.

Call quality is excellent, too. The Collexion house six beamforming mics complemented by a wind noise reduction structure for enhanced vocal clarity and reduced external sonic intrusions, with voices coming through as clear, articulate and emotive.

Background sounds, meanwhile, rarely intrude on our conversations, even in rough weather or near to rumbling traffic.

Great showings from both, but the WH-1000XM6 have the edge here thanks to their top-notch ANC.

**Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6**

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs 1000X The Collexion: sound quality

Dispel the notion that, because these are both premium Sony headphones, they're going to sound all but the same. Quite the contrary: the XM6 and The Collexion are from the same family, but they take different approaches to how they deliver music to your ears.

Okay, there are some core similarities. Both are hugely detail-rich, teasing out lavish helpings of textural detail and providing instruments with ample body and clearly defined leading edges. Both trade heavily in sonic precision thanks to how sharply they draw out each note, and both have sufficient punch and power to lend proper grunt to their excellent levels of insight.

Listen a little more, though, and the differences become clear. The Sony WH-1000XM6 boast excellent detail and clarity, yes, but they're also irrepressibly entertaining to listen to. They're not quite as fun-focused as some of their predecessors (see the super-punchy WH-1000XM4), but their authority, spark and fantastic sense of rhythmic drive still make listening a joy.

In fact, the XM6 strike a marvellous sonic balance. To quote from our review: "You get to enjoy every element individually, but it all gels together cohesively. The undercurrent of piano, the rumble of the drums, the strings and the texture of the subtly bellowing bass notes in the soundfield all combine to draw you in."

Sony's established Award-winners are great at bringing out the essence of the tracks you feed them, switching gears intuitively depending on the mood and feel of the music being played. Quiet ballads have genuine intimacy and refinement, yet when the time comes to switch gears and swing for the fences, the WH-1000XM6 are more than capable of bringing the metaphorical thunder.

The new 1000X Collexion, on the other hand, are more even handed in their approach, opting for a slightly removed, stepped-back presentation which, while not necessarily as thrilling, allows you to see the big picture as your music plays.

The more premium Collexion trade primarily in spaciousness, detail and clarity, with a cinematic sound that really delivers when you want to sit back and see tracks laid out before you with the utmost precision.

They're immensely well-organised, too – play Massive Attack’s Atlas Air and you'll feel the full force and punch of the tune’s full-blooded drum hits, and while the bass is separated from the overlaid synth sounds above, it's never to the extent that the composition lacks a sense of cohesion between the frequencies.

Such a gratifyingly composed approach does have its drawbacks, though. As we said in our review: "These Sonys really are impressive performers, but they appeal more to the head than to the heart, trading off some of that signature Sony expressiveness for greater openness and detail, something that reduces the extent to which we feel truly involved with our music.

"Talented as they are, there’s something slightly removed, almost standoffish, about their reproduction".

The Collexion's sound unquestionably has its place, especially if you're all about picking your music apart and analysing those nitty gritty details, but they don't have the verve and natural musicality of the XM6.

In straddling the line between analysis and entertainment, the WH-1000XM6 are incredibly hard to beat, and sound-wise, are the headphones we'd recommend to most of the people, most of the time.

**Winner: Sony WH-1000XM6**

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs 1000X The Collexion: verdict

There’s much to admire about Sony’s 1000X The Collexion over-ears.

We can see the poised, detailed and more open sound appealing to some listeners, along with their classy build quality, but they aren’t quite the across-the-board success we might have hoped for at this higher price.

As a more well-rounded set of headphones, the WH-1000XM6 do everything so well that they don't have any real blind spots, and while they don't sound as refined or analytical as the 1000X The Collexion, their spark, punch and overall musicality make them the more entertaining of the two.

If we had to pick a 'one-size-fits-all' pair, it would be the more practical, durable and entertaining-sounding WH-1000XM6.

**Overall winner: Sony WH-1000XM6**

MORE:

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review

And our 1000X The Collexion review

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: what are the differences?

The best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy

Yamaha launched two new AVRs recently – the RX500A and RX300A. They have a lot in common with each other – like Dolby Atmos support for one – but there are also some key differences to be aware of.

What exactly are those? And which is best for your needs? That's what we're here to find out.

We haven't tested either AV receiver yet, so this is based purely on specifications, as well as our expert knowledge.

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: price

The RX500A is the more premium offering of the two, with better specs, but at the moment, we don't know how much it will cost. Expect a price to arrive closer to its on-sale date of September.

We do have a price for the RX300A, which is set to retail for £349 (around $475 / AU$650). It launches in August.

** Winner: TBC **

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: design

Looks-wise, there's really not much to choose between these two. They're both discreet black boxes designed to fade into the scenery rather than take centre stage. Which is exactly how an AVR should be, in our opinion.

Their dimensions are even identical (157 x 434 x 319mm), although the RX500A is a little heavier, at 8kg to the RX300A's 7.6kg.

There are some slight differences around the back. The RX500A has two height speaker outputs to go with the two surround, two front and one centre, making a total of seven speaker ports to the RX300A's five. The RX500A also has an Ethernet port, which its sibling lacks.

But one design feature is common to both: Yamaha's Anti-Resonance Technology (A.R.T.) Wedge. This centre-mounted fifth foot works with the four outer feet to keep the unit stable and disperse vibrations. It's usually only found on Yamaha's high-end models, so it's a boon to see it on these more affordable AVRs.

** Winner: Draw **

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: features

In terms of features, both models have a lot in common. They both offer Dolby Atmos, although the RX500A's 7.2 channels should create a more engrossing sound than the RX300A's 5.2 channels.

They both have 70W of power too, and have the same range of sound modes for different situations or content (Music, Movie, Night etc). Room correction comes as standard, allowing both to optimise the sound depending on your room layout.

They both have four HDMI inputs – all of which support 4K/120Hz (and 8K/60Hz), VRR and ALLM – and support passthrough of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ signals.

HDMI eARC functionality brings audio and video from your TV to the receiver in one cable, and both AVRs support all four of the major HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG).

One of the biggest differences between them is that the RX500A has network capabilities. It plays nice with streaming services like Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, as well as AirPlay 2 and Google Cast wireless tech.

It can also wirelessly unlock digital music stored locally within your home. And it's compatible with the Audio Connect app, which the RX300A isn't.

** Winner: Yamaha RX500A **

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: sound

We haven't tested either of these AV receivers, so we can't comment on the sound at the moment. But while it doesn't currently feature in our list of best AV receivers, Yamaha does make some very good AVRs.

The RX-A6A picked up five stars thanks to its exhaustive features and expansive sound. It's a few years old now, but still a doozy, with a "clean, crisp and dynamic performance", we noted in our Yamaha RX-A6A review. Its presentation is spacious yet authoritative, with a keen sense of balance.

Costing in the region of £2000, the RX-A6A is much pricier than the RX300A, and likely the RX500A, so we're not really comparing like with like. But it shows what Yamaha can do in the AVR space. Consider our expectations raised.

** Winner: TBC **

Yamaha RX500A vs RX300A: early verdict

The Yamaha RX500A and RX300A look like very promising AV receivers. While they share a lot of features, the RX500A adds networking skills to the mix, which will give you more playback options.

As ever, the proof will be in the listening. We'll update this article once we've reviewed these AVRs to reach a definitive verdict.

MORE:

Read our review of the Denon AVC-X6700H

Also consider the Arcam AVR5

These are the best AV receivers you can buy

When a hi-fi system is going to set you back more than £1000 per component (and four grand plus all in) you really ought to be looking at a set-up that will do everything well, of course.

That, however, is rather easier said than done. For a start, the sheer number of options out there for competent pieces of equipment is, at the very least, disconcerting – potentially even bewildering.

That number, admittedly, reduces when we restrict the search to individually brilliant products, but it’s still no easy task to match pieces that will perform perfectly together.

The system

• Arcam A15+ stereo amplifier: £1199
• Acoustic Energy AE309 Mk2 floorstanding speakers: £1199
• Bluesound Node Icon music streamer: £899
• Rega Planar 3 RS Edition turntable: £1099
• Total system price: £4396

Stereo amplifier: Arcam A15+

So when an amplifier as extraordinary for its price as the Arcam A15+ comes along, it merits a great deal of thought when it comes to partnering components.

Which, of course, is where we come in. Because here we have, we believe, a four-way set-up that is really tough to beat. It’s easy to live with, balanced, composed and sonically spot-on in every department. What’s more, as individually superb as they might be, put together, these four hi-fi components exemplify synergy in action.

The 2025 What Hi-Fi? Award winning Arcam A15+ amplifier does everything well – this is a truly great all-rounder. It retains all the smooth, even and authoritative character of the original A15, but takes small steps forward across the board – it's more detailed, cleaner and clearer.

We find it to be even more dynamically expressive than before, and "is more emphatic in the way it renders crescendos and shifts in musical intensity." Along with a surefooted sense of rhythm, the A15+ delivers satisfyingly punchy bass, and "it also retains a degree of tunefulness and agility that is rare to find at this level."

It has a healthy complement of analogue and digital inputs, including HDMI eARC, to plug all sorts of sources into it. The features that some (many…) amps at this level pay mere lipservice to – a Bluetooth connection, heaphone output and, importantly for this particular system, a moving magnet phono stage – are all right up there in terms of performance with the best at the price. This amp is a really accommodating and even-handed performer.

As our verdict on the A15+’s review concludes: “If you are looking for an amplifier that ticks all the boxes at this price, we haven’t come across a better one than the Arcam A15+.” Well, quite.

Floorstanders: Acoustic Energy AE309 Mk2

We are pairing the power in this four-way set-up with some equally accommodating floorstanding loudspeakers.

Acoustic Energy’s AE309 Mk2 may be floorstanders, but imposing they most certainly are not. Measuring 17cm wide and 90cm tall, these are compact enough to look and sound right at home in relatively small spaces, or equally for those who simply don’t want their hi-fi to dominate the room.

And it’s not simply in their size that these speakers stay out of the way. As we say in their review, “The hallmark of excellent speakers is that you don’t even realise they are there. Instead of being drawn to something they are or are not doing, you can close your eyes, and the music just washes over you. And that’s probably the biggest compliment we can pay the AE309 Mk2s – the seamless integration between drive units simply lets the music do the talking.”

If you were to continue to read the AE309 Mk2 review, you would come upon the following: “It’s at this point that we retrace our steps, listening to the same tracks using the Arcam A15+ for amplification. And we can report that the speakers feel completely at home. The AE309 Mk2 sound much more relaxed (in a good way) in the company of something more suited to their price level.

“They still deliver a natural, balanced and detailed performance, and it’s hard not to think that this pairing, driven by a Bluesound Node Icon music streamer, could make for quite a capable system.”

Music streamer: Bluesound Node Icon

And, wouldn’t you know it, we’ve gone and tried just that in this very set-up.

While we are certainly fans of Bluesound’s family of network audio streamers, it’s fair to say that the models further down the ladder, while very capable, sound just a little bit too relaxed to compete with the very best in their particular classes.

This is the exception. Indeed, the Bluesound Node Icon stands head and shoulders above its siblings in design, features and, most importantly, performance.

This is the flagship model in the Node range and, as such, Bluesound has gone to town with its build, audio technology and features.

The BluOS app is well organised and intuitive to use, especially with large digital music libraries stored on connected NAS drives or media servers. The connection is stable over both wi-fi and wired ethernet, and there are no issues for us when we play music from Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect or BBC 6 Music.

And it’s a lively, engaging and dynamic performer that grabs our interest at the beginning and only continues to impress us the more we listen. “This isn’t an extroverted, look-at-me presentation,” we say in the review, “but the Icon’s sound has a glimmer to it – underpinned by stellar composure and well-judged ability over the frequency range – that is so appealing to listen to that we find ourselves playing song after song through the Node Icon and having a great time.”

Have you noticed the theme of this quartet yet? Everything here just gets out of the way and lets you, the listener, indulge in the whole raison d’etre of hi-fi: listen to the music without unnecessary distraction.

Turntable: Rega Planar 3 RS Edition

Which brings us to the final part of the puzzle, Rega’s phenomenal Planar 3 RS Edition turntable. This ‘Rega Special’ Edition of the iconic Planar 3 bridges the gap between the (we hesitate to use the phrase on such a legendary turntable, but…) vanilla Planar 3 and the step-up Planar 6. And, as such, this is really a superb value for money option.

It comes in a lovely brushed aluminium finish and, more importantly, an upgraded plinth with a high pressure laminate skin that we see in the more premium models. It also comes fitted with an Nd5 moving magnet cartridge, compared with the regular 3’s Nd3, and an outboard Neo PSU Mk2 power supply that also provides electronic speed switching.

All of which boost the performance considerably. It is more than worth the extra outlay. We were pretty effusive in our Planar 3/Nd3 review; the RS Edition delivers even more of what we like so much about the Planar 3.

“That same familial Rega sound is instantly identifiable,” we say in the RS Edition’s review. “Snappy, agile rhythm and dynamically exciting, and a fluid, natural way with melody that is simply fun to listen to.

Play The Unthanks’ Mount The Air single, and you get a better sense of the space the song is recorded in – a vast, sparse location – thanks to the 3 RS Edition offering a wider soundstage that allows detail to flourish more freely, along with a quieter, darker background.

There is a confidence and effortless quality to the way this turntable sounds compared with the standard Planar 3; it locks every detail, every instrument, every vocal into place in an assured way that is admirable and wholly enjoyable.”

And that really rather sums up this whole system, for us. Each of these components does its job in the best way possible, without shouting about it or showing off.

This is the perfect set-up for those of us who simply want to be able to enjoy our music in the manner its producers intended. Simply brilliant.

MORE:

Read our Acoustic Energy AE309 Mk2 review

Our guide to the best music streamers we've tested

And the best turntables across every budget

Watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa live streams

Watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa live streams as the Europa League final 2026 pits old enemies Germany vs England against each other for the heaviest UEFA trophy. The winner receives more than 15kg of silverware, though – a place in next year's Champions League is also on offer.

• Watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa: Wednesday, May 20
• Kick-off: 8pm BST / 3pm ET / 5am AEST (Thu)
• FREE stream: RSI (Switzerland) / Tabii (Turkey)
• US: Paramount+
• UK: TNT Sports via HBO Max
• Watch anywhere — try Proton VPN 100% risk free

Freiburg are in their first European final but have momentum behind them after a 4-1 gubbing of RB Leipzig at the weekend secured Conference League football as a minimum for the Breisgau Brazilians. They want more. They overturned a semi-final first-leg loss to Braga to get this far as Luka Kübler's brace did the damage. Freiburg tend to rely on homegrown players and coaches, with Julian Schuster in the dugout no different and former player. All eyes will be on promising young forward Igor Matanović after his 15-goal season.

Aston Villa are seeking a first continental trophy since beating more German opposition, Bayern Munich, in the 1982 European Cup final. The Villans certainly – who guaranteed Champions League football with a win at home to Liverpool on Friday – have experience in their camp, with record four-time-winning manager Unai Emery in the dugout for his sixth final. The Birmingham club also overcame a first-leg defeat to overpower Nottingham Forest 4-1 in the semi-final second leg, with a captain's brace from John McGinn sealing the deal. Ollie Watkins has 19 goals in all competitions this season.

Follow our guide below for where to watch the Europa League final 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN.

Freiburg vs Aston Villa team news

Freiburg: Atubolu, Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu, Eggestein, Höfler, Beste, Manzambi, Grifo, Matanovic.

Subs: Müller, Huth, Jung, Osterhage, Scherhant, Höler, Irié, Philipp, Günter, Makengo, Rosenfelder, Ogbus.

Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Lindelof, Rogers, Tielemans, Buendia, McGinn, Watkins.

Subs: Bizot, Wright, Mings, Elliott, Garcia, Abraham, Sancho, Luiz, Maatsen, Onana, Bogarde, Bailey.

How can I watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa for free?

The Europa League final 2026, Freiburg vs Aston Villa, is available for free for residents in Switzerland and Turkey.

In Switzerland RSI will be showing the final for free. In Turkey, the final will be on Tabii via the TRT 1 channel.

Though there's no dedicated free stream in the US, you can stream Freiburg vs Aston Villa for next to nothing by getting Paramount Plus with a Walmart+ 30-day $1 trial.

Outside your home country at the moment? Use Proton VPN to unlock your free stream from anywhere in the world.

Watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular Freiburg vs Aston Villa live streams in the Europa League final 2026 while travelling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any The Masters 2026 live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate Proton VPN as one of the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

Watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa live streams in the US

In the US, the Freiburg vs Aston Villa live coverage is on Paramount+.

You'll need a Paramount+ Essential ($8.99/month) subscription to access all the coverage.

To access your usual Europa League final 2026 streaming service from outside the US, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed above.

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans

Watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa live streams in the UK

Freiburg vs Aston Villa is being shown on TNT Sports 1, with streaming via HBO Max in the UK.

In previous seasons, TNT Sports made European finals available for free, but that doesn't seem to be an option in 2026.

You can add TNT Sports to your Sky, Virgin Media or EE TV package, or get an HBO Max plan that includes TNT Sports.

This would usually cost from £25.99 per month to get access to TNT Sport content, but the upcoming three major European finals – the Europa League, Conference League and Champions League – will be available to anyone with any HBO Max subscription, not just those with TNT Sports.

Plans start from a Basic with ads at £4.99 a month. Cancel any time.

Outside the UK during the tournament? Use Proton VPN to watch the 2026 Europa League final as if you were back at home.

Watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa live streams in Australia

As with all Europa League games, Stan Sport is home to Freiburg vs Aston Villa.

Stan Sport subscriptions start at AU$32, which includes the base plan ($12) with the sport add-on ($20).

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access Stan Sport when travelling abroad.

Watch Freiburg vs Aston Villa live streams in Canada

In Canada, DAZN will be showing the Europa League final 2026.

DAZN subscriptions cost from CA$24.99 a month on an annual deal. You can also access DAZN through Fubo. Prices start at CA$54.99 for the Sports Pro Plan.

Anyone outside of Canada who wants to watch their home golf coverage can just pick up a good VPN.

What is the Freiburg vs Aston Villa kick-off time?

Wednesday, May 20

Kick-off: 8pm BST / 3pm ET / 5am AEST (Thu)

Where is Freiburg vs Aston Villa being played?

The Europa League final 2026 is being playing at Beşiktaş Stadyumu, the home of Turkish Super Lig club Beşiktaş in Istanbul.

Built in 2016 on the site of the club's former Inonu ground, the stadium hosted the 2017 UEFA Super Cup and will also be the venue for the 2027 Conference League final.

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
• Or save money with these unmissable cheap TV deals
• Where to find the best Formula E live stream

If you are looking for a soundbar to upgrade your home cinema's sound system, you may be surprised at the amount of variety when it comes to their design. From single all-in-one bars to entire soundbar packages with separate surrounds and subwoofers, there is a lot to consider.

But do you actually need to have a separate subwoofer to get the best home cinema performance with a soundbar? The short answer is: it depends. Before we get into that, though, let's take a look at what a subwoofer is actually for.

Sound has a huge range of frequencies, with the human hearing range typically going from 20Hz to 20KHz. Soundbars usually perform most convincingly from the midrange upwards, despite manufacturers' best efforts to extend the low-frequency reach. This is all down to physics; the smaller size of the drive units and the soundbar itself brings limitations in terms of how deep the bass can actually go.

And that is where subwoofers come in. They offer a larger driver in a bigger box with a dedicated amplifier, which results in more bass.

But is it worth investing in the extra bit of kit for your home cinema system? There’s the obvious increase in bass. But the knock-on effect is a greater scale of sound, stronger dynamics, and an increase in the sense of overall solidity, which adds to the immersive feel when watching movies.

Of course, that is dependent on whether the soundbar and subwoofer work well together, because if things don’t gel, there is the risk that the bass frequencies will overwhelm the rest of the sound. The bass does not need to be booming and room-shaking to make a punch, either.

One soundbar and subwoofer combo that delivers cohesive overall sound is the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S, which offers Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. We say in our review that the subwoofer gives each scene "an injection of energy with the added bass, but the lower frequencies never stand out as overzealous. Instead, the bass is well-integrated with the main soundbar and performs with the same precision as the rest of the system."

Like the Sony model, many soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer, which gives you added flexibility compared to one with cables snaking around your living room.

In theory, it seems like a no-brainer on whether you should invest in a soundbar with a subwoofer. But not all products are created equal. A soundbar paired with a badly integrated subwoofer can result in a worse overall sound when compared to an all-in-one bar. A buzzing, distorted subwoofer will detract from the immersive experience and create a worse overall sound compared to the soundbar on its own.

On top of that, you might not have the space for an extra bit of kit and would be better suited to an all-in-one soundbar such as the Award-winning Sonos Arc Ultra, which still offers a tight yet punchy bass performance.

A subwoofer can take your home cinema system to the next level, but if you are thinking of adding one to your setup, make sure you choose wisely.

MORE:

These are the best subwoofers right now

Here are the best soundbars we have tested

Check out our review of the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S

The humble stereo amplifier has been at the core of any proper hi-fi system for decades, but for most of those it was useless until you added a source or two. These days that’s no longer the case.

Streaming amplifiers need nothing more than a pair of speakers to start singing, with amplification, DAC, connections and all the necessary network technology to play tunes from Spotify, Tidal et al already built in.

Cambridge Audio’s Evo 150 SE and the NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) are two of the best examples of this idea in action, but which premium streaming amplifier is better? Let’s take a look.

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE vs NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module): price

When the original Cambridge Audio Evo 150 launched in 2021 it would have set you back £2249 / $3000 / AU$4299, but this revamped SE model comes in at £1999 / $3299 / AU$5795, which is nice if you live in the UK but less so if you don’t.

The standard NAD C 3050 is a stereo amplifier that costs £1349 / $1699 / AU$2699, but with the MDC2 BluOS-D module added to turn it into the Award-winning streaming amplifier, it raises the price tag to £1699 / $2199 / AU$3599. The price can fluctuate – we have seen it drop to £1499 during Black Friday, and at the time of writing, it’s available to order for £1749 in the UK.

Even without a discount that’s still a good £250 / $1100 / AU$2196 less than the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE, which makes the NAD an easy winner as far as your bank balance is concerned.

**Winner: NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module)**

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE vs NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module): features and connectivity

One of the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE’s strong points is just how welcoming it is. If you’ve got something you want to plug into it, chances are you’ll find the necessary port or socket somewhere on the back.

RCA, optical, coaxial, USB (type B), balanced XLR, HDMI ARC and 3.5mm are all present and correct, plus you get two sets of speaker terminals too. There’s also a moving-magnet phono stage inside in case you want to hook up your turntable. It's an exhaustive list of connections that should keep everyone happy.

Its wireless capabilities come courtesy of Cambridge’s fourth-generation StreamMagic platform, so you get Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Google Cast, with Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal (and their Connect versions) all supported along with Amazon Music and Deezer. If you have a networked drive stuffed with digital music it’s also good news, as the Cambridge is UPnP compatible and can play hi-res files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256.

The C 3050 isn’t quite as well equipped on the physical connections front, but NAD has still found space for coaxial, optical, USB (type A), and HDMI eARC inputs, plus a 6.3mm headphone socket on the front. Like the Evo 150 SE, there’s also a moving-magnet phono stage built in. The essentials are covered, then.

Thanks to the MDC2 BluOS-D streaming module, which runs on the exhaustive BluOS streaming platform, the feature set is bountiful, although Google Cast is the only major omission. Spotify, Qobuz and Tidal Connect are available, as is Apple’s AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, and it also has UPnP support for streaming hi-res files from your local network.

However, it doesn’t support DSD files (which might disappoint some) and PCM playback is limited to a maximum of 24-bit/192kHz. Considering most download sites don't offer tracks higher than that rate, we don't think it's an issue.

The NAD does also come with Dirac Live room-equalisation software, which is useful if your listening room is particularly troublesome from an acoustics point of view.

In terms of power, both use Class D amplification, but the Evo 150 SE also outmuscles the NAD. Cambridge boasts 150W per channel, while the NAD has a still-considerable 100W per channel (both into 8 ohms). It’s a knockout blow that means the Cambridge, combined with its greater features set and broader file compatibility, takes this round without breaking a sweat.

**Winner: Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE**

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE vs NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module): build and design

From an aesthetic point of view, these two streaming amplifiers could hardly be more different.

Cambridge Audio has gone for a modern look with the Evo 150 SE, although you can give it a slightly more retro feel by using the wooden side panels that come in the box rather than the plain black ones. The 6.8-inch colour screen on the front will always give it away as a contemporary bit of kit, though, and we do like how clearly it displays information.

The knurled control dial, which is used to select your sources, feels better to use than the looser-feeling volume one, and you also get a sleek remote control included. Much of your interaction with the Evo 150 SE is likely to be through the StreamMagic app, which is straightforward and intuitive to use.

The NAD C 3050, on the other hand, is very much a throwback, thanks in no small part to those lovely mechanical meters on the front. In fact, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for something from the past century – and we mean that entirely as a compliment.

The walnut vinyl-covered casework is solid, the controls feel suitably sturdy and the whole thing has a premium feel to it, which is exactly what you want when spending this sort of cash.

What gives the C 3050 away as something more modern than its appearance might suggest is its compatibility with the BluOS app, which makes getting it to stream music simple and hassle-free.

Of course, which of these two styles you prefer will be entirely personal and may just come down to which one matches the rest of your system, which means this one has to go down as a draw.

**Winner: Draw**

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE vs NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module): sound

The NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) is a current What Hi-Fi? Award winner so it sets the benchmark as far as sound quality from a streaming amplifier is concerned at this price.

It offers a clear, spacious and expressive presentation from both the streaming module and the wired inputs, uncovering detail in a wonderfully organic way that makes vocals really shine.

We say in our review: “It has the midrange clarity and fluidity to shine with a vocal-based group such as The Unthanks. Detail levels are good, but it’s the organic way in which the C 3050 arranges all that detail that draws us into the music. It captures the texture and tone of the sisters’ voices superbly and so communicates the heartfelt passion in the title track, Mount The Air, better than most alternatives we’ve heard.”

There’s plenty of punch and power on offer too, with the necessary dynamism to deliver it properly, along with rich, full-bodied lows that manage to avoid ever sounding sludgy. In our review, we note that Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances Op.45 “sounds muscular, delivering lows with a richness and punch that’s enjoyable.”

Even when the music becomes demanding, the soundstaging remains reasonably expansive and nicely focused.

The phono stage is fairly quiet but we never felt the need to bypass it for a separate one when connected to our Rega Planar 2/Nd3. It sounds agile, informative and dynamically interesting – NAD has done a great job of its built-in phono preamp here.

In comparison, the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE is even more powerful, but it can struggle to match the NAD C 3050 when it comes to rhythmic cohesion and dynamic subtlety.

Our review notes that it’s capable of “a fluid and spacious sound that is wonderfully clear and detailed”, but you do need to be careful to pair it with the right set of speakers or it can sound rather emotionally detached. Paired with the KEF LS50 Meta or PMC Prodigy 5 speakers, there is a greater degree of warmth, dynamism and pep through the Cambridge.

Be wary of a less harmonious pairing, as it might lead the Cambridge to sound less dynamically exciting with a curious lack of grip and rhythmic propulsion.

When you do get the pairing right, though, the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE is capable of delivering songs with great clarity, plenty of detail and the kind of low-frequencies that really thump you in the chest. Unfortunately, the last of those does sometimes go against it when playing delicate compositions such as songs from Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones or Nick Cave. During our testing, we found “that slightly relentless, muscle-bound lower end works with frenetic songs that require that high energy, but it does these gentler, emotive songs a disservice.”

We do find the Evo 150 SE prefers being played at louder volumes, relishing the chance to flex its muscles and show off its scale and power. The start and finish of notes are clearly defined, distortion levels are impressively low, and there is ample punch. In comparison, the NAD sounds smaller-scaled and less powerful, although it is less fussy with speaker matching.

Playing Midnight City by M83 and we find that the “Evo 150 SE’s soundstage is impressively large and wide, with ample space given over to the various instrumentals.”

No matter which input you use, the Evo 150 SE’s open, refined character comes across, although the one thing we would avoid using is the integrated phono stage. It sounds lightweight and muddy, with a lack of detail and dynamism – so if you’re serious about vinyl replay, you would definitely be better off using an external phono preamp.

There’s really only one winner here. While the Cambridge impresses with its scale, power and refinement, it’s the NAD’s greater expressiveness and fluid handling of rhythm that keeps our attention rapt and our foot tapping.

**Winner: NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module)**

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE vs NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module): verdict

It’s probably not a huge surprise that the streaming amplifer with a What Hi-Fi? Award already sitting in its trophy cabinet is the winner here. But it's not quite so straightforward, as the Cambridge’s presentation has its strengths, while its greater set of connectivity and extensive file resolution specs will no double appeal to many.

The NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) has all the essential features, however, and more crucially, it is cheaper and sounds better than the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE. So unless you really have something against its retro styling or your music collection consists entirely of DSD files that it can’t play, there’s one clear winner here.

**Overall winner: NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module)**

MORE:

Best hi-fi systems 2026: CD, vinyl and streaming music players for the home

This neat streaming and vinyl system is a modern take on a classic hi-fi setup – fewer boxes, great sound

Should you buy a streaming amplifier? Pros and cons to consider before owning a network amp

Bose has a new soundbar. The Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is part of Bose's new Lifestyle Collection, and bears the same Ultra moniker as the brand's wireless headphones.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) have fared very well against some stiff competition. It'll be fascinating to see if the new Bose Ultra soundbar can do the same.

It will have its work cut out. Standing between it and home cinema glory is the Award-winning Sonos Arc Ultra.

We've only been hands-on with the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar at this stage, so we're comparing them based only on our initial impressions and the all-important features and specs. Let's get started.

Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Ultra: price

There's really not much to choose between these two soundbars in terms of price.

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar costs £1000 / $1099 / AU$1800, while the Sonos Arc Ultra is £999 / $999 / AU$1799.

But that's not the full story.

The Sonos has been out for over 18 months now, and so is more prone to discounts. Most recently, it had £150 off, for example. So we'll give this round to Sonos.

** Winner: Sonos Arc Ultra **

Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Ultra: design

Making a soundbar look attractive is no mean feat, so Bose should be applauded – its new 'bar looks genuinely different to any other.

That's mostly thanks to the sleek glass top that stretches out across a good proportion of the unit. It's not a glorified coffee table, but a home for the touch-sensitive controls.

Now admittedly not many people are going to get up off the sofa to change the volume by sliding their finger around the inner edge, but it's nice to have the option.

Either side of this are the up-firing drivers, which shoot sound up at 90 degrees to add a sense of height to the audio. As with all up-firing soundbars, it does limit your placement options – stick it under a shelf, and the sound will fire point blank into the shelf.

These are joined by four ‘racetrack’ drivers and two Bose PhaseGuide drivers, which use processing to more widely disperse sound. These are all housed in a textured-knit fabric that, like the Sonos, comes in either black or white.

You can wall-mount the Bose, but the wall mount costs extra.

It's a little smaller and heavier than the Sonos Arc Ultra – the former measures up at 6.7 x 111 x 12.5cm (hwd) while the Sonos is 7.5 x 118 x 11cm.

The Arc Ultra also features touch-sensitive buttons on top, though these are situated on the ledge at the back. It's not quite as sleek as Bose's implementation.

It too has a fabric grille which looks and feels pretty premium, as you would want it to at this price.

For its innovative styling, we're giving this round to Bose for now. But we reserve the right to change our minds once we've had a good look at it in our test rooms.

** Winner: Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar **

Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Ultra: features

These are both high-end soundbars, so as you'd imagine, they're full of features.

Bose's has two QuietPorts on the back – these promise deep and controlled low frequencies with minimal distortion. The only physical connections are an ethernet port and an HDMI eARC socket – like the Sonos, there are no HDMI 2.1 inputs.

You do get plenty of wireless options, though. As well as Bluetooth 5.3 and wi-fi, you get Google Cast, Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect. Tidal Connect is missing at launch, but we're assured it will arrive at some point. The Arc Ultra does support Tidal Connect, but not Google Cast.

Both 'bars support Dolby Atmos, which will be made more immersive by their up-firing drivers. Neither supports DTS or DTS:X. This format is less common than Dolby Atmos but it's an absence all the same.

Both have room calibration tech for optimising the sound to your surroundings. Bose CustomTune and Sonos Trueplay use the microphone on your phone to analyse your room's dimensions, surfaces and furniture placement to adjust the audio accordingly. Both work on iOS and Android devices.

They both use their company's respective apps, too. The Bose app is more intuitive than it used to be, and lets you tweak the sound. There's no remote control, so you'll find yourself using the app quite a bit.

Sonos' app has had its troubles, but is now much better than it was – and the company is vocal about the fact it's prioritising improvements.

Both soundbars support voice controls, including Amazon Alexa, and the Sonos pairs nicely with the Sonos Ace headphones to give you dynamic headtracking – you just 'swap' the audio from the 'bar to the cans.

Given the quality of Bose's wireless headphones, it's a shame the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar doesn't partner with them.

** Winner: Sonos Arc Ultra **

Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Ultra: sound

What do they offer in terms of sound quality?

As we haven't tested the Bose yet, we can't give a verdict, but we did go 'ears-on' with it at a briefing.

A sandstorm from the movie Dune proved suitably enveloping, with the 'bar spreading the audio across the sound field convincingly.

We didn't hear any signs of distortion at high volumes, and when the scene switches to calm, it did a good job of communicating the change of pace.

We also watched a scene from Ray to test the Speech Clarity mode. It turned dialogue from a mumble to being "lifted out of the hustle and bustle of the effects around it, with the edges of words a little clearer and better defined," as we said at the time.

It also impressed as part of a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system, paired with the Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer and Lifestyle Ultra Speakers as surrounds. But we were only able to have a quick listen at the event – it's no substitute for hearing it in our test rooms.

The Arc Ultra has some impressive specs (9.1.4-channel configuration, 15 Class D amplifiers powering 14 drivers), and as an Award winner, it sounds just as impressive as you would imagine. A "crackingly musical soundbar" we concluded in our Sonos Arc Ultra review.

Tool’s Invincible is bristling with energy and excitement, making for a very engaging listen. But it's even better at conveying movie audio.

Chapter two of Blade Runner 2049 is a good test of bass, and it's a test that the Arc Ultra passes with flying colours, delivering plenty of weight and an impressive amount of control. The bass is "tight, tuneful and expressive in a way that is rare in the soundbar world".

Spatially, it's excellent. Effects sound like they're coming from all around you, and are placed with precision, while certain sounds (like rain) stretch far beyond the confines of the TV to which the soundbar is connected.

And there's plenty of detail without it ever sounding forced – it's delivered naturally, which adds to the sense of realism.

Suffice to say, Bose has its work cut out to compete with what this Sonos can offer.

** Winner: TBC **

Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Ultra: early verdict

The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar certainly looks impressive.

It's very easy on the eye, and – while a bit less feature-stacked than Sonos' flagship – it offers plenty to get your teeth into. As ever for us, it will all hinge on how it sounds.

On that front, the Arc Ultra is the soundbar to beat. As it's been out for a while now, it's also discounted during most big sales. Your move, Bose...

We'll update this article once we've fully reviewed the new Bose soundbar.

MORE:

Read our Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar hands-on review

And our Sonos Arc Ultra review

The best Dolby Atmos soundbars you can buy

Watch PGA Championship 2026 live streams

The Wanamaker Trophy and the 108th PGA Championship will be lifted at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania for the first time in 64 years.

Scottie Scheffler, the world number one and the defending champion, enters the tournament as the favourite. He will be looking to continue the recent trend of an American lifting the trophy, which has been the case in each of the last 10 editions.

However, fresh off two straight Masters victories, Rory McIlroy will surely be plotting to end that streak. Then there’s also Cameron Young, LIV rebel Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and former PGA Championship winners Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas.

Follow our guide below for where to watch PGA Championship 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN.

• Watch PGA Championship 2026: May 14-17
• US: ESPN / CBS / Paramount+
• UK: Sky Sports
• AU: Kayo Sports
• Watch anywhere — try Norton VPN 100% risk free

How can I watch PGA Championship 2026 for free

The PGA Championship 2026 isn't directly available to stream for free, but those in the US and Australia can benefit from free trials to catch the action without paying a penny.

In the US, since coverage is shared between ESPN and CBS/Paramount+, you can utilize the free trial periods of live TV services such as DirecTV Stream (5-day free trial) and Hulu+Live TV (3-day free trial).

You can also grab Paramount Plus Premium with a Walmart Plus 30-day trial for $1 to watch Rounds 3 & 4 for practically nothing.

In Australia, golf fans can use Kayo Sports' 7-day free trial.

Outside your home country at the moment? Use Norton VPN to unlock your free stream from anywhere in the world.

Watch PGA Championship 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular PGA Championship 2026 live streams while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.

You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any PGA Championship 2026 live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate Norton VPN as the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a 60-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

Watch PGA Championship 2026 live streams in the US

In the US, PGA Championship 2026 live coverage is split between ESPN and CBS/Paramount Plus.

Days 1 and 2, as well as featured groups and featured holes, will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Select.

Paramount Plus/CBS will show exclusive coverage of Days 3 and 4, from 1-7pm ET.

ESPN Unlimited carries all ESPN channels, including ESPN Select. It costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year, and you also have the option to bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu for $35.99/month.

You will need to get a Paramount Plus Premium ($13.99/month) subscription to access all the simulcast coverage of CBS. Remember, you can get Paramount Plus for FREE with a Walmart Plus 30-day trial for $1.

But if you'd like everything in one place, we recommend a live TV service that includes both ESPN and CBS.

These include FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, or the DirecTV Stream MySports Genre Pack. All these offer handy free trials, allowing you to potentially watch the four-day PGA Championship for free.

To access your usual streaming service from outside the US, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed above.

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans

Watch PGA Championship 2026 live streams in the UK

The PGA Championship 2026 is being shown on Sky Sports across its Main Event and Golf channels in the UK.

Looking to invest in Sky Sports? Check out our dedicated guide to all things Sky.

Outside the UK during the tournament? Use Norton VPN to watch the 2026 PGA Championship as if you were back at home.

Watch PGA Championship 2026 live streams in Australia

As usual, it is Fox Sports that has live and exclusive coverage of PGA Championship 2026 in Australia.

If you want to watch online then the best option is Kayo Sports, which starts at AU$30. New customers, however, can try the first month of Kayo for just AU$1. Alternatively, there's a generous FREE 7-day trial before you commit.

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access Kayo Sports when traveling abroad.

PGA Championship 2026 Schedule

Thursday, May 14

ESPN Select: 6:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET

ESPN: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET

ESPN2: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET

CBS Sports HQ: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET

Friday, May 15

ESPN Select: 6:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET

ESPN: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET

ESPN2: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET

CBS Sports HQ: 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET

Saturday, May 16

ESPN Select: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. ET

ESPN: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

CBS: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET

CBS Sports HQ: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET

Sunday, May 17

ESPN Select: 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. ET

ESPN: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

CBS: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. ET

CBS Sports HQ: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET

Who are the recent PGA Championship winners?

2025: Scottie Scheffler
2024: Xander Schauffele
2023: Brooks Koepka
2022: Justin Thomas
2021: Phil Mickelson
2020: Collin Morikawa
2019: Brooks Koepka
2018: Brooks Koepka
2017: Justin Thomas
2016: Jimmy Walker

What is the PGA Championship 2026 prize money?

1st place: $3,420,000

2nd place: $2,052,000

3rd place: $1,292,000

4th place: $912,000

5th place: $760,000

6th place: $683,880

7th place: $640,220

8th place: $598,270

9th place: $558,140

10th place: $519,830

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
• Or save money with these unmissable cheap TV deals
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With any luck, everyone knows by now that even the best-sounding TVs sound pretty rubbish by home cinema standards.

But we don't all have the space, budget or patience for a full system comprising an AV receiver, speaker package and the cables required to wire everything up.

In truth, even the super-popular soundbar systems that typically combine a bar, a wireless subwoofer and two wireless surrounds (the Samsung HW-Q990H, for example) are “too many boxes” for many people.

So, what’s the solution for those who’ve forked out for a gorgeous, premium TV and want equally gorgeous sound without all of the boxes and/or cables?

The premium solo soundbar, that’s what. In fact, that’s exactly the problem that the soundbar was originally designed to solve.

These days, a premium soundbar is a very sophisticated bit of kit that typically combines svelte styling with effective Dolby Atmos processing for movies and games, plus music streaming, simple operation, and the option to add additional speakers further down the line.

Here, we’re pitching four such soundbars against one another.

The benchmark is the Sonos Arc Ultra – the successor to the multi-Award-winning Arc and now an Award-winner in its own right.

This is a soundbar that really nails the confluence of simplicity and sound quality, and, being a Sonos product, the Arc Ultra also functions as a multi-room speaker for music.

The Sonos Arc Ultra and Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 have met before, albeit in slightly different circumstances, with the Sony priced much higher.

These days, you can usually get it for the same price as the Sonos, making the head-to-head far hotter, especially as the Bar 9 has features that the Arc Ultra does not, such as DTS:X support and HDMI passthrough.

This isn’t a head-to-head test, though: two newer soundbars are looking to disrupt the Sonos vs Sony scuffle.

The first of those is the very fancy LG Sound Suite H7. As the name suggests, this is a component in LG’s new Sound Suite family of speakers, but it’s also a Sonos Arc Ultra-rivalling soundbar in its own right.

Finally, but most unusually, we have the JBL Bar 1000MK2, which, as you may have spotted, isn’t really a solo soundbar.

However, we’ve decided to include it here as the ability to connect the surround speakers to the main bar means it can function as a solo bar – albeit one that also comes with a subwoofer.

Which of these premium soundbars deserves the spot beneath your lovely TV? Let Dolby Atmos battle commence!

Picking a winner

Each of these premium soundbars proves that you don’t need a stack of separates and a room full of speakers to get genuinely enjoyable cinematic sound from your TV.

Of course, they all tackle that challenge in slightly different ways.

The JBL leans into flexibility and sheer spectacle, the LG focuses on design and cutting-edge tech, the Sony majors on immersion and detail, and the Sonos aims to blend simplicity, sophistication and sonic excellence into one sleek package.

4. LG Sound Suite H7

All four are good products in their own right, but there is a clear hierarchy here, and in fourth place is the LG Sound Suite H7.

The H7 is certainly an interesting proposition. Its styling is refreshingly different from the norm, and those who own a compatible LG TV will appreciate the way it integrates visually and functionally with the screen. It’s also packed with features, including Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, which will be a real boon if you decide to expand your system in the future.

There’s no denying, either, that the H7 sounds impressive out of the blocks. It goes loud, delivers plenty of bass weight and throws effects around the room enthusiastically enough to create a decent sense of scale.

Ultimately, though, it lacks the refinement and subtlety of the best soundbars here. Dynamics are a little blunt, detail levels aren’t especially high, and there’s a hardness to its delivery that can become fatiguing over longer listening sessions. Dolby Atmos effects are present, but they don’t knit together cohesively enough to fully convince.

It’s a decent soundbar, then, but against this level of competition, decent simply isn’t enough.

Read the full LG Sound Suite H7 review

3. JBL Bar 1000MK2

Third place goes to the JBL Bar 1000MK2 – and this one is perhaps the trickiest to judge.

Strictly speaking, it’s not really a solo soundbar at all, thanks to the inclusion of a wireless subwoofer and detachable surround speakers. But because those surrounds can be physically attached to the main unit, we felt it deserved a place in this test – and we’re glad we included it.

There’s no question that the JBL delivers the biggest and most overtly cinematic presentation here. With the surrounds deployed, it creates an impressively expansive soundfield, and the dedicated subwoofer gives action scenes a level of low-end heft that the true solo bars simply can’t match.

It’s a hugely entertaining listen, too, with a bold, energetic character that makes blockbuster movies enormous fun.

The problem is that it’s not the most nuanced or controlled performer on test. Bass can occasionally become overbearing, subtle details are sometimes overshadowed by sheer bombast, and musicality isn’t really its strong suit. In stereo music playback, particularly, the Sonos and Sony sound noticeably more balanced, cohesive and sophisticated.

If your priority is maximum home cinema impact with minimum hassle, the JBL remains a very appealing option. But as an all-round premium soundbar package, it falls short of the class leaders.

Read the full JBL Bar 1000MK2 review

2. Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9

Which brings us to the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9.

When this soundbar first launched, its pricing made it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly, but now that it can regularly be found for around the same money as the Sonos Arc Ultra, it becomes a much stronger proposition.

And it really is an excellent soundbar. Sony has managed to produce an impressively spacious and immersive presentation from a single bar, with Dolby Atmos effects projected with remarkable precision. Its sense of verticality is particularly convincing, and it fills a room with sound more effectively than almost any rival.

It’s detailed and dynamic, too, with crisp dialogue, excellent placement of effects and plenty of punch when movie soundtracks demand it. The inclusion of HDMI passthrough and DTS:X support also gives it a useful edge in the features department.

Ultimately, though, while the Sony is deeply impressive, it doesn’t quite achieve the same all-round balance and naturalness as the Sonos. There are moments where its presentation becomes just a touch forward or forceful, and while it sounds spectacular with movies, it’s not quite as consistently musical or cohesive across all content types.

Read the full Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 review

1. Sonos Arc Ultra

The Sonos Arc Ultra nails the brief.

It delivers Dolby Atmos with scale, precision and convincing height effects, but it never loses sight of subtlety or cohesion in the pursuit of spectacle. Dialogue is crystal clear, effects are expertly placed, and there’s an openness and spaciousness to the presentation that makes movie soundtracks utterly engrossing.

Crucially, it’s also the most musical soundbar here. Whether you’re watching films, gaming or simply streaming music, the Sonos sounds balanced, expressive and refined in a way that its rivals can’t quite match.

The lack of HDMI passthrough will be an annoyance for some, and the Sonos app isn’t quite back to its slick best yet, but many buyers are unlikely to bother with the app after initial setup and the superb performance of the Arc Ultra far outweighs those relatively minor niggles.

The Sonos Arc Ultra will surely be beaten one day – but today isn’t that day.

Read the full Sonos Arc Ultra review

Watch Giro d'Italia live stream 2026

The Giro d'Italia 2026 will see the riders cycle 3,468km and climb 48,700m before they make it to the end in Rome. The biggest storyline heading into this year’s race is whether the 29-year-old Dane Jonas Vingegaard can complete the Grand Tour set on his Giro debut, and with the absence of Tadej Pogačar, it looks extremely likely that he will become the eighth man to win all three Grand Tours.

But he won’t entirely be without competition. The likes of Guglielmo Pelizzari, who finished sixth here last year, Adam Yates, Egan Bernal, and Jai Hindley will all be hoping to give him tough competition, from the start in Bulgaria through to the high mountains of the Alps and Dolomites in Italy.

Follow our guide below for where to watch Giro d'Italia 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN.

• Watch Giro d'Italia 2026: May 8 - May 31
• FREE STREAMS: SBS On Demand (Australia), Rai (Italy), RSI (Switzerland)
• USA: HBO Max
• UK: TNT Sports / HBO Max
• Watch anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk-free

How can I watch Giro d'Italia 2026 for free

Lucky cycling fans in Australia, Italy, and Switzerland can watch Giro d'Italia for free:

• Australia – SBS On Demand
• Italy – RaiPlay
• Switzerland – RSI / SRF

Watch your stream wherever you go with a VPN. Full details just below.

Watch a Giro d'Italia live stream from anywhere

Most live sports coverage is location-sensitive. That means you can't normally access your usual service when travelling away from home. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a small but powerful app that allows you to select your preferred location and quickly unblock any Giro d'Italia live stream – including those free options – no matter where you are.

NordVPN is our pick of the best VPN services. It's affordable, fast and easy to use. Try it risk-free for 30 days and see for yourself.

How to use a VPN for any Giro d'Italia live stream

1. Sign up to the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend for smooth, speedy video streaming.

2. Open the VPN app and choose your location. For Giro d'Italia, Australia cycling fans away from home should choose 'Australia' to unblock SBS On Demand.

3. Then head over to SBS on your browser or device and enjoy that free Giro d'Italia live stream.

Watch Giro d'Italia: live stream in the UK

The 2026 Giro d'Italia is being shown live on TNT Sports in the UK.

You can get access to all of TNT Sports' channels on HBO Max. Prices start from £30.99 per month, but you can get it for as little as £25.99 if you pay for 12 months upfront.

Outside the UK during the race? Use NordVPN to watch the 2026 Giro d'Italia as if you were back at home.

Watch Giro d'Italia live stream in the USA

The 2026 Giro d'Italia will be aired by HBO Max in the US. The service costs $18.49 per month for its "Standard" plan, which is the one that includes live sports.

To access your usual streaming service from outside the US, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed above.

Watch Giro d'Italia live stream in Canada

Cycling fans in Canada can watch the 2026 Giro d'Italia on FloBikes. A subscription costs CA$49.99 a month or CA$215.88 for the year.

Remember, you can use a VPN to access your usual live stream when travelling away from home.

Watch Giro d'Italia live stream in Australia

As mentioned above, cycling fans Down Under can watch the 2026 Giro d'Italia completely FREE on SBS On Demand.

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access SBS On Demand when traveling abroad.

Giro d'Italia 2026 route

Giro d'Italia 2026 stages and start times

All times CET

Stage 1 | Friday May 8 | Nessebar - Burgas, 147km | 1:40pm - 5:05pm

Stage 2 | Saturday May 9 | Burgas - Veliko Tarnovo, 221km | 12pm - 5:02pm

Stage 3 | Sunday May 10 | Plovdiv - Sofia, 175km | 1:05pm - 5:02pm

Rest day | Monday May 11

Stage 4 | Tuesday May 12 | Catanzaro - Cosenza, 138km | 1:40pm - 5:03pm

Stage 5 | Wednesday May 13 | Praia a Mare - Potenza, 203km | 12:15pm - 5pm

Stage 6 | Thursday May 14 | Paestum - Naples, 141km | 12:45pm - 5:04pm

Stage 7 | Friday May 15 | Formia - Blockhaus, 244km | 10:50am - 4:53pm

Stage 8 | Saturday May 16 | Chieti - Fermo, 156km | 1:15pm - 5:04pm

Stage 9 | Sunday May 17 | Cervia - Corno alle Scale, 184km | 12:35pm - 5pm

Rest day | Monday May 18

Stage 10 | Tuesday May 19 | Viareggio - Massa, 42km ITT | 1:15pm - 5:14pm

Stage 11 | Wednesday May 20 | Porcari (Paper District) - Chiavari, 195km | 12:35pm - 5:02pm

Stage 12 | Thursday May 21 | Imperia - Novi Ligure, 175km | 1pm - 5:01pm

Stage 13 | Friday May 22 | Alessandria - Verbania, 189km | 12:40pm - 5pm

Stage 14 | Saturday May 23 | Aosta - Pila (Gressan), 133km | 12:55pm - 4:58pm

Stage 15 | Sunday May 24 | Voghera - Milan, 157km | 2pm - 5:07pm

Rest day | Monday May 25

Stage 16 | Tuesday May 26 | Bellinzona - Carì, 113km | 1:45pm - 5:01pm

Stage 17 | Wednesday May 27 | Cassano d’Adda - Andalo, 202km | 12:10pm - 5pm

Stage 18 | Thursday May 28 | Fai della Paganella - Pieve di Soligo, 171km | 1:15pm - 5:04pm

Stage 19 | Friday May 29 | Feltre - Alleghe (Piani di Pezzè), 151km | 12:30pm - 4:54pm

Stage 20 | Saturday May 30 | Gemona del Friuli 1976-2026 - Piancavallo, 200km | 11am - 3:59pm

Stage 21 | Sunday May 31 | Rome - Rome, 131km | 3:25pm - 6:36pm

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It can be hard to know which Sonos speaker to buy. There’s a healthy number currently on the market, all furnished with varying levels of baked-in Sonos features at a range of prices and sizes.

Many would-be buyers seek a Sonos speaker because they are keen on the US brand’s particular ecosystem. Once they have jumped that particular hurdle, though, it can be hard to know where to go next.

What we have here are two candidates with somewhat different purposes in mind. The Sonos Era 100 is designed as a stationary, home-bound wireless speaker, whereas the Sonos Play bridges the gap between portability and domestic use thanks to its combination of a built-in battery alongside the usual wi-fi and smart-assistant powers.

Quite a lot of overlap, then, but don’t be fooled into thinking that the Play is just a Sonos Era 100 with the stabilisers taken off. Both have their place within the Sonos family – and we’re here to help you figure out what those places are and, more importantly, which one is right for you.

Sonos Era 100 vs Sonos Play: price

The Sonos Era 100 started its life at around £249 / $249 / AU$399, but that was back in 2023.

Around three years later, prices have dropped somewhat, meaning the Era 100 tends to sit at roughly the £199 / $219 / AU$319 mark, and can drop even lower when Sonos is feeling generous and there’s a lovely big sales event going on.

The Sonos Play, meanwhile, is a far newer model, having made its debut only in 2026, for a rather considerable £299 / $299 / AU$499. Prices haven’t dipped much since then, though we would speculate that, as with the Era 100, big sales events could see the Play drop in price by a decent margin. Time will tell.

For now, however, the Era 100 is the cheaper speaker of the two, so takes the win here.

**Winner: Sonos Era 100**

Sonos Era 100 vs Sonos Play: design

What we have here are two quintessentially ‘Sonos’ speakers. In terms of their design and functionality, you wouldn’t need many guesses to figure out that both the Play and the Era 100 are Sonos-made products thanks to their clean, simple aesthetic and somewhat similar designs.

They are not, of course, identical; indeed, there are quite a few major differences to distinguish one from the other.

The main difference comes from the fact that the Sonos Play is conceived, at least in part, as a portable speaker, while the Era 100 is designed purely for indoor, mains-powered use. That means that the Play is a fair bit slimmer than its Era counterpart, is easier to wrap your hand around its frame, and comes with a carry strap at the back.

The Era 100 is similarly clean and minimalist in its layout, although it’s slightly shorter and a lot wider than its portable stablemate. This not being a portable speaker, however, there is no carry handle to be found.

In terms of on-unit controls, both offer plenty. The Era 100 offers top-mounted touch-capacitive buttons for accessing music playback and voice control, with a clever volume slider in the form of a ‘trough’ also mounted on the top panel. A switch to turn the microphone on/off is situated at the rear.

The Play doesn’t have that distinctive trough slider, but its rubber top hosts four physical buttons – two for volume, one for muting/unmuting your voice assistant and a play/pause toggle – while the spine houses a Bluetooth pairing button, a microphone on/off toggle and a large power button.

Both offer USB-C connections at their respective rears, either for charging or for a wired connection for sources such as a turntable or music player. Note, however, that you will need a USB-C to 3.5mm aux adapter if you did want to hard-wire a source; this currently costs £19 / $19 via the Sonos website, so it’s not exactly cheap.

The mains-powered Sonos Era 100 is designed to stay put within your home, so it isn’t furnished with an IP rating and we wouldn’t suggest having an open can of Diet Coke put anywhere near it. The Play, conversely, is designed to be rugged and portable, and sports an IP67 rating to keep it protected from dust ingress and submersion in water.

Two similar-looking speakers built for somewhat different tasks, then; but, for its greater versatility and portability, we’re handing the win to the Sonos Play.

**Winner: Sonos Play**

Sonos Era 100 vs Sonos Play: features

These speakers are absolutely feature-packed, so deep breath: here we go.

The Sonos Era 100 is getting a little long in the tooth, but it still has plenty of mod cons to keep in step with the newer Play. Both speakers offer standard Bluetooth streaming or can connect to your home network for a host of wi-fi-enabled playback options, with support for most mainstream streaming services such as Apple Music, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music and Tidal.

Both support hi-res files up to 24-bit/48kHz from Qobuz and Amazon Music and can be controlled by your voice or via the Sonos app, courtesy either of Amazon Alexa or the built-in Sonos Voice Control assistant. Just be aware that some of the major streaming services can't be integrated with your chosen voice assistant, so asking your speaker to "play something from Tidal", for example, can't be done in either case.

Both offer AirPlay 2 and a USB-C line-in options, although we reiterate that you will need a specific adapter and cable for wired connections.

Both are capable of forming a stereo pair, and both can be included as part of a wider Sonos multi-room system. For home cinema fans, you can use your Era 100 as rear surround speakers with the likes of the Sonos Arc, Beam and Ray soundbars.

With the Era 100 and the Play, you can calibrate your speaker's output for the room it is placed in using the Trueplay tuning feature, either by using an iPhone device’s integrated microphones (for iOS users), or else use the speakers own mics to ‘Quick Tune’ if you use an Android device.

Being a slimmer, portable unit, the Play is capable of taking things a step further, quite literally, thanks to its 24-hour battery life and IP67 waterproof rating.

As we wrote in our review, it's “best to think of the Sonos Play in the same way you might regard the established Move 2: a portable speaker that can also plug into the mains and slot into your home wi-fi network and, if you wish, integrate within your Sonos multi-room system.”

The Play's Bluetooth powers are handy for when you’re roaming about and need a quick and easy wireless connection to your device, and you can use Bluetooth to connect twin Plays together either via the app or pressing the play/pause button on your desired device for around two seconds.

By contrast, you can't use Bluetooth to connect two Era 100s together into a stereo pair – that has to be done via wi-fi.

Both are pretty much identical in terms of their streaming features, with the Play and Era 100 boasting versatility to spare. The Play does have the added benefit of a built-in battery making it suitable for outdoor as well as indoor use, though, meaning it just steals a win here.

**Winner: Sonos Play**

Sonos Era 100 vs Sonos Play: sound

The Sonos Play houses a trio of Class H amplifiers powering two angled tweeters and a mid driver, as well as dual force-cancelling passive radiators which aim for deep bass and reduced internal vibrations. Its Era 100 counterpart, meanwhile, boasts twin angled tweeters with custom waveguides and an enlarged woofer, all powered by their own dedicated Class D amplifier.

The results are impressive in both cases, and we’d be surprised if either of these speakers left you feeling let down in the audio department. The smaller Play is capable in many aspects, giving music a feeling of poise and control as it blends ample clarity with plenty of muscle and power.

There is certainly decent clout at the bottom end, and as we say in our review, the speaker’s bass response “sounds taut and punchy, evidenced by the Play firmly handling those opening drum thumps on Michael Jackson’s iconic Billie Jean.”

Yes, it can be a little route-one in how it presents your tunes, but in general, Sonos’s do-it-all candidate has a lot going for it. As our review concludes: “Whether pumping out some Gorillaz in the garden or streaming a slice of Stevie Wonder in the sitting room, its clear, confident and controlled sound is rarely a chore to listen to. We’d like it to flex to accommodate different musical styles, but sonically, this [is] an admirable effort.”

The Era 100, conversely, is the smart choice if sound is your number one priority. The Era’s dedication to performance first continues to shine through, even as its slightly more advanced age.

It’s a wider speaker with more drive units and more power, and the resultant sound is more spacious, more detailed and with greater stretch in the bass than its portable counterpart can muster. Dynamics are more confidently revealed, too, with the Era 100’s stellar blend of openness and dynamism making for a remarkably confident, cinematic experience.

The chunkier speaker’s balance is, in fact, pretty much spot on. As we wrote at the time: “There’s an ease with which Sonos delivers every track we play through it. It never feels dull or distant, nor does it try to attract your attention unduly; this is an overall pleasing sound that is comfortable to listen to for hours.”

The Era 100 plumbs greater sonic depths than the slightly leaner Play, and while that lower-end delivery could easily become overbearing, the Era 100 is adept at giving challenging basslines genuine shape and texture thanks to its dextrous, agile nature.

It may be a little older, but it's certainly no less bold. The Era 100 remains a five-star performer on the audio front, and while the Play makes a decent account of itself, its established stablemate is the one to pick if sound is what matters most.

A clear and deserved win for the fantastic Era 100.

**Winner: Sonos Era 100**

Sonos Era 100 vs Sonos Play: verdict

What we have here are two speakers built with two distinct purposes in mind, although a degree of overlap does muddy the waters somewhat. Allow us, then, to make things simple for you.

If you want a Sonos speaker that straddles the outdoor and the indoor world, the Play is the one to pick. It isn’t quite on the Era 100’s level in terms of sound, but its bulging feature set, portable design and still-decent performance make it a solid pick for anyone who seeks solid sound across a range of different use cases.

If you just want an excellent-sounding wireless smart speaker that is baked into the Sonos ecosystem and prioritises sound above all else, go for the Sonos Era 100. It’s built nicely, still has enough neat tricks to keep even the most feature-hungry consumer happy, and its sound really is excellent.

**Overall winner: Sonos Era 100**

MORE:

Which Sonos speaker should you buy? Find out here

Check out our top tips to get the most out of the Sonos Play wireless speaker

These are the best smart speakers money can buy

If you are looking for a soundbar system, one of the names you will keep seeing in your search is Samsung. And that's for good reason, as it has delivered plenty of strong contenders to our test room over the years.

And one of the top-performing models comes in the form of the Samsung HW-Q990F, which holds a place on our best soundbars guide. The soundbar system consists of a main soundbar, wireless subwoofer and two surround speakers.

But the newest version of the bar, the Samsung HW-Q990H has now leaped onto the scene. We put the two systems head to head in our test room, so we know how they compare. Let's see which model is the overall winner…

Samsung HW-Q990F vs HW-Q990H: price

The Samsung Q990H launched at £1599 / $2000 / AU$1999, placing it in the high-end soundbar category. It’s still a new addition to the market so we don’t expect any notable discounts just yet, but these are likely to come later down the line.

We can say that with a reasonable certainty, as that’s what happened with the Samsung Q990F. It launched at £1699 / $1999 / AU$1999, which is slightly more pricey in the UK and the US than its successor.

Since its release, the system has seen significant discounts and is regularly available for around £999 in the UK.

That means that, although the Q990H launched at a lower price initially, the Q990F’s cheaper price tag now makes it the winner in this category.

**Winner: Samsung HW-Q990F**

Samsung HW-Q990F vs HW-Q990H: design

Side by side, you would be hard-pressed to tell the two soundbar systems apart. Both of the main soundbars measure 7 x 123 x 14cm (hwd) and weigh in at 7.3kg.

You’ll find a selection of buttons on top to change source, mute the onboard microphones and adjust the volume, with a dot-matrix display on the front displaying corresponding information.

The subwoofer with both models is a cube measuring 25 x 25 x 25cm and weighing 8.3kg. Finally, the surround speakers are also the same, featuring a boxy, angular design that includes a handy cable channel on the bottom edge. They also carry identical dimensions, measuring 20 x 13 x 14cm.

Both are well-built and feel premium with everything constructed from aluminium or a sturdy, high-quality plastic. But overall the design is starting to get a little tired, especially considering the previous Q990D and Q990C models look practically identical.

The brand bundles a remote with functions to change the input, sound mode and EQ for the system, as well as adjusting the subwoofer level.

There’s not much to compare here as they are basically twins, so it has to be a tie.

**Winner: draw**

Samsung HW-Q990F vs HW-Q990H: features

It’s a familiar story when it comes to the features. Both Samsung systems offer an 11.1.4 channel configuration, with an impressive total of 23 individual drivers on board. This includes 15 drivers in the main soundbar, three in each of the wireless surround speakers, and two 8-inch woofers (in a push/pull configuration) in the wireless subwoofer.

Both the soundbars and surround speakers feature upward-firing drivers, which brings us neatly onto the immersive sound formats that the systems support.

They both support three immersive-audio formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Samsung’s Eclipsa Audio. The last of those hasn’t been adopted by any other services aside from YouTube so far, but it’s nice to be future-proofed in case that changes.

To adjust settings for both systems, the Samsung SmartThings app is on hand to help. With both bars, we find this is the preferred way of interacting with the settings menus, thanks to the snappy connection and easy-to-understand menus.

You can also control your source from this app, including music streamed wirelessly to the system. Both the Q990F and Q990H support Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Tidal Connect and Bluetooth; they are even Roon-compatible.

But what about physical connectivity? The soundbar has three HDMI sockets in total. This includes an HDMI eARC for connecting to your TV, alongside two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 passthrough sockets, which support up to 4K/120Hz signals with VRR and ALLM, as well as HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision (a nice touch, as Samsung TVs don't support Dolby Vision).

Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound Pro feature, which is essentially this soundbar’s calibration system, is also present in both bars. The optional feature utilises the built-in microphones to constantly monitor and adjust the soundbar and subwoofer to accommodate your viewing space.

There are four sound modes with each bar: Standard, Surround, Game and AI Adaptive. With both soundbars, Surround mode is the best for movies and TV shows, as the wider sound field means all components hang together in a more sonically cohesive way. Standard is our preferred preset for music, as it features minimal processing and a more focused sound.

One of the few differences here between the two bars is the Q990H’s inclusion of Samsung’s new Sound Elevation feature. This is designed to raise the audio upwards to match the position of your screen.

Samsung hasn’t given a clear indication of how it determines where to place the audio, and for us it seems to overshoot slightly, placing the sound towards the top edge of our reference TV. This setting may appeal more to those who wall-mount their TV and leave a gap between it and their soundbar.

On top of that, Q Symphony – in which your Samsung TV’s speakers work in tandem with the system – is also supported.

Although the Q990H offers the new Sound Elevation feature, it is not impactful enough to sway the result, so we are once again looking at a tie.

**Winner: draw**

Samsung HW-Q990F vs HW-Q990H: sound

Both soundbar systems are five-star performers, delivering a rich and engaging sound that is a huge improvement on the vast majority of TV speakers.

Vocals sound natural and detailed while carrying plenty of subtle inflexion. With the Samsung Q990H, this system manages to unearth subtler sonic nuances, which results in a slightly more natural sound than the Q990F. It’s not a night-and-day difference, but the newest model is the slightly better performer in this area.

The Q990H continues just to get the edge on its predecessor when it comes to height effects. When watching Chapter 2 of Blade Runner 2049 with the two models, both place the sound of the holographic announcements near Officer K’s apartment with excellent precision. But the newer model takes this even further than the Q990F, offering a greater sense of accuracy and spaciousness.

Continuing with Bladerunner 2049, both soundbars show off their excellent bass performance. With the famously tricky chapter two sequence, both systems deliver rich and powerful bass sounds that are controlled and dynamic, as we gain a sense of mounting tension as K approaches the police precinct.

But how do the two bars perform with music? With both systems, most, if not all, of the positive attributes from our movie testing are present and correct for music. We play a range of tracks, and the Q990F and Q990H both offer a clear-cut sense of timing and rhythmic drive. Vocals continue to sound clear and emotive, while instruments have depth and texture.

While they are both excellent-sounding systems, Samsung’s subtle upgrades to the HW-Q990H make it the better of the two soundbars.

**Winner: Samsung HW-Q990H**

Samsung HW-Q990F vs HW-Q990H: verdict

Each Samsung system is very well matched in design and features, offering ample surround sound options and a sturdy build.

The Samsung Q990F is a top-performing system when it comes to audio, but the Q990H takes everything we love about the previous generation and delivers it with even more nuance, detail and scale.

The Q990H is the more expensive option right now, but we expect the price to drop soon, as we have seen with its predecessor. If your budget cannot stretch to the newest model, however, the Q990F is still an excellent-sounding alternative.

**Overall winner: Samsung HW-Q990H**

MORE:

Check out our full review of the Samsung HW-Q990H

And here is our Samsung HW-Q990F review

These are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

Kimi Antonelli has his third pole in four GPs, but McLaren and Red Bull have clearly used the enforced early-season break to their advantage. Max Verstappen is on the front row, while Lando Norris, who won yesterday's Sprint, lines up alongside Charles Leclerc on the second row. A penny for George Russell's thoughts. Lights-out is set for 6pm BST.

Miami Grand Prix 2026 free stream

Austria: ORF On (FREE)
Luxembourg: RTL Play (FREE)
Belgium: RTBF Auvio (FREE)
Blocked? Watch your Miami GP stream with a VPN

Miami Grand Prix 2026 Schedule

(All times BST)

Sunday, 3rd May
6pm – Miami Grand Prix

Miami Grand Prix 2026 Preview

The race is starting three hours earlier than scheduled, due to the threat of lightning storms, a tumult that likely matches Russell's mood.

For much of preseason the Mercedes man had exuded the confidence – some would say arrogance – of a champion-in-waiting. However, right now Russell is being thoroughly eclipsed by his 19-year-old teammate, and the sight of a resurgent Norris, Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in his rearview mirror won't make him any cheerier.

When we left off, Antonelli had just secured back-to-back wins from pole position to become F1's youngest-ever championship leader – and jolt Russell out of his complacency. Having won the season-opener, the Brit had given off the impression that the drivers' title was already in the bag.

There were signs in Japan that Piastri and Norris had narrowed the gap. If McLaren's upgrades work as dramatically as they have in the past, Russell's early-season hubris could backfire very quickly.

Below we'll show you how to watch Miami Grand Prix live streams from anywhere in the world.

Watch Miami Grand Prix 2026 live from anywhere

Most F1 live streams are location-sensitive, which means you won't be able to access your preferred coverage when travelling abroad. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a straightforward but powerful app that lets you alter your virtual location and thus unblock any Miami GP stream – including the free coverage in Austria, Luxembourg and Belgium.

NordVPN is our pick of the best VPN services. It's affordable, fast, stable and easy to use. Try it risk-free for 30 days and see for yourself.

How to use a VPN for any Miami GP live stream

1. Sign up to the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For the F1, you may wish to choose Austria for ORF On.

3. Head over to ORF On on your browser or device and enjoy the free Miami Grand Prix live stream.

How to watch Miami Grand Prix 2026 in 4K Ultra HD in the UK

In the UK, you can watch the Miami Grand Prix, along with every F1 race, in 4K via Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck. You'll need to subscribe to an Ultra HD package and have a 4K TV.

Head over to the Sky Sports F1 Ultra HD channel to watch every race, qualifying and practice in 4K and HDR.

Need Sky? Browse today's best Sky TV deals.

F1 season pass

F1 TV Pro includes live HD coverage of every F1 practice, qualifier and race. No ad breaks.

F1 TV Pro is available in over 188 countries – but not the UK (you can use the basic 'Access' version for live timings but you can't watch any races live). F1 TV Premium is available in the US.

F1 TV Pro is available via the F1 TV website, iOS/Android apps, Roku TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV and other mobile devices.

Latest F1 TV Pro prices:

• F1 TV Pro in India – $3.99/month (cheapest)
• F1 TV Pro in South Africa – $4.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Brazil – $5.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Netherlands – €11.90/month
• F1 TV Pro in USA – $10.99/month
• F1 TV Pro in Mexico – $129/month

Watch Miami Grand Prix 2026 live streams in the USA

In the USA, Apple TV is showing the Miami Grand Prix – and Practice sessions are free-to-air all season.

A subscription costs $12.99 per month after a 7-day FREE trial, though better deals are available to Apple customers.

Buying an eligible Apple device, including select iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Mac models, gets you free Apple TV access for three months.

Apple One, which bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade and 50GB of iCloud Storage, starts at $19.95 per month after a 1-month free trial.

Alternatively, for a limited time the Apple Music Student Subscription includes Apple TV, and costs $6 per month.

Watch Miami Grand Prix 2026 live streams in Australia

Fox Sports has the rights to show every live F1 race in Australia. That means Foxtel and Kayo Sports subscribers get a front-row seat to the Miami GP too.

Kayo offers new customers a FREE 7-day trial to test the waters, after which it starts at AU$29.99 a month for the base Standard tier. For up to 4K video quality and simultaneous streaming on up to two devices, you'll need the Kayo Premium plan for AU$45.99 a month.

Subscribers can also stream the action via Foxtel Now by adding the Sports package ($30 a month).

10Play shows free highlights of every 2026 F1 race.

Miami Grand Prix 2026: Start Times Around The World

• Feast your eyes on the best TVs
• Splash the cash on our cheap TV deals
• Our pick of the best streaming services

VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.

If you’re researching portable projectors, it’s very likely that you will have come upon offerings from the brand Xgimi.

The China-based company offers a range of products, from premium 4K projectors to the smaller portable models we are looking at here.

The Xgimi MoGo 4 is a small cylindrical model that has featured on our best portable projectors and best outdoor projectors guides since we reviewed it last year.

The Xgimi Vibe One, on the other hand, is the first product from Xgimi’s new budget-focused ‘Vibe’ sub-brand, which targets budget buyers even more than the MoGo 4.

We have pitted the pair head-to-head in our test room to see which is the best one for you to spend your money on.

Xgimi Vibe One vs Xgimi MoGo 4: price

Both of these Xgimis target the budget end of the projector market, of course, with affordability and portability their USPs.

The Vibe One is the cheaper option of the two, having launched at £219 / $269 / AU$599. It hit the shelves only late last year, but discounts are already available at various retailers, making it even more affordable.

Going for a slightly more premium audience, the MoGo 4 also boasts a slightly more premium price tag. It has an official price of £509 / $499 / AU$1399, but you can find it cheaper in the UK if you look around. We have often seen it drop to £399.

Despite this discount, the Vibe One still comes out on top in terms of pricing.

** Winner: Xgimi Vibe One **

Xgimi Vibe One vs Xgimi MoGo 4: build

Both projectors are compact and easy to carry, and you shouldn’t have an issue putting either in a bag to take it on the go.

They each weigh about the same, too, with the Vibe One coming in at 1.4kg and the MoGo 4 at 1.3kg. So there’s no need to worry about lugging around a bulky projector for a garden movie night.

The MoGo 4 is slightly more petite than the Vibe One, measuring 21 x 10 x 10 cm (hwd), which is about the same size as a large water bottle. The cheaper model is a little larger (31 x 12 x 14 cm), but it’s still easily portable – indeed, the Vibe One has a useful handle at the top which makes it even easier to carry around.

Both projectors are activated in the same way: you tilt the body up from the bottom to face your screen or wall (a screen is highly recommended for a better picture). The MoGo 4 offers an extra feature as the hard plastic on the side transforms into a nifty stand.

The Vibe One comes in two colour options: blue spark or cloud ash. You can also personalise your model with the included stickers, which should please kids or whimsical adults. The MoGo 4 is available in just one finish: silver with orange trimmings.

The projectors offer almost identical remote controls, which let you control volume, output, auto-focus, and the settings menu. There are also shortcuts for a few streaming services to speed up menu navigation.

The Vibe One’s remote does not have a backlight, but the MoGo 4’s does.

With the MoGo 4, there is an additional mini-remote that hangs from a rope on the side of the body. This remote keeps things extremely minimal with just controls for volume, a D-pad to navigate the menu and a back button.

While both models offer a solid and compact build, the MoGo 4 takes the prize here for its sturdy stand and more premium overall feel.

** Winner: Xgimi MoGo 4 **

Xgimi Vibe One vs Xgimi MoGo 4: features

Both the Vibe One and the MoGo 4 have a built-in battery, but this good news comes with a caveat: the models offer a claimed 1.2 hours and 2.5 hours of battery life, respectively.

And that is when they are in Eco mode, which dims the brightness in order to preserve energy. In our preferred Standard mode, that estimated figure reduces a fair bit. This is less of an issue for the MoGo 4, as it can be plugged into a power bank using the USB-C connection, but there is no such feature with the Vibe One.

On each model, you will find one HDMI port, although ARC is supported only with the MoGo 4. Bluetooth 5.1 is available with both Xgimi projectors.

Both models deliver a 1080p Full HD image. The Vibe One is claimed to offer up to a 150-inch picture, while the MoGo 4 offers slightly less at a claimed 120 inches. Xgimi says you can take the screen size up to 200 inches with the MoGo 4, but you won't be getting the best display quality available.

The MoGo 4 can go half as bright again as the Vibe One, with the projectors producing a claimed maximum brightness of 450 and 300 ISO Lumens, respectively. The MoGo 4, then, has a better chance at delivering a punchy picture in well-lit settings.

You also get access to the Google TV smart platform through both models. This includes the usual streaming suspects such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV. There is, however, no BBC iPlayer on the cards. There is the option to use Google Cast from a smart device, but it would be nice to have native app support.

From the remote control or settings menu, you can access the auto-focus and auto-keystone correction. This works pretty well in our test room to adjust to the space, although we find ourselves using the manual features to fine-tune.

There is a range of picture modes, but for each unit, we settle on Movie mode with a bit of further adjustment in the settings menu.

Thanks to its better battery life, the MoGo 4 takes this round as well.

** Winner: Xgimi MoGo 4 **

Xgimi Vibe One vs Xgimi MoGo 4: picture

Despite their small statures and budget price tags, both models are surprisingly cinematic performers with plenty to like.

The Xgimi MoGo 4 provides a punchy yet detailed picture. When watching Knives Out: A Glass Onion Mystery on Netflix, for example, we say in our review: “It, of course, does not have the detail of bigger, more expensive projectors such as the Nebula X1, but for such a small piece of kit, the MoGo 4 manages to portray a nicely balanced picture, with the branches of trees in the background appearing crisp.”

Colours are incredibly punchy as well, to the extent they sometimes verge towards being overexuberant. This is probably a decision Xgimi has made to compensate for when users are watching films outdoors, but it's certainly noticeable when viewing in a dark room.

When we switch to the Xgimi Vibe One, we don't find the colours to be too vivid. They are, rather, better balanced – which results in a surprisingly cinematic picture.

Projecting Alien: Romulus, the Vibe One shows off its abilities with dark scenes. As a ship floats through the depths of space, the projector presents the dark abyss with an impressively deep black by budget projector standards. Still, the MoGo 4 goes a fair bit darker and manages to dig out more subtlety in the levels of black during the same scene.

Motion handling is better done with the Vibe One. It makes movement feel more natural compared with the MoGo 4, which can smear slightly during fast-paced action.

The MoGo 4, as you would expect considering its higher lumen count, looks brighter and more vibrant than the Vibe One. The latter will be fine for a spot of sunny sport viewing, but expect to lose a fair bit of detail, especially when compared with its more expensive cousin, when watching in a well-lit environment.

While the Xgimi Vibe One nails the basics in terms of motion handling and natural colours, the MoGo 4 is the better performer overall with its brighter picture and deeper blacks.

** Winner: Xgimi MoGo 4 **

Xgimi Vibe One vs Xgimi MoGo 4: sound

Neither projector manages to blow us away in the audio department. The MoGo 4 features two 6W speakers, while the Vibe One offers two 3W speakers, with both built into their small bodies.

They struggle to push sound far enough to create an immersive audio experience, which results in a rather localised performance.

The MoGo 4 offers voices that are clear and reasonably crisp. It also delivers the upbeat soundtrack to Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny, for example, with the right level of expression.

The Vibe One, on the other hand, has a harder time making voices audible. Continuing with Alien: Romulus, we say in our review: “As the android Andy and his human sister Rain rush through the bustling mining colony, their conversation gets muddled with radio chatter in the background, which makes it hard to decipher at points.”

And that’s in a quiet test room – it will be harder to hear during an outdoor viewing with a few guests.

With each model, we recommend investing in a Bluetooth speaker to get a clearer, louder audio experience. Still, the MoGo 4 is the more expressive and clear option, so it is the winner here.

** Winner: Xgimi MoGo 4 **

Xgimi Vibe One vs Xgimi MoGo 4: verdict

The Vibe One is the more affordable of the two projectors here, and its balanced yet detailed picture means it is the winner on a picture-performance-per-pound basis.

But the MoGo 4 delivers a more cinematic image with greater brightness and contrast, making it better suited to use in a bright room – or even outside.

On top of that, the Vibe One's disappointing battery life and inexplicable lack of support for USB-C battery packs mean it's much less practically portable than its more expensive sibling.

So, while the Vibe One's picture performance is very impressive for its low price, the MoGo 4 is worth stretching to for the even better picture quality and much greater practicality.

**Overall winner: Xgimi MoGo 4**

A new LG G series TV is always big news, so we were excited to get our hands on the LG G6 for review. It's a big moment for the range. Despite earning five stars in our review, last year's G5 was a little disappointing, finishing in last place in our big four OLED shootout. Hence we were keen to see how this year's model fared.

Of course we never test in isolation – throughout all our reviews, we keep the product's main rivals front of mind. So while the G6 impressed in our review, we're now pitting it against possibly its fiercest rival – the Award-winning Sony Bravia 8 II.

Game on.

LG G6 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: price

The good news is that both the LG G6 and Sony Bravia 8 II are cheaper than their predecessors. But for the new models, there's not much between them.

As you can see, there's no clear winner. At the only sizes in which both TVs are available (55 and 65 inches), the LG is cheaper or the same price in the UK and US, but the Sony is cheaper in Australia.

However, these are launch prices, and the Sony has been available for a few months already, whereas the LG is brand new. But in a further twist, LG's TVs usually see bigger discounts than most rivals, and sooner after launch. So we would expect the LG to be cheaper across the board pretty soon.

** Winner: Draw **

LG G6 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: design

Both TVs look very similar to their predecessors, but then no recent TV has been a massive departure in the design department.

The G6 is designed to be hung on a wall with the Zero Gap wall mount, though you can buy it with a stand as well. It does still look like a picture frame, and while it's something we've seen many times before, it is well made and unobtrusive.

The stand has two height options to accommodate a soundbar, but the remote could do with some updating: it's plasticky and lacks backlighting and USB-C recharging, both of which we expect at this level.

The Sony Bravia 8 II looks quite conventional, and while it's slim for a Sony, it is still thicker than a lot of its rivals. Though unlike them, it does have an actuator-based sound system built in, which creates some pretty great audio.

Its blade-style feet can only sit at the extremities of the TV's bottom edge, so you'll need a surface wide enough to accommodate the set. Measure up before you buy.

Like the G6, these feet can also extend to fit in a soundbar without obstructing the screen. Also like the G6, the Bravia 8 II's remote control also lacks a backlight and the ability to recharge. Disappointing.

** Winner: Draw **

LG G6 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: features

The G6 has the same Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel as its predecessor. This screen tech aims for higher brightness levels (both peak and overall) without sacrificing colour volume and accuracy even during low-light scenes. But this year's model promises to reduce reflections to less than 0.5 per cent, making for better viewing in sunny conditions.

LG's Alpha 11 Gen 3 AI processor brings some improvements, like 20 per cent higher peak brightness, along with better colour accuracy, upscaling, motion handling and tone mapping.

Audio processing has also been given a boost, and the TV has Dolby Atmos FlexConnect functionality for more advanced audio skills. Though there's no Dolby Vision 2 HDR tech (you do get Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG).

LG's webOS 26 platform supports all the major streaming services in their optimum versions, and the G6 continues LG's run as a maker of TVs with peerless gaming specs: you get four HDMI 2.1 inputs offering up to 4K/165Hz gameplay with VRR and ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming HDR supported.

There are also more game-streaming features to play with, including a new low-latency interface and a dedicated controller developed with Razer (though this costs extra).

Phew. So how does the Sony compare?

It has Sony's 'latest QD-OLED panel’ which helps the set outdo its predecessor by 25 per cent in terms of peak brightness. It also means higher colour volume and better dark gradation.

Sony's XR Processor uses AI to analyse the scene and optimise the picture accordingly, and it has bespoke calibrated modes for the Netflix, Prime Video and Sony Pictures Core streaming services.

You get the same roster of HDR formats as the G6 (with no Dolby Vision 2 or HDR10+), along with Atmos sound (though there's no Atmos FlexConnect). The Bravia 8 II is also certified as IMAX Enhanced, whereas the LG G6 is not.

Gamers get 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, a Dolby Vision Game mode and the ‘Perfect for PlayStation 5’ functionality. But it only has two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets, one of which doubles as the eARC port. Which could leave some gamers with a separate sound system and more than one console wanting.

Google TV goes toe-to-toe with webOS on the app front, though we do find LG's platform a little slicker. That and the extra gaming chops gives this round to LG.

** Winner: LG G6 **