This isn’t my first Prime Day rodeo.

After covering more Amazon-led sales events than I care to count, I always bet on the company to discount its range of first-party AV devices, and for good reason, too.

The company practically always slashes the prices of its Fire TV range of devices, and my advice (even when reviewing them at full price) is to wait until a Prime Day or Black Friday sale to get the best deal.

In fact, during our Prime Day predictions roundup (spearheaded by our deals aficionado Daniel Furn), I said that I'd "eat my proverbial hat" if the Fire TV streaming sticks aren't heavily discounted.

Luckily for me, there will be no hat eating, as the Award-winning Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) is currently enjoying a pretty tasty discount.

Tongue twister of a name aside, this super-effective streamer offers up a simple proposition: you give it one of your TV’s HDMI sockets, and in return you get a pretty potent streaming upgrade.

We reviewed it at £70, making it one of the most affordable (if not the most affordable) products to enter our AV testing room, but you’ll find that price has been drastically reduced in the UK and the US.

We said that the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) “might just be the easiest no-brainer buy in the AV world,” in our full review, and with its price slashed in half, it somehow becomes even easier to recommend.

We approved of its detailed and rich picture, comprehensive coverage of all HDR formats, and impressive range of streaming apps on offer; it really is the full streaming package.

Our review highlights a "sharp and engaging picture", with excellent motion and a balanced approach to colours. It also sounds good, with a clear approach to dialogue, and music sounds warmer and more detailed compared to the competing Google TV Streamer.

Now, in an era of smart TVs, a dedicated streaming device may sound like a pointless recommendation. Still, we've found that you can get tangible picture and sound improvements by plugging in a dedicated streamer.

We've also tested plenty of projectors that don't have streaming platforms built in, and our advice to anyone suffering with a sluggish, older 4K TV who isn't ready to upgrade yet is to invest in a streaming stick (like the Fire TV Stick 4K Max) for a smoother experience.

At a discounted price of £40 on Amazon UK or $35 at Amazon US, this streamer is the perfect choice for those wanting a Prime Day treat without breaking the bank.

MORE:

Which Amazon Fire TV streamer should you buy?

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) review

And check out our picks for the best streaming devices

TVs are getting bigger, and bigger… and bigger.

Hisense and TCL have been selling 116-inch and 115-inch TVs for quite some time now – and both of those look fairly modest compa red with Samsung’s behemoth 130-inch RGB Micro LED TV, which was unveiled at CES 2026.

The sensibly sized living rooms of many British homes are simply not built for a TV of that size – and many will find a proper surround sound package to be a squeeze as well. So does that mean you simply can’t fit a home cinema system into your house?

Of course it doesn’t!

We have tested plenty of smaller TVs and soundbars with modest footprints; and what they lack in size, they make up for in performance.

In fact, I have built a complete system, which includes a 42-inch OLED TV from LG, a superb scaled-down Hisense soundbar package (which even supports Dolby Atmos), and a five-star Amazon streamer that is no bigger than your average chocolate bar.

All of these products are Award-winners and, thanks to Amazon Prime Day, they are now all hugely discounted. At launch, this set-up would have cost you £1418; thanks to some pretty astonishing Prime Day discounts, it can now be yours for just £862.

This trio of petite home-cinema gadgets strikes the three core pillars of any good home cinema setup: picture, sound, and content.

And if you are happy to use LG’s webOS software platform and don’t mind a slight decrease in picture and sound performance, you could ditch the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max entirely, saving you a further £40.

The 42-inch LG C5, a compact OLED TV, is the definition of small yet mighty. Sporting a panel that delivers inky blacks and perfect contrast with ease, the C5 is a superb choice for movies – it’s and our pick for the best gaming TV, too.

We applauded its sharp, warm and rich picture, which we felt was hugely cinematic despite the comparatively small screen size from the 55- and 65-inch sets we usually test.

Furthermore, its gaming features are second to none. With a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz – ideal for PC gamers and more than enough for console gamers – and four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets. The smaller display also makes this a solid choice for dedicated gaming rooms, and it can even be used as an oversized desktop monitor.

The only area that the C5 stumbles in is sound. OLED TVs, in our experience, often disappoint when it comes to their built-in sound systems, and it’s no surprise that a TV this small doesn’t break the mould.

That’s where the Hisense AX5125H comes in. Tongue twister of a name aside, this soundbar system delivers proper surround sound at a price as modest as its footprint. The package includes a soundbar, subwoofer and two surround speakers, all of which pair wirelessly and with very little fuss out of the box.

We were surprised by its weight, scale, and spaciousness, which (much like the C5) far exceed its size. Dolby Atmos is supported with two dedicated upward-firing drivers on the main soundbar unit, and there’s even an HDMI 2.0 passthrough socket. (Maybe Sonos could learn a thing or two.)

The LG and Hisense make a great cinematic space-saving duo – and, in truth, you could leave it there. But by adding the heavily discounted, Award-winning Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, you get a pretty big streaming upgrade.

Amazon’s top-tier Fire TV Stick delivers 4K streams with oodles of detail and natural colours, and with an extremely comprehensive selection of apps, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to content.

If you’re looking longingly at our best TV deals and best soundbar deals pages, but think that you can’t get involved with the Prime Day sales due to a lack of space, then hopefully this petite (and massively discounted) home cinema setup has changed your mind.

MORE:

Check out the best Amazon Prime Day AV deals live

As well as the best Amazon Prime Day hi-fi deals

And find the best OLED TV deals here

It's been 1219 days since Apple announced the current version of the Apple TV 4K.

Since then, the five-star streamer has won four What Hi-Fi? Awards (including three coveted Product of the Year Awards), and it fended off competition from the likes of the Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation and Google TV Streamer.

On a personal level, the Apple TV 4K (2022) is one of my favourite AV products on the market, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to get the very best streaming picture from their 4K TV. The same can be said for audio, in which the Apple TV 4K is best in class based on our testing.

The slick user interface that ditches ads is, of course, the cherry on top. So what could a next-generation model bring to ensure a meaningful upgrade over the highly coveted existing model?

There are three things on my wishlist, and while they're not huge asks, they would take my excitement for this upcoming streamer to a whole new level.

More processing power

The most prominent rumour surrounding the supposed 2026 Apple TV 4K is that it will feature a much newer processor compared to the chipset found in the current model.

The Apple TV 4K (2022) features the A15 Bionic processor, which can also be found in the iPhone 14; however, insiders and rumours seem to be mostly pointing towards this being replaced by the A17 Pro from iPhone 15 Pro Max.

That might not sound like a huge upgrade, but considering that the A17 Pro chip gave the iPhone 15 Pro the ability to play console-quality games and access Apple Intelligence, it could be the perfect fit for the new Apple TV 4K.

Furthermore, this processor has recently found a home in the latest iPad Mini, meaning Apple clearly deems it to be powerful and future-proof enough to feature it in newer products.

HDMI passthrough

The Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation is far from a perfect streamer, but it does have one feature that I think every streaming box should accommodate; that being an HDMI passthrough socket.

Considering many will choose a streaming box to completely bypass their TV's built-in operating system, it would be nice for Apple to add a passthrough socket so users can select another input device – a games console or 4K Blu-ray player, for example – directly from the rather lovely, ad-free tvOS home page.

This will, of course, require Apple to tweak the chassis of the TV 4K, though we should remember that it has done this before. Despite looking similar, the latest and previous generation boxes sport different dimensions, with the newer model removing the fan and shrinking the casework slightly.

As for the port-selection, Apple already offers two different options for the TV 4K. The 64GB version only includes power and HDMI connections, whereas the 128GB model adds an Ethernet socket.

An additional HDMI socket may be a bridge too far, and could result in a bulkier box, but considering the current model is already fairly petite and non-obtrusive in my media unit, I'd take a bigger box for added functionality.

A new (but still premium) remote

If there's one thing I truly do love about the Apple TV 4K, it’s the premium aluminium remote. Compared to the plastic handsets found on the Google TV Streamer or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2nd Generation, the Siri Remote blows them clean out of the water thanks to its luxurious feel and satisfyingly clicky buttons.

And I couldn't forget about the capacitive swipe-enabled touchpad at the top of the remote. If you're a fan of the old iPod click wheels, then this interface should feel right at home, and it works a treat to scroll through the tvOS interface.

That all being said, I'd love for Apple to take things up a notch with the next-generation TV 4K. A motion-activated backlight would be a nice touch, and a customisable shortcut button that I could assign to a streaming app of my choice would be a bonus, too.

Currently, the TV button on the Siri Remote can only be customised to either take you to the Apple TV app or the home screen.

Only time will tell if Apple decides to finally launch a new streamer at its "special Apple Experience" on the 4th of March. While my hopes are high, I've been let down by many Apple Events before.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best streaming devices

Read our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review

And here are the best OLED TVs

Hands up if you're sick of receiving emails from streaming services with a subject line referencing "pricing updates".

I've lost track of how many times I've reported on or read about subscription prices creeping up, and I fear that I'll be doing the same throughout 2026. Frustration from viewers is mounting, too, so what's the solution?

According to Manhattan's COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, it's the company's latest streaming box; well, more specifically, it's what the streaming box can do.

The Aero 4K TV Streamer was officially revealed last week, and I had the chance to attend the launch and get a better understanding of what it offers.

Streaming hardware is a crowded market after all, and there are huge international players such as Apple, Google and Amazon all vying for a place in your media unit. So how does this plucky British streamer stack up?

Well, I was sold on the concept by a single quote from Alex Arbab-Zadeh. Upon revealing the Aero 4K, he stated that "you can buy the box and never pay a penny for content again".

This is because the Aero 4K not only offers access to the free TV streaming platform Freely but also uses the TiVo operating system, which features an abundance of free shows and movies via the TiVo+ service.

In fact, Manhattan claims that TiVo+ offers over 400 streaming channels and on-demand content options, while Freely offers 70 of its own channels, plus the range of content available on the existing terrestrial streaming apps.

That's a lot of content for not a lot of money; well, no money if we're being pedantic. Now, if we're being realistic, the volume of high-quality productions may not be as high as the likes of Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, but TiVo+ highlights that it does stream content from some major franchises.

You do, of course, have to put up with ads, but that's to be expected, and the TiVo OS platform does support plenty of paid streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney Plus if needed.

In fact, I think that's where the Aero 4K will hit its stride as a streamer. It's all about options; there is the free content on board that can supplement the paid services, and it might inspire those who are tired of pricey monthly subscriptions to cut back now that they can supplement the services they wish to keep with an abundance of free content.

We've not really seen a streaming box like this; the Award-winning Apple TV 4K expects you to cough up if you want to stream anything other than the free-to-access apps mentioned above, and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation)'s FreeVee free streaming platform is a bit of a mess right now, as it's in the process of being integrated into Amazon Prime Video.

With interest growing around free, ad-supported streaming, just look at Samsung's commitment to its expansive TV Plus platform; it's easy to see the appeal of the Aero 4K. However, only time will tell whether it will be equally impressive when it comes to picture and sound quality.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best streaming devices

As well as the best streaming services for movies and TV shows

And here are the best TVs

Prime Day might be over, but there's a great deal to be had on Amazon's 4K streamer. The Fire TV Stick 4K is down to just £25 at Amazon – a discount of 57 per cent (or £34). That's its lowest price ever.

But you'd better be quick. This deal ends at 11.59pm tonight.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 2nd gen best ever price

This model boasts a quicker 1.7GHz processor than its predecessor, making it 30 per cent faster. And it supports Wi-Fi 6 for smoother streaming (though you will need a compatible router to see the benefit). Like its predecessor, it supports all four formats of HDR (Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10 and HDR10 Plus) as well as Dolby Atmos for more immersive audio with virtual height channels.

As the name suggests, it's equipped for 4K visuals.

The Alexa Voice Remote lets you control it by speaking, and it can control your TV, soundbar and AV receiver too.

The Fire TV operating system gives you access to all the major streaming apps, including Prime Video (but of course), Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer and Paramount+.

The Xbox app lets you play console-quality games without a dedicated games machine. Plus you can control your other smart home devices using the Alexa voice control.

We haven't reviewed this model yet, but the previous model picked up a five-star review along with a What Hi-Fi? Award to boot. Considering the similarities to the old model, we would bet this model performs very well indeed.

It's up against some tough competition in the form of the Google TV Streamer, which earned four stars from us. But given that the Fire TV Stick 4K is a quarter of the price, this will be an easy decision for many.

You can pick it up for £25 at Amazon until 11.59pm tonight, so don't delay.

MORE:

The best streaming devices around

Which Amazon Fire TV Stick should you buy in 2025?

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max vs Google Chromecast with Google TV: which is better?

Amazon has announced a refreshed Fire TV range that will replace its award-winning Omni QLED Series – one of our favourite budget TVs – with a redesigned model promising significant performance upgrades.

The new Omni QLED Series brings notable improvements over its predecessor, which earned five stars in our review of the 50-inch model.

According to Amazon, the updated displays are 60 per cent brighter than the previous generation, while the number of local dimming-zones has been doubled to deliver improved contrast with brighter whites and deeper blacks.

An upgraded processor also makes the new models 40 per cent faster than before.

The Omni QLED Series will be available in sizes from 50 inches to 65 inches, starting at $480 / £650. Australian prices have yet to be confirmed at the time of writing.

The original Omni QLED impressed us with its surprisingly considered picture quality, natural colour balance, and strong feature set for the money.

We found it delivered authentically cinematic entertainment that worked well within its means, avoiding the common budget-TV pitfall of attempting feats beyond its capabilities.

Amazon has retained key features from the previous generation while adding new functionality.

Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Adaptive support continues, alongside the OmniSense technology that automatically turns the TV on when you enter the room, and powers it down when you leave to save energy.

Interactive Art now responds dynamically to your movements, while the display automatically adjusts colours based on your room's lighting conditions. Hands-free Alexa voice control also remains integrated into the TV.

Overall, it sounds like a welcome improvement, but specification and claimed performance improvements tell only part of the story.

We'll reserve final judgement on whether the new Omni QLED can match or surpass its award-winning predecessor until we have put it through our rigorous review process.

Given that the 50-inch original model impressed us with its balanced picture quality, natural colours, and authentic cinematic delivery for the money, the bar is set fairly high – but the promised 60 per cent brightness increase and doubled local-dimming zones sound encouraging on paper.

Alongside the Omni QLED, Amazon has also announced redesigned 2-Series and 4-Series models.

The 2-Series delivers HD resolution while the 4-Series offers 4K, with both featuring ultra-thin bezels and a new quad-core processor that Amazon claims makes them 30 per cent faster than their predecessors.

OmniSense technology has been brought to these more affordable models for the first time, and a new Dialogue Boost feature allows you to increase voice volume without raising background noise.

The 2-Series starts at $160 / £250, while the 4-Series begins at $330 / £430, with sizes ranging from 32 inches to 55 inches.

It's worth noting that Amazon's Omni Mini LED range remains the company's flagship TV line-up.

We tested the 55-inch Omni Mini LED and found it delivered surprisingly punchy HDR performance with its 512 local dimming zones and Mini LED backlighting, though it fell slightly short of perfection due to some colour inconsistency and motion softness.

Amazon has also introduced the Fire TV Stick 4K Select – its most affordable 4K streaming device to date, priced at $40 / £50.

The new stick supports vibrant 4K picture quality with HDR10+ and features faster app launches thanks to a new, more responsive operating system.

It will work with popular streaming services and is set to support Xbox Gaming and Luna cloud gaming platforms soon.

Amazon has also introduced new Fire TV software features designed to improve content discovery.

A Continue Watching row on the home screen acts as a personal bookmark across all your current shows, allowing you to jump back in or access new episodes directly.

A unified watchlist also now lets you save content from any streaming service to a single list, rather than juggling separate watchlists across different apps.

The new Omni QLED, 2-Series, and 4-Series TVs are listed as “coming soon”, while the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is available for pre-order now and will begin shipping from mid-October.

MORE:

Read our Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED QL50F601 review

Check out our Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED review

These are the best TVs you can buy right now

Studies suggest that the average consumer tends to upgrade their TV every seven years; that's a considerable amount of time, especially when we take into account the breakneck pace at which TV tech is advancing.

That seven-year upgrade cycle isn't a "one-size-fits-all" statistic, as many people will try to eak out the lifespan of their TVs for a lot longer, and I completely understand why.

TVs aren't often an impulse purchase; they're expensive, cumbersome, and can be rather confusing to purchase, hence we have our numerous best TV lists.

If you don't plan on selling or trading your TV in, then they can also be a pain to dispose of, especially with sustainability in mind, and that's the theme of this week, after all.

More recycling centres are accepting TVs these days, meaning that if you really do have to part ways with your TV, you can do it in an eco-conscious way.

We also recommend considering second-hand selling platforms if your TV is still in good condition, as someone else might find years more value in your old set; plus, more money to go towards a new model is always appreciated.

However, if you're dead set on holding off from buying a new TV, then these three crucial tips can help you extend your TV's lifespan for a little bit longer.

1. TV lost its smarts? Get a streaming stick

If you have an ageing TV, its smart system may be slowing down or no longer receiving updates. Worst-case scenario, your TV's smart platform might not support key streaming apps such as Netflix, Apple TV+ or Disney Plus, which means you're missing out.

You don't need to buy a whole new TV to rectify this issue, thankfully, as a streaming stick or box can restore smart functionality to any TV.

It's a quick, easy and cheap fix that can save you time and money, and it's also a much more sustainable option. If your TV's display is still in good nick, then throwing the whole set out due to outdated software just doesn't make sense.

We have a list of the best streaming devices, which includes the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) for an easy 4K streaming upgrade under £100, as well as the Award-winning Apple TV 4K (2022), which sports a five-star picture and sound experience.

Both are solid options and include support for practically every app you could hope for, so consider one of those if you're looking to regain streaming support without having to replace your entire TV.

2. Take care of your TV's panel

TV displays degrade over time; it's a fact of life. However, you can slow the process down in order to extend your TV's life.

If you have an OLED TV, you're probably conscious of encountering burn-in. The issue that plagued early OLED TVs isn't as prevalent as it used to be; however, extended use causes degradation of the OLED panel and could put you at higher risk of experiencing burn-in.

We'll reiterate, burn-in is significantly less of an issue than it used to be, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Panel degradation is still worth considering, as it can impact the vibrancy of colours.

There is a simple way to defer the onset of burn-in – look after your TV's panel. Refrain from leaving static images on the screen for extended periods of time, and be sure to allow your TV to run its pixel cleaning system when instructed, especially if it's switched on for extended periods throughout the day.

We'd also recommend dialling back the OLED brightness; you'll find this option in your TV's settings menu, and while it might be tempting to pump the brightness up to 100 for a dazzling image, there is some sense in toning this down slightly.

Doing this means you're not constantly pushing your TV's panel to its limit, allowing for a more gradual panel degradation over time.

And it's a similar principle if you have a backlit TV. LED TVs can also encounter issues if you drive them at full power, resulting in reduced brightness and patchy sections to the backlight.

It's worth noting that backlit TVs don't degrade in the same way as OLEDs due to their inorganic nature, but degradation occurs nonetheless.

Regardless, you can fend this off; you can adjust the brightness within your TV's settings menu.

3. Invest in a soundbar

The picture is only half of the viewing experience, which means that sound is equally important. The issue is that TVs don't tend to sound very good, and bad sound could be contributing to your decision to replace your TV.

Before you do that, you could try adding a soundbar to your current TV, as you could see a revitalised performance – with improved sound breathing new life into your current set.

This is the priciest addition in the list, but a worthwhile investment when you consider how much a new TV costs.

Providing your TV is less than 10 years old, it likely supports Dolby Atmos, meaning it's primed to be connected to a Dolby Atmos soundbar. We'd recommend the Sonos Beam Gen 2 in this case, as it's our pick for the best cheap Dolby Atmos soundbar.

If you're looking for a cheaper, yet still very effective audio upgrade, then we'd point you towards the Sony HT-SF150, which sports a price tag under £100 and a surprisingly huge audio payoff.

Either one will most certainly provide more cinematic audio, with a more direct and powerful sound than your TV's built-in sound system.

MORE:

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen) review

As well as our Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review

And check out our list of the best budget soundbars

Amazon Prime Day is on the horizon, and there's one deal at the top of my wish list.

The savings event will officially kick off on the 8th of July, with deals on a range of hi-fi, AV and home cinema gear expected. However, it's one of Amazon's own products that I'm keeping my eye on.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which sits at the top of Amazon's incredibly popular streaming stick range, just scored five stars in our recent review. For the money, it's our top pick for those looking for an upgrade over their TV's built-in streaming apps, or for anyone with an older 4K TV that features outdated software.

At £70, it undercuts rivals such as the Apple TV 4K and Google TV Streamer, but I reckon we'll see an even better price very soon.

Amazon tends to ruthlessly discount its products, slashing serious percentages off price tags during its own sales event. Therefore, I will eat my proverbial hat if the Fire TV Stick 4K Max doesn't see a major discount in two weeks.

During the period in which we tested the Fire TV Stick, it was priced at just £50 in a sporadic Amazon sale that didn't appear to be linked to any specific savings event.

If it can randomly drop by £20, I expect to see a deal that matches or beats that on Amazon Prime Day. The previous generation model dropped from £65 to just £38 back in 2023, so I'm gearing up for a similar saving.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max would be a no-brainer at £50 (in fact, we called it a no-brainer at its full asking price), as its picture performance is well worth that money. We appreciated its crisp and detailed image, rich colours and considered handling of motion.

Furthermore, the Fire OS streaming platform includes a wealth of apps – with everything from Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV+ and BBC iPlayer, to niche services like Mubi and Shudder included – and the support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR is the icing on the cake.

I'll be keeping a close eye on the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max this Prime Day, so check back often to see if my dream deal ends up becoming a reality.

MORE:

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review

As well as our picks for the best streaming devices

And read our full Google TV Streamer review

I've tested my fair share of streaming devices in my time at What Hi-Fi?, including heavy hitters from Amazon, Google and Apple.

But while that trifecta of tech titans comprises the biggest players, it would be remiss of me to neglect the likes of Roku and Nvidia, both of which have loyal fan bases for their respective streamers.

With our latest streaming review, that being the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation), I noticed a pattern that nearly every streaming stick and box seems to follow: they're not that great at streaming music.

Now, it's worth remembering that the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a five-star option for movie fans, as we approved of its "detailed and rich picture" and it's got a solid feature set too. But when it comes to testing audio, we always ensure to try music alongside movie dialogue and sound effects.

We do this because you can tell a lot from a product's sound performance using a reference track, and need I remind you that soundtracks are a huge part of the film watching experience.

On a more personal level, I use the streaming device currently hooked up to my TV at home to play music through my soundbar. Not the ideal audio set-up, I'm well aware, but it suits my needs, and space isn't exactly abundant in my modest London abode.

I will upgrade to a full hi-fi arrangement in due course, but it's better than nothing, and I'm willing to bet that a lot of people use their streaming device to play music through their TVs at home too.

So, with that in mind, how did the Fire TV Stick 4K fare? It's not bad, in fact in our review I described it as "solid", complimenting its warmth and cohesion even if timing was notably lacklustre. Most importantly, however, it sounded much better than the Google TV Streamer.

Google's streaming offering didn't excel with music or movie audio, serving up a flat and uninteresting sound, lacking warmth and dynamic prowess in the process. The Amazon, comparatively, had no issue achieving the upper hand during my side-by-side testing, though the bar wasn't exactly high.

So, with Amazon sort of getting it right, but by no means reaching for the stars, and Google missing the mark entirely, is there anyone out there who can deliver a genuinely excellent musical experience via a streamer?

Of course there is, and it should come as no surprise that I'm about to recommend the Apple TV 4K yet again. Yes, I'm well aware that I've banged on about this streamer enough at this point, but it's the truth; Apple just gets sound so right with the TV 4K.

It's a warm, textured, and rich performance with excellent timing and dynamics. It handles the indie, pop, and R&B tracks that I most commonly listen to without breaking a sweat.

It has me wondering this: why can't other manufacturers compete? I suppose it comes down to priorities; Google is all-in on Gemini AI with the Google TV Streamer, while Amazon's goal with the Fire TV Stick range is to balance performance and affordability.

Also, I presume that movies and TV shows outrank music when it comes to developing and tuning their products. The predominant use case for streaming devices is, at the end of the day, to access services like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

That being said, Apple's success with music replay shows that you can strike a balance and get both right.

Ultimately, Apple's streamer is the most expensive of the models mentioned here, so I'd honestly expect nothing less than the best performance possible. But still, it would be nice to see other streaming devices close the gap.

MORE:

Read our full Amazon Fire TV 4K Max (2nd Generation) review

As well as our Apple TV 4K (2022) review

And check out our picks for the best streaming devices for movies and TV

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick range of streaming devices may not be the most glamorous or technically impressive products that we see in our AV testing room, but they serve a specific purpose and perform said purpose well.

Case in point is the first-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which offered affordable plug-and-play 4K HDR streaming, with a solid picture performance and feature set that was hard to argue with, especially for the price.

The only thing holding that streamer back was the existence of the then-Award-winning Google Chromecast with Google TV, which just edged out the first-generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max when it came to picture and sound performance.

Luckily for Amazon, Google has since discontinued that device and replaced it with a streamer that’s nearly double the price, and not quite as good. So, it would make total sense for Amazon to strike while the iron is hot, and deliver an upgraded streaming stick that undercuts the Google TV Streamer; and that’s exactly what it has done.

Today, we have the second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and with upgraded performance, a significant lack of competition and a tempting price tag, it might just be the easiest no-brainer buy in the AV world.

Price

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) officially costs £70 / $60 / AU$120; a smidge more than its predecessor’s £65 / $55 / AU$99 starting price. While a price rise – albeit minor – isn’t necessarily a welcome sight, what will be more enticing are the discounts that this streamer will inevitably receive throughout the year.

During its own sales events – Big Deal Days, Prime Day and Black Friday – Amazon almost always heavily discounts its own products. You can expect to pay closer to £50 / $40 / AU$89 if you time your purchase right.

Better yet, Amazon’s new streamer benefits from a major player exiting the market. Google’s Chromecast with Google TV was the roadblock preventing the previous generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max from achieving the full five-star commendation; however, that Award-winning streamer has been discontinued.

Google has replaced it with the four-star Google TV Streamer, which costs £99 / $100 / AU$160; considerably more than the Chromecast’s £60 / $50 / AU$99 launch price and, more importantly, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

As for other rivals, Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K undercuts the Amazon streamer at £50 / $50 / AU$110, though it’s yet to land in our AV testing room.

Build

The new Fire TV Stick isn’t a radical departure from its predecessors, though there are some identifying features to distinguish this newer model.

It’s still an all-plastic cuboid with an HDMI connector sticking out of one end, akin to an oversized USB thumb drive with the corners rounded off.

Unfortunately, this means that the last generation’s tendency to hog the area surrounding the HDMI socket it's lodged into is once again prevalent, meaning you may struggle to plug a cable into the adjacent HDMI port unless you use the included adapter.

A further design oversight relates to the power socket, which bafflingly uses Micro USB rather than the widely accepted USB-C standard. While we appreciate Amazon including a power adapter in the box, the decision to stick with the older, less convenient and less widely used connection is an odd choice indeed.

Moving away from the stick itself and onto the remote, Amazon has bundled in the same Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced model that can be found with the Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation). It’s functional, comfortable to hold, and features shortcuts to streaming services, which will differ depending on which region you purchase it in.

We would have liked to see the “find my remote” function included here, as it comes as standard on the Google TV Streamer; however, you’ll need to purchase the optional Fire TV Remote Pro for that, which also includes backlit buttons.

Features

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max’s only mission is to bring 4K streaming smarts to your TV, and it does so with a decent list of appreciated features.

HDR, for example, is supported in all of the major formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG, meaning this streaming stick will play nicely with your TV regardless of whether you own a Dolby Vision-sporting LG TV or an HDR10+ only Samsung.

Furthermore, it supports Dolby Atmos audio, as well as up to 7.1 surround sound.

Inside the Fire TV Stick is a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, and Amazon has been kind enough to double the storage from 8GB to 16GB, though RAM stays at 2GB.

Wi-Fi 6E is also supported, which should offer “smoother 4K streaming”, according to Amazon – though you’ll need a compatible router to access this.

At the heart of the Fire TV Stick experience is Fire OS, which you’ll also find on the company’s Omni-series QLED and Mini LED TVs, as well as (from 2024) Panasonic’s OLED TVs.

It’s a robust, well-supported and versatile operating system, which might not look quite as clean as Apple’s tvOS or be brimming with AI features like Google TV, but it's good for the straightforward streaming tasks that we require of a Fire TV Stick.

One area where Fire OS frustrates is with its ad-heavy nature. Amazon’s services are also pushed to the forefront, which shouldn’t be too surprising considering it manufactured the device, and the ads can be somewhat forgiven thanks to the device’s relatively low price tag.

App support is, unsurprisingly, excellent, with a full range of global streaming apps – including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and, of course, Amazon Prime Video – and domestic services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and more.

Fire OS is also home to some niche services, including Mubi, Shudder, BFI Player and others, making this a solid choice for mainstream and indie movie fans.

Something to note with the Apple TV app is that it's exclusively used as a hub for Apple TV+ content and a way to access your existing Apple TV library. The store cannot be accessed directly through this app, so you’ll need to purchase your desired movie or TV series on a smartphone or tablet to watch it on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Music and gaming apps are also well supported, with the likes of Spotify, Tidal and Deezer on board, though Apple Music is unfortunately sidelined. Thankfully, that can be circumvented with the inclusion of AirPlay 2.

Gaming-wise, Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming service and Xbox are the two major players, while casual games that can be controlled via the included remote are also accessible.

Picture

Much like its predecessor, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max provides plenty of positive picture attributes, which makes it a rather compelling streamer for the money. Better yet, it doesn’t have the Chromecast with Google TV to contend with, and instead now has the four-star Google TV Streamer as its major adversary.

We plug the Fire TV Stick into our reference Sony OLED TV and load up a range of streaming apps onto the device to deduce how it handles picture performance.

Firing up Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning on Netflix, the Fire TV Stick delivers a sharp and engaging picture, with plenty of detail in the suits worn by Ethan Hunt and his well-dressed gang as they plan out their mission in Abu Dhabi Airport.

There is ample detail to skin textures, and aside from a few instances of skin tones looking a tad on the warm side, the Fire TV Stick generally impresses.

We also take no issue with how motion is handled, as the MV-22 Osprey military aircraft carrying a troop of elite agents tasked with hunting down the hero glides smoothly into frame, with the whirring propellers showing no signs of awkward juddering or stuttering.

Switching to Challengers in HDR10+ on Amazon Prime Video, we’re once again impressed with the detail levels, colours, and motion, deducing that the Stick 4K Max provides a balanced and enjoyable image overall.

Furthermore, the film grain that can sometimes be presented as overbearing image noise on the Google streamer seems cleaner and looks more intentional on the Fire TV Stick.

Feeding the Fire TV Stick some HD content, namely Gladiator II, once again on Prime Video, we do notice that the edges of subjects get slightly softer. That being said, clothing and skin remain detailed enough, and the streamer certainly doesn’t make a big deal of presenting the comparatively lower resolution content.

We compare it directly to the Google TV Streamer with these aforementioned movies, alongside Mad Max: Fury Road and Babylon on the Apple TV app, and this is where things get interesting.

Despite costing a fair bit more than the Fire TV Stick 4K, the Google TV Streamer’s picture looks nearly identical. We can pick out a touch more detail on the Google TV, and colours are slightly punchier (if anything, we could accuse the Google of overdoing skin tones here), but otherwise, we struggle to see the point in shelling out for the pricier Google TV Streamer when it comes to picture performance.

Sound

While the picture performance is practically identical to the Google TV Streamer (albeit for less money), where we see the biggest difference between these two streamers is in sound quality. Make no mistake, the Fire TV Stick 4K is no maestro, but it's a darn sight better than the Google TV Streamer.

Loading up Tidal to stream tracks including Gasoline by HAIM and Taylor Swift, Luther by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, and From by Bon Iver, we’re met with sound that can best be described as solid. It won’t blow your socks off, and timing is one aspect where the Fire TV Stick does falter, but it’s a warmer, more cohesive and dynamic performance compared with the poor-sounding Google TV Streamer.

This is true for movies and TV shows as well, as we return to Mission: Impossible to find clear and detailed vocals that have been prioritised within the greater audio mix. That being said, they don’t sound detached, and the tense soundtrack still has its chance to build suspense effectively.

Verdict

Amazon’s flagship streaming stick is a solid option for anyone whose TV’s built-in streaming apps just aren’t cutting it. Its sharp and colourful picture, paired with its easy plug-and-play usability, should appease those who want to squeeze a bit more life out of their ageing 4K TV, or sidestep their TV’s built-in operating system.

Unless you’re considering stepping up to the Apple TV 4K, which costs double the price, the Fire TV Stick 4K is the go-to 4K streaming device at this level.

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Google TV Streamer

Also consider the Apple TV 4K

These are the best video streamers you can buy

A damning report by Enders Analysis has called on big tech companies to crack down on piracy issues.

The research, written by Gareth Sutcliffe and Ollie Meir, says that Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft are all enabling “industry scale theft” of video services.

According to the report, the sports broadcasting industry is the biggest contributor to this issue. That’s because it is becoming more and more expensive to access legally.

Much of the piracy can be attributed to users buying illegal Amazon Fire TV Sticks sold via Meta’s platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.

According to data for the first quarter of this year, provided to Enders by Sky, 59 per cent of people in the UK who admitted to watching pirated material in the last year while using a physical device said they had used a Amazon Fire product.

But illegal streaming sticks are not the only problem here.

Fire TV Sticks can run sideloaded Android apps, as the Fire TV operating system is based on Android; so users can install apps not found in the official app stores.

This is also possible on Android TV and Google TV devices.

The research adds: “Big tech is both friend and foe in solving the piracy problem. Conflicting incentives harm consumer safety by providing easy discovery of illegal pirated services, and reduced friction through low-cost hardware such as the Amazon Firestick.”

An Amazon spokesperson told the BBC: "Pirated content violates our policies regarding intellectual property rights, and compromises the security and privacy of our customers."

The company has made changes to its Fire devices to make it harder for people to stream pirated content, they added.

Another development that could improve the problem is Amazon's promise to switch to its in-house Vega OS for Fire TV Sticks. This transition will require developers to rebuild all apps and would stop the ability to sideload Android apps.

Google and Microsoft are also in the firing line of the report, which says that the Digital Rights Management solutions provided by the companies “are in steep decline”.

MORE:

Here are the best streaming devices we recommend

This is our review of the Amazon Fire Stick 4K

Check out our review of Apple TV 4K

Soundbars with Dolby Atmos can cost a fair amount, so this Amazon entry offers a way to bring the immersive experience to the living room without breaking the bank.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is the brand’s step-up model from its cheaper sibling, which we rated a respectable three stars.

This 3.1 speaker system doesn’t add the Fire TV smarts we expected but didn’t get with the first Fire TV Soundbar, but it does add Dolby Atmos support, so it’s easy to assume it must be better in terms of sound quality.

Well, you know what they say about 'assume', don’t you?

Price

Coming in at £250 / $250 (about AU$400), the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus costs roughly twice as much as its entry-level sibling, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar. As with most of Amazon’s first-party products, discounts are frequent and often large – we have seen it available for as little as £200 / $190.

In the US, you can add an optional subwoofer and surround sound speakers from Amazon for a total system cost of $490 (around £370/ AU$765), but these additional components are not available in the UK.

Competition is fierce, even at this budget level, but the Sony HT-S2000 stands out as the benchmark.

Although it launched at a more expensive £349 / $500 / AU$595, it is now usually available for closer to £250 in the UK. We haven’t seen quite the same drop in the US or Australia, though, as it is widely available for just a few dollars off its original price tag. Its solid dynamics and clear dialogue impressed during testing, earning it a five-star rating.

The Sonos Ray is also competing with the Amazon soundbar with a slightly higher price tag of £279 / $279 / AU$399 and a lower specification that does without Atmos support and HDMI connectivity. This punchy yet petite entry delivers excellent vocal clarity, but its weak low-end extension means it was awarded four stars.

Design

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus’ plastic body with its neat cloth grille gives the ’bar a clean overall feel.

Its 6.4 x 94 x 13.2cm (hwd) dimensions make it perfectly suited for the spot in front of and/or beneath your TV, and at 4kg, it is heavier and longer than the Sony HT-S2000, which gives it a more robust feel.

Underneath that grille are three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and two subwoofers. There are no up-firing speakers, though, despite the soundbar offering Dolby Atmos. It does this instead with processing that's designed to recreate the sense of space that physical speakers would do otherwise.

We still wouldn't advise positioning the soundbar inside a cabinet or on a shelf with another above it, even though there are no up-firing drivers.

Features

As with its cheaper sibling, no app or Amazon features (not even Alexa) are integrated into the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus, which seems like a missed opportunity and makes the product’s name feel somewhat misleading.

You don’t get a full display either, although there are different coloured lights that show on the front of the ’bar when you switch inputs or change settings such as volume.

As with its cheaper sibling, no app or Amazon features are integrated into the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus, which seems like a missed opportunity and makes the product’s name feel somewhat misleading.

We don’t get a full display either, although there are different coloured lights that show on the front of the ’bar when you switch inputs or change settings such as volume.

The remote control is a small affair, perhaps a little too tiny to fit snugly in the palm of your hand. Still, it’s intuitive to use, and you always know what setting is being adjusted. This is partly thanks to a voice alert that indicates if you are changing the input or the EQ.

Speaking of the different sound modes, there are four to choose from: Movie, Music, Sport and Night.

Movie gives its sound the biggest sense of space and immersion, but Music is the mode to go for if you are using it for more forward and direct audio.

For those looking to enjoy some sports commentary, Sports emphasises dialogue but at the expense of the rest of the sound, which becomes thinner and less expressive.

Finally, Night allows you to compress the sound to avoid disturbing others in the house.

You can customise the sound further with separate bass, treble, and dialogue levels. Bass and treble can be changed from one to nine, whereas dialogue has just five steps.

These first two settings are preset to five, which we find gives the most balanced overall presentation. Dialogue is initially set to three. As there is no app, the only way to cycle through these is via the remote, which can quickly become tiresome.

On top of that, you can turn on a surround sound mode to further widen your film’s soundstage.

Sound

We begin testing the soundbar with a What Hi-Fi? favourite, Mad Max: Fury Road, using the LG C5 as our TV. During the start of the chase scene as the warboys charge after Furiosa, we expect the multiple engines to roar and for Nux’s whoops to feel joyous but raw.

Instead, the Amazon ’bar presents flappy, thin bass that is almost unrecognisable as the rev of an actual engine. Nux’s voice is clear over the fast-paced soundtrack and vehicle noise, but it sounds flat and robotic. Nicholas Hoult’s performance is dulled down to something much less impactful.

We turn up the volume in the hopes of getting a more bassy impact or some sense of dynamics. However, this results in a shrill and unpleasant sound from both the lower and higher frequencies, only further highlighting the flaws in its execution.

Moving to the war movie Unbroken, it’s a similar story. As we see the bomber attacked in the air, the explosions that bounce off the nose of the plane should feel heavy and impactful. Instead, they sound weightless and lacking substance.

There’s a hard-to-ignore insistence to the upper midrange during this tense scene that is both shrill and irritating. Even the lower frequencies drill away at your ears, somehow managing to exclude the lower bass and lower mid from the mix.

At least there is a wide sense of space with the action, and the Atmos-ness of the presentation is relatively impressive considering there are no up-firing speakers. You can feel an attacking plane move from one side of the screen to another with decent precision, for example.

But while that spaciousness and the directness of the dialogue are both improvements over the sort of sound you can expect from most TVs, the presentation is otherwise so regularly grating that we feel most TV speakers will be preferable to this soundbar overall. That’s a damning thing to say about a soundbar.

We switch to Music and play some tunes from Tidal, starting with Invincible by Tool.

The vocals sound incredibly artificial, displaying the same unnatural, unemotive quality that we notice when watching movies. Lead singer Maynard James Keenan’s voice is almost unrecognisable; more robot than man.

Each frequency feels separate from the rest, grating and competing to be the loudest.

The jump in quality when we switch to the Sony HT-S2000 is stark. We get a much more cohesive sound and, although the movie soundstage is smaller than that which we get from the Amazon soundbar, it is quite simply a more pleasant listen.

Verdict

While Amazon’s soundbar is simple to set up and creates a wide sense of space, this is all overshadowed by the unbalanced overall sound performance.

Any sense of tension and emotion is removed by the soundbar’s dull yet grating audio quality, which only gets worse if you turn up the volume.

There are so many better options out there at a lower price, including Amazon’s own entry-level Amazon Fire TV soundbar – which isn’t in itself very good, has fewer features and no Dolby Atmos, yet still manages to produce a much more balanced and overall listenable experience than the Plus.

Ultimately, though, neither of Amazon's soundbars so much as glances at our list of the best budget soundbars.

SCORES

• Sound 2
• Build 4
• Features 3

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony HT S2000

Also consider the Sonos Ray

Best soundbars: options for every need, recommended by our experts

My six-year-old son is, as you can probably imagine, hugely spoiled in terms of the AV gear he gets to enjoy TV shows, movies and games on.

Of course, he doesn't really know that. He has no real appreciation for the fact that we recently watched Transformers One on one of the best OLED TVs, nor that the sound was coming from the five-star Sony HT-A9 Dolby Atmos system. He just loved the experience of it all.

But the reason he loved that experience (and our other movie nights) was that it felt a little bit like going to the cinema. Lights off, reasonably big screen, loud sound.

I've often pondered taking the home cinema experience to its logical conclusion by making a projector work in our living room, but have always felt that it's just not practical. Or, more accurately, not entirely worth all of the effort that would be involved.

Instead, one weekend when the weather was looking particularly stormy, I decided to take a mini projector home so that we could set it up in his bedroom for a bit of a treat – and it was a hit.

The projector in question is the Xgimi Mogo 2 Pro, which has actually now been replaced by the Mogo 3 Pro. We never actually reviewed it, but it's clearly not the most impressive portable projector.

The picture isn't very refined, it's not bright enough when there's ambient light in the room, and the sound is a bit shrill. Unlike some newer models, it can't compensate for background colour, either, and my son's wall is a pale blue, so in his room there's a coolness to the picture that certainly isn't 'as the director intended'.

In other words, watching movies in my son's bedroom via the Mogo 2 Pro is a million miles from what a serious home cinema snob such as myself considers to be high quality.

What it is, though, is great fun.

We're able to blast a 100-inch image onto his wall, which he can watch from his bed less than two metres away, and that makes everything seem huge – which of course makes it feel much more like the cinema than the technically far superior system in the lounge.

My son was, it's fair to say, blown away by it, and his innocent joy at his bedroom becoming a cinema was enough to convince me that the projector can stay.

We've now bought a Fire TV Stick to plug into the back of it, too, partly to overcome the Mogo 2 Pro's lack of a working Netflix app (a common problem with projectors), and partly because Amazon Fire TV devices are easy to set up with parental controls.

It's been a couple of months now, and my son's bedroom cinema still feels special. Turning the projector on to watch a movie still feels like an event, which means it's still something that happens just once a week or so. I'm much more comfortable with that than I am with there being a TV in his room.

It's fine to be snobby about home cinema – I've made a career out of it after all – but it's also worth remembering from time to time that the most important thing about movies is having fun watching them.

And, just sometimes, an average-performing portable projector can deliver that more effectively than a system costing thousands.

MORE:

Here are the best portable projectors you can buy

If, unlike me, you can go the whole hog, these are the overall best projectors available

Despite Amazon doing very nicely for years now with its own range of Fire TV streaming devices, it was still a surprise when Amazon announced a couple of years back that it was launching its own range of TV sets. Shipping Amazon’s streaming services built into actual TV sets was quite the leap.

Even more surprising, though, is that previous Amazon TV ranges we’ve seen have tended to be pretty good. Or, at least, great value.

The brand’s latest TV series, though, is its most premium offering to date, turning to Mini LED lighting and a local dimming light system operating across hundreds of different zones to park its tanks on the mid-range lawns of the TV world’s more established TV brands.

The question is, can the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED take Amazon’s TV reputation to a whole new level, or will it turn out to be a step too far?

Price

Amazon’s TVs have always been aggressively priced, and that holds true with the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED. Its official price of £850 / $900 is already impressive, but you shouldn’t have to pay even that much, so frequent are Amazon’s discounts. At the time of writing, the TV is just £750 / $730, and we’ve seen it available in the past for as little as £650 / $700.

Such good value is the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED, in fact, that really direct competition is hard to find. The only really respectable 55-inch Mini LED rivals currently around for the same sort of money are TCL’s 2024 C805K series and Hisense’s U7N. Both of which are solid enough performers without being so good that they shut the door on any possibility of Amazon’s latest set competing with them.

Design

The 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED TV is really quite easy on the eye for such an affordable TV. The frame around the screen is trimmer than those of most budget TVs, and it boasts an appealing brushed silver finish that actually looks quite opulent and metallic from a regular viewing distance. Its desktop feet also enjoy a quite metallic look, as well as a quite dramatic arched shape.

It feels reasonably solidly built for such an affordable 55-inch TV, too, while the slenderness and flatness of its back panel make it a potentially attractive wall-hanging option.

The Omni Mini LED TVs ship with one of Amazon’s typical remote controls, which is no bad thing given that these remotes combine a comfortably slender shape with a minimal button count and pretty sensible layout. Plus, of course, the remote carries a mic button with which you can issue the TV with voice instructions and search terms to make more buttons on the remote unnecessary.

Features

The Fire TV Omni Mini LED helpfully includes two of its key features in its name. First, the Fire TV bit tells you that its smart system is Amazon’s long-running Fire TV system – a system that’s been around for so long and has appeared in so many devices now that it will be instantly familiar to many of today’s TV buyers.

Fire TV is one of the most content-rich smart systems around these days, carrying the vast majority of the world’s most popular streaming services – including the recently launched Freely service for live-streaming the broadcast services of many of the UK’s biggest broadcast channels. The extent to which Fire TVs tend to prioritise Amazon’s own Prime Video streaming service can be a little annoying at times, but that’s really only to be expected and these days isn’t much different to how Samsung and LG now heavily promote their respective streamed ‘channels’ on the homescreens of their TVs. Plus, you can customise the Fire TV’s menus to at least redress the balance a bit.

The other key feature revealed in this TV’s name, of course, is its Mini LED lighting system. Mini LEDs are far smaller than the regular LEDs still used to light most TVs at this price level, and they can help screens achieve tighter light control and, potentially, more brightness. That can be especially true when Mini LEDs are partnered – as they are in this case – by a local dimming system, where different zones of the TV’s backlight can be separately controlled to deliver more or less light wherever the image needs it.

It would be pretty cool to find even a basic local dimming system on the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED for its price. Actually, though, this Amazon TV’s local dimming system is anything but basic, sporting as it does a whopping 512 separate dimming zones (the 65-inch model ups this to 768). That’s a huge number for such an affordable TV and bodes very well for its picture quality. So long as the TV has the processing and image know-how to actually make that many zones work effectively, of course.

Also boding well for the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s performance are its Quantum Dot colour system and a VA-type LCD panel. VA panels typically deliver much better contrast than the alternative IPS type – albeit at the expense of more limited effective viewing angles.

The Fire TV Omni Mini LED has plenty of appeal for gamers, too. Its 120Hz panel can actually support games running at frame rates up to 144Hz for starters (provided you have a suitably capable PC and remember to manually activate the Gaming option in the TV’s connection menus), and its HDMIs also support VRR, including the AMD FreeSync Premium Pro format.

Input lag comes down to an impressively low 13.1ms with the TV set to its Game mode, too, and the set’s support for the Dolby Vision high dynamic range format extends to low-lag gaming as well as video.

Impressively, the Dolby Vision support is joined by support for the HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG HDR formats too, effectively meaning that Amazon’s TV can play the best available version of any video content you feed it. The presence of a built-in sensor means the set even supports the IQ version of Dolby Vision, where the pictures are automatically adjusted to retain a similar level of HDR impact no matter how much light there is in your room.

The 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED is well connected for its money. It has four HDMIs for starters, two capable of handling 120/144Hz games, and one with eARC audio support. There’s a digital audio output, too, as well as a single USB 3.0 port. On the wireless side, Bluetooth 5.0 and wi-fi streaming are both on board. This is a TV essentially built around Amazon’s online smart platform, after all. In fact, like its 65-inch sibling, the wi-fi system supports 6 GHz for smoother video streaming and more responsive online gaming – assuming your router is also up to the task.

Picture

The Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s pictures make a startlingly good first impression. For starters, they’re much (much) brighter than expected, instantly giving HDR content more of a lift over SDR than such an affordable TV would normally be expected to do. In fact, they look brighter when compared with the 55-inch competition than the 65-inch model did versus its 65-inch competition.

This brightness is especially noticeable in peak bright parts of the image, which glow with the sort of intensity many TVs costing twice as much won’t give you. But full-screen bright HDR content also looks significantly brighter, actually, than it does on any current OLED screen.

Even more surprisingly, the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s eye-catching brightness is accompanied by some really respectable handling of dark scenes and picture areas. Areas that should look black really do get pretty black, with impressively little sign of the ‘grey wash’ effect that can hang over dark scenes on most HDR TVs as affordable as this Amazon model is. Just as importantly, though, these unexpectedly credible blacks don’t come at the expense of lost shadow details and colour tones in the darkest picture areas as can happen with TVs that have less well-developed and controlled backlight systems.

Since the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED doesn’t join some rivals in dimming bright highlights of HDR pictures down when they appear against dark backgrounds, its combination of black levels and brightness serves up some serious punchy contrast – again delivering a startlingly expansive HDR experience for this level of the TV market.

The QLED colours, meanwhile, look vibrant and bold, feeding on the screen’s punchy brightness rather than being overwhelmed by it to the point where tones might have started to look faded or bleached. There’s also a more than respectable degree of subtlety in the way the Fire TV Omni Mini LED renders colours, helping it largely avoid colour banding/striping issues while contributing to a pleasingly three-dimensional and natural look to objects and skin tones (the latter being traditionally one of the most challenging things for relatively cheap TVs to get right).

In an ideal world the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s colours would retain a little more vibrancy and saturation in its relatively accurate Filmmaker Mode and Movie Bright picture presets. As with the 65-inch model, reds in particular can look a touch lacking in these settings unless you call in the TV’s Adaptive Colour feature (which, for reasons we’ll get to in a moment, we actually strongly advise you not to do…). We wouldn’t say this somewhat subdued red issue is bad enough to feel like a major distraction, especially as you tend to become attuned to it over time.

The Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s picture strengths prove a good fit for gaming, too. All that contrast and colour joins forces with a smooth and responsive experience to make HDR gaming in particular feel immersive and rewarding. And you certainly don’t feel as if anything the TV is doing is responsible for your gaming fails.

The only catches are that the 4K/120Hz and 144Hz feeds opened up by the Gaming option in the connections menu actually look noticeably less sharp and detailed than 4K/60Hz feeds, and that while the screen is responsive, motion across the screen can look a little soft.

This motion softness unfortunately doesn’t only affect gaming, either. You also feel its impact while watching films or TV shows, especially when you’re watching native 4K images, where the excellent clarity and sharpness of relatively static shots make the mushy look to fine details of moving objects or during camera pans stand out more.

Now we’ve strayed into negative territory, there are a couple of other issues to report. One is that while colours can be vivid and subtle in the set’s most punchy presets, they’re also weirdly inconsistent. This is especially true if you leave the TV’s Adaptive Colour feature in play. This feature supposedly uses AI to optimise colour saturations and tones for every shot and scene, but it’s so hyperactive and heavy-handed that it just ends up making colours look distractingly unstable. It can even sometimes clearly shift the image’s entire colour tone in the middle of a single shot/take, immediately ruining your immersion in what you’re watching.

Even without Adaptive Colour active, though, the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s colours aren’t consistent, sometimes shifting without any obvious rhyme or reason between different colour temperatures, especially with skin tones, as a film or TV show cuts from shot to shot.

One final smaller issue is that while the backlight system of Amazon’s most premium own-brand 55-inch TV is mostly surprisingly effective for the TV’s money, as with its 65-inch sibling it can leave some visible light blooming around bright HDR objects if they appear against a relatively dark backdrop. This isn’t really apparent with SDR viewing, and often takes the form of mild general cloudiness with shots and scenes that contain a mix of light and dark content rather than really in-your-face circles or blocks of extraneous light. But it’s noticeable to suggest that Amazon hasn’t totally nailed how to control the 512 dimming zones at the screen’s disposal.

While the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s issues are enough to prevent it earning a perfect score from us, though, it’s still good enough on balance to hold up as a real bargain for anyone keen to get a fairly full-blooded HDR experience without breaking the bank.

Sound

The aggressive and involving nature of the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s pictures is repeated with its audio.

For starters, this is a loud TV, capable of pumping out enough volume to make even action movie soundtracks feel compelling and fairly cinematic, though only of course by the generally low standards of integrated TV sound systems.

This raw power is delivered without pushing the speaker system to the point where it starts to sound strained or brittle, no matter how much pressure and density a climactic, explosion-packed movie moment might have. This ability to handle Hollywood’s heaviest moments without falling apart also means it has enough headroom to shift smoothly up and down a few gears as powerful movie soundtracks go through their constant ebb and flow.

The speaker’s power helps to drive the Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s sound out and away from the TV’s bodywork quite handily, too, ensuring there’s a good sense of scale as well as raw volume to the soundstage. This large staging even includes a hint of height when listening to Dolby Atmos soundtracks.

Detailing is impressive, and the subwoofer built into the Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s rear adds some real low-frequency presence to the more than solid work of the main stereo speakers without succumbing to distortions or crackles.

As with the 65-inch model’s sound, though, the 55 Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s subwoofer does sound a bit low-fi compared to the clarity of the main speakers. There are a couple of other audio limitations too, namely that male voices can sometimes sound a bit forced and hummy, and voices and some other centre channel effects can sometimes feel rather locked into a small area under the middle of the screen.

Overall, though, the 55-inch Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s sound is at least on if not slightly above par for its price.

Verdict

While it’s a little rough around the edges in places, overall Amazon’s latest and most premium 55-inch TV has more going for it on both the feature and performance fronts to make it another genuine bargain.

• Picture 4
• Sound 4
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Hisense 55U7N

Also consider the TCL 55C805K

Read our 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED review

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

Amazon is one of the best known brands on the planet, so it barely needs an introduction. You may be surprised to learn, however, that this is the retail giant’s first soundbar. It’s a modest initial plunge, focusing on the entry-level market with a simple 2.0 speaker configuration.

For those wanting a more sophisticated soundbar including Dolby Atmos and 3.1 speaker channels, the brand has also released the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus, available for £250 / $250. In this review, though, we’ll be focusing on the cheaper ’bar.

Disappointingly and somewhat misleadingly, neither of Amazon's 'Fire TV' soundbars sport Fire TV smarts. If you were hoping for and expecting a Roku Streambar-style soundbar with streaming capabilities, then, you will be disappointed. In fact, even Alexa is absent here.

However, with its compact dimensions, the very affordable Amazon Fire TV Soundbar could still be an appealing way to boost a TV’s sonic performance without breaking the bank or taking up lots of space. If it sounds any good, of course.

Price

The launch price of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is £120 / $120, which is on the cheaper side of the spectrum. We have already spotted discounts on the product, too.

Even cheaper is the four-star Sony HT-SF150 (known as the HT-S100F in the US) which we tested at just £90 / $100 / AU$199. We rated its all-round performance highly and were especially pleased by its impressive scale and width considering its price.

Another soundbar to enter our testing room and challenge the Amazon soundbar is the Hisense HS214, which costs just £79 / $150 / AU$147. For its clear vocal projection and compact size, we gave it a respectable four-star rating.

Design

With this soundbar, Amazon is keeping it simple by including Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X, but there is no Dolby Atmos.

For that reason, it has just two drivers, which are situated at the front of the product firing outwards through a plastic grille.

It does include DTS Virtual:X which, when implemented correctly, can give sound a sense of height and three-dimensionality without additional speakers, but don't go expecting proper 3D audio.

Around the back you can find the connectivity options in a nook, consisting of HDMI, optical, and a USB socket that has no practical at-home use. There’s only one gap in the soundbar to house all of the connections, so it does feel a bit cramped.

You can also send music (and podcasts, etc) to the soundbar via Bluetooth. The touch buttons, which control volume, Bluetooth, power and input, are satisfying to press thanks to a tactile feel, with the symbols raised slightly so you can feel them with your finger.

Given the price point, it’s not a shocker that this is not the most glamorous of units – but it is properly made and reasonably solid. Still, it has a small and light build that makes it easy to move to wherever you would like it positioned.

At 61cm wide, the Fire TV Soundbar is a good partner aesthetically for smaller TVs, but it also looks fairly smart alongside the 55-inch LG C5 with which we test it.

That said, Sony’s HT-SF150 appears a little more premium thanks to its textured finish and slightly slicker cosmetic touches.

Features

With no app or Amazon features integrated into the ’bar, there is a lot less than usual to talk about here. As mentioned already, even Alexa is absent.

At this price, we would not expect a full-blown display, and we don’t get one. Instead, what we get are coloured light indicators to show information such as whether the volume has been changed or Bluetooth enabled.

There are times when it is not clear whether a setting has been changed, so it’s sometimes hard to tell just what function the unit has switched on or off.

The remote follows in the main soundbar’s footsteps with its small size. It feels a bit too dinky to fit snugly into your palm, though the button layout is fairly straightforward and the remote is overall easy to use.

Through the remote, you can access the three sound modes: Music, Dialogue and Movie. Music gives you the most cohesive and punchy presentation, while Movie increases the sense of scale at the expense of some precision.

Dialogue mode makes voices clearer – ideal for podcasts or watching the news – but this comes at the expense of the rest of the sound, which becomes more muffled and undefined.

With the lack of an app, you can only access these modes by cycling through the options via the remote, with a voice telling you which one is currently selected.

There are other ways to customise the sound on offer, too. There is a Bass button that allows you to crank up the lower frequencies with three levels to choose between. We decide to stick to the second level as the lowest option does not provide enough bass weight and the highest overpowers the rest of the sound.

On top of that, there’s a Surround option that widens the soundstage to create a bigger sound.

Sound

We kick off with Dune 2, as protagonist Paul attempts to master the art of riding a sandworm. The Amazon’s 2.0 soundbar does an impressive job of capturing the scale of the scene, especially considering the lack of Dolby Atmos.

As the massive worm bursts out of the sand with what should be an ear-splitting boom, the soundbar does not quite achieve that but it does keep the sound balanced and relatively composed.

Compared to our LG C5’s own speakers, the soundbar boosts practically all aspects of the sound to create a more immersive overall experience. Instead of the TV’s thin bass, the soundbar offers a punchier and more expressive sound.

There is also a big improvement in terms of scale and weight, as the sound wraps around you far more than it does when delivered by the LG TV’s speakers.

With the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, we play around with the Surround mode to see how it performs with a more musical choice. The iconic Live Aid sequence featuring an incredible performance by Rami Malek boggles the mind with the number of people crammed into London’s Wembley Stadium.

With Surround mode on, we get a real sense of the sheer scale of the stage, but the nuance of Malek’s vocal performance is pushed to the background.

It’s a bit of a Catch 22. When Surround is off, you can hear the subtleties in his voice much more clearly. The problem is now that the sound feels narrower and the size of the performance is underwhelming.

This makes for a slightly frustrating experience, as most people are unlikely to be switching between modes every five minutes. On the balance of things, we decide that if you’re going to pick one setting for all movies, it should be Surround on.

Even in our preferred Surround mode, the soundbar lacks definition in the bass. When Paul runs at the worm in Dune 2, for example, the staggering impact of the creature moving through the sand feels undefined instead of textured and floor-shaking.

In a later scene with Paul having an ominous chat with Fremen Stilgar, both voices are clear and central within the soundstage. It does feel oddly like a voiceover in some parts, however, with the dialogue sounding too smooth and missing the emotion of the performances.

To put the Amazon ’bar to the test with music alone, we switch on Music mode with Radiohead’s Everything In Its Right Place. This setting definitely helps to push the sound to the front, capturing the dream-like vocals and smooth synths well.

Still, it lacks the ability to give the bass an extra punch and the voices sound disconnected from the rest of the track.

The Sony HT-SF150 is not flawless either, but comparing the two soundbars proves that it's comfortably better than the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, with a richer and more detailed sound that its newer rival can't match.

Verdict

If you are looking for a soundbar to improve upon your TV’s sound for a reasonable price, Amazon’s entry ticks a lot of boxes with its clear dialogue performance and unfussy features. And, if you wait for one of Amazon’s many sales, you should be able to pick it up for much less than the original price.

However, even when discounted it’s not the best option at its level. Based on the more rounded overall performance, we would choose the Sony HT-SF150.

SCORES

• Sound 3
• Build 3
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony HT-SF150

Also consider the Roku Streambar

Best budget soundbars: affordable home cinema sound tested by experts

If you have followed my recent flurry of old TV reviewer rants at sky features, you’ll know one of my big tasks this year has been reviewing a sea of Mini LED TVs.

Which is why this week I was delighted to get a slight change of pace and help our senior staff writer, Lewis Empson, test the swanky new LG C5.

Routine is great, but we all need a little variety every now and then.

In the course of our investigations, Lewis and I ran through our usual portfolio of comparative checks, running the new set head to head with rival products.

And as we went through our standard suite of test discs, I came to one conclusion as to why OLED still dominates the upper echelons of our best TV buying guide despite heavyweight companies, including Hisense and new “top dog” TCL’s efforts to push Mini LED.

It’s all to do with light control

Comparing any Mini LED with an OLED, you will find the latter will offer deeper blacks. This is because OLEDs have pixel-level light control, where the set charges individual pixels to create images.

Blacks are made by doing nothing at all – which is why all OLEDs offer perfect black levels.

Mini LED TVs by comparison, have a backlight. They use tiny LEDs arranged into zones that can light independently of one another; Mini LED TVs tend to have more zones than ‘standard’ LED TVs – we’re talking about a four-figure number on most models.

A 4K OLED TV, by comparison, essentially has over eight million ‘zones’ thanks to its ability to light each pixel independently.

Ultimately, while a Mini LED TV can create perfect black, it is rarely able to manage the feat, as there is usually some amount of light bleeding in from the part of the picture that is lit.

But it isn’t black level in itself that makes top end OLEDs perform better in these conditions. It’s the overall light control.

It’s all to do with consistency. Jump over to our reviews of the TCL C855K, Amazon Fire Mini LED, Hisense U8N and Hisense U7N and you’ll see one common complaint: they struggle to deal with intense scenes with a mix of very bright and very dark elements.

On the TCL C855K this results in distracting leaps where the backlight can’t control sections with enough finesse, leading to the entire screen either going too bright and looking flat, or awkwardly flipping its brightness, causing noticeable shifts to the picture.

On the others, including the Amazon Omni Fire TV Mini LED and Hisense U8N / U7N, light blooming crept in.

This is a phenomenon where there is a noticeable halo around light parts of the picture set over a dark background.

In each instance this led me to focus more on what the TV was doing, than what was happening in the movie on the Mini LED set I was reviewing – a cardinal sin for any home cinema product.

In comparison, the LG C5’s precision in managing every part of the picture creates an immersive, consistent experience that never made Lewis or me focus on the set’s background processing.

It’s this consistency with how the picture and contrast is handled by OLEDs that continues to differentiate them from Mini LEDs, which are still struggling to match that pixel-perfect precision in the top end of the market.

Will that change?

It’s hard to envision a backlit TV ever being able to match the consistent contrast control of a self-emissive pixel technology such as OLED; but that doesn’t mean Mini LED TVs don’t have their place. For starters, the cheaper manufacturing costs mean cheaper TVs for consumers, and that definitely strikes a chord with many buyers.

This is easily shown by TCL’s recent lead for sales in the premium TV market, despite the sea of (decent, but not perfect) four-star reviews we have given its sets.

I also am happy to report that, from a performance-per-pound / dollar perspective, Mini LED is the dominant player in the mid-range TV space. OLED is an inherently expensive technology to manufacture, so TVs with the impressive tech cost a premium.

But for buyers where performance is king, who want the best home cinema experience possible, and don’t mind paying for it, OLED remains the top option – and I can’t see that changing until Micro LED becomes affordable.

MORE:

These are the best 65-inch TVs we have reviewed

Our picks of the best OLED TVs

We rate the best Mini LED TVs money can buy

The Mini LED TV market is always a battleground, with big name players including Hisense, TCL, Samsung, Sony and Panasonic all pushing hard to dominate the space.

But during the latest skirmish, after weeks of testing, it was a plucky new product from Amazon that impressed me, and the wider home cinema reviews team, enough to carve a space in our best Mini LED buying guide.

Specifically, the 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED dethroned the Hisense U7N as our recommended best value Mini LED TV.

Why? The answer’s pretty simple, it performed the best at its price when we ran it head-to-head with its rivals in our dedicated viewing rooms.

Holistically, the TV offered a wonderfully bright, but accurate picture that never tried too hard with its processing or contrast, resulting in a pleasingly consistent movie watching experience.

This is a big deal as trying too hard is a key issue I’ve experienced and documented reviewing Mini LED TVs many times before.

To catch you up, many either boost contrast to the point dark detail is lost in a bid to overcome Mini LED sets’ inability to match OLED TV’s perfect back levels.

Or they go to the other extreme and get too focussed on showing off their main selling point – their incredibly high peak brightness levels. Here they raise the backlight too high, making images lose dynamic range and look a little flat.

None of this happened on the Fire TV Mini LED, which seemed to accept its weaknesses and offer a wonderfully uniform performance that let us focus on the movie, not what it was doing. Hence our conclusion:

“The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED is a solid set for buyers ready to take their first jump from a basic LED into the mid-range TV market. Offering clear improvements on the base Omni QLED, it gets a lot right thanks to its focus on never pushing itself too hard.”

So why didn’t it get a four, not perfect five-star, rating? There are a few reasons. First, is that while the picture is great for the price, it isn’t perfect. The TV can play it a little too safe in some instances.

Watching Blade Runner 2049 during the opening dark scene, reds looked under-represented, with Sapper Morton’s skin in particular looking a little flat. The same was true when we tested the TV with our It 4k Blu-ray. Georgie’s iconic yellow rain coat didn’t pop out of the otherwise grey backdrop as it should.

Second, while it is the best of its kind, it’s still a four star product. We’d also note that the margin between it and the Hisense U7N is very small. The only reason the Amazon beat it is its more mature light control, with the Hisense suffering from noticeably more bloom during our checks – this is where there’s a halo around bright sections of the picture directly next to dark segments.

Third is its middling audio. Despite having a built in 2.1 speaker system, the sub isn't powerful enough to truly immerse you and there's not any sense of directionality. You will need to invest in a separate soundbar or speaker package for the best results possible.

But, those caveats aside, the Amazon is the best value Mini LED TV money can buy right now and one we’re thoroughly happy to recommend, especially to buyers still on older basic LED sets.

MORE:

These are the best 65-inch TVs we’ve tested

We rate the best soundbars money can buy

Our picks of the best cheap TVs

The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED is the top dog in the retail giant’s line of own-brand TVs. That makes it the most expensive option firmly in the mid-range, rather than the affordable, price bracket usually targeted by Amazon TVs.

To justify its jump, Amazon has loaded it with a wealth of upgrades that make it a radical upgrade on the Omni QLED model. But, can it compete in its new weight class, which is full of big name rivals from Samsung, TCL, and Panasonic, the last of which now uses Amazon Fire OS on its Mini LED TVs and relaunched in the US last year? Thankfully, based on our week-long stretch of comparative testing, we’re pleased to report the answer is, for the most part, yes.

Price

The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED is available in four sizes – 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches. If you’re in the UK or Europe be warned the largest 85-inch model isn’t on sale yet.

The 65-inch model we have in our viewing rooms for review cost £1150 / $1090 when it launched at the end of last year, but we’re already seeing sporadic price drops on it. At the time of publishing it was selling for £950.

Below it, the 55-inch model retails for £850 / $820 and the larger 75-inch a slightly more expensive £1600 / $1400. In the US, the largest 85-inch Omni Mini LED will set you back $2100.

That’s a hefty premium on Amazon’s step-down Omni QLED line, but roughly in line with most mid-range Mini LED TVs.

The 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED currently retails for £850 / $800. The two main rivals we’re testing it against are the 65-inch Hisense U7N, which currently retails for £1000 / $800 and slightly more premium 65-inch TCL C855K (review coming soon) which sells for £1199, but is not available in the US.

Design

The Omni Mini LED is a fairly chunky beast. Like most TVs with a built-in rear firing subwoofer, it’s fairly thick. It also has a slightly curved back, which means it won’t sit flush if you wall mount it.

Otherwise it’s a nicely discreet looking unit, with fairly small bezels and a suitably unassuming finish which means it will sit in most homes comfortably. Its side facing inputs are also set far enough into the TV’s rear to not have cables awkwardly jutting out of the side.

We do have two gripes with the design, however. First is its stand. The TV has a twin foot-stand that’s easy enough to attach – all you have to do is slot the feet into the bottom edge of the Omni Mini LED and lock them in place with the included screws.

The problem is that, unlike similar Sony sets with the same stand design, the Omni Mini LED’s feet only have one stand option – at the furthest side of its left and right bottom edge. This means, like the Panasonic W90A we reviewed a few months ago, the Omni LED won’t comfortably fit on a smaller TV stand. That it doesn’t include a central mount option, where the feet can be placed closer to the centre of the TV’s bottom, is an annoyance.

Second, while the remote is nicely compact and has easy to navigate shortcuts for all the services and settings menus you would expect, it’s not backlit. Amazon would likely argue this is fine, as you can just use Alexa voice controls, which are supported on the Omni Fire TV. But if you’re like most of us and prefer to not shout at inanimate objects to make minor changes to your TV’s volume, a backlight would have still been welcome.

Features

The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s biggest upgrade on its QLED predecessor is in its name. Specifically, that it has a Mini LED backlight.

This is a key backlighting technology that uses a series of tiny LEDs arranged in gridded dimming zones. Like all Local Dimming TVs, its ability to charge zones, rather than an entire backlight, aims to give it better light control and boost things like contrast and black level. Mini LED takes this further as the Mini LEDs are smaller and more tightly packed, helping to also boost brightness.

Though we’re yet to find a Mini LED that can challenge an OLED at the top end of the market, it’s a staple sight in the mid-range TV space that definitely improves on most LCD sets’ performance when implemented well.

The panel used in our review unit features 768 dimming zones, and a quoted 1400 nits peak brightness, which is competitive with other similarly priced Mini LEDs. The Hisense U7N’s backlight is split into 384 dimming zones and the screen has a peak brightness of 1500 nits, by comparison.

For colour reproduction it also has a QLED TV panel, which uses Quantum Dots to try and help the set reproduce more vibrant colours than are possible from a standard LCD TV.

These improvements are welcome, but there have been plenty more important quality of life upgrades made to the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED.

For starters, the TV has been upgraded to include two HDMI 2.1 inputs. One of these doubles as the eARC, which is what you will likely use to connect a soundbar or other audio system.

We’d have loved to see four HDMI 2.1s, which lets you connect and run multiple current generation games consoles at full speed without any cable swapping. But the Omni QLED has no 'real' HDMI 2.1 sockets, so this change is a welcome one.

This is especially true as Amazon has increased the Omni Mini LED’s refresh rate, offering 4K/144Hz playback via a new Gaming Mode – the other screen settings run at 4K/120Hz – as well as VRR and ALLM. That means they can run the PS5, Xbox Series X and modern PCs at radically higher frame rates than the basic Omni QLED, which tapped out at 4K/60Hz. The benefit here is that it can help make games feel smoother and more responsive.

The TV’s 2.1 inbuilt sound system is also being billed as Dolby Atmos ready, which combined with the new integrated subwoofer should help give its sound a bit more low-end heft.

Outside of this the Mini LED retains all the perks that made us fans of the larger models in the Omni QLED range.

Fire OS means that, while there are plenty of ads, application support is excellent. Running through the usual suspects, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video are all present and run correctly. Local services such as Now and TNT sports are also present. All run at their correct resolutions and compatible HDR standards.

The latter also remains excellent, with the TV supporting HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The offshoot Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive are also supported – both of which use an included ambient light sensor to optimise the TV’s performance based on its environment.

So all-in-all, at this price, the TV is well stacked when it comes to features.

Picture

We start things off slow with our 4K Blu-ray of Barbie, and the iconic I’m Just Ken scene. In the TV’s Standard mode the image looks a little too cartoony and almost plastic – which is a strange thing to say with this test disc. Motion is over-smoothed and the contrast and colours look like they’ve been pushed too hard, leading to some contrast issues and loss of detail.

Switching to the Filmmaker mode, things flip to the other extreme and are too subdued, with the bright pinks and costumes of the characters looking flat and not holding the pop they should. On top of that, the setting disables many of the TV’s manual controls, so you can’t really change much in Filmmaker mode. Thankfully we quickly get better results switching to Movie Bright, where the more granular controls re-open, and we can make a few subtle but important changes to the Mini LED TV’s settings.

These include setting local dimming to high, locking the colour temperature to warm 2, reducing the motion handling setting to one and having intelligent HDR on. Once this is done, the movie retains its intended vibrancy, while characters' motions look natural and nicely defined.

Results are equally impressive moving to our Dune: Part 2 test disc. The Fire TV Omni Mini LED’s desertscape holds a decent amount of detail, with each sand grain holding a distinct spot. The TV does an admirable job retaining detail. Gears and machine parts in the darkest section of the spice mining vehicle which are lost on some competing sets, including the Hisense U7N, retain detail, which shows Amazon has taken a nicely balanced approach to tuning the set. This is rare at this end of the market where companies seem hell-bent on cranking the contrast to try and make blacks look deeper, losing dark detail in the process.

The only slight issue is that this focus does reveal one minor shortcoming – the Mini LED doesn’t offer quite as high peaks as its main rivals. The TV is undeniably night and day brighter than the base Omni QLED, but against the U7N and TCL C855K, reds in explosions don’t burn quite as bright. This becomes even more apparent when we switch to our Pan test disc, which is our go to brightness stress test due to its atypical 4000 nits mastering. Here the rival Mini LEDs retain more detail in a burning bright sunset, offering a hue of red and orange where the Fire TV Mini LED shows the section of the scene as pure white.

Moving to our standard Blade Runner 2049 test disc there’s immediately a noticeable amount of blooming around the white text on a black background introducing the movie. But it soon recovers and delivers one of the better performances we’ve seen on a set this price.

Though the black level isn’t anything to write home about, it’s good for a TV this price and deeper than the base Omni QLED. Outside of some blooming around bright sections directly next to black, the TV retains a decent amount of detail, with every wrinkle in the dusty farmhouse’s sofa remaining visible.

Our only minor quibble is that, despite offering decent skin tones in most instances, during this incredibly dark scene, Sapper Morton’s skin appears a little washed out, with reds in particular looking underrepresented. This is indicative of a wider problem that repeats when we move to our It test disk, with the yellow of Georgie’s raincoat not sitting separate from the otherwise grey background as much as it should.

These issues are largely forgivable given the set’s price and the fact it is at least consistent with its backlight control, and it doesn’t suffer from the rapid shifts in brightness seen on many Mini LED sets during demanding scenes with rapidly shifting light and dark sections. But, it is still a minor annoyance as the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED gets so much right elsewhere.

Playing our SD copy of True Grit, a fantastic movie for testing upscaling due to its intentional grainy, spaghetti western finish, the opening scene looks solid. The lantern burning in the night-time opening scene looks authentic, as the snow falls with no aberrations creeping in.

Sound

The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED comes loaded with a standard 2.1, Dolby Atmos-ready speaker arrangement that’s roughly in line with what you’ll find on any other set its price. Units with up-firing drivers tend to cost a fair bit more.

The audio it delivers is equally by the numbers for a TV its price. Starting with our standard Blade Runner 2049 scene two, low-end stress test, it immediately struggles. During the bassiest sections of the booming synth soundtrack distortion creeps in and there’s a lack of precision and heft to the section in general.

Jumping to a car chase scene in The Batman, the roaring car engines sound more like muffled mopeds and the sound is distinctly central, with the audio failing to match the left to right movements of the Batmobile.

It delivers a serviceable performance with Barbie’s I’m Just Ken, with voices sounding clear, and there being some separation between parts of the frequency range. But the lack of vibrancy and dynamics means it can’t do justice to heavy action scenes. Kenny Loggins was only in minor peril, and never quite entered the Danger Zone during the opening scene of Top Gun: Maverick. You will certainly want to invest in a soundbar if you want a truly immersive home cinema experience.

Verdict

The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED is a solid set for buyers ready to take their first jump from a basic LED into the mid-range TV market. Offering clear improvements on the base Omni QLED, it gets a lot right thanks to its focus on never pushing itself too hard. In fact, our big complaint is that at times it plays it too safe, leading to slightly dull colours and lower peaks than some rival Mini LEDs.

SCORES

• Picture 4
• Sound 3
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Hisense U7N

Read our Panasonic W90A

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

Having the latest streaming apps baked into your television's operating system is a fairly recent phenomenon – but it has quickly become something we take for granted. We rarely see a "dumb TV", as practically every model includes smart features; and that goes beyond streaming apps now, as many models incorporate smart home controls, social apps and even AI features such as generating images for ambient art modes.

If you're still looking to squeeze a few more years out of your TV, but would like to dip your toes into the vast world of 'smart', a media streamer is your best bet. This can also be a solution if you have an older smart TV that has lost support for streaming services – Netflix, for example, has recently dropped support for older Sony and Samsung models.

If you fit those descriptions but don't want to shell out for an Apple TV 4K, then this streamer could be the best fit for you. Amazon's Big Deal Days has officially ended, but the Fire TV Stick 4K is remaining at its Prime Day price for a further five days, meaning it is just £40 instead of £60 right now.

Amazon's plug-and-play streaming sticks are popular for a reason: they add instant streaming convenience to your television. With this stick, you can stream in 4K HDR, and all of the major formats are supported, including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.

The Fire TV Stick 4K has recently been updated with a refreshed design, though not much looks to have changed upon first inspection. While we haven't tested this latest model yet, we did review the Fire TV Stick 4K step-up model and found plenty to like – so much so that we gave it an Award. Specifically, we find the app compatibility to be stellar; with all the services you might expect to find present and working correctly. That's a key part of any good streamer, and it has only improved throughout the Fire TV Stick's lifespan.

Furthermore, the Fire TV Stick gets a premium audio function in the form of Dolby Atmos, meaning you can play immersive audio when streaming content on a compatible Dolby Atmos soundbar or AVR.

The Fire TV Stick also comes with an Alexa Voice Remote bundled in the box, which you can use to interface with the streamer purely by voice commands. Alexa has become much more competent in recent years, meaning you will be met with fewer rogue misheard requests when asking for a specific app, movie or song.

If you have an older 4K TV that is losing app support, or even if you aren't a fan of your TV's built-in operating system perhaps, then this media streamer is the way to go. For only £40, its certainly cheaper than paying big bucks for a brand new 4K set.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best media streamers

As well as the best TVs

And the best TV deals

It's the day after the Prime Big Deal Days sale and while the onslaught of Amazon deals has officially ended there are still some bargains.

Somewhat reassuringly, many of the best Prime deals have now ended and prices have gone back up – it would be frustrating if this weren't the case, after all. 

But, while I double-checked the deals, I spotted some low prices that have remained at Amazon and some other specialist retailers. 

• Browse all today's Prime Day deals at Amazon (UK)
• Browse all today's Prime Day deals at Amazon (US)

Headphones and wireless earbuds deals have featured heavily but there have also been great discounts on hi-fi and home cinema products, including Dolby Atmos soundbars, OLED TVs, speakers and streamers, both at Amazon and independent specialist retailers. 

I've picked out the following deals based on the What Hi-Fi? test team's choice of the best genuine deals on some of our highest-rated products.

The best Prime Day AV deals still available

Quick links

• 6 months free Prime: students & 18-22 year-olds
• Amazon Music Unlimited: 4 months free
• Best deals under £100: affordable devices
• Blu-rays and DVDs up to 51% off
• Bravia 8 TV: save 27% on 55in TV
• Cheap TV: five-star 50-inch QLED now £380
• Deals under £15: bag a bargain
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: save 25% now £149
• Echo speakers: better than half-price
• Fire TV Stick 4K: save 33% now £40
• Headphones, speakers and music: up to 60% off
• John Lewis: free next-day delivery on Apple devices
• Kids tablet: now 35% off
• Pink Floyd vinyl: The Wall at £8 off
• Sony XM5: £70 off Award-winning wireless earbuds
• Sony WH-CH520: lowest ever price
• Tablet: Fire HD now £109 save 39%
• Turntable: Save £50 on Sony, now £189
• TVs, movies and home cinema: browse the best deals
• WiiM Pro Plus was £219 now £169 (save £50)
• Wine, beer and spirits: save up to 34% on drinks

Get this one if: you just want better sound from your TV

The Sonos Ray hit an unexpectedly new lowest price this Prime Day, making it the obvious one to buy if you want a cheap and cheerful upgrade and an intro to the Sonos system. 

Available in black or white, the Ray measures just 56cm in width, meaning it is best suited to smaller TVs or even as a desktop speaker with a monitor. 

The best Amazon Prime Day deals under £50

If you don't want to spend a fortune but do fancy something shiny and new to drop through your letterbox, you could do a lot worse than the following selection of serious bargains.

Technics SA-C600 CD/streaming system

Technics is on a great run at the moment. The brand had a bit of a rocky start when it was reintroduced into the market in 2014, but since then has quickly found its feet. Over recent years we’ve reviewed a fair number of the company’s products and they’ve invariably been solid and talented performers. Not all have been class leaders, of course, but more often than not Technics hits gold – as it has with the SA-C600 system we have on test here. We call it a system, but you still need to add a pair of speakers. 

Usually, such systems are all about looks and features but Technics has shown that it is possible to add great sound into the mix. It is a really well-conceived product and fully deserves the What Hi-Fi? Awards wins that have followed. Highly recommended.

Looking for a really good, genuinely affordable turntable with awesome features? Then look no more, as the five-star Sony PS-LX310BT – our favourite Bluetooth turntable – has reached its lowest price yet at Amazon.

Be warned that this Sony turntable deal never lasts long, so you had better hurry and snap up this terrific deal on an entertaining, fuss-free deck before midnight strikes!

Ultimate OLED TV deals

The 42-inch LG C4 is the smallest size in the tech giant’s current step down line of OLED TVs. It’s also a direct successor to the LG C3, a What Hi-Fi? Award-winner that up until now has been the small OLED we recommend to most people.

Does it live up to its predecessor’s legacy? Thankfully, after putting it through its paces in our review labs we’re happy to confirm the 42-inch LG C4 is a fantastic OLED TV for those short on space. 

And it has been sliced in price this Prime Day. Various retailers are offering a cut-price deal but right now the biggest saving is a £530 saving at Amazon.

Looking for a pair of truly affordable noise-cancelling wireless headphones? These Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones might be a few years old now, but we're still rather fond of these well-made, foldable, punchy and smooth-sounding cans. And their price has just plunged to £85 at Amazon. 

We saw these four-star cans drop to £99 during last year's Black Friday sales, but this is the new lowest price we've seen all year – and it's an absolute budget bargain.

Best Sennheiser HD 450BT wireless headphones deal

Super-cheap five-star TV! 

Our favourite cheap TV is sitting at its cheapest-ever price. The last time we saw it this low was back in July. The TV in question is the 50-inch version of Amazon's Fire TV Omni QLED, which can be yours for just £380 at Amazon. That's a whopping saving of £270 (42 per cent) on the full price of £650.

You will regularly find discounts on Amazon's TVs – in fact, the discounts are so common that we strongly advise against anyone paying full price – but this is a particularly tempting offer which deserves to be brought to wider attention.

Dolby Atmos soundbar system

If you’re looking for a compact, cost-effective way to add Dolby Atmos to your home cinema setup, look no further: retailers have slashed the price of the JBL Bar 1300.

The deal is still live and lets you pick up the Dolby Atmos soundbar package for £899, a huge £400 saving on its regular £1299 price.

Sennheiser's wired headphones are some of the most respected and accomplished models for stunningly detailed, composed and spacious sound. If that sounds like you, you're in luck: the superb HD 820 wired headphones have a massive £550 off right now.

We originally reviewed these high-end closed-back headphones at £1999, but the HD 820 can be yours for just £1249 at Sevenoaks. If your home audio system needs an upgrade and you have been eyeing-up these premium Sennheiser cans for a while, now could be the right time to pounce.

Browse up to 51% off Blu-rays and DVDs on Amazon

Two special Sony savings

We feel like we've talked about Sony a lot this Prime Day but they do make great products and there are a lot of them, so it's only natural they they also go on sale. If you're still in the market for a premium pair of wireless earbuds or an affordable turntable, you couldn't do much better than these two deals below.

Having the latest streaming apps baked into your television's operating system is a fairly recent phenomenon – but it has quickly become something we take for granted. We rarely see a "dumb TV", as practically every model includes smart features; and that goes beyond streaming apps now, as many models incorporate smart home controls, social apps and even AI features such as generating images for ambient art modes.

If you're still looking to squeeze a few more years out of your TV, but would like to dip your toes into the vast world of streaming, a media streamer is your best bet. This can also be a solution if you have an older smart TV that has lost support for streaming services – Netflix, for example, has recently dropped support for older Sony and Samsung models. 

If you fit either of these descriptions, now is the perfect time to pick up a new streamer, as Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are happening as we speak. Amazon's own streamer, the Fire TV Stick, has been thoroughly discounted as a result, meaning you can now snag one for just £17 – half the price of the entry-level Fire TV Stick Lite. 

Simply put, this is likely the best Amazon Fire TV Stick for most people, as it strikes a solid balance between performance and value. You will be able to stream in 1080p HD with HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG supported; and while we tend to gravitate towards streamers with 4K Dolby Vision compatibility, we are willing to bet that, if you are in the market for this sort of streamer, your TV doesn't support this resolution or HDR format.

Originally released in 2021, the standard Fire TV Stick isn't one we have reviewed; but we did review the Fire TV Stick 4K step-up model and found plenty to like – so much so that we gave it an Award. Specifically, we find the app compatibility to be stellar; with all the services you might expect to find present and working correctly. That's a key part of any good streamer, and it has only improved throughout the Fire TV Stick's lifespan.

Furthermore, the Fire TV Stick gets a premium audio function in the form of Dolby Atmos, meaning you can play immersive audio when streaming content on a compatible Dolby Atmos soundbar or AVR.

The Fire TV Stick also comes with an Alexa Voice Remote bundled in the box, which you can use to interface with the streamer purely by voice commands. Alexa has become much more competent in recent years, meaning you will be met with fewer rogue misheard requests when asking for a specific app, movie or song.

At just £17, this deal is ideal for anyone looking to squeeze a bit more life out of their old TV. Smart features might not be for everyone, but at this price, you can test the waters without putting too much of your hard-earned cash on the line.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best media streamers

As well as the best TVs

And the best TV deals

It might be the European-focused IFA week, but Panasonic has just announced some big news for the US. Ten years after it stopped selling TVs in the good ol' US of A, the company's 2024 models will be getting a Stateside release. In fact, they will be going on sale at retailers including Amazon and Costco today – they may even be available by the time you read this story.

So, which Panasonic models are getting a US launch? It's the Z95A flagship MLA OLED with the fancy Dolby Atmos speaker system, the step-down Z85A 'standard' OLED (the Z90A isn't included in the US lineup) and the W95A Mini LED model. In the US, the Z95A will only be available as a 65-inch model, the Z85A will be available in 55- and 65-inch versions, and the W95A will be in 55-, 65-, 75- and 85-inch sizes.

The only differences between the US and UK versions of the above TVs are that the US models will come with a Fire TV Stick-style remote control rather than the more typical TV zapper of the UK, and that the US models will also get support for the ATSC 3.0 broadcasting standard via a post-launch software update. Otherwise, the sets will apparently be identical.

The move seems to have been brought on at least in part by Panasonic's switch away from its own My Home Screen operating system and over to Fire TV. Getting agreements in place to feature all of the necessary streaming apps for each region is a real headache for TV brands, and one assumes it was a major obstacle for a brand the size of Panasonic. The switch to Fire TV, though, presumably means all of that hard work is done by Amazon. So Panasonic can focus on what it does best – producing some of the most impressive and cinematically authentic TVs available – and it can now get those TVs to a far larger audience.

Panasonic has long had close ties with Hollywood, in particular with legendary colourist Stefan Sonnenfeld and his hugely influential studio Company3, which handles a vast portion of the big movies and TV shows that are released in cinemas and on streaming and which exclusively uses Panasonic OLED TVs as its client-facing reference monitors.

It always seemed odd that the TVs used in the mastering of so many Hollywood movies weren't available to buy in the US, so it's good to see that wrong being righted. Panasonic also believes that this Hollywood connection means there's a 'strong latent demand' for its TVs in the US.

As Panasonic's Paul Williams put it to me during a briefing call, "It's not a great secret that the reason that we retired from the United States market was because we didn't think that we were able to offer something that the United States consumers wanted at that time. I think things have changed. I think there is an appetite in the United States for TVs which really do focus on delivering really accurate picture quality, a really premium experience."

As for what this means for those of us in the UK, it's initially little to nothing. However, increased sales for Panasonic will hopefully lead to greater investment in future products. Truth be told, there was a time not long ago when many thought Panasonic might pull out of the TV business altogether, which would have been a great shame for those of us who appreciate its approach to picture quality. By instead returning to a huge territory, it seems likely that we'll all be able to buy Panasonic TVs for many years to come, and perhaps the company will be able to afford to be even more ambitious with its new models in the future.

MORE:

Worth getting excited for? Here's our hands-on with the Panasonic Z95A

These are the best TVs you can buy right now

And here are the best TV deals

The Premier League returns tonight, and if you're looking for a new TV on which to enjoy it, we've got a great deal for you. The 42-inch Philips 808 OLED TV is reduced by £200, to just £799 at Richer Sounds.

That's a whopping £700 cheaper than its launch price of £1499, making it almost half price.

Best Philips OLED808 deal

We haven't tested this 42-inch model, but the 55OLED808 earned a perfect five out of five. Which was a relief – because of rights issues between Google TV and Freeview Play, the TV was delayed, and wasn't released until October. Sadly the issue was never resolved, and so the TV lacks the usual UK terrestrial catch-up apps (BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITVX and My5). That's easily rectified by adding a streamer like the Google TV Streamer or Amazon Fire TV Stick, but still, it's annoying having to switch devices and having to shell out extra.

That's the bad news out of the way, now on with the good. The OLED808 is a barnstormer of a TV. It has plenty of gaming features like 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM and Nvidia G-Sync, though only two HDMI 2.1 ports (one of which is used for a soundbar's eARC functionality) means gamers with a sound system and multiple consoles will have to do some port switching.

This is Philips' first 42-inch OLED TV, and it uses the Next Gen Ambilight system introduced in 2022 – this is brighter and capable of recreating more hues. The picture on the 55-inch model we tested is very sharp indeed, with exceptional levels of detail. 

We can't comment on the 42-incher's picture quality as we haven't reviewed it. But generally speaking, smaller TVs aren't as bright as their larger incarnations, so we would expect this one to be a bit dimmer than the 55-incher that graced our test rooms. But because of the smaller screen, they tend to be a bit sharper. If that's true, you're in for a treat.

And with this discount, you can splash out on some snacks to enjoy in front of the first game of the season.

MORE:

Read our Philips 55OLED808 review

Also consider the Sony A80L and LG C3

And here are all of the very best TVs available right now

Amazon Prime Day 2024 is in its final day, and like past years it has brought with it massive savings on the company's entire line of Fire TV Omni QLEDs.

At the time of writing you could grab every size with a huge discount. At the bottom end of the spectrum the 43-inch model has had a massive 45 per cent slashed off its price, letting you grab it for £300. Up top, the 65-inch Omni QLED can be grabbed for £1000.

But, if you want the best deal possible and a TV that will actually deliver an enjoyable experience, based on experience reviewing Amazon’s latest sets, we’d only recommend two Omni QLED deals – specifically the ones targeting its 50- and 55-inch models.

Why only those specific sizes you ask? The answer is simple, after our team of experts tested every size in our dedicated viewing rooms, those were the only two Omni QLEDs to deliver a good enough performance to earn a star rating from our team of home cinema experts.

Hands in the air, any TV this price comes with some compromises. In the case of the 50- and 55-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLEDs this was some slight motion smearing, which we noticed during heated action scenes, and marginally below average max brightness levels, compared to other sets the same price. 

But, holistically they both are the best sets you’ll find at their respective prices, offering a balanced, consistent picture, competitive gaming specifications and all the apps and services you need, thanks to the use of Amazon Fire OS.

With the 50-inch having had 42 per cent slashed of its price, to sell for a meagre £379.00 and the 55-inch enjoying a slightly larger 43 per cent drop in price to retail for £439.99, trust us when we say – you won’t find a better TV for the money.

Meanwhile, the 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is a little harder to recommend despite its price drop as during testing we found it suffers from a noticeable lack of shadow detail we didn’t experience on the 50- and 55-inch versions. 

The £1000 price also puts it up against some smaller OLED TVs, including the outgoing 48-inch LG C3, which offers a much better picture, if you’re not dead set on needing to go as large as 65-inches. The C3 has better gaming features, offers much better contrast and deeper blacks thanks to its OLED, rather than QLED panel, based on our testing.

We had even bigger issues with the 43-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED when we tested it. During our checks there was an even more pronounced lack of shadow detail, and colours looked much paler, making it hard to recommend, even at its low price – hence its three star rating.

Which is why, if you have the space, and want a great Omni TV deal this Prime Day we’d recommend only considering the 50- and 55-inch models.

MORE:

These are the best Prime Day TV deals we recommend

Check out our picks of the best Prime Day soundbar deals

After something more premium? These are the best Prime Day OLED TV deals we’ve spotted

Prime Day 2024 is here, and while that’s great for deal hunters, as a veteran covering the event since it first became a “thing” many moons ago, I have to confess I went in expecting yet another by-the-numbers event.

Amazon’s yearly deals bonanza has become a staple entry in the What Hi-Fi? calendar, as it brings with it a wave of discounts on everything from cutting edge OLED TVs to nail clippers. And, as I know, having done it for well over a decade, if you’re willing to hunt through the mountain of discounts there are some great home cinema and hi-fi savings to be had – especially if you follow the three simple rules detailed in my Prime Day survival guide.

But, truthfully, the process and format of the event doesn’t change much, especially in recent years, where Amazon and competing retailers have settled into a bit of a pattern, regarding what specific products they’ll be discounting – the short version is stores tend to use it as a means to clear stock of older products to make way for that year’s new hardware. This is especially true of TVs.

Which is why I am pleased to report, for the first time in as long as I can remember, I’ve already been treated to two great discounts that I hand on heart did not expect and thoroughly recommend any potential OLED TV buyer to consider.

LG C4 – amazing blink and you’ll miss it savings

The LG C4 is a great TV. But, as you’ll see in my general “which TVs to watch this Prime Day” guide, it is not a set I was expecting to see hefty discounts on this year. 

Traditionally the best OLED TV deals have been on LG sets from the year before. And there have undeniably been great savings on the LG C3, which are still available and worth a look, the best deals I've seen so far have been on the C4. 

The highlight so far was the 77-inch version of the LG C4, which dropped to sell for just £2000 on the LG official store – a massive saving on its £3800 regular price. We say blink and you miss it, as LG raised the price back up within the 30 minutes it took our intrepid home cinema editor, Tom Parsons, to type up our news story on the deal. 

Thankfully, while the discounts aren’t quite as great as the 77-inch model, LG’s still running a wealth of other great C4 deals on its official store across all the smaller sizes. However, be warned the prices are fluctuating rapidly and these are also being listed as “limited time” discounts. 

For the money you get a fantastic OLED TV that we awarded a perfect five-stars after reviewing it in our dedicated viewing rooms.

Though it’s not a night and day upgrade on the LG C3, which we recommend keeping an eye on as well, it offers fantastic picture quality, significantly improved sound and all the features gamers need to make the most of the PS5 and Xbox Series X graphical-grunt. At its current price it also partially deals with our reviewers’ biggest gripe – it’s high price compared to the C3. 

What’s going on with the Sony A80L?

If the C4 doesn’t grab your fancy, or is still a bit over your budget, there are loads of great discounts running on the five star, What Hi-Fi? Award winning Sony A80L.

The discounts started when Amazon slashed over £1000 off the 55-inch A80L. But since then specialist retailers Richer Sounds and Sevenoaks have followed suit, running their own massive “stock clearance” sales on the 65-inch and 77-inch models of the A80L.

Why is this a surprise? It’s because traditionally Sony sets tend to retain their value a lot longer than competitors. So seeing the A80L (which remains one of the OLED TVs our experts recommend to buyers even at full price) discounted is a rare treat and surprise.

To this day the A80L is a benchmark we use when reviewing OLED TVs and running our suite of comparative side-by-side checks in our viewing rooms. Key reasons for this include its atypically high max brightness for a regular OLED without MLA or QD-OLED, and wonderfully accurate motion handling. 

If you want a great OLED TV deal, and don’t fancy an LG, this makes the A80L the TV to get this Prime Day, at least for the moment.

MORE:

These are the best OLED TV deals we've spotted

Our picks of the best OLED TVs 

We rate the best 65-inch TVs money can buy

Amazon Fire TV users, your screensaver is about to be replaced by a full-screen advert.

In November, Cord Cutters News reported that Amazon planned to introduce video ads when you start your Fire TV – unless you quickly press something. 

Now, Amazon has decided to take things further by replacing your screensaver with a full-screen ad. If you leave your device for an extended period, a full-screen ad will run for roughly 30 to 60 seconds before eventually showing your screensaver. These latest changes appear to be implemented on all Fire TV devices released in 2016 or later.  

Amazon confirmed with Cord Cutters that these latest changes are part of an update to its ‘Ambient Experience’, which displays art, weather, widgets, and now ads, when your display isn’t streaming. These changes have all been via server-side updates, which means no software update is required on the user’s end. 

A wide range of affordable TVs and smart stick manufacturers have all been introducing adverts to their TV homescreens – Amazon Fire TV in November 2023, Google TV in January 2024, and Roku in April 2024. These brands are looking into more ways of adding interactive ads, pause ads, and even ads over your TV's HDMI inputs.

We recently wrote how we think the Apple TV 4K is easily the best streamer with the best operating system. Not only this, but it does not display ads on the homescreen. Perhaps it’s time to start considering Fire TV alternatives which aren’t so intrusive with their advertising. 

MORE: 

Our picks for the best TVs available: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

The Apple TV 4K is comfortably the best streamer, but only if you change these settings

Amazon has announced that its Fire TV Soundbar is now available to pre-order in the UK and Germany. 

The Fire TV Soundbar was unveiled late last year alongside the latest Fire TV Stick 4K and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Though the new sticks were available to order immediately in the UK, Amazon’s soundbar wasn’t – until now. 

It’s a 2.0-channel system and is said to offer impressive three-dimensional sound via DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Digital support. Measuring 61cm in width and weighing 1.8kg, it’s a fairly petite and compact unit that should fit a variety of small-to-medium-sized screens.  

We haven’t tested the Fire TV Soundbar yet, but with a launch price of £100, it could be a decent entry-level option. We previously discussed how we wished Amazon would make an Echo soundbar with a built-in Fire TV Stick, unfortunately however, Amazon’s first soundbar doesn’t offer streaming capabilities and is designed as a companion piece for a smart TV or Fire TV device.

The ‘bar is compatible with all Fire TV devices and existing users can use their main remote to control both the Fire TV and soundbar’s volume and power. It also includes Bluetooth for wireless streaming across phones, tablets, and other smart devices if you’re not watching TV. 

Around the back of the soundbar, there are HDMI, optical, and USB ports – one of each. It also comes with a remote and wall-mounting kit, along with the usual HDMI and power cables. 

Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar is available to pre-order from today and shipping will start on 29th July 2024. 

MORE: 

This week: celebrating Home Cinema Week on What Hi-Fi?

Read our picks for the best budget soundbars: affordable home cinema sound tested by experts

And our choices for the best TVs: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

Good news gamers, the Xbox cloud gaming app is coming to select Fire TV 4K sticks in July. 

This means Fire TV devices will soon be able to stream hundreds of cloud-enabled games directly through the Xbox app without needing a console. 

It will be arriving on the latest Fire TV sticks – Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) which cost £60 / $50 and £70 / £60 respectively – next month and will be available in over 25 countries including the UK and US.

Microsoft’s game-streaming service was previously exclusive to Samsung Smart TVs since 2022, so it’s great to see it coming to more brands. 

Only these two models of Fire TV Sticks have been confirmed so far, so we are waiting to see if the cloud gaming app will be coming to more Fire TV devices or any other TV brands soon. 

To access Xbox cloud gaming via their Fire TV Stick, users will need a compatible Bluetooth game controller (including non-Xbox options like the DualSense and DualShock 4) and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan, which currently costs £13 / $17 per month. The roster of games available to stream includes the likes of Starfield, Fallout 4, and Forza Horizon 5. It’s also available in HD resolution, although there isn’t support for 4K, HDR or Dolby Atmos yet.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick range already represents excellent value and a convenient way to add streaming smarts to a TV or monitor. Now with access to Xbox gaming too, they’re an even stronger and more comprehensive option.

MORE:

Read the full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K review

And our in-depth Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review

This week: celebrating Home Cinema Week on What Hi-Fi?

Tidal has announced its music streaming app will no longer be available on Samsung TVs. The change will affect TVs running Tizen OS starting from 8th July 2024. Users have been informed of upcoming alterations via email. 

The message from Tidal reads: “After July 8, 2024, Tidal will no longer be available on Samsung SmartTVs. To keep listening to your favourite tunes, log in to Tidal from your computer, download the mobile app, or discover other ways to stream.” 

For many years Tidal has been available on a range of smart TVs with the streaming service arriving on Samsung TVs in 2018. Recently though, Tidal has been taken down from other TV ranges such as Amazon’s Fire TVs and Roku TVs. Tidal remains available via Apple TV and Google TV though we are waiting to see if any other major brands will lose support soon.

If your TV is the only way you can access Tidal then this could be an issue, however, for many users, this shouldn’t be a huge loss. If you use an iPad, iPhone or Mac device, you can still cast to your Samsung TV via AirPlay 2. Or, if your TV is connected to an external audio system like a soundbar, you can most likely stream directly to it from any device supporting the Tidal app. Either way, using the app on a phone or tablet would be our preferred route over the TV app anyway.

Tidal has announced several other changes recently. Last week, the service announced it will be dropping MQA tracks in favour of FLAC format files for all its high-resolution and CD-quality music starting from 24th July 2024.  

Tidal also announced changes to its price plan in April 2024. Previously its high-res, lossless and spatial audio content was only accessible via a £20/$20-per-month subscription. Instead, a single individual user plan now costs £11/$11 per month, cheaper than Spotify’s plan which was bumped up to £12/$12 recently.

MORE:

Tidal scraps MQA and spatial audio format – here's what that means for subscribers

Tidal's monthly price drop is now in effect, and it's good news for hi-res fans

Perhaps because it’s never developed a smart system of its own, TCL has been unusually promiscuous when it comes to the operating systems deployed across its TV range. Roku, Android TV and Google TV have all cropped up on TVs in recent times, and the brand’s established some pretty deep links with TiVo, too. So we probably shouldn’t be surprised to find TCL’s 32SF540K now adding yet another name to the brand’s smart partner list in the shape of Amazon’s Fire TV OS.

Of course, Amazon produces its own 32-inch Fire TV, the 2-Series, which we recently reviewed. Can TCL beat Amazon at its own game? It sure can.

Price

TCL TVs these days pretty much always push the value envelope, and the 32SF540K is no exception. At £149 it is comfortably the cheapest of the trio of 32-inch TVs we’ve been looking at recently, undercutting Amazon’s own 32-inch Fire TV 2-Series model by £40 at the time of writing, and costing less than half as much as Sony’s KD-32W800.

Naturally, we’ll have to be on the lookout for feature or performance corner-cutting to explain such a puny price, but it has to be said that incorporating a full – and seemingly slick and stable – version of the Fire TV OS gets it off to a promising start.

Note that if you prefer the Android TV system, TCL also sells a similarly specified 32-inch Android TV model, the 32S5400, for the same £149 price.

While TCL had a 32-inch Fire TV model available in the US last year, it’s currently showing as out of stock. In Australia TCL currently seems to be limiting its presence to its bigger and more premium TV series.

Design

Aside from the distinctive-to-Fire-TVs short white LED strip hanging from the middle of the TV’s bottom edge and a little white Fire TV logo in its bottom right corner, the TCL 32SF540K looks pretty basic. TCL claims the design is ‘bezel-less’, but while it’s true that the actual outer frame is unusually slim, there’s an inner frame of black behind the screen that still makes the picture look like it’s sitting within a pretty substantial structure. 

A vaguely metallic finish, meanwhile, somehow still manages to end up looking and feeling plasticky, while its glossy black feet are as flimsy as these things get. The screen’s build quality is generally very lightweight, in fact – which we guess is handy, at least, if you want to tuck the 32-inch screen under your arm and move it to another room.

Much of the 32SF540K’s rear is a touch slimmer than that of other typical 32-inch TVs these days, but the speakers built into each bottom corner and a central connections section both add an extra inch or two, which means the TV still protrudes a bit awkwardly if you decide to wall hang it.  

The 32SF540K ships with a typical Fire TV remote that only differs from the one supplied with Amazon’s own 32-inch Fire TV 2 Series model by adding a TCL logo alongside the Fire TV one, and replacing the dedicated Amazon Music button with a generic Apps button.

Features

While the 32SF540K’s single biggest attraction for many punters will likely be its price, it actually has quite a bit else going on inside its unassuming form.

The Fire TV operating system has plenty going for it, for starters. Anyone used to using Prime Video TV apps will instantly feel at home with Fire OS’s layout and general approach to content, and the additional menu options required to offer control over the TV hardware are integrated reasonably clearly. The system has previously proved itself capable of remaining slick and stable even on quite basic TVs, too, and that continues to be the case even on this £150 TCL.

Fire TV also has the considerable advantage – unlike Android/Google TV – of carrying all of the major UK-specific catch-up apps. In fact, it provides the Freeview Play umbrella app for bringing the catch-up services of the UK’s major terrestrial broadcasters into one easily browsable place.

Alexa is present and correct too – though as you’d expect with such a cheap TV, this only works via an Alexa button and mic on the remote; there’s no ‘far-field’ mic in the TV to which you might issue commands without needing the remote.

The 32SF540K’s panel, unusually for the 32-inch market, carries a Full HD (1920x1080) pixel count. It uses contrast-rich VA technology rather than the viewing angle-friendly IPS alternative, and it’s lit directly from the back rather than less controllably from its sides. These are all good picture quality signs – unless you or anyone else routinely finds themselves having to watch the screen from a wide angle.

There’s support for the HDR10 and HLG formats from both external sources and integrated apps, as well as playback of DTS Virtual X/DTS-HD and Dolby (though not Atmos) audio.

The 32SF540K’s connections include a couple of what TCL calls HDMI 1.4 ports, but which still support ALLM switching for gamers and HDMI’s eARC system for passing multi-channel sound on to connected and compatible soundbars and AVRs. There’s also an optical digital audio output, a 3.5mm AV input, a headphone jack and a single USB port.

You can enjoy content on the TV wirelessly, too, courtesy of integrated Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi 5 support. These wireless options are bolstered by support for both Miracast and AirPlay 2.

Surprisingly for a TCL TV, the 32SF540K isn’t exactly stuffed with picture and sound features. The only thing of note is a (as it turns out, useful) motion processor. 

Apart from the ALLM switching support, the only real gaming feature of note supported by the 60Hz-tops 32SF540K is an impressively low 15.3ms of input lag when the TV is set to its Game preset.

Picture

The TCL 32SF540K’s pictures aren’t as bright and contrasty as those of the recently reviewed Amazon Fire TV 2 Series 32-inch set, or as richly coloured as those of the Sony 32W800. Crucially, though, unlike those rivals, the 32SF540K manages to avoid any serious flaws, making it in the end a more effective all-round performer. 

When it comes to producing convincing black tones and dark scenes, for instance, while it doesn’t deliver quite such neutral blacks as the Fire TV 2 Series, it mercifully avoids the distracting glowing greyness of the Sony 32W800. 

It also avoids the tendencies of the Amazon set to either run too brightly with dark scenes (bringing out too much background detail and attendant noise) or else crush out too much shadow detail if you try to introduce more light control. Instead the TCL’s shadow detailing is well judged and, crucially, consistent, helping dark scenes look as full of depth as bright ones and contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

The 32SF540K is more susceptible to losing contrast if watched from an angle than the Amazon Fire TV 2 Series set, so do bear that in mind if you’re buying a TV that will be watched by several people at the same time.

The 32SF540K’s colour tones aren’t as naturally warm and, for want of a better word, cinematic as those the Sony 32W800 is capable of delivering (sometimes to excess). But they’re way warmer, richer and just more natural looking than the oddly jaundiced efforts of the Amazon Fire TV 2 Series. This might be partly down to the TCL not being quite as bright as its Amazon rival (though it is brighter than the Sony), but if a little less brightness is the price we pay for much more consistently authentic and ‘lived in’ colours, especially when it comes to skin tones, so be it.

The TCL 32SF540K’s more considered approach to pictures has other advantages, too. Less detail and subtle shading is clipped out of the brightest highlights of HDR pictures, for instance. Also, while the balance between the lightest and darkest parts of an image might be less extreme than from the Fire TV 2 Series, it looks more natural. There’s little sign of the sort of colour noise and coarseness the Fire TV 2 Series sometimes exhibits, either, or the compressed-looking bright tones the Sony 32W800’s innate dullness can cause.

The 32SF540K’s HD pictures look slightly sharper and more subtly detailed than those of both the Sony 32W800 and Amazon Fire TV 2 Series rivals. Partly because of its more balanced handling of the brightest and darkest parts of the picture, but also, we suspect, because it sports a native Full HD resolution rather than the 720p resolutions of its rivals.

The clarity doesn’t disappear, either, into judder or blur during camera pans or over fast-moving objects. Especially if you call into action the surprisingly sensitive (in that it causes neither excessive soap opera effect nor unwanted side effects) Natural Cinema motion option. 

We should add that by far the crispest pictures from the 32SF540K are obtained from its Standard picture preset. Its Film mode looks much softer. To a fault, in fact. Fortunately the Standard preset is well suited to the sort of relatively ‘casual’ viewing conditions a 32-inch TV is likely to find itself being used in.

The 32SF540K’s pictures aren’t quite five-star wonders, in the end. But they’re much more consistent, considered, balanced and, as a result, easy to just settle into than they’ve any right to be for this price.

Sound

The 32SF540K’s budget nature is more apparent in its sound than its pictures. Its lofty DTS and Dolby audio ambitions are immediately undermined by an at-times pretty painful lack of power and dynamics from its speakers. The big bass drops and soaring synths at the start of the Blade Runner 2049 soundtrack, for instance, cause all sorts of issues, from heavy crackling over the lowest frequencies to more distortions and breakup while presenting the high pings that accompany the appearance of each new section of prologue text better than we’ve ever heard before. 

Treble generally sounds thin and harsh under any sort of pressure, while despite the distress it can cause the speakers, bass that might have deflected attention from the shrill treble is always in very short supply.

Voices sometimes sound rather thin and nasal, too, leaving a decently well-spread and defined stereo soundstage, some strong if treble-biased detail and just about enough breathing room to handle day-to-day TV fodder cleanly as the 32SF540K’s only real audio strengths.

Verdict

Despite its flimsy audio and build quality, the 32SF540K is still overall a strong option by today’s admittedly rather impoverished 32-inch TV standards. Its picture quality isn’t perfect but achieves a thoughtful and easy-to-enjoy balance between all the key picture elements, and its Fire TV OS puts vast quantities of content at your command in a straightforward, stable and, despite how cheap the TV is, slick interface. These strengths are more than enough in themselves to make the 32SF540K’s £149 price look like a steal. 

SCORES

• Picture 4
• Sound 2
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our Sony KD-32W800 review

Also consider the Amazon 32-inch Fire TV 2 Series

Read our Toshiba 24WK3C63DB review

Our pick of the best 43-inch, best 42-inch and best 40-inch 'small' TVs

When Amazon first announced that it was moving into selling its own brand of TV hardware, expectations weren’t high. Surely the resulting sets were just going to be OEM knockoffs with no more ambition than providing a built-in home for Amazon’s Fire TV operating system and undercutting more established rivals on price, right?

Happily (for cash-strapped consumers and Amazon, anyway) the Amazon TVs we’ve seen so far have largely proved those initial expectations wrong. For, while they do indeed carry Amazon’s Fire TV interface and cost relatively little, with the exception of the awful 43-inch Omni QLED they’ve also performed much better than expected. Can this trend really continue, though, with the most entry-level model in Amazon’s current TV offering, the 32-inch Fire TV 2-Series?

Price

While officially priced at £250 / $200, you should expect to pay significantly less for the 32-inch Fire TV 2-Series. That’s because it is regularly and drastically discounted. At the time of writing, for example, it’s available for just £190 / $130. And before any Brits ask, no, Amazon US won’t ship the set to the UK.

You don’t have to be a market analyst to realise that a 32-inch TV with a sophisticated smart system for less than £200 / $150 looks like great value. But if you want a bit more context, the Sony 32W800/W830 we recently looked at costs £299 / $298.

Design

You probably won’t be shocked to learn that the 32-inch Amazon Fire TV 2 Series’ design is fairly basic. The dark grey frame around the screen is a little wider than we typically see these days, and the addition of a glossy finish to its outer edge does little to hide the build’s heavy reliance on bog-standard plastic. 

The two feet the TV stands on if you’re not hanging it on the wall continue the basic feeling, again being built from lightweight glossy plastic and delivering an almost perfect example of function over form.

The set’s back sticks out substantially too, making it a rather awkward option for wall mounting. 

The remote control supplied with the Fire TV 2 is essentially the same as those you get with Amazon’s Fire TV sticks. Which is fine by us, actually, as it means it features a compact but ergonomic shape, a handy collection of four direct streaming app access buttons, a clearly marked Amazon Alexa mic button at its top, and an easy-to-find-without-looking circular menu navigation and select area.

Features

The Amazon Fire TV 2 Series’ headline features are, of course, its built-in Fire TV smart system, with all the expansive app and streaming service support that brings, and its low price. 

Fire TV isn’t perhaps the simplest, most streamlined smart interface around. It also took around 20 minutes to complete multiple software updates during initial installation. On the upside, though, once updated the Fire TV OS runs slickly, remained bug-free throughout our time with the TV, carries all the key video streaming services most people will need, and is bolstered in the UK by the Freeview Play system for bringing together all the UK’s main terrestrial broadcaster catch-up services. 

Fire OS also features the excellent Amazon Alexa voice control system, of course, while much of the Fire TV operating system will be familiar to anyone used to the way the Prime Video streaming app operates. 

Amazon’s entry-level TV is built around an HD Ready (1366x768), VA-type LCD panel that is lit by LEDs positioned directly behind the screen rather than around its edges. This configuration bodes well for contrast but could lead to viewing angle limitations. Note that the 40-inch version of the Fire TV 2 Series features a Full HD resolution.

There’s support even at this level of the market for the HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range formats, but Amazon’s set won’t take in and downscale 4K sources in the way that one or two other HD TVs can – not that that is likely to be an issue that most buyers ever experience.

Gamers won’t be surprised to hear that a TV this cheap only supports frame rates up to 60Hz over its three HDMI ports – though it does carry a Game preset that gets the time the screen takes to render gaming images down to a pretty respectable 35.5ms. One of the HDMIs supports the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature, while other ports include a tuner, a 3.5mm AV input, an IR Emitter port, an optical audio output, an ethernet port and a 5V USB 2.0 port. 

Picture and sound features are understandably limited. There are a handful of reasonably well thought-through picture presets, plus Local Contrast Enhancement and Dynamic Contrast features which, as we’ll see in the next section, can actually feel a bit at odds with each other. There are a couple of welcome options, too, for tweaking the way the screen handles motion, with the Natural Cinema option being our recommendation for any time you’re watching 24p movies. 

Picture

Two things strike us right away about the Amazon Fire TV Series-2’s picture quality – one good, one bad. 

The good one is its brightness. Images pop off the screen with an intensity seldom seen in today’s small screen world – especially the sort of very affordable end of today’s small screen world in which the Fire TV 2-Series sits. This instantly makes the TV a good bet for a relatively bright environment such as a conservatory or kitchen.

The bad picture stand-out is colour saturation. Colours across the board look washed out, so that skin tones typically look pale and sickly, floral greens and sky blues don’t look natural, and heavily saturated primary tones look muted and flat.

We try what we can to improve this issue, of course, by ramping up the colour saturation setting and using a warm colour temperature setting, but with little useful effect. The first option makes a marginal improvement to tonal richness but still doesn’t get things where we want them to be and tends to exaggerate an issue where supposedly subtle colour blends can sometimes look slightly coarse. The second option, meanwhile, just makes colours look more jaundiced. 

The bottom line is that the Fire TV 2-Series just doesn’t have the colour weapons in its arsenal to keep up with its impressive brightness. A fact that can also cause some quite noticeable clipping (lost shading and detail) in the brightest parts of HDR pictures.

Most of the other news regarding the Fire TV 2 Series 32-inch pictures, though, is positive. Movies and TV shows look clean and sharp despite the screen not mustering a full 1080p resolution, and motion appears crisp and credible regardless of whether you’re watching sport or a 24p film (though remember that for the latter you should activate the Natural Cinema processing option). 

It’s great to see, too, the VA panel delivering some quite credible black colours during dark scenes despite the screen’s impressive brightness. There’s a little greyness hanging over dark scenes for sure, but it’s subtle enough to not overly distract and there’s no sign of the blue or green undertones that dark scenes can sometimes take on with other relatively cheap TVs.

Shadow detail is impressively evident, too. Actually a bit too evident at times, as the Fire TV 2-Series’ natural effervescence when it comes to brightness can sometimes bring out a bit more background detail in dark scenes than we are really meant to see, along with the noise that such supposedly hidden bits tend to be accompanied by. We would still take this any day, though, over the miserable, flattening glowing grey wash that hangs over all dark scenes on the recently reviewed Sony KD-32W800.

Getting the best out of the 32-inch Fire TV 2 Series’ pictures does mean figuring your way around the set’s Local Contrast Enhancement and Dynamic Contrast features. The LCE option can have a big impact on the picture, with its High setting causing details to suddenly get crushed out of dark scenes, while the Low setting brings out far too much detail that should have been hidden in the shadows. So definitely go for the Medium option with this setting – and once you’ve done that, you’ll find the Dynamic Contrast option best set to High or Low. Strangely, the Medium and Off options really don’t seem to play nicely with the LCE system.

The Fire TV 2 Series-2 pictures hold up from wider viewing angles than we would have expected given that it uses a VA panel – further bolstering its potential as a particularly effective kitchen or conservatory TV.

In fact, while the faded colours are an ever-present flaw, the Fire TV 2 Series’s pictures are overall never less than fun to watch. And that’s really more than you probably have a right to hope for from such an affordable TV.

Sound

The 32-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series carries a surprisingly rich range of audio features, including a dialogue enhancer, a volume leveller, and a wide roster of content-based presets. 

These varied options are backed up by a pretty respectable performance from the TV’s two 8W speakers. Dialogue sounds well-rounded and fairly well contextualised, for starters – though male voices can become a touch muffled at high volumes. Detail levels are generally quite good, without trebles becoming too harsh or exposed.

The sound is propelled out of the TV well enough to create a reasonably spacious soundstage, and while there’s ultimately a pretty defined upper limit on how loud it can get, it does have enough volume and dynamic range headroom to shift through at least a few gears during a loud escalating action or horror movie set-piece.

Amazon’s TV avoids obvious distortions at high volumes, too, leaving as its one weakness some frustratingly inconsistent bass. There’s either not really any bass presence at all, or else it’s suddenly making an appearance accompanied by uncomfortable amounts of speaker distortion. 

To be fair, though, the bass distortion fails are fairly few and far between, and for most of the time the 32-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series sounds pleasant enough.

Verdict

The 32-inch Fire TV 2-Series is almost an absolute bargain. Its pictures are bright and crisp, its sound is detailed and punchy, its Fire TV OS works as well as it does on more expensive Amazon TVs (or Amazon Fire TV Sticks), and perhaps best of all it’s very aggressively priced for a little TV that does so much.

Its pale colours are what primarily hold it back from a solid four-star verdict, but it’s still well worth considering if you need a cheap, bright and smart TV for a conservatory or kitchen – particularly when it’s in one of its regular discount periods.

SCORES

• Picture 3
• Sound 3
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Amazon QL43F601

Also consider the Sony KD-32W800

Read our Toshiba 24WK3C63DB review

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

Major US retail chain Walmart is expanding its Onn range of technology and AV products with a 4K media streamer, and it could be the closest thing to an upgraded Google Chromecast we've seen yet.

The Onn 4K Pro is yet to be officially announced, nor has it been made available to purchase on Walmart's online store, but it has been spotted in the wild by YouTuber SUPERDELL-TV (via AFTV News). With an RRP of $50 (around £40 / AU$75), the 4K media streaming box appears to be targeting the Google Chromecast with Google TV and Fire TV Stick 4K Max, rather than other 4K streaming boxes like the Apple TV 4K or Fire TV Cube which cost more than double.  

However, the Walmart box appears to beat the Google 4K streamer regarding specs on paper. The Onn 4K Pro features 32GB of storage, 3GB of RAM and Wi-Fi 6, whereas the Chromecast has 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. Both streamers run Google TV, which is the latest iteration of Google's Android-based operating system; not to be confused with Android TV.

So far, the Onn box seems like a fairly by-the-numbers 4K media streamer, but it does have a trick up its sleeve that no other streamer on the market can lay claim to. The Onn 4K Pro is reportedly the first to include the Google TV "magic button", a feature which leaked in a beta preview of Android 14. This customisable button will allow users to assign either a streaming service shortcut or view and switch TV inputs depending on your preferred setting (as pointed out by FlatpanelsHD). 

That hasn't stopped Walmart from including a quartet of pre-assigned streaming buttons, here occupied by YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus and Paramount+. The Onn 4K Pro is also confirmed to support Dolby Vision and Atmos, as well as HDR10 – although whether or not that support extends to HDR10+ is unknown. 

It's expected to launch in Walmart stores across America soon, with availability in select locations now. While this likely won't be of interest to readers not situated in the States, it could hint towards a new Google Chromecast 4K streamer, which has been an overdue item on our wishlist for quite some time now. Could we see a new version of the Google Chromecast with Google TV at the next Google I/O event? It's entirely possible. 

MORE:

Read our full Google Chromecast with Google TV review

And check out our picks for the best media streamers

After a recent few years of disappointment in the cheap TV category, Amazon’s Fire TV Omni QLED range has been a breath of fresh air.

The 65-inch model impressed us with the balance and consistency of its picture performance, the clarity of its sound and the completeness of its Fire OS operating system. The 50-inch model is better still, boasting all of the qualities of the larger model with an extra degree of smoothing to its few rough edges.

Now, it’s the turn of the baby of the Omni QLED range – the 43-inch model. Is this the budget 43-inch TV we’ve been waiting for? Unfortunately, no. One big spec downgrade seems to have resulted in an even bigger picture quality downgrade that makes the 43-inch Omni QLED a huge disappointment.

Price

The official price of the 43-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is £550 / $450 (around AU$1065), but you should most certainly not pay that much for it. That’s because Amazon puts its Omni QLED range on sale on a very regular basis and discounts of around £200 / $100 are common.

Design

As you would probably expect, the 43-inch Amazon Omni QLED looks very much like its 50-inch sibling, only smaller. That means it’s quite a chunky, black plastic affair that looks and feels a bit cheap up close but looks perfectly reasonable from across the room. It has very similar black plastic feet, too (you get none of the 65-inch model’s silver accents here), but they’re tucked in slightly from the set’s edges, giving the TV a fairly compact footprint. There’s also a good amount of space beneath the TV for a soundbar.

The one unusual design element compared with other TVs is the relatively large undercarriage. This houses a series of sensors that enable the set’s ‘Ambient Experience’ which, among other things, allows the set to turn on and display photos or artwork when you enter the room; and far-field microphones that allow you to issue commands to the TV – via Alexa, of course – without even needing to touch the remote control. Voice control is actually baked into the Omni QLED experience really well, but should it not appeal to you, there’s a physical switch on the undercarriage that completely disables the microphones. A red light means the TV isn’t listening.

Features

Other than size, there’s one big difference between this 43-inch version of the Omni QLED and its large siblings: this smaller model lacks local dimming. What that means is that while the versions that are 50 inches and larger can light or dim separate areas of their backlights to increase contrast, the 43-inch model cannot. It’s worth noting that a lack of local dimming doesn’t automatically make a TV bad, but the subsequent contrast limitations mean that the manufacturer has to make some considered choices when it comes to the way the set approaches things, particularly brightness.

Otherwise, the 43-inch Omni QLED is just as well-appointed as the larger models. The TV might lack local dimming but it does at least feature a direct LED backlight, which should make it brighter than the edge-lit TVs commonly found at this level, and it also features Quantum Dots for theoretically better colour reproduction than you would get from a standard LCD model.

Of course, the Fire OS operating system is front and centre, and that’s no bad thing. These days Fire OS is very intuitive and easy to use, and it features every streaming app you’re likely to need. The set supports all four of the current HDR TV formats – HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision – and during our tests, every app that should output content in one of those formats does so. The Amazon ‘hard sell’ is pretty soft now, too, and Fire OS actually features more complete and less biased content aggregation than many of its rivals.

By the standards of cheap TVs, the Omni QLED is relatively well-specced for gamers, too. 4K/120Hz is beyond its capabilities, of course, but VRR, ALLM and even Dolby Vision gaming are on the menu.

Picture

It unfortunately takes very little time to realise that the 43-inch Amazon Omni QLED simply isn’t in the same league as the larger models in the range. From the moment we fire up our trusty Blade Runner 2049 4K Blu-ray and the studio logos appear, it becomes clear that the removal of local dimming has cost the TV dearly, and that Amazon hasn’t done enough to compensate for that deficiency.

Really, the TV barely hints at black, instead reproducing what should be black as somewhat dark grey. As the real action begins, this lack of depth, which also robs colours of their richness, results in a rather flat and faded rendition of the movie. We of course switch between various movies in HDR and SDR and experiment with every relevant setting, but none of the presets offer convincingly deep blacks or colours with much vibrancy. Manually reducing the Backlight setting does increase the depth of the blacks, of course, but it also results in a hopelessly dull image that is on balance worse than the alternative.

The backlight is mercifully free of the sort of blotching and cloudiness that you get with many cheap TVs, but there is a slightly annoying band of light at the left and right edges of the screen, and our retail sample suffers slightly with the so-called ‘dirty screen effect’, where faint lines down the display are revealed by images – panning shots, in particular – with large swathes of the same colour. This is one of those fairly common cheap TV traits, but it’s one that shouldn’t really be present on a TV that nominally costs £550 / $450. For what it’s worth, the significantly cheaper Hisense 43A6KTUK that we use as a reference for much of our testing has a much cleaner backlight.

It’s not all bad, though. The 43-inch Omni QLED can go very bright and will cut through significant ambient light in a way that few TVs at this level, including the aforementioned Hisense, can match. That might be a valuable asset if you are primarily interested in watching sport in a conservatory or other very bright room.

There’s good sharpness to the TV’s reproduction of 4K movies, too, even without the edge-enhancing bonus that contrast often brings, and the upscaling is also solid, with HD sources blending sharpness and smoothness fairly effectively – though, as with the 50-inch model, there’s a little more noise to upscaled content than you get from more expensive sets.

Detail levels are also very high, with the Omni QLED avoiding the vague softness that’s typical of cheap TVs and instead reproducing fine details in a way more akin to models costing twice the price. Its ability to dig up shadow detail is particularly impressive, even if that is assisted by the set’s black depth deficiencies.

Unfortunately, we have to mention two further flaws before closing this section. The first is motion, which is smeary even by the standards of cheap TVs, and the second is the viewing angles, which are disappointingly limited and leave those viewing off-axis with an extra washed-out picture.

Sound

The larger Amazon Omni QLED TVs both impressed us in terms of sound quality, and this is thankfully one area in which the 43-inch model does not disappoint. As before, this is a simple stereo affair that does without fancy Dolby Atmos processing in favour of good, honest clarity and balance.

Dialogue is detailed and well-projected, which will be all that some people need to hear, but there is also impressive dynamic range, solidity and composure for a TV in this price range. In fact, the 43-inch Omni QLED sounds better than many TVs that cost double.

Of course, adding a soundbar will still result in a big uptick in sound quality – connect one to the HDMI eARC port and the Omni QLED will send it Dolby Atmos audio.

Verdict

There are people who think that a TV will scale up and down in size with little to no impact on the overall performance, but the 43-inch Amazon Omni QLED is yet another reminder that that simply isn’t the case. It just isn’t in the same league as the larger models in the range, which are much more impressive than expected.

If you are specifically looking for a cheap 43-inch TV for watching football and F1 in your conservatory, it’s worth considering. Otherwise, you can buy better for even less.

SCORES

• Picture 3
• Sound 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Amazon Omni QLED 50 inch TV

Also consider the Hisense 43A6KTUK

Read our LG OLED 42C3 review

Best 43-inch, best 42-inch and best 40-inch TVs: superb 'small' TVs

QLED vs LED: which TV panel technology is better?

The TV market is moving faster than it has in years.

OLED remains the premium technology to beat, but it's now facing challenges from multiple directions.

Mini LED TVs continue to get brighter and more affordable, while a new generation of RGB Mini LED models promises to combine eye-searing brightness with improved colour performance and contrast control.

Keeping up with those developments isn't easy, which is why every TV that enters our test rooms goes through extensive side-by-side comparisons against its closest rivals. We test with movies, TV shows, sports and games, scrutinising everything from picture quality and sound to gaming features, smart platforms and usability.

Only the very best sets earn a place in this guide.

The latest update sees us add a brand-new category for RGB Mini LED TVs following our first full review of a mainstream model. Elsewhere, the competition between OLED and Mini LED continues to intensify, with established favourites being challenged by a wave of ambitious new arrivals.

Whether you're after a flagship home cinema TV, a gaming powerhouse, a budget bargain or simply the best all-rounder for your money, the sets below represent the finest TVs we've tested and wholeheartedly recommend.

If you're looking to spend as little as possible, also check out our guide to the best cheap TVs. And if you're ready to buy right now, it's also worth keeping an eye on our best TV deals page to see whether one of our recommended sets is available at a discount.

Best TV overall

The Sony Bravia 8 II is the successor to the five-star Sony A95L QD-OLED.

Sony has equipped this new model with its latest QD-OLED panel, claiming it delivers 25 per cent more peak brightness than the A95L, and 50 per cent more than the standard Bravia 8.

During extensive testing against both the A95L and Bravia 8, the improvements proved immediately apparent. Peak highlights display noticeably brighter intensity, with pin-prick stars glistening more piercingly against deep space backgrounds.

Bright colours also maintain exceptional vibrancy across all lighting conditions, while Sony's enhanced dark gradation work reveals shadow details that were lost on both comparison models. Folds and wrinkles in clothing, subtle facial expressions, and fine textures emerge clearly where the other sets miss these elements entirely.

The enhanced brightness combines with improved colour reproduction and superior shadow detail through Sony's XR Processor, which features a new AI scene recognition system, creating images with remarkable solidity and three-dimensional presence.

Dramatic sunrise skies appear to stretch toward the horizon with greater depth and contrast, while animated content crackles with colourful energy that maintains natural authenticity.

Getting this exceptional performance also requires minimal effort. Our testing found that simply selecting Dolby Vision Dark for Dolby Vision content or Professional mode for everything else delivers delightfully authentic results. For extra excitement, Dolby Vision Bright or Cinema modes add impact without sacrificing much in the way of accuracy. The presets proved so well-calibrated that most users won't need additional adjustments.

Direct testing with content including Alien: Romulus, Sinners, Into The Spider-Verse, and Pan demonstrated the Bravia 8 II's advantages across all material types. Impressively, we noted that bright HDR content, such as Pan, which is mastered to 4000 nits, showcased the TV's exceptional tone mapping and highlight handling. Even standard-definition content from The Thin Blue Line displayed impressively clean upscaling with notable sharpness and detail improvements.

On the sound front, Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ system uses the same configuration as the A95L, with two actuators vibrating the screen itself for sound reproduction, with two subwoofers providing bass support.

This creates spatial audio that ties directly to visual action while extending beyond the screen's boundaries. Our review noted excellent detail retrieval, convincing dynamic range, and natural tonal balance throughout, ranking it among the very best built-in TV sound systems available. No mean feat, but we still recommend adding a dedicated soundbar.

Elsewhere, gaming capabilities include 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and a Dolby Vision Game mode, plus "Perfect for PlayStation 5" functionality that automatically optimises HDR settings when connected to Sony's console. However, the limitation of just two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets continues, with one doubling as the eARC port.

As for the design, it largely carries over from the A95L, with blade-style feet that must be positioned at the TV's extremes. While this prevents placement on narrow furniture, the feet can be extended to accommodate a soundbar underneath. The remote control represents a downgrade, though, losing the rechargeable, backlit functionality of its predecessor for a basic AAA battery-powered version.

Overall, the Bravia 8 II is a significant upgrade across all areas, making even the excellent A95L appear somewhat flat in direct comparison.

The combination of enhanced brightness, superior shadow detail, and refined AI processing creates images with astonishing dynamism and realism, representing an impressive advancement in OLED tech.

For those seeking exceptional picture quality with minimal setup effort and outstanding (by TV standards) built-in sound, the Bravia 8 II won't disappoint.

Read the full Sony Bravia 8 II review

• ^ Back to the top

Best cheap TV

TCL really does cover all bases. Because, as well as producing high-end fare such as the C8K, it also makes bargain TVs such as this C6KS. And quality this year is superb across the board.

Despite its impressively low price, the C6KS has Mini LED lighting, local dimming and universal HDR support – and that's just for starters. For a 50-inch TV at just a touch over £400, that's very impressive. But that's only on paper – get in front of it and you'll really see what it can do.

Despite the plasticky feet, this TCL looks a lot more expensive than it is – you only notice the plastic build when you're handling it, which shouldn't be very often at all. And trust us, you won't be focused on the frame when you're watching this TV.

Getting any dimming zones at all on a TV at this price is impressive enough, let alone 160 of them. The HVA panel brings a range of improvements, including wider viewing angles and halo control innovations to reduce backlight blooming. You even get gaming features such as ALLM and VRR (though the latter only up to the panel's maximum refresh rate of 60Hz).

The good news continues when it comes to the picture quality. Black levels are excellent for the price, with bucketloads of shadow detail. This makes dark scenes a particular, well, highlight, if that's not a contradiction in terms.

It goes very bright as well, and still performs brilliantly when doing so. "The brightness feels very organic to the 50C6KS’s picture... as well as not generally straining the TV’s black levels and local dimming controls, it doesn’t cause the brightest colours to start looking faded or washed out," we wrote in our review.

There's plenty of refinement and subtle toning of colours. But the picture isn't perfect. Some detail is lost in the brightest highlights, and moving objects do lose a little resolution. Dolby Vision Dark can also go a little too dark, costing it detail. Considering the price and the rest of the performance, though, these flaws are easy to accept.

It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X, and the sound is very impressive, outperforming some much more expensive TVs. It's detailed and projects well, with clear dialogue. It could use more bass, but what low end it does have doesn't distort.

All told, this is a total TV bargain. If your budget is limited and 50 inches works for you, we recommend tha you don't hesitate.

Read the full TCL C6KS review

• ^ Back to the top

Best new TV

If you’re determined to buy one of the very latest TVs rather than taking advantage of the huge discounts currently available on 2025 models, the LG C6 is the new benchmark to beat.

At first glance, it might not seem dramatically different from its predecessor, as the 55- and 65-inch versions still use broadly the same WOLED panel technology.

But, thanks to LG’s new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor, the C6 squeezes noticeably more performance from that hardware, delivering a brighter, richer and more refined picture than the already excellent C5.

Highlights pop more, colours have a touch more warmth and depth, and the extra brightness gives images greater punch and dimensionality without sacrificing the natural, cinematic balance that makes LG’s OLEDs so appealing.

Upscaling and shading are subtly improved, too, while gamers remain exceptionally well served thanks to four HDMI 2.1 sockets supporting 4K/165Hz (as well as the more console-friendly 4K/120Hz), VRR and Dolby Vision gaming.

Right now, heavy discounting on 2025 TVs means even this superb new model looks relatively expensive. But if you want a brand-new TV from the latest generation rather than a discounted predecessor, the LG C6 is an outstanding option.

Read the full LG C6 review

• ^ Back to the top

Best 42-inch TV

LG has long led the way with 'small' OLEDs, and the 42-inch C5 is the best TV of its size that we've tested. It stands to reason, then, that it is now a What Hi-Fi? Awards winner.

That said, not a great deal has changed since the preceding C4, particularly in terms of design. This is a slim and lightweight TV, with low-profile feet rather than the pedestal that comes with larger versions of the C5.

Installing the feet is a doddle, but they hold the screen quite low, which can be an issue for all but the slimmest soundbars.

A soundbar is still worth adding, though, as audio quality is one of the 42-inch C5's few weak points. The built-in speakers are clear enough for everyday TV, but they lack the scale, weight and dynamics for cinematically engaging sound.

The smart platform is LG's own webOS 25, which grants fast access to popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and also cloud gaming services. Navigation is simple, but it's a shame that UK buyers still get the older version of LG’s traditional “clunky” Magic Remote, which lacks backlighting and USB charging.

Under the hood, the TV is powered by LG’s Alpha 9 Gen 8 chip. This brings with it a small boost to brightness, as well as improved upscaling, more accurate tone-mapping in HDR, and enhancements to colour retention in dim scenes.

On the features front, the C5 offers a very strong spec sheet for gamers: four full-speed HDMI 2.1 ports, support for 4K at up to 144Hz, VRR, ALLM, and a Dolby Vision Game Mode. HDR formats are well covered too, including HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision. HDR10+ isn't supported, but this is neither a surprise nor much of a loss.

In terms of picture quality, the C5 delivers a cinematic and sharply detailed image. In its default settings, it can feel a little artificial, but switching to Filmmaker mode (with motion smoothing off) yields a much more natural and immersive look, with good contrast, solid peak brightness, and three-dimensional depth.

All told, the 42-inch LG C5 is a brilliant small OLED that delivers top-tier gaming specs, excellent visuals, and a compact form that suits tight spaces. While the sound and remote leave something to be desired, its picture and features make it a very compelling choice.

Read the full LG OLED42C5 review

• ^ Back to the top

Best 48-inch TV

The 48-inch size is a very competitive field, but Panasonic has emerged victorious against tough rivals from Samsung and LG.

The Z90B retains Panasonic's "as the director intended" ethos, which is impressive at this small size. It also keeps Panasonic's rather utilitarian design, which isn't the most attractive around. But it is nice and thin, which is especially handy for wall mounting.

The built-in soundbar makes a return, which is both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because it does sound better than a lot of TVs this size, but a curse if you already have a soundbar and don't want to pay for a less good built-in version.

It also has a heatsink to boost brightness without risking burn-in and panel degradation. It's an addition we've been wanting from a TV at this size for some time.

Panasonic's latest-gen HCX Pro AI Processor MKII chipset also features, which is the same as seen in the Z95B, and enables AI processing. This also has Panasonic’s 4K Remaster Engine upscaling and a calibrated mode for Amazon Prime Video. And the TV can be Calman calibrated for near-perfect picture accuracy.

The Fire TV OS has all the usual streaming apps, though it is still a little ad-heavy for our liking. And HDR support is comprehensive. You do only get two HDMI 2.1 ports though, whereas Samsung and LG's rivals have four. But otherwise it's well-specced for gaming, with VRR and ALLM, and a maximum refresh rate of 4K/144Hz.

So how does it perform? Excellently.

Filmmaker mode provides the best picture we've seen from a 48-inch TV this year. Colours are warm and rich, with a level of detail that lots of rivals lack. Skin tones have the right colour volume in all lighting conditions, with a warmth even in the darkest parts of a character's face. It's just as impressive as with the brightest parts of the picture.

"Each part is full of detail without any loss of authenticity or addition of artificiality," we wrote in our review.

It's more discerning with its brightest highlights too, which gives them more impact. The downside is that it's not as bright as some 48-inchers, which costs it some 'wow' factor. The detail is there, but you might have to look for it.

Those who appreciate a more authentic picture will love it. But if you want colours that pop and a set that dazzles, maybe look elsewhere.

It's also the best-sounding 48-inch OLED we've tested of late. Its built-in soundbar isn't a patch on even an affordable dedicated standalone model, but it is very good for a TV, with decent separation and a good level of low-end heft.

Read the full Panasonic TV-48Z90B review

• ^ Back to the top

Best budget large TV

TCL has really knocked it out of the park lately, having delivered an impressively consistent range that combines really accessible pricing with eye-opening specs and thrilling-but-measured performances – and the C7K (the QM7K in the US) is the performance-per-pound pick of the bunch.

This Mini LED TV boasts (on the 65-inch model tested) 1008 dimming Zones, Quantum Dot colours, and a claimed peak brightness of 2600 nits. Those figures are pretty much flagship-level, yet the pricing is very much lower mid-range.

Design-wise, the C7K feels surprisingly premium for the price. It’s framed in a slim brushed-metal bezel, with a narrow back housing a multi-channel Bang & Olufsen speaker array.

The central stand does a neat job of hiding cables, and the whole build is slimmer than the step-up C8K, making it a solid pick for wall-mounting.

The C7K's remote is plastic rather than metal, but still feels weighty, and it's smartly laid out, with direct buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+ and TCL’s own Channels.

For gaming, the C7K is well spec’d: four HDMI ports, two of which are HDMI 2.1 affairs with support for 4K/144 Hz, VRR and ALLM. There's a Dolby Vision game mode, too.

All HDR bases are covered, with HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision all on board.

As impressive as the specs are, the picture is where the C7K really shines. Its local dimming is incredibly effective, especially given the price. Bright highlights are punchy, while blacks are deep and natural, even in demanding HDR scenes.

Shadow detail is excellent, and there’s very little distracting haloing or brightness fluctuation during scene changes.

Colour is bold and vibrant in the Standard preset, while the Filmmaker Mode delivers accurate, more faithful tones without feeling dull.

Processing is strong, too. TCL’s AiPQ engine upscales HD content well, enhancing sharpness without introducing noise or artefacts. And motion handling is also solid – 24 fps film content plays back cleanly with minimal judder.

Those Bang & Olufsen speakers, meanwhile, sound clean and detailed, especially in the mid-range and treble, but bass is limited. The low end doesn’t have quite the punch you would want for really cinematic moments, and very dense soundtracks can feel a little constrained.

Even so, the C7K is a remarkably capable Mini LED TV for its price. Between its blistering brightness, deep contrast, gaming credentials, and strong smart platform, it offers premium-calibre performance at a much more accessible level.

Read our full TCL C7K review

• ^ Back to the top

Best super-sized TV

How does TCL do it? This TV is a 98-inch monster with sound by Bang & Olufsen, yet for the size it's eminently affordable, especially given its great performance.

Design-wise, it's all picture, with a very slim bezel and blade-style feet. You will need a large TV cabinet to accommodate it though, as its feet can only sit in the one position.

You get 3000 nits of brightness controlled with 2000 dimming zones, plus TCL's Halo Control features, which aim to reduce the effect of backlight blooming. This is aided by an anti-glare film that reduces reflections.

Google TV brings all the usual streaming suspects, though not Freeview Play or Freely. And it's very well equipped for gamers, with VRR, ALLM, a dedicated Game Bar menu and a 144Hz refresh rate. You also get a full complement of HDR format support, but only two HDMI 2.1 ports.

It also has a great picture. In fact, in our review we said that "pretty much everything about the 98C7K’s pictures is spectacular." The brightness is intense, especially at this size, with small HDR highlights looking every bit as dazzling as on pricier TVs. Halo Control does a stellar job of suppressing any unwanted blooms of light emerging.

It can go dazzlingly bright, but doesn't sacrifice subtlety. And its Filmmaker mode is a masterclass in authenticity.

There is a touch of clouding, but not enough to harm the set's excellent contrast. And Dolby Vision Dark mode does tend to crush a few details out of the picture. There are a couple of other niggles too, but they're small fry in the face of the picture's overwhelmingly positive attributes.

The B&O sound system is detailed and clear, and never becomes overstated, harsh or brittle. But it lacks the same level of bass as a dedicated soundbar.

Again, it's a minor quibble. This huge TV is a big deal indeed.

Read the full TCL 98C7K review

• ^ Back to the top

Best for gaming

The newer C6 has now arrived and brings a meaningful performance upgrade, but thanks to the huge discounts currently available, the C5 remains the better buy for most people.

LG's C-series models have long been the most popular OLED TVs in town, thanks to their combination of exceptional picture quality, uncompromised features and relatively accessible pricing.

Each year, the brand attempts to squeeze yet more performance out of what is essentially the same W-OLED technology. It's more successful some times than others – but for the C5, it's been very successful indeed.

The claimed upgrades roughly amount to just a small increase in brightness and some new AI software features, but the improvements to real-world viewing are far more significant.

Getting a great picture is just as easy as before: select Filmmaker Mode and your preferred level of TruMotion processing (ours is Cinematic Movement), and you've immediately got a picture that's both authentic and dynamic.

The small amount of additional brightness makes the picture pop more than before, and colours are fabulously rich and vibrant, but the TV is still balanced and cinematically accurate.

Sharpness and solidity are much improved, too, and there's a three-dimensionality that gives even the Sony Bravia 8 a run for its money.

The feature set, as expected from an LG OLED, trumps that of any Sony model. That's thanks in part to the slicker webOS smart platform, but mostly because of the four HDMI 2.1 sockets, each of which supports 4K/144Hz (and 4K/120Hz) gaming with VRR and ALLM.

As with previous C-series models, Dolby Vision gaming is supported, too, and there's a peerless HGiG setting that makes it dead simple to get your HDR games looking excellent and accurate.

Sound quality is far less impressive. There's plenty of clarity and even some warmth to voices, so daytime TV is fine, but there's not enough weight, punch or dynamic range for a satisfying movie experience.

We generally don't mark TVs down for their audio quality, as none sound very good, so we always recommend adding a separate sound system, but if you are determined to live with your TV's built-in speakers, the Sony Bravia 8 is the better option.

Read the full LG C5 review

• ^ Back to the top

Best RGB Mini LED TV

Hisense is currently leading the RGB Mini LED charge. While we've previously spent time with enormous RGB Mini LED TVs such as the 116UX, the UR9 is the first mainstream example of the technology we've fully reviewed.

The headline feature is, of course, the RGB Mini LED backlight. Rather than using a conventional white backlight shining through colour filters, the UR9 uses separate red, green and blue Mini LEDs to generate colour directly. Combined with 980 local dimming zones and claimed peak brightness of up to 3500 nits, the result is one of the most technically interesting TVs of the year so far.

The good news is that the performance largely lives up to the promise. The UR9's defining strength is how rarely it behaves like a traditional backlit TV. Blooming is impressively well controlled, black depth is strong and the local dimming system generally goes about its business without drawing attention to itself.

Extra-bright HDR content looks spectacular, too. Movies such as Pan benefit from dazzling highlights and wonderfully rich colours, while the TV's impressive brightness is generally delivered without sacrificing balance or naturalism. "The Hisense instead achieves a broadly very composed, stable and natural delivery that often feels surprisingly OLED-like," we wrote in our review.

The UR9 is well equipped elsewhere, too. All three HDMI sockets are 2.1-specified and support gaming features such as 4K/170Hz, VRR and ALLM, while HDR10+, Dolby Vision and every other significant HDR format are supported. The Devialet-tuned 4.1.2-channel sound system is also better than most TVs can manage.

The UR9 isn't perfect, though. Viewing angles are relatively narrow by premium TV standards and, while blooming is rare, particularly demanding scenes can still expose the limitations of even this advanced RGB Mini LED implementation. Most importantly, the very best OLED TVs still produce a more solid and perceptually three-dimensional image.

Still, the fact that we're comparing the UR9 with flagship OLEDs at all is an achievement. If you're looking for the best RGB Mini LED TV we've tested, this is it – but do bear in mind that many more such TVs are imminent, including Sony's Bravia 9 II flagship.

Read the full Hisense UR9 review

• ^ Back to the top

Also consider

Samsung S95F
Samsung's flagship QD-OLED shares a panel with the Sony Bravia 8 II, and it gets close to it on performance, too. If you don't mind trading a small amount of accuracy and three-dimensionality for a fancier design and extra HDMI 2.1 sockets, the S95F is the TV for you.

LG G5
LG's flagship 4K TV for 2025 features brand new Primary RGB Tandem OLED technology in place of the G4's MLA tech. It's a really big step forward, particularly in terms of full-screen brightness and colour reproduction, and the G4's stylish design and excellent feature set remain. Ultimately, we feel the Bravia 8 II is the better all-rounder, but the G5 is well worth considering, particularly if you're a big gamer.

Philips OLED910
The Philips OLED910 features the same Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel as the LG G5 and Panasonic Z95B, but it combines this with classier styling, delightful Ambilight and an excellent integrated sound system by B&W. What's more, it costs less than its flagship OLED rivals, too. The Bravia 8 II ultimately performs even better, but this Philips is a great, slightly more affordable alternative.

Sony Bravia 5
Sony's most affordable Mini LED TV looks much weaker on paper than most of TCL's current TVs, but the Japanese brand has squeezed every last drop of performance out of the hardware and combined it with excellent, considered picture processing to superb effect. A great option if you don't want or can't quite afford an OLED such as the LG C5.

Philips OLED760
While it's a little too expensive to be considered a true budget TV, the Philips OLED760 a exceptional value for an OLED, particularly when you factor in the quality of its picture performance. If you're prepared to stretch your budget beyond the TCL C7K, this is a great option, particularly if you value perfect blacks, Ambilight, and having lots of HDMI 2.1 sockets.

Samsung U8000F
If you want a large TV and the TCL C7K/QM7K is outside your budget, you could do much worse than the 65-inch Samsung U8000F, which is generally available for about half the price of the TCL model. It's admittedly not in the same league in terms of specs or performance, but it offers a nicely balanced and punchy picture for its very low price.

How to choose a TV

There’s no single TV that’s perfect for everyone, but your ideal TV is almost certainly on this page. You just need to figure out your budget, how big you want to go, and what technologies are important to you.

Budget and space
Only you will know how much budget and space you have to use, although you will find a handy guide to choosing the right size of TV further down this page.

Panel technology
The next thing to consider is the panel technology. OLED now rules the roost at the premium end of things and is hugely popular thanks to its perfect blacks and pixel-level contrast control. LCD is still a huge deal too, though, particularly at the budget end of the market that OLED currently can’t touch. There are plenty of premium LCD-based TVs that are great, too, most notably Samsung’s top QLEDs, which combine Quantum Dots with Mini LED backlights to deliver the brightest, most vibrant pictures possible. There's also Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, which uses a layer of microscopic lenses on top of the OLED pixels to achieve even more dazzling levels of brightness.

Streaming apps
Also, consider whether the TV you’re looking at has all of the streaming apps you want. While some apps, such as Netflix and Prime Video, are now commonplace, there may be an app that you love that’s less common. The Crunchyroll anime app is a good example. It’s also sadly the case that some streaming apps don’t work as they should on certain TVs. For example, many Google/Android TVs support Disney+, but not with Dolby Atmos. That’s why we manually check not only that every major app is present, but that it’s working at its best.

Gaming features
Serious gamers also need to check that their prospective new TV supports all of the latest gaming features. The most technically advanced and therefore rarest of these is 4K/120Hz, which is supported by the PS5, Xbox Series X and advanced gaming PCs, and results in a more responsive gaming experience. Bit also look out for VRR (which reduces stutter in games) and ALLM (which automatically switches the TV to its game mode when you load one up), both of which are very much worth having. There are a number of TVs on this list that support all of these features, but we have a dedicated best gaming TVs guide for those to whom gaming is the primary concern.

Sound
Finally, you need to consider sound, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss a TV just because it doesn’t sound good. The disappointing truth is that even the best-sounding TV is far behind a decent soundbar for audio quality, so we always recommend focusing on picture quality when buying a TV and budgeting for a dedicated sound system to go with it. We know that’s not an option for everyone, though, so we do of course test a TV’s speakers as thoroughly as its screen. If the audio quality matters a lot to you, you’ll find all the necessary info below. There’s also a TV in this list that’s serious about Dolby Atmos sound.

How we test TVs

A modern TV is a complex, all-singing, all-dancing bit of kit, so we take days to thoroughly test each model.

The bulk of our testing involves feeding various movies and TV shows into the TV on test and its closest rivals (we have a stockroom full of reference models) simultaneously, using a 4K Blu-ray player such as the Pioneer UDP-LX500 and an HDMI splitter. Here, we're testing all aspects of picture quality using DVDs, 1080p Blu-rays and 4K Blu-rays, in both HDR and SDR.

We don't simply accept a TV's out-of-the-box settings, of course. We don't go down the route of professionally calibrating the TVs we test (you shouldn't have to have your TV professionally calibrated to experience its full potential) but we do spend hours testing and adjusting the picture settings and processing modes – using a mix of test patterns and real-world content – until we're confident that we're getting the best performance possible.

We test streaming as well – both in terms of how the TV handles streamed content, which is lower in bit-rate than content from discs, and the streaming apps that the TV natively supports. We manually check that every major app – from Netflix to All 4, Prime Video to Spotify – is not only present but also output in the video and sound formats that it should. Just because a specific app is present doesn't mean it's delivering in all the formats (Dolby Vision and/or Atmos, for example) that it advertises. Experience tells us that it often isn't.

For gaming, we connect both a PS5 and Xbox Series X so we can see how the TV's qualities translate to games and check which advanced gaming features it supports and on which HDMI inputs. Is 4K/120Hz supported? How about VRR? Is there a Dolby Vision game mode? Is there an HGiG preset for more accurate HDR tone mapping? We check all these things and measure input lag using a Leo Bodnar device.

We almost always recommend combining any new TV with a dedicated sound system – at least a soundbar but preferably an AV amplifier and speaker package – but we appreciate that for many people that simply won't do, so we do of course test and rate the built-in sound system for clarity, tonal balance, spaciousness, detail, dynamics and plenty more besides.

All of this testing is conducted by our expert reviewers, who have decades of combined TV reviewing experience, in our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London. This gives us complete control over the testing process, and because all reviews are conducted by a team rather than an individual reviewer, we ensure consistency and fairness.

TV FAQ

Recent updates

11th June 2026:
Added the Hisense UR9 as the best RGB Mini LED TV.

27th April 2026:
Added the Samsung U8000F to the also consider section.

12th March 2026:
Added the LG C6 as the best new TV.

2nd February 2026:
Added the impressively affordable Philips OLED760 to the Also Consider section. All other text has been checked and updated to ensure it reflects our latest buying advice.

8th January 2026:
The Sony Bravia 5 and Philips OLED910 have been added to the Also Consider section. All entries and sections have been checked and updated to reflect our latest buying advice.

18th November 2025:
Big changes! The Sony Bravia 8 II has been promoted to 'best overall', while the LG C5 has been moved to 'best for gaming'. The 42-inch version of the LG C5 is now the 'best 42-inch TV', and the TCL C7K / QM7K has been added as the 'best budget large TV'. Our 'also consider' recommendations have also been overhauled, and all other copy has been updated to reflect our latest buying advice.

30th September 2025:
We've replaced the Sony Bravia 8 with the LG C5 as 'Best overall', replaced the Amazon Omni QLED 50-inch with the TCL C6KS as 'Best cheap TV', and replaced the LG OLED48C4 with the Panasonic TV-48Z90B as 'Best 48-inch TV'. We've also removed the 'Best new' and 'Best 8K' options, and added the TCL 98C7K as a new 'Best super-sized TV' category.

29th July 2025:
We've removed the Sony A95L (Best premium TV), TCL 65P755K (Best budget TV), and Sony Bravia 9 (Best Mini LED TV) from the guide. They've been replaced by the Sony Bravia 8 II, Sharp 70GK4245K, and Sony Bravia 7, respectively. All other entries and buying advice have been reviewed and refreshed to reflect our latest lab tests and recommendations.

30th April 2025:
Added the LG C5 as the 'best new TV', and added the LG G5 and Sony Bravia 7 to the 'also consider' section. All other entries and advice sections have been checked and updated to reflect our latest buying advice.

13th March 2025:
Upgrades to the Sony Bravia 9 mean it has been promoted to our choice of Best Mini LED, while the newly reviewed LG C5 has been added to the also consider section.

27th November 2024:
Removed the LG Z3 from the also consider section and added the Panasonic Z95A and Samsung Q80D.

29th October 2024:
Replaced the LG C4 with the Sony Bravia 8 as the best TV overall after side-by-side comparisons conducted for the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024. Also replaced the discontinued TCL C845K with the TCL P755K as the best budget large TV for the UK.

12th September 2024:
Removed the Sony A80L from the list due to lack of availability and promoted the LG C4 to the top spot. The 48-inch LG C4 has also taken the place of the 48-inch LG C3 as it now costs only a little more but is a decent-sized upgrade in terms of performance. We've also added the Sony Bravia 8 and Philips OLED809 to the 'also consider' section.

15th July 2024:
Added the LG G4 to the also consider section.

23rd May 2024:
Added the LG C4 as the best 2024 TV and replaced the Samsung S95C with the S95D in the also consider section

4th April 2024:
Added the Samsung QN900D as the best 8K TV.

1st March 2024:
'Also Consider' and 'Recent Updates' sections added and 'How We Test' section rewritten with additional detail.

1st February 2024:
New author information and 'what is the best TV?' FAQ added.

12th January 2024:
Information of new models announced at CES added to intro.

3rd November 2023:
Added Sony A95L.

Round up of today's best deals

Roku has announced a range of new TV models, partnering with Currys-owned brand Logik. The new models aim to combine great picture quality with Roku's easy-to-use operating system, all at an affordable price.

The new Logik Roku come in two ranges: the '2K HD and Full HD' series (available in 32-inch and 40-inch sizes), and the '4K Ultra HD Series' (available in 43-inch and 50-inch sizes). All models support HDR-10, while the 4K Ultra HD series also supports Dolby Vision.

This news follows last year's partnership between Currys and Roku, and the more recent announcement of the Roku Pro series as the brand introduces new TV sets into both the affordable and premium markets.

Recently, we've lamented how our testers have struggled to find good cheap TVs, with the notable exception being the Amazon Fire TV range. We're looking forward to testing the new Logik Roku TVs to see if they can compete with Amazon's offering and end the trend we've noticed.

Roku TVs are known for their intuitive user interfaces and easy-to-navigate menus. They also offer streamlined access to a wide range of major streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Paramount+, YouTube, and many more. 

The TV's OS also includes Roku Search for convenient searching across different streaming apps and offers a range of control options including a simple remote, a free mobile app, and voice controls. 

The '2K HD and Full HD' and '4K Ultra HD' Logik Roku TVs will be available from Currys later this month, with pricing starting from £150.

We've asked about connectivity and refresh rates and will update when we hear back.

MORE: 

Look out LG, Samsung and Sony, Roku is getting serious about high-end TVs

Read our picks for the best TVs

And our choices of best cheap TVs

2024 has already seen one company shake up its choice of TV operating system, with Panasonic announcing that it will be doing away its My Home Screen software, in favour of Fire TV. Philips, on the other hand, is doing the complete opposite; ditching an established operating system in favour of a nicher solution, but not on all of its TVs. 

TP Vision (the company that licenses Philips TVs in Europe and other select markets such as Latin America) has revealed that it will partner with Titan OS S.L, a European software development company that has created its own smart TV platform called Titan OS.  It will feature on its upcoming entry-level Mini LED and LCD TVs, including the PML9009 Xtra Mini-LED and "The One" LCD (also known as the PUS8909).

It's not only coming to Philips TVs though, as TP Vision has announced that it has also partenered with UK technology retailer Currys to launch Titan OS on its selection of JVC TVs. For those unitiated, Currys manufacturers and distributes JVC sets here in the UK,

Interestingly, Philips has shopped around the TV smart platforms in recent years. Just last year it swapped from Android TV to Google TV on the OLED808 and OLED908. However, after being plagued with various licesning issues between Google TV and Freeview Play, the company had to delay its latest OLED TVs to October of last year, hence our surprise when it already announced replacements for these models just three months on. That being said, it will continue to use Google TV on the newly announced OLED+959 and OLED+909. 

So what does Titan OS have to offer? From what we can see, it features a majority of the apps we'd expect to see, including Disney Plus, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, as well as regional services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV X and Channel 4. However, there was no mention of Apple TV or Now (formerly Now TV) in Philip's most recent release, so we can't confirm if these services will feature on the platform. 

In the brief look we've had at the platform, it appears to be a fusion of Google TV and webOS in design. It features a top-mounted navigation bar to swap between home, apps, channels and a search function, while the bottom of the home screen features content suggestions and a selection of favourite (possibly recently used) streaming apps. 

Philips is also highlighting Titan OS' capabilities when it comes to advertising, noting that the Titan Advertising portion of the company will be launching alongside this partnership. Philips suggests that Titan will "enable TV manufacturers to extend their business beyond hardware", allowing them to access "continuous revenue streams for the 40% of the TV market that lacks its own operating system". Could this be a dig at LG's webOS and Samsung's Tizen OS? 

You can expect to see Titan OS launch on the two afformentioned Philips models in the first half of 2024. We might be reading too much into Philips' word choices here, but it did say that this it will "initially feature on two Philips branded 2024 models", meaning we could see the software on more Philips models coming later down the line. 

MORE:

Read our full Philips OLED808 review

As well as Philips OLED808 vs LG C3: which is the better step-down OLED?

And our list of the best TVs

Next month's Super Bowl LVIII will air in 4K HDR. For the first time, CBS Sports will broadcast the big game in the resolution, as well as in 1080p HD HDR, meaning sports fans have a few options for how to watch the Super Bowl in 4K.

Fox Sports broadcast last year's Super Bowl and the 54th contest in 2020 in 4K, but both were upconverted streams.

CBS says that the 1080p feed will be available on most platforms, while the 4K HDR one will be supplied to various MVPDs (Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) and vMVPDs (Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor). It hasn't named these yet. But we do know that the CBS broadcast will be available via Paramount+, which is available on devices like mobiles, tablets, games consoles, Apple TV and Fire TV devices and smart TVs.

HDR stands for high dynamic range. It enhances the contrast of the image (the difference between the lightest and darkest parts) with more gradual steps in between. This creates a greater sense of depth, making it look more lifelike.

CBS is promising over 10 hours of Super Bowl coverage. Its pregame, halftime (including Usher's performance at the halftime show) and postgame coverage will also be available in 4K HDR and 1080p HDR. So if you've always wanted to see the singer leave his sneakers on stage in stunningly high resolution, now's your chance.

For the first time, the match will air alongside a kid-friendly broadcast on Nickelodeon.

Super Bowl LVIII takes place on Sunday 11th February at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The game kicks off at 6.30pm ET / 11.30pm GMT (10.30am AEDT on Monday 12th February). We don't know which two teams will compete yet – that'll be decided by the playoffs. Whoever it is, they'd better look their best.

MORE:

HDR cheat sheet: get up to speed on HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision

HDR10 vs Dolby Vision: which is better?

Heard of IMAX Enhanced? Here's everything you need to know

Sonos has had something of a mixed 2023. For all the excitement at the beginning of the year, with the launch of the five-star Era 100 and Award-winning Era 300, it had a troubling mid-year, laying off seven per cent of its employees in June and even more following in November.

In a quarterly earnings call that same month, the company confirmed a 5.5 per cent year-on-year decrease in revenue, something that CEO Patrick Spence put down to a “challenging year” in the industry.

Rather than scale back and tread carefully, though, Sonos looks to be doubling down, with leaks, teases and even official comments that suggest it has big plans for 2024. 

With an eye on growth, that means a slew of new products rumoured to be coming from the company in the next 12 months – including a move into several new, and perhaps surprising, territories. So what can we expect?

Sonos headphones are coming

For many years, Sonos maintained its position as a brand for the home only – a stance that has clearly mellowed somewhat with the launch of products like the Sonos Roam. Now, it looks like its move to an all-encompassing audio brand is almost complete, with the planned launch of its first pair of headphones – something it has apparently been working on since 2019.

In the November earnings call, CEO Patrick Spence confirmed Sonos’ entry into a “new multi-billion dollar category”, starting in the second half of the year. Not long after, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed details of a premium pair of over-ear headphones in the making for 2024, as early as March/April, costing upwards of $400 (around £350/AU$650).

Unsurprisingly, it’s thought the headphones will work seamlessly within the Sonos ecosystem, with the suggestion that you will be able to switch between your home’s Sonos speaker system and your Sonos headphones when you leave the house, or vice versa when you return. If anyone can make this experience a smooth and intuitive one, it’s Sonos.

Sonos Voice Control, as featured on its speakers, will be on board here, while a newly designed app will be available for controlling portable Sonos kit away from your home wi-fi. Just like its speakers, the headphones will reportedly be available in a choice of black and white – though we’re hoping for some more colourful finishes over time.

Gurman also mentioned that Sonos is exploring the possibility of an in-ear model, to rival Apple’s AirPods. Having acquired RHA Audio a couple of years ago, it could easily lean into its experience in the earbuds market for inspiration, though details on that remain very much TBC.

• Read our Sonos headphones rumour round-up for all the latest leaks

A move into TV?

One of the more surprising rumours for 2024 is that Sonos is readying its own streaming box to rival the likes of Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Google Chromecast.

Having focused on audio for upwards of 20 years, it's not something we expected – but then Sonos has always considered itself to be a software company at its heart, not an audio one. Considering how accessible it's made the music side of streaming, it's not inconceivable to think it could bring something more to the experience on the video side too.

Gurman says the device, codenamed 'Pinewood', will be able to stream video and be controlled by voice, while also acting as a central hub for other Sonos devices. Sonos is supposedly working closely with streaming services like Netflix to build apps on to the platform, and will even be working on its own too, apparently.

Other leaked details suggest it will be a box-like design rather than a stick one, will be based on an Android operating system and will, of course, play back Dolby Atmos to make the most of compatible Sonos speakers.

Better voice control

Sonos introduced its own voice control on its speakers in 2022, not as a competitor for Alexa – which remains on its speakers alongside it – but for locally processed music control and requests. 

It has some shortfalls though, like its lack of Spotify integration, so a bit of a glow-up wouldn't go amiss. Thankfully, it looks like it's coming in 2024.

An advanced version of the feature is expected to be released in the latter half of the year, dubbed Voice 2.0. What exactly the improvements will be remain to be seen, but considering the timing, we'd hasten a guess that TV control may be a part of it — if the set-top box rumour turns out to be true.

We still expect it will stick to complementing Alexa rather than replacing it, but improved support for music control feels like a must. Particularly when the one that's missing is the most popular streaming service in the world.

Upgrades galore

Sonos isn’t ignoring its current portfolio, though. We should see a number of updates and upgrades to current kit this year, if the leaks are to be believed. 

This includes a second-generation Roam with rumoured new touch controls and a new flagship soundbar, with better sound and improved bass compared with the current Sonos Arc.

Considering the Arc is already a five-star product, we’re looking forward to seeing how such an upgrade performs – but we know it won’t come cheap. Expected towards the end of the year, it could cost as much as $1200 (£945/AU$1765), which is a considerable bump up from the $900/£700/AU$1500 Arc.

• Sonos Arc (Gen 2): 5 things we want from the next Dolby Atmos soundbar

However, it looks like a new version of the Sonos Sub family could be the first of the new products to show its face. Sonos released a bass-filled teaser on its Instagram page, featuring what looks to be the same rounded cut-out shape as you'll see on the Sub Mini. 

In fact, the teaser uses a lot of the same footage as the teaser for the Sub Mini did last year, so what gives?

It would seem a little early to be upgrading the Mini after just a year, but there is a sale on the three-year-old regular Sub (Gen 3) right now. Does that mean there's a new redesigned Sub in the works? 

One was certainly earmarked in the leaks, codenamed 'Lotus', with another higher-end sub also rumoured for the end of the year. Timelines can change, of course, so it remains to be seen what this all means.

Of course, there's always the chance, considering the caption, that Sonos has just hastily reused some old footage to keep the chatter around the leaks going. And it seems to be working. New product or not, the comments on the post would suggest a lot of excitement for what's to come for Sonos in 2024, and we have to say we're inclined to agree.

MORE:

Which Sonos speaker should you buy?

Sonos: everything you need to know about the multi-room king

Shop today's best Sonos deals

What to expect from Apple in 2024 – iPhone 16, AirPods 4, new iPads and more

Apple has updated its Apple TV 4K streamer to version 17.2, which offers quite one significant change alongside various quality of life and feature updates. 

The latest software upgrade, available on all models of the Apple TV HD (from 2015 onwards) and Apple TV 4K (2017 models onwards), introduces a new look to Apple's streaming service, but in turn, signals the end for another iconic Apple service.

The service in question is the iTunes Movies and TV store, which has now been absorbed into the Apple TV app. Launched in 2008, the store has been Apple's hub for renting and purchasing the latest releases for over 15 years. Now, in the streaming age and with the introduction of the Apple TV platform, Apple has decided to streamline its video offerings. 

Thankfully it's not all doom and gloom, as there are plenty of interesting new features in the tvOS 17.2 update. The main new feature is a new sidebar navigation system for the Apple TV app, something we reported as a beta feature back in October. Here you'll find first-party Apple TV options like Apple TV+ and the new movie and TV store (just titled "Store"), as well as third-party streaming apps like Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video. You'll also find your video library in this menu to access your rented and purchased content, with filters for genre as well as if the content is 4K HDR.

This update also introduces features outlined earlier in prior beta builds of the software, including the redesigned control centre, enhanced dialogue options for HomePod users and Adaptive Audio for AirPods users. You'll also be able to initiate FaceTime calls directly from the Apple TV now, with the ability to use your iPhone or iPad as a webcam using the Continuity Camera feature. Finally, you'll be able to connect your Siri Remote (on the 2021 and 2022 Apple TV 4K models) to your iPhone via Bluetooth, with the ability to use the Find My app to locate it if you lose it; ideal for the all-to-common occurrence of the remote slipping between the couch cushions. 

You can update your Apple TV now by navigating to the settings app, scrolling down to "system" and selecting software update. 

MORE:

Read our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review

Can't decide? Amazon Fire TV Cube vs Apple TV 4K

Another Award-winning streamer: Google Chromecast with Google TV review

While Amazon has been making streaming sticks for nearly a decade, it's a relative newcomer to actually making TVs. But in the few short years that its Fire TVs have been on sale, they've come on in leaps and bounds.

It now produces three ranges: the Fire TV 2-Series, Fire TV 4-Series and Fire TV Omni QLED. The latter is what we're interested in here, as it's the flagship range in Amazon's Fire TV family.

So what does the Fire TV Omni range offer? How much do the TVs cost? How do they compare to what else is available? And should you buy one if you find a great deal? Let's find out.

Should you buy an Amazon Fire Omni TV? The short answer...

Amazon is a relative newcomer to the world of TVs. While the e-commerce giant has been installing its software on other companies' TVs for a while now, it only launched its own Amazon-built TVs in 2021. Of course, Amazon has the resources of a small country, and so doesn't do things by halves – and its foray into TV-making is no different.

The Fire TV Omni QLED range boasts very impressive functionality – it essentially has a Fire TV Stick built into the set, giving you all the major streaming apps (with all four flavours of HDR baked in) and Alexa voice controls. The design might be a bit more basic than more style-conscious TVs, but it has it where it counts, which is picture and sound quality.

This being Amazon, the TVs are priced very competitively, but you shouldn't take the official price as your final answer. Amazon loves a sale, and it regularly lops a lot off the price of its TVs (just as it does its Echo speakers, Fire TV streaming devices and Fire tablets). We've seen up to 40 per cent off its Fire TV Omni QLEDs. So while they are definitely worth considering, you should never pay full price.

Should you buy an Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED QL50F601?

The QL50F601 is the 50-inch entry in the Omni range. And it's a belter, earning a 2023 What Hi-Fi? Award for its efforts. 

Design-wise, it's not as fancy as the 65-incher below – it has black plastic in place of the silver metal accents. But it has an impressive array of features for its price. These include an Ambient Experience (which is essentially a screensaver that appears when the TV detects your presence), Alexa voice smarts, the Fire OS operating system, support for all four current HDR standards (HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision) with even Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive (which automatically adjust to ambient lighting conditions), and QLED panel technology, plus VRR and ALLM for gamers across all four of the set’s HDMI ports. One of those ports is also eARC-enabled so can send uncompressed Dolby Atmos signals to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver.

Performance? Very good. It's no giant killer, but it is a surprisingly consistent and considered performer that works within its means to provide a very satisfying and authentic picture. Colours successfully tread the fine line between vibrancy and subtlety, and skin tones are natural and fairly delicately shaded. The audio is a little restrained, but that's preferable to the kind of distortion you hear from boomier, bassier TVs at this end of the market.

The QL50F601 is officially priced at £650 / $530, but we've seen it dip as low as £400 / $350 so do keep an eye out for discounts.

Should you buy an Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED QL65F601?

The QL65F601 is the 65-incher in the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED TV, and the largest member of the family. It offers pretty much the same specs and features as its 50-inch sibling, just on a larger scale.

It earned 'only' four stars in our review, however. While that's a very respectable score, it does suffer from some picture issues that aren't as apparent on the 50-incher.

Low-light scenes cause it the most problems, with a slight lack of shadow detail and some patchiness to colours. Motion also tends to be a bit smeary. But these are minor issues that many people will be able to overlook, especially given the price.

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED QL65F601 retails for £1000 / $800, but we've seen it go as low as £680 / $590. For reference, Samsung’s 2023 QLED range starts at £1299 in the UK for a 65-inch model and is unlikely to be discounted by the same percentage.

Should you buy the other Amazon Fire TV Omni QLEDs?

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED range includes other TVs in more sizes, though we haven't tested them.

The 43-incher doesn't support full-array local dimming (instead it's direct LED) which will affect the picture. Full-array local dimming splits the screen into zones, which can be controlled independently, so the screen can react more accurately to what image information it's being fed. We would therefore be cautious with the 43-inch Omni QLED. It might be very good, but it's too different to the larger models to be safely recommended.

But the 55-incher – like its bigger siblings – does support full-array local dimming. In fact, it should perform essentially the same as the 65-inch model, so while we haven't tested it we do feel fairly confident that it will be good and worth taking a punt on when it's discounted.

You'll find the latest, lowest prices for every model in the range below.

MORE:

QLED vs LED: which TV panel technology is better?

Should you buy a TCL TV? Find out here

Need help? How to choose the right TV 

Save big with our pick of the best TV deals

Reports suggest that Apple is planning on releasing an update to its Apple TV app that could revamp and revitalise the platform, creating the ultimate hub for streaming and digital content. This seems to have been the plan for some time now, as Apple has included half-hearted integration with other content libraries within the Apple TV app for some time now; it looks as though it might finally be taking the next step to make this a reality. 

The goal is to create one app that encompasses its Apple TV+ streaming library, third-party channel subscription options, as well as rented and purchased content from the iTunes Movie store, although this means that the aforementioned app will likely be sent out to pasture. 

Reports from Bloomberg suggest that Apple could roll this update out to its Apple TV 4K streaming box, Macs, iPads and iPhones as early as December, as well as other streaming devices that host the Apple TV app, such as the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max and Google Chromecast with Google TV. 

The first iteration of the revamped Apple TV will supposedly feature a navigation bar on the left-hand side of the screen which will include a variety of content categories. This will include the previously mentioned first-party content (including Apple's flourishing Apple TV+ streaming library), your rented and purchased content library, and integration with third-party services such as Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+.

Eventually, Apple intends to create the ultimate streaming hub, envisioning a content hub that will be a gateway to its entire digital content library and further integration with other streaming platforms - or so it seems.

MORE:

Read our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review

Find out what's new in tvOS 17

Can't decide? Amazon Fire TV Cube vs Apple TV 4K (2022)

The Amazon Fire TV Stick remains one of the most popular ranges of streaming sticks available. And with good cause – the devices offer decent spec and very good performance for a bargain price, especially when on sale.

But which one should you choose? Amazon has chopped and changed its range a lot in recent years, which can make picking one confusing. But we're here to help.

We've broken down the range so you can see which model does what. Plus we've provided some sage buying advice to help you find your perfect streamer.

The range currently comprises four models: the Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Stick 4K Select. You might also find the older Fire TV Stick Lite and Fire TV Stick on sale refurbished, but as they're no longer part of the range, we've not included them here.

Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023)?

The second-generation Fire TV Stick 4K launched in 2023, and is 30 per cent faster than the old Fire TV Stick 4K (2018), and supports Wi-Fi 6. Like the previous version, it supports the major HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10 and HDR10 Plus) and Dolby Atmos for more immersive audio with virtual height channels. And of course, as the name suggests, it's equipped for 4K visuals.

The Alexa Voice Remote means voice controls without touching a button, and it can control your TV, soundbar and AV receiver too.

Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023)?

We haven't reviewed this model, but the previous model picked up a five-star review along with a What Hi-Fi? Award to boot. Considering the similarities to the old model, we would like to think the newer Fire TV Stick 4K could follow suit.

Is it the best streaming stick at its price?

Without testing it, we couldn't say. But it certainly stands a good chance. The four-star Google TV Streamer is compelling, but given that it's £50 pricier than the Fire TV Stick 4K, and a whopping £70+ plus more expensive when the Fire Stick is discounted, the Amazon device is likely the better buy.

Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)?

Besides the standard Fire TV Stick 4K, Amazon also launched a new version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max in 2023. The Max is the biggest and most powerful Fire TV Stick that Amazon makes.

The latest model is even more powerful than the one it replaces, upping the processor to 2GHz, and supporting Wi-Fi 6E, which potentially means lower latency streaming and faster speeds (as long as you have a compatible router).

It's also the first Fire TV Stick with the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which displays artwork, info from your calendar, sticky notes, and controls for your smart home devices and music streaming services, all when you're not watching TV. (Previously, this feature was only on Amazon's Fire TV Omni QLED Series of TVs.)

The Fire TV 4K Max supports the same HDR and Atmos formats as the standard 4K model, and has double the storage (16GB) of its predecessor. It too ships with an Alexa Voice Remote that can also control your soundbar and AV receiver as well as your TV.

Should you buy the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)?

Yes! We gave the most recent model an Award for its detailed picture, comprehensive HDR support and great app selection. The sound still needs improvement, but given its price, we can forgive that.

Is it the best streaming stick at its price?

Most definitely. It's great value, even at full price. The Apple TV 4K is superior, but it's also much pricier.

Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD?

The Fire TV Stick HD launched in October 2024, and is the latest entry-level device in the Fire TV Stick family. It replaces both the standard Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite (both now retired).

What's new? Not a whole lot. There's an Alexa Voice Remote for barking commands at the virtual assistant, and you also get buttons for your TV's volume and power controls.

Other than that, it's business as usual, with HDR support, full HD picture quality, HDMI ARC compatibility and a 1.7GHz processor. It doesn't support Dolby Vision or Atmos – for those, you'll need the Fire TV Stick 4K.

Should you buy the Fire TV Stick HD?

We haven't reviewed it yet, so can't say for definite. But at the moment, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the same price...

Is it the best streaming stick at its price?

Without reviewing it, we couldn't say. Stay tuned for a full review...

Should you buy the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select?

In October 2025 Amazon announced yet another member of the Fire TV Stick family. The Fire TV Stick 4K Select brings you 4K visuals on a no-frills basis – there's no Dolby Vision or Atmos, though you do still get other formats of HDR.

Instead of Atmos, you get Dolby-encoded audio via HDMI passthrough. It has the same 8GB storage as the 4K and HD models of Fire TV Stick, and Wi-Fi 5.

It also lacks the more advanced features of the pricier models: live view picture-in-picture, hands-free with Alexa, the Fire TV Ambient experience and the ability to control other media devices like set-top boxes and games consoles.

It retails for £50 / $40 / AU$89, but is often on sale.

Should you buy the Fire TV Stick 4K Select?

We haven't reviewed, so can't say for definite. But if you want 4K without extras like Dolby Vision and Atmos, it looks like a tempting proposition, especially when it's on sale.

Is it the best streaming stick at its price?

Again, difficult to say. Its strongest competition is probably its stablemate, the Fire TV Stick 4K, which is only marginally more expensive. We would opt for the latter to futureproof our investment, but if money is tight and you want 4K, the Select could be for you.

MORE:

Check out the best streaming devices around

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max vs Google Chromecast with Google TV: which is better?

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K vs Chromecast with Google TV: which is the best TV streaming device?

We're kicking off the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days with a corker of a streaming deal. While Amazon is certainly pushing its own Fire TV-powered streamers (you can save 33% on the Fire TV Stick), Google's duo of media streamers are also subject to a hefty discount, here's the lowdown.

Currently, the Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is 33 per cent off, meaning you'll save £20, while the HD model is 34 per cent off, saving you £12. That's quite a tasty bargain if you ask us, especially when you consider that the 4K Chromecast isn't just a five-star product, but also a What Hi-Fi? Award winner for two years running.

The Chromecast is a fantastic streamer in its own right, but this price cut is an even better incentive to upgrade. Usually, we'd caveat with the existence of the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, but strangely Amazon is releasing its updated version of the streaming stick after its big deals event is over. 

Nevertheless, we tend to prefer the Chromecast over the Fire TV Stick anyway; you can find out why in our Chromecast with Google TV vs Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max guide. 

The footnotes to this comparison are that the design is more considered, and doesn't block neighbouring HDMI ports. Its picture and sound are much more natural and authentic than on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max – visuals are cleaner and more engaging, and colours are more natural. Finally, the sound has more texture and the timing is better too.

The Chromecast is also stacked when it comes to features, with HDR support in the HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats, as well as the newly implemented content frame matching system – which Netflix has just adopted – in order to create smoother motion. You can also wireless stream to the Chromecast via Bluetooth or by pairing a phone or tablet – unsurprisingly, Google's own Pixel devices provide the software for the best Android phones.

So there you have it: an Award-winner at a knockdown price. Grab it while you can.

Amazon’s 43-inch Fire TV 4-series 4K UHD smart TV is currently down 42% in price, dropping from £430 to £250. 

We haven't tested this specific TV, but Amazon proved with its Omni QLED that it's capable of producing a TV with an impressively consistent and considered performance at a wallet-friendly price. 

We're hoping that the even-cheaper 4-series follows suit – though it obviously lacks the more expensive model's QLED technology. It does, though, offer the full Fire TV experience in a very affordable package

The Fire TV 4-series launched in 2023 and features an excellent smart platform, offering users the full Fire TV experience without the need to buy a separate stick. As an operating system, it's very user-friendly and features every app under the sun, so you won't find yourself short on options. 

In terms of image, the TV packs in 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and HLG support. It also comes bundled with the Fire TV Alexa Remote, which allows for convenient voice control and search functionalities of your TV, alongside smart home controls such as light dimming or displaying the front door camera. 

All models of Fire TV support wi-fi or ethernet connections, and when it comes to online streaming there’s access to major services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.  

For your connectivity needs, there are three HDMI inputs alongside a separate HDMI eARC connection for soundbars or other audio equipment. This is particularly nice, considering a lot of TVs, even at higher price points, can often lack sufficient HDMI ports. 

MORE:

Best TV 2023: the latest and greatest TVs, rated and ranked

The best TV deals 2023: 4K, QLED, HDR, OLED

The latest iPhone has been announced, which means the start of autumn launch period. The Google Pixel 8 will be unveiled on 4th October, but before then we have Amazon and its latest Fire TV devices. And there's plenty to get your teeth into.

Like two new Fire TV Sticks, and a Fire TV Soundbar. The Fire TV Sticks are powered by the Alexa smart assistant, which Amazon promises will be more helpful than ever.

The new Fire TV Stick 4K has a 1.7GHz processor that's 30 per cent more powerful than its predecessor, and it supports Wi-Fi 6. Like its predecessor, it supports the major HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10 and HDR10 Plus) and Dolby Atmos.

The Fire TV 4K Max is even more powerful, upping the processor to 2GHz, and supporting Wi-Fi 6E, which will mean lower latency streaming and faster speeds (as long as you have a compatible router). It's also the first Fire TV Stick with the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which displays artwork, info from your calendar, sticky notes, and controls for your smart home devices and music streaming services, all when you're not watching TV. (Previously, this feature was only on Amazon's Fire TV Omni QLED Series of TVs.)

The Fire TV 4K Max supports the same HDR and Atmos formats as the standard 4K model, and has double the storage (16GB) of its predecessor.

The last new device is the Fire TV Soundbar – Amazon's first in the category. It's a two-channel model with a width of 24 inches, and promises room-filling sound and support for DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio. As well as being compatible with all Fire TV devices, you can stream audio to it from any Bluetooth-enabled device.

Both Fire TV Sticks have Alexa onboard, but the Soundbar doesn't. A software update coming soon will improve Alexa's search functionality, letting the assistant fine-tune recommendations based on your conversation with it.

The Fire TV 4K costs £59.99 / $49.99 / $79, while the 4K Max is £69.99 / $59.99 / AU$119.99. The Fire TV Soundbar costs $119.99 on its own, or $154.98 bundled with the Alexa Voice Remote Pro (UK and Australian prices for the Fire TV Soundbar aren't available yet). The Fire TV Soundbar is available now in the US, while the Fire TV Sticks are available to pre-order now and will be released in the US and Australia on 27th September, and in the UK on 18th October.

Amazon's Fire TV devices are among the best of their kind, so it'll be interesting to see how the Soundbar competes with the finest around. And with the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale coming next month – followed by Black Friday – we might see discounts on these new devices sooner than you would expect...

MORE:

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max vs Google Chromecast with Google TV: which is better?

Maybe the Fire TV Stick 3rd Generation would suit you better?

Check out our pick of the best media streamers

Like a shark swimming through the deep, Amazon never sleeps. It's no surprise that one of the biggest companies in the world continues to churn out products at a quite alarming rate, exemplified by the rapacity and frequency at which it pushes out the various iterations of its Echo range. The classic Echo, the Echo Dot, the Pop; the factory line never stops turning.

It wasn't much of a surprise, then, that Amazon's recent showcase saw the reveal of a new Amazon Echo Show 8, a reimagined version of the brand's flagship screen-ready smart speaker with an overhauled design and plenty of internal changes.

With an edge-to-edge glass touchscreen display and a centralised camera being introduced alongside the implementation of Alexa (now smarter than ever), the Show 8 has seen a complete design overhaul from those iterations that came before. 

It isn't just visual changes that make the Show 8 noteworthy, however. Amazon's latest smart speaker comes equipped with custom-built spatial audio processing support, as well as room adaptation technology that senses the acoustics of the room and then fine-tunes playback depending on the position, something we've seen in rival speakers such as the five-star Apple HomePod 2. 

What we haven't seen before is something Amazon has dubbed "Adaptive Content". Essentially, using computer vision, the Show's home screen changes and adjusts depending on your proximity to the unit: the further away you are, the less info the screen shows. The closer you get, the more detailed the content becomes. 

Alexa obviously returns, with Amazon promising the smartest iteration of its smart assistant yet. Using a new, large language model for quicker responses and up to 40 per cent faster response times, Alexa is now more natural and fluid with its tone and delivery. 

The reveal of the Echo Show 8 came alongside a host of firsts and unveilings from Amazon, including new kids' devices, a new Fire TV stick, a Fire TV Soundbar and, perhaps most interesting of all, a pair of smart glasses dubbed the "Echo Frames" which feature open-ear audio, long-lasting battery and, of course, hands-free Alexa access. We might stick to reviewing the audio and AV items for now...

The Echo Show 8 will be available to buy for $149 dollars (further prices pending). Shipping next month, it can be ordered today via Amazon.  

MORE:

Check out our list of the best smart speakers you can buy

More into Apple? Here’s our Apple HomePod Mini review

Amazon Echo vs Apple HomePod Mini: which is the best smart speaker?

Amazon might be refreshing its lineup of Fire TV Stick media streamers in an upcoming event slated for later today. How do we know? Well we have the Federal Communication Commission to thank for this one, as two new Fire Sticks appeared to have been filed for approval, although details are still sparse at the moment.

So what do we know so far? Currently all we know is that one will support Wi-Fi 6 and the other will support Wi-Fi 6E, the latter being the latest standard in wireless internet connectivity. While this might seem unassuming to most, this is actually quite a big clue as to what these Fire TV sticks could be. 

It hints heavily towards these being the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max, as these two devices are mostly differentiated by the latter supporting Wi-Fi 6E. Conveniently, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has disappeared from Amazon without a trace; very interesting...

Launching in October 2021, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is due for an upgrade, as is the standard 4K model which launched all the way back in 2018. But what else should we expect? Well, picture and sound upgrades would, of course, be a great start, as well as a less chunky design as the Fire TV Sticks are notorious for blocking adjacent HDMI ports. Amazon could also take a leaf out of Apple's iPhone 15 book here and switch to USB-C, as micro USB is thoroughly outdated.  

All will be revealed later today when Amazon begins its hardware focused event at 4pm BST, although it's worth noting that the company has decided not to live stream it.

MORE:

Read our full Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review

And read our Google Chromecast with Google TV review 

Check out our picks for the best media streamers 

Ok, so we knew the chances of a new Apple TV 4K being announced during Apple's 2023 iPhone event were slim, but I'm disappointed every time an Apple event comes and goes and there's no new Apple TV device, simply because I flipping love the Apple TV 4K.

But that sort of touches on the issue, doesn't it? I love the Apple TV 4K not simply because it's a great product (that also fits squarely into my AV wheelhouse), but because it's vastly superior to all of its rivals.

In fact, it barely has any real rivals: it's in a different league to the likes of an Amazon Fire TV Stick and Chromecast with Google TV, and even the Amazon Fire TV Cube, which is in theory an Apple TV 4K challenger, falls well short of the mark. In fact, let's face it, there's a strong argument that the original Apple TV 4K is still better than every non-Apple video streamer.

So, not only is it not a huge surprise that Apple didn't announce a new Apple TV 4K during an event primarily dedicated to the iPhone 15, but until the current Apple TV 4K has a serious challenger, why would Apple announce a new model?

Actually, there is one, rather nerdy reason that it might: AV1. This is a next-generation video codec that can deliver higher-quality streamed video and sound quality through more advanced compression, and Apple has just announced that the iPhone 15 Pro has hardware decoding of AV1 built in. That's surely reason enough for Apple to produce a new Apple TV 4K? I'd like some new innovations, too, of course (a smaller, neater design would be nice), but I'll take what I can get.

MORE:

These are the best video streamers you can buy

Apple TV 4K vs Amazon Fire TV Cube: which is best?

Everything you need to know about the iPhone 15

If you're a parent struggling through school holidays, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, it's an oncoming train that's been taken over by marauding school kids hellbent on ruining what remains of the summer months. You've been to the parks, the museums, the grandparents', and still they need entertaining.

Help is at hand. Because while we wouldn't advocate outsourcing your parenting to an algorithm-driven streaming service, a bit of quiet time does wonders for them and you alike. That's why we've looked at the best streaming services around from a kid's perspective, to see what they offer the little ones.

So whether you need to keep them busy while you get some work done, or just want a moment's peace in the middle of another hectic day, check out the best streaming services for kids.

Disney+

What's the deal?
The House of Mouse is a relative newcomer to streaming, but since launching at the end of 2019 Disney+ has notched up over 146 million customers – a phenomenal rate of growth.

How much does it cost?
£7.99 / $7.99 / AU$13.99 a month, or £79.90 / $109.99 / AU$139.99 a year. There's an ad-supported tier in the US ($7.99 a month, but there's no annual subscription for the ad-supported tier), and it can be bundled with other services like ESPN+ in the US and OnePass in Australia.

What are the highlights?
It's home to every episode of Bluey, which for many parents will be worth the price of entry alone. (iPlayer only has some episodes.) There's also Spidey And His Amazing Friends and Super Kitties for younger kids, while older kids can enjoy Star Wars series like The Mandalorian and Andor.

There's also the whole Disney back catalogue, including classics like The Jungle Book, Cinderella, and modern fare like The Little Mermaid and Lightyear.

What about us grown-ups?
There's plenty for us, too. It's home to Hamilton and Get Back, The Walking Dead, Marvel's series and films and National Geographic documentaries. 4K, HDR10 and Dolby Atmos/Vision are all supported.

Anything to watch out for?
The price recently rose, and if Netflix is any guide, we can expect more price hikes in future. It's also vowed to crack down on password sharing, just like Netflix. Also, its usability could do with some improvements.

Platforms?
Disney+ is available across all kinds of platforms, including iOS and Android, web browsers, Google Chromecast, smart TVs, Apple TV, games consoles and Amazon's Fire TV streaming devices, to name but a few.

Kid-friendly rating
4/5

Read our full Disney+ review

Netflix

What's the deal?
Netflix is the world's most popular streaming service with 238 million customers. It started in 1997 as a DVD-by-post rental operation – that side of the business is actually still in operation, but will cease in September 2023. Netflix spearheaded the streaming revolution with its original programming, a business model that most other streamers have followed.

How much does it cost?
Prices start at £4.99 / $6.99 / AU$6.99 a month for the ad-supported tier, £10.99 / $15.49 / AU$16.99 for Standard (which adds downloads for offline viewing and has no ads) and £15.99 / $19.99 / AU$22.99 for Premium (with 4K HDR quality). Australia also has a Basic tier, which has downloads and no ads, but drops picture quality down to 720p HD instead of the 1080p of the Standard with Adverts tier. This costs AU$10.99 a month.

What are the highlights?
Little ones can binge Paw Patrol, Octonauts, Lego City Adventures, PJ Masks, Gigantosaurus and Thomas & Friends, plus movies like Sing and Matilda The Musical (Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company a couple of years ago, so expect plenty more where that came from). Older kids are less well catered for, though it does have Harry Potter.

What about us grown-ups?
Netflix's original content has caught the zeitgeist repeatedly in recent years, with shows like Squid Game, Stranger Things, The Crown, Bridgerton, Sex Education, I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson, Beef and Heartstopper all becoming must-see TV. There's a lot of dross as well though. A lot.

Anything to watch out for?
Netflix recently cracked down on password sharing, so if you want to let someone outside your household access your account, they'll have to pay. It's also no stranger to price rises: in the UK alone, it has hiked its fees six times in seven years (someone's got to pay for all that lavish original content). You also need the priciest Premium tier (currently £15.99 / $19.99 / AU$22.99 a month) to watch in 4K HDR.

Platforms?
As you'd expect, Netflix is available on pretty much anything with a screen – smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers via web browsers, games consoles... Some smart TVs even have a dedicated Netflix button on the remote control. That's how you know you've made it.

Kid-friendly rating
4/5

Read our full Netflix review

Apple TV+

What's the deal?
Typically Apple, the Cupertino company was late to the streaming party, with Apple TV+ only launching in 2019. It has since snared some big-name signings, including Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Martin Scorsese, but its focus on quality rather than quantity means its catalogue looks decidedly thin compared to the likes of Netflix and Disney+.

How much does it cost?
It's £6.99 / $6.99 / AU$9.99 a month. Unlike most streaming services, there are no tiers to navigate, so the pricing is refreshingly straightforward, and includes all content in 4K HDR. Buy an Apple device, and you'll get three months' free. And it's one of the few streaming services to still offer a free seven-day trial.

What are the highlights?
Kids are a little underserved on Apple TV+. Original series like Duck & Goose and Lovely Little Farm are typically well produced, but there's a lack of familiarity that could put some kids off. Where's the sugar rush of Paw Patrol when you need it? The kids' content seems more geared to appeal to parents, with reboots of The Snoopy Show and Fraggle Rock, but little ones will likely prefer the simpler pleasures found elsewhere.

What about us grown-ups?
It's not lacking in quality, with The Morning Show, Hijack, Severance, Bad Sisters and Ted Lasso all worth a watch. But don't expect loads of new content constantly arriving. As such, it's maybe better as a secondary service, or if you don't stream something every night.

Anything to watch out for?
The Apple TV+ app isn't as widely available as other streaming services – there's no Android app, for example, though you can watch through a web browser.

Platforms?
It's also available through Apple devices, streamers like Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, smart TVs, games consoles and cable/satellite services like Sky. See a full list of supported devices here.

Kid-friendly rating
3/5

Read the full Apple TV+ review

Amazon Prime Video

What's the deal?
Prime Video is the video streaming arm of Amazon's ever-expanding global empire. It brings together a mix of original content and bought-in programming, and is included in a Prime membership (which also gives you free delivery on items bought from Amazon, Amazon Music, free ebooks, and access to deals as part of Amazon's regular sales events).

How much does it cost?
Prime costs £8.99 / $14.99 / AU$9.99 a month, or £95 / $139 / AU$79 a year. Students can join Prime Student for half price at £4.49 / $7.49 a month or £47.49 / $69 a year (Prime Student isn't available in Australia). Prime Video is also available standalone for £5.99 / $8.99 (but not in Australia). Prime comes with a free 30-day trial.

What are the highlights?
There's plenty for kids, but not much of it is original content. As well as proven crowd-pleasers like Peppa Pig, Mr Bean The Animated Series, Bing and Teletubbies, you get Blaze and the Monster Machines, movies like Space Jam: A New Legacy and a raft of Julia Donaldson animations like The Gruffalo, Stick Man and The Snail And The Whale.

What about us grown-ups?
Amazon's track record in original programming is pretty good: Daisy Jones & The Six, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Man In The High Castle and The Boys have all won critical acclaim. And its Lord Of The Rings show is the most expensive TV series ever made, eclipsing even The Crown. There's also a growing number of sporting events, like the Premier League and ATP Tour tennis. 

Anything to watch out for?
There's not a glut of original programming either for kids or adults, so don't expect to be drowning in exclusives. But there is plenty of syndicated content to watch. Recent rumours say Amazon might launch an ad-supported tier, which could push prices up.

Platforms?
Prime Video is available on most connected devices, including smart TVs, set-top boxes like Sky Q, games consoles, mobile devices, the web and of course streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV.

Kid-friendly rating
4/5

Read the full Amazon Prime Video review

YouTube Kids

What's the deal?
A child-centred offshoot of video sharing website YouTube, YouTube kids launched in 2015 and is aimed at children aged under 13. It has proved a breeding ground for properties like Blippi and Cocomelon, which have since gone on to produce content for other streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video.

How much does it cost?
It's free.

What are the highlights?
Blippi and Cocomelon are both huge, with over 18 million and 164 million subscribers, respectively. But there's plenty else besides: Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Mickey Mouse, Spidey And His Amazing Friends, Sesame Street, Bing and Bluey all feature in some form or another. You can set your child's age group so they should only see suitable content, and turn search off so they can only view videos from accounts verified by YouTube Kids.

What about us grown-ups?
Nothing to see here.

Anything to watch out for?
It includes adverts, which some parents may not realise because of the kid-centred nature of the service. 

More worryingly, it has also been criticised for suggesting content that's not suitable for children – it's all done via an algorithm, which won't be 100 per cent reliable. When you set it up, YouTube says that "not all videos have been manually reviewed. If you find something inappropriate that we've missed, you can flag it for fast review". Even when you turn search off, it reiterates: "Either way, there is always a chance that your child may find something that you don't want them to watch. You can flag this content for our quick review." Which doesn't inspire confidence.

Platforms?
YouTube Kids is available through a web browser, as an app on mobile devices, smart TVs, games consoles and Apple TV.

Kid-friendly rating
3/5

BBC iPlayer

What's the deal?
The BBC was a pioneer in catch-up and on-demand content, launching the iPlayer service back in 2007 – the same year the original iPhone launched. Since then it has spread to every platform under the sun, carries no ads and remains completely free to watch.

How much does it cost?
Nothing, though you do need a TV licence (£159 a year) and to live in the UK.

What are the highlights?
There's loads of CBeebies and CBBC content to get your milk teeth into, like Justin's House, Maddie's Do You Know, Hey Duggee, Bluey (though not all episodes), Horrible Histories, Pokemon, Danger Mouse and more. In terms of quality, the content is head and shoulders above the others.

What about us grown-ups?
Plenty – everything on the BBC, in fact. Documentaries, live sport, drama, comedy, it's all here and all free.

Anything to watch out for?
When activated in the web browser, parental controls (which let you set a PIN for anything flagged with a BBC Guidance label) only work on that device, so make sure you set them on all devices using iPlayer. 

Platforms?
iPlayer is everywhere – it has to be, as part of the BBC's remit to include everyone. It even launched on Windows Phone, if anyone remembers that.

Kid-friendly rating
5/5

Read the full BBC iPlayer review

MORE:

Now for grown-up time: Best streaming services for movies and TV shows

Binge big: 8 Netflix and Amazon Prime Video streaming service alternatives

Netflix and Disney Plus might be convenient, but I will never part with my DVD collection

Streaming service Netflix, still adamant to turn itself into a multi-platform entertainment service with the introduction of game streaming, has announced which devices will support its latest endeavour; and there appears to be one glaring omission. 

Starting in the UK and Canada, Netflix has begun rolling out a limited beta testing programme for its new game streaming section to Amazon Fire TV streaming devices, Google Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Samsung TVs, Nvidia Shield TVs, Roku streaming devices and TVs, and Walmart ONN TVs (in the US and Canada). Support for PC and Mac is also set to arrive in the coming week via Netflix.com on supported browsers. 

You'll notice that the Apple TV 4K is not included on that list, and that's due to Apple's regulations regarding game streaming services from within other catalogue apps; it does, however, allow game streaming from specified game streaming apps. Prior to this, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming service was removed from the App Store due to Apple's policies, although users can still access it if they go via the website instead. 

Netflix hasn't ruled out support on the Apple TV, however, as it plans to add support for "additional devices on an ongoing basis". That being said, it will likely also rely on some cooperation from Apple to make it happen. 

Currently, you are able to download Netflix's selection of games to your iOS or Android mobile devices, however, if you want to play them on your PC or TV, you'll need to stream them. While you can use a keyboard and mouse on a PC, you'll need the Netflix Games Controller app to play the games on your TV which, ironically, is currently only available on iOS. 

The selection of games is currently rather slim in this beta trial, with just two available titles. You'll find Oxenfree, a 2016 indie title from Night School Studio which has since been acquired by Netflix, and Molehew’s Mining Adventure, an arcade-style gem mining game. More titles will, of course, be added in the future as the service grows.

MORE:

These are the 15 best movies on Netflix

Check out our picks for the best media streamers for your TV

Battle of the streaming services: Disney Plus vs Netflix