Thanks to its popularity across all time zones around the planet, you can pretty much guarantee that a game of professional cricket is playing somewhere on any given day — from the Australian summer spanning November to January, through to the IPL window of March to May, and then the English season from April to September.

And there really is something for all types of cricket fan. Purists will always favor the gruelling rigor of traditional Test cricket, while the free flowing, six-hitting razzmatazz of T20 franchise cricket has helped to nurture a new generation of enthusiasts.

Looking to tune into a match right now? Follow our guide below for where to watch cricket online from anywhere with a VPN.

Cricket in August

Find your key cricket streams for the month of August, with The Hundred, Australia vs Bangladesh, Sri Lanka vs India and England vs Pakistan headlining the month

How to watch cricket online for free

While a lot of cricket is hidden behind a paywall these days, there is still much that is shown for free in certain regions.

A great example is the mega popular Indian Premier League — more commonly known as the IPL. Every daily game of the two-month tournament is streamed for free on the Cricbuzz website and app (iOS / Android) in select MENA countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

The free-to-air ICC.tv shows every match of ICC events likes World Cups in a wide selection of countries across the planet — from Afghanistan to Vietnam. This list has the countries with free ICC.tv coverage.

In the UK, 16 games of The Hundred are shown on the free-to-air BBC and iPlayer, including the men's and women's finals. County Championship games can largely be streamed on YouTube. And, although most international action is on Sky Sports or TNT Sports, Saudi-backed sports streamer DAZN has recently entered the market with free streams.

Australia continues to put all of their home Tests, ODIs and T20Is on free-to-air TV and the 7plus streaming platform, as well as away Ashes series on 9Now. And if you do end up bumping into a match that's being shown on Foxtel, Kayo Sports offers a 7-day free trial to watch all the action there.

Outside these countries when the cricket's on? Use NordVPN to unlock your free stream from anywhere in the world.

Watch cricket live streams from anywhere

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

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

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

Watch cricket live streams in the US

Willow TV / Sling TV: The overwhelming amount of cricket action shown in the US — including ICC World Cup tournaments, the IPL and Ashes Test matches — goes out on the dedicated Willow TV. It's available from a number of cable providers (e.g. Dish, Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon Fios) or as a standalone service costing $10 per month or $80 for a whole year.

Don't have cable? OTT provider Sling TV includes Willow as part of several plans such as Desi Binge Plus and Dakshin Flex, costing from $10 a month. You don't even need a full Sling plan and you cancel at any time. You can check out your options and sign up on its website.

ESPN app: US sports giant ESPN occasionally has the rights to show cricket, but the matches it shows are few and far between with Willow getting the majority. Recent action has included internationals hosted in the West Indies and New Zealand. To watch online, you'll need a subscription to the ESPN app, starting from $13 a month.

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

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Watch cricket live streams in the UK

Sky Sports: Sky Sports subscribers get the majority of cricket in the UK. As well as carrying all of England's men's and women's internationals, it also has the rights to all ICC tournaments until 2031, domestic cricket from the T20 Blast, The Hundred and One Day Cup, and global franchise competitions such as the IPL, CPL, PSL and Lanka Premier League. Not got Sky? Plans with the Sports channels start from £35 a month, or choose a Now Sports Membership for more flexible plans.

TNT Sports: Sky's main pay-for rival, TNT Sports has recently specialized in showing England men's overseas tours — the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia, for example. It has also picked up the rights to show the home games of the India national team. TNT can be added to plans from TV providers like Sky, Virgin Media or EE, or get it online through HBO Max.

BBC & iPlayer (free): Long gone are the days where free-to-air broadcasters have had the rights to show a full summer of cricket. Instead, the BBC is now limited to just 16 games of The Hundred.

DAZN (free for selected events): As it continues to extend its global reach, sports streaming specialist DAZN has now begun to show cricket in the UK — beginning with the Australia vs Bangladesh Test series in 2026, which it streamed absolutely free!

YouTube (free): All cricket counties (with the exception of, at the time of writing, Lancashire) provide a live stream of their County Championship games for free on YouTube.

Outside the UK during the match you want to watch? Use NordVPN to watch the cricket as if you were back at home.

Watch cricket live streams in Australia

Channel 7 & 7Plus (free): Due to Australia's so-called "Anti-siphoning laws", there's a lengthy list of cricket matches that have to be shown on free-to-air TV Down Under. Channel 7 and its 7plus streaming platform have the rights to show most of them, including home Tests, ODIs and T20Is, and World Cup matches featuring the Aussies played in either Australia or New Zealand. Selected Big Bash League (BBL) coverage also goes out on 7.

Nine Network & 9Now (free): Nine pipped 7 to the post to bag the coverage of the next two away Ashes series in 2027 and 2031.

Foxtel / Kayo Sports (free trial): Virtually all cricket that doesn't end up on the above free-to-air avenues ends up on Foxtel channels. If you want to watch online then the alternative is Kayo Sports, which starts at $30 a month and allows new customers to try their first month for just $1 or seven days for free. Tournaments include the IPL, comprehensive BBL coverage, Sheffield Shield, and a host of international matches.

Prime Video (free trial): Amazon entered the cricket market with a splash by landing the rights to show ICC tournaments like the various men's and women's World Cups and biennial World Test Championship final. Anybody new or returning after a while to Prime can get 30 days for free.

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access these streaming services when traveling outside Australia.

Watch cricket live streams in India

Star Sports / JioHotstar: Star Sports has become the dominant player in the cricket broadcast market in India, and now has the rights to virtually all the major series and tournaments played over the course of each year. IPL is the big daddy in its native India, of course, with JioStar paying a massive amount to secure the rights. It also shows India's home internationals, ICC events, and internationals played by Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Subscriptions to JioHotstar start from just Rs. 79 a month (around $0.85 USD). You can just get an annual package for just Rs. 499 ($5.25 USD).

Sony Sports Network: Sony used to be a much bigger player on the cricket broadcast landscape in India, but now has relatively few events to show. India's recent tour to England was an example of one tour it showed, but they are few and far between now.

FanCode: Occasionally the online FanCode manages to acquire rights. It's the place to go, for example, for franchise competitions like the CPL and regional Indian T20 leagues. It gets the odd international Test series, too, like Afghanistan's 2026 tour of India. A monthly pass costs Rs. 199 ($2.10 USD).

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

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The 16th editions of the men's and women's FIH Hockey World Cups get underway on August 15, with Belgium and the Netherlands jointly hosting the 2026 tournaments in Wavre and Amstelveen respectively.

Belgium's men's team and the Netherlands' women's team enter as the favourites, with both ranked No.1 in the world and coming off FIH Pro League triumphs. The tournament promises plenty of exciting stick-on-stick action, and we've found the best ways to watch all the matches online, including free streaming options.

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

How to watch FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 for free

Hockey fans in Belgium and the Netherlands are in luck! Every game of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is free-to-air in these countries.

RTL Play and Sporza will be showing all the games for free in Belgium, whereas NOS will do so in the Netherlands.

Viewers in the UK will also be able to watch every England, Scotland and Wales game completely free thanks to the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.

Moreover, Wales games are also free-to-air on Welsh-language station S4C, whereas Scotland matches are available without cost on Gaelic-language channel BBC Alba Live streaming for both is available via BBC iPlayer.

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

Watch FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 live streams from anywhere

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

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

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

Watch FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 live streams in the US

The best option for watching th FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is Watch.Hockey. It's carrying all 100 games as part of its World Cup pass, priced at US$44.99.

Additionally, the CBS Sports Network will show all the US women's team matches. If you've cut the cord, you can get this TV channel through a Live TV streaming option, such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV.

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

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Watch FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 live streams in the UK

Like in the US, every single FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 match is available on Watch.Hockey in the UK.

But all the matches involving England, Scotland and Wales are free-to-air, on the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.

Moreover, Welsh-language channel S4C and Gaelic-language station BBC Alba will also show Wales and Scotland games for free, respectively, with live streaming available via BBC iPlayer.

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

Watch FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 live streams in India

In India, the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is available to watch on the Star Sports Network on TV and online on JioHotstar.

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

If you're currently out of India but want to watch a Hockey World Cup 2026 live stream, you'll need to get yourself a VPN, as per the instructions above.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Preview

The men's tournament's most successful team, Pakistan, is making a comeback after failing to qualify in 2023. They’ve won the title a record four times, but not since 1994. Hosts the Netherlands are just behind Pakistan with three championships, but are yet to take gold since 1998 – something they'd like to change.

Co-hosts Belgium ended up as runners-up in 2023, losing 5-4 in the penalty shootout, but the 2018 winners will be confident of going one step further this time, thanks to their current world No.1 ranking and their recent FIH Pro League triumph. But watch out for the Dutch, who are the reigning Olympic gold medallists, and Germany, the defending world champions.

The women's tournament, on the other hand, has been dominated by co-hosts the Netherlands, winning four of the past five editions in a total of nine titles. The Dutch are the reigning Olympic champions here as well and enter the tournament as significant favourites. But with Argentina, Belgium and China all in the mix, the competition should be fierce.

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 introduces a new tournament format that does away with the traditional quarter-finals. In the first round, 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four (Pool A, B, C and D), playing three matches each.

The two best teams from each group will be divided into two further groups in the second round, where they'll play two more matches.

The top two teams from each of these second-round groups will progress to the semi-finals, followed by the bronze medal match and the final. The teams eliminated during the first and second rounds will play several matches to decide different 'place' winners.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 fixtures and dates

MEN'S POOL STAGE

Saturday, August 15
India vs Wales: 7 a.m. ET / 4 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. BST
Germany vs Malaysia: 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT / 1:30 p.m. BST
England vs Pakistan: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST
Belgium vs France: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST

Sunday, August 16
Australia vs Ireland: 5:30 a.m. ET / 2:30 a.m. PT / 10:30 a.m. BST
Spain vs South Africa: 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT / 1:30 p.m. BST
Netherlands vs New Zealand: 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. BST
Argentina vs Japan: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST

Monday, August 17
Pakistan vs Wales: 6:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. BST
France vs Malaysia: 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. BST
India vs England: 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. BST
Germany vs Belgium: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. BST

Tuesday, August 18
New Zealand vs Japan: 3:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. BST
Spain vs Australia: 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. BST
Ireland vs South Africa: 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT / 4 p.m. BST
Argentina vs Netherlands: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST

Wednesday, August 19
England vs Wales: 6:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. BST
Pakistan vs India: 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. BST
France vs Germany: 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT / 4 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Malaysia: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. BST

Thursday, August 20
Australia vs South Africa: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. BST
New Zealand vs Argentina: 6:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. BST
Ireland vs Spain: 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT / 4 p.m. BST
Netherlands vs Japan: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST

WOMEN'S POOL STAGE

Saturday, August 15
Australia vs Japan: 4 a.m. ET / 1 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. BST
Germany vs Scotland: 5:30 a.m. ET / 2:30 a.m. PT / 10:30 a.m. BST
Netherlands vs Chile: 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. BST
Argentina vs USA: 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. BST

Sunday, August 16
England vs South Africa: 4 a.m. ET / 1 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. BST
China vs India: 7 a.m. ET / 4 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. BST
Belgium vs New Zealand: 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. BST
Spain vs Ireland: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. BST

Monday, August 17
Chile vs Japan: 3:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. BST
USA vs Scotland: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. BST
Germany vs Argentina: 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT / 4 p.m. BST
Australia vs Netherlands: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST

Tuesday, August 18
New Zealand vs Ireland: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. BST
England vs China: 6:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. BST
India vs South Africa: 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. BST
Spain vs Belgium: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. BST

Wednesday, August 19
Chile vs Australia: 3:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. BST
Argentina vs Scotland: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. BST
USA vs Germany: 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. BST
Netherlands vs Japan: 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT / 5 p.m. BST

Thursday, August 20
China vs South Africa: 3:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. BST
New Zealand vs Spain: 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. BST
India vs England: 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. BST
Belgium vs Ireland: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. BST

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

Sony's OLED TVs have been among the best you can buy for years, and its first QD-OLED model, the stellar A95L, knocked our socks clean off when it launched in 2023. Its successor, the Bravia 8 II, won an Award last year, too, so clearly Sony still knows how to make a great OLED TV.

It has since turned its hand to RGB Mini LED tech, in the form of the Bravia 9 II. While this nascent tech, which Sony refers to as 'True RGB ', is less proven than the granddaddy that is OLED, Sony has still managed to squeeze some pretty impressive results out of it.

So which TV should you go for: the safe bet of the Bravia 8 II, or the exciting new thing that is the Bravia 9 II? Let's find out.

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: price

As the older of the two TVs, the Bravia 8 II is inevitably cheaper. But that's also partly because it comes in a 55-inch variant, whereas the Bravia 9 II starts at 65 inches.

The Bravia 9 II starts at £3499 / $3600 / AU$5999, which is £500 more than the same size Bravia 8 II at launch. Like other sizes, that price has since dropped, in this case by around £600.

The 55-inch Bravia 8 II currently costs around £2000, which is £1500 cheaper than the entry-level Bravia 9 II. A clear win for the older model.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 8 II **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: design

Here you have a choice to make: do you want your TV to sink into its surroundings, or stand out?

The Bravia 8 II is very much the former – its chassis looks very familiar. There's nothing wrong with that – it's smart and premium in equal measures – but it's nothing we haven't seen before.

The blade-style feet can raise to accommodate a soundbar, but have to be positioned at the extremities of the TV's screen, which means you'll need a fairly wide cabinet on which to place it.

The remote is also a step backwards – it takes AAA batteries and doesn't light up. Whereas previous models had rechargeable remotes that were backlit. Disappointing.

The Bravia 9 II, however, is a real step forward in terms of TV design.

Its crowning glory is the Mirage Stand, which makes it look as if the TV is floating above the TV cabinet. It lets you see the wall behind the stand while somehow managing to conceal the cables from view, which is very clever indeed.

But it can't be adjusted. While its sole position will fit a regular-sized soundbar, there's no option to lower the TV if you're using the built-in sound system.

The look is a lot more striking than the Bravia 8 II's and won't appeal to everyone. But we're big fans.

The Bravia 9 II also features a more advanced anti-reflective coating. While effective at minimising distractions, it does make the screen look a little greyer in a well-lit room than the Bravia 8 II, which features a less intense coating.

The remote control that comes with the Bravia 9 II is backlit, too, making it easier to operate in the optimum movie viewing conditions of a dark room.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 9 II **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: features

The main difference between these two TVs is the screen panel technology: the Bravia 8 II uses a QD-OLED panel, while the Bravia 9 II has an RGB Mini LED display.

OLED has been around for years, and Sony certainly knows its way around it. Because it's not backlit, the tech has previously struggled with peak brightness, but great strides have been made in recent years – the Bravia 8 II goes 25 per cent brighter than its predecessor, helped in no small part by its custom heatsink.

OLEDs also have perfect blacks, which help the contrast ratio and add depth and perceived detail.

RGB Mini LED is backlit. But unlike your standard Mini LED TV, which uses a white backlight beamed through a colour filter, Sony's tech uses independently controlled red, green and blue Mini LEDs to generate colour directly. These are controlled by Sony's Backlight Master Drive system.

Sony makes some bold claims for RGB Mini LED, among them that it's akin to watching on one of its own mastering monitors used in professional studios. In other words, your viewing experience should be as the director intended. We'll see if these claims stack up in the next section.

Both TVs are powered by Sony's XR processor, complete with AI modes and Studio Calibrated Modes for the likes of Netflix, Prime Video and, of course, Sony Pictures Core. The Bravia 9 II adds a new My Cinema interface to the mix, but this has also now been added to the Bravia 8 II via a software update.

My Cinema aims to simplify the settings for picture and sound without depriving enthusiasts of control. You get three viewing profiles – Director's Cut, Daytime and Dialogue – each of which limit the available picture adjustments in order to deliver what it thinks is the best quality image.

Dolby Vision and Atmos are supported, and both sets are certified IMAX Enhanced. The HDR10 and HLG formats of HDR are also supported, but not HDR10+ (which is no surprise).

For gamers too, these TVs are tied, with 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, Dolby Vision Game mode and ‘Perfect for PlayStation 5’ functionality.

But both have just two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which serves as the eARC port and so will be taken up by a soundbar or surround sound system, should you add one. That will leave you with just one port to get the full experience from your games machine.

Both TVs run Google TV, which is slowly but surely gaining on LG's webOS, and runs all the usual apps (including UK terrestrial catch-up apps, which can be missing from the platform).

** Winner: draw **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: picture quality

And now what we really came here for. Which TV has the better picture quality?

As an Award winner, the Bravia 8 II is the TV to beat in this regard. And it's a doddle to set up to look its best thanks to its excellent presets.

Peak highlights are, well, a highlight, but overall colours have plenty of vibrancy which they maintain even in low light. Shadow detail is excellent, and the image looks convincingly solid and three-dimensional.

In our Sony Bravia 8 II review, we concluded: "The key to the Bravia 8 II’s success is balance. The colours are so vibrant, highlights so bright and edges so sharp, but nothing feels exaggerated or incorrect, which means you never feel as though you’re getting anything other than the very best versions of your movies and TV shows."

As Sony's first foray into RGB Mini LED tech, the Bravia 9 II was very eagerly awaited. And largely, it's a success: for most of our time viewing, we stopped noticing how it was doing what it was doing, and just enjoyed the picture. Speaking as reviewers, that's a very good sign indeed.

A large part of this is down to the colours, which we described in our Sony Bravia 9 II review as "the finest colours we've ever seen from any TV."

We went on: "Richly saturated scenes burst with vibrancy, but never at the expense of authenticity. Sony has combined extraordinary colour volume with its traditional restraint, so even the boldest hues remain beautifully balanced and believable. It's a wonderfully cinematic presentation that constantly impresses without ever shouting for attention."

High praise. Brightness too is exceptional, with the Bravia 9 II proving to be one of the brightest TVs ever to grace our testing rooms. Thanks to its backlight system, whole-screen brightness is possible, whereas an OLED will have to drop it down to focus on highlights.

A perfect example of this comes during the white room scenes in The Matrix. As the bright white light fills the screen, the Bravia 8 II reduces its luminance, whereas the Bravia 9 II maintains its dazzling brightness. It makes it a very versatile TV, that's ideal for viewing in brighter conditions (like daytime viewing).

The local dimming is also excellent, with virtually no blooming around highlights, while skin tones remain natural throughout. It's the best picture we've ever seen from a backlit TV.

There's a 'but' coming.

And that 'but' is the Bravia 8 II's OLED screen, which remains better than RGB Mini LED in certain key areas, such as its pixel-level precision. The Bravia 9 II's picture looks a touch flat by comparison, and it can't reproduce small highlights against very dark backgrounds with the same brightness as the OLED, for fear of creating blooming.

And the Bravia 8 II has practically perfect viewing angles, too – another strength of OLED – whereas the Bravia 9 II, while good in this regard for a backlit TV, loses contrast and vibrancy, and reveals some blooming, when viewed off-axis.

There's also some slight smearing to fast-moving action on the Bravia 9 II – though this is only a significant issue when playing 60Hz games.

The result? A four-star picture to the Bravia 8 II's five. But we can't wait to see what a second-generation Sony RGB Mini LED panel can do.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 8 II **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: sound quality

Sony makes some of the best-sounding TVs around, and these two are no exception. But which sounds better?

The Bravia 8 II houses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ set-up, while the Bravia 9 II features a so-called Acoustic Multi-Audio+ system. The former comprises two actuators that vibrate the screen to produce most of the sound, plus two subwoofers for added bass, while the latter features two full-range drivers, twin subwoofers, two tweeters and a pair of Beam Tweeters built into the rear, top and sides of the chassis.

Because the Bravia 8 II's screen literally makes most of the sound, the audio is tied to the visuals in a way that other TVs (apart from other Sony OLEDs) can't match.

The presentation is nice and direct, but spacious at the same time. Detail is excellent, with enough dynamic nuance to do a scene justice. It copes well with bigger dynamic shifts too, though bass depth is a bit lacking.

The Bravia 9 II has plenty of scale, with those Beam Tweeters really adding a sense of height (these are rare for a TV's built-in sound system). Effects are placed with precision within the soundstage, and there's plenty of subtle detail to get your teeth – and your ears – into.

Its sound has more weight than the Bravia 8 II's, but this extra bass lacks the same tautness of its older sibling.

It also doesn't sound as refined. As we wrote in our Bravia 9 II review: "Dialogue remains consistently clear, but voices aren't projected with quite the same focus or solidity as they are by Sony's flagship OLED. There's also a slight hardness to the presentation that occasionally makes speech sound a touch brash, softening some of the subtle emotional nuances in performances."

Higher frequencies suffer from a similar problem. Which makes it not quite as refined a listen as the Bravia 8 II.

But if you're partnering your TV with a soundbar or surround sound system – which you really should – this round is by the by.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 8 II **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: verdict

While the Bravia 9 II excels in terms of brightness and vibrancy, and delivers the best picture of any backlit TV we've ever tested, it still can't quite match its OLED sibling in certain key areas.

The Bravia 8 II is more consistent, three-dimensional and responsive in its picture delivery, and it boasts more direct and refined sound. It's more affordable, too – that's of course partly down to it having been on sale longer, but the launch pricing suggests the Bravia 9 II may never be discounted to quite the same level.

There are circumstances in which the Bravia 9 II will make more sense, most notably if you want a TV larger than 65 inches, or one for a super-bright room, but for most people and most settings, the Bravia 8 II is the better buy.

We can't wait to see what Sony can achieve with its second-generation RGB Mini LED TVs, though...

** Overall winner: Sony Bravia 8 II **

MORE:

Read our Sony Bravia 9 II review

And our Sony Bravia 8 II review

Sony 2026 TV lineup: everything you need to know about the new Bravia range

The world's best golfers head to TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee, as the FedExCup play-offs get under way at the FedEx St Jude Championship 2026.

This tournament marks the first of three events on successive weekends that will end with the FedExCup champion being crowned at the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, August 30. Some 69 players will compete at Southwind, but the FedExCup play-offs feature a progressive cut so anyone who sits outside the top 50 won't make it to next weekend's BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St Louis, Missouri.

FedExCup leader Scottie Scheffler headlines the all-star cast in Memphis, but he faces plenty of competition. Matt Fitzpatrick and Cameron Young have enjoyed excellent seasons to sit second and third respectively in the standings, while reigning FedExCup champion Tommy Fleetwood is also involved. Meanwhile, don't count out three-time FedExCup winner Rory McIlroy or experienced Englishman Justin Rose, who won the St Jude last year.

Follow our guide below for where to watch FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN.

• Watch FedEx St Jude Championship 2026: August 13-16
• US: ESPN / CBS / Golf Channel
• UK: Sky Sports
• AU: Kayo Sports
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN (100% risk free)

How can I watch FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 for free

The FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 isn't directly available to stream for free, but those in the US can benefit from free trials to catch the action without paying a penny.

In the US, since coverage is shared between ESPN, CBS and the Golf Channel, you can utilise the free trial periods of live TV services such as YouTube TV (up to 21-day free trial), DirecTV Stream (5-day free trial) and Hulu+Live TV (3-day free trial).

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

Watch FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 live streams from anywhere

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

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

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

Watch FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 live streams in the US

In the US, coverage of the FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 is split between ESPN, CBS and the Golf Channel.

ESPN and ESPN Select has live coverage of the first and second rounds from 9am to 11am ET, with PGA Tour Live – providing coverage of featured groups and holes – on the ESPN App showing all four days.

The Golf Channel will also show four days of the tournament – Rounds 1 and 2 from 2pm until 6pm ET; Round 3 from 1pm to 3pm ET; Round 4 from 12pm to 2pm ET.

CBS, simulcast on Paramount+, has coverage of just the penultimate and final rounds. Round 3 is from 3pm ET and Round 4 from 2pm ET.

ESPN Unlimited carries all ESPN channels, including ESPN Select. It costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year, and you also have the option to bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99/month.

You will need to get a Paramount+ Premium ($13.99/month) subscription to access all the simulcast coverage of CBS. Remember, you can get Paramount+ for FREE with a Walmart Plus 30-day trial for $1.

But if you'd like everything in one place, we recommend a live TV service that includes ESPN, the Golf Channel and CBS.

These include FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, or the DirecTV Stream MySports Genre Pack. All these offer handy free trials, allowing you to potentially watch the four-day FedEx St Jude Championship for free.

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

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans

Watch FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 live streams in the UK

The FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK.

Coverage of day one begins at 7pm BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, with the final three rounds solely on Sky Sports Golf. Friday's coverage begins at 5pm BST, while it starts at 4pm BST on Saturday and Sunday.

Sky Sports packages start at £22 per month for existing Sky subscribers and rise to £35 per month for those without a Sky subscription. Now is the perfect time to purchase, with England's Test series against Pakistan and the Premier League season on the horizon. You could also watch via a NOW Sports membership which carries all of Sky Sports' channels.

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

Outside the UK during the tournament? Use NordVPN to watch the FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 as if you were back at home.

Watch FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 live streams in Australia

In Australia, Fox Sports has live and exclusive coverage of the FedEx St Jude Championship 2026.

If you want to watch online then the best option is Kayo Sports, which starts at AU$29.99 per month. New customers, however, can try the first month of Kayo for just AU$1.

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

FedEx St Jude Championship 2026 TV Schedule (US only)

Thursday, August 13

ESPN: From 9 a.m. ET

Golf Channel: From 2 p.m. ET

Friday, August 14

ESPN: From 9:00 a.m. ET

Golf Channel: From 2 p.m. ET

Saturday, August 15

Golf Channel: From 1 p.m. ET

CBS: From 3 p.m. ET

Sunday, August 16

Golf Channel: From 12 p.m. ET

CBS: From 2 p.m. ET

What is the field for the FedEx St Jude Championship 2026?

• Ludvig Åberg
• Akshay Bhatia
• Jacob Bridgeman
• Michael Brennan
• Sam Burns
• Bud Cauley
• Patrick Cantlay
• Ricky Castillo
• Wyndham Clark
• Eric Cole
• Corey Conners
• Pierceson Coody
• Nico Echavarria
• Harris English
• Matt Fitzpatrick
• Alex Fitzpatrick
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Rickie Fowler
• Ryan Fox
• Ryan Gerard
• Chris Gotterup
• Ben Griffin
• Harry Hall
• Brian Harman
• Russell Henley
• Nicolai Højgaard
• Max Homa
• Viktor Hovland
• Ryo Hisatsune
• Sungjae Im
• Michael Kim
• Si Woo Kim
• Tom Kim
• Kurt Kitayama
• Jackson Koivun
• Jake Knapp
• Min Woo Lee
• Shane Lowry
• Robert MacIntyre
• Hideki Matsuyama
• Matt McCarty
• Maverick McNealy
• Rory McIlroy
• Keith Mitchell
• Collin Morikawa
• Alex Noren
• Aldrich Potgieter
• J.T. Poston
• Aaron Rai
• Kristoffer Reitan
• Patrick Rodgers
• Justin Rose
• Matti Schmid
• Xander Schauffele
• Scottie Scheffler
• Adam Scott
• Alex Smalley
• J.J. Spaun
• Jordan Spieth
• Sepp Straka
• Sam Stevens
• Jordan Smith
• Sahith Theegala
• Justin Thomas
• Michael Thorbjornsen
• Sudarshan Yellamaraju
• Cameron Young
• Nick Taylor

Who are the recent FedEx St Jude Championship winners?

2025: Justin Rose
2024: Hideki Matsuyama
2023: Lucas Glover
2022: Will Zalatoris
2021: Tony Finau
2020: Dustin Johnson
2019: Patrick Reed
2018: Bryson DeChambeau
2017: Dustin Johnson
2016: Patrick Reed

What are the FedExCup play-offs events?

• FedEx St Jude Championship (TPC Southwind, Memphis, August 13-16)
• BMW Championship (Bellerive Country Club, St Louis, August 20-23)
• Tour Championship (East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, August 27-30)

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

If today's UEFA Super Cup 2026 is even a shred as entertaining as PSG's nine-goal double-header with Aston Villa in April 2025's Champions League quarter-final, we're in for a treat.

European football's traditional curtain-raiser may ultimately be a symbolic prize – even if Aston Villa surprise PSG this evening there's no comparison between the Champions League winners and Europa League champions – it's too precious an opportunity to let slip. Continental silverware in a one-off game is not to be sniffed at.

It's also a chance to build momentum for the campaign ahead, something Villa in particular could do with, having parted ways with star players Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans in recent weeks.

They have, however, splashed the cash on playmaker Johan Manzambi, who misses out with a knee injury, and sitting midfielder Joao Gomes. PSG, meanwhile, have brought in attacker Maghnes Akliouche and a certain Lucas Digne, formerly of Aston Villa.

Coaches Luis Enrique and Unai Emery have got to know each other well over 12 previous meetings, most famously La Remontada of 2017, in which Enrique's Barcelona scored three goals from the 88th minute onwards to overhaul Emery's PSG in the Champions League last 16.

Follow our guide below for where to watch UEFA Super Cup 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN.

UEFA Super Cup 2026 teams

Aston Villa team: Bizot, Cash, Lindelof,Torres, Maatsen, Joao Gomes, Kamara, McGinn, Buendia, Hemmings, Madjo

Subs: Wright, Asemota, Mings, Barkley, Abraham, Nedelkovic, Bogarde, Rowe, Alysson, Cisse, Burrows

PSG team: Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Akliouche, Doue, Kvaratskhelia

Subs: Chevalier, Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Fabian Ruiz, Dembele, Digne, L.Hernandez, Mayulu, Barcola, Ndjantou, Fernandez, Mbaye

How can I watch UEFA Super Cup 2026 for free?

Lucky viewers in Ireland can watch UEFA Super Cup 2026 for free, courtesy of RTÉ Player.

Residents of Belgium (RTL Play) and Turkey (TRT1) will also have access to free services for PSG vs Aston Villa.

If you're you're currently abroad from the Republic of Ireland, Belgium or Turkey, you can simply use a VPN to tap into that free PSG vs Aston Villa coverage. More details below...

Watch UEFA Super Cup 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular UEFA Super Cup 2026 live streams while traveling abroad. The platform will detect that you're in a foreign country and block you.

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

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

How to watch UEFA Super Cup 2026 in the US

Paramount+ ($8.99/month) is showing UEFA Super Cup 2026 in the US. However, you can get the plan with a Walmart Plus 30-day trial for $1.

The PSG vs Aston Villa game is also available to watch on CBS Sports Network, which you can get through a live TV streaming platform, such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV, each of which offers a free trial to new customers.

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

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans
• View the latest TV deals on Amazon

How to watch UEFA Super Cup 2026 in the UK

UEFA Super Cup 2026 is being shown on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, with live streaming available via HBO Max.

To access PSG vs Aston Villa coverage, you'll need the TNT Sports subscription, which starts at £30.99 per month.

Outside the UK for the Super Cup? Use NordVPN to tune in as if you were back at home.

How to watch UEFA Super Cup 2026 in Australia

UEFA Super Cup 2026 is available to watch on Stan Sport in Australia, which costs AU$20/month on top of a AU$9.99/month Stan base plan.

If you're currently spending time in Australia from Ireland, use a good VPN, as detailed above, to tap into your free PSG vs Aston Villa coverage.

What is the PSG vs Aston Villa head-to-head?

PSG and Aston Villa have only met twice before, in a two-legged Champions League quarter-final in April 2025. Each side won one game apiece, but PSG took the tie 5-4 on aggregate.

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

As much as we love a good soundbar, sometimes they won’t always cut it, especially for all-encompassing, cinema-style surround sound.

That’s where a 5.1 speaker system comes in. And we’ve got two premium speaker systems going up against each other – the Award-winning KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System, and the Fyne Audio F500e AV Pack 2.

The names may both be a mouthful, but that’s not all they have in common – both offer cinematic sound at similar price levels, and both are fronted by five-star stereo speakers that made waves in our hi-fi testing room: namely, the KEF Q Concerto Meta standmounts and the Award-winning Fyne Audio 501E floorstanding speakers.

But which speaker system comes out on top? There’s only one way to find out…

Fyne Audio F500E AV Pack 2 vs KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System: price

At the time of our review, KEF did not offer the Q Concerto Meta 5.1 as an all-in-one package, meaning you had to buy all the components separately at a total cost of £3146 / $4050 / AU$5650. This has since changed in the UK, and at the time of writing, the complete speaker system can be purchased for £2549 / $3,428.72 / AU$4,873.28.

However, as the KEF package uses standmount speakers for the front and rear, you’ll have to factor in the cost of speaker stands. KEF does offer the SQ1 stands at £275 / $400 / AU$450 per pair if you want a perfect match, which does drive up the cost substantially.

The Fyne Audio F500E AV Pack 2 comes in at £2500 when bought separately, but is also available as a package at Peter Tyson for £2249 (though somewhat confusingly, it’s listed as ‘Fyne Audio F501E 5.1 Speaker Package’). Note that there are only UK prices here, as certain components – namely the centre channel and subwoofer – don’t seem to be available in the US and Australia.

That puts the Fyne Audio AV Pack 2 as £300 (13 per cent) cheaper, and that’s before factoring in stand prices. We’ll have to see if the KEF’s performance justifies the higher cost, but it’s the Fyne Audio package that takes this round.

**Winner: Fyne Audio AV Pack 2**

Fyne Audio F500E AV Pack 2 vs KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System: build

We start with the KEF system, which is made up of the Q Concerto Meta standmounts, a pair of Q1 Meta bookshelf speakers, the Q6 centre channel and the Kube 12 MIE subwoofer. Looks can be subjective, but we found this to be a swooningly handsome system with a cohesive design language that matches nicely.

We reviewed the satin black finish, but the system is also available in satin white or walnut (the subwoofer is only available in black, however).

A slightly glossy surround to the Uni-Q driver array adds a nice sense of contrast, while the KEF tab at the top of each standmount speaker is a classy touch. A beautiful system all round.

The Fyne Audio system is made up of the F501E floorstanders, the F5E surround speakers, the F502E LCR centre speaker and the F3.10 subwoofer, and is what we’d describe as far more “functional”. The floorstanding speakers in particular look neat, and the black ash vinyl finish feels high-quality to the touch, but they don’t have the same allure as the trendy KEF speakers.

There’s only one finish, black ash vinyl, which looks smart enough, but doesn’t exude a luxurious feel like the KEF package.

You’ll also need to ensure you have ample space if you go for the Fyne set. The floorstanders measure in at a substantial 98 x 25 x 29cm (hwd). The Q Concerto Metas are 56cm shorter at 42 x 21 x 32cm, though once on a stand the two will likely be of a comparable height. The bookshelf speakers are a more similar size - the Fyne Audio F5E come in at 27 x 17 x 23cm, comparable to the KEF Q1 Meta speakers at 30 x 18 x 28cm.

Both have rather bulky centre channels – the Fyne F502E LCR centre speaker measures in at 25 x 68 x 25cm, while the KEF Q6 Meta comes in at a similar 21 x 63 x 30cm. The Fyne F502E is designed to be wall-mounted with screw hooks in the back and no attachable rubber feet, but this may lead to your TV or projector having to be placed quite high up to accommodate the speaker size.

When it comes to subwoofers, it’s the KEF model that starts to look a bit unwieldy – the Kube 12 MIE subwoofer measures in at 41 x 39 x 41cm, a tad larger than the F3.10 subwoofer at 34 x 41 x 39cm.

Overall, the exposed screws, basic styling and mismatch of speaker sizes can make the Fyne system look somewhat slapdash, unlike the sleeker and more uniform KEF speakers.

**Winner: KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System**

Fyne Audio F500E AV Pack 2 vs KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System: features

We’ll get into the details below, but the long and short of it is that these are two 5.1 systems, both with unique, impressive driver technology.

Fyne Audio’s IsoFlare point source driver array is front and centre in their F500 AV Pack 2 system, literally, but is also found in the surround speakers too. This proprietary driver, in which the tweeter sits in the throat of the mid/bass unit, has trickled down from Fyne’s higher-end models to this more affordable speaker range.

The F501E floorstanders sport a 2.5-way design, with a downward-firing port that utilises the company’s BassTrax Tractrix diffuser technology to deliver more uniform bass dispersion around your listening space. Each sports a 15cm multi-fibre mid/bass driver with a 25mm titanium dome compression tweeter, paired with a 15cm multi-fibre bass driver.

The Q Concerto Meta standmount speakers, on the other hand, are packed with KEF’s proprietary driver technology to maximise sound quality and minimise unwanted distortion.

They feature a three-way bass reflex design, and each unit features KEF’s 12th Generation Uni-Q driver array, which combines a 10cm aluminium midrange driver, a 19mm vented aluminium dome tweeter and the company’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT).

The Uni-Q arrangement is backed up by a 16.5cm hybrid cone bass driver, and a rear-firing port is used to tune the lower frequencies. The bass driver cones are constructed with an aluminium skin layered over paper and feature a shallow concave design, which enhances rigidity and dampening, resulting in “improved punch and definition” as we found in our KEF Q Concerto Meta review.

The Fyne Audio F5E surround speakers feature a two-way design, with a 125mm IsoFlare, multi-fibre mid/bass driver and a 19mm titanium dome compression tweeter. Like their floorstanding counterparts, these bookshelf speakers also have a downward-firing port with Fyne Audio’s BassTrax Tractix diffuser.

To compare, KEF’s surround speakers, the Q1 Meta, could be considered the baby brothers of the Q Concertos. They drop the bass driver and feature a two-way bass reflex design, but also feature a slightly larger 12th Generation Uni-Q array comprising a 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT, and a 130mm aluminium cone for mid/bass purposes.

The F502E LCR, the centre channel of the Fyne Audio package, sports a 2.5-way design with a 200mm IsoFlare multi-fibre mid/bass driver with a 25mm titanium dome compression tweeter, flanked by electromagnetically damped 20cm bass and 20cm ABR drivers.

KEF’s centre channel, the Q6 Meta, features the same Uni-Q array as the Q Concerto speakers, though it’s sandwiched between two of the same bass drivers from the front speakers.

Rounding things out with the subwoofers, the Fyne Audio F3.10 subwoofer pairs a 25cm woofer with 450W of amplification and a down-firing low-turbulence port. The KEF Kube 12 MIE powered subwoofer, on the other hand, is a 12-inch front-firing subwoofer powered by 300W of Class D amplification.

The Kube 12 is also housed in a sealed cabinet design for greater placement flexibility and includes a room position EQ switch on the rear to change the sound depending on whether you have the subwoofer placed in the corner, out in the room, or in a cabinet.

**Winner: Draw**

Fyne Audio F500e AV Pack 2 vs KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System: sound

With both systems fronted by five-star hi-fi speakers – namely the Fyne Audio F501E and the KEF Q Concerto Meta – our hopes were rather high.

We tested both systems with the same scene from Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts, and both rewarded us with a serious dose of punch.

The Fyne speaker system soon proved itself to be a big proponent of immense cinematic scale, reinforcing the punch with bold and dramatic dynamic shifts. Detail isn’t sacrificed as a result, however, with the F501E floorstanders in particular offering plenty of crispness and clarity.

Not to be outdone, the KEF system also offers plenty of muscle, with an explosion at the start of the scene delivering a gut-punch of low end from the subwoofer. The system is agile, however, remaining fully in control while delivering a powerful and dynamic low-end kick.

The scene also reveals just how talented the KEF system’s centre channel is. A hushed conversation between Yelena and Bob results in a supremely natural and realistic representation of voices with excellent projection, which is aided by how forthright and crisp this centre channel sounds.

Despite this, the centre channel remains well integrated into the system as a whole. The left, right and centre speakers mesh seamlessly, and these in turn gel with the surrounds, leaving no noticeable gaps in between the channels.

Moving to the Matera chase scene in No Time To Die, and the Fyne system nails the “surround” aspect of “surround sound”. We’re immediately placed into the centre of the action as Bond evades henchmen in 4x4s and on motorcycles, with effects passing around our seating position and towards the surround speakers with solid accuracy and fluidity.

The KEF system too delivers an impressively coherent display of surround sound, again placing us in the centre of the action as bullets clatter against the bulletproof glass of the Aston Martin DB5. The metallic clinking of bullet casings hitting the ground and the sparkle of fragmenting glass are layered, dynamic and detailed in all of the ways we’d hope, which helps to raise tension and excitement within this sequence.

What’s particularly impressive about the KEF system, however, is how integrated the system is as a whole, with all the speakers meshing together seamlessly and leaving no noticeable gaps in between channels. Despite the Q1 Meta rear speakers being smaller than the Q Concerto Metas at the front of this system, there’s no noticeable tonal dissonance or any sacrifice in scale between the front section and the surrounds.

Which is more than can be said for the Fyne system. As impressive as the surround effect is, it also reveals the biggest drawback of the system: a lack of cohesion when it comes to the sonic character of each component.

This is felt most by the centre speaker – the F502E LCR can sound soft and less defined in comparison with the clean, clear and engaging sound of the F501E floorstanders. The centre speaker does sound better when placed against a wall, but even then voices lack purity and can sound somewhat recessed.

To top it all off, the cohesion problems don’t end there – there’s a slight sonic mismatch with the F5E surround speakers too.

This is more evident when we listen to the KEF and Fyne systems back-to-back, which only serves to highlight the KEF’s stellar sonic cohesion across its respective components. It also reveals how much more agile and precise the sound from the KEF speakers is too, whereas the Fyne package prioritises scale and cinematic punch at the expense of some dexterity.

The Fyne F500E package will have its fans, as it proved to be an exciting and engaging surround sound system with a sheer magnitude that we can’t help but admire. But its disappointing centre channel holds it back, and the KEF Q Concerto Meta system offers a bit more cinematic subtlety.

**Winner: KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System**

Fyne Audio F500e AV Pack 2 vs KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System: verdict

What we have here are two talented 5.1 systems, both fronted by five-star stereo speakers that went down very well in our hi-fi test room. The difference is that the other speakers drag the package down in the case of the Fyne – the F501E front speakers are detailed, crisp and revealing, but there’s a slight sonic mismatch with the F5E surrounds and even more so with the bulky, soft centre channel.

There’s still plenty to like in the Fyne package’s bold delivery, however, and anyone who favours big, punchy and broad cinematic sound will find themselves right at home – it just falls short of true greatness.

The KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1, however, has no such problems when it comes to sonic cohesion. To put it bluntly, the system reminds us why we love proper surround-sound systems so much, and it looks good while doing so.

**Overall winner: KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System**

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Among the improvements made to the flagship model were enhanced ANC, more spatial audio features and even the option for wired listening via USB-C. Our expert review team awarded the QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) a solid four-star review, but they ultimately lost out on a fifth star due to steep competition at their premium price point.

Bose’s latest release sees many of the flagship’s features and technologies trickling down to the more affordable model, but there remains an appreciable price disparity between the two pairs.

If you’re wondering whether you’ll be losing out by opting for the cheaper pair, we've compared the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) by price, specs and features to see which might be the right headphones for you.

Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): price

• Ultra 2 costs more but are frequently discounted during sales

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) launched at £300 / $359 / AU$550, which is slightly less (for UK customers) than the previous standard Bose QuietComfort Headphones, which arrived at £350 / $350 / AU$549. You can now find the original model available at a significantly reduced price, typically costing around £179 / $240 at the time of writing.

The flagship Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), on the other hand, launched at £450 / $450 / AU$700, which was the same as their previous model in the UK, but $20 / AU$50 pricier in the US and Australia respectively.

Both models have seen discounts take up to £200 off their original price, but there has still tended to be a gap of around £100 between the flagship model and their more affordable counterparts.

At this price point, both headphones land in a seriously competitive bracket. The closest rivals to the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are the five-star Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless (£330 / $400 / AU$749), while the QC Ultra (2nd Gen) are more expensive than the five-star Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones (£400 / $450 / AU$699) but more affordable than the Apple AirPods Max 2 (£499 / $549 / AU$999).

Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): design

• QuietComfort (2nd Gen) feature one more finish option
• Both pairs are foldable
• Ultra 2 feature a more premium design with polished metal materials

Both new models are foldable; a convenient design facet which isn’t always guaranteed at a premium level.

The QC Ultra (2nd Gen) are available in four finishes: Midnight Violet, Driftwood Sand, and Bose’s standard Black and White Smoke colourways. The QC (2nd Gen), on the other hand, come in the regular Black and White Smoke finishes, as well as three limited edition colourways: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint and Rosewood Mauve.

We previously noted that the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) had more cushioning along the length of the headband compared to the standard model, as well as thicker earpads. However, according to Bose, the latest QC Headphones have been updated with a new headband, improved clamping force for a “secure fit”, and new oval-shaped earcups with plusher cushioning.

While we haven’t yet had a chance to try the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones ourselves, those changes sound like they might bring the cans almost up to speed with the QC Ultra (2nd Gen), which we described in our review as “one of the most comfortable wireless over-ear pairs for longer periods of wear that we’ve come across”.

Despite these changes, according to Bose the standard model hasn’t quite caught up with the Ultra in terms of overall design, with the Ultra featuring “a more premium elevated design featuring polished metal materials and more plush cushioning”.

A key technical difference between the two is the capacitive touch strip included on the second-gen Ultra Headphones, which can be used to control volume and customisable settings.

This feature still hasn’t been added to the second-gen QuietComfort Headphones, which have stuck to standard tactile buttons. Still, the latest generation QC Headphones do feature more customisable settings, such as EQ and ANC personalisation, available via the Bose App.

Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): battery & features

• Ultra 2 has a significantly longer battery life than the new standard QuietComfort (2nd Gen)
• Both headphones support spatial audio

The new QuietComfort Headphones have had their ANC boosted, employing several features available on the more expensive Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). Like the QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), the second-generation QC Headphones are also compatible with the Bose companion app.

When it comes to battery life, the second-gen QC Ultra Headphones take the lead with 45 hours of charge available with ANC switched off and 30 hours while it is engaged. This figure falls significantly, to just 23 hours, when Immersive modes are enabled (more on those later).

The QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), meanwhile, have a 24-hour battery life with ANC switched on, which falls to 18 hours with immersive modes enabled.

So what are these Immersive modes?

Immersive Audio is essentially Bose’s take on spatial audio, which was first implemented with the brand’s original QC Ultra Headphones from 2023. In our review of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), we said we still “weren’t hugely convinced” by the spatial effects, finding the ‘Motion’ setting (which tracks sounds to your head movements) “a little distracting”.

‘Still’ and ‘Cinema’ modes, however, proved useful in certain situations, such as watching movies, but did limit dynamics when it came to playing music. Regardless of our opinion, all three Immersive modes are now available with both the standard and Ultra models.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) support Bluetooth 5.4 and standard AAC and SBC codecs, while also featuring Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting two devices simultaneously, and Google Fast Pair for Android users.

The QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) can do all of those, besides Google Fast Pair, but they also support aptX Adaptive codec, allowing hi-res wireless streaming up to 24-bit/96kHz from compatible sources.

Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): noise cancelling

• Ultra Headphones (2nd gen) have excellent ANC performance
• Many of the Ultra 2’s ANC features have been handed down to the QC Headphones (2nd Gen)

Given that Bose has built much of its reputation on its class-leading active noise cancelling technology, no side-by-side comparison would be complete without taking their ANC performance into account.

In our review of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), we said that the headphones pulled ahead of class rivals for their “outright sound-blocking intensity… eliminating the deepest rumbles and the majority of mid-band hubbub we encounter on our daily travels." We were also pleased that the ‘Immersion’ mode allowed us to dial down the effect within the app, when we wanted a little less isolation.

Both of the latest models of QC Headphones feature Quiet and Aware modes in their ANC settings.

Quiet offers full-fat noise cancellation, while Aware offers a more transparent experience so that you can stay tuned into your surroundings. Both headphones also feature ActiveSense technology, which softens sudden noise spikes in the environment while using Aware mode, a feature we thought worked well when testing the QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).

Between the first and second generations of the standard QuietComfort headphones, Bose says it has made subtle ANC improvements for users with glasses and included the option for ANC to be switched off. ANC adjustments for both models can be made within the Bose App.

As things stand, we know that the Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones have a class-leading ANC performance. We haven’t yet tested the QuietComfort (2nd Gen) model, but given that their ANC features have drawn closer to those of the Ultra, we are hoping they will reach a similarly high standard.

Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): sound

• Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) have an entertaining sound
• Ultra 2’s spatial audio settings can be hit and miss
• We haven’t yet tested the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stepped into a formidable arena upon their release.

In our review, we said that, compared with their previous generation, the second-gen QC Ultra Headphones made “meaningful gains”, sounding “more solid and musically tighter and shedding a layer of excess richness”.

We also thought that the second-gen cans retained “the same pleasingly smooth, bass-rich character Bose has long favoured”, but found the headphones’ sonic signature to be “more insightful and precise than ever before.” So, undoubtedly, these headphones have plenty of charm.

However, the difficulty facing the second-generation Bose over-ears was that they were immediately pitted against Sony’s Award-winning WH-1000XM6, which we found were “categorically better sounding, and by a fair margin”. Pair these challengers with other sonically talented rivals like the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 or Sennheiser HDB 630, and we thought the Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) were a little left behind in an increasingly competitive market.

Further, the headphones' Immersive modes, while entertaining, worked better for some tracks than others – with Cinema mode working particularly well for movies – but primarily left us feeling somewhat distracted, particularly in Motion mode.

Because we haven’t put the new generation of the QuietComfort Headphones through our rigorous testing process, it is hard for us to speculate how Bose’s latest over-ears are going to sound.

According to Bose, the second generation retains the brand’s “high-quality sound and proprietary SoundDesign digital signal processing”, but the company hasn’t shared specifics about what improvements have been made between the generations.

As such, we’ll be keen to try these headphones as soon as our test pair arrives and will update this head-to-head accordingly.

Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): early verdict

We’ve tested the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones and awarded them a solid four-star review, noting their “up there with the best” noise cancellation, smart, folding design, effective spatial audio for movies and a punchy, entertaining sound.

Without having reviewed the new standard QC Headphones, it's hard for us to give a definitive answer about which model offers the best value, but with a raft of the Ultra 2’s upgrades set to be handed down to the standard model, the signs are promising. Stay tuned for a full review comparison in due course.

MORE:

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review

Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Bose QC Ultra Headphones (1st Gen): which headphones are better?

Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: what are the differences?

A whopping 13 gold medals are being contested on Day 6 of the 2026 European Athletics Championships (Saturday, 15 August): the men's and women's marathon and half-marathon race walks, heptathlon finale, men's javelin, women's high jump, women's 400m, men's triple jump, men's 10,000m, men's 1,500m, men's 4 x 100m relay and women's 4 x 100m relay. The heats get underway at 10.25am.

Rivals will become allies in the women's 4 x 100m, in which hot favourites Great Britain will be led by Amy Hunt and Dina Asher-Smith. Hunt won both the 100m and 200m ahead of Asher-Smith earlier this week, and judging by the frosty exchanges between the teammates, there seems to be little love lost between them. 2022 champions Germany are likely to be their closest challengers.

Mondo Duplantis, Keely Hodgkinson and Jakob Ingebrigtsen are amongst the star attractions at European Athletics Championships 2026 at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. However, all three athletes have shown signs of vulnerability of late.

Duplantis, who's set 15 men's pole vault world records over the past six years and cleaned up at the Olympics, world championships and European championships, was beaten for the first time in three years in June. He was then forced to withdraw from last month's London Diamond League with a thigh problem, finishing second.

Reigning Olympic and European 800m champion Hodgkinson has had her eyes firmly set on the 43-year-old world record throughout 2026, only for Audrey Werro to burst onto the scene. Hodgkinson set a British record in June, but it still wasn't enough to beat the 22-year-old Swiss, who clocked the third-fastest time in history. Werro then comfortably held Hodgkinson off with a dominant performance in Birmingham.

Illnesses, injuries and the legal case against his father and former coach have limited Ingebrigtsen's time in competition, but the two-time Olympic gold medalist opted to defend his European 5,000m title despite last racing a year ago. Incredibly, he won.

Follow our guide below for where to watch European Athletics Championships 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN. We've also listed the full Birmingham 2026 medal timetable, schedule and list of EAC events below.

European Athletics Championships Day 5 timetable

(All times BST)

🗓 Day 6 – Saturday, 15 August

🏅 Medal events:

7.30am – Half-marathon race walk | Men's final

7.30am – Half-marathon race walk | Women's final

7.30am – Marathon race walk | Men's final

7.30am – Marathon race walk | Women's final

7.45pm – 800m heptathlon | Women's final

8.01pm – Javelin | Men's final

8.07pm – High jump | Women's final

8.10pm – 400m | Women's final

8.17pm – Triple jump | Men's final

8.25pm – 10,000m | Men's final

9.07pm – 1,500m | Men's final

9.33pm – 4 x 100m relay | Men's final

9.48pm – 4 x 100m relay | Women's final

How can I watch European Athletics Championships 2026 for free?

Lucky viewers fans in the UK can watch European Athletics Championships 2026 for free, courtesy of BBC iPlayer.

In countries without a dedicated broadcaster, including those in the US, Australia, and Canada, the European Athletics Championships is available for free via Eurovison Sport. Sign up for a free account to watch.

If you're from the UK but you're currently abroad, you can simply use a VPN to tap into that free Birmingham 2026 coverage. More details below...

Watch European Athletics Championships 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular European Athletics Championships 2026 live streams while traveling abroad. The platform will detect that you're in a foreign country and block you.

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

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

Watch European Athletics Championships 2026 in the US

With no dedicated broadcast partner in the US, the European Athletics Championships will be shown on Eurovison Sport for free.

The US is one of many territories where the service is available. Create an account and off you go – free coverage of European Athletics Championships 2026!

Away on vacation right now? Remember to use a good VPN, as detailed above, to tap into your free Birmingham 2026 stream.

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Watch European Athletics Championships 2026 live streams in the UK

The 2026 European Athletics Championships are free-to-air in the UK, thanks to BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Just make sure you have a valid TV license.

Comprehensive Birmingham 2026 coverage is available from TNT Sports, with live streaming available via HBO Max. To access it, you'll need the TNT Sports subscription, which starts at £30.99 per month.

Outside the UK for the European Athletics Championships? Use NordVPN to tune in as if you were back at home.

Watch European Athletics Championships 2026 in Australia?

Like in the US, the European Athletics Championships 2026 will be on Eurovison Sport in Australia, in the absence of a dedicated broadcast partner Down Under.

Sign up with a free account and you're good to go.

If you're away on holiday, you can simply use a VPN to tap into that free EAC coverage.

European Athletics Championships 2026 schedule

(All times BST)

🗓 Day 7 – Sunday, 16 August

🏅 Medal events:

7.30am – Marathon | Women's final

8.10am – Marathon | Men's final

7.30pm – Pole vault | Men's final

7.55pm – Javelin | Women's final

8.05pm – Long jump | Women's final

8.35pm – 4 x 100m relay | Mixed final

8.50pm – 3,000m steeplechase | Men's final

9.13pm – 1,500m | Women's final

9.33pm – 4 x 400m relay | Women's final

9.48pm – 4 x 400m relay | Men's final

What are the European Athletics Championships 2026 events?

Track

100m

200m

400m

800m

1,500m

5,000m

10,000m

Marathon

100m hurdles

110m hurdles

400m hurdles

3,000m steeplechase

4 × 100m relay

4 × 400m relay

Mixed 4 × 100m relay

Mixed 4 × 400m relay

Half marathon race walk

Marathon race walk

Field

High jump

Pole vault

Long jump

Triple jump

Shot put

Discus

Javelin

Hammer

Combined

Heptathlon

Decathlon

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
• Or save money with these unmissable cheap TV deals
• Where to watch F1 2026 for free

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

The inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry marks one the most significant events in a generation for two of the sport's most storied sides. Set aside the cheesy branding and you have New Zealand's first tour of South Africa in 30 years.

The All Blacks travel to Pretoria next to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Johan Ackermann's men are coming off an excellent campaign that saw them reach the United Rugby Championship grand final. Handre Pollard was their leading points scorer, and Embrose Papier the URC's joint-top try scorer.

After struggling to dispatch the Stormers, New Zealand obliterated the Sharks. Although the Durban outfit was abysmal, things are looking up for Dave Rennie's men.

A gruelling schedule sees the All Blacks play eight games in five weeks, with their fixture list comprising a quartet of fixtures with provincial sides Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions and a quartet of Test matches. Captain Ardie Savea is sitting out some of the early games.

Follow our guide below for where to watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN. We've also listed the full schedule and venues below.

How can I watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 for free?

Lucky viewers in the US can watch all eight games of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour for free, plus the women's fixture, courtesy of RugbyPass TV.

In New Zealand, meanwhile, all eight games will be shown on delay later in the day via the free-to-air Three and its ThreeNow streaming platform. Check your listings for the broadcast start times of each match.

If you're from the US but you're currently abroad, you can simply use a VPN to tap into that free Rugby's Greatest Rivalry coverage. More details below...

Watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 live streams while traveling abroad. The platform will detect that you're in a foreign country and block you.

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

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

How to watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 in the US

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 is free-to-air in its entirety in the US, thanks to RugbyPass TV. All you need to do is register an account.

Outside the US right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the rugby.

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans
• View the latest TV deals on Amazon

Watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 live streams in the UK

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK, across its Main Event, Mix and Action channels.

Need the Sky Sports lowdown before you invest? Check out our dedicated guide to all things Sky.

Outside the UK during the tour? Use NordVPN to watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry as if you were back at home.

Watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 live streams in Australia

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry is available to watch on Stan Sport in Australia, which costs AU$20/month on top of a AU$9.99/month Stan base plan.

If you're currently spending time in Australia from the US, use a good VPN, as detailed above, to tap into your free RGR coverage.

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026: Preview

South Africa's back-to-back world champions, led by head coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi, geared up with a bruising 17-10 victory over Argentina. They top the World Rugby rankings, with New Zealand close behind.

The Kiwis' 1996 vintage went down as "The Incomparables" for securing New Zealand's first-ever series victory on Springbok turf, the triumphant campaign having followed five previous attempts dating back to 1928. South Africa's 1937 victory in New Zealand, incidentally, remains their only series win in All Blacks' territory.

By almost every metric other than matches in New Zealand, these powerhouse rugby nations are remarkable well-matched. They've met six times at World Cups and won three games apiece; the Boks have four world crowns to the All Blacks' three; and on neutral ground – which is where the fourth and final Test of this series will be staged, in Baltimore, USA – they're on four wins each.

The third of the four Tests will also be a double-header, with New Zealand's Women – the Black Ferns – facing South Africa in a one-off match before the men take centre stage in Johannesburg.

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 schedule

(All times BST)

Friday, 7 August
Stormers 21-38 New Zealand (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)

Tuesday, 11 August
Sharks 0-54 New Zealand (Kings Park Stadium, Durban)

Saturday, 15 August
6pm – Bulls vs New Zealand (Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria)

Saturday, 22 August
4.10pm – South Africa vs New Zealand (Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg)

Tuesday, 25 August
6pm – Lions vs New Zealand (Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg)

Saturday, 29 August
4.10pm – South Africa vs New Zealand (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)

Saturday, 5 September
12.30pm – South Africa Women vs New Zealand Women (FNB Stadium)
4.10pm – South Africa vs New Zealand (FNB Stadium, Johannesburg)

Saturday, 12 September
10pm – South Africa vs New Zealand (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, US)

What is the Springboks vs All Blacks head-to-head?

The Springboks have won 43 of their 110 previous encounters with New Zealand. The All Blacks have won 63, and the other four ended in draws.

In South Africa, the head-to-head stands at 28-25-1.

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
• Or save money with these unmissable cheap TV deals
• Where to watch F1 2026 for free

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

This year is no different, with its biggest TV shake-up in years. There’s new flagship display tech, for a start, joined by refreshed OLED, Neo QLED, Mini LED and lifestyle ranges.

There’s quite a bit to cover, so without any further ado, let’s dive into all the 2026 Samsung TVs worth knowing about. Oh, and just so we’re covering all the bases, feel free to check out Sony’s 2026 TV lineup and LG’s 2026 TV lineup as well.

The Samsung tech headlines for 2026

Before we dive into the 2026 Samsung TV range, here are the headlines across the board:

Micro RGB

Micro RGB is stealing the headlines this year – a new premium LCD technology that sits above Neo QLED in the company's range.The backlight is formed from individually controlled red, green and blue LEDs, which Samsung says can deliver more accurate colours and finer light control

Game on

Samsung is continuing to push gaming performance across its TV range. The flagship models now support refresh rates of up to 165Hz, while features such as VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro and Samsung Gaming Hub are available across much of the lineup.

Format wars

Samsung's 2026 TVs introduce support for HDR10+ Advanced and Eclipsa Audio while, unsurprisingly, continuing to omit Dolby Vision. Whether either format becomes a meaningful selling point will depend on wider industry support, but both represent Samsung's latest attempt to strengthen its own ecosystem rather than adopt Dolby's tech.

Samsung 2026 TV range breakdown

Samsung makes a lot of TV’s. Below, we’ve covered the latest H-series models, though you’ll still find some older F-series TVs available at some retailers.

Samsung R95H

The R95H introduces Samsung's new Micro RGB technology and sits at the top of the company's 4K LCD range for 2026. Rather than using a conventional LED backlight, it employs micro-sized red, green and blue LEDs, which Samsung says deliver its widest-ever TV colour spectrum. The new Micro RGB AI Engine Pro is designed to optimise colour, depth and motion in real time, while Micro RGB Precision Colour aims to make the most of the panel's expanded colour capabilities.

On paper, it promises to produce a vibrant, richly coloured picture with impressive brightness, though we'll reserve our final judgement until we've been able to test it in our dedicated viewing rooms.

Elsewhere, the R95H receives Samsung's premium feature set, including Wireless One Connect for a cleaner installation, Motion Xcelerator 165Hz for PC gaming, and Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud gaming services.

Samsung R95H specs

• Sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
• Display type: Micro RGB
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Micro RGB AI Engine Pro
• Sound: 4.2.2-channel (70W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/165Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible, HGiG, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung R95H price:

• 65-inch: $3200 / £3299 / AU$6094
• 75-inch: $4500 / £4199 / AU$9199
• 85-inch: $6500 / £6099 / AU$11,499

Samsung R85H

The R85H uses the same new Micro RGB display technology as the flagship R95H, but trims back some of the supporting hardware, keeping many of the same headline tech, including Micro RGB HDR+, Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, Dolby Atmos, Samsung Gaming Hub and AI Gaming Optimiser.

It also supports Samsung's Vision AI Companion platform and ships with One UI Tizen, which Samsung says will receive up to seven years of software updates. The biggest differences compared with the R95H lie in the supporting hardware rather than the core display technology.

The R85H uses Samsung's standard Micro RGB AI Engine instead of the Pro version, steps down to a 144Hz refresh rate, while skipping premium features like Wireless One Connect. Even so, it looks set to be the most accessible way to experience Samsung's new Micro RGB platform.

Samsung R85H specs

• Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch, 100-inch
• Display type: Micro RGB
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Micro RGB AI Engine
• Sound: 2.2-channel (40W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung R85H price:

• 55-inch: $1600 / £1599 / AU$2874
• 65-inch: $2100 / £2399 / AU$3794
• 75-inch: $2800 / £3099 / AU$4944
• 85-inch: $4000 / £3699 / AU$5749
• 100-inch: $13000 / £N/A / AU$14,949

Samsung S99H (UK) / S95H (US & Australia)

Samsung's flagship OLED for 2026 introduces an all-new FloatLayer design inspired by The Frame, giving the TV the appearance of a floating display when wall-mounted. It also adds Wireless One Connect, allowing source devices to connect to a separate box that transmits audio and video wirelessly to the TV for a cleaner installation.

Under the striking new design sits Samsung's latest OLED technology, powered by the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor and capable of refresh rates up to 165Hz. In fact, we've already reviewed the S99H and awarded it five stars, praising its exceptional brightness, refined picture processing, improved built-in sound, and distinctive design. It currently stands as the best TV Samsung has produced to date, though Dolby Vision remains unsurprisingly absent.

Read our Samsung S99H review

Samsung S99H / S95H specs

• Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch
• Display type: OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor
• Sound: 4.2.2-channel (70W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/165Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible, HGiG, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung S99H price:

• 55-inch: $2500 / £2399 / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: $3400 / £3199 / AU$6094
• 77-inch: $4500 / £4299 / AU$9199
• 83-inch: $6500 / £5899 / AU$11499

Samsung S95H (UK & Europe)

Just to confuse things a little bit more, Samsung is selling a TV called the S95H in the UK and Europe. We've quizzed the Korean AV titan on how it differs from the S99H, and it said that the S99H and S95H are essentially the same televisions, just with different designs.

The S95H here in the UK and Europe sports a One Connect box, and looks almost identical to last year's S95F, meaning customers can choose which design they prefer without compromising on performance. Interestingly, Samsung also removes the 83-inch size option, and swaps it for a compact 48-inch model.

Samsung S95H specs

• Sizes: 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch
• Display type: OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor
• Sound: 4.2.2-channel (70W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/165Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible, HGiG, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung S95H price

• 48-inch: £1699
• 55-inch: £2299
• 65-inch: £3099
• 77-inch: £4199

Samsung S90H

The S90H sits below Samsung's flagship OLED models but keeps many of the company’s headline tech. That includes the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor with Glare Free technology, OLED HDR+ and Samsung's LaserSlim design, making it one of the company's most fully featured 4K OLED TVs outside the flagship range.

Gaming remains a major focus, too. The S90H supports refresh rates of up to 165Hz for compatible PC games, alongside VRR, ALLM, NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Samsung Gaming Hub. AI Gaming Optimiser is also onboard, automatically adjusting picture settings based on the genre you're playing.

Either way, the S90H looks set to continue Samsung's tradition of offering much of its flagship OLED performance at a more attainable price point.

Samsung S90H specs:

• Sizes: 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch
• Display type: OLED (panel type varies by size)
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor
• Sound: 2.1-channel (40W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/165Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible, HGiG, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung S90H price:

• 42-inch: $1400 / £1299 / AU$2299
• 48-inch: $1600 / £1399 / AU$2759
• 55-inch: $2000 / £1699 / AU$3449
• 65-inch: $2700 / £2299 / AU$4599
• 77-inch: $3700 / £3499 / AU$6324
• 83-inch: $5300 / £4799 / AU$8624

Samsung S85H

The S85H is Samsung's entry point into its 2026 OLED range, bringing many of the benefits of OLED technology to a more affordable price. While it steps down from the S90H in a few key areas, it still combines the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor with OLED HDR, Samsung's LaserSlim design and the latest version of One UI Tizen.

It also supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz, alongside VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium and Samsung Gaming Hub. Vision AI features are also included, although some advanced picture and gaming functions remain reserved for Samsung's more expensive OLEDs.

As with previous generations, the S85H looks set to be Samsung's value-focused OLED. It may lack some of the flagship range's premium features, but on paper it retains the core ingredients that have made Samsung's more affordable OLEDs such strong performers in recent years. We'll reserve our final judgement until we've put it through our full testing process.

Samsung S85H specs:

• Sizes: 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch
• Display type: OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
• Sound: 2.0-channel (20W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Samsung S85H price:

• 48-inch: $1200 / £1299 / AU$2299
• 55-inch: $1500 / £1499 / AU$2874
• 65-inch: $2000 / £2299 / AU$3794
• 77-inch: $2800 / £2999 / AU$N/A
• 83-inch: $4500 / £3599 / AU$7474

Samsung QN990H

The QN990H remains Samsung's flagship 8K Neo QLED for 2026. While Micro RGB has now taken over as the company's premium LCD technology, the QN990H continues to lead its 8K range, combining an 8K Mini LED panel with Samsung's latest NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor and Quantum Matrix Technology Pro. Samsung is once again betting on AI-powered upscaling to make the most of today's 4K and HD content while native 8K material remains scarce.

As you'd expect from Samsung's flagship 8K TV, the QN990H also receives the company's most advanced feature set. That includes Glare Free technology, Wireless One Connect for a cleaner installation, Motion Xcelerator 240Hz, AI Gaming Optimiser and Samsung Gaming Hub.

Whether 8K is worth paying a premium for is still open to debate, but if you're determined to own Samsung's most capable Neo QLED TV, the QN990H remains the flagship choice.

Samsung QN990H specs:

• Sizes: 85-inch
• Display type: Neo QLED Mini LED
• Resolution: 8K
• Processor: NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor
• Sound: 6.2.4-channel (90W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes
• Gaming features: 8K/120Hz, 4K/240Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, HGiG, Samsung Gaming Hub, AI Gaming Optimiser

Samsung QN990H price:

• 85-inch: $8500 / £N/A / AU$N/A

Samsung QN80H

For many buyers, the QN80H is likely to be the most interesting Neo QLED in Samsung's 2026 range. Sitting below the new Micro RGB models, it retains Quantum Mini LED backlighting and the company's NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, making it a more conventional – and likely more affordable – premium LCD option.

It doesn't have the headline-grabbing new display technology of the R95H or R85H, but it doesn't feel stripped back either. Samsung has carried over much of what makes its higher-end TVs appealing, including a Mini LED backlight, support for refresh rates of up to 144Hz, Samsung Gaming Hub and AI Gaming Optimiser.

If Micro RGB proves too expensive, the QN80H could end up being the TV many people actually buy. On paper, it looks to offer the strongest balance of performance, features and value in Samsung's premium LCD lineup, though we'll need to review it before drawing any firm conclusions.

Samsung QN80H specs:

• Sizes: 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch, 100-inch
• Display type: Neo QLED Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
• Sound: 2.2-channel (40W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung QN80H price:

• 50-inch: $N/A / £999 / AU$1839
• 55-inch: $1300 / £999 / AU$2069
• 65-inch: $1600 / £1299 / AU$2529
• 75-inch: $2000 / £1599 / AU$3449
• 85-inch: $3000 / £2299 / AU$4599
• 100-inch: $5500 / £2999 / AU$8049

Samsung QN70H

The QN70H continues Samsung's Neo QLED lineup with Quantum Mini LED backlighting and the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. While it loses some of the higher-end features found on the QN80H and above, it still benefits from the improved contrast and backlight control that Mini LED technology can offer over a conventional LED TV.

Samsung's latest Tizen platform is onboard, alongside Gaming Hub and support for a range of cloud gaming services, making it a well-equipped option for buyers who don't need every flagship extra.

Samsung QN70H specs:

• Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
• Display type: Neo QLED Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Processor
• Sound: 2.0-channel (20W)
• HDMI 2.1: No
• Gaming features: VRR, ALLM, HGiG, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung QN70H price:

• 43-inch: $600 / £599 / AU$N/A
• 50-inch: $750 / £799 / AU$1494
• 55-inch: $900 / £899 / AU$N/A
• 65-inch: $1200 / £1099 / AU$N/A
• 75-inch: $1500 / £1699 / AU$N/A
• 85-inch: $2300 / £2299 / AU$N/A

Samsung M80H

New for 2026, the M80H introduces Samsung's M-series Mini LED range. Rather than replacing Neo QLED, it creates a new tier below it, combining Mini LED backlighting with the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor and the latest version of Tizen.

It doesn't match the loftier specs of Samsung's premium Mini LED sets, but it does expand the company's Mini LED portfolio into a more affordable part of the market while retaining features like the Gaming Hub.

Samsung M80H specs:

• Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
• Display type: Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
• Sound: 2.0-channel (20W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung M80H price:

• 55-inch: $650 / £799 / AU$XX
• 65-inch: $800 / £999 / AU$N/A
• 75-inch: $1200 / £1399 / AU$N/A
• 85-inch: $1800 / £1899 / AU$N/A

Samsung M70H

Like the M80H, the M70H forms part of Samsung's new Mini LED family, pairing Mini LED backlighting with the company's smart TV platform while stepping down further in specs. It rounds out Samsung's expanded Mini LED lineup and gives buyers another option below the Neo QLED range.

Samsung M70H specs:

• Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch
• Display type: Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Mini LED Processor 4K
• Sound: 2.0-channel (20W)
• HDMI 2.1: No
• Gaming features: VRR, ALLM, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung M70H price:

• 43-inch: $350 / £429 / AU$861
• 50-inch: $380 / £529 / AU$1034
• 55-inch: $400 / £649 / AU$1149
• 65-inch: $530 / £999 / AU$1494
• 75-inch: $730 / £799 / AU$1954
• 85-inch: $1200 / £1099 / AU$2874

Samsung The Frame Pro

Samsung has given its lifestyle TV its biggest hardware upgrade in years. The Frame Pro combines the familiar picture frame-inspired design with Quantum Mini LED backlighting, bringing display technology previously reserved for the company's premium TVs into the Frame range. It also adds Wireless One Connect to simplify wall mounting, while Art Mode, the Art Store and interchangeable bezels remain at the heart of the experience.

Samsung The Frame Pro specs:

• Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch
• Display type: Neo QLED Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor
• Sound: 2.2.2-channel (40W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium Pro, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung The Frame Pro price:

• 55-inch: $1500 / £1699 / AU$2874
• 65-inch: $2000 / £2099 / AU$3679
• 75-inch: $2800 / £2999 / AU$4599
• 85-inch: $4000 / £3999 / AU$5749

Samsung The Frame

The standard Frame returns for another year, continuing to focus on design rather than outright picture performance. It keeps the familiar Art Mode experience, customisable bezels and matte display that have helped distinguish it from conventional TVs, while also benefiting from Samsung's latest smart TV platform. Buyers looking for improved display hardware will need to step up to The Frame Pro, but the standard model remains the more affordable way into Samsung's lifestyle range.

Samsung The Frame specs:

• Sizes: 43-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch, 98-inch
• Display type: QLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor
• Sound: 2.0-channel (20W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: Up to 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, Samsung Gaming Hub

Samsung The Frame price:

• 43-inch: $1200 / £999 / AU$1494
• 55-inch: $1200 / £1499 / AU$2069
• 65-inch: $1500 / £1899 / AU$2529
• 75-inch: $2000 / £1899 / AU$3449
• 85-inch: $3000 / £N/A / AU$4599
• 98-inch: $4500 / £N/A / AU$8049

MORE:

Read our full Samsung S99H/S95H review

Check out our picks for the best Samsung TVs

As well as the best OLED TVs

Following a two-game preliminary round, the Carabao Cup 2026/27 kicks off in earnest this long weekend, with a blockbuster tie between Middlesbrough and Wrexham – which is free-to-air on ITVX in the UK – headlining a 35-game slate of first-round fixtures.

A 95th-minute gut-punch denied Boro promotion to the Premier League, and Kim Hellberg has since had to part ways with Everton-bound star man Hayden Hackney. The Red Dragons, meanwhile, have had a quiet summer by their standards after narrowly missing out on a place in the playoffs. They meet on Friday evening.

Elsewhere, Paul Mullin, the erstwhile favourite of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, could make his Rotherham debut against West Brom on Saturday.

There are five all-Championship ties, including QPR's London derby with Millwall, and West Ham's meeting with Portsmouth, plus eight ties with giant-killing potential. The latter include League Two side Port Vale's encounter with Wolves, who have re-signed Raul Jimenez, plus Kieran Trippier, despite being relegated from the Premier League.

Tonda Eckert has inexplicably managed to cling onto his job despite being unmasked as the architect of Southampton's spying operations, a scandal that hasn't just wrecked the club's image, but got them kicked out of last season's playoffs and landed them a four-point deduction for the new season too. They can expect a lively reception at fourth-tier Colchester United.

And last but not least, arch-rivals Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City will close proceedings with the Devon Derby on Monday night.

Follow our guide below for where to watch Carabao Cup 2026/27 live streams from anywhere with a VPN. We've also listed the first round fixtures and schedule below.

How can I watch Carabao Cup 2026/27 for free?

Lucky viewers in the UK can watch one game from each round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup for free on ITV1, with live streaming available via ITVX.

For the first round, the fixture that's been selected for free-to-air broadcast is Middlesbrough vs Wrexham.

In the US, select games will be available on free streaming service CBS Sports Golazo. Bristol City vs Walsall and Wolves vs Port Vale are the first-round fixtures picked.

If you're from the UK but you're currently abroad, you can simply use a VPN to tap into that free Carabao Cup coverage. More details below...

Watch Carabao Cup 2026/27 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular Carabao Cup 2026/27 live streams while travelling abroad. The platform will detect that you're in a foreign country and block you.

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

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

How to watch Carabao Cup 2026/27 in the US

Paramount+ ($8.99/month) is showing every Carabao Cup 2026/27 fixture in the US. However, you can get the plan with a Walmart Plus 30-day trial for $1.

As we've mentioned above, select matches will be available on free service CBS Sports Golazo. You just need to sign up for an account.

Outside the US right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the soccer.

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans
• View the latest TV deals on Amazon

Watch Carabao Cup 2026/27 live streams in the UK

Every Carabao Cup 2026/27 game is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK, across its Main Event, Football and Sky Sports+ channels.

Need the Sky Sports lowdown before you invest? Check out our dedicated guide to all things Sky.

However, one game from each round – including the final and a leg of each semi-final – will be free-to-air on ITV1 and ITVX.

Outside the UK during a round of fixtures? Use NordVPN to watch the Carabao Cup as if you were back at home.

Watch Carabao Cup 2026/27 live streams in Australia

beIN Sports shows every Carabao Cup 2026/27 fixture in Australia, with a subscription starting at AU$16.99/month after a 7-day FREE trial.

If you're currently spending time in Australia from the UK, use a good VPN, as detailed above, to tap into your free EFL Cup coverage.

Carabao Cup 2026/27 schedule

(All times BST)

Thursday, 6 August
7.45pm – Bristol City vs Walsall

Friday, 7 August
7.45pm – Wolves vs Port Vale
7.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Stevenage
8pm – Middlesbrough vs Wrexham

Saturday, 8 August
1pm – Cambridge Utd vs Barnet
2pm – QPR vs Millwall
3pm – AFC Wimbledon vs Newport County
3pm – Barnsley vs Wigan Athletic
3pm – Bradford City vs Rochdale
3pm – Bristol Rovers vs Peterborough Utd
3pm – Bromley vs Reading
3pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Stevenage
3pm – Burnley vs Notts County
3pm – Burton Albion vs Blackburn Rovers
3pm – Cardiff City vs Swindon Town
3pm – Crewe Alexandra vs Accrington Stanley
3pm – Derby County vs Lincoln City
3pm – Fleetwood Town vs Chesterfield
3pm – Gillingham vs Luton Town
3pm – Grimsby Town vs Blackpool
3pm – Leicester City vs Northampton Town
3pm – Leyton Orient vs Oxford United
3pm – Norwich City vs MK Dons
3pm – Preston North End vs Huddersfield Town
3pm – Salford City vs Shrewsbury Town
3pm – Sheffield Wednesday vs Bolton Wanderers
3pm – Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers
3pm – Stoke City vs Oldham Athletic
3pm – Swansea City vs Birmingham City
3pm – Watford vs Crawley Town
3pm – West Ham vs Portsmouth
5.30pm – Cheltenham Town vs Charlton Athletic
5.30pm – Colchester United vs Southampton
5.30pm – Rotherham Utd vs West Brom

Sunday, 9 August
4pm – Mansfield Town vs Sheffield Utd

Monday, 10 August
8pm – Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City

Who are the reigning Carabao Cup champions?

Man City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the 2025/26 Carabao Cup final, courtesy of two second-half Nico O'Reilly goals in the space of four minutes.

When is the Carabao Cup 2026/27 final?

The 2026/27 Carabao Cup final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 21 March, 2027.

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
• Or save money with these unmissable cheap TV deals
• Where to watch F1 2026 for free

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

KEF’s LS50 Wireless II speaker system has become an exemplar of this success, becoming something of a modern-day legend in the process. The five-star system has scooped so many What Hi-Fi? Awards, and been on our list of the best hi-fi systems for such a long while, that it has truly earned its place among KEF’s pantheon of greats.

Now, KEF is kicking things up a notch with the arrival of the LS Luxe, once again integrating amplification and streaming into a compact, easy-to-use stereo speaker package. The LS Luxe is a step above the LS50 Wireless II in terms of price, but is it vastly superior regarding its all-around performance?

Let’s find out.

KEF LS Luxe vs KEF LSS50 Wireless II: price

The LS50 Wireless II came into the world at £2250 / $2499 / AU$4295, but as we know, prices are always liable to fluctuate over time.

Currently, you can find the LS50 Wireless II for £2199, a modest but not insubstantial drop from its original RRP. For US buyers, it’s not such good news: you will tend to see KEF’s established Award-winner sitting between $2500-$2999 at the time of writing.

Wherever you are and whatever prices are doing, the LS Luxe is going to cost a good deal more than its more established sibling. KEF’s new kid on the block arrived at £3500 / $4000 / AU$6375, and given it’s so fresh to the market, we don’t expect to see any major discounts any time soon.

For its more affordable asking price, this is one on the board for the LS50 Wireless II.

**Winner: KEF LS50 Wireless II**

KEF LS Luxe vs KEF LSS50 Wireless II: build and design

Let’s just be super clear about what we’re dealing with here.

Both the KEF LS50 Wireless II and LS Luxe are standmounted active wireless stereo speaker systems, meaning you are getting two separate speaker cabinets with built-in amplification, wireless streaming, and a DAC.

At the heart of each pair of speakers is the 12th-generation of KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver array, in which the tweeter sits in the centre of the mid/bass unit for more even sonic dispersion, improved integration, and better time alignment. With the LS Luxe, the Uni-Q driver assembly is mechanically decoupled from the cabinet to reduce panel vibrations.

KEF’s ‘Metamaterial Absorption Technology’ (MAT), which absorbs rearward sound from the back of the tweeter dome in pursuit of greater treble clarity, is also featured in both.

For the LS50 Wireless II, 100 watts of Class A/B amplification is powering the 25mm aluminium tweeter, while 280 watts of Class D power handles the 13cm aluminium mid/bass driver.

The power split in the LS Luxe is the same in terms of wattage and power class, but the driver sizes are a little different, as we are still dealing with a 25mm aluminium tweeter complemented by a larger 16.5cm mid/bass unit. That, as we shall see, helps the LS Luxe generate more lower-end depth and power.

Externally, our contenders’ cabinets look reasonably distinct from each other. That Uni-Q array aside, the LS50 Wireless II speakers are squatter and squarer, albeit with rounded-off edges and a convex front panel helping to give them a modern, stylish appeal.

The LS Luxe, by contrast, really doubles down on its curvy aesthetic, with a smooth, almost egg-like form that aims to improve performance by reducing the build-up of internal standing waves within the cabinet. They are taller and slimmer cabinets than the LS50 Wireless II, and though the look of the speakers won’t be for everyone, the standard of construction is, inarguably, very high.

That rounded design is thanks to a collaboration with Ross Lovegrove, the Welsh designer with whom KEF previously joined forces when creating the mighty Muon floorstanders, the Muo Bluetooth speaker, and the Mu headphones range.

Around the back, the LS50 Wireless II speakers feature a ridged aluminium heatsink and a flared reflex port. The LS Luxe also features a flared reflex port, with a distinctively curved, more deeply ridged aluminium heatsink designed to offer a greater surface area to more efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the active electronics within.

Both systems use ‘Bulk Moulded Compound’ (BMC) composite material in their cabinet construction; the LS50 Wireless II in just the front baffle, while the LS Luxe’s entire enclosure is made out of the material. BMC is an inert, high-mass material that is highly conducive for use in a speaker enclosure.

In terms of control, the LS50 Wireless II offers a touch-capacitive strip panel for adjusting volume, muting the speakers, selecting volume or turning the whole system on or off.

The LS Luxe doesn’t feature any on-unit buttons or controls, but you do get a nicely made aluminium remote, as well as access to the KEF Connect control app, for managing your listening experience. Do note that the LS50 Wireless II also comes with a remote control and app support.

The LS50 Wireless II houses threaded inserts in the corner of each speaker, allowing them to lock onto the top of KEF's S2 Floor Stands (£400 / $449 / AU$800 per pair).

The LS Luxe can also be fitted to their own dedicated ‘S-Luxe’ stands (£800 / $800 / AU$1230), which you will need to put together and screw into the base of each speaker yourself. Expensive they may be, but if you want to hear the LS Luxe at its best, we think a pair of S-Luxe stands is worth the cash.

One more thing: finishes. You get three options from which to choose with the LS Luxe: Eclipse Black, Dusk Titanium or Mineral White. There are four choices with the LS50 Wireless: Carbon Black, Titanium Grey, Moss Green or Sand Shell.

Not much to grumble about on either side, here. The LS50 Wireless II earns points for its on-unit controls and more compact design, whereas the LS Luxe feels a tad more premium and can draw on more-refined design aspects, such as that more-advanced heat sink design and larger mid/bass drive unit.

**Winner: KEF LS Luxe**

KEF LS Luxe vs KEF LSS50 Wireless II: features

Both of KEF’s five-star wireless speaker systems go big on features, offering a variety of ways to enjoy each.

Around the back of both systems’ primary speaker unit, you will find HDMI eARC, 3.5mm analogue, optical and coaxial inputs, as well as an ethernet port for hooking up physically to the internet. With both the LS Luxe and the LS50 Wireless II, each of the two speakers has a dedicated output for adding a single subwoofer or a pair if you really want to go big on bass.

On the streaming side, both use KEF’s W2 Wireless Platform, granting access to popular streaming services such as Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz Connect and Deezer, along with internet radio.

If you’re not keen on spending much time on the dedicated KEF app, there is also the further convenience of AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth for both, with the LS50 Wireless supporting Bluetooth 5.0 and the LS Luxe bumping that up to the more efficient Bluetooth 5.3.

UPnP compatibility on both means you can stream hi-res music from a connected external NAS drive, and while Roon Ready support is already available for the LS50 Wireless II, it is slated to arrive in 2027 for the LS Luxe.

Hi-res file support depends on how you choose to listen. Either KEF system is able to accept PCM files up to 24-bit/384kHz, with the LS50 Wireless II supporting DSD256 and the LS Luxe maxing out at DSD128.

The LS Luxe also lacks MQA support, something you do still get with the LS50 Wireless II; but, as Tidal dropped MQA a few years ago and the format appears to be in decline, this won’t be a major loss for most would-be listeners.

If you are using a wireless connection between your LS50 Wireless II or LS Luxe speakers, higher resolution files will be internally downsampled to 24-bit/96kHz. Connecting the master and slave speakers using the included interconnect cable will bump playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.

As far as apps go, we’re rather keen on KEF’s ‘Connect’ platform, from which you can control and set up your wireless system. You can tweak the sound yourself using the on-board equaliser and use KEF’s ‘Room EQ’ digital signal processing to fine-tune your sound to your listening room – something we recommend to get the best sound possible for your given space.

While the LS50 Wireless II does enjoy the benefit of KEF’s Uni-Q array and innovative ‘MAT’ technology, the LS Luxe is packed with more recent technological advancements that see it outpace its established counterpart.

The LS Luxe, for instance, is the first KEF speaker product to feature the company’s ‘Velocity Control Technology’ (VECO), as seen in this year’s five-star XIO soundbar. VECO essentially measures the speed of the drivers’ cone movement, and any differences between that and the expected value are compensated for in real time, resulting in lower distortion levels.

Additionally, the newer, more premium LS Luxe gains the benefit of KEF’s ‘Music Integrity Engine’ tech, which uses digital signal processing algorithms to maintain accuracy and tonality no matter the volume at which the system is played.

Impressive feature sets and plenty of ways to enjoy KEF’s five-star contenders, but the LS Luxe’s more up-to-date technology suite sees it earn victory here.

**Winner: KEF LS Luxe**

KEF LS Luxe vs KEF LS50 Wireless II: sound quality

Even with the LS Luxe coming along and rather knocking it off its pretty perch, the LS50 Wireless II remains a devilishly talented wireless speaker system.

This is a product that has scooped a raft of What Hi-Fi? Awards since it arrived around six years ago, one we dubbed as being among the “most thrilling speaker systems we had heard” for around £2000 / $2500.

In fact, the LS50 Wireless II is still outstanding at its price. As a major step up at the time from the groundbreaking LS50 Wireless, the LS50 Wireless II remains an exemplary choice if you are seeking a system that offers you a clean, admirably precise sonic presentation.

The balanced, uncluttered signature of the LS50 Wireless II’s sound was, and remains, one of its strongest attributes. KEF’s Award-winning system was a serious step up from its predecessor, offering up a more intricate, open and precise soundstage than we had seen with the original LS50 Wireless.

As we wrote at the time: “mids are cleaner-cut and bass more defined, their extra refinement making the originals sound a touch crude. The whole presentation has been opened out, that extra room not only filled with subtler, more precise detail, but also allowing for greater instrument separation that makes its delivery sound much less congested in comparison.”

Clear, balanced and precise the LS50 Wireless II may be, but what has kept it atop the pantheon of great wireless speaker systems has been marrying those qualities with real verve and drama. Authority and poise are wedded to punch and grip, especially regarding the LS50 Wireless II’s meaty, agile bass reproduction and crisp – yet not overetched – treble response.

The LS Luxe may be a good deal more expensive than the established LS50 Wireless II, but, from what we have heard, it fully justifies that considerable price jump.

The LS Luxe does have a similarly balanced, authoritative character as many of its esteemed KEF stablemates, but have it playing at its best and you’ll soon realise it is a considerable improvement on pretty much any product of this type that KEF has yet made.

When really firing, the LS Luxe is a delight, piling on extra helpings of detail and precision to the confident, articulate presentation found with the LS50 Wireless II. When listened to side by side, the LS Luxe takes the LS50 Wireless II’s presentation and elevates it, sounding more precise, muscular and cinematic in a straight shootout.

Reasonably compact the speaker cabinets may be, but the authority, breadth and depth of the sound go far beyond what we would expect from a relatively compact standmounted speaker system.

The LS Luxe can really put on a show when it comes to delivering cinematic fare with authority and scale, with a taut, authoratative bass reproduction acting as its real party piece. That is partly down to the larger 16.5cm mid/bass unit found as part of the LS Luxe’s updated Uni-Q array.

In all honesty, KEF has struck a marvellous balance with its latest model. This is a system that makes rhythms sound expressive and nimble but rarely skittish or overdone, while dynamics are confidently expressed without seeming forced or artificial.

Few, if any, blind spots are to be found. As we wrote in our review, the LS Luxe knits music together “so expertly that even truly demanding tracks can’t catch it napping. Whether it’s the gale-force hurricane of Slipknot’s Before I Forget or the magisterial grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, the LS Luxe barely breaks a sweat.”

Sonically, the LS50 Wireless II remains a superb wireless choice, but the LS Luxe really does take everything we liked about that sound and kick it up a notch. In terms of pure audio quality, it’s an obvious – and deeply impressive – cut above.

**Winner: KEF LS Luxe**

KEF LS Luxe vs KEF LS50 Wireless II: verdict

The LS Luxe has not made the LS50 Wireless II redundant.

The more established system continues to excel thanks to its impressive host of streaming features and a sonic performance that, at its more affordable price, remains one of the best we have heard.

KEF has also made no indication that it will be phasing out the LS50 Wireless II, meaning it looks set to enjoy a bright future at its £2250 / $2499 / AU$4295 price point.

What the LS Luxe does is raise the sonic bar to another level. You’re getting most of the same streaming features and ways to listen as with the LS50 Wireless II, but a larger driver and new technologies – Veco and KEF’s ‘Music Integrity Engine’, for instance – see the LS Luxe pull well clear in terms of pure sonic ability.

If you are happy to spend the extra cash, and then fork out a bit more for some dedicated stands, the LS Luxe is the system to pick.

**Overall winner: KEF LS Luxe**

MORE:

We speak to KEF’s chief technology officer about the LS Luxe

Hi-fi in 2076? How engineers envisage the next 50 years of music listening

Best active speakers: our experts pick the top pairs with integrated amplifiers

The sub-£1000 integrated stereo amplifier market is a tough nut to crack. Such amplifiers need to be forgiving enough to work well with budget sources and speakers, while having the sonic stretch to shine with higher-quality partners. Arcam’s A5 has been the dominant force in this sector since its introduction in late 2023, and the revised, current Award-winning A5+ version has simply reinforced that superiority.

The arrival of the Marantz Model 70 could be a problem for Arcam, though. Marantz is a recognised master of affordable amplifiers, as the multiple awards won by various generations of the company’s 6000 series integrateds prove.

The Model 70 is a reimagining of the excellent, long-running five-star PM6007, featuring a more stylish appearance and improved connectivity. The result is a stereo amplifier that is more useful and flexible than its predecessors ever were.

Make no mistake, Marantz has been aggressive here, pitching the Model 70 directly at the class champion. Is that the right move? We've tested both amplifiers against each other to find out.

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: price

The Arcam A5+ costs £749 / $1199 / AU$1595, while the Model 70 retails for £749 in the UK and in Australia, AU$1600 (excluding VAT). Marantz has decided not to sell the Model 70 in the USA, feeling other products in the range cover similar ground in that market.

Given the parity of pricing in other territories, it is fair to say that Marantz firmly had Arcam in its sights when setting the price for its new amplifier. The two can’t really be split in either the UK or Australian markets.

**Winner: draw**

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: build & design

The Arcam A5+ has been on the market around three years now but remains a fresh-looking design. We like the simplicity of its clean front-panel layout, even though the display could be a little crisper. Indeed, integrated amplifiers further up the Arcam ladder have a much better display.

The two rotary control dials on the front are decently responsive and precise in use, and the A5+ works intuitively. It is easy to set up, even if that display is a little small.

We have no complaints about general build, as the A5+'s casework feels suitably substantial. The quality of the fit and finish is as good as we would expect at this price. There is only one finish option, black. The supplied remote is a small, basic plastic affair, but it is simple enough to use.

This amplifier should have no problem driving any price-compatible speaker. It is rated at 50 watts per channel, just like the Marantz, and while that number isn’t unusually generous, it is more than enough to do the job.

Over the years we have used the Arcam amp with just about every type of speaker, and it hasn’t let us down yet.

The Model 70 is another well-made product. We like the fresh look. To our eyes, the Marantz amp is distinctive and stylish regardless of whether it is finished in black or silver.

Our positive impression is reinforced by the sturdy yet precise feel of the various front-panel controls. They have a heftier feel than those on the Arcam, and we like that, particularly as they turn with a pleasant smoothness.

The remote is good, too. It is more comprehensive than the one supplied with the Arcam, but remains intuitive in use and feels solid.

We are less happy with the Marantz’s casework. The lid feels thin and rattles when we tap it, while the back panel flexes notably when we plug and unplug the speaker leads. Nothing falls off, of course, and we suspect that the Model 70 will have as long a service life as any of its rivals. However, it does feel more like the budget PM6007 than we would like given its higher price point.

**Winner: Arcam A5+**

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: features

These two amplifiers are hard to split when it comes to features and connectivity, and should be able to slot into even the most complex of systems with ease. Both have moving-magnet phono stages, three line-level inputs, a headphone output and digital inputs. They both offer a preamp out for those that want to add an outboard power amplifier.

There are small but significant differences, though.

The Marantz adds an HDMI ARC to its coax and optical digital inputs, and has a dedicated subwoofer out. The Arcam’s second coax input and inclusion of higher-quality aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec and Auracast may balance things out for some people. The Marantz is limited to aptX HD Bluetooth.

The Arcam's digital section is built around the well proven ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC chip, and can handle datastreams of up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM, just like the Marantz (which uses the ESS Sabre’s ES9020Q). Neither amplifier offers DSD compatibility.

Each offers a choice of digital filter options, and as is usual, the best one comes down to system matching and taste.

There used to be a time when amplifiers such as these offered the option of connecting two sets of speakers. That time has gone, with only a single set of speaker outputs available on each amplifier.

**Winner: Draw**

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: sound

The Marantz Model 70 is a capable performer. There is no doubt in our minds that it is a clear step ahead of its PM6007 predecessor. The new model sounds clearer, more detailed and stable. The Model 70 has more grip and punch at low frequencies too, making the older Marantz amplifier sound soft and blurred in comparison, though we can still relate to its easy-going nature and fluid delivery.

Up against the Arcam A5+, we can appreciate the Model 70’s more even tonal balance and marginally tauter bass. It produces a controlled and well balanced sound that is sure to work well in a wide range of systems.

We are pleased to report that the Model 70 doesn’t drop its standards across any of its inputs. The phono stage is pleasingly capable, being a relatively low-noise design that retains the positive characteristics of the line stages.

It isn’t unusual for there to be a notable drop-off in clarity between the phono stage and the line-level inputs in amplifiers of this price, but that doesn’t happen to any great extent here.

The sound with records is clear, articulate and balanced. Much the same can be said of the digital inputs. Given the amplifier’s price, the digital module is a good one, broadly on a par with some of the better outboard units around the £150 mark.

Moving to the Arcam reveals its richer tonal balance. This isn’t overdone by any means, but it results in lows that are slightly less taut. But, it is also fair to say that the Arcam is the clearer and more expressive performer. It doesn’t matter whether you listen to Debussy’s Clair de Lune or Eminem’s Recovery set, the A5+ consistently sounds more insightful and dynamically expressive.

While the Marantz seems to prioritise balance and control, the A5+ proves better at bringing out the energy and drama present in the recording. Play Eminem’s No Love and the Arcam delivers doses of emotion and drive that the Model 70 can’t match.

The result is that, while we can admire the Marantz’s many sonic qualities, we find ourselves enjoying the music more through the Arcam, and for us, that is the most important thing.

**Winner: Arcam A5+**

Arcam A5+ vs Marantz Model 70: verdict

One of these amplifiers is good. The other is great. There is plenty to like in the Model 70. It is a well-conceived and nicely balanced product that should work well in a wide range of systems. The feature set covers all the essentials and then some. Slightly thin casework aside, it is pleasant to use and, we suspect, to own.

However, the move up in price has put it up against sterner competition than its PM6007 predecessor ever faced. Good as the Model 70 is, it doesn’t quite manage to offer the Arcam A5+’s breadth of sonic talent, and so doesn’t pull us into the music as effectively.

The A5+ is our current Award-winner at this price point and deservedly so. It is a great all-rounder that manages to tick every box we would expect from an amplifier at this level. If it were our money, this is where it would go.

**Overall winner: Arcam A5+**

MORE

Read our full Arcam A5+ review

And our Marantz Model 70 review

Check out the best stereo amplifiers we've tested across all budgets

There’s a lot to consider. Do you want the convenience of wireless or the sound quality of wired? Portable earbuds or powerful over-ears?

It can be a tough choice. And it’s not helped by a more competitive market than ever, with Sony, Sennheiser and more pulling out all the stops and improving on their already impressive headphones with every new iteration.

Luckily, we are here to help. I have put together a quick 30-second quiz that will determine which of the top-rated headphones are right for you, based on your preferences and requirements.

At the end of the quiz, you will be presented with a pair of the best headphones that we recommend – all of which have been tried and tested by our team of experts and deemed worthy of a top recommendation.

So what are you waiting for? Dive into our quick quiz and you could soon be acquainted with the headphones of your dreams…

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These are the best wired headphones you can buy

KEF had previously laid down a benchmark with the outstanding LS50 Wireless II in the early 2020s. The Luxe builds upon that Award-winning legacy in some style. For us, it’s five stars all around.

That is provided you get the best out of the LS Luxe, of course. This is an outstanding system with serious ability, and while KEF’s latest is capable of putting up with less-than ideal sources, stands and situations, you’ll want to pamper it as much as possible if you want to see just how stellar your five-star system can be.

With that in mind, this is how you coax the maximum performance from the mighty KEF LS Luxe.

Get a pair of S-Luxe speaker stands

The £3500 / $4000 / AU$6375 asking price for the LS Luxe is not mere pocket change, so we understand that would-be buyers might be put off at the prospect of having to part with a further £800 / $800 for a pair of dedicated S-Luxe stands. The LS Luxe is an unfussy, fairly forgiving wireless speaker system, so surely your own stands will do?

To some extent, they will. We spent a good chunk of time listening to the Luxe sitting atop our own Custom Design FS104 Signature stands, and there is no question that the resultant performance remained an enjoyable one. This is a talented system, after all.

Clarity, punch, dynamism and control remained in ample supply, and we don’t doubt that we could quite happily have lived with the Luxe perched upon our in-house plinths.

The thing is, KEF’s latest system is so good, you’ll want to get the best out of it. To do that, you’ll want the S-Luxe stands. £800 / $800 is not a small sum, but the dedicated plinths allow the Luxe to soar to new heights across practically every area of sonic performance, all while matching the speakers’ aesthetics and providing stability by screwing into each cabinet’s base.

Yes, you could put standard petrol in a Ferrari, but it’s a Ferrari. It needs premium, dude. Premium!

Use the app to fine-tune your listening

For getting the most out of your shiny new KEF system, you will need to download the accompanying KEF Connect app.

Naturally, this is the place from which you’ll find the streaming services you want, do a bit of EQ tinkering and check your general settings. But the depth of tweakery on offer allows you to really get into the nitty-gritty of optimising your system’s performance.

For a start, we’d strongly urge you to check out the app’s calibration settings.

KEF’s ‘Room EQ’ digital signal processing helps you fine-tune your sound to your listening space. It’s worth spending a bit of time with the app’s calibration parameters, wherein you can adjust your Luxe’s sonic output depending on factors such as room size, the distance you have placed your speakers from your wall, and how damped your listening space is.

You can also choose the level of depth you want to go into when tinkering with your settings, with a ‘Basic’ mode for more casual changes sitting alongside an ‘Expert’ mode for listeners who want to dig into the minutiae of their experience.

Either way, you should notice a big difference.

Use the interconnect cable

We know it’s not particularly attractive to look at, but if you want to get the best sound from the LS Luxe, the provided interconnect cable is a must.

The Luxe is capable of accepting PCM files up to 24-bit/384kHz, but if you are using a wireless connection between your speakers, this is downsampled to 24-bit/96kHz. Connecting the master and slave speakers using the included cable, however, pushes playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.

It’s totally worth it in our book. Wires have always been a more efficient means of transmission than wireless methods, and the sonic dividends you’ll reap from having that interconnect are significant. Everything sounds crisper, cleaner and more defined, with more punch and authority than a wireless connection can provide.

And the cable is literally included in the box. Aesthetics aside, you’ve got nothing to lose. And, if you also end up picking up a pair of S-Luxe plinths, they are designed so that you can hide your cables away at the rear of each stand.

Get the right look for your space

This isn’t a design that will suit everyone.

The speakers themselves, designed by Ross Lovegrove, continue the distinctive aesthetic language of Lovegrove’s previous collaborations, with smooth, edgeless cabinets that have elicited mixed responses in our offices. Some of us like their looks; others are less keen; some have found that the aesthetic has grown on them over time.

The point is, the LS Luxe is designed to be an artistic statement, as well as a musical one. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure that the speakers will fit in with your listening space. You could find that they stick out like a sore thumb if you try to place them in your panelled reading room or Victorian boudoir. Whatever a boudoir is.

Our advice? Find a physical retailer and go to see the LS Luxe for yourself. Partly to figure out if the design will fit with your space, partly because you may be able to hear them for yourself, and partly because you’ll be able to appreciate the different finishes on offer.

From what we have seen, the shiny, luxurious texture of our silvery ‘Dusk Titanium’ test sample is very different from the matte finish of the ‘Mineral White’ option or the rather foreboding visage of the ‘Eclipse Black’ colourway.

These things make a big difference, especially as this is going to be a purchase that you may well be planning to keep for years or even decades.

Experiment with positioning

Thanks in part to its signature Uni-Q driver array, the LS Luxe is impressively unfussy about placement. The Uni-Q array has always been a winner when it comes to producing a supremely well-integrated, consistent sound that times brilliantly – and with the LS Luxe, it's the same old story.

Naturally, we experimented with positioning when testing KEF’s latest; and you should too.

Not all listening spaces are born equal, however, and while we found that our test sample performed around its best with the speakers firing straight ahead on their dedicated stands sitting roughly 30cm from the back wall of our smaller 3m x 4m x 7m listening room, that won’t be the case for everyone.

It’s always worth seeing what works for you in your listening room to optimise the performance you receive, even with a system as unfussy as this one. Moving a little closer or further to or from your back wall will affect the resultant bass output, while you might find that you prefer the way the speakers sound when they are angled slightly towards you.

We advise you not to use the Luxe on a desktop unless you really have to. The speakers will perform admirably when plonked on a desk or table, but you’re simply not going to get close to revealing the limits of their considerable abilities.

To us, it just seems like a bit of a waste.

MORE:

Read our KEF LSX II LT review

And our KEF Coda W review

Our guide to the best speakers we have tested and recommend across all budgets and types

Well, you’re certainly in the right place. Here at What Hi-Fi? our expert home cinema testers have reviewed hundreds of TVs, and you can see their current recommendations in one of our many best TV buying guides.

But if you’re after something a bit more personalised, we’ve got just the quiz for you. Fill out your preferences in the questionnaire below, and you’ll be presented with a top-rated TV that best fits your requirements.

They are all five-star TVs which we have tested, so no matter which TV the quiz suggests for you, you can be sure it’s a quality product that has earned the What Hi-Fi? recommendation. There are more than a few Award winners included too – be sure to read our reviews for more in-depth thoughts.

For more home cinema advice, have a look at our guide on how far to sit from your TV, as well as our guide to 5.1 vs 7.2 surround sound. For now, though, find out which TV is right for you:

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How to combine stereo and surround sound in one AV system – your guide

Find out as we show you how to watch Hungarian Grand Prix live streams for free from anywhere in the world.

Hungarian Grand Prix 2026 free stream

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

Hungarian Grand Prix 2026 Schedule

(All times BST)

Sunday, 26th July
2pm – Hungarian Grand Prix

Hungarian Grand Prix 2026 Preview

This is Norris' first pole position of the season, and he was also the most recent winner in Mogyorod. However, the Hungaroring always has a surprise up its sleeve.

None of the past five Hungarian Grand Prix pole-sitters went on to win the race, while the karting-style track was also the site of Piastri, Esteban Ocon, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso's maiden F1 victories. Could Isack Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad or Oliver Bearman be next in line?

Hamilton, who has also been given a three-place grid penalty, was the last driver to convert pole to victory here, way back in 2020. Since then, Leclerc, Norris, Russell and Hamilton – twice – have tried and failed to lead the Hungarian GP from gun to tape.

Last year's edition of the race was a thriller, which ended with Piastri crossing the line 0.698 seconds behind his teammate Norris. Despite heading up the grid, Leclerc didn't even make the podium. This weekend could pan out very differently, however.

Due to the high-speed nature of the tracks, Ferrari hadn't expected much from the past two races at Silverstone and Spa, only for Leclerc to come away with 43 points and Hamilton to leapfrog Russell in the standings. The high-downforce Hungaroring, however, should be much more their speed.

McLaren, Racing Bulls and Aston Martin, meanwhile, are each set to unleash a raft of major upgrades.

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

Watch Hungarian Grand Prix 2026 live from anywhere

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

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

How to use a VPN for any Hungarian GP live stream

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

F1 season pass

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

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

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

Latest F1 TV Pro prices:

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

Watch Hungarian Grand Prix 2026 live streams in the USA

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

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

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

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

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

Watch Hungarian Grand Prix 2026 live streams in Australia

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

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

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

10Play shows free highlights of every 2026 F1 race.

Hungarian Grand Prix 2026: Start Times Around The World

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

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

While we love the idea of keeping all our Blu-rays and DVDs on show, that would take up a huge amount of space, which many of us simply don't have. Hence, lots of people turn to more space-efficient storage methods.

While a CD wallet will save you acres of shelf space, it could possibly damage your discs. Here's what you need to know and how to keep the shiny discs looking pristine.

How CD wallets can damage your discs

The issue concerns the plastic sleeves into which you slide your DVDs and Blu-rays.

The very act of sliding your disc into one of these sleeves can cause fine scratches on the disc's surface, especially if the sleeve is tight. But that's not the only danger.

If these sleeves are made of a cheap plastic like PVC, they can melt in high temperatures, melding with your disc and damaging it irretrievably. These high temperatures are more likely if the disc wallet is left in a car in direct sun, but thanks to the increasing number of heatwaves we're experiencing, it could happen in the home as well.

But even if you're extremely careful with how you slide in your discs, and you keep your CD wallet somewhere nice and cool, it's still not completely free of risk. How you store the wallet could also damage your discs.

If you keep your CD wallet on its end, the weight of the discs will bear down on those at the bottom, which could, in time, cause those discs to warp. Not only will this warped disc fail to be read by your Blu-ray player, it could also damage your player's spinning mechanism. Which isn't ideal.

How to store your discs safely

So what can you do? Thankfully, there are some pretty simple steps you can take to future-proof your Blu-rays and DVDs.

The safest option is to keep them in their original packaging, but if you want to save space, invest in a disc wallet whose sleeves are made from a soft, forgiving material like polypropylene, polyethene, felt, microfibre or netting. This will help prevent your delicate discs from picking up scratches while they're being slid in or out of the sleeves.

To avoid heat extremes, keep the sleeve out of direct sunlight, and don't take it anywhere in your car during the hotter months, unless you have extremely effective air conditioning. And definitely don't leave your CD wallet – or your money wallet, for that matter – in your car.

While it might be more convenient to store your wallet lying down, keeping it standing up will reduce the risk of any of your discs warping.

Follow these rules, and your discs should continue to give you much enjoyment for years to come and with no monthly fee. Take that, Netflix!

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Forty-four gold medals are being contested on Day 10 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games (Saturday, 1 August), across four disciplines: athletics (10am-1.45pm BST, 6.30pm-10.30pm), judo (4pm-6.45pm), boxing (11am-2.30pm, 4.30pm-8pm) and track cycling (3pm-7pm). There's plenty of netball and bowls to feast your eyes on too.

Today's headline act sees Josh Kerr, who broke the 1-mile record by running a 3m 42.66s a fortnight ago, do it all again. Only this time, he'll be on home turf and in front of an adoring crowd at the Scotstoun Stadium. The race is scheduled for 8.55pm BST.

The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games, which has a slightly different feel to it owing to a dramatic reshuffle. It was originally supposed to have been staged in Victoria, but when the Australian state pulled out a complete cancellation looked inevitable until the Scottish government rode in to the rescue.

It's a pared-back affair, however, comprising only 10 disciplines rather than the 24 it incorporated four years ago.

Still, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kyle Chalmers and Shericka Jackson are bringing world-class pedigree to west-central Scotland.

Follow our guide below for where to watch Commonwealth Games 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN. We've also listed the full Glasgow 2026 medal timetable, schedule and list of Commonwealth Games sports below.

Commonwealth Games Day 10 timetable

(All times BST)

🗓 Day 10 – Saturday, 1 August

🏅 Medal events:

10.05am – Athletics | Men's shot put F55-57 final

10.10am – Athletics | Men's triple jump final

10.20am – Athletics | Men's 1500m T53/54 final

10.30am – Athletics | Women's 10,000m race walk final

11.50am – Athletics | Men's discus final

12pm – Athletics | Men's 400m final

12.20pm – Athletics | Women's 400m final

1.24pm – Athletics | Women's 200m T37/38 final

11am – Boxing | Women's bantamweight 54kg final

11.15am – Boxing | Women's featherweight 57kg final

11.30am – Boxing | Women's welterweight 65kg final

11.45am – Boxing | Men's bantamweight 55kg final

12pm – Boxing | Men's welterweight 65kg final

12.15pm – Boxing | Men's light-middleweight 70kg final

12.30pm – Boxing | Men's heavyweight 90kg final

3pm – Track cycling | Men's tandem B sprint final (1)

3.16pm – Track cycling | Women's tandem B 1000m time trial final

3.55pm – Track cycling | Women's 25km point race final

4.33pm – Track cycling | Women's 1000m time trial final

5.32pm – Track cycling | Men's sprint final (1)

6.20pm – Track cycling | Men's 10km scratch race final

4pm – Judo | Men's -73kg

4pm – Judo | Women's -63kg

4pm – Judo | Men's -81kg

4pm – Judo | Women's -70kg

4pm – Judo | Men's -90kg

4.30pm – Boxing | Women's flyweight 51kg final

4.45pm – Boxing | Women's lightweight 60kg final

5pm – Boxing | Women's light-middleweight 70kg final

5.15pm – Boxing | Women's middleweight 75kg final

5.30pm – Boxing | Men's lightweight 60kg final

5.45pm – Boxing | Men's light-heavyweight 80kg final

6pm – Boxing | Men's super-heavyweight +90kg final

7.05pm – Athletics | Men's pole vault final

7.10pm – Athletics | Women's long jump final

7.28pm – Athletics | Women's 400m T54 final

7.35pm – Athletics | Women's javelin final

7.45pm – Athletics | Men's 5000m final

8.15pm – Athletics | Men's 4x100m relay final

8.26pm – Athletics | Women's 4x100m relay final

8.45pm – Athletics | Men's 800m final

8.55pm – Athletics | Men's 1-mile final

9.20pm – Athletics | Mixed 4x400m relay final

9.45pm – Athletics | Women's 1-mile final

How can I watch Commonwealth Games 2026 for free?

Lucky viewers fans in Australia and Canada can watch Commonwealth Games 2026 for free, courtesy of 7Plus and CBC Gem.

Limited free Commonwealth Games coverage is available from ThreeNow in New Zealand.

Free-to-air 5 is providing daily Commonwealth Games highlights in the UK, where S4C and BBC Alba have free Welsh-language and Gaelic-language coverage.

If you're from one of these countries but are currently abroad, you can simply use a VPN to tap into that free Glasgow 2026 coverage. More details below...

Watch Commonwealth Games 2026 live streams from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular Commonwealth Games 2026 live streams while traveling abroad. The platform will detect that you're in a foreign country and block you.

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

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

How to watch Commonwealth Games 2026 in the US

BeIN Sports has secured a late deal to broadcast Commonwealth Games 2026 in the US.

A beIN Sports Connect streaming subscription costs $5.99 per month.

If you're currently spending time in the US from Australia or Canada, use a good VPN, as detailed above, to tap into your free Commonwealth Games coverage,

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Watch Commonwealth Games 2026 live streams in the UK

Commonwealth Games 2026 is being shown on TNT Sports in the UK, with live streaming available via HBO Max.

To access Glasgow 2026 coverage, you'll need the TNT Sports subscription, which starts at £30.99 per month.

Free-to-air S4C and BBC Alba are providing Welsh-language and Gaelic-language coverage, which is available to live stream via BBC iPlayer.

Free daily highlights are available from 5.

Outside the UK for the Commonwealth Games? Use NordVPN to tune in as if you were back at home.

Watch Commonwealth Games 2026 live streams in Australia

Commonwealth Games 2026 is free-to-air in Australia on Channel 7, with live streaming available via the 7Plus streaming service and app.

Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access 7Plus when traveling abroad.

Commonwealth Games 2026 schedule

(All times BST)

🗓 Day 11 – Sunday, 2 August

🏅 Medal events:

9am – Netball | Bronze medal game

11.21am – Track cycling | Men's 1000m time trial final

9am – Bowls | Men's pairs final

10.25am – Bowls | Women's pairs B6–8 final

11.50am – Bowls | Men's pairs B6–8 final

1.15pm – Bowls | Women's singles final

1pm – Netball | Final

3pm – Judo | Women's -78kg

3pm – Judo | Men's -100kg

3pm – Judo | Women's +78kg

3pm – Judo | Men's +100kg

3pm – Track cycling | Women's elimination race final

3.20pm – Track cycling | Men's C1-3 3000m individual pursuit final

4pm – Track cycling | Women's Keirin final

4.10pm – Track cycling | Women's C4-5 1000m time trial final

4.39pm – Track cycling | Men's 40km point race final

Closing Ceremony

What are the Commonwealth Games 2026 sports?

3x3 basketball

Artistic gymnastics

Athletics

Bowls

Boxing

Judo

Netball

Para powerlifting

Swimming

Track cycling

Weightlifting

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
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• Where to watch F1 2026 for free

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

A quirky 100-ball format with five-ball overs that began in 2021 is back for its most anticipated edition yet, as The Hundred 2026 brings a host of exciting updates. Following an influx of more than £500 million into the competition in 2025, everyone from IPL franchise owners to England football star Jude Bellingham has bought into the tournament.

It's Eliminator day in The Hundred 2026, with the second- and third-placed teams fighting for a place in the finals against Trent Rockets. The day's action starts with the women's contest, as Sunrisers Leeds take on Southern Brave at 2:15pm BST at the Kennington Oval. Later, at 6pm BST, Manchester Super Giants face Sunrisers Leeds in the men's Eliminator.

Follow our guide below for where to watch The Hundred 2026 live streams online and on TV wherever you are.

Can I watch The Hundred 2026 for free?

Cricket fans in the UK are in luck!

As many as 16 games of The Hundred 2026, including the MI London vs Sunrisers Leeds opener and the final (men and women both), will be shown completely FREE on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Elsewhere, unfortunately, The Hundred 2026 isn't free-to-air anywhere in the world, at least not directly.

We have, however, found a sneaky little trick cricket fans Down Under can use to watch a few matches completely FREE. The trick? Kayo Sports, which comes with a 7-day free trial for new Australian users.

You'll need a VPN to prevent you from getting geoblocked if you're abroad right now. We recommend NordVPN.

How to watch any The Hundred 2026 live streams using a VPN

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

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

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

How to watch The Hundred 2026 live streams in the US

In the US, dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV is the place to watch The Hundred 2026.

If you don't have it as part of your cable package, you can watch Willow's coverage through your choice of Sling TV's Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starting from $10 per month.

Not in the US right now? Use NordVPN to watch your regular cricket stream.

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How to watch The Hundred 2026 live streams in the UK

Sky Sports holds the rights to The Hundred 2026 in the UK, with live coverage of every single game available on Sky Sports Cricket.

Prices start at £20 per month at present. However, fans can also tune in using a NOW Sports 24-hour pass, which costs £14.99.

But a total of 16 The Hundred 2026 matches are free-to-air in the UK, on BBC Two for cable TV loyalists and on BBC iPlayer for cord-cutters.

BBC iPlayer is FREE, but you will need to create an account, have a valid U.K. postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB) and a TV license.

Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the cricket.

How to watch The Hundred 2026 live streams in India

In India, The Hundred 2026 is available to watch on the Star Sports Network on TV and online on JioHotstar.

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

If you're currently out of India but want to watch a The Hundred 2026 live stream, you'll need to get yourself a VPN, as per the instructions above.

How to watch The Hundred 2026 live streams in Australia

In Australia, The Hundred 2026 games are available to watch on Fox Cricket via Foxtel, with live streaming available via Kayo Sports.

Kayo Sports starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. Or you can get your first month for AU$1.

Outside Australia right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred The Hundred 2026 coverage.

The Hundred 2026: FAQs

Preview

The Northern Superchargers have become Sunrisers Leeds, the Oval Invincibles are now known as MI London, and the Manchester Originals have become the Manchester Super Giants. While Southern Brave have retained their original name, they'll now don a blue-and-red kit to align with their new owners, Delhi Capitals.

Other changes include an increase in the number of overseas players allowed in the playing XI from three to four, as well as the introduction of a combined men's and women's trophy to be awarded to the franchise that performs best across both competitions.

The tournament also saw its first-ever player auction earlier this year, with Sussex all-rounder James Coles going for £390k and England stars Nat Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Bell earning £140k each. The biggest payday went to England men's captain Harry Brook – fresh off T20I and ODI series victories over India – who was signed pre-auction by Sunrisers Leeds for £460k.

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