If you're a fan of home cinema, you'll likely have heard a thing or two about Dolby Vision 2.

The tech was unveiled roughly a year ago and is the latest iteration of Dolby's dynamic HDR format. After a long wait, it is now finally rolling out across Europe, America and Asia-Pacific.

You'll need a supported TV from launch partner Hisense to access Dolby Vision 2, however – and we know just the one. Our TV experts put the Hisense UR9 through its paces earlier this year, and were highly impressed by the controlled backlight performance and rich cinematic HDR picture on the RGB Mini LED TV.

But we were even more impressed by the recent price cut – you can now pick up the 65-inch UR9 for £2099 at Sevenoaks with the code GDTV200, saving you a whopping £900 off the price we tested it at only three months ago.

Dolby Vision 2 comes with several perks over its predecessor, including a new image engine to enhance new and existing content, a new content recognition system for a more authentic image, and an intensity slider. We haven't tested the new format yet, but our TV experts will be looking at it soon.

The Hisense UR9 will even support the premium Dolby Vision 2 Max, which adds an extra layer of picture enhancements for home cinema enthusiasts. Be aware that iQIYI is the only current Dolby Vision 2 content partner operating in the UK, though we expect more services to join as the format grows.

The other big draw of the Hisense UR9 is its RGB Mini LED display, new technology which uses red, green and blue Mini LEDs in the backlight for greater brightness and more precise colour reproduction.

While we felt it fell short of OLED in several categories, the result was one of the best backlight TVs we have tested, with none of the flickering or shifting that we sometimes see in Mini LED sets.

“Black depth is consistently strong, shadow detail is excellent and subtle blooming is tightly controlled,” our Hisense UR9 review reads. “There’s also impressive richness and stability to colours, especially reds, which look wonderfully pure and saturated without drifting into pink or magenta tones.”

The panel is far from the only impressive feature, however, with three gaming-friendly HDMI 2.1 ports that support a whopping 4K/170Hz (including 4K/120Hz for consoles), VRR and ALLM. There is also a DisplayPort connection for PC gamers, a rarity in modern TVs.

All four current HDR formats are supported too, namely HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.

All the major apps are included on Hisense's fast and responsive VIDAA platform, though do note that the Apple TV app lacks access to the Apple TV store.

There's also a lot to enjoy about the Devialet-tuned 4.1.2-channel speaker system, with a surprisingly expansive and full-bodied presentation. There are built-in up-firing drivers too, with support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

If you're keen to see some of the latest developments in home cinema, the Hisense UR9 may well be the TV for you. With a remarkably watchable RGB Mini LED display, incoming Dolby Vision 2 support and now a £900 discount at Sevenoaks, there's a lot going for the Hisense UR9.

MORE:

Also consider the Sony Bravia 8 II, LG G6 and Sony Bravia 9

Here are all of the best TVs you can buy right now

With Father’s Day 2026 just over three weeks away in Australia (this year it lands on Sunday, September 6) you still have a little time to consider what you're going to buy the old guy… but if you’re anything like us, that time will probably fly by, so we’re really (absolutely, definitely) getting our prezzie shopping done early.

It’s obvious to say, but socks and a mug simply don't cut it in 2026, so we've put together a comprehensive list of expert- and dad-approved AV gifts covering everything from hi-fi to home cinema.

Many of our picks are certified What Hi-Fi? Award winners, so you can rest assured that your dad will be beaming like a cheshire cat when he opens it. We’ve also deliberately turned to Amazon for many of our choices, primarily for the super-speedy delivery via Prime. Read on for our selection of the best Father's Day gifts for Aussie audiophile dads.

Father's Day hi-fi gift ideas

Father's Day home cinema gift ideas

Father's Day headphone gift ideas

Father's Day portable speaker gift ideas

With temperatures set to reach highs of 38 degrees, we are definitely in the grip of yet another heatwave.

While we certainly recommend keeping yourself safe and avoiding extreme heat, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some music outside once temperatures are at sensible levels.

And I have found some tempting deals on two of our favourite outdoor Bluetooth speakers.

First up is the Bose SoundLink Max, a rugged, five-star wireless speaker with powerful, tight bass. It is currently back to its lowest price of £299 at Amazon.

However, it has just been pipped by the JBL Xtreme 5, now £279 at Amazon. This new model came out only earlier this year, and we’ve been raving about its impressive sense of scale and excellent clarity.

Both speakers are five-star performers, so whichever speaker you buy will offer fantastic sound for your money.

Visually, the two are quite different – the Bose is the more subtle and understated of the two, a ruggedised, rubberised rectangle complete with a carry handle. It’s practical and highly tactile.

The JBL, while admittedly bulky, is the more modern-looking of the two, with a cylindrical design complete with wraparound, ruggedised grille and passive radiators. There are also floating loops for the straps, and customisable edge lighting that will certainly appeal to partiers.

With an IP68 water- and dustproof rating, the JBL just pips the Bose’s IP67 score, but both should be able to withstand heavy downpours and outdoor use. The JBL is somewhat heavier at 2.9kg, so the 2.1kg Bose might be a better choice if you’re likely to be on the move often.

There is plenty of battery life on both for a day of music – 24 hours from the JBL and 20 from the Bose – and both can be used as power banks for your smartphone or other device.

And the all-important sound? The two sound different, but both are superb. The Bose offers a more meaty, powerful sound – we describ it as a “lively, punchy delivery” in our Bose SoundLink Max review.

The JBL, on the other hand, produces a more clean-cut, precise and detailed delivery. Our JBL Xtreme 5 review praises the separation around the individual instruments, while saying the speaker also offers an impressive sense of scale.

Whichever speaker you opt for, you’re in for a five-star treat – but with the JBL cheaper at £279 at Amazon next to the Bose’s £299 price tag, the JBL may well be the more appealing package.

MORE:

Want something cheaper? Check out the JBL Charge 6

Our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers for every budget

Our pick of the best wireless speakers tried and tested by our expert team

After several months of anticipation and speculation, RGB Mini LED TVs are starting to hit the market.

The panel technology promises better colour accuracy, improved brightness and better contrast than a regular Mini LED display – and now one of the more affordable RGB Mini LED options, the Sony Bravia 7 II, just got another price cut.

The 55-inch model is now down to £1699 at Smart Home Sounds with the code SONYRGB15.

We put Sony's spin on RGB Mini LED to the test only last month and found the Bravia 7 II to be indeed one of the best backlit TVs we've ever tested, with excellent depth and vibrant natural colours.

RGB Mini LED, or True RGB as Sony markets it, is next-gen panel technology that uses independent red, green and blue LEDs rather than filtering a blue LCD layer, to try to counteract some of the shortcomings of backlit TVs.

And after some rigorous testing, our TV experts did find the Bravia 7 II rectified many of the weaknesses that come with traditional Mini LED.

"The general sense of nuance and sophistication extends to how the Bravia 7 II manages its backlight, our Sony Bravia 7 II review reads. "When this TV is in its element, it becomes possible to forget that this is a backlit TV, as the RGB Mini LED system doesn’t distract or detract from the experience.

"This extends to general blooming control, which is extremely impressive by prevailing standards. In a shot from Oppenheimer in which the nuclear bomb testing site is lit up at night by a series of spotlights, we find that the halos of light that we’ve seen time and time again on other backlit TVs have been strictly confined. There is still a very faint amount of blooming, but this is leagues ahead of other LCD TVs that we’ve recently tested."

Colours are presented with punch and saturation without veering into overblown territory, while Sony's usual excellent picture processing results in impressive motion handling and a tangible sense of three-dimensional solidity.

However, the Bravia 7 II is still a backlit TV, and still falls behind OLED when it comes to contrast, black levels and viewing angles. So we'd also recommend looking at similarly-priced OLED rivals such as the LG C6 or Sony's own excellent Bravia 8 II.

The Bravia 7 II can go toe-to-toe when it comes to features, however. Gamers can enjoy four HDMI sockets with ALLM, two of which have full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets with 4K/120Hz gameplay and VRR.

The Bravia 7 II also supports HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision – though HDR10+ is missing – and the built-in Google TV has all the major domestic and international streaming services.

Sony's usually impressive built-in audio is also lacking this time around – there's a good sense of clarity and detail, but the sound system seems to struggle dynamically. Nothing a good soundbar can't fix, however.

We'd still recommend considering an OLED TV, but if you're after a backlit set, then the Sony Bravia 7 II is one of the best we've tested. It's also one of the more affordable ways to get your hands on brand new RGB Mini LED technology, especially with 15 per cent off at Smart Home Sounds.

MORE:

Read our review of the LG C6

Read our TCL C8K review

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested

For the best-value noise-cancelling buds around, it has to be the Sony WF-C710N. The outstanding buds took home the What Hi-Fi? Award for best wireless earbuds in the £70-£150 range, and in truth, nothing has really come close to beating them in this particular price bracket.

£100 or so is a good price, but a £31 discount knocking them down to just £69 at Amazon is an absolute steal, and one you shouldn't miss. £69, by the way, matches the lowest we've seen the WF-C710N drop so far, and that was during Amazon Prime Day.

The Sony WF-C710N are the follow-ups to the Sony-C700N, which were themselves Award winners and even previous Product of the Year title holders thanks to their potent blend of performance, features and overall value.

The WF-C710N made a number of meaningful improvements to their class-leading antecedents, most notably to battery life and noise cancellation. Including the case, the WF-C710N has an impressive 30 hours of battery life and roughly 8.5 hours from the earbuds, both with ANC switched on.

Speaking of ANC, that's another area where the WF-C710N really excel. The buds' 'Dual Noise Sensors' extract further layers of noise, especially in the lower mid and bass frequencies, to keep the bustling outside world at bay.

Soundwise, the WF-C710N really excel, with the mid-range buds standing head and shoulders above the competition for this price level.

As our review reads: "Playing Mombasa from the Inception OST, the track immediately makes big bold, powerful strides. There’s a weight, solidity and fullness in the bass which makes the WF-C700N sound lightweight and a little top-heavy. The Sonys deliver the song with a real sense of intensity, and you can feel the drama unfolding – you don’t need to see the movie to get a feeling that something serious is going down."

Bluetooth 5.3 is on the menu, along with SBC and AAC audio codecs, which are pretty standard at this level. Auto pause and wearer detection are also included, so your music will automatically stop when you remove an earbud.

If you're after a midrange pair of buds, you'll struggle to do better – or get some for cheaper – than the Sony WF-C710N. They're attractive, comfortable wireless earbuds that give your music plenty of gusto, making them an absolute steal for £69 at Amazon.

MORE:

I’m excited by the latest Sony wireless headphones rumours – but I have one major worry

Sony WF-C710N vs WF-C510: which budget Sony buds are better?

Check out our list of the best wireless earbuds

Are reflections overpowering your TV? Is daytime viewing washing out the picture?

Then we have a solution. Traditionally, brightness is an area where OLEDs struggle, but not the LG G5.

Thanks to a Primary RGB Tandem panel, the G5 offers a truly striking brightness that was a generational leap forward for OLEDs on release.

And it's now available with a rather hefty discount – the code LG200JL brings the price down to £1799 at John Lewis. You can then claim a further 10 per cent cashback from LG, which brings the final total to £1619. Full Ts&Cs can be found here.

The reason for the LG G5's incredible brightness is a Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, which stacks four OLED layers to boost brightness and colour volume.

And after testing with Top Gun: Maverick, the difference is pretty much night and day.

"What is immediately striking is how bright the new Primary RGB Tandem TV looks next to a conventional OLED," our LG G5 review reads. "We’re talking levels that, in cases where peak-brightness highlights are on show, such as when Maverick engages the scramjet of the Darkstar hypersonic aircraft, we are compelled to shield our eyes from the blazing brightness.

"Feed it some content that is specifically mastered to target a higher brightness, such as the 4K Blu-ray release of The Matrix or Pan, and it becomes apparent that the new Primary RGB Tandem OLED is truly a technical marvel."

Brightness isn't the only strength of the G5, however. Colour volume is indeed impressive, with stunning colour graduations during a viewing of Pan, while the LG set refused to stutter or judder during Top Gun dogfights.

As is customary with most LG OLEDs, the G5 features a pretty much flawless gaming specification. Four HDMI 2.1 sockets are on board, all with ALLM, VRR and Dolby Vision Gaming. Refresh rates even go all the way up to 4K/165Hz if you have a powerful enough PC, while the more console-friendly 4K/120Hz is also supported.

Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 are just some of the services available on the rather all-encompassing WebOS, while game streaming is also possible over the Xbox app.

We preferred the Cinema audio preset over the Standard setting due to its wider, louder and punchier sound. However, you'll want a good soundbar or sound system to truly do your movies justice.

It's worth noting that the G5's successor, the aptly named LG G6, is now available and can go even brighter. We'd also recommend considering the Sony Bravia 8 II, which offers a more considered and cinematically authentic picture. Both TVs are hanging around the £2400 mark for the 65-inch models at the time of writing, however, so the G5 offers the best value right now.

If you want spectacle and dazzling brightness, the LG G5 may well be the flagship OLED for you. It's got a stacked feature set and is now available with quite the discount for £1619 at John Lewis.

MORE:

Also consider the Samsung S95F

And the best TVs for any budget

Or why not splash out on the best OLED TVs?

If you're seeking the blissful convenience of an all-in-one speaker system, all without forking out a fortune, the Triangle AIO Twin should be pretty high on your shortlist.

While the AIO Twin might look like a regular pair of speakers, this is a fully fledged music system that combines speakers, amplification, streaming and connectivity into one handsomely built package. A package that won a 2025 What Hi-Fi? Award, we might add.

We were already bowled over by the system's incredible value when it launched at £699 – but it can now be snagged for £599 at Richer Sounds, a super saving of £100.

Thanks to its flexible nature, the Triangle AIO Twin has pretty much every connection you might need, including Ethernet and wi-fi streaming, Bluetooth 5.0, optical and 3.5mm aux inputs, and a pair of RCA connections that you can toggle between line-level and phono inputs. That means the AIO Twin can double as speakers for your TV, or be used alongside a moving-magnet turntable if you're building a neat and simple vinyl system from scratch.

Triangle's AIO app supports all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, Qobuz, as well as internet radio and files on your network, while audio support goes up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM files.

Don't think you're going to be sold short on sound, either. As we wrote in our five-star Triangle AIO Twin review: “This system is incredibly fun to listen to. It’s an enthusiastic performer, happy to tackle any music genre and recording quality, and simply wants you to enjoy the music being played.”

The AIO Twin is balanced across the frequencies, with an admirable level of control, precision and subtlety, and bass performance that is surprisingly taut and shapely for such compact speaker cabinets.

The main downside is the phono stage; we recommend that vinyl lovers get an external phono stage to plug into the AIO Twin to make the most of their records.

Overall, though, the Triangle AIO Twin is incredible value for money, offering an entire hi-fi system in one easy-to-use package. There's a reason it has won a What Hi-Fi? Award for the past two years – and now it can be yours with a handy £100 off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

This listening bar experience made me question whether the trend has gone too far

Want something flashier? Also consider the five-star KEF LS Luxe

Best active speakers: budget to premium

What is the point of a soundbar? To reduce the number of speakers, right?

Well, it looks as if no one told the Sony Bravia Trio. The system comes with a soundbar and two satellites, but they're not rear-channel speakers – but very much front-facing.

Essentially, the Trio has split its soundbar into three parts, resulting in a huge, immersive soundstage while still remaining cohesive.

It's one of the finest Dolby Atmos systems you can currently buy – and it's just had its first discount, dropping to £1799 at Smart Home Sounds with the code SONYTRIO10.

The Sony Bravia Theatre Trio consists of two stylish, cylindrical satellite speakers, as well as a rather narrow central soundbar.

We found the Bravia Trio is fairly unfussy with its placement, whether wall-mounted or not, though we would have liked a display.

There are also several notable features other than the three-piece design – Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology creates up to 24 'phantom' speakers around the room, which bolster the real ones to create a larger, more immersive soundstage.

Set-up and calibration are also top-notch, thanks to the excellent Bravia Connect app and built-in microphones, as well as a dedicated USB-C calibration microphone.

Connectivity is solid too, with an HDMI eARC connection for your TV, plus an HDMI input with support for 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM passthrough. Wireless support also includes Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect.

And the all-important sound quality? Sony has certainly succeeded in its aim of creating a larger and more spacious soundstage.

"Compared with even the best conventional soundbars, the Trio sounds huge," our Sony Bravia Trio review reads. "Effects stretch much further to the left and right, dialogue remains firmly anchored to the screen, and there's a greater sense of sound being projected out into the room rather than simply originating from beneath the TV."

The system sounds wider than a traditional soundbar but also taller, with an impressive Dolby Atmos performance that frequently extends overhead announcements and environmental effects above the listening position.

Yet all the while, the Bravia Trio is cohesive, never sounding like three physically separate speakers but instead a single, unified wall of sound.

If you're after a premium Dolby Atmos system and have the budget to stretch this far, the Sony Bravia Trio is one of the most compelling options on the market right now. Its innovative speaker setup takes the strengths of both the soundbar and system approach while avoiding most of their weaknesses, and it's available now for £1799 at Smart Home Sounds.

MORE:

Read our review of the KEF XIO

Also consider the Samsung HW-Q990H

Read our Sonos Arc Ultra review

Arcam's new AV receivers go on sale within weeks, which means hefty discounts on its old models. And when we say hefty, we mean hefty – there's £3300 off the AVR31, which drops down to just £2499 at Peter Tyson.

It may have picked up its What Hi-Fi? Award back in 2023, but it's still a brilliant performing product – one of the best AV receivers we've ever tested, in fact. At this price, it's a steal.

The Arcam AVR31 is a five-star product that boasts a sleek build and clean, open sound.

When it comes to sonic performance, the AVR31 prompted our expert testers to say: "If future-proofed features are equally as important to you as having the very best sound quality, and your pockets are deep enough, then the AVR31 is an ideal choice to make your home cinema sing."

But be warned, it's not for amateurs. In order to hear it at its best, you'll have to know what you're doing, so this is really for enthusiasts, or for those willing to learn. But at least your pockets now don't have to be anywhere near as deep as before.

With seven channels of power amplification and up to 16 channels of decoding, the AVR31 is capable of processing audio for systems with configurations up to 9.1.6.

It boasts wide-ranging audio format support, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D, as well as Dolby Virtual Height, DTS Neural:X and DTS Virtual:X for systems without height speakers.

And there's nothing lacking from the AVR31's connectivity spec sheet either with seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs, all capable of handling 8K video signals at 60fps and 4K at 120fps with support for VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision and HDR10+. One of the outputs also supports eARC.

Physical connections at the rear also include six digital (four coaxials, two opticals) and six analogue (RCA) inputs, as well as optical and analogue outputs and and pre-amp outputs.

There’s an aerial connector for an FM/DAB tuner, a USB port and trigger outputs with IR extenders for two zones, along with an RS-232 serial connector and an Ethernet port. Users can also stream content wirelessly with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX HD, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Roon and Tidal Connect.

The AVR31 is certainly a high-end pick delivering modern AVR functionality, paired with a distinguished sound. Will it be topped by the incoming AVA35? Most probably (though you'll have to wait for our review to find out). But given that that model costs £5999 / $7000 / AU$13,995, the AVR31 for £2499 at Peter Tyson suddenly looks like even more stunning value.

MORE:

Read our full Arcam AVR31 review

Check out the best AV receivers: the top home cinema amplifiers we've tested

And find out how to choose and set up your amplifier

Do your headphones constantly run out of power at the worst times? Maybe you're left with no entertainment on a flight? No escape from workout noises at the gym?

Well, our experts have found a solution. The Sony WH-CH520, now only £25 at Amazon, have a whopping 50-hour battery life, which is perfect for long travel periods, weekends away or just hectic everyday lives.

They're five-star headphones too, with the best sound quality we've heard at this price. So whether you need a full-on replacement, a low-cost option for your child as they head to university or just a cheap backup pair, the WH-CH520 have an all-around appeal.

You'll need to make sure you tick the voucher code to get this price, which is only available on the black model.

It's hard to nail the basics at the budget end of the market, which makes the WH-CH520 all the more impressive – Sony has proven it's just as good at making affordable wireless headphones as premium ones.

As you might expect, the WH-CH520 aren't exactly glamorous, but they are well made, solid and robust. They're also lightweight at 147g, ideal for taking on travels or long gym sessions.

On top of the 50-hour battery life, which even many premium headphones don't reach, the WH-CH520 offer Bluetooth 5.2, physical on-cup playback buttons, and compatibility with Sony's Headphones Connect control app, which offers EQ presets and custom adjustment. Not bad for the price of a drinks round.

However, it's the sound that really sets the WH-CH520 apart from other headphones at this price.

"The Sony WH-CH520 don’t take long to establish themselves as a nicely balanced, quite informative and enjoyable listen," our Sony WH-CH520 review reads, which then goes on to detail the solid, deep and controlled low-end and informative midrange.

If you do have a bit more budget, the step-up Sony WH-CH720N add active noise-cancelling and improved sound quality for £40 more. However, you won't be disappointed by the WH-CH520, especially at this price.

If you want impressive battery life at the best possible price, it's hard to argue with the value of the Sony WH-CH520. Whether for yourself or as a gift, the WH-CH520 won't let you down when it comes to battery life and is now available at its lowest price of £25 at Amazon.

MORE:

Want noise-cancelling? Also consider the next-model-up Sony WH-CH720N

Prefer in-ears? Here are the best wireless earbuds you can buy

Our expert pick of the best over-ear headphones: wired and wireless over-ears for every budget

If you’re brand new to the grand old art of vinyl collecting but don’t know where to start when it comes to turntables, then this is very much the deal for you.

We've only reviewed the five-star Sony PS-LX3BT earlier this year, but you can already get it for £233 at Sevenoaks and Amazon, a saving of £66 on its original £299 asking price. And let's face it, the only thing better than a great-value Bluetooth turntable is a great-value Bluetooth turntable on a discount.

The Sony PS-LX3BT is ideal for vinyl novices. It's easy to set up, simple to operate, can be used in multiple different ways and, perhaps most importantly of all, it's supremely affordable, especially with that aforementioned discount knocking the price down by over £60. Lovely.

Being a budget Bluetooth turntable, the Sony LS-PX3BT can be connected up to a classic hi-fi system, but you can also hook it up to a Bluetooth speaker or a pair of Bluetooth headphones if that’s how you want to enjoy your record collection.

You’ll get better audio quality if you go the traditional route, and there's even a built-in phono stage if your stereo amplifier doesn’t have one, but there’s something to be said for the simplicity and accessibility afforded by having Bluetooth on board.

Adding to that simplicity is the fact that the PS-LX3BT is a fully automatic deck, meaning you only have to press a button and the machine will spring into life, moving the arm into place and lowering itself down onto your record. When it reaches the end of the record, the arm lifts automatically and returns to its starting position.

If you do want to pair with a Bluetooth speaker or pair of headphones, all you have to do is press the large pairing button on the top of the deck, and your turntable should connect automatically to the speaker or headphones in question.

Admittedly, this is a turntable that doesn’t exactly ooze glamour, but it does exactly what it says on the tin, and at this level, that's what matters most.

In our Sony PS-LX3BT review, we proclaimed: “We’re taken with just how composed, controlled and well-organised the Sony sounds, marvelling at the effortless cohesion and solidity it brings to the entirety of Michael Jackson’s Bad album.”

It’s a musical-sounding deck, and one that can entertain with any genre of vinyl placed on its platter, from the pop perfection of Michael Jackson to the classic rock of Fleetwood Mac.

Over Bluetooth, the Sony still sounds impressive, delivering music full of life and character, making it a great all-round recommendation for anyone looking to scratch that vinyl itch for the very first time.

The fact that you can now pick one up for £233 at Sevenoaks and Amazon should be music to your ears.

MORE:

Want the next step up? Read our full Sony PS-LX5BT review

Sony PS-LX3BT vs PS-LX5BT: what are the differences?

These are the best Bluetooth turntables we've tested

If you're looking to upgrade your sound system, then there are currently more options than ever.

Soundbars, soundbar packages, 5.1 systems... the choice is yours.

But one of JBL's latest releases, the JBL Bar 1000 Mk2, offers the best of both worlds when it comes to soundbars. The Bar 1000MK2 features detachable surrounds, meaning they can connect to the main soundbar to save space or function as a fully-fledged multi-speaker package, with rear satellites.

And this is where things get really innovative – the surround speakers can also be taken to another room, where they can continue playing either in mono or stereo. Ideal for not missing any of the action!

To top it all off, the Bar 1000Mk2 is back to its lowest price. Get it from Amazon now for £719, a good £281 off the £1000 price we tested at.

While the wireless speaker party trick might be the biggest draw of the JBL Bar 1000MK2, we're happy to report that the all-important sound quality is also up to scratch.

The Dolby Atmos system delivers an exciting and reasonably detailed sound at all times, but our expert testers found it performs best when using the two wireless speakers as surrounds.

"Switching to Blade Runner 2049, we also get a sense of the JBL’s ability to create a wide soundfield," our JBL Bar 1000MK2 review reads. "We watch as raindrops fall around Officer K and his digital companion Joi, and feel the downpour just behind the listening position.

"This track also shows off the soundbar’s sense of movement, as drones whizz past the viewer with an energy that will have you double-checking you are not sat next to a Replicant."

We also found the surround speakers to be lightweight enough to carry between rooms, and it was easy to switch between stereo and mono using the accompanying app.

The JBL Bar 1000 Mk2 is also a rare case of four HDMI ports. There's no 120Hz support for high-frame-rate gaming, but the HDMI passthrough can handle signals up to 4K/60Hz as well as Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

If you are an audiophile who is serious about sound, you might want to consider the Sonos Arc Ultra, which offers a more immersive overall experience. However, it currently retails for a pricier £899 and lacks the detachable surrounds.

If you want the benefit of surround speakers but want somewhere tidy to keep them – or perhaps you're often popping to the kitchen during your TV watching – then the JBL Bar 1000MK2 may well be the ideal solution for you. And it's now back to its Prime Day pricing of £719 at Amazon.

MORE:

Here is our review of the JBL Bar 1000MK2

Check out our thoughts on the step-down JBL Bar 300MK2

And these are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars right now

Are you an iPhone or iOS user? Statistically, a good many of you are. And if you're after a new pair of earphones, then the convenience and intuitive features of AirPods make a lot of sense.

However, there's one AirPods model our expert testers recommend above all others – the excellent AirPods Pro 3.

The combination of enjoyable sound quality, effective noise-cancelling, comfortable wear and futuristic live translation feature will make them an invaluable travel companion wherever you go, and we have a feeling you'll be using them long after.

To top it all off, the Pro 3 are now at a new lowest price – £174 at Amazon, 21 per cent down from the £219 launch price!

We weren’t sure how Apple was going to top the performance of the AirPods Pro 2, but somehow it has. More evolution than revolution for sure, but these small improvements all add up to a glowing five-star rating.

This is not just in the fancy features that grab the headlines, but in the core categories such as sound quality. The Pro 3 offer the familiar well-balanced presentation of the Pro 2, but improvements abound.

"It only takes a few minutes of comparisons to discover that the AirPods Pro 3 take a sonic step forward in every way, too," our AirPods Pro 3 review reads. "The Pro 3 sound clearer and more detailed; they are more spacious-sounding and more dynamic, too."

Noise cancelling is also a step above what came before, thanks to new ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and new foam-infused eartips.

We tested them on a flight, and the Pro 3 are excellent at isolating you from the outside world, whether that's the rumble of the engine, announcements from the pilot or general chit-chat. They're comparable to the top performers for the money, and in a more natural way compared to the more intense ANC offered by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).

There's been a design change too, with a slightly angled body and new eartips. These aim to fit a wider range of ear shapes and sizes than before. We found them to be light and comfortable, with five sizes of eartips so you can find your perfect fit.

There are also the usual Apple futuristic features – this includes Live Translation and a built-in heart monitor, as well as the usual snappy user experience with iOS devices.

The Apple AirPods 3 will more than suffice as talented, portable travel buds, but their all-around abilities will make them a great purchase whatever you buy them for – especially if you have an iPhone. Now at a new low of £174 at Amazon.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now

The AirPods Pro 3 reminded me of one key thing when it comes to wireless earbuds

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM6: which wireless earbuds should you buy?

April might be the cruellest month, but August has got to be the slowest. The biggest sporting events are behind us, the novelty of a heatwave has long since worn off, and big sales like Amazon Prime Day are now a distant memory.

But what's this? A pair of excellent floorstanding speakers that are now even cheaper than during Amazon's recent sale? The Focal Aria Evo X No3 are now just £2679 at Peter Tyson – £10 cheaper than they were at Prime Day, and a whopping £820 off their RRP. Come here August – all is forgiven.

Focal Aria X No3 deal: better than Prime Day

Measuring in at 115cm tall, the Focal Aria Evo X No3 floorstanders aren't exactly dinky, so you'll need plenty of room to get them sounding their best.

Their considerable height also means that their tweeter axis is quite high, so to ensure their presentation retains the optimal focus and balance, it’s best that your listening height doesn’t fall too far below the tweeter.

The speakers' three-way design consists of Focal's favoured inverted metal tweeter, along with a 16.5cm Flax midrange and a trio of 16.5cm Flax bass drivers. Focal promises that the Flax diaphragms offer a great balance of low weight, rigidity and self-damping.

How does that all translate to the test room?

During our time with the Aria Evo X No3, we found them to be ideal for listeners who value “refinement, composure and unfussiness above all else”. While tracking rhythms and teasing out genuine excitement could be a little better, the Aria Evo X No3 provide plenty of detail, and their midrange is “among the more charming and articulate floorstanders” at this premium price.

As we concluded: "The Focal Aria Evo X No3 are a pleasant and undemanding listen; one that is detailed but never ruthless in exposing a recording. If you are after unfussy but still capable floorstanders you could do a lot worse than to give these a listen. They might be exactly what you are looking for".

Now that you can pick them up at their lowest-ever price at Peter Tyson, they could well be the speakers for you.

MORE:

The best floorstanding speakers around

Advice on how to choose the best floorstanding speakers

Also consider the Fyne Audio F502S review

OLED TV prices have steadily dropped over time and are becoming increasingly affordable as time goes on.

However, the quest for a truly great, cheap OLED TV for the entry-level market has been ongoing for more than a decade.

Luckily, if you are a movie fan looking for one of the cheapest ways to get a new OLED, we have some good news. We have just reviewed the Samsung S85H, which has a punchy, immersive and nicely three-dimensional picture that our expert testers found to be a cut above most of its entry-level rivals.

And it is already available at a discount: the code SAMS10PERCENT brings the price down to £1259 at Richer Sounds, a good £241 off the price we tested at.

The S85H is from the same range as the Samsung S99H, which we declared to be the finest OLED the Korean conglomerate has produced.

However, if your budget doesn’t stretch to the S99H’s £2000+ price tag and you are dipping your toes into the OLED water for the first time, the S85H is a solid entry point, particularly if you’re keen on brightness.

“Switching to Pan, our standard peak brightness stress test due to its atypical 4000 nits mastering, it’s immediately clear that the S85H burns brighter than previous entry-level OLEDs we’ve tested and its main rival, the LG B6,” our Samsung S85H review reads. “The setting sun offers a wider range of reds and oranges that show up as pure white on its rival.”

Reds are a bit overbaked compared with the more subdued B6, but we still prefer the S85H for the picture’s solidity and three-dimensionality.

Specifications are also very competitive for the price, including Samsung’s app-packed Tizen smart platform. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and all the other usual services are present and running correctly.

Gamers are well catered for too, with four full-spec HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of carrying a 4K/120Hz signal, as well as VRR and ALLM.

The only major omission on that front is Dolby Vision Gaming – but that’s hardly surprising as Samsung has long left out Dolby’s HDR standard. HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG are all supported, however.

The biggest letdown of the S85H comes with the audio. The 2.0 channel, 20W, Dolby Atmos system noticeably lacks bass. The speakers do offer a reasonable sense of direction and separation, but you will probably want a soundbar or sound system for movie watching.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to the mid-range, then the Samsung S85H is one of the top options to get a brand-new 2026 OLED. It’s a cut above most entry-level rivals where it matters most – picture quality – and is now available with £241 off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony Bravia 7 II

Also consider the LG C6

Read our Samsung S90F review

We would always recommend going for the biggest TV your space and budget allows – but for some of us, that will only be a 42-inch TV. If that’s the case for you, then we have found a great deal for you – £120 off the Samsung S90F.

This TV has dropped to just £629 at Richer Sounds. That’s £20 cheaper than at Amazon. Bargain.

Samsung S90F 42-inch deal

Cards on the table: we haven’t reviewed this exact model. But the 48-inch S90F earned five stars, so we have high expectations of the 42-incher.

True, it has feet rather than a pedestal stand like its bigger brother. And smaller screens tend to have a lower HDR brightness than their larger equivalents. On the plus side, the smaller panel size should mean a higher pixel density, and hence a slightly sharper image.

The 42-inch model is as well equipped for gamers as the 48-incher, with four HDMI 2.1 ports, and a host of gaming features such as AMD FreeSync Premium, HGiG, AI Auto Game Mode, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Game Motion Plus and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

We found the 48-inch S90F’s picture a bit red at first, and the motion a bit too smooth, but tweaking the settings helps. Overall, picture quality is superb, with realistic skin tones and solid detail levels across both the light and dark parts of the image.

Contrast might be a touch heavy-handed, leading to some black crush, but “the overall image is wonderfully three-dimensional and immersive”, we concluded.

The 42-incher has only 40W of sound output, compared with the 48-incher’s 60W. We found the latter’s speakers weak and plagued by distortion at higher volumes – hardly surprising, given that most small TVs sound terrible. So we wouldn’t expect much of the 42-incher’s audio.

But if you can put that £120 saving towards one of the best budget soundbars, you should be richly rewarded.

MORE:

Read our Samsung S90F review (48 inch)

I test OLED TVs for a living – and trust me, different sizes perform differently

We rate the best small TVs around

As What Hi-Fi?'s resident deals writer, I am tasked with keeping abreast of the prices of several of the top products our experts recommend.

Especially products that are as good as the LG C6. LG’s latest step-down OLED is one of our favourite products of the year so far, thanks to a new processor that has squeezed out a brighter, richer and more refined performance.

And it has just hit a new lowest price courtesy of John Lewis. The 65-inch C6 can now be yours for £1889 if you use the discount code LGOLED1007, which will save you 10 per cent at checkout.

This is the first time the 65-inch LG C6 has broken through the £2000 barrier, saving you £611 off the £2500 price we tested it at only a few months ago. It’s even cheaper than it was at the Prime Day sales last month – you can see the full breakdown below:

65-inch LG C6 Price History

Price (£)

date

LG C6 65-inch

Price Data

Timestamp (date)	LG C6 65-inch (£)
1	2500
2	2166
3	2079
4	2099
5	2034
6	1889

However, a new lower price is hardly the biggest draw of the LG C6 – the star of the show may well be the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor. We don’t often get excited about processor upgrades, but this chip blesses the C6 with a brighter, richer and more refined picture than the C5, which itself was a five-star performer.

“Even in Filmmaker Mode, the C6’s extra brightness over the C5 is immediately obvious,” our LG C6 review reads. “Highlights are more intense, colours have a touch more richness and the overall image carries greater depth and dimensionality.”

Upscaling and remastering have been enhanced as well, while shading subtlety has also been improved.

As is customary with LG TVs, gaming specifications are flawless. Console gamers can enjoy a silky-smooth 4K/120Hz, while PC owners can go all the way up to 4K/165Hz on all four HDMI inputs. VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming are also included.

All the major streaming services are present and accounted for in the app-packed LG WebOS, with all apps well optimised and playing content in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos where applicable.

Talking of Dolby Vision, there is broad HDR support with HDR10 and HLG also supported – but be aware that HDR10+ is missing.

Audio is where LG OLEDs have traditionally tripped up, but we are delighted to report some improvements this time around. The overall delivery is more open and immersive than the C5, and while it won’t beat a dedicated sound system, the C6 actually sounds pretty good for a TV in its class.

A £611 saving already is not to be sniffed at – especially for an OLED as accomplished as the LG C6. For one of the year’s best TVs, consider the LG C6 for £1889 at John Lewis.

MORE:

Read our review of the LG C5

Read our impressions of the LG G6

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested

While we have zero trouble spruiking the benefits of the best TVs to enjoy movies and TV shows for a more cinematic experience only a projector will do.

Of course, the more you spend the more cinema-like experience you'll achieve, but if your budget is limited, the Xgimi Vibe One is a mighty-fine choice. It's the cheapest projector we've ever tested, and it's now cheaper still thanks to a 29% discount at Amazon — now AU$427.49.

Amazon has already slashed the price to AU$474.99, and at the time of publishing there's the option to apply an extra 10% saving at the checkout, which you absolutely should do.

Despite the low price, you get an awful lot of projector for your money. We did find we needed to adjust the sharpness and contrast levels from their out-the-box settings when we tested the dinky projector, but once that was done, we were wholly satisfied with the image it projected.

As our reviewer Robyn Quick said in their review, "we unearthed a more natural image that portrays the green trees around an army staging post with more balanced, yet still striking, colours", once those settings were tweaked.

The Vibe One also proved capable with darker content: "In the opening of Alien: Romulus, as a ship floats through the depths of space, the projector presents the dark abyss with an impressively deep black by budget projector standards."

What's perhaps most impressive about the Xgimi Vibe One is that it holds up well in bright conditions, making it a versatile option for daytime use too, not just movie nights curled up on the sofa.

As for specs, the Vibe One doesn't support 4K content, instead topping out at a native resolution of 1080p. It can project an image up to 150 inches in size, with a claimed 250 ISO lumens of brightness.

A single HDMI port means you can connect external source devices such as a Blu-ray player or games console, while Google TV provides native access to Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Coming in at 1.4kg on the scales, you should have little trouble putting the Vibe One in a bag to take with you wherever you want to go. Do note though that we found that the projector only offered just under an hour of battery life in Standard brightness mode. If you plan to use the Vibe One outside, you'll likely want to consider an extension cable so you can watch a full movie uninterrupted.

You'll need to temper your expectations where sound is concerned, as the 3W speakers are reasonably loud but lack impact and detail. Fortunately, you can wirelessly connect to a Bluetooth speaker to handle sound duties.

The Xgimi Vibe One delivers a surprisingly detailed and cinematic image that outperforms expectations at this price. While its battery life is limited and the built-in audio falls short, it remains outstanding value for a projector — portable or not.

We are currently entering our third heatwave of the year, and like us, we are sure you’re doing what you can to get through it. If that involves taking your evening movie viewing outside once the temperature is slightly cooler, then we have just the deal for you.

The Xgimi Mogo 4 received four stars in our review, and has now dropped to just £379 at Amazon. That’s a discount of £130, or 26 per cent – a hot deal for the hot weather.

Xgimi Mogo 4 deal: save £130

The Xgimi Mogo 4 is a dinky little thing, about the size of a water bottle. The projector folds out from the stand, and packs the Google TV platform. That means you get Netflix, Apple TV, Prime Video, ITVX and Disney+, but not Channel 4 On Demand or BBC iPlayer, which are sizeable omissions.

You can access those missing apps using Google Cast, but that’s considerably less convenient than native app support.

Bluetooth and wi-fi come as standard, while HDR support is limited to HDR10. There are a host of different picture presets to choose from, as well as the ability to tweak your own.

It can’t match a dedicated home cinema projector – and we wouldn’t expect it to – but the picture quality is still impressive. Tree branches are crisp against the background, and black levels impressively deep. Vibrancy can be a bit heavy-handed at times, but that’s to compensate for outdoor viewing conditions – though it is something to note if you will use it indoors as well.

Still, for £379 at Amazon, the Xgimi Mogo 4 is a great buy, and one of the better ways to survive a heatwave.

MORE:

Check out the best portable projectors

Read our full Xgimi Mogo 4 review

Also consider the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air

It had been a while since a flagship Denon AVR had graced our test rooms, but recently we righted that wrong. And the AVC-A1H was worth the wait.

Because while it’s undoubtedly expensive, its stacked feature set and phenomenally cinematic sound make it worth every penny. And now that it has fallen to £4999 at Sevenoaks (a discount of £1300), it’s more compelling than ever.

Denon AVC-A1H deal

The Denon AVC-A1H earned five stars from us. And that’s despite its significant heft; this thing weighs a whopping 32kg, and will take up most of your AV rack.

It might not tear up the rulebook when it comes to aesthetics, but its utilitarian design certainly gets the job done. And the metal, backlit remote is a welcome change from the plastic models we have become accustomed to.

It is one of the most extensively equipped AVRs we have had the pleasure of testing. Its 15 channels of amplification can support speaker configurations up to 9.4.6, plus you can split the amplification channels across two additional zones, and power other speakers in your home from just one amp.

It houses Denon’s most premium components, including the brand’s most powerful transformers, 10 two-channel ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC chips, a high-spec DSP processing engine, and gold-plated speaker terminals.

You get multiple wired connections to play with, and compatibility with plenty of AV formats (including all four HDR formats and numerous immersive audio formats) plus the main music streaming services.

And the sound? “Simply incredible” was our verdict.

Watching F1: The Movie, we noted that it “makes light work of creating a hugely spacious and totally immersive sound, with every aspect of the scene bursting with three-dimensional energy.

“Everything from the clattering of gravel hitting the tarmac and the screech of tyres as cars spin out, to the crackling of fireworks and a swooping helicopter sounds superbly crisp.”

Even quiet dialogue comes across sounding natural, while the bass is superb. This AV receiver is the real deal, and for £4999 at Sevenoaks, it’s now more tempting than ever.

MORE:

The best AVRs you can buy

AV receivers vs AV separates: which gives the better home cinema experience?

It's Home Cinema Week here at What Hi-Fi?, and to celebrate we've had a bevvy of themed reviews on speaker packages, AV receivers and more.

One of the most notable of those, however, might be the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max projector, now reduced to £3199 at Amazon.

It may not be cheap by UST standards, but considering the specifications involved and the overall performance, it really is a bit of a bargain.

And given how overall impressive it is, from its design to its features to the all-important picture and sound quality, it's sneaked right to the top of our list of UST favourites.

If you had any doubts about the abilities of the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max, here's a snippet from our recent review.

"The Aetherion Max’s picture quality isn’t just a big improvement over the already more than decent LTV-3500 that marks our only previous interaction with an AWOL Vision projector; it’s actually arguably the best picture quality we’ve ever seen from any UST projector. Or, at least, a UST projector selling for anything like as little as the Aetherion Max does," our AWOL Vision Aetherion Max review reads.

The projector is fantastically bright and contrast-rich even in ambient light, but it's in dark rooms that the Aetherion Max really shows how outstanding it is. Colours look even more vibrant, but crucially remain natural, balanced and full of subtle nuances and blends.

Its HDR Standard mode also somehow manages to deliver some of the deepest, most convincing blacks we’ve seen from any 3000-nit or brighter projector, all of which adds up to an endlessly watchable and immersive experience.

The Aetherion Max’s front-mounted speakers, too, are far better than you get built into most projectors, getting loud enough to create a cinematic presence even in large rooms but still retaining detail at high volumes. More bass than most projectors achieve is also on offer, though this does result in some straining under pressure.

Not to be outdone, the feature set is just as impressive. Its DLP optics are illuminated by a triple laser lighting system, for starters, with a claimed 3300 lumens of brightness and an image size of up to 200 inches.

Gamers are extremely well supported, with three HDMI ports that support VRR and reach 240Hz with Full HD (but not 4K) sources.

There's also support for all four current HDR standards, including the premium HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats, a rarity in the projector world.

Given just how much is packed into the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max and how well it performs, its £3499 launch price was a bit of a miracle. And now our favourite UST is even cheaper, with a £300 discount at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our review of the Leica Cine 1

Also consider the BenQ W4100i

Read our Hisense PX3-Pro review

The Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Gen) has been high in our estimations for quite some time, occupying a comfortable position in our best smart speakers list. It’s a handsome devil, too, and we think that spending a little extra on aesthetic charm to accompany talented sound is worthwhile.

But, right now, you don’t have to worry about forking out on good looks, because the Beosound A1 has fallen to just £179 at Peter Tyson. That’s not the cheapest we’ve ever seen the speaker – it dropped to £169 last December – but with a reduction of £120, it’s still a serious saving.

Admittedly, the Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) is now on the market, but it will cost you more and doesn’t feature Alexa integration. For those reasons alone, we would recommend the five-star 2nd Gen, especially at this price.

Portable Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes and sizes. It just so happens that we rather like the look of the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen), but that’s far from all that has won us over about this speaker.

Competition for small portable speakers is tough, with companies like JBL and Tribit making serious offerings, but B&O’s prioritisation of luxury and style carves the company a unique position in the market.

Admittedly, the Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) isn’t the newest model, with the 3rd Gen now available, but it won five-stars, compared to the 3rd Gen’s four stars, at review.

That rating was achieved in part by the 2nd Gen’s multi-talented performance, which sees the attractive, solidly constructed unit providing a pleasingly comfortable and authoritative performance “that you’d be happy to listen to all day”.

In our full review, our expert testers said: “Bang & Olufsen has succeeded in maintaining its trademark sound profile in this diminutive and affordable proposition – no small feat considering Bluetooth speakers of this size and price can easily come off heavy through the mids and harsh in the treble in an effort to offer volume and clout.”

But the Beosound A1’s virtues don’t end there.

Alongside Bluetooth 5.1 with AAC, the speaker also supports Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive codec, allowing high-quality streaming. The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) also contains a three microphone array for clear voice assistant operation and hands-free calling.

What’s more, when it comes to battery life, an impressive 18 hours can stretch all the way to 48 hours when listening at conservative volumes.

A handy strap is also included with the speaker, meaning you can take this handsome, portable unit wherever you go.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a Bluetooth speaker that is convenient to use, includes Alexa, sounds great and has a sleek design, the Beosound A1 is a strong choice, even more so now that it’s available for just £179 at Peter Tyson.

MORE

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

Take a look at the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy

Check out our best B&O speakers: portable, hi-fi and wireless

It's Home Cinema Week 2026 here at What Hi-Fi?, and we're celebrating our love for all things TV, projector and surround sound related.

One of our favourite TVs of the year has been the Samsung S99H, thanks to a stunning, contrast-rich picture and a feature set that blows most other TVs out of the water.

However, even the S99H lacks two key features found on LG's latest flagship, the G6: Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Flexconnect. And the LG G6 is cheaper too – the 65-inch Samsung S99H is currently £2899, while the G6 is now down to £2564 at Richer Sounds.

That's quite the step down from the £3000 price we tested at! You can save even more if you're willing to claim cashback – purchase before 18th August and you can claim 10% (£256) cashback from LG. Full Ts&Cs are available here.

After a re-review of the LG following a major software update, we found the G6 to be an OLED of serious ability, as a viewing of Civil War next to its predecessor, the G5, showed.

"The flames in a burning night-time forest continue to offer an enthralling amount of extra detail as well as higher peaks, but, more crucially, characters’ skin tones look nicely realistic, retaining reds far better, to the point that the G5’s picture makes them look slightly jaundiced by comparison," our LG G6 review reads.

"Moving to a daytime scene in a military camp, "balanced" quickly becomes the word that best describes the G6. As a helicopter swoops into the camp over a forest, it's clear LG has backed away from its previous focus on aggressively pushing its TVs' peak brightness at all costs."

This picture quality comes courtesy of a Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, which uses a ‘four-stack’ panel structure to help the OLED TV achieve higher peak and operating brightness levels while retaining colour volume and accuracy.

It's aided by a new Alpha 11 Gen 3 AI processor and its Hyper Radiant Colour Technology system, which enables higher peak brightness levels than the already dazzling LG G5.

Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG are all on board, though do note that HDR10+ is missing. We wouldn't worry too much though – Dolby Vision is far more widely adopted and supports a higher bit depth of up to 12-bit colour compared to HDR10+'s 10-bit standard.

Otherwise, the broader feature set is pretty much flawless. WebOS 26 supports pretty much every app you can think of, including Now, Apple TV, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more niche streaming options.

LG has long been one of our go-to brands for gaming, and the G6 is no different. All four HDMI 2.1 inputs offer up to 4K/165Hz gameplay with VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming HDR all supported.

LG OLEDs have struggled with audio in the past, but the G6 is a step in the right direction. It won't beat a dedicated sound system, but the G6 offers a noticeably fuller, more robust sound than its predecessors.

There's also support for Dolby Atmos Flexconnect, which allows the TV to automatically connect to compatible speakers and use the G6's built-in speakers as the central channel of a surround sound package. It's still relatively new technology, giving the G6 an element of future-proofing.

If you're looking for a new, feature-packed OLED, then the LG G6 is a compelling option. It offers a nuanced, accurate and ultimately immersive experience complete with flawless gaming specifications, now with £436 off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Here's our pick of the best TVs for every budget

Want a cheaper LG OLED? Check out our LG C6 review

For last year's model, head over to our LG G5 review

We had hardly finished writing about a whopping £50 reduction on the JBL Xtreme 5, when we noticed that its predecessor, the Xtreme 4, had just returned to its all-time lowest price of £179 at Richer Sounds.

Both speakers won five-stars at review, and are solid contenders for anyone looking to harness the heatwave, or simply beat the post World Cup blues with some outdoor listening.

With a £100 discount available for members of Richer Sounds’ VIP Club (worry not, sign-up is free), this is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to step into the world of JBL’s outdoor speakers without breaking the bank.

Best JBL Xtreme 4 deal

The Xtreme 4 boasts a clear, detailed and weighty sound, all packed into a robust speaker that will handle the elements as well as your music.

The speaker has the cylindrical shape of other models in the Xtreme range and a tough, wrap-around grille made from a combination of recycled plastic and fabric. Earning its ‘Xtreme’ nomenclature, the speaker is both waterproof and dustproof.

The JBL has a power of 100W when mains powered, which falls to 80W when using the built-in battery. We felt that the gains in power and scale were hearable when plugging the speaker in, but the sonic character of the speaker stayed consistent even when unplugged.

Across our music library we found the Xtreme 4 sounded “wonderfully clear and consistent” with low frequencies that were “poised and punchy” without lacking weight, and “crisp” highs.

Listening to Brazil by Declan McKenna, we said: “The JBL entertains us from the off. It captures the playful electric guitar and percussion, and delivers the song with plenty of energy. When the bassline kicks in it sounds weighty and goes deep, but there’s detail and texture and you can hear the difference in weight between each note.”

In terms of features, Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast are both available. For Bluetooth 6, you’ll need to upgrade to the more expensive Xtreme 5, but this speaker will still pair with other compatible JBL units via Auracast.

With 24 hours of battery life, plus the option to stretch that to 30 hours thanks to the speaker’s Playtime Boost feature, running out of charge shouldn’t be too much of a worry with this speaker.

AI sound boost is also available, which helps the speaker maintain sound quality at loud volumes and prevent distortion. When we pushed the JBL hard during testing, we found that it remained “composed and controlled” even when we cranked it past 11.

If you are looking for a great JBL wireless speaker, but don’t want to fork out on the Xtreme 5, this speaker could be yours for just £179 as a Richer Sounds VIP Club member.

MORE

Fancying an alternative? Read our Bose SoundLink Max review

Feeling loyal to JBL? Take a look at the JBL Charge 6

Check out our best Bluetooth speakers 2026: tried and tested for every budget

It's Home Cinema Week here at What Hi-Fi?, and it seems as if Epson is joining in the celebratory spirit.

The Epson EH-TW7000, one of the Japanese brand's entry-level 4K projectors, was already affordable at launch – and has just hit a new low of £799 at Amazon.

That's an incredible price for any 4K projector, but particularly impressive for one with the picture quality of the five-star Epson EH-TW7000.

Let's get this out of the way first – to achieve this price Epson has not included a smart platform or built-in speakers, meaning almost all we have to judge is the picture performance.

However, the picture quality alone was enough to blow us away.

"We play Venom on 4K Blu-ray and this projector explodes into life from the start, with some excellent HDR handling and dark detail in the opening shuttle crash scene," our Epson EH-TW7000 review reads. "The light levels run from the dark forest shadows to the extreme brightness of the floodlights. Despite this range, the tone of the scene is expertly controlled."

Detail is brilliant for this price point, capturing subtle textures and skin details, while colours are controlled yet dynamic.

Set-up is simple by projector standards, and there's plenty of lens flexibility to boot.

While there's no smart platform, there are two HDMI ports, so you can easily add one of the best Blu-ray players or streaming sticks. There are also two USB 2.0 sockets, as well as the option to send out audio via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable.

If you thought a 4K projector was out of your price range, you might want to think again. The Epson EH-TW7000 is an affordable 4K projector done right, stripping out features so all of your hard-earned cash goes towards picture quality – all for £799 at Amazon.

MORE:

These are the best AV receivers you can buy right now

Check out the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

And here are the best projectors

The Roberts Revival Petite 2 is arguably the best budget radio on the market at the moment, mainly thanks to its lively, engaging sound and, perhaps more importantly, adorable looks.

Right now, the Revival Petite 2 is just £88 at Peter Tyson, a generous 10 per cent discount that sees the Roberts take a rare dip below the £90 mark. Considering it started its life at around £100, you're getting a very tasty £12 discount on a What Hi-Fi? Award winner.

The great thing about the Roberts Revival Petite 2 is that you can plonk it everywhere. On the windowsill, at the corner of your desk, on a bedside table, on a bookshelf, in the garden – no matter how small your space, the Petite 2 radio will fit right in, and sound pretty great while doing so.

Battery life is a considerable 20 hours, and you can charge your radio up via USB-C. The Roberts also comes with a 3.5mm headphone socket so you can listen at night in peace. You can save 20 presets in total (10 x DAB/DAB+, 10 x FM), while Bluetooth pairs swiftly and with no fuss to our smartphone and laptop.

Sonically, the Petite 2 belies its compact dimensions. In our review, we said: "It’s a lively, rhythmically engaging sound that has a surprising amount of weight and punch to it, given the unit's size. The way it handles voices is a highlight, sounding clean, solid and detailed."

We're not expecting big scale or lashings of deep bass from such a petite unit, but there is ample solidity and richness to the detail, along with confident dynamics and toe-tapping rhythm to keep our attention hooked.

The Roberts radio is a well-designed, great-sounding radio that's lovely to use and listen to. For £89 at Peter Tyson, it comes highly recommended.

MORE:

Thinking of buying a soundbar? Here’s a better alternative

Or check out our Ruark Audio R1S review

For all our top picks, head to our best DAB radios guide

The World Cup is over, and that's left a lot of us with a gaping hole in our summer schedule. What are you supposed to do without wall-to-wall football to keep you entertained into the wee hours of the morning?

Well, you could go out and touch some grass, as the kids say, and there's never been a better time to do so. The footie's over, the weather's great, and JBL's five-star Xtreme 5 Bluetooth speaker has dropped to its lowest-ever price, making it the ideal companion for those out-of-the-house adventures.

We've previously seen the Xtreme 5 fall to £300, but now that it's currently £279 at Amazon – a saving of £51 – that figure has been well and truly beaten. Result!

Best JBL Xtreme 5 deal

It hasn't been around for long, but Xtreme 5 has gained a reputation as a robust, rugged speaker with a clear, detailed and musical sound, all housed in a super-durable build and backed by more features than you can shake a stick at.

An increase in power from its predecessor – the Xtreme 5 offers a claimed 130W when mains-powered, 90W when running off the built-in battery – is immediately obvious, bringing a greater sense of scale and size compared with the Xtreme 4.

In short, the high volume levels will easily go loud enough to power a summer party. Or annoy the neighbours, depending on your mood.

Bass weight is impressive without overpowering the rest of the track, and JBL's speaker is so clear it makes the Xtreme 4 sound slightly hazy and cluttered in comparison.

As we wrote in our review: "Play Run by Stephen Fretwell, and there’s more separation around the individual elements, so you can hear what each one brings to the music.

"You can inspect around the edges of that crisply defined percussion and piano, but the whole presentation remains cohesive, and the track remains confidently knitted together with the lead vocal at the centre. It’s still a hugely musical listen and captures the slow, gentle rhythmic flow and rise and fall of the track."

The Xtreme 5 is a tad chunkier than its predecessor, but it comes with a carry strap that easily attaches to the floating loops. There are also light strips on the front that are perfect for parties, as is the built-in bottle opener.

When it comes to features, there's Bluetooth 6 and Auracast, the latter of which allows you to connect multiple compatible JBL speakers together. There's also lossless audio up to 24-bit/48kHz through a wired connection and Playtime Boost, which extends the battery life from 24 hours to 28 hours, though with a rather drastic impact on sound quality.

If you want one of the most powerful and best-sounding Bluetooth speakers around, then the JBL Xtreme 5 is the speaker for you. It'll handle any outdoor gathering you throw at it, and a £51 saving at Amazon will almost certainly help you beat those post-World Cup blues.

MORE:

Seeking an alternative? Read our Bose SoundLink Max review

Want something cheaper? Check out the JBL Charge 6

Discover our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers for every budget

Here at What Hi-Fi?, we love TVs with brand-new, innovative features that promise to push the industry forward.

We also love it when these TVs have great discounts.

And that’s exactly what we have with the Sony Bravia 9 II. The Japanese giant’s flagship RGB Mini LED TV is now available for £2974 at Richer Sounds with the code SONY15PERCENT.

The Bravia 9 II is one of the first RGB Mini LED TVs available. These TVs use independently controlled red, green and blue Mini LEDs, rather than a colour filter over white LEDs, for higher peak brightness, better colour volume and better contrast.

The catch? Well, the TV is not actually available to buy until the end of July; but you can lock in your pre-order now while there’s a nice £500 discount.

The headline feature is, of course, that RGB Mini LED backlight.

The technology works together with Sony’s sophisticated Backlight Master Drive system and 1530 local dimming zones to produce an impressively immersive picture for a backlit TV.

On one aspect, in fact, the Bravia 9 II surpasses every other TV we’ve tested: colour.

“Quite simply, the Bravia 9 II produces the finest colours we've ever seen from any TV,” our Sony Bravia 9 II review reads. “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.”

Brightness too is exceptional – unlike OLEDs, the Bravia 9 II can maintain its extraordinary brightness across the whole screen, and not just small highlights.

Black levels are also superb for a backlit TV, but we found even the Bravia 9 II’s exceptional dimming system can’t quite replicate the pixel-level precision of OLED.

Sound is also impressively large, spacious and immersive by TV standards, with the Acoustic Multi-Audio+ system offering a genuine sense of height and plenty of subtle detail.

The premium smart TV experience we have come to expect from Sony is present and correct, with the Google TV OS offering all the usual apps as well as YouView and PS Remote Play for PlayStation users.

All the apps that should support HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and/or Dolby Atmos do so correctly, and Sony’s Studio Calibrated modes also provide optimised picture settings for services such as Netflix, Prime Video and Sony Pictures Core.

If you regularly watch in an exceptionally bright room or simply prefer not to buy an OLED, the Bravia 9 II should sit right at the top of your shortlist. Sony’s flagship RGB Mini LED model delivers the finest colours we have seen from a television, breathtaking brightness, and a highly accomplished backlight system. And it is now available to pre-order with £525 off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony Bravia 8 II

Also consider the Samsung S99H

Read our Hisense UR9 review

During Prime Day, we saw some of our favourite OLEDs drop to rock-bottom prices, with the LG C5 leading the charge when it came to price drops.

Well, now it's Samsung's turn – the 48-inch, five-star Samsung S90F has dropped to £749 at John Lewis, the lowest price we've seen for the set so far.

If you're upgrading to OLED for the first time for the football, then the panel technology boasts several advantages for watching sports, including incredible contrast, faster refresh times to minimise motion blur and wider viewing angles so the whole watch party can see.

You'll have to pay an extra £29.95 for next-day delivery, but luckily the S90F can be set up in less than a minute – and should be well worth it for the Messi vs Kane showdown in the England vs Argentina semi-final.

If you're looking for a mid-sized TV, the Samsung S90F currently ranks at the top of our guide to the best 50-inch TVs It's ideal for a small lounge, bedroom or just as a mid-level OLED.

Despite its compact size, it delivers a bright, punchy picture that will offer a fun experience for films, football or whatever you wish to use it for.

After testing with a viewing of Civil War, our Samsung S90F review reads: "Explosions pop out of the dark cityscape with dazzling brightness and a clear, bright fiery hue that makes them truly come to life.

"The S90F also manages to retain colour volume during the tricky scene, with characters’ faces retaining their warmth and offering solid levels of detail in both the darkest and lightest parts of the picture – which is impressive as many OLEDs can struggle here."

Upscaling is also particularly impressive, which will come in useful if you're watching the football on linear TV.

The Samsung S90F is also notably easy to set up, with the screen easily and quickly connecting to the stand thanks to a screw-free design. Ideal for delivery just before the match!

The S90F is also one of the only non-LG OLEDs with four full-fat HDMI 2.1 inputs, along with VRR and ALLM. This means even gamers with multiple consoles can play at 4K/120Hz, or even 4K/144Hz if they have a powerful enough PC.

The main drawback of the S90F, however, is the sound. The 60-watt, 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos built-in sound system delivers a reasonable sense of directionality, but lacks oomph – we recommend one of the best soundbars if you want to get that stadium feeling.

A five-star OLED for under a grand, let alone £750, is a bona fide bargain. If you want to watch the last few matches of the World Cup on a glorious OLED, we recommend the Samsung S90F, now 50 per cent off at John Lewis.

MORE:

Read our full Samsung S90F review

These are the best Samsung TVs: budget to premium, 4K, 8K, QLED, QD-OLED

And the best OLED TVs: our reviewers' 5 top picks for serious movie fans

Fancy watching what could be a groundbreaking semi-final on a groundbreaking TV? Then you may want to consider this atypically early discount on Sony's cutting-edge Bravia 7 II.

The Sony Bravia 7 II is one of the Japanese company's brand-new True RGB TVs. And the technology could be yours in time for England's next game, and at a discount. The code SONY10PERCENT will bring the price down by, you guessed it, ten per cent, to £1799 at Richer Sounds.

True RGB is Sony's spin on RGB Mini LED. It's a next-gen panel technology that places red, green and blue LEDs behind the LCD panel for better colour accuracy, improved brightness and better contrast.

We reviewed the Sony Bravia 7 II mere days ago, and while it can't quite match some OLED-specific qualities, it's easily one of the best backlit TVs we've ever tested.

"The general sense of nuance and sophistication extends to how the Bravia 7 II manages its backlight, our Sony Bravia 7 II review reads. "When this TV is in its element, it becomes possible to forget that this is a backlit TV, as the RGB Mini LED system doesn’t distract or detract from the experience.

"This extends to general blooming control, which is extremely impressive by prevailing standards. In a shot from Oppenheimer in which the nuclear bomb testing site is lit up at night by a series of spotlights, we find that the halos of light that we’ve seen time and time again on other backlit TVs have been strictly confined. There is still a very faint amount of blooming, but this is leagues ahead of other LCD TVs that we’ve recently tested."

Sony's typically excellent picture tuning is also on display here, with motion handling being particularly impressive, helping the set deliver a tangible sense of three-dimensional solidity that we rarely see in non-OLED TVs.

As with previous Sony TVs, the Bravia 7 II supports HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision, but not HDR10+. The built-in Google TV is more all-encompassing, however, and we couldn't find any obvious missing apps – all the major domestic and international streaming services are there.

For the gamers out there, there are four HDMI sockets with ALLM, but only two of them are full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets with 4K/120Hz gameplay and VRR.

Sony's usually impressive built-in audio seems to have taken a step backwards for the Bravia 7 II, however. There's a good sense of clarity and detail, but the sound system seems to struggle dynamically – we'd recommend a good soundbar or surround sound system to really get the most from your movies.

There's also a transparent centre stand that Sony has designed to refract light, making it look invisible. It caused quite a stir in our test room, as it truly looks as if the TV is floating in place.

If you want the latest in TV technology, then the Sony Bravia 7 II is a compelling choice. It rectifies several of the shortcomings of previous Mini LEDs, and already has a healthy £200 discount at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our review of the LG C6

Also consider the Sony Bravia 8 II

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested

It's summer party season, and while we hope you're managing to find some shade, it's definitely sunny enough for an outdoor party or garden get-together.

But if you're planning a shindig, you will need some music. Enter the Bose SoundLink Max, now £299 at Amazon: a powerful, premium Bluetooth speaker that is more than up to the job.

With outstanding battery life and buckets of likeable sound, our expert testers saw fit to put the SoundLink Max on our best outdoor speakers list.

The Bose SoundLink Max will do a mightily impressive job delivering a soundtrack for park picnics or your latest garden gathering.

With a water and dust-proof IP67 rating, the SoundLink Max should be able to withstand rain or shine. It's tactile and rugged, wrapped in a silicone casing and with a carry-handle ideal for frequent movement.

But most importantly, the sound is befitting that of a premium Bluetooth speaker.

"The Soundlink Max shouldn’t have any issues getting the party started – thanks, in the main, to its lively, punchy delivery," our Bose SoundLink Max review reads. "It’s in its element rocking along to Guns N’ Roses Welcome To The Jungle.

"The wireless speaker’s expressive midrange enthusiastically sprays out Axl Rose’s wailing lead vocal, while every thwack of the band’s drum kit is dispatched with force and vigour. There's an energy to the band’s performance that is easy to tap into and makes for a hugely enjoyable listen."

The sound is a tad bassy straight out of the box, however, so we recommend turning this down to minus five or six – and then you're good to go.

With a claimed range of 30ft and an impressive 20 hours of battery life, this is a Bluetooth speaker that can go big and go all day.

There’s also aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec support, Google Fast Pair for Android users and Bluetooth multipoint for connecting two devices at once for easy switching. The SoundLink Max can also double as a power bank, ideal if you're out at the park all day.

The JBL Xtreme 5 is also available at a similar price, and one we'd recommend considering too. It's a bit bulkier than the SoundLink Max, but it does have a great sense of scale and sonic presence.

But if you're turning to music to get you through this heatwave, the Bose SoundLink Max is still an excellent pick, especially with £100 off at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our full Bose SoundLink Max review

Check out the best Bluetooth speakers: tried and tested for every budget

And the best speakers: budget to premium models tested by our expert reviewers

Looking for luxury headphones with the performance to match?

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 are a well-built, good-looking pair of wireless headphones, but they're also backed up by outstanding clarity and a fast, punchy sound.

And the price just got a little less luxurious. The Px8 are now £379 at Amazon, a mega drop of £220 and the lowest price we've seen.

It's worth noting that the Px8 have been superseded by the better-sounding Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, but they're sticking stubbornly to their hefty launch price of £629.

Eyebrows were certainly raised at the premium asking price of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8, but we awarded them the full five stars even at full price.

As well as a classy design and supreme comfort levels, the Px8 is packed with features, including Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs for higher quality streams.

There are intuitive physical buttons on the earcups for reliable controls, while the B&W Music app gives you direct access to music services such as Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer. And to top it all off, you get 30 hours of battery life from a single charge.

And the all-important sound? It's an exciting presentation with excellent levels of clarity, precision and detail.

"The Px8’s midrange is crisp and clear, communicating vocal nuances superbly," our Bowers & Wilkins Px8 review reads. "These headphones reveal an impressive amount of detail and, just as importantly, present it in a musically cohesive way.

There is a reassuring sense of control here and the ability to track low-level instrumental strands, even when the music gets busy."

The Px8 also has four microphones for active noise cancelling (ANC), plus another two for voice pick-up during phone calls. The ANC is decent enough but not outstanding, especially compared to newer rivals that have moved the goalposts.

If ANC is important to you, you might want to consider the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). They're currently a bit cheaper and offer a real step-up in the ANC department.

The Sennheiser HDB 630 are a similar price and will also appeal to audiophiles, thanks to an included dongle that enables aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth. Even without the dongle, the HDB 630 are class-leading in detail, dynamic expression and refinement at their level.

If you are after luxury, audiophile headphones with excellent build quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 are now at a not-quite-so-luxury price of £379 at Amazon. While there are newer rivals on the scene, the Px8 still deserve serious consideration if you are buying at this level.

MORE:

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px8 review

These are the best audiophile headphones for true music lovers

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 vs Px8: which premium headphones are better?

If you're looking to buy your first AV receiver or upgrade from a budget model, there's some fierce competition in the mid-range market right now.

There are some truly great receivers out there, all jam-packed with features, connectivity and amazing sound. But the Denon AVC-X3800H, now £999 at Sevenoaks, manages to stand out from the competition.

One of our favourite features of the AVC-X3800H is that it can be adapted should you wish to modify or expand your home cinema setup in the future, making it an amp you can expect to keep for a long time as your system evolves.

We first reviewed Denon's mid-range AVR over four years ago, but it remains a top pick at this price thanks to its smooth, rich and cinematic sound, simple setup process and comprehensive feature set.

It offers nine amplification channels (meaning you can drive up to a 5.4.4 channel system), plus six HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K/120Hz (or 8K/60Hz!) signals, so there should be more than enough connectivity options for most people.

As we've alluded to above, the AVC-X3800H is incredibly future-proof. This is thanks to a toggle-able pre-amplifier mode that gives you the option to upgrade the amplification for individual speaker pairs, rather than all at once.

We have our doubts about the future of 8K, but the whopping six 8K HDMI inputs means the Denon AVR will be ready should the resolution revolution happen. There's also support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, HDR10+, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced and Sony 360 Reality Audio.

Wireless streaming options are also impressive, with AirPlay 2, HEOS, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Bluetooth all on board.

And the all-important sound? Balanced, quick and precise, as we discovered with a viewing of No Time To Die.

"The explosive scene at Vesper’s tomb early on is dynamic and weighty, but the tumbling debris that scatters the mountainside remains distinct and nicely textured," our Denon AVC-X3800H review reads.

"Effects are well spread but accurate, and the result is exciting and immersive while remaining authentic."

Switching to a tricky scene in Dune, and the AVC-X3800H offers rich-sounding voices with a warmth and naturalism that’s even more engaging than some of its pricier competition.

Despite fierce competition, the Denon AVC-X3800H is a force to be reckoned with thanks to future-proofed connectivity, flexibility and a mature, authoritative sound, all for the reduced price of £999 at Sevenoaks.

The AVX-X3800H is a superb choice for an all-round performer with plenty of features and ample scope for system expansion, but if you have a bit more of a budget or have other needs, then consider these alternatives:

MORE:

Check our our top picks for the best AV receivers

Also consider the Yamaha RX-A6A

Read our Arcam AVR5 review

When you watched the England v Mexico game (whether live or on catch-up), could you truly feel the stadium atmosphere of the mighty Azteca? Could you clearly hear every boo from the crowd, every goal hit the net, and the sweet celebratory sound of Wonderwall being played?

If you couldn’t, you might want to consider upgrading your sound system. And I have been eyeing up the Hisense HS214, which can now be yours for £60 at Amazon, as the ideal affordable replacement for my muffled TV speakers.

The HS214 is currently one of Amazon’s best-selling soundbars, and it’s not hard to see why. While soundbars this cheap usually set off alarm bells, our expert testers found the HS214 to be a straightforward and highly effective way of boosting your TV’s sound.

My living room set-up has been getting quite the workout recently from the World Cup – and it has exposed the sonic shortfalls of my TV’s built-in audio.

And that’s where the Hisense HS214 comes in. It doesn’t have the dynamic performance and features of more premium models, but it offers great value for money and a straightforward solution to muffled sound.

You can get a lot less for the money at this price – we were pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of a three-inch woofer, which adds a welcome touch of bass, improved dialogue clarity, and a broader soundstage.

“The enhanced depth that the bass unit brings to the table isn’t superfluous either; there’s a solid sound to the lows and kick that gives the sound a touch more musicality than you would otherwise experience,” our Hisense HS214 review reads. “Watching Leonardo DiCaprio grapple with a bear in The Revenant on Blu-ray, that extra bit of heft means each blow and snarl has more impact and danger attached.”

The HS214 is also excellent at anchoring vocals, so you can be sure the commentary isn’t getting jumbled up amongst all the other stadium sounds. It excels at music too – an area where even expensive soundbars struggle. Despite its size, the soundbar produces a pleasant, uncluttered midrange and a decent stereo image.

It’s simple to set up, too: an HDMI ARC port means you can just plug your TV in via HDMI and be done with it; but there are also optical and coaxial sockets, a 3.5mm mini-jack auxiliary input, Bluetooth 4.2 and a USB port.

With a quality build, the HS214 would fit aesthetically with both a new high-spec TV or an older model, though its compact 9.5 x 65 x 5.8cm (hwd) size might make it a better fit for smaller rooms and screens. There are also rigging points at the rear, with fixings included in the box should you wish to wall mount.

The Hisense HS214 is our super-cheap soundbar of choice, then. If you have a bit more of a budget, though, you might want to consider these alternatives:

MORE:

Read our Hisense HS214 2.1 review

Check out the best budget soundbars: cheap ’bars, tested by our experts

And the best TVs under £1000: affordable OLED, Mini LED and LCD models hand-picked by our experts

We’re only on day one of Amazon Prime Day in Australia, yet it’s already delivering in a major way where discounts on hi-fi, home cinema and all manner of AV tech are concerned.

Nowhere is that more evident than with headphones. And while there are literally hundreds of pairs to sift through, I’ve found 8 What Hi-Fi? Award-winning pairs — including our current Product of the Year — on sale with discounts of up to 39%.

So, if you want to make sure the pair you buy is going to give you the best possible performance, look no further.

• Check out all the latest Award winners

As I mentioned earlier, there are plenty more pairs of headphones available during the Prime Day Australia sales, alongside a solid selection of hi-fi components and Bluetooth speakers.

Remember, the majority of these deals are likely to come to an end when Prime Day finishes at 11.59pm on Monday, July 13. You’ll also need to be a Prime member to nab most of them. If you’ve not been a member before, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial.

As much as we love all the bells and whistles and fancy features that come with a big soundbar or speaker system, often they’re just not practical.

No matter the soundbar’s quality, you’ll have to take into account the available space, the screen size, and the positioning of any extra speakers. Luckily, we have found the perfect solution for those looking for a desktop or a small space: the Creative Stage Pro, which is now reduced to £90 at Amazon.

With a main soundbar that measures just 8 x 55 x 11cm (hwd) and a slender subwoofer that comes in at 42 x 12 x 27cm, this is a highly versatile soundbar package that can be neatly tucked onto and under a PC desk, or slot into even the smallest of rooms.

Don’t let the diminutive stature fool you, however – the sound is far more cinematic than we expected at this price.

Computer accessory brand Creative has ditched most fancy features in a straightforward attempt to improve sound, and we think that was a smart move.

As our Creative Stage Pro review reads: “Starting with the 4K Blu-ray of Blade Runner 2049 via our Oppo UDP-203 disc player, we find that the Stage Pro delivers a surprisingly cinematic sound despite its small footprint.

“The challenging bass section towards the start of chapter two is handled with surprising oomph, and while it isn’t the most defined bass that we’ve ever experienced, it remains controlled, tonally balanced and, most importantly, doesn’t distort even at higher volumes.”

The soundbar is an equally pleasant midrange surprise – voices are presented with impressive detail and emotion, while it excels with music too thanks to a pin-sharp sense of timing and impressively clean vocals.

The biggest drawback of the Stage Pro is scale – it struggled to push the sound out to fill our test room fully. But if you have a small room, this ’bar will make an excellent upgrade for your TV speakers, especially at this price point.

The simplicity extends to the set-up process too. A single cable links the soundbar and subwoofer, while the two can be connected easily to your TV or monitor via HDMI ARC or optical cable. There are USB Type-C and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs also, along with support for Bluetooth 5.3.

Given the Creative Stage Pro’s size and price, our expectations were admittedly low going into testing. But we were quickly swayed when we heard the soundbar package in action. For £90 at Amazon, it’s cheap, cheerful, and better than it has any right to be – and it’s our compact soundbar of choice.

MORE:

Read our full Creative Stage Pro review

Check out the best soundbars: options for every need, recommended by our experts

And the best budget soundbars: cheap bars, tested by our experts

Soundbars have come a long way over the years, now offering effective Dolby Atmos and surround effects all from a single bar.

But there’s one element where soundbars struggle the most: bass.

To address that shortcoming, one of Sony’s most recent releases has come with a convenient solution: the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S comes with a subwoofer included. And you can pick one up for £699 at Sevenoaks.

And it really makes all the difference – when we removed the subwoofer from the sonic equation, the soundbar lacked the scale and authority that the tight, agile bass provided.

Unlike its predecessor, the Sony HT-A3000, the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 has dedicated upward-firing drivers, meaning you’ll get ‘proper’ Dolby Atmos height effects and won’t have to rely on Sony’s Vertical Sound Engine processing.

And the effects are immersive and convincing indeed – a test viewing of Top Gun: Maverick resulted in the sound stretching above the TV screen as a jet soared into the atmosphere. You can pinpoint the plane’s position through the audio alone, while a motorcycle ride also showcases the width of the soundstage as Tom Cruise zips from left to right.

Voices are clear and emotive too, offering a huge improvement over most TV speakers.

What makes this soundbar stand out, however, is the well-handled bass from the subwoofer. So much so that when we remove the subwoofer from the equation, the soundbar on its own doesn’t quite feel like great value for money.

As we say in our Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S review: “While it still delivers clear vocals and convincing height effects, the sound is thinner and lacking the sense of scale and authority that we get when the subwoofer is added.”

Given that the package with the subwoofer is only £100 more than the regular soundbar, that really is quite impressive.

The soundbar has a neat design, with a stylish cloth grille and a 6cm height that should easily fit under most displays. The subwoofer is also fairly compact at 36 x 35 x 13cm (hwd), and can work with the grille either facing the listener or the side of the room.

There are plenty of great features, including full HDMI passthrough of 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM for the gamers out there.

There is also DTS:X support, while the Bravia Connect app allows you to fine-tune settings. This is especially important; while there is a remote control, we were disappointed to discover there were no physical buttons or display panels on the Bar 7.

The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S is up against some steep competition, in the form of the Award-winning Sonos Arc Ultra, but does boast a more agile and well-integrated bass. If you’re after a bargain soundbar package that doesn’t disappoint in the bass department, then the Bar 7 and subwoofer duo are a match made in heaven, especially with £100 off at Sevenoaks.

MORE:

Also consider the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9

Check out the best Sony soundbars

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

Amazon's summer Prime Day event has been and gone, but it seems no one told JBL.

One of the firm's star products, the JBL Charge 6, is now even cheaper than on Prime Day, dropping to a new low of £96 at Amazon.

This isn't just any Bluetooth speaker, though – this is our Product of the Year Bluetooth speaker, which beat out some tough competition to claim the top spot.

And just in time, too – its powerful, clear and energetic sound will make it perfect for garden parties and outdoor gatherings, especially with another heatwave on the horizon.

If you're looking for the best Bluetooth speakers, then the JBL Charge 6 is top of our list.

The Charge 6 is the successor to, you guessed it, the Charge 5, which was itself outstanding and our go-to recommendation during its lifetime.

The Charge 6 manages to improve on the five-star Charge 5, starting with a more waterproof, dustproof and drop-proof IP68 rating, beefier bumper guards and a handy carry-handle for portability.

But it's the audio improvements that excite us most. The Charge 6 features a newly developed woofer, but the benefits extend beyond bass.

"The same familial sound between the two Charge generations remains, but the Charge 6 is that bit more energetic and rhythmically driven, with a newfound sense of clarity going hand-in-hand with the added dose of power and punch," our JBL Charge 6 review reads. "This is a sound that goes far beyond the confines of its portable dimensions; we’re always struck by just how mature the sound balance is, even as you push the volume up."

There's a new 'AI Sound Boost' too that analyses the sound in real time to ensure that the sound is always as punchy, exciting, and clean.

There's also a hefty 24 hours of power should you wish to party all day, with an extra four hours available in Playtime Boost mode. Audio aficionados will be glad to hear that 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio is available via USB-C, while there's also support for Auracast audio sharing and the ability to charge your phone.

While several Prime Day deals have gone back up, the JBL Charge 6 has the rare distinction of going down. And honestly, it couldn't have happened to a much better product – it's one of the best Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested, and well worth the £96 at Amazon if you're happy with the black colour.

MORE:

JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Charge 6: which Bluetooth speaker is best for you?

Also consider the JBL Flip 7

Best Bluetooth speakers: tried and tested for every budget

Here at What Hi-Fi?, we are lucky to test the latest and greatest in speakers, systems and all things hi-fi.

Sometimes, though, it’s the older products that are the best. Take the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41; these powered speakers, currently reduced from £529 to £279 at Peter Tyson, were first reviewed in 2022. Since then they have racked up a rather impressive What Hi-Fi? Award tally with four gongs to their name.

Four years on, they are now excellent value thanks to some hefty price drops – and they still sit in our best budget hi-fi speakers as our powered option of choice.

It’s perfectly possible to spend more than a grand on powered speakers, of course, but for those on a budget, the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 offer a compact, great-sounding system for nearly a quarter of the cost, thanks to recent discounts.

Essentially, the Elacs are flexible, fuss-free standmount speakers with top-notch sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity for easy music playback.

Set-up is simple, with all the amplification built into one speaker and a supplied cable to connect it to its passive sibling.

There’s no wi-fi support for internet streaming, though we found the aptX Bluetooth connection works seamlessly, and there are also optical and USB wired inputs for an external music source.

There’s even a built-in switchable moving-magnet phono stage should you wish to hook up a turntable, and an HDMI ARC socket means the Elacs can double as TV speakers also!

We find the digital inputs offer the best sound, but whatever way you listen, the Elacs deliver. Each speaker comes with a 10cm mid/bass unit and a 19mm soft-dome tweeter, which together result in a clear, balanced and insightful performance.

“There’s a good level of detail here and the ability to organise that information into a cohesive and musical whole,” our Elac Debut Connex DCB41 review reads. “As we listen to a range of music from Sorrows Away by folk group The Unthanks to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, it becomes clear that this is a surprisingly capable performer.”

Our only qualms are with the phono stage which lacks dynamic expression, though it’s fine for occasional use.

After four years and four What Hi-Fi? Awards, the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 show no signs of losing their appeal. If you’re after an entry point to speaker systems or just a good bargain, then the DCB41 for £279 at Peter Tyson have proved to be long-term favourites.

If you have a bit more of a budget or are keen on extra features, then we recommend these alternatives too:

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Here’s our full Elac Debut Connex DCB41 review

Want streaming smarts included? Check out our KEF LSX II LT review

These are the best all-in-one systems you can buy

We're now out of the group stages of the FIFA World Cup – but there's still time to watch England's first knockout game on a glorious OLED.

The LG C6, which received a full five stars from our TV experts and is one of our favourite TVs of the year so far, is currently down to £2034 at AO.com.

This includes a £40 cost to join the AO Five Star annual membership, which is required to get this price saving. However, the membership also gets you free delivery and unpacking along with several other perks – just make sure to set a reminder to cancel before next year. More details here.

With Germany crashing out of the tournament already after losing to Paraguay, it's proving to be a World Cup full of surprises. One you'll likely want to watch on one of the best TVs available – so if you get an order in now, you'll still be able to watch most of the knockout stage on a shiny new 2026 display.

The LG C6 currently costs a fair bit more than its predecessor, the LG C5, which saw some rock-bottom Prime Day discounts and is the better choice if you're after value.

But if you're after the latest and greatest TV tech for the World Cup, then the LG C6 is the benchmark at this price level.

It offers several upgrades over the C5 thanks to the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor, which blesses the C6 with a brighter and richer performance, better upscaling and enhanced remastering.

"Even in Filmmaker Mode, the C6’s extra brightness over the C5 is immediately obvious," our LG C6 review reads. "Highlights are more intense, colours have a touch more richness and the overall image carries greater depth and dimensionality."

That extra brightness will come in handy for any viewing parties you have – it's comfortable to watch even with the lights on – and the rich colours will undoubtedly come in useful for bold kits and flushed skin tones. Motion is fluid and controlled too, so there's no fear of fast-paced goals becoming a smeary mess.

Should you wish to take a break with EA Sports FC – or perhaps you're thinking ahead for GTA 6 – then LG's unbeatable gaming specs return. Console gamers can enjoy a silky-smooth 4K/120Hz, while PC owners can go all the way up to 4K/165Hz on all four HDMI inputs, no less. VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming are also included.

All the major streaming services are accounted for on LG's WebOS, including the all-important BBC iPlayer and ITVX, all of which are well optimised and load quickly. There are new home shortcuts and personalised widgets too.

Audio has traditionally never been a strength of the LG C-series, but we're delighted to report some improvements this time round. The overall delivery is more open and immersive than their previous sets, ideal for creating a stadium atmosphere during matches, while Dolby Atmos effects are projected further away from the screen.

With five stars and a record-low price, the LG C6 is an easy recommendation for someone looking to buy one of the latest OLEDs – it's one of the best ways to watch the World Cup at home, especially with £466 off at AO.com.

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Read our review of the LG C5

These are the services you need to watch the remaining World Cup matches in 4K / HDR

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested

Want to play GTA 6 in the best quality possible?

Then we have a serious contender. We were recently blown away by the Samsung S99H during testing – so much so that our TV experts declared the set to be the flagship OLED to beat this year. It may even be good enough to dethrone our current champion, the Sony Bravia 8 II.

This high praise was, in part, due to the excellent gaming features that cater for even the most hardcore gamers, making it one of the top options if you’re looking to seriously splash out for GTA 6.

Luckily, you won’t have to splash out quite as much now – the brand-new OLED is already reduced to £1899 at Richer Sounds for the 55-inch model.

That’s a decently hefty saving of £600 for a TV we reviewed only two weeks ago; but you’ll have to follow a few steps first. The code TRADE250 will bring the price down to £2149. You can then claim £250 back from Samsung after purchase – full Ts&Cs here.

The Samsung S99H is an all-round powerhouse that can handle whatever content you use it for, but it is particularly well equipped for GTA 6 and all things gaming.

This includes support for VRR, ALLM and HDR10+ gaming. It has not yet been confirmed what frame rate GTA 6 will run at, but either way the S99H will be prepared, with support for up to 4K/165Hz signals across all four of its HDMI 2.1 sockets (including the console-friendly 4K/120Hz format).

However, just as impressive is the stunning, contrast-rich picture.

“The resulting picture is extraordinary, and it makes any content we throw at it – from Blade Runner 2049, Civil War, Pan and Drive, to No Time To Die and The Batman – shine,” reads our Samsung S99H review. “We have the S99F set up next to the Award-winning Sony Bravia 8 II, and despite the tough competition, the Samsung delivers an unflinching visual feast.

“Starting with the opening scene of Blade Runner 2049, we find that the S99H serves up oodles of contrast, which results in a deeply three-dimensional picture with superb highlights.”

The S99H’s sound is also a big improvement from its predecessor, the S95F, with plenty of height and width. The 4.2.2-channel 70W sound system lacks volume, but it is ultimately an enjoyable built-in sound system.

In addition to the gaming goodies, Samsung has crammed just about every imaginable feature into the S99H. This includes Samsung’s reliable Tizen OS platform, which has had a slick refresh and covers the usual wide range of domestic and international streaming apps.

There is HDR support in the form of HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG. Dolby Vision is one of the S99H’s most notable omissions, but the next-generation HDR10+ Advanced is on board.

If you want to maximise value, the Sony Bravia 8 II is similarly talented and is available for a cheaper £1699 at Richer Sounds, using the code RSTV100. But if you want to splash out on a new 2026 flagship OLED, we are struggling to find reasons not to recommend the Samsung S99H with £600 off at Richer Sounds.

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Also consider the LG G6

Read our Philips OLED910 review

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested

Assembling a vinyl collection on a budget can be hard work – especially when you’re on the hunt for some wax you’ll really cherish, not just second-hand records with grooves worn thin.

So, as Prime Day rolled around this year, I was eager to see what discounts might pop up on the records that have been missing from my collection.

With all the recent talk of Gen Z’s growing interest in physical formats, I was hopeful that this year’s Prime Day might see a broader spectrum of genres becoming available at a discount. Amazon, surely, are down with the kids… right?

Boy, was I wrong.

Unfortunately, this year’s range of discounted vinyl has been – to put it mildly – disappointing. Better deals were available outside Amazon, such as HMV’s three for £66 bundle, but even still, the bargains were scarce.

Still, never one to give up too early, at least not when browsing records, I trawled through the digital crates so you don’t have to, and came across three Prime Day picks that I think are worth your money.

All Prime Day deals end tonight, so if you’re feeling enticed, now is the time to grab these discounted picks.

We would have liked to provide a more extensive list of vinyl deals, but this year, Prime Day simply hasn’t had much on offer. Either way, we think these three albums will make fantastic additions to any record collection.

Of course, we always advocate for visiting your local record stores, where who knows what deals could be hiding in the crates.

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You can ignore all the Prime Day cheap-turntable deals – these two five-star record players are the only ones to consider

Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

Apple's AirPods wireless earbuds: they're white, and they're expensive. But while the former fact may hold true, the latter certainly doesn't: the AirPods 4 have dropped to just £80 at Amazon – a discount of just under £40. That's their lowest ever price.

But the deal won't last long – it expires at midnight tonight. Which gives you just – checks watch – less than 10 hours to buy. Cue the Countdown music, but extended to nearly 300 times as long.

Apple AirPods 4 best ever price

Apple hiked its prices yesterday due to the global RAM shortage – the AirPods 4 may have escaped unscathed, but this is still your last chance to save before they return to their full price.

We haven't reviewed this exact model, but the equivalent with active noise cancellation (ANC) scored four stars. Given that these are identical (bar the lack of ANC and the associated features), we have a good idea of what to expect.

Think a sonic performance that's close to the outgoing AirPods Pro 2. In our review we concluded that the AirPods 4 with ANC's "snappy, agile and clean performance is easy to enjoy at this mid-range level."

They're very well put together (as you would expect from an Apple product) and a dream to use with an iOS device (ditto). About the only disappointment is the battery life: five hours from the buds alone, and a total of 30 hours with the charging case. Ho-hum.

Still, at this price (£80 at Amazon) you can hardly complain.

And if you do want ANC, the AirPods 4 with ANC are also on sale – they're just £125 at Amazon, but again, the deal ends tonight. Decisions, decisions.

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The best wireless earbuds you can buy

All the action from Prime Day 2026

Sony has the hottest Prime Day headphones deals around – here are 5 of the best I’d recommend and one pair I’d seriously avoid

The (absolutely scorching) sun is starting to set on Prime Day 2026, but there are still plenty of great deals available – particularly on wireless headphones.

We've seen excellent discounts on earbuds and over-ears, from new models to old favourites, current Award winners and five-star favourites.

Unfortunately, this can make it all the more difficult to know exactly which deal is right for you.

We've tested hundreds of headphones here at What Hi-Fi?, and we know a good deal when we see one. And we've been delighted to see discounts on the products we've long been recommending on our best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones buying guides.

So if you're after some Prime Day-specific buying advice, I've found the best headphone deals and fashioned a quiz to help you find the perfect Prime Day pair.

All you need to do is answer two quick questions about your headphone requirements, and we will take you to a five-star pair that What Hi-Fi? has rated and recommended. Enjoy...

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Sony has the hottest Prime Day headphones deals around – here are 5 of the best I’d recommend and one pair I’d seriously avoid

I've tested dozens of headphones – these are the 6 best Prime Day headphones deals I recommend for under £150

As someone who tests home cinema products for a living, I have used countless 4K Blu-ray discs to challenge picture and sound quality on a range of different products. That includes some of the cheapest projectors we have tested (the Xgimi Vibe One, for example) and premium all-in-one sound systems such as the Focal Mu-so Hekla.

There are some discs that I turn to specifically for their unique specifications. Pan, for instance, is a pretty tedious watch, but it is mastered to a whopping 4000 nits, which makes it a great test of brightness.

But the majority of movies I use in the test room are films I would gladly turn on in my living room and watch all the way through. Sadly, I can't justify that when testing (cue the tears and sorrow).

So which 4K Blu-rays am I recommending this Amazon Prime Day?

There are almost too many to choose from, but I have managed to whittle my top picks down to a slender offering of six. Not only will these movies provide a gripping viewing experience, but they will also challenge your home cinema system, whether that’s with its picture, sound or both.

All of the 4K discs on this list are included in the 3 for £50 deal at HMV, which saves you about £10, although that is dependent on which movies you choose. As well as the movies below, I heartily recommend adding our all-time favourites Blade Runner 2049 and Dune: Part Two to your collection if you have not already.

Let’s dive in!

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I couldn’t really say that Prime Day has been overly generous with dedicated hi-fi deals this year, but that hasn’t stopped me hunting around for hidden bargains.

And, I have managed to piece together a very capable (and discounted) system using electronics from just one manufacturer. After all, who doesn’t like having kit that matches in their hi-fi rack?

If you want to purchase your first hi-fi in one fell swoop, you can pick up the Cambridge Audio AXA35 amplifier with £50 off, AXC35 CD player with £50 off and MXN10 music streamer with £100 off, all at Amazon or Richer Sounds.

That makes a combined discount of £200, which I think is pretty attractive in the current economic climate.

Many of us will have CDs at home, but also want to enjoy the wealth of choice that a music streaming service has to offer, which is why I have added both options to this system.

The AXC35 does a solid job of spinning your CD collection. Budget players such as this are becoming increasingly rare, and this model hits the spot, producing a clear and detailed sound for the money.

The MXN10 streamer is a brilliant box of tricks. A delight to use, it offers a wide array of streaming features and sounds absolutely fantastic for the money.

It offers AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Internet Radio. There’s also Bluetooth 5.0 on board, which will come in handy as that’s the only major omission from the amplifier.

Speaking of which, the AXA35 oozes both sonic and all-round appeal. It boasts an even-handed approach to music and delivers dynamics in an impressive, entertaining manner for the money.

The amp also features a headphone output and a moving-magnet phono stage, should you want to add wired headphones or a turntable further down the line.

The only thing missing is a pair of speakers to complete the package – but don’t worry, I have you covered.

As the icing on the cake, I would look to add a five-star pair of speakers such as the Dali Oberon 1. Their unfussy nature and high-quality sound will help allow the electronics to shine. And the best news is that they are discounted from £399 to £299 at Peter Tyson.

If you’re looking to build your first hi-fi system, then I honestly think this combination will serve you well for years to come!

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I’ve always had a soft spot for micro hi-fi systems, so I’m excited to see this awesome-sounding, five-star favourite discounted for Prime Day

Hi-fi speaker deals are thin on the ground this Prime Day, but I have tracked down six of the best worth a closer look

During Prime Day, I always get asked, “are there any good cheap turntables?”

It’s not surprising given how vinyl, and retro hi-fi in general, seems to be growing in popularity with young people (heck, I caught my niece rocking wired headphones the other day!).

And, because I’m lazy, I have decided to address the sea of questions asking exactly that during this year’s Prime Day, here, in one handy article.

And it’s both good and bad news. Yes, there are two very good cheap turntables available right now that will delight hi-fi newbies or people looking to add a cost-effective record player to their existing system. But the deck we recommend most hasn’t had a Prime Day discount.

First up, for people who value audio quality above all else, but are on a tight budget, we have our standard recommendation, the Pro-Ject Primary E.

This is the cheap turntable we have recommended in our best record player guide for years, and the top option right now. It’s available on Amazon, and pretty much all of the specialist hi-fi retailers, for its bog standard £229 (ignore the save £20 icon on some shops, it’s been that price for ages).

The turntable offers the best audio quality you will find for less than £250, and has a pleasingly simple plug and play nature. That’s why we have recommended it for so long; our review verdict sums it up:

“There is a whole cavalcade of budget turntables flooding the market – from Crosley, Lenco, Audio-Technica, Majority and more – with fancy features, electronic speed change, and built-in preamp speakers in snazzy, trendy-looking designs. We can see their appeal, but remain unconvinced when it comes to their sound quality.

“We have no such reservations about the musically entertaining Pro-Ject Primary E. For a beginner’s vinyl revival path who has this kind of budget and is more fussed about getting the best sound from your records than about features such as record ripping and automatic operation, the multiple Award-winning Primary E could be just the ticket.”

That’s as true now as it was in 2018 when we first wrote it.

And if you’re getting a sense of déjà vu, there’s a reason: I have written a version of this piece every Prime Day since I joined What Hi-Fi?.

The only downside for the Pro-Ject Primary E is the lack of an in-built phono stage. This means you need to have an amp or system with one built in, as well as a pair of speakers, to get it running.

If that’s a problem, I am pleased to report there has been one cool development since my last warning against bogus turntable deals; we have a new cheap unit with a built-in phono stage to recommend.

Say hello to the Sony PS-LX3BT, a five-star entry-level turntable we recommend to proper hi-fi newbies who don’t own, or want, a separate system. The unit has a solid built-in phono stage, an equally easy plug-and-play nature as the Primary E, and comes with the added allure of Bluetooth connectivity.

The unit is available for £220 (save £79) on Amazon, though the retailer is reporting only having one left in stock. The next best price is on Sevenoaks Sound and Vision which is selling it for £223.

The Sony PS-LX3BT is a stellar option for people who want a just-add-speakers set-up – if you don’t already own a stereo pair, we recommend the Award-winning Dali Kupid, which cost £299.

The only reason we don’t recommend the Sony over the Pro-Ject overall, is that, during testing when we ran the two head to head, we found the Primary E is still the top dog for audio quality at this price. If plug and play simplicity is your main priority, however, the Sony is the one to get.

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I've tested quite a few budget Bluetooth turntables this year, including the Sony PS-LX3BT and the Sharp RP-TT100, but my top pick for overall sonic performance has to be the Sony PS-LX5BT. Like its LX3BT sibling, the PS-LX5BT earned the full five-star haul earlier this year thanks to its commendable sonic talents alongside excellent usability and multiple ways to listen.

Now that it's dropped to £307 at Amazon, Sevenoaks and John Lewis this Prime Day, you're in a great position to pick up five-star quality for £92 less than its standard RRP of £399. That's roughly 23 per cent off a supremely talented Bluetooth deck that we only recently reviewed!

Best Sony turntable Prime Day deal

The PS-LX5BT gives you the full Bluetooth turntable package, with a built-in phono stage, fully automatic operation and great sonic performance on a budget, although if you're looking to save even more cash, the step-down PS-LX3BT is also on sale for Prime Day.

That said, if you pick the LX5BT, you'll get a better cartridge, a slightly different arm tube, slip mat and finish, as well as fully detachable interconnect cables.

This being a fully automatic turntable, operation and setup are simple. The PS-LX5BT is easy to use and responsive to our commands, without needing to manually adjust the tonearm or tinker with tracking weights.

The PS-LX5BT is supplied with a pre-fitted moving magnet cartridge with a 2g tracking force, with much of the PS-LX5BT's improved performance likely deriving from its more premium cartridge.

For Bluetooth, there’s support for the hi-res aptX Adaptive codec for handling files wirelessly up to 24-bit/96kHz to compatible Bluetooth speakers and headphones, with the PS-LX5BT allowing up to eight devices to be paired at any given time.

Why would you get the PS-LX5BT over the cheaper PS-LX3BT? For us, the costlier deck does a great job of justifying its not-inconsiderable price increase over its more entry-level counterpart, offering a more open, spacious and more detailed sound than the LX3BT.

It also grants more space around instruments and gives the music greater breathing space within its broader, wider soundstage, leading to a more natural and immersive performance. Judged on its own or against its smaller sibling, Sony's affordable player really shines.

All in all, a great turntable with fantastic usability and class-leading sound at a fantastic knocked-down price. Find it at Amazon, Sevenoaks or John Lewis before Prime Day ends.

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Prime Day 2026 LIVE: our home cinema experts' picks of the best OLED TV, Dolby Atmos soundbar, projector deals and more

We have entered the final day of Amazon’s Prime Day sales event – sales are set to cease at midnight.

While we have been carefully choosing which deals to recommend to you and which are best avoided, it’s time to determine which deals are Prime Day winners, and who has provided the biggest disappointments during the sales event.

We have seen loads of excellent AV deals, and some of them can genuinely save you hundreds, and in some cases a thousand, pounds. These are the deals that we think are genuinely worth investing in this Prime Day; they knock prices down to new lows and ensure you’re getting the maximum bang for your buck.

Some products, however, haven’t been discounted at all. One company even decided to raise the prices of its products this Prime Day. These are, unsurprisingly, the losers.

So let’s find out who our Prime Day champions are…

Winner: LG C5 OLED TV

If there’s one TV that has enjoyed some seriously impressive discounts, it’s LG’s Award-winning step-down OLED from last year. We have recently reviewed the five-star C6, and it’s a great TV, but we believe the heavily discounted C5 is the better buy this Prime Day.

We’ve seen the 42-inch model drop to as low as £611, though it seems to have bounced slightly back up to £623 at Amazon; all in all, still a considerable saving over the £1099 price we reviewed it at.

Stepping up to the 48-inch model will also grant you some serious savings, as it can be found for just £725 at Amazon, down from its original price of £1399.

However, the 55-inch model is looking like the sweet spot to us. This set has dropped to a staggering £969 at Amazon – we reviewed it at £1900, so you're essentially saving a grand here.

This versatile OLED TV will impress gamers and cinephiles alike, thanks to its four HDMI 2.1 sockets, VRR support, and LG’s Game Dashboard feature, as well as its detailed, contrast-rich, and balanced picture performance.

Winner: Dolby Atmos soundbars

If there was ever a time to invest in a Dolby Atmos soundbar, Prime Day is it. We are seeing major discounts attached to some of our favourite Award-winning models, meaning now is the ideal time to ditch your TV’s underwhelming built-in speakers.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has dropped from £449 to £337 at Peter Tyson, marking a £112 discount on the best entry-level Dolby Atmos soundbar. The Hisense AX5125H, which adds wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer to the mix, can now be snapped up for a truly impressive £199 at Richer Sounds.

For us, though, it’s the Samsung HW-Q990F at B&Q for £695 that really steals the show here. We have never seen it drop this low before.

That means our reigning Product of the Year winner is currently £1004 cheaper than the price when we reviewed it. And that makes this easily the best soundbar deal of Prime Day, and perhaps one of the best deals we have seen during the entire sales event.

Winner: 4K Blu-ray

Physical media is back!

Well, at least it is this Prime Day; we are seeing a few great deals on 4K Blu-ray. Could they be enough to tempt you away from streaming?

HMV’s 3 for £50 multibuy deal is a tempting choice for those looking to stock up on or start their collection, while Amazon seems to be the best place to buy single discs and box sets.

We are seeing savings on big franchise 4K box sets, including The Lord of the Rings, Mission: Impossible and John Wick, as well as deals on F1: The Movie, Interstellar, Sinners and plenty more.

If you’re sick of streaming, these deals will help you enjoy your favourite films with a greatly improved picture and sound experience, and of course you get to keep them for life.

Loser: Apple

How do you take the concept of Prime Day, and do the complete opposite? Simple: you raise the prices of your five-star hi-fi and home-cinema products.

Apple pulled a blinder in the middle of Prime Day by increasing the price of the Apple TV 4K in both its 64GB and 128GB + Ethernet configurations. We also saw the prices of the HomePod 2, HomePod Mini, and iPad Air rise sharply.

The 64GB version of Apple’s Award-winning streamer now costs £199 (up from £149 / $130 / AU$219); the 128GB model now costs £249 (originally £169 / $179 / $249).

Just to clarify, this is the same 2022 model that Apple is currently refusing to upgrade. In our original review (published back in 2022), we said that “the best video streamer just got better (and cheaper)”, but it looks like we’ll have to amend that line.

Thankfully, a few retailers haven’t caught on to Apple’s price hike yet, so you can still pick the Apple TV 4K up for its original launch price if you’re quick. Buying direct from Apple should be avoided at all costs while these retailers are offering the original prices.

Loser: 4K Blu-ray players

While the 4K Blu-ray format itself seems to be thriving this Prime Day, disc players haven’t enjoyed the same discounts.

Panasonic and Sony, practically the last bastions of the 4K Blu-ray player market, have opted to leave the prices of their respective disc spinners unchanged this Prime Day.

The Award-winning DP-UB820EB is currently sitting at £349, which is higher than the original £290 we reviewed it at thanks to a price increase a couple of years ago (we see where Apple got the inspiration from). Sony’s UBP-UX700K (which is essentially the same as the UBP-UX700), meanwhile, is a whopping £9 off at Amazon, down from its usual £249 price.

Our recommendation for anyone looking to pick up an affordable disc player this Prime Day is to consider the Panasonic DP-UB150EB, which is a fairly affordable 4K Blu-ray player at £159.

That is still £30 more than the price we originally reviewed it at, but price increases seem inevitable these days.

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Prime Day 2026 is almost coming to an end, so if you're seeking a pair of standmounts this summer, the clock is very much ticking.

We've got a sun-soaked deal for you, and it comes in the shape of the very personable Q Acoustics 5010, which have fallen to £349 at various retailers including Amazon, Richer Sounds and Peter Tyson. While that's a drop of £50 from their original £399 test price, various retailers have listed the 5010 at a more hefty £499, making this a more substantial saving of around £150.

Q Acoustics 5010 Prime Day standmount speaker deal

Q Acoustics' 5000 series has been a roaring success, producing the likes of the Award-winning 5050 floorstanders and the also-outstanding 5040 towers. We've been mightily impressed, and while the 5010 standmounts aren't quite in the same league are their larger cousins, they still evidence much of the same characteristics that made the 5050 and 5040 so special.

The build quality is certainly there. The 5010 are well-made speakers, from their signature rounded-off edges to the quality of the single set of terminals housed at each speaker’s rear.

The 25mm tweeter is based on the same design as found in Q Acoustics’ Concept series, wherein the driver is decoupled from the baffle to stop vibrations from the mid/bass unit affecting the sound.

The driver’s inner chamber, meanwhile, has been vented to reduce distortion and promote a cleaner, clearer signature.

Get them up and firing and you'll hear what Q Acoustics was aiming for. As we said in our review, the 5010 are "a deeply impressive pair of standmounts. They produce an immensely cohesive sound, making our music so organised and well integrated that even the Award-winning Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 come across as slightly ill-disciplined by comparison".

Detail levels are immensely strong, with a clean-natural personality that makes mid-range elements such as pianos, guitars and vocals really shine.

The 5010 match those instrumental elements with robustness and power, complemented by ample bass weight that gives tracks enough lower-end oomph.

They're not as snappy or emotionally engaging as, say, the Dali Oberon 1, but we know that the 5010's given sonic signature will have its fans, especially at this significantly discounted price.

Check them out at Amazon, Richer Sounds, Peter Tyson or Sevenoaks.

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Hi-fi speaker deals are thin on the ground this Prime Day, but I've tracked down six of the best worth a closer look

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Prime Day 2026 LIVE: our home cinema experts' picks of the best OLED TV, Dolby Atmos soundbar, projector deals and more