With Black Friday essentially having lasted since somewhere in the first half of November (it feels like it's been about 70 years), you'll have had plenty of time to spend your hard-earned cash on a range of Amazon goodies. That basket looks pretty full to me, and while my superiors won't thank me for saying it, I think you've had enough. You don't need any more deals.

Not really. What I would say is that you don't need this particular deal. The new Amazon Echo Dot Max is £10 off at Amazon – taking the price down to £90. But it's one deal that, all things considered, we'd urge you to stay away from.

Instead, we'd urge you to seek out the Echo Dot (5th Gen), which is only £30 at Amazon right now, if you're after an Amazon-branded smart speaker. It's cheaper, it sounds better, and it's a far smarter buy overall.

The best Amazon Echo Dot Black Friday deal

We had high hopes for the new Amazon Echo Dot Max. We liked the older (but still current) Echo Dot (5th Gen) very much, and when the announcement for a Max addition with a larger footprint, dual drive units and the latest iteration of Alexa was mooted, we were keen to see what it could do.

Sadly, the Max is a startling misfire. During our tests, we found that it sounds bland and muddled, struggling to nail even the most basic requirements of what we look for in a decent smart speaker. It's clever and made to a reasonable standard (it looks like the far superior Apple HomePod Mini), but sonically, it's a huge let-down.

Our advice, if you're seeking an Amazon smart speaker, would be to nab the fifth-gen Echo Dot instead. It won't go as loud and doesn't feature a few of the latest Amazon features, but for playing music, it's far better. Plus, it will do all of the things you need from an Amazon smart speaker, such as accessing Alexa and playing ball with the company's expanded ecosystem.

Or, of course, you could just get the aforementioned five-star HomePod Mini if you're not bothered about being part of the Amazon family, and prioritise sound quality instead.

Either way, if it were our money, we'd avoid the Max regardless of how big the discount was.

MORE:

How to avoid bad hi-fi and home cinema deals this Black Friday – top tips and tricks from our review team

Black Friday home cinema deals live: our experts’ picks of the best savings on TVs, Dolby Atmos soundbar, projectors and more

Black Friday 2025 hi-fi deals live: our audio experts picks of the top savings on speakers, headphones, vinyl and more

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

If you've read our guide on how to avoid bad hi-fi and home cinema deals this Black Friday, you'll have discovered that just because a product is on a tasty discount right now, it doesn't mean it's actually worth your time.

It always pays to shop around for a better product, and to do your research from our reviews and buying guides, even when the price drops are so large and tempting.

We also regularly advise that, sometimes, the older products are the ones to go for. That's the case with Amazon's Echo Dot range of smart speakers: the Echo Dot Max may be the newer product, and it's just dropped from £100 to £90 at Amazon right now, but it's the older, smaller Echo Dot (5th Gen) which, at just £30, that we would easily recommend instead.

A deal to avoid

The cheaper, better-sounding alternative

Surely, the brand-new Echo Dot Max is a better buy than the Echo Dot (5th Gen)? It launched about a month ago, set its price higher, plus it's bigger, houses an extra drive unit, and offers the latest iteration of Alexa in the shape of Alexa+.

Sadly, the Max is a sonic misfire. In our recent testing, we found that is sounds bland and muddled, struggling to nail even the most basic requirements – detail, dynamics and cohesion – of what we look for in a budget Bluetooth speaker. It's clever and nicely made, but sonically, it's a huge let-down, and a noticeable step back on the marker laid down by the Echo Dot (5th Gen).

Our strong advice, if you're seeking an Amazon smart speaker, would be to nab the fifth-gen Echo Dot instead. It won't go as loud and doesn't feature a few of the latest Amazon features, but for playing music, it's far superior.

Plus, it will still do most of the things you'd want from an Amazon device, such as playing ball with other smart devices in the same ecosystem, solid streaming support for the likes of Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music, and, of course, Alexa-guided Skyrim.

The fifth-gen Dot remains a five-star buy. As we said in our review: "Considering the Echo’s diminutive stature and wide-ranging functionality, great sound was no guarantee, but the sonic experience is somewhat remarkable when you also consider the Dot’s remarkably slim price tag and unobtrusive design".

For £60 cheaper than the Max, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) is the one we'd go for every day of the week. Grab one for the ridiculously low price of £30 over at Amazon , Currys, Argos or John Lewis.

MORE:

How to avoid bad hi-fi and home cinema deals this Black Friday – top tips and tricks from our review team

Black Friday home cinema deals live: our experts’ picks of the best savings on TVs, Dolby Atmos soundbar, projectors and more

Black Friday 2025 hi-fi deals live: our audio experts picks of the top savings on speakers, headphones, vinyl and more

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) has dropped to £29.99 on Amazon, down from its usual £54.99 asking price.

This early Amazon Prime Big Deal Days offer brings the diminutive smart speaker tantalizingly close to its all-time low of £21.99, which it hit during the November sales last year.

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) earned a coveted five-star rating from us in our review, following in the footsteps of its accomplished 3rd and 4th Generation predecessors, and remains a useful buy if you're looking for something small, smart and good-sounding – especially with this £25 off deal.

Amazon Echo Dot deal

The Echo Dot (5th Generation) earned our full five-star rating when we reviewed it, and for good reason.

Amazon upgraded the speaker driver from 40mm to 44mm, and the difference is noticeable. During our testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how much sound this compact speaker manages to produce, with noticeably clearer vocals, deeper bass and more vibrant sound across the frequency range.

We threw some challenging tracks at it, including Greta Van Fleet's operatic Meeting The Master, and the little speaker handled the dynamics and range impressively well.

It particularly excels with upbeat material – Katy Perry's Hot N Cold practically bounced off the walls with energy, her vocals coming through clearly and authentically.

The Echo Dot's smart features remain as comprehensive as ever, with Alexa providing voice-activated control for music playback, weather forecasts, alarms and compatible smart home devices.

The speaker supports practically all major music streaming services, including Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and, naturally, the Amazon Music platform – though there’s still no YouTube music integration.

Build quality also punches well above the Echo Dot's weight class and price point. The spherical speaker features a small-knit mesh covering that sits tight to the frame, with a pleasingly solid construction that feels more premium than Apple's pricier HomePod Mini.

The wider base and non-slip rubber bottom help keep it firmly planted on shelves and surfaces, while the minimalist control layout – just four buttons atop the dimpled dome – makes perfect sense for a device you'll primarily interact with via voice commands.

Where the Echo Dot inevitably shows its limitations is with bass detail and maximum volume. The lower frequencies carry decent weight, though some detail gets lost in the mix, and pushing the volume towards the upper limits results in some distortion.

These are understandable compromises for a speaker of this size and price, and they don't detract from what is otherwise an excellent all-round package.

There is, of course, the newer generation Death Star-like Echo Dot Max to consider at £99.99 – though we’ve yet to put it through our review process at the time of writing.

At £29.99 though, this early Prime Big Deal Days offer makes the Echo Dot (5th Gen) a tempting bargain for anyone seeking a versatile, engaging smart speaker that delivers superb sound on a more than acceptable budget.

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Amazon has announced its latest Echo device lineup, made up of four new models that the company says represent its most advanced smart speakers and displays to date.

The new Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11 are now available for pre-order and will launch over the coming weeks.

The Echo Dot Max marks the first time Amazon has engineered an Echo Dot with a two-way speaker system, featuring a high-excursion woofer and custom tweeter. It also marks the first time that the company has gone for a miniature Death Star aesthetic. At least, in our opinion.

Amazon claims it delivers nearly three times the bass of the fifth-generation Echo Dot, while maintaining the compact footprint of the Dot range.

The redesigned internal architecture integrates the speaker directly into the device housing, doubling the air space available for bass response. It will retail for $100 / £100 / AU$200.

The refreshed Echo Studio, meanwhile, has been reduced in size by 40 per cent compared with the original model, while retaining support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos.

It combines a high-excursion woofer with three full-range drivers and features a spherical design with 3D-knit fabric. The Echo Studio is priced at $220 / £220 / AU$429.

In an interesting new feature, both the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio support Alexa Home Theatre, allowing users to connect up to five units with compatible Fire TV devices to create a surround sound system.

Amazon says this eliminates the complexity and cost typically associated with multi-speaker home theatre setups, though we’ll have to wait and see how the setup actually sounds before getting too excited.

Elsewhere, the new Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 feature redesigned displays that combine in-cell touch and negative liquid crystal technology. Amazon says this approach reduces lamination layers while maximising viewing angles, with the high-definition screens packing more than a million pixels.

Both models include a 13-megapixel camera for video calls and feature front-facing stereo speakers with a custom woofer for spatial audio.

The Echo Show 8 will cost $180 / £180 / AU$349, while the Echo Show 11 is priced at $220 / £220 / AU$429. An optional adjustable stand will also be sold separately.

All four devices are built around Amazon's new custom silicon – the AZ3 processor in the Echo Dot Max, and the more advanced AZ3 Pro in the Echo Studio and Echo Show models.

These chips include an AI accelerator designed for edge computing and improved wake-word detection, which Amazon claims is nearly 50 per cent more accurate than previous generations.

The devices also incorporate Omnisense, Amazon's sensor fusion platform that combines data from multiple sources, including cameras, audio, ultrasound, wi-fi radar, accelerometers, and wi-fi channel state information. This system is intended to enable more contextual and proactive responses from Alexa.

US customers purchasing the new Echo devices will receive access to Alexa+, Amazon's generative AI-powered assistant, out of the box. The Alexa+ service is not yet available in the UK, Australia, or other regions, though Amazon says the new hardware is designed to support these features once they launch.

The Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio will be available from 29th October, while the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 will arrive on 12th November.

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Amazon is currently selling an Echo Dot (5th Generation) smart speaker bundle as part of its Prime Day sales event.

You can currently grab two Echo Dot (5th Generation) speakers in Charcoal, plus a Tapo L530BA Smart Light Bulb, for just £66 – down from the original bundle price of £130.

Here's what makes this deal particularly tempting – a single Echo Dot (5th Generation) speaker normally costs £66 on Amazon. In other words, with this deal, you're essentially getting a second five-star speaker and a smart bulb for free.

While this isn't the absolute rock-bottom price we've witnessed – the Echo Dot hit £22 during Black Friday 2023 – it's still an excellent deal for anyone wanting to spread smart audio across multiple rooms or share one with a friend.

Amazon Echo Dot deal

The Echo Dot (5th Generation) earned our full five-star rating when we reviewed it, and for good reason.

Amazon upgraded the speaker driver from 40mm to 44mm, and the difference is noticeable. During our testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how much sound this compact speaker manages to produce.

We threw some challenging tracks at it, including Greta Van Fleet's operatic Meeting The Master, and the little speaker handled the dynamics and range impressively well.

It particularly excels with upbeat material – Katy Perry's Hot N Cold practically bounced off the walls with energy, her vocals coming through clearly and authentically.

Of course, the laws of physics still applies. Bass response has its limits, and you'll hit distortion if you crank the volume too high.

But for everyday listening in smaller rooms, the Echo Dot delivers musical sound that punches well above its weight class.

Audio aside, the practical benefits are solid too. Alexa responds quickly to voice commands, whether you're asking for weather updates, setting alarms, or controlling compatible smart home devices.

The speaker plays nicely with most major streaming services as well – Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer are all supported, though Tidal users will be disappointed.

The Charcoal finish looks smart and unobtrusive, and build quality feels reassuringly solid despite the compact size.

One thing to note though – Amazon removed the 3.5mm output jack from this generation, which might frustrate users who want to connect to external audio systems.

The bundled Tapo smart bulb adds extra value, though we can't comment on its performance for obvious reasons. Even without it though, two Echo Dot speakers for £66 represents cracking value.

If you're looking to establish multi-room audio or want to gift quality smart speakers without breaking the bank, this is a deal that's definitely worth considering.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)

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Amazon Spring Deal Days: the best TV, hi-fi, home cinema and audio deals

The Echo Dot (5th Generation) smart speaker is now available for £45 on Amazon, down from its regular price of £55, thanks to Amazon’s Spring Deal Days sale.

The current discount makes for a solid £10 saving which, while not the lowest price we've seen – it dropped to a remarkable £22 during the November Black Friday sales – is still the best price we've spotted in the past three months.

Amazon Echo Dot deal

And that's the slight catch. At £45, the latest generation Echo Dot represents solid value but if you’re not in a rush, we’d consider waiting until Black Friday in November, for likely (though never guaranteed) deeper discounts.

In our review, we awarded the Echo Dot a full five stars for sound, praising its impressively expansive audio performance (for its size), which delivers clear vocals, deep bass and vibrant sound, courtesy of its single 44mm front-firing speaker – 4mm larger than the previous generation's driver.

When we put the diminutive speaker through its paces, we were pleasantly surprised by its sonic capabilities.

Playing Greta Van Fleet's operatic ballad Meeting The Master revealed impressive dynamics, range and a balanced overall presentation – a remarkable achievement for such a compact and affordable smart speaker.

The Echo Dot particularly shines with bright, energetic tracks.

We found Katy Perry's Hot N Cold popped with energy, the peppy drum beat given appropriate spark and spirit. Perry's vocals came through authentically, occasionally breathy and then punchy as the chorus hits.

As you’d expect from such a compact speaker, however, bass response and volume capacity both have some limitations.

The speaker starts to struggle and distort at higher volumes in particular, though it still delivers room-filling sound in smaller spaces.

Beyond the sound, we were also impressed with the Echo Dot's build quality and design. Available in white, charcoal and blue, its subtle, unobtrusive aesthetic fits well in virtually any environment.

The speaker mesh feels premium, and there's a pleasing solidity when held, along with practical touches like a non-slip rubber bottom to prevent it from moving during use.

Alexa integration remains excellent, with the voice assistant quickly responding to commands for music playback, weather forecasts, alarms, and control of compatible smart home devices.

The speaker integrates major streaming services including Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer, though Tidal fans will be disappointed by its absence.

It's worth noting that unlike previous models, the 5th Gen Echo Dot has removed the 3.5mm audio output – a point of frustration for some users who want to connect the smart speaker to external audio systems.

At £45, the latest generation Echo Dot represents solid value, though if you’re not in a rush, we’d still recommend waiting until Black Friday in November, for likely (though never guaranteed) deeper discounts.

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Read our full review of the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)

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Amazon Spring Deal Days: the best TV, hi-fi, home cinema and audio deals

At full price, the five-star Amazon Echo Dot is one of the more affordable smart speakers around, but when it sees a deal like this, it's an absolute stone-cold bargain. It's currently £22.99 at Amazon – that's 58 per cent off. Thank you, Black Friday.

It is £1 higher than its best ever price, which it reached during last year's Black Friday. But we can't see it falling much lower than this.

The Echo Dot was available on a two-for-one deal recently. But this deal is preferable, as not everyone will want to buy two speakers at a time.

Best Amazon Echo Dot (5th generation) Black Friday deal

We awarded the fifth-gen Echo Dot five stars when we reviewed it last year, calling it an impressive performer that gave remarkable value for money – and that was before its price was slashed in half. Costing a little more than your Friday evening order from the local Indian, this is a no-brainer if you're mad about all things Amazon.

As well as wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the Echo Dot has Amazon's Alexa voice assistant onboard, which means you can control it entirely with your vocal cords. It's capable of hosting a range of audio streaming services including Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music, although sadly, Tidal isn't supported.

You can control a whole range of smart home devices using the Dot, while Alexa is also on hand to answer general trivia questions, read the news and weather, or even play games (Skyrim, anyone?). In terms of sound quality, we were mightily impressed by the Dot, asserting that the "dynamics, range and balance of presentation are impressive, and while you’ll get a far superior experience on more dedicated hi-fi speakers, this is an admirable effort from a budget-friendly smart speaker".

While the Echo Dot is often available for less than full price, it often drops to roughly this price during sales events before springing back up to full price again. If you could do with a small smart speaker for your home, hurry over to Amazon before it returns to its official RRP.

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Read our Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

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The good news is that Amazon's five-star Echo Dot smart speaker has returned to its lowest ever price of £21.99 – that's less than half price. The bad? It's a two-for-one deal, so you'll have to buy two in order to get the lower price per device.

Still, the total price of £43.98 at Amazon is pretty great. For context, the Echo Dot (5th Gen) dropped to £23 during Prime Day last month, but this current price equals its lowest ever, which it achieved during last year's Black Friday. The more things change, the more they stay the same...

Best Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen smart speaker deal

Small and mighty is how we'd describe the fifth-gen Amazon Echo Dot. As well as wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the Dot packs in Amazon's mighty Alexa voice assistant, meaning you can control it with just your voice. The spherical wonder supports a raft of audio streaming services including Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music, though not Tidal at present.

If you've got them, you can control a range of smart home devices using the Dot as your cyber valet, while Alexa can answer so many questions and perform so many tasks that it's genuinely becoming a little frightening. You can even play Skyrim, and that is not a typo. Actual Alexa-based Skyrim.

In terms of sound quality, we stated in our review that the dinky speaker's "dynamics, range and balance of presentation are impressive, and while you’ll get a far superior experience on more dedicated hi-fi, this is an admirable effort from a budget-friendly smart speaker." It really is impressive, rivalling the more expensive (and Award-winning) HomePod Mini for breadth, detail and even sonic punch.

If you could do with a smart speaker for the kitchen or bedroom, Black Friday is definitely a good time to head to Amazon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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An AV launch at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show? Optoma has made use of the gathered congregation of hi-fi heavyweights to debut a new 4K projector, and it's packed with smart features. The UHZ55 joins the UHZ66 (we sense a pattern) in the projector company's current lineup of 4K beamers, and it's making a strong first impression. 

Optoma is touting "true 4K" resolution on this unit, although we presume that's achieved with pixel shifting, as hinted at by the price (more on that later). It's also set to include HDR support via the HDR10 and HLG formats. The big selling point of this projector's picture is the 3000 lumens of brightness and 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio, which means you'll be able to watch it comfortably with the lights on, or so Optoma says. That being said, Optoma did confirm that this projector is destined for home cinema set-ups more than casual lounge environments.

You'll find three HDMI 2.0 sockets for hooking up a Blu-ray player, with one port designated as an eARC socket for connecting audio equipment (Dolby Atmos soundbar or AVR). You can certainly hook up a PS5 or Xbox Series X, but you won't find the latest 4K/120Hz gaming features. No word has been given on ALLM or VRR, but Optoma has been kind enough to include an enhanced gaming mode with a reduced 4.2ms input lag and 4K/60Hz or 1080p/240Hz picture modes. 

If you don't fancy cluttering up your set-up with a dedicated disc player, then you'll be pleased to find a built-in streaming module based on Android. Optoma mentions a Marketplace app for downloading streaming apps; Netflix is even included which is a rarity with built-in streaming platforms on projectors such as these. If cutting cables is your plan then you'll also be pleased to find it's WiSA HT Certified, meaning this projector will play nice with similarly certified wireless audio devices. 

Rounding out the smart wireless features is voice assistant functionality. The UHZ55 is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, providing you have a suitable Echo or Nest speaker (respectively) to connect to the device.

As for the light source, Optoma has made use of Texas Instruments’ DLP technology and Optoma’s DuraCore laser technology, allegedly ensuring up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free use. Optoma also touts easy installation with this unit if you plan on ceiling-mounting it. 

The Optoma UHZ55 is expected to launch in March for £2000 (around $2540 / AU$3860). 

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Read our full Optoma UHD55 review

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As well as the best home cinema deals

A HomePod with a screen could arrive sooner than we thought, if one leak is to be believed. Code within the first beta of tvOS 17.4 (spotted by MacRumors) mentions 'homeOS', thought to be Apple's upcoming software platform for the screen-equipped HomePod.

Apple's first-gen HomePod smart speaker launched running a modified version of iOS 11, but Apple since ported it to tvOS, the same software as the Apple TV streaming box. It's thought homeOS will combine tvOS and HomePod software into a platform designed specifically for the smart home.

Apple mentioned homeOS in a couple of job adverts in 2021, but hasn't used the term since.

The screen-equipped HomePod is rumoured to be a rival to the likes of the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. It will most likely combine the FaceTime and screen skills of an iPad with the voice controls and sonic abilities of the HomePod 2. 

Apple recently added SharePlay to the tvOS 17.4 beta. Scan a QR code on the Apple Music app on the Apple TV, and you can start a SharePlay session. This could also feature on the HomePod with a screen.

We're expecting tvOS 17.4 to drop in March alongside iOS 17.4. Apple usually holds a spring event which could see some new products – possibly an iPad refresh, but the HomePod with a screen could also appear. We'll bring you all the news and rumours when we get them.

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The Echo Pop vs Echo Dot debate is a relatively new one as the Pop only joined the Amazon Echo family in May 2023. Meanwhile, the Dot – a relative veteran – is now in its fifth generation.

The five-star Echo Dot has long stood out as one of the best smart speakers on the market. While it first appeared as an affordable vehicle to get Amazon's Alexa voice control assistant into homes, it has since evolved to improve sound quality. 

It's very accessible as far as wireless speakers go – not least when the Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday sales events roll around and often slash its price in half. But that hasn't stopped Amazon from producing an even more entry-level Echo – the Echo Pop. The Pop undercuts the Dot's price and sports a slightly different design and spec sheet.

So what are these differences exactly and which smart speaker is the better buy in light of them? This guide outlines all you need to know about the Echo Pop vs Echo Dot comparison...

Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Echo Pop: price

The Echo Dot was the most affordable Amazon Echo speaker for a long time, sitting below its pricier Echo and Echo Studio siblings. It currently costs £54.99 / $49.99 / AU$79, though we have seen it fall to less than half that during sales events. During Black Friday week, it cost £22 in the UK.

The Amazon Echo Pop is now the cheapest model in the Echo lineup, priced at £44.99 / $39.99 / AU$59. Again, you can expect this cheap price tag to drop even lower during sales events. During Prime Day 2 week, it cost £18 in the UK.

**Winner: Amazon Echo Pop**

Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Echo Pop: design

The design of budget smart speakers has typically been in keeping with their price – compact and minimalist for the most part, with very few flourishes. However, later generations have evolved their appeal, whether through their shape, materials or colours. The latest Dot is a good example of that.

The fifth-gen Dot sports a spherical design measuring 8.9 x 10 x 10cm (hwd) and offers an outer of finely woven speaker mesh with a smooth plastic base. The Alexa ring, which encircles the bottom rim, glows blue when the assistant is called into action. Amazon boasts that you can tap the Echo Dot pretty much anywhere and get a response from Alexa. The Dot also features touch controls that are useful for pausing songs, ending calls and snoozing alarms, while Charcoal, Deep Sea Blue and Glacier White are your colour choices. Note that for a slight premium you can buy an Echo Dot with Clock version that clearly displays the time through an LED display, whereas the Pop doesn't have that option.

The newer but more affordable Amazon Echo Pop, meanwhile, is understandably a simpler affair, with a spherical back but a flat front where the speaker fires from. Its slightly smaller physical form is therefore like a sliced-in-half Echo Dot and does look a little more akin to that of your standard bedside clock.

The Pop has volume controls on the top and an LED light across the top to illuminate when Alexa is listening actively. The Pop comes in a few more colour options than the Dot – Charcoal, Glacier White, Lavender Bloom and Midnight Teal.

**Winner: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)**

Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Echo Pop: features

For both the Dot and Pop, the real central feature is Amazon's Alexa voice control assistant. Since she works the same in both models, they start out on pretty even standing.

Connection to both speakers is done wirelessly via Bluetooth and wi-fi. You can Bluetooth music from your smartphone to either speaker, though you'll likely make more use of the wi-fi connection, which facilitates Alexa voice control and music streaming from Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music or other supported online services. There are lots of third-party 'smart' integrations outside of music listening too, such as Ring doorbell alerts and Nest smart heating controls.

Alexa also has its own range of apps, aka "Skills", from playing games to enjoying quizzes and learning fun facts. That said, the simple search functionality is excellent now, with most questions answered using search results where the source is quoted before the answer is read out to you.

So how do the two vary on the feature front? While the 'smart' software brains are the same, there are a couple of hardware differences. The Dot has a temperature sensor that isn't featured on the Pop. This sensor allows you to set routines that are triggered by the indoor temperature. Want a smart heating device to kick in when it gets below a certain temperature in the room the speaker lives? That's an option with the Dot, which you can't do with the Pop.

Amazon also says the Dot offers a "Bigger Vibrant Sound" than the Pop, though its driver is actually smaller than the Pop's – 1.73 inches compared to 1.95 inches.

**Winner: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)**

Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Echo Pop: sound

While you shouldn't expect either Echo to compete with pricier options found in our best Bluetooth speaker buying guide, there's a reason the Echo Dot 5th Gen features in it as our pick of the 'best smart' speaker – it has an impressively expansive sound for its small size and is pleasingly clear and weighty too.

We weren't hugely keen on the sound of Amazon's early Echo models, but the trajectory has been very much one of continual improvement. Amazon said its fifth-gen efforts would result in the best-sounding Echo Dot yet, and it's quite right. 

We haven't put the Echo Pop and Echo Dot side by side in a sound quality shootout yet, but we would expect the Pop to offer a performance not a million miles away from its sibling. The Dot will likely deliver a more room-filling soundstage due to its spherical design, even if it has a smaller driver inside.

**Winner: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)**

Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Echo Pop: verdict

Amazon has arguably always been the biggest name in smart speaker technology thanks to its Alexa assistant and Echo lineup, and it's easy to see why it remains so popular when you consider what the Echo Dot and Pop offer for such low asking prices.

In our minds, however, the Dot wins the day. For the extra tenner over the Pop, you get a more premium, refined design, an onboard temperature sensor for greater smart integration, and most likely a more room-filling sound.

That said, if you're looking to fill a small space, are fond of one of the Pop's extra colours, and/or wouldn't benefit from the temperature sensor, the cheaper speaker could be all that you need. And you could put that saving towards something else – perhaps even another Pop for another room.

MORE:

Read the full Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

These are the best smart speakers money can buy

Compare the Echo lineup: Which Amazon Echo speaker should you buy?

Do you need a new smart speaker? If the answer is yes, Amazon's Echo Show 5 bundle is more than worth a look for just $40.

In our Echo Show 5 review, we gave the smart speaker five-stars for overall excellent Alexa performance, impressive AV quality, and a solid build. This is a great smart speaker made even better by this smart light bundle.

Echo Show 5 smart light Amazon bundle

Amazon Echo smart speakers have been around for a while, long enough for Alexa to become to predominant virtual assistant, but Amazon's Echo Show line adds something else to the smart speaker formula: a big display. Not only is doing a lot of things easier on a Show, but with this sale, it's now fantastic value.

With the Echo Show 5, you're getting built-in speakers, rich Alexa integration, a 2MP camera, and support for all your favorite streaming services. Use your Echo Show to make video calls, watch TV, display photos, and so much more than what you can do with just a smart speaker like a traditional Amazon Echo.

But you're not just getting a smart speaker, you're getting a smart light, too. Included with the Echo Show is a Sengled Smart Color Bulb, and you can use Alexa on your Echo Show to control the Sengled light totally hands-free.

If you need a full-featured smart speaker or a smart light, Amazon's Echo Show 5 bundle is a great choice. Now that it's nearly half off thanks to this Amazon deal, it's an excellent time to pull the trigger and get one for yourself. 

MORE:

Read our Amazon Echo Show 5 review

And check out our list of the best smart speakers

And all the best Alexa speakers

Do you need a smart speaker? If so, you can't go wrong with an Echo Dot, especially when it's over half off and down to just $23 over at Amazon.

In our own Echo Dot review, we gave this speaker five-stars for impressive audio quality, fantastic Alexa integration, and a sleek design. For just $23, it'll be tough to find a better smart speaker for the money.

Amazon Echo smart speaker sale

Amazon has been making Echo smart devices for quite a long time; however, the Echo smart speaker is the classic Echo device. For a fifth-generation product, there should be a good deal of polish, and with this Echo speaker, there definitely is. From sound quality to features to build, there's a lot to love.

With the 5th Generation Echo, you're getting full Alexa integration support, Bluetooth, and three finishes to choose from. In terms of sound quality, there's a solid amount of unity and cohesion on display here. With a small speaker, audio quality can't compete with hi-fi kit, but the Echo does a solid job.

In summary, this is a robust, well-designed smart speaker. If you're looking for a helpful little device to listen to music on occasionally and ask to tell you the weather and whatnot, the 5th Gen Echo is a great fit, especially at $22 off.

MORE:

Check out our full 5th Generation Amazon Echo review

As well as our list of the best smart speakers out there

And our list of all the best speaker deals live right now

While Amazon has been making streaming sticks for nearly a decade, it's a relative newcomer to actually making TVs. But in the few short years that its Fire TVs have been on sale, they've come on in leaps and bounds.

It now produces three ranges: the Fire TV 2-Series, Fire TV 4-Series and Fire TV Omni QLED. The latter is what we're interested in here, as it's the flagship range in Amazon's Fire TV family.

So what does the Fire TV Omni range offer? How much do the TVs cost? How do they compare to what else is available? And should you buy one if you find a great deal? Let's find out.

Should you buy an Amazon Fire Omni TV? The short answer...

Amazon is a relative newcomer to the world of TVs. While the e-commerce giant has been installing its software on other companies' TVs for a while now, it only launched its own Amazon-built TVs in 2021. Of course, Amazon has the resources of a small country, and so doesn't do things by halves – and its foray into TV-making is no different.

The Fire TV Omni QLED range boasts very impressive functionality – it essentially has a Fire TV Stick built into the set, giving you all the major streaming apps (with all four flavours of HDR baked in) and Alexa voice controls. The design might be a bit more basic than more style-conscious TVs, but it has it where it counts, which is picture and sound quality.

This being Amazon, the TVs are priced very competitively, but you shouldn't take the official price as your final answer. Amazon loves a sale, and it regularly lops a lot off the price of its TVs (just as it does its Echo speakers, Fire TV streaming devices and Fire tablets). We've seen up to 40 per cent off its Fire TV Omni QLEDs. So while they are definitely worth considering, you should never pay full price.

Should you buy an Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED QL50F601?

The QL50F601 is the 50-inch entry in the Omni range. And it's a belter, earning a 2023 What Hi-Fi? Award for its efforts. 

Design-wise, it's not as fancy as the 65-incher below – it has black plastic in place of the silver metal accents. But it has an impressive array of features for its price. These include an Ambient Experience (which is essentially a screensaver that appears when the TV detects your presence), Alexa voice smarts, the Fire OS operating system, support for all four current HDR standards (HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision) with even Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive (which automatically adjust to ambient lighting conditions), and QLED panel technology, plus VRR and ALLM for gamers across all four of the set’s HDMI ports. One of those ports is also eARC-enabled so can send uncompressed Dolby Atmos signals to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver.

Performance? Very good. It's no giant killer, but it is a surprisingly consistent and considered performer that works within its means to provide a very satisfying and authentic picture. Colours successfully tread the fine line between vibrancy and subtlety, and skin tones are natural and fairly delicately shaded. The audio is a little restrained, but that's preferable to the kind of distortion you hear from boomier, bassier TVs at this end of the market.

The QL50F601 is officially priced at £650 / $530, but we've seen it dip as low as £400 / $350 so do keep an eye out for discounts.

Should you buy an Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED QL65F601?

The QL65F601 is the 65-incher in the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED TV, and the largest member of the family. It offers pretty much the same specs and features as its 50-inch sibling, just on a larger scale.

It earned 'only' four stars in our review, however. While that's a very respectable score, it does suffer from some picture issues that aren't as apparent on the 50-incher.

Low-light scenes cause it the most problems, with a slight lack of shadow detail and some patchiness to colours. Motion also tends to be a bit smeary. But these are minor issues that many people will be able to overlook, especially given the price.

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED QL65F601 retails for £1000 / $800, but we've seen it go as low as £680 / $590. For reference, Samsung’s 2023 QLED range starts at £1299 in the UK for a 65-inch model and is unlikely to be discounted by the same percentage.

Should you buy the other Amazon Fire TV Omni QLEDs?

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED range includes other TVs in more sizes, though we haven't tested them.

The 43-incher doesn't support full-array local dimming (instead it's direct LED) which will affect the picture. Full-array local dimming splits the screen into zones, which can be controlled independently, so the screen can react more accurately to what image information it's being fed. We would therefore be cautious with the 43-inch Omni QLED. It might be very good, but it's too different to the larger models to be safely recommended.

But the 55-incher – like its bigger siblings – does support full-array local dimming. In fact, it should perform essentially the same as the 65-inch model, so while we haven't tested it we do feel fairly confident that it will be good and worth taking a punt on when it's discounted.

You'll find the latest, lowest prices for every model in the range below.

MORE:

QLED vs LED: which TV panel technology is better?

Should you buy a TCL TV? Find out here

Need help? How to choose the right TV 

Save big with our pick of the best TV deals

It’s fair to say that the standard of budget TVs has dropped significantly in recent years. We used to be able to rely on Samsung to produce impressively capable and feature-packed TVs at accessible prices, but no budget TV from Samsung has achieved higher than four stars in the past two years – and most have been rated lower.

It looks as though salvation could be at hand, though, from a slightly unlikely source – Amazon. 

Before we received the 65-inch Amazon Omni QLED in for review, we were expecting a TV packed with features and an eye-opening specification for the money, but likely short of cinematic quality. What we found was a TV that combined a very strong feature set and specs with surprisingly considered picture quality. It fell just short of a five-star rating on account of a slight lack of shadow detail and some smearing to motion but, knowing how much variation there can be between different-sized versions of the ‘same’ TV, we were keen to do a dedicated review of the 50-inch model.

So here we are, with the 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED which, as you will have spotted, gets the final, fifth star that its bigger brother missed out on – and claims a place on our list of the best 50-inch TVs.

Price

The 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is officially priced at £650 / $530 (around AU$1250), which, as you will see, is very good value for the features and performance on offer.

Even so, you shouldn’t pay that much for it. That’s because Amazon has regularly discounted it since launch – and by large amounts. We have seen it go as low as £400 / $350 – and at those sorts of prices it’s a pretty incredible bargain. At anything below £500 / $500, we would say this is an excellent buy.

Design

The 50-inch version of the Omni QLED has a slightly less premium design than the larger models, with the silver metal accents having been sacrificed in favour of plain black plastic. The feet are black plastic, too, and as with the 65-inch model, they are positioned right at the extremes of the bottom edge, giving the set an unhelpfully wide footprint. The bezels on the sides and top of the screen are decently thin, though, allowing the display itself to do most of the talking.

Also as with the 65-inch model, the 50-inch Omni QLED has an unusually large undercarriage. This houses several sensors and microphones, the former primarily for the so-called Ambient Experience, which is essentially a screensaver that activates when the TV does a Darth Vader and feels your presence, the latter for – you guessed it – voice control.

As you can probably imagine, Alexa is baked right into the Omni QLED user experience, allowing you to control almost every function using your voice. It also works like a standalone Echo, too, so you can control lights, music and any other Alexa-compatible device via the Omni QLED without the screen itself even turning on.

That isn’t to say that you have to use the TV’s Alexa functionality at all, though – there’s a perfectly serviceable remote control handset in the box as well as an old-school physical switch beneath the TV that entirely disables the microphones. A red light appears in the undercarriage to confirm that the TV is not listening.

Features

Just as unsurprising as Alexa featuring prominently in the Omni QLED’s makeup is the fact that it features the Fire TV smart platform – that’s sort of the whole point of the TV.

While it’s clear that not everyone wants Amazon in their face every day, it has to be said that Fire TV is superior to many smart TV platforms in terms of useability and app support. Yes, there’s a degree to which Amazon’s own content and services are promoted, but that is surely to be expected, and there are no blocks put in place between you and third-party apps.

The Omni QLED’s app support is, in fact, near-flawless. All of the big hitters, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and, yes, Prime Video are on board, but so are less ubiquitous, localised services such as Now and Discovery+ (the new home of BT Sport / TNT Sports) in the UK. All of the UK’s catch-up apps are also present, as well as a Freeview tuner for live, over-the-air broadcasts.

The Omni QLED also goes further than even flagship TVs from the likes of Samsung, LG and Sony by offering support for all four current HDR standards; HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. In fact, it goes as far as offering Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive – versions of the respective formats that automatically adjust to ambient lighting conditions, which are of course measured by those sensors built into the underside of the TV.

The pure panel technology is more advanced than is standard at this price, too. As the name suggests, this is a QLED TV that uses Quantum Dots to (in theory at least) reproduce more vibrant colours than are possible from a standard LCD TV. It not only features direct LED (rather than edge LED) backlighting, which should result in extra brightness, but also local dimming across 48 individual zones (compared with the 80 zones of the 65-inch model), which should make for better contrast than is available from TVs without local dimming.

Gaming specs are also better than the budget TV norm. As with the 65-inch model, this is a 60Hz panel, so 4K/120Hz is always going to be out of reach, but VRR and ALLM are supported across all four of the set’s HDMI ports. One of those ports is also eARC-enabled so can send uncompressed Dolby Atmos signals to a soundbar or AV receiver (assuming that also supports eARC).

Picture

It would be easy to assume that Amazon had used its might to gather eyebrow-raisingly impressive components for the money yet paid little attention to the finer details of picture quality, but the Omni QLED provides evidence of genuine effort. We’re not saying that this is a giant-killer of a TV that you should consider if an OLED is within reach, but we are saying that it’s a surprisingly consistent and considered performer that works within its means to provide a very satisfying and authentic picture. 

Watching Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, we find the Dolby Vision Dark mode to be too dim even in a pitch-black room, Dolby Vision Bright is good, though, combining deep blacks with satisfyingly punchy highlights. This isn’t a TV that sets out to dazzle, though – it instead opts for balance. In a shop, that would look like dullness next to the super-vivid TVs adjacent, but at home, it’s natural in a way that means you don’t question the delivery and instead focus purely on what you are watching. That’s a more impressive feat than you might imagine, particularly at this level.

Colours successfully tread the fine line between vibrancy and subtlety, and skin tones are natural and fairly delicately shaded, avoiding the waxy appearance that many budget sets are guilty of producing. Edges are sharp without over-exaggeration, and while detail levels obviously aren’t up there with those of the best higher-end TVs, they are impressive for the price, with Harrison Ford’s scars, wrinkles and grey stubble resolved in satisfying fashion.

When the action moves to a network of caves later in the movie, the Omni QLED proves itself capable of producing decently deep blacks for a backlit TV; and while the black bars are a little less black than they should be, particularly in the corners, that is mild and easy to ignore. What’s more, the backlight is very consistent overall, with no patchiness and no obvious blooming.

The 65-inch version of the Omni QLED missed out on a fifth star primarily because of a slight lack of shadow detail and some patchiness to colours in low-light scenes, but this 50-inch model is better in these regards, particularly the former. We certainly don’t feel as though we are missing out on any of the action in the cave scenes, and we have tested plenty of TVs that look murky here.

Another issue raised in our review of the 65-inch model was a certain amount of smearing to motion, most notable as people move their heads. This flaw is still present with this 50-inch model, though it’s slightly less pronounced, and certainly isn’t something that gets in the way of an enjoyable movie night.

Switching to Pan in HDR10 (we actually opt for the Film Dark preset with standard HDR10 and HLG content), it’s clear that the Omni QLED lacks the brightness headroom to do real justice to movies mastered to a very high peak, and the brightest highlights are a little over-exposed, but the TV does a good job overall of tailoring the presentation to its limits.

Dropping down to HD with 1991’s The Fisher King demonstrates that while the Omni QLED isn’t an upscaler of the level of a top Sony or LG TV, it again produces a nicely balanced picture in terms of contrast, colours and sharpness, though a little more noise-suppression would be nice.

Sound

Broadly speaking, the key to the Omni QLED’s success in terms of picture quality is the way it works within its means rather than attempts to perform feats of which it’s incapable – a common trait of budget TVs. The same is true of its audio performance.

There is no Dolby Atmos processing here and no attempt to go particularly bassy, so you get neither the spaciousness nor weight that the best TVs deliver. What you do get is a very clear and direct delivery that avoids the sort of low-end distortion that is common from TV speakers – even those of very high-end sets.

In terms of detail and dynamics the sound is unremarkable but fine, and there is nothing in the presentation that distracts or annoys. There’s a lot to be said for that, particularly at this end of the TV market.

Of course, a budget soundbar will enhance your movie enjoyment significantly, and we heartily recommend that you stretch your budget to include one if at all possible.

Verdict

The standard of budget TVs is lower now than it has been in years, but that’s not to take away from the Omni QLED’s performance, which is markedly more assured, considered and authentically cinematic than expected at this level, now or in the past.

The Amazon Omni QLED clearly isn’t up there with the latest OLED models, but if those are out of reach, this is an excellent compromise that will give you authentically cinematic entertainment for very little money (and effort).

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Going bigger? Here's our 65-inch Amazon Omni QLED review

Also consider the Sky Glass

Read our LG OLED48C3 review

These are the best TVs you can buy right now

Well that didn’t take long. The Amazon Echo Pop launched barely four months ago, but it’s already had its price slashed by 60 per cent. That brings it down to just £17.99 – a ridiculously low price for a smart speaker.

But hold your horses, there’s a better deal to be had…

Best Amazon Echo Pop deal

The Echo Pop launched as a cheaper, more colourful alternative to the Echo Dot. Its front-firing speaker is said to be "great for bedrooms, flats, or any small space in the home." Because of its shape, its sound profile is likely to be less wide than the Echo Dot's, though without testing it, we can't say for sure.

What we can say is that Alexa is onboard, and will work as on other Echo speakers. Just speak its name and its digital ears prick up, ready to obey your every command.

It comes in four colours: charcoal, white, lavender and teal.

But wait. While it looks like a good buy, we can't recommend it wholeheartedly without having tested it for ourselves. Which is why we would advise buying the Echo Dot instead, which scored five stars in our review. It's on offer at the moment as well, and at £21.99, is just £3 more than the Echo Pop.

Best Amazon Echo Dot deal

Now this is sound quality you can bank on. In our review, we praised its "impressively expansive sound" – though it can distort at higher volumes, so it's not going to rival the audio quality of much pricier speakers. But for small gatherings, or a kitchen disco while you cook, it's ideal.

We also liked its sturdy design and user friendliness.

Of course you can take a punt on an unknown quantity and opt for the Echo Pop. But for the sake of £3, we would go for the Dot and know it'll do us proud.

Both deals are valid until 8.59am on 17th October, so will last through the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale next week.

MORE:

Unsure which Amazon Echo you should buy? Consult our guide

Check the best smart speakers around

Kit out your house with the best multi-room systems

Like a shark swimming through the deep, Amazon never sleeps. It's no surprise that one of the biggest companies in the world continues to churn out products at a quite alarming rate, exemplified by the rapacity and frequency at which it pushes out the various iterations of its Echo range. The classic Echo, the Echo Dot, the Pop; the factory line never stops turning.

It wasn't much of a surprise, then, that Amazon's recent showcase saw the reveal of a new Amazon Echo Show 8, a reimagined version of the brand's flagship screen-ready smart speaker with an overhauled design and plenty of internal changes.

With an edge-to-edge glass touchscreen display and a centralised camera being introduced alongside the implementation of Alexa (now smarter than ever), the Show 8 has seen a complete design overhaul from those iterations that came before. 

It isn't just visual changes that make the Show 8 noteworthy, however. Amazon's latest smart speaker comes equipped with custom-built spatial audio processing support, as well as room adaptation technology that senses the acoustics of the room and then fine-tunes playback depending on the position, something we've seen in rival speakers such as the five-star Apple HomePod 2. 

What we haven't seen before is something Amazon has dubbed "Adaptive Content". Essentially, using computer vision, the Show's home screen changes and adjusts depending on your proximity to the unit: the further away you are, the less info the screen shows. The closer you get, the more detailed the content becomes. 

Alexa obviously returns, with Amazon promising the smartest iteration of its smart assistant yet. Using a new, large language model for quicker responses and up to 40 per cent faster response times, Alexa is now more natural and fluid with its tone and delivery. 

The reveal of the Echo Show 8 came alongside a host of firsts and unveilings from Amazon, including new kids' devices, a new Fire TV stick, a Fire TV Soundbar and, perhaps most interesting of all, a pair of smart glasses dubbed the "Echo Frames" which feature open-ear audio, long-lasting battery and, of course, hands-free Alexa access. We might stick to reviewing the audio and AV items for now...

The Echo Show 8 will be available to buy for $149 dollars (further prices pending). Shipping next month, it can be ordered today via Amazon.  

MORE:

Check out our list of the best smart speakers you can buy

More into Apple? Here’s our Apple HomePod Mini review

Amazon Echo vs Apple HomePod Mini: which is the best smart speaker?

Sonos's newest and simplest soundbar is unsurprisingly hugely popular. It's the £279 / $279 / AU$399 that draws people in, of course, but they stick around for the energetic sound, ease-of-use and upgradability.

You likely already know that, though, because if you've made your way to this page it's probably because you've already got a Sonos Ray and are intrigued to discover some ways in which you can make it even better.

Now, we're not saying you're going to discover any Earth-shattering revelations here – the Sonos Ray is a delightfully straightforward device, after all – but there are some small adjustments and improvements you can make. Five of them, in fact. And here they are.

1. Add an Echo Dot

It doesn't feature Dolby Atmos or HDMI connectivity, but arguably the Sonos Ray's most significant deficiency in everyday use is its lack of voice control. Thankfully, this can be fairly neatly and fairly inexpensively rectified through the addition of an Amazon Echo Dot.

If you don't already have an old Echo Dot gathering dust somewhere (that's a second-generation model you can see in the photos throughout this page), you can usually pick one up for peanuts during events such as Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day and the Boxing Day Sales.

Once you've got your Dot, place it as close as you can to the Sonos Ray, set it up as usual via the Alexa app, and then create a group that includes it and the Sonos Ray. Select the Sonos Ray as the 'preferred speaker' and the two devices will work in almost perfect harmony, with the Ray automatically playing any music you request via Alexa.

2. Do the Trueplay tuning

It's tempting to think that because it doesn't do Dolby Atmos or any other particularly fancy surround formats, the Sonos Ray doesn't need to be tuned to your room, but that's not really the case. Granted, the Ray sounds good as it is, but by doing the Trueplay tuning you can often improve bass response and tame the treble, which can be a little insistent in some rooms without calibration.

Unfortunately, you can only do the Trueplay tuning if you have an iPhone or iPad, but it's well worth persuading an Apple device-owning friend to pop over and help you with the calibration if you're an Android owner yourself. It's simply a case of opening the Sonos app, heading to Settings and selecting the option, and it takes no longer than a couple of minutes.

3. Experiment with the Loudness feature

While it's rarely worth fiddling with the Bass or Treble sliders of a Sonos speaker, the EQ menu also contains a sound setting called 'Loudness'. This is on by default and in most cases that's how you should leave it, but if you find the Ray's sound to be too forthright for your individual tastes, it's worth trying turning it off. You can do it while listening to music or watching a movie, so you can hear the difference 'live' and make your own judgement.

4. Consider adding (cheap) surrounds

While it doesn't support Dolby Atmos, the Ray can handle Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround, and you can add surround speakers to it. If you're a movie fan or gamer, doing so can be well worth it, but it's not worth adding the likes of Era 300 or even Era 100 speakers as these are disproportionately expensive if the Ray is your soundbar. Instead, we'd recommend the Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf or Symfonisk Lamp speakers, which are much more affordable and more discreet as well – perfect for a smaller room.

The new Sonos Sub Mini is tempting, too, but we think that's overkill for the Ray – better to spend the money upgrading the Ray to a Beam Gen 2 or even an Arc instead.

5. Check your TV is outputting the best format

On the subject of sound formats, it's worth checking that your TV is outputting the most appropriate one. This sort of thing varies from TV to TV, but you should find the option in the sound menus. Selecting Dolby Digital is broadly the right move with Sonos soundbars, but try PCM if you have issues.

MORE:

These are the best budget soundbars you can buy right now

Here are essential tips for the Sonos Arc

We've had Christmas in July, now get ready for Prime Day in October. Amazon has another sale happening soon, and while it may have a different name, it sounds very much like a Prime Day event to us.

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days will take place in October across 19 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the US, and the UK.

There's no word on what kind of products will be on offer, but expect all manner of headphones, TVs and Bluetooth speakers to be among them. Like Prime Day, the event will be exclusively for members of Amazon Prime – here's how to sign up for a free trial.

Could we see some tasty deals on the new, five-star Sony WF-1000XM5? Maybe big-screen OLEDs like the Samsung S95C and LG G3 will see their prices slashed? And what of Amazon's own devices, like the Echo Dot (5th Gen) speaker (pictured)? They're usually first in line for a discount come sale time.

Apple's iPhone 15 should launch in September, ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, so we might even see a few bucks off that. One thing's for sure – it's bound to be a busy time in the run-up to Christmas.

Amazon has promised to provide more info nearer the time. Stay tuned!

MORE:

Here are the best wireless earbuds: budget and premium

Check out the best headphone deals

And the best TV deals

Prime Day has been and gone, however, Amazon is still offering massive savings on its flagship Fire TV Omni QLED sets.

At the top of the range, you can grab the larger 65-inch QLED model, which we reviewed and gave an impressive 4-stars mere days ago, for £700. That's a sizable 30 per cent saving on its regular £1000 cost. It's also not far off the discount we saw just last week during the Amazon Prime Day sales.

Below it you can grab the 55-inch Omini QLED for £450, which is a 40 per cent saving on its regular £750 price, as well as the 50-inch (usually £650) and 43-inch (usually £550) models which are down to £450 and £340 respectively. 

To catch readers up, the Omni QLED sets are the flagship range in Amazon’s own-brand TV line. Like all the retail giant’s Fire devices they have one singular aim - to offer the best bang for your buck possible. And having seen the entire range at the UK launch event and thoroughly put the 65-inch version through its paces in our test rooms we’re happy to recommend them, especially at this price.

During our review TV editor, Tom Parsons found: “While clearly not up there with flagship TVs from premium brands, the Omni QLED delivers better picture, sound and features than the price suggests.”

He was particularly happy with the TV’s clear audio, which is rare with next to all the affordable TVs, and many expensive ones, offering poor sound quality. Add to this its balanced picture performance and QLED panel and it adds up to be a great value purchase if you can’t afford to pay more.

Another welcome perk for people with Echo speakers is the fact the Omni line comes with the addition of a built-in far-field microphone for hands-free voice control. This also lets any Omni Series TV double as an Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

The only downside is that while they do have robust HDR standard support and a run using Amazon’s Fire OS, which is wonderfully intuitive for Prime customers and features all the app support you’d expect, they don’t have Dolby Atmos. But at this price that is a very modest compromise, especially for the 65-inch QLED.

To put the price in context pricing for Samsung’s 2023 QLED range starts at £1299 / $1000 for a 65-inch model. This makes the Omni QLED one of the best TV deals we’d recommend for any buyer on a budget.

MORE:

These are the best TV deals available right now

Check out our picks for the best TVs

These are the best cheap TVs we've tried and tested

Amazon's offering massive savings on the 65-inch and 55-inch versions of its flagship Fire TV Omni QLED sets on the final day of Prime Day 2023, marking the perfect opportunity for buyers on a budget to pick up a big screen telly.

At the top of the range, you can grab the larger 65-inch QLED model, which we reviewed and gave an impressive 4-stars mere days ago, for £649.99 . That's a sizable 35 per cent saving on its regular £999.999 cost. 

Below it you can grab the 55-inch Omini QLED for £449.99, which is a 40 per cent saving on its regular £749.99 price.

If you're interested we'd recommend jumping on the deals fast for a couple of reasons. First, Amazon Prime Day is set to end at midnight today and the company has already started closing down deals on other Omni TV sets.

Yesterday you could also pick up the 43-inch model for £299.99, which was a massive 45% saving on its regular £549.99 price. The 50-inch Omni was also on sale for £399.99, which marked a 40 per cent saving on its normal price. However, both deals have since ended and the smaller sets are now retailing for their regular price on Amazon.

Second, because as cheap TV deals go, we can personally confirm the larger Omnis are among the best you’ll find this Prime Day.

To catch readers up, the Omni QLED sets are the flagship range in Amazon’s own-brand TV line. Like all the retail giant’s Fire devices they have one singular aim - to offer the best bang for your buck possible. And having seen the entire range at the UK launch event and thoroughly put the 65-inch version through its paces in our test rooms we’re happy to recommend them, especially at this price.

During our review TV editor, Tom Parsons found: “While clearly not up there with flagship TVs from premium brands, the Omni QLED delivers better picture, sound and features than the price suggests.”

He was particularly happy with the TV’s clear audio, which is rare with next to all the affordable TVs, and many expensive ones, offering poor sound quality. Add to this its balanced picture performance and QLED panel and it adds up to be a great value purchase if you can’t afford to pay more.

Another welcome perk for people with Echo speakers is the fact the Omni line comes with the addition of a built-in far-field microphone for hands-free voice control. This also lets any Omni Series TV double as an Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

The only downside is that while they do have robust HDR standard support and a run using Amazon’s Fire OS, which is wonderfully intuitive for Prime customers and features all the app support you’d expect, they don’t have Dolby Atmos. But at this price that is a very modest compromise, especially for the 65-inch QLED.

To put the price in context pricing for Samsung’s 2023 QLED range starts at £1299 / $1000 for a 65-inch model. This makes the Omni QLED one of the best TV deals we’d recommend this Prime Day for any buyer on a budget.

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Amazon Prime Day actually takes place over two days this year. It started on Tuesday the 11th July and ends today, Wednesday the 12th July. We've seen tech deals aplenty on everything from 4K OLED TVs to wireless headphones and stereo speakers, but they won't last forever. If you're wondering when they end, this is the page for you.

Prime Day is set to end at 11.59pm on 12th July (i.e. tonight).

These are the exact start and finish times given by Amazon wherever you are in the world...

• Our pick of the best Prime Day tech deals
• I've found the 12 best Prime Day deals on What Hi-Fi? Award winners

When Prime Day 2023 ends

• UK (BST): 11th July 00:01am to 23:59pm 12th July
• US (ET/PT): 11th July 3am (ET) / 00:00am (PT) to 2:59am (ET) / 23:59pm (PT) 12th July
• Australia (AEST): 11th July 00:00am to 17:00pm on 13th July

Essentially, Prime Day deals run until the end of Wednesday (or seep into the next day if you live in Australia or the east coast of America).

Remember, to be eligible for the Prime Day deals, you have to be an Amazon Prime member. But if you aren't part of the Prime family already, don't sweat, there's still time – you can sign up for a 30-day free trial now. You can even cancel before your first billing period and pay nothing.

And if you are already a member and ready to look through the best deals, you don't have to endlessly trawl Amazon to find something decent. We've done all the browsing on your behalf and have picked out the very best deals.

Some deals might continue into Thursday the 13th, but why take that gamble? If the prices go back up you might have to wait until November and Black Friday for them to drop down as low again.

We have got the best Prime Day TV deals, Prime Day headphones deals, Prime Day AirPods deals and much, much more.

Check out our ultimate Prime Day deals guide for more. Or you can check out the quick links below. Happy bargain hunting!

Amazon Prime Day quick links

• Amazon Prime Day: deals on TVs, soundbars, speakers and more
• Prime Day deals under £15 - bag yourself a bargain
• Alcohol: Up to 33% off whisky, rum and vodka
• Up to 60% off Amazon devices - Alexa, Echo, Fire TV, Fire Tablet
• TVs: up to 39% off Samsung, Sony and Hisense
• Headphones: up to 43% off wired and wireless
• Up to 22% off Apple and Beats - headphones, accessories, wearables
• Richer Sounds: VIP deals on speakers, TVs, AVRs and projectors
• Sevenoaks: save on OLED TVs, speakers and soundbars
• John Lewis: Summer Sale on TVs, phones, computers and speakers
• Currys: 'Epic Deals' on laptops, TVs, phones and monitors

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Another 31 days have passed, which means it’s time for a fresh instalment of What Hi-Fi?’s Pick of the Month column.

In this feature, we detail the top-scoring products to have passed through our listening and viewing rooms over the past month.

It has been a busy one for our team of product experts, with oodles of fresh hi-fi and TV / AV treats being put to the test. But, only an elite few managed to earn perfect 5/5 scores and our reviewers’ personal seal of approval, making this month’s column a particularly short one.

Without further delay, these are the best products we’ve tried and tested over the past month.

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) 

The Echo Dot 5th Generation is the latest small smart speaker from tech and retail giant Amazon. 

Having finally gotten the small spherical unit into our listening rooms, the smart speaker impressed our team of testers. Though its small dimensions and affordable price meant that, unsurprisingly, the sound isn’t perfect or anywhere close to hi-fi level for the money, it is impressive.

Everything from rocking Led Zeppelin tracks to pop from Katy Perry sounds good enough for casual listening during our checks. This, plus its smart functionality, which lets you quiz Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant and use the speaker to control compatible smart home tech, led our reviewers to conclude:

“The latest Echo Dot sees Amazon taking its diminutive smart speaker to the next level as we enter the model’s 5th Generation. We rated the five-star 4th Generation of the Echo Dot so highly thanks to its broad sound, robust Alexa integration and sleek design for the modest price, all tricks that the sequel manages to repeat with unerring confidence.”

Score: 5/5

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review 

Goldmund Mimesis 37S NextGen/Telos 300

Goldmund hardware never comes cheap, but if you can afford its Mimesis 37S NextGen/Telos 300 combination you’re in for a treat, based on our testing.

To catch readers up, the Mimesis 37S NextGen/Telos 300 combo is actually one tier below the Swiss company’s flagship pre/power ladder. For your money you get the Mimesis 37S NextGen pre-amplifier and the Telos 300 power amplifier. 

The Mimesis 37S NextGen preamplifier is the brains and comes in two chunky boxes. The first is for sensitive audio circuits while the second houses a hefty power supply. The idea is that by separating the two you can avoid the unwanted magnetic fields created by the power supply impacting the unit’s sonic performance.

Having thoroughly tested the unit this month, we can confirm it works a treat with the Telos 300 power amp – delivering excellent results across the board regardless of what genre we threw at it. This led our testers to report: 

“When it comes to transparency and resolution these are right up there with the best we’ve heard. So whether these Goldmunds are within your budget or not, we’re just glad that products this good exist.”

The only downside is that there’s no phono stage or headphone output, which is a minor annoyance.

Score: 5/5

Read our full Goldmund Mimesis 37S NextGen/Telos 300 review

Yamaha YH-5000SE 

The Yamaha YH-5000SE are the second uber-expensive item to impress our reviewers over the past month. Though they cost an undeniable lot more than most of the wired headphones we’ve reviewed recently, we can personally confirm they are fantastic performers.

What sets them apart from many headphones is the YH-5000SE’s use of an orthodynamic driver – an older term for planar magnetic. 

If you’re unfamiliar with either term, orthodynamic drivers aim to reduce the potential for distortion you can get on the more common coil drivers seen on many headphones by having the diaphragm etched with a voice coil that sits between opposing magnets. 

Tech aside, the YH-5000SE delivered fantastic results during our listening checks regardless of what kit we partnered them with. Bruce Springsteen’s High Hopes sounded wonderfully detailed and Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa had an uncluttered and expansive feel. This led our testers to conclude:

“We play everything from Stevie Wonder’s Innervisions to Nirvana’s Nevermind, with various works of Ólafur Arnalds in between, and these Yamahas never disappoint.” 

Score: 5/5

Read our full Yamaha YH-5000SE 

KEF R3 Meta

The KEF R3 Meta are a revamped version of the older KEF R3 standmounters we reviewed and gave 5-stars to a few years ago, and at first glance you may struggle to tell what’s different. 

Out of the box, our reviewers were amazed at how similar they look to the original, featuring the same size, build quality and driver sizes. But the answer’s actually in the name. Specifically, the KEF R3 Meta brings the company’s MAT (Metamaterial Absorption Technology) to the table.

This is a key reason we were so excited to get them into our listening rooms as the tech has always performed excellently on past speakers we’ve tested with it, such as the Award-winning LS50 Meta speakers (which sit below the R Series).

MAT is a clever technology that adds a puck-sized, maze-like plastic structure behind the tweeter. The goal of this addition is to help absorb the unwanted backward radiation from the tweeter into the cabinet, thus reducing distortion. 

Running it through our standard suite of listening tests, the KEF R3 Meta performed excellently delivering a transparent, refined, expressive sound, with an even tonal balance that’s heaps of fun to listen to. This earned it a perfect score and led our reviewers to report:

“We haven’t come across many stereo speakers at this price point in recent years that are so accomplished in all the ‘hi-fi’ ways and fun to listen to in the same breath.” 

Score: 5/5

Read our full KEF R3 Meta review

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Amazon has slashed the price of its Echo Dot 5th Gen smart speaker by £20. The Alexa-powered speaker is now just £34.99, down from £54.99 – that's a saving of 36 per cent, and almost matches the deal in Amazon's spring sale a couple of months ago.

That price is for the Charcoal model. The Deep Sea Blue and Glacier White model are £5 extra, at £39.99.

There's no word on how long the deal will last, but with Amazon Prime Day probably happening next month, expect it to shoot back up to full price before too long.

Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen deal

The Echo Dot 5th Gen is Amazon’s latest generation smart speaker. It only launched on 20 October 2022.

We haven’t reviewed the 5th Gen Dot yet, but considering how much we loved the Echo Dot 4th Gen we’re still comfortable recommending this deal.

The 4th Gen Echo scored a respectful 4 /5 when we tested it. Our experts particularly praised its responsive microphones, which made it quick and easy to quiz Alexa about upcoming calendar events, random trivia and control our other smart home gadgets with voice commands.

The Echo 5 shares the same core-DNA and subtle spherical design but comes with a few key upgrades. The biggest include the promise of “radically” improved sound quality, more advanced Alexa commands and mesh wi-fi support. The latter is important if you’ve got a mesh router system, which can use the Dot to extend your wi-fi signal.

But it's not the only Echo deal in Amazon's spring sale. The Echo Dot 5th Gen with a clock built-in is also reduced by £20, to £44.99. 

Amazon Prime Day usually takes place in late June or early July. Amazon hasn't announced the dates for 2023 yet, but there's every chance we'll see plenty more tasty deals like this one very soon indeed.

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The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is back to its lowest price at just £39 on Amazon, John Lewis and Argos. Usually retailing for £65, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is Amazon's top-of-the-line streaming stick before you advance to the Fire TV Cube. This scorching hot deal was available towards the beginning of the month, however, it was quickly extinguished after just a few days; thankfully you can now pick this streamer up at this enticing price once again.

We gave the Fire TV Stick 4K Max four stars in our review back in March, praising its detailed image and wide HDR format compatibility, even calling it a competitively priced media streamer at its original £65 price. 

Now at 40 per cent off the asking price, the Fire TV Stick seems like an even better deal, especially when the current Chromecast rival is now more expensive - however that too is currently on sale for just £45 at John Lewis and Argos. Gooogle's Award-winning Chromecast with Google TV earned itself five stars in our review thanks to its natural picture and sound - however, it's more expensive than the Fire TV Stick so pick wisely.

Our advice? The Chromecast has the better picture and sound so if that's all that matters then go for the Google. However, if you are already invested in Amazon's services like Amazon Echo, or perhaps you have an existing Prime Video library, then the Fire TV Stick 4K Max might be a better choice.

Whichever one you pick, you'll be able to stream your favourite movies and TV shows in 4K HDR on the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and more with these streamers, as well as music from Spotify and Tidal. Both have included remotes and voice controls via Alexa for the Amazon Stick and Google Assistant for the Chromecast, and all you need to hook them up is a TV with an HDMI connector and a socket nearby for power - simple!

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Check out our list of the best media streamers

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Find the best streaming deals

Smart speakers are all the rage right now, and with Amazon recently announcing a raft of new and updated models, including the all-new (and daftly named) Echo Pop, that trend is only likely to continue as our homes become smarter and we, inevitably, become more reliant on trick-laden tech.

Amazon is very much at the forefront of this push through its impressive AI assistant Alexa, but it isn't the only runner in this particular race. Google has its own smart speaker-cum-assistant courtesy of the Google Nest, whereas Apple's Siri-powered HomePod series is keeping this from becoming a Jeff Bezos-controlled monopoly. 

It's an interesting match-up, here, too, with the recently-released, five-star Echo Dot undercutting the Award-winning Apple rival by a considerable margin in terms of cost.

Time to see if Siri reigns supreme or whether Alexa is the ultimate AI.    

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Apple HomePod Mini: price

The Award-winning Apple HomePod Mini offers a smaller and more affordable alternative to its larger sibling, the HomePod 2. The Mini's original £99 / $99 / AU$149 pricing has stayed firm, with a tenner or so off during Black Friday or holiday sales seasons, but it's still a surprisingly affordable option from Apple. And it's still a very reasonable outlay for what remains a very impressive little smart speaker. 

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen), meanwhile, is a much more budget option at £54.99 / $49.99 / AU$79. We've seen discounts popping up for this already – Amazon UK pulled the price down to just £34.99 recently (although it's back up to full price at the time of publishing), but this is one to keep an eye on for big discounts throughout the year. Even at full price, though, the Echo Dot is superb value for money, giving you extensive in-depth Alexa assistance and a solid-sounding speaker to boot. 

**Winner: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)**

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Apple HomePod Mini: design

Most smart speakers are not artistic tours de force, instead opting for unobtrusive, muted designs that can slot into your home's general aesthetic without sticking out like a sausage in a trifle. 

The fifth generation of the Echo Dot continues its run as a spherical object, with most of the Dot covered by finely-woven speaker mesh and the rest encased in smooth plastic at the unit's base. The Alexa ring, which glows a rather pleasing shade of blue when she's called into action, encircles the bottom rim.

The HomePod Mini is rather similar, although there are some key differences. While it's broadly a spherical design, the top and bottom are cut off to accommodate the base and upper control panel respectively, while the speaker mesh is a little wider and loser than that found on the Dot. The top panel does swirl around attractively with multiple colours when you call for Siri's assistance (and when she replies) – it's a more premium finish, too.

You can also tap on the top panel for music playback controls and volume up/down. However, where tapping on the top panel will wake up Siri (apart from just using your voice), Amazon boasts that you can tap the Echo Dot pretty much anywhere and get a response from Alexa.

Aesthetically, though, there's not much to choose from, although the HomePod Mini does come in more colourful shades than the Echo Dot. This is very much a question of taste, though, so we'll consider it a tie here.

**Winner: Draw**

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Apple HomePod Mini: features

In terms of physical connectivity, the fifth-generation Echo does see a downgrade as it no longer supports a 3.5mm input, so there's no longer any way to connect a wired source – that could well be a dealbreaker for some. However, it's the same case for the HomePod Mini, which has never offered a wired connection. 

Connection to both speakers will have to be done wirelessly, then, with Bluetooth for Amazon and AirPlay 2 for Apple coming in handy alongside the home wi-fi network connection.

The HomePod Mini comes fully loaded with Apple's Siri, well-known to anyone who's ever owned an iPhone or pretty much any other Apple product that wasn't the original iPod. Siri's a decent assistant to have around the house – smart, capable and attentive to your questions.

Speaking of being responsive, Siri's knack of always knowing which device is being addressed is particularly clever, especially when you have multiple Apple products knocking around the house. Alexa, meanwhile, can often get confused as to who is speaking and who is being addressed, leading to occasional moments of frustration.

The usual raft of Siri-powered smart functions are all present and correct, including controlling HomeKit-compatible devices, setting timers and alarms, creating reminders, sending messages, making phone calls – the usual stuff, but it's worth bearing in mind that third-party support is still sparse, with Apple prioritising its own ecosystem here. Siri can also make announcements to one or all other HomePods in the house using the new Intercom feature, something that Alexa can also do.

Alexa, in fact, can do pretty much anything the HomePod can do and more, not to mention offering a wider variety of third-party app support and, in some cases, being a bit responsive to questions. In addition to everything listed above (control for compatible smart devices will vary), Alexa has a range of apps, known as "Skills", which allow the Echo Dot to become anything you want. Want to play a game? Ask Alexa to boot up a Harry Potter quiz. Want to have some karaoke fun? Easy. Want Alexa to make a variety of fart noises? You need to grow up, but yes, she's happy to oblige. 

All of this can be customised and set up in the Alexa app, an interface that beats the HomePod's rather sparse, bland Home app hands down. Where Apple claws its points back, though, is via its excellent music curation using Apple Music, learning your tastes and responding to the phrase “Play something I'll like” by streaming a new, unheard collection of songs that fit into your habits. Alexa can't compete with that. 

This depends on what you'll be using your smart speaker primarily for. If it's smart skills you want, go for the Echo Dot. If music playback is the higher priority, we'd recommend the HomePod Mini.

**Winner: Draw**

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) vs Apple HomePod Mini: sound

While this could have been the weakest area for both performers, it's actually ended up as both models' greatest strength. We're at the point now at which audio manufacturers can get impressive amounts of wallop out of the smallest of units (just look at JBL and the portable speaker market), and while nothing will compare to your bespoke hi-fi setup (or a really good dedicated wireless speaker), this is one area in which smart speakers continue to improve.

Amazon promised the fifth generation would be the best-sounding Echo Dot, and it's a promise well kept. Considering the Echo’s small size and big bag of tricks, the sonic experience delivered is remarkable for the price. Rock, hip-hop, even orchestral numbers, the Dot has a seriously impressive crack at it all.

Apple's effort, however, is simply outstanding for its price and size. The sound presentation of the Mini is refreshingly mature, solid and authoritative, while its well-formed bass is seamlessly integrated into the overall picture. There’s even superb tonal balance and consistency, with no frequencies over-exaggerated or colouring the broader ensemble.

The clincher, though, is that the HomePod Mini will support playback of Apple's spatial audio with Dolby Atmos format when connected to an Apple TV 4K. The Mini also supports lossless audio and will play various tracks in up to 24-bit/48kHz quality via Apple Music. 

While the Echo Dot is a perfectly pleasant performer, the HomePod Mini offers the more sophisticated sound quality.

**Winner: Apple HomePod Mini**

Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) vs Apple HomePod Mini: verdict

Amazon and Apple have managed to pull some seriously impressive smart speakers out of the bag. Both the new Echo Dot and the HomePod Mini look stylish and well-made, they're both simple to use and a breeze to set up, and while sound could have been an issue, each manages to deliver enough heft and nuance to justify its existence as a music player as well as a smart assistant. 

Ultimately, your choice may boil down to whether you're more into Apple than Amazon, or vice versa. Anyone who's more au fait with Siri's way of doing things and the wider Apple ecosystem as a whole (and is a firm Apple Music subscriber) will be more inclined towards the charming HomePod Mini, while Amazon devotees will find little to dislike with Alexa's stellar integration with the fifth generation of the Echo Dot. For real music aficionados, though, Siri's fantastic curation abilities may be enough to tip the scales in the HomePod Mini's favour, as will the implementation of Dolby Atmos for certain tracks. 

In reality, though, it's a very close call, especially considering the Dot's measly cost. Taking both speakers at their full price, the Echo Dot and the HomePod Mini are both fairly priced for what you're getting, but if you manage to get the Dot at a discount, it may be hard to resist a five-star performer.

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Smart speakers are becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives. No, we haven’t quite arrived at the point at which all aspects of our domestic existence can be governed by a series of brusque commands to Alexa or Siri like something from 2001: A Space Odyssey, but voice-controlled speakers hooked up to the wi-fi aren’t going anywhere any time soon.

Amazon has been at the forefront of the smart speaker explosion, its Alexa AI assistant now practically synonymous with the whole concept of smart domestic audio. Apple’s own effort in the form of Siri in the HomePod speakers is one of the few that can challenge Jeff Bezos’ bid to dominate the so-called home of tomorrow, but Alexa remains by far the most popular.

The Amazon Echo range, consisting of the standard Echo (5th Gen) model, the hefty Echo Studio, the touchscreen Show series and this Echo Dot, has been a great success for Amazon. We have to admit that we too have been broadly impressed with Amazon’s broad plethora of smart speaker options, particularly the very affordable Dot range which earned five-star reviews for its 3rd and 4th Generation models.

With that consistency has come the weight of expectation, a weight that could be too much for the latest model to shoulder. The new Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) isn’t just tasked with fighting off its rivals, but competing with its own past too.

Price

Considering the Echo Dot (5th Gen) is the smallest speaker in Amazon's Echo range, it isn't surprising that it is also the cheapest. The tiny Echo launched in 2022 for £55 / $50 / AU$99 and has kept its price well, although along with its Echo siblings (and Amazon's Fire range of AV products) tends to enjoy a generous discount during big sales events such as Black Friday and, of course, Amazon's own Prime Day.

Its predecessor, the fourth-gen Dot, has been available at a discount since the current model's arrival and is enjoying its final months of shelf life.

While the smart speaker market isn't riddled with many compact, budget options, the fifth-gen Echo undercuts its closest rival, Apple's HomePod Mini (£99 / $99 / AU$149), and is a different beast in more ways than one. Our Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) vs Apple HomePod Mini in-depth comparison is worth reading if you aren't sure which smart speaker (or brand ecosystem) to commit to.

Build

The fifth incarnation of the Amazon Echo Dot doesn’t exactly break from its predecessor in the looks department, retaining that round shape and understated aesthetic that served the 4th Gen Echo Dot so well. Available in a choice of three colours – white, charcoal and blue – the Echo Dot’s subtle, unobtrusive look is pleasingly un-impactful. It’s not a boundary-pushing artistic tour de force, but it hardly ever looks out of place whether positioned in your swanky modern kitchen or happily perched on your expensive mahogany bookshelf. 

There’s not much going on in terms of physical on-device features and controls, either, but that’s hardly a bad thing. Atop the dimpled dome sit four buttons – volume up, volume down, microphone off and an action button that deals with things like pairing and Alexa control – with the blue “Alexa ring” encircling the bottom of the speaker’s rotund form. Considering the fact that you’ll spend most of your time speaking to the Echo Dot, this minimalist approach makes sense.

Build quality is reassuringly substantial, too. Amazon’s latest smart speaker isn’t exactly heavy, but there’s a pleasing solidity when you hold it in your hand. The small-knit speaker mesh, meanwhile, sits tight to the frame without any noticeable bulges, feeling even more premium than the rival (and more expensive) HomePod Mini. It’s also pretty tough to knock out of place thanks to a wider base area than the Mini, as well as a non-slip rubber bottom to keep it from slipping.

Features

Yes, the 5th Generation of the Echo Dot is a proudly Amazon product, but that doesn't mean it’s limited in its capabilities out of brand loyalty. Practically all ‘rival’ music streaming services are supported alongside its own Amazon Music, including Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music, meaning the Dot isn’t tied down to a single platform. Our favourite music streamer, Tidal, is sadly not catered for, but setting up and using the Dot with Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple Music is a stress-free experience, as is flitting between the services via the designated Amazon Alexa app. 

Speaking of Alexa, Amazon’s AI assistant is as matronly and helpful as ever. “Hey Alexa,” said in pretty much any tone of voice or accent grabs her attention, while a wide range of voice-activated functions is supported, including setting alarms, receiving weather forecasts and playing music on the platform of your choosing. From football scores to the meaning of life, Alexa usually has it covered.

The expected smart functionalities are also pleasingly integrated. The Echo Dot will work with your compatible Amazon smart devices, allowing you to change things like lighting and temperature via Alexa voice command. You can also use the Dot in conjunction with your Fire TV when you set up Alexa Home Cinema for a more immersive and interactive viewing experience. 

There are also a few hidden tricks up the Echo Dot’s sleeve. Tell Alexa you love “her” and it will happily pump out a cheerful tune that finishes with the line: “Know that I’ll be there for you, as always, your trusty AI.” It’s hard to know whether this is the start of a blurred romantic boundary between man and machine à la Spike Jonze’s Her or whether you’re about to be sucked into a scene from Alex Garland’s disturbing 2014 sci-fi Ex Machina.

Sound

Amazon promises that this is its “best-sounding Echo Dot yet”, teasing “clearer vocals, deeper bass and vibrant sound in any room” thanks to a single 44mm front-firing speaker, 4mm larger than the previous gen’s 40mm.

The claims are bold, and yet firing up a range of tracks brings out one reaction above all others: pleasant surprise. Considering the Echo’s diminutive stature and wide-ranging functionality, great sound was no guarantee, but the sonic experience is somewhat remarkable when you also consider the Dot’s remarkably slim price tag and unobtrusive design.

Playing Greta Van Fleet’s Zeppelin-esque operatic ballad Meeting The Master is a stern test for a small speaker, but the dynamics, range and balance of presentation are impressive, and while you’ll get a far superior experience on more dedicated hi-fi speakers, this is an admirable effort from a budget-friendly smart speaker.

Bright, sparky numbers fare even better. Katy Perry's Hot N Cold practically pops with energy, that peppy drum beat given the appropriate amount of spark and spirit as the track bounces along. Over the instrumentation, Perry’s vocals feel authentically like the Californian singer's actual voice, occasionally breathy and then punchy and powerful as the chorus hits.

Where the Echo Dot finds things understandably hardest is with bass, especially with regard to both force and detail. There’s certainly weight at the lower register, even if some of the detail gets lost in the mud, and while there’s no shame in that at this price, it remains worthy of note. 

Volume, too, is always going to be a drawback of a speaker that’s not much bigger than a standard hockey ball. You’ll still receive space-filling sound in smaller rooms around your house, even if the Echo Dot starts to struggle and distort whenever the knob gets turned towards the upper echelons. 

Verdict

The latest Echo Dot sees Amazon taking its diminutive smart speaker to the next level as we enter the model’s 5th Generation. We rated the five-star 4th Generation of the Echo Dot so highly thanks to its broad sound, robust Alexa integration and sleek design for the modest price, all tricks that the sequel manages to repeat with unerring confidence.

This year’s model is stylish, fantastically made and quietly excellent on the audio front, providing a peppy, robust and often genuinely musical sound from a small unit at an even smaller price. If you’re serious about hi-fi then you’ll want to invest in a proper speaker, radio or full-blown system, but if you want a versatile, engaging smart speaker that sounds superb on a shoestring, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) can unquestionably hold its own.

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Features 4
• Build 4

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Amazon continues to bolster its already bulging roster of Alexa-enabled smart speakers with an updated Echo Show 5, the new Echo Show 5 Kids, the vehicle-compatible Echo Auto and, perhaps most excitingly, the all-new Echo Pop smart speaker. 

The Echo Pop features a small-form, semi-spherical design, looking all the world like a sliced-in-half Echo Dot. The new smart speaker is powered by the Amazon AZ2 Neural Edge processor, with its front-facing directional speaker offering a sound profile that Amazon bills as being “great for bedrooms, flats, or any small space in the home.”

The Pop also features the usual Alexa voice control compatibility for a range of domestic tasks and tricks, from reading audiobooks to playing music from popular streaming services, controlling compatible smart devices or even ordering your shopping online. Two new colours are also available for the new Pop model, with Midnight Teal and Lavender Bloom joining the established colour options of Charcoal and White.

Added to this ever-extending Alexa family is a new generation of the Amazon Echo Show 5, the screen-and-speaker system that impressed us when it first appeared in mid-2022. The updated Show 5 has an "entirely new speaker system" that claims to deliver clearer sound and deeper bass, as well as operating 20 per cent faster than the previous generation. A re-engineered microphone array plus the AZ2 Neutral Edge processor, should justify the new model’s £10 increase on the old one. Both the Show 5 and Pop now support the Matter smart platform, too.

Accompanying its bigger brother is the all-new Echo Show 5 Kids, the (obviously) child-friendly version of the Show that offers more kid-appropriate responses, profanity filtering, homework help and pre-approved contact calling.  There’s even a Parent Dashboard where the adults can adjust age settings and parental controls, as well as Amazon Kids+ which gives entertainment and educational content for the little 'uns.

It’s also worth mentioning the new generation of the Echo Auto, now available to buy in the UK, a small and inexpensive device that gives you Alexa access in your car. The usual hands-free options such as making calls, playing music and hearing the news are all present and correct, but there’s also the handy boon of being able to control compatible home devices even when you’re not at home. Handy if you set off for work and realise you’ve left the lights on and the door unlocked. 

The new Echo Pop is available for £44.99 directly from Amazon and can be fitted with alternative colour options via coloured sleeves (Blue, Red, Orange, Grey, Lilac, Purple, and Glow in the Dark) for £19.99 each. The Pop's base price undercuts the current Echo Dot 5th Gen model (priced at £54.99) by a good tenner, and it will be interesting to see how popular the new model proves to be compared to the established Dot. (USA and Australian dollar pricing is TBC).

The next-gen Echo Show 5 is available in Charcoal, White and Cloud Blue for £89.99, while the Show 5 Kids comes in a colour called “Galaxy” for a rather pricey £99.99. The Echo Auto is available for £59.99.  Pre-orders start today and all the devices begin shipping later this month. 

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More into Apple? Here’s our Apple HomePod Mini review

Amazon Echo vs Apple HomePod Mini: which is the best smart speaker?

While tablets aren’t nearly as popular as they once were, I love my iPad Pro and get a lot of use out of it. I use it as a second screen for the football when I’m gaming or my wife is watching something on the TV; it’s brilliant for watching TV shows and movies in bed or on the train, particularly when combined with the AirPods Max; I use it for signing documents far more often than you might imagine; and it’s great as a wireless second screen for my MacBook.

The place I most often use my iPad, though, is the kitchen, and this is arguably where it’s least comfortable.

There are three main issues. The first is that the Magic Keyboard, which is generally a thing of genius and elegance, rather gets in the way when chopping veg and the like, and I worry about covering the keys – which are less easily wiped clean than the screen – with bits of crushed garlic or an errant blob of tomato puree (yes, I am a messy chef). I could get a different stand for the kitchen but I’ve not really got the appetite (see what I did there?) to constantly swap cases.

Second, if I’m not using the iPad to follow an actual recipe, I’m probably using it to watch the football or F1, and then, on top of the existing mess issue, I’m also stuck using the iPad’s built-in speakers for the audio, particularly as Sky Go doesn’t allow you to output the sound to a separate device. The iPad Pro sounds very good indeed by tablet standards, but it’s not like using a dedicated wireless speaker.

Third on my list of first-world iPad-related kitchen problems is that Siri still isn’t a great virtual assistant. Yes, it can handle the basics, but I find myself turning to Alexa (via a Sonos One) for my complex cooking questions even when the iPad is right in front of me, particularly as Siri often says “here’s something I found on the web” and puts it on the screen that I was already using for something else and that I don’t want to touch because my hands are covered in marinade.

None of these niggles prevents me from using the iPad in the kitchen, but it would be lovely if Apple fixed them. Except now it doesn't have to because Google already has, and the solution is really very simple.

The new Google Pixel Tablet comes bundled with a Charging Speaker Dock that acts as a stand, a charger and a speaker for the tablet, essentially turning it into a smart speaker with a screen, rather like the Amazon Echo Show 10 but still with the full functionality of an Android tablet.

It gives the Pixel Tablet a much less obtrusive footprint than the iPad’s Magic Keyboard, it should sound significantly better than a tablet alone, and it will have all of the smarts of a Google Nest speaker. And, unlike a device such as the Echo Show, the Pixel Tablet can of course be undocked and used as a standard tablet around and outside the house.

So, will I be buying a Pixel Tablet? I’m certainly tempted but it will ultimately depend on whether the Charging Speaker Dock works as well as suggested and how the tablet performs as an actual tablet, particularly in terms of picture and sound quality.

It will also depend on whether Apple mercilessly rips off the idea and produces its own speaker dock for the iPad. That would be fine by me, too.

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It’s no secret that HDMIs are precious commodities, and as someone who is slowly accumulating more and more things to occupy these ports, I’m always willing to hear smart suggestions for a streamlined setup. I am also someone who is conscious of cable clutter; in fact, I owe my sanity to a bumper pack of Velcro strips I bought on Amazon about five years ago that have ensured that my wires don’t resemble Spaghetti Junction.

Either way, I’m a fan of combining two separate devices into one package for the sake of convenience and neatness, which is why 2020's Roku Streambar has recently caught my eye. No, it's not perfect – there are obviously better streamers and soundbars out there as separate entities – but the concept just makes sense to me even if the performance here doesn't. And yet, rather than usher in a new wave of similar devices, we haven't really seen anything else like it since. Or have we?

Did you know that Fire TV Edition soundbars exist? I didn’t until now, and that’s probably because they have been a bit of a flop so far. Anker’s attempt has already been discontinued after a CES 2020 debut, and TCL’s offering has gained very little traction as far as I can see. In an ideal world, I want a Fire TV-equipped Echo soundbar, directly from Amazon, and here’s why.

Amazon’s current lineup of Echo speakers is basically begging to be utilised in a home cinema surround format. The Echo Studio is a Dolby Atmos speaker that faired well in our review, and just so happens to cost about half the price of the new Sonos Era 300. It’s already compatible with the Fire TV Sticks and Cube, so the groundwork is there – just imagine it as the rear surround speakers. Now if that wasn’t enough, there’s the Echo Sub, which comes in at around a quarter of the price of the Sonos Sub Mini. What we’re looking at here is a smart surround system that could undercut a Sonos home cinema setup by hundreds of pounds/dollars. Now I just need Amazon to produce something to compete with the Beam Gen 2.

Amazon doesn’t even need to beat the Sonos Beam for sound quality. More important is that it's priced aggressively but includes Dolby Atmos support and has the features of a Fire TV Stick 4K built-in.

Theoretically, Amazon could offer a fully unified Fire TV and Alexa-powered home cinema surround system for the same or less than the cost of the Beam – and who wouldn’t want that? Even if that doesn’t appeal to those who want the best and most expensive home cinema speaker system, you can’t deny that it sounds like an interesting proposition.

The best part is that this isn’t a total pipe dream. As mentioned, Fire TV Edition soundbars are on the market, and Amazon is already expanding its first-party Fire TV hardware with the new 2-Series, 4-Series and Omni QLED TVs, so a new take on the Fire formula isn’t out of the question. The same can be said of Amazon’s Echo lineup, with the Show now coming in more screen sizes than ever and the Dot remaining a popular micro-sized smart speaker, it’s the perfect time to add a new member to the Echo family.

However, all of this Amazon talk has kindled a new tangent, that echoes my initial statement; I want more soundbars with built-in streaming devices, and it's not just Amazon that makes those. If only there was another big brand that has just updated its streaming device and launched a new speaker that can be used to play movies in spatial audio... oh, wait a second...

It’s true that the Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and that’s who I’m setting my sights on next. The Apple TV 4K and a pair of HomePod 2s make for an excellent movie-watching combo, so let's apply the same principle. Imagine a HomePod soundbar, complete with the spatial audio prowess of the latest smart speaker, with a built-in Apple TV 4K for a convenient all-in-one home cinema setup, complete with the usual Apple seal of quality. The fabled Apple ecosystem is already in full swing when it comes to the outstanding synergy between the iPhone, HomePod, Apple TV and Apple’s iTunes and TV+ services – so why not take it up a notch with a soundbar?

But why stop there? After a discussion with my fellow AV enthusiast Tom Parsons, he suggested a soundbar with the new Sky Stream box built in. This sounds like the ultimate all-in-one system for live content, online streaming and upgraded sound, and it could even be a path of retribution for Sky after the slightly misguided Devialet-powered Soundbox from 2019. Instead of an expensive soundbar with no streaming smarts of its own, a more budget-oriented 'bar with the features of the Stream puck built-in makes far more sense.

While some of these concepts are perhaps more realistic than others, the bottom line is that I think Roku is onto something with the Streambar, and I want to see more brands take their own spin on the idea. Amazon, Apple and Sky all seem to have the fundamentals for streaming soundbars lined up, they just need to take the plunge.

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Apple has only just launched the HomePod 2, but already there's word of a follow-up. The next HomePod will feature a 7-inch screen and work as a hub for your smart home, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo posted on Medium that Chinese company Tianma will make the 7-inch screen. The new HomePod "could enable tighter integration with Apple's other hardware products, marking a significant shift in the company's smart home strategy", Kuo writes. 

He reckons it will launch early in 2024.

It sounds a lot like the Amazon Echo Show, which is basically a smart speaker with a screen. Previous reports have mentioned an Apple device that can be wall-mounted to work as a smart home hub, sort of like a big iPad. Apple is likely exploring the ground between those two concepts and perhaps looking to add Apple TV functionality to the mix.

Apple's most recent HomePod looks nigh-on identical to the original smart speaker, which was discontinued in 2021, bar a couple of minor changes. So the addition of a screen would be a major change of direction.

It would also help to differentiate it from Sonos, whose new Era 300 speaker looks like a real rival to the HomePod 2. Apple offers a far wider range of devices than Sonos, so making them more compatible with one another seems like a no-brainer. Launching a HomePod with a screen could well be the most direct route to smart home dominance.

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Set your songs free: these are the best wireless speakers

OPINION: When the Sonos Era speakers leak was published earlier this week, Sonos loyals and tech fans alike collectively voiced a particular hope for them: that they will make ideal surround speakers for the Beam and Arc soundbars, with upward-firing drivers able to deliver the height channels of Dolby Atmos immersive audio for an added rear-channel experience. It’s something our own Editor-in-Chief said would let him create the Sonos home cinema setup he’s always wanted, and I agree that such a comprehensive, Atmos-inclusive AV offering would add a strong string to the company’s bow. Not least if Sonos also rolled out the ability to use new or existing Sonos speakers as discrete left and right channels, which is on many Sonos users' wishlists... but that’s another story.

It’s true, I have my doubts about whether Dolby Atmos or any other kind of spatial audio technology will really stand the test of time within the music replay context, despite 'spatial audio' being adopted by wireless speakers and headphones left, right and centre. While I recognise that spatial audio music can offer an effectively immersive, wraparound sound that some may like – we certainly liked its delivery on the HomePod 2, particularly through two paired together – I don’t think it’ll revolutionise music listening for most people and leave stereo music in the dust. Perhaps it still has more to offer, doing what the Amazon Echo Studio started (through its support of Sony 360 Reality Audio).

But from what is expected to be Sonos’s next potential wireless speaker, I want it to hoist the sound quality benchmark of what is currently available at that level, and push Sonos further into the hi-res audio realm it entered when it started supporting 24-bit/48kHz hi-res streams from Qobuz and Amazon in 2021. "Your options for listening to hi-res audio will continue to evolve. And so will we," said Sonos just over a year ago.

Wireless speakers to take advantage of hi-res audio?

There’s a very real discussion about what level of audio hardware even warrants having hi-res support – are the drivers and processing in many of today’s wireless speakers advanced enough to lay bare the extra insight hi-res recordings harness? The Sonos One supports 24-bit hi-res from those aforementioned music streaming services, but would you be able to tell whether it was playing a 16-bit CD-quality stream or a 24-bit hi-res stream through it? Probably not. The same would be true of the Sonos Five. And the Echo Studio. And the HomePod. And even the pricier, multi-Award-winning Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Gen.

Considering it isn't a given that you’d truly benefit from hi-res over, say, CD-quality listening through even the market's more expensive single-box wireless speakers, hi-res audio and one-box wireless speakers are typically at odds with one another. So along its pledged h-res journey, does Sonos have a speaker in its sights that could do hi-res proud? Possibly, and I am quietly hopeful that an Era speaker – whether it’s the rumoured ones on the near horizon or a subsequent release – might just be it. 

After all, the Era 300 – the bigger of the two rumoured speakers and likely a replacement for the Sonos Five – is expected to deliver the best sound performance of any Sonos product to date. Remember, Sonos acquired a Dutch audio start-up presumably to make use of its HeartMotion balanced membrane driver/transducer technology, which has been explicitly designed to offer bigger sound from smaller packages – so this could translate into a Sonos Five-sized Era speaker with a much-enhanced sound. Or, better yet, a physically bigger speaker with a sound output unrivalled by existing accessible, one-box solutions.

Sonos to leverage hi-res audio elsewhere?

After all, how else could Sonos leverage its platform’s hi-res streaming support? Last year the company revealed plans to enter four new product categories, including one this year – and the Era smart speakers are clearly not that. So we still have that to come. Sonos wireless headphones could well break cover before anything else and, as well as possible TV-listening, multi-source-switching and music hand-off features, they could even have hi-res support over wi-fi, in addition to the usual Bluetooth.

There's an expectation that Sonos will enter the video streamer market, though the company has made it clear that its ambitions first and foremost – albeit not exclusively – lie in premium home audio. So what else could we be in for? A pair of higher-end streaming stereo speakers akin to the KEF LSX II, or even a floorstanding speaker version? Might there be a more premium Amp (streaming amplifier); both a more accessible priced, dongle-like Port (music streamer) and a better-connected, higher-end model; or an AV receiver that can drive existing surround sound speaker packages? 

Whatever kit transpires, Sonos has a lot of potential areas for growth in front of it, and I pray it doesn’t lose sight of evolving sound quality as spatial technologies seemingly take centre stage. I trust it won't.

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Apple’s decision to discontinue the original HomePod was surprising to say the least. The announcement came just four months after the launch of the HomePod Mini, and it never seemed likely that the company intended for its smart speaker family to feature just one, tiny member.

Our suspicion was always that the much-publicised manufacturing issues and parts shortages that have afflicted everything from cars to road bikes, microwaves and printers forced Apple to discontinue the original HomePod before its successor was quite ready. But with each passing month, our confidence that a new model was on the way dwindled.

Now, almost two years since the original’s untimely death, the HomePod 2nd Generation, aka the HomePod 2, is finally here and, at first glance, it looks as if very little has changed.

The familiar exterior of the HomePod 2 hides a number of enhancements, though – most importantly, at least as far as we’re concerned, to the sound. That’s right; the new HomePod sounds even better than its predecessor, and that makes it one of the very best wireless speakers you can buy – as long as you’re a dedicated Apple user, that is.

Price

At £299 / $299 / AU$479, the new HomePod bucks the increased cost-of-living trend by actually launching at a lower price than its predecessor did in 2018.

It is a fair bit more expensive than many of the smart speakers that some people will be considering as alternatives, such as the Amazon Echo Studio (£190 / $200 / AU$329) and Sonos One (£199 / $219 / AU$319), but right in the ballpark of the Award-winning Audio Pro C10 MkII (£329 / $450 / AU$570) which, while more traditional in its appearance, also boasts smart capabilities.

Since the HomePod 2 launched in February, however, Sonos has brought the fight to Apple with the release of its Era 100 (£249 / $249 / AU$399) and Era 300 (£449 / $449 / AU$749), the latter of which, like the HomePod 2, supports spatial audio. Know that this HomePod 2 sandwich is represented not just by the price of the three speakers but also by their performances. More on that later.

Design

Despite having taken a while to appear, the new HomePod looks almost identical to its predecessor. The squat dimensions remain more or less the same (it’s just a smidge shorter than the original), so the new HomePod is once again a little bigger than it looks in pictures. It also dwarves the HomePod Mini, which is only half as tall as its bigger brother. At 200g lighter, the new model is less incredibly dense than the old version, but it still feels very solid.

The new HomePod’s mesh coating looks at first glance to be identical to that of the previous model, but the diamonds in the pattern run vertically rather than horizontally, which helps to make the speaker look a little less chunky. Unfortunately, the pattern is just slightly see-through, which means that at certain angles and in certain lighting, the white model looks as though it has some darker patches that are a bit unsightly.

The best part of the HomePod’s design has always been the glossy touch panel on the top, so it’s slightly disappointing to discover that this has shrunk a few millimetres for the new model. The ‘+’ and ‘-’ icons that only lit up when playing music on the old model are now simply low-tech markings on the panel, which is another slight disappointment. Perhaps this is a cost-cutting measure, or perhaps Apple found that some users were baffled by the sometimes-there, sometimes-not volume controls. We suspect it could be a combination of the two.

The good news regarding the top panel is that while it’s slightly smaller than before, significantly more of it illuminates when you invoke Siri or play a song, making it a far more enticingly colourful surface.

One final, neat little upgrade is that the new model now has a detachable cable, so owners can switch to a longer cable if necessary.

Features

Within the familiar-but-not-identical shell lies a familiar-but-not-identical hardware arrangement. Like its predecessor, the new HomePod features a woofer at the top and tweeters at the bottom – a configuration that is still unusual to this day. As before, the woofer is a high-excursion design that’s capable of moving by an impressive 20mm, allowing it to shift more air than is typical of a wireless speaker’s driver, in theory resulting in louder, weightier sound. The woofer bounces audio off the underside of the glossy top panel so that it can then escape the casework evenly around its circumference.

The number of tweeters has actually been reduced from seven to five, but they’re more tightly packed and more aggressively angled than before. Sound from the tweeters is fired down and outwards from the HomePod via individual horns, with the arrangement designed to prevent sound reflecting off the surface upon which the HomePod is placed.

Arranged between the woofer and tweeters are a number of sensors, including several microphones, that between them measure the performance of the HomePod in real-time, both in terms of its positioning, the music it’s playing, the volume and, apparently, even its own “current mechanical and electrical conditions”. The data collected by these mics and sensors is then analysed by the new S7 chip, and the performance is adjusted so that the sound is as good and correct as it can be at any given moment. To develop this sense of musical correctness, Apple analysed performance in over 1000 real-world places and with over 10,000 of the most popular tracks.

The speed at which the new HomePod adjusts its sound when it’s moved and the consistency of sound it achieves is just one very impressive aspect of this. If you pick it up from a position in free space and move it so that it’s close to a wall, you can hear the sound adjusting to compensate for the new surface (largely by reducing bass) as you’re holding it. More or less by the time you remove your hands, the HomePod sounds essentially the same as it did in its previous position. There’s probably a crazy placement that can flummox the new HomePod, but we haven’t found it yet. And if you do find the speaker to be too bass-heavy at any point (perhaps purely because you’re having a midnight disco and the rest of the house is in bed), there is a ‘Reduce Bass’ button in the HomePod’s settings, which you’ll find in the Apple Home app.

On a more basic level, we’re also very impressed by the new HomePod’s ability to hear ‘Hey Siri’ commands from across the room, even when two of them are blasting at maximum volume. The way it alters its sound when Siri is listening has extra charm to it, too, in that there’s not just a reduction in volume but also a muffling and echoing of what’s playing that’s reminiscent of still being able to hear the band from a music venue’s toilets. It’s highly unlikely that this was specifically what Apple was going for, but we appreciate the nostalgia it provokes all the same.

Unsurprisingly, the HomePod 2 supports Spatial Audio, which you’ll largely make use of in order to play Dolby Atmos tracks via Apple Music, though it can also be used for movies if you have an Apple TV 4K. More on all of that later, but it's worth noting that the Sonos Era 300 supports spatial audio from Apple Music and Amazon Music.

It’s important to point out that while not strictly limited to working only with Apple devices (although you do need one in order to set it up), we wouldn’t recommend the HomePod to people who aren’t already firmly embedded in Apple’s ecosystem or willing to jump into it wholeheartedly. It’s not just about having other Apple devices – after all, most control is done via Siri – you also really need to be an Apple Music user to get the most out of a HomePod.

Spotify, Tidal and Amazon Music users will be disappointed to discover that the HomePod still won’t play music from those services via Siri, even though iPhones will, and in CarPlay mode, too. You can, of course, play music via these other services, but you have to do so via AirPlay, which means the music is being sent from the phone to the speaker. The same is true of non-Apple radio stations, including the BBC’s.

Perhaps that won’t be an issue for some, and there’s certainly no obvious degradation in sound quality when you use the HomePod via AirPlay, despite the theoretical extra compression it will add to higher-resolution tracks, but the best experience comes from requesting tracks, albums, playlists and even more broad musical inspiration (“hey Siri, play something I’ll like” remains a brilliantly powerful command) using your voice. Do so and the HomePod will draw music directly from Apple’s servers in Dolby Atmos, Lossless (24-bit/48kHz) or CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) as appropriate. Somewhat surprisingly, Hi-Res Lossless, which Apple classes as anything over 24-bit/48kHz, isn’t supported via HomePod. In truth, we’re not sure the difference would be noticeable on a speaker such as this, but Apple could have included support as a fun flex at least.

Another neat way for Apple users to interact with the new HomePod (and the HomePod Mini) is Hand Off, which involves transferring music that’s playing from an iPhone to the speaker via a light tap.

Siri can, of course, do plenty besides play music. There are the usual timers, alarms and weather forecasts, but the HomePod can also send iMessages and make phone calls, and it can broadcast an Intercom message to the other HomePods in the house, just in case you can’t be bothered to venture into the East Wing to let your little lord or lady know that dinner’s ready.

As expected, the HomePod is also able to control plenty of smart home devices such as lightbulbs, thermostats, blinds and security cameras. In fact, support for the new Matter platform opens up compatibility with even more devices from even more brands, and the new HomePod even has integrated humidity and temperature sensors, opening up opportunities for greater automation (turn on a dehumidifier when the humidity hits a certain level, for example).

Sound

Of course, it’s the sound that we’re most interested in, and the new HomePod delights in this regard from the off. Breaking it in with Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos version of The 1 by Taylor Swift, we’re immediately struck by the clarity and warmth of the vocals. Swift’s voice is at once airy and focused, and the breathy quality of the delivery is really nicely resolved.

The harmony in the chorus is a lovely advert for Dolby Atmos music and the new HomePod’s ability to reproduce it, with the additional vocal tracks stretching up and outwards, spatially distinct and ethereal but very much part of the whole.

While not the greatest test of extension at either end of the frequency range, this track still proves a good illustration of the new HomePod’s general tonal balance. There’s ample weight and texture to the bassline and a satisfying snap to the rhythmic clapping, with both drawing the ear just as much as they should, complementing the vocals but never overshadowing them.

To give the HomePod’s frequency response more of a workout, we spin up SBTRKT’s Trials Of The Past in Apple Lossless. Trials Of The Past is a rather fizzy recording that’s driven to brightness and sibilance by lots of serious hi-fi kit, so most affordable wireless speakers don’t stand a chance, yet the HomePod 2 delivers it with assured control. The clicky beat and the edges of the vocal sparkle without hissing or irritating, so there’s plenty of excitement without any unappealing roughness. The bassline, meanwhile, has vastly more weight and presence than a speaker this size has any right to produce, yet it’s never overbearing or flabby.

Taking the bass test a step further, we switch to James Blake’s incredibly challenging Limit To Your Love, and again the HomePod 2 puts on a great show. True, the final, deepest-of-deep note in the track causes the compact speaker to lose a little of its conviction, but the fact that it gets down there at all is very impressive, and on the way there it demonstrates the sort of low-frequency flexibility that the average wireless speaker can only dream of. This is no lump of detached bass, but rather a seamlessly integrated and dexterous bottom end, without which the track’s more energetic second half wouldn’t have nearly the impact that it does.

In fact, the HomePod 2 has boundless energy all round. Whether you’re playing a dancy number such as Caribou’s Never Come Back, the ridiculous ’80s-style metal of Kaisarion by Ghost or even a piece of classical music such as Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa, the new HomePod’s enthusiasm is infectious, its rhythmic drive always exciting and engaging.

We’d compare it to a Golden Retriever's eagerness to please, but there’s something much cooler and more effortless (and less slobbery) about the HomePod’s approach. What it really comes down to is that it’s the music that draws the attention and not the actual speaker.

Downsides? Sonically, it’s hard to pinpoint anything really. A more traditional, forward-firing speaker such as the Audio Pro C10 MkII will project further into a room, making for a more direct delivery for those who listen to their music in a more hi-fi-like, sit-down-and-pay-attention style, but we believe that the new HomePod’s more open, less directional and fuller-bodied approach will even better suit the environments in which a wireless speaker most often finds itself. 

And what about the Sonos Era 300? While the HomePod has a wonderfully rich texture and sense of musicality, it is surprising how small-scaled it sounds next to the more open and spacious Era 300, which also manages to outdo the Apple speaker in terms of delivering spatial audio music at every turn. As we said in our Era 300 review, "there’s more power and punch, more convincing shifts in dynamics and emotions, and there is more detail and subtlety around each note". Of course, the Era 300 is a significantly pricier speaker, so its sonic superiority is perhaps expected. Indeed, if your buying decision is between the HomePod 2 and the (Sonos One-replacing) Era 100, the Apple speaker justifies its modest premium with more nuance, dynamic subtlety and a natural way with vocals.

What if you’re lucky enough to have the budget for two HomePods? We’d seriously consider it. There’s even greater weight and solidity to the whole presentation, and both focus and spaciousness improve dramatically. A stereo pair of HomePods is particularly beneficial with Dolby Atmos tracks, which sound even more open and three-dimensional, with very impressive spatial placement of voices and instruments.

Combine those two HomePods with an Apple TV 4K and you’d also get a viable home cinema system, particularly if said Apple TV 4K is a 2nd or 3rd generation model, as they have an eARC port and can send all of your TV’s audio, even that from other sources such as games consoles or Blu-ray players, to the speakers. If that sounds like overkill, consider that two HomePods and an Apple TV 4K will set you back £847 / $727 / AU$1656, which is very similar to what you’d pay for a Sonos Arc. We’re not saying that the HomePod-based system is clearly better than Sonos’s top soundbar, but we are saying that its solidity, spaciousness and musicality make it a wildcard option that’s well worth considering.

Verdict

It’s something of a surprise to find that the new HomePod is so similar in styling and design to its 2018 predecessor, but Apple has clearly decided to iterate on rather than reinvent that original which, let’s remember, Apple started working on in around 2012.

Importantly, there are upgrades, and the new HomePod is smarter and even more flexible in terms of placement than before. It also, crucially, sounds even better. Tighter, more solid, and better organised both spatially and rhythmically, it’s altogether more engaging, exciting and enjoyable to listen to. 

The Sonos Era 300's superior sonic capability deserves to win over those who are willing to spend extra for the privilege of class-leading sound, stereo and spatial. And the HomePod 2 is still not a sensible choice unless you’re already an avid Apple user and preferably an Apple Music subscriber. Still, if you are one, the new HomePod is arguably the best speaker of this type you can buy.

Review published: March 2023. Review updated: November 2024.

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Features 4
• Build 5

Read our review of the Apple HomePod Mini

Check out our feature on the making of the original HomePod

Also consider the Sonos Era 100 or spatial audio Era 300

See how they compare: Sonos Era 300 vs Apple HomePod 2

Set your songs free: these are the best wireless speakers

Almost five years after the original HomePod was released, the HomePod 2 is finally available to buy. The original HomePod was met with critical favour but perhaps didn't take the market by storm as Apple had hoped, as it was discontinued in March of 2021 with no replacement lined up... until now.

So how does the new HomePod 2 compare to the original Apple smart speaker? With our final HomePod 2 review out, we’ve pitted the two side by side in our testing labs to see which comes out on top.

Apple HomePod vs HomePod 2: price

In a very un-Apple move, the new HomePod is actually cheaper than the original. The HomePod 2 costs £299 / $299 / AU$479, while the original retailed for £319 / $349 / AU$499. The savings aren't exactly life-changing, but it's a welcome change nonetheless. 

It is, however, a lot more expensive than the HomePod Mini, which retails for £99 / $99 / AU$149 – although both of these products offer different propositions.

**Winner** Apple HomePod 2 

Apple HomePod vs HomePod 2: design

Apple hasn't reinvented the HomePod's design for the second-generation model, instead opting for subtle updates throughout. The backlit touch display now stretches edge to edge on the top surface of the cylindrical speaker, with the rest of the visible surface area of the device wrapped in fabric mesh material – which Apple has once again made from 100 per cent recycled materials. The design language is even carried through to the power cable, which is now a woven fabric style. It's not detachable, too, which means it can be swapped out for a longer one if you want to position the HomePod 2 a long way from a power socket.

The similar design to the original speaker is a nice touch if you plan to incorporate a mix of original HomePods and HomePod 2s in a multi-room setup, as they should look reasonably uniform.

The HomePod 2 measures 6.6 inches tall, and 5.6 inches wide, and it weighs 2.3kg, making it every so slightly shorter and 200g lighter than the original. We suspect the weight difference is due to the new HomePod dropping two of its tweeters; more on that later.

** Winner: Apple HomePod 2 **

Apple HomePod vs HomePod 2: features

The HomePod 2 includes many of the same features found on the original model, including a control system built around Apple's voice-controlled assistant Siri. Much like Amazon's Echo speakers, you can prompt the assistant with a command phrase, here it's "hey Siri", and ask it to play music, answer questions, read the news and weather, control your smart home appliances and much more.

While it's undoubtedly useful, we found the HomePod over-relied on voice controls in our review. And Siri does, once again, dominate to a certain extent with the HomePod 2, but voice control has become more acceptable in recent years, and the controls via Home and Apple Music have improved a little.

The NFC handoff feature on the new HomePod was also available on the prior generation and Mini; this allows you to transfer music playback from your iPhone to your HomePod by just tapping the two devices together. The HomePod can now also transfer suggested playlists and podcasts to your iPhone when they are in close proximity too. You may notice that we specified the iPhone here, as Android users are left out in the cold by the HomePod yet again.

Much like the first generation HomePod, you'll need an Apple device to set up and control the HomePod 2 – so do not buy a HomePod unless you have an iPhone, iPad or MacBook on hand. 

As for other more positive features that make a return, there's Apple spatial audio support with either a single speaker or two paired in a stereo configuration. On the topic of pairing HomePods together, you can also add a pair to an Apple TV 4K to output TV audio – love or hate Apple's ecosystem, it's here in full effect with the HomePod 2.

So what does the HomePod 2 do that the original can't? Well, this year it's all about Matter, a new wireless standard which creates harmonious union in your smart home. Other major tech companies such as Google, Samsung, Philips and Amazon have all signed onto this shared standard, meaning your HomePod 2 will be able to slot into your smart home set-up with little to no fuss. The HomePod 2 also has integrated temperature and humidity sensors, allowing for some useful smart home automation for those who are into that sort of thing.

** Winner: Apple HomePod 2 **

Apple HomePod vs HomePod 2: sound

While the outside of the HomePod hasn't changed much, Apple has totally redesigned the inside of the HomePod 2 in order to improve the audio performance. 

As mentioned previously, Apple has actually ditched two of the tweeters in this new model, meaning the HomePod 2 now pairs the five-tweeter set-up with a four-inch woofer and five microphones. They are used for everything from receiving voice commands to automatically adapting the sound based on whether you place the HomePod in a corner or in a more central position. Like its predecessor, the HomePod 2 doesn't project into a room like more traditional, forward-firing speakers do, but it is slightly better in this regard than the last model. Plus its dispersive nature is more suited to how people are likely to place it.

Sonically, it's very impressive indeed. Vocals are clear and warm (especially with Dolby Atmos tracks), bass has more weight and presence than a speaker this size has any right to produce, and it's all delivered with the kind of boundless energy and rhythmic drive you can't help but find infectious.

Essentially, it's the same excellent HomePod sound we know and love, but with even more pep and excitement. It's rhythmically and spatially even better organised, and it's controlled, too, so that extra excitement absolutely never veers into brightness, sibilance or other irritation.

The original HomePod was no slouch, earning five stars in its review thanks to its weighty and authoritative sound, although we felt that the mid-range could be better defined at times. The new model doesn't get muddled in more congested parts of tracks, as its predecessor did – even when the going gets tough, the new HomePod marshalls proceedings effortlessly, giving every instrument and effect room to breathe, both in terms of timing and space.

Two HomePods working in tandem make a fantastic setup for Dolby Atmos tracks, with more openness and three-dimensionality, and very impressive spatial placement of voices and instruments. Add an Apple TV 4K and you’ve got yourself a viable home cinema system.

** Winner: Apple HomePod 2 **

Apple HomePod vs HomePod 2: verdict

This is a particularly easy conclusion to come to: the HomePod 2 is the original, excellent HomePod made even better. It's cheaper, smarter, has better compatibility, and it sounds much clearer, cleaner and more exciting.

With its upgraded smart integration and even better audio performance, the HomePod has made a triumphant return, admirably filling the full-sized-smart-speaker-shaped hole that's been in Apple's lineup for nearly two years now. Buy with confidence.

But what if you already own the original? Should you scrap the old model and splash out on a HomePod 2? To be honest, we wouldn't be in a major hurry to upgrade (unless you really want to, of course). Yes, the new model sounds better and offers some new smarts that might appeal to some people, but the original is still a very good wireless speaker.

MORE:

Read our full Apple HomePod review

And our Apple HomePod Mini review

Sonos Era 300 vs Apple HomePod 2: which smart speaker is better?

Here's our HomePod 2 vs Sonos One shootout

The HomePod 2 has zero competition – and that's a problem 

The Apple HomePod is back! Yes, the smart speaker that Apple discontinued back in March 2021 has returned in HomePod 2 guise for a second stab at the wireless-speaker market.

But what about the competition? What product does the HomePod 2 have in its sights? Is there actually any competition for it? Well, from our perspective, one of its closest competitors can be found in Amazon’s Echo stable of smart speakers in the shape of the Echo Studio.

It looks and feels like a rival, although there are some differences – which we will come to further down the page. Join us as we pitch these two wireless speakers against one another on paper and attempt to help you work out which one might be right for you.

• Apple HomePod 2 arrives with Spatial Audio, and 'next-level acoustics'

Apple HomePod 2 vs Amazon Echo Studio: Price

So, the HomePod 2 was announced on the 18 January 2023 with a price tag of £299 / $299 / AU$479. That is actually a slight drop in price compared with the original HomePod, which came to market with a price of £319 / $349 / AU$499.

The Amazon Echo Studio undercuts the HomePod 2, coming in at £190 / $200 / AU$329. It launched back in 2019 so it has been around for quite a while, and we have seen occasional price drops, mainly around big sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Apple price drops are quite rare, especially on brand-new products, so we expect the HomePod 2 to hold steady at its full asking price for the near future at least.

Apple HomePod 2 vs Amazon Echo Studio: Design

The HomePod 2 keeps the cylindrical shape of the original. It is also once again wrapped in a woven fabric which is made from 100 per cent recycled materials – even the power cable is covered in the same material this time around. On top, there is a backlit display with capacitive buttons that stretches edge to edge. It measures 16.8cm x 14.2cm (6.6in x 5.6in) and weighs 2.3kg (5.16lb).

Apple hasn’t confirmed the power rating of the HomePod 2’s internal amplifier, but it does drive a 10cm (4in) high-excursion driver and an array of five horn-loaded tweeters.

By contrast, the Amazon Echo Studio is a little bit bigger, measuring 20.6cm x 17.5cm (8in x 7in) and weighing in at 3.5kg (7.7lb).

It too sports a chunky, cylindrical shape and comes covered in either a charcoal or glacier white fabric.

Here, power is supplied by a 330W amplifier, which drives two 5cm (2in) midrange speakers positioned left and right, a 25mm (1in) forward-firing centre tweeter and a 5cm (2in) upward-firing midrange speaker. Bass is delivered by a downward-firing 13.5cm (5.25in) bass driver. There are physical volume buttons on the top, along with a mic mute and Alexa wake button.

Apple HomePod 2 vs Amazon Echo Studio: Features

The features on the HomePod 2 largely mirror those found on the original model. So, it is heavily centred around Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, and voice controls. And, of course, it is aimed squarely at Apple device owners. Android users can look away now (although we would prefer it if you could finish reading this page before you did).

Own an Apple iPhone? Well, you can hand off whatever it is you are streaming to the wireless speaker simply by tapping the two devices together. HomePod 2 can also transfer suggested playlists and podcasts to your iPhone when both devices are near each other. We haven’t seen the new speaker yet, so can’t comment on music app support, but the original offered Siri voice control only with Apple Music and we would be surprised if this was extended to any rival services on the HomePod 2.

On the audio front, the HomePod 2 supports Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, plus lossless playback via Apple Music. Naturally, you can pair a couple of HomePod 2s together if you want to listen in stereo, and you can once again add a pair to an Apple TV 4K as an alternative to a soundbar.

In a similar vein, the Echo Studio is built to integrate into Amazon’s ecosystem and work with the Alexa voice assistant. Typical features such as timers, reminders and alarms are accessible through the Echo Studio and you can ask Alexa all manner of questions.

You also get support for immersive audio via Amazon Music should you subscribe to the streaming service. Content available on the service in both Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio is also supported.

Start up the Echo Studio for the first time and it will fire out test tones and adjust its output for your room characteristics. It doesn’t sound quite as advanced as the HomePod 2, which can intelligently scan its environment in real-time and optimise its sound accordingly, but we won’t know exactly how accurate the HomePod 2’s calibration is until we get a sample into our test rooms, of course.

Apple HomePod 2 vs Amazon Echo Studio: Sound

We are currently waiting for a review sample of the HomePod 2 before we can report back with sound quality findings from our test room, but we are hoping for big things, given Apple’s claims. If it can deliver weighty, authoritative sound like its predecessor we should be in for a treat. Whether Spatial Audio support will bring anything to the party also remains to be seen.

We did test the Echo Studio when it first came out and it did a relatively good job of impressing us, at the money, thanks to its open, airy presentation. We weren’t convinced over the quality of its bass delivery, though. In late 2022 Amazon announced that it was rolling out a software update to "improve stereo sound and [enhance] the clarity and bass response" and we haven’t heard this new version of the Studio so it will be a good opportunity to see how the Studio has improved (or not) while we are testing the HomePod 2. Stay tuned for all our findings.

Apple HomePod 2 vs Amazon Echo Studio: Initial verdict

We were never really sure why the original HomePod was given the chop, to be honest; it was a five-star performer and, in our eyes at least, capable of exciting and room-filling audio. But, that’s all in the past.

Now the HomePod 2 is here, and looking to regather its crown with a more powerful processor, extra smart home features and claims from Apple that it is capable of ‘next-level acoustics’. The Echo Studio is, according to Amazon, its ‘best-sounding smart speaker ever’ but it would have struggled against the original HomePod. Perhaps its latest software update has taken its audio quality to a new level. We shall see…

MORE:

Read our in-depth Apple HomePod 2 review

The Apple HomePod 2 is official: Price, release date and features revealed

Apple HomePod vs HomePod 2: what are the differences?

Amazon announces new Echo Dots with upgraded sound, plus updates to Echo Studio

Our pick of the best wireless speakers

While the just-announced HomePod 2 may not be the most exciting Apple launch, much more evolution than revolution it seems, the company reportedly has more exciting smart devices in the pipeline. Apple is working on a 'slate’ of new smart home devices, according to a new Bloomberg report.

People familiar with the plans suggest the first fruit of this labour will be a “low-end iPad” designed to control smart home HomeKit products such as thermostats and lights, stream video and facilitate FaceTime chats. Essentially an Apple version of the Amazon Echo Show (pictured) and Google Nest Hub, then. The report continues to say that this smart display will have magnetic fasteners to allow users to mount it onto a wall, positioning it as more of a static home device than a portable companion.

It’s been almost a year since Bloomberg first reported on the prospect of “new speakers with screens and cameras", and while this new report by Mark Gurman buckles down on the likelihood of such a device appearing, the expected release date isn’t until next year. You never know, that timeline might even put it in contention for an Apple-made Micro LED screen.

Also appearing on the 2024 roadmap is apparently a new Apple TV streamer upgraded with a faster processor, while the development of an intriguing all-in-one Apple TV, HomePod and FaceTime camera device is, the report says, “still ongoing”.

If Apple really is diving deeper into the smart home realm, as it appears to be, 2024 could be a prolific period of Apple-branded smart device launches. After all, the company is a fair bit behind Google in terms of smart hardware, with no displays, cameras or doorbells – or anything 'smart' beyond its HomePods and Apple TV, really – to its name. Having arrived late to the smart speaker market with the HomePod in 2018, perhaps it doesn't mind playing catch up here.

MORE:

Apple's HomePod 2 has zero competition - and that's a problem

HomePod 2 vs HomePod mini: what are the differences?

Apple HomePod 2 vs HomePod: what are the upgrades?

AirPods Max 2: release date rumours, potential price, features and spec leaks

Read our Apple HomePod 2 review

 Amazon’s offering its premier smart speaker, the Echo Dot 5th Gen, for less than half price in the Boxing Day sales.

The deal lets you grab the dinky Alexa-powered speaker for a modest £26.99 - that’s a huge 51% discount on its regular £54.99 price and the cheapest we’ve seen it sell for in quite some time. 

The deal is live on Amazon’s site now and is set to run until 9am on 28 December, though we’d recommend jumping on it now as in the past Echo speakers have sold out fairly quickly when discounted this heavily.

Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen Boxing Day deal

The Echo Dot 5th Gen is Amazon’s latest generation smart speaker. It only launched on 20 October 2022. We rarely see such hefty discounts like this so soon after launch.

We haven’t reviewed the 5th Gen Dot yet, but considering how much we loved the Echo Dot 4th Gen when we got it into our labs for testing we’re still comfortable recommending this deal.

The 4th Gen Echo scored a respectful 4 /5 when we tested it. Our experts particularly praised its responsive microphones, which made it quick and easy to quiz Alexa about upcoming calendar events, random trivia and control our other smart home gadgets with voice commands.

In fact the only minor quibble we had that stopped the 4th Gen was its sound quality, which Amazon purports to have fixed on the new model - though we’ll have to get one in for testing to confirm this.

The Echo 5 shares the same core-DNA and subtle spherical design but comes with a few key upgrades. The biggest include the promise of “radically” improved sound quality, more advanced Alexa commands and mesh wi-fi support. The latter is important if you’ve got a mesh router system, which can use the Dot to extend your wi-fi signal.

All this adds up to make the Echo Dot 5th Gen a very compelling Boxing Day treat, especially at this price.

MORE:

Boxing Day sales 2022: OLED TVs, wireless headphones, Dolby Atmos soundbars and more

Our pick of the best smart speakers

Amazon's Echo Show line turns the brand's Alexa smart speakers into smart displays you can control with both your hands and your voice, but now, that functionality is getting pushed a little further. Thanks to a free new update, Amazon's Echo Show 15 now has the Fire TV interface, turning it into a full-fledged smart TV.

Normally, an Echo Show will let you do all the familiar things you can do with a smart speaker, like check your calendar, order from Amazon, ask questions, set timers, check the weather, and a million other things, but now you're also getting a Fire TV experience on top of all that.

Echo Show 15's new user experience will be immediately familiar to anybody with a Fire TV, whether it's from Amazon or a third party. You'll get an onscreen carousel of apps that include popular services like Netflix, YouTube, etcetera, and you'll have no trouble listening to music or streaming content.

You'll also be able to use Alexa to open apps or stream something, while you also have the option of using an Alexa Voice Remote or the Fire TV app to navigate your Echo Show hands-free, avoiding any distracting fingerprints on the display. Put simply, use whatever navigation makes sense to you.

You can get yourself an Echo Show 15 for just $195 at Amazon, right now, down from its retail price of $250, while you can pick up an Alexa Voice Remote for 50% off at $10 as well. We haven't reviewed the Echo Show 15 just yet, but we liked the Echo Show 10, giving it four-stars in our review.

If you're in the market for a smart speaker or smart display, the Echo Show 15 is worth a look, bridging the gap between a TV and a traditional Alexa device.

MORE:

Check out all the best Amazon Echo products

As well as all the best smart speakers

And the best speaker deals

Amazon's products are always among the best deals come Black Friday and Cyber Monday – and this year is no different. 

The Echo Dot 5th Gen – which is barely two months old – has dropped to half price, plummeting from £54 to £26. That's a saving of £28, or 51 per cent. Steal.

Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen Cyber Monday deal

The 5th gen Echo Dot keeps the same size and shape as its predecessor, but has a slightly tweaked design – it looks a bit more futuristic, in our opinion. Amazon has also rejigged the insides, packing in twice as much bass and half the distortion of the 4th Gen variant. Impressive.

This improvement to sound quality comes from a redesigned audio architecture that features a custom full-range driver and the highest excursion speaker of any Echo Dot to date. Of course, we'll have to test the new Echo Dot ourselves before we can tell you how well it performs.

Eero wi-fi support now comes built-in, so the Echo Dot can be used as a mesh network extender with Eero. But don't worry if you have the older model, as fourth-generation Dots will be updated with this same Eero support. A new temperature sensor also comes as part of the package, alongside tap gesture controls.

A new Echo Dot with Clock launched alongside the 5th Gen Echo Dot – this has the same functionality but also displays the time, making it handy as a bedside clock. The new model has a new dot matrix display which now lets you view the name of the song you're listening to, along with weather, calculations, calendar event times, and more.

MORE:

Check out our favourite Alexa speakers

And the best deals on Alexa speakers

Read our Echo Dot (4th Gen) review

Wireless speakers come in all shapes and sizes, with incredibly varied and extensive features to boot. That's reflected in the six products below, all Best Buy winners in the wireless speaker category at the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022. 

We have a mix of wireless speakers here that, despite being part of a crowded market that sees new contenders popping up all the time, remain the best-sounding options at their respective price bands.

Wireless speakers can be small, portable Bluetooth speakers that you can take with you anywhere (in the garden, to the beach or on holiday, for example), or they can be mains-powered speakers with a bucketload of features (such as multi-room functionality) that sit proudly as your main home audio system. Whatever your preference or indeed budget, the six winners below (two portable, four for the home) represent the best in their respective fields.

If you are looking for a budget option for the home, the tiny but mighty HomePod Mini smart speaker is a superb alternative to the Amazon Echo and Sonos One... for iOS users, anyway. At sub-£100, this Siri-powered speaker is a brilliant-value option and works seamlessly within the iOS ecosystem, though its audio chomps are what really delight: for such a compact design, it delivers a big, substantial and sophisticated sound that none of its competitors come close to.

Two returning Audio Pro speakers sit in the middle of the home category. The Addon C3 and Addon C10 MkII have fought off new competition – even from new models in the Swedish brand's line-up – to hold on to their trophies, thanks to their combination of superbly balanced and mature sound quality and a long list of streaming features that go beyond their modest price tags. 

Both are multi-room speakers, too. The C3 is actually portable in the sense that it has a built-in battery (though isn't built like the truly portable Award winners below), while the C10 MkII is the bigger, mains-powered option.

Want something properly portable? The returning JBL Charge 5 champ is the most rugged and weather-proof option for adventure types. This also staved off competition from within, from the newer JBL Flip 6 – a great alternative if you want a smaller, more affordable speaker. But the Charge 5's more powerful sound, wider soundstage and longer battery life (along with the ability to charge your phone via USB) won out, yet again.

Dali's exquisite Katch G2 (pictured top) is still a stone-cold stunner, with a gorgeous, premium design that goes hand-in-hand with a sound that is astonishingly clear, subtle and has impressive bass weight. It may seem pricey for a portable Bluetooth speaker, but we can confirm that there's nothing else that troubles its standing here, and it remains one of the best sound-per-pound options we've encountered.

At the top end lies, unsurprisingly, another home speaker: the premium Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation remains the gold standard. There's no other wireless speaker quite like it. It's been around the block for a while, but this "old-timer" (in the wireless speaker world, at least) is still such an impressive performer. Richly textured, powerful and punchy, lively and insightful. It's a wonderfully engaging sound that brings hi-fi sensibilities to a one-box wireless speaker design that's sized and priced attractively.

These six Best Buy winners are all to be applauded, but only one will win our coveted Product of the Year trophy for the category when those special awards are announced next Wednesday (9th) at the What Hi-Fi? Awards ceremony. Make sure to check whathifi.com that evening for the final results.

MORE:

Want more choice? Check out our long list of the best Bluetooth speakers

See all the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winners

Here are the best music streaming services for your favourite tunes

Apple has literally only just bumped the prices of Apple Music and Apple TV+ subscriptions in the US and UK and now Amazon is about to do the same with one of its Amazon Music Unlimited subscription tiers.

If you're a current subscriber to the Amazon Music Unlimited Family Plan or are thinking about joining in the coming days or weeks, you should be aware that a price hike is on the way. And the increase will be rolling out to a number of different territories worldwide from the 8th of November.

We've spotted a handful of pages over on Amazon that spell out what's changing in the UK, US, AUS and the rest of the world. From the 8th of next month, the Family Plan will cost £16.99 / $15.99 / AU$18.99 per month, up from £14.99 / $14.99 / AU$17.99. 

An annual family subscription to the music streaming service is increasing to £169 / $159, up from £149 / $149 per year (Australian annual pricing wasn't on the page at the time of writing). 

Elsewhere, the price jumps vary between $1 and $3 in South America and between €0.50 and €4 in Europe, with Uruguay, Finland and Iceland seeing some of the biggest jumps. Strangely, the European increases take effect a little later, rolling out on the 11th of November.

At the top of the page, Amazon claims it's "updating" the prices "to help us bring you even more content and features", so hopefully there will be additional value added to the streaming service in the not-too-distant future.

Back in April Amazon announced that Amazon Music prices were going up for Prime members, but this only related to its Individual plan and its Single Device plan which lets you use the service on one Amazon Echo or Echo Dot wireless speaker. There was no mention of any changes to the Family Plan at the time, but it seems that is all about to change in the next few weeks...

What do you think? If you're a current subscriber will you be sticking with Amazon Music Unlimited? How much of a hike would there need to be before you considered cancelling?

Let us know with a comment below.

MORE:

Hi-res music streaming services compared: which should you sign up for?

Our pick of the best music streaming services

And the best video streaming services

Bluesound, maker of the Award-winning Node (2021) hi-res music streamer, has unveiled a new wireless multi-room speaker with support for hi-res and MQA playback.

The new Bluesound Pulse M claims to pack a punch thanks to its 80-watt DSP smart amplifier and an "Omni-Hybrid" driver arrangement, which incorporates an upfiring 5.25-inch woofer and two 19mm tweeters mounted at 45-degree angles.

This meticulously-engineered system apparently uses a "custom-designed acoustic reflector" above the woofer to diffuse unwanted sonic artefacts and ensure a "lush" 360-degree soundstage.

Bluesound reckons the Pulse M's stylish, acoustically transparent fabric grille will help it blend into any home. Placement shouldn't be an issue, since the elliptical cabinet is only 20cm high (optional wall mount and floor stand accessories are also available).

Want a bit more oomph? Two Pulse M speakers can be paired for stereo sound. You can also use the speakers as rear surrounds for the Dolby Atmos-capable Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+, a challenger to the Sonos Arc. Add the Pulse Sub+ and the Powernode, and you'll have a complete wireless surround sound system. 

With native support for more than 20 music services, the Pulse M should be a viable alternative to the likes of the Sonos One. The usual suspects – Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music, Qobuz, etc – can be controlled using the excellent BluOS Controller app. Users can also send audio to the device over wi-fi, Gigabit Ethernet, aptX HD Bluetooth or Apple AirPlay 2. 

Finishing touches include proximity-sensing touch controls, plus support for voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant. 

The Bluesound Pulse M is available now in black or white, priced at £449 / $449 (around AU$810). How will it measure up against multi-room rivals like the Sonos One, Audio Pro Addon C3 and Amazon Echo Studio? We'll bring a full review just as soon as we can.

MORE:

Read our round-up of the best music streamers

Read our Audiolab 6000N Play review

These are the best tracks to trial your hi-fi system

Streaming sticks are great and all that, but wouldn't it be better to have those really smart smarts built right into the TV in the first place? It would indeed, and that's where Amazon's Fire TVs come in.

These TVs are like having a TV with an Amazon Fire TV Stick attached, but without the need for the dedicated stick or the need to switch HDMI inputs to get to the smart platform – it's all just seamlessly integrated, both in terms of software and hardware.

You can actually buy Fire TVs from several brands now, but here we're focused on those produced by Amazon itself. Amazon's own Fire TVs are split into four series (three in the UK): the Fire TV 2-Series, Fire TV 4-Series, Fire TV Omni Series (which is only available in the US) and the Fire TV Omni QLED Series.

These series scale up in terms of price, features and picture quality, but even the most expensive Omni QLED TVs can be considered affordable next to rivals with similar specs. Broadly speaking, Amazon's Fire TVs are designed to go against budget  TVs and mid-range sets from the likes of TCL and Hisense, and even the more affordable models in the ranges of LG and Samsung.

The question, then, is how Amazon's own TVs compare against those rivals, and also how they compare to one another. If you're wondering whether you should buy an Amazon Fire TV and, if so, which one would be best for you, we're here to help.

What do Amazon Fire TVs offer?

Amazon Fire TVs all pack in Amazon’s Fire TV OS, so you can stream whatever you like as well as access a suite of other Amazon features, such as Alexa integration.

Fire TVs are budget-focused sets aimed at providing good value without giving up too many modern features. If you need a set for a guest room, or you’re just looking to upgrade to a smart TV, a Fire TV could be just the ticket.

If you are already an Amazon Prime member, the Fire TV OS will be familiar. The platform promises 'all your favourites in one place'. That includes streaming apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Apple TV and YouTube TV, plus free live TV channels, basic video games, and Alexa skills. The Omni QLED Series can even double as a smart home dashboard.

Alexa Home Theater is another interesting feature. It automatically gives you the option to pair your Fire TV with compatible Echo speakers during set-up, making it easier to get an Alexa-based home cinema experience up and running.

The Omni and Omni QLED TVs also have built-in far-field microphones for hands-free Alexa operation, while the QLED Series takes things a step further by introducing Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive and HDR10+ Gaming, adaptive brightness, and full-array local dimming on top of Samsung Frame-like functionality and displayable Alexa widgets.

All of Amazon’s Fire TVs bar the 2-Series support 4K, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus. The 2-Series, 4-Series and Omni Series have LED panels, while the Omni QLED of course has a QLED panel, which means it has a Quantum Dot layer on top of the LED backlight. As for connectivity, most Amazon Fire TVs feature four HDMI ports (one of which has HDMI 2.1 eARC), a USB-A port, an ethernet port, an optical out, and a dedicated port for the infrared extender alongside wi-fi. 

While most of these TVs have these features in common, it’s always worth double-checking the specification of the particular model you are looking to buy.

Should you buy a Fire TV 2-Series?

• Sizes: 32-inch, 40-inch
• Display type: LED
• Resolution: HD
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• HDR: HDR10, HLG
• Audio: Dolby Digital Plus
• HDMI: 1.4

Amazon's entry-level Fire TVs are these 2-Series models, which also happen to be the smallest Fire TVs that Amazon produces. The main difference between the 2-Series TVs and the more expensive Fire TV models is that these cheaper and smaller sets are HD rather than 4K, Specifically, the 32-inch model has a 1366 x 768 resolution while the 40-inch version is 1920 x 1080.

Despite the low price, both models feature direct LED backlights and support for the HDR10 and HLG HDR formats. There are three HDMI inputs, but these are of the basic 1.4 standard. Still, standard ARC is supported for easy connection to a compatible soundbar. There are no specific gaming features, but there is still a game mode that reduces input lag, so casual gamers will be fine with a 2-series TV.

Of course, the main reason to buy a 2-Series TV is because you want a cheap, compact TV that has the Fire OS built in, and that's just what you get.

We have reviewed the 32-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series, and we unfortunately found it to be rather wanting. It's much brighter and sharper than TVs at this level usually are, and the sound is pretty good for a TV costing so little, too, but black performance is poor and colours look pale. We would only really recommend it if you specifically need a fairly non-critical TV for a conservatory or bright kitchen. The 40-inch version may fare better, but we haven't tested it yet.

The 32-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series is officially £250 / $200 while the 40-inch model is £300 / $250, but discounts are regular and large. You'll find the latest, lowest prices below.

Should you buy a Fire TV 4-Series?

• Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch
• Display type: LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• HDR: HDR10, HLG
• Audio: Dolby Digital Plus
• HDMI: 2.1

The Fire TV 4-Series is Amazon’s step-up line of TVs. All of them offer 4K, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus alongside Amazon smarts and Alexa Voice Remote support for all your various streaming needs.

The 4-Series comes with an LED panel, and you can choose between 43-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch sets. These are officially priced at £430 / $370, £500 / $450 and £550 / $520 respectively, but you should never pay that much as very large discounts are common.

If you are a gamer, while the 4-Series does have an HDMI 2.1 port, you won’t be getting VRR, ALLM, or 4K/120Hz support, so we suggest checking out more gamer-focused sets if playing games is what you mostly plan to do on your new TV.

In general, if you like Amazon and want a modern, decently sized TV you can use without fuss that won’t cost an arm and a leg, the 4-Series looks to be a reasonable choice, but do bear in mind that we have not tested any 4-Series models so we can't vouch for their quality ourselves.

Even so, here are the latest, lowest prices on the whole Amazon Fire TV 4-Series.

Should you buy a Fire TV Omni Series?

• Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch
• Display type: LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
• Audio: Dolby Digital Plus
• HDMI: 2.1

A step up from the 4-Series is Amazon’s US-only Fire TV Omni Series which comes in 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch sizes for official prices of $400, $480, $550, $760 and $1050 respectively. As you can see, these TVs are only slightly more expensive than the 4-series models. And, again, you shouldn't need to the full price as discounts are common and usually very large. You can see the latest and lowest prices below.

The Omni Series has many of the same specs and features as the 4-Series, with the addition of a built-in far-field microphone for hands-free voice control that lets your Omni Series TV double as an Alexa-enabled smart speaker. You also get Dolby Vision support on the 65-inch and 75-inch Omni Series TVs.

The situation for gamers on the Omni Series is the same as the 4-Series: it offers 4K/60Hz and HDMI 2.1 but eschews gamer-focused features such as VRR, ALLM, or 4K/120Hz. Casual gamers should be perfectly happy hooking up their PS5 to an Omni Series and playing without major issues; but for the hardcore gamer who cares about the best performance and fastest response times, once again we would probably look elsewhere.

If you are looking for an Amazon ecosystem set that can keep up with 4K/HDR content and doesn’t cost you thousands, then the Fire TV Omni Series likely won’t be a bad buy. Again, though, if you want the most competitive slew of features for the money, we would check out other options before taking the plunge.

Should you buy a Fire TV Omni QLED Series?

• Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch
• Display type: QLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+
• Audio: Dolby Digital Plus
• HDMI: 2.1

The newer Fire TV Omni QLED Series is Amazon’s flagship Fire TV line. It costs the most, as you would expect, but it also offers the most features, by far. The Omni QLED Series comes in 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch sizes, with official pricing as follows:

43 inches: £550 / $450
50 inches: £650 / $530
55 inches: £750 / $600
65 inches: £1000 / $800
75 inches: $1100 (not available in the UK)

As with Amazon's other Fire TV models, the Omni QLED is regularly discounted significantly, so we strongly recommend that you don't pay the official price for one. The latest and lowest prices for each size are shown below. 

The Omni QLED Series brings the same features to the table as the Omni Series plus a host of upgrades and additions. The most notable one is, of course, that Quantum Dot display, which allows the Omni QLED to produce brighter and more vibrant colours than its non-QLED siblings.

All models except the 43-inch version also feature local dimming, which is a big deal for enhancing contrast. In fact, it's such a big deal that the 43-inch model really suffers without it – to the extent that we wouldn't recommend that you buy it even if it's really cheap. You can read more about that one in our Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED 43-inch review.

Thankfully, the other two Omni QLED TVs we have tested are very good. We gave five stars (and a What Hi-Fi? Award!) to the 50-inch Omni QLED, and the 65-inch Omni QLED received a very respectable four-star rating. Both TVs offer a balanced picture performance, excellent features for the money and clear audio. We expect the 55-inch model to perform similarly but we can't vouch for the 75-inch model: cheap TVs tend to struggle when stretched to very large sizes, so we would need to test this specific size before offering any thoughts on it.

All models feature Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive and HDR10+ Gaming, adaptive brightness, and new Amazon functionality. The only real difference between the sizes comes down to the number of dimming zones they support.

Amazon looks to be positioning the Omni QLED Series as a competitor to more expensive QLED sets such as Samsung’s The Frame TV, which doubles as an art piece when you aren’t watching content on it. The QLED Series doesn't have the same sort of design, but it does have some of the same features, allowing you to display artwork, photos, or a host of Echo Show-style widgets on your TV.

Considering the suite of image quality upgrades, particularly in the world of brightness, contrast, and HDR, we would expect the Omni QLED Series to have a major boost in image quality over the Omni Series and 4-Series Fire TV, but we haven't had a chance to review Amazon's other Fire TVs just yet.

For gamers, the situation is better here than it is across all of Amazon’s other Fire TVs. Yes, the Omni QLED is still limited to 4K/60Hz, but you do get VRR and ALLM. HDR10+ Gaming is nice to have, too, on top of the Omni QLED Series' other gaming-focused features.

In general, the Omni QLED Series is Amazon’s most interesting Fire TV yet. The Frame-like functionality is a nice feature, while the apparent upgrades to image quality over other sets are a bonus.

So, should you buy a Fire TV? Are they worth it?

Amazon's Fire TVs show a lot of promise, and should be worthy vehicles for Amazon's excellent Fire TV platform. 

The Omni QLED Series impressed us, but the 4-Series and Omni Series have gone down rather well on Amazon. The 4-Series has accumulated more than 37,000 reviews in the US, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, and it's rated similarly by UK buyers. The Omni Series has earned more than 26,000 reviews, with an average user rating of 4.4 out of 5.

The caveat? If you’re a gamer on a budget, you might want to pick up a more gamer-focused set that supports 4K/120Hz. However, not many games actually feature framerates above 60Hz, so the relevance of high-refresh-rate support will depend on what games you plan on playing yourself.

And, of course, these are budget TVs, so don’t expect the premium picture quality offered by higher-priced models. We won't be at all surprised if Fire TVs represent good value in the picture department for their price, but they won't match the quality offered by higher-priced sets from the likes of Sony, Samsung or LG.

Nonetheless, the Omni QLED TVs are, in particular, worth considering if you don't want to drop some serious cash on a TV. Not only were we impressed by their quality for their prices, but these TVs pretty regularly end up on sale, making them an even stronger value proposition. If you find yourself in need of a TV during one of Amazon's sale events, the Omni QLED is more than worth the consideration.

If you aren’t an Amazon fan, you might be better off with a budget set from another brand that doesn’t bother with Alexa support. Check out our list of the best cheap TVs around.

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Check out more of the best cheap TV deals

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Amazon has unveiled a brand new flagship Fire TV streaming device. The Fire TV Cube (2022) sports a new design and an octa-core 2GHz processor that makes it 20% faster than its predecessor.

Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound are also supported, plus there's new "Super Resolution Upscaling", which promises to convert HD content to 4K. 

Four built-in mics should ensure that Alexa responds to your requests quickly and smoothly, while the addition of HDMI passthrough means you can plug in a cable/satellite box or Blu-ray player. Apparently, users will now be able to say things like, "Alexa, tune to ESPN on cable", rather than manually changing inputs. 

Other ports include the obligatory IR extender, a USB-A slot and a new ethernet port for those who prefer a wired connection. The buttons on the top of the device (volume, select, microphone mute) appear the same as on the previous generation but there's a new fabric cover to accentuate the softer corners. 

As per previous leaks, Amazon is calling its latest Fire TV Cube "the first streaming media player to include Wi-Fi 6E support" (the recently released Fire TV Stick 4K Max makes do with Wi-Fi 6). For the uninitiated, Wi-Fi 6E promises less network interference and thus a smoother streaming experience.

It's been three years since the 2nd generation Fire TV Cube wowed us with its 4K streaming skills, HDR support and punchy audio. Will the 3rd generation model be enough of a leap forward to satisfy AV fans? And how will it compare to rivals such as the Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Shield?

There's not long to find out. The Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen) is due on sale in the US from the 25th October, priced at $139.99 and in the UK from the 27th October, priced £139.99.

MORE

Amazon announces new Echo Dots with upgraded sound, plus updates to Echo Studio

10 of the best music-related films to watch on Amazon Prime Video

And the best TVs on Amazon right now

At Amazon's fall launch event, besides announcing a new Echo Dot (5th Gen), the company announced a new line of Fire TVs. The Fire TV Omni QLED Series boasts QLED tech, 4K resolution, Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ adaptive support, and more. 

These sets will be available at 65-inches and 75-inches and retail for $799 and $1099 respectively. Pre-orders start today with the sets shipping in October. Disappointingly, at the time of writing, there do not appear to be any plans to launch the TVs outside of the U.S and Canada.

The new Fire TV Omni QLED Series features up to 96 zones of local dimming alongside adaptive brightness which alters the picture depending on your room conditions. These features dovetail nicely with this set's ability to detect when you're home and display artwork (or your own photos) when you're not watching TV.

Sound familiar? Samsung's The Frame TV offers something similar – a TV that performs traditional TV functions and also doubles as a stylish art piece. Although we're not sure the relatively thick, grey bezels on the Fire TV make it as attractive a proposition as The Frame.

Alexa widgets (and voice control) are onboard too, essentially turning your Fire TV into a much larger, much nicer Echo Show. You'll be able to check the weather, see your calendar, make sticky notes, control smart devices, play music, and more, much like how you can with an Echo Show.

In terms of connections, you get three HDMI 2.0 ports and one HDMI 2.1 (with eARC) socket, though Amazon does note that they will be limited to 4K/60Hz. While we don't have word on gaming performance or response time just yet, 4K/60Hz and HDMI 2.1 should just about suffice if you're using the TV with a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

You'll have to hang tight for a full review to get our take on how well these new QLED sets actually perform, but these Amazon TVs are interesting competition for more established TV brands.

MORE:

5 things we learned about Amazon's new QLED Fire TV Omni Series

Amazon announces new Echo Dots with upgraded sound, plus updates to Echo Studio

As well as our favorite Alexa speakers

And the best Amazon Echo deals

At Amazon's September launch event the company has announced an all-new fifth-generation Echo Dot and Dot with Clock, plus audio-improving software updates to the Echo Studio and a new white finish.

The updates to the Echo Studio will come to all existing Echo Studios and will of course be pre-installed in new ones. Amazon promises that the update will "improve stereo sound and [enhance] the clarity and bass response" with new spatial audio processing technology and frequency range extension which you can learn more about direct from Amazon. Though, we won't know exactly how the new Echo Studio tech performs until we get our hands on one.

Updated Echo Studios available in the all-new white finish will cost £190 / $200 and start shipping in October, while you can pre-order now. As a reminder, there's no new Echo Studio hardware, just a new colour alongside a software update that's coming to all Studios. A timeline for this update to existing Studios hasn't been announced just yet.

Amazon also announced the fifth generation of Echo Dot and Dot with Clock at its event. Both models apparently have twice the bass and 50% less distortion than their predecessors, despite being the same size and shape. 

According to Amazon, this massive audio quality improvement comes from a redesigned audio architecture that features a custom full-range driver and the highest excursion speaker of any Echo Dot to date. Of course, we'll have to test the new Echo Dots ourselves before we can tell you how well the new model performs.

The Dot with Clock also has an updated dot matrix display. Both models are set to come with new temperature sensors alongside tap gesture controls, too, while upgrades to Dot with Clock's display now allow you to view the name of a song you're listening to, weather, calculations, calendar event times, and more in addition to the time.

New Echo Dots will also come with Eero wi-fi support built-in and can be used as mesh network extenders with Eero as well, while fourth-generation Dots will be updated with this same Eero support. The new Dot and Dot with Clock will cost £55 / $50 / AU$79 and £65 / $60 / AU$99 respectively and can be pre-ordered today. 

The Echo Dot Kids is also getting an update with all-new designs featuring owls and dragons. It will be available this Christmas for £65 / $60.

Finally, Amazon has also announced a new Echo Auto, which is smaller than before and comes with an adhesive mount. It will set you back $55.

MORE:

Check out our favourite Alexa speakers

And the best deals on Alexa speakers

And our Echo Dot (4th Gen) review

While Alexa has been around for over a decade now, you can find Amazon's voice assistant in smart devices far beyond its Echo range, including in wireless speakers from JBL, Sonos, and Bang & Olufsen – many of which feature either in the main list of the best Alexa speakers we've tested, or in the 'Also Consider' section lower down the page.

With some established hi-fi brands joining the party since Alexa was first introduced, sound quality has, fortunately, gotten better over the years. As ever, you can use Amazon's voice assistant to stop and start music playback, change volume or song, or even check the news of the day (as well as other smart home control functions).

Whether you're looking for something more portable or at the premium end of the price scale, we've included speakers to suit every budget and requirement. We've also tested plenty of Alexa speakers over the past decade, so rest assured that the picks you find here are recommended by our highly experienced, in-house reviews team.

Our testing process for Alexa speakers includes whether the voice assistant has been integrated responsively and effectively, but similar to how we test the best wireless speakers, we've also judged how good the sound quality, build and feature set is for the price asked, to help you decide if it's worth your hard-earned money.

If you wish to read more about our testing process, you can do so at the bottom of the page, or scroll down for the speakers that we recommend.

The best Alexa speaker overall

If you want Alexa but need more oomph and refinement than you'd receive from one of Amazon's own speakers, we'd direct you over to the Sonos Era 100. Released alongside the also excellent Era 300 (see below), the Era 100 is a versatile, beautifully made smart speaker that combines extensive streaming playback features with some classy, deeply musical audio.

All told, it's one of the best wireless speakers you can buy.

Like its brawnier counterpart, the 100 happily produces a big, open sound, has a lovely sense of rhythmic drive, and all the detail and precision you could hope for at this level.

We're frustrated that you have to pay extra for a wired connection adaptor, but that's probably our biggest niggle that doesn't serve as a complete dealbreaker.

The app is marvellous to use, while the number of streaming features means there's no shortage of platforms to get your music playing as you like it. AirPlay 2 is available, making the Era 100 one of the best AirPlay speakers we've tested, while dual voice controls are provided via Alexa or Sonos' own (and more limited) proprietary assistant.

As a way of getting Alexa into your life without a hint of sonic sacrifice, the Era 100 is a logical step up from most of the candidates in the Amazon-made stable.

It's a terrific, eminently versatile smart speaker that outperforms many of its rivals, and while the HomePod 2 is just slightly better with voices, the Era 100's all-around credentials are undeniably impressive.

As we summarised in our original review: "Those already part of the Sonos ecosystem will find the new Era 100 speaker difficult to resist, while those new to Sonos will find it a charming entry to a capable and feature-rich wireless speaker experience with plenty of extra goodies to play with".

Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

The best budget Alexa speaker

There was a time when we weren't particularly bowled over by the way that Amazon's bespoke wireless speakers sounded, finding them a little thin and artificial for our rather exacting tastes.

Those days, happily, seem to be long gone, with the dinky fifth-gen Echo Dot proving itself to be a startlingly refined performer for the affordable price.

Amazon touted the 5th Generation as its “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” and, all told, we really can't bring ourselves to disagree.

That single 44mm front-firing speaker delivers audio that feels weighty, listenable and mature given the size and cost of the Dot, filling most rooms with a reassuring sonic confidence.

You'll hear just a little distortion at the very highest volumes, and there's naturally a limit as to how loud and proud such a small device can go, but considering the money you're paying and the Dot's diminutive dimensions, the performance on display remains remarkable.

Plus, it's a great unit even when no music is being played. Alexa has come on leaps and bounds with so much knowledge and so many skills that it's on the verge of becoming a little frightening. You can even use it to play a humorously clunky version of Skyrim if your old Xbox 360 is on the blink.

Often discounted but always good value even when at full price, the Echo Dot is the best-value way to get Alexa into your life. Our review dubbed the budget Dot a "stylish, fantastically made and quietly excellent on the audio front" which provides "a peppy, robust and often genuinely musical sound from a small unit at an even smaller price".

We've recently tested Amazon's newer, pricier Echo Dot Max, but found it to be disappointing in sound quality, especially at double the price of the Doth 5th Gen. If you're looking for the best Alexa speaker on a budget, the 5th Gen Dot is still the one to get.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

The best portable Alexa speaker

If what you want is Alexa integration alongside portability and audio quality, the Besound A1 (2nd gen) does tick a remarkable number of boxes.

The hugely impressive Beosound has built-in Alexa compatibility, although that'll obviously only work when it's hooked up to wi-fi. When it's time to go out and about, though, the A1 doubles as one of the best portable speakers we've tested, side-lining its smart capabilities and becoming a hardwearing, attractive and musical performer capable of rivalling the best that JBL has to offer at this price.

The real feather in the Beosound's cap, then, is its versatility. Sonically, it offers a comfortable yet authoritative performance that you should be happy listening to all day, treating your musical catalogue to a broad, full sound with plenty of tactile bass.

When it's time to come back in from the cold, connect the A1 to the wi-fi and you'll get all of those Alexa benefits from the comfort of your home, plus a stereo pairing mode if you need to hook up multiple Beosounds together to really get the party started. That's a lot of cap feathers!

The Bang & Olufsen portable started its life as a rather expensive unit, but shop around and, with a little patience, you'll likely find a cracking deal, especially as it's just starting to get a little long in the tooth. If it's on sale, we'd heartily recommend this classy all-rounder without a moment's hesitation.

We've got good news and bad news to tell you about the future of the Beosound A1 line. The good news? It's continuing, with a third-generation unit promising "elevated sound" and "enduring design" following its recent release. The bad? There's no more Alexa support, so the A1 (3rd Gen) won't be appearing on this list anytime soon.

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

The best premium Alexa speaker

Anyone seeking out the best Alexa speaker available has to have the Sonos Era 300 somewhere near the top of their list. Smart speakers – Alexa-enabled or otherwise – don't come much more impressive than the Era 300, a speaker whose revolutionary sound and slew of cutting-edge features made it a worthwhile Award-winner in 2023.

Smart features come courtesy of Sonos's branded voice control or Alexa, although the first of these can only be used to control music playback. As you'll have guessed, Sonos has ditched Google support and put all of its AI assistant eggs in Amazon's basket instead, as is the case for the Era 100 above.

Sporting that unique but oddly alluring “cinched hourglass” shape, the Era 300 is perhaps a little more of an acquired taste than many of Sonos' more conservative designs. Blocks and monoliths are out, cinched hourglasses are very much in.

They are if they help to deliver the sort of sound the Era 300 is capable of producing. It's a profoundly excellent speaker, filling our test rooms with spacious, cohesive sound regardless of the genre or even its given particular location.

Expansive choral offerings feel broad and immersive thanks to spatial audio, yet the Era 300 is as comfortable with hip-hop and classic rock as it is with film scores or funky jazz fusion. To quote our review, "it performs admirably with any format of music you throw at it, no matter what source or genre".

Note, however, that there is a minor caveat regarding the Era 300’s spatial audio capabilities. Dolby Atmos Music from Amazon Music Unlimited and spatial audio from Apple Music are on board, but there's still no support for Tidal’s catalogue of Dolby Atmos spatial audio tracks in sight. Sorry, Tidal users.

Tidal issues aside, the Era 300 is an outstanding premium choice, justifying its high asking price by being one of the finest Alexa speakers you could hope to find.

Read our full Sonos Era 300 review

The best Alexa speaker with screen

Audio and Alexa not quite enough for you? Need something to look at as well as someone to talk to? That's where the Echo Show 5 comes in.

If you want to get fully ensconced with Alexa's world – i.e. via audio and video – this is likely your best starting point. There are a few Echo Shows knocking around, such as the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), yet the Show 5 is our affordable screen-and-sound choice for Alexa lovers everywhere.

Whereas most Alexa-enabled tech is audio-focused, the Show 5 embraces sound and video to help you out around the house. As well as reading out information and playing music, you can access video content on the device's 5.5-inch (14cm) LCD touchscreen, while an HD camera lets you make Skype calls or view images from cameras in and around your house.

Sound quality is decent all things considered, even if the Echo Show 5 can be beaten by more audio-focused rivals. Still, given that this is an inexpensive box of tricks that opens up the world of Alexa to a whole new audience, sonic sacrifices feel somewhat inevitable.

If you want a screen, sound and a very smart virtual companion all in one, this is as good as you’ll get for under £100 / $100.

Read our full Amazon Echo Show 5 review

Also consider

JBL Authentics 300: Large, handsome and versatile, the Authentics 300 is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a semi-portable wireless speaker that can fire out a robust, enthusiastic sound as it moves from room to room. With dual voice assistants, Bluetooth, wi-fi streaming and Alexa Multiroom, the 300 does the lot.

JBL Authentics 500: The 300's even bigger brother features Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility but, unlike the smaller model, comes with spatial audio support via Dolby Atmos. It's also louder and bolder-sounding, although the lack of an internal battery means it's not as portable as its sibling.

How to choose the best Alexa speaker for you

There are plenty of Alexa speakers to choose from, including Amazon's own, ever-growing Echo family, plus a number of third-party brands that have given the AI assistant a home within their own respective stables. But how do you decide which one is right for you?

Size
Before buying it’s worth thinking about exactly what kind of Alexa speaker you’re looking for. Do you want something small and unassuming to kick-start a smart system, or do you want a substantial wireless speaker with built-in brains that sounds good to boot? You'll find both on the list above.

Connectivity
Alexa requires an internet connection to work, so there’s no such thing as a smart speaker that doesn’t have wi-fi, but there are other aspects of connectivity that you’ll want to pay attention to.

If you’re a regular Spotify or Tidal user you might want to make sure it supports Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect, while iPhone owners should look out for AirPlay. Bluetooth is pretty common, but if you think you might want to go wired at some point you’ll need a 3.5mm socket, which is much rarer.

Smart features
The presence of Alexa means most smart features are supported no matter which speaker you go for, but if you want to make full use of all your smart home kit you might want to opt for one with a display.

Having a screen will allow you to make video calls and check who’s at the door if you have a compatible video doorbell, making it more of an all-round home hub than just a speaker.

Some Alexa speakers also support Matter and Thread, which are relatively new wireless standards that make connecting other smart home devices simpler and more reliable. Keep an eye out for those if you think they might come in handy.

How we test Alexa speakers

We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in the UK, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door, including Alexa speakers.

What is important in our reviewing process is that each product is compared to the best in its price and class – whether that's one standout smart speaker or a few we favour the highest among the scores we listen to each year for reviews and What Hi-Fi? Awards judging.

What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, so we keep our Award-winners nearby to enable unbiased comparisons between new products and ones we know to have performed highly in the category.

We are always impartial and do our best to make sure we hear every product at its very best, so we play plenty of different types of music and give each speaker extensive listening time – including time to run in.

With the best smart speakers, it's not just about sound quality; we'll also ensure part of our testing involves trialling the voice control features. We also take them home to test how they perform in real-world use.

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the entire team, rather than an individual reviewer, to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being as thorough as possible. There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdicts or star ratings in our reviews.

At What Hi-Fi? we are proud to consistently deliver honest, unbiased reviews – something we have been doing for 50 years.

FAQ

Recent updates

• February 2026: No new entries, but we've checked all copy is correct and updated it where necessary.
• September 2025: No new entries, but we've tweaked our copy to make it more user-friendly and readable.
• May 2025: No new additions but made sure all of our copy is accurate and up-to-date.
• March 2025: Removed the Audio Pro Addon C5A due to lack of availability. Added a new intro and two new questions to the FAQ, making reference to the newly announced Alexa+.
• January 2025: No new additions but we've updated and refreshed our copy for the start of the New Year.
• December 2024: Amended list's copy to make it up-to-date and ensure that all of our information is correct.
• October 2024: Made some general copy tweaks and added a new question to the FAQ section.
• May 2024: Added an Also Consider section to give buyers alternatives to the main models listed above.
• February 2024: Added FAQ section to help with buying decisions and frequently asked questions.
• November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.

How do you improve on a five-star speaker like the Audio Pro A10? If you're Audio Pro, you make the same speaker but bestow it with multi-room skills. That's the A10 MkII in a nutshell.

It's exactly the same winning speaker as its predecessor, but it now supports Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Audio Pro's own multi-room technology. That means it can play the same tunes as your other speakers in different rooms, so the music follows you through your home.

The A10 isn't the first Audio Pro speaker to get the multi-room treatment. The Scandinavian brand has made MkII models before, including the Award-winning Addon C10 MkII, and Addon C5 MkII.

The A10 MkII is one of Audio Pro's more compact speakers, like a Skandi take on the third-gen Amazon Echo. It features a fabric grille, plus the brand's presets function – just press and hold any of the four buttons atop the speaker, and you can save playlists, radio stations and more for quick access without taking out your phone.

The Audio Pro A10 MkII is available now for £220 / $250 (around AU$378). 

MORE:

Read our Audio Pro A10 review

See all our Audio Pro reviews

And check out the best wireless speakers

If you've been thinking about trying out Amazon Music Unlimited, this might be the opportune moment as, for a limited time, Amazon is letting new subscribers of its premium music streaming service purchase an Echo Dot smart speaker for just £10 saving £40 of its RRP.

Available in Charcoal, Glacier White, and Twilight Blue colourways, we gave the Echo Dot (4th Generation) five stars in our review, praising its upgraded Alexa functionality, improved sound quality, and excellent build. 

The fourth-generation Echo Dot sounds refined, clear, and spacious with its lively, bright playback ideal for casual listening. For such a tiny device, it packs a punch, easily filling large rooms.

Amazon’s Echo line of smart speakers has been enormously successful for the company, bringing the convenience of Alexa voice control to millions of homes. The Echo Dot brings the massive suite of Alexa functionality spread across countless devices and services to homes for just £10 with this tempting deal in combination with Amazon Music Unlimited.

To be eligible for this fantastic five-star smart speaker deal, users need to subscribe to at least one month of the Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Plan for £9.99 or £8.99 for Prime members. The offer is set to end at 23:59 GMT on 15 August 2022 and is only available only to new subscribers to Amazon Music Unlimited who are yet to register an Echo device to their Amazon account. 

Amazon Music Unlimited is the company’s premium streaming tier with 90 million songs, ad-free, offline listening, and unlimited skips. You also get access to the Amazon Music HD tier for no extra cost, which opens up CD-quality and high-resolution audio streams for those who want to play them on suitable kit, making it a very credible Spotify and Apple Music alternative.

One month of hi-res streaming and a five-star smart speaker for just £19.99 or £18.99 for Prime members? Sounds like a no-brainer.

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