With the World Cup and some surprisingly good weather upon us, there's been quite the interest in portable projectors that can be taken outside.

The problem is finding a good portable projector – Amazon's sales are often flooded with cheap outdoor projectors, but you'll want to invest your hard-earned cash into one that gives you the AV quality, battery life and easy setup fit enough for the beautiful game.

Well, we have good news. There's a portable projector in the early Prime Day sale that we've tried and tested ourselves, and can vouch for as an outdoor projector we recommend. In fact, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air is our favourite outdoor and portable projector – and it's currently on offer for £339 at Amazon.

That's the lowest price we've seen for the Mars 3 Air, though bear in mind that you'll have to be a Prime member to access this deal.

If you're looking for a quick, easy, fuss-free setup to minimise chances of missing a match, then it's hard to look past the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air.

With a built-in battery, speakers and wi-fi, it’s entirely self-contained, so once you’ve got it in position, there’s no need to add any other kit to get it up and running – just fire up the Google TV operating system and away you go. It’ll even automatically adjust the picture to make sure everything looks as it should.

The handle makes it easy enough to carry around, and it's well-built enough and nicely designed that it'll look good in any room of the house.

The maximum picture size is 150 inches, but we find the Mars 3 Air loses some of its brightness at full size. We recommend an image size of between 70 inches and 90 inches for the best balance of brightness and scale.

And the all-important picture? A step above the rest at this size and price.

"For starters, we’re really struck by how sharp and detailed everything looks," our Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air review reads. "Despite the projector using (like all portable models) a fairly small lens aperture, every pixel and texture of a good HD source is faithfully rendered, adding up to a really dense, smooth, cinematic finish to the picture with little evidence of visible pixel structure."

Audio performance is also a cut above, with the pair of 8-watt speakers producing an expansive and well-rounded soundstage with a solid bass presence. We'd love a bit more volume, but the Mars 3 Air doesn't disappoint on the audio front.

There's also a built-in battery rated for 2.5 hours of mains-free playback. This will depend on your brightness and volume settings, of course, but this should be plenty long enough for a World Cup game.

As a World Cup projector, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air is compact, feature-packed and bright enough to be used outside. It's also much more affordable now, thanks to a £211 discount at Amazon for Prime members.

MORE:

Read our Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air review

And these are the best portable projectors you can currently buy

You might also want one of the best soundbars to go with it

Chinese brand Haier is launching its latest range of affordable TVs, all boasting 4K resolution.

The new release is being led by the flagship S90 series, which the brand claims will combine “dynamic visuals, immersive audio with ultra-reactive gaming experience”.

This “immersive audio” comes in the form of Dolby Atmos support, delivering “three-dimensional and cinematic audio quality”. The two 10W speakers are employing technology from British hi-fi brand KEF as well.

The S90 uses QLED panel technology with AI picture optimisation, with Haier saying this results in “rich tones and smooth colour transitions”.

In terms of physical connectivity, you will find four HDMI ports, with one supporting eARC. We assume that means the TV can handle 4K/120Hz signals, given its 240Hz DLG feature, but when we asked a Haier representative for confirmation, they couldn’t provide a clear answer.

Haier is also launching the entry-level K85 and the mid-range S80 models. These step-down TVs do not have Dolby Atmos, but they do offer Dolby Audio for “clearer voices and more balanced sound”. The S80 features a QLED panel, like the S90, while the K85 uses a 4K LED backlight.

All of the TVs come with Freely built-in. That gives you access to streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Channel 4 and ITVX in the UK. Fire TV acts as the smart platform for all the models, offering access to Disney+, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Each range offers slightly different sizing options. The S90 goes from 55- to 85-inches, with the latter being the biggest screen size across all the models. The K85 is available in 43- to 65-inch sizes, and the S80 from 43- to 75-inches.

If you want to get your hands on the 65-inch S90, it will set you back £580. That is certainly aiming at the affordable end of the market, so Haier has TCL firmly in its sights. The S90 is up against the likes of the TCL Q6C, which launched at £649 for the 65-inch model. When we had the TCL set in our test room earlier this year, we praised its excellent picture quality and gaming performance which meant we awarded it a five-star rating.

We are yet to see how the flagship Haier model compares, but its affordable price tag and comprehensive smart platform could spell trouble for the current market leaders.

MORE:

Check out our TCL Q6C review

These are the best budget TVs

And here are the best budget soundbars

Sony and Bose might dominate the headlines when it comes to headphones, but Sennheiser's models are reliably great. This pair represents fantastic value – the over-ear headphones have dropped in price by 61 per cent to just £69 at Amazon in the Big Deal Days sale. That's a discount of £110, matching their best ever price.

Now, we have been here before. In fact, this is one of the most recurring deals in recent memory. But that just goes to show it's unlikely to be beaten.

• Browse all of today's best Amazon deals

Best Sennheiser HD 599 Big Deal Days headphones deal 

Like most Sennheiser products, the HD 599 are made from high-quality materials and promise "audiophile grade" sound.

We haven't reviewed this particular pair, but it's worth noting that Amazon buyers rate the HD 599 a very reassuring 4.6 out of 5 – and that's from over 9000 reviews. The HD 599 have been around for a few years, so we know they have stood the test of time.

Sennheiser says the open-backed cans boast the firm's own transducers, which are made using aluminium voice coils for "high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion."

You also get two detachable cables in the box (3m with 6.3mm jack, and 1.2m with 3.5mm jack).

The Special Edition Black colour is exclusive to Amazon. Considering that they originally cost £179, a discount of up to 61 per cent is almost too good to miss.

MORE:

The best Sennheiser headphones around

The ultimate guide to the best headphones

Or check out our picks for the best ANC earbuds

For movies on the move, the Amazon Fire HD 10 has always been hard to beat on price and that challenge has just got even harder, thanks to a spectacular price drop for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2025.

Right now, you can pick up this five-star tablet for just £70 at Amazon – the lowest price we've ever seen.

So, if you've been on the fence about buying Amazon's newest model, you can secure it for over half price and that is certainly worth seriously considering right now.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is a What Hi-Fi? Award winner for a multitude of reasons. Not only is it capable of bright and punchy pictures, it's also packed with features and well put together. And it's seriously competitive when compared to the price of an iPad.

As we said in our full review: "The Fire HD 10 gets a lot right on the picture front, delivering movies and TV shows in a way that’s pretty faithful to creative intent and with a surprising amount of pop and definition."

It's 2.0Ghz octa-core processor is also more than adequate for smooth operation, streaming and casual gaming. And if you want to use the Fire HD 10 as more of a productivity device, there's plenty of compatible accessories from a keyboard case to stylus pen.

And when it comes to sound, the tablet's speakers are on either end of the top edge, meaning you won't be covering them with your hands when holding.

Plus, if you prefer to listen through headphones (and we think you should), it's one of the last remaining portable devices that'll still let you plug in via a 3.5mm headphone jack. You can also connect via Bluetooth, should you prefer.

You'll get 13 hours of battery out of this five-star tablet, which will work nicely for you when watching videos and listening to music. Amazon Prime Video (obviously), Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, Now, Plex, Amazon Music, Spotify, BBC Sounds and TuneIn are all on board.

All told, expect to get a solid picture, ample audio performance and great app availability, all in a compact, portable and affordable tablet.

For a 10-inch tablet, it's incredibly good value, especially at this all-time low price of just £70 at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our full Amazon Fire HD 10 review

Check out the best deals for Amazon Prime Big Day Deals

And the best tablets: top tablets for movies and music

BenQ is adding two new 4K coffee table projectors to its offerings which are designed for “easy, high-quality entertainment in modern living spaces”, according to the brand.

The company says that the TK705i and TK705STi projectors are both ideal for gaming as well as “immersive” movie nights and are the latest in a sea of coffee table projectors to appear this year.

They can reach 3000 lumens of brightness which supposedly produces “vivid images even in rooms with ambient light.”

In terms of setup, the models offer a variety of shortcuts in the hope of making the process easy. That includes auto-keystone, auto-focus, and an auto Cinema Mode. The digital zoom feature is only available with the TK705STi, however.

For smaller spaces, the TK705STi adds a short-throw option for viewers to project an image up to 150-inches from about 8.7 feet (2.7 metres) away from any wall.

The projectors are powered by Google TV with access to all the usual streaming suspects including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

There are some pretty neat specifications for gamers, too. With an “ultra-low” input lag of 5ms at 4K/60Hz, both projectors offer ALLM and one HDMI 2.1 socket.

Turning to the audio offerings, the new projectors offer two 8W speakers but there is no Dolby Atmos on the cards here. Both of their designs resemble a grey box, with an adjustable foot on the bass that can be retracted.

The launch of these two projectors comes shortly after the company’s launch of the BenQ GV32 – a smaller model aiming at the portable market.

BenQ has a pretty impressive track record when it comes to its past models, with the BenQ X3100i projector holding the current title as the best premium in our best projectors guide.

We were impressed with this model in our test room, praising its excellent all-round picture quality and good gaming specs. Despite wishing there was 4K/120Hz or Dolby Vision support, we gave the X3100i a five-star rating for its overall performance.

At a price of $1799 (around $1337 / AU$2725) and $1999 (around $1485 / AU$3030) respectively, the TK705i and TK705STi are targeting this same premium projector market. We are yet to get either of the new models into our test rooms, but our current frontrunner could face some serious competition.

Both will be available to buy from early October in the US, but it’s unclear as of yet whether they will be hitting the shelves in the UK or Australia.

MORE:

This dinky new portable projector offers “incredibly flexible viewing” – and could be one to watch

Here's our review of the BenQ X3100i

And check out the best projectors right now

If you’re burning the midnight oil, looking to grab a decent Prime Day discount on a fantastic OLED TV deal then good news – we’ve already spotted a great deal on a five-star set we recommend all the time.

You can grab the 65-inch LG C4 for £1099 at Amazon. If you’d jumped onto the tech giant’s website minutes ago the same set would have cost you £1299. At launch you’d have had to part with £2700.

Why this deal in particular? There are two reasons.

First, because, while it’s being replaced by the new LG C5, the LG C4 is currently significantly cheaper, making it a better option from a performance per pound perspective.

Second, because it’s a fantastic performer that will delight movie fanatics and gamers in equal measure, despite coming out last year.

During our checks, while the C5 is brighter and slightly more accurate, particularly during low light scenes, the C4 is the best set available its price – which is why it sits much higher that the new model in our best OLED TV guide and our TV and AV editor, usually recommends it over the new model to most people when asked.

Highlights include a punchy, but never overcooked picture, solid motion handling, excellent app support and flawless gaming specifications that will let you run multiple games consoles and current generation PCs at full speed with zero need for cable swapping.

As we said in our LG C4 review:

“Big improvements to brightness and sharpness make for an image with lots of pop and dynamism, and the rich tone and vibrant colours are a delight.”

Our only word of caution is to budget for a soundbar to go with your new TV if you want the best experience possible.

The speakers aren’t bad by any means, they’re just distinctly average compared to the results you’ll get on even a moderately capable soundbar, such as the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).

On the off chance the C4 doesn’t tick all your boxes make sure to keep checking our Amazon Prime Day home cinema deals live blog, where our experts will be constantly adding the top savings they’ve spotted.

MORE:

Amazon’s slashed the prices of loads of TVs for Prime Day 2025

There are even more TV deals on Richer Sounds

Check out Peter Tyson’s to TV deals

As one of the members of the team who tends to review Mini LED TVs, having done more than I care to count at the end of 2024 and start of 2025, I like to think I’ve got a pretty good read on the category.

It’s also why I’m frequently the member of the What Hi-Fi? home cinema team that keeps an eye on Mini LED TV prices, which in turn helps us offer accurate buying advice.

So, when I tell you, with Prime Day 2025 my deals Spidey Sense has dialled up to 11 on some of the top options in our best Mini LED TVs guide, it hopefully means something.

Specifically, I’m expecting Amazon, as well as specialist retailers, to offer huge discounts on two key sets.

The first is the Award-winning, five-star TCL C805K, which is the top option we recommend to most people right now.

This is because the set is great value at full price, but is coming to the end of its lifecycle with new sets from TCL hitting the market.

We’ve already seen a wealth of hefty discounts on it over the past few months, and traditionally Prime Day brings “best ever” prices to TCL’s outgoing models.

This was the case with the now retired TCL C845K last year, which was one of Prime Day 2024's best Mini LED bargains.

If history repeats with the C805K, people looking for a fantastic big screen TV that won't break the bank.

If that sounds appealing, I'd suggest keeping a particularly close eye on the 85-inch model, which we reviewed.

The second, and in some ways bigger deal (see what I did there), is the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED.

Sure, it isn’t perfect, hence the four-star rating. But when I tested it against similarly priced rivals, it proved to be the grown up in the room thanks to its focus on authenticity and consistency.

This lets it offer a much more true to life, distraction free, experience than rivals, including the Hisense U7N, which is the main other Mini LED this price I recommend to most people.

The main reason I think this one will be the bigger deal is that, as an event hosted by Amazon, Fire devices tend to get the biggest discounts during Prime Day. This has always been the case since I started covering the event.

Last year the regular Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED, which was the firm’s flagship at the time, was nearly half price during the event.

If anything close to that happens to the Fire TV Omni Mini LED, it could be the affordable TV deal of the year, so far.

My only word of caution on pulling the trigger now is that we’re about to test a fresh batch of Mini LED TVs, so our advice may change in the not too distant future.

If you walked past our review rooms this very second you’d spot key sets forming an orderly line, including the TCL Q6C, Panasonic W95B and Samsung QN90F. These are three key sets that left a very positive impression when we saw them at their respective launch events.

Which is why, if you want to get the best Mini LED TV money can buy, it may be worth waiting and seeing how the new models compare to their predecessors and our current recommendations, when our full reviews to go live.

MORE:

These are the best TVs we’ve reviewed

We rate the best cheap TVs

Our picks of the best OLED TVs

It's official: Amazon Prime Day will take place from 8th – 11th July. The four-day sale is twice as long as last year's, which means more time to snag a great deal.

Prime Day is one of the biggest sales of the year, along with Black Friday, and Amazon's spring and autumn sales. The deals are still under wraps, but we're promised that Bose and Sonos will be getting involved.

It's a safe bet that some of the best headphones, best TVs, best soundbars and more will also feature.

LG TVs are usually among some of the best deals, as are Sony headphones. Of course the sale spans the whole Amazon site, so will feature all sorts of products, but naturally we're only interested in the AV side of things.

Amazon is introducing a new feature this year. Today's Big Deals promises "daily themes curated exclusively for Prime members including time-limited 'New Deal Drop' deals launching at midnight every day during the shopping event." Intriguing.

You'll need to be a Prime member in order to be eligible for the deals. You can always sign up for a one-month free trial, and then cancel once you've done your shopping.

Prime costs costs £8.99 a month, or £95 if you pay yearly. It's half price for students.

In the run-up to the sale, and during it, we'll bring you all the best deals only on products worth buying. Why not have a look at these deals already live ahead of Prime Day to get you started?

MORE:

The best AirPods deals currently live

Best TV deals for your summer viewing

And the best hi-fi deals around

It’s Pride month, which means I have the perfect excuse to talk about – and point you to – some of the LGBTQ+ TV shows and movies I think are worth watching.

If you are looking for a way to celebrate queer stories this month, the choice can seem overwhelming – not least as streaming platforms such as Disney Plus have their own ‘Pride’ selection to choose from. But which ones are any good?

Luckily for you, I have been a fan of LGBTQ+ cinema for years and have here picked a handful of the best that deserve some love this Pride month.

Whether you're regularly seeking out queer cinema to watch or fell asleep halfway through The Rocky Horror Picture Show, there is something for everyone on this list.

Booksmart

While it is important to portray the injustices done to the LGBTQ+ community and how far rights need to come, there has historically been a lack of comedies starring queer characters.

In the last few years, dark comedies such as Bottoms and Bodies Bodies Bodies have featured LGBTQ+ characters at the heart of their stories, but Booksmart was the one that arguably made the biggest splash in the film industry.

It follows best friends Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) as they approach the end of high school and realise that they had prioritised studying over ever attending a proper party. Determined to rectify this, the girls set out to make their last night of high school one to remember.

Amy’s quest to find a girlfriend plays out alongside Molly’s unlikely crush on the school jock, making for amusing but ultimately tear-jerking viewing.

Watch Booksmart on Amazon Prime Video

Pose

“Come on, vogue / let your body move to the music”.

The chorus of Madonna’s Vogue sums up the sentiments of Pose, a three-season TV show depicting the rise of ballroom culture during the eighties in New York.

At the heart of the show is Blanca (Mj Rodriguez), who leaves the House of Evangelista to start a group of her own.

Each scene is bursting with passion and colour, with Lou Eyrich and Analucia McGorty’s costume design helping to tell the story through clothing, especially during the runway sequences.

But there is more than meets the eye to the ballroom scene, as we see the struggles that our beloved cast of characters must go through to survive.

Pose is not afraid to pull any punches, broaching topics ranging from the AIDS epidemic to drug addiction. Ultimately though, the show highlights the importance of chosen family and how these early ballroom adopters shaped the world for queer people today.

Watch Pose on Disney Plus

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Moving across to the other side of the pond, French director Celine Sciamma's Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a beautiful and heart-wrenching tale of yearning and heartbreak. If you're a fan of slow-burn narratives, this is certainly one for you.

Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is a painter commissioned to draw a wealthy woman in her wedding dress, Héloise (Adele Haenel). They quickly fall in love, but the expectation for Héloise to marry a nobleman presents an obstacle.

This is quite simply a mesmerising watch, with the backdrop of the French coast making every scene look like a painting. For a film with minimal dialogue, a held gaze or a touched hand really speaks volumes.

As a sidenote, all of Sciamma's filmography is worth a watch, from her writing credits on the stop-motion movie My Life as a Courgette to her latest release, Petite Maman.

Watch Portrait of a Lady on Fire on Amazon Prime Video

Queer

Luca Guadagnino's Queer passed a lot of viewers by when it released late last year. You might be more familiar with the director's breakout hit Call Me By Your Name back in 2017, which also shot Timothée Chalamet to fame.

Queer is based on William S. Burroughs' eponymous novel and follows William (Daniel Craig) as he falls in love with an American soldier named Eugene (Drew Starkey).

There isn't really a plot as such, but more a collection of moments dealing with William's drug addiction and his obsession with Eugene. This makes for an otherworldly experience as Guadagnino often delves into the surreal.

When the pair visit the Ecuadorian jungle, they experience vivid hallucinations where the visuals truly boggle the mind. It might not be for everyone, but the film's unique take on yearning makes for an entrancing watch.

Watch Queer on Amazon Prime Video

Will and Harper

Will Ferrell might be best known for his starring roles in Elf and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, but this documentary explores his friendship with SNL writer Harper Steele after she comes out as a transgender woman.

The pair set out on a road trip across the United States to visit the places Harper hadn't yet seen as her authentic self, all while discussing how coming out has impacted her life.

Ferrell takes on a backseat listening role in the film, which helps to highlight Harper's individual journey and her reservations when entering conservative spaces. You can really feel her fear and nerves when she enters a bar in a red state, for example.

It's so important that those with influence stand with and show support for the LGBTQ+ community right now, and this documentary is a great way to demonstrate how to truly be an ally.

Watch Will & Harper on Netflix

MORE:

Here are the best OLED TVs you can buy right now

30 best Dolby Atmos scenes to test your home cinema setup

What is Dolby Atmos? How can you get it?

If you're looking for a way to enjoy your favourite movies in all their cinematic glory then you'll need one of the best TVs paired with one of the best soundbars. The problem is, that will usually set you back a small fortune. That's why we're excited to let you know how you can save £500 on one of the best TV/soundbar combos around.

The TV is the Sony A95L QD-OLED which is arguably the best money-no-object TV you can buy. Thanks to a £200 discount you can pick that up for only £1999. The deal doesn't end there though.

With every purchase of the TV you can take advantage of a £300 discount on the Bravia Theatre Bar 9. That brings it down to a more affordable £699. With that combo you'll be the envy of all your friends, all for a reduced price of £2698.

In our Sony A95L review we gave it 5 stars and labelled it a “stunning TV” capable of going “astonishingly bright and producing incredibly vibrant colours”, recreating TV shows and movies more accurately than most of the competition.

The TV includes four HDMI inputs: two meeting 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 specifications, and one port designated to handle eARC connections with soundbars or AV receivers.

The A95L supports a range of streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney+. It also supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM – great news for gamers – and a range of HDR formats such as HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.

Not only is the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 a What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024 winner but we also awarded it five stars when we reviewed it towards the end of last year. We praised its superb clarity, detail and punch, as well as its impressive 3D audio processing. All of this is packaged up in a classy, subtle design that looks fantastic.

MORE:

Read our full Sony A95L (XR-65A95L) review

Our picks for the best TVs on the market, tested by our expert team

And our guide to all the best soundbars

For once, we're flagging a deal that isn't a lowest-ever price. Why? Firstly, because it's a pretty good price on a truly brilliant TV and, secondly, because one retailer is offering a free soundbar with every purchase.

Said TV is the Sony A95L QD-OLED, arguably the best money-no-object TV you can buy, which can now be yours for £2099 from Richer Sounds with an HT-S2000 soundbar thrown in for good measure.

Now, in truth, this combo is a bit of a mismatch. The HT-S2000 is a very good soundbar for its usual £299 price, but the A95L is one of the best-sounding TVs available and the HT-S2000 won't be much of a sonic improvement. Of course, free is free, and the HT-S2000 can always be used in another room with another TV.

If that doesn't take your fancy, though, there is an alternative: you can pick the A95L up for the slightly lower price of £1999 at Sevenoaks and then claim a big discount on a much better sound system, such as £300 off the Bravia Theatre Bar 9. That would take the total price of the exceptional TV and soundbar combo to £2698.

Here are the full details on both deals:

In our Sony A95L review we gave it 5 stars and labelled it a “stunning TV” capable of going “astonishingly bright and producing incredibly vibrant colours”, recreating TV shows and movies more accurately than most of the competition.

The TV includes four HDMI inputs: two meeting 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 specifications, and one port designated to handle eARC connections with soundbars or AV receivers.

The A95L supports a range of streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney+. It also supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM – great news for gamers – and a range of HDR formats such as HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.

You also get a Bravia CAM camera packaged with the TV. This device clips onto the top edge of the TV and allows access to a range of smart features such as video calling, picture optimisation, and sound optimisation based on where you're positioned in the room.

MORE:

Here are the best deals on TVs

Read our full Sony A95L (XR-65A95L) review

Our picks for the best TVs on the market, tested by our expert team

If money was no object (oh, to dream!), the Sony A95L is the TV I'd buy. It marries cutting-edge QD-OLED technology to Sony's trademark picture authenticity to dazzling effect. It's also the most stylish TV around and, by television standards, it sounds superb.

And even though Black Friday was yesterday, both the 55-inch and 65-inch versions of this awesome TV have just had extra discounts. So, right now, you can buy the 55-inch Sony A95L for £1889 at Sevenoaks, and the 65-inch model for £2599 at Sevenoaks.

You need to be a 'Rewards by Sevenoaks' member to get those prices, but signing up is quick, free, and well worth it in my opinion: those are new discounts of £105 and £100 respectively, and I doubt either TV will get cheaper for Cyber Monday.

In our review, we described the 65-inch A95L as a “stunning TV” capable of going “astonishingly bright and producing incredibly vibrant colours”, recreating TV shows and movies more accurately than most of the competition. It's no slouch where audio is concerned either, with a 2.2-channel actuator-based sound system that vibrates the display to create sound.

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• OLED TV: save £500 on LG C4

Sony’s A95L features four HDMI inputs: two meet 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 specifications, and one port designated to handle eARC connections with soundbars or AV receivers. Dolby Atmos is also supported if a compatible audio device (Dolby Atmos soundbar or AVR) is connected.

As you would expect, the A95L supports a range of streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney+. It also supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM – great news for gamers – and a range of HDR formats such as HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. We are still waiting on Dolby Vision Gaming support, which will hopefully come later.

You also get a Bravia CAM camera packaged with the TV. This device clips onto the top edge of the TV and allows access to a range of smart features such as video calling, picture optimisation, and sound optimisation based on where you're positioned in the room.

MORE:

Here are the best Black Friday deals on OLED TVs

Read our full Sony A95L (XR-65A95L) review

Our picks for the best TVs on the market, tested by our expert team

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• OLED TV: save £500 on LG C4

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• OLED TV: save £500 on LG C4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best media streamers

As well as the best TVs

And the best TV deals

With Amazon's two-day October Prime Day in full swing, we've been hunting for deals for those of you who want savings on products beyond the best Bluetooth speakers or wireless earbuds. Amazon certainly grants a lot of tasty deals during Prime Day, but for what some would term 'proper' hi-fi, including loudspeakers, turntables and amplifiers, it often pays to look elsewhere.

Hence we've scouted this superb Bowers & Wilkins discount, an offer which sees the B&W 606 S3 floorstanders drop from £1999 to just £1769 at Sevenoaks, a saving of £200. They're decent speakers, too, and sure to delight anyone who wants a sturdy pair of floorstanders to pump out a robust, full sound with plenty of punch.

B&W 603 S3 floorstanding speakers deal

The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 floorstanders are part of a pretty esteemed family. The 607 S2 Anniversary Edition and 606 S2 Anniversary Edition standmounts are esteemed Award-winners, while the 606 S3 and the 607 S3 standmounters have also bagged silverware following five-star reviews. The 606 S3 towers, therefore, have the weight of history behind them.

It's a burden they ably manage to shoulder, and while we didn't quite consider them at the time to match the legacy of their forebears, they're a pair of floorstanders with an appeal that we completely understand. If you want that esteemed B&W name, design and build from speakers that will fill your room with sound as easily as a garden hose fills a watering can, these substantial towers are certainly worth considering, especially thanks to that £230 discount.

As our review made clear: "The 603 S3’s sturdy, muscular aspect gives the speakers real authority and scale, and although our dedicated test rooms aren’t exactly rivals for the Albert Hall, we can imagine that the Bowers would perform ably in a larger setting thanks to their powerful, potent sonic presentation". Yes, the five-star PMC Prodigy 5 will grant a touch more dynamic subtelty, agility and verve, but they're smaller in stature and less muscular in their delivery.

We appreciate their build quality, though it's worth noting how hefty the 603 S3 actually are. Designed "for larger rooms and homes theatres", they stand 102cm high when mounted on plinths and make shorter rivals look positively titchy by comparison.

Give them the space they need, make sure to partner them with a price-compatible amplifier and source player and the Bowers towers will reward you amply. They won't be for everyone, but for £230 off at Sevenoaks, they're certainly worth considering if you're after floorstanders that can give your music a real sense of authority and scale.

MORE:

Read our original Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 review

Want more deals? Here are the best Day 2 October Prime Day headphones and wireless earbuds deals

These are the best floorstanding speakers tested by our experts

While tracking Prime Days (and Black Fridays, for that matter) is hardly a highlight of my tech journalist career, I do at least get a kick out of recommending readers gear that I know is good during this time. If you buy something I've advocated, instead of something that is potentially rubbish or at least not as good, that is my job done... and I can go back to listening to and writing about audio and AV technology in a more enjoyable manner!

Today is the final day of Amazon's autumn Prime Day sale, and in the past 36 hours I have spent 10 or so of them trawling the retailer – and others – for the best prices on the best products. My colleagues have curated a long list of the best Prime Day October deals live, but below are my four favourites; ones I would personally put in my Amazon basket if I was indeed wanting for a new TV, soundbar, desktop audio system or pair of wireless headphones.

• See our editors' picks of the best Amazon Prime Day in October deals on TVs, hi-fi, home cinema and audio

You don't have to spend a fortune this Prime Day to snag a deal. Some seriously great AV and hi-fi gear is on sale for well under £50, meaning you can get in on the Big Deal Days fun without breaking the bank.

Whether it's a new pair of wireless earbuds, a streaming stick to enhance your TV with smart functionality, or perhaps you want to put your AV setup through its paces with one of our favourite test discs – Amazon's Big Deal Days has you covered. Of course, there is a lot to sift through, and not everything is worth your hard-earned cash; so we've identified the ones that are worth paying attention to.

• Browse all the Prime Day deals under £50

There are plenty of top-notch TV, headphone and speaker deals to be found but many exceed the price limit we've set here. So if you want to bag a bargain rather than breaking the bank, read on for our AV bargains.

The best Amazon Prime Day deals under £50

MORE:

Prime Day in October: the best TV, hi-fi, home cinema and audio deals

Find the best Prime Day wireless earbuds deals

Is this the best Amazon Prime Day streaming deal?: Turn your "dumb TV" into a smart TV for just £17

Amazon devices usually see some big discounts come Prime Day, and this year is no different. The firm's latest 10-inch tablet now has £70 off, dropping the price to just £79 at Amazon. That's nearly half price.

It's a great tablet that earned five stars from us. At this price, it's unbeatable.

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) best deal

With the highest pixel density of any Fire tablet in Amazon's range, the Fire HD 10 is perfect for movies on the move. There is no HDR support, but the picture is surprisingly bright and punchy. Colours pop, skin tones are natural throughout and while it can't match an iPad's black levels, the contrast is still impressive for the money.

The image has surprising depth too. All told, it gets a lot right on the picture front, delivering movies and TV shows in a way that is pretty faithful to creative intent and with a surprising amount of pop and definition.

The built-in speakers are decent, with good clarity but not much bass. Add a pair of headphones and it will serve you much better, with plenty of detail and a nice tonal balance.

The tablet's build doesn't feel cheap, and it is one of the few remaining tablets with a 3.5mm headphone jack – so you don't need a USB-C adapter or a wireless pair of headphones to enjoy personal listening.

This is a solid proposition, a real alternative to an iPad, and at just £79, a pretty unbeatable deal.

MORE:

Read our review of the Apple iPad (2022)

These are the best tablets for movies and music

Prime Day in October: the best deals on headphones, TVs, hi-fi and more

While other brands occasionally try to break through, the tablet market is really split in two, with Apple’s iPads on the premium side and Amazon’s Fire tablets on the affordable one. There are random, cheap options from brands called things such as ‘Hakaug’ and ‘Doogee’, but it’s a wilful soul who takes a chance on one of those when Amazon’s offerings are already so attractively priced.

The Fire HD 10 we have before us today isn’t super-cheap by any means, but it looks like very good value for a 10-inch tablet, particularly when compared with the prices of iPads. It’s got the highest pixel density of the whole Fire tablet range, too, potentially making it the pick of the bunch for those of us most interested in watching movies on the move.

Price

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is officially priced at £150 / $140 (it’s unfortunately not available in Australia), but as with most of Amazon’s own devices, it’s regularly discounted, particularly around sales events such as Black Friday. For reference, the cheapest current iPad is £349 / $349 / AU$599.

With the Amazon Fire HD 10, your £150 / $140 gets you an ad-supported version of the tablet. We’ve become pretty immune to the ads, which are most obvious when they pop up on the lock screen, but you can pay an additional £10 / $10 for an ad-free version if you prefer. Or you can buy the ad-supported tablet and then pay the extra tenner to have the ads removed at a later date if you find them annoying.

The £150 / $140 entry-level option also gets you just 32GB of built-in storage, which is unlikely to be an issue if you’re just streaming movies and music but could be limiting if you also want to download games. Amazon will sell you a 64GB version but the price increase is quite steep, so we instead recommend going for the 32GB edition and making use of the expandable storage should you run out of built-in space. SD cards up to 1TB in size are supported.

Design

Unsurprisingly, the Amazon Fire HD 10 can’t match an iPad for build quality, but it doesn’t look or feel cheap. The plastic chassis has a nice texture that means it won’t slip out of your hands at the first opportunity, and the rounded corners give the device a soft, approachable air, particularly when combined with one of the more attractive colour options – we chose lilac for our review device.

The front is all glass (aluminosilicate glass, if you must know) and uniformly black when the screen is off. Bringing it to life reveals bezels that are about 2cm in thickness around the 10.1-inch, 16:10-ratio active display. The tablet as a whole is just 8.6mm thick (the standard iPad is 7mm) and 434g in weight (the iPad is 477g), and in the hand it feels both slim and solid.

Features

That 10.1-inch screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1200, which translates to just over Full HD in TV parlance. That equates to a pixel density of 224 pixels per inch, which is higher than any other Fire tablet, including the more expensive Fire Max 11, and not a million miles off the 264ppi of every iPad barring the surprisingly pixel-rich iPad Mini.

Running the show is a 2.0GHz octa-core processor that isn’t going to pull up any trees but is more than adequate for smooth operation, streaming and casual gaming. Should you wish to make the Fire HD 10 more of a productivity device, it’s compatible with accessories including a keyboard case and stylus pen.

As you would expect, the Fire HD 10 has cameras on its front and rear. Both feature 5MP lenses and neither is much good for photography, but the one on the front, which is positioned in the middle of one of the longer bezels, is perfectly fine for video calls. When holding the tablet in landscape mode, as you would when watching a movie, the tablet’s speakers are on either end of the top edge, so they’re not covered by your hands. Headphones sound better, of course, and the Fire HD 10 is one of the few remaining portable devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack – though you can of course connect headphones (and plenty more besides) via Bluetooth if you prefer.

Amazon quotes 13 hours of mixed use from a full battery, and our testing suggests that figure to be pretty accurate. Charging the battery from empty to full takes about four hours using the bundled 9W charger and USB-C cable.

It’s possible to ‘hack’ an Amazon tablet to access the Google Play Store, but most owners will rightly stick with the vanilla Fire OS operating system and its bespoke app store. While this is limited compared to the Apple and Google app stores, most of the bases relevant to video and music consumption are covered. On the video side, Prime Video (obviously), Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, Now, Plex and all of the UK’s catchup apps are on board, and for music you’ve got Amazon Music, Spotify, BBC Sounds and TuneIn. You can even use cloud gaming apps such as Amazon Luna and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The only real disappointments are Apple TV, Apple Music and Tidal, which are missing and will be missed by a fair few buyers.

Picture

While the Fire HD 10 doesn’t support HDR, we’re immediately struck by how bright and punchy the image is when we click ‘play’ on the final episode of The Grand Tour on Prime Video. The purple of James May’s Triumph Stag and yellow of Richard Hammond’s Ford Capri really pop in the bright Zimbabwean sunshine, and the green fields and trees are lush. At the same time, the skin tones of the three presenters are realistically presented – May looks a bit sunburnt, but that’s because he is.

Switching to Rogue One on Disney+, it’s clear that the Amazon tablet can’t match an iPad for deep blacks – and it’s a little bit reflective in a bright room, too – but it doesn’t look unpleasantly grey or washed out, either. On the contrary, it’s a pleasingly contrasty performance. The tablet handles the more subdued palette of the movie well, authentically reproducing the dusty browns and greys of the uniforms of the rebel troops and the dirty white armour of a stormtrooper who’s seen better days.

‘Full HD’ doesn’t sound very impressive in a world of 4K and even 8K TVs, but it’s more than adequate for a sharp and fairly crisp delivery at this size. In fact, there’s an unexpected three-dimensionality to the Fire HD 10’s presentation, with characters and spaceships standing out effectively against backgrounds. There’s lots of detail in faces, clothes and scenery, too, and while there’s a little blur to motion, it’s not too distracting.

All told, the Fire HD 10 gets a lot right on the picture front, delivering movies and TV shows in a way that’s pretty faithful to creative intent and with a surprising amount of pop and definition.

Sound

If you’re watching a movie or TV show and find yourself without your headphones, the stereo speakers will do in a pinch. Being mounted to the top edge means the sound is fired upwards rather than out and towards you, but there’s decent clarity, particularly with dialogue. Unsurprisingly, there’s very little bass, making for a rather thin presentation overall, and there’s none of the pseudo-surround processing that you get with an iPad – but, again, the built-in speakers will do a job when required.

For music, it’s essential that you connect a pair of headphones. Do so and play Tool’s Invincible and you’ll discover a delivery that’s a little low on impact but pretty high on detail and tonally nicely balanced. The track’s larger dynamic shifts are handled well, and while things become a little congested as instrumentation is added, organisation isn’t bad overall.

The entry-level iPad is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a significant step up in terms of sound quality, offering more punch, control and subtlety, but for a tablet costing so much less, the Fire HD 10 is more than good enough.

Verdict

The Amazon Fire HD 10 isn’t going to knock your socks off, but expecting it to do so at this price is unrealistic. What it does do is offer a really solid picture performance that successfully balances authenticity with a surprising amount of punch and sharpness, and while the audio performance is less accomplished, it’s certainly good enough for a satisfying movie soundtrack and the odd bit of music listening.

With iPads costing as much as they do, the world needs a cheap-but-good alternative, and the Fire HD 10 is exactly that.

Review published: October 2024. Review updated: November 2024.

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Apple iPad (2022)

Also consider the Amazon Fire HD 8

Read our Amazon Fire 7 review

These are the best tablets for movies and music

Strange goings on over at Amazon. It's Prime Big Deals Day but it seems like one deal was too big to be true.

The five-star Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones appeared online reduced from their original price of $350 to just $129 – but you'll have to take our word for it, as the deal has now been removed. And we're not surprised, as we've never seem them drop anywhere near that low.

However, you can still pick up the XM4 headphones for just $198, which is still a 43% saving and still lower than previous Prime Day and Black Friday sales.

The XM4 headphones have been succeeded by the XM5 over-ears but they remain a great pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones. In fact, they are probably all the performance most people need. So you can still pick up a great bargain – just not quite as great as briefly appeared earlier on Amazon.

Sony WH-1000XM4 deal

The five-star WH-1000XM4 were, until the recent launch of the WH-1000XM5, Sony's top-of-the-range wireless noise-cancelling headphones. With a winning combination of stunning sound, 30-hour battery life, intuitive controls and adjustable noise-cancelling, the XM4 are hard to beat, especially when they are so heavily discounted.

The XM4 are every bit as comfortable as their predecessor, the WH-1000XM3, but introduce new useful features that elevate the user experience. ‘Speak to Chat’, for example, allows you to talk to someone while the headphones are still on your head.

More importantly, the headphones dish up an impressive hike in sound quality over the XM3. Their sense of musicality and enthusiasm remains as addictive as ever, but there are also big improvements across the board.

MORE:

Read our Sony WH-1000XM4 review

Sony WH-1000XM6: expected release date and price, 6 features on our wishlist

Our pick of the best Prime Day headphones deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best media streamers

As well as the best TVs

And the best TV deals

Prime Day is coming. Prime Big Deal Days (the official name for October's Prime Day) takes place from 8-9th October, and should see deals on all manner of products, from wireless headphones to TVs, to games consoles to Bluetooth speakers, turntables and beyond. But how do you sort the deals wheat from the discount chaff?

We'll be on hand throughout the event to highlight which deals are worth your attention, but we thought it would be helpful to give you a heads-up first. Forewarned is forearmed, after all.

Below are the products most likely to see a decent discount (of course, all of them are highly rated by yours truly). We'll tell you a bit about them, how much they usually cost, as well as what would be a good price to pay. This should help you get your ducks in a row come the big day, so you can spend less time trawling through pages and pages of Amazon search results and more time basking in the knowledge that you got a good deal.

Sony WH-1000XM5

• Reviewed at £380
• Now £259
• Lowest ever price £239
• Prime Day target £239

Even two years after launch, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are still the best wireless headphones you can buy. Why? They're the best all-rounders, combining a sleek design, superb noise-cancelling and excellent sound quality for a very reasonable price. They launched at £380 but have dropped as low as £239 in the January sales. Annoyingly they haven't dropped that low since, but here's hoping Prime Day comes good.

LG C4 OLED TV (42-inch)

• Reviewed at £1400
• Now £879
• Lowest ever price £849
• Prime Day target £849

LG's C-series is back on top. After last year's disappointing C3, the C4 has scored five stars in its 42-, 48- and 65-inch sizes (every size we have reviewed, in other words). The smallest model is currently an absolute bargain – in recent weeks it has even dropped to be cheaper than the same size C3! We are predicting that it will equal its best ever price, or even undercut it...

JBL Charge 5

• Reviewed at £160
• Now £140
• Lowest ever price £99
• Prime Day target £95

We are sticking our neck out here and saying that the JBL Charge 5 could fall to its lowest price ever. It fell to a new low of £99 just last month, and considering it has been around since 2021, we wouldn't be surprised to see another price cut. The Award-winner offers a clearer, more detailed sound over its predecessor, and updated dust-proofing, making it one of the best portable speakers around. It can also juice up your phone when you're out and about. Lifesaver.

Sony WF-C500

• Reviewed at £89
• Now £37
• Lowest ever price £37
• Prime Day target £35

Again, we're angling for a new low price on these. The C500 won a What Hi-Fi? Award, and that was when they were priced at £89! Now they're less than half price they are an absolute steal – and now that their successors have launched, the price could fall even lower. The C510 offer a longer battery life and ambient mode, but the C500 are not much compromise at all for this price. We're hoping for a new price of £35, but for the sake of a few quid you should really snap them up now.

LG G4 OLED TV (65-inch)

• Reviewed at £3299
• Now £2249
• Lowest ever price £2249
• Prime Day target £2200

The LG G4 has been at its lowest ever price for a few days now, but we think it might drop a bit lower. The 55-inch model has fallen to £1619 in recent weeks, so we think the 65-incher should nudge a little closer to the two grand mark. It's a five-star TV – its brilliantly bright picture is full of contrast, the motion handling is very good indeed, and its gaming specs are typically excellent. One of the best OLED TVs of the year so far.

Apple AirPods Max

• Reviewed at £549
• Now £499
• Lowest ever price £400
• Prime Day target £400

The Apple AirPods Max are an interesting one. Believe it or not, they launched back in December 2020 for £549. Apple prices don't tend to fall too dramatically, but these did hit £400 during Black Friday 2022. And they have fluctuated around £450-£500 since. The second-gen model launched recently – though it's a minor refresh, with just USB-C and different colour schemes – at the cheaper price of £449, and will become the default once old stock has sold out. Which could mean discounts on the Lightning model. If you can put up with the old connection and the more aged colour schemes, you might bag yourself a bargain...

JBL Flip 6

• Reviewed at 130
• Now £91
• Lowest ever price £86
• Prime Day target £86

Currently sitting around the £90 mark, the JBL Flip 6 has dipped lower before, and we are confident it will again. Its lowest ever price would be a great amount to pay for such an excellent speaker – with spades of sonic clarity and punchy bass, it delivers a sound far bigger than you might expect, and never at the expense of quality. Its toughest competition comes from its Charge 5 stablemate, which just shows how much JBL dominates the Bluetooth speaker category.

Sony A80L OLED TV (55-inch)

• Reviewed at £2399
• Now £1499
• Lowest ever price £1229
• Prime Day target £1229

The Award-winning A80L was one of the best OLED TVs we saw last year; it has since been succeeded by the Bravia 8. That means deals, deals, deals. It previously dropped to its lowest ever price over the summer, and with it closing in on 18 months on sale, we predict it will reach that bargain level again this Prime Day.

Sony WF-C700N

• Reviewed at £100
• Now £78
• Lowest ever price £67
• Prime Day target £67

We awarded the Sony WF-C700N a Product of the Year gong at the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 so this should show you how highly we rate them. They are a step up in sound quality from the WF-C500 and add active noise-cancelling to the equation. We saw the price drop to £67 back at the start of the year and would like to think they might return to this level during Prime Day. If they drop to around £70 or less, consider them a no-brainer.

Sony WF-1000XM5

• Reviewed at £259
• Now £189
• Lowest ever price £189
• Prime Day target £189

Sony's five-star, flagship WF-1000XM5 have just hit a new low price, so you should really consider snapping them up right now. This is a great price for these class-leading wireless earbuds – they have been around a while, so the XM6 could follow sooner rather than later, but this is still a quality pair of buds, and winner of multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards.

Apple AirPods Pro 2

• Reviewed at £249
• Now £229
• Lowest ever price £189
• Prime Day target £189

It can be hard to find deals on Apple products at the best of times and the AirPods Pro 2 are no exception. Apple’s excellent wireless earbuds have come down a little since their launch in September 2022, but we are talking only around £30. More recently, they have dropped to as low as £189, but this has been the exception rather than the rule and whether we’ll see them return to this level during Prime Day remains to be seen. You can find the older Lightning (as opposed to USB-C) model for around £200, though.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

• Reviewed at £300
• Now £212
• Lowest ever price £212
• Prime Day target £210

Arguably the best noise-cancelling earbuds currently on the market, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds do demand a price premium. But we think their stunning sound quality and ANC skills are worth every penny. The price has just dropped to £212, which is a huge saving for these impressive buds. Our advice? Wait for Prime Day, and if they don't drop any further, snap them up.

MORE:

All the best early Prime Day deals

The best early Prime Day OLED TV deals

And the best early Prime Day hi-fi deals

I don’t know if anyone’s mentioned it recently, but times are tough. Gone are those brief, fleeting days during the late 2010s and early 2020s when streaming was booming and, relatively speaking, so was the economy; days when you could proudly boast that you were concurrently subscribed to Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and the newly emergent Disney Plus with enough change left over for a daily sandwich at the supermarket.

How times have changed. All video streaming services are feeling the strain, raising prices to cope with demand and forcing consumers like me to trim the fat and consider cutting back as the economy struggles (and that's before we even get on to how much a decent sarnie costs). Disney Plus is very much the cornerstone of my streaming platform collection, and while lesser services have been discarded at the wayside, I simply can’t do without the pleasures Disney provides. You think I’m going to go back to the days of watching The Simpsons via my shelf-long stack of DVDs, or even more desperately, relying exclusively on weekend Channel 4 reruns to get my animated fix? I’ve become accustomed to the high life. I can’t go back. I won’t. 

Disney Plus stays, then. It’s our favourite video streaming service, after all, and while I can live without the temptations of Netflix and with being only an occasional tourist on Apple TV Plus when I fancy a nose around the platform’s latest slice of esoteric but talented TV offerings (see Slow Horses and Severance), there’s just too much good stuff over at the House of Mouse. Thankfully, there is now a way to keep your Disney subscription while saving money, and it comes in the shape of the platform's relatively new 'Standard with Ads' tier option.

Opting for the cheapest tier now offered by Disney has certainly saved me a good deal of dosh, although savings vary depending on whether you’re paying for a subscription monthly or via a single yearly instalment. That ‘Standard with Ads’ tier costs just £4.99 a month in the UK, with the Standard, non-ads level setting you back £7.99 a month and the full-fat, all-access Premium subscription costing a princely £10.99 per month (US users have two options: $7.99 a month for an ad-supported 4K tier and $13.99 a month for a parallel Premium subscription). Considering that the highest tier costs more than double the lowest for UK users, it is worth thinking about what you want from your subscription in these penny-stretched days. 

Naturally, sacrifices have to be made. The 'Premium' subscription gives you access to 4K UHD and HDR video quality, not to mention Dolby Atmos sound with compatible content and devices and a greater capacity for streaming across four registered devices. A 'Standard' membership only grants Full HD (1080p) quality, but you still get two devices to play with and no commercials. The ad-based membership grants 1080p video quality and two-device streaming, but, of course, there’s the matter of those pesky ads. 

If losing all of the bells and luxuries of the Premium tier – 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos in particular – is too much to bear, you can stop reading right now and continue to enjoy your glossy, hi-res editions of Avengers: Endgame and Death On The Nile in peace. If you’re umming and ahhing over whether to drop to the lowest price point to save a few bob, it might be best to keep on scrolling. 

In all honesty, the presence of adverts hasn’t been a huge intrusion into my viewing experience. Most of the time, you’ll have to suffer a single, minute-long ad before loading up a 22-minute instalment of, say, Futurama (I really haven’t escaped my adolescence), sometimes followed up by a shorter commercial at the halfway point of the episode. For a two-hour movie such as The Day After Tomorrow, you’ll generally have to endure the same minute-long ad or a bundle of two or three mini-ads lasting a total of a minute and a half before getting started, with occasional in-movie interruptions popping up intermittently to break things up a bit. Happily, if you’re watching a few movies back to back, you generally don’t have to suffer ads before your films, after the first instance – Disney clearly prefers to stagger its commercials for maximum impact.

What you might find irritating, though, isn’t the persistence of the commercials themselves, but rather their frustratingly repetitive nature. I’ve seen the same ‘Marvel at 85’ trailer so many time in the past few weeks that I know the words practically off by heart, from the opening mini-eulogy to Stan Lee to Tom Hiddleston looking dreaming and intoning that, “Marvel is a massive canvas through which all our humanity is explored.” I know, Tom, you’ve told me 50 times since Tuesday.

There are also further, rather more hidden drawbacks. Not being able to download content onto your device is a big one, and it’s a limitation that can often catch people out when they simply look at the low prices in big letters and are immediately suckered in. A lack of downloads is a big miss for me, especially as someone who spends a lot of his time travelling for work and likes to have a few episodes of Shōgun, say, to while away the hours on a crowded Ryanair flight. It’s a big miss, and one that you need to factor into your decision if you’re also thinking of making the drop to an ad-based subscription. 

There’s more you should consider. What also worries me, despite being nothing but hypothetical at this point, is now that said tier has become hugely popular with money-conscious consumers, Disney may decide to ramp up its advertorial drive as time goes on and money becomes even tighter. There’s no evidence to suggest that this will happen, but just as we’ve seen platforms such as YouTube add more ads than ever before, it wouldn’t exactly come as a surprise if Disney were to follow suit. It wouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but I remain wary all the same. 

For now, though, I’m happy with my tier choice, mainly because it works for me and my viewing preferences. I’m okay with seeing adverts for the sake of saving precious pounds every month, and while it can be irritating being exposed to the same pitches and campaigns every day, it’s a small price to pay for what is still a decent saving on a very fine streaming service. It’s sacrilege to say, but I simply don’t have the tech at my disposal to make use of the Premium tier’s myriad advantages anyway, so I hardly miss the prospect of UHD viewing or Dolby Atmos capabilities. If I were rocking the best 65-inch TV money could buy and some surround speakers to match, things might be different. 

In the end, it’s all about choosing what’s right for you. If you go big with your entertainment and want to get the most out of it, go Premium. If you're torn between saving money and not seeing commercials, consider exactly what, how and when you use your Disney subscription. What matters is that the option exists and, in its current state, doesn't detract from the basic Disney experience enough to make it into a false economy. That, to my mind at least, is a win for the cost-conscious consumer.

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If you’re shopping for a fancy new OLED there’s plenty to get excited about right now. Specifically, that we've seen huge savings appear on three five-star OLED TVs in rapid succession.

This started when we spotted huge savings on the five star LG C4 and cutting edge LG G4. Deals first started appearing on both during Prime Day in July, but things escalated earlier this month, when both the C4 and G4 dropped to their lowest prices ever.

This meant you could grab the 42-inch model of the LG C4 OLED TV for £879, a healthy £529 saving on its regular £1399 price. Above it, the flagship 55-inch LG G4 – which our reviewers still describe as the best premium option available in our best OLED TV guide – dropped to sell for £1699 at Richer Sounds. That is a £700 saving on its normal price and the best we’ve ever seen it sell for to date.

Not content to just dethrone the LG C4 as our recommendation to most people after we finished reviewing it earlier in September, Sony then got in on the action with its Bravia 8. Amazon slashed the price of every size of the OLED, but we were particularly shocked to see the 55-inch Bravia 8 sell for £1619, a £580 saving on the £2199 it normally costs.

As a final nail in the coffin, Philips decided to get involved, with Richer Sounds slashing the price of every size of the firm’s OLED809 – which also happened to score a perfect five stars when we tested it. Here, the premier deal lets you pre-order the 77-inch Philips OLED809 for £2199. That’s a £1050 saving on its £3249 RRP and the cheapest price we’ve seen on any 77-inch step-down OLED that has launched this year.

Prices have since gone up on all three sets, but the early cuts are still weird. Why is that weird? Because we’ve not seen new OLED TVs launched this year get such hefty price drops this early in their lifecycle before. Normally the best deals would target the older OLEDs from last year, as retailers rush to clear stock. I even penned an opinion piece in 2023 explaining this is a key reason why we tend to take a while before recommending new OLED TVs over their predecessors.

So if you a new OLED TV right now, you’re probably feeling pretty great and for good reasons – trust me, having seen every one of the three TVs mentioned above, I can confirm you’ll likely be happy with any of them, especially if you’re coming off an ageing Plasma, LCD or early OLED.

But, for those that can, I’d strongly suggest waiting a little longer before pulling the trigger for one key reason – Black Friday is fast approaching. 

Black Friday used to be a key shopping event that started in the US and happened on the last Friday of November, just after Thanksgiving. But it has recently grown to cover pretty much all of November and become an international phenomenon. It is also no longer limited to Amazon, with a number of big name specialist hi-fi and home cinema retailers also getting in on the action in recent years.

The event usually brings with it a number of excellent OLED TV deals as a result. Last year these included the first solid deals on the then flagship LG C3 whose 42-inch size dropped to sell for £899 during the event.

With the C4 already having crossed that price threshold, I can't help but wonder how much further it will drop during Black Friday and I think, and hope, that the best OLED TV deals are yet to come. 

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Apple has launched the latest version of tvOS; the smart platform that powers the Award-winning Apple TV 4K streamer. It released the update yesterday evening alongside iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 for the iPhone and iPad respectively, as well as updates to its Apple Watch, Mac and Vision Pro devices. 

The new software release brings some handy features to the streamer, including the new InSight for Apple TV+ function that allows you to pull up information regarding the actors and title you're watching providing it is Apple Original content. It's similar to Amazon Prime Video's X-Ray feature, meaning it can even identify music playing in a scene, and in true Apple ecosystem fashion, you can then add that song to your Apple Music library.

Other features include automatic subtitles that appear when content is muted or if the dialogue is spoken in another language to your streamer's preferred setting and an improved Enhance Dialogue system which will allow you to 'Enhance', 'Boost' or 'Isolate' dialogue based on your preference. This feature can be found in the accessibility section of the settings menu and is compatible with TVs, HomePod, HDMI sound systems (soundbars and AVRs), and Bluetooth audio devices (including wireless speakers and AirPods). 

You can also set portrait screensavers, tweak the home screen user interface to show four apps per row instead of five and interact with a new on-device Siri assistant with enhanced privacy. AirPlay is also getting a spatial audio-themed upgrade, meaning you can wirelessly stream spatial audio from an iPad or iPhone to an Apple TV 4K, HomePod or supported wireless speaker for immersive audio. Personalised Spatial Audio with AirPods is also now supported for all Apple TV users (providing they have a pair of AirPods that support personalised spatial audio).  

While a handful of the announced features have made it to the final release version of tvOS 18, there are also some notable omissions. 21:9 aspect ratio support for home cinema projectors is missing in action, as is a collection of TV and Movie-themed screensavers – including an adorable animated screensaver of Snoopy. We anticipate these features will be added in a further software update within the next year.

The new version of tvOS is available across the full range of Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD streamers, though some features including enhanced dialogue and on-device Siri require at least a second-generation Apple TV 4K (2021). 

As for how to install this update, simply follow these steps to update your Apple TV 4K: navigate to the Settings app > click System > then click Software Updates > then select download and install, and wait for the update to complete. If you're looking to update your HomePod, then simply open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad > open Home Settings > then click Software Update. 

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Sony's current wireless headphones lineup offers something for everyone and every budget.

If you want to go the premium route with all the bells and whistles, including top-notch noise-cancelling, you can experience this with the excellent WH-1000XM5. Not everybody, though, needs or necessarily wants to spend big bucks on a flagship pair.

Looking for something cheap and cheerful with real star quality? This is where the Sony WH-CH520 come in. For an entry-level pair of headphones with an budget price tag, they offer a serious bang for your buck; and they can be yours for the paltry sum of just £33.50 on Amazon  – their lowest price yet, even lower than their Prime Day price from July. (You can also find the Sonys for a similar price over at John Lewis.)

We already thought these Sonys were among the best cheap wireless headphones money can buy, and gave them five-stars at their full price of £49. At this new low price, they are an absolute no-brainer.

The highlights of this particular pair include excellent levels of comfort, a surprisingly rugged design considering their price, around 50 hours of battery life and – most important of all – great audio. The only thing they're missing is noise-cancelling, but at this price that's hardly a shock.

With some poorer-performing cheap headphones, sound quality can take a major hit. This is what makes the WH-C520 so special. They made an immediate impact when they arrived in our test rooms and whether we were listening to bopping pop, rumbling 12-bar blues or high-energy metal, the WH-CH520 delivered a musical and entertaining sound that is a clear cut above most rivals. As we said in our review: 

“You can’t really expect the Earth when you’re paying pennies less than £50 for a pair of headphones. What is remarkable about the Sony WH-CH520 is how little compromise they demand of you, both in terms of audio performance and ergonomics. They’re a little bit of a bargain.” 

If you want a great-value pair of wireless headphones that won't hit your wallet hard, you’ll struggle to do better than the Sony WH-CH520 – especially for £33.50.

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What Hi-Fi? Towers recently had a visit from Danny Tack, the TV industry legend behind Philips TVs. It's probably fair to say that he's obsessed with upscaling low-resolution video to 4K quality and with upconverting SDR to HDR, and during this visit, I got a hint at why: very few people are watching proper HDR content on Philips TVs.

I'm not naive enough to think that HDR makes up most TV viewing, but Tack made it sound like the numbers are tiny, so I asked if he would share them with me. He did just that this week, and I'm genuinely shocked and dismayed by them.

According to Tack, "In our High-End range – effectively OLED and Mini LED – [viewing] fluctuates between 4 and 8% for HDR. The rest is SDR. In the [TV] range below (the core range, say for instance The One LCD range) it is less than 1% for HDR."

Let that sink in for a moment: most people who are spending big money on top-of-the-range OLED and Mini LED TVs are using them to watch an absolutely tiny amount of HDR content. Owners of more entry-level models, which are perfectly capable of handling HDR, are watching only a fraction of that tiny number.

That's just baffling to me. I realise there are plenty of people who just don't really care about picture quality and simply buy a TV for news, soaps and the like (and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, I might add), but if a person cares enough to fork out for a fancy OLED, why don't they also care enough to seek out the HDR versions of movies and TV shows?

It's not as if HDR content is particularly hard to find these days. Pretty much every piece of original content on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+ now comes in HDR; most pay-as-you-go movies from the likes of Apple, Amazon and Sky are available in HDR; Premier League football and the F1 are now broadcast in HDR. The list goes on.

Is it a cost thing? I certainly agree that a service such as Sky is expensive if you want it in HDR, but the HDR versions of each streaming service are only a few quid a month more than the SDR subscriptions. I realise that's not nothing, but we're talking about people who have spent a four-figure sum on their TV.

Perhaps people are still watching loads of broadcast TV, which unfortunately still lags a long way behind when it comes to HDR content. Nine-and-a-half hours of broadcast SDR to just half an hour of HDR, though? On a premium OLED TV? That seems rather at odds with the notion that broadcast TV is in heavy decline.

Of course, these are just the figures of one TV brand; but I don't see an obvious reason those of others would be markedly different. Perhaps the data is skewed by Philips being Europe-only, though, and the global percentages of brands such as LG or Samsung, which sell enormous numbers of TVs in slightly more HDR-saturated regions such as the US and Japan, might be a little bit higher; but I would be somewhat surprised if they were significantly so.

So, if very few people are actually watching HDR, are we going to change our HDR-first approach to reviewing TVs? Actually, no. Our logic is that we are writing primarily for enthusiasts. If someone is researching their next TV purchase by reading the in-depth reviews on our site and in our magazine, we believe that's because they really care about the quality of what they watch: they are more likely to pay that little bit extra for the 4K HDR version of a streaming subscription or pay-as-you-go movie; with any luck they might even own a 4K Blu-ray player; HDR sport could be a fixture of their weekends, too. In short, we think they are contributing a lot to those little HDR percentages.

That isn't to say that non-HDR content doesn't matter. We thoroughly test and report on each TV's ability to upscale and upconvert lower-res, SDR content, from broadcast TV to 1080p Blu-rays and old-school DVDs, because being an enthusiast means watching all of that lovely stuff, too. But HDR is TV at its best, and even if these disappointing figures from Philips suggest it might not quite be the present, it is certainly still the future of TV. And, who knows, if we keep talking about HDR, perhaps a few more people will dig it out and realise just how stunning their TV can be.

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The days are getting shorter and the weather's getting cooler, which means you no longer have to feel bad about shunning the outdoors and instead curling up in front of the TV. But what televisual delights await us this September?

I've trawled through the 'coming soon' lists of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+ and sifted out the tat to bring you the five new originals that I'm most looking forward to watching over the coming month.

Wolfs (Apple TV+) – 27th September

Without a doubt, the biggest streaming release of the month (and one of the biggest of the year) is the glossy dark comedy Wolfs, which reunites Oceans megastars George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Here, they both play lone wolf-style 'fixers' who are forced to work together – hence the awkward title.

The trailer promises a neat mix of the grim and whimsical and some enjoyable banter from the two leads, and while it's fair to say that the response from a screening at the Venice International Film Festival has been mixed (and that's putting it fairly mildly), who can resist seeing these two on screen together? I certainly can't and Apple apparently feels the same as the sequel has already been given the green light.

The Grand Tour: One For The Road (Prime Video) – 13th September

Honestly, I'm not that much of a Grand Tour fan. I was over the Clarkson/Hammond/May schtick long before they had even left the BBC, so Amazon's bigger-budget version of it never really appealed. That said, I have dipped into the odd episode when testing TVs (the picture quality is generally superb) and have struggled to resist the odd titter at the automotive japes.

I will be streaming One For The Road in its entirety, though, primarily because (as the name suggests) it's the last one they're making. It doesn't look like much of a detour from previous adventures (though the Zimbabwean location looks stunning) but I'll be tuning in for the nostalgia – I was watching these three mess about in cars when I was barely out of my teens and the original Top Gear was a fixture in my house when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. One for the road indeed.

Will & Harper (Netflix) – 27th September

Now here's something that's been hugely well received by those lucky enough to have already seen it. Will & Harper, which was screened to apparently rapturous applause at this year's Sundance Film Festival before being picked up by Netflix, is a documentary featuring Will Ferrell and his old friend / SNL collaborator Harper Steele, who now identifies as a trans woman.

There's no trailer yet, but early reviews describe a touching but also amusing portrayal of the two friends figuring out their relationship in light of Steele's transition, all while road-tripping from New York to Los Angeles. Expect some eye-openingly frank conversations between the two and some very awkward moments as the pair encounter some of the less accepting members of US society.

Slow Horses Season 4 (Apple TV+) – 4th September

Not only one of the best things on Apple TV+ but arguably one of the finest shows of the last few years, period, Slow Horses is back (today!) for a fourth season of cack-handed crime-fighting across the streets of London. Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb appears to be on perfect kebab-stained, foul-mouthed form, Jack Lowden's River Cartwright seems just as doggedly determined as ever, and the new bad guy is played by the wonderful Hugo Weaving. It all just sounds superb, doesn't it?

The best bit of news is that you don't have to wait to find out if the new season is up to the greasy-overcoated greatness of the previous three, because episode one is available now.

Agatha All Along (Disney+) – 18th September

I know I'm not the only one who's been taking a break from the MCU having nearly drowned in the deluge of diluted TV shows and movies in the post-End Game era, but Agatha All Along looks just about different and weird enough to be worth a punt. For starters, it's a spin-off from WandaVision, one of the most unexpectedly entertaining Marvel shows, and it features the best character from that show – the witch Agatha Harkness, played in terrifically camp fashion by the ever-enjoyable Kathryn Hahn.

The trailer suggests there will be plenty of silliness, but also potentially some creepiness and light scares – perfect for the run-up to Halloween. Marvel shows always look and sound great, too.

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Heading (back) off to uni and wondering what essentials you need to take with you? Well after you've packed the toothbrush, lots of underwear and a laptop, next on the list has to be a TV, right? I mean, you've got to have some down time occasionally, and you can't go to the SU every night...

Unless you're a very fortunate student indeed, you're unlikely to have a big budget for said TV, but the good news is that there are some very solid cheap TVs around, and this is one of the cheapest and most solid.

The TV in question is the Hisense 43A6KTUK, a 43-inch 4K HDR TV that can be bought for just £229 at Amazon.

£229 really is extraordinarily little for a 43-inch 4K TV, and the Hisense 43A6KTUK is much better than that low price suggests. It has its limitations, of course, most notably in that its motion is a little smeary and it doesn't go as bright as more expensive models, but it gets the basics very right.

The backlights of cheap TVs are often blotchy, but the Hisense's is really controlled and consistent. The TV is capable of delivering decently deep blacks, too, and it digs up plenty of shadow detail. Colours are natural and realistic (another thing that many cheap TVs get wrong), and images are sharp without looking artificially sharpened.

Inevitably, given its price, the Hisense doesn't support HDMI 2.1 gaming features such as 4K/120Hz or VRR, but it does have ALLM, which means it will automatically switch to its low-latency game mode when a signal from a console is detected. Said game mode brings input lag down to just 10.2ms, which is super-fast and very impressive for a TV at this level.

To top it all off, the VIDAA smart platform is really well-appointed when it comes to streaming apps, with all of the UK catch-up services, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV all built in, so you won't need to buy a separate streaming stick or dongle.

If you do have any budget left, a cheap soundbar would be a good investment. The Hisense doesn't sound bad for a TV, particularly one so cheap, but movies, games and music will sound so much better on a soundbar.

If the Hisense 43A6KTUK isn't the right TV for you, perhaps because you want one bigger or smaller, check out our list of the best cheap TVs you can buy right now.

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When it comes to the best noise-cancelling headphones, there are all manner of products worthy of being included in the Hall of Fame. And Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are right up there with the very best of them.

Delivering everything from superb sound quality, and a comfortable design, to incredible noise cancellation and long haul-worthy battery life, the XM5s tick every box that most users could ever want. And now, you can get them for £279 at Amazon – that's a whopping £100 cheaper than their £379 launch price.

Both Amazon and Sony UK have slashed the price of these award-winning cans from their original £379 down to a wallet-friendly £279. Granted, the XM5s were cheaper on Amazon during the recent Prime Day sales event, (they were £260), but their current price is still noteworthy. If you’ve been eyeing them up, now could be the time to strike.

The discount applies to all available colours, including Black, Midnight Blue, and Silver, so you can pick your favourite hue without compromising on savings.

The XM5s are one of those products that do their job extremely well, without any fuss, tweaking, or faffing required. They look the part, with a comfortable build, and it’s hard to argue against their blend of superb sound, excellent noise cancellation, and plethora of app-controlled features and customisation options.

We were impressed with their overall package enough to award them five stars, praising the jump in sound quality over the previous iteration, the WH-1000XM4.

These improvements are, in part, due to Sony’s newer Integrated Processor V1, which works in tandem with Sony's HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 to deliver the company's most effective noise-cancellation yet. In practice, this means you can enjoy your tunes in blissful isolation, whether you're battling the rumble of public transport or the chatter of a busy office.

Sound quality is, unsurprisingly, top-notch. The 30mm drivers pump out audio with impressive clarity, serving up punchy bass, crisp mids, and sparkling highs. It's a sound signature that works wonderfully across a wide range of genres, from classical to hip-hop.

But the XM5s aren't just about raw audio performance. They're also packed with clever features that make them a joy to use day-to-day. The Adaptive Sound Control automatically tweaks audio settings based on your environment and activity, while Speak-to-Chat pauses your music when you start a conversation - handy for those quick chats at the coffee machine.

Battery life is equally impressive, with up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. And if you're in a rush, a quick 10-minute top-up will give you a generous five hours of listening time.

Should you buy the Sony WH-1000XM5?

At their original price, the XM5s were already a compelling package. Although this current discount seems them fall just short of the lowest price ever, at £279, the Sonys are still a superb option for anyone who’s been on the fence about upgrading their 'phones. Whether you're a discerning, wireless headphones-wearing audiophile or simply someone who appreciates great sound in a well-sorted package, the XM5s will impress.

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Now (formerly Now TV) has a new subscription option that finally adds some long-awaited picture and sound features that we've been waiting for. Up until now, it's felt like Now's parent company, Sky, has intentionally held the platform back to not compete with its own Sky Stream service; however, this no longer seems to be the case. On the face of it, its new Ultra Boost feature is good news for Now subscribers. However, there is always a catch, and this one is the price.

Before we get into that, we'll dig into what the Ultra Boost feature option offers. The major news is support for 4K HDR streaming, which is a major upgrade over the 720p SDR quality you get as default with Now. We're not sure exactly which HDR formats Now will support (such as Dolby Vision), but we do see a mention of HDR10+ on Now's support page.

Furthermore, Dolby Atmos immersive audio is coming to the platform. This will, of course, require a Dolby Atmos soundbar or suitable surround-sound system, but it's an appreciated upgrade over the stereo audio support that the non-boosted service offers. 

Now is also adding some quality-of-life improvements, such as ad-free streaming and allowing up to three concurrent streams on one account. The existing Boost upgrade also allows for ad-free streaming, but that only supports up to two streams at a time, while video is capped at 1080p and audio is supported up to Dolby Digital 5.1.

It's all looking good for Now so far, but here is where we need to address the price of this upgrade. It's an additional £9 a month on top of Now's standard £9.99 monthly subscription cost; meaning you'll need to be willing to pay £18.99 per month for those picture and sound upgrades. That's also before you add any sports or Sky Cinema content, as Now's basic membership only covers TV shows. 

It seems rather steep, especially compared to other streaming platform prices. Netflix's Ultra HD plan isn't far off at £17.99 per month here in the UK, but Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video's equivalent tiers only cost £10.99 and £11.99 a month respectively. Sky Stream with the UHD and Dolby Atmos upgrade comes in at £32 per month which is more expensive, but you also get Netflix bundled in at that price and a much more extensive range of live TV shows.

If we're nitpicking here, we would also have liked to have seen this upgrade be added to the service earlier. One of Now's biggest shows, House Of The Dragon, has just concluded its second season, so it feels like a missed opportunity to have not watched the whole series in 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos.

Nevertheless, the Ultra Boost option is available now, and if you're eager to upgrade your account then just look for the "viewing experience" within your membership options, in which you'll find the Boost upgrades.

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It’s Games time. With the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics’ opening ceremony taking place today, making history by being the first to be held outside of a stadium, we are just hours away from 16 full days of world-class sporting action, with Badminton kicking us off tomorrow (nice and early in the UK), ladies and gentlemen.

If there’s ever a fortnight to be stuck to your TV setup or home cinema, it’s now – but if you have a 4K (Ultra HD) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) TV or projector and perhaps even a surround sound 5.1 or Dolby Atmos audio system, you’ll certainly want to watch all the gold medal glory in those leading audiovisual formats. 

The good news is that the Paris 2024 Olympics is being broadcast in 4K and HDR around the world: the Olympic Broadcasting Service (OBS) is producing the global feed in 4K HDR with 5.1.4 Atmos surround sound, and France Télévisions is leading the broadcaster way for its home games by offering 4K HDR broadcasts through its new digital terrestrial channels. 

So is that quality also available where you live, via your country’s broadcasters?

UK: you can watch the Olympics in 4K and HDR

In the UK, the BBC is the official Olympic television broadcaster, however despite the Beeb’s previous dabbles in live 4K HDR broadcasting via its iPlayer service, it will only be offering HD (1080p) and SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) through its BBC One and BBC Two coverage.

So can you watch Paris 2024 in 4K HDR in the UK at all? Thankfully, yes.

For the past decade, Warner Brothers Discovery (owner of Eurosport and Discovery) have exclusively had the European rights to the Olympics, so it isn’t surprising that both channels will offer a better viewing experience. There will be 4K HDR broadcasts on Eurosport’s main linear UHD channel, which is available via satellite on pay-TV platforms such as Virgin Media, EE TV and BT TV for subscribers.

The Discovery+ service (which currently has a £3.99/month special offer for the duration of the Olympics through Amazon Prime Video Channels or discoveryplus.com) also offers Eurosport 1 and 2, but will deliver the Olympic broadcasts only in HDR – not 4K. (If you have Sky TV or EE TV, you’ll get access to Discovery+ offerings for free during the Olympics.)

As for audio, we cannot yet confirm whether Eurosport or the pay-for platform providers will offer surround sound.

US: you can watch the Olympics in 4K, HDR and Atmos

Comcast NBCUniversal's USA Network channel will broadcast some events in 4K with HDR (Dolby Vision) and Dolby Atmos surround sound, reportedly through all of the following: the Xfinity Stream app, Altice, Comcast, Cox, DirecTV/Stream, Dish, Fubo, Sling TV, Verizon and YouTube TV. (Multiple reports state that NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service will live-stream every event – but not in 4K.)

NBC will actually produce the games in HD HDR, before upconverting it to 4K (it’s calling it ‘enhanced 4K’) for distribution. And on the surround sound front, as reported by SVG, “NBC trucks onsite in Paris will mix a 5.1 production but will pass the extra eight channels of height information [from OBS] untouched to NBC’s primetime-immersive audio-control room” for a mixed 5.1.4 output.

Australia: you can watch the Olympics in 4K

While the Olympics coverage is being shown on the Nine Network terrestrial channel, the Stan Sport streaming service is offering 4K coverage of Paris 2024, with “all medal events and major moments” being available in the superior resolution. So on that basis, the streaming service’s 4K coverage should be very comprehensive. This is the first time Australia will offer the Olympics in 4K, though there’s no mention of HDR or Dolby Atmos.

What devices you need to watch the Olympics in the highest possible quality

So to watch the Olympics in 4K, you need two things: a 4K/HDR TV or projector, and a 4K/HDR-compatible device (a streaming stick or set-top box) that can host the broadcast platform offering 4K coverage, if the TV itself does not via, say, an app. And hey, it's not too late for an upgrade! 

For example, in the UK, you’ll need a 4K/HDR TV or projector and, say, an EE TV Box Pro or Sky Q box/Stream stick with the relevant subscription. 

In the US, you’ll need a 4K/HDR TV or projector and, say, a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity with the relevant subscription. To get the Dolby Vision flavour of HDR that will be offered on USA Network, both devices must support Dolby Vision too.

And in Australia, you’ll simply need a 4K TV that can access the Stan Sport app, plus the relevant subscription.

For the Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 immersive sound available in the US, you’ll need either a Dolby Atmos soundbar or an Atmos-compatible AV receiver (connected to speakers that can deliver all or some of the available 5.1.4 channels).

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Best TV 2024: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

Best Dolby Atmos soundbars 2024: tried and tested by our review team

Amazon has begun the rollout of its latest Prime Video app update, with big changes coming to the user interface, personalised content recommendation feature and easier navigation. Amazon says it's "bringing clarity and simplicity back to streaming" with this latest update, so let's take a deeper dive into what's new. 

The most noticeable change is the app has a fresh lick of paint, and we have to say the new user interface is looking rather slick. Everything has been shifted down slightly, giving the key art of the feature programme or film more room to shine, and it's accompanied by buttons to instantly play the content and find out more details. This is a rotating carousel which will show featured content, new content available to rent or buy, and featured deals and benefits as part of your Amazon Prime subscription. 

You'll also find new streamlined navigation tools on the left-hand side and top of the main page. On the left, there appears to be a search function as well as what appears to be a bookmark page for content you've flagged to watch later. Along the top edge is where we find the biggest and, in our opinion, best change, and that's a navigation bar that's split into different content types including home (the aforementioned main page), movies, TV shows, sports and live TV. 

Furthermore, you'll find a subscription section on this navigation bar which is the destination for any additional subscriptions you have signed up to through Prime, such as Paramount+, MGM+, MUBI or Discovery+. Here is where you will also find the Prime button itself which will show you films, shows, sports and broadcasts that are included with your Prime Video subscription, alongside exclusive deals and benefits. A new feature in this update is the ability to sign up for additional subscriptions directly from the home page, which will allow you to access content quicker if it requires another service linked to Prime. 

Another appreciated change is enhanced clarity surrounding what is included in your Prime subscription. It hasn't always been clear if the content you want to watch is included or not until you're met with a "buy or rent" button. Amazon is now marking content not included with Prime Video using a yellow shopping bag icon, which should make things clearer. Furthermore, logos for content that requires additional subscriptions will feature on the hero and key art for relevant content, meaning you'll see a Starz logo on content that requires a Starz subscription, for example. 

As it's 2024, it was only a matter of time before AI was mentioned, and Amazon is baking it directly into Prime Video. Generative AI will be used to enhance personalised recommendations, with new "Made for You" collections within the movies and TV shows pages. This will suggest content based on your viewing history and personal tastes from a variety of services that can be accessed through Amazon Prime Video. There will also be other categories that cast a wider net, for example, "Top 10 Shows in the US" or "Trending Shows" which will collate relevant content. 

The AI integration doesn't stop there, as Amazon is integrating a large language model into the platform in order to simplify synopses for TV shows and movies. This will give many titles an "at a glance" description which should speed up the process of finding something you'd like to watch. 

Finally, Amazon has tidied up the platform with "new animations, smoother page transitions and zoom effects for a frictionless and enjoyable streaming experience you can look forward to". This should help to freshen up the platform and make it feel slicker in operation. It also says that this update has been rolled out across all devices (including older models of TVs and streamers) to ensure everyone can enjoy the new features and interface. 

We would recommend checking your smart TV or media streamer's respective app store to see if your Prime Video app requires an update now. 

MORE:

Read our full Amazon Prime Video review

As well as our Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation) review

I pay for Amazon Prime Video, so why am I seeing ads?

If you've been a long-time reader of What Hi-Fi? you will know that we're fond of physical media. Despite near-constant headlines of declining sales and retailers ceasing sales in bricks-and-mortar stores, there is finally some good news coming from one of Britain's largest entertainment retailers. 

HMV has reported that DVD and Blu-ray sales are on the rise, despite a decline in previous years due to the popularity of streaming services like Disney Plus, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. ITV reports that the managing director of HMV, Phil Halliday, has made promising statements regarding the business, with the "physical visual" side being a particular highlight. 

Halliday attributes collectors as a key demographic for increased Blu-ray sales, alongside growing frustrations with streaming services such as rising subscription prices and confusion as to what content is available on certain streaming platforms. This has reportedly driven people back to buying physical discs to avoid these streaming pitfalls.

"It’s been really positive to see the physical products in visual back in growth – 4K and Blu-ray have been doing particularly well," says Halliday, which is music to our ears. He went on to say "It’s a bit like people buying music physically, in that we are getting a lot of people wanting to collect certain titles. Releases have picked up as well, and we have some really good titles like Challengers coming out at the moment [...] people are willing to pay for a physical copy of shows or films they know they will rewatch."

Seeing 4K Blu-ray doing well is especially important to us, especially as just a year ago we had fears that the format might be dying out. We still always prefer the superior picture and sound quality that 4K Blu-ray provides over streaming, and the security of always having our favourite content on hand without worrying about licenses expiring or subscription prices rising. 

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray players

And the best OLED TVs

As well as this quirky Panasonic TV with a built-in 4k Blu-ray player

Amazon's Prime Day sale may be best known for its big discounts on headphones, speakers and the like, but it's also a goldmine for picking up some fresh vinyl LPs. 

While the selection won't rival your local record store in size, there are still multiple gems to be found, all with big discounts that will save you spending upwards of AU$70 per album. 

I recently bought the JBL Spinner BT earlier in the sale, and so now I'm looking to flesh out my record collection – these are the albums I've bought so far.

Don't agree with my choices? Check out the full selection of CD & vinyl Prime Day deals. 

MORE:

Check out the best turntables in 2024

JBL Classic TT350 review

The 60 best albums for audiphiles

Whether you're looking for a tablet for watching movies on the go, or are wanting a tablet to control your system and your music collection, Apple's entry-level iPad (2022) is our go-to recommendation – and it's had its price slashed for Prime Day.

Yes, the iPad Air has the better screen and faster processor, but when you weigh up performance per pound, we think the standard iPad has enough to offer everyone. So much so that it won our most recent What Hi-Fi? Award in the tablet category.

We spotted it earlier on in Prime Day for £319, but now – in the last few hours – it has dropped to the lowest price we have ever seen, to £304 for the 64GB version in the blue and silver colourways.

The 256GB version also drops to its lowest price yet, at £437 for the silver or pink version.

The 10th Generation iPad delivers the first major design overhaul, practically since the first iPad launched back in 2010. Now, the basic iPad is uncannily similar to the more expensive iPad Air, with slimmer bezels and smoothed off edges that Apple calls an “all-screen” design. 

There's also a more fun element here too, with Apple ditching the Space Grey of bygone years for Silver but offering a pop of colour too, with options for Yellow, Blue and Pink hues. 

Expect a touch more screen real estate this time round, creeping up from 10.2 inches to 10.9 inches, and a slight resolution increase to match, up to 2360 x 1640. It's plenty sharp enough despite the pixels-per-inch remaining the same, and at 500 nits peak brightness, it's bright enough too.

As for how it looks when watching movies, there's a good level of detail retrieval, a careful handling of both light and dark scenes and a richer, bolder colour palette than its 9th generation predecessor. It won't do HDR but if you can overlook that, you're onto a winner.

This is a superb Prime Day discount that we've never seen before. If you have been eyeing up an Apple tablet, get your order in quick – Prime Day is almost done!

MORE:

Read our full Apple iPad 2022 review

Amazon Prime Day 2024: the best deals on TVs, speakers, headphones and more

Best iPads 2024: big and small, budget to premium, all reviewed by experts

As we plunge into the final hours of the Amazon Prime Day sales event, you might be completely shopped out. Maybe you've already bagged a great Sony headphones deal, or that awesome LG OLED TV deal, or bought a few discounted vinyl records?

Or maybe you're still scrolling, looking for that one big purchase to complete your hi-fi system – while making a saving too, of course. The good news is, there are plenty of massive discounts on some great, five-star hi-fi kit – they're just not on Amazon.

Forget Amazon, if you want a great hi-fi deal then you have to go to independent and specialist hi-fi retailers, such as Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks and Peter Tyson. Below, we've hand-picked the top 10 best hi-fi deals you can only get at non-Amazon retailers and at their lowest-ever prices. Many of these products are What Hi-Fi? Award winners too, so you know you'll be receiving a quality item if you decide to take the plunge.

MORE:

Editors' choice: 6 amazing Prime Day hi-fi and home cinema deals we’re personally excited about

So you’ve bought a new turntable in the Prime Day sales, now you need to buy these classic vinyl records

Quick! These one-in-a-lifetime Prime Day Bowers & Wilkins headphones deals won't last forever

Check out the best Prime Day hi-fi deals before they're gone

All sorts of tech products are being discounted in this year's Amazon Prime Day sale, from TVs to headphones, soundbars to wireless speakers. When it comes to quality, not all are born equal: just because something has a big red sale banner and a large percentage discount next to it does not necessarily mean it's a good deal. The product needs to be recommendable, for starters, and, to be the best option for you, better value than other discounted alternatives in its class. 

No such questioning over deal quality is needed here, as below are the best Prime Day deals on current What Hi-Fi? Award winners and five-star products. You'll only find savings on the very best products in their field right now, so you'd better get a move on before stocks run dry. Prime Day won't last forever!

Quick links to the best Prime Day deals (UK)

• All deals: Amazon Echo speakers
• Amazon Music Unlimited: 5 months free
• Arcam ST60: £650 off
• Bose QC Earbuds II: save £110
• Cambridge Audio: £300 off CXA81 amp
• Fire TV: deals on TVs and smart sticks
• John Lewis: up to £150 off Apple devices
• Sonos: 20% off soundbars and speakers
• Sony WH-1000XM5: save 31% now £260
• Sony WF-1000XM5: £61 off Award-winning wireless earbuds
• TV deal: Sony A80L OLED now £1044 (huge savings)

Best Prime Day deals (UK)

Quick links to the best Prime Day deals (US)

• AirPods (2019): save $60 – lowest ever price
• AirPods Max: lowest ever price ($150 off)
• Amazon Prime Music: 5 months free for Prime members
• Amazon devices: big discounts on Amazon's smart devices
• Home theater deals: save over $400
• LG C2 OLED 55-inch TV: now $1236 (save over $500)
• Sennheiser Momentum: 47% off true wireless earbuds

Best Prime Day deals (US)

MORE: 

The best Prime Day TV deals 2024: the cheapest prices on five-star OLEDs, Mini LEDs and LCDs

The best Prime Day hi-fi deals – save on Cambridge Audio, Roksan, Sonos and more

Amazon Prime Day 2024: the best deals on TVs, speakers, headphones and more

Don't get ripped off this Prime Day: 3 simple rules to follow when hi-fi and home cinema shopping

Update 18/07/2024: These deals have now ended. Both pairs of headphones are now back to their usual prices: the XM5 are now $398 at Amazon and the XM4 $348 at Amazon. They both remain great headphones, but these prices might be bettered elsewhere in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on our best Sony WH-1000XM5 deals and best Sony WH-1000XM4 deals pages.

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW
17/07/2024: Amazon's two-day Prime Day sales event is coming to an end tonight, but there's still time to make one of the best savings on the exceptional Sony wireless headphones. 

As ever with Prime Day, sometimes the best deals are on the older devices. That's why while the Sony WH-1000XM5 might have dropped to just $298 at Amazon – their lowest price ever – it's their predecessors that are better value for money and have the bigger saving.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 have also hit their lowest price ever – just $198 at Amazon. That's a discount of $152 on their launch price, and a full $100 cheaper than their successors. Snap them up while they're still available, as stocks won't last long.

Best ever Sony WH-1000XM5 and XM4 deals

The five-star WH-1000XM4 were, until the recent launch of the WH-1000XM5, Sony's top-of-the-range wireless noise-cancelling headphones. With a winning combination of stunning sound, 30-hour battery life, intuitive controls and adjustable noise-cancelling, the XM4 are hard to beat, especially when they're so heavily discounted.

The XM4 are every bit as comfortable as their predecessor, the WH-1000XM3, but introduce new useful features that elevate the user experience such as ‘Speak to Chat’, which allows you to talk to someone while the headphones are still on your head.

More importantly, the headphones dish up an impressive hike in sound quality over the XM3. Their sense of musicality and enthusiasm remains as addictive as ever, but there are also big improvements across the board.

The XM5 are a big step on. Their new 'noiseless' design minimises interference from wind while also doing away with exposed hinges, while new features add to the experience. The sound quality is also significantly better – a little more analytical, and maybe a touch less fun, but the extra detail and insight are more than worth the tradeoff, especially at this, their lowest price ever at Amazon.

If you want that best-in-class Sony performance and features but also the best deal overall, the XM4 is the bigger saving overall – but hurry, this Prime Day deal ends tonight.

MORE:

Read our Sony WH-1000XM5 review

And our Sony WH-1000XM4 review

Sony WH-1000XM6: expected release date and price, 6 features on our wishlist

Our pick of the best Prime Day headphones deals

Amazon Prime Day 2024: the best deals on TVs, headphones, speakers and more

Prime Day is in its second day and if like many hi-fi and home cinema fans you’re struggling to keep up with the frenzy of hundreds, if not thousands of deals being pumped out by Amazon and its rivals – you’re in the right place.

Our team of experts has been on hand checking stores to find the best hi-fi and home cinema discounts that are actually worth your time and money. Doing so we’ve made sure the deals are on products we’ve tested and know are good and run thorough price checks to make sure they weren’t cheaper at an earlier point.

And from that already narrow shortlist of deals we decided were good enough to recommend to you, we've decided to go one step further and create this guide detailing the six deals our team are personally excited about. 

As an added bonus we’ve also made sure they’re still live, so you can get in on the action if you share our excitement.

KEF LSX II

LG C4

Sony PS-LX310BT 

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e 

Wharfedale DX-2 

Sonos Ray

MORE:

These are the top Prime Day OLED TV deals we’ve spotted

Our picks of the best Prime Day turntable deals

We rate the best Prime Day hi-fi deals

Fancy trying Amazon Music Unlimited? To celebrate the 10th edition of Prime Day, Amazon is offering Prime members five months’ free subscription to its music streaming service. Don't fret, non-Prime members, you're still being offered three whole months of free membership – everyone can get in on this deal.

This free trial offer is only available to new customers who haven't previously taken out a trial and is valid until 4 pm GMT today (18th July) – that means there are only a handful of hours left to take advantage of this great offer.

It provides an Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Plan and, if you choose to continue with your subscription following the free five-month trial period, you'll be charged £11 / $11 a month. However, if you’re already an Amazon Prime member, the monthly fee will be reduced to £10 / $10 per month.

Prime Day Amazon Music Unlimited deal

Amazon Music Unlimited gives you access to over 100 million tracks, thousands of playlists, stations and podcasts, as well as offline playback and hands-free listening using Alexa, all without ads. Some tracks are available in CD-quality and some in spatial audio.

We rate Music Unlimited highly, awarding it four stars in our review. While it doesn't quite have the reach of Spotify, the seamless usability of Apple Music or the quality of Tidal, it is still a compelling offering at the price, especially if you're firmly entrenched in Amazon's ecosystem. Now, with nothing to pay for the first five months, it's definitely worth checking out.

Remember, to get in on the action you must sign up before 4 pm today (18th July) to get your five months of free Amazon Music Unlimited before the offer ends.

MORE:

Read our Amazon Music Unlimited review

Best music streaming services: free streams to hi-res audio

The WiiM Pro Plus has been a star product ever since it launched, picking up five-star reviews and a prestigious What Hi-Fi? Award win, and earning it more recommendations than most other hi-fi products. The popular music streamer has the perfect combination of affordable price, extensive streaming features and entertaining sound – and now it's even better value thanks to this fantastic price drop as part of today's Amazon Prime Day sales.

The talented WiiM Pro Plus can be yours for just $175 at Amazon – that's a genuinely great saving of $44. This lowest price is available at Amazon US only, with other retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart and Crutchfield still listing it at its original full price of $219.

Based on our experience, this WiiM deal won't last long, so you have to hurry if you want to take advantage of this tempting Prime Day deal before it ends tomorrow!

In many ways, the superb-value WiiM Pro Plus offers similar functionality to the also five-star Cambridge Audio MXN10, which is similarly compact but costs nearly twice the price. That makes it remarkable value, as it's hard to convince ourselves that it's half as good. 

For the money, this little streamer lets you quickly and easily add streaming skills to most home setups, with the WiiM offering a robust set of connectivity options – it might not have HDMI, but optical and RCA line-level inputs/outputs mean it can connect to most amplifiers. Streaming-wise, it's as feature-rich as you can get: there's dual-band wi-fi, Bluetooth, built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 support. An intuitive app makes it quick and easy to stream tracks from popular music services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Pandora, and plenty more.

But how does it sound, we hear you ask? Based on our testing, we can confidently say it delivers great sound considering the wallet-friendly asking price. As we said in our review: “the WiiM Pro Plus is hard to lay a glove on at the price. It sounds poised and accomplished, it has a surprisingly well-executed control app, and it’s ready to form the basis of a multi-room system too."

We're not exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to the budget end of the hi-fi market for streamers, but the WiiM rises above its competitors with a performance, feature set and ease of use that belies its price. Per our review: "If you want to do better than this, it’s going to cost you quite a lot more money.” Sounds tempting? Head over to Amazon US to get this lowest-ever Prime Day deal on the Pro Plus before it runs out.

MORE:

Check out the best Prime Day speaker deals – huge savings on KEF, Naim and more

And the best Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deals live now

You can get the best AirPods deals today, too!

There are newer and better AirPods available, but none are as affordable as these. The AirPods (2019) have hit a new low price of £95 at Amazon. That's £4 cheaper than their previous low price, and a whopping £64 cheaper than their launch price. 

Any drop under £100 is rare for a pair of AirPods – we usually only see it during big sale events like Prime Day. And this new low price represents better value than ever.

Apple AirPods 2 best ever price

Apple's AirPods have been around so long and have become so incredibly popular among iPhone users that they hardly need any introduction. Walk around any city centre, drop down into the Underground or go to a local café and you'll see dozens of users sporting the iconic white stems. Happily, this popularity is increasingly justified, with models such as the AirPods 2 (2019) and the AirPods Pro 2 proving that Apple is beginning to take sound seriously in a bid to compete with rival efforts from Sony, Bose and Sennheiser.

This AirPods deal is on the second-gen model as opposed to the newer AirPods 3 (£129), but second-gen buds remain a fine buy if you're keen to save money and grab a bargain over nabbing spatial audio support and the slight advances in sound quality and battery life afforded by the third-gen model.

The second-gen buds really are a fine pair of wireless in-ears, and as we stated in our AirPods (2019) review, their agreeable sound, 24-hour total battery life and excellent wireless tech for iOS users make them a pleasure to live with. That was when we tested them at £159, so in terms of sound-per-pound performance, they're even better now that they're discounted to £95 at Amazon. For iOS users wanting to save some serious dosh, this is a great deal.

MORE:

Read our original Apple AirPods (2019) review

The best wireless earbuds: budget and premium

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 vs AirPods Pro 2: which ANC buds are best?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s going on with the Sony A80L?

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

These are the best OLED TV deals we've spotted

Our picks of the best OLED TVs 

We rate the best 65-inch TVs money can buy

Amazon Prime Day is all about the TV deals. At least it is for me, but then I am a TV reviewer by trade. If you are on the hunt for a new TV this year – specifically an OLED TV – then you are in luck, as some of the very best OLED TVs available have just dropped to their lowest-ever prices.

There can be a lot of suspicion around sales events such as Prime Day. Are the deals really as good as they look? Or are these just regular prices disguised as deals?

The truth is that there's usually a bit of both going on, but I track the prices of our favourite TVs right through the year and can personally say that the below models are all at the lowest prices I've ever seen them.

These best-ever deals include models from Sony and LG, and in sizes ranging from 42 inches right up to 77 inches. And if you're wondering which one I would buy with my own money, it's the LG G2 – that price is ridiculously low.

Prime Day 2024 is all but here and it has brought with it more hi-fi and home cinema deals than can easily be counted.

And while this is in many ways awesome, it’s also tricky for a couple of reasons. First, because the sheer volume of discounts is all but impossible for any one person to stay on top of. 

That’s why the team of experts at What Hi-Fi? spends time trawling through them to find the top discounts actually worth your time and showcase them in pages including our best hi-fi deals and best TV deals guides every year.

Second, because Amazon is huge for a reason. The retailer is incredibly smart in the way it goes about pushing you to click the purchase button and breeds a sense of urgency during the event. This makes Prime a very dangerous time to shop, if you don’t go in prepared.

Here to help you avoid these potential problems, we’ve penned a handy survival guide, where our team details three key bits of advice they recommend any hi-fi or home cinema shopper follow if they want to make the most of Prime Day 2024.

• Browse all of today's best Amazon dealst

1. Check the product’s price history before buying 

Amazon, and retailers in general, are always a little tricky during sales events. This is because most of the discounts compare the current price to the product's launch RRP. Over the numerous Prime Days and Black Fridays, our team found this is problematic as we’ve seen retailers push “deals” during the events where the product was actually cheaper a few months or weeks earlier – so the deal’s not actually that great.

This is particularly prone to happening on products with long shelf lives, where a new model doesn’t come out for over half a decade – like hi-fi separates, AVRs and surround-sound systems. 

As an added layer of complexity, we’ve also seen stores raise the price of a product it wants to push a few weeks, or even months, before a big shopping event like Prime Day, in a bid to make the deal look better. 

This is why we recommend always using a tool such as Keepa or CamelCamelCamel which let you check the products’ price history. Both are available as standalone tools or Chrome extensions, making it quick and easy to spot bogus, fake deals, quickly and easily.

2. Have a hi-fi and home cinema hitlist – and stick to it

Knowing a product’s price history is great, but trust us when we say, just because something is cheaper than ever before doesn’t mean it’s worth your money. Having reviewed hi-fi and home cinema hardware since the late 1970s, our team of experts can safely confirm that there are plenty of products in both categories that aren’t worth your money or time, no matter how heavily they’ve been discounted.

This is especially true in certain categories. Take cheap TVs as an example. Jump over to our guide on which TVs to watch this Prime Day, and you’ll see that despite the category being one of the biggest when it comes to volume of discounts, a very small number are actually worth buying. 

This is because there’s an ongoing issue in the lower end of the TV market where, thanks to companies' overt focus on the top end, there are very few "good" cheap TVs. This is evidenced by the fact that, even in our best cheap TV guide, only a very small number performed well enough to earn five star ratings when our reviewers got them in for testing.

Because of this we recommend doing your research before you start shopping and going in with a hit list of products you’ve already approved and know will 100 per cent meet your needs. As an added bonus, it will also help you avoid two key, easy mistakes even members of the What Hi-Fi? team have made. 

First, it’ll help you avoid making impulse purchases – our editor (me) still has metres worth of unneeded Chord Company RumourX cable and a superfluous Chromecast with Google TV after impulse purchases during last year's Prime Day.

In the world of separates we always recommend doing your research and matching products when building a hi-fi set-up. This is especially important as simply bolting together a bunch of five-star products isn’t a surefire way to get the best results. 

For the best results, parts need to have complementary sonic characters. That’s why we recommend checking out our system guides, or doing the legwork yourself and demoing how the product you’re considering works with your other hardware at your local hi-fi shop before making a purchase.

3. Keep tabs on the specialists

Speaking of hi-fi shops, our third and final piece of advice is a simple one: keep an eye on specialist retailers as well as Amazon.

Amazon’s huge, but in the world of hi-fi and home cinema it’s not always the best place to get a great deal. Specialist retailers exist for a reason, especially if you're shopping for high-end hi-fi or a less mainstream category. That’s why our experts always check what’s available in specialist shops, such as Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks Audio and Peter Tyson in the UK, or Audio Advice in the US. 

Often, these stores not only have better selections of specific categories, they also offer equally as good, if not better, discounts than those you’ll find on Amazon in many instances. Which is why we always recommend checking them out as well as Amazon, even during Prime Day.

MORE:

We rate the best speakers money can buy

Check out our best wireless earbuds deals guide

Looking for a new OLED TV? Then you’ll want to keep an eye on our best OLED TV deals guide this Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day 2024 is in full swing and set to run until the clock strikes midnight on the 17th of July.

With myself and the wider What Hi-Fi? team in full on deal hunting mode, I can confirm it has already brought with it a wave of great looking OLED TV deals.

But before you go rushing to buy the latest and greatest models, or jump on the first deal you see, be warned not every discount running at the moment is worth your money. 

This is main because Prime Day falls right when that year’s new models are just going on sale, and the first batch of reviews for them have started going live. That’s certainly been the case this year with our reviewers having just delivered their definitive verdicts on key sets including the LG C4, LG G4 and Samsung S95D, which all earned perfect scores.

This makes it all too easy to fall into the trap of turning into a new TV magpie and only looking at the latest models such as the recent savings we've seen appear on the LG C4 – which based on my experience covering every Prime Day since the event started, is actually the worst thing you can do if you want the best deal possible.

To help you get the best set for your needs and budget, I’ve penned this feature detailing the top TVs that I and the wider What Hi-Fi? team will be keeping an eye on over Prime Day 2024.

The LG C3 and G3 

We've already seen a wave of deals appear on LG's latest OLED TVs, the best of which focusses on the step down LG C4. 

And to be clear this isn't an attack on the C4, which scored five-stars when we reviewed it offering excellent picture quality and significantly improved audio on its predecessor. We've also seen more limited savings targeting the LG G4, though these are so small we don't recommend them at all at the moment. 

But if you want the best OLED TV deal possible, we'd still recommend going for the LG C3 or G3. Why?

The simple answer is, we always factor value for money into our advice. TVs, unlike some hi-fi, where there’s a huge retro market, typically drop in price fairly fast. So when a new TV comes out, unless it’s a huge step forward on last year’s model, initially it isn't as good value as its predecessor – which at this point has usually radically dropped in price.

This was the case with last year’s Prime Day, where the majority of the best discounts were on the older LG C2 and LG G2. I even penned an opinion piece at the time explaining why you should focus your attention on the older models if you wanted the best bang for your buck.

Even though Prime Day's still young, all evidence suggests history is already repeating itself, with Amazon pushing significantly better LG C3 and LG G3 deals, with much heftier savings than what we've seen on the later models. When they cost this much less than the C4, we'd say the C3 is the better deal.

This is especially true for as, based on our long term testing and experience with the C3 and G3, both remain fantastic OLED TVs in their own right. The C3 has all the key gaming specifications required to let next-generation consoles run at full capacity and delivers very good picture quality.

Though stocks are drying up fast, the G3 also comes with the added allure of Micro Lens Array (MLA tech). MLA won a What Hi-Fi? Innovation Award last year, thanks to its ability to radically raise OLED TVs' max brightness levels. It worked a treat on the G3 when we tested it, letting the set deliver a punchy, enjoyable viewing experience regardless of which test discs we threw at it.

The Samsung S95C

Though we haven't seen a "shut up and take my money" deal appear on it yet, the Samsung S95C is another key TV our testers are keeping an eye on this Prime Day and an excellent example of another key, but often ignored, bit of advice we give when recommending OLEDs. Specifically, don’t automatically rule out products we gave four stars to in our review.

If you jump over to our 'how we test' page, you’ll see four stars is still a positive review. Often the only reason a four-star product didn’t get a perfect five comes down to its bang for your buck value. This was the case for the S95C when we reviewed it, with its high price compared to rivals and slightly overbaked colours leading to one star being shed from its rating.

However, at current prices, where we’ve seen the 55-inch model’s price float at the £1200 / $1300 mark, which is a huge thousand-buck saving on its original RRP, it is a very good option. For the money you’ll get a well-connected QD-OLED TV that offers a wonderfully punchy and dynamic home cinema experience. 

On top of that, like the C3 and G3, with the newer Samsung S95D now out, pricing for the S95C will likely fall even further during Prime Day, making it well worth keeping an eye on. 

The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED 

OLEDs get a lot of the headlines during Prime Day, but in my experience covering the event for more years than I care to admit here, it also brings pretty big discounts on cheap sets.

While the volume of discounts looks great, it’s also a bit of a trap as many of the TVs that get discounts aren’t worth your money, even with the lower price. Regular readers will know I’ve long bemoaned the lack of “good” cheap TVs doing the rounds. This is because most companies are focused on the high-end market at the moment, so there’s been an ongoing stagnation in the lower end.

Which is why, if you don’t want to spend thousands on your next TV, but need a new one pronto, I’d recommend keeping an eye on the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED for two key reasons.

First, because Amazon's already offering massive savings on its Omni QLED sets, with, like the one attached below.

The second and more important reason is that they’re good TVs, particularly if you invest in a 50- or 55-inch model. During testing, we found that, despite some black level issues, the TVs offer the best holistic picture quality you’ll find at their price. The use of Fire OS also gives them a reliable selection of apps, though the UX is a little ad-heavy. 

TCL Mini LED TVs

If you don’t fancy a Fire TV Omni QLED, and want a cracking deal, we’d also recommend keeping an eye on TCL’s Mini LED TVs. The brand’s been carving a quiet niche, delivering some of the best value TVs we reviewed last year. This was highlighted by the TCL C845K, which not only earned a perfect five stars when we reviewed it but also won the best budget 55-inch trophy at the 2023 What Hi-Fi? Awards.

Though the set is Mini LED, rather than OLED and we haven't seen any truly great deals yet, it remains a fantastic option for buyers on a budget. The TV has all the gaming features PS5 and Xbox Series owners need but, more importantly, it’s also the best TV we’ve tested for picture quality at its price. The Mini LED panel can’t match the perfect blacks offered by the more expensive OLEDs on this list, but during our checks it still delivered a wonderful picture that was stunningly bright and full of contrast. 

As an added bonus, it’s also been radically dropping in price, with TCL set to launch its new 2024 range in the not-too-distant future. Last year we saw massive discounts across a range of TCL sets during Prime Day 2023, and if history repeats we’d 100 per cent recommend keeping an eye on the C845K. 

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Amazon Prime Day is less than a week away which means many of you will be doing all the relevant prep required to bag yourself a deal, whether you’re on the hunt for a heavily discounted TV or a super saving on some hi-fi separates. 

If the history of Prime Day has taught us one thing, though, it’s that you can expect a wide array of headphone deals and wireless earbuds deals to choose from. Amazon is awash with pairs of Bluetooth over-ears and buds, whether you want a cheap pair to throw in your bag, or a more premium pair to entertain you during a weekend stroll.

This is why I've highlighted a few pairs below that I think it's worth keeping an eye on in the coming days and during the Prime Day sales themselves (that’s over the 16th and 17th July, just in case you’d forgotten).

All the pairs I've picked are five-star performers so their abilities and sonic qualities are more than up to scratch. Remember they’re fantastic products irrespective of if they’re on offer, although if you do stumble across a saving that can sweeten the deal then I'm sure you won't complain.

Some of these models have been discounted before - they might have a track record of being discounted during Prime Day (or Black Friday) and I think there’s a good chance this could happen again.

Alternatively, Prime Day 2024 might be the first opportunity to spot a decent saving on a relatively new pair that’s only been around a few months. I've also made a note of the prices we tested them at and the prices I've seen them drop to, just for some added context. Happy Shopping!

Class-leading wireless cans: Sony WH-1000XM5

• Reviewed at £380
• Now £299
• Lowest ever price £239
• Prime Day target £239

The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones don't really need any introduction. They are our current class leaders and sensational all-rounders and deals are highly sought after. We first tested them at £380 when they launched back in May 2022 and the fact they're over two years old means they could be ripe for a price drop. I've seen them as low as £239 once and would hope they might drop down to that level for Prime Day. I doubt they'll drop any lower, at least until Black Friday.

Affordable on-ears: Sony WH-CH520

• Reviewed at £49
• Now £38
• Lowest ever price £34
• Prime Day target £34

Anyone looking for a pair of cheap Bluetooth headphones that won't break the bank, could do a lot worse than these excellent five-star Sonys. Even at their full price of £49 the WH-CH520 are a bit of a bargain and I've seen them down to £34 which is quite a tidy saving. I doubt we'll see them drop lower, but Prime Day could spring a surprise and anything around the £30 mark would give you a great reason to buy.

Apple's finest: AirPods Max

• Reviewed at £549
• Now £480
• Lowest ever price £400
• Prime Day target £400

The Apple AirPods Max are an interesting one. Believe it or not, they launched back in December 2020 for £549. Apple prices don't tend to fall too dramatically, but I did see these hit £400 during Black Friday 2022. And they've fluctuated around £450-£500 since. Rumour has it a second-generation pair might launch towards the end of the year which could see prices drop, but will Prime Day see them hit £400 again? I'm not so sure. If they do, and you're an iPhone/MacBook user I'd take the plunge because they still sound amazing and are still super-competitive in their class. (Note that some finishes tend to have bigger discounts than others.)

Luxury listening: Mark Levinson No. 5909

• Reviewed at £999
• Now £749
• Lowest ever price £749
• Prime Day target £729

Sure, the Mark Levinson No. 5909 aren't cheap, but I guarantee you won't have heard a pair of wireless headphones quite like them. The 5909 started out life at £999 and dropped to around £800 during Black Friday 2023. They only recently dropped to £749 back in May so I doubt we'll see them drop much further for Prime Day 2024. You never know, they might drop closer to £700 but this might be more likely during Black Friday later in the year.

Cheap and cheerful: Earfun Air

• Reviewed at £55
• Now £26
• Lowest ever price £26
• Prime Day target £22

On the hunt for a cheap and cheerful Prime Day deal? The Earfun Air wireless earbuds are one pair I'd be keeping an eye on. They only cost £55 when we originally tested them and we thought they were a steal thanks to their waterproof design, seven-hour battery life and punchy, entertaining sound. At the time of writing, they're down to £26 thanks to a voucher on Amazon, which is around as low as I've seen them. They could drop down to the £20 mark which would be even better, and great for anyone wanting a cheap second pair.

Sensational value: Sony WF-C700N

• Reviewed at £100
• Now £89
• Lowest ever price £67
• Prime Day target £67

We awarded the Sony WF-C700N a Product of the Year gong at the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 so this should show you how highly we rate them. They’re a step up in sound quality from the WF-C500 and add active noise-cancelling to the equation. We saw the price drop to £67 back at the start of the year and I'd like to think they might return to this level during Prime Day. Personally, if they drop to around £70 or under, I think you should consider them a no-brainer.

Award-winning all-rounders: Sony WF-1000XM5

• Reviewed at £259
• Now £219
• Lowest ever price £204
• Prime Day target £200

Sony's five-star, flagship WF-1000XM5 are around the £219 mark at the moment, but I have seen them dip as low as £204 in recent months. Do watch out for used pairs that appear on Amazon, though and make sure you're getting one that's box-fresh. My gut feeling is that these amazing all-rounders probably won't dip below £204 until Black Friday, but I could be proved wrong and this is still a great price for these class-leading wireless earbuds.

Ideal for iPhone users: Apple AirPods Pro 2

• Reviewed at £249
• Now £211
• Lowest ever price £189
• Prime Day target £189

It can be hard to find deals on Apple products at the best of times and the AirPods Pro 2 are no exception. Apple’s excellent wireless earbuds have come down a little since their launch in September 2022 but we are only talking around £30. More recently, they have dropped to as low as £189 but this has been the exception rather than the rule and whether we’ll see them return to this level during Prime Day remains to be seen.

Amazing noise-cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

• Reviewed at £300
• Now £219
• Lowest ever price £219
• Prime Day target £210

Arguably the best noise-cancelling earbuds currently on the market, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds do demand a price premium. But we think their stunning sound quality and ANC skills are worth every penny. I’ve seen the price drop as low as £219 earlier in the year, which is a huge saving for these impressive buds. I think we're unlikely to see them drop a huge amount during Prime Day but if they hit the £200 mark or below I'd be looking to buy if your budget allows.

It’s official – Prime Day 2024 is just around the corner. But if you’re looking for a new TV right now, then the two-week wait might be too long. 

That’s why we’re always on-hand with the latest discounts, like this 50-inch TCL C641K QLED TV now available for £289 at Amazon, down from £379. This deal offers an awful lot of TV for the money and although we haven’t reviewed this exact model, we have looked closely at the comparable 55-inch TCL C745K, which earned a four-star review at a price point of £629, much higher than the usual retail price of the C641K. 

While not boasting exactly the same specifications as the pricier C745, the C641K offers enough of the same tech at a fraction of the price. We think it’s worthy of a good look for anyone after a QLED TV of this size. 

TCL C641K QLED TV deal

The C641K QLED runs Android TV, packed with the latest streaming options and services including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. It’s also running the same AiPQ Processor 3.0 as the more expensive C745K which is said to provide stable and high-quality processing of 4K content.

The TV features TCL’s Games Master technology designed to enhance colour and clarity while keeping the refresh rate smooth and input lag as low as possible.  The C641K also includes TCL's Game Accelerator which aims to give a smooth gaming experience with refresh rates up to 120Hz. Another gaming-oriented feature is AMD's FreeSync tech, designed to reduce screen tearing and flicker as much as possible.

In terms of connectivity, you will find three HDMI 2.1 ports supporting ALLM and one dedicated to eARC connections with audio accessories like soundbars. There's also an optical audio output, in case you own speakers or 'bar that only supports this type of connection. 

 The C641K offers support for a range of HDR formats including HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision for Gaming. If you want the full immersive audio experience, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s support for Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X format content. 

It’s also worth noting all C641K TVs ranging from 43- to 65-inches all come with a sizeable discount at Amazon, but we think the deal on the 50-inch model, now just £289, is the main one to write home about. 

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Amazon has revealed the official dates for Amazon Prime Day. The two-day sale will take place 16-17th July 2024 – that's three weeks today.

Prime Day is one of the biggest sales of the year, besides Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Amazon spearheads the annual bonanza, but other retailers usually join in the bunfight so as not to miss out. 

This year's event will be the 10th annual Prime Day in the UK. It should be a rare chance to grab a bargain during the otherwise slower summer months.

Though Amazon is staying tight-lipped on what deals will be available, it has mentioned Bose and Samsung as among those taking part. Last year saw discounts on Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, despite them only being weeks old. Samsung is rumoured to launch its Galaxy Buds 3 the week before – could they receive a discount too?

Amazon has also announced some early deals, including 45 per cent off Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED smart TVs and five months' free Amazon Music Unlimited.

For all the up to date info on the best deals around, stay tuned to our Prime Day page which we'll be updating in the run up to and during the event.

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If you're in the market for a very affordable TV with a surprisingly solid performance, this deal is for you. The Hisense 43A6KTUK, which we awarded five stars in our review, is down to just £204 at Richer Sounds.

You need to be a Richer Sounds VIP member in order to get that price, but joining is free and instant, and it gives you access to lots of other exclusive deals that are often genuinely the best available anywhere.

It's worth noting that this Hisense was only £229 when we tested it, so this is a discount of just £25, but at this level that still represents a drop of over 10 per cent, which isn't to be sniffed at.

It almost goes without saying that £204 is very little to pay for a 43-inch TV of any kind, but the Hisense isn't just cheap – it's cheap, surprisingly feature-packed and actually good.

On the features front, you get a 4K resolution and support for HDR, including in the more advanced, 'dynamic' Dolby Vision format. That's a real rarity at this level. And rather than the usual edge LED backlight, the A6K has LEDs directly behind the screen for better contrast and backlighting consistency.

Hisense's own VIDAA smart platform runs the show, and this is a real bonus, as it's easy to use and packed with apps, including the big hitters such as Disney+, Netflix and Prime Video. All of the UK's catch-up services, such as BBC iPlayer, are present and correct courtesy of Freeview Play, and the remote includes shortcut buttons for a number of apps and a microphone for voice control.

In terms of performance, the A6K looks a little soft in motion and doesn't go as bright as more premium models, but it's a surprisingly balanced and authentic performer with good colours and pretty deep blacks. The backlight is really consistent, too, with none of the distracting clouding you often get with backlit TVs – even mid-range models.

All in all, while you won't get (and shouldn't expect) a premium performance for this sort of money, the Hisense 43A6KTUK is a really solid performer for its low price and is better overall than most TVs in the sub-£500 bracket.

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Read our full Hisense 43A6KTUK review

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