Looking for a Dolby Atmos soundbar system?

Well, if you have a mid-range budget, then look no further. We were blown away when we heard the Sony Bravia Theatre System 6, thanks to its meaty bass and enveloping Atmos experience. It's a top option at this level.

It's so good, in fact, that we've just bestowed upon it a What Hi-Fi? Award for the best soundbar system priced between £250 and £500.

And that price just got a bit better – the Bravia Theatre System 6 is now back down from £499 to a low of £419 at B&Q.

The audio quality of the Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 is top-notch, but we'll admit the design is a little oddball.

The Bravia Theatre System 6 has amplification built into the subwoofer, which is wired to the soundbar. The sub also wirelessly transmits to a receiver box at the back of the room, which has a wired link to the two surround speakers.

The idea is that you get all the benefits of having wired speaker connections without having reels of cable running through your living room.

It's certainly a unique setup, but we're glad to report that it pays off in terms of sound quality.

"The Atmos processing, in particular, is superb," our Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 review reads. "During K’s baseline test in Blade Runner 2049, the unseen interviewer’s voice is placed precisely behind and slightly above you, while K’s voice remains firmly anchored to the screen.

"In the following scene in K’s apartment, Frank Sinatra’s Summer Wind floats ambiently overhead, just as it should, and when he and Joi head out onto the balcony, the layered city soundscape spreads convincingly around the room, with the various audio advertisements clearly and accurately positioned in space."

Dialogue is crisp and intelligible even during busy scenes, and the system proves to be surprisingly rhythmic and tonally flexible when it comes to music too.

Connections include an HDMI eARC/ARC port, an optical and a 3.5mm input. There's also 1000W of power on offer – rather a lot for your money – and support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Sony's atypical design delivers a fully immersive surround sound experience. It's the top option you'll find at this price, especially with £80 off at B&Q.

MORE:

Read our full Sonos Beam Gen 2 review

Also check out our Hisense AX5125H review

Our pick of the best soundbars for every budget, all tested by our experts

We're sure you don't need any introduction to the AirPods Max line of wireless headphones.

The original AirPods Max set a new standard – and arguably created a new category – of super-premium wireless headphones when they were released in 2020.

And when the long-awaited AirPods Max 2 finally arrived earlier this year, they didn't disappoint, with smooth sound, intuitive iOS features, and the usual Apple luxury build.

They're also now seeing their first discount – the Apple over-ears are now £449 at Amazon, a rare £50 departure from their £499 launch price.

The design of the AirPods Max 2 is very similar to the original, which is not necessarily a bad thing – the Max 2 sport anodised aluminium earcups, a stainless steel headband and memory foam earcups, all of which are beautifully made and finished to precision.

What is new, however, is the H2 chip, which enables features such as Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio, as well as live translation if you have an iPhone 16 or later.

The chip also helps improve active noise cancellation (ANC), which our experts found to be effective at silencing the rumbles and screeches of the London Underground, and in a more natural and airy way than most ANC headphones.

The Max 2 emit the same, familiar sonic signature of the original Max headphones, but push things forward in terms of detail, precision, dynamics and weight, if only in small increments.

"The Max 2 headphones have an admirably smooth balance, one that is very easy to listen to. There’s a dash more punch to the sound and the edges of notes are etched out with a little more precision, and they sound a bit more open compared with the first-gen models," our Apple AirPods Max 2 review reads.

"Voices are a strong point, with Laura Marling’s lilting vocals on Hope In The Air sounding immediate and nuanced, and there is a good amount of brooding menace to Ice T’s Addicted To Danger. Voices shine through when listening to podcasts as well, with ample detail to flesh out different personalities."

The AirPods Max 2 are a great pair of cans, but the competition has come a long way – most rivals comprehensively beat the Max 2's 20-hour battery life, and better sound quality can be found elsewhere.

But if you're an iOS user looking for the convenience and intuitiveness of Apple's AirPods in over-ear form, then these are the cans for you. The AirPods Max 2 don't reinvent the formula, but they are a luxuriously designed, smooth-sounding pair of headphones, now available with 10 per cent off at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our Sennheiser HDB 630 review

Also consider our Sony WH-1000XM6 review

Best wireless headphones 2026: reviewed and rated by our in-house experts

Black Friday is on the horizon, and with it comes the promise of some excellent deals in the worlds of hi-fi and home cinema.

But if you can't wait that long, there's no need to worry. That's because I've spotted a rather excellent deal on LG's flagship OLED TV, the G6, which is already down to £2159 at Hughes. That's £841 off the £3000 launch price and the lowest price we've seen yet.

You'll have to jump through a few hoops to get it this cheap, however – the code TV200 will take off £200 at checkout, and then you can claim an extra 10 per cent cashback from LG. Full details on how to claim cashback are here.

We put the LG G6 to the test with its predecessor, the five-star G5, used as a comparison. It didn't take long during a viewing of Civil War to see several small refinements that added up to a better overall experience.

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

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

This impressive picture quality is helped, no doubt, by its Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, new display technology that uses a ‘four-stack’ panel structure to achieve higher peak and operating brightness levels while retaining colour volume and accuracy.

This is coupled with the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 AI processor and LG's Hyper Radiant Colour Technology, which enables higher peak brightness than the already dazzling G5.

Gaming support is also particularly strong. All four HDMI 2.1 inputs support up to 4K/165Hz gameplay with VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming HDR, which is pretty much flawless in our eyes.

Speaking of Dolby Vision, the regular version is also supported for movies and TV shows, along with HDR10 and HLG. LG's WebOS 26 also houses pretty much every streaming service you can think of, including heavy-hitters such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

Audio quality has also seen a big step forward for LG, with the G6 capable of a fuller, more robust sound than its predecessors. We still recommend pairing a TV this good with a dedicated sound system, but it's great to see LG address one of the biggest weaknesses of its TVs.

The LG G6 was a five-star TV even at full price, so with an £841 discount at Hughes it's quite the bargain. For anyone who can't wait for Black Friday, you won't be disappointed by this saving on such a stunning OLED.

MORE:

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

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

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

A floorstanding speaker is no small investment even in the mid-range market, so you'll want to make sure you get a good pair.

We can help you there. The Q Acoustics 5050 are a pair of mature-sounding speakers with impressive clarity and scale that will delight most music fans.

And as a bonus, they're currently discounted. The 5050 are available at their lowest price of £999 at Peter Tyson, a nice £300 discount from their launch price – and there's a free Fell Audio speaker cable included for good measure.

The Q Acoustics 5050 face some stiff competition, particularly from the Dali Sonik 5, but they're still an excellent option, as evidenced by their ongoing place in our best floorstanding speakers guide.

The 5050 shares a lot in common with its junior siblings, the five-star 5040, but with a bigger cabinet to accommodate larger twin mid/bass drivers (15cm vs. 12.5cm).

In scaling up, we were concerned that maybe Q Acoustics would overreach – but one listen and our fears were assuaged.

"Get the positioning right and you will be greeted by some of the most controlled and articulate bass that we have heard from a tower at this level," our Q Acoustics 5050 review reads.

"As we listen to Time from Hans Zimmer’s Inception OST it is hard not to be impressed by the depth and definition of the music’s complex and oh-so-powerful lows. The 5050 sound composed and unstressed even as volume levels rise."

The sound they produce is superbly insightful, engaging and entertaining, with excellent clarity. So much so that we gave the pair a What Hi-Fi? Award when we first reviewed them in 2024.

The 5050 do need some care with partnering, though, especially as their presentation can be a touch forward.

They do produce a decent sound with budget amplifiers, but we think they deserve more talented options such as Arcam’s A5 and A5+ or the Cambridge Audio XA81.

So long as you have a decent source hooked up too (perhaps the Arcam CD5 CD player or Rega Planar 3 record player), you'll get one heck of a performance.

Smartly finished and a delightful listen when partnered properly, the Q Acoustics 5050 offer grace and power at what was a competitive price even before the discount. The mid-range just got a bit more affordable with £300 off at Peter Tyson.

MORE:

Our pick of the best speakers of every type and size

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

And the best bookshelf speakers for every budget

We were very impressed with the Samsung HW-Q990H when we reviewed it several months ago, awarding it five stars and praising its detail, nuance and spatial sound effects.

However, it clung rather tightly to the lofty £1599 price we tested at, making its discounted predecessor, the HW-Q990F, the better-value buy.

Not any more. The HW-Q990H has just won a What Hi-Fi? Award, and, almost as if to celebrate, it has been given a lofty discount itself. The refined Dolby Atmos soundbar system can now be picked up for only £886 at Smart Home Sounds, a whopping saving of 45%.

This deal price is part of a £400 cashback deal from Samsung, however – full T&Cs are here.

It didn’t seem as though Samsung had changed a lot for its latest flagship sound system – the HW-Q990H’s exterior is essentially identical to the HW-Q990F. The soundbar, surround speakers and subwoofers are all well-built and premium-feeling, even if the design is a little tired.

However, when it came to testing, it was clear Samsung had made several worthwhile improvements under the hood.

“The Q990H takes everything we love about the last generation, and delivers it with even more nuance, detail and scale,” our Samsung HW-Q990H review reads.

“Starting with Civil War, we watch the section leading up to the climactic final battle, and we find that this soundbar package excels in practically every aspect. As Lee goes to comfort Jessie in a serene woodland area, we’re totally immersed in the environment thanks to the soundbar’s excellent placement of cinematic effects.”

Height effects – such as birds chirping overhead – are placed with impressive accuracy, and a river trickling in the background is packed with sonic nuance.

The Samsung HW-Q990H is an 11.1.4 system, with an impressive 23 individual drivers on board. This includes upward-firing drivers on both the soundbar and surround speakers, which helps explain the three-dimensional sound experience above.

The Samsung HW-Q990H has three immersive audio formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Samsung’s Eclipsa Audio. It's great to see Samsung embrace multiple formats, even if Eclipsa is adopted only by YouTube for the time being.

One of the new features of the HW-Q990H is Samsung’s new Sound Elevation feature, which is designed to raise the audio upwards to match the position of your screen. We found, in our review, that it overshoots slightly, and placed the audio at the top of our TV, but it’s a feature that may be of interest to those who are wall-mounting with a big gap between the TV and the soundbar.

There’s also an impressive amount of connectivity on offer. There are three HDMI sockets, including an HDMI eARC for connecting to your TV and two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 passthrough sockets.

The stellar performance of the Samsung HW-Q990H proves that subtle upgrades can make all the difference. As its What Hi-Fi? Award shows, this is the soundbar system we recommend at this price range – especially with £713 off at Smart Home Sounds.

MORE:

Also consider our Sonos Arc Ultra review

Read our Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 review

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

Want your hard-earned cash to stretch as far as you possibly can?

Then you might want to consider the TCL C7L. This performance-per-pound champ brings you all the features of a premium Mini LED TV at what is barely a mid-range price.

And that price just got even better. Our review, where we tested the 65-inch C7L at £1199, went live only yesterday. But you can now scoop up the C7L for £1079 at Amazon – just make sure to tick the voucher price box before you head to checkout.

The TCL C7L boasts an awful lot of features, with two big improvements over its predecessor, the C7K.

First up is TCL’s new Super Quantum Dots, an upgrade on traditional Quantum Dots that should result in more stability, better colour accuracy, and improved efficiency.

There are also 10 per cent more local dimming zones than in the C7K – 1152 to be precise, which is very generous at this price level.

But what is the impact on the all-important picture quality? Well, we’re pleased to report that the C7L is a shining star for its price.

“The shining starts quite literally, with levels of both full-screen brightness and small peak brightness that you won’t find anywhere else for the C7L’s money,” our TCL C7L review reads. “The radiance with which the TV can deliver bright HDR content is a phenomenal spectacle in the set’s excellent Standard preset, but also contributes to a really eye-catching light range with the set’s Filmmaker Mode.”

This is thanks to some seriously impressive light control, with bright whites and colours delivered on the same frame as deep, rich blacks without major light haloing. There’s a lovely colour performance too, with the Super Quantum Dots generating impressive subtlety and nuance in the darkest and brightest colours.

The C7L is stuffed with gaming features also – there is support for 4K at frame rates of up to 144Hz, and HD at a whopping 288Hz. This is backed up by VRR, a Dolby Vision game mode, ALLM switching and a respectably low 13.4ms of input lag.

Dolby Vision Game Mode is just the tip of the C7L’s HDR support – Dolby Vision IQ, which adjusts the picture in response to ambient light, is also on board, along with HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG.

Google TV provides the smart features, with TCL going the extra mile to ensure catch-up services for the UK’s main terrestrial broadcasters are included too.

The Bang & Olufsen 2.2-channel, 60W system sound system is rather premium for such an affordable 65-inch TV, and has the power and speaker quality to produce a substantial soundstage. There’s room for improvement when it comes to some harsh treble and unenthusiastic bass, but it’s a decent performance overall.

The TCL C7L is absolutely stuffed with features, then, particularly for gaming; but it also comes with a bright, colourful and contrast-rich display that excels in Filmmaker mode. It’s an absolute bargain for £1079 at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our TCL P8L review

Also consider our TCL C7K review

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

The Sony Bravia 8 II might have missed out on a What Hi-Fi? Award this year, but as a 2025 Product of the Year, it's still an excellent buy.

And the Bravia 8 II's age means it's available much cheaper than many of our current Award winners – the 55-inch model is currently at a new low of £1549 at Smart Home Sounds, a whopping £950 off our 'tested at' price.

There are a few steps you need to go through to get this price, though – the code SHSTV150 brings the price down to £1649, and then you can claim £100 cashback from Sony. Full T&Cs are here.

We'd advise not updating the system software once it's out of the box, though – a recent Bravia TV software update has caused problems on several Sony TV models. The issue appears to be related to HDMI passthrough, with our very own TV & AV Editor, Tom Parsons, experiencing audio dropouts when using an external source and a sound system.

If you're not planning on connecting any HDMI-equipped sources in the short term or you're fine with holding fire on that update, you'll have a wonderfully cinematic TV on your hands.

When we first tested the Sony Bravia 8 II, we found it delivers an epic cinematic picture and backs it up with great sound quality.

"The Sony Bravia 8 II is a truly exceptional TV," our Sony Bravia 8 II review reads. "Its combination of sizzling brightness, vibrant colours through all degrees of light, terrific shadow detail and razor-like sharpness combine to produce an image with regularly astonishing dynamism, depth and realism."

Colours are vibrant, even in low-light areas, and there's far more shadow detail than any other Sony TV we've tested at the time of writing.

One of the Bravia 8 II’s greatest strengths is its presets, with no tinkering required to get a supremely authentic picture. We recommend Dolby Vision Dark for Dolby Vision content or Professional for everything else.

Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ setup also helps make the Bravia 8 II one of the best-sounding TVs we've ever heard. The sound is balanced, weighty and dynamic, and even manages to sound impressively spacious too.

Picture quality this good deserves a dedicated sound system if you have the funds, but this is very impressive audio by flatscreen TV standards.

Features are just as impressive as the audio and sound quality. Dolby Vision and Atmos are both on board, as well as HDR10 and HLG. The Bravia 8 II is also IMAX Enhanced certified for cinema-grade picture and sound.

Gamers can also enjoy 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM support, as well as a Dolby Vision Game mode. Beware that there are only two HDMI 2.1 sockets, one of which doubles as an eARC port, which may be an issue if you have multiple high-speed gaming consoles.

Current Award winner or not, the Sony Bravia 8 II remains one of the best value premium TVs out there right now. We'd advise against updating the system software right now, but otherwise £950 off at Smart Home Sounds is a phenomenal bargain.

MORE:

Read our full 55-inch Sony Bravia 8 II review

Sony has released new Bravia TV software, and it’s good news for some (but unfortunately not all)

Also consider reading our Samsung S99H review

We rate the best gaming TVs available right now for all budgets

After one of the best music streamers money can buy?

The Cyrus 40 ST isn't exactly cheap, but it does boast five stars and multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards. It's a strong all-rounder that can shine in a wide range of systems.

And that price just got a bit more palatable. The Cyrus 40 ST is available for £2649 at Richer Sounds, a £346 discount from the price at which we reviewed it.

So what is it about the Cyrus 40 ST that makes it stand out from its rivals? The all-important sound quality, of course.

"Dynamically, it is impressively expressive, rendering low-level shifts in intensity elegantly, and delivering large-scale orchestral crescendos with real conviction," our Cyrus 40 ST review reads.

"As we listen to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony it is hard not to be impressed by the Cyrus’s performance. It sounds big and brawny when required but still has a lightness of touch when the music demands it."

The 40 ST simply has a level of clarity and precision that we haven’t heard bettered anywhere near this price, while also sounding natural and engaging across all types of music.

While Cyrus's iconic half-width chassis design remains, the 40 ST sports a sleek, modern look with a new aluminium casework.

The 40 ST uses the BluOS streaming engine, which comes with ample streaming features, including support for AirPlay, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, internet radio, and numerous other services. Bear in mind, though, that there's no Bluetooth or Chromecast, and hi-res file support is restricted to 24-bit/192kHz PCM and MQA.

There's also an upgrade option in the form of a 40 PSU outboard power supply, which brings gains in scale, power and authority. That unit will set you back a pricey £2495, though.

If you don't mind a few feature gaps, the Cyrus 40 ST has a breadth of talent and an even-handed nature that few others can match. With three Awards under its belt, the 40 ST is on its way to becoming a What Hi-Fi? legend, and it can be yours with £346 off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our review of the Audiolab 9000N

Also consider the Naim ND5 XS2

The What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 winners have been revealed!

We have tested hundreds of headphones here at What Hi-Fi?, and as much as we love the flagship offerings with all the bells and whistles, we’re just as big fans of a good budget pair.

Which is why we were delighted when we first reviewed the Sony WF-C510 – now only £28 at Amazon – back in September 2024.

Your expectations shouldn’t be too high at this price point, of course, but these earbuds deliver great sound with minimal fuss, along with a sense of fun and musicality. And, two years on, they are still the best budget earbuds in the business.

We have spent a good amount of time with the bargain buds since then; here’s what we’ve learned.

The sound is yet to be beaten at this price

If you’re after a pair of budget earbuds, the sound quality won’t be beaten at this price. They’re fun, engaging and musical, with a level of entertainment that belies the budget price tag.

“We test them with a range of genres and the Sonys just go about their business,” our Sony WF-C510 review reads.

“You can tell the WF-C510 are part of the Sony family, such is their musicality and rhythmic ability – even complex pieces of music don’t unravel and their sense of timing and ability to just get into the groove of a song works with any music you play through them.”

Admittedly there isn’t a lot of competition at this price, but while we are fans of the five-star EarFun Air, nothing else we have tested has come close in the two years since. The only way you’ll beat the sound quality is to jump up a level to the Sony WF-C710N, which are also Award winners but more than double the price.

The battery life beats most flagship earbuds

The WF-C510’s mighty 11-hour battery life will be more than enough for most people – it’s longer than that on most premium earbuds, including the flagship Sony WF-1000XM6.

Granted, those buds offer active noise cancelling and can hold more charge in their case, but if you need headphones that can go the distance without a pit stop, then the WF-C510 might be for you. With another 11 hours in the case, I often go several days of use without a need to recharge.

They’re supremely comfortable too, ideal for extended listening sessions.

There’s a surprising amount of features

While there is no active noise cancelling, there are still plenty of features, even at this price level.

Bluetooth Multipoint allows you to have two sources connected at once, while IPX4 water resistance will protect against splashes and raindrops. You can also listen to each bud independently, and there’s also Ambient Sound Control to allow some external noise through.

If you haven’t upgraded your earbuds for several years, you should be pleasantly surprised by the amount of features you can get for the price of a round of drinks.

The Sony WF-C510 won’t be beaten at the price of £28 at Amazon – but if you do have more of a budget, we recommend these step-up models:

MORE:

The What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 winners have been revealed!

Take a look at the best wireless earbuds: top pairs tested by our reviewers

Check out the best cheap wireless earbuds you can buy

Been curious to jump on the OLED bandwagon to see what all the fuss is about? Perhaps you are finally taking the plunge ahead of a certain video game launch next month?

Whatever your reasons, if you are taking the first step on the OLED ladder, then the Samsung S85H is an excellent choice. It’s one of the best entry-level OLEDs we have tested – and it is currently available at a new lowest price of £1074 at Richer Sounds. That's £426 off the price from when we tested the TV in July!

To get this price, use the code RSTV50 to save £50 off the already discounted price and then claim £75 cashback from Samsung – full details are here.

A good, cheap OLED is hard to get right – but Samsung has made a lot of good decisions here, particularly with brightness. The brightness is particularly good for an entry-level OLED, which is ideal if your room has a lot of ambient light.

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

Colours are a tad bombastic compared with the B6, but the solidity and three-dimensionality of the S85H’s picture meant it was the set our eyes were drawn to during a race scene in F1: The Movie.

The S85H comes with the latest-gen version of Samsung’s Tizen operating system, which is easy to navigate and automatically arranges apps based on your usage habits. As usual, all the major apps and services are present and running correctly, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and more.

Gaming specifications are surprisingly impressive for the price, with four full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of carrying a 4K/120Hz signal, as well as VRR and ALLM. Even some flagship OLEDs have only two HDMI 2.1 sockets!

Dolby Vision Gaming is missing, however, as is the regular version of Dolby’s HDR standard. No Samsung set supports Dolby Vision, however, and HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG are all on board.

Our main gripe with the S85H is with the audio. The 2.0-channel, 20W Dolby Atmos system noticeably lacks bass, even though there’s a reasonable sense of direction and separation. It’s fine for daytime TV viewing, but you will probably want a soundbar for any form of movie watching.

The LG C6 and Samsung S90F offer a little more nuance, extra finesse, and a more natural picture if you do have a bit more money for a mid-range OLED.

But if you are restricted on price, then the Samsung S85H is one of the top options currently available. Its punchy, immersive and three-dimensional picture is a cut above most similarly priced rivals, and it is now enjoying a good £426 discount at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our full Sony Bravia 7 II review

And our full Samsung S90F review

Our pick of the best TVs for every budget, including awesome OLED models

Tired of losing your wireless earbuds? Constantly charging them? Or just want to see what all the fuss is about?

We are big fans of wired headphones here at What Hi-Fi?, and we have reviewed plenty of them in our 50-year history.

So if you want a cheap wired pair that also sound sonically sophisticated, our expert audio testers recommend the Sennheiser CX 80U, now only £30 at Amazon.

It’s safe to say our reviewers were amazed at how good these buds sounded at this price. So good, in fact, that we have just given them a What Hi-Fi? Award.

True enough, the Sennheiser CX 80U are indeed wired, with a small, lightweight design that’s ideal for travel. Their modest size means they fit snugly without protruding out of your ears, and they also provide good passive noise isolation.

Given the price, you may not be surprised to hear that features are limited, but that may well be part of the appeal of the wired headphone resurgence. The Sennheiser CX 80U do sport a USB-C connection, which is far more common on smartphones these days than the 3.5mm connection of old.

The built-in DAC can also support hi-res files up to 24-bit/96kHz natively, and there is also an inline remote control on the right cable to answer calls, play, pause and skip tracks.

And the all-important sound? Big, dynamic and sophisticated.

“What greets us is brilliantly judged sound that’s both rich, detailed and surprisingly sophisticated for the money,” our Sennheiser CX 80U review reads.

“15 Step by Radiohead is a tricky test of timing, and the Sennheisers pass with flying colours. Not only do they hold on to and organise all the different musical threads that intertwine throughout the track, but they also extract an impressive amount of information from them.”

There’s a fine space around the different elements too, and no obvious bias in their tonal balance.

This deal may be only £5 off, but that's a 14 per cent discount on an Award-winning pair of buds that were already at an excellent price. The CX 80U are our top choice, especially for £30 at Amazon; but if you’re considering your options, we also recommend these five-star buds:

MORE:

Also consider our SoundMagic E80D review

Best wired earbuds: top in-ear models tried and tested by our experts

The What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 winners have been revealed!

As part of our testing for the imminent What Hi-Fi? Awards, our experts put TVs of all sizes through their paces.

This includes huge TVs of 65 inches and above. So one could be forgiven for worrying that ‘small’ 42-inch TVs might be at a disadvantage when it comes to a cinematic experience.

That’s not the case with the LG C6, though. As soon as we turned off the lights and started Blade Runner 2049, I was immediately treated to a bit of movie magic. The excellent contrast and punchy highlights are evident from the very first scene, giving me a cinephile experience that never once had me thinking about screen size.

So if you have a small room but still want a top-of-the-line picture experience, the LG C6 42-inch comes highly recommended. We only reviewed the set yesterday, but it's already down to £899 at Amazon.

That’s a nice £401 discount off the £1399 launch price. You’ll need to claim 10 per cent cashback to get this discount, however – full T&Cs are here.

The 42-inch C6 ticks every box in our picture testing process, and isn’t held back by its modest display size.

There’s an impressive sense of depth, solidity and richness to the picture as Dave Bautista’s Sapper Morton walks to his farmhouse in Blade Runner 2049. And, once he’s inside, the bright windows and dark interior are a great showcase of the C6’s excellent handling of contrast.

The C6 takes motion in its stride also, with Officer K’s flying Peugeot hurtling over solar farms with no artefacts or flickering motion.

As our LG C6 42-inch review reads: “The C6 delivers a seriously impressive experience, underpinned by a composed approach to contrast and sharpness, resulting in oodles of cinematic depth.”

LG’s C-series line has long won over gamers with its all-encompassing feature selection, and this model is no different. The 42-inch C6 sports four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets with support for signals up to 4K/165Hz with VRR and ALLM. There are also several cloud gaming apps on board, with LG also claiming the C6 is the first TV capable of 4K/120Hz game streaming via Nvidia GeForce Now.

Speaking of apps, the built-in webOS 26 also has a strong array of non-gaming-related streaming apps, from BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 to Disney+ and Apple TV.

That impressive picture quality and those features go a long way to making up for the middling sound. The 2.0-channel sound system produces clear and detailed sound, especially with voices, but there's a noticeable lack of oomph in both bass and volume. A compact Dolby Atmos soundbar is recommended for serious movie-watching sessions.

A huge TV isn't necessary for genuine cinematic impact, and the LG C6 42-inch proves just that. If you're short on space, on a budget, or lucky enough to be able to consider a second-room OLED, then this C6 size comes highly recommended for £899 at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our LG C6 48-inch review

Also consider our LG C5 42-inch review

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

Couldn't nab a new TV during the Prime Day sales?

Well then, you're in luck. Not only have we found a great saving, but it just happens to be on a five-star 65-inch LG C6 OLED, one of our favourite TVs this year.

And it's now at the lowest price we've seen: £1619 at Richer Sounds, a fair bit cheaper than the previous low of £1889 we saw in July.

To get this saving, the code RSTV100 shaves £100 off the price at checkout. You can then claim 10 per cent cashback from LG to get this new lowest price. You can claim 30 days after purchase – full details here.

We were surprised just how big an upgrade the LG C6 was over the outgoing C5, given that the biggest change was a new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor. However, this chip has blessed the C6 with a brighter, richer and more refined picture.

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

The delivery is more enticing, dynamic and three-dimensional overall, with enhanced upscaling, remastering and shading subtlety also.

LG has long gifted their TVs with flawless gaming specifications, and the C6 is no different. VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming are supported on all four HDMI 2.1 sockets, as well as 4K/120Hz for console gamers. Gamers with a powerful PC can even crank it all the way up to 4k/165Hz with VRR.

The ever-reliable WebOS has all the major streaming services on board, all well optimised and delivering content in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos where applicable.

Dolby Vision is just one of the HDR standards available – HDR10 and HLG are also supported, though HDR10+ Advanced is missing.

After several years of disappointing sound, we're pleased to report that the C6 has seen a marked improvement in audio. It won't beat a dedicated soundbar, but overall delivery is more open and immersive than the C5 and pretty good for a TV of this class.

We were raving about the quality of the LG C6 even at full price, so with £881 off at Richer Sounds, it's even better quality. The perfect antidote if you missed out on a Prime Day TV deal.

MORE:

Check out our 48-inch LG C6 review

Also read our LG C5 review

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

We all love a comeback story.

Last year the TCL C8K was mildly disappointing, and instead its step-down sibling, the C7K, took most of the glory (and a What Hi-Fi? Award).

Not this year, though. With groundbreaking new Super Quantum Dot technology and a significant increase in dimming zones, its successor, the C8L, is now back in the running.

We declared as much when we awarded the TV five stars only two days ago – yet there is already a hefty discount. Just use the code TCL20PERCENT to save 20 per cent and get the C8L for £1519 at Richer Sounds.

The TCL C8L certainly looks promising on paper, with a claimed peak brightness of a huge 5000 nits, a high local dimming-zone count of 2040 and TCL’s new Super Quantum Dots. These represent a major update on traditional Quantum Dots, with claimed increases in efficiency, stability, brightness, colour range and colour accuracy.

That should establish the C8L as a cut above the LCD TV norm, but how does it actually translate to performance? Well, we found that it had a transformative effect compared with its predecessor, the C8K.

“This colour blend finesse feeds into an impressively three-dimensional look to pictures, regardless of whether you’re using the TV’s Standard or as-the-director-intended Filmmaker Mode preset, as well as an outstandingly crisp, detailed look to native 4K images where you feel like you’re appreciating the full and accurate weight of every single pixel,” our TCL C8L review reads.

“Its Mini LED plus advanced local-dimming backlight system also plays a huge part in the feeling of precision and, in the Filmmaker Mode’s case, accuracy, by being able to deliver not just extreme brightness highlights and remarkably inky black colours, but every imaginable shade in between.”

Gamers have a lot to look forward to: an input lag of just 10.1ms, 4K/144Hz support, VRR, support for refresh rates at HD resolution up to 288Hz, and ALLM switching.

The built-in Google TV also has all the key global video streaming services – including the main UK terrestrial broadcaster catch-up apps – while the TV also supports the four big four high dynamic range formats: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

The Bang & Olufsen 2.1.2-channel sound system is also good by TV standards, crafting a soundstage that extends beyond the screen’s outer frame and creating an open, immersive sense of space for movies. It can, though, sometimes lose coherence and give the wrong elements too much emphasis.

Overall, the outstanding picture quality of the TCL C8L is hard to beat, especially with 20 per cent off at Richer Sounds. If you’re after a backlit TV bargain, put this on your list.

MORE:

Read our Hisense UR9 review

Also consider our Sony Bravia 7 II review

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

We've reviewed projectors in all shapes and sizes over the past couple of years, and there's one form factor that's taking the industry by storm as we speak.

The lifestyle projector – or you may have heard of them being referred to as coffee table projectors – is the hot home cinema topic at the moment, with manufacturers such as Epson, Xgimi and BenQ all launching cute cuboid projectors that can beam pictures north of 100-inches with ease.

They're essentially a full home cinema system in a box, offering picture, sound and (more often than not) streaming smarts, allowing users to plonk them onto their table and get stuck into their favourite movie, TV show or video game.

However, there's one particular model that we've been championing since the 2025 What Hi-Fi? Awards, and it comes from Hisense. The M2 Pro is a brilliant all-in-one system, delivering an Award-winning picture experience and a built-in smart platform that allows you to turn your living room into a fully-fledged home cinema.

We showered it with praise at its £1299 launch price last year, but Amazon's current Prime Big Deal Days sales mean that you can snag it for just £814.

The Hisense M2 Pro is capable of beaming an image up to 200 inches, with Hisense claiming a peak brightness figure of 1300 lumens. This should be plenty bright enough to combat ambient light in most living rooms, although our TV and AV Editor, Tom Parsons, found that it's not quite bright enough for outdoor viewing.

Considering that this projector requires power from a mains plug at all times, that's no great shame.

The projector is in its element indoors, however, as it offers a consistently crisp and colourful image that never extends beyond its own capabilities; a notable hurdle at which we've seen many other lifestyle projectors stumble.

It's very capable when it comes to retaining dark detail and punchy highlights alike, all thanks to its solid handling of contrast. We also find motion to be impressive, provided you switch it to the Film motion preset; our recommendation is to stick with Filmmaker Mode overall, as this takes care of the settings for you.

This projector also comes with a 10W 2.0 channel speaker system built in. While it will never match a proper surround sound system, or even a decent soundbar, the M2 Pro's speakers are handy to have in a pinch, and we even commended it on delivering "a surprising amount of sound volume for such a small package".

It prioritised dialogue during our testing, which is the most important aspect after all, making it perfectly usable for those who don't already have an external sound system to hook it up to.

Speaking of hooking things up to the projector, the M2 Pro sports a single HDMI socket, which doubles as HDMI eARC if you do plan on tying this into a wider home cinema system.

While that may seem stingy, it's enough to hook up a Nintendo Switch for a sport of Mario Kart, and with the built-in Vidaa smart system offering a wide array of streaming apps, we're willing to bet that most people will never get around to using that HDMI socket.

At £482 off its original price on Amazon, the M2 Pro is a convenient projector that doesn't skimp on picture performance. It's a hidden gem in the projector world, and one that I'm always eager to shout out when a sale arises.

MORE:

Read our full Hisense M2 Pro review

As well as our Hisense PX4 Pro review

And check out the best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days offers here

If you're looking to elevate your desktop music listening or simply want to swap out your wireless earbuds for a wired pair (as is trendy these days), then Sennheiser has two wired models that are worth your attention.

We've tested both the Sennheiser HD 505 open-back wired over-ears and Sennheiser IE 200 in-ear headphones, praising their comfortable design and clear, smooth performance for the money. Both models are a great stepping stone into audiophile territory – Sennheiser has a strong 80-year reputation in the headphones market, and these models give a taste of what you can expect from the brand's more premium, five-star models.

The IE 200 and HD 505 are also on the affordable side, and you can even save a chunky amount off their full price if you check out Amazon's Big Prime Day sale that ends today.

The HD 505 are yours for £155 at Amazon (a big £75 discount), while the IE 200 are available for just £82 at Amazon (down from £130). So if you've been looking for the right time to treat yourself to a wired headphones upgrade, now could be the time to pounce.

Despite being very different headphone designs, both Sennheiser models have one thing in common: they're a likeable listen right from the start.

The IE 200 in-ear headphones have a clear, spacious and rich sound that we found "instantly likeable" when we tested them, and similarly priced wireless earbuds don't get close to the "level of openness, clarity and insight" that these wired models offer. They sound well-organised at either end of the frequency, with a good deal of authority, too.

They are well built, come with six ear tip choices in total (it's worth trying the different sizes and material types to ensure you get that rich, weighty sound we describe) and it ends in a 3.5mm connector that can be plugged into your laptop, MP3 player or smartphone (Sony still provides a 3.5mm headphone jack).

The HD 505 are a different proposition altogether, with an open-back design that means they're best suited to listening at home, as they will leak sound. The upside of this design is a wonderfully airy and spacious soundstage compared with closed-back alternatives.

They have a particular talent with voices, which are delivered with subtlety and refinement, while the smooth yet breathable top end makes sure everything from your Spotify/Tidal playlists to Netflix TV show binges remains easy to listen to.

These are comfortable, lightweight over-ear headphones to wear for hours on end, with plush velour ear cushions (which are replaceable) and an adjustable headband that keeps things secure but not too tight.

The HD 505 come with a long cable ending in a 3.5mm plug and a 6.3mm adaptor, which means they can be plugged into your laptop, DAC, or even a variety of hi-fi systems.

We did point the same criticism at both Sennheiser models: that they could do with more attack and bite overall, with greater punch to the bottom end and more revealing detail – qualities their rivals are able to display – hence the four-star rating for both. However, don't let that deter you: their smooth, clear and refined balance is exactly what we loved about them, and we think many will favour their particular sonic balance, too.

So pick your poison: a clear, rich-sounding wired in-ear experience with the Sennheiser IE 200, or a comfortable, refined and spacious at-home listen with the open-back HD 505 headphones. Both Sennheiser models are good value (and even more so if you take advantage of today's Amazon Prime Day deals), but whichever model you choose, you'll be on the first step of your audiophile journey.

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Do you have a Sonos soundbar? Or are you looking to buy one this Prime Day?

While they are all good stand-alone options, it’s possible you will want to add a touch more low end to your music and film soundtracks – and that’s where the Sonos Sub Mini comes in.

This capable, snappy subwoofer is currently on offer for £327 at Amazon, and has been highlighted on the site as a best seller.

Clearly, the public knows a good deal when they see one, as we gave the Sonos Sub Mini a positive four-star review at its £429 launch price, and praised its discreet build and lack of distracting vibrations. If you’re after a soundbar as well, we found it pairs best with the Sonos Beam Ultra and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) – the latter of which is also on sale, for £338 at Amazon.

The Sonos Sub Mini’s performance will depend on your soundbar of choice, but we found several promising, consistent characteristics throughout.

“The Sub Mini has a quick, responsive sound that sets it apart from the loose, bland vagueness of many other soundbar subs,” our Sonos Sub Mini review reads. “And indeed, throughout our testing, the Sub Mini always maintains prudent control, and we don’t hear any unwanted rattles or buzzes.”

The Sub Mini kicks out an impressive amount of volume for its size, and reveals low-frequency elements underpinning scores that most soundbars alone can’t touch with a barge pole.

However, we recommend pairing the Sub Mini only with the mid-range options from Sonos, namely the Beam Ultra and Beam (Gen 2). It’s overkill with the entry-level Sonos Ray, and Sonos Arc Ultra owners would benefit far more from the fully fledged Sonos Sub.

For those with the right soundbar, though, the Sub Mini has plenty to offer. While there is an ethernet port, most will connect the Sub Mini over wi-fi, meaning it requires only a single cable for power.

Adding the Sub Mini to your system is simple thanks to the Sonos app, which also includes options for bass level, EQ and phase.

At just 31 x 23 x 23cm (hwd), the Sub Mini is ideal for small and medium-sized rooms, while the matte monochrome cabinet offers an appealing, understated aesthetic and is entirely sealed to reduce distortion.

If you have one of the Sonos Beam models and want to add a powerful punch, the Sub Mini is one of your top options at this price of £327 at Amazon. And it seems the public has caught on, making this the top subwoofer deal of this Prime Day.

MORE:

Also consider our Samsung HW-Q800A review

Read our LG Eclair QP5 review

These are the best soundbars: excellent TV speakers at budget to premium prices

Ask anyone 'Who makes the best wireless earbuds?' and they'll probably mention Sony, Bose and Sennheiser. But it was Technics that won the most recent What Hi-Fi? Award for best premium pair – that honour went to the stunning EAH-AZ100, which have now fallen to their lowest price ever.

Keen to see what all the fuss is about? This is the perfect time – they're now just £180 at Amazon, a discount of £79 on their RRP, and a tenner cheaper than their previous low price during Prime Day over the summer. Get in.

A pricey option at the time of their release, the Technics nonetheless landed themselves a stint as our best premium pick on our best wireless earbuds page.

With a 10mm “Magnetic Fluid Driver”, these earbuds have a clear, spacious sound that gives each part of a composition ample breathing room.

Reviewing the EAH-AZ100, we were struck immediately by their “clear and open sound“ and “superb amount of detail”. Digging, deeper, we found them to be punchy, present and dynamically impactful – a combination that ultimately earned them a five-star review.

Complementing their sonic merits, the Technics are also small, light, and comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Touch controls for audio modes, playback and volume are fully customisable, so you can use them any way you please.

A strong and stable Bluetooth connection (with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC and the LC3 codec) means you are unlikely to find yourself grieving a wired option, especially given the earbuds’ impressive 10-hour battery life with ANC enabled.

Used alongside the charging case, their battery life rises to 28 hours.

Nobody, it seems, can keep up with the class-leading noise cancellation of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), but the Technics make an honourable attempt, with an effect “like heavy snowfall muffling the world”.

They also feature an Adaptive mode, which automatically adjusts noise-cancelling based on your environment. Alternately, of course, you have the option to dial the intensity up or down yourself.

For a cherry on top, these earbuds include three-way Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, allowing for connection to multiple devices at once, as well as support for Auracast transmission.

Conventionally, the main drawback of a premium product is its price, but given that these headphones are now available for £180 from Amazon, in this instance, you can have your cake and eat it.

MORE:

Read our full Technics EAH-AZ100 review

Visit our best wireless earbuds 2026: seven sensational pairs reviewed and rated by our experts

Stay up to date with Prime Day 2026 LIVE: the best headphone, speaker and vinyl deals picked by our hi-fi experts

Do you know the best thing about sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day? Hitherto unseen deals.

We tested the JBL Xtreme 5 around its release date in May of this year, and we've barely seen a drop since that time. Then, Prime Day came along and, as we might have expected, gave us the first significant discount on a speaker we lauded as elevating the established Xtreme range to a whole new level.

Now the Xtreme 5 can be picked up for £279 at Amazon, a £50 discount on a speaker that launched at £330 in the summer. This deal won't last, though, so get a move on if you don't want to miss out.

Best Prime Day JBL Bluetooth speaker deal

It's still only been around for around six months, but Xtreme 5 has already gained a stellar reputation as a robust, rugged speaker with a clear, detailed and musical sound, all housed in a durable package and backed by more features than you can shake a sausage at.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

The best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days savings on headphones, OLED TVs, Dolby Atmos soundbars and more, direct from our experts

I've scoured the Amazon Prime Day sale – here are 9 genuine hi-fi and home cinema deals I'd recommend

Discover our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers for every budget

Great cheap wireless earbuds might be ten a penny nowadays, but that wasn't always the case. Just a few years ago, cheap pairs were best avoided by anyone who valued sound quality. That all changed with the launch of the Earfun Air.

They were the first budget earbuds to earn five stars from us, and that's despite competition from some very big brands. They genuinely kickstarted the budget 'buds revolution, and now here they are six years later, dropping to a new low price.

They're now just £21 at Amazon, to be exact – down from their launch price of £55. A great price for a pair of genuinely groundbreaking earbuds.

We originally reviewed the EarFun Air back in 2020, but that doesn't mean they don't continue to earn a solid recommendation from us as some of the best budget wireless earbuds you can buy.

Nowadays, you'll see the likes of Sony dominating the affordable wireless earbuds market, with the WF-C510 and WF-C710N, but EarFun kickstarted the current trend for well-specced wireless headphones that cost very little.

At first glance, the EarFun Air true wireless earbuds may seem too good to be true. But that's not the case. An extensive feature list includes voice assistance, an IPX7 waterproof rating, a wireless charging case and Bluetooth 5.0 support.

Not forgetting the impressively long battery life of 35 hours, seven from the buds and a further 28 from the charging case. And they certainly don't feel cheap either, with a pretty classy build and finish, including four tip sizes to choose from. More than we'd expect for earbuds this cheap.

But, how do they sound? In our full review, our expert testers said: "Fans of a grippy, energetic listen to get you through a workout will find much to enjoy here."

Adding: "While similar budget-friendly headphones can come off somewhat congested, here the design of the driver and earpiece (which doesn’t sit too far into the ear canal) allows for a pleasant and spacious presentation."

They're not noise-cancelling earbuds, but you'd be seriously hard pushed to find that at this price. Fortunately, given their age, you'll often find a discount on the EarFun Air. But, this is the best price we've ever seen, so grab them while you can for just £21 at Amazon.

MORE:

Read the full Earfun Air review

Check out the best cheap wireless headphones, tested by our experts

And the best wireless earbuds: top pairs tested by our reviewers

Every time a big sales event comes around – whether that's Black Friday or Amazon's many Prime Days throughout the year – I'm always on the lookout for any deals on WiiM's budget music streamers.

Why? Because the WiiM Pro Plus (tested at £219, but the price has gone up to £249 now) and the step-up WiiM Ultra (tested at £349, up to £369 now) are super easy and cost-effective ways to add a host of streaming features to your music system. They sound detailed, balanced and expressive for the money, support the most popular streaming services, and have one of the best app control experiences around.

During the two-day Prime Big Deal Days event that's happening now, I've spotted that the WiiM Pro Plus is on sale for £209 at Amazon and other hi-fi retailers, while the WiiM Ultra is available for £309 at Richer Sounds and Sevenoaks. That's a £40 and £60 saving respectively on their current RRPs.

But wait – are these the best savings you can get for either product? The simple answer is no. While we love any discount on great five-star products, I've seen both these WiiM streamers available for a lot less at previous Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday sales. I've seen the WiiM Pro Plus available for as little as £175 earlier this year in June, while the WiiM Ultra has been reduced to £279 previously, too.

So today's discounts aren't the lowest prices we've seen these products at. If you're keen on either of these WiiM streamers but want the biggest savings, I would suggest waiting a month until Black Friday looms into view at the end of November to take the plunge – as that's usually when we see the lowest prices on hi-fi products in general.

Both WiiM streamers are compact enough to fit into limited spaces, but the WiiM Pro Plus – a multiple What Hi-Fi? Award winner – is a small, nondescript black box that can be placed on a shelf, inside a TV cabinet or even on a desk. Its talents are considerable for its budget price: it packs in wi-fi streaming, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth, support for all the latest streaming services including Tidal/Qobuz/Spotify Connect, and can handle hi-res files up to 24-bit/192kHz.

For its price, it serves up a detailed, expressive and organised sound that is easy to listen to, and is a great way to add streaming powers to an old hi-fi system, or form the basis of your first budget hi-fi system.

The bigger WiiM Ultra drops AirPlay support but gains a nifty touchscreen display, which makes accessing your favourite playlists and albums quicker. It sports a more advanced DAC, and delivers a more spacious and dynamic sound than the Pro Plus. It also adds a built-in MM phono stage so you can plug in a turntable, and an HDMI input for using it with your TV. That's a huge amount of connectivity and versatility from such a product, and we find it works a treat with budget speakers and amplifiers.

Apart from their performance-per-pound value, the main reason we always keep recommending these two WiiM streamers is because of how user-friendly WiiM Home app is for controlling your music. Set-up is easy, the app is neatly laid out, and it's a responsive, seamless system to use daily.

The current deal prices on the two WiiM streamers are tempting – any money off hi-fi products is always worth a look! – but I would exercise some patience and wait until Black Friday rolls around in a month's time, so you can be sure that you'll be getting the genuine lowest prices on these five-star products.

MORE:

WiiM Ultra vs WiiM Pro Plus: which five-star music streamer is the best option for you?

A record deal! Sony's five-star Bluetooth turntable hits a new low price

The best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days savings on headphones, OLED TVs, Dolby Atmos soundbars and more, direct from our experts

Well that didn't take long. Fresh from its five-star review in April, Sony's latest Bluetooth turntable has now plummeted to a new low price. It's just £217 at Amazon as part of the Prime Big Deal Days sale – that's a saving of £82 off the RRP.

Read on to see why it's a great first step into the world of vinyl.

Sony Bluetooth turntable best ever deal

So why is it so good? It builds on its five-star predecessor (the PS-LX310BT) with a similar fuss-free design and straight-out-of-the-box functionality. It also has an aluminium tonearm with a precision pivot bearing, an aluminium die-cast platter and a rubber mat.

Because it's an automatic turntable, there's no need to fiddle with tracking weights or cartridges, which makes playback a breeze. If you're a bit daunted by all the turntable terminology around, a simple model like this is ideal.

Pairing via Bluetooth is very straightforward too, and with support for the aptX Adaptive codec, sound quality is top notch (as long as you pick a compatible wireless speaker).

As we wrote on our review: "We're taken with just how composed, controlled and well-organised the Sony sounds, marvelling at the effortless cohesion and solidity it brings to the entirety of Michael Jackson's Bad album."

There's genuine musicality, which is not always found at this price. And with over £80 off, there's never been a better time to dip your toe in the vinyl waters.

MORE:

Read our Sony PS-LX3BT review

Compare the best Bluetooth turntables

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Live: the best deals as they happen

Sony loves a good discount during sales periods, and this year's Amazon Big Deal Days, AKA Prime Day 2, is no different.

The brand's flagship wireless headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6, are fabulous all-rounders, and now that they've dropped from their usual retail price of £399 to just £319 at Amazon, we can imagine that you're tempted to dive in and grab a pair.

It's not a bad idea, but just hold fire for a second. The XM6s' Award-winning predecessors, the WH-1000XM5, are also heavily discounted, dropping from £380 to just £192 at Amazon, a mega saving of £188.

Looks like you've got a tough decision to make....

Best Prime Day Sony wireless headphones deals

Right then, two pairs of flagship Sony over-ear wireless headphones, but which pair should you pick this Amazon Prime Day?

For sheer value, we'd direct you towards the WH-1000XM5. They're not Sony's newest cans anymore, but the XM5 remain a sensational option for anyone seeking great sound, high-performance features, and a comfortable, premium-feeling design.

Plus, you're getting all that Sony quality for one of the lowest prices we've yet seen on the former flagships.

30 hours of battery with ANC on? Check. DSEE upscaling for cleaning up lower-quality files? Check. Support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio and higher-res LDAC codec? Check. A five-star review and a few What Hi-Fi? Awards for their trouble? Also check.

The WH-1000XM6 are, essentially, a case of 'more of the same but better'. All of the same features as above are transferred across to the new flagbearers, including 30 hours of battery, DSEE and 360 Reality Audio, now bolstered by even better noise cancelling and the ability to fold away into a ball.

They take the XM5s' sound to a new level, too, offering a step above the XM5 in terms of detail, dynamics and openness. Both pairs are a joy to listen to, but if you want the best wireless sound that Sony has to offer, it's the WH-1000XM6 every day of the week.

A tricky decision to make, but neither pair will leave you feeling short-changed. Check out the XM5 and XM6 on Amazon and save yourself a packet.

MORE:

The best Amazon Big Deal Days savings on headphones, OLED TVs, Dolby Atmos soundbars and more, direct from our experts

Love Sony? Read our recent Sony WH-1000XM4C review

These are the best wireless headphones you can buy

Looking for a new sound system?

You may be tempted to wait until Amazon's Big Deal Days sale tomorrow, but there's already an excellent saving on one of our favourite soundbar systems of the year.

The Sony Bravia Theatre Trio creates a huge, immersive soundstage, ideal if you have a big TV and want sound on a scale to match the visuals.

And you can now get it for a brand-new low. The Bravia Theatre Trio is currently £1799 at Peter Tyson, but you can then claim an extra £200 back from Sony, which brings the grand total down to £1599.

Note that cashback is only available 35 days after purchase – full Ts and Cs can be found here.

Rather than combine the front channels into a single soundbar, as is the norm these days, the Bravia Theatre Trio splits them between three parts: a narrow central soundbar and two stylish, cylindrical satellite speakers for left and right.

The result is a larger and more spacious soundstage than conventional soundbars can achieve.

Our reviewers found that, "Effects stretch much further to the left and right, dialogue remains firmly anchored to the screen, and there's a greater sense of sound being projected out into the room rather than simply originating from beneath the TV."

The system doesn't just sound wider than a soundbar, but taller too, with an Atmos performance that creates a genuinely convincing sense of height.

It's impressively cohesive too, with a single, unified wall of sound that never sounds like three separate speakers,

The Trio's three speakers are aided ably by Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, which creates up to 24 'phantom' speakers around the room to bolster the real ones and create a bigger scale.

The excellent Bravia Connect app, built-in microphones and dedicated USB-C calibration microphone make set-up and calibration a breeze, while the speakers are fairly unfussy about placement.

Connectivity is all-encompassing too, with an HDMI eARC connection for your TV, plus an HDMI input with support for 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM passthrough. Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect make up the wireless support.

Any complaints? Well, we would have loved a display, and the centre speaker is not quite as capable as the larger satellites.

Overall, though, this is a brilliantly effective soundbar concept that enjoys the strengths of both the soundbar and system approach while avoiding most of their weaknesses. And for £1599 at Peter Tyson, it's definitely one of the most compelling options at this price.

MORE:

Read our review of the KEF XIO review

Also consider our Samsung HW-Q990H review

Read our Sonos Arc Ultra review

It's not Prime Day – or 'Prime Big Deal Days' – until Tuesday, but, as always, there's plenty of early discounts around.

One that caught our eye, however, was the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max, a five-star projector that has sneaked right to the top of our favourite ultra short throw (UST) projector list.

It's now £2569 at Amazon, which amounts to a rather generous £930 discount.

You'll have to be quick, though, as only a certain number of units are available at this price. At the time of writing, 20 per cent have already been claimed, so you might want to move fast to secure this top UST projector.

The AWOL Vision Aetherion Max may not be cheap by UST projector standards, but we think the performance more than makes up for this.

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

"What really tips the Aetherion Max into outstanding territory is how well its picture charms hold up in a dark room setting. Colours look even more vibrant, and brightness for both full-screen and peak highlight image elements looks fantastically intense."

The projector is wonderfully bright and contrast-rich even in ambient light, making it also practical for daytime use.

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

The Aetherion Max’s front-mounted speakers are also far better than those built into most projectors. They're loud enough to create a cinematic presence even in large rooms, and maintain impressive amounts of detail even at maximum volume.

The feature set is also impressive – there's a claimed 3300 lumens of brightness and an image size of up to 200 inches. There's also support for all four current HDR standards, including the premium HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats.

There are also three HDMI ports that support VRR and reach a whopping 240Hz with Full HD (but not 4K) sources, so gamers are well catered for.

We're sure you've noticed the futuristic design, of which we are big fans. The remote control is also neatly designed, and AWOL Vision also sells its own 100- and 120-inch motorised floor-rising screens to go with your projector.

If you've got the funds but not the space, then the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max might well be for you. It's our favourite UST projector yet and can now be snapped up with a whopping £930 off at Amazon if you're quick enough.

MORE:

Also consider our BenQ W4100i review

Read our Hisense PX4-Pro review

These are the best projectors tested by our home cinema experts

If you've been keeping up with the latest Prime Big Deal Day deals, you’ll know there are a few offers on turntables. I, of course, would love there to be more, but Amazon AU isn’t exactly known for its extensive catalogue of hi-fi separates.

Still, with discounts on the superb Sony PS-LX310BT and Technics SL-40CBT up for grabs with a discount, the Prime Day sale (which ends this coming Monday, October 5) could be a prime time to start your own turntable-based system.

And if you need new vinyl records to go with your fledgling hobby, you’re in luck, as Amazon has also discounted a decent selection of albums, spanning multiple genres. And given the fact that vinyl records can be really expensive these days, any discount is welcome. In fact, there’s up to 48% off select albums, with the likes of The Beatles’ White Album, Nirvana’s Nevermind and the live version of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours all up for grabs; you won’t want to miss out.

If my picks aren't to your taste, be sure to check out the full selection of vinyl available at Amazon AU.

Even if you already own a great turntable and are just looking for some savings on records, these deals should tempt you to complete your collection. Remember, these deals expire on Monday, October 5 or when stock runs out.

Best Prime Day Vinyl deals

After serious home cinema sound?

Then you want a serious subwoofer. The KEF Kube 12 MIE requires ample space, but it rewards you with a truly cinematic performance.

And the best part? The Kube 12 MIE is currently on sale. The superb sub can now be picked up for £599 at Peter Tyson – that's a 25 per cent discount.

You also get a Fell Audio 3-metre subwoofer cable included absolutely free!

We've not reviewed the KEF Kube 12 MIE independently, but we have tested it as part of the Award-winning KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 speaker system.

In case you couldn't tell from the five-star rating and Award, we are big fans of that system, including how it handles bass.

"The explosion towards the start of this sequence is delivered with a hefty dose of low-end punch, and the subwoofer delivers its gut-punch of low end while remaining in total control," our KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 speaker system review reads.

"There’s no flabby or waffly bass here, and while the Bowers & Wilkins 606/607 S3’s subwoofer is a touch more tuneful, the KEF Kube 12 MIE delivers a powerful and dynamic low-end kick."

It's hardly surprising – this is a 12-inch front-firing subwoofer powered by 300W of Class D amplification.

It's housed in a sealed cabinet design, which offers greater placement flexibility. It even has a room-position EQ switch on the rear to adjust the sound depending on whether you place the subwoofer in a corner, out in the room, or in a wall alcove or cabinet.

As we've alluded to above, the Kube 12 MIE's size is a tad unwieldy at 41 x 39 x 41cm (hwd) and with a weight of 18.6kg. This won't suit all setups, but the talented sub is well worth it if you have the space.

The KEF Kube 12 MIE is controlled, dynamic and punchy. If you need a subwoofer to underpin your system with a dose of weighty bass, the Kube 12 MIE is an excellent choice with 25 per cent off at Peter Tyson.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best surround sound systems

As well as the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

And read our full Bowers & Wilkins 606 & 607 S3 speaker package review

RGB Mini LED was the big new panel technology of 2026, and it first entered our test rooms with the Hisense UR9.

We were rather impressed by the controlled backlight performance and rich cinematic HDR picture, granting it four stars.

One of our main issues was the price tag, with the £3000 cost pitting the 65-inch UR9 against flagship OLEDs. No more, however – the RGB Mini LED TV can now be picked up for £1499 at Sevenoaks.

To get this price, you'll need to use the code GDTV300, and then claim £200 cashback from Hisense. Full Ts and Cs can be found here.

That's not all, however – gamers can enjoy a free Xbox Design Lab controller and a month of Game Pass, both of which can be used with the TV with no need for a console.

Apart from the RGB Mini LED screen, one of the biggest selling points of the UR9 is that it's one of the first TVs with support for Dolby Vision 2, specifically the premium Dolby Vision 2 Max. Be aware that iQIYI is the only current Dolby Vision 2 content partner operating in the UK, though we expect more services to join as the format grows.

HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG are all on board too, with widespread support on both streaming and physical media.

Whatever you watch, however, you'll benefit from the RGB Mini LED screen. The new technology uses red, green and blue Mini LEDs in the backlight for greater brightness and more precise colour reproduction.

We found it couldn't quite top OLED in some categories, but it was one of the most accomplished backlit TVs we've tested.

"Play 1917 on 4K Blu-ray, and the opening logos immediately demonstrate just how well controlled the TV’s backlight system is," our Hisense UR9 review reads. "Blooming around the bright white text is minimal, black depth is strong, and colours look rich, warm and nicely cinematic.

"More importantly, the local-dimming system generally goes about its business without drawing attention to itself. Throughout our testing, the UR9 almost never exhibits the flickering, brightness pumping or visibly shifting backlight behaviour that can make many Mini LED TVs distracting."

Gamers are nicely catered for, with three gaming-friendly HDMI 2.1 ports that support a whopping 4K/170Hz (including 4K/120Hz for consoles), VRR and ALLM. Perfect for that Xbox controller and Game Pass subscription, then.

You'll be able to access the Xbox app on Hisense's fast and responsive VIDAA platform, which includes all the major streaming services and UK catch-up apps. Do note that access to the Apple TV Store is missing, though.

The sound is also surprisingly expansive and full-bodied for TV standards, with the Devialet-tuned 4.1.2-channel speaker system delivering particularly impressive width and height effects. A modest soundbar will still outperform it, but UR9’s audio system is better than that of most TVs.

The Hisense UR9 sports several next-gen features at a knock-down price. For some of the latest technology 2026 has to offer, check out the Hisense UR9 now half-price at Sevenoaks.

MORE:

Also consider reading our Sony Bravia 8 II review

There's also the LG G6 review

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

As I write this, testing is well underway for the 2026 What Hi-Fi? Awards, with a battle royale taking place between all sorts of hi-fi and home cinema equipment.

One of the ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors we reviewed for Awards consideration was the Hisense PX4 Pro. Now I can’t tell you if it has won an Award just yet, but I can reveal that it earned the full five stars from our rigorous testers.

I can also share that there is £100 cashback available, as well as a free Xbox Design Lab controller and a month of Game Pass included. Once you take off the cashback, that brings the price down to £2399 at AV.com.

You can claim the £100 cashback directly from Hisense from 27th November. Full Ts and Cs can be found here.

It's facing some tough competition now, but Hisense has long been a dominant force in the UST projector space. The Hisense PX3 Pro was even a What Hi-Fi? Award winner, so we had high hopes for its successor.

And we weren’t disappointed. Hisense has made several worthy improvements, offering deeper blacks, more colour volume and a holistically improved, more three-dimensional-looking image during a viewing of Civil War.

“The work Hisense has done improving its PX line over the past two years is immediately apparent, and the PX4 Pro leaves a strong impression,” our Hisense PX4 Pro review reads.

“Characters’ faces look more realistic, featuring more natural highlights and deeper shadows. As they move through a burning forest, the extra brightness helps the PX4 shine; the flames possess hues of red and orange that are entirely missing on the PX3.”

Sound is also solid given the PX4 Pro’s humble size. The little box throws audio around the room with impressive height effects that are missing from most USTs. It’s no match for a dedicated sound system, but impressive by UST projector standards.

As you can probably tell from the free controller and subscription, the PX4 Pro has quite the focus on gaming. Hisense has made a big deal of the 1080p/240Hz performance, with VRR and ALLM supported also. However, 4K/120Hz gaming is off the menu, as the two HDMI 2.1 sockets are limited to 60Hz at 4K resolution.

All four key HDR formats – Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG – are on board, as well as dedicated Filmmaker Mode, IMAX Enhanced certification and Active 3D content picture modes.

Hisense’s Vidaa OS comes loaded with nearly all the apps you need. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Freely are all on board, with only the more specialist streamers missing.

We have a few minor quibbles, but the Hisense PX4 Pro sits in a gap between entry-level and flagship USTs and is a great choice for movie fans who can’t quite stretch their budget to the top tiers of the market. It’s even better value, of course, with £100 cashback at AV.com and a free Xbox controller.

MORE:

Read our AWOL Vision Aetherion Max review

Also consider our Hisense PT1 review

Best home cinema projectors: the best options tested by our home cinema experts

Always charging your Bluetooth speaker?

Whether you're a party animal, BBQ enthusiast, or regular host, nothing's worse than the speaker dying just as things get going.

And that's where the JBL Xtreme 4 comes in. As well as being an Award winner for its engaging and entertaining sound, it also packs in a whole 24 hours of battery life.

Oh, and did we mention? The Xtreme 4 is currently only £169 at Richer Sounds, a whopping 49 per cent off from the price we tested at.

You just have to sign up for the free Richer Sounds VIP club to get this discount, but luckily that doesn't cost a penny.

With some September sunshine still seeping through the clouds, the JBL Xtreme 4 is perfect for any outdoor gatherings you still have planned.

With a tough, wraparound grille made from a combination of recycled plastic and fabric, the Xtreme 4 is waterproof and dustproof, perfect if the heavens do decide to open.

And the Xtreme 4 can survive long trips as well as wet ones – the already impressive 24 hour battery can stretch to 30 with the Playtime Boost feature turned on. This does suck the weight and solidity out of the bass, however, so we'd save this for emergencies.

With Playtime Boost turned off, however, we're pleased to report a fantastically refined sound.

"It produces a wonderfully clear and consistent sound across tracks," our JBL Xtreme 4 review reads. "Low frequencies are poised and punchy but don’t lack weight. Highs are crisp enough so they don’t feel rolled off.

"Detail levels are excellent for the money and it's still exciting and fun to listen to, which is exactly what you want from a product like this."

There are plenty of features on board too – Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast are both on offer, while the Xtreme 4 can also niftily function as a power bank if required.

The Xtreme 4 has since been replaced by, you guessed it, the JBL Xtreme 5. It adds drop resistance and a greater sonic presence to its list of credentials, but it's also currently over £100 more with a £279 price tag.

Unless you're after the very latest and greatest in Bluetooth audio, however, the JBL Xtreme 4 should be more than enough to cover your speaker needs both indoors and outside. For an entertaining and refined sound that can last all day, consider the JBL Xtreme 4 for £169 at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Fancying an alternative? Read our Bose SoundLink Max review

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

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

Do you commute into work?

If you do so on public transport, you’ll no doubt appreciate that it’s far from the quietest experience. Whether it’s the constant dinging of the bus bell, someone playing music on the train or the deafening roar of the underground (looking at you, Jubilee line), then the constant early-morning hubbub is the last thing any of us needs.

That’s where the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) come in. With class-leading noise cancellation, they will wrap you in a cocoon of silence so only your precious music or podcasts can get in.

They are now available at a new lowest price too. A £39.78 reduction at checkout means you can pick up these noise-cancelling cans for only £286 at Amazon, down from their previous low of £303.

Bose invented active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, so it’s hardly a surprise that its headphones have consistently excelled at blocking out the outside world.

As our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review reads: “Whether you’re riding public transport or walking past roadworks or construction, they provide a blanket of silence so that your music (or podcasts) can bask in the spotlight, eliminating the deepest rumbles and the majority of mid-band hubbub we encounter on our daily travels.”

This second-generation model improves upon the original in several ways, including kicking in quicker to nullify sudden noises in Aware mode.

There is also the option to listen to them wired over USB-C, a battery life that has been extended to 30 hours, and an upgrade to Immersive Audio (Bose’s take on spatial audio).

Our favourite change to Immersive Audio is the new ‘Cinema’ mode, which pulls dialogue into greater focus when watching movies. It’s the most effective use of the technology yet.

There have also been some small but significant gains in sound quality – the second-generation cans are clearer and more detailed than their predecessors, as well as a bit more solid and musically tighter.

“Play Charli xcx’s Von dutch, and the Bose rev their engines, launching themselves into the upbeat track with their best foot forward,” our review reads. “The synths surge with low-end texture and impetus, the beat pulsates with snap and crispness. It’s the same pleasingly smooth, bass-rich character Bose has long favoured, simply more insightful and precise than ever before.”

While they do sound good, they’re not the class leaders sonically in the premium wireless headphones market. That honour goes to the Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM6, which offer greater clarity, texture, drive and dynamic subtlety.

The Sony pair cost at least £335 at the time of writing, however, so the Bose QC Ultra 2 currently have the edge in terms of value, thanks to this record low price of £286 at Amazon. If it’s noise cancelling you’re after, then the QC Ultra Headphones 2 will block out the sounds of your morning commute better than any other.

MORE:

More into buds? Our best wireless earbuds will sort you out

Our pick of the best wireless headphones

Read our Sony WH-1000XM6 review

We're big fans of LG's latest mid-range OLED.

The five-star LG C6 is one of our favourite TVs of the year, thanks to a bright, rich and refined picture, awesome gaming credentials and an app-packed smart platform.

It also delivers a solid audio performance for its class, though it's no substitute for a dedicated sound system.

That's where this bundle deal comes in. The LG C6 is currently down to an impressive £1899 at Smart Home Sounds with the code TRADE250, only £10 above the lowest price we've seen.

But the real kicker is that you get a Dolby Atmos soundbar absolutely free – add the four-star LG S70TY to your basket with the C6 and the cost will be removed at checkout.

Even without the soundbar, this would be a great deal on a fantastic TV.

Much of the C6's success comes from the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 chip. We don't often get too excited about processor upgrades, but this seemingly small change has resulted in an even brighter and richer performance than its predecessor, the Award-winning LG C5.

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

The C6 offers a more enticing, dynamic and three-dimensional delivery overall, as well as enhanced upscaling, remastering and shading subtlety.

Gamers, as ever, are well looked after with LG TVs. VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming are available on all four HDMI 2.1 sockets, as well as 4K/120Hz for console gamers. PC gamers can even crank it up to 4k/165Hz with VRR.

The reliable LG WebOS is similarly impressive, with all the major streaming services present, well optimised and delivering content in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos where applicable.

As well as Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG are also on board. HDR10+ is missing – as are the newly released Dolby Vision 2 and HDR10+ Advanced – though this isn't a huge issue at the moment.

Improvements have been made to the sound also, with a more open and immersive delivery. We recommend taking the soundbar freebie, however – the LG S70TY package will smash the C6 when it comes to sound quality thanks to its easy-going, balanced presentation and well-integrated subwoofer.

You can pay a lot more and get a lot less than this great-value bundle deal. A £601 saving at Smart Home Sounds on one of the year's best OLEDs is quite the bargain anyway, but chucking in a decent Dolby Atmos soundbar makes this an absolute steal.

MORE:

Check out our LG C5 review

Also read our LG G6 review

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

Here at What Hi-Fi?, we pride ourselves on advising on the best AV equipment to buy, and you can see our recommendations in our many buying guides.

However, we're always interested in the opinions of our readers and the public at large, and it seems on this product we're aligned.

The Hisense AX1525H, now on offer for £199 at Amazon, is our budget soundbar system Award winner, offering stellar audio quality for surprisingly little money.

And it seems the general public agrees – it's still one of our most popular reviews nearly a year after publication and it's consistently retained the top spot in Amazon's competitive soundbar charts.

The Hisense AX5125H will be a marked improvement on your TV's sound. But as an incredible-value Dolby Atmos package, it's capable of so much more.

It's a complete 5.1.2-channel system in a box, with wireless surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer all for less than the price of most solo soundbars. Together they'll create a bigger, more immersive sound than even Dolby Atmos-enabled TVs.

We tested the AX5125H with a viewing of Civil War, and found a cohesive and enveloping presentation with a surprising ability to project effects around the room.

"As the gentle guitar track recedes and is replaced by the sounds of war, we’re surrounded by gunfire and incidental effects," our Hisense AX5125H review reads. "Bullets whizz from the front to the back of the room and even behind the listening position, helicopters hover at ceiling height, and distant explosions rumble menacingly."

The subwoofer is also impressive for the price, going loud and deep while still offering enough tonal expression to sound musical.

Music playback is respectable too, delivering some subtlety despite occasional overenthusiastic bass notes.

At £199, you won't find a similarly priced package that sounds better, and going by the Amazon charts, it seems that the secret is out. If you want Award-winning Dolby Atmos sound at a bargain price, consider the Hisense AX5125H with £50 off at Amazon.

If you do have the budget to splash out a bit more, we also recommend these soundbar systems for more refinement:

MORE:

Here are all of the best budget soundbars you can buy right now

Also in the market for a new telly? Here are all of the best TVs

Check out our Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 review and Samsung HW-Q990F review

As a writer at What Hi-Fi?, I am, of course, a huge admirer of many premium wireless earbuds, whether it’s the user-friendly Apple AirPods Pro 3 or the noise-cancelling Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).

But when my most recent, long-running flagship earbuds finally conked out and I faced the prospect of no headphones at all, I needed a cheap, reliable pair that could tide me over for at least a little while.

Step in the Sony WF-C510, now at a new low of £28 at Amazon.

Far from the temporary, functional replacements I had in mind, the WF-C510 soon proved to be extraordinary value for money. With a solid, musical sound and far more features than I expected for less than £30, the Sony pair are more than up to the task of being your headphones of choice.

Take a look at our Awards over the years, and you’ll see that Sony has long been the go-to brand for budget wireless headphones. The WF-C510 may be the cheapest option even in its budget range, but that doesn’t mean Sony has completely held back.

The WF-C510 offer a generous 11 hours of battery life, despite battery usually being one of the first sacrifices when a brand launches a budget pair of buds.

There’s also an ambient mode to let in more of your surroundings, which can come in useful when exercising outdoors or listening to announcements while commuting. The buds are also snug and comfortable, with an IPX4 rating to protect from rain, sweat and other splashes.

Bluetooth Multipoint is also on board, so you can pair the buds with two devices at once and switch seamlessly – instantly switching, say, from listening to music on your phone to a Zoom call on your laptop. If you’ve never used it before, this is highly convenient and a surprisingly advanced feature for a £28 pair.

And the all-important sound quality? Fun, engaging and musical, but still with Sony’s winning signature sound profile.

“We test them with a range of genres and the Sonys just go about their business,” our Sony WF-C510 review reads. “You can tell the WF-C510 are part of the Sony family, such is their musicality and rhythmic ability – even complex pieces of music don’t unravel and their sense of timing and ability to just get into the groove of a song works with any music you play through them.”

Our only slight niggle is the build, which does look and feel budget. However, it's hard to complain when they are yours for the cost of a round of drinks.

The Sony WF-C510 are comfortable and pack a huge sense of fun and musicality. Don’t just take my word for it, though – these are What Hi-Fi? Award winners, and now they can be yours for only £28 at Amazon.

If you’ve got a bit more of a budget, however, consider these alternatives:

MORE:

Read our Sony WF-C510 review

Take a look at the best wireless earbuds: top pairs tested by our reviewers

Check out the best cheap wireless earbuds you can buy

Rejoice! Sony has finally updated its budget five-star wireless headphones range.

This announcement includes the new Sony WH-CH530, available now for £50, which are just about to land in our listening rooms for the full What Hi-Fi? review treatment.

However, if you can't wait, we're also excited to announce that its five-star predecessors, the WH-CH520, have had their price crash.

Specifically, the WH-CH520 are back down to their lowest price of £25 at EE, officially half the price of their successors.

We're yet to review the WH-CH530, but it's worth bearing in mind that Sony claims they come with five hours more battery life, as well as a sonic boost thanks to improved processing and algorithms.

However, if you're after value, it's hard to argue with the WH-CH520, especially with its £25 price tag.

You'll want to temper your expectations, as these were budget headphones even at full price, but we were still mightily impressed by how much Sony was able to fit in.

They're full of features, with Bluetooth Multipoint letting you connect to multiple devices wirelessly and seamlessly switch between them, voice assistants are supported, they have on-earcup controls and you can fine-tune the sound using Sony's excellent Headphones Connect app.

However, what impressed us most was the sound quality at this level. They produce an even-handed, nicely balanced sound with a solid, deep bass response and an informative and eloquent midrange.

"The low end they generate is solid, deep and properly controlled at the leading edges, so the WH-CH520 express rhythms confidently," our Sony WH-CH520 review reads. "They hit reasonably hard, and keep bass firmly in its lane where it can’t interfere with the midrange activity above."

The WH-CH530 add a further five hours, but the CH-520 still boast a phenomenal 50 hours of battery life. That's enough to fly to Australia and back!

The design is a bit plasticky, as you might expect from this price level, but they're solidly built, and at 147g they're lightweight for long travels or gym sessions.

Successor or not, the Sony WH-CH520 are incredible headphones now at an incredible price of £25 at EE. If you're after a budget pair, the WH-CH520 won't be beaten at this price and are well worth picking up before they inevitably start leaving store shelves.

MORE:

Want noise-cancelling? Consider reading our Sony WH-CH720N review

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

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

If you take your home cinema seriously, then you’ll understand the need for a serious audio upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers. If you don’t have the space (or the budget) for a fully-fledged speaker package, a great soundbar is the next best thing and the Sennheiser Ambeo Max is one of the best you can get.

While it might have been released way back in 2019, Sennheiser’s big and burly ‘bar continues to leave a lasting impression on us, and it’s now on the receiving end of a monster AU$2,650 discount via the company’s own eBay store when using the code SEP15OFF.

Or, while you might not get the additional AU$150 saving, if you prefer to shop on Amazon you can grab the Ambeo Soundbar Max for AU$1,499.

Finally, you could head to Sennheiser directly and score the Ambeo Soundbar Max and the Ambeo Subwoofer for AU$1,898 — a total saving of AU$3,221.90.

Key to the Ambeo Max’s success is its use of larger speaker drivers than what you’ll traditionally find in other soundbars – six 10cm woofers, five 25mm tweeters and two 9cm full-range drivers firing upwards, to be precise. While their use does mean the Ambeo Max is max by nature (it weighs 18.5kg), the extra heft allows it to produce a sound with incredible scale.

Even at full price, we said in our review it was “well worth the money and effort”, adding “In using bigger, higher-quality drivers, the Ambeo Soundbar can produce audio with natural tonality, cohesion and solidity, and the 3D audio processing is some of the best we've heard in a product of this type.”

Indeed, you might think the lack of rear speakers means it won’t be all that effective at creating a surround sound effect, but our testing found the opposite to be true. Dialogue is delivered with great clarity too, and the companion app gives access to a number of adjustable EQ presets to fine tune the sound even further. A microphone is also included for calibration to ensure the soundbar performs to its best in your individual room.

It’s certainly a sizable investment, but when you factor in how much you’re saving, it does make the Sennheiser Ambeo Max incredibly good value.

MORE:

Read our full Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max review

And check out the best soundbars with options for every need

Sorting a new home cinema set-up can be a pricey affair, with the cost of both a new TV and sound system quickly adding up.

LG, however, has a solution – it offers a soundbar bundled with its latest flagship OLED, completely free of charge.

The flagship OLED in question is the LG C6, a punchy, premium TV to which we awarded five stars. It has just hit a new lowest price of £2564 at Smart Home Sounds for the wall-mount version, thanks to the promo code TRADE250.

That’s not all: you also get the LG S70TY Dolby Atmos soundbar and subwoofer included at no extra charge if you have both items in your basket at checkout.

We awarded the soundbar package four stars in our LG S70TY review, and it will certainly blow the TV into the weeds when it comes to sound quality. Given that the S70TY is retailing for £229 at Amazon, that’s quite the saving you will be making.

We retested the LG G6 following a major software update, which included a side by side comparison with its predecessor, the C5. It didn’t take long during a viewing of Civil War to start noticing the improvements.

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

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

The G6 is particularly notable as one of the few TVs with a Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, which uses a ‘four-stack’ panel structure to help the OLED TV achieve higher peak and operating brightness levels while retaining colour volume and accuracy.

It also features a new Alpha 11 Gen 3 AI processor and Hyper Radiant Colour Technology, enabling higher peak brightness than the already dazzling LG G5.

HDR is well catered for, with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG all on board and only HDR10+ missing. WebOS 26 is similarly well equipped, with Now, Apple TV, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and pretty much every app you can think of available.

As with most LG TVs, the G6’s gaming chops are particularly strong. All four HDMI 2.1 inputs support up to 4K/165Hz gameplay with VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming HDR.

The G6’s sound system is a step in the right direction, with a fuller, more robust sound than its predecessors. The nicely balanced S70TY soundbar is a clear upgrade, however, so we certainly recommend taking up the freebie instead of relying on the built-in speakers.

If you are looking for a new flagship OLED and need a sound system also, then this LG G6 package is the best value you’ll find right now. £2564 at Smart Home Sounds is the lowest price we have yet seen on this nuanced, accurate and immersive OLED – and a free four-star soundbar is the icing on the cake.

MORE:

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

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

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

Taking home cinema seriously?

In that case, you’ll want a seriously good AVR – and we can’t deny the outstanding sonic performance of the JBL Synthesis SDR-38, which also boasts a stylish build and extensive feature set.

In our five-star review, one of our few gripes was the substantial £7300 price. That, though, is less of a problem now, thanks to a new low of £3499 at Richer Sounds.

To get this whopping 52 per cent discount, you’ll have to sign up for the (completely free) Richer Sounds VIP club to bring the price down to £3999. Add in our exclusive promo code WHFJBL500 at checkout to save an extra £500, and you’ve got yourself a five-star AVR with £3801 off.

The JBL Synthesis SDR-38 is aimed squarely at audiophiles, as shown by its enthusiast-leaning setup and operation, but we think even the pickiest will be won over.

There’s no shortage of features: the SDR-38 delivers 180W of Class G amplification with all seven channels driven, and seven HDMI 2.1 sockets which feature the full 48Gbps bandwidth. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are also on board for immersive home cinema sound.

There’s also quite the list of wireless connectivity options, with hi-res and MQA support via Roon, as well as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth with the aptX HD codec supported.

All of which is contained within a rather stylish and premium chassis, complete with an OLED display, on-device controls and an appropriately premium volume wheel.

However, what really won us over about the SDR-38 was its incredible sound performance, as demonstrated during a test viewing of Dune in Dolby Atmos.

“The spacious, echoey environment of the aircraft hangar is reproduced with a grand and expansive sense of scale, while the conversation that takes place regarding the Stillsuits is packed with a tangible low-level dynamic flair that incorporates warmth, subtlety and (most importantly) character to each voice,” our JBL Synthesis SDR-38 review reads.

Testing further with the car chase scene in The Batman and everything is delivered with excellent detail and clarity, digging out all the finer details we would expect for an AVR at this price level and leaving no gaps between speakers.

There were certainly no issues with the sound performance in our five-star review – the SDR-38 excels at everything from large dynamic shifts to hushed conversations, making it an excellent choice for dedicated home cinemas.

It may still be pricey, but the SDR-38’s performance justifies the cost even at full price. So home cinema aficionados will not want to miss out on the chance to get this fine-sounding home cinema amplifier with a massive £3801 off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our full JBL Synthesis SDR-38 review

As well as our Denon AVC-X6800H review

And check out our picks for the best AV receivers

Poor-quality TV audio can very quickly ruin a movie night.

Was the main character meant to sound that muffled in the climax? Or did they just explain something crucial to the plot?

That's just one of the reasons we at What Hi-Fi? usually recommend investing in a good soundbar or sound system. It doesn't have to be a super flashy or premium model either, which is why the Hisense HS215 has caught my eye for £59 at AO.com.

It's an inexpensive but effective way to improve your TV speakers, especially for clearer dialogue and a wider tonal range. And frankly, out of all the soundbars we've tested, there's nothing else we recommend at this price.

With darker nights on the horizon and cosy evenings on the sofa becoming more common, your TV speakers are going to get quite the workout over the next few months.

Which is why a quick soundbar upgrade might just save your autumn, especially if you have a nice TV that gives movies the picture they deserve.

The Hisense HS214 can do just that, adding a broader soundstage and a welcome touch of bass thanks to a 3-inch down-firing woofer on the underside.

Dialogue clarity is one of the key benefits of the HS214, sounding even better than the five-star OLED TV we were testing with.

"The HS214 anchors the vocal, meaning you can sit back and enjoy the unfolding drama without focusing on the subtitles," our Hisense HS214 review reads. "The enhanced depth that the bass unit brings to the table isn’t superfluous either; there’s a solid sound to the lows and kick that gives the sound a touch more musicality than you would otherwise experience."

The HS214 is also a surprisingly competent music player, an area where even expensive soundbars struggle. Despite its size, the soundbar produces a pleasant, uncluttered midrange and a decent stereo image, delivering Follow Me Around by Radiohead without the tinniness we often experience with small speakers.

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

At only 9.2 x 5.8 x 65 cm, it's also compact enough to fit in small spaces, and a decent build quality means it will sit happily beneath both a new high-spec TV, or an older model. It can also be wall-mounted thanks to rigging points on the rear and fixings included in the box.

If you're looking for a decent upgrade to your TV speakers at the lowest possible price, the Hisense HS214 is for you.

MORE:

Read our Hisense HS214 2.1 review

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

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

Do you sometimes wish you could block out the outside world?

Active noise cancelling (ANC) is the way to go, and it's no longer gated behind super-premium headphones – good ANC can now be found in the budget headphone market.

So if you're a student who needs to focus while studying or just want to quieten the commute on a budget, our audio experts highly recommend the Award-winning Sony WF-C710N, now only £62 at Amazon.

That's quite the discount from the £100 price we tested at, and even cheaper than the previous low of £69 over Prime Day.

The Award-winning Sony WF-C710N are follow-ups to the Sony-C700N, also fellow Award winners, so it's clear that this is a high-quality pedigree.

The WF-C710N made several improvements, however, including upping the battery life to 8.5 hours with ANC on, and 30 hours including the case.

Speaking of ANC, that's one of the WF-C710N's key strengths. Sony's Dual Noise Sensor filters have been added to extract an extra layer of noise in the mid and bass frequencies. Our expert reviewers could hear the difference, with the hustle and bustle of the outside world kept firmly at bay.

And the other key strength of the C710N? Sound quality, which is a step above the competition at this price level.

"The WF-C710N extract a fantastic amount of detail for the money," our Sony WF-C710N review reads. "We switch over to Eminem’s Mockingbird and the buds give you a bit of everything. You have tightly defined, punchy bass that is weighty and nicely balanced.

"You also have the spritely percussion and clapping that punctuates higher up the frequency range. It sounds crisp, but not overcooked – notes are painted in texture and sharply defined."

There's support for Bluetooth 5.3, as well as the usual SBC and AAC audio codecs. The buds are also splashproof with an IPX4 rating, while Bluetooth Multipoint allows you to connect two devices simultaneously.

If you're after noise-cancelling on a budget, or indeed just want an excellent pair of mid-range earbuds, then the Sony WF-C710N come highly recommended. They're attractive, comfortable and capable noise-cancellers that are frankly a steal for £62 at Amazon.

MORE:

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

Check out our list of the best wireless earbuds

Also consider the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS

Got noisy neighbours while you work from home? Builders banging down the road? Or just gossiping office co-workers?

We've all been there. But if you just want to escape to an impenetrable cocoon of silence, there's one audio company that does noise-cancelling better than any other: Bose.

And its latest premium wireless over-ears, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), are the brand's best noise-cancelling headphones yet, eliminating the deepest rumbles and most mid-band hubbub.

And now the noise-cancelling cans are available at a new lowest price – you can pick them up for £303 at Amazon thanks to a £30 saving at checkout. That's even cheaper than the previous low of £341 we spotted in May.

Yes, the name Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd gen) is a bit of a mouthful. But this latest generation has fixed the gripes we had with the first QuietComfort Ultra headphones: there's now wired listening over USB-C, battery life has been boosted from 24 hours to 30 and the Immersive Audio is more satisfying.

For the uninitiated, Immersive Audio is Bose's take on spatial audio. The 'Still' mode is now more spacious and dimensional, but it's the 'Cinema' mode that works best by pulling dialogue into greater focus while watching TV and movies.

We had high expectations when we put the QC Ultra 2's noise-cancelling abilities to the test, and we weren't disappointed. Whether we were walking past roadworks, riding public transport or jetting off on planes, the headphones provided us with a blanket of silence so we could enjoy our music and podcasts in peace. Only the shrill, high-frequency cry of a baby broke through the formidable shield.

The ‘Immersion’ mode can dial down the intensity if the vacuum effect is too eerie for you, while the 'Aware’ mode allows external sound in. A new algorithm can dampen down sudden loud noises more quickly now – we tested with a hoover and the headphones' noise-cancelling intensity reacts accordingly.

Sound quality has seen some tweaks from the first generation too, with meaningful gains when it comes to clarity and detail.

"Play Charli xcx’s Von dutch, and the Bose rev their engines, launching themselves into the upbeat track with their best foot forward," our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review reads. "The synths surge with low-end texture and impetus, the beat pulsates with snap and crispness. It’s the same pleasingly smooth, bass-rich character Bose has long favoured, simply more insightful and precise than ever before."

However, the Bose fall behind our current benchmark, the Sony WH-1000XM6, when it comes to sound quality, with the XM6 offering a more natural, even-handed tonality. The Bose prevail for outright sound-blocking intensity, however, and are currently £30 cheaper.

If it's noise-cancelling you're after above all else, Bose are the ones to beat. The QC Ultra Headphones 2 are strong all-rounders with an ANC ace up their sleeve, and are available at a new low of £303 at Amazon.

MORE:

More into buds? Our best wireless earbuds will sort you out

Our pick of the best wireless headphones

Read our Sony WH-1000XM6 review

Looking for a soundbar to liven up your living room? Not just any soundbar, but a Dolby Atmos-enabled one that adds spaciousness and excitement?

Then we've got you covered. Our expert testers found the Harman Kardon Enchant 900 to be a particularly fun sound experience that delivers a much more immersive soundstage than most TV speakers.

It's seeing a healthy discount now too – the code ENCHANT20 brings the price down to £263 at Peter Tyson, saving you a whopping £167.

A 5.1.4-channel soundbar driven by a total power output of 195W, the Harman Kardon 900 includes two up-firing drivers for true Dolby Atmos support.

MultiBeam technology is on hand to create a more spacious soundstage, and the Harman Kardon One app allows you to adjust the EQ settings and calibrate the soundbar. We highly recommend you do this – our testers found a notable difference in the bar's soundstage after calibration.

Streaming services such as Tidal and Amazon Music can also be played through the app, with Spotify Connect and Bluetooth 5.3 also supported.

Those who already have Harman Kardon products will want to listen up – the soundbar can wirelessly connect to the Enchant Sub and Enchant Speaker, with two Enchant speakers able to function as rear surrounds.

The Enchant 900 alone is more than up to the job, however, as upon booting it up, we are "greeted by an energetic, exciting sound", as our Harman Kardon Enchant 900 review states.

It's an immersive, room-filling sound that's much more spacious than our TV speakers, with remarkably clear vocals and a reasonably clean presentation.

It's not the most subtle soundbar, however, with the treble especially sounding rather coarse when pushed.

But if it's a big sound you're looking for, the Enchant 900 provides that in spades, with plenty of spaciousness and excitement to boot. It's also far easier to recommend in the crowded entry-level Dolby Atmos soundbar market now that it's £167 off at Peter Tyson.

MORE:

Read our review of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Also consider the JBL Bar 300MK2

Read our Hisense AX5125H review

If you take a look at our best wireless headphones page, you'll find lots of great recommendations for every budget.

But if you're looking for the ultimate option when it comes to style, luxury and sound quality, there's only one line we'd recommend: the Focal Bathys series.

Luckily, the original Focal Bathys now has a price tag that's not quite as high-end as its appearance: the premium pair of cans is now £399 at Peter Tyson.

That's the lowest price we've seen for the wireless wonders, which previously dropped to £449 earlier this year. Given that we reviewed them at a whopping £699, that's a rather generous £300 discount.

Focal was previously better known for its wired headphone offerings, but that all changed with the release of the Bathys. We're pleased to report that this transition to Bluetooth hasn't resulted in a step down in finesse – even at their high-end launch price, these cans don't disappoint.

As you will have likely noticed, the usual Focal flair is present in the design, with aluminium ear cups and light-up logos. The playback buttons have a plasticky feel, but otherwise this is a gorgeous and solidly built pair.

The Bathys were Focal's first foray into active noise-cancelling, and a strong opening effort. Two different levels are available ('soft' or 'silent') as well as a 'Transparent' mode. There's also codec support for SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive.

30 hours of battery life is on offer, with charging via USB-C. There's even a USB-DAC mode that supports 24-bit/192kHz audio through the USB-C port.

However you listen, the Focal Bathys are among the most engaging wireless headphones we have heard.

As our Focal Bathys review reads: "Instantly we recognise the smooth, warm, full-bodied tonal balance the company’s wired headphones have found so much success with, and here too that is complemented by very good levels of resolution, dynamic subtlety and rhythmic ability within the context of their type and price."

If you're willing to go the wired route, then the USB-DAC mode adds a degree of refinement and tightness to the delivery.

Focal has released an updated model with a purely magnesium driver, helpfully called the Focal Bathys Mg. The sound is a cut above in terms of refinement and expression, though you'll have to swallow the £999 asking price.

With the high-end Focal Bathys now at a similar price to the majority of the premium headphone market, now is the perfect time to snap up a flashy pair of luxury headphones at a drop-down price. With as much substance as they do style, the Focal Bathys come highly recommended for £399 at Peter Tyson.

MORE:

How do active noise-cancelling headphones work? Are they worth it?

The best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy

And our pick of the best wireless headphones

When we think of the best times for outrageous deals, Black Friday and Prime Day usually spring to mind.

However, it seems the Labor Day sales have pipped them to the post for this particular deal. The Sony WH-1000XM5, a What Hi-Fi? favourite and the recipient of multiple Awards over the years, are down to $198 at Amazon.

That's officially 50 per cent off for Sony’s superb premium noise-cancelling headphones, and a fair bit cheaper than the previous lowest price we've seen of $248.

So what are you waiting for? If you haven't upgraded your headphones in a few years, this is an incredible value deal for a former flagship pair.

While this model has been superseded by the Sony WH-1000XM6, the XM5 are still a highly recommendable pair of wireless headphones and a fair bit cheaper than the XM6's current price tag of $398.

We gave the XM5 five stars at full price, so with this discount the cans are an excellent performance-per-pound proposition. Their engaging sound quality, impressive noise-cancelling, great call quality and comfortable fit make them a match for any rival at this price level.

The XM5 have had a complete revamp compared to previous entries in the series, with a slimmer “noiseless design” that folds flat into their carry case.

It's a design that certainly works when it comes to comfort, with our expert testers ranking them among the best with just the right amount of clamping force.

Noise canceling is impressive, thanks to the Integrated Processor V and eight microphones. Automatic noise canceling optimisation is also available, adapting the ANC as you move around without any manual fiddling needed.

Bluetooth Multipoint and LDAC Bluetooth support are also included - the latter allows streaming of high-quality audio from compatible devices at bitrates higher than conventional Bluetooth, while the former allows two devices to be connected to the headphones at the same time.

The XM5 also debuted some new features for the premium headphone line: Speak to Chat pauses playback when you start talking, Quick Attention lowers the volume when you cover the right earcup, and Wearing Detection automatically pauses your audio when you take the headphones off, restarting as soon as you put them back on.

And the all-important sound quality? Hugely musical and entertaining, with more detail than previous generations.

"With low frequencies, the WH-1000XM5 also display a newfound precision," our Sony WH-1000XM5 review reads. "It’s not that the previous model didn’t deliver, but the WH-1000XM5 make even the XM4s sound a little thick in the lower mids and bass. The new headphones expose greater detail and can differentiate between notes more easily.

"Move higher up the frequency range, and these Sonys continue to extract more information thanks to an extra sense of clarity. Notes are also dispatched with unerring precision – the XM5 headphones don't miss a beat when it comes to timing."

With a reduced price of $198 at Amazon, you'll be hard-pressed to find better value at this price point. With impressive sound quality, punchy delivery, an impressive feature set and a substantial 30 hours of battery life all packed in, the Sony WH-1000XM5 still have a lot to offer for a lot less money.

MORE:

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

We've rated the best headphones on the market right now

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5: which wireless headphones are better?

A lifestyle projector needs to get the balance between performance and portability just right, and the Hisense C2 Ultra makes a pretty compelling case for itself.

Not only does it focus on convenience and is incredibly easy to set up, but it also delivers a bright, punchy 4K picture and outstanding built-in sound.

And now you can get all of that with a solid discount, too. The C2 Ultra is down to £1599 at Sevenoaks, a £200 drop from the £1799 price we tested it at only last week.

And there's more. You even get an Xbox Design Lab Controller and 1 month of Game Pass thrown in for free, so you can take advantage of the projector's many gaming features.

The Hisense C2 Ultra clearly has portability in mind, and this is reflected in the design. It's compact at 29 x 25 x 25cm (hwd), and even comes with a neat cloth carry bag.

Constantly moving a projector around can involve constant set-up adjustments, but Hisense makes this as smooth as possible. The C2 Ultra can rotate a full 360 degrees on its circular base, for starters, and its cradle design supports a generous 135 degrees of vertical tilt.

The Auto Magic AI Adjusting 2.0 system is also one of the most straightforward AI set-up systems we've seen, with a genuine plug-and-play experience that seldom needs any manual intervention.

The triple-laser DLP projector is rated to deliver up to 3000 lumens of brightness and claims to support huge image sizes of up to 300 inches. The larger you go, the more brightness you lose, though, and we found 100-150 inches to be the sweet spot.

The built-in Vidaa smart platform isn't quite as sophisticated as Google TV, but it does boast all the major domestic and international streaming services as well as Freely.

There's also support for all four HDR formats – including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision – a rarity for a projector, as well as an IMAX Enhanced picture preset.

Gaming features include ALLM, 240Hz refresh rate support, and a measured 34.4ms of input lag in Game mode with a 60Hz signal. Ideal for that bundled Xbox controller, then.

And it's not all features over performance – the picture the Hisense produces is still effortlessly watchable.

As our Hisense C2 Ultra review reads: "The C2 Ultra’s HDR images are bright, for starters, making full use of the available 3000 lumens to deliver images that look both excellently punchy in a dark environment, and strong enough to hold their own, retaining good colour saturation and solidity, even in fairly bright living room conditions."

Our only issue was a cloak of greyness in some uniformly dark scenes, and a moderate level of rainbow effect in bright highlights.

It's the sound that really impresses for a projector, however – the unusually powerful, 40W JBL sound system delivers a remarkable amount of bass, as well as a palpable sense of three-dimensionality for Dolby Atmos.

The Hisense C2 Ultra is absolutely stacked with features as well as being extremely user-friendly. Given how much you get for the price, this really is a bargain – and even more so with £200 at Sevenoaks.

MORE:

Read our BenQ W2720i review

Also read our BenQ TK705i review

Our pick of the best projectors across a range of prices

How to set up your projector and get the best picture

When we reviewed Sony's first RGB Mini LED TVs (which it refers to as "True RGB"), we found them to be among the best backlit TVs we had ever tested.

Our main issue was the price, with the Sony Bravia 7 II model competing with new mid-range OLEDs at its £1999 launch price. Now, however, the price is much more palatable thanks to a beefy £721 discount, which sees the TV now available for £1279 at Argos.

Use the code RED20 to get this price, and you'll be rewarded with a bright, vibrant picture with excellent depth. You can also claim triple Nectar points on this purchase, too!

RGB Mini LED, for the uninitiated, is next-gen TV panel technology that uses independent red, green and blue LEDs rather than filtering a blue LCD layer.

And after extensive testing of the Sony, the benefits over traditional Mini LED were clear.

"When this TV is in its element, it becomes possible to forget that this is a backlit TV, as the RGB Mini LED system doesn’t distract or detract from the experience," our Sony Bravia 7 II review reads,

"This extends to general blooming control, which is extremely impressive by prevailing standards.

In a shot from Oppenheimer in which the nuclear bomb testing site is lit up at night by a series of spotlights, we find that the halos of light that we’ve seen time and time again on other backlit TVs have been strictly confined."

Sony's typically excellent picture tuning is also on display here, with balance and subtlety applied to the punchy colours so they don't appear overblown.

Motion handling is also particularly impressive, but it's the solidity and depth that really blew us away. Sony's Bravia XR Processor is renowned for its ability to capture three-dimensional depth, with a screening of No Time To Die giving a tangible sense of solidity that we rarely see.

The Bravia 7 II is stacked with features too – fittingly from the makers of the PlayStation, there's plenty for gamers to enjoy. Four HDMI sockets with ALLM are on offer, two of which have full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets with 4K/120Hz gameplay and VRR support.

The built-in Google TV operating system has all the major domestic and international streaming services, while the Bravia 7 II supports the HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision HDR formats, with only HDR10+ missing.

Sony's usually impressive built-in audio has faltered slightly here, however. There's a good sense of clarity and detail, but the system struggles dynamically. Once again, we'd recommend a good soundbar or sound system if you want to make the most of this package.

While the Bravia 7 II is a fair bit cheaper now, you can still get a good OLED for a similar price. We'd recommend looking at the LG C5 for better contrast, black levels and viewing angles.

But, if you are happy with a high-tech backlit set, then the Sony Bravia 7 II is one of the best we've tested. It gets plenty right on the picture front, and is as appealing as ever now it's £721 off at Argos.

MORE:

Fancy an OLED? Check out our LG C6 review

And read the verdict of our TCL C8K review

Our pick of the best TVs across a range of prices

RGB Mini LED: all you need to know about the TV panel tech that could defeat OLED

If you're at all immersed in the world of wireless headphones, you will likely be aware of Sony's 1000X series, which has graced many a What Hi-Fi? Awards shortlist over the years.

So imagine our excitement when the Japanese tech giant announced Sony 1000X The Collexion, a brand new pair of Bluetooth over-ears to mark the line's tenth anniversary.

When we finally got our hands on a pair earlier this year, we found it impossible to ignore their poised, detailed performance, while also admiring their feature set and classy construction.

And they've just had their first discount, so you can buy the premium pair for £499 at Richer Sounds, saving you £51 off their launch price.

The Sony 1000X The Collexion look good and make you feel good when you wear them – the cans have a clean, minimalist exterior made from metal and faux leather and make for an appreciably lightweight and unobtrusive listen.

The feature set mostly matches that found on their cheaper WH-1000XM6 siblings, including Sony’s ‘360 Reality Audio Upmix’ tech, support for the high-res LDAC codec and Bluetooth LE Audio for lower power consumption and better-quality sound.

They also offer 24 hours of battery life with ANC on and include a 3.5mm-to-3.5 mm audio cable for old-school wired listening (you can't listen via their USB-C connection). The 1000X The Collection are the first Sony headphones to feature its DSEE Ultimate processing engine, which improves lower-quality digital audio files.

Despite being sound-first headphones, noise cancelling also impresses, with the XM6's QN3 chip and 12-mic array doing an excellent job of suppressing noise across frequencies.

And the all-important sound? One which prioritises refinement, detail and maturity over the punchier, more flavoured personality of the WH-1000XM6.

"Detail levels are excellent, and when you have a pair of over-ears that offer clarity, textural insight and spaciousness to this extent, it’s hard not to be impressed," our Sony 1000X The Collexion review reads. "The elegiac strings on Never Goodbye are rich and mournful, while the piano on Debussy’s austere Sarabande strikes a wonderful balance between rich intent and subtle delicacy."

We did miss the extra sense of fun and entertainment that came from the XM6, but it's hard not to admire the spacious, open and mature personality of the 1000X The Collexion.

If it's scale, detail and clarity you're after, then the Sonys are seriously talented performers that consistently impress, and are now available with £51 off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Check out our pick of the best wireless headphones for all budgets

Consider reading our full Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review

And our Sennheiser HDB 630 review

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs 1000X The Collexion: which premium wireless headphones should you pick?

Want one of the most immersive ways to watch movies on the move?

Well, that's exactly what you get with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, which we dubbed "as close to cinematic as a tablet can get".

Our review only came out last week, but we're already seeing discounts from the 'tested at' price of £1089 – the Wi-Fi-only, 256GB version is now £969 at Samsung.

If you want a device to watch your movies on the go in the very best quality possible, while also doubling as a laptop replacement, then this is the tablet for you.

At 14.6 inches, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is certainly big – and, given that it uses an AMOLED 2X display, it offers a highly cinematic experience, while remaining portable enough to pack away in a rucksack.

The 16:10 aspect ratio gives you much slimmer black bars than its main rival, the iPad Pro, making movies look considerably bigger and more immersive.

"There’s been a peak brightness boost to 1600 nits too, which matches that of the iPad Pro, and that really comes into its own in HDR scenes," our Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra review reads. "We’re comparing it against the iPad Pro 13-inch M4, but HDR highlights certainly have a bit of extra punch on the S11 Ultra, and overall brightness levels are also slightly higher too.

"In the fight between K and Sapper in Blade Runner 2049, the bright windows pierce into the gloomy room with noticeably more intensity on the S11 Ultra, and there’s also a touch more subtlety in the light reflected onto their faces."

Despite the large screen size, the S11 Ultra is only 5.1mm thick. It is lighter than its predecessor at 692g, but it can be rather heavy to hold one-handed for extended periods. Thankfully, the pricey tablet feels premium, and it's also hardy with an IP68 water- and dust-proof rating.

If you're looking at the S11 Ultra purely for movies and music, then the Samsung isn't cheap and should probably be thought of as a potential laptop replacement too.

The flagship tablet has a beefy MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chip, which means it has no problems running apps, streaming, multitasking or using Samsung’s window-based desktop system, DeX.

There are three cameras on board – one selfie and two on the rear – and an 11,600mAh battery, which we found could last well into a second day with medium to heavy use.

The S11 Ultra's four external speakers can go loud and big, with support for virtualised Dolby Atmos that widens the soundstage further. The audio is much more assured with headphones, though, with a punchy, clean, upfront sound.

The only other tablet around this price range is the iPad Pro, which does offer more natural images and fuller-bodied sound but is even more expensive. It may be a better choice if you are already invested in the Apple ecosystem, however.

If you've got the budget and the space, though, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra has a bright, sharp screen that is more immersive than just about any other tablet we've tested. Now £120 off at Samsung.

MORE:

Also consider reading our iPad Pro 13-in M4 review

These are the best tablets for movies and music across a range of prices

Read our Samsung Z Fold 8 Ultra review

Ah, a good, affordable OLED TV. The white whale for many a cinephile, finding a TV that does the technology justice without breaking the bank has long been something of a pipe dream.

However, Samsung's latest entry-level model makes a solid case. The S85H is a neat entry point to the world of OLED, and is also one of the cheapest new options – especially now the 55-inch model is down to £1199 at Richer Sounds.

This is the lowest price we've seen so far, dropping from the previous low of £1259 we spotted only three weeks ago.

Make sure to use the code TRADE100, and you can save an extra £100 on one of the brightest entry-level OLEDs available.

The S85H sits in the same family as the S99H, which we declared to be the best OLED Samsung has ever produced. A very fine pedigree indeed.

However, with the S99H costing over a £1000 more at the time of writing, the S85H has a much more palatable price and is a good entry point if you're upgrading to OLED for the first time.

Brightness is particularly good for an entry-level OLED, which will be a boon if you're watching in a room with lots of ambient light.

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

Upon further comparison with the B6, we found that the colours of the S85H were a tad bombastic, but it was the TV we were drawn to during a screening of F1: The Movie thanks to the picture’s solidity and three-dimensionality.

The specification is also impressive for the price, with Samsung's ever-reliable Tizen platform packed with apps including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and more. The latest-gen version is easy to navigate too, with a content bar that automatically curates based on your watching habits.

There's plenty of gaming features too, with four full-spec HDMI 2.1 inputs (even some OLED flagships only have two), each capable of carrying a 4K/120Hz signal, as well as VRR and ALLM.

HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG are all supported on the HDR front, with only Dolby Vision missing. That's hardly surprising, however – the format is absent from all Samsung TVs, including pricier flagships such as the S99H.

The audio, however, lets the S85H down. The 2.0 channel, 20W, Dolby Atmos system offers a reasonable sense of direction and separation, but the lack of bass is immediately apparent. You'll want to invest in a soundbar or sound system for movie watching, but for normal daytime viewing the Samsung should suffice on its own.

If you've got a bit more of a budget, we'd recommend looking at mid-range OLED options such as the LG C6 and Samsung S90F for a little more nuance, extra finesse, and a more natural picture overall.

But if you're very much looking at entry-level, the Samsung S85H is one of the top options right now. It's a brand-new 2026 OLED that's a cut above most similarly-priced rivals, and is now 20 per cent off at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our full Sony Bravia 7 II review

And our full Samsung S90F review

Our pick of the best TVs for every budget, including awesome OLED models

An Award-winning TV hitting a new lowest price is a cause for celebration, right?

And not just any Award-winning TV, but our Product of the Year and go-to reference TV, the Sony Bravia 8 II, is now £1949 at Richer Sounds (for the 65-inch model).

So what's not to like? Well, a recent Bravia TV software update has caused problems on several Sony TV models, including our very own TV & AV Editor's Bravia 8 II.

If you purchase the Bravia 8 II, we recommend not updating the system software until the issues are resolved, especially if you plan to use external sources and a sound system connected via eARC. Issues range from audio dropout to lip-sync to Dolby Vision content refusing to play.

However, if you're not planning on connecting any HDMI-equipped sources or you're fine with holding fire on that update, you'll have a wonderfully cinematic TV on your hands.

Use the code TRADE250 to save £250 and get this new low price.

The Bravia 8 II is one of the best TVs money can buy, and delivers an epic cinematic picture, backed up by great sound quality.

"A truly exceptional TV" is how we describe it in our Sony Bravia 8 II review. "Its combination of sizzling brightness, vibrant colours through all degrees of light, terrific shadow detail and razor-like sharpness combine to produce an image with regularly astonishing dynamism, depth and realism."

The Sony Bravia 8 II has been our reference TV since its release for several reasons.

Thanks to its QD-OLED panel, Sony's processing and a custom heatsink, its brightness is a real highlight and makes colourful content such as the Spider-Verse movies dazzle, while still delivering a supremely authentic picture.

The Bravia 8 II also looks stunningly cinematic straight out of the box, as Sony's presets are just that good and don't require any tinkering – we recommend Dolby Vision Dark for Dolby Vision content, or Professional for everything else.

All of these elements also work well with Sony's new AI processing helping to make the image exceptionally three-dimensional.

The Bravia 8 II is also one of the best TVs we've ever heard, thanks to Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ setup.

It's balanced, weighty, dynamic, and even manages to sound impressively spacious too.

We'd still recommend a dedicated audio system if possible to do that amazing picture justice, but by flatscreen TV standards, the Sony is very impressive.

As a flagship OLED, the Bravia 8 II is also packed out feature-wise. There's support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG HDR formats, as well as Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced certification.

For gamers, there's support for 4K/20Hz, VRR and ALLM, as well as a Dolby Vision Game mode. There are only two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets, however, one of which doubles as an eARC port, so you may have to switch cables if you have several high-speed gaming consoles.

The Sony Bravia 8 II is a phenomenal TV now at a phenomenal price of £1949 at Richer Sounds. We'd just caution against updating your software for the time being.

MORE:

Read our full 55-inch Sony Bravia 8 II review

Also consider reading our Samsung S99H review

We rate the best gaming TVs available right now for all budgets