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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: LG C5 OLED TV

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Dolby Atmos soundbars

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

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

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

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

Winner: 4K Blu-ray

Physical media is back!

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

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

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

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

Loser: Apple

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

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

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

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

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

Loser: 4K Blu-ray players

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

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

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

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

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

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Remember when tech used to get cheaper throughout its life span? Those were the glory days; but that all seems to be in the past now.

Apple is the latest company to hop on the trend of upping prices on its older products. It has just rolled out a fairly egregious swathe of updated pricing on its hi-fi and home cinema offerings; we think it’s fair to say that this is really not good news.

The Apple TV 4K now starts at £199 / $199 / AU$299 (originally £149 / $130 / AU$219) for the 64GB version, or £249 / $249 / AU$399 (originally £169 / $179 / $249) for the 128GB with ethernet. And this, we remind you, is the 2022 version, so it has been on the market for almost four years now.

The HomePod range hasn’t got off lightly either. The HomePod 2 now costs £349 / $349 / AU$549 – up from £299 / $299 / AU$479 – while the HomePod Mini (which launched in 2020 and hasn’t really been updated since) is now £129 / $129 / AU$199, up from £99 / $99 / AU$149.

There are price hikes across Apple’s iPad and Mac devices too.

The only products that appear to be mostly untouched are the iPhones and AirPods ranges; in fact, it looks like the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC have dropped by £10 for both models.

If you had been holding out in the hope of new models launching – rumours of a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod with a display have been circulating for years – you might be better off pulling the trigger and snapping up the current-gen models from the retailers that haven't yet caught on to the price increases.

We have rounded up the retailers from the UK, US and Australia that are still selling these products for their original prices at the time of writing.

There’s no guarantee that these original prices will stick around, or if they will be updated in the next couple of hours.

Apple TV 4K (2022)

Apple HomePod 2

Apple HomePod Mini

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Sometimes, when it comes to deal-hunting, the obvious choice is the best. It might not be the most glamorous or most inventive, but when it comes to finding the best discounted product for your particular needs, there’s no need to pick something out of left field just for the sake of it.

Take the AirPods Pro 3 as an example. These have been our favourite Apple in-ears since we tested them back in January.

This means that, in my eyes at least, they are the obvious choice for anyone who wants a pair of the best wireless earbuds you can buy, who is into music and who also happens to be part of the Apple ecosystem – whether you own just an iPhone or you’re a fully fledged member of the Apple-appreciation society.

And, this Prime Day, I think the AirPods Pro 3 are making a pretty convincing case for themselves – because they are currently sitting at £175 over at Amazon. This isn’t quite their lowest-ever price – they have briefly hit £170 before – so you could wait a little longer, but I still think now is a great time to buy.

Yes, we feel they are an evolution rather than revolution when compared with their excellent predecessors, the AirPods Pro 2. But all the improvements made added up to a glowing five-star rating.

In our AirPods Pro 3 review, we say, “there is no doubt that they are a step forward in nearly every way that counts – the sound quality is more powerful, dynamic and spacious, while noise-cancelling is further improved.”

They deliver an “exciting and confident performance, and allow songs to breathe in an airy soundscape.” We also describe their sound as “impressively natural and engaging”.

In addition to excellent sound quality, their noise-cancelling is a step above what has come before, and is comparable with many of the top performers at the money.

They are designed to fit a wider range of ear shapes and sizes than before, with a new foam-induced eartip material and slightly angled body, allowing for more effective positioning. We had no problems fitting them comfortably during testing.

Battery life is eight hours from a single charge with ANC on, with a total battery life of 24 hours including the case.

You also get a heart-rate monitor to track health and workout stats and a Live Translation feature to take advantage of too.

There isn’t much the AirPods Pro 3 can’t do, then, and I think they are a cracking buy at £175 over at Amazon.

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Another Prime Day is on the horizon – or perhaps that should be Prime Days, with the sales event spanning from 23rd to 26th June.

Not content with four days of discounts, Amazon has started a week early, with some genuinely early Prime Day deals popping out of the woodwork.

With the World Cup happening simultaneously, there have been some great deals on home cinema, with Amazon’s own Ember TV range seeing up to £450 off.

That’s not all, though – an elusive AirPod discount is also upon us, as well as a saving on an Award-winning Audio Pro wireless speaker.

As always, these are all products we have reviewed and rated ourselves, and must have earned at least four stars to get our sought-after recommendation.

So take a look at the offers below – and make sure to check back next week, where we’ll be hunting for the best deals during the main event itself.

Formerly known as the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED, the Amazon Ember QLED with Fire TV is Amazon’s latest QLED and a solid, affordable TV. We reviewed the 65-inch model only back in March and it has already got a £450 saving in an early Prime Day deal.

The Audio Pro C20 W is currently our favourite premium wireless speaker. With a broad, clear, and detailed sound, it is easy to use and immensely versatile – it can stream music, serve as a turntable speaker, or function as a soundbar for your TV. You’ll need to be a Richer Sounds VIP member to get this discount, but it’s completely free to sign up.

If you don’t like eartips but still want noise-cancelling in your earbuds, then the AirPods 4 with ANC are for you. Jam-packed with features and a clean, detailed, and powerful sound, the brilliant buds are available at their lowest-ever price in this early Prime Day deal.

If you want a 4K projector that is just portable enough to take outside, then the Nebula X1 is a great choice. The X1 has a class-leading audio for a projector, so there’s no rush to buy speakers, and the claimed 300-inch maximum image size will be great for World Cup matches.

The TCL C6KS is our favourite budget TV, and was such good value for money that we gave it a What Hi-Fi? Award. The code TCLTV20 brings the price down to £336, and for the money you’ll get a 50-inch Mini LED with excellent brightness and contrast as well as comprehensive HDR support.

The Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air is our favourite portable projector. It doesn't boast the 4K resolution or the audio quality of the X1, but it’s a fair bit cheaper and comes with a built-in battery, an ultra-portable design and surprisingly good picture and sound quality.

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I’m obsessed with broadcast delays (no, I’m not much fun at parties).

It all stems from Euro 2020, when my insistence on watching every match in 4K via BBC iPlayer resulted in several goals being spoiled by cheers from my neighbours and the revellers at a pub down the road.

Since then, I've prioritised low latency over outright picture quality when choosing how to watch major sporting events.

But I'd never actually tested the accepted wisdom around broadcast delays. So, with Sky launching its new Real Time feature for Sky Glass and Sky Stream, I decided it was time to find out which viewing method is actually fastest.

So, there I was, on a sweaty Thursday evening, setting up a second TV in my living room so that I could compare different broadcast options during the Czechia v South Africa match.

I needed to remove as many variables as possible, of course, so my two TVs needed to be identical. I therefore borrowed a 65-inch Sony Bravia 8 II OLED to match the one currently in situ in my lounge.

After ensuring that both TVs were running the same software and had the same picture settings, I plugged my now rarely used aerial into the ‘new’ TV (the one on the right in all of the photos sprinkled throughout this piece) and set about comparing that with the alternatives at my disposal.

This is what I discovered.

Freeview (aerial) vs BBC iPlayer

Before I get started, it’s worth noting that everything is delayed.

It simply takes time for anything that's filmed live to make it through all of the broadcast equipment, be encoded and transmitted, travel to and from satellites in space or through underground fibre-optic cables, and finally be decoded and displayed by your TV.

It’s commonly accepted, though, that watching the signals received by your aerial via a Freeview tuner is the least delayed option available. The BBC itself says that it takes 7-8 seconds for something happening live to reach your TV via this method.

So, how much slower was iPlayer than the TV playing Freeview? A hefty 23 seconds. That’s plenty of time for a goal to be spoiled by cheers from the neighbours.

Interestingly, I found no meaningful difference between BBC iPlayer's HD and UHD streams. If you're watching via iPlayer anyway, choosing the 4K feed doesn't appear to add any extra delay.

I also tested the iPlayer app on several devices – the Bravia 8 II itself, a Sky Stream box, and an Apple TV 4K – and the result was always 23 seconds, there or thereabouts.

It’s worth remembering that BBC iPlayer is the only way to watch the World Cup in 4K, and the feeds look terrific, but when immediacy matters, such as when England are playing, foregoing pixels for promptness is the sensible way to go.

Sky Stream/Glass

Time for Sky Stream, and the good news is that this was indeed quicker than BBC iPlayer. The bad news? It was still around 18 seconds behind Freeview.

That’s better, of course, but still more than enough time for a goal to be spoiled.

But, as I mentioned earlier, Sky has a special feature up its sleeve for dealing with this…

Sky Real Time

That feature is Real Time, which is designed to massively reduce the amount of lag experienced during big sporting events.

Sky has rolled Real Time out just in time for the World Cup, and it’s available on the BBC HD, ITV1 HD and ITV4 HD.

It’s worth noting that it’s not turned on by default. Once you tune in to one of the channels mentioned above during a World Cup match, you then need to click the ‘Real Time’ button that appears on the screen. Do that, and you’ll be switched to a special ‘RT’ version of the channel.

So, how much faster is Real Time? A whopping 13 seconds faster than standard Sky Stream, which makes it just five seconds slower than the Freeview tuner.

That’s close enough, I think, to rarely be an issue.

Conclusions, caveats and Sky Q

You’ve probably spotted that there’s a significant absentee from my testing, Sky Q, and there’s an easy explanation for that – I no longer have a satellite dish.

However, Sky has previously told me that Real Time brings Sky Stream/Glass to within three seconds of Sky Q, and the results of my testing certainly suggest that's plausible.

It’s also worth noting that there are plenty of variables that mean your results might vary slightly from mine. Aerial connections and Freeview tuners are remarkably consistent, but network conditions are not. Broadband speeds, router performance, wi-fi quality and even the streaming device itself can all affect how quickly a live stream reaches your screen.

Still, if you want to see how all of these various viewing methods compared, delay-wise, for me, here’s a little graph I whipped up:

Broadcast / reception delay

Here's how long, in seconds, it takes each broadcast type to show you a goal that's just been scored

Delay

Live

0

Freeview (aerial)

8

Sky Q (satellite)

10

Sky Glass/Stream with Real Time

13

Sky Glass/Stream without Real Time

26

BBC iPlayer

31

010203040

Delay Data

Product	Value
Live	0
Freeview (aerial)	8
Sky Q (satellite)	10
Sky Glass/Stream with Real Time	13
Sky Glass/Stream without Real Time	26
BBC iPlayer	31

This is according to my testing – bear in mind that your mileage may vary.

So, is Sky Real Time the saviour of sports fans tired of hearing celebrations before they see the goal?

Not quite. My tests suggest that a good old-fashioned aerial is still the quickest way to watch live TV, and Sky Q via satellite probably remains a touch faster too.

But Sky's new mode narrows the gap dramatically. Instead of lagging tens of seconds behind the live action, Sky Stream and Sky Glass are now close enough to traditional broadcast TV that, in most homes, they're unlikely to be the reason a goal gets spoiled.

For years, choosing streaming TV meant accepting that everyone else would see the goal first. Thanks to Real Time, that trade-off is finally starting to disappear.

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Google's long-awaited new smart speaker is finally here. The Google Home Speaker is being marketed as a new era for the tech giant's roster of AI-powered products.

Highlights include a new app, improved hardware and the inclusion of the Gemini smart assistant to take on the brainpower of Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri.

We first covered the Home at the back-end of 2025, but Google has only just revealed the date when buyers will be able to get their hands on it.

The smart speaker will officially launch on June 25th, while you can pre-order now for £100 / $100 if you've got an itchy trigger finger and want to guarantee a new Home for your home.

Am I set to become one of those keen beans desperate to test out what the Home can do? Pre-ordering might be a step too far, and the need to pay £8 / $10 per month for a Google Home Premium subscription sours the deal somewhat, but I'll readily admit that I'm fascinated by Google's re-entry into one of audio's most fast-moving markets.

The current problem for Google is that it has been badly left behind by the current market. While Amazon and Apple surged ahead by offering a host of products – be they in-house or made by licensed third parties – Google fell badly behind.

Our list of the best Google Assistant speakers has become increasingly thin as time has gone on. The JBL Authentics 300 and Authentics 500 are the most recent speakers to house Google Assistant in one form or another, and they came out almost two years ago.

Alexa, on the other hand, has gone from strength to strength, not only through licensed Apple products such as the Echo Dot (5th Gen) and the Echo Dot Max, but through third-party speakers integrating one of the best smart assistants into their respective feature sets.

Just look at the Sonos Era 300, the Sonos Play, the upcoming Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker or the new Denon Home multi-room range as proof of just how keen major brands are to have Alexa on board.

Google has recognised the need for a big swing to get itself back in the game, and while there's no guarantee of a home run, the integration of fully-fledged Gemini powers does point to a serious shift for the brand.

Whatever your views on AI, Gemini is a seriously powerful tool to pack into a smart speaker, and one that could genuinely tempt users away from the safety of Apple or Amazon.

The flipside of that, of course, is that Google might have focused more on headline-grabbing AI integration than it has on audio quality.

A smart speaker is still a speaker, after all, so that promise of 360-degree audio and a "uniform sound that you can hear from every direction" needs to be delivered upon.

Amazon recently dropped the ball with its mediocre-sounding Echo Dot Max, but Apple's HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini remain five-star sonic powerhouses. Plus, new models will surely arrive at some point, something which Google should have factored into their calculations when producing the new Home Speaker.

I'm fascinated to see whether Google can still compete in the smart speaker arena. This is a corner of the market which has become something of a duopoly between Amazon and Apple, but the revamped Home Speaker, complete with Gemini powers, could turn that two-horse race into a triple-threat standoff.

That monthly subscription price will be off-putting to some, while Google hasn't yet forged a reputation for itself as a purveyor of the finest audio quality around, but who knows? Maybe the Home Speaker is about to change all that.

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Some things just go well together. Fish and chips. Batman and Robin. And, of course, AirPods and Amazon Prime Day.

Apple's perennially popular earbuds rarely get discounts, but make up for this with head-turning drops during sales events such as Prime Day.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, the time is here. The AirPods 4 with ANC are now down to £125 at Amazon, the lowest price we've seen yet.

You'll need to be a Prime member to get this saving, but the non-deal price of £132 is not too shabby and still a drop from the previous low of £139.

The concept of active noise cancellation (ANC) with an open (no tips) design certainly raised some eyebrows – but we shouldn't have put it past Apple to forge yet another technological breakthrough.

Instead of using eartips to form a seal, Apple has targeted low-level frequencies to cancel out. The result is impressive, with engine rumbles, aircon sound and traffic rumbles all melting away.

This being Apple, though, ANC is far from the only feature on board. Spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and an IP54 dust- and waterproof rating are all part of the package, along with Apple's seamless connectivity with iOS devices.

The charging case is the smallest yet, with a speaker for the Find My function and support for wireless charging. The nifty Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Transparency features are also included, giving you plenty of options if you still want to hear parts of the world.

Battery life is 30 hours, including the case, though be warned that this drops sharply to 20 hours with ANC turned on.

And the sound? More detailed, powerful and overall more entertaining than their predecessors. As our Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review reads: "There’s clarity and detail, agility and balance, along with a focus on voices that make them immediately appealing to listen to."

If you've got the budget, we recommend the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for a step up in sound quality and ANC, though you'll have to shell out an extra £50 for them.

If not, the AirPods 4 with ANC are a great value proposition with just the right amount of compromise. If you're not a fan of eartips but still want the benefits of ANC, then the mid-range AirPods are a no-brainer – especially for £125 at Amazon.

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Haven't got anything for Father's Day yet?

Well, have no fear. Whether your Dad is a regular commuter, an Apple-tech obsessive or just a fan of great-sounding music, the five-star Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a great choice.

They're our favourite AirPods overall and one of the best wireless earbuds you can buy, whether you're an iPhone or Android user.

And they've just hit a new lowest price – even before Prime Day. They're now on sale at Amazon for £179.

Being an Apple product, the AirPods Pro 3 come with several swanky new features. Highlights include a heart-rate monitor to track health and workout stats and a Live Translation feature.

But it's the improvements to sound and noise-cancelling that caught our attention.

Apple claims that the Pro 3 offer twice the noise-cancelling capability of the Pro 2, thanks to new ultra-low-noise microphones, advanced computational audio and foam-infused eartips.

It shows – while testing on a flight, the rumble of the engine was damped down further on the Pro 3 compared with its predecessor. The noise-cancelling of the Pro 3 is among the most effective on the market, especially with mid- and low-range frequencies.

Sound has been improved too, with a new ‘multiport acoustic architecture’ that promises more precise airflow control, delivering greater bass and a wider soundstage.

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

The Pro 3 have had a design tweak too. With a smaller body and differently angled eartip nozzle, they are designed to fit a wider range of ear shapes and sizes.

Battery life is eight hours from a single charge with ANC on, with a total battery life of 24 hours including the case.

Long-term AirPods features such as conversation mode and head-gesture controls remain as slick as ever, while water resistance has been improved to IP57.

If your Dad is an iPhone user, then the Apple AirPods Pro 3 make an awful lot of sense. Give him the gift of great sound now that they're only £179 at Amazon.

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Is your dad like mine and claims he doesn't actually want anything for Father's Day?

Of course, you still have to get him something – and we've put together a snazzy little gift guide to help you.

Whether you have a commuter dad who could benefit from some noise-cancelling headphones, a garden dad who would love a Bluetooth speaker or a home cinema dad who watches late-night action films, there's something here for whatever his tastes are.

All of the physical products below have been reviewed and rated by us, and must receive at least four stars to earn our sought-after recommendation. So even if you know nothing about hi-fi and home cinema, you can be sure you're getting your dad a quality gift.

The ultra-portable, ultra-affordable Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 is one of the most wallet-friendly portable speakers we've come across, but, importantly, it also offers good sound quality for the money.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 won Product of the Year in the wireless headphones category at our most recent Awards ceremony, and are still our best overall pick of the best headphones. If your dad regularly spends his time on trains, planes or buses, then the excellent noise-cancelling, exceptional detail and comfortable fit make these a go-to option.

The Panasonic DP-UB150EB is a great value 4K Blu-ray player. Picture quality is admirable – especially when it comes to dark details and 4K upscaling – and the player can handle up to 7.1 audio with an impressive sense of scale.

The Sonos Era 300 is a wireless speaker that offers huge scale, an engaging sound, a wide range of features and a seamless Sonos experience. It's also convincing with spatial audio, music that uses the Dolby Atmos format to create multiple channels of audio beyond the standard two.

We're sure Apple AirPods need no introduction. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are our favourite overall thanks to their spacious, powerful and dynamic sound, impressive ANC and Apple's intuitive user experience.

If your dad needs something to listen to on his new headphones, then you can currently get three months of Audible for only $0.99 a month. Given that it's usually $8.99 a month, that's quite the saving.

If your dad is still listening to the tinny built-in speakers of his TV, a soundbar will be revelatory. The diminutive Creative Stage Pro comes with a soundbar and subwoofer that are compact enough for small spaces, but still sound crisp, detailed and emotive.

If your dad has crates of dusty records, then the Sony PS-LX3BT is an effective and affordable way to get back into vinyl. It comes with Bluetooth functionality, so your dad can connect his wireless headphones too.

The Audio-Technica Sound Burger may look like a novelty, but this portable record player is also an enjoyable, well-made concept with plenty of unique features. Especially recommended if your dad had the original back in 1983.

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Footballers love their headphones, or at least they seem to. Barely a weekend goes by when we aren't greeted by a pre-match image of our favourite players getting off the team bus, inspecting the turf or psyching themselves up pitch-side, all with a pair of their favourite headphones jammed into their ears or hanging around their neck.

It makes sense. You need those tunes to get you pumped up before a big game, and blasting out a bit of heavy metal in the changing room via a Bluetooth speaker might not make you popular with a roster of teammates who prefer a nice bit of drill or EDM. We're not professional athletes, but it seems obvious that locker rooms are like public buses; it's best to keep your music listening private.

With the FIFA World Cup set to kick off this month, the necessity to get hyped has never been so potent for some of our favourite 'soccer' stars as they head to America. From Beats to Bowers & Wilkins, these are the headphones some of the most famous faces in football are taking to the biggest stage of all.

Kylian Mbappe – Loewe

The greatest players need the finest headphones to match. There's no question that Kylian Mbappé is one of the premier players on the planet, so it was unlikely that he would be heading to the World Cup with a tatty pair of wireless earbuds he found for £20 on Amazon.

Instead, we imagine that Kylian might have a pair of £1500 Loewe Leo wireless over-ears stashed in his hold-all instead. France's talisman is Loewe's big-name brand ambassador, modelling not only the aforementioned Leo but the chunky We. Hear Pro portable Bluetooth speaker.

Maybe the latter will emerge in the changing rooms as and when France start winning their group games.

Lionel Messi – Beats

Beats has a remarkable history of celebrity endorsements, especially from athletes.

The brand's marketing strategy throughout the 2000s and 2010s was centred on inserting itself into the public consciousness by having Beats products appear constantly in music videos, at major sporting events, in TV shows and more.

In fact, you couldn't consider yourself a big-name celebrity or top-level athlete if Beats wasn't courting your attention, with the likes of LeBron James, Shohei Ohtani, Tom Brady, Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka all enjoying sponsorship deals at some time or another.

Beats has repeated the trick by nabbing Lionel Messi as a brand ambassador, so expect to see the GOAT with a pair of cans with a big bold 'B' emblazoned on the side when you tune in to watch Argentina.

Virgil Van Dijk and Declan Rice – JBL

It makes sense for JBL to collaborate with the biggest names in the world of football.

The US company has always been pretty good at knowing its target audience and then catering to it in both the way it makes products and how it sells them to its core demographics.

JBL has snagged the services of quite a few high-profile leather-kickers in recent times, with Liverpool centre back Virgil Van Dijk and Arsenal stalwart Declan Rice being two of its major supporters.

Both will feature heavily for their respective nations, the Netherlands and England, during the World Cup, though we'd be surprised if either actually wears a pair of JBL headphones while on the pitch. They'd fall off when you went in for a header...

David Beckham – Bowers & Wilkins

In case you hadn't noticed, David Beckham is no shrinking violet. The England icon lends his visage to Stella Artois beer, Hugo Boss clothing, Pepsi soda and the Shark Ninja air fryer, to name but a few. Slip him £100 and he'll probably turn up at your child's birthday party.

He appears so frequently in the public eye that we wouldn't be surprised if he's cloned himself in a bid to get to as many high-profile events as he possibly can in a single calendar year.

Air fryers and draft beer aside, he is also the handsome face of Bowers & Wilkins' range of premium headphones, including the five-star Px7 S3 wireless over-ears and the Award-winning Pi8 true wireless earbuds, so he's certainly got taste when it comes to audio.

Whether it's by the pitch, at the stadiums or in the mid-match adverts, you're going to be seeing quite a lot of Golden Balls at the 2026 World Cup. Not bad for a man who retired over ten years ago.

Mika Bireth and Falorin Balogun – Bang & Olufsen

Ok, this might be the coolest partnership in all of sport. AS Monaco have always been one of the most glamorous sides in the French Ligue 1. B&Os' reputation for blending high-end audio with luxury design is legendary. Talk about a match made in heaven.

The team houses four big-name B&O ambassadors. Denmark's Mika Bireth and the USA's Folarin Balogun are two of AS Monaco's representatives playing at the biggest international tournament football has to offer. Meanwhile, their Monaco teammates, Paul Pogba and Eric Dier, won't be representing their respective nations this time around, but they are major names who will also be wearing B&O cans, albeit on the sidelines.

Harry Kane – Our Pure Planet

Bless Harry Kane, he really does seem like one of the good guys. He's also pretty handy at football, in case you hadn't noticed.

The English icon has been banging in goals for Bayern Munich at a near-unprecedented rate over the last couple of seasons. Between matches, he's managed to find some time out of his busy net-ripping schedule to partner with eco-audio brand Our Pure Planet, becoming both a company co-owner and big-name global ambassador.

We don't know how Harry's headphones sound or how comfortable they are, but that's not exactly the point. Our Pure Plant's aim is to, according to its website, "reduce plastic, offset carbon, and minimise paper waste "by using up to 80% recycled plastics and metals in its products."

Eschewing massive audio brands in favour of endorsing an environmentally sustainable newbie? He's a good lad, our Harry.

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There’s a war going on for your living room. The premium TV technology of choice of the last few years – OLED – is under attack from a new, stunningly bright and vibrant foe – RGB Mini LED.

Every major brand has either launched its first RGB Mini LED TVs or is about to. Hisense launched its first RGB Mini LED models last year, in fact, but those were gigantic, 100+ inch sets, so a long way from a serious proposition for most people.

Hisense is also the first brand to submit to us a proper, mainstream RGB Mini LED TV to review, though – the UR9.

RGB Mini LED TVs are pitched at different levels by different brands, but Hisense is absolutely pitching the UR9 as a rival to flagship OLEDs. The price confirms as much.

So, what better way to benchmark it than against our current favourite flagship OLED, the Sony Bravia 8 II.

That, then, is what we’ve done. Over several days, we’ve tested the Hisense UR9 and Sony Bravia 8 II side by side, feeding all of our favourite discs and streams into both simultaneously, and judging them on picture quality, sound quality, features, usability, design and price.

This might not be a full RGB Mini LED vs OLED battle – the Hisense UR9 doesn’t represent all RGB Mini LED TVs, after all – but it is the opening skirmish in the broader TV tech war. And it's an eye-opening one at that.

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: price

The Hisense UR9’s pricing is interesting to say the least. In the UK, the 65-inch model we tested is priced at £2999, which places it in the same price category as brand-new flagship OLEDs.

In Australia, meanwhile, the UR9’s price of AU$3999 makes it slightly more affordable by local standards.

In the US, though, the pre-launch price of $3500 had dropped vastly to just $2000 by the time the TV actually hit stores.

Things are much more straightforward with the Sony Bravia 8 II, the 65-inch version of which launched at £2999 / $4000 / AU$5295, but can now be bought for £2299 / $2798 / AU$4995.

The inconsistent international pricing of the Hisense UR9 makes it a little tricky to judge this round, but seeing as we’re a primarily UK publication, and that we reviewed a UK sample, we’re going to prioritise the UK pricing and call this it in favour of the Bravia 8 II.

WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: design

The Sony Bravia 8 II and Hisense UR9 are both smart-looking TVs, but they take rather different approaches to design.

Sony has essentially carried over the styling of the A95L, resulting in a TV that looks purposeful, premium and monolithic. While it lacks the ultra-thin glamour of some rival OLEDs, the Bravia 8 II still feels like a flagship product, with its clean lines and understated aesthetic giving it a suitably high-end appearance.

The feet can be installed in either a low-profile position that leaves the bottom edge of the screen sitting just millimetres above your furniture, or a raised position that creates space for a soundbar. The downside is that those feet can only be positioned at the furthest extremes of the chassis, meaning you'll need furniture that's at least as wide as the TV itself.

The Hisense UR9 is a more practical proposition. At 4.5cm thick, it's chunkier than the Sony and doesn't have quite the same premium flair, but it is solidly built and neatly finished, with slim bezels and a restrained dark metallic finish.

Hisense has also made a couple of sensible usability-focused decisions. The centrally mounted pedestal stand occupies a footprint of only around 42cm, making the TV much easier to place on narrower furniture, and it too offers two height positions so that a soundbar can be accommodated beneath the screen.

The UR9's integrated Devialet sound system is more visually obvious than Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ setup, with perforations running down the sides of the chassis and across the top edge to house the side- and up-firing speakers. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does contribute to the TV's more functional, engineering-led appearance.

Ultimately, neither of these TVs is likely to be bought primarily for its styling, but the Bravia 8 II's cleaner, more premium design gives it the edge. The UR9 is practical and perfectly attractive in its own right, but it lacks the sense of sophistication that Sony's flagship delivers.

WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: features

The biggest difference between these two TVs is, of course, their panel technologies.

The Sony Bravia 8 II uses Samsung Display's latest QD-OLED panel, paired with Sony's XR processor and a custom heatsink. Because OLED technology is self-emissive, every pixel can be controlled independently, with no need for local dimming zones.

Sony doesn't publish specific brightness figures for its TVs, but the Bravia 8 II is estimated to hit around 1900 nits in small highlights, making it one of the brightest OLED TVs currently available.

The Hisense UR9, meanwhile, uses an RGB Mini LED backlight with 980 local dimming zones. Rather than relying on a conventional white backlight shining through colour filters, it uses separate red, green and blue Mini LEDs to generate colour directly. Hisense claims a peak brightness of up to 3500 nits for the 65-inch model we tested.

On paper, then, these TVs take radically different approaches to creating their images. We're not going to award points for one technology over the other here, though, because what ultimately matters is how those technologies perform in practice. We'll get to that in the picture quality section.

There are other differences in the feature sets of the two TVs worth highlighting, though.

Hardcore gamers are generally better served by the Hisense. All three of its HDMI sockets are full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, with support for 4K/170Hz, 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. It also features a DisplayPort connection, which remains extremely rare on TVs and could prove useful for committed PC gamers.

The Sony supports 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, too, but still offers only two HDMI 2.1 sockets, one of which doubles as the eARC connection. That limitation remains one of our biggest frustrations with Sony's flagship TVs.

That said, we'd probably take the Sony's two HDMI 2.1 sockets and two additional standard HDMI inputs over the Hisense's three HDMI sockets and DisplayPort arrangement. The latter will be useful to a niche audience, but many buyers are more likely to benefit from having an extra ‘standard’ HDMI connection available.

HDR support favours the Hisense, though. The UR9 supports every major HDR format currently in use, including HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The Bravia 8 II supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, but, as is customary for Sony TVs, HDR10+ is absent.

The Bravia 8 II fights back with Google TV, which remains one of the stronger smart TV platforms available and features excellent app support. The UR9's VIDAA operating system is fast and responsive, but there are some notable omissions.

Most significantly, while the Apple TV app is present, it lacks access to the Apple TV Store and users' purchased libraries. That's a genuine disappointment, as Apple's movie store remains the best pay-as-you-go film streaming service available, particularly for 4K HDR movies.

Sony also offers IMAX Enhanced certification, its Studio Calibrated Modes for services such as Netflix and Prime Video, and Sony Pictures Core integration.

Ultimately, neither TV completely dominates on features, but the Hisense's broader HDR support, extra HDMI 2.1 socket and more advanced gaming specification give it the edge overall.

WINNER: Hisense UR9

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: picture quality

This is, of course, the section that really matters.

The Hisense UR9 makes an immediately strong impression. Once switched into either Filmmaker Mode or IMAX Cinema, it produces a rich, vibrant and remarkably composed image that rarely behaves like a traditional backlit TV.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the UR9 is how well controlled its RGB Mini LED backlight is. Throughout our testing, blooming is kept impressively in check, black levels are consistently strong and the TV almost entirely avoids the brightness pumping, flickering and shifting backlight behaviour that often gives Mini LED technology away.

Extra-bright HDR content is a particular strength. Movies such as Pan look spectacular on the UR9, with dazzling highlights and bold colours that comfortably outgun the Bravia 8 II for outright brightness. Sunlight bursting through clouds and glinting off fantasy scenery is delivered with real punch and intensity.

The UR9 is also a very accomplished motion performer, and it combines its brightness with rich colours, excellent shadow detail and a pleasingly cinematic warmth that stops the image from ever becoming gaudy or overblown.

In isolation, it's one of the best backlit TVs we have ever tested.

Direct comparison with the Bravia 8 II reveals why OLED remains the reference technology, though – at least for now.

Despite its impressive brightness and excellent local dimming, the Hisense simply can't match the Sony's pixel-level contrast control. Counterintuitively, some of the brightest highlights against the darkest backgrounds actually appear more impactful on the Bravia 8 II than on the much brighter Hisense, because the OLED can render them without any concern about blooming.

More significantly, the Sony produces a more solid and perceptually three-dimensional image. Objects and characters stand out from their surroundings with greater depth and dynamism, while subtle gradations within shadows, clouds and highlights appear more convincing and refined.

We've observed this extra solidity from OLED many times before, but the side-by-side comparison between these two TVs demonstrates it particularly clearly. Next to the Bravia 8 II, the UR9 simply looks a little flatter and less immersive.

The Sony also has the advantage when it comes to viewing angles. While the Hisense holds up better than many LCD-based rivals, the sweet spot in which it performs at its very best is still relatively narrow. Thanks to its OLED panel, the Bravia 8 II performs consistently from almost any angle.

And while blooming is rare on the UR9, it isn't entirely absent. Difficult scenes such as the bomb-test sequence in Oppenheimer or the opening starfield of Alien: Romulus reveal imperfections that even this highly accomplished RGB Mini LED set cannot completely escape.

The Bravia 8 II, meanwhile, is simply sensational. Its combination of dazzling brightness by OLED standards, vibrant colours, exceptional shadow detail and razor-sharp definition creates an image of astonishing depth and realism.

What impresses most isn't any single strength, but how naturally all of its strengths come together. The Bravia 8 II consistently delivers a picture that feels balanced, authentic and effortlessly cinematic, whether you're watching a pristine 4K Dolby Vision disc or a much more humble SDR stream.

The Hisense UR9 proves that RGB Mini LED can get surprisingly close to flagship OLED performance, and many viewers will adore its combination of brightness, richness and stability. But when viewed side by side, the Bravia 8 II remains the more complete and convincing picture performer.

WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: sound quality

Both the Sony Bravia 8 II and Hisense UR9 are unusually sonically accomplished by modern TV standards.

That's important, because while we always recommend pairing a premium TV with a dedicated sound system, for many buyers that’s either impractical or unpalatable.

The Hisense UR9 certainly doesn't disappoint. Its Devialet-tuned 4.1.2-channel sound system delivers a presentation that is impressively spacious and full-bodied, with particularly convincing width and height effects.

Dolby Atmos soundtracks benefit from a strong sense of scale, while bass is deeper and more substantial than most flatscreen TVs can manage. The overall character is smooth, rich and easy to listen to over extended viewing sessions.

The UR9's audio system isn't flawless, though. Dynamics can feel a little restrained during big action sequences, and dialogue doesn't always have the clarity and expressiveness we'd ideally like.

We also found ourselves preferring the Standard sound mode over the more expansive Theatre setting. While Theatre mode undoubtedly sounds bigger, it can introduce a slightly diffuse and faintly echoey quality to voices that makes dialogue seem less natural than it should.

The Sony Bravia 8 II takes a very different approach. Rather than relying on conventional speaker placement, its Acoustic Surface Audio+ system uses actuators to vibrate the screen itself, effectively turning the display into a speaker.

The result is one of the most cohesive and convincing audio performances we've heard from a TV.

Dialogue and effects are tied directly to the action on screen in a way that traditional TV speaker systems struggle to replicate, creating a stronger sense that sound is genuinely coming from the people and objects you're watching.

Like the Hisense, the Sony also sounds surprisingly spacious, with effects extending well beyond the edges of the screen. Detail levels are excellent, too, and the Bravia 8 II combines subtle dynamic nuance with enough punch to make action scenes engaging and exciting.

Bass depth isn't as generous as it is from the Hisense, but it's impressively controlled, and the overall tonal balance is exceptionally well judged.

Ultimately, these are two of the best-sounding TVs you can currently buy. The Hisense delivers scale, warmth and impressive Atmos effects, but the Sony's superior detail, greater dynamic expression and uniquely direct delivery give it the edge.

WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Hisense UR9 vs Sony Bravia 8 II: verdict

The Hisense UR9 is a hugely important TV.

Not only is it the first mainstream RGB Mini LED TV we've fully reviewed, it's also the first serious attempt to take on flagship OLEDs with a fundamentally different display technology.

And the good news for RGB Mini LED fans is that, in some ways at least, it succeeds.

The UR9 is bright, vibrant and impressively refined. More importantly, it avoids many of the traditional pitfalls of backlit TVs, with excellent black levels, impressively restrained blooming and a consistency that often feels surprisingly OLED-like.

In several respects, it's one of the best backlit TVs we've ever tested.

But while the UR9 proves that RGB Mini LED is a genuinely exciting technology with enormous potential, it also demonstrates just how high the bar currently is at the top end of the OLED market.

Ultimately, picture quality remains the most important factor in any TV buying decision, and it's here that the Sony Bravia 8 II retains a clear advantage. The Hisense has the stronger gaming specification, broader HDR support and spectacular brightness, but the Sony's superior contrast control, greater three-dimensionality and more natural, cinematic image make it the more accomplished performer overall.

This isn't a verdict on RGB Mini LED versus OLED as technologies, and it certainly isn't the last battle in what is shaping up to be one of the most interesting periods in TV tech for years.

Instead, it’s the verdict on the very best OLED TV currently available versus the first mainstream RGB Mini LED model. And while the Hisense UR9 proves that RGB Mini LED is ready to compete with the very best, the Sony Bravia 8 II remains the TV to beat.

OVERALL WINNER: Sony Bravia 8 II

Apple held its annual WWDC press conference last night, and while iOS, MacOS and iPadOS stole the limelight, tvOS was barely acknowledged.

Despite that, Apple has officially confirmed that tvOS 27 will launch this year, and it looks to be a bigger upgrade than we were expecting.

The focus this year is speed, which means your ageing Apple TV box – need we remind you that Apple last refreshed its Award-winning streaming box in 2022 – is about to get more responsive.

Apple claims that app opening speeds are expected to improve by 30 per cent, and animations are set to become smoother too. Control Centre is also becoming more responsive and connecting to other Apple devices, be that streaming content to your TV from an iPhone or outputting TV audio to HomePods, will also be faster.

Two key audio apps are getting upgrades as part of tvOS 27 as well. Apple Music receives a major boost in the form of Hi-Res Lossless (24-bit/192kHz) support and faster playback, and the Podcasts app is getting a full redesign for both audio and video podcasts playback.

General updates come in the form of better Apple HomeKit integration (ideal for smart home users), reduced app file sizes, support for smart downloads, and the ability to view Apple Care coverage in the settings app.

The upcoming tvOS 27 update is expected to launch later this year – Apple tends to launch its updates in September to coincide with the annual hardware launch event – and it will be supported on the second and third generation Apple TV 4K boxes.

This marks the end of support for the Apple TV HD from 2015, as well as the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017.

While it's encouraging to see Apple release an update that improves general performance on the current-generation Apple TV 4K, we hope that this new version of tvOS is laying the groundwork for the much-rumoured fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The update is expected to launch later this year with the new Siri AI features coming with iOS 27.

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Apple has announced iOS 27 during its WWDC26 keynote, and it comes with a major upgrade for AirPods users.

The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system comes with a revamped interface for AirPods, with a more customisable EQ interface that will allow for greater sound customisation.

Apple briefly showed the new user interface screen during its presentation; included were "recommended" and "custom" options. Below is where you'll find a graph-style interface, which allows users to specifically tweak low, mid and high frequencies.

Apple has also included a note that reads: "AirPods are designed and engineered by Apple to faithfully represent music, TV shows, movies, and calls. If you prefer a different sound profile, you can customise how AirPods represent any audio played."

This signals to us that these EQs will be applied to anything played through your AirPods. Previously, Apple has offered custom EQ options through Apple Music, but these only apply to music played through the service.

Furthermore, Apple has buried a very small selection of pre-set EQ profiles within the accessibility section of the Settings app since iOS 14; but they're more rigid, pre-defined options, including "balanced tone", "vocal range", and "brightness".

While we'll need to wait until iOS 27 launches later this year, it will be interesting to see if this software update will make the five-star AirPods Pro 3 even better, or even improve the four-star AirPods Max 2.

iOS 27 is coming to all iPhones from the iPhone 11 onwards, including the Award-winning iPhone 17.

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Apple’s yearly Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is scheduled to kick off a week from today, and signs are pointing towards a host of new software announcements – but perhaps very little in the way of new hardware.

The WWDC26 keynote will be live-streamed on Apple TV, YouTube, and Apple’s event website at 10am Pacific Time, which is 6pm here in the UK. Australian Apple fans will either have to stay up late or wake up early, as the presentation will kick off at 3am on the West Coast, or 1am on the East Coast.

With this being a software-focused showcase, we expect updates to Apple’s various operating systems across its mobile phones, tablets, computers and, most importantly, streaming devices.

That being said, Apple has surprised us with hardware announcements at WWDC in previous years. These include the Apple Vision Pro headset, updated Mac computers, and even the original HomePod, which was announced at WWDC 2017.

Ultimately, signs are pointing towards a WWDC that is putting the focus on software, which might not be such a bad thing…

What to expect…

Apple made a big statement last year with its latest batch of software updates. 2025 signalled the year of Liquid Glass, which introduced a fluid, transparent interface to everything from iPhones and iPads to Apple TV and iMacs.

Apple also standardised the naming conventions of its various product lineups. All of the version numbers were changed to align with the relevant year, signalling the launch of iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and tvOS 26.

We think, then, that it's reasonable to expect the announcement of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and tvOS 27 on Monday.

As for what these updates will bring to the table, that is somewhat of an unknown currently. We know that Apple has made a big push for Apple Intelligence, the company’s answer to the AI revolution, in recent years, but it has ultimately fallen far behind the competition.

While Google has steamrolled ahead with Gemini on various Android phones, Apple Intelligence and Siri aren’t quite living up to the claims made by Apple during the iPhone 16 launch.

Siri hasn’t got much smarter, and Visual Intelligence hasn’t really challenged Google’s excellent Circle to Search function. Therefore, we anticipate the upcoming updates to be pretty AI and Siri-focused, as Apple scrambles to bring its software up to speed.

Elsewhere, we could see some tweaks to Liquid Glass after the lukewarm reaction to the new user interface, as well as new features coming to some of Apple’s core apps. Last year, we saw a handful of updates come to Apple Music, which included the ability to pin your favourite albums and real-time lyric translations.

What not to expect…

We’ve said it already, but we’ll reiterate: it is unlikely that this will be a hardware-heavy event. The two big products that we await are still missing in action, and it’s looking less and less likely that they will break cover at WWDC 2026.

These are the next-generation Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini, which, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (via Engadget), have both been ready to launch for several months. In fact, Gurman claims that the upcoming hardware is already being used internally at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters.

Expected upgrades aren’t monumental; in fact, some predictions are centred around some minor chipset updates. But with the previous generations of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini launching in 2022 and 2020, respectively, we are willing to take any form of upgrade.

The aforementioned limitations to Apple Intelligence and Siri are reportedly responsible for the holdup with these products, but the expectation is that once Apple irons out its AI kinks, then these products should be primed to launch.

It should also not come as a surprise to hear that we probably won’t see any new iPhones during the presentations. Apple tends to save those for its annual September event – and it’s looking like it could be a big one this year.

Apple is expected to change its usual lineup by launching its first foldable device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, meanwhile, are expected to launch in early 2027.

We’re not ruling out new product announcements entirely; Apple could surprise us after all. But, with software being the primary focus for WWDC, we think September is a more likely time to see new Apple hardware.

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Stop what you’re doing – there’s a new pair of Sony wireless headphones in town.

The 1000X range has been Sony’s flagship wireless series for a whole decade, and the brand has decided to mark this anniversary with a completely new addition to its established line-up: the Sony 1000X The Collexion over-ears.

These may be ‘celebratory’ headphones, but think of The Collexion as a fully fledged product in their own right, rather than a limited edition one-off designed for the sake of novelty or sentimentality. These are headphones which exist separately from Sony's WH-1000XM6 – with their own unique sound, design philosophy and materials – and sit comfortably above their stablemates in price.

In fact, Sony has focused on sound above all else for The Collexion cans, for what it has dubbed “the best sounding headphones we’ve ever made”. When you consider some of the absolute gems the Japanese brand has produced in the past few years, that’s a mouthwatering claim. We’d be letting you down if we didn’t give them a listen…

Price

While the 1000X series has always remained a decidedly premium line, Sony had always resisted the urge to move up into the sort of ‘high-end’ territory occupied by the likes of the the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (£629 / $799) and the Focal Bathys (£699 / $799), but with the 1000X The Collexion clocking in at £550 / $650, these are the closest Sony has ever come to operating within that more rarefied area of the market.

With the B&W and Focal rivals above them, the new Sonys have the likes of the Apple AirPods Max 2 (£499 / $549) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) (£449 / $449 / AU$700) sitting just below.

If you need reminding, the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM6 are priced at around £400 / $450 / AU$699, even if discounts are now knocking a few pounds or dollars off that RRP, while the five-star rival Sennheiser HDB 630 will set you back around £400 / $500 / AU$1000.

Build & comfort

Get hold of a pair of Sony’s latest and, if you squint your eyes a little, you might be fooled into thinking that you’d picked up a pair of Sonos Ace instead. The Sonys have the same clean, minimalist exterior as the Ace, as well as similarly designed oval earcups adorned with a few metallic physical buttons on the left earcup.

Sony’s engineers describe 1000X The Collexion as a pair of cans that should both look good and make you feel good when you wear them, and for the most part, that aim has been achieved. Everything on The Collexion is made either from metal or faux leather, with a nicely padded headband designed to spread pressure evenly for extended user comfort and slightly firmer ear padding than found on the WH-1000XM6.

We don’t have an issue with the look or feel of the faux leather, though our test pair are more susceptible to marks and stains than the smooth plastic of most of Sony’s other headphones. That faux material adorns pretty much the whole exterior of the earcup, so grubby fingers, not to mention the rigours of everyday use, do end up making their mark after a time.

A slimmer profile does help to add lightness, though, with the width of the earcups measuring around 40mm from inside to out, compared with the 45.4mm of the WH-1000XM6.

That does make for an appreciably lightweight and unobtrusive wearing experience, and though The Collexion actually weigh more than their XM6 counterparts – 312g against 254g – rarely do we feel that extra weight.

Some of our testers did experience some rocking and instability from the earcups when walking from place to place, but if you’re stationary, the new Sonys often simply melt away into obscurity as you forget you’ve got a pair plonked on your head at all.

While there are a few physical buttons to be found, touch controls are the main way of controlling your Sony over-ears. They work as well as you’d expect, responding quickly and effectively to our various commands, with ample levels of control customisation available via the useful Sony SoundConnect app.

Unlike the XM6 over-ears or the Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), these aren’t headphones which fold up into a ball, but their flattened profile and accompanying carry case – with its hollowed-out handle putting us in mind of a small handbag – mean they’re still relatively portable.

Features

Sony has very much positioned its new premium cans as sound-first headphones, but the 1000X The Collexion’s feature set matches the same generous level as that found on the do-it-all WH-1000XM6.

Battery life clocks in at around 32 hours with ANC off and roughly 24 hours with noise cancelling switched on, and while that’s down from the 30-or-so hours of the WH-1000XM6, it’s still a reasonable lifespan. The AirPods Max 2 only manage around 20 hours, although the Sennheiser HDB 630 are streets ahead with a whopping 60 hours with noise cancelling in play.

If you’re a fan of spatial audio, you get three versions of Sony’s ‘360 Reality Audio Upmix’ tech – ‘Music’, ‘Cinema’ and ‘Game’ – each of which add varying degrees of spatial processing depending on the media content. They’re fun modes to play around with, and we particularly enjoy the more immersive ‘Cinema’ setting which just about lives up to its billing by providing a more open, cinematic experience when watching movies.

On the subject of signal processing, these are the first Sony headphones to make use of its DSEE Ultimate tech for improving lower-quality digital audio files. In the app, you also get access to a 10-band equaliser for tweaking the sound alongside several simple presets, or you can deploy ‘Background Music’ mode to make it seem as though your tunes were playing in the distance to better aid your concentration.

The 1000X The Collexion support standard SBC and AAC codecs alongside higher-quality LDAC – which lets you stream hi-res music at higher data rates over Bluetooth from a compatible source device, such as Sony’s latest smartphones. Bluetooth LE Audio is also on board for lower power consumption and better-quality sound. You can also listen to the Sony headphones wired, thanks to the included 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable, though note that the headphones will have to be powered on when listening through a physical connection.

Sony’s Speak-To-Chat feature, which drops the volume level when you start talking, also returns, though we’d caution that the headphones can often confuse human speech with other sounds, particularly wind. If you don’t want your cans to keep cutting out every few minutes, we’d suggest switching Speak-to-Chat off when you’re outdoors and it’s a bit blustery.

ANC & call quality

While Sony has warned that noise cancelling wasn’t as much of a focus for The Collexion as it was for the WH-1000XM6, it’s still operating at a decidedly high level. Much of the same tech from the XM6 is on-hand here, including the QN3 chip and a total of 12 mics to capture and monitor surrounding noise.

When working in full noise-cancelling mode, Sony’s latest over-ears do an excellent job of suppressing noise throughout the frequencies, and while you might get the slightest hint of a shrill bird tweet just about breaking through that barrier, middle and lower range frequencies are filtered out expertly. The ANC quality on the WH-1000XM6 is still Sony’s best, but it’s very unlikely that you’ll feel short-changed by the noise cancelling on offer with The Collexion.

Call quality is excellent, too. The Collexion house six beamforming mics complemented by a wind noise reduction structure for enhanced vocal clarity and reduced external sonic intrusions, and it really pays off. Voices are clear, articulate and emotive, while background sounds rarely, if ever, intrude on our conversation as we stand next to a busy motorway on a decidedly blustery day.

Sound

Let’s reiterate what we mentioned in our introduction – the 1000X The Collexion are distinct headphones in their own right, with a sound, says Sony, which prioritises refinement, detail and maturity over the punchier, more flavoured personality of the WH-1000XM6.

To achieve this, The Collexion headphones feature a bespoke carbon composite 30mm drive unit, constructed using soft edging and a hard centre in pursuit of an “exceptional frequency response”. Sound has been optimised using a low-phase noise crystal oscillator, while premium components and circuitry, including advanced gold-containing solder, aim for an improved signal to noise ratio to reveal finer musical details and offer a wider soundstage.

That’s a lot of tech under hood, but how does that translate to the real-life listening experience?

Well, in many ways, the Sony 1000X The Collexion do live up to their billing. Just as described by Sony, they’re headphones that deal primarily in spaciousness and clarity, qualities which suffuse nigh-on every track as we bounce from Max Richter’s Never Goodbye to Radiohead’s Everything In Its Right Place.

That latter track sounds particularly good – The Collexion’s wide, open presentation grants the track a broad canvas on which to play, like an epic drama unfolding on a lovely big widescreen TV.

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. 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.

For all of their openness and delicacy, the Sonys don’t lack musical muscle. Think of them as being like a pro ballerina – nimble and graceful, yes, but strong and immensely robust when the time calls for it. It’s a nice balance to have, all aided by a deep, powerful yet controlled lower-end reproduction.

Bass tones are expertly handled, something that really comes across when we load up Massive Attack’s Atlas Air and feel the full force and punch of the tune’s full-blooded drum hits. That bass is nicely separated from the overlaid synth sounds working away above, yet not to the extent that the composition starts to lack any sense of cohesion between frequencies.

These premium Sony headphones really are impressive performers in so many aspects, but they appeal more to the head than to the heart. They certainly trade off some of that signature expressiveness we’ve heard in other Sony headphones for greater openness and detail, something that reduces the extent to which we feel truly involved with our music. Talented as they are, there’s something slightly removed, almost standoffish, about their reproduction.

That’s not something of which we’d accuse the outstanding, and cheaper, Sennheiser HDB 630. The Sennheisers have a more natural fluidity, especially with how they handle dynamic shifts, which makes them a more engaging listen. For us, the Sennheisers seem to strike that balance between naturalness, entertainment and analysis a touch more acutely than the Sonys.

Their rather aloof personality also robs the Sony cans of some of their intimacy. Listen to the first 30 seconds of Black Veil Brides’ Saviour II, and there’s a greater feeling of closeness to the opening guitar and vocal lead when listening via the costlier Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2. When the track opens up as the chorus hits, however, The Collexion show their hand, allowing it to blossom and reveal its gothic grandeur with more scale than the rival B&W cans.

Verdict

There’s much to admire about Sony’s 1000X The Collexion over-ears. It’s impossible to ignore their poised, detail-rich performance, while that ample feature set and classy construction make them tough to resist.

There is a ‘but’, however. In pursuing a particular sonic signature – namely, one that goes after scale, detail and clarity – it’s hard not to feel as though Sony has slightly thrown the baby out with the bathwater.

Yes, these are seriously talented performers, but deep down, they feel like headphones which were built to impress rather than entertain. As a result, we find ourselves admiring them rather than completely falling in love.

Review published: 19th May 2026

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Build 4
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony WH-1000XM6

Also consider the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Read our Sennheiser HDB 630 review

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

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

It may seem like JBL unleashes a never-ending stream of products every year, and this is partly true.

Just this year, the American brand – which is also celebrating its 80th anniversary this year – has launched the Xtreme 5 and the Go 5 Bluetooth speakers, along with a new Live 4 wireless earbuds range, and the over-ear 780NC and on-ear 680NC noise-cancelling headphones – all in a variety of snazzy new colours.

There's also a brand-new JBL Sound Curve tuning announced for the flagship Tour One M3 headphones, which refines the sound quality to be more balanced and forgiving – and less bass-focused – to adapt to listeners wearing the headphones for longer and prevent them from getting fatigued.

And that's before we even get to the hugely popular Party Box speakers – not a core What Hi-Fi? category, but a big deal for JBL, which dominates 90 per cent of that particular market.

World domination – for the portables and headphones market in particular – is clearly on the brand's mind. I spoke to Jurjen Amsterdam, Harman Lifestyle's director of product marketing (EMEA) at JBL's HQ in Amsterdam (no relation), about the recent launches, anticipating trends, their target demographic, and market domination plans.

Despite the sheer number of products, there is method behind the launch madness. Jurjen Amsterdam says: "We try to manage product lines on a two year cycle. So last year we did the Charge 6 and Flip 7; this year it's Xtreme 5 and Go 5 for portables."

"Next year, most likely, it's going to be two other models... it looks like a lot, but it's always a two-year cycle."

It's an aggressive strategy that points to the brand's ambitions, but even then, JBL seems cautious about simply making products for the sake of it. The product cycle isn't necessary like clockwork, and it relies on the latest technology available, too – and the team also has to decide what not to include. For example, the interval between the JBL Charge 5 and Charge 6 was a good four years (albeit both available in April of those years), and new technologies such as Auracast sharing made way for the whole line-up to be refreshed.

Conversely, the new JBL Sound Curve – an adaptation of parent company Harman's target frequency curve – is currently only reserved for the Tour One M3 to signify their premium status, and hasn't been trickled down to the mid-priced Live range headphones/earbuds to ensure a clean delineation between the ranges.

The regular product cycle also allows JBL to keep its pulse on the ground and adapt to their target audience, as well as keep up with the demands of customers, who "expect us [JBL] to drive the competition and come up with new things".

Fresh new colours of green and orange standout against a sea of greige, black and even blue of its rivals, with some noting that the particular shade of orange chosen by JBL for the Live 780NC/680NC headphones matches the latest iPhone 17's orange finish.

That's not by accident. The product team (which also includes marketing and commercial working in a "triangle") tries to "forsee trends long enough in advance", says Jurjen. "Design trends, technology trends – all the colours that you see in the Live series, they don't have this colour just because we like them. This is part of a longer trend that we're trying to watch in terms of colours."

Despite the proliferation of JBL products, the brand doesn't like making products just for the sake of it.

"No – we don't want to make products because we can. We want to make products because we want to address a certain need from end consumers."

For the Live range, what JBL really wanted to focus on is "lifestyle", and the target demographic is aimed towards "Gen Z and up" – he drills down further to say 15 to around 30s is the target age range.

"It's most likely the price that people want to spend on a [pair of] headphones that will decide whether they go for a Live series or a Tour series."

Not everyone can splash out for the €349 for the Tour flagships, he says, and the gap between the budget Tune range and the Tour is quite a big one. This is where the middle-ground Live comes in: "This is the ultimate compromise of great quality, great noise cancelling, super comfortable and looks really nice," declares Jurjen.

The styling is an important part of the Live headphones and earbuds.

"Of course, a lot of people will buy the black finish," he says, "but we also want to give people the opportunity to buy in white, in blue, in green, in orange, in purple..." As we speak, Jurjen points to the younger influencers around us at the launch who are relishing wearing the colourful headphones and taking photos, as evidence of the brand's target demographic crowd that is "young, energetic, social" and likes sharing music.

"It literally fits the JBL brand – it's the core of the JBL target audience."

Even JBL's Headphones app opens to a montage of faces that run the gamut of identities. It's welcoming, diverse and youthful, but without ever trying too hard. You'd never guess the brand was pushing 80.

Passing the new Live 780NC over-ear headphones – which I decided to nab in its bright orange finish – to my colleagues in the What Hi-Fi? office, the general consensus seems to be that the colourful shade and styling stands out from the sea of plain, rather functional designs we see from other brands, even premium models from Sony and Bose.

Whether JBL's new mid-range model can reach the heights of five-star sound quality their more illustrious rivals achieve remains to be seen, of course. But it's an area what JBL is absolutely gunning for.

"In headphones, we would love to dominate."

Jurjen puts the headphones market into context. "Headphones is way bigger than all of the other things that we do put together. This is a 4 billion market in Europe. If we add portable audio, party box, gaming, wireless speakers, soundbars – if we add that all together, it's still less than headphones."

"In headphones, we're at 10-11 per cent market share. Of course we would like to grow that."

The headphones market is exceptionally tricky as there are over 300 brands vying for a piece of the pie. It's a big market dominated by one key player (Apple, particularly in wireless earbuds, with Sony and Bose in over-ears) that a lot of people spend a lot of money on.

"So we know, even this target audience we're aiming for, we know they have money to spend – because we see that they spend money on some of the higher range models."

"But the aim is to create credibility," he says. "Sony is a great example of that – you get five star reviews a couple of years in a row, nobody thought that Bose would ever lose that position. Sony now has that position. We believe that we equally have a good quality product."

I ask Jurjen if there's any particular trend that surprised him for this current cycle of products, that consumers were clamouring for?

"No. Not really; it's all about audio quality. It's all about design. It's all about wearing comfort." Ultimately, he says, the Live headphones and earbuds are a "very good alternative to what's out there in the market".

We certainly hope that's the case, as we still find there is a general dearth of really great recommendations in this £100-£200 mid-price range. We're currently testing the Live 780NC wireless headphones (£170), so stay tuned for a full review in due course.

MORE:

Two years on, I'm still waiting for this gaping hole in the wireless headphone market to be plugged

Read our JBL Tour One M3 review

The JBL Live 4 earbuds have a better case, new high fidelity drivers and enhanced noise cancellation

With just under a month to go until a certain World Cup, TV manufacturers are looking to join in the football fever.

We've seen the lowest prices yet on some of our favourite OLEDs, including on Award-winners such as the Sony Bravia 8 II and the LG C5.

Not wanting to be left out, audio brands are joining in the discounts as well, particularly with Bluetooth speakers ready for summer garden gatherings. The JBL Xtreme 5, only reviewed two days ago, is already nearly ten per cent off.

As always, all of these products have been rated and reviewed by our expert testing team, and have been given a big thumbs up – and maybe even a What Hi-Fi? Award.

Take a look at the offers underneath, and we'll go into a bit more detail below.

The JBL Xtreme 5 had a high bar to reach, as previous Xtreme speakers had scooped up What Hi-Fi? Awards for their robust build, yet clean and detailed sound. Luckily, the Xtreme 5 received a full five stars only days ago, with a more powerful, clearer performance that made it the best-sounding Xtreme yet.

The Sony Bravia 8 II won our TV Product of the Year Award at our most recent ceremony, and is still our benchmark TV. The motion processing and OLED screen of the Bravia 8 II will make it an ideal World Cup TV, but it's stunningly authentic for movies too.

AirPods need no introduction, but the AirPods 4 with ANC are notable for introducing noise-cancelling to an open (no tips) design and making it work. iOS users will also find plenty of exclusive flagship features and snappy user-friendliness.

The KEF XIO is, quite simply, the best-sounding Dolby Atmos soundbar we have heard. It's also discounted for the first time, but bear in mind it's a cashback offer you'll have to claim back from KEF. Full T&Cs can be found here.

We're spoilt for choice with premium Bluetooth speakers this week. The Bose SoundLink Max wraps up excellent sound quality and an enjoyable experience in this attractive, outdoor-friendly package.

If you have a smaller room or are looking to upgrade to OLED on a budget, then this saving on the 48-inch LG C5 is for you. It's got flawless gaming specifications, excellent app support and is a whopping £618 off with the code 'HUGMAY8'.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy

And the best OLED TVs for all budgets

Interested in vinyl? Here are the best turntables we have tested

It's no secret that Apple doesn't offer discounts very often. If it does, it's usually during a sales event of some kind. So, imagine our surprise when we saw that the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC were enjoying a price cut!

Right now, you can grab these four-star buds for just £149 at Amazon, which is a lovely £30 off.

While it's not the lowest we've seen them drop to, hitting £139 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, if you're an Apple fan or thinking of taking the leap, this is one heck of a deal to snaffle up.

If you don't like the traditional in-ear tips of the AirPods Pro 3, then you might get along rather nicely with Apple's step-down model, the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

The concept of ANC with an open (no tips) design certainly received split opinion from our team, but Apple demonstrates that they're still surprisingly capable. In fact, in our full review, we said: "In the AirPods 4, you don’t get the benefit of this seal, but what Apple has done is target low-level frequencies specifically to cancel out. We’re talking engine rumbles, the sound of aircon and exhaust fans, the low noise of traffic and general deep, low-level hums."

But ANC is not the only impressive feature packed into these AirPods 4. Spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and an IP54 dust- and waterproof rating are all part of the package, alongside seamless use with iOS devices.

Battery life is an impressive 30 hours, including the case, though we were disappointed to learn this drops sharply to 20 hours with ANC turned on.

But the AirPods 4 with ANC's charging case is the smallest yet, has a speaker for the Find My function, and supports wireless charging. The latter two features are missing from the non-ANC model. Though if you don't mind the lack of ANC and missing features, you can grab them for £99 at Amazon.

For our favourite mid-range pick amongst the best AirPods we've tested though, the AirPods 4 with ANC are our top recommendation. And dropping to just £149 at Amazon makes this great value proposition even better.

MORE:

Read our full Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review

Check out the best wireless earbuds you can buy

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: which of Apple's noise-cancelling earbuds will suit you best?

Here it is, folks: our first full review of an RGB Mini LED TV.

We have previously run extensive hands-on tests of a couple of RGB Mini LED TVs – most notably the huge Hisense 116UX – but, due to their astonishing sizes and prices, we’ve had to do the testing outside our own facilities. In our world, that’s not a full review, so those TVs haven’t received star ratings.

The 65-inch Hisense UR9 we have before us today is designed to address the size and price issues that have until now prevented more people from hopping on the RGB Mini LED bandwagon.

This set, then, is leading the mainstream RGB Mini LED charge. And, while it’s a fair way short of perfect, particularly next to a flagship OLED TV, the UR9 is an impressive TV in its own right and a tantalising glimpse at the technology’s long-term potential.

Price

Price is always a hugely important factor whenever we test a product, but it’s particularly crucial to how the Hisense UR9 will be viewed.

In the UK, the launch price of £2999 places the 65-inch UR9 in the same category as flagship OLED TVs such as the new LG G6 and last year’s Award-winning Sony Bravia 8 II.

In Australia, though, the AU$3999 price puts the Hisense UR9 up against step-down OLEDs such as the LG C6.

Most interestingly (and confusingly), while the announced launch price in the US was a super high-end $3500, when the TV actually arrived in shops, the tag was a vastly cheaper $2000, placing the UR9 in an entirely different category, below even step-down OLED models.

Essentially, then, this Hisense is a rather different proposition in each of those three regions. Seeing as we are UK-based and it’s a UK sample we’re reviewing, though, it’s the UK price that we are primarily working with here. And that means the UR9 is going to have to face off against the mighty Bravia 8 II QD-OLED.

Design

The Hisense UR9 is not one of those modern flagship TVs that disappears into your living room.

At 4.5cm thick, it’s decidedly chunky by current premium TV standards, particularly next to the impossibly slim OLED models with which it competes on price.

The rear panel is completely flat, though, which makes the UR9 fairly tidy for wall-mounting, and the overall build feels solid and substantial.

The TV’s general styling is perfectly pleasant, too, though it stops short of being genuinely luxurious. Bezels are slim enough, the dark metallic finish is smart, and the overall aesthetic is clean and restrained, but the UR9 lacks the slick elegance and premium flair of rivals such as the Sony Bravia 8 II and Samsung S99H/S95H.

Hisense has made some nice, practical decisions, though.

The centrally mounted pedestal stand has a relatively narrow footprint of around 42cm, making the UR9 easier to place on narrower furniture than many similarly sized rivals. It also offers two height positions, allowing you either to keep the screen sitting low and tidy or raise it slightly to create extra clearance for a soundbar.

Rows of tiny perforations run down both sides of the set, while larger openings line the top edge. These house the UR9’s side- and up-firing speakers, which form part of its integrated Devialet sound system.

Overall, then, the UR9 is more functional than fashionable – a practical, purposeful TV rather than a particularly glamorous one.

Features and specs

The headline feature here is, of course, the UR9’s RGB Mini LED backlight.

Unlike a conventional Mini LED TV, which uses a white backlight shining through a colour filter layer, the UR9 instead uses separate red, green and blue Mini LEDs to generate colour directly. In theory, this approach allows for both greater brightness and more precise colour reproduction.

Hisense claims peak brightness of up to 3500 nits for the 65-inch model we’re testing here, alongside 980 local dimming zones and a native 170Hz panel, all driven by the company’s Hi-View AI Engine RGB processor.

Gamers are generally very well served – with one unusual caveat. Unlike most premium TVs, which have four HDMI sockets, the UR9 has just three. These are accompanied by a PC-gaming-friendly DisplayPort connection – something that remains extremely rare on TVs.

Is a DisplayPort connection more valuable than a fourth HDMI socket? We have our doubts, but to a small number of very committed PC gamers, it may be very useful.

All three of the HDMI sockets are 2.1-specified, though, with support for 4K/170Hz (and the console-friendly 4K/120Hz), VRR and ALLM. Some brands, including Sony, still offer just two HDMI 2.1 sockets on their TVs.

The UR9’s input lag is decent rather than exceptional. We measured 32.5ms at 60Hz in the standard Game mode, though enabling the Refresh Rate setting reduces that figure to a more respectable, though far from groundbreaking, 24.6ms.

The UR9 supports every significant HDR format currently in use – HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision – plus the intelligent Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive variants that respond to ambient room lighting conditions.

It is also IMAX Enhanced certified, and the UK version of the TV features an anti-reflective, anti-glare screen coating that proves fairly effective at combating bright-room reflections.

Audio specifications are unusually ambitious by TV standards, too. The UR9 features a Devialet-tuned 4.1.2-channel speaker system with dedicated up-firing drivers, plus support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.

In the UK and Australia, the UR9 runs Hisense’s own VIDAA smart platform, while the US version instead uses Google TV.

VIDAA still isn’t the prettiest smart system around, but it’s fast, responsive and logically laid out. App support is broadly very good, too, with all of the major streaming services and UK catch-up apps present and correctly supporting the relevant picture and sound formats.

There are, however, a few frustrating omissions. Most notably, the Apple TV app lacks access to the Apple TV store and users’ purchased libraries, so it can’t be used for movie purchases and rentals. That’s a real disappointment, as Apple’s pay-as-you-go store is the best around.

While far less important for a TV, it’s worth noting that music streaming support is sparse, too, with Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music and Qobuz all absent. There are no cloud gaming apps, either.

The inclusion of Freely is welcome, though, as it allows live TV channels to be streamed over the internet without an aerial connection.

Picture quality

The Hisense UR9 makes a superb first impression. In fact, perhaps the most impressive thing about it is just how rarely it behaves like a traditional backlit TV.

Before getting into that, though, some setup advice is required, because the TV’s default HDR settings do it few favours.

When first fed HDR10 content, the UR9 automatically switches into its HDR Energy Saving mode which, despite its name, is surprisingly aggressive. Colours skew cool and bluish, motion processing is overly intrusive, and the overall image looks unnatural and overcooked.

HDR Standard and HDR Dynamic are similarly best avoided, both pushing sharpness, brightness and processing much too hard.

Thankfully, Filmmaker Mode proves far more successful. It delivers the most accurate and balanced picture of the available presets, and it quickly becomes our preferred overall option.

Interestingly, though, IMAX Cinema is also unusually compelling. While its underlying settings appear almost identical to those of Filmmaker Mode, it consistently produces a noticeably brighter and punchier image without obviously compromising balance or naturalism.

As a result, we would stick with Filmmaker Mode for dark-room and purist viewing, but happily switch to IMAX Cinema during the daytime or whenever we fancy a little extra visual intensity.

Once properly configured, the UR9 is an extremely accomplished performer.

Play 1917 on 4K Blu-ray, and the opening logos immediately demonstrate just how well controlled the TV’s backlight system is. 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.

That consistency quickly emerges as the UR9’s defining strength. While many bright Mini LED TVs constantly remind you that they are dynamically manipulating a backlight behind the scenes, the Hisense instead achieves a broadly very composed, stable and natural delivery that often feels surprisingly OLED-like.

Blade Runner 2049 showcases this particularly well. Black depth is consistently strong, shadow detail is excellent and subtle blooming is tightly controlled. There’s also impressive richness and stability to colours, especially reds, which look wonderfully pure and saturated without drifting into pink or magenta tones.

Extra-bright HDR material suits the UR9 especially well, too. Pan looks spectacular here, with dazzling highlights and bold, vibrant colours that comfortably outgun the Sony Bravia 8 II for outright brightness in many scenes. Sunlight bursting through clouds and glinting off the fantasy scenery of Neverland is delivered with real punch and intensity.

Crucially, though, the UR9 generally achieves this brightness without sacrificing balance. Skin tones remain natural, and there’s a pleasing cinematic warmth to the image – and it doesn’t drift into gaudiness.

Motion handling is strong, too. The default Film setting is decent enough, but switching Motion Enhancement to Clear results in noticeably smoother pans without introducing the distracting soap-opera effect or processing artefacts that such systems often create.

The notoriously difficult Matera cemetery and chase sequence from No Time To Die is handled particularly well, with impressively little judder to the panning shots and clean rendering of drifting smoke and rapid camera movement.

Dropping down to standard-def and SDR, our Kiss Kiss Bang Bang DVD is reproduced with pleasing warmth, strong detail and impressively clean upscaling. Colours are arguably pushed a touch too hard at times, but the overall presentation remains highly enjoyable and consistently cinematic.

For all of the UR9’s strengths, though, direct comparisons with a top-tier OLED TV still reveal the limitations of even this undeniably refined RGB Mini LED model. Despite its impressive local-dimming system, the Hisense simply cannot match the pixel-level contrast control of the Sony Bravia 8 II.

Extremely bright highlights against deep black backgrounds are sometimes handled slightly conservatively, presumably to avoid blooming. Perhaps counterintuitively, those bright white logos against pitch-black backgrounds appear more intense and impactful on the Sony OLED than on the much brighter, on paper, Hisense.

More significantly, the OLED TV produces a more solid and perceptually three-dimensional image across the board. Objects and characters stand out from their surroundings with greater depth and dynamism, while subtle gradations within clouds, shadows and highlights appear more convincing and refined, creating a more rounded look.

This isn’t a new phenomenon: we have documented that extra solidity you get from OLED plenty of times previously, most notably when we used the Sony Bravia 8 OLED as a comparison in our Bravia 9 Mini LED review. But it bears repeating for those who are choosing between an OLED and a backlit TV.

Viewing angles are another clear OLED advantage. While the UR9’s picture performance doesn’t entirely fall off a cliff when you move off-axis, the sweet spot in which it performs at its very best is surprisingly narrow.

And while the UR9 usually keeps blooming impressively well controlled, especially for a backlit TV, particularly torturous scenes can still expose its limitations.

The bomb-test sequence in Oppenheimer is a great example. From the UR9, there’s a slight general greying to the image, plus some visible glow around isolated spotlights in the darkness. The opening starfield of Alien: Romulus, meanwhile, reveals that the UR9 cannot simultaneously maintain truly inky blacks and perfectly intense star highlights in the way an OLED can.

To be clear, the Hisense performs well in these scenes by LCD standards, and many owners may never notice such shortcomings during normal viewing. But they do prevent the UR9 from truly matching the effortless contrast precision and dimensionality of the best OLED TVs.

Sound quality

Developed in partnership with Devialet, the UR9’s 4.1.2-channel speaker system delivers a surprisingly expansive and full-bodied presentation by TV standards, with particularly impressive width and height effects.

The Theatre sound mode is the most immediately striking of the available presets, producing a presentation that extends well beyond the physical boundaries of the TV and creating a convincing sense of spaciousness with Dolby Atmos soundtracks.

There’s decent bass depth, too, and the UR9 maintains good composure at high volumes, avoiding the harshness and distortion that can afflict many flatscreen TVs when pushed hard.

The overall presentation is smooth and rich in character, which makes the UR9 an easy and enjoyable listen over long viewing sessions.

It isn’t perfect, though. Dynamics are a little stunted, and action scenes lack some of the punch and excitement they deserve, while dialogue could be projected with greater clarity and emotional expression.

The Theatre mode also slightly overplays its hand at times. While its extra spaciousness is undeniably appealing, it introduces a faintly diffuse and echoey quality to voices, along with a slight sense of delay that makes speech sound less natural than it should.

As a result, we find ourselves preferring the Standard sound mode for most content. It still sounds pleasantly spacious and open, but delivers dialogue with greater focus and cohesion while maintaining good weight and scale.

Ultimately, while even a modest dedicated soundbar will comfortably outperform it, the UR9’s audio system is better than that of most TVs, even at this lofty level.

Verdict

In several ways, the Hisense UR9 is one of the best backlit TVs we have ever tested.

Most of the time, you’re not even made aware that it is a backlit TV, so good are its black levels, its control of blooming and its consistent, flicker-free contrast.

While it is possible to trip up the backlight, it’s quite hard to do so, and many buyers may never see an unsightly bloom in their period of UR9 ownership.

But while this first mainstream RGB Mini LED TV is broadly mercifully free of the flaws that generally afflict backlit TVs, it still can’t match the overall picture quality of the best OLED models.

The pixel-level contrast control of OLED brings benefits in several areas. There are the notably brighter highlights on very dark backgrounds that even accomplished backlit sets, such as the UR9, are too cautious to go all guns blazing with for fear of blooming. There are the almost flawless viewing angles, too, which the UR9 is a long way from matching.

The biggest thing, though, is the generally more solid, more perceptually three-dimensional image that OLED provides. Next to the Bravia 8 II, the Hisense UR9 simply looks flatter, less dynamic and less impactful.

Ultimately, as enjoyable and technically impressive as the UR9 is, we can’t think of a good reason you would buy it over a flagship-grade OLED, and that’s the level at which Hisense is pitching it – at least in the UK.

Of course, if you are someone who has a flagship-level budget for their next TV and a general aversion to OLED, the Hisense UR9 should be right around the top of your list.

If you’re a UK buyer, it’s probably a good idea to wait and see if we get a massive US-style discount before placing an order, though.

SCORES

• Picture 4
• Sound 4
• Features 4

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

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Apple’s AirPods with built-in cameras have hit a major milestone, according to a new report.

The prototypes now “feature a near-final design and capabilities” according to Bloomberg. So they could launch very soon.

And what capabilities they might have! Each earbud is said to feature a camera, though sadly these won’t be used for any audio-related features. Instead, they are said to serve as AI assistant Siri’s eyes, similar to the Visual Intelligence feature on an iPhone.

So you could look at a series of ingredients and ask Siri to suggest a recipe. Or the earbuds could ‘see’ nearby landmarks to provide more accurate turn-by-turn directions.

Presumably the cameras would be forwards-facing. Otherwise they might be quite awkward to use.

Apparently these AirPods will have longer stems in order to accommodate the cameras. Otherwise they should look the same as current models such as the AirPods Pro 3.

Apple was reportedly hoping to launch the new AirPods in the first half of this year, but that has slipped due to delays to its next-gen Siri. This model has been in development for four years.

Adding cameras is an exciting development, and a major change to the AirPods and wireless earbuds in general. Hopefully Apple can find a way to use the technology to improve sound quality – maybe by detecting your surroundings and adjusting the active noise cancellation appropriately.

What features would you like to see from the next AirPods? Let us know in the comments.

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The best AirPods without a camera

The best AirPods alternatives, also without cameras

My AirPods hurt my ears, until this simple change fixed everything – and it's not adding a camera

This week, one of the hot-button topics among audiophiles and general music fans has, without a doubt, been Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music, suggesting “most people” can’t hear the difference with lossless audio.

Why do we say this, on what to many may be a seemingly innocuous claim? I mean, how many people even know what lossless audio is, right?

The Apple high-up made the suggestion while appearing on Billboard's On The Record podcast. And we know it’s a hot-button topic, because you, our loyal readers, have since flooded the site, plus our forums and social media pages with comments.

And to be fair to Apple, a small number have agreed, like commenter “Luke Vesty”, who bluntly wrote, “It's not a controversial statement at all. It's fact.”

There was also “audiofilish”, who jibed, “audiophiles are a funny lot,” for caring about something as silly as lossless.

But most, especially those of you identifying as serious music fans or audiophiles, had a very different take.

Audiophiles (not) at a loss for words

Instead, many of you were quick to point out that you can definitely hear the difference between lossless, especially when playing music on “proper hi-fi”.

This was quite bluntly stated by “abebogere”, who wrote: “If you are using Apple products for audio, you certainly cannot tell the difference. On an actual audio system, you can.”

Then “Judas Shuffle” added: “I think most people haven't heard good quality audio. Once you [have] had a really good pizza, you want more.”

Finally, commenter “Erlend” added that, while he believes there is a difference, it’s one that “normal” people won’t really understand until they experience it first-hand.

“If you are passionate about music and an experienced listener, I firmly believe anyone can hear the difference on good equipment,” wrote Erlend.

“I know that I can. It’s not just about new details in the treble or definition of the bass. It’s also about the sense of air, room, timbre and placement of voices and instruments. It often comes more alive and gives you the feeling of being present with the musicians. Like someone removed a veil.”

But, there is some truth to it if…

While not everyone agreed on the dig at Apple products specifically, nearly all of you agreed with Erlend's point that you need decent hardware if you want to hear the difference, which is why so many don't "get" the difference, even at an academic level.

Commenter “Andy” summed this up writing: “[Most] people don't listen on gear that allows them to hear the difference, and also they only listen as background music. There is no point paying for high definition if your equipment can't transpose that. People understand that with TV/video, but for some reason don't get it when it comes to audio.”

Reader “sbrain111” then mirrored his sentiment, arguing: “I tend to agree that for most people, listening with headphones in the street or with Bluetooth or with most speakers, they won't hear much of a difference. Equipment where there is so much signal processing going on, I wonder if it makes a difference to listen to hi-res lossless. I only hear a difference when playing on my home hi-fi set-up, which is only mid-range.”

Our hot take

We agree that lossless does make a difference, but also that the amount of gains you experience will be dependent on a variety of factors.

These range from the hardware you’re using to play the music to the specific music you’re listening to. As we said in our best punk rock songs guide, if the song was badly recorded, there’s only so much technology can do to polish it.

But, equally, as famously said by our technical editor, Ketan Bharadia, music is there to be enjoyed and if you can’t hear the difference, “in some ways you’re lucky, as you’ve likely saved yourself a lot of money”.

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If you’re getting into hi-fi for the first time, it can be a very daunting – and expensive – prospect.

Luckily, What Hi-Fi? is here to help. We have rounded up some of the very best entry-level and budget hi-fi products around, so you can get a full setup without breaking the bank.

There’s a mix of everything here, whether you prefer a turntable, CD player or music streamer as your source or if you would rather go all in on a microsystem.

And as always, these are all products we have reviewed and rated ourselves. We don’t give free passes just for being at the budget end, so each product below represents tremendous value for money and boasts impressive performance despite a low price.

Take a look at our selection below – and keep scrolling to see why we like some of these products so much.

If you need a bit more of an explainer on some of the products above, we’re happy to oblige.

The Triangle AIO Twin is a talented, versatile and great-sounding all-in-one system, meaning that amplification, connectivity, streaming and more all fit into one speaker-shaped package. They may cost a bit more than the other items on this list, but they will save you from having to buy several different boxes, and they are currently on sale, too.

The Dali Kupid bookshelf speakers are a great choice if you’re starting small, offering dynamic, detailed and punchy sound out of a space-friendly compact form.

While you might not guess from the name, the WiiM Pro Plus is in fact a music streamer – our favourite budget music streamer to be precise. You would have to pay far more to do better than this charming black box, which offers a poised and accomplished sound, a surprisingly well-executed control app and simple setup and operation.

The Sony PS-LX3BT is a relatively new release, but it has quickly become one of our favourite budget Bluetooth turntables. With its robust, well-organised sound, built-in phono stage and Bluetooth connectivity, it’s an affordable and effective entry point into vinyl.

If you're not fussed about Bluetooth, then the Pro-Ject Primary E has nailed the purist entry-level turntable market. Easy to set up and use with an enjoyable presentation, the Primary E will be remembered as a beloved first turntable by many.

The Marantz CD6007 CD player offers class-leading insight, a dramatic presentation and an excellent build and finish. It’s no spring chicken, but this is still the best affordable CD player out there.

The Rega Fono MM was our go-to recommendation for the best phono preamplifier for some time, and the revised Rega Fono MM Mk5 remains our favourite affordable option thanks to a cohesive, lively and musical performance.

The Onkyo GX-30ARC are powered desktop speakers that do a little bit of everything, including Bluetooth, with a moving-magnet phono stage and HDMI ARC. All within a compact, affordable package.

For a stand-out budget amplifier, you'd be remiss to overlook the Rotel A8. It's a fuss-free, well-built product that sets an enviable standard for sound quality at this level.

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Need expert advice? Here's how to build the perfect hi-fi system

Our pick of the best hi-fi systems

Our pick of the very best speakers

We have been testing audio products for close to 50 years, and while the AirPods Pro 2 were the first Apple buds to get a five-star rating from us, their successor upped the game once again.

Despite Apple being a notoriously discount-light brand, you can now grab the flagship Apple AirPods Pro 3 for just $199 at Amazon.

These are among the best wireless earbuds we have tested, taking what we loved about their predecessors and building on it in several ways.

If you’re already an Apple user and want the best buds made by the brand, these are a bit of a no-brainer – especially at this price.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are real box tickers with small improvements across the board over their predecessors, from ANC to sound quality, all adding up. We weren't sure how Apple was going to top the performance of the AirPods Pro 2, but it somehow managed it.

More evolution than revolution, the design has had a tweak with each earpiece smaller than the Pro 2, with the eartip's nozzle angled to point more towards your ear canal.

The tips also come in five different sizes, which all helps when trying to find the best fit. They are a touch thicker and firmer, too, for your ultimate comfort combo.

Features on the earbuds stems have also been carried over from the Pro 2. That includes codec support that is limited to SBC and AAC, but this isn't the end of the world.

And while you will get eight hours of battery life on a single charge, which is good for a pair of buds that does so much, power from the case has dropped from 30 hours on the Pro 2 to 24 hours on the Pro 3.

Our expert testers were quickly distracted by the quality of the Pro 3's noise-cancelling, saying: “We took the Pro 3 with us on a trip to France, and found that they shave off a greater amount of mid and low-frequency noise during the flight. The deep rumble of the airplane’s engine noise was damped down further than when listened to through the Pro 2, while the general chatter from people and announcements from the pilot were quieter through the new earbuds on full ANC mode.”

The Pro 3 also feature a revamped ‘multiport acoustic architecture’, which promises more precise airflow control to deliver greater bass and a wider soundstage.

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

Sonically, they are up there with the very best. If you’re already an Apple user, you might be looking to invest or considering an upgrade – and what better time than when there's a discount (which, in Apple's world, can be few and far between)? Grab them now for just $199 at Amazon.

MORE:

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy

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

It's April, which means several things: it's officially spring, the sun is (mostly) out and we're in peak marathon season.

But whether you're taking part in a full-on race, running in the local park or just getting a few steps in on the treadmill, you're likely to want a little musical motivation to help you on your way.

And that's where sports headphones come in – earbuds that excel during exercise due to their snug fit, sweatproof credentials or strong noise cancellation.

We've rounded up a few of our favourites below, which have all been reviewed and rated by our expert testing team – quite literally put through their paces, if you will.

So without further ado, here are some earbuds set to get both the music and adrenaline flowing.

There's quite a mix of earbuds, including several What Hi-Fi? favourites. All of the above models are great for running, though each have their own unique strengths.

The Sony WF-C710N are great all-rounders, hitting the sweet spot between a low price and great performance. They're very comfortable for extended runs, boast responsive touch controls and have a solid eight and a half hours of battery life. They're also the cheapest ANC headphones we recommend, should you wish to block outside distractions.

If you take your ANC seriously, however, you might want to consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen). Noise cancelling is typically excellent as we'd expect from Bose buds, but the premium pair will also work well as everyday buds thanks to high comfort levels, six hours of battery life and aptX Adaptive support. They're also now at their lowest ever price of £249.

For a proper sports-focused design, you might want to opt for the stylish Beats Fit Pro. The innovative wingtip design provides a snug, secure fit no matter how bumpy your run gets, with six hours of battery life and an IPX4 waterproof rating to boot.

For a mid-range option, the five-star JBL Live Pro 2 TWS pack in great sound quality and plenty of useful features without having to stretch to premium prices. They have a solid IPX5 water resistance, ANC and a user-friendly control app to optimise your audio.

We're sure the Apple AirPods Pro 3 need no introduction. Especially for anyone with an iOS device, the AirPods Pro 3 are bursting with features, including a new heart rate sensor to track health and workout stats. Sound is spacious, powerful and dynamic, and the IP57 water and dust resistance rating is the highest on this list.

Finally, the Sony Linkbuds Fit offer in-ear tips which nestle under the ear’s inner ridge for security and stability when running. Together with a small size and weight they really do make for an easy fit, and are stuffed with features such as noise cancellation, head tracking and customisation via the Sony Connect app. Get them now at the lowest price we've seen.

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7 crucial things to consider before buying running headphones

We tested the best running headphones and wireless earbuds

Check out the best wireless earbuds: top pairs tested by our reviewers

Another week, another round of tempting TV, AV and hi-fi deals carefully curated by our expert team of product reviewers and deal hunters.

We've tracked down an eye-catching selection this week, which includes a sprinkling of five-star products from some of the biggest names in the business, including xyz, and many more.

See below for the full list and rundown of why some of these products should be on your shopping list.

We think you'll agree there's something for everyone here and we've picked out our highlights below...

Wired headphones appear to be coming back into fashion, so the deal we've found on the Award-winning Røde NTH-100 is well timed. They deliver a mature, revealing sound for not a lot of money, and they are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions.

Just in time for Record Store Day 2026 we've found a deal on a turntable that's only just passed through our test rooms. Fresh from a five-star review, the Sony PS-LX3BT is a great first deck for anyone looking to experience the format. It's a fully automatic design and also boasts Bluetooth connectivity if you just want to play through a wireless speaker or headphones.

Big-screen TVs are all the rage, but there's still plenty to be said for great sets under 50 inches, as is the case with the LG OLED42C5. This 42-inch set can be yours for a great price now that LG's C6 series has launched, which makes it fantastic value for money.

Next up is a five-star desktop speaker system from Onkyo. The GX-30ARC is a talented set-up that boasts impressive sound quality, excellent flexibility and all for a very reasonable price. The USB-C and HDMI connectivity means it can give your TV or your PC's sound a major boost.

If you're an iPhone, iPad or Mac user, the AirPods Pro 3 wireless earbuds are an obvious choice, especially at their discounted price. In typical Apple fashion, they deliver a wonderful user experience, but they also boast excellent active noise cancelling, and they are also a delight to listen to.

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Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy

And the best OLED TVs for all budgets

Interested in vinyl? Here are the best turntables we've tested

Here at What Hi-Fi?, we love turntables and vinyl.

There’s something about the physical process of setting up your record player that streaming can’t quite match.

However, this physical process does require a bit of care, cleaning and extra add-ons every once in a while.

So, with Record Store Day 2026 upon us, we thought it fitting to round up some of our favourite vinyl and turntable accessories.

We’ve got everything here from Award-winning phono stages such as the Rega Fono MM Mk5, some of the best cartridges on the market, as well as everything from record weights to vinyl cleaners to storage units.

There’s a lot out there to jazz up your setup – just take a look:

Regardless of whether you're an Apple fan or iPhone user, the AirPods Pro 3 are among the best wireless earbuds you can buy.

Not only are they great to listen to, but they're also great to use and a great addition to anyone already immersed in Apple's product ecosystem.

The only downside to Apple products, though, is that discounts can be notoriously difficult to come by.

Until now, that is. The current generation AirPods Pro 3 are available for their lowest-ever price of £189 at Amazon, beating their previous low of £197.

That's a 14 per cent saving compared to the £219 we originally tested them at back in January. If you're still sitting on a pair of the original AirPods Pro, we think now could be the perfect time to upgrade.

The AirPods Pro 3 tick a lot of boxes. Their noise-cancelling is amongst the most effective on the market – they manage to block out a good chunk of external mid and low-range frequencies, aided by their ultra-low-noise microphones and foam-infused eartips.

The tips come in five different sizes, which comes in handy when trying to get a good fit. Environmental noises are kept quiet, and the buds do a good job of taking the edge off sudden loud spikes, too.

The Pro 3 feature a revamped ‘multiport acoustic architecture’ compared to the Pro 2, which promises more precise airflow control to deliver greater bass and a wider soundstage.

And they backed these claims up during testing. In our AirPods Pro 3 review, we said, “It only takes a few minutes of comparisons to discover that the AirPods Pro 3 take a sonic step forward in every way, too. The Pro 3 sound clearer and more detailed; they are more spacious-sounding and more dynamic, too.”

“Tonally, the AirPods Pro 3 have a well-judged balance that ensures no frequency sticks out unduly, nor does it sound too smoothed-over at the expense of subtlety.”

Battery life is eight hours from a single charge with ANC on, which is competitive enough in this class. Add the wireless charging case to the equation, and you get a total battery life of 24 hours.

Long-term AirPods features such as conversation mode and head-gesture controls remain as slick as ever; they are joined by some new offerings, such as a heart-rate sensor and an improved IP57 water resistance.

If you own an iPhone or other iOS device, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 make a lot of sense and come highly recommended by our review team, especially at their new record-low price of £189 at Amazon.

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Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy

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

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

Soundbars and soundbar systems with subwoofers and surround speakers are pretty great home cinema sound solutions. But, however well they perform, they aren’t the real deal.

To get serious home cinema sound, in a dedicated space, it is still very much the case that a full separates system has to be the way to go.

By that, we mean a (necessarily) expensive true 4K projector, backed up by a top Blu-ray player and video streamer, and a sound system comprising a hefty AV amplifier and separate loudspeakers.

Which – who would have thought it? – is what we have for you here. This is a premium home cinema system intended for the serious enthusiast and housed as a permanent fixture in a dedicated screening room.

The one we have all been secretly yearning for, in other words.

The system

• Projector: Sony Bravia Projector 8 (£15,999)
• Blu-ray player: Panasonic DP-UB9000 (£999)
• Streaming box: Apple TV 4K (£149)
• AV amplifier: Marantz Cinema 30 (£3499)
• Speaker system: KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 (£2549)
• Total system price: £23,995

The projector

We lead things off with the magnificent Sony Bravia Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES). This native 4K laser projector is a worthy successor to the Award-winning XW7000ES.

Sony’s strength with its projectors has always been contrast, and the Bravia 8 is exceptional in this regard.

It delivers stunning black depth – a rarity in the projector world – and ensures that dark scenes, such as the night sky of Gotham in The Batman, are deep and imposing, and refrain from straying into the murky grey seen on many rivals – even some at this price.

The new XR Processor, a version modified from Sony’s high-end OLED TVs, brings features such as XR Dynamic Tone Mapping and XR Deep Black to further enhance light control and detail.

Detail levels are a standout, presenting complex patterns and textures with remarkable fidelity. Colour rendition, too, is superb.

As we say in our review: “skin tones are balanced and well-judged, resulting in a lively yet not overcooked presentation across a range of pigments.

"They’re exceptionally balanced and realistic, too, while also having the necessary punch to draw the eye.

"Speaking of which, the eye at the beginning of Blade Runner 2049 features a stunning array of blues and greens, with a rich presentation that blends the colours in a smooth gradient.”

This projector is great for gamers too, with an improved 2.1 specification on both HDMI sockets. It supports 4K/120Hz signals with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and it has an impressively low input lag of 12ms.

This is truly a projector that delivers on the promise of a premium, large-screen experience.

The AV amplifier

At the heart of any great home cinema is an AV receiver capable of both refinement and brute force, and the Marantz Cinema 30 delivers in spades. This is a premium unit that justifies its price with an equally premium performance.

The amp’s ability to place sounds precisely in three-dimensional space combines with a knack for producing an absolutely huge and enveloping soundscape.

Detailed sound effects – crumbling plaster, dripping water, an electrical short and a high-pitched alarm – appear from all around you and together fill the room. Importantly, you hear the sounds, not the speakers.

Marantz has tuned this 11-channel amplifier to work beautifully with music as well as movies. A switch to Pure Direct means we can listen to just the front stereo channels, and the delivery is far superior to most AV amplifiers.

It’s quite likely that in a set-up such as this, the amplifier will be hidden away, to do its thing out of sight. If it does find itself out on display, however, this is a rather attractive unit by AV amp standards, with its small ‘porthole’ display.

More importantly, it is very well specified, with a whopping seven HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K/120Hz. It would be nigh-on impossible for even the most ardent enthusiast to run out of sockets to plug things into.

The speaker system

And making the most of the Marantz amplifier’s impressive abilities, we have the Award-winning KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System.

This stylish package is headlined by a pair of five-star Q Concerto Meta standmounts, with support from the Q1 Meta surrounds, the Q6 Meta centre channel, and the formidable Kube 12 MIE subwoofer.

For the full Dolby Atmos experience, a couple of pairs of KEF Q8 Meta Dolby ‘toppers’ will set you back an additional £599 a pair. And in this system, that is certainly a worthwhile investment.

We’re treated to a muscular and rich, yet agile presentation from the Q Concerto Meta system.

This system sounds big and bold, enveloping us in engaging sound from all angles, but it refrains from losing focus and becoming sluggish as a result.

There is plenty of low-end punch, with the subwoofer delivering its gut-punch of low end while remaining in total control. And there’s no flab or waffle here; the KEF Kube 12 MIE delivers a powerful and dynamic low-end kick.

Voices are conveyed with clarity and texture, underpinned by an impressive handling of low-level dynamics. This results in a truly natural and realistic representation of voices with excellent projection, which is aided by how forthright and crisp this centre channel sounds.

It manages to remain well integrated into the system as a whole while it does it, which is impressive indeed. The left, right and centre speakers mesh seamlessly, and these in turn gel with the surrounds, leaving no noticeable gaps in between the channels.

The system’s brilliance, then, lies in its stunning sonic cohesion.

The Blu-ray player

To make the best of the superb projector and the powerhouse (yet subtle when appropriate) sonic package, you will need the best when it comes to sources to feed it.

As ever, we recommend physical media for this whenever possible – a wired connection will pretty much always provide a more stable connection than anything being passed through the air.

That means 4K Blu-ray. Enter the Panasonic DP-UB9000.

The Blu-ray player market has struggled over the past five years or so, with the dominance of video streaming. New players into the market are few and far between. So it’s a good job that the old-timers that are still hanging around are such stunning performers.

The UB9000 offers supreme picture quality, and is a machine that will give sterling service for many years.

The streaming box

It is unrealistic to expect any home cinema to rely on physical media alone, though. Video streaming is here to stay, and picture quality is improving all the time.

The very best, most consistent quality, though, comes from Apple’s remarkably good Apple TV 4K.

We find it to be clearly the best performer compared with its many rivals – which is why it so merits its place in this brilliant home-cinema set-up.

These are the best projectors and best AV receivers you can buy right now

We rank the best surround sound systems

You'll be hard pushed to find a discount on AirPods at the best of times, but for some reason now is the perfect opportunity.

Dropping to just £194 at Amazon, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to their lowest-ever price.

This is excellent news considering they're our top pick for AirPods and amongst the best wireless earbuds we've ever tested.

So, why not grab a lovely little saving in exchange for a brilliant all-round performer boasting natural ANC and great sonic balance?

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a step up from their already-impressive predecessors, the AirPods Pro 2, boasting small improvements across the board.

From ANC to sound quality, it all adds up making a well-balanced, enjoyable and intuitive pair of premium wireless earbuds.

One of the biggest upgrades our expert testers raved about is the active noise-cancelling abilities, despite sticking with the same H2 chip as before.

Instead, Apple's engineers have employed new ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and new foam-infused ear tips to offer twice the noise-cancelling capability than the Pro 2 buds.

Which led our team to say: "We took the Pro 3 with us on a trip to France, and found that they shave off a greater amount of mid and low frequency noise during the flight.

"The deep rumble of the airplane’s engine noise was damped down further than when listened through the Pro 2, while the general chatter from people and announcements from the pilot were quieter through the new earbuds on full ANC mode."

The other major improvement to the Pro 3 is their sound quality with a completely revamped 'multiport acoustic architecture', along with a custom driver and amplifier working with the H2 chip to produce a more precise airflow control to deliver greater bass and a wider soundstage.

In testing, our experts said: "Pop the AirPods Pro 3 in, and we’re met with that very familiar Apple sonic character. Some of us on the review team have been using the AirPods Pro 2 for about three years regularly, and we are greeted with a continuation of that well-balanced presentation that knits music together cohesively and delivers voices with clarity and sweetness."

Feature-wise, the spec sheet is impressive. Eight hours of battery life on a single charge, 24 hours with the case (though a disappointing drop from 30 hours on the Pro 2).

But all the usual big hitters are there from spatial audio to hearing health features, as well as conversation mode, various noise-cancelling modes, and head gesture controls to reject calls.

There are also some handy new features, such as a heart rate sensor to track health and workout stats and an improved IP57 water resistance (up from IP54), which means greater protection from rain, sweat, splashes, or even a full dunk in water.

If you're an Apple user and want the best wireless earbuds made by the brand, we'd say the AirPods Pro 3 are a bit of a no-brainer. And dropping to their lowest-ever price of just £194 at Amazon, it makes it an even easier recommendation.

MORE:

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

Check out the best wireless earbuds: top pairs tested by our review team

And the best AirPods: Apple's wireless headphones ranked and rated

1976 was a big year for music. Joy Division formed after seeing the Sex Pistols play at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall; Phil Collins took over vocal duties in Genesis after the departure of Peter Gabriel; and the Eagles released Hotel California.

But it was the formation of Apple in the north of said state that might just have had the biggest impact of the lot.

Its founders, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, originally called it Apple Computer Company (amended slightly to simply Apple Computer, Inc a year later) and for the first 25 years of its existence in Cupertino, California, that name was more than suitable.

The company’s focus was on PC alternatives such as the Macintosh, iMac and Powerbook, but in October 2001 Apple revealed a product that would change everything: the iPod.

The thin white jukebox

The launch of the iPod didn’t just turn Apple into a household name, it started a process that would eventually touch almost every part of the way we listen to music.

Portable music was nothing new – the Sony Walkman had been around for more than 20 years by this point – and the iPod wasn’t even the first digital music player.

But Apple rarely innovates in that way, preferring to let others test the water and then swoop in with a more finessed version of a product that appeals to the masses rather than just early adopters.

And appeal to the masses is exactly what the iPod did, selling around 70 million units worldwide in the first five years after its introduction.

Unlike its main early rival, Creative's DAP Jukebox, the iPod was genuinely pocketable, and the wheel-based navigation made scrolling through the 1000-odd songs that its 5GB hard drive could hold an absolute joy.

The What Hi-Fi? review in the February 2002 issue of the magazine called it: “A delightful, simple device that looks and sounds the business.”

Tech companies such as Griffin and Logitech soon saw a gap in the market and began to produce small speaker systems that allowed iPod owners to 'dock' their thin white jukeboxes, but they were invariably cheap and plasticky with sonic performance to match.

Apple introduced their own version in 2006, but the iPod Hi-Fi was only hi-fi in name.

The What Hi-Fi? three-star review couldn’t fault how loud it went, but its uninspiring design and lack of detail, pace and refinement meant that Steve Jobs’ declaration that he was replacing his stereo with one seemed disingenuous at best, particularly considering he claimed to be an audiophile.

Fortunately, genuine audiophiles didn’t have to wait long before something more worthy of the tag came along. Bowers & Wilkins introduced the Zeppelin in 2007, when premium-priced iPod docks were practically unheard of, and while it wasn’t perfect it proved that Apple’s portable music player had a place in home hi-fi setups.

In iTune and on time

It wasn’t just the iPod’s hardware that would be influential. A couple of years before its debut, Napster had arrived on the scene and sent the music industry into disarray by allowing people to share songs online for free.

Record labels struggled to cope with the sudden drop-off in CD sales, but Apple was already working on a solution. It launched the iTunes Store in January 2001 and suddenly gave music lovers a way to download tunes without breaking the law.

As well as legitimising digital downloads, the iTunes Store helped to change how people listened to music. People could now buy individual tracks even if they hadn’t been released as singles and gradually the importance of the album started to diminish.

As people filled their hard drives with collections of digital files they began to look for ways to play them that didn’t involve the tinny little speakers that came with their computers.

2003 saw the release of Roku’s SoundBridge streamers, which could be used to play digital music from an iTunes library through a connected hi-fi system, and in 2004 Apple introduced AirTunes – a precursor to AirPlay that allowed streaming over a Wi-Fi network.

It didn’t take too long for ‘proper’ hi-fi brands to get involved either. Linn and Naim were relatively quick to board the bandwagon, with the former’s Klimax DS arriving in 2007 and the latter’s Uniti, which combined streaming skills with a high-end CD player and amp, winning our System Product of the Year award in 2009.

With the arrival of the iPhone in 2007, and the launch of Spotify a year later, the era of music streaming had well and truly begun.

Today, it's rare to find an audio product that can’t stream, hence the popularity of products like the WiiM Ultra, Cambridge Audio MXN10 and Naim Uniti Atom, and it explains why NAD launched a version of its NAD C 3050 amplifier with an optional MDC2 BluOS-D module.

Despite the enduring appeal of CD and vinyl for some of us, it's clear that streaming music won over the masses and for most people downloads, let alone discs, are a distant memory. And once again, it's easy to trace this shift back to Apple.

RIP headphone ports

Those 19 years since the launch of the iPhone have been transformative from a technology point of view, but design-wise things have become rather homogenised – and to some extent that’s Apple’s fault.

The company’s influence can be seen almost everywhere. Its less-is-more approach has been adopted by countless other brands; Mac-like brushed metal finishes have been de rigueur for years; and slick touchscreen navigation is often preferred to physical controls (although with smartphone apps now often the main method of interaction, those days are probably numbered).

It’s all part of a shift towards products that people want to have on display rather than tucked away out of sight, which can probably be traced back to the original translucent iMac in 1998 – an all-in-one computer that was a genuine object of desire rather than something purely functional.

Back then most headphones you could buy were black, but during the development of the iPod Apple decided to make the buds that came in the box white to match. It was a stroke of marketing genius (albeit one that was largely accidental) that created a new status symbol almost overnight and made the type of headphones you wear a fashion statement.

Other brands suddenly started adding white headphones to their ranges so that even those who didn’t own Apple products could feel part of the crowd. In fact, there’s a strong case to be made that the headphone industry wouldn’t be as massive as it is right now without that simple decision to invert the colour.

Not all of Apple’s decisions regarding headphones have been quite so well received, but while its removal of the 3.5mm port from the iPhone 7 annoyed a lot of people at the time, it seems pretty prescient 10 years later.

Wired headphones are now largely reserved for serious home listening (and influencers), and Apple’s own AirPods wireless earbuds, which it launched at the same time as the iPhone 7, are everywhere.

Of course, for sonic purists many of these developments are not seen as improvements because they often come at the expense of sound quality, or are seen in some way to dilute the fundamentals of the hi-fi hobby.

Apple’s next move is unlikely to change that, particularly if it turns out to be a new screen-toting version of the HomePod, but there’s no denying that its influence has made hi-fi and audio products more accessible, more user-friendly, and more fashionable. Not bad for a computer company.

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Six years is more than a lifetime in the fast-paced, ruthless wireless headphones market. Ever since the original AirPods Max over-ear headphones opened the floodgates to a new realm of very premium wireless headphones, we’ve had similarly (and often more) pricey models from hi-fi brands Bowers & Wilkins, Dali, Focal and T+A, while Bose, Sony and Sennheiser have upped their prices and raised standards with every generation.

Six years on, and we finally have the AirPods Max 2. This second-generation model features Apple’s latest H2 chip, promising improvements to sound quality, ANC and plenty of new features. But many elements – the design, the case, the battery life, even the price – remain the same. Is it enough for Apple’s luxury wireless headphones to keep up with the competition?

Price

There’s some good news: the Apple AirPods Max 2 are yours for £499 / $549 / AU$999 – the very same price the originals have been for the past few years.

In the UK, the original Lightning connector-equipped model from 2020 cost £549, but that price dropped to £499 when the AirPods Max with USB-C connector was launched in 2024, along with a new suite of colours that are also repeated for the Max 2. Conversely, the price has gone up in Australia (originally it launched at AU$899) where there has been no change in price for US customers.

That’s quite a nice place for the AirPods Max 2 to be, although it’s still a fair bit pricier than the trio of ‘mainstream’ class leaders in this market. Sony’s excellent all-rounder WH-1000XM6 launched at £400 / $450 / AU$699, the superb-sounding Sennheiser HDB 630 are yours for £400 / $500 / AU$1000, while you can get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 for around £450 / $449 / AU$700.

There are pricier models than the Max 2 from the more niche hi-fi crowd that prioritise sound quality, including the Focal Bathys (£699 / $799 / AU$1199), the Dali iO-8 (£499 / $900 / AU$999), and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (£629 / $799 / AU$1299). Apple isn’t short of competition in this field it helped create, essentially.

Build, design & comfort

If you’ll be shelling out £500 / $500 for these Apple headphones, you certainly won’t be disappointed in the slightest in terms of build quality.

The AirPods Max 2 look and feel as premium as they did in 2020. The anodised aluminium earcups, the stainless steel headband and memory foam earcups all exude a high level of luxury. The hinges, telescopic arms and buttons are all beautifully made and finished to precision.

The knitted mesh “canopy” for the headband helps to distribute weight evenly across the head. The clamping pressure is nicely judged, too, with the earcups pivoting just enough to fit snugly around our ears. Although, we wish we could adjust the headband to go even smaller to accommodate a greater variety of head shapes.

That ‘digital crown’ dial on the right earcup for controlling music playback and volume remains a delight to use, with volume adjustments made with subtlety. Another button handles the noise-cancelling modes, while a USB-C port takes care of charging and wired lossless playback.

The memory foam ear cushions are roomy and comfortable, with a mesh textile cover that keeps things breathable and prevents overheating over long listening sessions. You can snap off the ear cushions and replace them (for £75 / $69 / AU$99) if they get worn or dirty over time.

Those large earcups do lend the AirPods Max 2 their recognisable silhouette, and we can understand why Apple didn’t want to change the design formula. Yes, it’s the exact same design as before, with the exact same dimensions and weight. And at 386g, these headphones are quite heavy.

The weight of those large metal earcups can press on your ears before long, and while they’re never uncomfortable on the head, taking them off feels like a relief to your ears. Those with smaller heads on our review team also kept having to nudge the headphones up so the earcups were centred on their ears, too.

The use of metal in the construction adds to their luxurious, premium feel, but it also means they can be a little cumbersome and less portable. While Sony and Sennheiser rivals may look less impressive due to their use of lighter plastic material, they are demonstrably more comfortable to wear over time, and are more portable too. The Sony and Bose headphones fold up like a ball, which is useful when carrying them around in your bag.

The Max 2 don’t fold at all, and yes, that silly case is back. Considering it received near-unanimous derision for its design and doesn’t even cover the headphones fully (which don’t have an official IP rating, so be careful of exposing them to dust, sweat and water), it’s surprising that Apple hasn’t tried to address this design in any way.

You can get third-party cases that cover the headphones fully, but note that those don’t have the one useful feature of the official Apple case: placing the Max 2 in the case puts them in an ultra-low standby mode that preserves the battery.

This is required as you can’t actually turn the AirPods Max 2 off anywhere on the headphones themselves (yes, another silly oversight), so you can’t chuck the case into a cupboard and ignore it forever.

Features

The big news with the AirPods Max 2 is that they are upgraded with Apple’s H2 chip, which brings with it a whole bunch of features and improvements. This H2 chip was first introduced in the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds in 2022, and has evolved since to provide many advanced, useful features we’ve encountered in the Pro 2 and latest five-star Pro 3 buds.

New features include Conversation Awareness (which automatically detects when you’re speaking to lower the volume of your music for a brief chat), Adaptive Audio (which adjusts noise-cancelling levels depending on your surroundings), next-gen Adaptive EQ (which optimises the sound to your head/ear shape and fit), personalised volume, and new Siri gesture controls (shake or nod your head to reject or accept a call). You also get the new live translation feature, which requires an iPhone 16 or newer with Apple Intelligence running on the latest iOS software.

All these features are iOS-only – no surprises there. Pairing the Max 2 with our iPhone and MacBook is smooth and seamless, as is using all the controls, features and switching between devices. Your feature set is limited to the basics when using an Android smartphone, but the pairing and responsiveness are still swift and easy.

Spatial audio with dynamic headtracking support returns and the effect, provided you’re listening to tracks that are mixed with care for spatial audio, is pretty convincing. As before, it also delivers an immersive sound when listening to 5.1/7.1 Dolby Atmos soundtracks via the Apple TV 4K streamer.

There is one major disappointment: battery life. At 20 hours, it’s not terrible, but it is lagging behind the competition now. Sony and Bose offer 30 hours with their current flagships, while Sennheiser HDB 630 doubles that at 60 hours (with ANC on). Just 20 hours in today’s demanding headphones landscape feels paltry, especially if you forget to shove the AirPods Max 2 into the case to stop it from depleting, as we often do.

Granted, all the new features do draw on more power, although Apple says the H2 chip is very efficient to make the most of the existing battery capacity. However, we wish that Apple had found a way to add a larger capacity battery in the sequel. A fast charge of five minutes does give you 1.5 hours of playtime, though, which is useful.

Bluetooth 5.3 is on board here, and as with all AirPods and iPhones, there is no hi-res codec support, with Apple opting to stick with the standard AAC and SBC codecs. It’s a bit of a shame as rivals now offer LDAC (Sony) or include a USB dongle (Sennheiser) to grant 24-bit aptX streams, even from an iPhone.

To get higher quality sound on AirPods Max 2, you’ll have to go wired. A USB-C to USB-C cable is included in the box, which you can plug into your MacBook or iPhone (or other compatible device) to play media in lossless quality up to 24-bit/48kHz. The sonic character remains the same when using USB-C, but you get a much cleaner, less noisy background, giving music more depth and stability compared with listening via Bluetooth.

Also, you’ll have to make sure the headphones have enough juice and are powered up, as wired mode won’t work if the battery is dead. For plugging in other audio devices, you’ll have to buy a 3.5mm to USB-C audio cable separately (Apple sells one officially for £39 / $39 / AU$65).

ANC & call quality

The original AirPods Max’s active noise cancelling abilities were pretty stellar, so have they improved any further with the sequel? Apple says the Max 2’s ANC is 1.5 times more effective than their predecessors, thanks to a combination of new computational audio algorithms and the more powerful H2 chip, while the eight-mic arrangement remains the same.

They’re certainly better than the first-gen Max at reducing noise across the frequency range, with noises such as the kitchen exhaust fan, running water and people talking around you reduced to a soft murmur.

We took a trip on the noisy London Underground and the AirPods Max 2, on full ANC mode, does a fine job of damping down the loud rumbles and screeches so they don’t intrude upon the music. The noise-cancelling effect is also quite natural and airy, and you’re never much aware of the processing going on each second.

They do occasionally let some midrange sounds through, such as the rush of air and the top end of screeching rails in the tunnels. Rivals such as Sony XM6 deliver an even more powerful effect throughout the frequency range, smoothing down those lower rumbles and midrange noises in particular until they are silky silent.

Overall, the Max 2 do a decent job at keeping environmental noise dimmed down, although if greater silence is a priority, we’d still point you towards the Bose or Sony flagships.

The Adaptive Audio and Transparency modes work well, too, offering a natural effect in both cases. We like that loud noise reduction is employed in these modes to keep sudden noisy spikes in check, while the subtle and dynamic way Adaptive Audio adapts to our surroundings, so we can remain aware of traffic while still fully enjoying the music, is excellent.

Sound

The AirPods Max 2 feature the same custom 40mm drivers in each cup as before, but are powered by a new high dynamic range amplifier – the very same one used in the AirPods Pro 3, in fact. Apple has also revised the DSP and updated the Adaptive EQ thanks to the greater bandwidth of the H2 chip.

Altogether, the new pair delivers that same, familiar sonic signature of the original Max headphones, while pushing things forward in terms of detail, precision, dynamics and weight – although 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.

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.

Apple does a fine job of balancing agile rhythms, sweeping dynamics and refined detail in a way that no element sticks out unduly. We do find that the top end is rolled off a touch here.

On the positive side, this lends itself well to the AirPods Max 2’s full-bodied and easy-to-listen-to presentation; on the other hand, it means that some of the crispness and bite to songs are softened, and lose a bit of impact overall. The brash, exciting dynamic upheavals in Fontaines D.C.’s Starburster sound a little restrained when we’d have liked to hear more attitude and attack.

That full-bodied tone does have its advantages when listening to the muscular, heavy riffs of Slipknot’s Duality, while that slam of deep, sudden bass that hits in The Dark Knight soundtrack’s Why So Serious after a tense build sounds very satisfying.

The sound isn’t a million miles away from the original Max’s character; we find that the gains in sound quality aren’t night and day. We wish Apple had pushed the boat out even further to make the differences between the two generations more substantial. We would also advise that the Max 2 need a fair few hours of running in to loosen up the dynamics, as they sound just a little constricted when fresh out of the box.

In comparison, the latest efforts from Sony and Sennheiser have made far greater strides in delivering more accurate, precise and more engaging sound quality in the intervening years. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are able to knit music together in a more rhythmically cohesive way, with clearer, crisper detail and greater subtlety to dynamics.

The five-star Sennheiser HDB 630 may sound a little more analytical, but they are more adept at unveiling greater textures to instruments, with voices and rhythms sounding that bit more natural and authentic.

Considering these rivals are less costly than the AirPods Max 2 as well, we wish Apple had made a bigger step forward in the second-generation model’s sound improvements.

Verdict

The AirPods Max 2 are as luxuriously designed as they were the first time around, and we imagine that smooth, balanced sound and intuitive experience will appeal to many, especially Apple die-hards with deep pockets.

The addition of those H2-enabled features is undoubtedly useful, but we wish Apple had addressed some of the more practical design concerns to make the headphones more portable and comfortable, as well as given the class leaders something to really worry about in terms of sound quality.

Let’s hope the next generation is a more revolutionary update – and that we won’t have to wait as long for it.

Review published: 31st March 2026

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Build 5
• Features 4

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“The chip by itself is not really the story. The H2 from a few years ago is not the H2 that we’re introducing into the AirPods Max 2 today, because it’s been enhanced with so much embedded firmware that has really enabled this growth of features across the years.”

Tim Millet, Vice President of Platform Architecture at Apple, is explaining how the brand's most powerful H2 silicon chip has been "purpose-built for audio application", and has evolved over the years, along with the challenges of implementing it into an over-ear design.

First introduced in 2022 with the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds, the H2 chip is now available for the first time in the new AirPods Max 2 over-ears. It's been the main focus of the second-generation model, as with that new chip comes plenty of advanced features such as Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and updated Adaptive EQ, as well as improvements to ANC and, of course, sound quality.

I've been using the AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 since their respective launches, and am familiar with many of these features – it seems almost strange that Apple's premium over-ears haven't had half of them until now. That they're finally available on the Max 2 is welcome news, especially to iOS fans.

But is it a simple matter of adding the same chip to the new headphones and calling it a day, or is there more going on beneath the surface to tailor the experience to the over-ear AirPods?

H2 chip: a constant evolution

The H2 also powers so many of the AirPods Max 2's features and performance; but these new additions and sound/ANC improvements aren't done in isolation.

As I speak to Tim Millet and Eric Treski, Apple's director of Audio Product Marketing, they both confirm that the various teams involved – the acoustic team, the hardware engineering, product engineering, software engineering, firmware teams – all work together, continually communicating to create and develop what they want to achieve in every headphone product.

That's possible thanks to the silicon base, which Millet says has "evolved and grown" from the first time we encountered it four years ago in the Pro 2.

"When we were imagining H2 many years ago," says Millet, "we appreciated that the team was going to be focused on this range of products, not just one product." And so the aim was to offer the acoustic team a rich platform that was extensible – one where new capabilities and functions could be added over the years.

"We really go down to the fundamentals," says Millet. "We go and sit down with the acoustic engineers and with our firmware engineers – the folks who live and breathe audio – and we try to figure out what are the essential tools [they] need to be able to deliver not only the short term version of what maybe your initial feature set might be, but how do we build an extensible platform on which you can build over time?"

Apple doesn't use off-the-shelf components or chips. The H2 chip is unique to Apple and custom-built for its products, with energy efficiency and the lowest possible latency being a big part of its architecture to offer a seamless experience.

On top of that, Treski says that in the AirPods, "the amplifiers, the drivers, the whole architecture system – all of that is custom-made. They're not taken off the shelf and pieced together – everything is purpose-built".

That's a very privileged position to be in compared with most of its rivals, meaning that Apple has full control and visibility over every element of its audio products, without having to rely on third-party suppliers.

Adapting H2 features from in-ears to over-ears design

In the AirPods Max 2, the H2 chip has allowed the brand's engineers the opportunity to tweak its existing features, and bring new ones in too. The 40mm custom drivers return, but powering them is a new high dynamic amplifier – the very same amplifier, Treski tells me, as the one used in the AirPods Pro 3.

Alongside that, the additional bandwidth of the H2 chip allowed Apple to deliver "next-generation" Adaptive EQ.

Adaptive EQ might be the secret, silent ingredient of AirPods. This always-on feature uses the inward-facing microphone to constantly adjust the frequency in real time (48,000 times a second, in fact) to optimise the sound to the wearer's ear shape and fit of the headphones/earbuds at all times.

We've experienced Adaptive EQ in the in-ear designs of the Pro 2 and Pro 3 buds before, so surely it's a matter of simply sticking the same feature onto the over-ears? Not quite.

Treski explains that in an in-ear product, that inward mic crucial for Adaptive ANC is much more directed into your ear canal and towards your eardrum, whereas on the over-ear Max 2, that mic sits much further out of your ear. The mic is situated in the centre of the earcups (in the Max 2), so even though it is pointed right at your ear, it's much further away.

“So there are advantages to having bigger headphones and bigger drivers and such, but at the same time, it’s really tricky for the algorithms to get Adaptive EQ to work very, very well with a mic that’s sitting so much further away," he says. “So that took a lot of effort and work in a different way than it would with an in-ear product.”

It's one of the many examples of where the advanced features made possible thanks to the H2 chip – but so far only experienced on in-ear models – have been tailored to the over-ear performance.

“Getting these many familiar features to function in this new form factor requires a level of specialisation across all the algorithms and firmware," says Millet. "So yes, it is the same piece of silicon, but really, by itself, it's nothing without adding on all the layering of audio expertise that was put into the algorithms."

ANC improvements had a surprise inspiration

Active noise cancellation and Adaptive Audio were other areas that had their challenges.

The AirPods Max 2 claim to offer 1.5 times more ANC than their predecessor (a number measured "across an average of all frequencies," says Treski) and that was made possible by the additional computational algorithms made available inside the H2 chip.

What's more, Treski says a lot of the learnings for improving ANC in the Max 2 came from a surprising place: the AirPods 4 with ANC.

"That product was insanely challenging to do, to get ANC that good in a product that doesn't have ear tips. And that was a massive undertaking and challenge for our acoustic engineering team... So all those learnings essentially contributed to AirPods Pro 3, and then applying that into AirPods Max as well."

One of my favourite AirPods Pro features in recent years has been Adaptive Audio, which adjusts the level of ANC according to your surroundings without compromising the sound quality of what you're listening to.

I've found the effect to be so natural that it's almost invisible in use – the shifts in noise modes are so subtly done that you can't hear or feel the seams, and it works a treat in daily use. That experience is repeated with the Max 2, where you're able to stay aware of your surroundings – on your commute, for instance – while still being able to enjoy the music being played.

“Being able to do that from a technical capability is more or less pretty straightforward," says Treski. "What's challenging to do, is to do that in a way that's enjoyable. What’s interesting about that is, even though the tuning and how you do it between the in-ear product and over-ear product is the same, what's so difficult about that is making sure that it's actually a good experience. Because we need to ensure that we're doing it in a way that's not annoying, and in a way that you would like."

There are rivals from Sony, Bose, Technics, Sennheiser and more that feature various different noise modes, especially Transparency or adaptive modes, but in my experience, none of them sounds quite as natural in their implementation as AirPods do.

While rivals might outdo the 'Pods in some areas, such as outright sound and ANC, the way Apple balances its sonic signature and deploys its noise modes so naturally is quite remarkable.

To me, it never sounds artificial or like it's working too hard – which is an accomplishment in its own right. It's gratifying to hear that, alongside the technical aspects, 'enjoyment' is high on Apple's list of priorities for headphones.

"A very balanced sound signature"

And what about sound quality? Apple has a stellar record in recent years of maintaining a similar sonic balance across its products, from the AirPods 4 with ANC to the AirPods Pro 3 buds, and even the AirPods Max over-ears.

“Ultimately, the goal is to find a very balanced sound signature that has very clear separation of frequencies, that’s enjoyable to listen to for all different types of media and (by) all different types of people,” says Treski.

Millet reinforces this statement by saying that his team's job is to create a flexible, programmable and adaptable platform that allows the acoustic and product teams to maintain that familial audio quality across the AirPods product range, and meet the big challenges across different form factors.

"I think Apple's silicon story is a really great secret weapon for us," says Millet.

"But there's no cheating on sound quality. You can’t stick a DSP in and go short on some other thing. It really does require careful engineering across the entire platform.”

Do the long-awaited second-generation Apple over-ear headphones live up to the hype? Read our AirPods Max 2 review to find out.

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Well, the day finally came. After months of speculation, rumours and mutterings on the grapevine, the Apple AirPods Max 2 wireless over-ears have officially landed, and they've got quite the shoes to fill.

The AirPods Max 2 headphones are one of the most anticipated sequels of recent memory – with the original launching in 2020, six years is more than a lifetime in this fast-moving market.

They've promised a whole raft of improvements to sound and ANC performance, plus fresh features, thanks to the inclusion of Apple's latest H2 chip.

Excitement abounds, but for all that excitement, it's hard not to also be a little disappointed at the hoped for changes that haven't materialised.

Apple describes the AirPods Max 2 as delivering "the ultimate over-ear listening experience" – those teased improvements will likely move things forward, but has the tech giant left a few blind spots which could hinder the success of its flagship wireless cans?

Excited: potentially better sound

This is, of course, the most important question to ask of the AirPods Max 2: how will they sound?

Not only do the Max 2 have to sound superior to their five-star predecessors, they also need to head off competition from the premium over-ears which have raised the sonic bar in the years since the original AirPods Max launched in 2020.

At this premium level, that includes the slightly cheaper Sony WH-1000XM6 (currently £329 / $400 / AU$699), the Dali IO-8 (currently £499 / $500 / AU$1000), and the benchmark-setting Sennheiser HDB 630 (£400 / $500 / AU$1000).

This means that the AirPods Max 2 seriously have their work cut out for them, and while the advanced H2 chip, the custom 40mm drivers and new high dynamic amplifier are promising a step-up in sound quality, it may not be enough.

Much as we like the clear, pristine and natural sound of the original over-ears, Apple must raise its game significantly if it's going to keep up with the competition that has moved on a lot in the last six years.

Don't believe us? Just take the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) as a case in point. The second-gen over-ears are better than their predecessors in every sonic sense, yet they missed out on a fifth star for sound for failing to keep up with flagship rivals from the likes of Sony, Dali and Sennheiser.

Apple has the resources and know-how to keep up, but it can't let complacency win the day. The much-anticipated Max 2 now house a new high dynamic range amplifier in pursuit of clearer, cleaner audio, while updated DSP and Adaptive EQ aims to improve sound quality even further.

We're testing the Max 2 very soon, so let's hope we hear significant improvement here.

Disappointed: same battery life as before

This feels like a bit of a shame. Apple's second-gen over-ears promise up to 20 hours of listening time from a single charge with noise cancelling on, which is identical to the figures boasted by the older model.

That's not a terrible number, but the original AirPods Max's battery life was never truly outstanding, and it's certainly an area we'd love to have seen improved – especially when rivals such as the Sony WH-1000XM6 (30 hours) and Sennheiser HDB 630 (60 hours) offer more hours.

While the more advanced H2 chip is more power-hungry, it still feels like a wasted opportunity that Apple decided to forego any bump in battery life.

Excited: improved noise cancelling

This could be a real ace up the Max 2's sleeve.

Active noise-cancellation has reportedly been given a significant boost thanks to the implementation of the H2 chip and revised audio algorithms, with Apple teasing ANC performance that’s "up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation".

Transparency mode, too, is claimed to sound more natural thanks to a newly optimised digital signal processing algorithm. Considering how good the transparency mode of the original Max was, it will be interesting to see how Apple plans to top that benchmark this time around.

There are also new Apple features on the menu to make noise cancelling the best it's ever been. Adaptive Audio, for instance, automatically adjusts levels of noise cancelling in response to environmental noise, something we've seen used to great effect on the Apple AirPods Pro 3 wireless earbuds.

The ANC of the outgoing AirPods Max was excellent, offering a natural yet highly effective experience in shutting out the outside world. Refining this performance and taking it to new heights could see the Max 2 take the fight to their noise-cancelling rivals from Sony and Bose.

Disappointed: that ridiculous case is back

Oh, that darned case. They just couldn't help themselves, could they?

We might be wrong, but we can't imagine that there was a huge clamour among even the most dedicated of Apple acolytes to see the return of the headphones' frankly ridiculous 'holster-style' carry case.

To quote from our original review: "Not only does it look daft, it doesn’t perform even the most basic function of a typical case, which is protecting the product contained within from knocks, scratches and dirt. The case doesn’t cover the headband or the tops or bottoms of the cups, so is only vaguely more protective than simply shoving them naked into your bag." That just about sums up our misgivings.

Apple has not heeded those warnings, and so the holster returns for the sequel, so we'd advise getting a third-party case if you want to keep your new headphones safe and sound. Just be aware that the official carry case does put your AirPods Max into a handy ultra-low-power mode that will preserve that battery life, something which you won't get from third-party providers.

It's also sad to note that the AirPods Max 2 don't fold away, either. Even Sony bowed to this customer demand and made its WH-1000XM6 foldable, which makes them more convenient for portable use, commutes and simply carrying them in your bag. Considering the AirPods Max 2 are fairly heavy premium designs, this would've been a nice update. But alas, no dice.

Excited: new and improved H2 features

The implementation of the H2 chip (an update from the original model's dated H1 chip) unlocks Apple's most up-to-date raft of features, many of which we've already experienced in the brand's recent AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 with ANC and Pro 3 earbuds.

These include Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts levels of noise cancelling in response to surrounding noise, and Apple's 'Live Translation' feature, which will transcribe conversations in real time for iOS users. We've already seen these features in the five-star AirPods Pro 3 earbuds, and are big fans of how adaptive audio adjusts our ANC experience effectively on the fly.

Other useful features have also transferred across from the newer generations of AirPods, including 'Conversation Mode', which automatically pauses your music when you start speaking or take your headphones off.

Voice calls should be better, too, as the new voice isolation tech promises to emphasise human speech while more effectively blocking out ambient noise during phone or video calls.

Apple also promises that Spatial Audio content will sound better than ever, with "improved localisation of instruments, more accurate bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs".

We found the spatial audio capacities of the outgoing AirPods Max cans to be superb in creating a virtual surround experience from 5.1, 7.1 and even Dolby Atmos content, so the idea of this already-excellent feature getting a boost has us desperate to give it a go. Movie night, anyone?

While we have a few misgivings, it's hard not to be excited about the arrival of the AirPods Max 2.

In the last few years, Apple has done a fine job in meeting expectations as overall standards of performance continue to rise, especially across its wireless earbuds.

Can the brand repeat that success in the over-ear category? The performance of premium rivals has improved significantly since the original AirPods Max were released, so the AirPods Max 2 certainly have their work cut out.

Still, the integration of that H2 chip, the updated acoustics and a premium design all point to a potentially impressive upgrade for the AirPods Max 2. Stay tuned for our full review next week to find out how they fare.

MORE:

Read our original Apple AirPods Max review

AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: what are the differences?

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: which of Apple's noise-cancelling earbuds will suit you best?

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

Sony has just announced the latest additions to its Bravia Theatre Bar range of Dolby Atmos soundbars (plus two new Bravia TVs). And it’s not quite what we were expecting.

Rather than replace the flagship Bravia Theatre Bar 9 or the step-down Bravia Theatre Bar 8, both of which launched almost two years ago, Sony has decided to launch more affordable models below them.

Bravia Theatre Bar 7

First up is the Bravia Theatre Bar 7, which replaces the long in the tooth, four-star rated HT-A3000.

The Bar 7 has a design very similar to that of the Bar 8 and Bar 9, with a rounded mesh front and a metallic, angular rear.

But while it’s the same height and almost the same depth as its more premium siblings, the Bar 7 is significantly narrower, at 95cm compared with the Bar 8’s 110cm and the Bar 9’s 130cm.

It’s worth noting that this means the Bar 7 is still a good deal longer than the 65cm Sonos Beam Gen 2 with which it seems destined to do battle.

As with the other Theatre Bar models, two feet are included in the Bar 7’s box. These can be used to elevate the Bar 7 just a little so that it can straddle an awkward TV pedestal stand. A wall mount is included as well.

Unlike the Sonos Beam, the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 features dedicated up-firing speakers, one at each end of the top panel. These are full-range Sony X-Balanced designs.

They are joined by a full-range X-Balanced driver at each end of the bar, plus two forward-facing X-Balanced woofers for the left and right channels, a full-range X-Balanced centre speaker, and two tweeters.

And that’s not all – there are four passive radiators for additional bass, too.

Sony then uses its 360 Spatial Audio technology to create an additional five phantom speakers, which are designed to generate a bubble of sound.

This is the basis for the Bar 7’s reproduction of 3D Audio, which it can handle in both the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats.

The compact bar is IMAX Enhanced Certified, too, though only when the optional rears and a subwoofer are connected.

Speaking of which, there are two variants of this new soundbar. You can buy the solo Bravia Theatre Bar 7 (also known as the HT-A7100), or you can buy a bundle that also includes the 100W Sub 7 subwoofer.

This bundle is known as the Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S, or HT-AP710.

Away from movies, there is support for Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, but Tidal Connect appears to be absent.

The Bar 7 comes with the same remote as the Bar 8 and Bar 9. It isn’t fancy, but it is better than no remote at all.

Of course, it will be possible to control the volume using your TV’s remote control, and if your TV is a recent Sony, you’ll be able to access more or less all of the Bar 7’s settings and controls via the TV’s onscreen menus.

Want more ways to control and tweak the Bar 7? No problem: it’s also compatible with the very good Bravia Connect app.

This is also where you complete Sony’s ‘Sound Field Optimisation’ calibration, which attempts to adapt the sound to your room and seating position.

As you would expect, the Bravia Theatre Bar 7 is designed to be connected to your TV via HDMI eARC (in fact, this appears to be another new soundbar without a legacy optical input), but unlike many rivals, there is also a dedicated HDMI input, and the soundbar supports passthrough of 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM.

Bravia Theatre Bar 5

Sony has also announced a new entry-level model in the Bravia soundbar range.

The Bravia Theatre Bar 5 is a package that contains a compact three-channel soundbar and a fairly bijou wireless subwoofer to make a neat 3.1 system.

Despite the lack of up-firing drivers, the Theatre Bar 5 is able to reproduce Dolby Atmos and DTS:X signals using Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine, which has previously impressed us in models such as the Bravia Theatre System 6.

Unlike the Bar 7, the Bar 5 doesn’t feature HDMI passthrough, but it does have an optical input nestled alongside the HDMI eARC socket.

News subs and surrounds

The two new soundbars are joined by optional new subwoofers and surround speakers, and these are very much flagship models.

The new Bravia Theatre Sub 9 is a gorgeous, sci-fi-styled cube that replaces Sony’s current SW5 flagship subwoofer.

Each half of the cube (it’s not actually a perfect cube, but it looks close enough) features a 20cm aluminium driver.

These are dual opposing drivers that employ phase cancelling to deliver smooth, ultra-deep, distortion-free bass, according to Sony, which also claims a monstrous maximum power output of 600W for the Sub 9.

The Bravia Theatre Sub 8, meanwhile, is essentially half of the Sub 9. It features one of the 20cm aluminium drivers and a claimed power output of 300W.

The new subwoofers are compatible with the Bravia Theatre Bar 9, Bar 8 and Bar 7, as well as the Bravia Theatre Quad.

Thanks to a post-launch software update, you will even be able to pair two of these subs (or two Sub 7s, for that matter) with one of the bars, though the Quad system can still have just one subwoofer.

Finally, the new surround speakers.

The Bravia Theatre Rear 9 speakers replace the RS5s and sit above the existing Rear 8s.

They feature a minimalist, cylindrical design, with a metal ring around the top that matches the metal band around the rear edge of the soundbars.

Each Rear 9 features two 80mm aluminium drivers, one facing forwards and the other upwards (with a bit of a forward-tilting angle), plus a front-firing 16mm tweeter and a side-facing passive radiator.

A swivelling wall-bracket for each speaker is included in the box.

Unfortunately, Sony hasn’t yet given us launch dates or prices for any of this new audio kit, but as soon as we have that information, we will update this story.

MORE:

The one to beat: here's our Sonos Beam Gen 2 review

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

Take one look around a crowded London Underground train carriage, and you’ll see an interesting revolution in the world of audio. Wired earbuds are back, and they’ve become a serious trend among my generation. Yes, I can hide it no longer; I am Gen Z.

Let’s not dwell on that and get back to the matter at hand. Wired earbuds were, once upon a time, the only discreet in-ear option for listening to music from your smartphone, and there was rarely a point where I didn’t have a pair hooked up to my iPhone 5 during my time at secondary school.

For my sake, I won't share what I was listening to through those earbuds.

Speaking of, remember when phones had headphone jacks? I do, and while I have to give Sony credit for being practically the only manufacturer to keep the socket on its smartphones, I have come to terms with the fact that the battle against wireless audio alternatives is more or less over.

I bought my first pair of AirPods in 2018, and I quickly upgraded them to the first-generation AirPods Pros in 2021 after realising that cutting the cord really was the future – and I haven’t really used a pair of wired earbuds since.

However, my TikTok For You Page informs me that 2026 is the new 2016, and I’m seeing a lot of trendy, well-dressed individuals online and IRL with wired earbud cords trailing from their ears and into pockets.

In a feeble attempt to be vaguely fashionable, I have decided to imitate them. I have banished my five-star Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds and my Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones to a drawer, as my pocket is now occupied by a pair of wired USB-C earbuds.

And you'll never guess which earbuds I've picked...

The popular choice

I’ve decided to go with the most popular pair of wired buds, according to what I’ve seen online and in London: the Apple EarPods.

From what I gather, the main draw of these earbuds isn’t anything to do with their sonic credentials, but instead their features.

The wire is a huge asset for those who are prone to losing earbuds (a friend of mine is currently on his third or fourth pair of AirPods, I’ve lost count), as they naturally keep the buds attached to your phone.

Furthermore, the microphone on the Apple EarPods seems to be surprisingly good for a pair of £19 earphones. I put this to the test, speaking to one of my friends over the phone while exiting a busy London Underground station and the results, err, spoke for themselves – I didn’t have to repeat myself once.

I think this is a key reason that these earbuds are so popular, as I frequently see influencers on TikTok record voiceovers for their videos using the microphone built into the Apple EarPods. And of course, for calls or voice notes, for us mere mortals.

You also don’t have to worry about the battery running out. Plenty of times when using wireless earbuds, I’ve got comfortable in my seat for a long plane ride or coach journey, only for my earbuds (and the charging case) to be completely dead.

The plug-and-play guarantee, plus no pairing faff or battery anxiety, has been my biggest pro from making this swap. With wired earbuds, I know I’ll be able to enjoy my music on my morning commute without any complications.

Another bonus has been the physical controls. Using these has been an absolute treat after dealing with unreliable touch controls on many of the wireless audio peripherals I’ve used over the years. The tactile volume and play/pause buttons "just work", and I found myself using them more than I’d expect.

However, it’s not all rosy in Apple EarPods land. My biggest issue with these buds is the fit. Apple’s hard plastic earbuds have never agreed with my ear shape, and I’m reminded of many embarrassing instances in which I’d have to chase one of my AirPods as it tumbled down the road after leaping to freedom out of my ear.

The EarPods are, thankfully, a slightly better fit, and they didn’t fall out quite as much, but they didn’t feel very secure either. I struggled to get any sort of seal, and while I’m not expecting miraculous noise isolation without silicone ear tips (more on that momentarily), I found that my music was easily drowned out by the screeching of the Northern line.

I’ve had to turn the EarPods up to maximum volume to counteract this, whereas my Pi8 earbuds can happily sit at the middle volume point while remaining perfectly audible.

These downsides comprise the most important aspect of any earphones for me: audio quality. Which is why I don’t think I can make the EarPods my day-to-day earbuds.

The fact that I have to crank the volume up to compensate for a poor seal and lack of noise cancelling, and I've found that bass and dynamics leave a lot to be desired. That being said, I found the mids and highs to be clear and balanced, which also meant that vocals sounded pretty good.

Now, is it fair to compare a pair of £349 noise-cancelling wireless earbuds created by one of the most notable British hi-fi brands to a pair of £19 wired earbuds?

No, it is not, but considering I’ve seen plenty of people online supposedly drop their AirPods in favour of the wired alternatives, it’s also quite a relevant comparison.

This means that, unfortunately (but ultimately not surprisingly), I won’t be joining the trendiest echelon of London’s most fashionable individuals.

However, not all hope is lost…

The smart choice

Surprise! I haven’t just been using the Apple EarPods. I’ve also taken the five-star Sound Magic E80D buds for a test drive as part of this experiment, and these have yielded much better results.

These buds come with a selection of silicone eartips. Personally, the dual-layered eartips suited me, as I could burrow them into my ear holes for a more secure fit and better sound isolation.

Furthermore, these buds sound great and are a cut above Apple EarPods. They sound fuller and more dynamic, and the tighter seal against my ears does wonders for the bass.

It’s not all perfect. As expected, they don’t rival my Bowers & Wilkins buds in terms of volume or musicality.

I also found cable noise to be pretty problematic with these earbuds. The sound from the cable rubbing against my coat was irritating, although this may become less prominent in the warmer months when I can comfortably leave the house without layering up.

There's also the annoying “L” shape connector. It’s amazing for laptop use, but using them with a phone is another story – as someone who shifts their phone between hands fairly frequently, I found the palm of my hand often clashed with the wire.

And this is the one instance in which style counts (I’m testing “trendy” earbuds after all), so seeing “Made In China” staring at me as I plug them in is somewhat utilitarian.

My overall choice?

I won’t beat around the bush here – I’m going back to my wireless earbuds and headphones. I’m sorry.

That being said, there are some genuine audio and quality of life upgrades that I enjoyed while trialling these wired earbuds.

Not having to charge my earbuds, and the tactility of the physical controls, were both major bonus points, but the lack of noise cancelling proved to be the biggest hurdle in how I use my earbuds day-to-day. Having to crank these wired buds to their limit is far from ideal (and I’m being constantly nagged by my phone that the volume is too high).

For the sake of my music (and my ears), I’ll be crawling back to the imperfect, but ultimately preferable, world of wireless earbuds.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best wireless earbuds

As well as the best wired earbuds

And read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review

Whether it's for work or pleasure, a lot of us now spend an awful lot of time at our desktops at home.

You'll want some decent audio to help pass the time then – and we've got just the suggestions for you.

From studio-grade headphones to powerful compact speakers to versatile DACs, we've got you covered with sizzling savings.

So whether you have a home workstation that could do with some brightening up, a computer-based hi-fi setup or just some headphones to take into the office, check out the deals below.

Out of nowhere, Apple has announced a new pair of AirPods Max headphones. The original pair launched at the end of 2020, followed by a minor refresh in 2024. And then in March 2026, with no warning whatsoever, Apple announced a new flagship.

While the 2024 refresh switched the connector port from Lightning to USB-C, very little else changed. The AirPods Max 2, however, promise new features, more effective ANC and enhanced sound quality.

Let's see what's actually new.

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: price

The original AirPods Max launched at £549 / $549 / AU$899, which at the time was an unprecedented price for a pair of wireless consumer headphones (though similarly-priced rivals soon emerged). The 2024 refresh dropped the UK price to £499, while the US and Australian price tags remained unchanged.

The AirPods Max 2 cost the same in the UK and US, though the price has risen by AU$100 in Australia. You'll pay £499 / $549 / AU$999 for the sequel.

Coupled with the higher chance of a discount now that they're being replaced, this round just goes to the original AirPods Max.

** Winner: Apple AirPods Max **

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: build & comfort

The original AirPods Max set new standards in terms of luxurious materials and comfort levels, but Apple is curiously quiet on the build of the second-gen model. Apart from bigging up the product's environmental credentials (they're made with "100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets," for example), it doesn't say anything about the comfort or fit. So it's safe to assume it's stuck with the same design as the original Max.

That's no bad thing, as the originals excel in this area, making rival pairs feel cheap in comparison. They boast single-piece anodised aluminium ear cups connected by a stainless-steel headband with a breathable mesh canopy. The memory foam ear cushions prove comfortable while also sealing you off from outside sounds.

The AirPods Max 2 weigh the same 386.2g as the first-gen pair. That's pretty heavy, but thanks to some very clever weight distribution, the headphones never weigh you down.

They offer the same winning digital crown control method as the original pair, but they also have the same much-derided Smart Case – on the plus side, it keeps them in an ultra-low-power mode to preserve battery, but on the other hand, it looks like a bra. And it won't protect vast areas of them if dropped.

In summary, very little has changed in terms of design, and that's both good and bad news. The AirPods Max 2 even come in the same five finishes as the 2024 refresh: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple and Orange.

** Winner: Draw **

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: features

So far, very little has changed. But it's in the features department that Apple has supposedly made some real strides. The AirPods Max 2 have an H2 chip, compared to the original pair's H1. This enables features previously seen in Apple's AirPods Pro 3 earbuds.

Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts levels of noise cancelling to account for environmental noise, while Live Translation translates conversations in real time.

Voice Isolation brings voices to the fore while minimising ambient noise, so you can hear the person you're calling more clearly. And you can press the Digital Crown to activate your iPhone's camera shutter.

And you can respond to Siri announcements by nodding or shaking your head.

These join the original AirPods Max's feature set, which includes Bluetooth (version 5.0 on the original, 5.3 on the AirPods Max 2), active noise cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode, as well as wired listening over USB-C.

Sadly, the battery life remains at 20 hours. That's borderline pitiful, considering the Sennheiser HDB 630 manage three times that.

** Winner: AirPods Max 2 **

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: noise cancellation

Until we've reviewed the AirPods Max 2, we can't comment on the noise cancellation. But it has supposedly improved since the original pair.

Apple says that thanks to the H2 chip and revised audio algorithms, the AirPods Max 2 offer active noise cancellation that's up to 1.5x more effective than their predecessors. Transparency mode – which allows in outside sounds to keep you more aware of your surroundings – should also sound more natural thanks to the optimised algorithm for processing digital signals.

The AirPods Max 2 have the same total of nine microphones, eight of which are employed for ANC duties.

In our Apple AirPods Max review, we described the original's noise cancellation as "excellent". They let very little noise through, and are very good at combatting chit-chat. It's a subtle, natural effect which many people will prefer over the vacuum-like feeling of some more effective pairs.

** Winner: TBC **

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: sound

The original AirPods Max earned five stars and a What Hi-Fi? Award, so they obviously sound pretty amazing. And the AirPods Max 2 should sound even better, according to Apple.

While they maintain the same sonic signature as the originals, there's a new high dynamic range amplifier that should make the audio cleaner. Spatial Audio should sound better with improved instrument placement, "more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs."

You get the same 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio over the USB-C cable as their predecessors, while we're also promised reduced audio latency over wireless.

In our review we praised the original AirPods Max's "super-crisp and spacious" delivery. "Light on their feet, rhythmically nimble and exciting, they feel like a significant step up in terms of sonic sophistication, as well as build quality, from most headphones that came before them," we noted.

It's worth noting that this was in 2020, before the premium class of wireless headphones really existed. But they still stand up six years down the line – in fact, Apple didn't see fit to adjust the audio for the 2024 refresh.

"Trials Of The Past positively crackles with energy and the Apples add an extra layer of sizzle and attack that’s impossible to ignore," we wrote.

They bring a sense of texture and solidity to any track they convey. But be warned: they will show up flaws in lower-quality recordings.

We're very much looking forward to testing the AirPods Max 2 and will update this section once we have.

** Winner: TBC**

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: early verdict

The AirPods Max 2 look better than the originals in several ways. They have a handful of new features and promise advances in both the crucial areas of sound quality and active noise cancellation. Add the same premium design, and we could have quite a proposition on our hands.

It's just a shame about the battery life. And the case.

We'll have a full review of the AirPods Max 2 as soon as possible, and will update this article once we do.

MORE:

Read our original Apple AirPods Max review

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2024: what are the differences?

The best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy

Stop what you're doing, Apple fans, because the day has finally come: the AirPods Max 2 are here!

After months, even years, of speculation, the fully-fledged sequel to the original five-star AirPods Max over-ear headphones have officially landed, teasing more effective ANC, better sound and new features powered by Apple's forward-looking H2 chip.

The much-anticipated headphones house a new high dynamic range amplifier in pursuit of clearer, cleaner audio.

Apple also promises that Spatial Audio content will sound better than ever, with "improved localisation of instruments, more accurate bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs".

If you want to go for the highest fidelity possible, the AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio when connected to the included USB-C cable.

Noise-cancelling has been given a boost, too. Thanks to the H2 chip and revised audio algorithms, the second-gen AirPods Max promise ANC that’s "up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation", while Transparency mode claims to sound more natural thanks to a newly optimised digital signal processing algorithm.

There are also new Apple features on the menu. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts levels of noise cancelling in response to environmental noise, while active 'Live Translation' translates conversations in real time – two features we've already seen implemented in the five-star AirPods Pro 3 earbuds.

For voice calls, the Max 2 make use of Apple's voice isolation tech powered by the H2 chip, with the aim of emphasising human speech while effectively blocking out ambient noise from intruding on your conversations.

The second-gen cans promise up to 20 hours of listening time from one charge with noise cancelling on, matching the figures of the outgoing model.

Hands-free features also aim to make the new wireless headphones more accessible on the go. A camera remote lets users take pictures or record videos by pressing the 'Digital Crown' while using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad.

'Siri Interactions', conversely, allow users to respond to Siri announcements by nodding or shaking their head.

According to Apple's director of Audio Product Marketing, Eric Teski: "With the incredible performance of H2, AirPods Max are upgraded with up to 1.5x more effective ANC for the ultimate all-day listening experience. The sound quality is remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed, and when combined with capabilities like Personalised Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 deliver a profoundly immersive experience". But then he would say that...

The Apple AirPods Max 2 will be available to order on 25th March, priced at £499 / $549, in a choice of Starlight (the gold/silver finish seen on other Apple devices), Orange, Purple or Blue colourways.

We've been anticipating the second-gen headphones for quite some time now, so to see the Max 2 arrive – at the same price as their predecessors, no less – is something of a big deal.

Will they live up to our expectations? We'll let you know once we get hold of a pair for testing.

MORE:

Read our original Apple AirPods Max review

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2024: what are the differences?

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: which of Apple's noise-cancelling earbuds will suit you best?

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

This week saw Amazon running its Spring Deal Days sale.

This has resulted in some rather good deals – new lowest prices, savings on Award-winning products and the rare return of an AirPods deal.

It's not just the prices that are good, as we've tested every single one of these products ourselves – and only recommend the best.

So with the sale set to end after the weekend, now is the time to browse the best deals that we've spotted.

It wouldn't be an Amazon sale without some sort of AirPods deal.

And the sales gods have delivered: the Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancelling are now on offer for £139 at Amazon.

That’s £40 off the price we tested them at, and the lowest price we have seen for the Apple earbuds so far.

Given how rare AirPods deals are, this is one we recommend snapping up if you’re at all interested; discounts on Apple products typically happen only during big sales.

If you're not a fan of eartips or are after AirPods on a budget, the AirPods 4 with ANC might just be the earbuds for you. The brilliant buds are the current ‘standard’ AirPods on the market and our mid-range pick in our best AirPods guide.

The concept of ANC with an open (no tips) design certainly raised some eyebrows, but Apple has shown time and time again that it shouldn't be underestimated. With no seal from the tips, Apple instead uses low-level frequencies to cancel out external noise in the AirPods 4 – and quite effectively, we would argue.

“Slip the AirPods 4 on, toggle on noise-cancelling and you’ll hear those low-level sounds immediately melt away,” reads our AirPods 4 with ANC review. “The rumble of engines on the road, the grinding hum of trains, the exhaust fan in the kitchen – it all disappears. It’s quite impressive."

This being Apple, ANC is not the only impressive feature packed into these AirPods 4. Spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and an IP54 dust- and waterproof rating come as part of the package.

Not that the sound has been left behind – there’s a clear improvement over the AirPods 3, with more detail, power, and weight, bringing the buds closer to the more premium AirPods Pro 2.

Battery life is an impressive 30 hours, including the case, though we were disappointed to learn this drops sharply to 20 hours with ANC turned on.

If you’re after the ultimate AirPods experience, you might want to consider the newer but more expensive AirPods Pro 3. Or, if you’re not bothered about ANC, the standard AirPods 4 are currently available for £99 at Amazon.

For a sweet middle point, though, the AirPods 4 with ANC come recommended. They come with all the usual Apple smarts and a clean, agile sound, with the bonus of ANC for long commutes and travel. Not bad for £139 at Amazon.

MORE:

The best wireless earbuds you can buy

AirPods Pro 3 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: which of Apple's noise-cancelling earbuds will suit you best?

Sony LinkBuds Open vs Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: which pair of open earbuds is right for you?

It’s hard to look at the WiiM Sound and Apple HomePod 2 side by side and not feel a strong urge to compare them.

The HomePod 2 turned up in 2023 and, while a new version feels overdue, this one is still taking home What Hi-Fi? Awards and setting the sonic standard for other smart speakers to aim for.

The WiiM Sound, on the other hand, is brand new. It’s WiiM’s first attempt at a smart speaker, and while the brand’s attempts at affordable hi-fi separates have produced mixed sonic results, it is unquestionably a company that is capable of impressive things when the stars align. You're rarely short on features, that's the sure.

WiiM has made a bit of a name for itself over the past couple of years with its competitively priced streamers and streaming amps, but will its first standalone speaker put the HomePod 2 in its place?

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: Price

With the WiiM Sound coming in at £299 / $299 / AU$499 and the Apple HomePod 2 setting you back £299 / $299 / AU$479, there’s nothing between these two speakers price-wise (give or take a few dollars down under).

That gives us nothing to go on in terms of budget, but it is perhaps worth bearing in mind that the HomePod 2 is now three years old and still costs exactly the same, whereas the WiiM Sound has only just gone on sale.

Apple products also very rarely see significant discounts and tend to fall in price only when they have been succeeded by something newer and shinier. WiiM, on the other hand, tends to be rather generous with its discounts whenever sales events come along.

For now, though, this one’s a dead heat.

**Winner: Draw**

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: features

Apple products often require you to trust the wisdom of the company’s designers in the face of what might seem like some slightly irritating limitations – and that’s perhaps more true of the HomePod 2 than anything else in its current line-up.

There are plenty of impressive features here: Siri is brilliantly implemented and consistently responsive; it automatically adjusts its sonic behaviour in real time depending on various acoustic conditions; you can ‘hand off’ music from your iPhone simply by tapping it on the HomePod; and there is also support for Spatial Audio.

The problem is, you really won’t get the most out of a HomePod 2 unless you are a committed Apple customer. This is first and foremost a voice-controlled speaker, but you can’t ask Siri to play music from Spotify, Tidal or any streaming service other than Apple Music.

Yes, you can use AirPlay to do so, but that slightly defeats the object of buying a so-called smart speaker.

You’ll also need to use Apple Music if you want to listen to anything in Spatial Audio, and while the HomePod does support Dolby Atmos movie soundtracks, it will do so only if connected to an Apple TV 4K. If that is the case, you can pair two HomePods together and have yourself a very aesthetically pleasing Atmos setup of sorts.

In comparison, the WiiM Home doesn’t care what brand of smartphone you have in your pocket.

There are no onboard microphones, although the remote does have one and allows you to use Alexa, which has no such limitations on which streaming service you can use. All the major ones are supported, including the Connect versions of Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz, while Google Cast, Bluetooth 5.3 and DLNA are available too. You also get a 3.5mm socket if you would rather go wired.

As with the HomePod, you can pair two WiiM Sound speakers together (and even add the WiiM Sub if you have a suitable WiiM streamer or amp), and there are various tools within the WiiM Home app that allow you to tweak the sound and optimise it for its particular surroundings.

In terms of hi-res audio, the WiiM Home is happy to play files up to 24-bit/192kHz, but the HomePod is a little fussier. When streaming directly from Apple Music you’ll get 24-bit/48kHz, but anything over that is not supported. How much you would notice the difference is up for debate, but it doesn’t feel like a huge loss on a speaker like this.

This one feels a bit like the Android vs iOS debate in speaker form. The WiiM Sound is certainly the more flexible of the two speakers, but even with its limitations the HomePod 2 still offers a whole host of nifty features, including all of the smart home gubbins.

It’s very close, but the WiiM Sound takes it by a nose.

**Winner: WiiM Sound**

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: Build and design

Put these two speakers side by side and you could almost be forgiven for thinking they emerged from the same factory.

Both have a very similar space-age biscuit-barrel aesthetic, but the squarer WiiM Sound is slightly taller than the HomePod 2 and ever-so-slightly fatter, albeit only by a few millimetres. The HomePod is about 200g lighter as a result, but unless you’re the piece of furniture that it’s going to be sitting on that’s not something you’ll need to worry about.

Both are also covered in tightly woven fabric and have touch-sensitive panels on top for controlling playback and volume. On the HomePod this can also be used to summon Siri and silence alarms, but the majority of your interaction with it will be via voice.

The main difference between the two is the 1.8-inch touchscreen on the front of the WiiM Sound, which is sharp, colourful and highly customisable. It will show the artwork for whatever you’ve got playing, but there are also various clock faces and dynamic wallpapers you can choose to display on it, plus it gives you an easy way to choose sources and adjust certain settings.

(If you want one that looks even more like the HomePod, there is also a screen-less and remote-free version called the WiiM Sound Lite that costs £229 / $229 / AU$399.)

If you were to crack both speakers open things would look more different (although we wouldn’t recommend it). The HomePod has a woofer at the top and five tweeters at the bottom arranged for 360-degree sound; the WiiM Sound uses two silk-dome tweeters and a 10cm paper-cone woofer in a forward-facing configuration.

The truth is there’s very little in this. There’s something to be said for how clean the HomePod looks – the way the power cable connects is certainly more elegant – but its minimalism does mean there’s no aux-in or LAN port, as there is on the underside of the WiiM Sound. And the WiiM has a screen, so that's enough to claw back a point or two in its favour.

You could give it to the HomePod for being a leader rather than a follower, but it’s probably fairer to call it a draw.

**Winner: Draw**

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: Sound

We were pleasantly surprised at how good the original HomePod sounded, and its successor brought nothing but improvements.

“Tighter, more solid, and better organised both spatially and rhythmically, it’s altogether more engaging, exciting and enjoyable to listen to,” noted our five-star review.

That translates to a speaker with boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and excellent tonal balance. It produces vastly more bass than you might expect from a speaker of its size, and it’s almost always well controlled, losing a little bit of conviction only when faced with the very deepest note in James Blake’s notoriously challenging Limit to Your Love.

With the Dolby Atmos version of The 1 by Taylor Swift, there’s real warmth and clarity to the vocals, while the harmony in the chorus is a brilliant advert for what Spatial Audio can do, giving the whole composition an ethereal feel.

If we’re being picky, a forward-firing speaker will project further into a room, but the HomePod 2’s more open, fuller-bodied approach probably suits the environments it’s likely to find itself in better anyway.

That said, the more traditionally configured WiiM Sound couldn’t completely fill our test room either. And that’s not the only issue we have with its performance.

While the WiiM Sound’s presentation is pleasingly smooth and easy to listen to, it can run into problems when asked to play more complex tracks. Our review found that things got rather muddled with Starburster by Fontaines D.C., with a lack of precision slightly scuppering the song’s sense of rhythm.

Vocals are up-front and clear, but after a while you notice that the treble is smoothed out a fair bit, and the bottom end isn’t as powerful as we’d like. Basslines that should be taut and funky can sound a little tubby and lightweight, something we don't find with the pleasingly agile and nimble bass reproduction of the HomePod 2.

The same songs played on the HomePod 2 are better defined, more detailed, and more rhythmically precise, while its more powerful sound means basslines are properly deep, tautly pulled, and bound along with agility and precision.

There’s also better dynamic contrast, greater authority in its projection, and the soundstage is more spacious.

Overall, the HomePod 2 is both more commanding and subtle, resulting in a performance that’s just more exciting and engaging all round but still nice and nuanced. It’s an easy win for Apple here.

**Winner: Apple HomePod 2**

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: Verdict

We can usually forgive minor imperfections when it comes to design or features, and we’ll even overlook a slightly higher price tag if the performance justifies it. If there’s one thing we won’t compromise on, though, it’s sound quality; and that’s why the Apple HomePod 2 takes this one.

It’s rare for a product to ace all categories, and the HomePod’s biggest weakness is definitely Apple’s stubborn refusal to allow voice control with all streaming services – particularly when you consider there are no such limitations on an iPhone.

With its lively, natural sound and typically high-quality construction, the HomePod 2 is the better use of £299 / $299 / AU$479. Just don’t buy one if you own an Android phone.

**Overall winner: Apple HomePod 2**

MORE:

Best wireless speakers: top choices tried and tested by our expert team

Also consider the Sonos Era 100 or spatial audio Era 300

Check out our feature on the making of the original HomePod

Spring has officially sprung, and to celebrate, Amazon is throwing a party.

Well, an online-only party with lots of great deals rather than music and balloons, but a celebration nonetheless.

So, in keeping with the theme of Amazon's Spring Deal Days sale, we've rounded up the best hi-fi and home cinema deals perfect for sunnier weather and the great outdoors. Think Bluetooth speakers, running earbuds, portable projectors and some of our favourite over-ear headphones.

There are a couple of lowest-ever prices below, as well as big savings on some of our Award-winners and top recommendations. And, as ever, every product below has been tried, tested, and compared to the competition by us, so you can purchase with confidence.

So check out the deals below, before the sale ends...

• See the whole Amazon Spring Deal Days sale

Sonos has long been the multi-room king, but in recent years its position has become a little shaky. Not only is it under threat from cheaper alternatives like the Amazon Echo range, but also from similarly well-specified rivals like the Apple HomePod 2.

So when Sonos announced a new speaker that's exactly the same price as Apple's finest, our interest piqued.

Here we're comparing the Sonos Play with the Apple HomePod 2 to see how they compare – we've tested both, so this is a full head to head following our rigorous reviews treatment. Let's see which comes out on top.

Sonos Play vs Apple HomePod 2: price

This one is a dead heat, in the UK and US at least. The Sonos Play costs £299 / $299 / AU$499, while the HomePod 2 is £299 / $299 / AU$479.

The HomePod 2 might have been around since 2023, but it hasn't seen much of a price reduction during its three-year lifetime. Apart from the occasional small discount during big sales events, it's held firm at its RRP. Sonos too isn't known for its big discounts, so expect to pay full whack for both speakers.

** Winner: Draw **

Sonos Play vs Apple HomePod 2: build & design

Despite some similarities, the Play and HomePod 2 are quite different propositions. The Play is a portable speaker with a rechargeable battery (which lasts for 24 hours), and is designed to be taken outside as well as serving as part of your home multi-room set-up, whereas the HomePod 2 is very much a stay-at-home smart speaker.

Unsurprisingly, the Play is smaller and lighter than the HomePod 2, measuring 19.2 x 11.3 x 7.7cm and weighing 1.3kg (compared to the HomePod 2's 16.8 x 14.2 x 14.2cm and 2.3kg). Though it is worth noting that while the Play is more compact, it is a little taller than Apple's speaker.

The Play also has a removable utility loop, which hooks onto your finger for easy carrying (though sadly it's not adjustable). And for when you're at home, it comes with a charging base to keep it juiced up (the HomePod 2 plugs into the mains with a removable cable if you want to use a longer one).

The Play is also more resistant to the elements, with a water-and dust-proof rating of IP67. The HomePod 2 has no official IP rating, and so should be kept away from water in any scenario (no bathroom listening for you).

The HomePod 2 has Apple's typically high build quality. It feels solid and well made, and looks pretty stylish in both its white and black guises (those are the same finishes as the Sonos Play).

Both speakers have a mesh grille, but on the HomePod this extends all the way around it in 360 degrees. The Play has a break at the back which houses a Bluetooth pairing control, a microphone toggle and a large power button.

Both speakers have their controls on the top, but have very different control methods. The HomePod responds to tap sequences anywhere on its control surface – one tap to play/pause, a double tap to skip to the next track and so on. It's similar to the control method on a pair of earbuds. The Play's controls on the other hand are more traditional, with designated buttons that are textured to make them more tactile.

** Winner: Draw **

Sonos Play vs Apple HomePod 2: features

These are both smart speakers, so connectivity is the name of the game.

Typically for an Apple product, the HomePod connects seamlessly for Apple users, but much less so if you're out of the Cupertino ecosystem. It won't play music via Siri on Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music or even BBC radio, for example – instead you have to play these services on your phone and send the music to the speaker via AirPlay 2. That seems like seems an unnecessary extra step.

The Sonos Play, by contrast, supports Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect for playing direct through the speaker, as well as Qobuz and many more through its app. Voice control is supported vis Sonos' own voice assistant and Amazon Alexa, but you won't be able to control Tidal via voice control. Most other services are voice-control supported, though.

Both speakers support a maximum file resolution of 24-bit/48kHz, but while both have Bluetooth, only the Play lets you play music from your phone using Bluetooth. The HomePod 2 uses Bluetooth only for the initial set-up and some communication functions, but that's it.

You can also pair up to four Play or Sonos Move 2 speakers together while out and about to create a more impactful sound, and a handy Bluetooth pairing option lets you hook up multiple speakers without needing to be connected to the wi-fi.

Inside the HomePod is a 10cm high-excursion woofer and five horn-loaded tweeters. The Sonos Play has three class-H amplifiers, two angled tweeters and one mid-woofer, along with passive radiators to allow deeper bass.

Both speakers adjust their sound output depending on their surroundings. Apple's tech is mighty impressive, but it's matched by Sonos's 'TruePlay' technology, which we've also experienced on other speakers.

They both support spatial audio too, though the HomePod is limited to Apple Music and Dolby Atmos via an Apple TV 4K, while the Sonos Play supports both Apple Music and Amazon Music.

The HomePod works great for Apple users, but for its greater versatility and wider range of bases covered, this round goes to the Sonos.

** Winner: Sonos Play **

Sonos Play vs Apple HomePod 2: sound

The Sonos Play has the same configuration of amplifiers / tweeters / midwoofer as the Sonos Move 2, but Sonos has confirmed that the components themselves are different. So rather than sounding identical to the four-star Move 2, it's a different beast altogether.

During our test, we found it covers the sonic basics admirably.

"As we pump out a recording of Ramin Djawadi's The King's Arrival from the soundtrack to Game of Thrones, the Play gives the composition an appropriately regal feel – poised, clear, controlled, and with ample muscle to spare, it's a powerful and convincing opening salvo," we wrote in our Sonos Play review.

The bass proves taut and punchy, lending it the precision of a professional. Though throughout our listening, we did find that tracks tend to sound a bit samey, regardless of genre. Rather than revealing the music as the artist intended, it tends to impose its own will on it just a tad.

The Play has its work cut out against the HomePod 2. Apple's smart speaker is a multi-Award winner, and a lot of that is down to its sound quality.

In our HomePod 2 review, we found that the speaker gives Apple Music's Dolby Atmos version of The 1 by Taylor Swift plenty of clarity and warmth in the vocals. "Swift’s voice is at once airy and focused, and the breathy quality of the delivery is really nicely resolved," we wrote.

It does a fine job with the track's other elements, too. "There’s ample weight and texture to the bassline and a satisfying snap to the rhythmic clapping, with both drawing the ear just as much as they should, complementing the vocals but never overshadowing them."

There's not a hint of the usual sibilance and brightness that most speakers give SBTRKT’s Trials Of The Past, yet it still maintains the excitement levels. Its bass has more weight and presence than you would expect from a speaker this size.

True, the lowest of low frequencies on James Blake's Limit To Your Love do prompt a little wobble in the bass performance, but the HomePod still does well with such a challenging track. "This is no lump of detached bass, but rather a seamlessly integrated and dexterous bottom end, without which the track’s more energetic second half wouldn’t have nearly the impact that it does," we wrote.

The HomePod 2's boundless energy translates to all genres, and it always showcases the music, rather than the speaker itself. Which is exactly how it should be.

Placed side by side, with both speakers playing over AirPlay 2, the HomePod 2 sounds airier and more free flowing than the Play. It's also a little more nuanced in how it handles instrumental timbres, "granting more subtlety and texture to instruments – rich violin strokes, tumbling drum fills, tinkling pianos – making for a more natural listen than the ever-so-slightly mechanical Play," we wrote in our Sonos Play review.

It's not a bad performance by the Play by any means, but we're more inclined to recommend the natural, fluid and spacious presentation of the HomePod 2.

** Winner: Apple HomePod 2 **

Sonos Play vs Apple HomePod 2: verdict

There are plenty of similarities between the two speakers, but plenty of differences also.

The HomePod is very much a home smart speaker, built for those already ensconced in – or willing to jump wholeheartedly into – the Apple ecosystem. Whereas the Sonos Play is platform agnostic, and with a portable design for taking with you to the park, the beach, or even just out to the garden.

The Play is by far the more versatile of the two, and wins or draws every round except for sound. Sadly, for us – and undoubtedly for many of you – that will be the most important round there is.

If you prize sound quality above all else, the HomePod 2 is the better speaker. But if you can't stand Apple, or want a speaker that's just as happy being part of your home multi-room system as soundtracking your picnic, the Play is a fine choice.

** Overall winner: Apple HomePod 2 **

MORE:

Read our Sonos Play review

And our Apple HomePod 2 review

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

Check out the best AirPlay speakers around

Which Sonos speaker should you buy? Find out here

Apple fans who want the best wireless earbuds with an open design should look to the AirPods 4 with ANC. We might have only awarded them four stars, but with solid sound and very capable active noise canceling, they're well worth a look.

For those on the fence, there's a $20 discount bringing them down to just $159 at Walmart. It's not the lowest price they've ever been, but it still represents great value for money.

If you're not fussed about ANC, then the Apple AirPods 4 are also discounted down to $99 at Walmart.

Discounts on Apple accessories are rare and often reserved for big sales events, so a $20 discount is well worth considering.

The AirPods 4 with ANC are the current 'standard' AirPods on the market and comfortably take the mid-range crown in our best AirPods guide.

Eyebrows were certainly raised when it was announced that the next set of AirPods would feature ANC but still maintain an open (no tips) design, but once again, Apple has seemingly done the impossible. Utilising low-level frequencies to cancel out external noise, the AirPods 4 offer surprisingly effective sound blocking.

"Slip the AirPods 4 on, toggle on noise-cancelling and you’ll hear those low-level sounds immediately melt away," our AirPods 4 with ANC review reads. "The rumble of engines on the road, the grinding hum of trains, the exhaust fan in the kitchen – it all disappears. It’s quite impressive."

This being an Apple product, however, there are of course plenty more features packed in. Spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, Bluetooth 5.3 support and an IP54 dust and waterproof rating all come as part of the package.

We also found the sound to be more detailed, powerful and entertaining than the previous AirPods 3, sounding more similar to the premium AirPods Pro 2.

Battery life is advertised as 30 hours, though we were disappointed to learn that this dropped to 20 hours with ANC turned on.

If you have an iOS device, AirPods offer a seamless, user-friendly experience, and this model is no different. Offering a little bit of everything and now active noise cancellation too, the AirPods 4 with ANC for $159 at Walmart should be considered before stock runs out.

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The best wireless earbuds you can buy

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I think we’ve reached peak wireless headphones – where do we go now?

German AV brand Loewe has released a range of 4K smart TVs that it claims will combine “advanced picture technologies with an elegant, space-saving design.”

The high-end LED Loewe Vega series targets cash-flush people living in compact spaces, and is available in both 32 and 43 inches. The smaller LCD TV model features 260 LED dimming zones, while the larger screen size boasts 390 zones.

What’s more, the 43-inch TV features a 120Hz VA LCD panel, while the 32-inch model has a 60Hz panel.

With support for a range of HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, Loewe says the models “deliver high brightness, strong contrast, and vibrant, natural colours, ensuring consistent image quality and smooth motion for TV”.

Both TVs run the Vidaa TV platform, giving you access to streaming services including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and Apple TV.

In terms of audio, the Vega series features an integrated Dolby Atmos soundbar with 60 watts of Class-D amplification. If you want to hook your own sound system up, there is HDMI eARC connectivity and Bluetooth as well.

From what we've seen, both feature a stylish design as well, featuring an aluminium frame and a rotatable metal table stand with a chrome finish.

The Vega models won’t come cheap, however. With availability expected later this month in the UK, the Vega series is set to cost £1650 for the 32-inch size and £1900 for the 43-inch model.

Even some of the more premium OLED TVs at this size don't match this price, namely the Award-winning 42-inch LG C5, which is available for around £949.

That means there's not really a direct comparison, as Loewe is clearly gunning for the high end of the small TV market. Still, its more premium design and smaller size offerings may well appeal to style-conscious buyers short on space.

In terms of its picture and sound quality, though, we will have to wait until we get it in our test room to find out how it performs.

MORE:

Here's our full review of the LG C5

These are the best OLED TVs

Check out the best Dolby Atmos soundbars right now

Sony and Apple are two of the biggest names in wireless earbuds. The former's XM series has won multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards over the years, and consistently feature in our list of best wireless earbuds as fantastic all-rounders.

While Apple's AirPods initially struggled to compete with the best rivals around, they have improved markedly in recent years – the last two generations of AirPods Pro have scored five stars thanks to their excellent sound quality and noise cancellation.

The current flagships are the Sony WF-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Pro 3. Both are five-star pairs, and if you're wondering which would be best for you, you've come to the right place.

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: price

On paper at least, there's not much to choose between the two prices, but in reality, it's a little more complex.

As the most recent buds to launch, the Sony WF-1000XM6 have stuck to their launch price of £250 / $330 / AU$500. The AirPods Pro 3 launched towards the end of 2025 for £219 / $249 / AU$429, but have since fallen – at time of writing, they sell for £204 in the UK, but we have seen it drop as low as £198.

These kinds of discounts, along with their lower launch price, gives the AirPods Pro 3 this round.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3**

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: build & comfort

The two pairs have very different designs – the Sony buds are much more rectangular while the AirPods stick with the buds-and-stem design that has served them well over the years.

The XM6's boxier shape helps accommodate an extra mic and creates space for the new ventilation structure, which increases airflow to reduce internal noise within the earbud. The case too is much boxier than the AirPods', and feels a little cheap next to Apple's slimmer bud holder.

Sony has slimmed the buds down to make them more comfortable, but they still pack an 8.4mm driver unit and 'soft edge' surround for a better bass response. The XM6 come in two finishes – black and platinum silver – compared to the AirPods' trademark white. The black finish is a little smoother, while the silver is more textured.

Sony's eartip material is a bit more fiddly to fit than Apple's, and the tips only come in four sizes to the AirPods' five. Both pairs have an ear fit test within their respective apps, which gives you a better chance of a secure fit.

The AirPods Pro 3 are a little smaller than their predecessors, and a little differently shaped to provide a better fit. They're also more lightweight than the Sonys, which will make a different for longer commutes and long listening sessions.

Overall, we found the AirPods Pro 3 a little easier to get on with on the whole – the XM6 make you work harder to get the right fit. The Pro 3 are also less bulky, and have more choices of eartip size. Still, we would recommend trying your desired pair before buying to make sure they fit you well.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 3**

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: features

Both brands' flagship models are always bursting with features, and these two are no exception.

The XM6 pack Sony's new QN3e processor for everything from controlling noise cancellation to improving the DAC performance. The XM6 can handle 32-bit processing, while Sony's DSEE Extreme processing boosts the quality of low-quality sound files.

Sony's Sound Connect app gives you plenty of ways to tweak the sound. If you don't want to fiddle with the 10-band equaliser, you can pick from some presets to save time. You can also re-assign which button presses perform which functions, optimise the spatial audio and adjust the intensity of Sony’s Ambient Sound.

An IPX4 rating protects the XM6 from water splashes, but the AirPods outdo this with IP57, meaning they'll survive full immersion in water as well as having greater protection from dust ingress. Both pairs can wirelessly connect with two devices at once, though the AirPods do this using Apple's own tech (which only works with Apple devices) while the XM6 use the more commonly used Bluetooth Multipoint, making them more versatile.

The Pro 3 have all the features as their predecessors, but bear in mind that you will need an iOS device to benefit from the full raft. These include hearing health features, conversation mode (Sony's equivalent is Speak-to-Chat), various modes related to active noise cancellation (ANC), spatial audio with dynamic head-tracking, and head gesture controls.

They also benefit from a new heart rate sensor for tracking workouts and the Live Translation feature (though this is also available on the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC).

In terms of Bluetooth codecs, the AirPods Pro 3 still only support the standard SBC and AAC codecs and there are no provisions for higher-quality codecs (though neither do Apple's iPhones). Sony XM6, however, support the firm's own LDAC hi-res codec in favour of aptX, and are compatible with a rising number of smartphones and portable hi-res music players that also support LDAC.

For battery life, it's a dead heat. Both pairs give you eight hours from the buds, and a total of 24 hours including the charging case. That's with ANC activated.

So which pair is better? It's a close one. Apple has a greater focus on health features, though that may be of less interest to audiophiles, who will prefer Sony's embrace of the hi-res LDAC codec. Sony's buds are also platform agnostic, giving you the same feature set whether you use an iOS or Android device. A lot of the ANC modes are the same, too.

In the end, the Sony just pips it forward.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6**

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: noise cancellation

Noise cancellation is one of the key selling points of premium wireless earbuds. Sony's QN3e processor adds more computational power, and works alongside the Adaptive NC Optimiser which adapts the ANC algorithm to your fit and environment.

The result is certainly impressive. Testing them on both the London Underground and during a couple of short-haul flights, we were impressed by their "consistency and ability to extract both low-frequency rumbles of carriages and aeroplane engines, but also more high-pitched screeches and whistles that crept into our environment," we wrote in our Sony WF-1000XM6 review.

The result is particularly effective in the mid and upper frequencies.

Apple too has improved the noise cancelling on the AirPods Pro 3, through ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and the new foam-infused eartips.

Again, we put the AirPods through their paces on a flight, and found mid- and low-frequency noise was silence more effectively than with the previous-gen AirPods.

"The deep rumble of the airplane’s engine noise was damped down further than when listened to through the Pro 2, while the general chatter from people and announcements from the pilot were quieter through the new earbuds on full ANC mode," we wrote in our AirPods Pro 3 review.

The AirPods have a natural, airy way of cancelling noise, which is the opposite of the more intense, vacuum-like effects found on some rivals. It's a great performance, but when compared with the Sonys, we find the XM6 are just that little bit more effective across the board.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6**

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: sound

No pair of headphones gets five stars from us without earning it in the sound department. And the WF-1000XM6 and AirPods Pro 3 have certainly done that.

The XM6 aim for a more natural sound, which is effectively Sony parking its tanks on Apple's lawn. Compared to Sony buds of old, the XM6 have a newfound sense of natural warmth, but still retain a healthy level of detail and insight.

Like previous Sony flagships, they're consummate all-rounders, boasting "a fantastic sense of timing, an expressive midrange, weighty yet well-defined bass and crisp, nicely controlled highs," we wrote in our review.

They're analytical, but never too much so, keeping a natural tone and great sense of integration. "Playing Tom Odell’s Black Friday, the Sonys give you a front row seat and reveal themselves as expert communicators. There’s delicacy and subtlety in spades, which helps the earbuds extract fantastic emotion and feeling from the track," we noted.

For the Pro 3, Apple revamped the multiport acoustic architecture to deliver more precise airflow control for more bass and a wider soundstage. It also updated the Adaptive EQ to better optimise the sound to your individual ear.

The improvements are obvious the minute you start listening. It's still the same natural, balanced presentation that's become Apple's trademark, but clearer and more detailed. There's more space within the presentation, and a greater sense of dynamism at play.

No frequencies stick out unduly, but neither are they too smoothed out. It's a tricky balance, but Apple pulls it off with aplomb.

As we wrote in our review: "There is bite and attack to the crunchy, brash highs of Fontaines D.C.’s Starburster, while the basslines in Forgot About Dre are taut, agile and tuneful, and punch with quite a good deal of depth and power in Billie Eilish’s Blue."

Vocals are clean and textured, which really helps communicate the emotion of a track, while dynamic shifts are handled effortlessly. It's an enjoyable performance.

But they don't quite reach the sonic heights achieved by the Sonys. The XM6's textures are that bit more authentic, and the dynamic subtleties that bit more in evidence. The XM6 are simply able to dig deeper into details and reveal greater space and layers for music to flourish, along with better rhythmic precision and even more subtlety.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM6**

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3: verdict

Both pairs excel in all the main areas we prioritise, with fantastic noise cancellation and sound quality, bags of features and great designs.

The designs are quite different though, which will affect fit and long-term comfort. A lot also depends on which mobile operating system you'll be using with your earbuds – Apple users will naturally benefit more with the AirPods Pro 3, while the Sonys will play nice with pretty much everyone.

Ultimately, it's the Sony WF-1000XM6's greater sound quality and noise-cancelling abilities that win this battle. The AirPods Pro 3 are talented earbuds and it's a close-run thing, but the Sonys are a step ahead with more authentic, more precise and revealing sound quality.

**Overall winner: Sony WF-1000XM6**

MORE:

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Pro 2: which are better?

Sony WF-1000XM6 vs XM5: how do they compare?

The best wireless earbuds around right now

Apple has clearly been hard at work on a new range of products, as highlighted by its week of exciting launches, which included the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4, alongside an extensive upgrade to its Mac range.

While computers aren’t necessarily our thing, even I can’t resist the charm of the MacBook Neo, which is the shining, affordable star in Apple's new lineup. I have been gazing longingly at the MacBook Neo on Apple’s website, and so smitten by it am I that I can almost forgive Apple for not launching a new streamer during its week of new releases… almost.

Truthfully, though, I still feel a tad bitter about getting excited for a new Apple TV 4K after more than three years of waiting, only for my hopes and dreams to be quashed.

What’s frustrating is that Apple’s new strategy of appealing to those who want the high-quality hardware and access to the iOS/iPadOS/MacOS ecosystem without spending an inordinate amount of money made me think about how it could apply this ethos to its AV products. And, of course, I mean specifically the Apple TV 4K.

Maybe, though, I have been wishing for the wrong Apple TV…

Redefine the entry level…

Apple is clearly strengthening its entry-level product portfolio. A cheap, fun and plenty powerful new MacBook, and an upgrade to the affordable and talented iPhone 16e prove this. So how about it introduces an affordable new Apple TV 4K?

In this instance, I feel as though Apple should look towards Amazon for inspiration in the affordable streaming space. While Amazon offers a flagship streamer in the form of the Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation, there are plenty of streaming options that cost far less.

Take the Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2nd Generation, which snatched the Product of the Year Award away from Apple last year, and continues to be a brilliant, affordable 4K streamer. We reviewed it at £70 / $60 / AU$120, but it is often on sale for well below that.

That’s a much easier price to swallow than the Apple TV 4K’s £149 / $130 / AU$219 asking price – and it is, of course, Amazon’s most expensive streaming stick.

If Apple were looking to apply its five-star streaming tech into a device that would appeal to entry-level markets, including students or those looking for a streaming stick for their bedroom or kitchen TV, a cheaper Apple TV 4K stick could be just the ticket.

A hypothetical Apple TV 4Ke or Apple TV 4K Neo would unquestionably capture the hearts of iPhone users who want the Apple ecosystem to extend to their TVs – and any way to get Apple’s excellent picture and sound into a cheaper device would be a dream come true for me.

It would fit right in to the new affordable ecosystem that Apple is building. The brand is also injecting some fun and colour into these budget ranges – take the vibrant Citrus or Blush pink MacBook Neo – and I wouldn't be opposed to a more fun streamer.

The Google Chromecast with Google TV (may it rest in peace) also came in a selection of colours, including pink, blue, and white; so a colourful Apple TV streamer wouldn't be remarkably left-field.

Of course, Apple is still keeping tight-lipped about anything to do with its AV products, so we'll have to wait and see what the next Apple TV 4K will look like… if it ever arrives.

MORE:

Read our full Apple TV 4K review

As well as our Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review

And check out our picks for the best streaming devices

Apple AirPods are known for many things: snappy user-friendliness, enjoyable sound quality and futuristic features we didn't expect.

What AirPods are not known for, however, are regular price cuts – there has been a stubborn refusal to drop ticket values outside major sales events.

We have, however, spotted a nice little discount recently. The Apple AirPods 3 are currently on offer for £197 at Amazon.

That's a 10 per cent saving compared with their price when we tested them, and the lowest we have seen the Pro 3 drop.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are more evolution than revolution from the AirPods Pro 2, but those small improvements add up to yet another five-star model.

One of the biggest upgrades has been to active noise-cancelling (ANC), with the Pro 3 blocking out more external mid and low-range frequencies than the previous model. Environmental noises on our commute were also quietened down further, with even sudden loud noise spikes handled admirably.

ANC has been aided by design changes that include new ultra-low-noise microphones and foam-infused eartips, which now come in five different sizes.

The other major improvement to the Pro 3 comes in sound quality. It benefits from a revamped ‘multiport acoustic architecture’ that promises more precise airflow control to deliver greater bass and a wider soundstage than the Pro 2.

We found that this promise was fulfilled pretty early on during testing.

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

“Tonally, the AirPods Pro 3 have a well-judged balance that ensures no frequency sticks out unduly, nor does it sound too smoothed-over at the expense of subtlety.”

Battery life is eight hours from a single charge with ANC on, though disappointingly, overall battery life with the case has dropped to 24 hours.

Long-term AirPod features such as conversation mode and head-gesture controls remain as slick as ever; they are joined by some new offerings, such as a heart-rate sensor and an improved IP57 water resistance.

If you own an iPhone or other iOS device, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 come highly recommended. They are sonically a step forward from the Pro 2, and came with a raft of other features and upgrades that makes this reduced price of £197 at Amazon quite the bargain.

MORE:

Read our review of the Technics EAH-AZ100

Also consider the Sony WF-1000XM6

Best wireless earbuds: top pairs tested by our reviewers

Apple has officially refreshed its ranks, and while the headliners are impressive, we can’t help but notice some glaring omissions in the home cinema department.

But first, what did we get? There was the iPhone 17e, a more affordable variant of the Product of the Year-winning iPhone 17. It boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display, which uses Apple's Super Retina XDR technology for rich, vivid colours, as well as the same 1200 nits of claimed peak brightness.

A new iPad Air was also announced, featuring the M4 chip, an upgrade over its predecessor's M3 version. Apple claims the new model is up to 30 per cent faster than the iPad Air with M3, and up to 2.3 times faster than the iPad Air with M1.

However, the event was notably silent on the products we really wanted to see. Where on earth is the new Apple TV 4K? And with the current HomePod getting long in the tooth, we were primed for a third-generation smart speaker or even the long-rumored "HomePad" with a built-in display.

It might be wishful thinking, but we’ve spent the afternoon dreaming of what could have been.

The much-discussed Apple TV

Bear with me, here. Considering Apple has released a huge range of products featuring OLED screens at different sizes, it's not too much of a stretch to hope for Apple's own TV range featuring the same technology.

After all, we've seen firsthand its success with OLED in its iPhone and iPad range. The newest iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17e, for instance, feature OLED screens. We tested the iPhone 17 with a selection of movies and TV shows, and said: "It’s natural where required, yet it’s not afraid to introduce some punch and pop, all without straying into looking overcooked."

And since Apple already has one of the best video streamers we've tested under its belt, in the form of Apple TV 4K, surely the brand is in a prime position to combine the two to create its own TV screen?

Brands such as Roku have combined the success of their hardware and operating system software to build its streaming platform directly into TVs.

Based on the excellent picture performance from Apple's OLED screens in smaller models and its top-performing video streaming platform offerings, it would be great to see how it would fare on a larger scale. A longstanding rumour, but I still want to believe...

Apple's own Dolby Atmos soundbar?

Apple's offerings when it comes to sound have also been fruitful, with the Apple HomePod 2 snagging multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards since its release.

When we put it through its paces in our test room, we were impressed by its solid yet natural-sounding audio as well as the compact, stylish design.

If you have the budget for it, you can combine two HomePod 2's with an Apple TV 4K to create a home cinema sound system.

As we noted in our review: "A stereo pair of HomePods is particularly beneficial with Dolby Atmos tracks, which sound even more open and three-dimensional, with very impressive spatial placement of voices and instruments."

But Apple could go one step further and create its own dedicated Dolby Atmos soundbar, taking the top-quality audio from the HomePod 2 while sprinkling in the streaming capabilities and the HDMI eARC functionality of the Apple TV 4K.

Setting up the HomePods and the Apple TV 4K separately is a bit of a faff (mainly as HomePods are not particularly suited to wall-mounting), so combining them into a single product would be a big win for functionality.

This might be pie-in-the-sky thinking, but a home cinema lover can dream, right?

MORE:

Here is our review of the Apple HomePod 2

And these are our thoughts on the Apple TV 4K

Adventures in AV: Apple is in a prime position to make Dolby's next-gen tech the actual "future of home cinema"