Sonos has been a major player in the world of wireless speakers, building much of its reputation on its multi-room ecosystem and – until recently, at least – its accompanying Sonos app.

The US brand has yet to make much of a mark in the world of headphones, though. Sonos’s first pair of wireless cans, the over-ear Sonos Ace, scored a disappointing three-star rating when we reviewed them back in 2024, and were outperformed by its Sony and Bose rivals.

As we said in our review: “the Sonos skip over the finer details and simply don’t stir the emotions like the very best pairs do.” Room for improvement, then.

This latest effort could spell a fresh start, though, with the new Sonos Ace Ultra headphones promising improved features and teasing a “rich, detailed audio” that aims to be more on par with the competitive premium wireless headphones market.

To get an idea of what the new headphones can do, I had an initial listen to the new Ace Ultra can at a hands-on launch session in Berlin during the IFA 2026 showcase.

Price

Sonos’s newest cans will set you back £399 / $449 / AU$699, pitting them against the Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, which launched at £400 / $450 / AU$699. That’s some tough competition already for the bushy-tailed Sonos hopefuls.

The original Ace headphones launched at £449 / $449 / AU$699, but they are currently available for less at £299 / $299 / AU$449. Surprisingly, Sonos says they will keep the original Ace on sale alongside the new step-up model, rather than Ace Ultra being a direct replacement.

Design and build

As I slip the demo pair of Ace Ultra headphones over my head, the first thing that becomes obvious is that Sonos is looking to prioritise wearer comfort. The soft memory foam ear cushions and the firm adjustable headband make it easy to imagine that, over longer listening sessions, the Ace Ultra would be easy to live with.

The ear pads attach magnetically and you can buy replacement ear cushions from the Sonos store, and you can even replace the battery yourself. That is great from a sustainability and cost perspective, and it’s all too rare from the major tech brands.

The Ace Ultra look very similar to the original Ace, but under the hood you will find brand-new Sonos-designed 40mm drivers. In theory, that should give the new headphones a big boost in sound quality.

Sonos has also included two more colour options as well as the classic Black and White: Agave (which looks like a greenish blue) and Sand.

Instead of opting for touch controls like many of its rivals, Sonos has once again gone for tactile buttons on the side of each cup, including controls to adjust noise-cancelling settings and power. The silver slider, or ‘content key’, gives you the same functionality as the previous model, so you can control volume, pause, and answer calls by sliding it up and down.

Features

If you hold down that content key slider, you can make the most of Sonos’s newly named ‘Fabric’ feature, which encompasses the multi-room capability of the brand’s ecosystem. This includes using the 'headphone linking' feature, which lets you transfer sound from a Sonos speaker or soundbar to the Ace Ultra headphones. This feature was restricted to select soundbar models in the original Ace, so it’s great to see the full feature that works with all current Sonos speakers on board this time around.

I get to see this in action during the demo, as the sound jumped from the Sonos Move 2 portable speaker to the headphones with a touch of a button in a matter of seconds. We then move to a different room, where the sound again transfers to a different Sonos speaker with the same ease.

A lot is going on behind the scenes, but the short of it is that the sound jumps to whatever product is within the closest proximity. It was all pretty impressive to watch, and it certainly speaks to the unique setup that you can get if you have several Sonos products in your home.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is on board again, and Sonos claims that its effect is twice as powerful as the original Ace headphones. It’s an adaptive system which should be able to adjust in intensity as your surroundings change, and can also take into account any gaps in the seal due to glasses or hair. Presumably this is partly down to the fact that the new model boasts ten mics compared to eight used on the original Ace from 2024.

As with the previous Ace headphones, the Ace Ultra offer an Aware mode, which lets outside sounds in to keep you mindful of your surroundings, and there’s also support for Dolby Atmos spatial audio content with head tracking.

Battery life is a very healthy 35 hours with ANC activated (up from 30 hours from the original Ace) – that’s five more than the Sony WH-1000XM6’s claim of 30 hours under the same conditions. Sonos also says you can get three hours of playback from just three minutes of fast-charging, which is the same as the previous model.

The higher-quality aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec is supported for streaming files up to 16-bit/44.1kHz, while native support for 16-bit/48kHz resolution is available via a wired USB-C connection.

I didn’t get to connect the newly updated Sonos 27app to the headphones myself during the demo, but I get a glimpse of a few new features, including an interactive, granular volume dial that is activated by placing two of your fingers on the screen at the same time, then twisting to adjust.

Sound quality

So, how do the headphones actually sound? I had a chance to listen to the new cans during the brief demo, so what follows is an initial impression of the performance. We will have to wait for our review sample and put them through our comprehensive testing process before giving a final verdict.

With music streaming from Qobuz, I start with Muna’s Dancing on the Wall, and the sound is portrayed with a decent sense of spaciousness, and the instrumentals are reasonably well-placed around the soundfield. There’s a good sense of power from the bass, and it gives the track a solid foundation without overpowering the rest of the sound.

Moving to keep going! by Montaigne, the width of the soundstage really continues to blossom, although it's hard to get a handle on how well the Ace Ultra are handling the swell of dynamics during the track's intro in our brief listen.

It will be interesting to hear how the Ace Ultra measure up when pitted against price rivals such as the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the five-star Sennheiser HDB 630 during a longer listen, especially when it comes to subtler detail, dynamics and rhythmic ability. Those are key sonic features that are harder to discern during our brief demo, and we're hoping that Sonos has taken note of our concerns from the older Ace model to bring greater improvements here in the Ace Ultra.

The headphones’ noise-cancelling does seem to be working its magic, however. The conversation happening a couple of metres away in the demo room is barely audible, helping me feel more immersed in the music as it plays. Again, we’ll have to test these new over-ears in a greater variety of environments to see how their ANC quality fares against the best in class.

It’s also worth noting that I don’t get a chance to adjust the EQ controls during this demo, which could also have an impact on the sound quality.

Early verdict

The Ace Ultra have kept much of what we liked about Sonos’s debut over-ear headphones, with a comfortable and practical design, and new features that should make them appealing to those with multiple Sonos products at home already.

Judging by this initial experience, it seems the new premium Sonos wireless headphones offer clear vocals and a reasonably organised sound, along with improved ANC, but we’ll need further dedicated testing time to discover if they surpass the original Aces’ three-star appraisal and come close to – or even beat – the current class leaders in this highly competitive category.

MORE:

This is our review of the Sonos Ace

Check out the best wireless headphones

I listened to Sonos's Beam Ultra soundbar

We've pretty much been waiting for a sequel to the Award-winning Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones since they arrived in 2023.

Not because they fell short of our expectations – quite the opposite – but because the budget noise-cancelling over-ears were so good, we couldn't wait to see what Sony could do when given another chance to impress.

A sequel has indeed finally arrived in the shape of the Sony WH-CH730N, vowing to elevate everything we liked about the WH-CH720N while mitigating their modest but not-trivial limitations.

Those limitations included a slightly bass-heavy sonic signature, as well as a design that, if we're being charitable, wasn't exactly the last word in luxury.

If the WH-CH730N can rectify such minor issues without losing the character of what made their predecessors so great, they could truly be successors to some of our favourite headphones of the past few years. Now that's something worth getting excited about.

When Sony invited us for an exclusive look at the WH-CH730N, we had to take advantage. We haven't heard the new headphones yet, but we've had a sneak peek at how they look and feel, and heard directly from Sony about the changes the next-gen over-ears have made. From what we've seen, they could be something very special.

Excited for: a new folding look

When we went to see them in person a few weeks ago, we really liked the way the new WH-CH730N looked.

Taste is subjective – and how a pair of headphones appear on the outside should be a secondary priority to how they sound – but that wholesale redesign really works for us. The WH-CH720N were, to be charitable, rather rough and ready headphones, but the smoother, more modern design of their successors feels like a big improvement. Out are the rather basic earcups, replaced by larger, more premium cups that come across as far more premium than the headphones' modest price might suggest.

Better still, they should be more ergonomic to live with thanks to the fact that the new over-ears feel sturdier and are now fully foldable, something that was lacking in the somewhat rigid WH-CH720N. It was always a worry that you might accidentally snap your precious headphones in transit, but full foldability helps assuage such fears this time around.

It makes sense considering that these are still reasonably budget-friendly headphones geared towards everyday use. When you've got over-ears that are going to be thrown into backpacks and tossed into the back of the car, you want to know they're going to survive years of potentially hard use.

Excited for: refined tuning and (hopefully) better sound

At first, it was easy to hear the news that Sony hadn’t updated the physical drivers for the Sony WH-CH730N. You expect new hardware from one generation to the next, so the fact that Sony had kept the same 30mm dynamic units as found in the WH-CH720N just slightly smacked of complacency.

Yet that needn’t be the case. The thing is, the WH-CH720N sound great – they might be the best sound-per-pound wireless over-ears you can buy – with their slightly enthusiastic bass the only real point of criticism. Even then, you can tone that down via the in-app equaliser, so it’s not a huge deal.

As it turns out, we want more of the same from the WH-CH730N, albeit with a bit of sonic tinkering to make them as good as they can be. Tweaking tuning algorithms rather than physical hardware can make a surprisingly profound difference, too – just look at how much better the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) sound over their first-gen antecedents.

The punchy, deeply musical personality of the WH-CH720N…but better? Sounds like a recipe for success to us.

Excited for: longer battery life

Wow, check out these numbers. We didn’t think the WH-CH720N were exactly short on battery life, thanks to their 50 hours of lifespan with ANC off and a still-massive 35 hours with it on, but Sony has really doubled down for the sequel.

The WH-CH730N will go for 75 hours before they need a recharge if you have noise cancelling turned off, a figure that quite frankly puts their predecessors in the shade. That’s a huge usability bonus, only sweetened by the fact that a three-minute quick charge will grant around an hour of playback when you’re in a hurry.

Not many rivals come close at this kind of money. The Austrian Audio Hi-X25BT (£129 / $140) will go for around 30 hours before they need a recharge, whereas even the mega-battery-boasting Philips TAH8000E's (£140 / $149) 70 hours with ANC off can't quite keep up.

Excited for: that seamless Sony usability

From the bottom of its range to the very top, Sony's headphones are very rarely a chore to live with. Quality tends to suffuse everything the brand does at the moment, with its wireless cans exemplifying this customer-first focus on usability and performance that few rivals can match.

What the WH-CH730N have in their favour right out of the gate, then, is the fact that they're a pair of Sony over-ears. That means certain features, such as DSEE upscaling for poorer-quality files, as well as 'Precise Voice Pickup Technology' for better noise calls and beamforming mics contributing to improved noise cancelling, are already in the bank.

Plus, access to the Sony Headphones app is never a bad thing, as while it's rarely been the most sleek or stylish platform in the world, the levels of customisation it offers are extremely tough to beat.

Unless something goes horribly wrong, we'd feel confident in stating that, from its voice calls to its ANC, we'll likely be in very safe hands with the WH-CH730N.

A small concern: that higher price

This isn't a dealbreaker for most, but it's still worth mentioning: the WH-CH730N are more expensive at launch than their predecessors. It's not a massive increase – only £10 in the UK – but it does point to a slightly more worrying trend in audio concerning rising prices.

This isn't something for which we blame Sony, but more a reflection of where things could be headed across the market. Due to poor market conditions, the global economic downturn, certain political decisions and an increasing scarcity of computer chips, consumer audio prices are rising, and even the budget end of the audio landscape isn't unaffected.

£10 isn't a huge rise from one generation to the next, but when even massive entities such as Sony are affected, it could point to an unwanted trend: higher prices for your headphones.

MORE:

Back with a bang! Sony has resurrected a classic pair of wireless headphones by launching the WH-1000XM4C

Now Playing: 5 songs we've had on repeat in the test rooms as we head into autumn

These are the best wireless headphones we've tested

At long last, Sony has announced sequels to two of its best-value wireless headphones: the five-star WH-CH520 and the Award-winning WH-CH720N.

The new budget WH-CH530 follow on from the entry-level WH-CH520 Bluetooth on-ears, while the affordable WH-CH730N are the sequel to the multiple-Award-winning WH-CH720N noise-cancelling over-ears.

Both sets come with a number of upgrades and tweaks to the firm's five-star formula, though only one has had an aesthetic refresh.

The WH-CH730N has had an external redesign, ditching the rough-and-ready aesthetic of its predecessors in place of a smoother, more premium design that doesn't look entirely dissimilar to the more expensive Sonos Ace.

Better still, the new noise-cancelling cans fold away; something their rather rigid predecessors couldn't do, much to our reviewers' annoyance.

The WH-CH530's design hasn't deviated much from the WH-CH520's, opting for similarly small rounded earcups, an on-ear fit and a reasonably compact form factor.

Internally, the actual hardware that the two new sets pack hasn't changed much, with both pairs housing the same drive units as before. That means both the WH-CH720N and WH-CH530 come with 30mm dynamic drivers.

Despite the lack of hardware changes, Sony claims both sets offer a major sonic boost over their predecessors, thanks to work it has done improving their digital signal processing and algorithms. Sony's established DSEE signal processing is also on board for cleaning up lower-quality files.

The WH-CH730N boast a titanic 75 hours of battery life with noise cancelling switched off, a figure that quite frankly puts the 50-hour lifespan of the WH-CH720N firmly in the shade.

The WH-CH530 aren't doing badly either, serving up 55 hours of battery life. That's a five-hour improvement over the 50 hours offered by their predecessors. A three-minute quick charge of the WH-CH730N will grant around an hour of playback, while the same charging time will grant 90 minutes of listening on the cheaper WH-CH530.

Both new pairs tease clearer voice calls thanks to AI noise reduction algorithms that spotlight human speech and dampen the clamour of the outside world. The noise-cancelling WH-CH730N also tout improved noise cancelling thanks to Sony's 'Dual Noise Sensor' technology and an array of beamforming microphones.

The WH-CH530 are available now in a choice of Black, Cobalt, White, Pink, Coral, and Mint, priced at £50 / AU$99.95 – which is the same price as their predecessors' original price tag. The WH-CH730N are also available now in a range of Black, White, Pink, Blue, and Oat colourways, priced at £110 / AU$229.95. That's a small advance on the original £99 asking price of the current WH-CH720N in the UK, but a decrease of AU$20 in Australia.

Price rises aside, we can't wait to try out both of Sony's latest over-ears. The WH-CH520 and CH720N have been holding steady on our list of the best wireless headphones ever since they debuted, and we're expecting their respective sequels to elevate their performance to even greater heights.

MORE:

Now Playing: 5 of the best songs we've had on repeat in the test rooms as summer turns to autumn

If Sonos Ace Ultra headphones are in the works, here are three things they need to get right to rival Sony and Bose

Check out our pick of the best wireless headphones

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Sony is bringing back one of its best-selling pairs of wireless headphones ever.

The WH-1000XM4C are a revised version of the original WH-1000XM4, which launched back in 2020.

That original XM4 was the longest-running pair of headphones in Sony’s 1000X series so far, and remained on sale for five years after their arrival.

In that time, not only did they become repeat What Hi-Fi? Awards-winners, the headphones also secured a place in the What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame, where only products that make a long-lasting impression on our test team are included. This makes the arrival of the WH-1000XM4C all the more exciting.

So, “what’s changed?” we hear you ask.

The biggest change is to the battery. The reason the original XM4 reached end of life is that its battery was not compliant with the EU battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which stipulates that portable batteries need to be able to be removed by the end user.

This law comes into effect in February 2027, so for the XM4 to stage a comeback, the battery needed to change. The only downside is that it is smaller than the one used previously and doesn’t provide quite as much juice as the original.

This means battery life has dropped from 30 hours with ANC on for the original XM4 to 27 hours for the WH-1000XM4C.

Sony claims the design and finish of the headphones are identical, apart from a slight tweak to the Sony logo and the introduction of a letter ‘L’ and ‘R’ inside each respective earcup. The software driving the headphones is the same, too.

This means the 40mm driver of the original carries over to XM4C, as does the DSEE Extreme processing engine and the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. While ANC performance should remain virtually identical to the original, Sony has been able to upgrade other elements of the new headphones.

The main change has been to the sound – Sony has tweaked the tuning of the headphones so it’s more akin to its most recent WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 models. It’s claiming richer and clearer vocals, greater separation and a more immersive listen, plus greater dynamics and punchier bass.

Through Sony’s Headphones Connect app, you can now access a ten-band equaliser and a dedicated Gaming EQ setting, which wasn’t available for the original.

The WH-1000XM4C have Multipoint Bluetooth and still feature Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology, which helps with phone calls.

In addition to the standard black and silver (which is a slightly lighter shade than before) finishes, there’s also a new lavender option which brings a splash of colour to the range. Sony hasn’t confirmed whether a Midnight Blue option will be available, as was introduced for the original model.

The WH-1000XM4C cost £219 / $300 / AU$449.95 and go on sale this month. You might be wondering what this means for the WH-1000XM5, which at the time of writing are still on sale. Their battery does not conform to the EU regulation, so they will go end of life before February 2027, and the WH-1000XM4C will continue in their place.

What do you think? Are you excited to see the XM4 return? Let us know by clicking on our poll and leave a comment below! We'll hopefully be getting a sample soon, so stay tuned for our full review!

MORE:

Here's our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy right now

Read our original Sony WH-1000XM4 review

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs WH-1000XM4: which headphones should you buy?

The What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame: the best products of the 2020s

The long Labor Day weekend is the last big sales event before Black Friday, so it’s well worth taking a look at the deals.

And while it may be tempting to wait a few more months, there are some record-low prices to be had already – including a whopping 50 per cent off a pair of multi-Award-winning headphones.

There’s plenty else to consider, though, including our 2025 TV Product of the Year, a new OLED favourite and a saving on Apple’s best AirPods.

Whatever you decide on, every product below has been tried and tested by our expert review team. Each device is compared to the market leaders, and only those with four stars or more get our sought-after recommendation.

So kick back this long weekend and enjoy some of the deals…

The Sony WH-1000XM5 premium noise-canceling headphones are great performers, and this fantastic half-price saving makes them even better value. The newer WH-1000XM6 have taken their place, but the XM5 are still very much recommended.

The LG C6 is one of our favorite TVs of the year so far, with a new processor delivering a brighter, richer and more refined OLED picture than its predecessor. If you’re looking for a mid-range OLED, this is the one to get, and its awesome gaming specs are ideal for GTA 6 in a few months.

If you’re looking to add streaming smarts to your TV or just upgrade its capabilities, then the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) is our video streamer Product of the Year and our top choice at this price range. The stick adds Amazon’s app-packed Fire OS, with a detailed, rich picture and support for all four HDMI formats.

The AirPods Pro 3 have it all, with spacious, powerful and dynamic sound, effective noise-canceling and a comfortable, lightweight design. If you have an iOS device, these are the AirPods we recommend, and you’ll get to enjoy the snappy, seamless synergy between the two.

JBL has been king of the portable Bluetooth speaker game for a while now, and the JBL Flip 7 is no different. With skilful handling of dynamics and rhythms, excellent build quality and a strong feature set that includes Auracast and lossless wired audio, there’s a lot on offer here.

The Sony Bravia 8 II is our current reigning TV champion, scooping the Product of the Year gong in this category thanks to its exceptionally bright, vibrant and three-dimensional picture, excellent shadow detail and cinematically authentic presets. We’ve been singing its praises for some time, so this discount is the perfect time to see what all the fuss is about.

MORE:

These are the best projectors out there

Check out the best TVs we have reviewed

And here are the three best OLED TVs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

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

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

Happy Bank Holiday weekend!

While Bank Holidays are best known for long weekends away, late evening plans and general relaxation, they're also a great time for deals.

We've seen plenty pop up already, from last year's Product of the Year TV to 2026 contenders, to cinematic tablets and projectors. You can see them all below.

These are all products we've tried, tested and reviewed ourselves – regardless of the discount, we'll only recommend a product if it has earned four stars or more.

So sit back, relax and browse some deals as the weekend begins...

Even if you're not an audiophile, there's a good chance you've heard of the Sony 1000X series before. As a tenth anniversary present, the Japanese tech giant released Sony 1000X The Collexion, which combines the line's technology with a sonic signature that prioritises scale, detail and clarity.

If your budget only stretches to an entry-level OLED, then the Samsung S85H is an excellent contender. It features good peak brightness at this price level, as well as a punchy, three-dimensional picture and solid feature support. Use the code RED20 at checkout to get this deal price.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra has a huge, bright 14.6-inch screen that's ridiculously immersive for a tablet. It also boasts enough power to function as a laptop replacement. Use the code BH15 to save an extra 15 per cent this Bank Holiday weekend.

The Sony Bravia 8 II is our TV product of the year at its lowest price yet. Need we say more? We'd currently recommend not updating the system software due to current issues, but otherwise this is an exceptionally bright, vibrant and three-dimensional TV. Save £250 with the code TRADE250.

Finally, the Hisense C2 Ultra is designed with convenience in mind, but we still found the pictures to be bright and punchy and the sound often outstanding for a projector. We only reviewed the 4K projector this week, but there's already a £200 discount.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Fancy an OLED? Check out our LG C6 review

And read the verdict of our TCL C8K review

Our pick of the best TVs across a range of prices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

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

Consider reading our full Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review

And our Sennheiser HDB 630 review

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

A few weeks ago, Sony announced that its next-generation PlayStation console will ditch physical discs, which has (quite rightly) sent gamers and cinephiles alike into a frenzy.

Seeing this as an opportunity to one-up its arch-nemesis, which has dominated the home console market for years now, Xbox has announced a new feature that will give physical discs a lifeline – for now, at least...

Announced at Gamescom 2026, Xbox's new "disc to digital" initiative will let gamers acquire digital licenses for the physical games they own, essentially bundling the best aspects of physical and digital media into one.

Inserting a supported Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One game (Xbox says that thousands of titles are supported and more will be added over time) will prompt users to "claim a digital entitlement", essentially adding a digital version of their game to their library.

This allows them to fire up the game even when the disc isn't in the console, and it unlocks the ability to play the game practically anywhere, whether that's a friend's console that you're logged into, Xbox's Play Anywhere feature, or even the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.

Crucially, though, users will still benefit from owning a physical copy of the game: Xbox says that this is an "important step toward a future where players can have greater confidence that the games they buy remain with them for years to come".

In other words, if you own a physical copy, your purchased titles can't suddenly disappear from your library – which is what happened when Sony removed hundreds of purchased films from PlayStation users' libraries recently.

Furthermore, you can still sell your disc or lend it to a friend without worry, as the digital license is transferable.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, in an interview with BBC News, stated that it will allow users to experience a best of both worlds approach, and claimed that "it's really a breakthrough in how we think about physical and digital media".

The feature will come to Xbox Insiders (the gaming firm's Beta software testers) on 31st August, with a wider rollout to all users expected down the line.

While this looks like a positive change on paper, it also suggests Xbox may follow Sony's lead and opt for an all-digital approach for its next consoles, though that remains speculation for now.

Xbox could be preparing its users by allowing them to digitise their existing physical library in readiness for a discless Xbox launching in the coming years, but only time will tell if that is the outcome.

MORE:

Read our full Xbox Series X review

Still undecided? Xbox Series X vs PS5

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

Quiz! Can you name the first film in these home cinema formats?

Sony has announced the newest addition to its budget line of smartphones – enter the Sony Xperia 10 VIII.

It offers a handful of upgrades over its predecessor, the Xperia 10 VII, and follows on from the Award-winning Xperia 10 VI.

The new model boasts a claimed peak brightness that is double that of the previous smartphone to deliver “improved visibility even outdoors”, although Sony has not disclosed the exact figures.

The Japanese brand also claims that the stereo speaker system (made up of the earpiece and a bottom-firing speaker) features “revised tuning”, which will supposedly deliver “improved volume and sound quality”.

Sony says that volume is boosted by 15 per cent and these speakers can also output 30 per cent stronger bass than the previous model.

There are still a fair few similarities with its older sibling, though. Like the VII model, it runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 with 8GB of RAM, and is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that Sony claims can last for up to two days.

Resolution and size have also stayed the same, with a 6.1-inch screen with a 2340 x 1080 OLED display.

The camera set-up is familiar too, with the 10 VIII sporting a 50-megapixel main and 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens on the back, as well as an 8-megapixel selfie camera.

We are glad to see that the 3.5 mm aux jack has stuck around, and cements Sony as one of the best for audio features in the smartphone market.

You can choose from three colour finishes for the Xperia VIII: Frozen White, Frosted Grey and Misted Lilac.

The Xperia 10 VIII is launching at £549 in the UK, making it £150 more expensive than its predecessor.

That would feel more warranted if there were more hefty upgrades, but it’s a hard sell considering it has the same chipset and camera. That said, the ongoing RAM crisis is likely the cause, with smartphone prices rising across the board.

We're eager to find out if Sony has delivered another five-star budget portable AV machine, so stay tuned for our full review.

MORE:

Check out our review of the Sony Xperia 10 VI

These are the best smartphones on the market

And here are the best Sony soundbars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Read our full 55-inch Sony Bravia 8 II review

Also consider reading our Samsung S99H review

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

The heatwaves here in the UK have finally subsided, and we've been enjoying our first smattering of *gasp* actual rain.

Not to worry, though – there are deals on two great waterproof speakers that will be sure to survive a downpour if you still have outdoor plans, as well as plenty to keep you occupied inside should a thunderstorm emerge.

As always, our recommendations are all based on first-hand testing. All the below products have received at least four stars, the minimum required to get the What Hi-Fi? deals thumbs up.

So take a look below – you can finally stop thinking about buying more fans and air conditioning units...

If you're a regular What Hi-Fi? reader, you've likely heard us praise the JBL Xtreme speaker line numerous times. The robust speakers have no problem with water and dust, and the Xtreme 4 model offers clear, detailed sound, tight, weighty bass and a straightforward user experience. Now nearly half price.

The Sonos Era 100 SL doesn't have the microphone of the Sonos Era 100, but otherwise it's identical, with the same big, open sound, crisp, clear detail and pleasing way with rhythm. Add in a ton of streaming features and a lower price than the original model, and you've got yourself quite the bargain.

The Grado SR325x have won five What Hi-Fi? Awards in a row thanks to their excellent detail and dynamics, hugely entertaining performance and a rugged build. Now under £200, an excellent price for one of the best headphones we've tested in the last 20 years.

The 43-inch Samsung U8000F is a good all-rounder for both gaming and video, with impressive motion handling in particular. It's a fine pick if you're heading to university next month, but also a great value budget TV if your student days are behind you.

The Sony Bravia Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES) is definitely pricey even with a £4,500 discount, but its What Hi-Fi? Award proves it's worth the money. With excellent contrast and detail, stunning black depth and two HDMI 2.1 sockets, it's a top pick for anyone with deep enough pockets.

The Bose SoundLink Max combines a rugged, ergonomic design, a lively, energetic sound and powerful, tight bass. Its IP67 dust- and water-proof rating will also protect you from rain, shine or whatever else the weather has in store for us this year.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

Quiz! Take on our turntable-themed crossword for a spin and see how quickly you can solve the clues

Choosing between the best projectors isn’t always as simple as picking the model with the highest star rating. Your room, viewing habits and preferred content can all determine which projector will ultimately give you the better experience. We mention all this, because it’s particularly true of the Sony VPL-XW5000ES and Optoma UHZ78LV – two fine projectors worthy of your attention.

The Sony is a native 4K projector built primarily for serious movie watching in a darkened home cinema, while the Optoma combines much greater claimed brightness with broader HDR support, 4K/120Hz gaming and more accommodating installation features.

We’ve thoroughly reviewed both projectors in our dedicated testing rooms, assessing their design, features and picture performance using our established testing process. As a result, you can rest assured that by the time you’ve read everything below, you’ll know precisely which one deserves that coveted spot at the heart of your home entertainment setup.

Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs Optoma UHZ78LV tech specs comparison

Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs Optoma UHZ78LV: price

The Sony VPL-XW5000ES launched in 2022 at £5999 / $5998 / AU$9990, while the newer Optoma UHZ78LV landed in the UK at the same £5999 price (it’s not due to be sold in the US and hasn’t yet made it to Australia).

The Sony has, at the time of writing, reached a price as low as £4249 in the UK. The Optoma, in contrast, currently costs full price. That gives the Sony a clear value advantage at the time of writing – though it’s only one part of the puzzle…

** Winner: Sony VPL-XW5000ES **

Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs Optoma UHZ78LV: design

Neither projector is compact, but the Optoma packages its considerable brightness into a surprisingly manageable chassis. It’s lower and shallower than the Sony, although it’s also a little wider. The Optoma weighs 11.5kg, so is lighter than the Sony too, which should make handling it during installation somewhat easier.

Its design is functional rather than beautiful. The blocky black chassis looks serious and suitably premium, but lacks the Sony’s more distinctive sculpting. That might not matter once the projector has been ceiling-mounted or otherwise placed out of sight, but a little more ambition in the design would still be great to see.

As if to prove that point, the Sony has a much more characterful design, with a pronounced, angled, roof-like top and a choice of black or white finishes. It also runs impressively quietly, even when working hard with HDR material, thanks to its effective cooling system.

The Optoma is similarly unintrusive in operation. Optoma claims a maximum noise level of 28dB, and we found that it remained impressively quiet even in its brightest modes.

Overall, both feel like substantial, purpose-built home cinema projectors. For us, the Sony is more visually distinctive, but design is subjective, and far from the most important factor of a projector to consider…

** Winner: Draw **

Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs Optoma UHZ78LV: features

The Optoma’s headline feature is its claimed peak brightness of 5000 lumens. That comfortably trounces the Sony’s 2000-lumen rating and helps the UHZ78LV produce a punchy, colourful picture even when there is a significant amount of ambient light in the room.

Its triple RGB laser system is also claimed to cover 98 per cent of the DCI-P3 colour space and 96 per cent of BT.2020 without requiring a brightness-reducing colour filter. Sony’s Triluminos Pro colour engine, meanwhile, is claimed to cover 95 per cent of DCI-P3.

The Sony counters with its native 3840 x 2160 SXRD imaging chips. The Optoma uses pixel shifting to produce the 8.3 million pixels required for a 4K image and meets the Consumer Technology Association’s definition of 4K, but it can’t match the innate crispness and solidity of a genuine native 4K system.

Sony’s X1 Ultimate processor, meanwhile, further strengthens its picture credentials. Its features include Reality Creation, object-based resolution enhancement, object-based HDR remastering and the Dynamic HDR Enhancer, which identifies bright highlights and boosts their intensity without adversely affecting other elements of the picture.

Having said that, the Optoma offers substantially broader format support. It handles HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, while the Sony is limited to HDR10 and HLG. Dolby Vision is still rare among projectors and proves to be a meaningful advantage for the Optoma, rather than merely another logo on its specification sheet.

Optoma’s projector is also better equipped for gaming. Its three HDMI inputs comprise two HDMI 2.0 sockets and one HDMI 2.1 connection, with the latter supporting 4K signals at 120Hz. We measured input lag at 34.9ms in Low Latency mode and 18.1ms in Ultra Low Latency mode using a 60Hz signal.

The Sony’s two 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 inputs top out at 4K/60Hz, although it can accept 1080p at 120Hz. Its input lag was measured at 21ms with a 4K/60Hz signal and 13ms at 1080p/120Hz with its fast-response feature engaged.

Installation is another significant advantage for the Optoma. It offers motorised focus, zoom and lens shift, alongside a 1.6x zoom and a throw ratio of 1.25:1 to 2:1. The Sony’s zoom, focus and lens-shift controls are all manual, and we found its lens-shift wheels particularly loose and imprecise. Its lack of motorisation also means there is no lens-memory function.

Overall, Sony’s native 4K system and exceptional processing are hugely important, but the Optoma is brighter, supports more HDR formats, is easier to install, and offers 4K/120Hz gaming. Unsurprisingly, it wins this round fairly convincingly.

** Winner: Optoma UHZ78LV **

Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs Optoma UHZ78LV: picture quality

The Optoma’s brightness isn’t merely impressive on paper. In rooms with ambient light, it produces a bold, vibrant picture that retains far more colour and impact than most dedicated home cinema projectors.

Bright highlights have terrific intensity, while the combination of strong colours and deep shadows gives large-scale images a tangible sense of depth. During the battle for Washington DC in Civil War, blazing light sources and darker areas combine to create an arresting, cinematic image. It’s impressively crisp, too. Fine facial textures, environmental details and subtle lighting effects are reproduced cleanly, without the picture immediately appearing over-sharpened.

The Optoma also offers HDR, Filmmaker Mode and IMAX Enhanced presets for standard HDR material. We prefer IMAX Enhanced for viewing in a dark room, despite its initially darker and softer appearance, but the projector never entirely abandons its taste for spectacle.

Colours can look slightly more saturated and skin tones warmer than they should, while the overall picture sometimes feels as though it is pushing for impact rather than settling into complete neutrality.

Dolby Vision improves matters considerably. Dolby Vision Dark introduces a more restrained balance, while Dolby Vision Bright combines extra punch with impressive control and is our preferred mode overall, even in a darkened room. Dolby Vision Cinema works well in ambient light, although we recommend disabling its default motion processing.

The Optoma’s compromises become more apparent with SDR. Its Cinema mode is too bright and vivid for authentic dark-room viewing, while Reference looks somewhat cool and green. Careful adjustment produces a much better picture, but there remains a slight sheen and vivaciousness that doesn’t always suit the material.

Its single-chip DLP design can also produce occasional rainbow artefacts, particularly when bright objects appear against dark backgrounds. Motion is generally handled well, but there are rare traces of unwanted smoothing even with motion processing disabled.

In contrast, Sony’s offering delivers a fundamentally different kind of picture. It lacks the Optoma’s searing brightness, but in a dark room, its images are more natural, nuanced and authentically cinematic.

Black levels are excellent, with dark scenes appearing deep and neutrally toned. Sony’s Dynamic HDR Enhancer also gives bright highlights impressive impact without compromising the rest of the image, although its High setting can clip detail and is best avoided. We found the Middle setting offered the most satisfying balance.

Native 4K material looks exceptionally detailed, dense and three-dimensional as well. The combination of Sony’s SXRD panels, Reality Creation processing and Digital Focus Optimiser produces a solidity and natural crispness that the pixel-shifting Optoma can’t quite match. Upscaled HD material is excellent, too.

Motion is another major strength. Sony’s True Cinema setting gently reduces the distracting judder associated with 24fps content without introducing the excessively smooth appearance or processing artefacts found on many rivals.

Colours are beautifully balanced, controlled and nuanced, too, giving the Sony a sense of authenticity that the Optoma achieves only intermittently. There are rare occasions when the Sony struggles with very dark scenes containing extremely bright highlights, but these moments are uncommon and don’t significantly undermine its performance.

Overall, the Optoma is the stronger performer in a room with ambient light and can look superb with Dolby Vision material. For critical movie viewing in a dark room, however, the Sony offers superior sharpness, motion, colour accuracy and overall authenticity.

** Winner: Sony VPL-XW5000ES **

Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs Optoma UHZ78LV: verdict

This comparison is closer and more nuanced than the projectors’ respective five-star and four-star ratings might initially suggest.

The Optoma UHZ78LV has some significant advantages. It is vastly brighter, supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, accepts 4K/120Hz signals and is considerably easier to install thanks to its motorised lens controls. In a room that can’t be fully darkened, it’s likely to be the more satisfying projector.

It’s also a hugely entertaining performer. Its pictures are bold, vibrant and packed with impact, while Dolby Vision helps it achieve a more controlled and authentic balance than it generally manages with HDR10 or SDR.

For a traditional dedicated home cinema setup, though, the Sony VPL-XW5000ES remains the better projector. Its native 4K system produces sharper and more solid images, while its superior motion handling, balanced colours and greater subtlety create a more convincing representation of the filmmaker’s intent.

At the time of this comparison, the Sony is also significantly cheaper in the UK. It’s officially available in the US, where the Optoma isn’t due to be sold, while Australian pricing for the Optoma has yet to be confirmed. Yes, Sony’s manual lens controls, limited HDR support and lack of 4K/120Hz are frustrating, but once it is installed and a film begins, its picture quality outweighs those shortcomings.

So choose the Optoma if you regularly watch with bright ambient light, need Dolby Vision, or want 4K/120Hz gaming. For the most authentic and accomplished movie performance in a dark room, though, the Sony retains its well-deserved crown.

** Overall winner: Sony VPL-XW5000ES **

Sony's rumoured cut-price reboot of the classic XM4 wireless headphones has leaked again, this time with very official-looking images. There’s also news on the specifications.

WinFuture has posted some images of the cans, which look very similar to the standard XM4 which launched in 2020. The images show the headphones in black, white and violet colourways.

The German site has also seen “excerpts from the manufacturer’s data sheet” which spills the beans on the specs. Bluetooth 6.0 is apparently supported, which is a later version than even that on the Award-winning XM6 (which have Bluetooth 5.3), and matches the premium 1000X The Collexion. Whether this translates to any new or improved features remains to be seen.

Some corners are rumoured to have been cut in order to offer the headphones at a lower price. The NFC logo is missing from the pictures, which suggests Sony axed the easy-pairing feature to keep the costs down. Battery life is also said to be lower than the XM4, at 27 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) activated, and 34 without (the XM4 boasted 30 hours and 38 hours, respectively).

But, like the standard XM4, they are said to feature 40mm drivers, ANC, and to have a frequency response of 4Hz-40,000Hz. They should also weigh the same as the XM4.

Launch price is said to be €250, which would be lower than the XM4’s original price of £380. Given that the XM4 have fallen to £170 before, however, Sony will have some way to go to make the XM4C a compelling alternative. Having said that, given that the XM4 are no longer on sale, the XM4C could be a tempting budget option for Sony fans unable or unwilling to stretch to the XM6.

They are rumoured to launch in early September – we’ll bring you all the news as soon as we have it.

MORE:

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

I spent 10 hours on trains listening to the Sony WH-1000XM6 – and it convinced me to upgrade my beloved XM4 headphones

Check out our picks for the best Sony headphones

I recently wrote about problems I’m having with my Sony system since the latest software update, and I’ve been inundated with emails and messages from fellow sufferers ever since.

The offending software is 114.602.080.1, which was released to various Sony TV models towards the end of June.

The issues reported range from audio dropout (which is what I’m experiencing) and lip-sync issues to Dolby Vision content refusing to play, and it appears to be related to the way the TVs handle HDMI sources and passthrough.

Needless to say, affected owners are pretty frustrated, but I do have some good news – at least for some of them.

Sony has just released a new update, 114.602.170.1, and, according to some owners, including reader David Simmonds, who alerted me to the release of the new software, the Dolby Vision issue, which caused some users to see a black screen instead of their content, has seemingly been fixed.

[Edit to add: I've since been informed that a secondary Dolby Vision issue, which involves scan lines being visible in content, has not been resolved]

I wasn’t experiencing this problem, so I only have the reports of others to go on regarding the fix.

However, having now installed and done some testing of the new software, I can confirm that it unfortunately doesn’t fix the audio dropout issues for me, and David has confirmed it’s the same for him.

In fairness, this latest software update specifically mentions that it “resolves an issue where a black screen could be observed when starting playback of specific content from external HDMI devices”, but makes no mention of fixing any audio issues – it seems it was always intended to fix one problem but not the other.

I have contacted Sony with these findings and a request for information on a fix for the audio issues, and will report back with any information I get.

MORE:

Even brighter OLED TVs could be on the way thanks to a new “dream” panel technology – and super-large models might get cheaper

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

Thought we had finally hit the upper limit of OLED? Think again!

LG Display, which produces the OLED panels used in all OLED TVs sold by LG Electronics and in many TVs sold by brands such as Samsung, Sony and Panasonic, has just announced a new “dream” panel technology called ‘FLiPP’.

That funky name stands for the decidedly less funky ‘FMM-Less innovative Pixel Patterning’, which actually explains how this new technology works.

For the past decade or so, OLEDs have been manufactured using fine metal masks (FMMs). These are essentially sheets covered with microscopic holes, through which the red, green and blue OLED materials are placed.

The problem with these FMMs is that they add cost and they are hard to manufacture, particularly at very large screen sizes.

Now, “after a year of concentrated R&D”, LG Display says it has managed to develop a manufacturing method that eradicates the need for these FMMs.

More affordable super-sized OLED TVs?

Why should you care? First up, LG Display claims that because FLiPP improves the aperture ratio of OLED, it can “increase display brightness by 1.6 times, extend lifespan by 2.4 times, and reduce power consumption by 13 per cent”.

But I think there is potentially a more interesting point here. FLiPP apparently reduces material costs and significantly improves the efficiency of using large OLED sheets to produce panels for different products, and that means that manufacturing costs should decrease, potentially resulting in cheaper OLED TVs.

This could be particularly beneficial where very large OLED TVs are concerned. Big OLED panels are difficult and expensive to produce, so very large OLED TVs tend to be disproportionately expensive. FLiPP could change that.

LG Display flags that FLiPP is “free from panel size and resolution constraints”, and can be used for producing panels from 1-inch in size (for AR/VR headsets, for example) right up to 100 inches.

But when will we start to see FLiPP-based OLED TVs in shops? Not for a while, it seems: the tech is being officially unveiled at the International Meeting on Information Display (IMID) this week, and LG Display says it will first be used in “IT applications such as tablets and monitors”.

Rollout for “ultra-large TVs” is explicitly promised in the press release, though.

We have contacted LG Display for more information, and have reached out to TV manufacturers for their thoughts on the announcement.

We’ll follow up with more on FLiPP as we get it. In the meantime, those who want more of an explanation of how it works should check out LG Display’s own video explainer:

MORE:

Here are the best OLED TVs you can buy right now

Check out our LG C6 review and LG G6 review

There are plenty of reasons you might want to connect your phone to your TV.

Perhaps you’re watching something on your handset and want to transfer it to the bigger screen in your living room; maybe you want a big display to show off the snaps from your latest holiday; or you might want to play some music via your TV.

Whatever you’re trying to achieve, there’s generally a way to do it. Allow us to show you how.

Cast video from your phone

If you want to watch a video from your phone on the big screen, casting is usually the easiest and best way to do it.

Rather than sending everything on your phone's screen to the TV, casting tells the TV to play the content itself, with your phone essentially acting like a remote control. That means you can usually carry on using your phone without interrupting playback, and in many cases you can even turn its screen off while the video continues playing.

Google's technology is now called Google Cast, although you might still see it referred to as Chromecast.

Google Cast is built into Chromecast devices, the Google TV Streamer and TVs running Google TV or Android TV. In the UK, that includes compatible TVs from brands such as Sony, Philips and TCL.

Other manufacturers have also added Google Cast to some models: newer LG TVs support it, for example, while compatible Panasonic Android TVs do, too.

But don't assume that every TV from a particular brand supports Google Cast: Samsung’s Tizen TVs, Hisense's VIDAA TVs and Panasonic's Fire TV models, for example, use different systems.

If your TV doesn't support Google Cast, don't worry: you may still be able to send content to it using AirPlay or the manufacturer's own casting/mirroring system.

How to cast a video

First, make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same wi-fi network. Then open the app containing the video you want to watch and look for the Cast icon – it's a little rectangle with three curved lines in the corner.

Tap it, select your TV from the list of available devices, and the video should start playing on the TV.

Once you're connected, your phone becomes a convenient remote control: you can pause, skip and adjust playback from the app, while the TV does the actual streaming.

The catch is that the app needs to support casting. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, YouTube, BBC iPlayer and many other popular streaming services do, but you won't necessarily find a Cast button in every app.

If there isn't one, you might be able to use screen mirroring instead, but some apps restrict this, too. Sky Go, for example, doesn't support casting of any kind, so you can't simply send its live football or other content from your phone to a Cast-equipped TV.

What about iPhone?

iPhone users can also use Google Cast with compatible apps and TVs, but Apple's own AirPlay system is also an option if you have an AirPlay-compatible TV or an Apple TV 4K streamer.

The principle is much the same: start playing a video, tap the AirPlay button (a rectangle with a triangle pointing into it) and select your TV. Your iPhone and TV generally need to be on the same wi-fi network.

So, as a rule of thumb: if the app has a Cast or AirPlay button, use it. It's generally a better option for watching video on your TV than mirroring your entire phone screen.

Mirror your phone screen

If the app you want to use doesn't support casting, or you simply want to show something that's on your phone rather than stream a particular video, screen mirroring is the next option.

As the name suggests, mirroring shows what's happening on your phone's screen on your TV. Open a website, look through your photos or start an app on your phone, and you'll see the same thing on the big screen. It's particularly useful for things that don't have a dedicated TV app or don't offer a Cast button.

The exact method depends on your phone and TV. iPhone uses Apple's AirPlay system, while Android phones can use different systems depending on the manufacturer. Samsung calls its version Smart View, for example, while LG uses Screen Share on compatible models.

How to mirror your phone

On an iPhone, make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same wi-fi network, then open Control Centre, tap Screen Mirroring (the icon with two rectangles, one in front of the other) and select your AirPlay-compatible TV or Apple TV 4K. If a passcode appears on the TV, enter it on your phone.

On Android, look for a screen-mirroring option in your phone's quick settings. The name varies: Samsung phones use Smart View, while other manufacturers may call it Screen Share, Cast, Wireless Display or something similar. Select your TV from the list of available devices and accept the connection on the TV if prompted.

You'll generally need the phone and TV to be connected to the same wi-fi network, although the exact requirements vary between devices.

Mirroring generally isn't the best option for video

There's a reason we recommend casting where possible. With mirroring, everything on your phone is replicated on the TV, so a notification, incoming call or change of app can appear on the big screen.

And some streaming services restrict mirroring of protected video content, so don't assume that an app without a Cast button will necessarily work when mirrored.

For watching Netflix, YouTube, iPlayer and other supported services, casting or using the app directly on your TV is generally the better solution. Use mirroring when you want to show something that's actually on your phone, such as your photos or a presentation.

Play music through your TV

If you're listening to music, you're generally better off sending it directly to a wireless speaker, soundbar or AV system than using your TV. But there can be good reasons to put your music on the big screen, particularly when you're listening with other people.

The simplest option is to use your music service's TV app, if it has one.

Spotify, for example, has apps for many smart TVs, and you can use Spotify Connect on your phone to control what's playing. The TV can then display album artwork, track information and the playback queue, while everyone can see what's playing and take part in choosing the music.

But you don't necessarily need a TV app. Services including Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz can send music from their phone apps to compatible TVs using Google Cast, while AirPlay provides a similar option for iPhone users with a compatible TV.

So if your TV doesn't have a native app for the music service you use, check whether its phone app supports Google Cast or AirPlay before assuming you're out of luck. You may still be able to get your music onto the big screen.

Connect your phone with a cable

If a wireless connection isn’t an option, you can always connect your phone to your TV with a cable.

It's not as convenient as casting or mirroring, but a wired connection can be useful if you want a direct connection between your phone and TV, particularly if low latency is important – for example, when playing games.

Most modern phones use USB-C, so you'll generally need a USB-C-to-HDMI adaptor or cable, with the HDMI end connected to an HDMI input on your TV. Older iPhones with a Lightning connector require a suitable Lightning-to-HDMI adaptor instead.

Just bear in mind that not every USB-C phone supports video output, so check your phone's specifications before buying an adaptor.

Once connected, your phone will usually mirror its display on the TV, although the exact behaviour depends on the phone and adaptor.

And while a cable removes some of the potential complications of a wireless connection, it doesn't necessarily get around content restrictions: some streaming services can still block video output, or require the adaptor and TV to support the appropriate copy-protection standards (which they often don’t).

MORE:

Here are the best TVs you can buy right now

How far away should you sit from your TV?

For a projector to be worth a £10,000+ price tag, it has to be pretty good.

Luckily, the Sony Bravia Projector 8 is indeed good. Not just good, but brilliant – its exceptional contrast, sharp details and two HDMI 2.1 sockets earned it not just five stars but a What Hi-Fi? Award too.

There's also a huge price drop to match the huge price. You can get the Projector 8 for £11,499 at Richer Sounds, saving you a whopping £4500 from our test price.

Is that still gut-wrenchingly expensive? Yes, but if you have pockets deep enough, it's a projector that's absolutely worth the money. Bear in mind you'll have to be a Richer Sounds VIP member to get this deal, but it's absolutely free to sign up.

The Sony Bravia Projector 8 is not the most expensive projector we've reviewed – the Sony Bravia Projector 9 costs twice as much – but it was our high-end projector choice at the most recent What Hi-Fi? Awards.

The Projector 8 is more compact and lighter than its main competitors, such as the JVC DLA-NZ800, weighing just 14kg (as opposed to JVC's 23kg) and measuring 21 x 46 x 52cm.

It also comes with an incredibly functional remote, featuring shortcut buttons to access crucial settings such as lens adjustments and picture modes, as well as a backlight for operating the projector in dark home cinema rooms.

One of the big draws of the Bravia Projector 8 is the Bravia XR processor. It comes with a whole host of clever technology, including XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black, XR Triluminous Pro, XR Clear Image and Motionflow, which together help expand colour volume and enhance the accuracy of the laser output.

Its two HDMI 2.1 sockets also support 4K/120Hz signals with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which will please PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and gaming PC owners. Sony also claims an input lag of 12ms with 4K/120Hz sources too, making it ideal for fast-paced multiplayer games.

And the all-important picture quality? Mesmerising, with excellent black levels for a projector and expert contrast handling.

"Firing up Oppenheimer, we’re immediately struck by how crisp and detailed the picture appears," our Sony Bravia Projector 8 review reads. "Sony’s penchant for delivering effective three-dimensional-looking images is clearly on show, with a panning shot of a watchtower in the New Mexico desert looking particularly striking."

The Sony Bravia Projector 8 certainly isn't cheap, but it is a blockbuster projector that will make an excellent centrepiece of any home cinema. Now available with a £4500 saving at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

Read our review of the JVC DLA-NZ800

Also consider the Sony VPL-XW7000ES

Best projectors: budget, 4K and ultra-short-throw

In many ways, software updates are a blessing of modern technology.

They can add features, fix bugs and even improve the performance of a product that's weeks, months or even years old. At their best, they can breathe new life into a device that you've owned for ages.

But they can also go wrong.

It's why many TV owners, particularly those who've been stung by unwanted changes or problems after previous updates, have long promoted a 'turn off automatic updates' mantra.

I wish I had listened.

My philosophy has always been that software updates do far more good than harm, and that the frequency with which they create problems is overblown. Honestly, that's probably still the case. But now that I've been stung by a dodgy update myself, I'm feeling far less philosophical about the whole thing.

For the last few weeks, I've been experiencing audio dropouts from my Sony system. After hours of research and experimentation with different settings and cables, I've finally established that the blame lies with the most recent update to my Bravia 8 II OLED TV.

The problem is frustratingly specific. When I'm watching something through an external source connected to the TV, such as my Apple TV 4K or Sky Stream puck, I can no longer use my external sound system without suffering audio dropouts.

The TV's internal apps work perfectly, but that has only reminded me how much higher the quality is from the Apple TV 4K than from Google TV.

Sony is aware of the issue, and my contacts assure me that a fix is in the works. There's no date for it yet, though, and it's already been almost two months since the problematic software was released.

That's a long time to have a significant part of an expensive home cinema system effectively out of action.

And this is where I've changed my mind about automatic updates.

I've now turned them off on my TV and several of my other devices. From now on, when one tells me that a software update is available, unless it's flagged as a critical security update, I'm going to wait a week or so before installing it.

I'll then search for the release number online, see whether other owners have reported problems, and only if all looks safe will I then download and apply it manually.

I'm not saying that software updates are bad. They're not. I've benefited from plenty of them over the years, and I'd still much rather have a TV that receives regular updates than one that's abandoned by its manufacturer.

But there's very little downside to waiting a few days before installing one. If an update is working perfectly for everyone else, I'll happily install it. If it turns out to be causing problems, I'll be very glad that I wasn't one of the first to find out.

So I'm now firmly in the 'turn automatic updates off' camp. Not because I'm suddenly convinced that every software update is a ticking time bomb, but because I've learned the hard way that there's no need to be an early adopter of firmware.

A few days of caution could save you weeks of frustration.

MORE:

Here are the best TVs you can buy right now

Physical media seems to be having a bit of a moment.

Partly coming off the back of Sony's controversial decision to announce an all-digital future for PlayStation games, there's been a resurgence in support for the good old optical disc from gamers, movie fans and the general public alike.

We've already extolled the virtues of physical media several times, but to show our support further, we've rounded up some of the best 4K Blu-ray players that our dedicated home cinema experts recommend, as well as some of our favourite 4K Blu-rays, whether that's for testing TVs and sound systems or just to enjoy a good film.

All of the 4K Blu-ray players have been tried and tested by our home cinema reviews team, and have earned the full five-stars and our expert recommendation. Be aware that the prices for several of these models have increased since we reviewed them – as has a lot of tech over the last few years – but they still remain highly recommended.

We no longer review 4K Blu-rays, but several of the selection below make regular appearances in our test room. Let us know in the comments if you have any 4K Blu-rays you recommend!

The Sony UBP-X700K is our mid-range 4K Blu-ray player pick, offering a subtler, more lifelike 4K picture than even some of its more expensive rivals. Detail and colours are excellent too – we just wish the sound was a tad punchier.

If you can stretch your budget a little further, our favourite 4K Blu-ray player overall is the Panasonic DP-UB820. It delivers on multiple fronts, including support for all major HDR formats, a hugely immersive and impactful picture and a strong audio performance.

But if you've really got the money to treat yourself, then the Panasonic DP-UB9000 is the best high-end option. It's a focused, high-performance home cinema powerhouse for the enthusiasts out there, offering an entertaining and attention-grabbing image that will make you sit up and take notice. Soundtracks too are delivered with plenty of weight and power if you have a surround system that can make the most of its talents.

When it comes to the 4K Blu-rays themselves, there's more than a few testing regulars on there. Blade Runner 2049 is rather infamous among the hallowed halls of What Hi-Fi?, with chapter two being a go-to scene for testing bass for several years now. Pan is another review favourite thanks to its mastering at an atypically high 4000 nits, while Sinners is a more recent test room staple thanks to the iconic scene where Preacher Boy Sammie plays the blues.

MORE:

The very best films to showcase Dolby Vision performance

22 of the best film scenes to test Dolby Atmos

And the best TVs for all budgets

If you're reading this in the UK, there's a good chance you're rather hot right now.

Luckily, we have some good news for you – firstly, it's the weekend, and secondly, temperatures are set to drop next week.

So there's no better way to celebrate than to check out some of the top hi-fi and home cinema deals of the week.

This includes record lows on some of the biggest new products of the year so far – the Sony Bravia Trio, the Sony Bravia 7 II and the JBL Xtreme 5 – as well as some savings on some older favourites.

As always, these are all products that our expert testers have reviewed and rated themselves. They've all earned at least four stars, the requirements for a What Hi-Fi? recommendation.

So why not have a browse...

With a main soundbar and two front-facing satellites, the Sony Bravia Theatre Trio is an unusual design that essentially splits a soundbar into three separate speakers. The result, however, is a much bigger and more immersive soundstage than a regular soundbar, and one of the finest Dolby Atmos systems you can buy today.

The Arcam AVR31 might be a few years old now, but the imminent arrival of Arcam's new AV receivers means there's now a phenomenal £3300 off. Despite its age, the AVR31 is a sophisticated, premium amplifier that offers both high-class sound and impressive connectivity features, with seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three outputs.

The Triangle AIO Twin can play just about anything thanks to its myriad connectivity options. But most importantly, the sound is enthusiastic and capable despite fitting wi-fi streaming, Bluetooth and built-in amplification into one affordable, compact speaker system.

The Sony Bravia 7 II is one of the more affordable ways to get hold of the new RGB Mini LED technology, especially when you use the code SONYRGB15 to get 15 per cent off. It's one of the best backlit TVs we have ever tested, with its RGB Mini LED panel producing vibrant, natural and balanced colours while also boasting excellent depth and solidity.

The JBL Xtreme 5 is one of our favourite products of the year so far, offering the usual impressive build quality but also an impressive sense of scale and excellent clarity. Ideal for tunes outside in the garden when temperatures are more sensible.

For only £69, the Award-winning Sony WF-C710N offer a great sense of musicality as well as fulsome, controlled bass, 30 hours of battery life and capable noise cancelling. Glass blue, pink and white are all available at this discounted price.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

Quiz! How fast can you solve our turntable challenge? Test your wordsearch skills now

Sony's OLED TVs have been among the best you can buy for years, and its first QD-OLED model, the stellar A95L, knocked our socks clean off when it launched in 2023. Its successor, the Bravia 8 II, won an Award last year, too, so clearly Sony still knows how to make a great OLED TV.

It has since turned its hand to RGB Mini LED tech, in the form of the Bravia 9 II. While this nascent tech, which Sony refers to as 'True RGB ', is less proven than the granddaddy that is OLED, Sony has still managed to squeeze some pretty impressive results out of it.

So which TV should you go for: the safe bet of the Bravia 8 II, or the exciting new thing that is the Bravia 9 II? Let's find out.

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: price

As the older of the two TVs, the Bravia 8 II is inevitably cheaper. But that's also partly because it comes in a 55-inch variant, whereas the Bravia 9 II starts at 65 inches.

The Bravia 9 II starts at £3499 / $3600 / AU$5999, which is £500 more than the same size Bravia 8 II at launch. Like other sizes, that price has since dropped, in this case by around £600.

The 55-inch Bravia 8 II currently costs around £2000, which is £1500 cheaper than the entry-level Bravia 9 II. A clear win for the older model.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 8 II **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: design

Here you have a choice to make: do you want your TV to sink into its surroundings, or stand out?

The Bravia 8 II is very much the former – its chassis looks very familiar. There's nothing wrong with that – it's smart and premium in equal measures – but it's nothing we haven't seen before.

The blade-style feet can raise to accommodate a soundbar, but have to be positioned at the extremities of the TV's screen, which means you'll need a fairly wide cabinet on which to place it.

The remote is also a step backwards – it takes AAA batteries and doesn't light up. Whereas previous models had rechargeable remotes that were backlit. Disappointing.

The Bravia 9 II, however, is a real step forward in terms of TV design.

Its crowning glory is the Mirage Stand, which makes it look as if the TV is floating above the TV cabinet. It lets you see the wall behind the stand while somehow managing to conceal the cables from view, which is very clever indeed.

But it can't be adjusted. While its sole position will fit a regular-sized soundbar, there's no option to lower the TV if you're using the built-in sound system.

The look is a lot more striking than the Bravia 8 II's and won't appeal to everyone. But we're big fans.

The Bravia 9 II also features a more advanced anti-reflective coating. While effective at minimising distractions, it does make the screen look a little greyer in a well-lit room than the Bravia 8 II, which features a less intense coating.

The remote control that comes with the Bravia 9 II is backlit, too, making it easier to operate in the optimum movie viewing conditions of a dark room.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 9 II **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: features

The main difference between these two TVs is the screen panel technology: the Bravia 8 II uses a QD-OLED panel, while the Bravia 9 II has an RGB Mini LED display.

OLED has been around for years, and Sony certainly knows its way around it. Because it's not backlit, the tech has previously struggled with peak brightness, but great strides have been made in recent years – the Bravia 8 II goes 25 per cent brighter than its predecessor, helped in no small part by its custom heatsink.

OLEDs also have perfect blacks, which help the contrast ratio and add depth and perceived detail.

RGB Mini LED is backlit. But unlike your standard Mini LED TV, which uses a white backlight beamed through a colour filter, Sony's tech uses independently controlled red, green and blue Mini LEDs to generate colour directly. These are controlled by Sony's Backlight Master Drive system.

Sony makes some bold claims for RGB Mini LED, among them that it's akin to watching on one of its own mastering monitors used in professional studios. In other words, your viewing experience should be as the director intended. We'll see if these claims stack up in the next section.

Both TVs are powered by Sony's XR processor, complete with AI modes and Studio Calibrated Modes for the likes of Netflix, Prime Video and, of course, Sony Pictures Core. The Bravia 9 II adds a new My Cinema interface to the mix, but this has also now been added to the Bravia 8 II via a software update.

My Cinema aims to simplify the settings for picture and sound without depriving enthusiasts of control. You get three viewing profiles – Director's Cut, Daytime and Dialogue – each of which limit the available picture adjustments in order to deliver what it thinks is the best quality image.

Dolby Vision and Atmos are supported, and both sets are certified IMAX Enhanced. The HDR10 and HLG formats of HDR are also supported, but not HDR10+ (which is no surprise).

For gamers too, these TVs are tied, with 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, Dolby Vision Game mode and ‘Perfect for PlayStation 5’ functionality.

But both have just two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which serves as the eARC port and so will be taken up by a soundbar or surround sound system, should you add one. That will leave you with just one port to get the full experience from your games machine.

Both TVs run Google TV, which is slowly but surely gaining on LG's webOS, and runs all the usual apps (including UK terrestrial catch-up apps, which can be missing from the platform).

** Winner: draw **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: picture quality

And now what we really came here for. Which TV has the better picture quality?

As an Award winner, the Bravia 8 II is the TV to beat in this regard. And it's a doddle to set up to look its best thanks to its excellent presets.

Peak highlights are, well, a highlight, but overall colours have plenty of vibrancy which they maintain even in low light. Shadow detail is excellent, and the image looks convincingly solid and three-dimensional.

In our Sony Bravia 8 II review, we concluded: "The key to the Bravia 8 II’s success is balance. The colours are so vibrant, highlights so bright and edges so sharp, but nothing feels exaggerated or incorrect, which means you never feel as though you’re getting anything other than the very best versions of your movies and TV shows."

As Sony's first foray into RGB Mini LED tech, the Bravia 9 II was very eagerly awaited. And largely, it's a success: for most of our time viewing, we stopped noticing how it was doing what it was doing, and just enjoyed the picture. Speaking as reviewers, that's a very good sign indeed.

A large part of this is down to the colours, which we described in our Sony Bravia 9 II review as "the finest colours we've ever seen from any TV."

We went on: "Richly saturated scenes burst with vibrancy, but never at the expense of authenticity. Sony has combined extraordinary colour volume with its traditional restraint, so even the boldest hues remain beautifully balanced and believable. It's a wonderfully cinematic presentation that constantly impresses without ever shouting for attention."

High praise. Brightness too is exceptional, with the Bravia 9 II proving to be one of the brightest TVs ever to grace our testing rooms. Thanks to its backlight system, whole-screen brightness is possible, whereas an OLED will have to drop it down to focus on highlights.

A perfect example of this comes during the white room scenes in The Matrix. As the bright white light fills the screen, the Bravia 8 II reduces its luminance, whereas the Bravia 9 II maintains its dazzling brightness. It makes it a very versatile TV, that's ideal for viewing in brighter conditions (like daytime viewing).

The local dimming is also excellent, with virtually no blooming around highlights, while skin tones remain natural throughout. It's the best picture we've ever seen from a backlit TV.

There's a 'but' coming.

And that 'but' is the Bravia 8 II's OLED screen, which remains better than RGB Mini LED in certain key areas, such as its pixel-level precision. The Bravia 9 II's picture looks a touch flat by comparison, and it can't reproduce small highlights against very dark backgrounds with the same brightness as the OLED, for fear of creating blooming.

And the Bravia 8 II has practically perfect viewing angles, too – another strength of OLED – whereas the Bravia 9 II, while good in this regard for a backlit TV, loses contrast and vibrancy, and reveals some blooming, when viewed off-axis.

There's also some slight smearing to fast-moving action on the Bravia 9 II – though this is only a significant issue when playing 60Hz games.

The result? A four-star picture to the Bravia 8 II's five. But we can't wait to see what a second-generation Sony RGB Mini LED panel can do.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 8 II **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: sound quality

Sony makes some of the best-sounding TVs around, and these two are no exception. But which sounds better?

The Bravia 8 II houses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ set-up, while the Bravia 9 II features a so-called Acoustic Multi-Audio+ system. The former comprises two actuators that vibrate the screen to produce most of the sound, plus two subwoofers for added bass, while the latter features two full-range drivers, twin subwoofers, two tweeters and a pair of Beam Tweeters built into the rear, top and sides of the chassis.

Because the Bravia 8 II's screen literally makes most of the sound, the audio is tied to the visuals in a way that other TVs (apart from other Sony OLEDs) can't match.

The presentation is nice and direct, but spacious at the same time. Detail is excellent, with enough dynamic nuance to do a scene justice. It copes well with bigger dynamic shifts too, though bass depth is a bit lacking.

The Bravia 9 II has plenty of scale, with those Beam Tweeters really adding a sense of height (these are rare for a TV's built-in sound system). Effects are placed with precision within the soundstage, and there's plenty of subtle detail to get your teeth – and your ears – into.

Its sound has more weight than the Bravia 8 II's, but this extra bass lacks the same tautness of its older sibling.

It also doesn't sound as refined. As we wrote in our Bravia 9 II review: "Dialogue remains consistently clear, but voices aren't projected with quite the same focus or solidity as they are by Sony's flagship OLED. There's also a slight hardness to the presentation that occasionally makes speech sound a touch brash, softening some of the subtle emotional nuances in performances."

Higher frequencies suffer from a similar problem. Which makes it not quite as refined a listen as the Bravia 8 II.

But if you're partnering your TV with a soundbar or surround sound system – which you really should – this round is by the by.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 8 II **

Sony Bravia 9 II vs Bravia 8 II: verdict

While the Bravia 9 II excels in terms of brightness and vibrancy, and delivers the best picture of any backlit TV we've ever tested, it still can't quite match its OLED sibling in certain key areas.

The Bravia 8 II is more consistent, three-dimensional and responsive in its picture delivery, and it boasts more direct and refined sound. It's more affordable, too – that's of course partly down to it having been on sale longer, but the launch pricing suggests the Bravia 9 II may never be discounted to quite the same level.

There are circumstances in which the Bravia 9 II will make more sense, most notably if you want a TV larger than 65 inches, or one for a super-bright room, but for most people and most settings, the Bravia 8 II is the better buy.

We can't wait to see what Sony can achieve with its second-generation RGB Mini LED TVs, though...

** Overall winner: Sony Bravia 8 II **

MORE:

Read our Sony Bravia 9 II review

And our Sony Bravia 8 II review

Sony 2026 TV lineup: everything you need to know about the new Bravia range

Some may remember that for our special Vinyl Week in April, I finally set aside two decades of hesitance and decided to try out a turntable at home.

This wasn't a straightforward experiment, though (as most who know me will tell you, nothing is ever straightforward with me), because my living room is really dedicated to home cinema rather than hi-fi.

Not traditional home cinema, either, but a fairly minimalist, lifestyle-first home cinema featuring Sony's HT-A9 wireless speaker system which, it transpired, has no physical audio inputs.

The solution, much to my concern, was a Bluetooth turntable – the very capable Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT. Why the concern? I simply assumed that the richly layered charm of analogue vinyl would somehow be lost in the calculated ones and zeros of wireless Bluetooth transmission.

It turns out I was wrong about that – at least in a broad, conceptual way. Bluetooth carries across the little pops and crackles that help make the vinyl listening experience unique, and none of the hardness I had expected was evident in the delivery.

There was a problem, though: my Sony system's lack of aptX support meant I was limited to a relatively low 327kbps Bluetooth bitrate.

Given that limitation and the general nature of the speaker system itself, the sound was surprisingly decent; but I was clearly leaving detail, dynamics and texture on the platter.

That simply wouldn't do, particularly as my family and I had been instantly bitten by the vinyl bug.

A capable, compact solution

Rather than return the turntable, then, it was time to source an alternative system to partner the Pro-Ject. I didn't want to replace the Sony HT-A9, which has served me well as a home cinema system, and I didn't want to move the turntable from its approved position at the back of our living room.

In other words, I was going to have to stick with Bluetooth, and whatever I added was going to have to be minimalist enough to fit in with my existing AV kit.

After much research, the solution I settled on was the five-star KEF Coda W speakers.

To my eyes, the angular Coda W aren't quite as pretty as KEF's smoothly sculpted LSX models, which have always appealed to me, but they prioritise Bluetooth over wi-fi streaming and have built-in aptX HD support. A perfect match, then, for the Pro-Ject turntable.

They are also quite a lot larger than the LSX II LT, producing a bigger sound that would potentially work well in my decently sized living room, while still being compact enough to fit into the nooks of my existing bookshelf-cum-TV-stand. No furniture upheaval required.

Sure enough, the unpacking and installation of the new Coda W speakers took all of five minutes, and connecting them to the turntable was simply a matter of putting the KEFs into Bluetooth pairing mode and switching the Pro-Ject on. Bingo-bango, I was ready to rock.

Analogue charm with wireless convenience

As a nascent vinyl collector, I had been listening to more or less the same few records since I first took the turntable home in April, so I was intimately familiar with how they sounded through my Sony speaker system. The upgrade provided by the KEFs was vast and instantly apparent.

Playing my much-spun copy of On Circles by Caspian, the huge improvement to dynamics was what struck me first. The Coda W are capable of creating a large, spacious sound, but within that, they deftly handle dynamic shifts both grand and small-scale.

Detail levels, too, were clearly massively improved, thanks to the combination of the revealing nature of the KEF speakers and the upgrade to aptX HD Bluetooth.

In fact, the sound-quality improvements were across the board, as you might expect with a switch from a lifestyle-oriented home cinema system to a pair of powered hi-fi speakers. Greater punch, rhythmic drive and tonal balance – it was all there, along with those subtle imperfections that for many people represent a big part of vinyl's character.

In other words, I'm hugely impressed – and surprised – by the performance that a minimalist, Bluetooth-based turntable system can clearly offer.

I'm not saying that going wired wouldn't be better – it no doubt would, and I may well look into a switch to cables in the near future. But I am saying that the need to go wireless and generally build a system around your lifestyle no longer precludes you from enjoying an excellent vinyl experience in the way that it would have done just a few short years ago.

Back then, a turntable system simply wasn't an option for me. Now, it is, and I’m loving how much less compromised it is than I was expecting.

MORE:

Here are the best Bluetooth turntables and the best active speakers you can buy right now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Read our review of the LG C6

Read our TCL C8K review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

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

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

Check out our list of the best wireless earbuds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Read our review of the KEF XIO

Also consider the Samsung HW-Q990H

Read our Sonos Arc Ultra review

When we think of wireless headphones, Sony is the first brand that pops into our heads – and given the stellar reputation of its Bluetooth cans, it makes sense why.

In fact, the brand's six-year-old WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones still top my personal list of the best wireless headphones to this day, and I continue to see countless pairs on the heads of commuters daily.

That said, I and our annual What Hi-Fi? Awards list alike have moved on to the current five-star WH-1000XM6; although it looks like Sony isn't quite ready to let go of the old XM4 model just yet.

A new leak reported by French retail publication Dealabs suggests that Sony is preparing to launch a new version of its beloved wireless headphones, which are expected to be called the WH-1000XM4C.

We're not sure what the "C" stands for yet, but we've theorised "Classic" and "Comeback" as potential solutions.

According to the leak, these "new" Sony cans will be practically identical to the existing pair in terms of design, functionality and driver technology, but with reportedly two very minor changes.

Battery life has reportedly been reduced to 34 hours (down from 38 hours on the original XM4 headphones), and this new "C" variant could come in a new Lavender finish alongside the existing Black and Platinum Silver colours.

While we'll have to take this leak with a pinch of salt (nothing is official until it comes from Sony itself), it's worth noting that Sony has extended the lifespan of a previous pair of headphones from its popular 1000XM-series headphones.

It launched the WH-1000XM5SA variant of its Award-winning WH-1000XM5 headphones back in October 2025 (five months after the launch of the XM6), which featured a new soft case and trimmed-down price tag. The WH-1000XM4C could be a similar affair, with a minor cosmetic change to justify an extended lifespan.

These refreshed XM4 headphones are expected to launch on 7th September, and Dealabs reports that they will be priced at £219.99 / €249.99. Interestingly, this would position the XM4C just £10 below the current widely available price for the XM5SA.

However, with their potentially sturdier and more compact design, the XM4C could be the more alluring choice. They could also be a preferable choice for those who are eyeing up Sony's premium headphone offerings, but don't want to spend big on the XM6 or 1000X The Collexion cans.

We'll bring you the any official news of the rumoured XM4C model if and when details are confirmed.

MORE:

I spent 10 hours on trains listening to the Sony WH-1000XM6 – and it convinced me to upgrade my beloved XM4 headphones

Check out our picks for the best Sony headphones

As well as the best wireless headphones

We're already into August! Which means that most of 2026's hi-fi and home cinema launches are now out in the wild.

This includes the new Samsung S85H, which we only reviewed last week and is already in our deals coverage thanks to a tasty £241 discount.

That's not all, however, as the deals continue to be as scorching as the weather outside – there's a new lowest price (just about) on What Hi-Fi?'s favourite AirPods, as well as a truly unique Dolby Atmos soundbar from JBL.

Whatever the product is, you can be sure we've tried and tested it if it appears on this page. We review before we recommend, and every product here has earned at least four stars from our expert testing team.

So without further ado, here are this week's deals...

If you're after an entry-level OLED TV, then the Samsung S85H is one of the best we've tested. We anticipate it will go down further for Black Friday, but if you want to buy some of the latest 2026 tech now, the S85H offers a punchy, three-dimensional picture and impressive brightness for an OLED at this level. Use code SAMS10PERCENT to get this deal price.

The Focal Aria Evo X No3 have plenty of appeal, especially now they're cheaper than on Prime Day. The tall towers offer a refined, full-bodied sound, a classy, stylish appearance, and a price that has collapsed to its lowest-ever level.

The five-star Apple AirPods Pro 3 are our favourite AirPods, improving on the already impressive Pro 2 when it comes to sound quality and ANC especially. There are plenty of intuitive features too, including a built-in heartbeat monitor, live translation and the usual snappy connectivity with iOS devices.

Not sure if you want surround speakers taking up your living room space? The JBL Bar 1000MK2 comes with detachable surrounds that can snap back onto the soundbar if you'd prefer, or can even be taken into other rooms to act as a wireless speaker. Now at a new lowest price.

New to vinyl? Or just want an affordable Bluetooth turntable? Either way, we highly recommend the Sony PS-LX3BT. It's effortlessly easy to use, supremely affordable and produces an accomplished, enjoyable sound.

As the first TV with Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel technology, the LG G5 boasts a generational leap in performance. It's also a great choice for gamers thanks to four full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs. Use the code LG200JL to save £200 on the price shown, and you can also claim back an extra 10% (£179) from LG after purchase. Ts&Cs here.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

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

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

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

Ah, university. A transformative period of living on your own for the first time, studying your passion and maybe the odd bit of partying.

But given the realities of a student budget, which we're sure you'll want to save for drinks books, that leaves precious little to dedicate to your TV and audio setup.

Luckily, we've compiled a list of some of our favourite tech products on the more affordable – and portable – end of the scale. This includes noise-cancelling headphones for studying, Bluetooth speakers for partying and brilliant budget TVs and projectors for flat movie nights.

These are all devices we've tested ourselves, and all come highly recommended by our expert review team. Products must earn at least four stars in our rigorous testing process to get the What Hi-Fi? seal of approval, so you can be sure that even if they're cheap, they offer an impressive performance for the price.

So take a look at the tech below – and you'll soon be the envy of your dorm...

We're sure you don't need an introduction to Apple AirPods. If your budget can't stretch to the AirPods Pro 3, then the AirPods 4 with ANC are more than up for the task as an alternative – they're effective sound blockers for studying, but also offer a detailed, neutral and agile sound, flagship features and seamless iOS integration.

The best budget on-ear wireless headphones on the market, the Sony WH-CH520 have a robust, comfortable build, 50 hours of battery life and balanced, engaging sound. If you can stretch to an extra £40, then the Sony WH-CH720N add ANC and a few extra features, but the CH520 are easy to recommend at the bargain £25 price.

Want to join the wired headphones trend? It's not the Apple EarPods all the celebrities have been spotted with, but the SoundMagic E11C offer far better sound as well as a comfortable fit.

If you prefer your wired headphones in an over-ear form factor, then the Austrian Audio Hi-X25BT are one of our top budget picks. The feature set may be light, but the real draw here is the awesome detail retrieval, clarity and sonic nuance.

Any university flat needs a good Bluetooth speaker for pre-drinks, BBQs or just everyday use. If you want to go super cheap – or want a speaker that's super portable – then the JBL Go 5 offers an engaging, surprisingly musical sound and a great feature set for under £40.

If you want a step up in sound quality, then the JBL Flip 7 is tough to beat at the price. It's also packed with features, from 14 hours of battery life to a mighty IP68 water and dustproof rating.

The TCL C6KS is currently our top choice of the best cheap TVs. Despite being considered budget-friendly, this TCL TV boasts excellent brightness and contrast, comprehensive HDR support, and plenty of features. If your student house needs a TV, this would be our recommendation.

If you'd rather a projector, the Xgimi Vibe One is a fair bit cheaper and much more portable. Despite being the cheapest projector we've reviewed, the Vibe One delivers a detailed, natural-looking picture that goes reasonably dark and is highly compact.

The Denon D-M41DAB is a convenient and affordable way to get into the world of hi-fi. DAB, CD playback, Bluetooth streaming, and a remote control are all included and sound quality remains superb for the money. This deal is for the unit only, so you'll need to add speakers separately.

If you're new to vinyl or just looking for an affordable turntable, then the Sony PS-LX3BT is an excellent starting point. It’s ridiculously easy to use, produces an accomplished and enjoyable sound, and has built-in Bluetooth functionality.

If your student accommodation has an old TV with no smart features, then an Amazon Fire TV Stick should be your first port of call. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a powerful plug-and-play streamer that adds Amazon’s feature-rich Fire OS to your TV, and we gave it a What Hi-Fi? Award because we liked it so much.

A multi-Award-winning pair of in-ears, the Sony WF-C510 delivers where it counts: sound quality. They serve up a rich, full-bodied sound, packed with detail and clarity, but also pack in 22 hours of battery life, IPX4 splash resistance, Bluetooth 5.3 and an Ambient Aware mode. The best budget wireless earbuds out there at this price.

MORE:

Looking for a bargain? Here are the best budget soundbars

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Big displays have been the focal point of the AV world this decade, and if you’re looking at super-sizing your screen, chances are you’re choosing between either a projector or a 100-inch (or bigger) TV.

The question is this: which one is actually better?

You might be surprised how often the debate as to which of these options is better comes up here at What Hi-Fi?, but this time we decided to take the discussion to YouTube. Our latest video weighs up the pros and cons of each, as I take on Team Projector, while our TV and AV editor, Tom Parsons, is heading up Team TV.

Your first option is going down the traditional route: a projector. These have been the trusty go-to option for home-cinema purists for a long time, offering screen sizes well north of 100 inches and delivering the “movie magic” we associate with visiting the cinema.

That beam of light hitting your projector screen, with sound coming from a dedicated surround sound package, is almost impossible to beat, but it comes with some impracticalities and, as you can expect, large price tags.

Which is why we are seeing more projectors launch with smaller footprints and bigger feature sets, all at lower prices. They’re not perfect, as it’s usually picture quality that takes a hit to cram in these features, but they are certainly making projectors more approachable.

That said, what if you just don’t want to deal with any of the hassle that comes with a projector?

That’s where the recent phenomenon of XXL TVs comes into play. Popularised by Hisense and TCL, 100-inch TVs are starting to become more common, while the likes of Sony, Samsung and LG have jumped on the bandwagon to deliver TVs reaching 115- and 130-inches.

The benefit here is that everything is built in, including picture, sound and streaming; and prices are dropping surprisingly low. They do take up quite a lot of space, of course, and, as mentioned in our discussion, you won’t find our favourite panel technology at this size.

Ultimately, it’s worth noting that there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to this debate, and personal preference will play a substantial role in your decision; but whichever one you pick, be sure to consult our best projectors and best TVs lists to choose the right models.

MORE:

Read our full Sony VPL-XW5000ES review

As well as our TCL C7K 98-inch review

And check out our list of the best Mini LED TVs

We've been waiting for a sequel to the outstanding Sony WH-CH720N noise-cancelling wireless headphones for some time, and it looks as though our prayers may finally be answered in the coming months.

According to an often-reliable inside source, thewalkman.blog, recent import filings have revealed that a new pair of headphones is set to replace the Sony WH-CH720N, and will be called the "Sony WH-CH730N".

The filing also reveals the new colours for the upcoming sequel, with 'Black', 'White', 'Pink', 'Blue' and 'Beige' all listed. That's broadly the same as the finishes found on the established WH-CH720N, with 'Beige' representing the only new addition.

We don't have many details regarding the headphones' hardware or specifications. It remains to be seen what drivers they will implement, which chipset they will use, or what their prospective battery life figures will be.

We've had no word on price either, but as the WH-CH720N launched at £99 / $129 / AU$259 back in 2023, we'd hope to see an RRP that didn't rise too much beyond that.

So when could we see these new wireless cans finally arrive? According to thewalkman.blog, the FCC confidentiality end date is on October 20th, so there's a good chance we could see the WH-CH730N arrive at around that time.

The WH-CH720N landed in March 2023, but as we're well beyond that point in 2026, it appears that Sony may be shooting for a release that's somewhere towards the final quarter of the year.

For us, the sooner the better. The more we've had time to listen to and often live with the WH-CH720N, the more we've come to appreciate them as being some of the best sound-per-pound wireless headphones you can get. For sheer value, we're struggling to think of many that do so much for such a modest price.

They're not perfect, and when we speculated as to the four things we'd love to see from the then-speculated WH-CH730N, we hoped for a little less bass and for the new headphones to fold away fully, for a bit of added portability and convenience.

The WH-CH720N are lauded Award-winners, but a few new features, such as on-head wear detection or support for Sony's higher-quality LDAC codec, would be lovely additions for when a sequel materialises.

Whatever the case, the WH-CH730N have big shoes to fill. We dubbed the WH-CH720N as "dependably made, enthusiastic-sounding headphones that...deliver good ANC and a strong feature set to the very affordable end of the wireless headphone market", so any prospective sequel will have its work cut out to improve on such a potent combination of performance and sheer value.

Can Sony manage it? We'll be keeping our ears to the ground for any further rumblings regarding the WH-CH730N, and will keep you updated as and when any new information comes to light.

MORE:

Don't need ANC? Read our review of the cheaper Sony WH-CH520

I thought this simple upgrade would elevate Sony's WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds – I was wrong

Our pick of the best over-ear headphones

A few weeks ago, Sony announced that it would phase out physical disc production for PlayStation games.

From the start of 2028, all games are set to be digital-only, available either as part of the library of content included across PlayStation’s various membership tiers, or to download and keep digitally via redeemable codes or the online PlayStation Store.

The announcement has not been well received. My dear colleague Lewis Empson reacted to the news at the time, bemoaning the fact that this move away from the good old-fashioned disc represented another nail in the coffin for physical media as a whole.

Not for the first time, it looks as though Lewis is absolutely right.

More nail than coffin at this point

The implications, as Lewis has already touched upon, are profound. The abandonment of physical discs probably means that forthcoming consoles will no longer house a disc slot. So anyone who currently uses their PlayStation to play Blu-rays, for example, would no longer be able to do so on newer consoles.

Lewis also touched on the death of the joy that the humble disc brings. As he wrote at the time: “You can forget lending a game to your friend, or selling it on when you have finished playing it. Likewise, those who prefer to buy games on the second-hand market to save money will be out of luck from 2028 onwards.”

And that, my fellow sufferers, is the crux of why I too am bemoaning the sad, unceremonious death of games in their physical form. It’s only PlayStation for now, but who knows what Microsoft has planned for Xbox? The signs aren’t positive, that’s all I will say.

As someone who has been gaming since the late ’90s, the death of the disc represents the end of an era. From slotting a copy of Age of Empires II into my parents’ creaking Dell desktop to having endless iterations of FIFA put my temperamental Xbox 360 into near-meltdown, those shiny circles have stored more than mere data. For me, they house tangible, precious memories.

This is the real tragedy which the demise of Sony’s physical production is helping to precipitate. I wrote a while back about the joys of tangible media in an audio and hi-fi context, getting all doey-eyed about the joyous ritual inherent in unpacking your favourite vinyl records or even giving a shiny CD a cheeky spin.

As I wrote at the time, so much of the appeal of owning a turntable or CD player “comes from their physical aspects, be that interacting with the product themselves or the ownership of a collection of CDs or records to play on them.

“As CDs hold strong and vinyl sales continue to soar in an age of digital streaming, those aspects of use have clearly become more important than ever with users for whom poking a smartphone to load up Spotify isn’t scratching a very particular itch.”

Replace ‘CDs’ with ‘physical games’ and ‘Spotify’ with ‘the PlayStation Store’ and the point is just the same.

What sort of collections will any of us have now? Even if you will still be able to download games individually and enjoy full ownership – in contrast to the subscription, Netflix-inspired model the games industry keeps so desperately trying to implement – it’s simply not the same as owning an actual, real-world collection.

You can’t line your office’s shelves with digital copies of all your favourite titles. You can’t enjoy the infinite pleasure of taking the thin layer of cellophane off of a copy of, say, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag. You won’t be able to get deluxe physical copies anymore, which often come with real-world goodies such as maps, collectables and exclusive artwork. Maybe they’ll just flog those to us separately – for an inflated fee, of course.

You can’t even sit back and wallow in the soulless raft of digital copies saved to your console in the same way that you might admire the perfectly ordered racks adorning the wall of your musty man cave.

The thing is, I have spent time building up my games collection, in the same way that I’ve spent time building my small arsenal of CDs, DVDs and vinyl. Okay, I have only two vinyl records, one of which was a gift, but that’s part of the collector’s journey. It took time to accumulate all of my precious games, from formative PC classics such as Rome: Total War through to my roster of Xbox 360 releases and my PS4 and PS5 titles. All for nought.

Housed on its own carefully ordered shelving unit, that entire collection isn’t just a bunch of games shoved unceremoniously into a metaphorical pile. It’s a part – in a small, silly way – of my history. It’s my own personal gaming journey, and now it seems as though that journey is coming to an end.

The game’s afoot

The injustice doesn’t stop there. As if this all weren’t bad enough, the pleasure of tangible ownership isn’t the only real-world delight we gamers are now set to lose out on.

Can I be honest with you? I like second-hand stores.

No, they’re not the grooviest spots on God’s green Earth – most have a customer base with an average age somewhere in the 80s and many smell like damp cardboard mixed with Werther’s Originals – but they’re still great places.

If it’s a full-blown charity shop, you get the obvious benefit of helping out worthy causes. Even if they’re not charity-focused, you still have the lovely environmental bonus of reducing the need for further first-hand manufacturing, whether you’re selling or buying. Most importantly, they are often extremely cheap.

In a time when it seems that all the games industry wants to do is take your money, be it through skyrocketing base game prices, ludicrously exploitative microtransactions and even more ludicrously exploitative ‘loot packs’ – essentially a form of legalised gambling often aimed at children and teenagers – it’s nice to level the playing field with a bit of bargain-bin hunting.

Why, for example, would you pay at least £60 for a day-of release when you could wait a while and get the same game for less than half price?

Admittedly, there are certain games that you want to get hold of straight out of the gate – I can’t imagine many are going to wait more than an extra second for GTA VI – but the easiest way to save a monumental chunk of cash is simply to wait a few months and get a second-hand copy.

If you really want to find the best bargains, then pre-owned physical editions are always the way to go. PlayStation (and Xbox, as far as I know) will often offer big digital deals on titles that aren’t doing so well; but those tend to be seasonal and, more importantly, there’s generally a cap on by how much they will be reduced.

There’s no actual stock that needs shifting, so there is less incentive to drop to ridiculous depths, unless the game in question is unspeakably dreadful. (If you see Babylon’s Fall or Forespoken on a 65 per cent discount, just walk away.)

With proper material games, though, you can get some truly mammoth savings. Thanks to charity stores, second-hand retailers such as CEX, and online marketplaces such as Vinted or eBay, you can pick up some awesome bargains for mere pennies. I managed to find an old copy of Far Cry 4 for about £2 the other day, and a PS5 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales for less than a tenner.

That’s the joy of the used market. Much like going to old vinyl stores, car boot sales or charity shops for unearthed vinyl gems, snooping around for a gaming bargain holds similar scope for unearthing a diamond deal. You have to put the work in and do some digging, but that’s a huge part of the fun. Who knows? You might dig out a Classic Edition of The Orange Box for 50p. Ah, heaven.

Or, of course, you could just borrow games from one of your mates, and lend them something of yours in return. I think one of my pals still has my copy of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey somewhere. He’s welcome to keep it, to be honest – I’m much more of a Black Flag and AC: II kind of a guy.

Lending doesn’t make as much money for the games industry as everyone buying their own distinct, non-transferable digital copy, though, does it? Makes you think…

Sony’s decision to cull all forms of physical release seems utterly at odds with the wants and needs of its current consumer base.

At a time when both established consumers and younger audiences are discovering, or indeed rediscovering, the joys of physical media and tangible content ownership, Sony/PlayStation has decided to turn its back on this clear desire in favour, one suspects, of tying people further into the models of consumption which suit its needs, rather than those of the end consumer.

In an age when the experience of streaming and purely digital consumption can feel impersonal and even soulless, buyers want something they can discover, interact with, enjoy, collect and own with pride.

Just like listening to music or watching movies, gaming is a pastime that goes far beyond the playing of the actual game. Maybe Sony needs to be reminded of that fact.

MORE:

Read our full Sony PlayStation 5 review

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

Which is the best 4K Blu-ray player, PS5 or Xbox Series X?

We are more than half-way through the year, so it seems like a good time to take a step back, survey the sonic landscape at our backs and take stock of what we’ve heard during 2026.

More specifically, which headphones we have had the privilege and often pleasure of hearing throughout the year. As somebody who works on the audio side of the great hi-fi/AV divide, I spend a lot of my time listening to headphones and earbuds, thanks in part to the fact that so many brands are desperately trying to make this massive market their own.

Whether it has been for reviews, comparisons or my own personal interest, these have been the headphones that have impressed – and occasionally frustrated – me over the past seven months.

A hero’s return: the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless

At last, the Momentum Wireless have returned. The fifth iteration of Sennheiser’s heralded Momentum over-ear line has been a long time coming, so when they arrived earlier this year, expectations were high.

Happily, Sennheiser has managed to deliver the goods. The Momentum 5 Wireless are excellent premium over-ears, acting as a timely reminder to the likes of Sony, Bose and Apple that Sennheiser is still here, and, crucially, still up for the fight.

They are a little different to their competitors, especially in the sound department, prioritising a rich, smooth and refined presentation that can take a little while to warm up to. Once you click with them, though, you’ll find this to be a deeply rewarding pair of over-ears, especially if you like the sort of expressive, detailed midrange the premium Sennheisers so effortlessly exhibit. Oh, that midrange…

The earcups could feel a little more luxurious, the noise-cancelling isn’t Bose-beating, and having them fold away completely would be nice, but this is a five-star return for a brand that was just slightly in danger of being forgotten by the mainstream market.

Rivals, take heed: Sennheiser is back, and it means business.

The sonic standounts: Sennheiser HDB 630

Technically, technically, we reviewed the Sennheiser HDB 630 last year; but the supremely gifted premium headphones only landed on my desk in 2026, so I think I’m still on relatively firm ground when I say that they are, unequivocally, the best wireless headphones I’ve heard this year.

Scratch that: they might be some of the best wireless cans I have ever heard, full stop. They might not look particularly special, but the sound they produce certainly is.

£400 / $500 / AU$1000 isn’t pocket change, I grant you, but our entire test team is rarely so effusive when it comes to heaping praise upon a product. From top to bottom, we are huge admirers of the HDB 630 – and if you hear them for yourselves, you’ll understand exactly why.

They are fun, dynamically adept and musically expressive – all ingredients that make listening to any set of over-ears a joy – but it’s the amount of textural detail and sonic precision the HDB 630 exhibit that really leaves us feeling bowled over. These are headphones that make the masterful Sony WH-1000XM6 sound almost vague and a bit slipshod by comparison, and that’s really saying something.

Part of that signature comes from Sennheiser’s clever BTD 700 USB-C dongle that you plug into your device’s USB-C port to give it aptX Adaptive powers. This means that any source device, including your iPhone, gains hi-res streaming up to 24bit/96kHz, even if it wouldn’t natively support it. Really clever stuff.

Add in 60 hours of battery life, very solid noise cancelling and a luxurious fit, and the HDB 630 are 2026’s headphones to beat.

The tricky second album: Apple AirPods Max 2

I didn’t end up testing the Apple AirPods Max 2, but I did spend a good deal of time listening to them when making comparisons with the likes of the Sony 1000X The Collexion (below) and similar premium contenders.

And you know what? They’re pretty good. The AirPods Max 2 give you that familiar Apple signature which blends smoothness and refinement with a crisp, sparkling treble that lovers of the original Max will recognise, all boosted by better punch, dynamics and precision than their predecessors.

They are also incredibly easy to use if you have an iPhone, thanks to their native integration within the iOS ecosystem, and they still have that look and feel of a premium product that you would be proud to own. We can see why the Max continue to enjoy such a stellar cultural cachet – they just look the business.

They’re not perfect, admittedly. The Max 2 are better than the originals, but they have fallen behind more recent rivals for dynamic punch, rhythmic precision and overall insight. Plus, we just cannot abide that ridiculous carry case, and rather wish that the battery life had been boosted a bit beyond 20 hours. The Sony WH-1000XM6 give you 30 hours, after all.

The thing is, the AirPods Max 2 feel like six of one and half a dozen of the other. They are certainly some of the best headphones, in objective terms, ever made by Apple, a brand that has only relatively recently started to trouble the class leaders when it comes to pure sonic performance.

On the other hand, the Max 2 had a chance to close the gap on their rivals. Instead, it feels as though that chasm has widened a little. For their failure to properly keep up with the pack, some might see this as a missed opportunity for Apple.

The in-ear kings: Sony WF-1000XM6

I have such a complicated relationship with the Sony WF-1000XM5 and, now that there’s a sequel, it is carried over to the Sony WF-1000XM6.

On the one hand, I really like them. I love how detailed, refined and musical Sony’s flagship buds are. I admire that Sony continues to push the sonic boundaries for its flag-bearing buds, and that it seems to improve their capabilities with every passing generation, both in terms of sonic performance and accompanying features.

The WF-1000XM6 are, in so many ways, the apex of what Sony can do from a form such as this, with a sound so textured and rich it practically glitters inside your ears.

My problem remains that fit. I couldn’t get the WF-1000XM5 to stay inside my ear holes, and I can’t get the WF-1000XM6 to do so either. Sony revamped the design of its sixth-gen buds, offering up a new charging case and dropping the teardrop design of the older model in favour of a more rectangular, boxy configuration; but it kept on with its memory-foam eartips.

It might be a personal thing, but I just cannot get them to stay put, especially if I’m walking, gymming or, heaven forbid, going for a run.

Fit issues aside, the XM6 really are something special. Of all the buds I have heard in my time at What Hi-Fi?, they rank somewhere towards the top, outshining the likes of the Technics EAH-AZ100, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

If you can get them to fit, breathtaking sound will be your reward.

The missed opportunity: Sony 1000X The Collexion

Ah, what could have been.

Sony billed its super-premium wireless over-ears as being “the best-sounding headphones it had ever made” when it lifted the lid on the 1000X The Collexion (£550 / $650 / AU$900) earlier this year. While there's an extent to which we agree with that statement, there’s also a lot we find hard to endorse fully.

These are some of Sony’s clearest and most spacious-sounding cans – we’ll give The Collexion that. I spent weeks with the premium headphones clamped over my ears, and their clarity, textural refinement and cinematic soundscape impressed me every single time I booted them up for a listen.

For that clean, open ‘hi-fi’ sound, these really are among Sony’s finest, and that’s before even mentioning their admirable noise cancelling and excellent voice calls.

Across all parameters, though, are these Sony’s best-ever wireless headphones? I’m not so sure.

When you can get the Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM6 for less money (£400 / $450 / AU$699), and get a good deal more punch, dynamism and rhythmic spark thrown into the bargain, not to mention a similar battery life and better noise cancelling, it becomes hard to see exactly how to justify buying the more costly Collexion cans.

For the What Hi-Fi? team, The Collexion are a great concept, but we can’t quite square the execution with the elevated price tag. Like England at every major international tournament, we are left wondering what could have been.

MORE:

Excited for The Odyssey? This divisive Christopher Nolan movie has the perfect test score to get you in the mood

15 legendary hi-fi brands that are still going strong today

These are the best headphones we have tested in 2026

What is home cinema?

It sounds like a simple question, but it’s one that I think is worth considering during our Home Cinema Week, and I suspect you'd get wildly different answers depending on who you asked.

For some, it's impossible without an AV receiver, a projector and at least seven speakers. For others, it's a big TV and a Dolby Atmos soundbar. I'd even argue that, in the right circumstances, it can be a pair of headphones connected to a streaming box.

Perhaps that's controversial, but I genuinely think home cinema is pretty much anything you want it to be.

Now, before anyone thinks I'm trying to rewrite the rules, let me be clear: if your goal is the very best home cinema performance possible, the traditional route is still the right one. A quality AV receiver paired with a carefully matched speaker package and, if your room allows, a projector, remains the pinnacle of what's possible.

I'm fortunate enough to experience setups like that regularly. We evaluate AV receivers, Atmos speaker packages and projectors in a dedicated home cinema test room, and when everything comes together, there's simply nothing else quite like it. I've also owned a traditional 7.1.4-channel system myself, so I know exactly what that experience is capable of delivering.

But here's the thing: somewhere along the way, I think we've started to confuse the best home cinema with the only home cinema.

My own current setup is proof that those aren't the same thing.

When I moved house, I swapped my traditional separates system for Sony's HT-A9 wireless speaker system and a subwoofer. Is it as accomplished as the 7.1.4-channel system I had before? No. But it suits my living room far better, it took minutes rather than days to install, and it still produces a wonderfully immersive Dolby Atmos performance that regularly reminds me why I love this hobby.

And when everyone else has gone to bed, my favourite way to watch a film is with AirPods Max connected to an Apple TV 4K. Is that better than listening through a room full of speakers? Of course not. But it's very immersive in its own right, and it lets me enjoy late-night movies without disturbing the rest of the house.

That's still home cinema to me.

In fact, I'd argue that if you've deliberately chosen a setup because it helps you become more immersed in the films, TV shows or games you love, you're already part of the home cinema community.

Whether that's a flagship projector and a 7.1.4-channel speaker package, a premium Atmos soundbar, a wireless surround system or even a tablet paired with headphones capable of reproducing Dolby Atmos through spatial audio technologies, the goal is the same: to bring the magic of the cinema into your home.

The equipment is simply the means of getting there.

None of this is meant to diminish traditional home cinema. Quite the opposite. If you have the space, budget and enthusiasm to build an AVR-powered surround system, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so.

But I don't think owning that sort of system should be the entry requirement for calling yourself a home cinema enthusiast.

After all, very few of us started there.

Most enthusiasts build their systems over time, upgrading piece by piece as budgets, homes and family life allow. Others discover that a high-quality soundbar or wireless speaker system gives them the balance of performance and practicality they're looking for. Neither approach is more legitimate than the other – they're simply different stages of the same journey.

One day, I still hope to convert my garage into a dedicated home cinema room featuring an AV receiver, a projector and at least 12 speakers.

Until then, I'll continue enjoying films through my wireless Atmos system. I'll continue watching late-night movies through my AirPods Max, too, and I'll continue recommending traditional separates systems to anyone who wants the very best performance money can buy.

Because I don't think those things are contradictory.

The best home cinema I've experienced has been in dedicated cinema rooms filled with high-end equipment. The home cinema I use most is in my living room. And some of my favourite movie nights have happened when wearing a pair of headphones.

They're all different. One is objectively capable of higher performance than the others. But all of them remind me why I fell in love with home cinema in the first place.

To my mind, that's what really matters.

MORE:

Check out all of our Home Cinema Week coverage

Here are the best projectors, best AV receivers and best surround sound systems

And here are the best TVs and best soundbars

It has been quite a week for TV reviews here at What Hi-Fi?, with the arrival of Sony's new RGB Mini LED TVs causing much excitement in our test room.

This excitement has extended to the deals section, as both TVs are seeing generous discounts despite only just being reviewed.

They're not the only discounts available, however – there are five-star soundbar systems and JBL speakers on offer, while the LG G6 has also just been re-reviewed and is seeing a tasty saving.

These are all products that have been reviewed and rated by our expert testing team. They have to get at least four stars to earn our recommendation, so we only share deals on the best.

We'll go into more detail about why we like these products below, but for now, feel free to have a peruse:

The Sony Bravia 9 II is Sony's latest flagship, and one of the first TVs to use the new RGB Mini LED display technology. It's a breathtaking TV with colours that surpass every other TV we've ever tested, and is also exceptionally bright. Its sophisticated dimming system is also one of the best we've seen, but it can't quite beat the pixel-level control of OLED.

At better than half price, the Samsung S90F is exceptional value right now. The OLED TV is currently our top pick out of the best 50-inch TVs, thanks to its punchy picture, flawless gaming specifications and practical stand design.

The Sony Bravia 7 II is the Japanese company's step-down RGB Mini LED offering, with vibrant, natural colours and excellent depth and solidity for a backlit TV. Use the code SONY10PERCENT to get £200 off one of the best backlit TVs we have ever tested.

The Samsung HW-Q990H is the Korean brand's follow-up to an Awards winner, and the Dolby Atmos soundbar system doesn't disappoint. With a soundbar, two rear speakers and a very good subwoofer included, the Q990H is excellent at delivering an immersive, spacious sound with excellent height effects.

The JBL Authentics 300 may have retro looks, but it's a versatile speaker with seamless usability and a forthright, confident sound. Now at a new lowest price.

Now that we've tested the LG G6 with the correct, updated software, LG's latest flagship has now been awarded the full five stars. With punchy picture quality, flawless gaming specifications and excellent app support, this is a TV of serious ability.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

You can’t have a conversation about the best TVs without mentioning Sony. In fact, if you’re reading these words, it’s likely because you want to know all about Sony’s new 2026 TV range. If so, hello – you’re in the right place.

This year, Sony’s lineup isn't built around brighter OLED panels or another incremental Mini LED upgrade. Instead, Sony is introducing its first True RGB televisions – a new type of Mini LED TV that replaces traditional white backlighting with individually controlled red, green and blue LEDs.

The company believes that this allows it to reproduce colours more accurately, while also delivering dramatically higher brightness than today's OLED TVs can achieve.

The exciting new display tech headlines the new Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II, but they're far from the only new TVs in Sony's range. More affordable Bravia 3 II and Bravia 2 II models also join the lineup (with some country-specific caveats), while several existing OLED and LED models continue alongside them.

The Sony tech headlines for 2026

Before we dive into the 2026 Sony TV models proper, here are the headlines across the range:

Embracing the RGB Mini LED revolution

For years, OLED has been regarded as the pinnacle of TV picture quality, but 2026 is shaping up to be the year RGB Mini LED goes mainstream.

Sony joins rivals including Samsung, Hisense, LG, Philips, and TCL in adopting the tech, though the company refers to its implementation as True RGB.

Instead of using conventional white or blue Mini LEDs behind a coloured panel, Sony's new system uses independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs.

The result, in theory at least, is a TV capable of producing richer colours at much higher brightness levels, while also improving colour accuracy and reducing some of the compromises traditionally associated with LCD panels.

Sony is chasing studio monitor picture quality

Sony has long claimed its TVs are designed to reproduce films and TV shows as their creators intended, and that philosophy remains central to its latest 2026 TV range.

The Bravia 9 II, for example, has been developed with Sony's professional BVM-HX3110 mastering monitor firmly in mind, with the company claiming its new True RGB technology delivers colours and brightness that more closely match the displays used by filmmakers during production.

During our early hands-on testing, our TV and AV Editor Tom Parsons found the Bravia 9 II tracked the mastering monitor remarkably closely in many scenes, particularly when it came to colour accuracy and HDR highlights. It’s worth noting that he also stated that OLED still retained certain advantages in perceived depth and overall image solidity.

Super-sized screens

Sony has also expanded its range of truly enormous TVs, with the flagship Bravia 9 II now stretching all the way up to a massive 115 inches, while the Bravia 7 II introduces a new 98-inch option.

Even the more affordable Bravia 3 II gains a 100-inch version for the first time, giving buyers who want a cinema-sized screen more options than ever before without necessarily stepping up to Sony's flagship models.

Sony has finally added four HDMI 2.1 sockets – but only on one TV

After years of criticism, Sony has finally introduced a TV with four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports. The rather bonkers catch? It's the Bravia 3 II, rather than one of the premium True RGB models.

That's right; both the flagship Bravia 9 II and step-down Bravia 7 II continue to offer just two HDMI 2.1 sockets, one of which doubles as the eARC connection for a soundbar or AV receiver.

Frankly, this seems an odd decision. Buyers investing in premium home cinema systems might not all be gamers, but certainly a sizeable chunk of them are. And even if they aren’t, it seems odd to have a superior connectivity feature on a model lower in the lineup. Right?

Welcome additions

While True RGB understandably grabs most of the attention, Sony has refreshed much of the wider user experience, too.

Across the new range, you'll find a redesigned remote control with automatic backlighting, USB-C charging and a construction that uses 80 per cent recycled plastic.

Sony has also introduced a new My Cinema interface that makes picture and sound settings easier to personalise, while Direct Connect allows compatible Sony rear speakers and subwoofers to connect wirelessly to supported TVs without the need for a soundbar.

Elsewhere, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Sony Pictures Core, Google TV and Wi-Fi 6 all remain key parts of the experience across much of the lineup.

Sony 2026 TV range breakdown

So, we've covered the key highlights, but what about the individual models themselves?

Fear not, for it's all broken down below – leading with the newest models, before covering all of Sony's existing TVs that are sticking around for 2026.

Sony Bravia 9 II

The Bravia 9 II replaces the original Bravia 9 as Sony's flagship TV, and also marks the company's first commercial RGB Mini LED (or 'True RGB') TV.

Available in 65-, 75-, 85- and colossal 115-inch sizes, it's designed to bring professional mastering-monitor levels of brightness and colour accuracy into the home.

Unlike conventional Mini LED TVs, which use blue or white LEDs behind an LCD layer, the Bravia 9 II uses independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs.

Sony claims that this setup delivers twice the colour volume of the original Bravia 9 and four times that of the Bravia 8 II OLED.

Elsewhere, gamers may be less enthusiastic. Despite being Sony's flagship TV for 2026, the Bravia 9 II still includes only two HDMI 2.1 sockets supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. It's an increasingly frustrating limitation when many rivals (including Sony’s own Bravia 3 II) now offer four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports.

Audio is another focus area, with Sony's 2.2.2-channel Acoustic Multi-Audio+ system including upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

That all sounds very exciting indeed, but we have now reviewed the Bravia 9 II, and while it's exceptionally accomplished for a backlit TV, it struggles somewhat to justify itself against the very best OLEDs, most notably Sony's own Bravia 8 II.

Read our Sony Bravia 9 II review

Sony Bravia 9 II specs:

• Sizes: 65, 75, 85 and 115 inches
• Display type: True RGB Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: XR Processor
• Sound: 2.2.2-channel (80W Acoustic Multi-Audio+)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x2)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Sony Bravia 9 II launch pricing:

• Sony Bravia 9 II 65-inch: £3499 / $3600 / AU$5999
• Sony Bravia 9 II 75-inch: £4299 / $4600 / AU$7499
• Sony Bravia 9 II 85-inch: £5499 / $6500 / AU$9999
• Sony Bravia 9 II 115-inch: £22,999 / $31,000 / AU$44,999

Sony Bravia 7 II

The Bravia 9 II may grab most of the headlines, but the Bravia 7 II could end up being the more important TV for most people.

Like its flagship sibling, it adopts Sony's new True RGB backlighting technology, bringing the same fundamental advantages of wider colour reproduction and higher brightness to a considerably lower price point. It also comes in a much broader range of sizes, stretching from 50 inches all the way up to a huge 98-inch version.

Naturally, there are compromises.

Sony positions the Bravia 7 II below the Bravia 9 II by reducing the number of local dimming zones, lowering peak brightness and fitting a simpler 2.2-channel Acoustic Multi-Audio speaker system that omits the flagship's upward-firing Atmos drivers.

The gaming front is also unchanged. Like the 9 II, the Bravia 7 II still relies on Sony's Pentonic 1000 platform, meaning buyers again have just two HDMI 2.1 ports despite support for features such as 4K/120Hz gaming, VRR and ALLM.

On paper, the Bravia 7 II looks like a very tempting performance-per-pound proposition, but like the Bravia 9 II, we feel most buyers will be better served by a similarly priced OLED.

Read our Sony Bravia 7 II review

Sony Bravia 7 II specs:

• Sizes: 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches
• Display type: True RGB Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: XR Processor
• Sound: 2.2-channel (40W Acoustic Multi-Audio)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x2)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Sony Bravia 7 II launch pricing:

• Sony Bravia 7 II 50-inch: £1899 / $1600 / AU$2299
• Sony Bravia 7 II 55-inch: £1999 / $2100 / AU$2499
• Sony Bravia 7 II 65-inch: £2299 / $2600 / AU$3299
• Sony Bravia 7 II 75-inch: £2999 / $3100 / AU$4499
• Sony Bravia 7 II 85-inch: £3999 / $4000 / AU$5999
• Sony Bravia 7 II 98-inch: £6999 / $9000 / AU$12999

Sony Bravia 3 II

Not everyone needs a flagship TV, and Sony clearly hasn't forgotten that.

The Bravia 3 II sits much further down the company's 2026 range, swapping the cutting-edge True RGB backlight found in the Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II for a more conventional LED panel.

That naturally means it won't deliver the same dazzling brightness, colour volume or local dimming performance as its premium siblings, but it still benefits from many of Sony's broader software and smart TV improvements.

Google TV remains at the heart of the experience, providing access to all of the major streaming services alongside built-in Google Cast support, voice control and Sony's familiar smart TV interface.

One particularly notable addition for 2026 is the availability of a huge 100-inch version – the first time Sony has offered the Bravia 3 range in such a large screen size. That could make it an appealing option for buyers wanting an enormous display without paying flagship prices.

As mentioned a few times already (you’ve probably guessed by now that there are a few gamers in the What Hi-Fi? office), the Bravia 3 II actually outdoes its more expensive siblings in one important area – it offers four HDMI 2.1 ports. For users with multiple current-generation consoles, gaming PCs and soundbars, that could prove more than a little useful.

Of course, you shouldn't interpret that as meaning the Bravia 3 II is somehow a better gaming TV than the flagship models overall. Picture quality remains the priority higher up the range, and the lack of Mini LED or True RGB technology means HDR performance won't be in the same league.

But if connectivity is high on your wishlist, it's an unusual advantage that shouldn't be overlooked.

Rather bizarrely, though, the Bravia 3 II is not currently scheduled for launch in the UK.

Sony Bravia 3 II specs:

• Sizes: 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 and 100 inches
• Display type: Direct LED LCD
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: XR Processor
• Sound: 2.0-channel (X-Balanced Speaker)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Sony Bravia 3 II launch pricing:

• Sony Bravia 3 II 43-inch: £n/a / $600 / AU$1299
• Sony Bravia 3 II 50-inch: £n/a / $700 / AU$1399
• Sony Bravia 3 II 55-inch: £n/a / $800 / AU$1499
• Sony Bravia 3 II 65-inch: £n/a / $900 / AU$1899
• Sony Bravia 3 II 75-inch: £n/a / $1200 / AU$2399
• Sony Bravia 3 II 85-inch: £n/a / $1600 / AU$3499
• Sony Bravia 3 II 100-inch: £n/a / $3100 / AU$5499

Sony Bravia 2 II

The Bravia 2 II completes Sony's 2026 range as its most affordable new television.

Like the Bravia 3 II, it uses a conventional LED backlight rather than Mini LED, making it the entry point into Sony's latest lineup. Buyers still get Google TV, built-in Google Cast, access to all the major streaming platforms and Sony's familiar smart TV experience, but the focus here is very much on value rather than cutting-edge picture technology.

Available in a wide range of sizes from compact 43-inch models up to larger living room-friendly options, the Bravia 2 II is aimed at people who simply want a dependable Sony TV without paying for premium display hardware they'll rarely use. It's likely to prove particularly attractive for bedrooms, guest rooms and more budget-conscious buyers who still appreciate Sony's picture processing and straightforward interface.

While it will naturally lack the spectacular brightness and colour performance of the True RGB models, Sony hasn't stripped away the essentials. Google TV, voice control and support for today's most popular streaming services remain intact, making it an accessible entry point into the Bravia family.

Sony Bravia 2 II specs:

• Sizes: 43, 50, 55, 65 and 75 inches
• Display type: Direct LED LCD
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: X1 Processor
• Sound: 2.0-channel
• HDMI 2.1: No (HDMI 2.0b x3)
• Gaming features: ALLM

Sony Bravia 2 II launch pricing:

• Sony Bravia 2 II 43-inch: £629 / $400 / AU$1099
• Sony Bravia 2 II 50-inch: £749 / $500 / AU$1199
• Sony Bravia 2 II 55-inch: £899 / $600 / AU$1299
• Sony Bravia 2 II 65-inch: £1199 / $700 / AU$1699
• Sony Bravia 2 II 75-inch: £1399 / $900 / AU$2199

Older Sony TVs continuing in the lineup

Sony's 2026 range isn't made up entirely of new models. Alongside the latest Bravia launches, Sony is continuing to sell several existing OLED and Mini LED models.

Sony Bravia 8 II

While the Bravia 9 II is Sony's flagship LCD TV, the Bravia 8 II sits at the top of the company's OLED range. Despite its name, it isn't a replacement for the Bravia 8. Instead, it succeeds the A95L, with the Bravia 8 continuing lower down the lineup.

It uses Sony's latest QD-OLED panel, paired with the XR Processor and Acoustic Surface Audio+ sound system. Like the Bravia 9 II, gaming support includes 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, though there are still only two HDMI 2.1 sockets.

If you're deciding between Sony's two flagship TV technologies, the choice is fairly straightforward. The Bravia 9 II prioritises brightness and very large screen sizes, while the Bravia 8 II focuses on OLED's pixel-level contrast, and perfect blacks.

Read our Sony Bravia 8 II review

Sony Bravia 8 II specs:

• Sizes: 55 and 65 inches
• Display type: QD-OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: XR Processor
• Sound: Acoustic Surface Audio+
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x2)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Sony Bravia 8 II prices:

• Sony Bravia 8 II 55-inch: £1799 / $3300 / AU$3999
• Sony Bravia 8 II 65-inch: £2299 / $2600 / AU$3299

Sony Bravia 8

The Bravia 8 remains one of Sony's core OLED TVs and continues in the lineup alongside the newer Bravia 8 II. Originally launched as the successor to the award-winning A80L, it combines a 4K WOLED panel with Sony's XR Processor and Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology.

Like the Bravia 8 II, it supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz gaming, VRR and ALLM, though only two HDMI inputs are HDMI 2.1.

Available in 55-inch, 65-inch and 77-inch sizes, it continues to offer a premium OLED option for buyers who don't need Sony's flagship QD-OLED model.

Read our Sony Bravia 8 review

Sony Bravia 8 specs:

• Sizes: 55, 65 and 77 inches
• Display type: OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: XR Processor
• Sound: Acoustic Surface Audio+
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x2)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Sony Bravia 8 prices:

• Sony Bravia 8 55-inch: £1399 / $1600 / AU$2499
• Sony Bravia 8 65-inch: £1799 / $2000 / AU$2999
• Sony Bravia 8 77-inch: £2699 / $3000 / AU$4499

Sony Bravia 8A

The Bravia 8A is a variant of the Bravia 8, rather than an all-new TV. Sony says that it delivers identical picture and sound performance, with the only differences being a non-backlit remote control and fewer Sony Pictures Core streaming credits.

Available in the same three sizes as the Bravia 8, the Bravia 8A gives buyers another option if pricing differs between the two models. If it's noticeably cheaper, it could prove the better buy, given that Sony says performance is otherwise unchanged.

Sony Bravia 8A specs:

• Sizes: 55, 65 and 77 inches
• Display type: OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: XR Processor
• Sound: Acoustic Surface Audio+
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x2)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Sony Bravia 8A prices:

• Sony Bravia 8A 55-inch: £1199 / $N/A / AU$N/A
• Sony Bravia 8A 65-inch: £1499 / $N/A / AU$N/A
• Sony Bravia 8A 77-inch: £2399 / $N/A / AU$N/A

Sony Bravia 5

The Bravia 5 continues as Sony's most affordable Mini LED TV, offering a step up from conventional LED sets without the price of the company's flagship models.

Combining Mini LED backlighting with Sony's XR Processor, it brings many of the company's premium picture-processing features to a wider audience.

Available in sizes from 55 inches up to a huge 98 inches, the Bravia 5 also supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz gaming, VRR and ALLM. As with many Sony TVs, only two HDMI inputs support the full HDMI 2.1 specification.

If you're looking for a Sony Mini LED TV without stretching to one of the company's flagship models, the Bravia 5 remains a compelling option.

Read our Sony Bravia 5 review

Sony Bravia 5 specs:

• Sizes: 55, 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches
• Display type: Mini LED LCD
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: XR Processor
• Sound: Acoustic Multi-Audio (40W)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x2)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Sony Bravia 5 prices:

• Sony Bravia 5 55-inch: £1099 / $1400 / AU$1699
• Sony Bravia 5 65-inch: £1299 / $1500 / AU$1999
• Sony Bravia 5 75-inch: £1599 / $2000 / AU$2499
• Sony Bravia 5 85-inch: £1999 / $2400 / AU$2999
• Sony Bravia 5 98-inch: £4499 / $5000 / AU$5999

Sony A90K

The A90K remains Sony's premium small-screen OLED, offering buyers a high-end option in 42-inch and 48-inch sizes. Powered by the Cognitive Processor XR, it combines a 4K OLED panel with Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ sound system and Google TV.

Gaming features include 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, with two HDMI 2.1 inputs available. While Sony's newer OLEDs deliver improvements in brightness and overall performance, the A90K remains a premium OLED choice for anyone who wants a more compact TV.

Sony Bravia A90K specs:

• Sizes: 42 and 48 inches
• Display type: OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Cognitive Processor XR
• Sound: Acoustic Surface Audio+
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x2)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM

Sony Bravia A90K prices:

• Sony A90K 42-inch: £1399 / $1300 / AU$n/a
• Sony A90K 48-inch: £1499 / $1400 / AU$n/a

MORE:

Check out our Hands on: Sony Bravia 9 II review

Decisions, decisions... Sony Bravia 3 vs Sony Bravia 5: which is the best value Sony TV?

Here are the best TVs you can buy right now

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

We also love it when these TVs have great discounts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Quite simply, the Bravia 9 II produces the finest colours we've ever seen from any TV,” our Sony Bravia 9 II review reads. “Richly saturated scenes burst with vibrancy, but never at the expense of authenticity.

“Sony has combined extraordinary colour volume with its traditional restraint, so even the boldest hues remain beautifully balanced and believable. It’s a wonderfully cinematic presentation that constantly impresses without ever shouting for attention.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony Bravia 8 II

Also consider the Samsung S99H

Read our Hisense UR9 review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE:

Read our review of the LG C6

Also consider the Sony Bravia 8 II

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

There could be some big changes for the social movie platform Letterboxd. The brand is reportedly in talks with potential buyers including Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount, according to Puck.

Letterboxd's co-founders Matthew Buchanan and Karl von Randow will still own 40 per cent, but the fate of the remaining stake in the social network is up in the air as the current holding company, Tiny, seems to be looking to sell.

For those not in the know, the movie cataloguing site allows you to rate and review films. You can follow your friends and to see what they are watching, and tailor your profile to show your top four favourites.

As of July this year, there were a whopping 26 million users worldwide. That includes numerous celebrities, such as Ayo Edebiri, Charli XCX and Ed Sheeran. Even our furry friend Paddington leaves the odd review.

One of the prerequisites for working at What Hi-Fi? is that you have to be a massive movie nerd (joking, kind of). That's because testing out the latest home cinema and AV kit involves watching a variety of films to see how well they perform. We watch the same scenes again and again to compare different models, and that is a lot more fun if you genuinely love watching movies.

I have gushed about Letterboxd before and it's still the first thing I reach for once I have watched a movie. Users can post one-line zingers or thoughtful reviews, and both are equally likely to get hundreds of likes.

But I'm a little worried about the possibility of the platform being owned by streaming services or movie studios such as Netflix or Sony Pictures. It means that they could favour certain releases and push some films onto the homepage more than others, giving smaller movies less of a chance to get noticed.

Clearly, I am not alone, as there is already a crowdfunding effort to "buy it back for the people" that has gained over $54,000 in donations so far.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but it would be a shame to see the fun and passionate Letterboxd community become oversaturated with advertising and led by algorithms instead of film lovers.

MORE:

I’m a movie lover and this is the one app I cannot do without

These are the best scenes to test your Dolby Atmos setup

Check out the best TVs right now