Pocket-lint - Speakers

Best Bose Soundbars: Expert recommended

Andre Revilla — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 18:30:28 GMT

Whether for the casual enjoyment of your favorite tunes or a more focused home theatre setup, a Bose soundbar makes for an excellent addition to any home. We've done the research to find the best Bose soundbars to help take your listening experience to the next level. We'll be exploring what makes a good soundbar, when a soundbar is the right choice for your setup, and how to know which one is right for you.

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar employs AI to help you actually hear what people say on TV

Oliver Haslam — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:15:14 GMT

It isn't just you. TV shows and movies are making it harder and harder to actually hear what people are saying and it's infuriating. Some of us have taken to watching with the subtitles turned on even though our hearing is just fine. At least, it is until we sit down to watch the latest blockbuster. That's something Bose has also noticed, so its new Smart Ultra Soundbar is here to help.

How to play Spotify directly from your HomePod

Adam Davidson — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:01:29 GMT

Spotify and Apple are never going to be the best of friends. The two biggest music streaming services on the planet understandably don't want to give a direct rival any noticeable advantage, and whilst that's great for their bottom line, it's not always so good for consumers.

Best Bose speakers 2023: Dynamic sound from all around

Kristopher Jensen — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:30:43 GMT

Did you know that the first product Bose released, way back in 1966, was a colossal array of 22 speakers designed to create a massive sonic environment? Thankfully they decided to chill out a little bit and over the years became one of the world's leading audio brands, producing amplifiers, speakers and headphones that are carefully tuned to enhance the listening experience.

Some of the best fall Prime Day deals are here, but there’s a catch

Gabriela Vatu — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:37:13 GMT

October will bring with it a new Prime Day event, and we're quite excited to see what cool new savings we can find. In fact, we're already seeing some great deals pop up, although they're marked as "invitation only." Let's see what this all means and how you can get your hands on these fantastic deals.

Amazon Echo Pop review: Alexa on a budget

Yasmine Crossland — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:56:19 GMT

New for 2023, the Amazon Echo Pop is the tech giant’s cheapest smart speaker yet, allowing you to get Alexa's smarts in every room without spending a fortune.

Best solar powered speakers 2023: Never run out of music

Saeed Wazir — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:21:27 GMT

Renewable energy is a way to conserve the planet for future generations, and these days, everything from the best outdoor smartwatches to the best motion lights uses solar technology to reduce electricity use. Audio fans aren't left out, and the best solar-powered speakers extend your listening enjoyment while incorporating handy features like Bluetooth connectivity and LED lighting. Best of all, they don't need power sockets to charge, making them excellent handy for spending a day at the beach or in the woods without electricity.

Sonos Move 2 review

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:01:26 GMT

Sonos has multiple speakers within its portfolio, and that portfolio has changed quite significantly over the last few years. The company announced the original Move back in 2019, and at the time, it was the first to offer Bluetooth capabilities and portability, making it a big deal for the company and its fans.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom review: Keeping it simple

Max Freeman-Mills — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 11:00:29 GMT

Ultimate Ears has had a pretty fixed line of speakers for a little while now, but it’s ripped that up with the addition of the Epicboom.

Amazon’s Echo Pop colorful smart speaker just dropped to a fantastic $23

Gabriela Vatu — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:25:12 GMT

The Amazon Echo Pop hasn't been around for a very long time, but it's one of the cheapest Echo devices you can get right now, especially when on sale. This compact smart speaker brings Alexa within reach while still delivering some solid volume. Back on Prime Day, this tiny speaker was down by 55 per cent, which is a bit less than the 43 per cent discount we see today. Either way, you can snag it for a mere $23, so it's a fantastic price point regardless.

Best record player 2023: Top turntables to spin your vinyl collection

Verity Burns — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:41:40 GMT

Whether you've just discovered vinyl and are looking to buy your first turntable or you want to upgrade an older player to get newer features, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best record player in 2023.

JBL Bar 1300 review: Big Atmos sound in a versatile surround sound package

John Archer — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 21:37:29 GMT

JBL’s new flagship soundbar has quite a lot to shout about. Not only does the Bar 1300 (known as the Bar 1300X in some regions) manage to match the huge 11.1.4 channel count of Samsung’s excellent HW-Q990C, but it also claims an almost absurdly huge total power output of 1170W - not to mention an included subwoofer that boasts a class-leadingly large 10-inch driver.

Best UE speaker from Ultimate Ears 2023

Verity Burns — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:01:27 GMT

Ultimate Ears (UE) remain some of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy. As well as their excellent sound quality, they're well known for their bright and vibrant colour options, not to mention the giant volume buttons that give them their unmistakable look. Popularised for their chucky build and rugged qualities, the UE boom models are known for having some degree of waterproofing, 360-degree sound and delivering meaty bass, regardless of the size.

Multi-room audio: What is it and how do you get it?

Verity Burns — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:01:28 GMT

In the past 20 years or so, multi-room music has gone from being a pursuit purely for the pricey custom install market to one that is accessible to pretty much anyone in the market for a wireless speaker. Of course, you can spend several hundreds, and even thousands, if you wish, but you can also quite easily manage a two-room setup for under $100/£100.

Sonos Move 2 release date, price, features and specs

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:00:41 GMT

It doesn't feel like all that long ago we were writing about the Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 speakers, which were the latest devices to join the Sonos portfolio. Until now at least. Sonos has announced a second generation of the Sonos Move portable Bluetooth speaker in the Move 2, but what does it offer and how does it change compared to the original?

Sonos Move 2 vs Era 300: Which should you buy?

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:00:29 GMT

Sonos has announced the Move 2, which succeeds the original Move, bringing a number of improvements to the company's first portable Bluetooth speaker. Since the launch of the original Move in 2019 compared to the launch of the Move 2 however, Sonos has made quite a few significant changes to some of its other speakers. The Era 100 and Era 300 were announced earlier this year and both come with Bluetooth connectivity - a first for the company's wired speakers. The Era 300 has a number of other bells and whistles too - like Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support, so it's certainly worth your consideration. Should you buy it over the Move 2 or should you buy the Move 2 over the Era 300? Let us help you figure that out, as that will very much depend on what you want from your medium-sized Sonos speaker. Here is how the Sonos Move 2 and the Sonos Era 300 compare.

Sonos Move 2 vs Sonos Move: What's the difference?

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:00:29 GMT

Sonos has announced the Move 2, which succeeds its first ever portable Bluetooth speaker that arrived in the form of the Move in 2019. Since the Move was revealed, the company has embraced both portability and Bluetooth. It launched the smaller Roam and Roam SL in 2021 offering both, and the Era 100 and Era 300 both launched more recently as wired speakers but with Bluetooth on board for the first time.

Sonos Move 2 is all about improvements, except for two things

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:00:29 GMT

Sonos has announced the Move 2, which is the successor to what was the company's first Bluetooth speaker. The original Sonos Move was a brilliant speaker - still is, in fact. It offered excellent sound, a great design with an integrated handle, IP56 water and dust resistance and a battery life that lasted around 11 hours. It was the perfect living room-to-garden speaker when it arrived in 2019.

Ultimate Ears Epicboom vs Megaboom 3: Which UE speaker is best?

Max Freeman-Mills — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:06:29 GMT

Ultimate Ears has a long list of great Bluetooth speakers for you to choose from, going from diminutive options to way bigger room-filling speakers.

The Ultimate Ears Epicboom aims to be the perfect pool party speaker

Max Freeman-Mills — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:01:30 GMT

Ultimate Ears has spotted (and filled) a gap in its own lineup - slotting the new Epicboom speaker in underneath its massive Hyperboom for those looking for a less titanic unit.

Be the life of the party wherever you are with the Bang Max Party Speaker from Tronsmart

Samuel L. Garbett — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:23:22 GMT

Choosing the right Bluetooth speaker can make or break your next party. Thankfully, Tronsmart offers everything you need in a single package with the Tronsmart Bang Max portable party speaker, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the music. But what exactly makes the Bang Max so perfect for your next event?

What is Works with Sonos and which devices are compatible?

Britta O'Boyle — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 09:35:27 GMT

Sonos is a multiroom home sound system offering various speakers and soundbars within its portfolio. All Sonos devices link seamlessly with one another over a mesh Wi-Fi network, but Sonos speakers also work with some third-party devices too.

How to set up multi-room audio with Google Home

Max Freeman-Mills — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 20:00:28 GMT

Google's Nest speakers are ideal for anyone looking to set up a proper smart home, with the tightest integration you could imagine with Google Assistant and Google Home.

Save $150 on one of Sony’s best powerful-yet-portable Bluetooth speakers before Labor Day ends

Rebecca Isaacs — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 15:45:28 GMT

A constant music listener, I constantly swap between my headphones and Bluetooth speaker to blast my favorite beats. After all, a Bluetooth speaker can have me and my partner enjoying our latest podcast episode while we cook dinner. If you’ve been eyeing a Bluetooth speaker, you can score one right now at Best Buy. The Sony XG300 Portable Bluetooth Speaker just dropped by $150, so you can add it to your next camping trip or kitchen cooking session for only $200.

Best waterproof Bluetooth speakers 2023

Joe Hindy — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:30:39 GMT

One of the best parts about Bluetooth speakers is that they can go anywhere. Their lack of reliance on wall outlets makes them great for camping, pool parties, travel, and other exciting activities or places. The downside is that exciting adventures often come with hazards like water. And water, as we all know, generally doesn't fare well with electronics. Fortunately, waterproof Bluetooth speakers exist in great numbers to help protect themselves from accidents.

Urbanista Malibu hands on: Fun in the sun

Luke Baker — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:01:28 GMT

The Urbanista Malibu is a Bluetooth speaker that promises endless summer fun, thanks to a built-in Powerfoyle solar charging circuit. It might be a little late for the summer sunshine this year, unless you live in Australia, but the prospect of charging your Bluetooth speaker less frequently is sure to appeal to almost everyone.

The Eve Play puck brings Apple AirPlay 2 to your fancy audio gear

Oliver Haslam — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:15:17 GMT

Apple's AirPlay 2 is a great way to take audio from devices like the upcoming iPhone 15 and throw it to compatible speakers. Those speakers of course include Apple's own HomePod and HomePod mini, and there are plenty of third-party alternatives out there as well. But what if you need to get audio to your legacy audio system? Maybe one that you've spent a small fortune building and sounds better than having Fleetwood Mac sing in your living room? Well, you buy the new Eve Play.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini review: Beam me up

Max Freeman-Mills — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:37:56 GMT

Soundbars are an interesting conundrum - it's now an open secret that they're a shortcut to massively upgraded sound for even the most premium of 4K TVs, so basically everyone wants one.

JBL Authentics hands on: The stylish speaker family making peace between Alexa and Google

Verity Burns — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 09:07:46 GMT

JBL has long been in the business of producing hardy Bluetooth speakers at a variety of prices, but its heritage is actually much more hi-fi than that. Its new Authentics speaker range is an enthusiastic nod back in that direction.

Alexa and Google Assistant are united for the first time on the JBL Authentics

Luke Baker — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:30:28 GMT

JBL took to the stage at IFA to announce its latest home speakers, the Authentics lineup, and for the first time ever, you can switch between two of the most popular voice assistants seamlessly. That's right, in an unexpected move, Google and Amazon have united to allow interchangeable use of their voice assistants on the new speaker range.

JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi review: Party hard

Andrew Williams — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:01:27 GMT

The JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi is a massive party speaker, the bigger alternative to the JBL Xtreme 3. It's loud, it's powerful and, unlike lots of JBL wireless speakers, it has Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth.

Best Bluetooth speakers 2023: Great sound, tested.

Verity Burns — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 23:27:24 GMT

Bluetooth speakers come in all different shapes and sizes, from larger options that have the power to fill your whole living room to smaller portables that are great for taking out and about.

Leaked Sonos Move 2 photos tell the portable speaker's whole story

Dave LeClair — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:37:23 GMT

There's been no shortage of rumours regarding the Sonos Move 2, and a new leak from MySmartPrice confirms everything we've heard so far. The leak shows off several photos of the upcoming portable speaker. Presumably, these images were meant to accompany the press release announcing the new hardware, but someone found them a little earlier than Sonos intended.

What is Dolby Atmos FlexConnect and how will it transform your home cinema experience?

Verity Burns — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 12:31:27 GMT

Dolby has been doing its bit to revolutionise the home cinema sound experience since it introduced surround sound in the home in 1982. Now it has unveiled its latest innovation in immersive audio, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect.

The Ruark R410 will play your entire music collection, and look drop dead gorgeous while it does

Verity Burns — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:01:17 GMT

Ruark has just announced the R410, a new do-it-all one-box music player that can handle your entire music collection.

Best Bang & Olufsen speaker 2023: Stylish sound

Verity Burns — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 22:36:30 GMT

Bang & Olufsen makes some of the best-looking and best-sounding speakers on the market, Bluetooth and otherwise. There are a couple of ranges within B&O's audio line-up - the two biggest being Beolab, which focuses on the brand's more hi-fi audience, and Beosound, which generally covers the company's more consumer-focused line-up.

Best Alexa speaker 2023: Top Amazon Echo alternatives

Adam Davidson — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 22:55:28 GMT

Amazon offers a wide range of Echo devices that come with Alexa built-in. Whilst these devices are competitively priced, they don't always offer the best sound quality. The Amazon Echo Studio is designed with sound quality in mind, but much of the Echo lineup leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to audio. Thankfully, there are plenty of other speakers out that that offer both high-quality audio and the convenience of Alexa voice control, so you get the best of both worlds.

The best tower speakers 2023: Great sound for all budgets

Verity Burns — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:52:27 GMT

We love the convenience of a good Bluetooth speaker as much as the next music fan, but when you want to get serious about sound quality, the very best tower speakers are where it's at - sometimes also known as floorstanding speakers,

Save up to 40% off popular Bluetooth speakers and headphones at Amazon

Dave LeClair — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:48:38 GMT

Thanks to Amazon, today is a good day for anyone looking to improve their audio listening experience. The company offers huge deals on all kinds of portable audio products from major brands like Sony, JBL, and Jabra. Whether you want over-the-ear headphones, earbuds, or a dedicated Bluetooth speaker, there's a deal for you.

Sonos tips and tricks: Get the most out of your speakers and soundbars

Britta O'Boyle — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 13:30:26 GMT

Sonos has one of the strongest multi-room offerings out there. Its speaker line-up is not only plentiful, with several combinations possible, but the platform that controls everything is one of the best out there.

LG XBOOM 360 review: Something completely different

Max Freeman-Mills — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 19:00:27 GMT

If you’re going to use a portable speaker for a party or gathering, or you just want something for your home that can be moved around, you might as well go big, right?

House of Marley Get Together 2 Mini speaker review: Good vibes

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 09:00:25 GMT

If you're going to keep things simple, do it right. There isn't actually much wrong with a portable Bluetooth speaker keeping things limited in terms of features, so long as it sounds good.

The best Sonos stands and wall mount accessories of 2023

Adam Davidson — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 23:55:42 GMT

Sonos produces a wide range of excellent speakers to cover almost every need. From ultra-portable speakers such as the Sonos Roam, to high-quality soundbars such as the Sonos Arc, a Sonos speaker promises super sound at all sizes. That said, great speakers deserve equally quality accessories to further elevate your sound. We've rounded up some of the best Sonos speaker accessories that you can get your hands on right now, from wall brackets and shelves, to soundbar mounts and floor stands.

Sonos Roam vs Sonos Roam SL: What's the difference?

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:08:31 GMT

Portability wasn't always a thing at Sonos. Up until the company launched the Sonos Move 2019, none of the Sonos speakers offered Bluetooth capabilities and all of them required mains power. Since Move though, Sonos not only announced the super portable Roam in 2021 and a microphone-free Roam in 2022, but it now also has the wired Era 100 and Era 300 with Bluetooth capabilities in its portfolio.

Sonos Move 2 leak suggests original Move's issues will be fixed

Jules Wang — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 20:31:27 GMT

Sonos was not a name known for portable speakers until 2019, when it finally gave its audiophile purchasing base the Move. It wasn't as portable as the company's Roam series, which would come later. It filled in some users' crucial pinch hitter role as a semi-permanent player at home and a terrific chorus leader for outdoor functions. We're now learning that this legacy will continue in due time, but you won't know it as the Sonos Move (Gen 2), which is how the brand would typically name its devices.

Best Apple HomePod and HomePod mini tips and tricks

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:10:26 GMT

Got a HomePod or HomePod mini? Great! Aside from saying "Hey Siri, play me some music", there is plenty more these smart speakers can do. Here we've detailed a load of HomePod and HomePod mini tips and tricks to get you started and show you what your Apple smart speaker can do, including how to ensure it is up to date with the latest version of software so you get all the latest features.

Best Sonos Roam Cases

Jason R. Rich — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:31:25 GMT

Discover the best cases for your Sonos Roam or Sonos Roam SL portable Bluetooth speakers that can be used to store your device and keep it protected during your next adventure.

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review: Small soundbar, big Atmos sound

Lee Bell — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 22:06:23 GMT

Whether you're an audiophile or you don't know your aux from your Atmos, the chances are you've heard of Bose. The American tech giant is one of the biggest audio companies in the world, and is a brand that people instinctively trust to deliver good products with decent sound quality. The good news? Generally speaking, that's not far wrong.

Amazon Echo Show tips and tricks: Become a touchscreen Alexa master!

Elyse Betters Picaro — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 12:00:27 GMT

If you've just bought an Echo Show and want to know how to get the most from it, look no further. There are plenty of options to dive into whether you're wondering how to use the Echo Show 8, need Echo Show 10 hacks, or just need to know some basic Echo Show commands. We've detailed some of the key, and most interesting tips and tricks we've found for the touchscreen Echo.

Best soundbar 2023: Boost your TV audio

Verity Burns — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:00:25 GMT

Looking for a soundbar to boost your TV audio? Want an easy sound solution without the fuss of a receiver and a million different wires?

What is Sony 360 Reality Audio and how does it work?

David Phelan — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:39:48 GMT

Sony's 360 Reality Audio is a high-resolution music format that aims to make the music you listen to sound more immersive and realistic.

Grab this amazing Bluetooth speaker deal for summer before it runs out

Rebecca Isaacs — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:52:19 GMT

Summer is in full swing, and whether you're camping or just hosting a small gathering in your backyard, a Bluetooth speaker is a must-have. While some of the best Bluetooth speakers can be pricey, you can still find a great deal to enjoy your music on a budget. And, right now, if you're looking for a solid price for a speaker, the Philips S7807 Outdoor Wireless Bluetooth Speaker dropped in price on Woot for only $60.

Best party speaker 2023: Powerful party starters

Verity Burns — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:54:49 GMT

With summer upon us, family parties and get togethers with friends are in full swing - and whether you're hosting inside or outside, if you want to play some music for your guests, you're going to need a party speaker that matches the occasion.

Amazon Echo Pop is just $18 in its first-ever deal before Prime Day

Jules Wang — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 02:16:19 GMT

Prime Day is here now, and Amazon has just decided to unleash deals on its sundry devices, from Fire tablets and TV sticks to Echo speakers and screens. For the first time, we can report that the new Echo Pop is going on sale at a price that you probably won't see beaten anytime soon.

Best Prime Day speaker deals 2023: Last chance to get these great deals.

Verity Burns — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:41:58 GMT

Amazon's Prime Day 2023 is wrapping up today, so all the best speaker deals are ending soon. If you spot something you like, you'll need to act quick, as there's no telling when Amazon will pull the deal, or when it'll sell out. You've been warned...

Dive in! Our favourite waterproof speaker is under $70 for Prime Day

Verity Burns — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:19:17 GMT

The first time I heard the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom, I couldn't believe the sound that was possible from such a small speaker. And not just small - waterproof, dustproof (to IP67) and drop-proof too, with the ability to float in water for up to 30 minutes should it accidentally take a take a dunk in the pool.

Sony HT-AX7 hands on: Portable personal surround sound

Verity Burns — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:21:29 GMT

Innovation in technology is, of course, the backbone of its very existence. However, when it comes to products, that innovation most commonly crops up as new features within tried-and-tested categories. Seeing a brand new product idea break ground is usually something reserved for the likes of Kickstarter, not big-name manufacturers.

Best wireless speaker 2023

Verity Burns — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:36:19 GMT

When you find yourself reading an article detailing the very best wireless speakers you can buy, you are probably looking for one of two things - either the best portable, Bluetooth speakers that you can take wherever you go, or the best Wi-Fi-enabled speakers. It's the latter that we're dealing with here in this list.

Sonos One vs Sonos One SL vs Sonos Play:1 differences

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:10:20 GMT

Sonos has several speakers within its portfolio, from the latest entry-level Sonos Era 100 to the largest and most powerful Sonos Five, but if you are after an entry-level speaker, then there are a couple of other options aside from the newest Era 100 that you could consider. The Sonos One succeeded the fabulous Play:1 in 2017 and the Sonos One SL was introduced a couple of years later in 2019. You will find it very difficult to get your hands on a Play:1 these days - that speaker is now 10 years old, though it continues to perform very well in our experience - but you can still buy the Sonos One and Sonos One SL through a number of retailers, while stocks last.

Best Sonos speaker 2023: Sound bars and speakers compared

Britta O'Boyle — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:41:18 GMT

The market for multi-room speakers has grown significantly in recent years, but there are some brands that have been doing the work for many years, like Sonos. The company has been around for over two decades and offers one of the best app platforms out there, with support for many of the big streaming services.

Amazon Echo Dot 4th Gen vs Echo Dot 3rd Gen

Max Freeman-Mills — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:54:40 GMT

Amazon's line of Echo Dot speakers was one of the more settled and consistent in tech over the last few years - its puck-shaped design was clearly doing something right as the Alexa speaker sold in its multitudes.

Triangle Borea Active BR03 BT review: Hi-fi sound, Bluetooth convenience

Verity Burns — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:00:19 GMT

When you think about the best Bluetooth speakers, you might not imagine the Triangle Borea BR03 BT. These powered stereo speakers look much more like traditional hi-fi, the only difference is, they don't need any additional kit to get started. These will play nicely with just your phone and a Bluetooth connection.

Sonos sale: Get a rare 25% discount on speakers and soundbars

Jules Wang — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:12:28 GMT

Sonos makes some of the best wireless speakers bar none. It's a brand that keeps its reputation tight to its chest, so you wouldn't be surprised that it doesn't really do discounts constantly. But through 11 June in the UK and 18 June in the US, you'll be able to save up to 25% on some prime speakers and soundbars.

Samsung HW-Q990C review: Sounds familiar

Steve Withers — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:40:08 GMT

The Samsung HW-Q990C is the company's latest and greatest Dolby Atmos soundbar, offering flagship specs at a flagship price.

Q Acoustics M20 HD review: Low on smarts, big on sound

Luke Baker — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:28:44 GMT

British manufacturer Q Acoustics has a rich heritage when it comes to producing top-tier speakers for hi-fi systems.

How to put the Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 into Bluetooth pairing mode and connect your phone

Britta O'Boyle — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:14:09 GMT

Sonos introduced the Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 into its speaker portfolio in March 2023, with the two speakers delivering excellent sound performance, along with some great features.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A5 mixes retro chic with today's speaker tech

Rik Henderson — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:40:17 GMT

Bang & Olufsen has looked back to the 60s for its latest Bluetooth speaker - the Beosound A5. Designed in collaboration with the Danish-Italian duo GamFratesi, the speaker owes curves and hues to the classic Beolit radios of yesteryear.

Sonos Era 100 vs Roam vs Roam SL: How do they compare?

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:47:08 GMT

Sonos announced the Era 100 and Era 300 to its portfolio of speakers at the beginning of 2023, with the Era 100 replacing the excellent Sonos One to mark itself as the latest entry point into the Sonos system of wired speakers.

Sonos Roam and Roam SL vs Sonos One and One SL: Which should you buy?

Britta O'Boyle — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:21:17 GMT

There are numerous speakers within the Sonos portfolio but if you're looking at the smaller end of the range, the choice comes down to the Sonos Roam, Roam SL, Sonos One, One SL, or the Era 100 that launched in 2023, replacing the One and One SL.

Apple AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay: What's the difference?

Elyse Betters Picaro — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:00:17 GMT

AirPlay, Apple's proprietary wireless streaming protocol, received a major update in the form of AirPlay 2 in 2017.

This JBL Flip 6 deal gives you a superb 23% off

Rik Henderson — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 15:56:17 GMT

The JBL Flip 6 is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers on the market and it can be yours right now with a massive 23 per cent off the price. Amazon is selling it for just $99.95 in the US - $30 off its usual $129.95 price tag.

Harman Kardon Citation Multibeam 1100 review

John Archer — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 17:20:17 GMT

The Citation Multibeam 1100 is far from Harman Kardon's first soundbar rodeo. As well as launching a well received but fairly budget model, the Citation 700, back in 2020, it racked up extensive soundbar experience through its long-running relationship with Samsung's soundbar division. However, the Citation Multibeam 1100 is the first really serious soundbar to be released under Harman Kardon's own name.

Sonos Roam vs Sonos Move: Differences compared

Britta O'Boyle — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 16:25:18 GMT

Sonos Roam is the second Bluetooth speaker in the Sonos speaker portfolio and it comes in two models - the Roam and Roam SL, both of which sit alongside the Sonos Move. How does the Roam compare to the larger Sonos Move though, and which one is right Sonos portable speaker for you?

What is the Sonos Amp, what can it do and why do you need it?

Britta O'Boyle — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:37:18 GMT

Sonos is best known for its multi-room audio speakers and soundbars, but one of the company's devices isn't a speaker. Instead it is a device that powers your existing hi-fi speakers or audio components, bringing them into your Sonos system.

Amazing deal on JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker knocks 22% off

Rik Henderson — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:20:17 GMT

For those looking to boost their wireless audio both at home and on the road, there's an amazing deal on the JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker right now, with up to 22 per cent off the flagship device.

HomePod gains a vital safety feature you're going to want to turn on

Oliver Haslam — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:09:31 GMT

The HomePod and HomePod mini have gained a feature that can help save lives and you should definitely consider enabling it ASAP. It's a feature that was promised in January 2023 when the HomePod 2 was announced and it's finally available for all of Apple's smart speakers.

Samsung HW-Q990B review: Maximum immersion, minimum fuss

Steve Withers — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 11:01:19 GMT

While soundbars are getting better and better at recreating the experience of a full surround sound system, they still come with some undeniable limitations to their abilities. Thankfully, soundbar manufacturers are increasingly aware of the middle ground that's forming - of home cinema fans that want the performance of a full system in a more convenient package.

Samsung HW-S800B review: Super-slim Atmos soundbar

Steve Withers — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:00:17 GMT

The Samsung HW-S800B is the latest lifestyle-oriented soundbar from the brand, and represents a new direction, with its stylish and ultra-slim cabinet, combined with a compact subwoofer using a force-cancelling design to generate deeper bass.

Apple AirPlay 2: Apple's Wi-Fi streaming tech explained

Britta O'Boyle — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:45:18 GMT

AirPlay is Apple's Wi-Fi streaming technology and since 2018, there's been a second-generation version that's now widely available on iOS and macOS devices.

What is Sonos S2 and what Sonos devices are not compatible?

Rik Henderson — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 17:20:18 GMT

Sonos overturned its decision in 2020 to discontinue several of its legacy speakers and devices. That said, the Sonos S2 software the company launched in the same year does not support them.

What is Sonos Voice Control, how does it work and which speakers is it available on?

Britta O'Boyle — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:31:18 GMT

Sonos announced its own voice assistant for its speakers back in May 2022, called Sonos Voice Control. It's not designed to compete with the likes of Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, but instead give Sonos users another option to control their speakers that focuses on privacy.

How to get lossless audio on HomePod and HomePod mini

Elyse Betters Picaro — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:59:17 GMT

Back in October 2021, Apple rolled out an update for the HomePod and HomePod mini speakers, which added support for Apple Music lossless playback and Dolby Atmos spatial audio. It was a much-awaited update after Apple Music lossless arrived on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Apple TV 4K devices the summer before in 2020.

How to add Alexa on your Sonos system

Britta O'Boyle — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 15:27:17 GMT

All Sonos devices are compatible with Alexa voice control, though not all the company's speakers have Alexa capabilities built into them. You'll find Alexa in the Sonos One, Roam, Move, Era 100 and Era 300 speakers, as well as within the Beam, Beam Gen 2 and Arc soundbars.

How to play to BBC Sounds and listen to radio on Sonos

Britta O'Boyle — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 11:29:18 GMT

If you're a BBC Radio fan, the only way you can listen to stations in the UK on your smartphone is through the BBC Sounds website, or the BBC Sounds Android or iOS app.

JBL Flip 6 portable speaker review: Great sound just got better

Verity Burns — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 11:00:17 GMT

The Bluetooth speaker market has changed quite a lot since JBL’s first Flip speaker entered the market a decade ago. From built-in smart assistants to room calibration, wi-fi, waterproofing and everything in between, the list of features that can be packed into a portable speaker has grown exponentially from when a speaker with a 3.5mm jack and a USB charging point was seen as “feature packed”.

Apple HomePod patent could fix one big smart home pain point

Oliver Haslam — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:36:10 GMT

A future HomePod could be capable of working out what smart home accessory you want to control using nothing more than what you happen to be looking at. That's if a patent granted to Apple turns into a product that we can buy at the Apple Store. The feature would also presumably apply to the HomePod mini, or a future version of it, as well.

Sonos Sub Mini or Sonos Sub Gen 3: Which should you buy?

Britta O'Boyle — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:43:18 GMT

Sonos announced a more affordable subwoofer in September 2022, in the form of the Sub Min i. The device sits alongside the original Sonos Sub, which was first introduced in 2012. It's had a couple of generation updates, though its design has remained the same for over 10 years.

How to connect your phone to Sonos Roam using Bluetooth

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:45:17 GMT

The Sonos Roam is the second portable Bluetooth speaker from the multi-room audio company, but unlike the first - Sonos Move - it doesn't have a physical Wi-Fi to Bluetooth toggle switch.

Best speakers for PC gamers 2023

Adrian Willings — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 13:23:18 GMT

If you're not a fan of gaming headsets and want to fill your room with the sounds of gunfire and engine roars, you've come to the right place.

How to create a HomePod or HomePod mini stereo pair

Britta O'Boyle — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:45:18 GMT

If you have an Apple HomePod (first or second generation) or a HomePod mini and you want to connect two HomePods or two HomePod minis to create a stereo pair, allowing you to create a wider, more immersive sound stage, we've got you covered.

How to tune Sonos speakers or soundbars with Trueplay for better sound

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:05:18 GMT

Sonos offers a software feature called Trueplay that aims to make your existing Sonos speakers and soundbars sound better. The software is designed to allow users to place their Sonos speakers wherever they like and still achieve good sound quality.

What is Sonos Trueplay and how does it work?

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:00:17 GMT

Sonos Trueplay is a software feature that allows anyone who owns a Sonos speaker to tune it specifically to the room it is in. In a similar way to how someone might tune a professional hi-fi system, Sonos Trueplay brings this technology in an easy to manage and understand format.

Sonos Era 300 review: Standalone spatial audio

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:00:17 GMT

A couple of years back, we said there was a great argument for Sonos updating the old Play:3 but when the Beam arrived, followed by the Move, the argument for a straight-up replacement of the living room speaker dwindled, much to our disappointment.

Sonos Era 100 review

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:06:10 GMT

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Wrong. It's a bold move to take a product that's loved by many and replace it with an entirely new one, but that's exactly what Sonos has done with the Era 100.

Sonos Move 2 portable speaker tipped for summer launch

Rik Henderson — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 11:23:33 GMT

Sonos is set to replace its popular Bluetooth-enabled speaker with a new model this summer.

Ikea’s latest VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and insanely cheap

Oliver Haslam — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:59:08 GMT

Swedish retailer IKEA has announced the latest entry into its VAPPEBY range, this time it's a Bluetooth speaker that you can take into the shower with you.

This is the first Sonos-certified wireless vinyl deck

Rik Henderson — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:55:18 GMT

Renowned audio brand Vitrola has brought its first turntable to be fully certified by Sonos to the UK.

Best cheap sound bar 2023

Luke Baker — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 15:00:17 GMT

Grabbing yourself a top soundbar is a necessity for getting the most out of your TV, or else you risk weak sound wasting the potential of your setup.

Best Smart Speakers in 2023

Luke Baker — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:00:18 GMT

Finding the right smart speaker for your home may seem easy enough, with plenty of options now available to pick from, but the task is actually anything but.

Next-gen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 and Beosound 2 speakers gain connectivity for future updates

Rik Henderson — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:56:17 GMT

Bang & Olufsen has announced upgraded models of two of its most popular speakers that have additional processing power to receive future software updates.