What Hi-Fi? | Tech news and reviews

Test tracks graphic of album covers — 14 best songs of 2024 to test-drive your hi-fi system From Arooj Aftab to Adrienne Lenker, Young Jesus to Yard Act

Naim NSS 333 on wooden rack — I heard over 150 products in 2024 and these are my 5 hi-fi highlights My personal highs from the What Hi-Fi? test rooms this year

Open wireless earbuds: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — 2024 was the year of 'open' wireless earbuds, but are they game-changers or gimmicks? Time to be open to a new breed of buds?

Cambridge Audio EXA100 integrated amplifier — Cambridge Audio EXA100: powerful and feature-laden integrated amp A powerful, feature-laden amplifier with big ambitions

An iPad, Sony headphones, Bose earbuds and an Apple TV remote in front of a Christmas tree — New tech for Christmas is great – but I use 4 last-gen devices every day and refuse to upgrade New tech is always nice, but I have no need to upgrade these daily essentials

Two people stand in the centre of the frame. The one on the left, Vi, is slightly taller and has short pink hair. Her hands are wrapped with white tape. She is holding onto the shoulder of her sister, Jinx. She has long blue hair in two braids and is wearing a black crop top. — I watched my favourite TV show on a £38k home cinema and never want to go back Consider this my entry for Arcane to win all the Emmy’s

Latest reviews

Cyrus 40 ST

By What Hi-Fi?

Sony LinkBuds Speaker wireless speaker held in hand above lawn

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review

By What Hi-Fi? published 19 December 24

The portable LinkBuds Speaker showcases much of that expected Sony quality, but is it enough to make the class leaders quake in their boots?

Hi-Fi

Mission 750 stereo speakers on white table in front of busy shelf

Mission 750 review

By What Hi-Fi? published 16 December 24

Mission’s smallest 700 series speakers combine excellent build and a confident sound.

Hi-Fi

Rega io review

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 13 December 24

Updated Rega’s io amplifier has all the hallmarks of its Award-winning Brio sibling, but in a cheaper, smaller package.

Updated

Bluesound Node Nano music streamer on wooden shelf with busy background

Bluesound Node Nano review

By What Hi-Fi? published 13 December 24

The Node Nano strives to provide stellar streaming sound at a bargain basement price, and while it isn’t perfect, there’s plenty to like about the entry-level music streamer.

Hi-Fi

Sony WH-1000XM5 review

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 13 December 24

Updated Sony has revamped its top-of-the-range wireless headphones – but do they still set the bar at this price?

Updated

Noise cancelling headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 11 December 24

Updated Bose’s new flagship over-ears have been a long time coming – can they compete with the best-in-class?

Updated

Sony Bravia 9 Mini LED TV on wooden TV rack showing mountains and clouds on screen

Sony Bravia 9 (K75XR90) review

By Lewis Empson last updated 10 December 24

Updated The Bravia 9’s next-gen Mini LED backlight is a marvel, but do higher brightness and more dimming zones make for a better TV overall?

Updated

The 13-inch iPad Air being held in one hand. On the screen is an image from Slow Horses.

Apple iPad Air 13-inch review

By What Hi-Fi? published 9 December 24

A 13-inch iPad for the non-Pro crowd – but does the new Air suffer without OLED tech?

Tablets & Smartphones

Panasonic W90A 65-inch TV on wooden AV bench with baby elephants on screen

Panasonic W90A (TV-55W90A) review

By Alastair Stevenson published 5 December 24

A solid Full Array Local Dimming TV designed for movie fans on a budget.

TVs

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Latest news

The What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024 winners have been revealed!

By Alastair Stevenson

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones in black on a red rucksack

I've found the best Boxing Day deal on Sony's XM5 headphones so you don't have to – and it's a new lowest-ever price

By Becky Roberts published 25 December 24

The 5-star Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are discounted to £220

Headphones

Sky Glass gets a surprise festive update with a bundle of new features including Apple AirPlay and ad-skipping

By Lewis Empson published 24 December 24

Sky Glass gets a handful of new features including Apple AirPlay support and playlist enhancements.

TVs

Sonos Arc standing on a wooden unit beneath a TV screen

A Christmas miracle! Our favourite Sonos soundbar is at its lowest price ever

By Robyn Quick published 24 December 24

5-star Sonos Arc Soundbar drops to £589 at Richer Sounds

Home cinema

This killer hi-fi deal saves you 45% on five-star Marantz streaming amplifier

This five-star Marantz streaming amplifier plunges in price thanks to this festive hi-fi deal

By Kashfia Kabir published 24 December 24

DEAL A huge £200 saving on a former two-time What Hi-Fi? Award winner is not to be sniffed at...

DEAL

Hi-fi Christmas deal: Cambridge Audio's five-star music streamer has £100 sliced off its price once again

By Kashfia Kabir published 24 December 24

The excellent Cambridge Audio CXN100 can be yours for £799 at Richer Sounds - a £100 saving.

Hi-Fi

Dynaudio Symphony Opus One sitting below a TV in a modern wooden minimalist room

Dynaudio's luxury Dolby Atmos soundbar crams a jaw-dropping number of speakers into an all-in-one home cinema solution

By Lewis Empson published 23 December 24

Dynaudio's luxury soundbar is a feature-rich all-in-one audio solution with a hefty price tag.

Home cinema

BenQ launches iSeries smart projectors for 4K family fun

Save an impressive £500 on this "budget-friendly" 4K projector that can fit in your living room

By Robyn Quick published 23 December 24

The BenQ W2700 is down from £1499 to just £999. What a steal!

Home cinema

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC wireless earbuds

Snap up this £15 discount on the AirPods 4 with ANC in time for Christmas

By Kashfia Kabir published 23 December 24

The AirPods 4 with ANC open earbuds with effective noise-cancelling are now £15 off.

Headphones

All I want for Christmas is this Samsung The Freestyle projector deal

By Robyn Quick last updated 23 December 24

Samsung’s The Freestyle projector drops to £499 thanks to a £200 discount

Home cinema

Denon D-M41DAB system placed in a book case

Our favourite budget Denon microsystem is even cheaper than before thanks to this festive hi-fi deal

By Kashfia Kabir published 23 December 24

This compact and versatile CD/Bluetooth mini system is available for a new low price

Hi-Fi

Loewe’s ‘unusual’ OLED TV is now available in 77 and 83 inches

By Robyn Quick last updated 20 December 24

The 77 and 83-inch Loewe Stellar is available to buy now.

TVs

CES 2025 preview: what to expect from the world's biggest tech show

By Joe Svetlik published 19 December 24

This year we're expecting big things from LG, Samsung and Sony, while HDMI could be in for an overhaul...

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Latest Advice

Bluesound Node Nano vs WiiM Pro Plus banner image

Bluesound Node Nano vs WiiM Pro Plus: which entry-level streamer is best for you?

By Harry McKerrell published 20 December 24

Bluesound faces off against WiiM's established Award winner in the battle for entry-level music streamer supremacy.

Hi-Fi

A black Sonos Arc Ultra and black Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 on a grey and red background with a white versus sign between them.

Sonos Arc Ultra vs Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9: which flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar is better?

By Joe Svetlik, Esat Dedezade last updated 17 December 24

They're both flagships and are brimming with features, but which soundbar is better?

Headphones

A TCL QD-Mini LED TV wall mounted in a room. Below it is a media cabinet, herringbone floor with a white rug, and a coffee table which is flanked by two sofas. The TV is showing an NFL player next to the NFL and TCL logos. QD-Mini LED is also written on the screen.

Hisense vs TCL: which is the best cheap TV brand?

By Joe Svetlik last updated 16 December 24

Hisense and TCL are two of the biggest makers of budget TVs – let's see what each has to offer.

TVs

Should you buy a Toshiba TV? Are they any good?

By Joe Svetlik last updated 16 December 24

Toshiba makes nicely-priced TVs, including some with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound. But are the best Toshiba TV deals worth your hard-earned cash?

TVs

The TCL 85C805K 4K TV on a table in a room with a garden visible through a window in the background. On screen is a close-up of a water surface.

Should you buy a TCL TV? Our verdict on TCL, Roku TVs and more

By Joe Svetlik last updated 16 December 24

Updated TCL 4K TVs can be super-cheap, but should you buy one if there's a good deal to be had? Read on for some sage advice...

Updated

Black Sonos Ace headphones lying on a black wooden table.

Bluetooth 5.0: everything you need to know

By Joe Svetlik last updated 16 December 24

Bluetooth 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and now 5.4 standards bring many benefits to your wireless kit. Read on for the full lowdown.

Streaming

IP ratings explained: how waterproof are your headphones?

By Harry McKerrell last updated 12 December 24

Trying to understand IPX ratings can sometimes feel like drowning in a sea of meaningless digits. Let us throw you a life preserver.

Hi-Fi

What is Transparency mode? Which headphones have it?

By Joe Svetlik published 12 December 24

Did you know some headphones can let in outside sound when instructed, so you don't have to take them off to hear what's around you?

Headphones

A black pair of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and black Sony WF-1000XM5 on a grey and red background with a versus sign between them.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2024 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: which ANC earbuds are better?

By Joe Svetlik published 12 December 24

Sony and Bose make some of the best wireless earbuds around, but should you buy Bose's mid-rangers or, for not much more money, Sony's range-toppers?

Headphones

Latest Features

Rega Planar 3 turntable and Ruark MR1 speakers on wooden cabinet

2024 was the year I finally set up my turntable system – but has it been worth it?

By Kashfia Kabir published 26 December 24

I stream, I buy CDs, but vinyl has reignited my love for music

Hi-Fi

Rewind 2024: What Hi-Fi? picks the hottest hi-fi and home cinema news of the year

By Alastair Stevenson published 23 December 24

Our team of hi-fi and home cinema experts reveal the top stories to break this year and how they will shape 2025.

TVs

Rewind: Onkyo returns, we reveal our 2025 hi-fi wishlist, and fresh hints about 8K TVs’ future

By Alastair Stevenson published 23 December 24

Our experts detail the top hi-fi and home cinema news you need to know about to break over the past week.

Home cinema

I’d hoped mid-range OLED TVs would get a key upgrade in 2025 – but it’s looking unlikely

By Alastair Stevenson published 22 December 24

MLA and QD-OLED have a bright future, but it looks like they’ll stay an expensive luxury for the foreseeable future.

TVs

2024's Mini LED TV experiment failed – all hail OLED

By Alastair Stevenson published 22 December 24

Samsung, Sony, Hisense, TCL and more all bet big on Mini LED taking on OLED this year. The results were mixed…

TVs

several system products on a grey background

We've built a versatile vinyl and streaming system that brings the best of both worlds – but doesn't cost the earth

By Jonathan Evans published 19 December 24

Here we have put together a wonderful all-rounder of a system, not least as it features both a streamer and a turntable as its musical sources.

Hi-Fi

Huawei Sound midrange driver and tweeter in a car door

Reference rooms, golden ears and subwoofer solutions: Huawei’s tuning expert discusses all things in-car audio

By Andy Madden published 18 December 24

Huawei is big in automotive in China and we have been learning about how it approaches in-car sound systems.

Hi-Fi

Christmas Gift Guide 2024: top gift ideas for music, film and tech fans

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 18 December 24

Our hand-picked guide to over 30 Christmas gift ideas for music, film and tech fans

Hi-Fi

Treat your music system to the 17 best alternative Christmas songs

By Harry McKerrell last updated 18 December 24

Throw away that tiresome festive compilation CD and enjoy these alternative Christmas tracks instead.

Hi-Fi

14 exciting hi-fi and home cinema products we can't wait to review in 2025

By Becky Roberts published 18 December 24

Our review editors have already lined up weeks of newly announced kit for the test team to sink their teeth into after the Christmas break...

Hi-Fi

Rewind: A new Dolby Atmos rival takes the stage, Cyrus delivers a hi-fi holiday treat and more

By Alastair Stevenson published 16 December 24

Welcome to the latest entry to our weekly hi-fi and home cinema news digest.

Home cinema

A 65-inch Samsung TV on a wooden stand in a living room. On the screen is the homepage of Sony Pictures Core from the PS5, with a big banner for the Venom: The Last Dance movie.

A year on from launch, Sony Pictures Core on PS5 is still a serious wasted opportunity

By Tom Parsons published 14 December 24

Revolutionary on Bravia TVs, Sony Pictures Core is just another streaming service on PS5.

Home cinema

Latest Best Buys

Best iPhones 2024: the top options for music and movie lovers rated

By Joe Svetlik last updated 20 December 24

Whether you want an entry-level model or the larger Pro Max for watching movies, Apple has an iPhone for you.

Tablets & Smartphones

Best budget hi-fi speakers 2024: bookshelf and floorstanding models tried and tested

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 20 December 24

Best Buys Feeling the pinch? Allow us to remind you of the excellent value on offer from the best budget speakers on the market.

Best Buys

Best in-ear headphones 2024: top earbuds tried and tested by our experts

By Andy Madden last updated 19 December 24

Best Buys These are the best earbuds we've tested, including cheap pairs as well as premium options for serious listening.

Best Buys

Standmount speakers: Neat Petite Classic

Best speakers 2024: budget to premium models tested by our expert reviewers

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 16 December 24

Best Buys Upgrade your home music system with our pick of the best hi-fi speakers on the market right now, across all budgets.

Best Buys

Sonos Era 300 placed next to the Audio Pro C20 on a desk

Best wireless speakers 2024: tried and tested by our expert team

By Harry McKerrell last updated 16 December 24

Best Buys Whether you're spending big or currently coin conscious, these are the best wireless speakers on the market

Best Buys

Best Google Assistant speakers 2024: best Google smart speakers tested and rated

By Harry McKerrell last updated 13 December 24

Best Buys Find your voice with our pick of the best speakers with Google Assistant for your home.

Best Buys

Three of the best TVs with ocean waves on-screen, all on a colourful background

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

By Tom Parsons last updated 12 December 24

Best Buys Our expert reviewers detail the best TVs they've tested across every price and size.

Best Buys

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 in pink and green

Best waterproof speakers 2024: all types tested for every budget

By Harry McKerrell last updated 12 December 24

Best Buys Whether you're hitting the beach or lounging by the pool, don't forget to bring your waterproof speaker along for the ride.

Best Buys

The Sony A80L and LG C4 TVs photographed next to one another with the same image of a golfer being sprayed with champagne on both

Best 65-inch TVs 2024: the top models we've tested

By Tom Parsons last updated 12 December 24

Best Buys Our team of experts detail the top 65-inch TVs they've tried and tested in our dedicated viewing rooms

Best Buys

Black AirPods Max on a sideboard next to potted plants

Best AirPods Max alternatives 2024: amazing options picked by our experts

By Joe Svetlik last updated 12 December 24

Best Buys You don't need Apple's premium headphones to have a great wireless, noise-cancelling experience.

Best Buys

Best Alexa speakers 2024: smart speakers with Alexa tried and tested

By Harry McKerrell last updated 11 December 24

Best Buys Upgrade your life with the help of Alexa smart speakers that combine great sound with useful features such as voice commands and playback control.

Best Buys