What Hi-Fi? | Tech news and reviews

Cyrus 40 ST music streamer — Cyrus 40 ST review The 40 Series represents a new dawn for Cyrus that promises much

Nick Clarke Cyrus MD holding Cyrus 40 streamer — Nick Clarke interview: Cyrus Audio's MD has an eye to the future Cyrus MD Nick Clarke talks about his career that spans Audiolab, Arcam, Mark Levinson and now Cyrus

Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar — There's a new Dolby Atmos rival in town – and it has its eyes on soundbars UK-based Audioscenic has launched new Amphi Hi-D® spatial audio standard to take on Dolby Atmos

PMC Prophecy range at launch — PMC's new Prophecy range of stereo speakers looks to the future A new premium speaker range from the transmission-line specialists

Christmas CD — Why Christmas music should stay on Compact Disc forever I strongly suggest physically isolating your festive tunes so they can’t infect the rest of your year.

Musical Fidelity M6xTT — The M6xTT turntable is more gorgeous acrylic from Musical Fidelity – just in a smaller and cheaper package The company's second premium turntable in over a year

Latest reviews

Rotel A8

By What Hi-Fi?

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

Focal Diva Utopia all-in-one stereo system on grey floor in front of white brick wall

Focal Diva Utopia review

By What Hi-Fi? published 3 December 24

Focal’s Diva Utopia promises high-end hi-fi performance from a stylish, neat and mostly wireless all-in-one package.

Hi-Fi

Bluesound Node (2024) review

By What Hi-Fi? published 25 November 24

The Bluesound Node returns for 2024, and while high-performing rivals are providing stiff competition, it’s still an able performer at this price.

Hi-Fi

Yamaha R-N800A review

By What Hi-Fi? published 23 November 24

The Yamaha R-N800A is a neat, just-add-speakers streaming system that delivers an open and inviting sound.

Hi-Fi

JBL Tour Pro 3 noise cancelling earbuds in case held in hand above stone wall

JBL Tour Pro 3 review

By What Hi-Fi? published 21 November 24

JBL’s flagship wireless earbuds have a features list as long as your arm, but are they up to scratch sonically?

Headphones

Michell Gyro SE / Cusis S review

By What Hi-Fi? published 20 November 24

Michell’s Gyro SE turntable delivers an elegant, involving performance, with impressive insight, cohesion and clarity and superb build quality.

Hi-Fi

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Latest news

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

By Alastair Stevenson

This powerful, party-ready Bluetooth speaker boasts 30-hour battery life and karaoke capabilities

By Harry McKerrell published 11 December 24

The Tribit StormBox Blast 2 has arrived boasting 200W of power, an IP67 rating and 30 hours of battery life.

Portable

Samsung’s Freestyle projector's price has plummetted

By Paul Hatton published 11 December 24

Samsung’s Freestyle projector drops to £399 thanks to a £300 discount

Home cinema

You can still get our one of our editor’s favourite 5-star OLED TVs heavily discounted

By Alastair Stevenson published 11 December 24

The Panasonic Z95A is a five-star OLED well worth considering, especially with at its current price

TVs

Missed Black Friday? This five-star Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speaker is back to its lowest price

By Harry McKerrell published 11 December 24

Deals Get over 40% off the five-star Bang & Olufsen A1 (2nd Gen) portable speaker with this amazing festive deal.

Deals

Our favourite giant affordable TV is still selling at its best price ever

By Grace Dean published 10 December 24

We didn't call TCL's Award-winning 85-inch TV the home theatre bargain of the year for nothing – and now it's even cheaper.

TVs

Activo's premium IEMs have been designed "to please audiophiles on the move"

By Harry McKerrell published 10 December 24

The Activo Q1 are hybrid IEMs which blend 9.8mm dynamic and balanced armature drivers.

Headphones

The home screen of Cut the Rope is on the TV in a light room. There are houseplants on the floor and drawers below the TV.

LG has added motion-enabled games to its Smart TVs – but only to its newer models

By Robyn Quick published 10 December 24

Two massive mobile games have been added to LG’s casual gaming roster.

TVs

Final's new flagship audiophile headphones come in two distinct sonic flavours

By Harry McKerrell published 10 December 24

Final has introduced the Final D8000 and D8000 DC Pro, its flagship magnetic planar wired headphones.

Headphones

Excellent news! These Philips OLED809 deals offer 5-star quality at a discount price

By Grace Dean published 10 December 24

Simply sign up to Richer Sounds' VIP club and you'll secure one of these Philips OLED TV deals at unbeatable prices.

Home cinema

Black Flare Audio Immerse device on a black background

Your ears are the issue: affordable “breakthrough” device adjusts ear geometry to improve music listening

By Becky Roberts published 10 December 24

Headphone and earplug specialist Flare Audio has launched a new in-ear device that claims to remove ear distortions...

Headphones

Amazon Last Minute Deals is like Black Friday for the festive period – see the best deals now live

By Joe Svetlik published 9 December 24

Amazon has another sale event, and it's slashed the price of Beats headphones, Amazon devices and more.

MQA's latest audio technology aims to reduce timing issues and put the soul back into your music

By Harry McKerrell published 6 December 24

MQA has announced two new technologies within its Qrono line: Qrono d2a and Qrono dsd.

Streaming

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Latest Advice

aptX HD Bluetooth: What is it? How can you get it?

What is aptX HD Bluetooth? What devices and headphones support it?

By Joe Svetlik, Becky Roberts last updated 11 December 24

aptX HD brings high-quality streaming to wireless Bluetooth devices. Here's what you need to know about the codec, including how it compares to Sony's LDAC rival.

Streaming

White Sonos Ace and black Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones standing side by side on a wooden table in front of some vinyl sleeves.

Sonos Ace vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: which noise-cancellers should you buy?

By Joe Svetlik last updated 10 December 24

Sonos's first wireless headphones are nothing if not ambitious, but how do they compare to the best noise-cancellers around?

Headphones

Sonos Ace leaning up against a colourful background, next to the Apple AirPods Max

Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max: which noise-cancelling headphones should you buy?

By Verity Burns last updated 10 December 24

We put the Sonos Ace wireless headphones against the Apple AirPods Max to see which pair comes out on top.

Headphones

Should you buy AirPods? Are Apple's headphones worth it?

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 9 December 24

Which AirPods are the right ones for you, and are they the best options for the price?

Headphones

iPhone 17: release date rumours, price leaks, possible specs and features

By Joe Svetlik published 9 December 24

It's early days, but the iPhone rumours never stop. Here's what to expect from the iPhone 17.

Tablets & Smartphones

White Sonos Ace and black Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones hanging side-by-side on the back of a chair.

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

By Joe Svetlik last updated 9 December 24

Hopes are high for the Sonos Ace. But can they take on the best over-ear wireless headphones we've tested?

Headphones

LG C5: release date and price predictions, and 5 improvements we want to see

By Esat Dedezade last updated 6 December 24

Updated A brighter screen, soundbar-friendly stand, better audio and more? Why not...

Updated

Grado SR80x headphones placed on Ruark R2 Mk4 radio on yellow table

On-ear vs over-ear headphones: which is better for noise-cancelling, the gym, kids and more

By Joe Svetlik last updated 6 December 24

Don't want earbuds? You'll need to decide between on-ear and over-ear headphones. Here's what you need to know.

Headphones

How to connect headphones to your TV

By Joe Svetlik last updated 6 December 24

Wired or wireless, with or without a dongle, here's how to watch TV solo without disturbing the rest of the room.

TVs

Latest Features

This year’s best Christmas album is a thrilling Dolby Atmos treat

By Jez Ford published 10 December 24

I said recently that Christmas albums should be hidden away from Boxing Day until at least the following December, but on this occasion I will make an exception...

Streaming

Rewind: McIntosh’s new streaming amp, LG G5 OLED TV leaks and more

By Alastair Stevenson published 9 December 24

New McIntosh hi-fi, hints on LG’s new OLEDs and more explained in our latest news digest.

Home cinema

What Hi-Fi? Pick of the Month November 2024

Pick of the Month: Our verdict on the Sonos Arc Ultra, Copland’s premium valve amp and more

By Alastair Stevenson published 8 December 24

Our reviewers gave only six products perfect five-star ratings in November.

Home cinema

Adventures in AV: If you bought an OLED TV during Black Friday this Dolby Atmos soundbar deal is a great follow-up

By Alastair Stevenson published 7 December 24

Based on my friends, lots of people bought OLEDs this year, but completely forgot to invest in audio.

TVs

This 95%-rated cartoon comedy is new on Netflix and perfect for your next family movie night

By Luke Edwards published 6 December 24

This 95% rated cartoon comedy is a must if you've not yet seen it - or if you have

Home cinema

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

By Kashfia Kabir published 6 December 24

'Tis the season to go shopping for AV-inspired gifts...

Hi-Fi

New to vinyl? Avoid making this common mistake with your first turntable system

By Becky Roberts published 6 December 24

Vinyl systems don't just require a record player, amplifier and speakers to work. There is one obscure but crucial extra ingredient...

Hi-Fi

3 new Netflix movies to force the Christmas feels this week

By Luke Edwards published 4 December 24

3 cool new Netflix movies to give you all the Christmas feels

Home cinema

65-inch LG C4 TV photographed straight-on on a wooden stand. On the screen is an image of a golfer being sprayed with champagne.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over – but they left us with a big hint about LG's 2025 OLED TVs

By Alastair Stevenson published 3 December 24

The LG C5 is one of 2025’s most talked about TVs, and based on Black Friday pricing I’m expecting big things from it.

TVs

Several home cinema components arranged against a blue background with a 'Cyber Monday' tag in the corner

This £1500 Cyber Monday home cinema system includes a TV, AVR, surround speakers and a 4K Blu-ray player

By Tom Parsons published 2 December 24

A complete, proper home cinema system can be yours for just £1500 this Cyber Monday.

Apple TV 4K in hand with a brick wall behind

I couldn't live without my Apple TV 4K - and this Cyber Monday deal makes it an even better buy

By Lewis Empson published 2 December 24

The Apple TV 4K is my favourite streamer, and with this rare discount its even easier to recommend

Home cinema

Q Acoustics 5040 speakers, Arcam CD5 CD player and Arcam A5 amplifier on a purple background with a cyber monday tag

I love hi-fi and you'll love the savings on this brilliant CD separates system in the Cyber Monday sales

By Andy Madden published 2 December 24

I have partnered Arcam electronics with Q Acoustics speakers to create a discounted five-star set-up.

Hi-Fi

Latest 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

Best headphones with a mic 2024: great options for audio and call quality tried and tested

By Joe Svetlik last updated 11 December 24

Best Buys Want a great pair of headphones for phone calls and video chats? These are the best options we've tested.

Best Buys

Best DAB radios 2024: portable, Bluetooth and digital radio systems tested

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 10 December 24

Best Buys Want to get a whole host of tunes for free, over the airwaves and hiss-free? A digital DAB radio is a great shout.

Best Buys

Red and black terminated speaker cable on a white background

Best speaker cables 2024: our editors' choice for every budget

By Becky Roberts last updated 10 December 24

Best Buys Don't let the humble looks fool you – speaker cables are one of the heroes of your hi-fi system and could be the most cost-effective upgrade you'll ever make.

Best Buys

Best cartridges 2024: budget and premium options for your turntable

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 10 December 24

best buys You can improve your turntable without buying a brand new model – upgrading the cartridge can have remarkable results.

best buys

The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 soundbar photographed in front of the Bravia 9 TV

Best Sony soundbars 2024: recommendations direct from our home cinema reviewers

By Joe Svetlik last updated 10 December 24

best buys Sony makes some of the best soundbars in the business, including immersive Dolby Atmos models – here are our favourites.

best buys

Sony WH-CH720N lying on a wooden surface

Best noise-cancelling headphones 2024 – tested by our in-house experts

By Becky Roberts last updated 9 December 24

Best Buys Leave the noisy world behind and immerse yourself in music with our expert pick of the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy...

Best Buys

Ruark MR1 Mk2 speakers flanking an Apple Mac desktop screen in a wood-background home office setting

Best computer speakers 2024: upgrade your desktop audio with our 5 expert picks

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 8 December 24

Best Buys The best desktop speakers deliver great sound without taking up too much space, ideal for a small room or home office.

Best Buys

Best AV receivers 2024: the top home cinema amplifiers we've tested

By Lewis Empson last updated 6 December 24

Best Buys From Dolby Atmos to HDMI 2.1, get the surround sound system you deserve with our list of the top AV amplifiers we've tried and tested.

Best Buys

Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 speaker package grouped together against a grey background

Best surround sound systems 2024: home cinema speakers and soundbars put to the test

By Lewis Empson last updated 6 December 24

best buys Looking for the perfect home theater set-up? From powered speakers to soundbars to 5.1 packages, follow our guide to the best surround sound systems from budget to premium.

best buys