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

Floorstanding speakers: Q Acoustics 5040 — Ask The Industry: hi-fi engineers weigh in on the value of 'running-in' A priceless or pointless exercise?

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

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 A 13-inch iPad for the non-Pro crowd

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? How do Bose's new mid-rangers compare to Sony's established range-toppers?

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

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

Grado GW100x review

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 19 November 24

Grado’s open-backed GW100x are some of the best-sounding wireless headphones you can find at this price.

Headphones

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Latest News

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

By Alastair Stevenson

Huawei's flagship 30-hour wireless earbuds vow to "set new audio standards"

By Harry McKerrell published 12 December 24

Huawei's flagship wireless earbuds, the FreeBuds Pro 4, offer strong battery life and a focus on comfort and performance.

Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4 on a desk next to a laptop

Am I seeing things? The Sony XM4 headphones remain at their lowest-ever price, but not for long

By Grace Dean published 12 December 24

Deals The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones are only $198 on Amazon, but only for a limited time. If you're looking to save over 40% off the usual price, now's the time to act.

Deals

The Apple TV’s projector-friendly software update is now available

By Robyn Quick published 12 December 24

21:9 support is the headline, but who can resist a Snoopy-themed screensaver?

TVs

4K Blu-ray suffers another loss as LG ends production of its players – but it might not be the end of the world

By Lewis Empson published 12 December 24

LG exits the 4K blu-ray market, but it's not all doom and gloom.

Home cinema

Our favourite affordable tablet for movies on the move is now cheaper than ever

By Robyn Quick published 12 December 24

Just £70 for a 10-inch tablet that offers a "balanced and surprisingly punchy picture performance".

Tablets & Smartphones

Denon's premium CD/SACD player aims to deliver "truest sonic reproduction" from your digital audio collection

By Kashfia Kabir published 12 December 24

The DCD-3000NE promises pristine playback of SACDs and DSDs

Hi-Fi

A bird's eye view of Polygon Productions' dome stage

Spatial audio is heading to an epic London outdoor festival… where I believe the technology truly belongs

By Becky Roberts published 12 December 24

The three-day Polygon Live LDN festival next May will see a hemispherical dual-dome stage packed with 200 speakers...

Hi-Fi

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

The M6xTT turntable is more gorgeous acrylic from Musical Fidelity – just in a smaller and cheaper package

By Becky Roberts published 11 December 24

The company's second premium turntable in over a year

Hi-Fi

Last minute deal! 20% off the Award-winning Sony WF-C510 wireless earbuds

By Paul Hatton published 10 December 24

The Award winning Sony WF-C510 are discounted down to $48.

Headphones

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

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Latest Advice

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

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

Latest Features

Need a Christmas movie break? 3 action-packed thrillers are new on Netflix this week

By Luke Edwards published 13 December 24

3 new Netflix movies that land this week – and can't be missed

Home cinema

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

Why Christmas music should stay on Compact Disc forever

By Jez Ford published 5 December 24

I strongly suggest physically isolating your festive tunes so they can’t infect the rest of your year.

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.

Latest 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

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