38 Expert Reviews

Speakers & Soundbars

Expert reviews and analysis of the best speakers & soundbars products

JBL Flip 7 Review: The Portable Speaker Star Gets Even Better with AI

JBL Flip 7 Review: The Portable Speaker Star Gets Even Better with AI

The JBL Flip 7 builds on the success of its 20-million-selling predecessor with AI-powered distortion reduction, exceptional battery life, and IP68 waterproofing. Easy to use and offering powerful volume for a reasonable price, it remains the portable speaker to beat.

4.2
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Samsung HW-Q995F Review: The Ultimate Dolby Atmos Soundbar Experience

Samsung HW-Q995F Review: The Ultimate Dolby Atmos Soundbar Experience

Samsung delivers another exceptional home cinema system with the HW-Q995F. Featuring a dramatically smaller yet more powerful subwoofer, wireless Dolby Atmos support, and impressive 11.1.4 channel spatialisation, it stands amongst the finest soundbars available.

4.5
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JBL Partybox Stage 320 Review

JBL Partybox Stage 320 Review

The JBL Partybox Stage 320 delivers powerful 240W sound with excellent audio quality, practical wheels for transport, and an 18-hour battery. Whilst large, heavy, and expensive, it excels as a party speaker for those who prioritise volume and sound quality.

4.0
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Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) Review

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) Review

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen sets a new standard for sustainable portable audio with its Cradle to Cradle certification, replaceable battery, and 24-hour battery life. Whilst Bluetooth 5.1 is dated and app registration is mandatory, the exceptional build quality, sound performance, and environmental credentials make it a compelling premium speaker.

4.0
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JBL Boombox 4 Review: The Ultimate Portable Powerhouse

JBL Boombox 4 Review: The Ultimate Portable Powerhouse

The JBL Boombox 4 sets a new benchmark for portable speakers with exceptional sound quality, 34-hour battery life, and AI Sound Boost technology. Whilst the premium price and substantial weight may deter some, this speaker delivers uncompromising audio performance for those who demand the very best.

4.5
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Marshall Emberton III Review: Compact with Big Sound

Marshall Emberton III Review: Compact with Big Sound

Technical Specificationsnn Built-in Subwoofer: Non Display Panel: Non USB Speaker Mode: Non IP67 Certification: Yes (dustproof and submersible up to 1m fo

4.0
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Sonos Arc Ultra Review: Powerful Bass, Impressive Atmos

Sonos Arc Ultra Review: Powerful Bass, Impressive Atmos

Overview and PricenSonos’s new flagship soundbar, the Arc Ultra (priced at £1000), aims to deliver an even richer audio experience than the original Arc. Incorporating a compact, built-in woofer dubbed “Sound Motion,” it promises deep bass without necessarily requiri

4.0
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JBL Bar 1000 Review: Modular Sound System, Mixed Results

JBL Bar 1000 Review: Modular Sound System, Mixed Results

Build QualitynMain SoundbarnAlthough JBL is overshadowed by its parent company Samsung in the soundbar arena, the Bar 1000 stands out as both ambitious and innovative. Visually, the bar strikes a balance between sleek and understated, particula

4.0
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Marshall Bromley 750 Review: Rock and Roll Meets the Party

Marshall Bromley 750 Review: Rock and Roll Meets the Party

Marshall has built its legendary reputation on amplifiers that have powered rock and roll for over six decades. Now, the iconic British brand makes its bold entry into the party speaker market with the Bromley 750—and it's immediately clear this isn't just another bass-heavy party box. ## Design: Heritage Meets Practicality From the moment you lay eyes on the Bromley 750, its Marshall DNA is unmistakable. The textured PU leather exterior evokes the classic Tolex covering of vintage Marshall amps, the signature "salt and pepper" metal grille dominates the front, and the brushed brass Marshall script logo sits proudly at the centre. This is a speaker that commands attention without shouting for it. But Marshall hasn't prioritized style over substance. At 23.8kg, this is a substantial piece of kit, yet the thoughtful design makes it surprisingly manageable. Two wide, silicone-covered handles on each side provide excellent grip, while reinforced corners with integrated shock absorption mean you won't damage your floors when setting it down. The coup de grâce? A telescopic metal trolley handle and smooth-rolling silicone wheels that transform the Bromley 750 into easily towable luggage for longer distances. The IP54 rating provides peace of mind for outdoor use—it'll handle light rain and splashes without complaint, though you wouldn't want to leave it out in a downpour. ## Audio Performance: Power with Poise Marshall has equipped the Bromley 750 with an impressive eight-driver configuration designed for true 360-degree sound dispersion. Two 25cm woofers (one front, one rear) handle the low-end with 150W each, two 13cm mid-range drivers fire from the sides, and four tweeters are strategically placed around the enclosure for omnidirectional high-frequency coverage. The sonic result is spectacular. The bass is the star of the show—deep, physical, and impactful without ever becoming boomy or muddy. Whether it's the thunderous opening of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" or the syncopated low-end of Billie Eilish's "bad guy," the Bromley 750 delivers bass that you feel as much as hear. Crucially, even at party-shaking volumes, the low-end remains tight and controlled. The mid-range is intentionally recessed, a clever acoustical choice that prevents listener fatigue at high volumes and keeps vocals clear without becoming harsh. The treble is crisp and detailed, with no trace of sibilance or hardness. The 360-degree sound field is genuinely impressive—walk around the speaker and the sonic balance remains remarkably consistent. What truly sets the Bromley 750 apart is its tonal flexibility. The front-mounted analogue controls—complete with satisfying rotary potentiometers—include dedicated bass and treble adjustments, plus a "Sound Character" knob that acts as a dynamic compressor. You can dial in anything from gentle background music to face-melting rock concert levels, all without touching your phone. ## Features: Old School Meets New Tech Marshall has struck an excellent balance between tactile, analogue control and modern connectivity. The physical interface is a joy to use—proper metal-ringed potentiometers with smooth action, a classic rocker power switch that clicks with authority, and clearly labeled inputs protected by IP54-rated flaps. Connectivity is comprehensive. Bluetooth 5.3 with support for SBC, AAC, and the modern LC3 codec provides reliable wireless streaming up to 70 meters (with compatible sources). The inclusion of Auracast is particularly forward-thinking—you can broadcast audio to unlimited compatible devices or link multiple Bromley 750 speakers wirelessly for truly massive coverage. For musicians and performers, there's a combo XLR/jack input for microphones with phantom power, a dedicated instrument jack for guitars or basses, and both have independent volume controls with studio-quality reverb effects. Add stereo RCA line inputs, a 3.5mm aux jack, and USB-C audio, and you're covered for virtually any source. The Marshall Bluetooth app is surprisingly restrained—in a good way. It handles source selection, displays battery status, manages firmware updates, and lets you customize the programmable M button, but doesn't try to replace the excellent physical controls. This is refreshingly sensible. ## Battery Life: Freedom from Outlets The removable 97.2Wh battery is a game-changer. Marshall claims over 40 hours at moderate volumes (around 33% level), which we can believe based on the measured 2.5W power consumption at that level. More realistically, at party-appropriate volumes (75-80%), expect 4-6 hours of runtime. Push it to maximum and you'll still get around 3 hours. But here's the brilliance: the battery simply slides out from a rear compartment. Buy a spare (sold separately), and you have effectively unlimited runtime. The battery also functions as a power bank via its USB-C port—handy for charging phones during outdoor events. Charging is impressively fast thanks to USB-C Power Delivery support at 50W. A full charge takes just over two hours, or about 90 minutes to reach 80%. You can charge the battery separately or plug the entire speaker in—your choice. ## Lighting: Subtle Sophistication Unlike competitors plastered with RGB light shows, Marshall has opted for tasteful white LED stage lighting that syncs with the music. It's more "intimate gig venue" than "nightclub," which fits the Marshall aesthetic perfectly. You can trigger strobe effects via the app or the customizable M button, but overall, the lighting takes a back seat to the audio—as it should. ## Living with the Bromley 750 After extensive testing across various scenarios—garden parties, indoor gatherings, and even a small acoustic gig—the Bromley 750 consistently impressed. The combination of genuine 360-degree sound, extraordinary bass depth, and the flexibility of the tone controls means it adapts to any situation. The removable battery is genuinely liberating. No longer are you constrained by the distance to the nearest outlet or anxiously watching battery percentage. Just swap in a fresh battery and keep going. Build quality is exceptional. Every material feels premium, every control operates with precision, and the attention to detail—from the silicone-damped wheels to the weatherproof connector covers—speaks to Marshall's commitment to quality.

4.5
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Hisense AX5125H Review: Immersive Sound on a Budget

Hisense AX5125H Review: Immersive Sound on a Budget

In BriefHisense’s AX5125H aims to provide an immersive home cinema setup at a reasonable price. This 5.1.2 system comprises a soundbar, a subwoofer, and two satellite speakers, promising Dolby Atmos compatibility without breaking the bank. Although it is not perfect, it manages to surpri

4.0
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Sony ULT Tower 10: Epic Party Sound for Your Living Room

Sony ULT Tower 10: Epic Party Sound for Your Living Room

In Brief: Sony ULT Tower 10Designed for energetic parties rather than refined audiophile listening, Sony’s ULT Tower 10 is a towering, 1.1-metre-high speaker with 108 dB of volume potential and built-in lighting effects. It’s geared to fill large spaces (and possibly annoy the neighbours

4.0
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LG S70TY: A Basic Yet Capable Soundbar for Clear Dialogues

LG S70TY: A Basic Yet Capable Soundbar for Clear Dialogues

In Brief: LG S70TYThe LG S70TY is a mid-range 3.1.1-channel soundbar system with a wireless subwoofer, aiming for ease of setup, solid bass reinforcement, and clear dialogue reproduction rather than a fully immersive surround experience. Featuring an unusual single up-firing speaker for

4.0
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Technics SC-CX700: Hi-Fi Sound in Modern Connected Speakers

Technics SC-CX700: Hi-Fi Sound in Modern Connected Speakers

In Brief: Technics SC-CX700In a market where all-in-one connected speakers often prioritise convenience over audio purity, Technics offers a striking alternative with the SC-CX700. These compact hi-fi speakers marry premium materials, advanced coaxial drivers, and extensive connectivity—

4.0
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Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9: Immersive Home Cinema Sound

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9: Immersive Home Cinema Sound

In Brief: Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9 HT-A9000With its new Bravia Theatre Bar 9, Sony takes a significant leap forward in its premium soundbar range. More refined than its predecessors, this model harnesses vertical sound and an innovative spatialisation design—bundled in an elegant form f

4.0
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Samsung HW-Q930C Review: Ultimate Sound in a Complete Set

Samsung HW-Q930C Review: Ultimate Sound in a Complete Set

Samsung HW-Q930C Review: Ultimate Sound in a Complete SetHomogeneous and balanced sound output.Astonishingly powerful sound.Remarkable subwoofer (responsive, precise, powerful).Thoughtfully designed.Tiny display, lacki

4.0
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JBL Bar 500 Review: Mighty Sound, Massive Subwoofer

JBL Bar 500 Review: Mighty Sound, Massive Subwoofer

ProsPowerful soundExternal subwooferComprehensive appAdditional HDMI outputAutomatic calibrationConsSubwoofer is very largeComplete manual only available online n n

4.0
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KEF LSX II Review: Compact Audio Excellence

KEF LSX II Review: Compact Audio Excellence

ProsNatural, rich, extremely detailed, and dynamic sound reproduction.Incredibly coherent and immersive soundstage.Stunning size/power ratio.Versatile use with rich connectivity.Simple to set up and user-friendly.Exceptionally well-crafte

4.0
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KEF LSX II LT Review: Superior Sound Redefined

KEF LSX II LT Review: Superior Sound Redefined

Pros• Natural, rich, extremely detailed, and dynamic sound reproduction.• Incredibly coherent and immersive soundstage.• Stunning size/power ratio. • Versatile use, rich connectivity.• Easy to handle and use.Consn• Excessively high latency in Bluetooth.n• B

4.0
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Samsung HW-Q800C Review: An Upgrade of a Superb Soundbar

Samsung HW-Q800C Review: An Upgrade of a Superb Soundbar

ProsHomogeneous and balanced sound rendering.Accurately reproduced side surround effects.Absolutely astonishing sound power.Remarkable subwoofer (responsiveness, precision, power).Carefully designed.ConsSlightly muddled

4.0
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Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini Review: The King of Soundbars

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini Review: The King of Soundbars

Prosnn Impressive Ambeo surround virtualization.n Clear, balanced, and precise sound.n Excellent voice/dialogue reproduction.n Efficient acoustic calibration.n Compatibility with numerous 3D audio formats: <a href="https://truthful.reviews/so

4.0
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JBL Charge 5 WiFi and Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Charge 5 WiFi and Bluetooth Speaker

ProsRich, balanced, and spacious sound quality.Limited distortion at high volumes.Comprehensive and intuitive controls.Sturdy construction with IP67 certification.ConsSlight lack of precision in the bass.Disappointing ba

4.0
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Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sony HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sony is expanding the core of its soundbar range with the HT-S2000, a 3.1 model with an integrated subwoofer and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility, but without vertical transducers. The manufacturer relies on software processing to give the illusion of immersive sound.nProsnn App

4.0
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Sonos Era 100: The Next-Gen Home Bookshelf Speaker

Sonos Era 100: The Next-Gen Home Bookshelf Speaker

The Sonos Era 100 replaces the Sonos One, the flagship speaker in the manufacturer's range. The Era 100 now opens the manufacturer's range and has a more prominent speaker and two tweeters for almost stereo playback. And that's not all. A line-in and Bluetooth appear alongside AirPlay 2 and voice

4.0
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Sonos Era 300: The Stereo Speaker With Dolby Atmos

Sonos Era 300: The Stereo Speaker With Dolby Atmos

ProsHomogeneous, rich and warm soundExcellent control of the midrangeSonos app is as complete and pleasant as everGood quality voice recordingGood designConsHigh-frequency reproduction lacks detailsAbsence of Go

4.0
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Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker

Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker

Marshall continues to make headway in the Bluetooth speaker market with the release of the new Middleton. Larger and more powerful than its Willen and Emberton II siblings, it retains its nomadic character while bringing more excitement to your parties.ProsRich, warm and rela

4.0
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Samsung HW-B550/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar

Samsung HW-B550/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar

Prosnn Balanced sound qualityn Multiple connection optionsn Easy to handlennConsnn Surround effects indistinguishablennThe HW-B550 is one of Samsung's entry-level sound bars. The HW-B550 is the entry-level <a href="https://t

4.0
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Triangle BR02 BT BOREA

Triangle BR02 BT BOREA

Prosnn Very good soundn Full and comparatively deep bassn Chic designnnConsnn Needs relatively powerful amplifiernnOverviewnEach generation of "traditional" <a href="https://truthful.reviews/sonos-era-100-the-next-g

4.0
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Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar

Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar

Prosnn Smooth and balanced soundn Lateral surround effectsn Incredible sound powern Outstanding subwoofer responsiveness, accuracy and powernnConsnn Tiny display, no interface on the TV.n Does not support 4K/120 Hz

4.0
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JBL SoundBar 300 Speaker 260 W

JBL SoundBar 300 Speaker 260 W

The Bar 300 is a sound bar from JBL's 2022 range. Despite its sleek configuration, it aims to deliver an immersive sound experience thanks to its "Multibeam" surround/3D virtualisation technology and support for Dolby Atmos streams.ProsWell balanced and even sound quality</li

4.0
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YAMAHA WS-B1A Portable Bluetooth 5.0

YAMAHA WS-B1A Portable Bluetooth 5.0

The WS-B1A is Yamaha's first portable Bluetooth speaker. It is minimalist, sometimes to the point of excess, and relies heavily on its acoustic performance.ProsHomogeneous and balanced soundWater and dust resistantGood battery lifeVery good level of

4.0
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Marshall Stanmore III Wireless Bluetooth

Marshall Stanmore III Wireless Bluetooth

The Stanmore III is a wireless speaker designed by Marshall. The Stanmore III is a wireless speaker designed by Marshall. It offers few new features compared to the previous version, except for some sound treatments that are supposed to improve the listening experience.nProsnn Powe

4.0
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Sony HT-A3000 3.1 channel Dolby Atmos

Sony HT-A3000 3.1 channel Dolby Atmos

Prosnn 3.1-channel soundbar for virtual surroundn Mapping Technologyn Dolby Atmos, Dolby Speaker Virtual, DTS Virtual:XnnConsnn No analogue audio interfacesnnA truly first-class 3.1-channel soundbar - which, thanks to two ex

4.0
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Samsung HW-B450 2.1ch Soundbar

Samsung HW-B450 2.1ch Soundbar

Prosnn High-class surround soundn Dolby audio decodingn Bluetooth streamingnnConsnn No analogue interfacesn No HDMI or LAN portnnIn principle, only a simple 2.1-channel solution. Thanks to decent power reserves, it

4.0
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Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Dolby Atmos

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Dolby Atmos

Prosnn Wide range of functionsn High sound qualityn Virtual surround soundnnConsnn Few connectionsnnThe equipment of the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is remarkable.

4.0
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Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X

Prosnn Surround soundn Two HDMI 2.1 inputsn Integrated streaming functionsnnConsnn Quite expensivennThe fact that the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar is 130 centimetres long is due to the generous number of speakers. Five front speak

4.0
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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage – Soundbar

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage – Soundbar

Prosnn Dolby Atmos soundn Two positions possiblen Good connectivitynnConsnn None known yetnnWith the BeoSound Stage, the manufacturer Bang &amp; Olufsen brings its first stand-alone soundbar to the market. Behind the front p

4.0
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Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos

Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos

Prosnn Powerful and clear soundn 3D surround sound also for musicnnConsnn Few settings for surround soundnnThe Sony HT-A5000 looks unassuming, but it's full of refinements: it offers a wide range of music streaming options, optimises

4.0
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Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

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4.0
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