34 Expert Reviews

Speakers

Expert reviews and analysis of the best speakers products

Bose SoundLink Max Review: Huge Bass, Real Compromises

Bose SoundLink Max Review: Huge Bass, Real Compromises

The Bose SoundLink Max reaches 50 Hz and ran 42 hours at 30% volume in independent testing, but a U-shaped tuning spills bass into vocals, latency measured 285 ms and there are no microphones at all. UK availability checked 2 August 2026.

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Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) Review: A Codec Update

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) Review: A Codec Update

The second-generation SoundLink Flex adds aptX, AAC and an equaliser to unchanged drivers. Bass still reaches 70Hz and it still floats — but latency measured worse than the model it replaces.

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Ultimate Ears EpicBoom Review

Ultimate Ears EpicBoom Review

The EpicBoom pairs excellent 360-degree sound and class-leading Bluetooth range with IP67 sealing — and a conspicuously short feature list. Measured 11 hrs 40 min of battery and near-2 kg weight make it a carry-to-the-party speaker, not a clip-on.

4.3
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Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4 Review: The 360 Claim Does Not Hold

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4 Review: The 360 Claim Does Not Hold

Both approved sources agree the MEGABOOM 4 does not deliver the 360-degree sound it advertises - it has two side-mounted drivers, not four. They disagree sharply on sound quality and measured 30 hours against 21 hours of battery. UK availability checked 2 August 2026.

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Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi Review

Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi Review

The SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi trades the standard model’s HDMI ARC for full network streaming — AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready — behind a three-way, 190 W design that still belongs in a museum.

4.4
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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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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

Verdict: Marshall Emberton III AA subtle refresh rather than a radical leap, the Emberton III benefits from incremental improvements like a dedicated power button, Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, and slightly refined tuning. It retains the brand’s signature vibe, pleasingly deep bass (for its compactness)…

4.0
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Sonos Arc Ultra Review: Powerful Bass, Impressive Atmos

Sonos Arc Ultra Review: Powerful Bass, Impressive Atmos

The standout feature of the Sonos Arc Ultra is Sound Motion, an integrated woofer inherited from Mayht’s breakthrough technology. It substantially amplifies bass output compared with the original Arc, negating the immediate need for a separate subwoofer.

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

JBL Bar 1000 Review: Modular Sound System, Mixed Results

Conclusion The JBL Bar 1000 is a flexible 7.1.4 soundbar system that stands out for its detachable, battery-powered rear speakers and extensive connectivity. It’s easy to set up and generally performs well, with deep-reaching bass and a pleasing tonal balance—just don’t expect reference-level punch…

4.0
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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 Review: Epic Party Speaker

Sony ULT Tower 10 Review: Epic Party Speaker

Designed 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 aoy the neighbours) with colossal sound, featuring dual…

4.0
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LG S70TY Review: A Capable Soundbar for Clear Dialogue

LG S70TY Review: A Capable Soundbar for Clear Dialogue

The LG S70TY is a mid-range 3.1.1-chael 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 Dolby Atmos, it’s not the best…

4.0
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Technics SC-CX700 Review: Connected Hi-Fi Speakers

Technics SC-CX700 Review: Connected Hi-Fi Speakers

In a market where all-in-one coected 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—making them a compelling choice for…

4.0
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Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 Review: Home Cinema Soundbar

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 Review: Home Cinema Soundbar

With 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 iovative spatialisation design—bundled in an elegant form factor—to redefine the home-cinema experience.

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

This subwoofer is something special: In the Bar 500, JBL has externalised the bass, creating tremendous pressure. The review reveals what else this soundbar offers!

4.0
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KEF LSX II Review: Compact Audio Excellence

KEF LSX II Review: Compact Audio Excellence

The excellent compact active KEF LSX speakers make a grand return in a second version, carrying significant improvements. This model now offers true versatility without compromising its outstanding qualities.

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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Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini Review: The King of Soundbars

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini Review: The King of Soundbars

User Experience The Mini offers a user experience reminiscent of the Ambeo Soundbar Plus. It retains the touch buttons interface on the soundbar, a commendable remote, and a versatile app with a plethora of settings. For an in-depth review, refer to our analysis of the Ambeo Soundbar Plus…

4.0
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JBL Charge 5 Review: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Charge 5 Review: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Speaker

The Charge 5 Wi-Fi is a variation of the Charge 5 with added Wi-Fi connectivity, in addition to Bluetooth. Besides this enhanced connectivity, the Charge 5 Wi-Fi hardly differs from its Bluetooth counterpart.

4.0
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Sony HT-S2000 Review: 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sony HT-S2000 Review: 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Dolby Atmos has become the marketing argument to be applied almost systematically to all new soundbars. This format, which allows sound to circulate above the listener, is nevertheless challenging to implement in a sound bar, as it is so tricky to give the listener the illusion that the sound is…

4.0
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Sonos Era 100 Review: Next-Gen Bookshelf Speaker

Sonos Era 100 Review: Next-Gen 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 Review: Dolby Atmos Stereo Speaker

Sonos Era 300 Review: Dolby Atmos Stereo Speaker

The Era 300 is a wireless, smart, in-wall speaker from Sonos. It stands out thanks to its Dolby Atmos compatibility and an atypical architecture that allows it to create an immersive listening sound.

4.0
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Marshall Middleton Review: Bluetooth Speaker

Marshall Middleton Review: 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 Review: 2.1ch Soundbar

Samsung HW-B550 Review: 2.1ch Soundbar

The HW-B550 is one of Samsung's entry-level sound bars. The HW-B550 is the entry-level soundbar in Samsung's range. It has the bare minimum of features but has more coections and a higher build quality than the HW-B450.The HW-B550 is the entry-level model in Samsung's prolific range of soundbars …

4.0
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Triangle Borea BR02 BT Review: Bluetooth Speakers

Triangle Borea BR02 BT Review: Bluetooth Speakers

Overview Each generation of "traditional" bookshelf speakers has its active and wireless equivalent at Triangle: after the Elara, the Borea is now available as the Borea BR02BT and BR03BT. The first model, which is the subject of this test, is intended to satisfy music lovers wishing to be…

4.0
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Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar Review

Samsung HW-Q800B Soundbar Review

Overview Identical to the bar included in the HW-Q930B pack, the HW-Q800B is a high-end sound bar from Samsung . It adopts a 5.1.2 chael configuration, comes with a wireless subwoofer and can decode numerous multi-chael sound formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.Samsung HW-Q800B: an excellent…

4.0
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JBL SoundBar 300 Review: 260W Soundbar

JBL SoundBar 300 Review: 260W Soundbar

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.

4.0
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Marshall Stanmore III Review: Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Marshall Stanmore III Review: Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Overview Among the wireless speakers launched by Marshall this summer, the Stanmore III finds its place between the Acton III and the Woburn III. The three speakers are so similar that we recommend you read the Acton III review carefully to understand the Stanmore III review. The latter was…

4.0
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Samsung HW-B450 Review: 2.1ch Soundbar

Samsung HW-B450 Review: 2.1ch Soundbar

In principle, only a simple 2.1-chael solution. Thanks to decent power reserves, it has more sound potential than many more sophisticated surround sound arrangements. The home cinema audio product package consisting of two main components produces 300 watts, according to the relatively reliable RMS…

4.0
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Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Review

With the Smart Soundbar 900, Bose has created an elegant sound solution for the TV, with impressive Atmos effects, effective room acoustic correction, easy operation and powerful sound.

4.0
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