Category
Audio Reviews
Soundbars, home audio, Bluetooth speakers and headphones — in-ear and over-ear — rounded up from the critics with the honest trade-offs.
Looking for a recommendation? See our best Audio picks.
Over-ear headphones
Sonos Ace review roundup: Are they worth buying?
Most critics see the Sonos Ace as an impressive first attempt. WIRED, CNET and PCMag praise the balanced sound, effective noise cancellation and premium design. What Hi-Fi? is much less convinced, finding the sound short on clarity, expression and rhythmic drive, with ANC below the Bose and Sony leaders. The clearest drawback is universal: these are Bluetooth headphones, not full members of the Sonos multiroom system. They make the most sense for comfort-focused travelers and owners who can use the soundbar audio handoff feature.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Review: Critics' Verdict
Critics report that the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra is Bose's strongest over-ear package yet. Noise cancellation is among the best available. Comfort, the folding design and USB-C lossless audio also stand out. Sound is richer, clearer and tighter than before, but reviewers say Sony, Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins offer greater transparency. At $449, that sonic gap matters.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: The Clear Buying Verdict
Critics broadly rate the Sony WH-1000XM6 as a top-tier pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Trusted Reviews found the ANC competitive with Bose, while What Hi-Fi? praised the detailed, dynamic and open sound. TechRadar also reports excellent call clarity, comfort and durability. The honest catch is price: Tom's Guide argues that some cheaper rivals compete closely on sound, and CNET recommends buying during a sale.
In-ear headphones
Sony WF-1000XM5 Review: The Critics’ Clear Verdict
Critics consistently place the Sony WF-1000XM5 among the best premium noise-cancelling earbuds. What Hi-Fi? praises their class-leading detail, clarity and timing, while CNET reports cleaner sound, clearer mids and better-defined bass than the XM4. PCMag considers their audio the best among the noise-cancelling models it tested. They are smaller and lighter than their predecessor, but the balanced presentation will not satisfy everyone who wants heavy bass. Fit can also feel less secure for some listeners, and the premium price remains a real drawback.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review: The Critics’ Verdict
Reviewers agree that the AirPods Pro 3 make meaningful gains where they count. Sound is clearer, more spacious and more dynamic. Noise cancellation is stronger. The redesigned foam-infused tips produced a snugger, more secure fit for CNET and Tom's Guide. Heart-rate sensing and Live Translation add practical new uses. The trade-offs are the hefty $249 price, limited sound adjustment and a fit that still may not work for every ear.
Soundbars
Samsung HW-Q990F review: the critics’ verdict
Critics describe the HW-Q990F as a convincing alternative to a traditional separates system. WIRED praises its easy setup and room-filling Atmos presentation, What Hi-Fi? highlights its clearer, more controlled bass, and PCMag calls the surround effect believable. The catch is value: it is expensive, while the older HW-Q990D may still be available for much less.
Sonos Arc Ultra Review: The Critics’ Honest Verdict
Critics broadly agree that the Sonos Arc Ultra is a major sonic upgrade over the original Arc. Dialogue is clearer, bass is deeper and more controlled, and Dolby Atmos presentation is more precise and immersive. It is also especially strong with music. The trade-offs are blunt: it costs $999, has no HDMI passthrough, and Sonos app reliability remains a concern. CNET also found the older Arc more expansive and entertaining for movies, so existing Arc owners should not treat this as an automatic upgrade.
Home audio
Sonos Era 300 review roundup: the critics’ verdict
Reviewers agree that the Sonos Era 300 produces unusually wide, tall and room-filling sound from one speaker. Dolby Atmos tracks can sound remarkably immersive, while bass, detail and dynamics also earn praise. Bluetooth, USB-C line-in and strong Sonos multi-room integration add flexibility. The honest trade-off is that Atmos mixes vary widely, conventional stereo still favors the Sonos Five, and there is no Google Assistant or Google Cast support.
Bluetooth speakers
JBL Charge 6 Review Roundup: The Honest Verdict
Critics agree that the JBL Charge 6 is a meaningful upgrade over the Charge 5. Its sound is more powerful, controlled and detailed, while the IP68 build, detachable handle and long battery life make it well suited to travel and outdoor use. USB-C lossless audio is a genuine bonus. The trade-offs are basic Bluetooth codecs, no multipoint, no PartyBoost backward compatibility and limited deep-bass reach.