Audio

Head to head: new Amazon Echo vs Google Nest Audio
As this year’s Black Friday sales edge closer, Amazon and Google have both launched new versions of their voice-activated speakers at £90. But do either of these gadgets bring anything...

Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Live: how much should you spend for good wireless headphones?
Some wireless headphones can be dauntingly expensive. High-end over-ear pairs from Sony and Bose cost well over £300, and truly wireless in-ear headphones can cost £150 or more. Unless you’re...

Apple AirPods vs Google Pixel Buds: which headphones are better?
Our latest round of headphone testing has seen a major AirPods rival, the second-generation Google Pixel Buds, placed in the hands (and ears) of our expert listening panel. On headline...

Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones: will this be the biggest headphone launch of 2020?
We examine how Sony’s new noise-cancelling headphones measure up to big-name rivals like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Amazon issues safety warning: Alexa Echo Buds headphones at risk of overheating
Amazon has issued a warning to customers of its Amazon Echo Buds headphones urging them to update their software to avoid a potential safety risk that may occur in ‘very...

Sonos Five tested: is this high-end home speaker worth £500?
Sonos's latest model is being pitched as a premium, room-filling speaker boasting 'superior sound'. We've put it in front of our expert listening panel to see if it's money well spent.

Noise-cancelling headphones on test: can they really block out the background noise?
In theory, noise-cancelling headphones should be great for blocking out unwanted background noises when listening to your music, whether that’s a busy train or bus or – more likely these...

Five easy-to-use Alexa commands to get you started with a voice assistant
Whether you want to see what the fuss is about and try out a voice assistant for the first time, or know someone who might benefit from voice assistant to give them company and help out around the home, we guide you through the first steps of using an Alexa device.

Sony then and now: how do today’s audio products compare with its 1980s heyday?
Sony’s 1980s heyday made it a go-to electronics brand, renowned for products like Walkman and the first CD player. Now Apple and Samsung have surged ahead – but recent hits...

6 expert tips for taking care of your record player
You might have spent some of your time in lockdown nostalgically fanning through your vinyl collection and digging out some classics. But if your turntable isn’t sounding as soothing as...