Latest Tech News

Stay updated with the latest in technology, AI, cybersecurity, and more

Filtered by: speakers Clear Filter

I ditched Google Home years ago, so why are you still using it in 2025?

🗣️ This is an open thread. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below — your take might be featured in a future roundup. It wasn’t that long ago that Google Home seemed like the smart home platform to be invested in. Google Assistant had numerous advantages over Amazon Alexa, Google’s smart home hardware was among the best on the market, and unique third-party options from Lenovo and JBL kept things interesting. But fast forward to 2025, and Google

I replaced my Sonos Arc Ultra with this Samsung flagship soundbar - and it's a worthy alternative

Samsung HW-Q990F ZDNET's key takeaways The Samsung HW-Q990F home entertainment system is on sale on Amazon for $1,999, including a soundbar, external subwoofer, and two rear speakers. The Q990F is packed with software features, plenty of audio modes, and delivers big, room-filling sound. However, there aren't many substantial upgrades over last year's model, leaving no urgency to upgrade. $1,497.99 at Amazon $1,599.99 at Samsung $1,997.99 at Walmart more buying choices You don't need me to te

This is the soundbar I recommend for deeply immersive audio - and now it's $600 off

LG S95TR Soundbar ZDNET's key takeaways The LG S95TR soundbar with wireless subwoofer is currently on sale for $996. The LGS95TR may be expensive, but the high-quality audio is easily worth the price. The soundbar has many features, but some of the best ones require a newer LG TV model. View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choices It's been a year since LG released the S95TR soundbar, following much hype, as a high-end complement to its newest OLED TVs. The soundbar and wireles

tvOS 26 adds new feature that makes AirPlay speakers better than ever

tvOS 26 is the next major update for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD users. Joining the Liquid Glass design, new screensavers, and FaceTime upgrades, tvOS 26 introduces a new feature that could make AirPlay speakers an asset in your home theater setup. AirPlay speakers can now be permanent audio outputs in tvOS 26 If you’re in the market for home speakers in 2025, there’s a good chance you’re looking into wireless rather than wired speakers. For years, Apple TV 4K has offered a feature that suppo

I ditched my Bluetooth speakers for this slick turntable - and it's more practical than I thought

ZDNET's key takeaways The Victrola Harmony turntable system is available for $299 in the colors Natural, Walnut, and Black. This system includes a full-size turntable, two bookshelf speakers, and an A-T ATN3600L cartridge, all great components for beginners. At its $300 price point ($100 up from its debut in Jan.), people willing to spend this kind of money may be ready for a more advanced system. View now at Victrola If you've ever considered "getting into audio," prepare to spend a couple h

The Best-Sounding Midrange Bluetooth Speaker I've Tested Is 25% Off Right Now

Deal alert: The Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker is available for $248 at Amazon. That's equivalent to 25% off or a savings of $82. We named this newcomer the best midrange Bluetooth speaker available, and this discount puts it in a much more appealing price range. If you were to ask me what my favorite new portable Bluetooth speaker of 2025 is so far, I'd have to say Sony's ULT Field 5 speaker. When it launched back in April, I called it one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers I've teste

I replaced my boring bookshelf speakers with these slick wireless ones - and I highly recommend them

ZDNET's key takeaways SVS Prime Wireless Pro powered speakers are available now from the SVS website for $675 (regularly $900). You won't find a smoother, better-blended sound from an active speaker at this price point. To get the best bass, you should pair these with the SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer. View now at Svsound View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choices Most consumers believe punchy bass and sizzling highs are key to a good speaker. If that sounds like your taste, then

This Yamaha soundbar delivers luxurious audio (and it's still $200 off)

ZDNET's key takeaways The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now at a discount, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually). The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious. I just wish the setup process was more seamless and simple. $499.95 at B&H Photo-Video $499.95 at Crutchfield $499.99 at Best Buy more buying choices For a limited time, Amazon is selling the Yamaha True X Bar with subwoofer bundle for $200 off. For months, I was one hundred p

I recommend this Amazon Fire TV soundbar to most people - here's why

ZDNET's key takeaways The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is perfect for those who want an affordable plug-and-play solution, available now for $250 standalone or $490 for the bundle. Bass is impressive (especially with the subwoofer), and the dialogue enhancement feature is helpful for clarity. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi streaming, smart features, or Alexa integration, connects with Bluetooth, and doesn't have a companion app. View now at Amazon Amazon showcased its Fire TV Soundbar Plus at CES 2025, and

This tiny Bluetooth speaker and subwoofer caught me off guard with some big sound

ZDNET's key takeaways The Pebble X Plus speakers are available now for $120 on Amazon. The rich, deep bass perfectly matches the mids and highs delivered by the satellite speakers. However, they don't have built-in battery power, so your portability is limited to a power source. View now at Amazon It shocks me how good Bluetooth speakers have come over the years. I remember when I bought my first Bose Bluetooth speaker, thinking it had set the bar pretty high. But when I listen to that speake

The most immersive gaming speaker system I've ever tested is $101 off

ZDNET's key takeaways The SteelSeries Arena 9 features a full-fledged 5.1 surround sound system, including subwoofers for added bass. It allows you to connect three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth, USB, and optical cable. While it offers robust EQ customization via the OLED dial and Sonar desktop app, the OLED dial doesn't give you as much control as the Sonar app for non-PC devices. $578.99 at Amazon $679.99 at Lenovo $679.99 at Best Buy more buying choices The SteelSeries Arena 9 syste

Sonos' cheapest smart speaker is also the one I use the most. Here's why

Jada Jones/ZDNET In addition to a pair of trusty headphones for private listening when you're out in public, you need a portable speaker to keep the music bumping when you're outside grilling, swimming, or walking. A speaker to have inside for jamming out while you're cleaning, cooking, or hosting friends is a bonus, and one that's stylish enough to go from your outdoor hike to your indoor dinner party is a rarity. Also: Here's how a free software upgrade made the Sonos Ace worth their price t

I tested Samsung's flagship soundbar, and it easily competes with my Sonos Arc Ultra

ZDNET's key takeaways The Samsung HW-Q990F home entertainment system is on sale on Amazon for $1,347, including a soundbar, external subwoofer, and two rear speakers. The Q990F is packed with software features, plenty of audio modes, and delivers big, room-filling sound. However, there aren't many substantial upgrades over last year's model, leaving no urgency to upgrade. $1,497.99 at Amazon $1,599.99 at Samsung $1,497.99 at Walmart more buying choices For a limited time, the HW-Q990F soundba

The best Prime Day speaker deals: Last chance to get up to 47 percent off on JBL, Bose, Sonos and others

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . It's not too late to grab the best Amazon Prime Day deals on bluetooth speakers, smart speakers and soundbars. If you're ready to upgrade how you listen to music and experience TV, the July Amazon Prime Day sale is almost certain to be your best chance this year — but today's the fina

The best Prime Day speaker deals are still up to 47 percent off on JBL, Bose, Sonos and others

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . It's not too late to grab the best Amazon Prime Day deals on bluetooth speakers, smart speakers and soundbars. For the first time ever, the July Amazon Prime Day sale is running for four straight days, so you've still got a chance to at enjoying sharp discounts on some of the best spe

The Boom 4 Bluetooth Speaker Is Cheaper Than Ever for Prime Day

Looking for a better soundtrack to your backyard adventures this summer? Prime Day delivers, with this excellent Ultimate Ears Boom 4 sale headlining my list of the best audio deals of the week. Need more deals to shop? Check out our Prime Day Live Blog post, our Best Bluetooth Speakers guide, and our ultra-roundup of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals for a cascade of sales. The Boom 4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is follows an impressive legacy in the world of Bluetooth speakers. The fourth gener

This Yamaha soundbar delivers luxurious audio (and it's $200 off)

ZDNET's key takeaways The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now at a discount, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually). The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious. I just wish the setup process was more seamless and simple. $499.95 at Amazon $499.95 at B&H Photo-Video $499.95 at Crutchfield more buying choices For a limited time, Amazon is selling the Yamaha True X Bar with subwoofer bundle for $200 off. For months, I was one hundred per

The most immersive gaming speaker system I've ever tested is $230 off for Prime Day

ZDNET's key takeaways The SteelSeries Arena 9 features a full-fledged 5.1 surround sound system, including subwoofers for added bass. It allows you to connect three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth, USB, and optical cable. While it offers robust EQ customization via the OLED dial and Sonar desktop app, the OLED dial doesn't give you as much control as the Sonar app for non-PC devices. $548.99 at Amazon $679.99 at Lenovo $609.99 at Best Buy more buying choices The SteelSeries Arena 9 syste

The Best-Sounding Sony Bluetooth Speaker I've Tested Is at an All-Time Low Price for Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day sale: The Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker is available for $198 as part of Amazon's Prime Day sale event. That's equivalent to 40% off. We named this model the best midrange Bluetooth speaker available, and it's now at the best price we've seen since it launched. If you were to ask me what my favorite new portable Bluetooth speaker of 2025 is so far, I'd have to say Sony's ULT Field 5 speaker. When it launched back in April, I called it one of the best-sounding Bluetooth spe

This Yamaha soundbar delivers audio that competes with systems twice its price (and it's $200 off)

ZDNET's key takeaways The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now at a discount, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually). The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious. I just wish the setup process was more seamless and simple. $499.95 at Amazon $499.95 at B&H Photo-Video $499.95 at Crutchfield more buying choices For a limited time, Amazon is selling the Yamaha True X Bar with subwoofer bundle for $200 off. For months, I was one hundred per

I compared my Sonos Arc Ultra with Samsung's flagship soundbar, and it's pretty dang close

ZDNET's key takeaways The Samsung HW-Q990F home entertainment system is available for $2,000, including a soundbar, external subwoofer, and two rear speakers. The Q990F is packed with software features, plenty of audio modes, and delivers big, room-filling sound. There aren't many substantial upgrades over last year's model, leaving no urgency to upgrade. $1,597.99 at Amazon $1,599.99 at Samsung $1,597.99 at Walmart more buying choices For a limited time, Samsung is selling the HW-Q990F sound

How to Choose the Right Soundbar (2025): Size, Price, Surround Sound, and Subwoofers

if you've just bought a fancy new TV, you may be surprised to find it sounds just as bad as your old one (or worse). Even the best TVs we've tested need a hand to provide sound that keeps up with their fantastic displays. But it can be tough knowing where to start when it comes to upgrading your TV audio. Never fear, intrepid buyer: The easiest and most affordable solution is to just get a soundbar. Modern soundbars come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Here, we've made a checklist of sorts to

Why I'm ditching Bluetooth speakers in favor of this outdoor wired system - and don't regret it

ZDNET's key takeaways The Polk Audio Atrium 5 speakers are available for $325 a pair, offering a sleek and weatherproof design. These speakers have a crisp, detailed, and surprisingly deep sound profile. You'll need an amplifier for these speakers, making them less convenient than using a Bluetooth speaker. $325 at B&H Photo-Video While plenty of folks use portable Bluetooth speakers for their outdoor listening needs, they're not the most practical choice if you're setting up an outdoor envir

The 16 best portable Bluetooth speakers for 2025

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Whether you're jamming out at the beach, setting up a backyard movie night or just want some tunes while you work, a great portable Bluetooth speaker is a must-have. The best options today go beyond just playing music — they deliver punchy bass, crisp vocals and even customizable sound

These premium outdoor speakers made me reconsider switching to Bluetooth audio - here's why

ZDNET's key takeaways The Polk Audio Atrium 5 speakers are available for $325 a pair, offering a sleek and weatherproof design. These speakers have a crisp, detailed, and surprisingly deep sound profile. You'll need an amplifier for these speakers, making them less convenient than using a Bluetooth speaker. $325 at B&H Photo-Video While plenty of folks use portable Bluetooth speakers for their outdoor listening needs, they're not the most practical choice if you're setting up an outdoor envir

These premium outdoor speakers impressed me in more ways than Bluetooth can - here's why

ZDNET's key takeaways The Polk Audio Atrium 5 speakers are available for $325 a pair, offering a sleek and weatherproof design. These speakers have a crisp, detailed, and surprisingly deep sound profile. You'll need an amplifier for these speakers, making them less convenient than using a Bluetooth speaker. $325 at B&H Photo-Video While plenty of folks use portable Bluetooth speakers for their outdoor listening needs, they're not the most practical choice if you're setting up an outdoor envir

6 Best Smart Speakers (2025): Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri

There are many smart speakers on the market, and picking the best smart speaker keeps getting tougher. First, you need to decide which voice assistant you prefer. There are three worth using—Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri—and each has its pros and cons. This guide is organized by our preferred speaker, regardless of which assistant it uses, but we recommend a secondary option if you prefer a different assistant. Overall, Google- and Amazon-powered smart speakers are the way

This amp lets me transform any Bluetooth device into a modern home audio system

ZDNET's key takeaways The Valortiva Octa A1 integrated amp is available on Amazon for $399. This integrated amp is so easy to set up that anyone can be dancing to their favorite tunes in minutes. The Octa A1 amp only produces 35W of power. $399 at Amazon Have you ever wanted to stream music (or a podcast) from your phone to a room filled with people, but found that most Bluetooth speakers just don't get loud enough? What if I told you that you could connect a pair of passive speakers and a s

I recommend this Amazon Fire TV soundbar to most people - especially now that it's on sale

ZDNET's key takeaways The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is perfect for those who want an affordable plug-and-play solution, available now for $250 standalone or $480 for the bundle. Bass is impressive (especially with the subwoofer), and the dialogue enhancement feature is helpful for clarity. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi streaming, smart features, or Alexa integration, connects with Bluetooth, and doesn't have a companion app. View now at Amazon View now at Amazon more buying choices Thanks to a new Prim

This Yamaha soundbar delivered me the audio quality of speakers twice the price

ZDNET's key takeaways The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now at a discount, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually). The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious. I just wish the setup process was more seamless and simple. $499.95 at Amazon $499.95 at B&H Photo-Video $499.95 at Crutchfield more buying choices For months, I was one hundred percent certain the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar couldn't be beat. It offers incredible clarity of sound, r