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This midrange Sony home theater beats the pricey flagship for me - here's why

Sony Bravia Theater System 6 ZDNET's key takeaways The Bravia Theater System 6 consists of a center channel soundbar, two rear speakers, and an external subwoofer for $800. It offers great sound, in-app Bravia audio features, and a simple user experience. Without Wi-Fi connectivity, many wireless streaming options are unavailable, but the movie and TV watching experience remains unchanged $798 at Walmart $768 at B&H Photo-Video $798 at Crutchfield more buying choices Follow ZDNET: Add us as a

Gemini for Home isn’t enough to revive Google’s forgotten Nest speakers

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Google Nest speakers are neat little utility tools that let you holler at Google Assistant anywhere in the house — add something to your shopping list before it slips your mind or run the Roomba in a certain room. They’re so handy that a lot of us just grab Nest Minis by the dozen and place them across our homes so that we can call Assistant from literally anywhere. However, Google’s home efforts have been stagnant for a few years, to the point where they’ve

I compared my Sonos Arc Ultra with an unlikely soundbar rival, and it went down to the wire

Jada Jones/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. If you have $1,000 to spend on a soundbar, there are compelling options to choose from. Since its late 2024 release, the Sonos Arc Ultra has been at the top of the heap in this price range, but there are new competitors that give Sonos a run for its money. The Marshall Heston 120, for example, offers a unique design, cool features, and comes at the exact same price as the Sonos Arc Ultra. Also: 5 ways to instantly boost yo

I compared two of the best soundbars on the market, and Sonos has some serious competition

Jada Jones/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. If you have $1,000 to spend on a soundbar, there are compelling options to choose from. Since its late 2024 release, the Sonos Arc Ultra has been at the top of the heap in this price range, but there are new competitors that give Sonos a run for its money. The Marshall Heston 120, for example, offers a unique design, cool features, and comes at the exact same price as the Sonos Arc Ultra. Also: 5 ways to instantly boost yo

Anker’s Mammoth Projector Is Now So Big You Should Just Call It R2-D2

I was already impressed enough with Anker’s SoundCore Nebula X1 projector when I saw it back in April. We all dream of having our own full theater in our homes, or at least something transportable enough that we could hang a bedsheet in our backyard and pretend we’re at the cinema. It was one of the first projectors with its own internal liquid cooling system to keep it from overheating. Then came along the Nebula X1 Pro, a projector so big it could be a Star Wars droid that’s large enough to pa

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Lets You Place Speakers Anywhere

For years, there have been just two options for better TV sound: A traditional, AV receiver-based home theater system or a soundbar. The AV receiver route is undeniably the best way to go for a truly cinematic experience, but only the most diehard audiophiles are willing to deal with hulking metal boxes, yards of speaker wire, and a minimum of five speakers (plus a subwoofer) that must be placed just so. That’s before you delve into the often arcane settings needed for peak performance. Soundb

The PartyBox 720 is JBL’s largest battery-powered party speaker

Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. JBL has expanded its lineup of flashy Bluetooth speakers with three new models that let you blast tunes without being tied to a power source. The launch includes the new $1,099 PartyBox 720, which is JBL’s largest battery-powered speaker to date, weighing 7 pounds (3kg) more than the visually similar PartyBox 710 that was released in 2021. The PartyBox 720 measures 16.4 x 37.1 x 16 inches, compared to 15.7

How a small subwoofer caught this audiophile off guard (and in the best way possible)

Creative Pebble X Plus 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

Hot speaker deal: JBL Charge 6 hits new record-low price!

Woot has been offering the JBL Charge 6 at a very enticing discount for some time, and that deal has gotten even better. You can now take it home (or anywhere you want, as it is portable) for just $139.95. This marks a new all-time low price that is $10 cheaper than we’ve seen it lately! Buy the JBL Charge 6 for just $139.95 ($60 off) This offer is available from Woot, an Amazon-owned website that focuses on deals. The website specifically mentions the sale will end in two days or “until sold o

Sonos Era 300 Sale: The Big Sonos Speaker Is 20 Percent Off

Looking to upgrade your Sonos setup? The Sonos Era 300 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is 20 percent off from Amazon, bringing it down to just $359 and tying its lowest-ever price. That's a great deal on our editors’ favorite surround sound Sonos speaker, and it would make a perfect upgrade to your existing Sonos configuration or a place to start building your audio empire. The big draw here is spatial audio, which our team feels performs even better than Apple's Homepod (5/10, WIRED Review) when it c

Google Translate is ready to replace Duolingo in your life

TL;DR Google Translate is getting a new mode to help teach you a new language. The beta initially supports teaching Spanish to English speakers, and English to speakers of Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Translate is also getting some upgrades to its live translation mode, all thanks to AI. For all the controversy surrounding AI when it comes to things like content generation, or hallucinating wildly incorrect facts when attempting to answer questions, most of us would agree that it works qu

14 Best Soundbars We’ve Tested and Reviewed (2025): Sonos, Sony, Bose

Honorable Mentions Photograph: Parker Hall There are a lot of great soundbars out there, and we don’t have room to feature them all. Here are some others you might want to consider. LG S95AR for $1,700: LG's latest 9.1.5-channel system offers minor upgrades over its predecessor, the ST95R, leaving few reasons to upgrade at full price. It's among the top performers in its class, offering impressive clarity, swift and fluid immersion, and snappy setup and control with LG's continuously improvin

Are these 'crush-proof' Bluetooth speakers legit? I took them into the wild, and here's my verdict

Turtlebox Original Gen 3 ZDNET's key takeaways The Turtlebox Original Gen 3 speaker is available in five colors, retailing for $430. It's considerably more durable beyond waterproofing capabilities, making it a solid option for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its incredible durability, it lacks any sound customization features. $450 at Amazon Best test deals of the week Test 1 : $5 (save $5) Test 2 : $10 (save $7) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this

I tested these viral 'crush-proof' Bluetooth speakers, and they're not your average portables

Turtlebox Original Gen 3 ZDNET's key takeaways The Turtlebox Original Gen 3 speaker is available in five colors, retailing for $430. It's considerably more durable beyond waterproofing capabilities, making it a solid option for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its incredible durability, it lacks any sound customization features. $450 at Amazon Best test deals of the week Test 1 : $5 (save $5) Test 2 : $10 (save $7) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this

You can still save $50 on the JBL Charge 6, our favorite Bluetooth speaker

Woot recently launched a couple of deals on JBL’s hottest portable speakers, the Flip 7 and the Charge 6. These offers don’t usually last long, and Woot tends to have limited quantities. As a result, the Flip 7 is now out of stock. You can still get the JBL Charge 6 at a $50 discount, though. Buy the JBL Charge 6 Bluetooth speaker for $149.95 ($50 off) This offer is available from Woot, an Amazon-owned deals website. The speaker is in new condition, but is only available in Black. The only down

11 Best Computer Speakers (2025), Tested and Reviewed

Other Computer Speakers We Tested There are tons of computer speakers on the market, and many of the ones we tested are perfectly fine but don't deserve a spot above for one reason or another. Photograph: Simon Hill Onkyo Creator GX-10DB for $249: Capable of producing a warm and rich sound, Onkyo’s speakers are the perfect size for your desktop and come with angled stands (though they are plastic). The connectivity options are solid, with USB-C, optical, and stereo RCA inputs, and support for

I did not expect this JBL soundbar to outperform pricier models by Sonos and Bose like this

JBL Bar 1000MK2 ZDNET's key takeaways The JBL Bar 1000MK2 includes a soundbar, two detachable rear speakers, and an external subwoofer for $1,200. It's a versatile system, with powerful audio performance suitable for large rooms. It's not an ideal option for people who want permanent rear speakers. $1,199.95 at Walmart $1,199.95 at B&H Photo-Video $1,199.95 at Crutchfield more buying choices The original JBL Bar 1000 made a compelling case for itself as a versatile soundbar for those who want

I replaced my Sonos soundbar for one with detachable rear speakers - and it's worth it

JBL Bar 1000MK2 ZDNET's key takeaways The JBL Bar 1000MK2 includes a soundbar, two detachable rear speakers, and an external subwoofer for $1,200. It's a versatile system, with powerful audio performance suitable for large rooms. It's not an ideal option for people who want permanent rear speakers. $1,199.95 at Walmart $1,199.95 at Crutchfield $1,199.95 at JBL.com more buying choices The original JBL Bar 1000 made a compelling case for itself as a versatile soundbar for those who wanted the o

I swapped my Sonos soundbar for one with detachable rear speakers - genius or gimmick?

JBL Bar 1000MK2 ZDNET's key takeaways The JBL Bar 1000MK2 includes a soundbar, two detachable rear speakers, and an external subwoofer for $1,200. It's a versatile system, with powerful audio performance suitable for large rooms. It's not an ideal option for people who want permanent rear speakers. $1,199.95 at Walmart $1,199.95 at B&H Photo-Video $1,199.95 at Crutchfield more buying choices The original JBL Bar 1000 made a compelling case for itself as a versatile soundbar for those who want

15 Best Bluetooth Speakers Our Testers Jammed With in 2025

The best Bluetooth speakers have a place near and dear to our hearts, even as we’ve seen smart speakers improving their sound and portability. By (mostly) forgoing Wi-Fi radios and voice assistants, Bluetooth speakers are ultraportable, able to venture into the world and withstand rugged conditions like a sandy beach or a steamy Airbnb jacuzzi. They provide worry-free connection to any smartphone, and the top options offer sound that meets or beats the average smart speaker. We've tested hundre

Yamaha’s New Soundbar Has More Up-Firing Dolby Atmos Speakers Than There Are ‘Fast and Furious’ Movies

Sometimes more is better. Case in point: money. I could really use more money, and if you gave me more money, I’d be happy about that—I think most would agree with that sentiment, and if you don’t, I have a favor to ask. Speakers, like money, are also a thing you may want more of, and while they’re not as important as money, they’re important for your ears, and Yamaha is here to take your money in exchange for satisfying your ears in a very maximalist way. Yamaha’s True X Surround 90A soundbar

A 'very low' number of original Sonos Roam speakers are overheating

The company said the issue is happening in the original model of the portable speaker. Sonos is having overheating issues with a "very low" number of its Roam speakers. Bloomberg reports that some users' portable Bluetooth speakers are overheating around the device's USB-C port. The company has not recalled any products as a result but it aware of the issue happening. "We’ve closely tracked a limited number of reports involving the USB-C charging connection on some first-generation Sonos Roam

Why I prefer this $180 Fender speaker over competing models by Sony and Bose

Fender Rockster Cross ZDNET's key takeaways The Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross speaker is available now on Amazon for $250 (currently $200). With massive sound and an immersive option to punch up the highs and lows, this speaker is a brilliant option for those who love it loud. The Rockster Cross immersive option might be a bit harsh for some listeners. $179.99 at Amazon Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen. You can find them on the end caps at your neighborhood drug store, and if we could s

Why I still recommend this $180 Bluetooth speaker even a year after its release

Fender Rockster Cross ZDNET's key takeaways The Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross speaker is available now on Amazon for $250 (currently $200). With massive sound and an immersive option to punch up the highs and lows, this speaker is a brilliant option for those who love it loud. The Rockster Cross immersive option might be a bit harsh for some listeners. $179.99 at Amazon Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen. You can find them on the end caps at your neighborhood drug store, and if we could s

I ditched my Bluetooth speaker for this Victrola turntable system - and didn't miss a beat

Victrola Harmony 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

This is the soundbar I recommend for deeply immersive audio - and now it's $300 off

LG S95TR Soundbar ZDNET's key takeaways The LG S95TR soundbar with wireless subwoofer is currently on sale for $1,296. 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 wirel

Should you buy an electronic turntable? I ditched my Bluetooth speaker for one and didn't regret it

Victrola Harmony 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

iOS 26 lets you keep AirPods audio from auto-switching to speakers

iOS 26 is packed full of new features, but one that lots of users might appreciate most is flying under the radar. Thanks to a new setting added in iOS 26, you can finally stop AirPods’ audio from automatically getting hijacked by other Bluetooth speakers, including your in-car speakers. ‘Keep Audio with Headphones’ gives you control of your iPhone’s audio stream If you use AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones, you’ve likely experienced a surprise occurrence around other Bluetooth speakers.

This Is Why Bose's SoundLink Plus Is the Goldilocks of Bose Bluetooth Speakers

8.5 / 10 SCORE Bose SoundLink Plus $269 at Bose $269 at Amazon $269 at B&H Photo-Video Pros Sleek design with integrated rope loop IP67 waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant Impressive sound for its size with fairly robust, well-defined bass and good clarity EQ settings in Bose companion USB-C charge out allows you to power up a phone and other devices Cons While it's $130 less than the SoundLink Max, it's still pricey No built-in microphone for speakerphone capabilities No auxiliary

This soundbar delivers audio above its price point, and it's not by Sonos or JBL

Yamaha True X Bar 50A Soundbar ZDNET's key takeaways The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now for $499, 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 were more seamless and straightforward. View now at Amazon For months, I was one hundred percent certain the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar couldn't be beat. It offers incredible clarity of sound, rich bass, and brilliant surround