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Today — 26 June 2026General

My ultimate Prime Day hi-fi tip — buy the Wiim Amp Ultra for a bargain price and pair it with these floorstanding speakers for a huge-sounding setup

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
25 June 2026 at 21:44

It's Amazon Prime Day, and one of my favorite deals of day isn't actually a huge discount, but I think it's a really worthwhile buy at the lower price. It's the WiiM Amp Ultra, which is available for $449 at Amazon US (down from $529), or you can get it for £425 at Amazon UK (down from $499).

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

I have the WiiM Amp Ultra at home, and it's an amazing streaming amp for this price. It's really well-built and looks at home among nice furniture, with a solid metal finish — and it's shockingly compact, considering that it provides up to 100W per channel, so it can work with some really hefty speakers,

Most importantly, it sounds excellent, and there's support for nearly every music service you could want (but I'll come back to that "nearly), plus useful inputs for a turntable and so on.

I use it with a pair of Dali Oberon 5 bookshelf speakers, and the combination is off the charts for a hi-fi system that barely takes up any space. Obviously, floorstanding speakers are tall, but the Oberon 5 only have the same footprint as bookshelf speakers, so these three boxes overall can be used even in space-starved homes, but sound like you've got a much bigger, beefier setup.

When I started this configuration, I auditioned it against using the Amp Ultra with a pair of Dali Oberon 1 bookshelf speakers, and against a pair of Sonos Era 300 speakers (a pair of which costs about the same as getting the Amp Ultra and Oberon 5 speakers).

The Oberon 1 bookshelf speakers crushed the Sonos Era 300 when it came to detail and dynamic response in music, but they were equally crushed by the Sonos for bass depth and dispersion of sound in the room.

However, the Oberon 5 are the best of all worlds with the WiiM powering them — big and controlled bass, fantastic detail in the mids and treble, superb dynamic attack, and great dispersion in the room.

So I'd recommend the WiiM Amp Ultra generally, but if you're thinking that you'd like a whole magnificent hi-fi setup for under £1,000 in the UK, here's my recommendation today — if you're in the US, scroll down, because I've got a recommendation for you right after.

Today's best UK WiiM Amp Ultra and speaker deal combination

The WiiM Amp Ultra is a small-but-mighty streaming amp, offering Wi-Fi streaming from major music services, Bluetooth connectivity, line-in support, and up to 100W per channel of speaker power to drive some pretty demanding boxes, despite its compact size.View Deal

These speakers have technically been discontinued now, in favor of Dali's new Sonik range — but that means that while discounted stock remains, they're a stone-cold bargain. They received five stars from our friends at What Hi-Fi?. Two of their key features are wide dispersion (so you don't need to worry much about sweet spots and toe-ing in) and that they're not fussy about placement near walls. Flexible, great-sounding and an amazing price — especially combined with the Amp Ultra for less than £1k.View Deal

Today's best UK WiiM Amp Ultra and speaker deal combination

Some speakers are quite a lot more expensive in the US than in Europe, and Dali speakers are chief among this category. So when looking for an equivalent system to suggest with the WiiM Amp Ultra in the US, I wanted to find something that was also a huge bargain, and that's just as good, and the ELAC Debut 2.0 F6.2 is the perfect option, because their bookshelf version also got five stars from What Hi-Fi? in their review.

The WiiM Amp Ultra is a small-but-mighty streaming amp, offering Wi-Fi streaming from major music services, Bluetooth connectivity, line-in support, and up to 100W per channel of speaker power to drive some pretty demanding boxes, despite its compact size.View Deal

Please note that price above is per speaker! You'll need two for, y'know, stereo. That makes the combination with the Amp Ultra just shy of $1,300, but this will be a truly impressive setup for that price, given that it's all you need to get started in the world of hardcore hi-fi, as long as you have a streaming subscription.View Deal

The downside to the WiiM Amp Ultra

There is one thing I want to note about the Amp Ultra: it's not 100% ideal for Apple Music households, despite its aluminum look and slick design. It lacks any kind of Apple support outside of Bluetooth — not just Apple Music (which is normal for streaming amps, only Sonos has this natively), but even AirPlay 2, which nearly every other music streaming device on the planet supports.

It doesn't have a USB audio input either, which seems like an odd omission for an 'Ultra' device — and it's annoying that it rules out using your Apple device's USB port to send Hi-Res Audio to it.

Now, Spotify is the most popular service, and that's supported. I have a Tidal subscription, so I'm all good. This is far from affecting everyone, but there are plenty of people who are deep in the Apple system, who use Apple Music only, and the Amp Ultra is oddly hostile to those people.

More Prime Day deals in the US

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The HomePod mini was my favorite cheap wireless speaker — but Apple’s price hike has now handed that honor to the Sonos Era 100 SL

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
25 June 2026 at 16:29

Apple has just announced major price rises on a huge range of its products, and among them are its two HomePod models. The price of the HomePod mini is rising from $99 / £99 to $129 / £129, which is a 30% increase.

The full-size HomePod 2 is also getting a price change, but it's a more palatable 17%, meaning that it's changing from costing $299 / £299 to now $349 / £349.

I think the HomePod 2 can take that price rise, even though I'd obviously rather we were still in an era when products came down in price over time; the big HomePod is already a more premium product, and still sounds very good for the price.

But I think this change is devastating to the HomePod mini. I reviewed it when it came out, and I was so impressed by the dynamic range of its sound and its detail, bearing in mind not only the price, but the size. For ages, I had a pair as my desktop speakers out of choice, even though, as an audio editor, I can get my hands on pretty much any stereo setup I want to try.

As a result, I've been strongly recommending the HomePod mini since it came out, and advocating for its position as the best 'cheap' option in our list of the best wireless speakers. Being a HomePod, it's very limited as to who it's ideal for (all-Apple households, basically), but it's been in a totally different league to anything else when it comes to value since it's launch, in my opinion — yes, even five years later.

Well, until today.

The problem is that the gap has very suddenly closed between it and the next-best cheaper wireless speaker, which is the freshly released Sonos Era 100 SL.

The Sonos speaker has much bigger sound, Android and iOS support for all streaming services, Bluetooth as well as AirPlay and direct app control, and the ability to connect analog devices via an adapter — it's way more capable, but it was fair enough that the HomePod doesn't do all that considering its lower price.

At the start of this week, there was $90 / £70 between them. Today, the gap between them is $30 / £12.

Today's best Sonos Era 100 SL prices

We gave this speaker 4.5 stars in our Sonos Era 100 SL review, based largely on it being a great low price while having impressive audio and connectivity. And now it's even cheaper — it's my top pick for a small wireless speaker.View Deal

The Era 100 SL is an even better deal in the UK — for just £12 more than the HomePod mini, you're getting something that's way more futureproof. There's no contest between them any more.View Deal

Now, that's a slightly unfair comparison — I'm comparing full price to the Sonos' discounted price — but it's a very practical one, because it's the real choice most people will face when they buy.

The biggest sales for something like the Sonos Era 100 SL happen during sales events. Right now, it's Amazon Prime Day. Soon, it will be the July 4th sales in the US. And obviously Black Friday is huge for selling this stuff — the Era 100 SL will be discounted to this kind of level at all these times, and more besides.

The HomePod mini was very rarely discounted, by comparison, and usually only by a couple of bucks. So once this price rise settles in, and at the times most people are actually thinking about which one to buy, the comparison of the $129 / £129 very limited HomePod mini vs the $159 / £141 chad Sonos Era 100 SL is going to be the choice people will actually face.

And despite being the HomePod mini's strongest advocate since its launch, I'm just not going to be able to recommend it any more.

More Prime Day deals in the US

More Prime Day deals in the UK

I’ve used these headphones every single day for 11 months over options from Bose and Sony because of their stunningly detailed sound — and this Prime Day they’ve been slashed to their lowest ever price

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
By: josh.russell@futurenet.com (Josh Russell)
25 June 2026 at 14:33

Given that I review audio gadgets for a living, I tend to hoard headphones the way most people collect loose change. But there's only one pair I rely on literally every day: the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, which is why I was pleased to see they've gotten an awesome discount this Prime Day.

You can currently buy the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 for £255 (was £399) at Amazon UK. Not only does it make them much more affordable, but it actually brings them down to their lowest price ever. And don't feel left out if you're based in the US — you can still get a decent discount on them where you are, for $409.99 (was $479.99) at Amazon.

As reviews editor at TechRadar, I've used a ludicrous number of headphones over the years, from the absurdly premium Focal Clear MG to budget bangers like the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100. But there's only one pair that I come back to again and again, that have earned their place as my trusty workhorse when other headphones can't quite fit the bill: the Px7 S3.

So if you're looking to get superb audio without having to pay a premium for it, I definitely think you should check out this deal.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are a drop-dead gorgeous pair of ANC headphones that sound better than just about every rival in their price class. With impeccable design, a fleshed-out feature set, and aptX Adaptive higher-res Bluetooth streaming, they're a wonderful premium pick.View Deal

Part of what makes the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 such a fantastic-sounding pair of headphones is their staggering precision. Not only does their soundstage feel crisp and detailed, but their instrument separation particularly makes them stand out, especially at this price.View Deal

Honestly, this discount makes these headphones a valid contender for some of the best headphones out there. There's a reason we gave them 5 stars in our Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review after all.

The main reason I love the Px7 S3 for everyday use is that I can count on them to punch way above their weight in terms of sonic quality. Thanks to their aptX Lossless connectivity, they're able to stream music at what is essentially CD quality, while the soundstage they offer up feels precise yet spacious. Without spending a significant chunk more, you won't get more deft sound than this.

I also love how faithful their sound is. While I'll admit they don't offer the same driving bass as headphones like the much spendier AirPods Max 2, they also don't neglect some frequencies just to emphasize others, a shortcut many mid-range and budget cans take advantage of. They're faithful enough that I happily trust them for everyday music production, which is not something I can say about a lot of Bluetooth headphones.

And with this massive discount, I'd honestly say you can't lose with the Px7 S3.

More Prime Day deals in the US

More Prime Day deals in the UK

Yesterday — 25 June 2026General

The Nothing Headphone (a) ‘nail it in nearly every way’ — they’re now down 36% and it’s not even Prime Day yet

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
24 June 2026 at 22:02

When you’re shopping for a new pair of headphones, you naturally want them to sound good, but how often do you actually think about how they look?

As someone who lives and breathes headphones, I think I’m experienced enough to claim that most pairs look the same. A simple, minimalist set of cans, usually available in black or white, and maybe with some chrome or coloured accents.

Pretty boring, right?

That’s certainly not the case with the Nothing Headphone (a) which, along with the flagship Nothing Headphone (1), completely reinvent headphone design for the better — and the former has now received a huge 36% discount at Amazon in the run up to Prime Day 2026 in Australia.

Not only do the Headphone (a) offer a distinctive design, but they’re also crammed with features that make them an utter joy to use. Sound quality is superb too, making these attractive over-ears a genuinely viable alternative to the more established names.View Deal

These are Nothing’s second over-ear headphone attempt, and they earned a glowing 4.5-star rating in our Nothing Headphone (a) review. We claimed them to be the “dream tech version 2.0” over the flagship Headphone (1), thanks to improved, more spacious sound, while retaining the same fantastic set of controls to adjust playback.

And then there’s how they look. The Headphone (a) are unmistakably a Nothing product, but the design has been softened a little compared to the flagship pair. The cassette tape look has been subbed out for a solid colour, available in white, pink or yellow. The pink colourway has received the biggest discount of 36%.

The Headphone (1) are still a fantastic pair of cans in their own right. They also come with the bold claim of being tuned by esteemed hi-fi brand KEF. As we said in our Nothing Headphone (1) review, the sound is “reasonably refined, well-balanced, and broadly enjoyable”.

The Headphone (1) boasts a wealth of features including effective ANC, Hi-Res audio in wired mode and head-tracked spatial audio. Pair them with a Nothing phone and you'll unlock even more. The sound profile is a little flat in comparison to the Headphone (a), but at this price, they're easy to recommend.View Deal

The slight downside is that the Headphone (1) sound a little compressed — I’ve used these headphones and can vouch for that comment. I personally don’t think it’s a huge deal breaker, though, and the amount of personalisation on offer via the companion app more than makes up for it. Plus, as our tester noted, “if they get a price drop, these could be great headphones”, and here it is.

With both pairs now costing similar money, your buying decision could well just come down to aesthetics. Regardless, you’ll be catching looks wherever you go.

Want the best possible music quality from your iPhone? This underrated device will elevate your audio for just AU$59

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
24 June 2026 at 20:07

For all the iPhone’s talents, there’s still one glaring area that’s plagued it since its launch, and where it’s arguably inferior to certain Android devices: wireless audio quality transmission. More specifically, high-resolution, or lossless, audio.

Yes, despite Apple offering select albums and tracks in up to hi-res lossless audio quality via Apple Music — at no extra charge, no less — no pair of Apple headphones actually supports the format. The AirPods Max 2, and the refreshed first-gen set of Apple’s over-ear headphones, support lossless audio when connected via USB-C, but not true high resolution.

For the majority of music fans it won’t matter that iPhones don’t support higher quality audio codecs. But considering Android devices do support them, and the fact there are genuine audible benefits to higher quality streams, why wouldn’t you want to get them if the option was there?

It continues to be a peculiar oversight by the tech giant, I feel, but fortunately there is a super simple workaround to unlocking the sonic benefits of high-res, all thanks to Sennheiser and a plug-in USB-C adapter. And for the low price of just AU$59.

Just plug this little adapter into a USB-C or USB-A port and it will transmit audio in aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive quality (up to 24-bit / 96kHz).You will need a compatible set of headphones to reap the full benefit (so no AirPods), but do it and you’ll wonder how you went without it. View Deal

There are plenty of reasons for wanting to unlock high-res audio from your smartphone. First and foremost, there’s a very good chance it’s already included with your music streaming service subscription. Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz and now even Spotify all offer higher-res versions of millions of songs. Look at it this way — you’re paying for that quality, but if you’re listening with an iPhone and a pair of AirPods you’re missing out on a vastly superior music experience.

This Sennheiser dongle fixes that, although as previously mentioned, you will need a pair of compatible headphones, and nothing from Apple itself makes the cut. While the BTD 700 can transmit high-resolution, or lossless audio from an iPhone via aptX Adaptive, the AirPods won’t receive it, and will instead revert to inferior AAC or SBC codecs.

If you need some suggestions, there are some top-rated pairs on sale now for EOFY that support either aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless, or both, that will take full advantage of what the BTD 700 transmitter can offer.

What is lossless audio?

Lossless audio can be a bit of a contentious subject in some circles (here’s looking at you audiophiles). Some claim it’s the best thing since sliced bread, while others claim they can’t hear any noticeable difference in quality.

Throw in myriad codec options that each do something a little different, and it’s easy to see why it’s not only confusing, but also hard to really care about.

In theory, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs are capable of carrying more information than AAC or SBC (which the iPhone supports). Lossless audio streams go one better by delivering a bit‑perfect CD‑quality stream.

Even then, however, it’s not fully guaranteed, because you need every step in the chain to be working at its full potential. You first need a good recording that actually contains all the extra information, and then you need a capable set of headphones. And, since we’re talking about wireless transmission here, it can still be susceptible to interference, which can have a negative effect on sound quality.

But if you already own decent Snapdragon Sound cans, the BTD 700 finally lets them run the codec they were designed around instead of being stuck on AAC, which is a genuine quality win — especially from an iPhone.

If you’re keen to reap the benefits of higher quality sound, you may want to jump on this deal. I’ve seen it going in and out of stock on an almost daily basis.

I've tested the best Bose Bluetooth speakers on the market — here are the 3 Prime Day deals I'd spend my money on

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
By: harry.padoan@futurenet.com (Harry Padoan)
24 June 2026 at 16:29

It's finally Amazon Prime Day, and I've already spotted some sensational deals on all kinds of tech, from Dolby Atmos soundbars to compact clothes steamers. But arguably some of the most impressive offers I've seen so far are on Bose Bluetooth speakers — with some huge savings available on the brand's absolute best.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

I'm a Senior Reviews Writer here at TechRadar, and I've spent years testing audio gear, including a large number of Bose Bluetooth speakers. And so, I've created a list of my 3 favorites — all of which I've tested personally and are on sale for Prime Day.

I've included options like the budget-friendly Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2, which is $99 (was $149) at Amazon US and only £99.95 (was £149.95) at Amazon UK, as well as more premium models like the Bose SoundLink Max for $279 (was $399) at Amazon US and just £267.95 (was £399.95) at Amazon UK. Now then, let's get straight into my list!

Today's best Bose Bluetooth speaker deals in the US

I use the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 at home, and I love its clear, well-balanced sound, amazing waterproofing, and gorgeous design. It's also easy to customize in the Bose app, which offers EQ settings, a programmable shortcut button, and more.View Deal

This is a spectacular deal on Bose's great mid-weight speaker. It offers detailed, well-rounded sound, a highly robust build, and can be purchased in a range of funky colors. Don't miss out on this huge discount on one of my favorites from Bose.View Deal

It might be expensive compared to other Bluetooth speakers you can get, but if you want huge, punchy sound, this is the party speaker you should reach for. It will even charge your handheld devices for you thanks to its two-way USB-C port. Bose wraps up excellent sound quality and an enjoyable user experience in an attractive, outdoor-friendly package.View Deal

Today's best Bose Bluetooth speaker deals in the UK

This compact, portable Bose speaker delivers big sound, excellent waterproofing, and a raft of handy features, including a customizable shortcut button, built-in EQ controls and reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. You can also pair two for stereo sound or use the dedicated Party Mode to make it louder. View Deal

Bose's middleweight speaker is a favorite of mine, with an attractive look, fun color options, exceptional all-round sound, and a super-durable build. It doesn't seem to be on sale in the UK right now, but it's well-priced for the quality you get in return.View Deal

Bose's brilliant, commanding party speaker is available at a massively cut price, and I couldn't recommend it enough. It has incredible bass output, aptX Adaptive support, and an ultra-rugged build that's ideal for taking on the go. Talk about an all-rounder!View Deal

More Prime Day deals in the US

More Prime Day deals in the UK

Before yesterdayGeneral

The cheap headphones and earbuds actually worth buying, as picked by audio experts who really tested them

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
23 June 2026 at 21:00

Here at TechRadar, we test dozens of pairs of headphones every year. And while we've been won over by many an ultra-pricey set of cans, we also love a cheap pair of headphones that punches above its price tag. This article is dedicated to showcasing these wallet-friendly wonders. I asked TechRadar's audio specialists which headphones they'd recommend to buyers on a budget, and you'll find their suggestions below.

If it's true wireless in-ears you're after, you'd struggle to do better than the Nothing Ear (a) buds, which Audio Editor Becky Scarrott awarded a perfect five stars, calling them "a resounding home run" for the British startup and praising the noise cancellation, sound quality and battery life in particular. In the current Amazon Prime Day deals, they're unbeatable value at under $55 / £50.

In the over-ear arena, standouts are the CMF Pro and the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51, both of which earned 4.5 stars in our tests. The former were put through their paces by Becky, who was impressed with the "superb" sound quality in general, and was pleasantly surprised to discover "the sort of... personal sound profile curation [we're] more used to seeing in headphones much higher up the food chain". The latter were reviewed by our review's team's resident headphone specialist Harry Padoan, who praised the "adept audio, noise-crushing ANC and eye-catching design". Both are even better value than usual right now, too, thanks to those Prime (and rival-Prime) deals.

Read on for more budget-maximizing buys — and hit the 'View details' button for a summary of what we thought of them in our tests, plus links to the full reviews.

Top cheap earbuds and headphones

Nothing
Ear (a)

Pros

  • Fun, zealous, expansive sound
  • Vastly improved active noise cancellation
  • Smaller, more pocketable case

Cons

  • No wireless charging support
  • No flagship sound profile curation
1More
Sonoflow Pro HQ51

Pros

  • Customizable, satisfying sound
  • Effective ANC
  • Fantastic battery life

Cons

  • App situation is a bit messy
  • Button controls appear a little cheap
  • Build feels slightly flimsy
Huawei
FreeArc

Pros

  • Top-tier sound
  • Competitive price
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • App download pains
  • Middling battery life
  • Would benefit from ANC
CMF
Headphone Pro

Pros

  • Excellent hearing tests; unexpected at the level
  • Emotive, circumaural sound
  • Exemplary battery life

Cons

  • ANC isn't amazing
  • Energy slider feels a tad gimmicky
  • No hard carry case or USB-C charger in the box

Anker Liberty 5 Pro earbuds

Anker
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro

Pros

  • Strong noise cancellation
  • Rock-solid fit
  • Fun, bassy sound

Cons

  • Charging case on the bulky side
  • Could do with a discount
  • Touchscreen can be unresponsive
Sony
WH-CH720

Pros

  • Great sound balance
  • Lots of detail in audio
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Full of useful features

Cons

  • Sound feels constrained
  • Noise cancellation leaks in low sounds
  • Plastic feels a little cheap
OneOdio
Focus A6

Pros

  • Sensational sound quality
  • Extensive software features
  • Comfy, quality construction

Cons

  • On-ear controls are a little sensitive
  • ANC is good rather than game-changing
JLab
Go Pods ANC

Pros

  • Solid ANC
  • Lightweight build
  • Truly low price

Cons

  • Poor eartip fit
  • Lean battery life
  • Aggressive transparency mode
Soundpeats
Clip1

Pros

  • Fantastic listening test
  • Comfortable build
  • Competitive value

Cons

  • Low max volume
  • Cheap-feeling case
  • Touch control issues

Back to school: my pick of the 4 best ANC headphones for studying — affordable, durable noise-cancelling cans this Prime Day

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
By: becky.scarrott@futurenet.com (Becky Scarrott)
23 June 2026 at 17:30

Do you need headphones for the next semester or term? I get it. And is money, er, relatively tight? Again, I understand — and the good news is, a huge sales event known as Amazon Prime Day is here to help.

See all early Prime Day deals at Amazon

I'm also here to help, as TechRadar's audio editor and full-time headphones tester since 2019. So, even if I do flatter myself, I know what makes a good set of headphones — and which pairs will lend themselves to studying that aren't those flagship sets few people can afford on a student loan.

When I went to college, there was no Bluetooth audio (why thank you but no really, it's true). There were also no music streaming services and the MP3 format was very much in its infancy.

What I did have was a portable CD player and some Sony headphones. And let me tell you that I owe every exam I passed to these products (plus my local HMV store, which I scurried along to armed with money from a part-time job waiting tables at a Wimpy restaurant).

As a dancer since age two, it turns out I have always needed music and simultaneous movement (or the compulsion to move) to retain information from books. I've since found out I'm not alone — and maybe that's why you're here.

What follows are the four best pairs of headphones I've found for students. I'll explain why briefly, and link to the best deals live now. And don't worry, you've got this.

1. CMF Headphone Pro: artsy over-ears that won't break the bank

CMF Headphone Pro either beside Nothing Headphone (1) or on a table, with the accessories in the box

(Image credit: Future)

Did you know that CMF is simply Nothing's more affordable arm — so these headphones carry a lot of Nothing Headphone (a) magic, just in a more affordable build? And what a lovely original build it is too.

I tested these budget-friendly, very comfortable and surprisingly customizable over-ear headphones and if zealous, bass-hungry sound quality sounds like a bit of you, you'll love these. Add to this the outstanding battery life, the kinds of hearing tests (and personal sonic profile curation) I'm more used to seeing in headphones much higher up the food chain, an 'Energy-slider' that can ramp up the low end even further and a glorious volume wheel on the right ear cup that's something reminiscent of much pricier headgear (the kind made by a company named after a fruit, if you get me) and they're a winning combination.

All of this for a sub-$100 / £80 fee — before we start looking for discounts? OK, the ANC is acceptable rather than amazing and you don't get a hard case, but still, you’ll struggle to find a more original set of affordable headphones that offer this much for this little. Need more? Read my glowing 4.5-star CMF Headphone Pro review.

CMF Headphone Pro

TechRadar's official review scores

Features
4.5
Sound Quality
4.5
Design
4.5
Battery Life
5
Noise Cancellation
4
Value
4.5
Overall
4.5
Group 1 Data
ProductFeatures ()Sound Quality ()Design ()Battery Life ()Noise Cancellation ()Value ()Overall ()
CMF Headphone Pro4.54.54.5544.54.5
TechRadar Logo

2. OneOdio Focus A6: one of the team's best budget headphones by a mile

OneOdio Focus A6 over-ear headphones held by the headstrap over a Parisian stool

(Image credit: Future / Dave Meikleham)

For one of the TechRadar team, these are the best affordable cans they've ever tested — and it's not even close, as a quick scan of our 4.5-star review of the OneOdio Focus A6 shows.

You know the flagship Apple cans I vaguely mentioned before — the ones that very few of us can afford? This particular team member prefers the product you're looking at here to those elite over-ears, for sound. What else makes them so good? Well, USB-C audio support, a solid and classy build quality, plus a super-slick companion app you very rarely see at this level and Bluetooth 6.0 for starters.

Again, the ANC is very good rather than stellar, but this is budget-friendly territory and you will struggle to better it at anything like this price point. Highly recommended.

OneOdio Focus A6

TechRadar's official review scores

Features
4
Sound Quality
4.5
Design
4.5
Battery Life
5
Noise Cancellation
4
Value
5
Overall
4.5
Group 1 Data
ProductFeatures ()Sound Quality ()Design ()Battery Life ()Noise Cancellation ()Value ()Overall ()
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ5144.54.55454.5
TechRadar Logo

3. 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51: ignore the name — focus on the value

1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51 headphones held in a man's hands

(Image credit: Future)

Try to get past the name that sounds like some sort of water filtration system (sorry, maybe just me?) and there's a musically sensitive and expressive set of headphones here that'll reward you time and again for your nominal asking fee.

In fact, we called them the "ultimate in sound-per-pound value" in our 4.5-star in-depth 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review. The aesthetic is much more 'your average set of basic cans' here, but at school, college or university (where the security of your valuables will never be far from your mind), that's no bad thing. And although they might look fairly anonymous, the budget has certainly been spent on the drivers under the hood, because they sound fantastic for the money.

Here, the app isn't especially slick, but it's functional. Also, the battery life is extensive, the ANC is up to scratch and you can even listen via 3.5mm with the bundled cable in the box. If you don't mind their relatively anonymous looks, it's a winner.

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

TechRadar's official review scores

Features
4
Sound Quality
4
Design
4
Battery Life
5
Noise Cancellation
4
Value
5
Overall
4.5
Group 1 Data
ProductFeatures ()Sound Quality ()Design ()Battery Life ()Noise Cancellation ()Value ()Overall ()
1More Sonoflow Pro HQ514445454.5
TechRadar Logo

4. Sony over-ears, but not as you know them

Sony WH-CH520N headphones held in a hand

(Image credit: Future)

Alongside the flagship Sony WH-1000XM6 and even newer, arguably even fancier Collexion set of cans, there exists a cheaper set of Sony over-ears. And while they're a little older now (having launched in Spring 2023) they still boast effective noise cancellation and many aspects of the Sony sound quality that made their upmarket siblings the industry standard.

The name — Sony WH-CH720 — is instantly forgettable, but the sound quality is not. OK, the build is a little bit plasticky and you're not getting hi-res codecs, but the ANC does a great job at nixing extraneous sounds for this money. And while the sound feels just a tad compressed when pitted against pricier rivals, Sony's Sound Connect companion app helps to tweak things and make them a fantastic option for the money.

Also, given their relative age, I'd look out for extra discounts on Prime Day…

Sony WH_CH720

TechRadar's official review scores

Features
4.5
Sound Quality
4
Design
4
Battery Life
4.5
Noise Cancellation
4
Value
4.5
Overall
4
Group 1 Data
ProductFeatures ()Sound Quality ()Design ()Battery Life ()Noise Cancellation ()Value ()Overall ()
Sony WH-CH7204.5444.544.54
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I was almost ready to ditch earbuds for good until I picked up these 5-star buds from Cambridge Audio that completely restored my faith

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
By: rowan.davies@futurenet.com (Rowan Davies)
23 June 2026 at 14:33

I've been a hardcore headphones user for almost four years (thank you, Sony), but when I picked up the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100s a few months back, they restored my faith in earbuds.

Since introducing one of the best earbuds back into my life, I've been using them alongside my headphones interchangeably — headphones are better for certain things, and vice versa — but the performance exceeds the low price, and Amazon Prime Day just made them cheaper.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

Your next audio upgrade is waiting for you for less than £80, and Amazon UK has dropped the A100s down to £79 from £119, saving you £40 on a solid pair of earbuds we awarded five stars.

Today's best Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 deal

For a pair of earbuds with surprising noise cancelling and a lengthy battery life, sub-£80 is quite a bargain. According to Amazon's listing, this is the lowest price for the Melomania earbuds in the last 30 days, and though the pricing history isn't available right now, it leads me to believe that this is as good as it's going to get this Prime Day. View Deal

I stopped using earbuds years ago after going through a number of models and being let down each time. From there, I swore that earbuds would never give me what I needed quite like headphones do.

However, since I started using the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100s, all the things I enjoyed about earbuds suddenly came flooding back to me.

For starters, they're just far easier to carry around with you, and though over-ear headphones win in the comfort department, the convenience aspect wins by a landslide. However, that's not to say the Melomania A100s aren't comfortable. If anything, they fit quite pleasantly and come with different-sized sponges for you to swap out.

On the audio side of things, the Melomania A100s' noise cancelling is quite impressive for in-ear buds — I find they block out sounds just as well as headphones. That said, switching between noise-cancelling, normal, and transparency settings is very simple. All it takes is a small tap on the left earbud.

Because of their price, you're not going to get all the health tracking bells and whistles as you do with the AirPods Pro 3, but for earbuds that are centred on dynamic and well-defined audio offerings, these earbuds are really all you need.

More Prime Day deals in the UK

I test ANC headphones for a living, and these are the only 3 pairs I'd recommend on Prime Day — irrespective of the deals on offer

✇TechRadar - All the latest technology news
By: becky.scarrott@futurenet.com (Becky Scarrott)
22 June 2026 at 21:00

Amazon Prime Day is upon us, and headphones will fly out of Amazon warehouses like the best brownies at the bake sale — and if the best models sell out, the deals-hungry public will flock to competing retailers.

• See all early Prime Day deals at Amazon

But I want you to be first in line when the deals land, and that means knowing how to sort the wheat from the chaff. Stick with me, and you'll never be led astray to an unknown (but very lavishly packaged) set of cans that turn out to be 2019-launched duds still toting Bluetooth 4.1 and with no app to speak of.

Look, I'm being harsh here because I want you to have the good products. The ones I'm listing here are, in fact, the best. And because Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest sales events in the tech calendar, some discounts are likely (not certain, you understand… but likely).

What follows are my top three noise-canceling headphones for iPhone, Android, and audiophiles, along with my advice on pricing. Know this now and bookmark the product page for the day(s) ahead. You got this!

Not looking for noise-nixing cans? That's OK — see TechRadar's early Prime Day roundup for the best deals across tech.

1. The bubble-of-silence cans for iPhone users

AirPods Max 2 in a garden, held in a hand, in close-up to show the ear cups and band

(Image credit: Future)

You may not want to hear this, because believe me, I know that the second-generation Apple over-ears launched in March 2026, devoid of any huge redesign we might have hoped for.

Here's the thing: you won't care once they're on. That is because the ANC is so much better this time around. I know because I reviewed them for TechRadar, and their noise-nixing performance is jaw-droppingly, head-shakingly, 'No you must have lowered your voice, come on' good. Really.

Also excellent is the new Conversation Awareness feature, which picks up your voice to lower all other sounds and enable an important chat much faster than in competing options I've tested.

Why are they so good? It's their new H2 chip and its computational wizardry. They're also punchier sonically, and the extra perks (Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, Head Gesture control, and the Camera Remote feature, in short) work seamlessly and with minimal button-pushing to get you there.

Provided you've got an iPhone 15 Pro or newer (ie. something that supports Apple Intelligence) these features are unbeatable. These are the headphones I reach for daily. And it's not even close.

Launch price: $549 / £499 (March 2026)

Prices to look for on Prime Day:
US: $399 is already live!
UK: as above, look for 10% savings (or £449) over Prime Day

These are the new new March 2026 edition, with the H2 chip and all of the upticks in performance that brings. And though many might have predicted an Apple-style $50 saving (yawn), this $150-off steal is crazy! Nobody had this on their bingo card for Prime Day. Let me be abundantly clear: the noise cancellation here is absolutely fantastic — and I know, because I reviewed them… View Deal

2. The cocoon-of-quiet set for Android owners (that's also device agnostic)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on a plain background.

(Image credit: Future)

And now for something slightly cheaper, and slightly older — although a September 2025 launch date still makes them thoroughly relevant and modern, even in the fast-moving worlds of Bluetooth audio and wireless headphones.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are my second-most-reached-for cans when I need to block out the world. I pick them up whenever I want to listen in ‘cinema’ mode (within the ‘Immersive’ audio offering), but my source material is from Tidal, say, because unlike Apple's AirPods, these headphones will give you top-tier head-tracked dynamic content irrespective of the source device or streaming platform.

And while you'll also get Lossless from the AirPods Max 2 above, being able to hard-wire the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones to a source of music in order to enjoy truly hi-res audio quality isn't to be sniffed at either — oh, and you get aptX Adaptive for better quality over Bluetooth, too, which we loved in our full review of the Bose QCU Headphones (2nd Gen).

OK, the option below this product (and the one above it, though that's a far closer call) will give you slightly more detail and a more faithful neutrality in your music. But for noise cancellation at this price, these Bose headphones still cannot be beaten nine months after their release. Bose basically wrote the book on ANC back in the 1970s, and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are more than worthy of their history.

Launch price: $449 / £449 / AU$699 (September 2025)

Prices to look for on Prime Day:
US: their lowest ever price of $379 has just been seen
UK: £399 is the lowest-seen deal in the UK (but keep your eyes peeled!)

This is the new record-low price for the latest Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) at Amazon, so one to consider snapping up even before Prime Day is here. We awarded them the full five stars in our review, thanks to the brilliant noise cancellation, excellent audio quality, and extremely comfortable design. We had nothing more to say except that they are the 'best active noise-canceling cans for the money.'View Deal

Providing yet more proof (as if any were needed) that Bose is the king of ANC, this improved set of QC Ultra headphones ticks virtually every box imaginable. Impressive noise-nixing capabilities, hi-res audio support over USB, solid battery life, and an energetic and engaging sound. Our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) review is the place to go for the full scoop, but know this: this is a return to their lowest-seen price. View Deal

3. The isolation chamber for picky audiophiles

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 over-ear ANC headphones on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Want class-leading sound as well as near-class-leading ANC? You've really got to give the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 your complete and undivided attention, as we said in our five-star Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review.

When I want a wireless listen that's as close to a wired listen as I've ever heard, with very good noise-cancellation performance to boot, I go for these. Also, these are by far the best-looking headphones I've ever worn. They're a classy, timeless set of over-ears and no mistake — but on this, they also launched in September 2025, like the Bose option above.

The B&W are the priciest set of headphones within what is hardly a bargain bucket roundup, I grant you — but again, I have ruthlessly selected my favorite headphones for this missive. They are the only sets of cans I'd advise splurging on this Prime Day, because I can personally vouch for their talents.

Honestly, you do tend to get what you pay for in audio — and here you're getting aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless compatibility, with the option for wired USB-C listening as well. However you choose to listen, I could wax lyrical on the sound quality for days. Just be careful when wearing them on public transport, because I've missed my stop more times than I'd care to admit while wearing these headphones.

Launch price: $799 / £629 (September 2025)

Price to look for on Prime Day:
US: Anything less that $749 (or 6% off) would make for a new lowest-seen price
UK: Anything under £629 would be a new lowest-seen fee (so stay tuned!)

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