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Today — 26 June 2026Main stream

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

Yesterday — 25 June 2026Main stream

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

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