Audio & Headphones
25 buying decisions in audio & headphones, each synthesized from independent testing and real owner reports. We name the pick — and the popular option to skip.
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best USB Audio Interfaces for Home Recording: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four popular USB audio interfaces on preamp quality, latency, drivers, and monitoring to find the best home-recording hub. Our pick: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best AV Receivers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current AV receivers from Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, and Yamaha on room correction, HDMI 2.1 gaming, sound, and value. Our pick: Denon AVR-X3800H
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Computer Speakers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four desktop speaker sets from budget to flagship on sound, connectivity, desk footprint, and value for a PC or Mac. Our pick: Edifier MR4
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best DJ Headphones: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We weighed four current DJ and monitoring headphones on isolation, cueing sound, comfort, and long-haul durability. Our pick: Sennheiser HD 25
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbars: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four flagship Dolby Atmos soundbars on immersion, bass, music, gaming and value to find the ones worth their premium. Our pick: Samsung HW-Q990F
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Home Karaoke Machines: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four home karaoke systems compared on lyrics display, mic quality, song access, and party-readiness — with one overpriced skip. Our pick: Ikarao Shell S3
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Volume-Limited Kids' Headphones: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current kids' headphones on volume-limiting safety, durability, comfort, and wired-vs-wireless design to find the pairs worth trusting. Our pick: Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphones: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current flagship over-ear ANC headphones on noise cancelling, sound, comfort, battery, and value. Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM6
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Open-Back Headphones: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current open-back headphones for home and desktop listening on sound, comfort, amplification needs, and value across price tiers. Our pick: HiFiMan Sundara (2024 revision)
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Open-Ear Headphones: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compare the leading open-ear and bone-conduction headphones for running, cycling, and staying aware of traffic, and name the one most people should pass on. Our pick: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Large Party Speakers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current big-box party/PA speakers on loudness, bass, portability, battery, and party features to find which fills a crowd best. Our pick: JBL PartyBox 720
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Portable Headphone Amps: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current portable DAC/amps on power, features, sound, and pocketability to find which is worth plugging in. Our pick: FiiO KA17
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Rugged Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current waterproof outdoor Bluetooth speakers on durability, sound, battery, portability, and true grab-and-go value. Our pick: JBL Charge 6
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Sports Earbuds: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four secure-fit, sweatproof workout earbuds on in-ear stability, water resistance, sound and battery for running and the gym. Our pick: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Studio Monitors: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four popular powered studio monitors on tonal accuracy, bass control, imaging, and value for mixing and mastering. Our pick: Kali Audio LP-6 V2
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Home Subwoofers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We weighed four current subwoofers on deep-bass output, tightness, room control, and value to find the ones worth buying. Our pick: SVS SB-1000 Pro
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Bookshelf Speakers (Passive and Powered), Tested Against the Hype We compared four current bookshelf speakers, passive and powered, to find honest picks for real rooms, budgets, and sources, plus one popular pair to skip. Our pick: KEF LS50 Meta
Top pick +1 to skip 
Best Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $150: Three Honest Picks We compared the Soundcore Space One, Sony WH-CH720N, and JLab JBuds Lux ANC using independent lab testing. Our pick: Soundcore Space One
Top pick +1 to skip 
Best Budget Soundbars: Real-World Picks for Bigger Sound Without the Splurge We tested four wallet-friendly soundbars for real bass and clear dialogue. See why Vizio's 2.1 Soundbar SE wins and where Samsung, Hisense and Bose land. Our pick: Vizio 2.1 Soundbar SE
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Gaming Headsets in 2026 (and One to Skip) We compared four 2026 gaming headsets on comfort, mic clarity, wireless freedom, and long-term value to find which are worth buying and which to skip. Our pick: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers: 4 Tested, 1 We'd Skip Four portable Bluetooth speakers compared on real-world sound, battery and toughness, from a sub-$80 value champ to a pricey little Bose we'd honestly skip. Our pick: Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100 (and the One to Skip) We compared the top sub-$100 wireless earbuds on ANC, hi-res codecs, and battery — plus one popular pair most people should walk right past. Our pick: Air Pro 4+
Top pick +1 to skip 
Best Turntables of 2026: Value, Sound, and One to Skip We compared four turntables sold in 2026 - a value belt drive, a versatile direct drive, an audiophile step-up, and one popular suitcase player to skip. Our pick: Fluance RT81
Top pick +1 to skip 
The Best USB Microphones for Podcasting and Streaming We compared four current USB microphones for podcasting and streaming to find which reject room noise, which need a treated space, and the popular pick to skip. Our pick: Shure MV7+
Top pick +1 to skip 
Best Wired Earbuds and IEMs: Budget Picks Worth Buying in 2026 We weighed expert and owner reviews to find the budget wired IEMs worth buying in 2026 - a neutral all-rounder, a bass pick, a comfort option, and one to skip. Our pick: Truthear Hexa