Audio
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How to Build the Best Multiroom Wireless Speaker System for You
by Dennis Burger
There are myriad ways to build a multiroom audio system. We help you find the path that’s best for you.
The Best Music Streamer
by Kathryn Rath
The WiiM Pro Plus is the best music streamer because it offers easy setup, reliable performance, and a wide variety of features—all at an affordable price.
The Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids and Other Hearing Solutions
by Lauren Dragan
No single over-the-counter hearing device is perfect for everyone, so we offer different recommendations for different priorities and budgets.
The Best Bluetooth Audio Receivers and Transmitters
by Adrienne Maxwell and Dennis Burger
Want to add Bluetooth to an audio or video device that doesn’t have it? We’ve got recommendations for the best Bluetooth receivers and transmitters.
The Best Record Player Setup for Beginners
by Adrienne Maxwell
Start your vinyl music journey here with our picks for turntable, receiver, speakers, and more.
The Best Turntables and Record Players
by Freddy Gerngross and Brent Butterworth
The Fluance RT85N is our favorite turntable under $600 because it’s easy to set up and use, and it sounds great with all types of recordings.
The Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
by Lauren Dragan
The Soundcore Space A40 true wireless earbuds perform so well it’s hard to believe they’re so affordable.
The Best Subwoofer
by Brent Butterworth
For powerful, precise bass in stereo and home theater systems, the best subwoofer is the compact, affordable Rogersound Labs Speedwoofer 10S MKII.
The Best Computer Speakers
by Brent Butterworth
The Pioneer DJ DM-50D-BT is the best-sounding pair of computer speakers we’ve heard in the $200 price range.
What Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can and Can’t Do
by Lauren Dragan
Before you invest in noise-cancelling headphones, it’s important to understand what kinds of sounds they will and won’t block.
Great Sound on a Small Budget
by Grant Clauser
Good sound doesn't have to cost a lot. We found the best audio gear for around $100 or less.
The Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker
by Brent Butterworth
The UE Wonderboom 4 is the all-around best portable Bluetooth speaker because it sounds good and looks cool, and it’s the most rugged model we’ve tested.
The Best Sleep Headphones (But We Hoped for Better)
by Lauren Dragan
All of the sleep headphones we tested fell short in some way, but we still have three recommendations for different uses and budgets.
‘Only Murders in the Building’ Is Back. Here’s What Our Audio Experts Have to Say About Their Podcast Gear.
by Alexander Aciman
With the premiere of Only Murders in the Building’s fourth season, we asked Wirecutter’s audio experts what they think of the show’s fictional true-crime podcast equipment.
How to Clean AirPods, Earbuds, and Headphones
by Lauren Dragan
Despite what the internet says, sucking on your AirPods is not a safe way to clean them. Follow our advice instead.
Soundbar Not Working? Here Are Some Troubleshooting Tips.
by Brent Butterworth
As soundbars get more advanced, they also get more complex and sensitive to setup errors. Here are some tips for getting yours to work correctly.
The Best Soundbar
by Brent Butterworth
The Polk MagniFi Mini AX is the all-around best soundbar because of its big, immersive sound, small footprint, affordable cost, and easy operation.
The Best Alexa Smart Speakers
by Rachel Cericola and Grant Clauser
Amazon’s line of Echo smart speakers are the best option for bringing Alexa into your home. We’ve got picks for nearly any setup and situation.
The Best USB Microphones for Musicians and Podcasters
by Freddy Gerngross and Brent Butterworth
Monoprice’s Dark Matter Sentry is an excellent all-purpose USB microphone that sounds great, offers an array of features, and comes at an affordable price.
I’ve Tested Nearly 2,000 Pairs of Headphones and Earbuds. These Are the Best Ones to Buy This Prime Day.
by Lauren Dragan and The Wirecutter Deals Team
We’ve tested thousands of headphones and earbuds, and these are the best ones to buy on sale this Prime Day.
The Best Smart Speakers for Your Home
by Rachel Cericola
Voice-controlled smart speakers make it easy to summon music news, trivia, timers, and more, and to control smart devices, too.
How to Get Great Sound in Your Backyard
by Brent Butterworth
Want to listen to music, internet radio, or podcasts in your backyard? We explain all the different ways to do it.
The Best Outdoor Speakers
by Brent Butterworth
A good set of weather-resistant outdoor speakers can bring year-around delight to a backyard or patio.
The Best AV Receivers for Most People
by Dennis Burger and Adrienne Maxwell
The Denon AVR-X1800H is an easy-to-use AV receiver that sounds great and has the necessary features to meet most people’s movie, music, and video-gaming needs.
The Best Bookshelf Speakers for Most Stereos
by Brent Butterworth
The Triangle Borea BR03 passive speakers and the Edifier S1000MKII powered speakers are the best we’ve tested under $600.
Your Wireless Earbuds Are Trash (Eventually)
by Lauren Dragan
Wireless earbuds are great, but their small batteries have a limited lifespan. Are you willing to sacrifice longevity for convenience?
Ask Wirecutter: Help! I Can’t Stand My Spouse’s Lip Smacking and Loud Chewing.
by Annemarie Conte
If common noises drive you up a wall, we have a few things that might help.
How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio System
by Brent Butterworth
No matter what kind of turntable and audio gear you have, it is possible to get them working together. Here’s how.
Ready to Get Serious About Vinyl? Start With These Affordable Accessories.
by Ian D. White
If you’ve discovered a passion for vinyl, a few affordable accessories can make a positive difference in your turntable setup.
How to Set Up Your Turntable to Sound Its Best
by Chris Heinonen
No matter what turntable you own, there are a few adjustments you can make—often for little to no cost—to help it sound its best.
Outgrown Your Starter Record Player? Here’s How to Shop for a Quality Turntable.
by Freddy Gerngross
Shopping for your first higher-end, dedicated turntable can be a confusing experience. We explain the important features to consider.
Gear to Get Better Sound From Your TV
by Grant Clauser
TVs are made for great pictures, so we recommend the best ways to get great sound too.
The Best Audiophile Headphones for Everyday Use
by Lauren Dragan and Brent Butterworth
Audiophile headphones focus on delivering the best sound quality, period. We’ve tested hundreds of them and selected our favorites for different uses.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Kids Is a Growing Problem. Here’s How to Protect Little Ears.
by Lauren Dragan
Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing problem for kids. It’s preventable, but you need to understand what causes it and take early preventive measures.
You May Have Signs of Hearing Loss and Not Know It. Here’s How OTC Hearing Aids Can Help.
by Rose Maura Lorre
Mild to moderate hearing loss affects adults of all ages. Here are the signs that you might be experiencing it—and how over-the-counter hearing aids can help.
11 Great Gifts for Listening to Music
by Samantha Schoech
All our best equipment and tech to help the music lover in your life enjoy their passion to the fullest.