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The best soundbars of 2025 Best Overall Sonos Arc Ultra $999 Shop Now Budget Pick Roku Streambar $129.99 Shop Now Best Compact Soundbar Bose Smart Soundbar $549 Shop Now Best Mid-Range Soundbar Klipsch Flexus Core 200 $549 Shop Now More Affordable Sonos Pick Sonos Beam (Gen 2) $499 Shop Now Ultimate Upgrade Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max $2,997.99 Shop Now Honorable Mention Marshall Heston 120 soundbar $1,299.99 Get Deal

“Sound is 50 percent of the movie-going experience.” So said Hollywood titan, George Lucas, a man who arguably knows a thing or two about delivering genre-defining cinematic experiences.

The meaning is clear: part of what makes going to a commercial cinema so much fun is the theater-sized sound system. But the same is true of our home theaters: you may own a brilliant big-screen TV, but if you rely on your flat-screen's built-in speakers, you’re missing out. At the very least, you need a soundbar.

The best soundbars will make explosions more lifelike, enhance dialogue intelligibility, and immerse you in your movies and shows. In short, it makes the whole experience more cinematic. 

But with all of the tech jargon and hype, the odds of picking the best soundbar can feel as likely as picking the next Oscar winners.  From Dolby Atmos to room correction to subwoofers, you can save yourself a lot of time by seeing what the experts have to say. Not only have Mashable tech reporters tested some of the top soundbars from brands like Samsung, Sonos, and Bose, but we've also consulted a bevy of audio experts.

Ty Pendlebury tests and researches TVs and home entertainment tech for CNET, a sister site of Mashable, also owned by Ziff Davis. He's been testing audio-visual equipment, including soundbars, for over 20 years.

"I reckon I’ve reviewed over 100 soundbars in my time," Pendlebury wrote to Mashable.

When creating CNET's guide for the best soundbars, he tested soundbars in the CNET AV Lab, using several different types of media, including movies, music, and games, to determine which soundbars sound the best.

Below, we've combined Pendlebury's testing results and expertise alongside Mashable's most recent soundbar reviews to select the best expert-tested soundbars available in 2025.

Is it worth getting a soundbar?

Built-in speakers on newer TVs are typically located at the back, pointing down, which isn't the best position for optimal sound quality. Soundbars fix the issue by directing the sound outward toward the room, and they do a better job with the all-important center channel, the cornerstone of clear dialogue.

So what does that fix cost? 

Soundbars can run anywhere from as low as $75 to over $1,500, and up. Obviously, that's a wide range, but most of the soundbars we recommend fall in the $200 to $700 range. Our picks sit roughly in the low, middle, and high points of that range, to give you a variety of options for most budgets.

The best soundbar: Sonos Arc Ultra Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc Ultra $999 at Amazon
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Check out our full review of the Sonos Arc Ultra.

Who it's for

Those who want the very best Dolby Atmos experience in a single-speaker soundbar, with lots of options to grow as their space and budget allow.

Why we picked this

We know — this soundbar sits firmly at the high end of the price spectrum, but we wouldn't be including it if we didn't think it was worth the price. The Sonos Arc Ultra is a truly impressive speaker, offering some of the highest-quality sound for under $1,000 you can get. As Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth put it in his review: "While a single soundbar can't compete with the booming speakers you'll hear in a movie theater, this speaker gave me the closest match to that experience I've ever had in my living room."

The Arc Ultra achieves that feat through its impressive hardware, which includes 14 drivers and 15 Class-D digital amplifiers. It can effortlessly handle the 3D requirements of Dolby Atmos and the brand's Sound Motion technology is responsible for the most powerful bass we’ve ever heard without a separate subwoofer. 

Even without peripheral speakers, Beck Werth said he could "feel the bass in my chest. It really felt like sandworms were exploding out of the desert all around me," as he watched Dune.

This encapsulates why we love the Arc Ultra so much. You can spend more on a single-speaker soundbar (see Sennheiser’s epic Ambeo Soundbar Plus and Ambeo Soundbar Max), but most people won’t feel the need to do so.

Despite delivering top-of-the-line performance, it's also incredibly easy to use, plugging and playing via HDMI just as well as our less expensive picks. With "a single tap on my phone screen," Beck Werth was able to sync the soundbar to his TV and remote, with the Sonos app helping him connect Spotify, Amazon Music, and Alexa with just a bit more effort.

Beyond the initial setup, the Sonos app can also be used to activate Trueplay, which helps you get the most out of your speaker by adjusting the audio based on the layout and acoustics of your room. And when your TV is off, you can use the Arc Ultra as a smart speaker via voice control. But if you'd rather not have the mic on 24/7, a physical switch disables it.

In the unlikely event that you feel the need for even more cinematic power, you expand the Arc Ultra with a variety of subwoofer and surround sound speaker options from Sonos. Speaking of expansion, Sonos’ main claim to fame is its wireless multiroom software. You can add up to 32 speakers in your home, connect them to virtually any streaming service (plus your own library), and control them all from a smartphone app. Not many soundbars can claim to do that.

So what's the catch? We would have liked at least one (but preferably two or more) HDMI inputs, which would compensate for the one you give up on your TV. A volume display would also be handy (especially when using the Arc Ultra as a music speaker), but these are small knocks against an otherwise exceptional soundbar.

Best compact soundbar: Bose Smart Soundbar Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Smart Soundbar $549 at Amazon
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Check out our full review of the Bose Smart Soundbar.

Who it's for

Those who want a small-footprint, well-priced, great-sounding, do-it-all speaker for medium-sized rooms.

Why we picked this

The Bose Smart Soundbar isn't the cheapest option out there, but for folks who want more than the bare minimum features, it's a great option with powerful sound that doesn't demand a ton of space on your media console. "For most users, I think this soundbar hits the sweet spot in terms of features, sound, and value for the dollar," wrote Mashable Tech Editor Beck Werth in his review of the soundbar.

Beck Werth tested the soundbar with TV shows, music, and movies, and found that the Bose soundbar offered a far superior experience than the built-in speakers on his TV. The bass sounded pronounced without losing clarity, while everything from music to F1 races sounded balanced. Perhaps best of all, Beck Werth reported, "For TV shows, I was able to turn off closed captions for all but the most accent-heavy shows." Bose's AI Dialogue Assist feature also helped clarify vocals even more, offering hope to anyone who's become a little more reliant than they would like on closed captions.

This performance is thanks to the five different transducers (including two that point upwards to bounce sound off the ceiling) and central tweeter. Again, if you're looking for more than the bare minimum, you'll find that in the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, which Beck Werth said made the sound quality "really [sing]," where it was available. While there's a lot to praise, it is worth noting this soundbar doesn't come with a subwoofer, but Bose offers two wireless subs (as well as two sets of surround speakers) that you can purchase down the line, giving it some solid upgrade potential.

As for your connection options, this mid-range pick offers plenty, with connectivity available through HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and Spotify Connect. And as it's a smart speaker, you can use the mics to speak directly to Amazon Alexa. If you have a Google Assistant device in your home, it can control the Smart Soundbar, too.

The previous generation of this soundbar, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, was CNET's top pick for the best compact Dolby Atmos soundbar. As it was phased out last fall with the release of this soundbar, we recommend opting for the newer version, which is easier to find in stock. It also has two features the older model lacks: AI voice enhancement and Personal Surround Sound, which lets you use a set of Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for rear channel audio — a very effective alternative to buying rear wireless speakers.

Best midrange soundbar: Klipsch Flexus Core 200 Opens in a new window Credit: Klipsch Klipsch Flexus Core 200 $549 at Amazon
Shop Now Who it's for

Those who are laser-focused on getting the most cinematic sound from an affordable, single-speaker solution.

Why we picked this

The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is midrange only in terms of price. Its size, weight, and stunningly powerful performance all scream high-end. This 18.7-pound behemoth is one of the few single-speaker soundbars you can buy that will fill a room with cinema-grade sound, all by itself.

The secret to its success is its Onkyo-designed amplification and the Core 200’s bass delivery. We don’t often recommend expanding a soundbar with surround speakers (Klipsch has two models you can add) before buying a dedicated subwoofer, but in this case, you could totally get away with it.

Thanks to the Core 200’s analog subwoofer output, when that time comes, you can add your own wired sub, or one of Klipsch’s wireless models. In fact, you can run both simultaneously if you wish.

Other ports include HDMI eARC and optical, but no HDMI inputs for passthrough. And though it has Bluetooth for smartphone audio streaming, the Flexus Core 200 lacks Wi-Fi or Ethernet, so you won’t be able to use it with AirPlay, Google Cast, or apps like Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect. That somewhat hampers the Core 200’s streaming music capabilities, but savvy folks can overcome this limitation by connecting an inexpensive music streamer like the $99 Wiim Mini to the soundbar’s optical port.

Your TV remote will easily control volume and muting on the Core 200 via the HDMI connection, but we’re still thrilled that the speaker ships with a dedicated, backlit remote for adjusting other settings. Another feature we love: the big, bright, front-facing alphanumeric display that shows up when you need it and disappears when you don’t.

Best budget soundbar: Roku Streambar Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streambar $129.99 at Amazon
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Check out CNET's full review of the Roku Streambar.

Who it's for

Those who want better TV sound on a budget and 4K streaming access, too.

Why we picked this

The Roku Streambar is CNET's top pick overall for the best soundbar (and an Editors' Choice award recipient), but despite the accolades, it's available at an incredibly budget-friendly price. If you're shopping for your first soundbar or simply looking to upgrade your sound system while spending less than $150, the Roku Streambar is your best bet.

Alongside an upgraded sound system, opting for this soundbar will give you access to the 4K Roku streaming interface, giving you an easy way to watch all your favorite streaming services, from Netflix and YouTube to Disney+ and Hulu. The included remote makes navigating the Roku interface especially easy, and it can work to turn your TV on and off.

While combo products often mean that something is sacrificed in the process, Pendlebury called the Roku Streambar the answer "if you want to be able to hear your TV better, particularly vocals, and also enhance its streaming capabilities," especially if you don't already have a streaming device in your setup. (If you do already own a streaming device, the Vizio SV210M-08 2.1 soundbar is another great option that clocks in under $200 and comes with a subwoofer.

The four internal speakers may not offer absolute top-of-the-line sound (the bass could be better on this soundbar), but you'll find that it offers a noticeable boost to the quality and depth of the sound from your TV, especially with dialogue. The Streambar's compact size (it clocks in at 14 inches wide) means that while it can't compete with soundbars that simply have the space to create a fuller sound, it's not a bad trade-off for folks who are short on real estate for speakers in their TV setup. Plus, if you decide you want to upgrade the sound profile, you can purchase a Roku subwoofer for $130 (and still be spending nearly $250 less than you would on the also subwoofer-less Bose Smart Soundbar).

Alongside the HDMI connection that works with your TV's HDMI ARC or Optical outputs, the Roku Streambar is also compatible with Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Home, Alexa, and, of course, Roku Smart Home.

A more affordable Sonos pick: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Sonos Beam Gen 2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar $499 at Best Buy
Get Deal Who it's for

If you're firmly in the Sonos ecosystem but priced out of the Sonos Arc Ultra, the popular Beam is still a worthy alternative.

Why we picked this

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has been on the market for a while, and when it goes on sale (like it does for Prime Day), it offers impressive value for the money. For customers who are already in the Sonos smart home ecosystem, it's an easy and affordable way to give your TV setup an instant boost. The Beam is incredibly easy to set up, and because it can sync with your other Sonos products, it's easy to build a genuine home theater surround sound system.

While it will make movies and TV shows pop, you can also use this soundbar for streaming music, one of the most underrated perks of having a TV soundbar in your living room.

In CNET's guide to the top soundbars, Pendlebury noted that the more affordable Sony HT-S2000 offered stronger bass; however, on balance, we'd still recommend the Beam for Sonos fans in particular.

Honorable Mention: Marshall Heston 120 Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Heston 120 $1,299.99 at Marshall
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Read our full review of the Marshall Heston 120 soundbar.

Who it's for

Those who want a no-compromises, powerful home theater soundbar with plenty of wired/wireless connection options.

Why we picked this

We were all set to name the Marshall Heston 120 our "best bang for your buck" soundbar, but then Marshall raised the price. (Thank you, tariffs.) However, we still think it's a worthy soundbar.

Marshall’s guitar amp-inspired Heston 120 costs the same as the Sonos Arc Ultra, but it doesn’t have Sonos’ multiroom capabilities. And while it can theoretically be expanded with other Marshall Bluetooth speakers, we haven’t tested this. So why does it earn a place on this list?

Looks-wise, it’s utterly unique. If you like Marshall’s retro vibe, this soundbar becomes a notable part of any room’s decor. As the price suggests, it’s a powerful, full-range home theater speaker that processes both Dolby Atmos and the less common DTS:X.

Most soundbars do a good job with TV content, but music listening often feels like an afterthought. Not so with the Heston 120. It’s a great single-speaker soundbar for movies and shows, yet it might be a more accomplished music speaker. Stereo tracks sound amazing, and Dolby Atmos Music (when well-produced) sounds even better.

The Heston 120 seems to enjoy pointing out all of the little things we wish the Sonos Arc Ultra could do. It has an HDMI input and a dedicated subwoofer output, both of which are absent on the Arc Ultra. Likewise, you get an analog input, perfect for hooking up a turntable (or any other source) -- another feature the Arc Ultra lacks.

Finally, the Heston 120 has excellent support for streaming music. In addition to Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, you can use it with Apple AirPlay or Google Cast, with hi-res audio compatibility. As a DLNA device, you can also stream music to it from a DLNA-compatible music server, e.g., Twonky.

We still think the Arc Ultra is the better overall choice for most people (especially after the price increase), but there’s no question that Marshall has found ways to differentiate the Heston 120 while still delivering great home theater sound. Plus, as of September 2025, you can add the Marshall Sub 200 subwoofer to your Heston soundbar setup.

Ultimate upgrade pick: Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max $2,997.97 at Amazon
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Read Ty Pendlebury's full review of the AMBEO Soundbar Max.

Who it's for

Home theater aficionados who want to spare no expense for the ultimate home theater experience.

Why we picked this

If you’re looking for an even bolder Dolby Atmos performance, yet still in a single speaker, consider the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus as an upgrade. It’s twice as expensive as the Arc Ultra, but it packs a bigger cinematic punch, and it has many of the physical inputs/connections the Arc Ultra is missing, like two HDMI inputs, a wired sub output, plus DTS:X, AirPlay, and Google Cast.

You can wire your own sub or buy one (or more) of Sennheiser’s wireless subs. The only thing missing is the ability to add wireless surround speakers. But the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does such a good job of virtualizing surround speakers, you may not feel the need for them. In his full review, Pendlebury said it offered the "best Atmos sound, bar none."

How to choose a soundbar

Beyond price, soundbars have a few more features worth considering, but that doesn't mean the buying process requires you to be versed in a ton of tech terminology. In fact, Pendlebury told Mashable, "Thankfully, buying a soundbar is a lot easier now than it used to be," due in large part to most having an HDMI connection, which allows for the easiest plug-and-play experience with your TV.

Along with connections, here are a few more features you'll see highlighted with soundbars on the market these days:

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is essentially the name of a type of spatial audio designed to deliver a three-dimensional audio experience. To clear up a couple of misconceptions off the bat: In the same way not all headphones with active noise cancellation perform equally, not all soundbars with Dolby Atmos will give the same sound performance across the board.

Our upgrade pick, the Sonos Arc Ultra, comes with Dolby Atmos. Credit: Sonos

Perhaps even more important to note is that while Dolby Atmos offers a more immersive sound, it's not exactly the same experience as getting true surround sound. "The biggest misnomer about soundbars right now is that if it has a Dolby Atmos sticker, it can do surround sound, especially if the soundbar is only $200," Pendlebury explained. "It needs dedicated speakers if it’s going to do surround sound. While height is easy to replicate, sound is literally bounced off the ceiling. I’ve never heard sounds coming from behind me in a speaker that sits under the TV. Dedicated surrounds provide the best experience."

Subwoofers and surround sound

As Pendlebury explained, to achieve true surround sound or exemplary bass sound, you'll need dedicated equipment. Simply put, you'll need multiple speakers. If you want true surround sound, you'll want to take that into account when determining where your budget may sit for a soundbar. For instance, even though our upgrade pick, the Sonos Arc Ultra, provides excellent sound designed to be immersive, it can't achieve the same surround sound that it would without dedicated speakers to help it out.

The same goes for subwoofers — a soundbar on its own can have great bass playback, but the best way to achieve the home theater experience is to get a subwoofer. While none of our picks below have one included, they all have compatible ones available for additional purchase. That said, our alternative budget pick, the Vizio 2.1 soundbar, does come with a six-inch subwoofer and two wired satellite speakers.

Connection types

As mentioned above, most soundbars these days offer HDMI connections, making it incredibly easy to get your setup going. However, you might prefer to also have Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. As with many other device types, Bluetooth offers a simple way for you to connect to a soundbar and stream audio from devices like your phone, but as Pendlebury explains, WiFi offers a distinct benefit "as it means you can stream Spotify, for example, without running your battery down -- like you would with Bluetooth." 

Smart features

Smart features, like voice assistance integration, are also relatively commonplace these days (see: our Bose pick literally having smart in the name). Still, the execution isn't all the same. While even the most budget-friendly picks can work with AirPlay, more mid-range options may give you flexibility on how your soundbar is integrated into your smart home, and even, as with the Sonos Arc Ultra, can be used independently as smart speakers, even when the TV isn't on.

We also want to note that soundbars exist for computer setups, but for the purposes of this guide, we chose our top picks based on TV selections. (If you're looking for some audio options for your computer, you can check out our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers).

Finally, the fall season is here, October is upon us, and Halloween is scratching at the door like a member of the walking dead. Lucky for us, Paramount+ is ready for action with a whole new lineup of content that’s set to thrill, chill, and fill you with entertainment, just in time for peak scream season.

A new television isn't a frequent purchase for most people. Unless you're an AV fanatic (and there's nothing wrong with that!), you're probably not upgrading your TV as often as your smartphone, or your laptop.

Save $700: As of Sept. 27, this Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is almost 50% off, coming in at $799, down from $1499 on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station $1,499 at Amazon
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Fall is an ideal time to invest in the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station. Jackery portable power stations are excellent for building out your camping gear repository, leveling up your small business, getting creative with how you power your home, or preparing for storm season’s inevitable power outages. 

This Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is a powerful and reliable portable power option for so many different scenarios. The station weighs 39.5lbs and reaches 80 percent charge in 66 minutes. Alternatively, it can be fully charged via a solar panel in 6 hours. The generator has three three-prong outlets, a USB-C port, a fast-charging USB-C port, and a USB port. The easy-to-read LED screen keeps you updated on the power station’s battery life.

Jackery boasts that its LiFePo4 battery lasts for up to 10 years and that its compact, dependable design releases no fumes, providing a safe and eco-friendly option compared to gas generators. At full charge, Jackery details that the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station can fully charge a mobile phone up to 80 times, keep your lights on for 64 hours, power a coffee maker for 3 hours, or keep a refrigerator going for 26 hours. A fold-out handle makes the lightest, smallest LFP easy to carry.

If you want to analyze data in Python, you'll want to become familiar with pandas, as it makes data analysis so much easier. The DataFrame is the primary data format you'll interact with. Here's how to make use of it.

On Friday, animation legend Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Laboratory, Primal) posted stunning test footage for his current film project, Black Knight, on Instagram. There's just one problem: The film may never even get released.

As Tartakovsky explained in his caption, Black Knight has been in development for six years. However, the studio, Sony Animation, is unsure that there's a theatrical audience for the adult fantasy epic.

SEE ALSO: Genndy Tartakovsky breaks down the animation of "Fixed" while drawing his iconic characters

"We made a down and dirty test, and still no go," Tartakovsky wrote of his attempts to sway Sony. "So to try something different I thought I would share the test to see if it can get a ground swell of excitement that would change the studio’s mind."

The minute-long test footage is chock-full of atmospheric action. It introduces the titular Black Knight, a 20-foot-tall suit of armor that Tartakovsky says is controlled by ropes, pulleys, and levers by a knight within. Given that the film is set around the 14th century, that makes the Black Knight the medieval equivalent of a mech suit.

In the footage, the Black Knight crosses paths with an agile, masked young woman armed with chains. The ensuing battle is brief but engaging, with the masked woman's agility countering the Black Knight's massive sword swings.

Black Knight isn't the first of Tartakovsky's projects to experience difficulties in development or release. In the early 2010s, Tartakovsky was working on a Popeye film for Sony. He exited in 2015, and Sony later scrapped the project. His latest film, Sony's Fixed, was originally meant to be distributed theatrically by Warner Bros. Pictures. The studio dropped it in 2024, but Netflix acquired its distribution rights and released it in 2025.

With Black Knight, it appears that Tartakovsky is settling in for what's now a familiar fight, albeit with different tactics. As he wrote in his caption for the test footage, "Well, this might get me in trouble….But gotta try a new strategy."

It's been two years since the Sony WH-CH520 debuted, and they remain one of the best bang-for-your-buck audio deals available in 2025. The amount of functionality stuffed into these cans is astounding. You’re getting signature Sony sound, as well as other brand hallmarks, for a fraction of the cost.

I’ve been re-testing these Sony headphones on and off for the past several weeks. My critiques have not changed one bit. They are arguably the best headphones under $100, easily the best headphones under $50, and a must-own for budget-conscious shoppers who want affordable Sony cans at a ridiculously low price ($38.95 at the time of writing).

Before you jump on Amazon to purchase a pair, check out my in-depth Sony WH-CH520 headphones review.

Sony WH-CH520 headphones specs and setup Unboxing the Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones. Credit: Alex Bracetti Setting up the WH-CH520 headphones is a breeze. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The Sony WH-CH520 pack a solid spec sheet for the price. Take a look.

• Speaker Driver Unit: 30mm

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz

• Battery: Up to 50 hours of additional playtime with wireless charging case

• Quick charge: 3 minutes gives you 1.5 hours of listening time

• Colors: Black, blue, cappuccino, pink, white, yellow

• Sony’s proprietary technologies (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, DSEE)

• App supported: Compatible with Sony Sound Connect app (Android/iOS)

• Google Fast Pair and Find My Device support 

All Sony headphones and earbuds pair easily with Android and iOS/macOS devices, including the WH-CH520. Android users receive exclusive perks like one-tap Google Fast Pair and Find My Device. Downloading the Sony Sound Connect app provides access to a variety of features that extend functionality. Physical buttons and voice commands make up the WH-CH520’s control scheme. The protruding buttons on the right earcup are responsive to input and accurately execute intended functions. Sony’s microphones demonstrate great speech recognition when dishing out Google Assistant and Siri commands. 

Wireless range extends up to 45 feet before stuttering occurs. These on-ear headphones also come with multipoint technology to pair to two Bluetooth audio sources simultaneously.

Everything the Sony WH-CH520 headphones get right Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Despite having smaller drivers and no hi-res audio codecs, the WH-CH520 hold their own on the sonic front. Their sound profile is nicely balanced. Deep lows blend well with transparent mids and crisp highs. Contemporary tracks sound energetic, while live performances have a dynamic presence, thanks to airy vocal reproduction. Fidelity is taken up a notch when enabling my favorite feature for enhancing sound on Sony headphones: DSEE. This technology upscales the clarity and depth on all tracks — no matter the format — achieving near-hi-res quality when playing stored files or streaming music online. Sony’s spatial audio technology, 360 Reality Audio, is also onboard and does a decent job of creating 3D sound for music and movies.

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

A full charge generates up to 50 hours of playtime, depending on how the headphones are used. Special features (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, multipoint) can decrease this by 5 to 8 hours, which is still sufficient. You can get a full week of moderate use (5 hours daily) before recharging. Quick charging is just as noteworthy: a 3-minute charge equals 1.5 hours of playtime. Not even pricier selections like the AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones match this.

The WH-CH520 make for an adequate calling headset. Are they on the same level as the new WH-1000xM6? No. The best flagship headphones are always going to outperform budget cans like this. But they come in handy when you need to make a call in a pinch. The mics effectively capture vocals and emphasize them over most ambient noise. Just make sure you’re not making calls in extremely loud environments. 

What the Sony WH-CH520 headphones get wrong Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Let’s state the obvious – these are not attractive headphones. The numerous colorways provide some flash, but that’s only if you’re purchasing one of the brighter shades. Besides that, the build quality is mediocre (mostly composed of plastic), and there’s very little detailing to differentiate these cans from any third-party pair sold on Amazon.

Not every major Sony feature is available. You miss out on smart controls like Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat to automatically lower volume and auto-pause music whenever you speak, respectively. There is no active noise cancellation, which would have been useful since the on-ear design lets in a lot of ambient noise. Lastly, the WH-CH520 are missing a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. There is a USB-C port, but the headphones do not support USB-C listening. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable Are the Sony WH-CH520 headphones worth it?

It’s almost criminal for Sony to sell headphones with its proprietary sound technologies at such a low price. 

The WH-CH520 sound terrific, and the inclusion of high-end features like 360 Reality Audio and DSEE make select content immersive and more comprehensive. Battery life is rated higher than most of the best noise-canceling headphones. Powerful mics and versatile wireless features add to their unbeatable value.

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Yes, the design is chintzy and flawed (ambient sound passthrough affects sound quality), but all other areas are on-point.

The Sony WH-CH520 can be purchased directly on Sony’s website or at online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones $38.95 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $31.04 Get Deal

Save $200: As of Sept. 27, this Sky Blue 13-inch M4 MacBook is 20% off on Amazon, coming in at $799, down from the $999 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Sky Blue 13-inch M4 MacBook $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

This weekend, this Sky Blue 13-inch MacBook Air with an M4 chip is on sale, and it’s a powerhouse. The laptop features a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD storage, 12MP Center Stage camera, and Touch ID. The M4 chip offers up to 1.5 times faster CPU performance than the previous M2 chip from Apple. This particular model is well-suited for utilizing Apple Intelligence, Apple’s specially designed AI that helps you work and express yourself faster and more effectively. Apple Intelligence also offers industry-leading privacy protections, providing you with peace of mind that your data is secure.

This Sky Blue 13-inch MacBook Air offers up to 18 hours of battery life and a luxe webcam so you can look and sound your best. A webcam that offers a polished look and high-quality sound is perfect for someone who has frequent remote work meetings or appointments or a penchant for photo booth selfies. This MacBook Air features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe charging port, a headphone jack, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth connectivity, supporting up to two external displays.

The MacBook Air seamlessly integrates with your Apple ecosystem, enhancing the usefulness of your other Apple products. You can seamlessly mirror your iPhone on your MacBook Air screen as you work, play games, write your novel, or watch your favorite show.

Whether you've had your fill of Disney+ movies and shows, recently got fed up with rising prices, the politics, or simply want to explore other streaming services, we've got you covered with these alternative platforms that offer similar content that might just satiate you.

Your Android phone, iPhone, or iPad home screen isn't just for apps. Whatever device you're using, you can add a website shortcut to the home screen for easy access. In some cases, you can even make the website work like an app.

There are many excellent free and open-source software projects, but keeping up with all of them can be difficult, especially when they don’t have blogs or other traditional communication channels. Thankfully, you can still keep track of most software projects in one simple feed, thanks to some hidden features and the magic of RSS.

MicroSD card slots were once ubiquitous on Android phones. Now they’ve all but disappeared—at least from the more premium models. Why are the best phones seemingly making us do with less?

DJI, the Chinese tech company and drone maker, has lost a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and will remain on the Pentagon’s list of firms with ties to the Chinese military.

The ruling, handed down Friday, found that the DoD had "substantial evidence" to suggest DJI, one of the world’s largest consumer drone manufacturers, contributes to the "Chinese defense industrial base." However, the court rejected the DoD’s claim that DJI is "indirectly owned by the Chinese Communist Party."

In response to questions from Mashable, a DJI spokesperson emphasized that the company is not owned or controlled by the Chinese military, and noted that the DoD itself acknowledges the company produces consumer and commercial drones, not military hardware.

SEE ALSO: DJI has a new mini drone coming soon — and you can't have it

While no new smoking gun evidence was identified in the ruling, the federal judge wrote that the DoD (recently rebranded by the Trump administration as the "Department of War") is "owed heightened deference…in matters of national security."

Remaining on the list prevents the company from bidding on U.S. contracts, grants, and other programs, according to Reuters. It could also make American businesses wary of working with DJI, since partnering with a firm flagged by the Pentagon for ties to the Chinese military invites heightened scrutiny.

The ruling likely won't help DJI's efforts to stave off a potential ban of its popular drones later this year. As previously reported by Mashable, all drones manufactured in China must undergo a national security risk assessment by December 23, 2025, and the U.S. has yet to assess DJI. The company previously claimed that Customs and Border Protection has been blocking its drones from entering the country, and many DJI products are increasingly difficult to purchase in the United States.

In a statement to Mashable, DJI stressed that the lawsuit against the DoD is unrelated to the risk assessment audit.

"While DJI is pleased that the Court agreed with DJI and rejected most of DoD's purported justifications for listing DJI, we are disappointed that the Court nonetheless upheld the listing," a DJI spokesperson told Mashable in an email statement. "This decision was based on a single rationale that applies to many companies that have never been listed. DJI is currently evaluating its legal options in light of this decision."

Despite the ruling — and the looming potential ban of DJI drones — the spokesperson said that DJI "[remains] committed to serving our U.S. customers and partners, and we call for fair competition in the United States."

Smartphones today are, frankly, pretty boring—but it wasn’t always this way! Back in 2016, a company called Nextbit had the crazy idea to launch an Android phone that relied almost entirely on cloud storage. It was weird.

Apple TV+ adds eight new titles to its queue in October, and all of them are full of plots and dramas you’ll want to see. From a new season of Maya Rudolph's Loot and the premiere of a Jason Clarke-led thriller series to must-see films and documentaries, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained. There's even Matthew McConaughey.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 first hit store shelves six months ago. As expected, the wireless earbuds became a top seller that garnered high praise for their sporty performance across numerous verticals (e.g., durability, fit, sound). The buds were also criticized for a few glaring flaws. 

I shared many of the same positives and negatives as my industry peers upon the Powerbeats Pro 2’s debut. Half a year later and I’m still testing them to determine any significant changes, good or bad.

Read my updated take on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 to see why they’re still on balance the best earbuds for working out in 2025.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds specs and setup Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a robust spec sheet. 

One of their biggest selling points is compatibility. The H2 processor makes pairing instantaneous with all Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, Macs/MacBook, and Apple TV. It also grants access to iOS perks like automatic switching, audio sharing, announced messages with Siri, Ear Tip Fit Test, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and much more. This time around, Beats added Android optimization for seamless connectivity with Google-operated devices. Android users have platform-restricted features (e.g., Fast Pair and Find My Device) at their disposal. Another addition is multipoint technology to pair the buds with two devices simultaneously. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Like the AirPods Pro 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have a dedicated section in the iOS Settings menu to enable features, while Android users can download the Beats app to personalize the buds. (And like the new AirPods Pro 3, the Powerbeats offer heart-rate monitoring and fitness-forward features.)

Beats retained its physical control scheme. Each bud has a multifunctional button and volume rockers. All buttons produce solid tactility that ensures users their intended commands will be met. “Hey Siri” lets you fire up voice commands without manually enabling the feature on Apple devices. The buds also support Google Assistant. So, whether you're on team iOS or Android, voice assistance works flawlessly. 

What the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds do right Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The Powerbeats Pro 2 perfect wireless audio athleticism. It starts with the signature ear hooks. These are ideal for all workouts, especially running. I always use them when jogging fast-paced on the streets and treadmill. They wrap gently around the ear and lock on for a secure and stable fit that never slips out. The variety of ear tips accommodates listeners of all ear sizes. IPX4 certification protects the buds from excessive sweat and water splashing, and the plastic frame is built to survive hard falls on the concrete. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

New health features increase the Powerbeats Pro 2’s value. There is built-in heart rate monitoring (HRM) that records heart rate data and shares it across different fitness programs (e.g., Apple Health, Nike Run Club, Peloton). Are the results as accurate as the Apple Watch? No. Is the feature a viable way to gauge fitness goals when your smartwatch isn’t available? Yes. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Sound is the driving force behind every pair of workout earbuds, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 nails it. Beats tweaked its soundstage to deliver a more well-rounded listening experience. Bass remains at the sonic forefront. It is impactful and vibrant with minimal distortion at high volume. Despite the midrange being overemphasized, it is clear enough to enjoy vocals. Highs are crisp and detailed as well. Most workout tracks produce energetic mixes that can fuel any marathon run. Personalized Spatial Audio increases the acoustics and clarity on Dolby Atmos content. Precise headtracking makes Apple Music songs convincingly immersive. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Battery life has been increased by an hour, now totaling 10 hours per charge. ANC use brings it down to 8 hours. That’s more playtime than any true wireless AirPods model. The same goes for other luxury alternatives. Beats’ charging case now supports Qi-enabled wireless charging and holds up to 45 hours. Fast-Fuel charging is also stronger: a 5-minute charge equals 1.5 hours of listening time.

What the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds do wrong Left: The original Beats Powerbeats Pro sports earbuds. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Right: The new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Let’s discuss the redesign. It is more ergonomic and gentler on the ear (the previous model was a painful wear after several hours). However, the Powerbeats Pro 2 look less appealing than the OG, which had a sporty and sophisticated appearance. The charging case shrunk by about 33 percent, but it is still larger than most charging cases.

I don’t know what happened with the noise cancellation on these buds. The advertisements make it seem as if the technology is twice as powerful as before. It isn’t. Models like the AirPods Pro 2 and the sibling Fit Pro have superior ANC that neutralizes loud conversations and mid-frequencies at a high level. The absence of Apple’s newest listening modes – Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Hearing Health – doesn’t help either.

Are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds worth it? Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Yes, with some of the usual caveats. 

They are an improvement over their predecessor, and Mashable named them the best earbuds for working out for their secure fit, easy connectivity, and fitness-forward features. Audio quality, connectivity, and special features all receive necessary boosts. The uptick in battery life is appreciated. Nifty extras like HRM also demonstrate Beats’ commitment to making the Powerbeats Pro 2 a premium release that avid exercisers will appreciate.

At the same time, they lack the AirPods Pro 2’s prime listening modes and resilient ANC, and if you already have a pair of Beats sports earbuds, I don't know if they justify an instant upgrade. The updated design doesn’t look as good as the original Powerbeats Pro. Then there’s the MSRP ($249), which is the same as the first-gen model and is still pretty steep for today’s consumer market — a market that has plenty of cheap wireless earbuds. 

The decision comes down to affordability. If splurging isn’t an issue, then the Powerbeats Pro 2 are 100 percent worth the investment. Otherwise, you can spend nearly $100 less on the equally great Fit Pro and enjoy many of the same perks.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 can be purchased for $249.99 directly from the Apple website, as well as popular online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds $199.95 at Amazon
$249.95 Save $50 Shop Now Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds review: By the numbers

Finally, let's break down the specs:

• Type: Hook-style sports earbuds

• Processor: Apple H2 chip

• Battery life: 10 hours (45 hours with case)

• Fast charging: 5 minutes provides 1.5 hours

• Ear-tip sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

• Colors: Jet Black, Quicksand, Electric Orange, Hyper Purple

• Noise cancellation: ANC

• Spatial Audio: Yes

• Water resistance: IPX4-rated

• Weight: 8.7 grams (earbuds), 77.7 grams (earbuds + case)

SAVE $140: As of Sept. 27, the 65” Hisense 4K Smart TV is 25% off, coming in at $409.99 down from its list price of $549.99 on Amazon. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 65” 4K QLED Hisense Smart TV $409.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $140 Get Deal

This 65” Hisense Smart TV comes with so many features. Starting from the top, it has QLED color, which consists of quantum dots that display over a billion shades of color each. This technology renders your favorite shows and games in a vivid, crisp picture. The size of the screen is also perfect for turning your living room into a home theatre of your very own.

Additionally, the Hisense Smart TV also includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos Sound, Fire TV, and a voice-controlled remote via Alexa. You can also shift into filmmaker mode and watch shows and movies in the exact dimensions and resolution that the filmmaker intended.

With an AI Light Sensor, your 65” Hisense Smart TV will detect the brightness of your room and adjust the picture accordingly to ensure the best picture possible and save on electricity use. The TV comes with a stand, remote, and setup guide, and it features Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The TV also has AI 4K upscaler technology to enhance any streamed content to near 4K image quality.

Amazon reviewers are pleased with the picture quality right out of the box, and many remark on its incredibly simple setup.

Beyond the glitz and glam of the K-pop scene, there's a lot to be explored: the underrated B-side tracks, behind-the-scenes production, and, of course, the pop culture inspired by the global fame of K-pop, as evidenced by the global success of Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters.

Electronic Arts (EA), the video game giant behind franchises like Madden and FIFA, is approaching a deal to go private, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

The deal, valued at around $50 billion, would be the largest leveraged buyout in history.

SEE ALSO: Review: 'Ghost of Yotei' proves that the PS5 is still a winner

According to the Wall Street Journal, the investors involved in the buyout include the private equity firm Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Affinity Partners, an investment firm formed by President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Saudi Arabia's PIF currently provides Affinity Partners with most of its funds. As of 2023, Saudi Arabia's PIF also owns nearly 10 percent of EA.

The EA buyout would be the latest in a series of gaming investments by Saudi Arabia, part of the country's tactics to lessen economic dependence on oil. In 2021, the PIF launched Savvy Games Group, dedicated to investing in video games and esports. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman serves as Savvy Games Group's chairman.

In addition to EA, the PIF currently holds stakes in Activision Blizzard, the company behind Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, and Take-Two Interactive, the company behind Borderlands and Grand Theft Auto. The PIF also has a stake in Nintendo, although in 2024, it cut down on its shares.

Following the Wall Street Journal's report, shares of EA closed up 15 percent on Friday. EA has been publicly traded since 1990. EA could announce the buyout as soon as next week.

Plug-in hybrid SUVs and crossovers are way more useful than most people give them credit for. While EVs are the flashy new thing, PHEVs fix range anxiety without making you go fully electric.