Simon Cocks

We’ve come a long way since Apple upended the wireless audio world with the release of its AirPods in 2016. Today, there are more wireless earbuds and headphones on the market than ever. What once felt futuristic is now commonplace. According to market research firm Statista, we’re gaga for earphones, with over 310 million pairs sold worldwide. Apple may still dominate the category, but we’ve seen powerhouse models from the likes of Apple, Nothing, Sennheiser and Bang & Olufsen, among others.Sma…

For starters, they last longer and sound better

Built to last years, with the price tag that goes with such longevity…

Presents to please every type of music fan

Headphones are more than mere accessories. In 2024, a proper pair of noise-cancellers is an absolute essential for every city-dweller, hybrid worker and frequent flyer. You need a pair that delivers the specs, and is lightweight enough to live in your bag or around your neck.Sure, you could rely on a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds (we often do), but there’s nothing quite like the performance of some of the best over-ear headphones. The top wireless models can cancel more noise than buds or on-…

They’ve got every upgrade we can think of…

Can you really call yourself a music lover if you’re relying on wireless and don’t own a digital audio player? We think not.

We’re not about to agree that Apple’s decision to remove the headphone jack from its phones in 2016 was as “courageous” as the tech giant claimed at the time, but Jony Ive and his design team were right about one thing: the future is wireless.It wasn’t too long ago that you’d need cables to connect several everyday items, whether it was your headphones, speakers, phones, keyboards or mice – but those days are gone.If you’ve had enough of plugging your phone in to recharge it overnight or while y…

We've gone hands-on with the VR headset of tomorrow…

Because sometimes your smartphone just isn’t big enough.

What you need if you can’t stand the feel of in-ears or the bulk of over-ears

The tiny screen is easily the most fun addition to buds in years

Look, we’ve got nothing against portable Bluetooth speakers. They’ve got their time and place. But we also think discerning listeners deserve better when they’re at home. Of course, a powerful soundbar could work if you’re short on space, but dedicated wireless speakers for your home make a massive difference.Whether you’re after a statement centrepiece for your living room, clever smart speakers to answer your every question, a pair of stereo speakers for your office, or a whizzy multi-room sys…

So you held off, waited patiently for the hype to die down, and you’re still thinking of picking up either the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro? Fair enough – we’re here to help you make the right choice. The good news is that both the usual backlash and the publicity push are much quieter now.Do these phones overheat? Not anymore (and our test models never did). Do they reinvent mobile photography? Not quite, but they come close. Do they bend? They really don’t. Are they a huge leap forward over last…

Back when Apple debuted the AirPods Max in late 2020, the eye-watering £549 asking price felt especially steep compared to the key rivals at the time, like Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones, Bose’s 700 series, or Apple’s own Beats Studio 3. All three of those models launched at £349, and many have dropped in price since. In that time, the big AirPods have stuck with the £500+ tag, aside from a few price cuts during certain sales periods. So, are they overpriced or worth shelling out for?That’s what w…

The best turntables to breathe life back into your record collection.

Still watching cinematic epics like Avatar, Dune, or All Quiet on the Western Front on your humble telly? Well, it’s high time you sorted yourself out with the living room upgrade such films deserve. Yes, we’re talking about a serious projector – one that’s a world away from the boring boardroom models you’re currently picturing.The best projectors in 2024 deliver a proper cinema experience at home, so you can watch the latest must-see movies on Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime whil…

We’ve rounded up the best portable projectors for 2022, whether you’re bringing Netflix outdoors or watching the big game at a mate’s house.

Because discs are affordable and sound superb

Sure, “the best camera is the one you have with you”, and for many of us, that means our phones. And, yes, we love the cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel phones. But we’re going to put it out there: if you’re trying to raise your photography game, it’s worth upgrading to a proper camera. Entry-level models in 2024 are far better than the old DSLR sitting in the back of your cupboard and now’s the ideal time to test your skills and get into a new hobby with a mirrorless camera.Wh…