Audio

Good audio quality is essential to enjoying music and movies. Whether it’s a soundbar that makes dialogue easier to hear or earbuds that pull you deeper into an album, the right gear makes a big difference. At Business Insider, we get hands-on with all the latest audio gear to help you find the perfect fit for any setup and budget. 

Our buying guides and reviews cover a range of audio products, whether you’re shopping for a Dolby Atmos soundbar, a pair of headphones, a wireless smart speaker, or a new record player. We evaluate sound quality, battery life, connectivity, and ease of use, while also focusing on how audio gear fits into everyday life. That means listening to music, watching movies, taking calls, gaming, and using each product we review in our daily routines. 

Every recommendation is independent and based on how well a product performs for its cost, so you can rest easy that you’re getting a good value. See more about how the tech team tests headphones, speakers, and gadgets.

A composite image with an original photo of the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds next to the case on top of an amp, side-by-side with an original photo of the AirPods Max 2 headphones on a woman's head outside.

Best AirPods of 2026

We reviewed the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with ANC, and AirPods Max 2 to see how they stack up.
14 min read
Pictured left to right are the JBL Authentics 300, Bose Portable Smart Speaker, Sonos Roam, Sonos Move 2, and Lodge Solar Speaker 4.

Best Bluetooth speakers of 2026

After reviewing Bluetooth speakers for audio quality and portability, these options offer the best balance of power, design, and features.
21 min read
The Bose Smart Speaker resting on a wooden entertainment console underneath a TV that's hanging on a wall.

Best Bose soundbars of 2026

Our favorite Bose soundbars include a powerful Dolby Atmos bar and a more compact budget-friendly model for smaller rooms.
14 min read
A group shot of four Sony over-ear headphones on our reviewer's desk.

Best Sony headphones of 2026

I reviewed Sony headphones across daily use, travel, and streaming to find the best options for every budget, including the WH-1000XM5 and WH-CH720N.
14 min read
A side-by-side composite graphic with an original photo of a pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones in a person's hand next to an original photo of the AirPods Max 2 leaning on a vase on a counter.

Best noise-canceling headphones of 2026

After reviewing headphones from Bose, Sony, Soundcore, and Apple, we found the best noise-canceling models for different budgets and needs.
13 min read
A side-by-side composite with an original photo of a Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 record player next to an original photo of a U-Turn Orbit Special record player.

Best turntables and record players of 2026

The best record players make listening to music feel more intentional and hands-on. These standout turntables work for every kind of setup.
16 min read
A side-by-side composite with an original photo of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds resting on a table next to their case, next to an original photo of the Soundcore Liberty 4 Earbuds in their case, held in a person's hand outside.

Best AirPods alternatives in 2026

AirPods are popular, but we tested several alternatives that offer similar features, sound quality, and noise cancellation.
19 min read
A side-by-side composite with an original photo of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones lying flat on concrete next to a photo of the back of a woman's head while wearing the AirPods Max 2 headphones outside.

Best over-ear headphones of 2026

We reviewed several top options to find the six best over-ear headphones for sound, comfort, and noise canceling.
19 min read
A side-by-side graphic with an original photo of a Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar on a media console next to an original photo of a Samsung Q990F soundbar on a media console.

Best Dolby Atmos soundbars of 2026

Most TV speakers fall flat, but the best Dolby Atmos soundbars deliver bigger, more immersive sound with surround and height effects.
16 min read
A side-by-side graphic with an original photo of the Soundcore Liberty 4 earbuds outside in their case next to an original photo of the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones resting on their case inside.

Best budget headphones of 2026

We reviewed several affordable headphones with great performance, including a couple of cheap options with impressive noise cancellation.
9 min read
A House of Marley Rise Up turntable on a counter with a record on its platter.

Best budget record players of 2026

Record players can get pricey, but there are still worthwhile options on a budget. These are the best cheap turntables we reviewed.
10 min read
A top-down angled view of a record placed on the platter of a House of Marley Rise Up record player.

The best Bluetooth turntables of 2026

I tested the best Bluetooth turntables for quick pairing with wireless speakers or headphones, including budget-friendly models and step-up players.
12 min read
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