Shopping for audio and tv? Buyzello compares 40 products from 22 brands across noise-cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds, bluetooth speakers, soundbars, tvs, streaming devices, projectors and turntables, and gives every one a clear Buy, Consider or Skip verdict with typical US prices from $39 to $2,499.
Our favorite of the noise-cancelling headphones is the Sony WH-1000XM6 at around $399–$459: class-leading noise cancelling with a folding design. On a tighter budget, the Soundcore by Anker Space One ($69–$99) is the value choice. Noise cancelling strength matters most for flights and transit; mid-priced models now get close to flagships. Our favorite of the wireless earbuds is the Apple AirPods Pro 3 at around $229–$249: big ANC upgrade plus heart-rate sensing. On a tighter budget, the Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC ($59–$99) is the value choice. Match your phone: AirPods work best with iPhone, Galaxy Buds with Samsung phones, and Sony and Bose work well with both. Our favorite of the bluetooth speakers is the JBL Flip 7 at around $119–$149: rugged, loud and drop-resistant. On a tighter budget, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 ($69–$99) is the value choice. Look for IP67 or IP68 if the speaker will go near water or sand.
For soundbars, start with the Sonos Arc Ultra, which typically costs $899–$999 and stands out for big, clear Atmos sound from one bar. On a tighter budget, the VIZIO V21x-J8 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar ($99–$149) is the value choice. Use HDMI eARC to connect: it carries Dolby Atmos and lets your TV remote control volume. For tvs, start with the LG 65-Inch Class OLED evo C5 Series, which typically costs $1,599–$2,499 and stands out for OLED contrast with great gaming features. On a tighter budget, the Amazon Fire TV 55-inch Omni QLED Series ($379–$549) is the value choice. OLED gives the best contrast and viewing angles; Mini-LED gets brighter and costs less per inch. In streaming devices, our top pick is the Apple TV 4K ($119–$149), best for fastest, cleanest experience. On a tighter budget, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($39–$59) is the value choice. Pick the platform that matches your phone and smart home: Apple, Google or Alexa.
For projectors, start with the Epson Home Cinema 2350 4K PRO-UHD, which typically costs $1,099–$1,299 and stands out for bright 3LCD picture with 4K pixel shifting. On a tighter budget, the XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro ($399–$449) is the value choice. Brightness matters most: aim for 2,000+ lumens for a living room, and keep portables for dark rooms. Our favorite of the turntables is the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB at around $279–$349: direct-drive deck with a built-in preamp and USB. On a tighter budget, the Crosley CR8005F Cruiser Plus Suitcase Turntable ($59–$99) is the value choice. A built-in phono preamp lets you plug into powered speakers; without one, you need a separate preamp or a phono input. We also flag what to skip.