If you own an older TV that lacks smart features and streaming services, you might be considering replacing it. But before you do, ask yourself: is it really worth spending thousands on a new model when your existing one still works fine in many ways?

The good news is that you may not need to rush out and buy the latest and greatest smart TV just so you’re up to date. There are some simple, cheap tricks you can use to smarten up your existing TV.

On this page:

• How to convert your regular TV into a smart TV
• How to connect a streaming device to your TV
• How to use your smartphone to stream on your TV
• How to use your laptop to stream on your TV
• How to stream live TV
• Why have my apps disappeared?

How to convert your regular TV into a smart TV

Can you use a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+ on an older TV or computer monitor that can’t connect to the internet? Absolutely! You just need to borrow the smarts of another device that can connect to your screen. 

There are a few ways you can do it:

1. Connect a media streaming device, set top box or game console that supports your favourite streaming apps.
2. Plug your laptop into a spare HDMI port to use as a streaming device.
3. Use your smartphone to mirror, AirPlay or cast to your TV (if it supports this feature).

These are also easy ways to spruce up an older smart TV that may not play nice with newer services such as AppleTV+, HBO Max and Kayo Sports.

How to connect a streaming device to your TV

Streaming devices are small dongles or boxes with internet access that support streaming services and other entertainment apps. They’re a simple, affordable way to bring modern smart functions to an older TV.

Some well-known streaming devices you may have heard of include Google TV Streamer, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick and the NVIDIA Shield.

Many of these are small, low-cost dongles, which are the easiest and cheapest way to access streaming services on an aging screen.

They connect via HDMI so make sure your TV has at least one free HDMI port. You’re pretty much out of luck if your TV predates HDMI, in which case, it may be time for a new one. Though you can buy converters for other inputs, they’re not always reliable and tend to reduce picture and sound quality.

Once you’ve located it, check our TV streaming device reviews to see which products our experts recommend. You can filter by price, 4K capability, available streaming services and brand to find the right device for your needs and budget.

Look at the dimensions in particular. Some dongles may not fit into your TV if the HDMI ports are recessed. Check this before you buy.

“If you have home broadband and a spare HDMI connection on your TV, then you could buy something like an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Hubbl Hub for around $100,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher. 

“If your TV can’t display 4K video, then the non-4K Fire TV Stick and Google TV models are cheaper. There’s also an Apple TV option starting from $250 and another from Google that’s about $160.

“The Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google TV Streamer and Apple TV products come with a remote control which is easy to use and will also allow you to control the volume of the TV.”

You can also use a game console like a PlayStation or Xbox or a set-top box like a Fetch TV box instead of a streaming device. All these devices should be connected to your TV via the HDMI port as it delivers both the audio and video over a single cable.

How to use your smartphone to stream on your TV

If your TV can connect to a smartphone, odds are it supports streaming apps as well. However, mirroring or casting can make it easier to view content from your phone on the big screen.

There are three ways to do this: you can either mirror, cast or AirPlay content. The terms are often used together but they actually work very differently.

Mirroring

Mirroring is when you’re simply showing whatever is on your smartphone on your TV. This can be both audio and video and is usually delivered over a direct Wi-Fi connection. 

Many older TVs that don’t have casting or AirPlay do support mirroring. This can be a handy feature to show family and friends photos and movies stored on your phone. You can also show streaming movies but the experience can be a bit clunky.

Casting

Casting for Android is a bit more sophisticated. Instead of just mirroring your Android smartphone or tablet, casting forms a link between your devices.

It either turns the phone/tablet into a remote so you can control an app – such as Spotify – on your TV with the touch screen, or it mirrors and optimises content so videos, photos and so on look as good as possible on your TV.

This delivers an experience similar to what you’d expect from a streaming device such as a Google TV Streamer or Amazon Firestick.

For casting to work most effectively, both the smartphone (or other smart device such as a tablet) and the TV should be connected to the internet via the same Wi-Fi network. Apps with casting support need to be installed on both devices as well, in most cases.

AirPlay

AirPlay is Apple’s version of casting. Though it’s built into a small number of smart TVs, AirPlay is typically limited to first-party devices such as the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. Like casting, both devices need to be connected to the same network.

Check out the article below for a step-by-step guide on how to link your devices.

How to use your laptop to stream on TV

An easy way to smarten up a TV is to simply plug your laptop into it. This basically turns any TV with an HDMI connection into a big computer screen.

Almost all laptops can quickly connect to a TV via a direct HDMI cable connection (you’ll just need to buy an HDMI cable, which should cost around $20). Many laptops, especially those released in the last few years, may not have a full-sized HDMI port. 

The most common solution for a new model is a USB-C to HDMI cable (around $20). This should recognise the connection and show the screen directly on the TV as well as transmitting audio. However, you may need to adjust the laptop’s display settings for things to work correctly.

My computer doesn’t have HDMI or USB-C

In this case, your computer should have a Mini DisplayPort (or miniDP for short), which will work with a miniDP to HDMI cable. The Thunderbolt port on older MacBooks is compatible with miniDP cables.

How to stream live TV

If you live in an area with poor TV reception but still like to watch traditional broadcasts, a streaming dongle could be your saving grace.

Free-to-air catch-up services like SBS On Demand, 9Now and 7plus simultaneously stream live TV in their apps. It’s more or less the same as watching broadcasts, as long as you have a decent internet connection.

A few streaming devices, such as Hubbl and Fetch, can preview content from all of your streaming services on their home screen. This is handy as you won’t need to open and close various apps just to see what’s on TV.

Hubble takes it one step further by replicating the electronic program guide (EPG) included with most TVs. The only difference is you’re browsing a list of live streams as opposed to a list of shows currently airing, but the content is exactly the same. It’s a pretty unique approach.

Why have my apps disappeared?

Old-school TVs had just a few main tasks: pick up signals for free-to-air TV and connect to DVD players or game consoles. You could buy one knowing it would likely last you 10–15 years. 

But modern TVs have modern problems. While they may still function for the same length of time as their predecessors as far as video quality is concerned, you’re likely to encounter different issues such as apps becoming obsolete and platforms cutting off support for your operating system. 

Sometimes this is because streaming services won’t update apps designed for older TVs, due to decreasing demand. New apps, meanwhile, don’t always work on older models for the same reason. For example:

• in 2019, Netflix stopped working on some early 2010s Samsung and Panasonic smart TVs
• SBS On Demand was removed from some Sony TVs that weren’t using Google’s TV software
• Disney+ launched in Australia in 2019, but some Hisense TVs couldn’t support the Disney+ service until late 2021.

This is where a media streaming device, game console or laptop can come in handy. They generally support almost all (if not all) the main streaming services that may not be available on your TV.

Quick troubleshooting tips for your older smart TV

Here are a few simple steps to start sprucing up your TV.

• If an app is playing up or won’t open, delete it and install it again. 
• Perform a manual software update for your smart TV via the settings menu. 
• Restore your TV to the factory default settings, clearing out all the setting changes you may have made over the years.
• If performance is still average or poor, or you still can’t find the streaming apps you want, look into buying a streaming device.
• If picture quality is poor or the video keeps buffering, try using a Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
• If you can’t find an HDMI connection on your old TV and you want to use streaming services, it’s probably time to go shopping for a new TV.
• You may need to upgrade to an internet plan with greater download speed/more bandwidth if you want to stream 4K video, or if multiple people are streaming video at the same time. This can fix quality and buffering issues.

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There’s a lot that goes into finding the best pair of headphones for traveling. Plus, you probably want to make sure the pair you choose is also great for daily use on the bus, at work or around the house. Sound quality is important, but there are many more factors to consider.

What makes a good pair of travel headphones

Before you even start thinking about sound quality, you need to consider battery life and active noise-cancellation (ANC) performance. Battery life is particularly important as you don’t want your headphones to die partway through a long travel leg.

That doesn’t mean you should dismiss sound quality, of course. But a slightly lower score in this area may be a worthwhile compromise for particularly good battery life and ANC.

Comfort is also very important, but it can be subjective. As such, these results in our test are best used as a general guide. Durability is a big factor too, as your headphones are going to get banged around when you’re living out of a backpack or suitcase.

Consider which accessories come with the headphones as well. Look for a sturdy travel case, a detachable cable (to switch between wired and wireless connectivity) and a plane adaptor to access in-flight entertainment. Some of these accessories are sold separately.

Bigger, better battery life

We measure battery life with ANC turned on, but you can stretch it even further by turning this feature off. Most headphones give you the option to toggle it on and off using touch controls or via an official smartphone app. This is covered in the instructions included with the headphones.

Are earbuds or cans better for traveling?

Though this is largely a question of what you prefer, over/on-ear headphones (aka cans) are usually the better option. If they’re well-made, they’ll have considerably longer battery life with better sound and ANC quality, compared to buds.

However, they’re not exactly compact. They take up more space in your bag, they can’t fit discreetly in your pocket and may even weigh a lot more. In these respects, earbuds are a step ahead.

Comfort is a tricky one, simply because everyone’s ears are different. For example, earbuds might feel lighter and more comfortable in the short term, but would you want them sitting in your ear canals for an eight-hour flight?

Ideally, you want a pair of headphones that strikes the right balance across these categories. Aim for products that earn good results or higher in our comfort tests.

Should I insure my headphones before travelling?

It’s worth paying for coverage if you’re traveling with headphones that cost more than $150–200. Most standard travel insurance policies include electronics up to a certain amount but you may need to provide the brand and model info so the insurer can determine the payout in the event of a claim.

This is because claims often factor in the age of the electronics to pay out a depreciated value. In other words, your insurer is unlikely to replace four-year-old headphones with the latest model (or equivalent value).

Most insurers offer additional levels of electronics coverage for a fee. This could be worth it if you’re traveling with lots of tech (laptop, headphones, smartphone) that’s no more than three or so years old. Remember to read the terms before paying for extended coverage.

The best headphones for travel

Our detailed headphone testing data is available exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members.

If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to our expert, independent reviews of headphones, plus hundreds of other products, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which cheap headphones are rated the best by our experts.

Below are the best earbuds and on-ear/over ear headphones for traveling.

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Maybe your current TV is on its last legs or it’s finally time to ditch the high-definition screen and make the jump to 4K. Or maybe you’re just ready for an upgrade.

In any case, you don’t want to become a victim of the unnecessary upsell. Buying the wrong TV for your needs, or one that’s too big (or too small) for your room can end up being a costly exercise.

1. Buying the wrong size screen

Size envy may be real but don’t feel pressured into buying a behemoth TV just because your mate down the road has one.

You may feel like you should get the biggest TV you can reasonably afford, but a giant screen in a small room can cause eye and neck strain.

A small TV, meanwhile, may seem like the affordable alternative, but this can make it difficult to focus on your movies and TV shows if the room is too big.

It’s best to try and shop for a screen that suits the room’s size, while staying within your budget. For example, the most popular TV size in Australia is 65 inches. With this size of TV, you’ll get the best picture quality by sitting 1.25–2.5 metres away, depending on the resolution.

Check out our TV screen size guide to work out what’s best for your home.

2. Being ‘wowed’ by the TV instore

Don’t buy a TV based on the footage playing instore.

Retailers employ a sneaky strategy by showing optimised video in an enhanced, over-saturated store display mode that’s designed to impress with big, bold, bright colours. They also make sure the footage is extremely detailed in 4K or 8K, because almost any TV looks good at these resolutions.

“The TV isn’t going to impress you as much at home, unless you’re watching the JB demo reel or Avatar on repeat,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher.

“You’ll quickly get sick of over-the-top, unrealistic colours as well.”

Ask the salesperson to play some regular videos on YouTube, including standard and high-definition (SD and HD) footage, with the store display mode turned off.

You’ll get a better representation of how the TV will look at home and whether it can clearly display SD and HD video on a large, ultra-high definition display. This process, called upscaling, is often the Achilles heel of cheaper or lower-quality TVs.

3. Not knowing your acronyms and initials

Though new tech is exciting, there’s something to be said for the days when “TV” simply meant a box with a screen. There’s a much bigger range of options these days with an equal amount of jargon to get your head around.

LCD, OLED, HDR and QLED are some examples, and you might not be sure what they all mean and how they affect the viewing experience. But you need to understand basic terms or you could end up with a TV that doesn’t suit your eyes or living room.

For example, did you know that OLED TVs tend to have richer colours, deeper blacks and better contrast (which helps the image pop) but they don’t perform very well in bright rooms?

LCD blacks aren’t quite as good but the screens can be brighter and are usually cheaper, making them a good option for daytime viewing in well-lit homes or shoppers on a budget.

“Some of these terms – LCD and OLED – refer to the type of screen. Though these do make a difference, picture quality is the most important thing. The shorthand is a good starting point so you can narrow down the options to find a screen that suits your needs,” explains Denis.

“Our TV buying guide breaks down the essential technical terms so you can make an informed purchase.

“The best thing to do if you’re unsure of what all the features mean is to view a TV instore and compare it with other models, and look at what each model scores in our independent reviews before buying.”

4. Assuming 8K resolution is the best

Even though 4K ultra-high definition (UHD) has been the new norm for a number of years, 8K (which is four times the resolution of 4K) hasn’t made quite the same splash.

Although there are plenty on the shelves, manufacturers have scaled back the promotion of 8K TVs going to market, compared to 4K. The demand just isn’t there, Denis says.

“8K TVs are expensive and not actually that useful for an Australian home as content at this resolution isn’t mainstream. The vast majority of content on streaming and disc is available in SD, HD or 4K and you can expect it to stay that way for years to come.”

“It’s also virtually impossible to stream 8K video into homes over the existing NBN environment we have in Australia. So, if the salesperson starts spruiking the virtues of an 8K TV over a 4K model, tell them they’re dreaming.”

Lack of content isn’t the only issue. While there are plenty of 4K TVs that do a decent job of displaying SD and HD video, there’s only so much that can be done with lower resolutions shown on a big 8K screen.

You’re better off sticking with 4K until upscaling technology improves.

5. Paying the RRP

A good quality TV can be pretty damn expensive. Even a budget 65-inch model can set you back as much as $1500. But a bit of patience and forward planning can net you a great deal on your dream TV that may otherwise be outside your budget.

Major retailers run plenty of tech sales throughout the year. There are the obvious ones like Black Friday and EOFY, but flash sales and manufacturer-specific deals pop up every few months as well.

In April and May, most of the major retailers clear the previous year’s stock to make room for new models, with serious discounts applied.

“We’ve seen TVs drop as much as 40 percent during the clearance period,” says Denis.

“This works out to be as much as $2000–3000, depending on the size of the screen.

“Unless you’re particularly tech savvy or eager to own the latest tech, a slightly older model will almost definitely meet your needs and look just as good.”

These markdowns also indicate just how much wiggle room exists around the RRP, so if you can’t wait for a sales period, try your hand at haggling. The discounts may not be quite as good but you should be able to talk a few hundred bucks off the price.

6. Buying an unnecessary extended warranty

If you’re shopping at one of the nation’s major electrical retailers, you’ll probably be offered an extended warranty (for an additional cost) with your purchase of a new TV.

But buyer beware: the sales pitch may mislead you about your consumer rights.

When ÌÇÐÄVlog mystery-shopped 80 Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys stores across the country, we found that seven in 10 (71%) of these stores misrepresented the consumer rights you would have access to if you didn’t purchase an extended warranty.

When we asked about consumer rights outside the manufacturer’s warranty period, often the conversation turned immediately to the benefits of an extended warranty. In fact, 73 of the 80 salespeople we spoke to offered to sell us one.

Only when specifically asked about rights without an extended warranty was it acknowledged that we already had rights under consumer law.

Australian Consumer Law says that if you buy an expensive TV and it breaks through no fault of your own after just a few years, for example, the retailer must offer to fix it, replace it or give you your money back – the choice of remedy is yours.

This holds true even if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired and you didn’t buy an extended warranty.

If you do find your TV acts up and is only a year or two old, contact the retailer and let them know you aren’t happy. There’s a lot of useful advice on how to make a complaint and resolve an issue on our consumer rights and advice pages.

7. Overlooking speaker performance

Speaker performance is often overlooked by people buying a television. Even if you’re just shopping for something for a TV to watch the news, sport or a few shows, poor quality audio can almost ruin the experience.

“You don’t necessarily need home cinema speakers, but we’ve tested some TVs that sound as bad as a transistor radio. It can be really hard to enjoy the cricket when you can’t hear the commentary or when big action moments start to crackle and distort,” says Denis.

This is where a soundbar can come in handy, but they aren’t essential, says Denis. “Unless there is some fantastic bundling deal involved, you should see how the TV speakers perform instore and at home. You can always buy a soundbar later on if the TV speakers aren’t up to scratch.”

“Also, if you have an old amplifier and stereo speakers, you may want to try these out first before considering a soundbar.”

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If you’re after a smaller TV for a cosy apartment or bedroom, or you just don’t want a gargantuan screen taking over your living room, you’ll probably be considering a television with a screen of around 32–50 inches. 

Bigger isn’t always better, especially in smaller spaces. Sit too close to a large-screen TV and all you’ll see are the small pixels that make up the screen, rather than a crisp picture.

But will you have to downsize your expectations when opting for a petite telly? Not really, our experts say.

“Although these more compact models don’t usually come with 4K resolution, you wouldn’t really notice the higher video resolution in a screen that’s less than 42 inches anyway,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher.

“And smaller televisions can still offer great viewing performance for SD video (watching DVDs) and HD video (for Blu-ray movies).”

How to pick the right size

When considering the size of the TV you need, you should think about the size of the room and how far away from the screen you’ll be sitting. Resolution is also a factor, especially if you’re watching 4K, ultra-high definition content.

Did you know it’s actually better to sit closer to the TV when watching 4K? This is because the extra detail is only visible from a certain distance. If you sit too far away, the pixels will become harder to distinguish and ultimately look no better than HD.

The distance between your seat and the TV is a bit more flexible if you’re watching things in HD. Even so, there is still a limit for ideal HD viewing position.

The images below depict the best sitting spots for HD and 4K for a range of TV sizes.

Factoring in field of view

Just because you prefer a smaller TV doesn’t mean you have to compromise your viewing experience. Not everyone wants a cinema in their home!

Positioning the TV relative to your field of view is an important, and oft-overlooked, consideration when setting up your entertainment area. Your peripheral vision should meet the edges of the TV, so you’re not distracted by anything else around the screen.

While this isn’t an exact science, what’s for sure is that you don’t want to sit too far back or too close. If you’re too far back, the narrow field of view can make movies and shows seem small. Sitting too close can cause eye strain and nausea. 

Around 30 degrees is the ideal field of view. Trust your eyes and aim for a viewing position in that ballpark. You could even bust out the old protractor for accurate results.

Sound quality for small screens

TV speakers tend to deliver pretty average audio at the best of times, and unfortunately, smaller screens are often worse. The TV case just isn’t big enough to house the larger speakers that can really make an impact.

You may want to pick up a soundbar to improve audio quality, though they can be quite large and may not fit under a small TV. Even if it does, a long soundbar will look pretty out of place.

Headphones or a good-quality wireless speaker are good alternatives. Most small TVs have wireless Bluetooth connectivity, so you can enjoy better audio (depending on the quality of your headphones/speaker) without having to set up a soundbar.

Cheap but not always cheerful

Smaller models start at around the $250–400 mark, but our TV expert Denis Gallagher says there are plenty of average buys out there you should be wary of, regardless of price.

Our experts spend hours in our technology labs testing the audio and picture quality of a wide range of television models, and we also look at model specifications and features, how easy the TVs are to use, and energy efficiency.

To help you find a blockbuster, you can sort our expert TV reviews by price, size, brand, picture quality score, display type and more.

The best small TVs under $1000

If you’re after a quality small TV with a small price to match, check out these options that’ll give you the best picture for the least cash. Our TV experts have rounded up five small TVs that scored well in our testing, but that cost less than $1000 – these are the ones to look out for. Note that they don’t support 4K UHD resolution unless otherwise stated.

Our detailed TV testing data is available exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members. If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews. 

Or log in to unlock this article to see the best small TVs on a budget.

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It’s going to take up prime position in your living room and provide countless enjoyable hours of Netflix bingeing, sports watching or movie marathoning, so the choice of which TV to buy is an important one. 

TVs are one of the most popular discounted items come sale time. And you’ll likely find plenty of offers outside of regular sales periods too, as retailers try to offload unsold stock to make way for new models.

But our experts urge caution if you’re in the market for a new TV: retailers might discount some good-quality TVs, but they also discount plenty of mediocre models too. 

And no-one wants to be stuck with poor picture quality and sub-par sound for years to come. 

To help you sort the star performers from the B-grade extras, our TV experts test dozens of models in our lab each year. We evaluate key factors you want to know about, including picture quality, sound, remote, energy use, user interface and more.

Covering more than 90% of the market, we review popular brands such as LG, Sony, Samsung, TCL and Hisense, along with lesser known ones such as ChiQ, Ffalcon, and Aldi’s house brand Bauhn.

Do you even need a new TV?

Before you get swept up in the sales hype, stop and think about whether you actually need that new TV at all. (We’re not trying to be killjoys, we promise!)

If you’re happy with the picture quality of your existing TV, but feel like it’s just not smart enough, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new one – you can simply smarten up the TV you already own.

ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher explains how to turn a regular TV into a smart TV to breathe new life into your older model and save yourself hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.

The worst large TVs in our test

In our most recent lab tests, our experts found some terrific big-screen TVs alongside some very underwhelming models.Ìý

ChiQ U65M10F

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Size: 65-inch
• Price: $699

Yes, this 65-inch TV seems like an absolute steal at $699 (or less if you get it on sale), but there’s a reason it’s priced so low.

It might look impressive at first glance, but it underperforms on some of the most important things you want a TV to do: make whatever you’re watching look good and sound good.

Picture quality is ordinary in both standard and high definition and our experts say the sound is dull and lacks presence (it doesn’t feel like the audio is filling the room). Even the 4K picture was a bit flat and pale.

Remember, too, that a large TV like this might not be suitable for your space: the larger the TV, the further away you’ll need to sit for the best viewing experience. 

Our experts recommend a viewing distance of around 248cm from a 65-inch screen, so if your lounge room isn’t particularly large, you’ll be better off with a smaller TV anyway – which means you might be able to get a better view for around the same or less money.

Our guide to measuring and choosing the right TV size will help you find the right size for your viewing pleasure.

Read the full ChiQ U65M10F review.

Hisense 65Q6QAU

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Size: 65-inch
• Price: $1099

A $400 step up in price doesn’t translate to a step up in quality. This Hisense might be more expensive than the ChiQ, but it’s barely any better.

The high- and standard-definition picture quality is similarly disappointing and the remote isn’t exactly a joy to use, with our experts rating it as only ‘OK’.

It does deliver better sound quality, but it’s still a bit boomy. Sometimes, this makes the rest of the audio pretty hard to hear, including dialogue.

A number of 65-inch TVs we’ve reviewed that cost around the same performed far better, so we suggest looking elsewhere.

Read the full Hisense 65Q6QAU review. 

Samsung QA65Q7FAAWXXY

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Size: 65-inch
• Price: $2069

We’ve seen a lot of new TVs that look great in 4K but pretty average in all other respects. This TV falls into this exact trap – 4K looks good to very good (depending on the settings) but SD and HD are only OK. 

While 4K is readily available on streaming services and discs, the majority of movies and shows are still only available in SD and HD. That means $2069 will get you a TV that’s only really good at one thing, and you won’t be able to use that thing most of the time.

The price point is a pretty hard sell as well. It’s not hard to find TVs that match, or outperform, this Samsung screen for under $1500. Maybe it would be a better buy on sale, but a pretty steep discount would need to be applied.

Read the full Samsung QA65Q7FAAWXXY review.

Toshiba 65C350RP

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Size: 65-inch
• Price: $1095

Some picture quality concessions need to be made when you’re shopping on a budget. You’re not going to get the best screen in the world and that’s fine – but you can do much better than this budget TV from Toshiba.

Everything falls apart in our HD video assessment. Its borderline HD score of 54% puts it among the worst performers in this part of our test, with SD picture quality only faring slightly better at the lower end of OK (61%).

There are also issues with build quality and performance. Our experts noticed some light bleed, which is when white blotches appear around the edge of the screen. There are also signs of artefacting, an issue that makes the picture break up and turn blocky, mainly during fast-moving scenes.

Read the full Toshiba 65C350RP review.

The worst small TVs in our test

Small screens aren’t really designed to compete with the big dogs but they can still look quite good. These ones, however, do not.

Ffalcon FF32S55

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 64%
• Size: 32-inch
• Price: $199

Ffalcon has earned the esteemed honour of making the cheapest currently available TV in our test. It has also achieved the notable dishonour of being the lowest scoring model.

Compromises in picture and sound quality are normal when you’re shopping on a budget, but try to save a bit more money to avoid this disappointing display. Picture quality is just barely OK, and the built-in speaker is completely absent of bass while sounding harsh and lacking in detail.

The remote control isn’t half bad; it’s actually among the better ones we’ve seen, which includes expensive TVs from major brands. So, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the off button.

Read the full Ffalcon FF32S55 review.

TCL 32S5K

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Size: 32-inch
• Price: $399

TCL’s small TV costs $200 more than the Ffalcon above. Is it worth the extra dough? Not really.

Standard-definition picture quality is good and may sound fine if you tend to watch older movies and shows that haven’t been released in high-definition (HD). But high-def quality is very average and sound quality is poor with no bass, limited detail and an overall harsh feel – just like the Ffalcon.

You’re just paying twice as much money for a better standard-def picture. That’s not worth it, not in 2026 when the vast majority of content is available in HD. Skip the TCL and buy a TV that’s built for the modern age.

Read the full TCL 32S5K review.

Philips 32PHT6529/79

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Size: 32-inch
• Price: $299

In life, not everyone will shoot for the moon. Lots of folks are fine being an average sort of person and that’s OK. Philips has applied the same philosophy to this small TV – a far less acceptable approach when it comes to home entertainment.

Standard-definition picture and sound quality are both firmly OK – the kind of OK where you can’t really fix things by adjusting the settings. High-def, meanwhile, really falls apart as it skirts the line across OK and poor quality (57%).

However, its user interface is very good, almost excellent in fact. This is great news for people who love browsing menus.

Read the full Philips 32PHT6529/79 review.

Toshiba 43C350NP

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Size: 43-inch
• Price: $599

There are some pretty decent small-screen TVs out there for budget-conscious shoppers. This TV from Toshiba is not one of them. With this performance, it’s probably worth around $399, but there’s no reason this TV should cost more than $500.

SD picture quality is only OK, but HD is somehow worse, with only borderline results in our test. 4K has good colour and detail but it’s still very contrasty and not that nice to look at. It also sounds flat, dull and distorted at times.

Your guests are going to have to get nice and cosy on movie night too, because this TV’s viewing angle is very narrow. Move a little bit to the left or right and picture quality goes way down.

Read the full Toshiba 43C350NP review.

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The post The lowest scoring TVs in our tests appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Good quality audio is usually reserved for consumers with deep pockets. But there are plenty of affordable options that earned very good results in our tests, and you can even score a good deal on mid-range and high-end headphones with a little research and smart shopping.

You don’t need to break the bank when shopping for a pair of standard or noise-cancelling headphones. Here are our best cheap picks.

On this page:

• Are expensive headphones better?
• How to improve sound quality with apps
• Passive vs active noise-cancelling headphones
• How to get a good deal on headphones
• What do we mean by ‘best’ headphones
• The best cheap headphones

Are expensive headphones better?

Expensive headphones don’t always deliver the high-performance results you’d expect in our expert tests.

In fact, most of the top rated models are priced in the mid-range, alongside plenty of more expensive options. In other words, why pay $1000 when $500 can get you something in a very similar ballpark?

All that said, the key differentiator between headphones is sound quality and that is a subjective preference. Each manufacturer brings different sound profiles to the table – the way they fine tune the headphones means your favourite song may sound slightly different across various brands.

So, if a $1000 pair sounds better to your ears then that’s the pair for you (if you can afford it).

So what sets expensive headphones apart?

Expensive headphones tend to have more bells and whistles than you would find in cheaper models. For example, you may be more likely to get active noise cancellation (ANC), which isn’t as common on less expensive models. Build quality and feel of the materials may also be better for expensive models.

How to improve sound quality with apps

Almost all Bluetooth headphones have an associated app for smartphones and tablets. These are used to adjust a range of settings and usually include an equaliser (EQ) of some kind. This essentially lets you adjust the volume of various audio frequencies to suit your ears.

You may want to increase the mid-levels, for example, which can help amplify vocals. Or maybe the bass is too heavy and you want to pull it down a touch. Most apps have a range of pre-sets suited to various genres and one or two free slots to set your own EQ.

We test headphones on the default EQ out of the box in order to maintain a level playing field. But it’s worth installing the official app and playing with the EQ as your headphones will more than likely sound better if you tweak the settings to your liking. You can find all of the information in the instruction manual.

Don’t expect miracles, of course. This won’t turn a poor performing pair of headphones around, but it can help you fine tune things with just a little bit of work.

Manufacturer apps

While these apps are mostly available in the iOS App Store or Android Play Store, some first-party manufacturers bake these settings into their operating systems and devices. This is usually limited to products from the same brand or ecosystem.

For example, when you connect a pair of Google Pixel Buds to a Google Pixel smartphone, the equalizer and other options are in the Bluetooth settings rather than a separate app. Apple does something similar when you pair AirPods with an iOS device (iPhone or iPad).

Passive vs active noise-cancelling headphones

There are two types of noise-cancelling headphones: passive and active. Passive noise-cancellation blocks noise from getting in by forming a snug fit in or around your ear which doesn’t require battery power.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) captures noise from your surroundings using built-in microphones, then cancels it out on the fly. The results are usually much better than models that use passive noise-cancellation but the hardware and software need power to operate. That’s why ANC increases battery use when active.

Models without ANC are typically called standard headphones. Most standard headphones have some degree of passive noise-cancellation but some are specifically designed to enhance this feature, for example, they may include different-sized silicon tips with their earbuds.

How to get a good deal on headphones

Our round-up is based on RRP, but it’s not too hard to get a good deal on some higher-quality headphones. Sales occur pretty regularly across almost all retailers and some, such as JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman, may even be open to haggling.

Also, older models often receive heavy discounts when new ones are released. Turnover can be as often as 12–18 months and sound quality is often more of less unchanged. Battery life tends to be the main difference so check our test results to see if an older, cheaper pair still provides enough charge for your needs.

What do we mean by ‘best’ headphones

When people ask about the “best headphones” they’re usually talking about the headphones with the best sound quality. This is the most important part of our test but we also look at other aspects including comfort, battery life and durability.

Our list of the best cheap headphones is based on our ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating, which factors in various performance tests. Some models with a lower sound quality score may have a higher ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating for other reasons, for example, they could have performed better in the battery life or durability tests.

Bear in mind, we only recommend headphones with a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of 75% or more. That said, cheaper headphones that scored 70–74% are still worth considering, especially if their sound quality results are 70% or higher.

So, when you’re looking through this list, remember to look at all of the included scores, not just the ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating. That way you can find a pair of headphones that truly suits your needs.

The best cheap headphones

Our detailed headphone testing data is available exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members. 

If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to test results on headphones, as well as access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more. 

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which cheap headphones, that cost $250 or less, are rated the best by our experts.

The post Best cheap headphones from our tests appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Poor-quality headphones can make even Led Zeppelin sound more like your kid brother’s garage band. 

Whether you’re enjoying your carefully curated playlists, catching up on podcasts or watching YouTube videos on the go, a decent pair of headphones can be a lifesaver. 

But a poor pair of headphones can render your favourite playlist unlistenable. And if the noise cancellation’s no good, you might not be able to hear which song is playing anyway.

This is why it’s worth doing your research, especially given how expensive some brands can be. 

Fortunately, ÌÇÐÄVlog has done the hard work of testing them so you don’t have to. Our audio experts have reviewed the most popular products on the market from Apple, Sennheiser, Skullcandy, Sony, Beats, Bang & Olufsen, JBL, Jabra and more.

“Our sound tests always reveal some surprising results,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog audio expert Peter Zaluzny. 

“We’ve listened to $500 headphones that rate worse than pairs half their price – sometimes from the very same brand. Paying more doesn’t guarantee a better quality product, so it pays to shop carefully.”

We’ve recently remastered our headphone testing, so our review covers all headphone types, from petite in-ear models through to noise-cancelling over-ear cans with all the features. 

You can filter by type (in-ear, over-ear), price, brand, noise cancellation options and more to find the perfect pair for you. Whichever type you’re looking for, we don’t want you to end up with a dud buy, so here are the products that scored lowest in our lab tests.

Consider becoming a ÌÇÐÄVlog member to see the best performers.

On-ear and over-ear headphones: What’s the difference?

On-ear headphones don’t look especially different to the over-ear variety, but they don’t completely surround your ears. Instead they sit on the outside of your ears, allowing more airflow around them. 

This generally makes them smaller and therefore easier to store and transport, but they don’t block as much ambient noise. They also press on your ears, so poorly made models can get uncomfortable pretty quickly. 

Are noise cancelling headphones better?

This is a matter of personal preference, according to Peter. “A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can provide a great listening experience while you’re on the go, as they’re designed to filter out environmental sounds,� he says.

“But just because some headphones have this feature doesn’t necessarily mean they sound good. In fact, poorly implemented noise-cancelling technology can make your music sound worse, which is why we test audio quality with it turned on and off.

Earbuds/in-ear headphones to avoid

In-ear headphones tend to trade optimal sound quality for compact convenience, but that doesn’t mean they have to sound bad. These buds fall well short of the competition with some of the worst audio quality results in our test.

1. Soundcore C40i

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 37%
• Sound quality score: 26%
• Price: $190
• Type: In-ear (true wireless)
• Active noise-cancellation: No

Headphones have one job – to play audio. The brief is simple and yet somehow, Soundcore manages to get it very wrong.

The C40i earbuds have the dual honour of being not just the worst sounding headphones in our test but also the lowest scoring pair overall. Cheap and nasty almost seems too kind.

Nothing really rises above mediocrity here. Comfort, battery life, ease of use and microphone quality (for phone calls and so on) are all very average.

The one area where these buds do themselves proud is durability, which our experts scored as excellent. So at least you can safely throw them across the room after hearing the awful audio quality.

See the full Soundcore C40i review.

2. JBL Wave Flex 2

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 45%
• Sound quality score: 32%
• Price: $100
• Type: In-ear (true wireless)
• Active noise-cancellation: No

Hundred-dollar headphones sound pretty appealing if you’re after an affordable way to enjoy music or podcasts throughout the day. There’s nothing wrong with going basic, but headphones that sound this bad are never worth it – even for $100.

Not only do they sound plain awful, they’re uncomfortable as well. Performance in those areas is almost unforgivable and a bit of a waste when they’re actually not half bad otherwise.

Battery life? Pretty good. Durability? Very good. Normally both positive points but in this case, potential drawbacks. After all, you’ll probably want these buds to break as soon as possible so you can buy a better pair.

There’s no real reason to consider the Wave Flex 2 earbuds over headphones from other brands. Even the original (albeit now discontinued) Wave Flex buds from JBL are cheaper and better overall.

See the full JBL Wave Flex 2 review.

3. JLab Epic Open Sport

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 52%
• Sound quality score: 48%
• Price: $200
• Type: In-ear (true wireless)
• Active noise-cancellation: No

Sports headphones like these put a big emphasis on comfort, fit and durability. Unlike most earbuds that can get dislodged during vigorous movement like running, these try to hold firm with additional protection from sweat, light rain and so on.

In this regard, The Epic Open Sport earbuds are OK. Comfort and ease of use aren’t bad and the IP55 weather sealing protects them from light water pressure (e.g. from a hose jet) and other fluids, as well as dust and dirt.

But they fail to deliver where it counts. Sound quality is barely better than poor and battery life is bad by current standards at just over four hours. While this is probably suitable for most workouts, that’s nowhere near enough charge for a whole day.

If only JLab had put a bit more effort into honing the sound quality and extending the battery life, these buds wouldn’t be on this list.

See the full JLab Epic Open Sport review.

On-ear/over-ear headphones to avoid

Old school over-ear headphones can be pretty cumbersome compared to earbuds, but they have the space for larger speakers and bigger batteries. This means better sound quality and longer battery life – in theory.

But the biggest issue with these headphones to avoid is durability. All those extra moving parts are susceptible to wear and tear and many of these models just aren’t built to last.

1. JLab JBuddies Studio

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 44%
• Sound quality score: 41%
• Price: $60
• Type: On-ear
• Active noise-cancellation: No

These low-cost headphones aren’t exactly shooting for the stars. They’re a cheap option designed to keep kids happy before their ears have developed discerning tastes.

Even with that in mind, you’re better off buying a pair of second-hand headphones for less or hunting around the house for some hand-me-downs. Sure, your kids are unlikely to complain about the sound quality, but why waste $60?

Plus, comfort and durability are only OK. Since kids are famously not very gentle with their belongings, they’ll probably end up in landfill sooner than you’d like.

See the full JLab JBuddies Studio review.

2. Shokz OpenMove

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 48%
• Sound quality score: 34%
• Price: $129
• Type: Bone conduction
• Active noise-cancellation: No

Bone conduction you say? Well that sounds funky and futuristic! Well, kind of, but all the cool tech in the world can’t save an audio device that doesn’t sound good.

We say ‘audio device’ because these aren’t headphones in the traditional sense. Instead, they basically sit adjacent to your ears and transmit audio by stimulating the bones in your ear canal.

Does it work? Yes, but at the expense of sound quality in this case. They earned poor results in our audio quality test and ease of use is not much better.

According to Shokz, these bone conduction headphones are designed for sports and everyday use. This kind of makes sense as the wrap-around design isn’t at risk of falling out of your ears. But at the end of the day, you still want your headphones to sound decent and these simply don’t deliver.

See the full Shokz OpenMove review.

3. Audeze MM-100

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Sound quality score: 79%
• Price: $679
• Type: Over-ear
• Active noise-cancellation: No

Expensive headphones like these veer away from the consumer market towards audiophile territory. Rightly so, because not only do these studio grade cans sound good, they don’t offer wireless connectivity at all.

As far as sound quality goes, the MM-100 cans are aiming for the higher-end of the market. Everything runs through an old-school cable, removing the risk of audio compression that can come with Bluetooth. This also reduces latency (lag) when watching videos or playing games.

All sounds pretty good, right? Unfortunately, these headphones are about as durable as a wet paper bag, earning poor results (28%) in this part of the test. You’d think $680 would get you something at least a little more robust.

Meanwhile, the included carry case is just a fabric bag which isn’t enough to protect these fragile headphones against anything more than a scratch. It’s probably best to just keep these headphones at home – in fact that might be the intention.

But if that’s the case, then don’t expect to spend hour after hour kicking back with some tunes on the couch. The MM-100s are not very comfortable to wear with a borderline score of 53%.

Credit where credit is due, Audeze did a good job with the sound quality. It’s just a pity that the MM-100s fall short in all other respects.

See the full Audeze MM-100 review.

4. JBL Live 670NC

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Sound quality score: 67%
• Price: $200
• Type: On-ear
• Active noise-cancellation: Yes

These on-ear headphones from JBL have pretty decent audio quality and they’re among the most affordable cans with good (70%) noise-cancellation around. So what’s the problem? Durability.

JBL’s headphones earned a measly 22% in this part of the test. In other words, they can feel wobbly, they’re easily damaged and seem poorly made overall. Your brand-new headphones may just break before you know it.

For $200, you could forgive a few cut corners here and there, maybe some missing features and even slightly lower sound quality. But the very poor build quality goes well beyond what’s acceptable for budget headphones. Despite the name, they’re unlikely to be alive for very long.

See the full JBL Live 670NC review.

The post The headphones to avoid buying appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

If you love your music, these are the wireless speakers to avoid buying. We’ve picked the worst performing models in various price categories so you can avoid the cheap and nasties as well as the high-priced duds.

How much do wireless speakers cost?

Depending on what you’re after, you can opt for: 

• a battery-powered portable speaker with a Bluetooth connection linked directly to your smart device so it’s 100% portable.
• a home speaker that has a wireless Wi-Fi connection to your home network so you can stream music over your home network. These are usually quite bulky and require a power socket, so they aren’t really portable.
• a smart screen with voice assistance and a display, which is perfect in your kitchen for viewing recipes or cooking videos, or in the bedroom for the morning news or a podcast (note these are no longer part of our test).

The cheapest models in our test cost around $20, while the high-end models can run as high as $3000.

Sound quality tends to match the asking price when it comes to speakers and though there are plenty of exceptions (especially poor performers at the very expensive end), you can expect to pay around $500–1000 for a good quality wireless speaker.

Of course, sound quality is subjective and cheaper models that didn’t earn the tick of approval from our experts aren’t necessarily terrible. It’s always best to have a listen to the speakers before you buy if you can, as you may find some that suit your needs, and your ears, at a much more affordable price point.

Wireless speakers are also the kind of products that are steeply discounted during sales periods, particularly at major retailers like JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. If you find a model you like but it’s outside your price range, hold out for a sale as it could drop by a very decent margin.

How we test wireless speakers

To make sure you get the best bass for your buck, our panel of experts listens to a range of music and audio. This includes classical, jazz, pop and speech with male and female vocals (i.e. a podcast). Technical measurements of frequency response and harmonic distortion are taken as well.

We also conduct a general ease of use assessment which covers setup, day-to-day use, the effectiveness of digital assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant (where available) and more. Lastly, battery life and power consumption are measured and scored.

We record battery life for portable speakers and annual energy consumption for home models, in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Note: We updated and overhauled our wireless speakers test in June 2025, following changes to our test method and scoring system. Some previously tested models may have new scores and recommendations as a result. For a complete explanation, read more about how we test wireless speakers below.

Lowest scoring speakers in our test

Here’s the worst performing speakers from the following price brackets, arranged in order from cheapest to most expensive:

• Under $100: House of Marley Jammin
• $101–200: JBL Grip
• $201–300: Audio Pro P5
• $301–400: Bose SoundLink Home
• $401–500: Bang & Olufsen Explore
• $500 and above: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen
• Worst high-end speaker: Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge

Worst under $100: House of Marley Jammin

• Cost (RRP): $59
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 24%
• Sound quality score: 14%
• Ease of use score: 47%
• Power score: 63%
• Battery life (hh:mm): 9:32

In a testament to the enduring power of Bob Marley’s name and music, this speaker will make you want to get up, stand up – for a refund. Not only is it the lowest scoring model in our test overall, it has the worst sound quality out of any currently available model we’ve tested. A moment for our expert’s ears, please.

Now granted, this cheap, rectangular cube isn’t designed to compete with a mid- to high-range model. But even so, there are other speakers in this price category that sound so much better than the very poor sounds that soured our audio lab from this speaker.

Other test results are borderline at best and it’s not all that easy to use. Battery life and water resistance (light rain, splashes and mist) are decent, but your friends will send you home if you dare to bring a Jammin wireless speaker to the next outdoor event.

Read the full House of Marley Jammin review.

Worst between $101–200: JBL Grip

• Cost (RRP): $130
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 37%
• Sound quality score: 32%
• Ease of use score: 72%
• Power score: 39%
• Battery life (hh:mm): 6:38

The JBL Grip isn’t much bigger than a soft drink can. It doesn’t sound much better either.

Most of the marketing for this product seems to be geared towards outdoor entertaining – pool parties, picnics and twilight patio hangs. So, does it bring the summertime vibes? No, if anything the Grip will make your friends want to move inside, away from the noise.

Small speakers aren’t going to have the best sound quality in the world but even so, 32% is pretty poor. Where average audio can just fade into the background during a get-together, the JBL Grip sounds so bad, it’s distracting.

Read the full JBL Grip review.

Worst between $201–300: Audio Pro P5

• Cost (RRP): $249
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 38%
• Sound quality score: 37%
• Ease of use score: 59%
• Power score: 30%
• Battery life (hh:mm): 5:19

Audio Pro in name but barely Audio Pro in nature, maybe it would be best to rename this speaker the Audio Poor P5. Sound quality for classical, jazz and pop just isn’t very good at all, while battery life is among the worst in our test.

While you can’t expect amazing sound quality from a speaker of this size, it’s certainly big enough to deliver results better than what our experts heard. Plus, you’re probably going to have trouble setting up and using the Pro P5 as the ease of use results are firmly OK. Sorry Mr Pro, but it’s time to go.

Read the full Audio Pro P5 review.

Worst between $301–400: Bose SoundLink Home

• Cost (RRP): $350
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 49%
• Sound quality score: 45%
• Ease of use score: 70%
• Power score: 53%
• Battery life (hh:mm): 7:29

The SoundLink range from Bose has been around for some time, though it’s never really risen above mediocrity. Sound quality has always been pretty middling across the selection of entry-level and mid-range speakers.

In keeping with tradition, the new SoundLink Home speaker is an average performer – all style and no substance. It’s the only Bose model to earn poor results in our audio test (45%), with flat, muddy sound that lacks impact.

While it looks quite nice with an overall modern design with some light retro touches, there’s no dust and moisture protection whatsoever. This makes the SoundLink Home a strictly indoor affair, making its portability fairly limited.

Bose fans should consider the slightly older SoundLink Revolve+ II instead. It has better (but still average) sound quality, an extra three-and-a-half hours of battery life and dust and splash protection – all for the same asking price of $350.

Read the full Bose SoundLink Home review.

Worst between $401–500: Bang & Olufsen Explore

• Cost (RRP): $460
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 38%
• Sound quality score: 33%
• Ease of use score: 53%
• Power score: 52%
• Battery life (hh:mm): 10:48

Bang & Olufsen, the iconic electronics brand, celebrated its 100th anniversary in November this year. But the Explore portable speaker is nothing to celebrate.

These skillful Danes have built some legendary high-end audio products over the years and yet this wireless speaker is a classic example of paying extra for the branding alone. There’s nothing here to suggest that the Explore meets the same lofty standards as the name suggests. So don’t be fooled by that B&O stamp.

The sound quality, ease of use and power results are similar to, or worse than, cheaper speakers in this article – not to mention many others in our test. Features are almost identical too, so really you can get the same performance for half the price of this model.

Read the full Bang & Olufsen Explore review.

Worst over $500: Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen

• Cost (RRP): $640
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 48%
• Sound quality score: 42%
• Ease of use score: 60%
• Power score: 69%
• Battery life (hh:mm): 11:44

The 2nd Gen version of this speaker was among the lowest performers for speakers at its price point – until now. Not content to rest on its laurels, B&O has worked hard to lower the bar even further with the 3rd Gen version, which sounds considerably worse.

This seems to be another case of B&O trading on its legacy alone, which is a shame. But it’s hard to excuse an updated speaker that drags audio quality down from sounding borderline (2nd Gen) to poor, while keeping the $640 price point.

How this happened is anyone’s guess, because the 3rd Gen is almost exactly the same size and weight as the previous iteration. In other words, there’s nothing to suggest that the core design has changed to the point that we can blame it for this significant drop in audio quality.

Battery life has improved though. Maybe B&O moved the speaker out of the way to shove a bigger battery in? Don’t waste your money, in any case.

Read the full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen review.

Worst high-end speaker: Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge

• Cost (RRP): $1850
• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Sound quality score: 58%
• Ease of use score: 51%
• Power score: 29%
• Annual energy use (kWh): 50.55

We included this speaker to show you that price doesn’t always equal quality – and what a price to drive that point home! Bang & Olufsen has taken out a third spot in our list of duds and these results are particularly painful for a RRP of $1850.

To be fair, the sleek, elegant, modern design does fit nicely into spaces like a study, reading nook and so on. This speaker could easily blend in to deliver the effect of music emanating from nowhere and that alone does warrant a higher RRP.

But you want at least some substance to match that style and the borderline audio quality doesn’t come close to justifying the price. Looks, unfortunately, can so often deceive.

Read the full Bang & Olufsen Beosound Emerge review.

The post Wireless speakers to avoid appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• What is a smart TV and what can it do?
• LCD vs OLED screens – which is better?Ìý
• Screen resolution: Your options
• TV screen size guide
• How to get the best picture quality
• How to get the best sound quality
• Other key features to look for
• Australia's best TV brand
• How to donate or recycle your old TV

What is a smart TV and what can it do?

The word ‘smart’ is getting a lot of use with TVs these days and it’s constantly changing. It used to refer to whether the TV can connect to the internet and home networks, like your computer or smartphone, but ‘smartness’ continues to evolve as TVs become more sophisticated in the apps they provide and the connectivity they have with other smart devices in your home.

If smart functionality is important to you, go for a smart TV from a top-tier brand, such as LG, Sony or Samsung, as the smarts in cheaper TVs tend to be poorly implemented. The most important thing is to make sure the TV has the smart functionality you need.

A connected smart TV can stream media from Netflix, Disney+ and other subscription services over your home network. You can also catch up on broadcast TV whenever you like using apps like ABC iView or SBS On Demand. These apps can be installed on smart TVs so you don’t need to use an additional device (like an Apple TV or a games console).

Many offer casting or Wi-Fi Direct, where the device makes a one-to-one network connection with your smartphone. This can even extend to smart device support so you can control other devices like speakers, lights and home security cameras. Smart TVs can also easily apply security and system updates to improve the TV’s features and performance.

LCD vs OLED screens – which is better?Ìý

Walk into a home electronics store and you’ll be bombarded with a cornucopia of letters that determine the TV screen type.

If the TV is well made, the LCD or OLED credentials will make very little difference to the quality of the image. There are differences but for the most part they’re a good deal less important than the quality of the manufacturer.

Screen resolution: Your options

When you see the term resolution when looking to buy a TV, what does it mean and why should you care?

A TV’s resolution is defined by the number of picture elements or pixels on the screen with a figure to show how many pixels are across the screen and from top to bottom. So 1920 x 1080 is an indication of resolution for a TV where there are 1920 horizontal pixels and 1080 vertical pixels. Basically, the higher the resolution, the less likely it is you’ll see dots on the screen when watching a movie.Ìý

SD or standard definition resolution is what you would have watched in the ’90s up until the early 2000s when HD (high definition) started to appear. These days 4K is more or less the standard for TVs and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a brand new HD unit.

4K TVs have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 or four times the resolution of a full HD television. Retailers also call this ultra-high definition or UHD for short but as far as you should be concerned, it’s the same thing. The full benefits of 4K are harder to see on TVs smaller than 55 inches.

There’s plenty of 4K content available on streaming services, though some (like Netflix) require the highest tier subscription. You can also find plenty of 4K movies and shows on good old physical media (provided you have a 4K Blu-ray player), as well as 4K games. The latest models from Xbox and PlayStation, as well as some older generations, support 4K as well as mid to high-end PCs.

Bear in mind that paying for more pixels doesn’t guarantee a better picture. More pixels may actually make it harder for the TV’s picture processor to deliver a good image. Colour accuracy, smooth transitions between colours, and blacks that don’t look muddy or lose detail are still far more important.

TV screen size guide

Personal preference aside, there are three important factors you need to consider for the best viewing experience:Ìý

• TV screen resolution (HD or 4K)
• the size of your room
• how far you like to sit from the screen.

We’ve included a couple of examples here, or you can check out the link below for a complete guide on how to measure and choose the right TV size for your room.

Best screen size for a high definition TV

A 127cm (50-inch) HD TV will look fine at a viewing distance of two metres.

If you want to sit closer, get a smaller TV to avoid seeing the pixels (dots) that make up the screen. A bigger TV means you’ll have to sit further away.

Best screen size for a 4K TV

4K TVs have a much higher resolution than HD. This means you can have a large TV in a small room and sit closer to the screen before seeing the individual pixels. Generally, sitting around two metres away from the screen will give you the best viewing experience.

Want a big screen larger than 100 inches? Check out ourÌýprojector reviewsÌýto level up your next movie night.

How to get the best picture quality

Here are our tips for judging picture quality when shopping for a TV instore.

Viewing angle

As you move sideways from the centre of the screen, some TVs will lose colour and contrast. If the picture degrades too much when you move away from the centre of the screen, look for another model.

Natural skin tones

Observe textures on a person in a studio setting, such as a news presenter. Watch out for overall colour contamination such as a greenish or yellow tint that can’t be removed by adjusting the controls.

Cycle through picture mode settings

Check outÌýdynamic, standard, normal or vivid in the store, as this may change the picture quality markedly. Remember, mostÌýstores have the TVs at their brightest and most saturated colour settings to get your attention. When the TV is delivered it’ll be set to a standard or normal setting and won’t be as bright.

High-dynamic range (HDR)

This technology expands the TV’s colour palette by increasing the level of accessible luminance to display increased contrast between bright and dark colour. Almost all 4K TVs support HDR, and you’ll find plenty of HDR compatible movies and TV shows on disc and via streaming services. The main versions are HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

When you buy your TV, ask the sales person if HDR is on by default, or whether you need to activate it. Some brands require you to turn it on for each HDMI port. Once activated, it should automatically switch on and off when you switch between HDR and non-HDR video content and games.

Getting the best out of dark scenes on a regular TV

While we can’t all go out and buy a 75-inch OLED TV, there are a few things you can do with your TV to see enough detail in shows that have a lot of dark scenes (thinkÌýGame of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Stranger ThingsÌýand basically any similar genre series).Ìý

Use the TV menu to take your picture settings back to defaults

• First, try out some of the TV maker’s suggestions –ÌýCinema,ÌýMovieÌý– and see if this does the trick.Ìý
• Some of the latest TVs also have an ‘HDR effect’ mode where they attempt to enhance the dynamic range of the picture to reveal more detail in dark areas of a scene.Ìý
• Check on a challenging scene on the show and pause it so you can see the changes in action.

Try Filmmaker Mode (it’s not a gimmick)

Filmmaker Mode is one of the first truly useful picture ‘effects’ introduced in the past few years. It turns off all the post-processing effects introduced by the TV manufacturer, such as motion smoothing, vibrancy enhancements and noise reduction, to deliver a picture as close as possible to the filmmaker’s intentions.

Most new TVs have this as a setting so give it a try, particularly with 4K HDR content. You may never go back to your old colour-saturated setting again.

ÌÇÐÄVlog has recently included the Filmmaker score in the ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of our TV reviews as we feel it offers a truly useful picture quality option for your TV and importantly is fairly easy to implement.

Adjust the settings yourself

• Play with theÌýBrightnessÌýsetting and raise the brightness level to see if you can get more detail in the scene without washing out the rest of the picture.
• Raise the settings in small increments and keep an eye on the whole scene.
• Next, try theÌýBacklightÌýsetting, and finallyÌýContrastÌýto help bring out the subject more.
• The last resort is to adjustÌýColourÌýorÌýColour TemperatureÌýsettings. You may find this doesn’t help much on especially dark episodesÌýbecause the colour range available to help bring out the subjects is limited.

You’ll probably need to try a few times to get the picture right. Once you change these settings, you’ll still need to change them back to watch other styles of TV show. Also, make sure you know where the ‘reset picture setting’ selection is located as you may need to start from scratch if you got too adventurous with your colour and brightness settings.

How to get the best sound quality

TV speakers have improved over the years, but they rarely sound as good as a soundbar or anything like a home cinema. So if you want to stick with the speakers in your next TV, listen out for these indicators when when you go shopping instore.

Good sound

Good sound should be balanced. You don’t want certain elements of the mix, such as bass, to be too prominent. Keep an ear out for clear dialogue, warm, resonant, full-sounding bass, and clear and punchy details for short and high-frequency sounds like gunshots.

Solid presence, which is the feeling that you’re in the same room as the action you’re seeing on screen, is equally important. This can make the audio feel exciting.

A sense of separation between the left and right speakers will improve immersion along with good dynamics. This is the difference between soft and loud sounds. It helps keep audio frequencies separate so it sounds more exciting and less like a brick wall – footsteps shouldn’t be the same volume as an explosion.

Bad sound

More or less the opposite of good sound, particularly an unbalanced mix. Overly boomy bass can muffle or muddy things up while tinny, hollow, harsh or retrenched sounds leave a feeling that something is missing. It can also lack body or sound like the audio is coming down a phone line. Keep an ear out for hiss and distortion as well.

Brick-walling, where the audio sounds like it’s at the same volume so it seems flat, is another problem that destroys detail and nuance. Particularly loud speakers, especially the bass, can cause case rumble too. It’s distracting and changes the tone of the audio and is also the area we really penalise the TV for in our listening test as it’s not something you can fix in the TV settings.

Retailers love to put on loud, punchy audio because it has an immediate impact that sounds impressive. But loud doesn’t always mean good and after a while, you’ll find that movies and shows sound rather boring due to the flat audio.

Using soundbars or external speakers

Soundbars are a popular option for people that want to get better sound from their TV but don’t have the interest, budget, space or time to build a full-blown home cinema.Ìý

They’re designed to simulate the effects of surround sound setups in a much smaller package that’s generally cheaper as well.Ìý

But like the move from TVs to soundbars, with few exceptions an external speaker setup and a reasonable amplifier will almost always sound better.

Configurations for both options include:

• 2.0: stereo surround or left and right channel
• 2.1:Ìýstereo surround plus a subwoofer
• 3.1: stereo surround plus subwoofer and a centre speaker for enhanced voice
• 5.1:Ìýfive speakers and one subwoofer to create the surround sound effect
• 7.1 or more: adds extra satellite speakers to increase the experience
• Dolby Atmos/DTS-X:Ìýobject-based surround sound which is designed to make you feel like you’re in the location that’s on screen – it can specifically place the objects in reference to their position on screen, which is a step up from the general surround sound in a 5.1 setup.

How to improve audio and save money

A home cinema can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Technology and codecs (e.g. Dolby and DTS) don’t change all that often, and much of the same tech that was around a decade or more ago is still in use today.

Say you only want to set up a 5.1 surround sound system. In this case you won’t need a high-end Atmos/DTS-X enabled amplifier. A second-hand unit from five or even 10 years ago will work and sound just as good (provided you’re not a hardcore audiophile).

Just bear in mind that you won’t be able to play 4K video through the amplifier unless it’s a recent model. However, you can run one cable into your TV and another into your receiver to split the signal and send 4K video directly to the TV.

Other key features to look for

Connecting devices

Blu-ray/DVD players, media players (e.g. Apple TV) and AV receivers or computersÌýall need to be connected in one way or another. You’ll need to decide the connection type (usually HDMI, an all-digital connection for both sound and video in the one cable) and count the number of connections you’ll need.

New TVs typically only use HDMI. If you want to connect older equipment, you’ll need to buy converters that support classic connectors such as component and S-video (the kind of ports you can find on your VHS player). Converters are available in most electronics stores and online. Simply search for, or ask about, the conversion you require (e.g. component to HDMI converter).

Recording shows and movies

Many TVs will now record shows. However, most TVs will only do it for the program they’re tuned to. Very few TVs have two tuners, allowing you to record one channel while you watch another.Ìý

If you think one tuner is going to be enough for you it could help reduce the number of boxes (and remote controls) in your TV room.

Wall mount or table top: Which is best?

Sitting the TV on a table top is easier, but make sure it’s stable and preferably secured to the base, so small children can’t pull it over. Wall mounting looks much neater and can be useful if you’re in a small room that lacks the space for a table top.

However, accessing connections and keeping cords hidden can be a headache if you’re wall mounting. You also tend to sit below the set when it’s wall mounted, which can be an uncomfortable and inferior viewing experience.

Remote control

Make sure the more commonly used buttons (volume, channel selector, standby and mute) can be located at a glance. If you have young children or an absentminded partner and your remote is likely to go missing, choose a TV with easily accessible controls on the TV itself.

Model number

The TV’s model number tells you what year it was made – if you know how to decipher each brand’s product code. Having this information up your sleeve means you can look for the latest model, or drive a hard bargain on an older model.

Refresh rate

The refresh rate is the number of times in a second that the screen is refreshed. Supposedly the higher the number (often expressed in Hz), the smoother the image, particularly with sports.

This was once a bit of a marketing gimmick that made movies and TV shows look unnaturally smooth, but things have changed with the latest generation of games consoles. Some games support frame rates of 60–120 frames per second (FPS) which is where a higher refresh rate comes in handy.

Unfortunately, this is not entirely true and manufacturers have taken to making up new ways to measure Hz, which just gives them big numbers to put on the box. Ignore suspiciously high Hz figures and look at the image on the screen.

Freeview and Freeview Plus

Freeview is simply the brand behind free-to-air TV (i.e. ABC, SBS, Network 9, Channel 10 and Channel 7). It integrates the EPG (electronic program guide), or onscreen program guide, which should be easy to navigate and read.

Most TVs also support Freeview Plus. This adds support for catch-up TV apps like iView and 7plus, so you watch what you want when you want. However, for all this to work you need your smart TV connected to the internet through your home network, as the catch-up TV is delivered to you via streaming video.

Australia’s best TV brand

So which TV brand should you buy? We’ve identified the best of the bunch based on our test results as well as feedback from our members on satisfaction and reliability.ÌýWith almost 50 years of testing experience behind us, we can confidently tell you about video and audio performance, as well as ease of use. We normally test about 80 TV models each year in our labs, covering a majority of the market.Ìý

Best TV brand for 2025: LG

LG is once again the best TV brand for the past 12 months.ÌýLG TVs have performed well in our labs over this period, and LG TV owners are very satisfied according to ourÌýproduct reliability survey.

This is the tenth year running that LG has scored the ÌÇÐÄVlog Best Brand title for TVs. To find out which specific TV models we recommend, click on the ‘Recommended’ box in the filters section of ourÌýTV reviews.

TV Best Brand scores for 2025

1. LG – 83%
2. Sony – 79%
3. SamsungÌý– 76%
4. Hisense –Ìý72%
5. TCL – 70%
6. Kogan – 67% (only two models tested)
7. Bauhn (Aldi) – 66%Ìý

Hisense, TCL, Kogan and Aldi are not eligible for Best Brand this year as they don’t meet all our criteria.

It’s important to note that the performance of specific product models may vary quite significantly, so don’t assume that one brand’s products are the best across the many different features, functions and price points.

How to donate or recycle your old TV

Once you’re ready to upgrade your TV, what do you do with the old one? Don’t send it off to landfill just yet because there’s a good chance it can be reused or recycled.

Donate it

Some charities will take working LCD and LED TVs. When it comes to the major ones, will accept them, might depending on the store, and The Red Cross won’t. You can also try contacting smaller local charities or community organisations in your area. They may even come and collect your old TV if you’re not too far from their storage facility.

Recycle it

If your TV has gone the way of analogue broadcasting then it’s time to recycle it. Many of the components can be reused and it won’t cost you a cent thanks to the .

This is a government-run, industry-funded program that recycles a bunch of e-waste items, including old TVs. It has a number of dedicated drop-off points including spaces shared with local businesses, like Officeworks. To find your nearest location, head to or and enter your address.ÌýJust remember to call the location before heading down there as some smaller locations may not have the space to store old TVs.Ìý

Otherwise, most local councils will accept TVs during e-waste drop-off events at no charge. These are a little different to your regular council clean-up as you’ll need to take the TV to a collection facility rather than putting it out on the kerb.

For example, the (where ÌÇÐÄVlog is located) accepts TVs. Check your local council website or give them a call to find out if TVs can be dropped off in your area.

You can also consider using The Good Guys’ and JB Hi-Fi’s recycling services, which operate through Ecoactiv. The staff will accept almost any item with a power cable that you can think of. They’ll come and collect it for free and they’ve also committed to donating five meals to people in need for every item recycled.ÌýJust head to the , submit the items you want to recycle and someone will get in touch.

The post How to buy a great TV appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

The only problem? Retailers are also knownÌýto offload old or unwanted stock during the sales, so there are plenty of not-so-good TVs out there, too. Plus, with Boxing Day just around the corner, you may actually land a better deal if you wait just one more month.

ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher shares his tips on what to look for and how to bag a good TV for a discounted price in the sales.Ìý

Is Black Friday or Boxing Day the best time to buy a TV?

Our experts, with the help of industry insiders, have found that Black Friday is probably the best time to buy a new TV. That’s because there’s a big range of models with plenty of stock and big discounts.

“It’s a great time to update your TV as the 2025 models that were released in April and May have now been on the shelves for some time,” says Denis.Ìý“Companies have lots of stock that they want to move on before the end of the year.”

So, there’ll be plenty of TVs on sale – but this isn’t necessarily the right time to buy the cheapest TV possible.

“Black Friday is not the time to go looking for any old TV at rock bottom prices,” Denis says. “You’re better off looking at mid-range and premium-priced TVs where there’s enough of a profit margin for companies to knock sizeable amounts off the normal price while still making good coin.”

And even though the sales officially start on Friday 28 November, look around during the lead-up.

“Many retailers jump the gun and start discounting early, so keep an eye out from now,” says Denis.

Insider reveals: Black Friday has best range of TVs

A retail industry insider has revealed to ÌÇÐÄVlog that Black Friday sales have overtaken Boxing Day sales for TVs, in terms of offering both the best price and the best range.Ìý

That’s because there’s generally not much stock left after Black Friday, so retailers don’t have a lot of scope to offer the same big discounts in the Boxing Day sales.

The insider also explained that many suppliers release “event models” – TVs that come on the market just in time for the sales. Some are made especially for the sales event and they may not be available after that.Ìý

“If you find a great saving on one of these event models from big brands such as LG, Samsung or Sony, go for it,” says Denis.Ìý

Just bear in mind that we can only test TVs that are widely available, so we may not have been able to check them out in our labs.Ìý

The best time vs the cheapest time to buy a TV

So, Black Friday is the best time to buy (if you want a decent selection), but March to April is likely when you’ll find the cheapest TVs. This is when manufacturers run out the remaining models from the previous year to make way for the new ones.

But isn’t cheapest best? Not exactly. While March to April offers steep discounts, stock can be pretty limited. It’s a run-out period, after all, and once the TVs are gone, they’re gone. You have a better chance of snagging your dream TV during Black Friday, even if it costs a little more.

Otherwise, buying a year-old TV isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“Unless you live for the latest tech, last year’s models will tick all the boxes,” says Denis. “A premium TV isn’t obsolete after 12 months.”

“TV technology doesn’t change as much as it used to year on year. Brands are mostly focusing on AI right now and picture quality improvements aren’t quite as stark.”

Keep a close eye on retailers during this window if you want to snag the best deal.

The brands to watch – and how much you could save

LG and Samsung are the two biggest names in TVs, and they’re the ones to watch, Denis says. And while you might not find big discounts on all large TVs, if you look carefully you might still find some.

“Samsung and LG were the first to release new models in 2025, and they’re likely to have the best deals on models that have been around for several months,” he explains.

“You’ll probably be able to find great deals on their OLED TVs, with some 65-inch TVs that ÌÇÐÄVlog recommends selling for around $1000 to $1500 less than the usual asking price during Black Friday.”

But although both LG and Samsung produce top-notch TVs, that doesn’t mean you should just grab any of their models that you happen to find at a good price. Even big-name brands sometimes make disappointing products, so don’t buy just on brand name alone.Ìý

The best thing to do is to brush up on what’s hot and what’s not by checking ÌÇÐÄVlog reviews toÌýfind the best TVsÌýbefore you buy.

Keep your options open

You might’ve had your eye on a particular TV for a while, but there are no guarantees that it’ll be on sale or still be available. To avoid sales disappointment, it’s best to keep an open mind about the product you want to buy.Ìý

“The best approach is to keep an eye out for the type of product you want, rather than a specific product, and you should be able to bag a bargain,” says Denis.

Be clear on the features you want

Research broadly and learn as much as you can about the type of features you’re looking for. Consider which features you can and can’t live without, as these could affect how much you’ll have to pay.

And of course, check our expert TV reviews to make sure you’re buying the best TV for your money.

Consider older models

It’s also worth considering a TV released the previous year. “There’s no real downside to buying last year’s model,” says Denis.

“The ‘smarts’ in smart TVs have progressed to the point where the features on offer for a 2025 TV will still be available on a 2024 TV through a software update.”

Plus, if you’re buying a 2024 model you might be able to bargain with the salesperson to have something extra thrown in to close the deal.

Bundle up

TVs aren’t the only home entertainment item on sale during Black Friday. You can find plenty of discounted devices to compliment a fancy new TV, like soundbars, streaming devices, headphones, games consoles and more. Like TVs, you can save even more money by buying older models, especially for soundbars.

Audio technology doesn’t tend to drastically jump forward every year, so a soundbar from 2023 or 2024 should be perfectly fine for consumers who don’t need the latest tech.

Sale prices are typically set so you probably won’t be able to haggle a much better deal by buying a soundbar and TV together during Black Friday. But the discounts may still be better than what you could negotiate outside this sales period. It’s always worth checking.Ìý

Just remember to demo audio products instore before you buy, if you can. Sound is subjective and you should always trust your ears when it’s time to shop around.

Should you go big or go home?

There’s an undeniable move towards large TVs right now – think 65-inch and larger (which is a problem for our expert testers, as they can’t fit as many TVs in our lab for testing!).Ìý

Retailers know there’s a demand for large TVs, so may be less willing to discount them.

“This means you should be able to bag an absolute bargain if you buck the trend and look out for 55-inch models in any of the higher-end OLED, QLED and Mini LED ranges from Hisense, LG, Samsung or Sony,” says Denis.Ìý

“You may have had your heart set on a huge TV, but remember that they’re not ideal for every home entertainment set-up – if you have a compact living room or are looking for something for the bedroom, a smaller size will be perfect.”

But if you do have the space for an extra-large TV, you might still find some good discounts.

“TV companies will also be offering incentives for the retailers to drop the price of the premium and largest models as they don’t want them to be hanging around when the new lot of 2026 TVs come out early next year,” says Denis.

The best Black Friday specials: Instore or online?

While many people will be shopping online, it’s not the only place you’ll find a bargain. Going old-school and checking out bricks-and-mortar retailers before clicking the ‘add to cart’ button can sometimes yield bigger savings.

“You might actually find that some of the best deals are instore,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV expert Denis Gallagher.

“Electrical retailers usually offer good discounts below the retail price around this time of year. But there will no doubt be some specific models from Sony, LG, Samsung and Hisense available at some exceptionally great prices piled up instore in an attempt to get you through the door.”

And don’t forget that with so many people buying online there could be bottlenecks with post and freight, so you could be left waiting longer than you’d like for your new TV to arrive – another reason to consider heading instore to shop.Ìý

When to buy online

If you’re planning to go extra large with your new TV, online may be the better way to go. “You most likely won’t be able to fit anything larger than a 65-inch model in your car,” Denis advises.

“So if you want a larger TV but you’re shopping instore, ask them to throw in delivery and basic installation as part of the deal.

“An alternative is to check out TVs in person to decide which one you want, then head home and order it online, where you’ll usually get delivery for free.”

The post Should you buy a TV in the Black Friday sales? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.