Speakers and soundbars in our range cover portable Bluetooth speakers, TV soundbars, radios and music systems, PC speakers, car speakers and installation models for home, office and commercial use. Shoppers will find brands such as JBL, Edifier, Logitech, Sony and Lenovo, from small desk speakers to studio monitors and Hi-Fi pairs.
How to choose speakers and soundbars
Type and use. Start with where the sound will be used. A soundbar improves TV dialogue and film audio, PC speakers suit a desk, a portable speaker travels with you, and ceiling or installation speakers are built into a room. Buying the right type matters more than any single specification.
Connectivity. Our range includes wired, wireless and combined wired and wireless models. Bluetooth is listed on many products, but some models do without it. Bluetooth is convenient for phones and tablets, while a wired input (3.5 mm, optical or HDMI on soundbars) usually gives a steadier connection to a TV or computer. A model with both gives the most flexibility.
Power and portability. Portable speakers run on a built-in battery, so check the stated playing time and whether the speaker is water or dust resistant if you will use it outdoors. Desk and shelf speakers need a mains socket, and active models have the amplifier built in, so you do not need a separate one.
Room size and sound. A larger room needs more output and, for films or music with deep bass, a subwoofer. Soundbars with a separate subwoofer reproduce low frequencies better than slim single-unit bars. For critical listening, Hi-Fi speakers and studio monitors give a more accurate sound, but they usually need an amplifier or audio interface unless they are active.
Speaker and soundbar brands we carry
- JBL: known for portable Bluetooth speakers, including the Flip and Charge ranges, many of them splash or waterproof.
- Edifier: makes powered bookshelf and multimedia speakers that connect directly to a computer or TV.
- Logitech: long established in PC speakers, from simple desktop pairs to 2.1 systems with a subwoofer.
- Sony: offers soundbars, home audio and portable speakers, and is also known for its televisions.
- Pioneer and Kenwood: both are well known for car audio, including car speakers and in-car sound upgrades.
- AUDAC: specialises in installation audio such as ceiling speakers and public address systems for shops, restaurants and offices.
Also in our range: Lenovo, Denver, JVC, Hama and Tracer. Subcategories include portable speakers, soundbars, radios and music systems, PC speakers, car speakers, installation and ceiling speakers, studio monitors, Hi-Fi speakers, subwoofers, speakerphones, speaker mounts and stands, and home cinema systems.
Frequently asked questions about speakers and soundbars
Is a soundbar better than TV speakers?
In most cases, yes. Flat TVs have little room for speaker drivers, so dialogue and bass often sound thin. A soundbar has larger drivers and a longer cabinet, and models with a subwoofer add noticeably more bass for films and sport.
What should I look for in a portable Bluetooth speaker?
Check battery life, water resistance and size. Longer playing time suits trips and outdoor use, and a water-resistant rating protects against rain and splashes. Some models can also be paired in twos for stereo sound.
Can I use PC speakers with a phone or TV?
Usually yes, if the speakers have a suitable input. Wired PC speakers normally take a 3.5 mm cable, which works with many phones, laptops and TVs, and Bluetooth models connect wirelessly. Check the input type before buying, as some TVs only offer optical or HDMI audio outputs.
What is the difference between studio monitors and Hi-Fi speakers?
Studio monitors aim for a flat, neutral sound so that mistakes in a recording are easy to hear. Hi-Fi speakers are tuned for enjoyable listening in a living room and may sound warmer. Many studio monitors are active with a built-in amplifier, while many Hi-Fi speakers are passive and need a separate amplifier.
