100 standout audio products, ranked by category

How category scores are calculated

Every overall score combines Sound, Design & Build, Features and Value. The weighting changes by product category so that each product is judged against the factors that matter most for that type of audio equipment.

• Headphones: Sound 50% · Design & Build 20% · Features 15% · Value 15%
• Earbuds: Sound 40% · Design & Build 15% · Features 30% · Value 15%
• Portable Speakers: Sound 40% · Design & Build 25% · Features 20% · Value 15%
• Soundbars: Sound 45% · Design & Build 10% · Features 30% · Value 15%
• Wireless & Smart Speakers: Sound 40% · Design & Build 10% · Features 35% · Value 15%
• Streamers & Amplifiers: Sound 50% · Design & Build 10% · Features 25% · Value 15%
• DACs & Headphone Amps: Sound 60% · Design & Build 15% · Features 10% · Value 15%
• Turntables: Sound 45% · Design & Build 30% · Features 10% · Value 15%
• AV Receivers: Sound 35% · Design & Build 10% · Features 40% · Value 15%
• Audio Interfaces: Sound 45% · Design & Build 10% · Features 30% · Value 15%

Scores are rounded to one decimal place. Products are ranked only against others in the same category; ties retain the previous editorial order.

Category placement and scores update automatically when an editor changes a subscore or moves a product to another group.