Speakers | The VergeThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.2026-08-11T21:23:30+00:00https://www.theverge.com/rss/speakers/index.xmlhttps://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1John.Higgins<![CDATA[An FCC filing points to new Sonos headphones coming soon]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9783552026-08-11T17:23:30-04:002026-08-11T17:23:30-04:00
In addition to the S52A designation, one of the submitted documents shows an oval diagram - likely the ear cup - marked with the name Sonos Ace Ultra, although that name isn't listed anywhere else. It follows the naming scheme Sonos has used in the past with its Arc and Arc Ultra soundbars. The documents also list color options we'll likely see …
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[JBL’s Flip 7 speaker is small, versatile, and 40 percent off]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9656402026-07-15T11:16:53-04:002026-07-15T11:16:53-04:00
JBL’s Flip 7 is on sale in multiple colors. | Image: JBL
Sure, Bluetooth speakers are awesome to have for picturesque beach trips, camping weekends, and other outdoor adventures. But they’re just as good to have for some sprinkler time in the yard with the kiddo, or for blasting some tunes or a podcast while you make food. No matter the use cases you have in mind, now’s a good time to pick up one of the best compact Bluetooth speakers. Now through July 17th, JBL’s Flip 7 is on sale for $89.95 ($70 off) at Woot with a 90-day warranty, marking a new all-time low.
Despite being about the size of a water bottle, the portable speaker delivers full, clear sound. It’s also built for just about anywhere, with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and the ability to survive drops from up to a meter onto concrete. Plus, JBL includes an interchangeable carrying strap and carabiner attachment, making it easy to clip onto a backpack or carry with a finger. Rounding things out, the speaker lasts up to 14 hours on a charge, with Playtime Boost mode extending battery life by another two hours when you need it.
It also includes a few extras for a better listening experience. You can pair the Flip 7 with multiple compatible JBL speakers for bigger sound, while JBL’s AI Sound Boost feature is designed to reduce distortion at higher volumes. It also supports lossless audio over USB-C with compatible devices and services, allowing for clearer, more detailed playback than Bluetooth.
Some more ways to save:
TheNothing CMF Buds Pro 2 are on sale for $39 ($10 off) at Amazon, Walmart, and directly from Nothing, which is just $2 shy of their best price to date. The affordable wireless earbuds boast active noise cancellation along with multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. The charging case also features a customizable “Smart Dial,” which lets you adjust volume or switch listening modes without pulling out your phone. Other perks include Google’s Fast Pair, a low-latency gaming mode, and a Find My Earbuds feature in Nothing’s companion app. Android users can also take advantage of LDAC for higher-resolution audio, though the codec isn’t natively supported on iPhones.
The SwitchBot Bot is on sale for $20.99 ($9 off) at Amazon, which is just a few cents shy of its best price of the year. Amazon is also offering the USB-C rechargeable version for $25.99, if you’d prefer not to rely on disposable batteries. The gadget attaches via adhesive next to a button or switch and can press it on your behalf, letting you add smarts to traditional devices ranging from light switches to coffee makers, garage doors, and more. When paired with one of SwitchBot’s hubs (a separate purchase), you can add voice commands, control the Bot from anywhere, create schedules, and automations. Read our review of the SwitchBot Bot Rechargeable.
The 16-foot Philips Hue Flux Outdoor Lightstrip is back down to $119.99 ($30 off) at Amazon, matching the all-time low it briefly hit during Prime Day last month. The weatherproof strip can brighten up your patio, porch, or backyard with millions of colors with support for customizable scenes, lighting effects, and voice control via Amazon Alexa.
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Emma RothJay Peters<![CDATA[OpenAI may announce a ChatGPT smart speaker this year]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9656702026-07-14T17:26:32-04:002026-07-14T17:26:32-04:00
OpenAI's first device is set to be a smart speaker that lets you talk with ChatGPT, according to a report from Bloomberg. The device apparently won't have a screen, but will use a camera and additional sensors to "understand" your environment.
The report comes just days after Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI that accused the AI company of stealing hardware secrets. OpenAI, in a new statement on Tuesday, said that it is "not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit."
Sources tell Bloomberg that OpenAI's device will also feature a rechargeable battery that will allow users to carry it with them. It will offer smart home contro …
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Andrew Liszewski<![CDATA[Marshall upgrades the bass and repairability of two wireless speakers]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9616012026-07-06T11:26:00-04:002026-07-07T08:00:00-04:00
The knobs and other parts on the Stanmore IV and Acton IV speakers are replaceable. | Image: Marshall
Marshall announced new versions of its Acton and Stanmore Bluetooth speakers today with upgraded tweeters, bass ports, and internal designs that improve their ability to fill a room with sound. Both the Acton IV and Stanmore IV replace their four-year-old predecessors with a new focus on repairability. Parts including knobs, feet, and the speakers' front grills bearing the iconic Marshall logo are replaceable should they get damaged.
The smaller Acton IV, featuring a 4-inch woofer and a pair of 0.75-inch tweeters, is available starting today for $299.99 through Marshall's online store. The Stanmore IV, which has a similar driver setup but w …
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Andrew Liszewski<![CDATA[Here are all of the Apple price hikes]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9569032026-06-25T12:47:56-04:002026-06-25T12:31:12-04:00
Following an interview with The Wall Street Journal earlier this month where Tim Cook hinted at upcoming price changes, Apple officially raised the prices on many of its hardware offerings today. They include iPads, Macs, smart speakers, and even the affordable MacBook Neo. While Cook said the company has tried to "shield" customers from price increases as the cost of memory and storage has recently surged thanks to AI companies stockpiling RAM and SSDs for data centers, Apple has finally joined companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft with price hikes.
Here's a breakdown of what Apple hardware has been affected today and the range of p …
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Andrew Liszewski<![CDATA[Marshall’s Stockwell speaker gets a replaceable battery that runs twice as long]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9456232026-06-08T10:01:45-04:002026-06-09T08:00:00-04:00
The Stockwell III is Marshall’s next product with a replaceable battery. | Image: Marshall
Marshall has announced a new version of its stylish Stockwell Bluetooth speaker, putting a new focus on repairability. The Stockwell III, the brand's first update to this model since early 2019, features a similar design to its predecessor with a large carrying handle and speakers that pump sound in all directions, not just out the front like the iconic Marshall amps that inspired it. It will be available for purchase starting on August 4th through the company's online store and Costco for $249.99.
Battery life has been doubled from 20 hours to over 40 for the Stockwell III, but the speaker's overall potential life has been prolonged even f …
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Brad Bourque<![CDATA[The Sonos Era 100 speaker is down to its lowest price in months]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9440952026-06-05T13:00:47-04:002026-06-05T13:00:47-04:00
Whether you’re considering starting a Sonos speaker setup, or adding to an existing group, the Sonos Era 100 is worth picking up. The compact, capable smart speaker is currently marked down to $189 ($30 off) at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Sonos. If you want an even lower price, Sonos is selling refurbished Era 100 speakers for just $134. They come with fresh accessories and packaging, and sport the same one-year warranty as its new speakers.
Sonos Era 100
The Era 100 is Sonos’s most affordable in-home smart speaker. Offering pleasant sound at a relatively compact size, it improves upon the prior Sonos One with stereo audio, line-in support, and Bluetooth support. Read our review.
The wireless speaker has a rich, detailed sound profile, with room-filling audio despite its small size. You might be able to improve the sound further with the Sonos Trueplay feature, which uses either your phone or the speaker’s built-in microphone to automatically tune it to your space. The Era 100 can easily connect with other speakers in the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room play, even with different Sonos models.
The Era 100 has expanded functionality from previous entry-level Sonos speakers, adding in Bluetooth and USB-C wired audio, as well as improved onboard controls. While the speaker features built-in voice assistant support for both Sonos and Alexa, you can flip a switch on its back to cut power to the microphone.
The Google Nest Doorbell is one of our favorite video doorbells, and the wired version is currently marked down at Amazon to just $140 ($40 off). This doorbell has fairly sharp 960 x 1280 video quality, notifications for people and packages (a Google Home Premium subscription can provide more detailed notifications, including familiar face recognition), and full integration with many other Google products. The wired model has sharper video and faster response times than the battery-powered version. Read our review.
Humble has a 2K Sports bundle full of games redeemable on Steam.. If you spend at least $10, you’ll get NBA 2K26 plus a heap of the game’s virtual currency. Pledging $25 or more will also get you PGA Tour 2K25, TopSpin 2K25, and Olli Olli World Rad Edition. Proceeds go to Covenant House.
The Technics EAH-AZ80 wireless earbuds have a natural warmth and expansive soundstage that rivals some of our other favorite picks. They also sport excellent active noise-canceling and three-way multipoint pairing, but their high launch price didn’t do them any favors. However, at the discounted price of $147.99 ($52 off) at Amazon, they’re a much more appealing pick. Read our review.
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John.Higgins<![CDATA[WiiM expands its whole-home ecosystem with a new soundbar]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9427482026-06-03T17:12:51-04:002026-06-03T17:12:51-04:00
The $479 WiiM Bar includes a 2.1-inch touchscreen on its front. | Image: WiiM
WiiM, the audio company that's challenged the idea that audiophile-level performance requires a small loan, is expanding its whole-home ecosystem with the WiiM Bar, which releases in July. Much like its other speakers and audio components, the WiiM Bar supports a bunch of streaming options and expandability at an affordable price - in this case, $479.
The company's first soundbar has a 3.0.2 Atmos configuration with a total of eight drivers - three front mid-woofers, three front tweeters, and two up-firing full-range height drivers - paired with four passive radiators. That configuration can be expanded to 3.1.2 with the addition of a WiiM …
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Sonos’s pint-sized Roam 2 speaker is 25 percent off for Memorial Day]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9354522026-05-21T13:27:16-04:002026-05-21T13:27:16-04:00
The Sonos Roam 2 is about the size of a small water bottle and comes in multiple colors. | Image: Sonos
If your summer plans involve spending any time outdoors, whether on the trail or at a pool party, a good portable Bluetooth speaker can go a long way. Thelatest Sonos Roam is built precisely for those moments, and right now, it’s on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart for $134 ($45 off) for Memorial Day, matching its lowest price to date.
The second-gen Roam builds on what made the original such an impressive Bluetooth speaker for its size. Most notably, it’s much easier to use right out of the box. Unlike the first-gen model, which required you to set it up using the Sonos app over Wi-Fi before you could start listening to music, the newer version lets you pair it over Bluetooth immediately. It now also sports a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button on the back, making it easier to connect to various Bluetooth devices than the OG model, which relied on a single, multi-use button.
Otherwise, though, the Sonos Roam 2 is very similar to the original model. The lightweight speaker stands 6.61 inches tall and is roughly the size of a small water bottle, so it’s easy to toss in a backpack. It’s also IP67-rated for dust and water resistance and lasts 10 hours on a single charge, which should be enough for an afternoon at the pool or park.
Just as importantly, it sounds great. The second-gen model delivers the same clear sound as the original, with the ability to automatically adjust to your surroundings using Sonos’s Trueplay feature. You can also easily switch between listening to the Roam 2 and other Sonos speakers, too, or even stream audio from a Bluetooth-connected device across the rest of your Sonos system. Its tiny size means you’re not going to get the kind of rich bass you’d get from a dedicated party speaker or the new Sonos Play, but you can pair it with another Roam over Wi-Fi for more robust, stereo sound.
Other Memorial Day Sonos deals
Sonos Move 2
With double the battery life of its predecessor and better-sounding stereo audio, the Sonos Move 2’s improvements don’t stop there. It supports line-in audio, can stream Bluetooth audio to other Sonos speakers, and more. Read our review.
The Era 100 is Sonos’s most affordable in-home smart speaker. Offering pleasant sound at a relatively compact size, it improves upon the prior Sonos One with stereo audio, line-in support, and Bluetooth support. Read our review.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Bose’s new Lifestyle Ultra speakers are now available]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9304712026-05-14T18:24:33-04:002026-05-15T09:00:00-04:00
Sonos has a new rival in town. Bose’s new Lifestyle Collection includes a $299 Lifestyle Ultra Speaker, a $1,099 Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, and the $899 Ultra Subwoofer, all of which are now available directly from Bose and third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
The $299 Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is essentially Bose’s version of the Sonos Era 100. It’s available in either black or white from Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose, as well as a $349 beige build that’s currently exclusive to Bose’s online storefront. Of all the new Lifestyle devices, my colleague John Higgins was particularly impressed with the smart speaker. It offers a front-firing woofer and tweeter, and, unlike the Era 100, an up-firing driver. In his brief hands-on time with it, he was surprised by how big it sounded for its size and by its crisp vocal clarity.
Like the Sonos Era 100, the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker supports both Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect, though the addition of Google Cast provides yet another way to stream audio from supported apps. It can also be grouped with compatible non-Bose speakers via AirPlay and Google Cast if you want to play music in multiple rooms, and it’s the first third-party speaker to support Amazon’s generative AI-powered Alexa Plus.
For home theater fans, Bose also introduced the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, which supports Dolby Atmos and is now available from Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose. Dialogue came through clearly in our demo, and the speaker’s soundstage felt wide, even if the low end was somewhat lacking on its own. Bose’s new Ultra Subwoofer — also currently available in black and white from Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose — can help fill that gap, though. When paired with the soundbar, it noticeably filled out the missing bass and delivered fuller, more balanced sound.
