Star Wars The Bad Batch season 2: everything we know so far

The Bad Batch season 2: key info

- Release date coming in 2022
- Some crossover with elements of The Mandalorian expected
- Likely to focus on the Clones being phased out by the Empire
- Voice cast expected to return
- Could young Boba Fett turn up next season?

The Clone Wars may be over but Clone Troopers still have a major role to play in that galaxy far, far away. The Bad Batch season 2 will continue the adventures of Clone Force 99, a ragtag group of unique troopers genetically engineered to possess traits that make them superior soldiers.

While the first run of 16 episodes took a while finding its reason to exist, the show eventually carved out its niche in Star Wars canon, with potentially significant implications for The Mandalorian. The Bad Batch season 2 seems set to expand the mythology further, as Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Echo, Crosshair and their young sidekick Omega try to find their place in a universe where the newly formed Empire is starting to throw its weight around.

So, with the show’s return confirmed for 2022, we’ve sent our troopers on a covert mission to tell you everything you need to know about The Bad Batch season 2 release date, story, cast and more. Spoilers follow for season 1. 

Release date: The show’s been confirmed for a 2022 return. If we were gamblers like Lando Calrissian, we’d bet on a May debut.

Cast: Dee Bradley Baker will return to voice the main cast of characters Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Echo, Crosshair and any other clones they might encounter. We wouldn't bet against seeing the return of Ming-Na Wen as Fennec Shand – and maybe some other deep cuts from Star Wars lore will turn up.

Story: With the Clones being phased out by the end of season 1, we expect to see the galaxy changing further around our characters in season 2. What happens to the dispossessed Clones is likely to come up more in future seasons, too. 

(Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney)

• How to watch the Star Wars movies in order
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• The Book of Boba Fett: everything we know so far

The Bad Batch season 2: release date

On August 5, just ahead of the two-part season 1 finale, Disney Plus confirmed confirmed (via StarWars.com) that the show will return. All we know for sure about The Bad Batch season 2 release date is that it will be some time in 2022. But, seeing as the first run kicked off (rather appropriately) on May 4 (aka Star Wars Day), we wouldn’t be surprised if season 2 debuts on the same date – not least because it falls on a Wednesday in 2022, which (after Loki and What If…?) now appears to be Disney Plus’s new favorite day for original launches.

The Bad Batch season 2 trailer

It’s still early days for a proper Bad Batch season 2 trailer. The first season 1 teaser didn’t appear until late March, just over a month before the show’s debut, and we’d expect to see a similar pattern for the follow-up. In the meantime, you can enjoy the announcement teaser that debuted on Instagram in August 2021.

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The Bad Batch season 2 story: what do we know about the plot?

Spoilers follow for The Bad Batch season 1. If you're yet to watch it on Disney Plus, proceed with caution.

Like its counterparts at Marvel, Lucasfilm isn’t in the habit of giving away major story details ahead of a Star Wars movie or TV show’s release. It would be a massive surprise, however, if The Bad Batch season 2 didn’t pick up where its predecessor left off.

Following the Imperial fleet’s brutal destruction of Tipoca City and the cloning facilities on Kamino, Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Echo and Omega parted ways with ex-Clone Force 99 member Crosshair. Even though Crosshair told the Bad Batch that his Order 66-initiated inhibitor chip had been removed – a fact confirmed by head writer Jennifer Corbett in an interview with StarWars.com – his allegiance remains with the Empire. 

As he’s so fond of reminding his brothers, “good soldiers follow orders”, but the question remains: will the Empire value his services now that Clones are being phased out in favour of conscripted TK Troopers, the forerunners of Imperial Stormtroopers?

The Bad Batch, meanwhile, are likely to have some big decisions to make after they’ve departed Kamino in their ship, the Havoc Marauder. “We didn’t want to have everyone’s purpose locked in at the end of season 1,” supervising director Brad Rau told StarWars.com. “It’s something that they deal with in a big way as we move into season 2. What is their purpose from all of their different points of view? It’s going to be a big deal, something we really wanted to dig into.”

Although the Bad Batch are on the run from Imperial forces, they’re yet to take up arms in earnest against the Emperor’s totalitarian regime. As they see more and more of the oppressive tactics employed against the populace, however, it seems unlikely they’ll continue doing odd jobs for former Jedi informant/information broker Cid when they could be joining the fight.

So will Clone Force 99 have a role to play in establishing the Rebellion against the Empire?

The Martez sisters’ appearance in season 1 strongly hinted the duo are involved in some kind of resistance movement, and their contact looked a lot like Rebel Alliance bigwig (and Leia’s adopted dad) Bail Organa. (That said, we know from Star Wars Rebels that the Alliance won’t come together for over a decade, so there’s a limit to how pivotal the Bad Batch can be in its formation.)

We also expect The Bad Batch season 2 to tell us more about the backstory of Omega, the unique female clone of Jango Fett who’s become Hunter, Tech, Wrecker and Echo’s travelling companion. Although still a child, she’s actually older than the members of Clone Force 99 who – like their Clone brothers – had their growth rate accelerated by the Kaminoans. Omega knows that the Batch were created with “desirable” genetic mutations to make them into superior soldiers – and there’s surely more to learn about her own origins.

We can also expect to learn more about the Clones spread throughout the galaxy in the wake of the Clone Wars. “We will not let that storyline go undiscussed, for sure,” confirmed Rau. It remains to be seen, however, whether that means Clone Wars veteran Rex and his future Rebels sidekick Gregor will see more action, or the introduction of new Clones.

Does Tarkin have a role to play in The Bad Batch season 2? (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney)

The Bad Batch season 2: how it ties into the Star Wars universe

The Bad Batch may be animated but it’s just as important to Star Wars canon as its live-action counterparts. As the first TV show or movie to dive into the early days of the Galactic Empire, it’s travelling to previously unexplored regions of the Star Wars timeline – and has surprisingly major implications for The Mandalorian season 3.

The final scene of The Bad Batch’s first season saw chief Kaminoan scientist Nala Se arriving at an Imperial outpost – concept art suggests this is Mount Tantiss on Wayland, a planet that appeared in the (now non-canonical) expanded universe. Intriguingly, the Imperial scientist who greets Nala Se is wearing the same uniform as Dr Pershing, the geneticist who used Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) as a test subject in The Mandalorian.

It’s long been speculated that Pershing’s experiments are part of Palpatine’s long-standing plan to clone himself – a project that came to fruition in The Rise of Skywalker – so there’s a good chance Nala Se will be laying the groundwork for the Emperor’s nefarious schemes. “Where Nala Se is, what Nala Se is doing, should be a mystery to the audience,” Corbett told StarWars.com, “and we hope to explore that in the upcoming season.”

Bounty hunters – always integral to the Star Wars mix – also help to tie The Bad Batch season 2 into existing canon.

In the first season, Kaminoan prime minister Lama Su hired The Clone Wars’ biggest Clint Eastwood fan, Cad Bane, to track down Omega, prompting Nala Se to dispatch Fennec Shand to protect her. Shand’s presence is unlikely to be a coincidence.

The infamous Boba Fett saved her from death by on the surface of Tatooine in the first season of The Mandalorian, and the bounty hunting duo subsequently became associates – to the point that they’re the two leads in spin-off show The Book of Boba Fett. Could The Bad Batch – set more than 20 years earlier – detail the beginnings of their friendship?

With Fett still in his teens at this point in the Star Wars timeline, they’ll both be young bounty hunters making their way in the universe. We also know from The Clone Wars that the young Fett had associations with other representatives of the trade, including Dengar, Bossk and Aurra Sing.

Assuming he does turn up in The Bad Batch season 2 (Fennec Shand actor Ming-Na Wen was cagey when TechRadar asked her about his return back in June), Fett is likely to have a particular interest in Omega. After all, like him, she’s an unaltered clone of their father, Jango.

With the show set between the prequel trilogy and the original trilogy, most of the major characters in the franchise are potentially in play. While it’s unlikely Han Solo, Luke and Leia will make an appearance (the twins are just infants at this point in the timeline), the cargo bay doors are open for the likes of Darth Maul, Grand Admiral Thrawn and even Darth Vader to cross paths with Clone Force 99.

Will The Bad Batch season 2 explore Fennec Shand's ties with Boba Fett? (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney)

The Bad Batch season 2 cast: whose voices will we hear?

Official confirmation of The Bad Batch season 2 cast is yet to emerge, but it would be a surprise of Death Star-shattering proportions if the headliners don’t look something like this:

• Dee Bradley as the Bad Batch/assorted clones
• Michelle Ang as Omega
• Rhea Perlman as Cid
• Gwendoline Yeo as Nala Se
• Noshir Dalal as Vice Admiral Rampart
• Ming-Na Wen as Fennec Shand
• Corey Burton as Cad Bane

Put simply, there would be no Bad Batch without Dee Bradley Baker. Having voiced legions of Clone Troopers throughout The Clone Wars, the actor plays the five lead roles in the show, giving unique personalities to Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Echo and Crosshair. He also voiced additional Clones in season one, including a couple of veterans of The Clone Wars and Rebels, Rex and Gregor.

Michelle Ang is likely to be back as the Bad Batch’s ‘sister’ Omega, and we’d be surprised if Cheers’ Rhea Perlman doesn’t return as Cid. With Kaminoan scientist Nala Se now working at an Imperial facility, we’d expect to hear more from Gwendoline Yeo, while Noshir Dalal is likely to lead the Empire’s pursuit of Clone Force 99 as Vice Admiral Rampart.

Beyond those regulars, we’re into less predictable guest star territory.

On the bounty hunter front, we’re predicting returns for Ming-Na Wen and Corey Burton as Fennec Shand and Cad Bane, respectively. And if Boba Fett does make an appearance in The Bad Batch season 2, that could mean a return for Daniel Logan, who played the young version of the bounty hunter in both Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars.

As for the Imperials, it’s likely Stephen Stanton will crop up again as future Grand Moff Tarkin. A Palpatine cameo, meanwhile, would probably prompt the return of Sam Witwer, who voiced the character in Rebels and later episodes of The Clone Wars – as well as playing Darth Maul. (While Ian McDiarmid reprised his live-action role as Palpatine in the first episode of The Bad Batch, the scene was lifted from his performance in Revenge of the Sith.)

Part of the fun with any of the Star Wars animated shows, however, is listening out for big-name actors cropping up in the soundtrack, whether they’re Star Wars legends (Billy Dee Williams appeared as Lando in Star Wars Rebels), or simply fans of the franchise (Simon Pegg cropped up as bounty hunter Dengar in The Clone Wars). The Bad Batch’s first season featured a cameo from Fleabag’s Sian Clifford as a protocol droid.

Behind the camera, the principal production team remains largely unchanged, with Jennifer Corbett as lead writer, Brad Rau as supervising director, and Dave Filoni (a veteran of The Clone Wars and Rebels, the creator of The Bad Batch, and Lucasfilm’s executive creative director) serving as executive producer.

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Best portable DACs: the best external DACs to make your music sing

The best portable DACs, which stands for Digital-to-Analogue Converters, can make a huge difference to your listening experience. That’s because they make any music that you play from your phone and through your headphones not only sound clearer and crisper, but bassier, too. This brings you a better listening experience, which is much more like what the artists intended you to hear. 

Your phone, tablet and laptop all have their own DAC built-in. But having a separate, dedicated device can improve the audio quality dramatically. Some of the best portable DACS of 2021 even come with added features, like Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to pair wirelessly with your device rather than plugging them in.

Although it might not be the most exciting tech on the market, new portable DACs are often released. Most recently, THX, a name you may associate with cinema, has brought out a portable DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) that could make your headphones sound incredible. It has a USB-C dongle on one end, a 3.5mm audio port on the other and works between your headphones and your PC, Mac, or Android phone.

Although we haven’t had the chance to trial the THX yet ourselves, if you’re interested in the sound-boosting features of an external DAC, check out our selection below. We’ve put the most popular models through their paces and created a guide to the best portable DACs you can buy today. 

• The best phones for music: the best handsets for audiophiles out there
• Looking for a music player? Check out the best MP3 players you can buy today
• Our guide to the best wireless headphones

Our top picks

What is the best portable DAC?

1. iFi xDSD

A DAC challenger to Mojo's throne

Sleek, distinctive design

Analogue volume control

More complicated than the Chord Mojo

Controls take some getting used to

It’s a close race between the xDSD and the Chord Mojo, but one thing's for sure: the iFi xDSD is the best portable DAC of 2021.

The iFi xDSD is certainly eye-catching, with a ribbed metal casing and glossy finish giving a smartly premium look. Out of the box you’ll also get a velvet carry pouch and even some strips of velcro (remember velcro?) to strap the DAC to the back of your smartphone, if you're into that.

The optional Bluetooth connection is hugely practical, utilizing an aptX compression format to stream wirelessly without needlessly impacting the audio quality. The Type-A USB is also much friendlier than micro USB for connecting to either Android or Apple devices. (iFi's cheaper sister product, the iFi xCAN, offers much the same specs but as a dedicated headphone amp without the USB port.)

You'll get the most benefit when using the fancier audio formats out there. Unlike Mojo, the xDSD supports the hi-res MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) format found on Tidal's Masters tier and the like. It's able to play both DSD and PCM audio in their native formats, rather than converting one to the other – and risking further loss – before it reaches your ears.

Using the DAC gives a sense of a careful control, aided by an analog volume wheel and numerous other settings to truly fine-tune your music, with separate settings for optimized mids (Listen) or frequency-agnostic (Measure) output. There are even options to gently boost the bass, or turn on the '3D+ Matrix' for a live performance feel – widening the soundstage for a sense of scale and presence beyond usual stereo.

Some will love the level of control and experimentation this affords them, though others may prefer 'one setting' DACs that don't require as much interference. The Chord Mojo (below) is still probably the natural choice for those wanting an industry-standard portable DAC that does the job in as few steps as possible.

The iFi xDSD seems to be sold out in the US and Australia, but it's still available in the UK. For a stylish alternative, check out the iFi hip-dac.

(Image credit: Chord)

2. Chord Mojo

The most widely known DAC for a reason

Powerful amplifier

Simple volume controls

Needs to be charged before use

Big and cumbersome

The Mojo is one of the larger DACs we've tested as a result of the onboard battery that needs to be charged before you can use it with your iPhone.

Having to charge an extra device – even if that charge lasts for 10 hours – before listening to music out and about is hardly ideal, but that's the price you have to pay for the Mojo's more power-hungry innards.

Thankfully the Mojo puts that power to good use, delivering a much rounder sound than the stock iPhone jack. Without the Mojo the treble and bass frequencies tend to take over, but introduce the external DAC into the mix and the mids are much more present and full.

The device's size means it's a bit cumbersome, and not exactly an inconspicuous accessory. I ended up carrying the Mojo in my front pocket (where I could easily access the device's volume controls), with the USB cable leading to my phone in my back pocket.

This probably won't be your ideal setup, and that might mean leaving the Mojo behind when you're going out on the town. Using the device at work, where I'm able to leave both my phone and the DAC on the desk, is a lot more user-friendly.

Other features include a second headphone output and a cool lighting feature whereby the volume buttons change color based on the quality of the music file being received.

Looking for a'pure' DAC that's not portable? Be sure to check out our Chord Qutest review.

3. Audiolab M-DAC Nano

Small DAC, powerful punch

Easy to use

Adds wireless capabilities to wired headphones

6 hour battery when upscaling

Not as versatile as some options

Don't be mistaken by the M-DAC Nano's diminutive stature – this is a powerful, pocketable piece of audio excellence.

A portable headphone DAC and amplifier at an affordable price, it'll boost the audio performance of any device that sends sonics via a Bluetooth connection. It's about as simple as this sort of gadget can get – simply connect the M-DAC Nano to your smartphone or Bluetooth player of choice, plug a pair of wired headphones into the Audiolab unit and away you go.

From here your headphones have a "wireless" connection to your phone, with a dedicated volume wheel on the M-DAC Nano. An "F" button on the unit enables 32bit / 384kHz upscaling, adding critical clarity and depth to your source's output.

You'll get 8 hours of playback with general use, and a limited but respectable 6 hours with the upsampling mode turned on too, driving headphones spec'd to 3000ohms with 7.5mw of power. Supporting Bluetooth V4.2 (with aptX, aptX Low Latency and AAC codecs accounted for) it's about as good a presentation as you're going to squeeze from a mobile. 

With the headphone jack going the way of the dodo and smartphone amplifiers improving slowly but not to the standard an audiophile would appreciate, the M-DAC Nano is an affordable upgrade for the on-the-go muso in your life at a mere $169 /£149 / AU340.

(Image credit: iFi)

4. iFi hip-dac

The iFi hip-dac really hits the spot

Great design

Support for lots of Hi-Res Audio codecs

Balanced output as well as 3.5mm

No wireless connectivity

The iFi hip-dac is a great choice if you’re looking for a portable DAC that looks as good as it will make your music sound. With plenty of connectivity options and codecs supported, it’ll make the best headphones sound even better, thanks to ‘bit-perfect’ digital-to-analogue conversion and a nifty bass-boosting button.

Coming in at $149 / £149 / AU$249, the iFi hip-dac isn’t too pricey for the specs it offers, and it looks great, to boot. Its luxurious petroleum-blue and copper finish alongside its hipflask-like design (hence the name) means it is, weirdly enough, a DAC you really want to show off – and it’s small enough to slip into your pocket with ease.  

It’s a shame that it doesn’t also have Bluetooth support and that Apple users need to buy an additional cable to use it, but overall, the hip-dac is a fantastic piece of audio kit.

Read more: iFi hip-dac review

(Image credit: RHA)

4. RHA Dacamp L1

A big, beefy DAC/Amp with physical controls and iOS support

iOS support via USB

10-hour battery life

Physical dials are dicey

Limited types of inputs

It's a close call between the Chord Mojo and the RHA Dacamp L1. While the Mojo offers a more compact form factor, the Dacamp caters to iOS users with a dedicated USB input. That being said, the Dacamp is a bit longer than the Chord Mojo and a fair bit heavier if you're the kind of person who doesn't mind hauling their audio gear around with them.

While it definitely fights for space in our already overcrowded backpacks, we genuinely love the Dacamp – it makes playback sound smooth even when playing music from some less-than-ideal sources and the adjustment knobs on the side allow you to do simple, subtle tweaks to the sound. The knobs might not offer the most robust of changes (more so than a software EQ, for example) but we appreciate their existence all the same.

It comes in a very close second here, but RHA's Dacamp L1 is one of the better DACs to cross our desks and comes highly recommended.

(Image credit: iFi)

5. iFi Zen Dac

An excellent entry-level desktop DAC

Smooth, relaxed sound

Supports high-impedance headphones

Built like a tank

No power supply included

If you don’t have much money to spend on your first headphone setup, the iFi Zen DAC is the perfect starting point. 

This DAC and amp combo has enough power to drive power-hungry headphones while also working with sensitive in-ear monitors, making it extremely versatile. The iFi Zen DAC has more features than you would think for the price including support for MQA, DSD256, PCM384, DXD384. There’s also balanced inputs, outputs, and the ability to bypass the amp if you want to use it solely as a DAC. While you may not use all of these features, it’s nice future-proofing as you mature during your audio journey. 

Looking at the specs on paper, you’d expect the iFi Zen DAC to cost $500 or more but it retails for $129 / £129 (about AU$250) making it one of the best audio bargains today. Whether you’re just dabbling in headphone audio or if you simply want a somewhat-portable DAC/amp to take on the go, the iFi Zen DAC is an excellent choice.

Read more: iFi Zen Dac

(Image credit: AudioQuest)

6. Audioquest Dragonfly Red/Black

The pint-sized Audioquest Dragonfly packs a punch

Very portable

No battery to charge

Lacks nuance

Little volume control

Audioquest basically invented the USB DAC with the original Dragonfly back in 2012, but until now the device's power demands limited it to desktop use, thanks to the iPhone's 100mAh limit on power draw through its lightning port.

But Dragonfly's latest devices completely change that. By using an all-new USB microcontroller, Audioquest's Dragonfly Red/Black's DACs now consume closer to 25mA, and can now be used happily with any iOS device.

This makes the Dragonfly a pretty compelling iPhone DAC. With a total size smaller than most USB sticks the Dragonfly fits easily into a pocket alongside an iPhone.

Dragonfly Red is the more premium offering. It contains a better DAC chip, and outputs 2.1 volts of power as opposed to the Black's 1.2 volts. That mean the Red is a better choice for driving high-impedance headphones.

With my headphones plugged directly into my iPhone I was comfortable listening to music with the volume set halfway, but with the Red I could listen at just a quarter and with the Black this was strangely reduced to just one volume bar.

In effect this means that you have a lot less control over the listenable volumes – turning the Black up just one volume notch meant that music was too loud, and turning it down one muted the iPhone completely.

Both versions, however, added a good amount of heft to the bass without sacrificing the clarity of mid frequencies. A play through of Daft Punk's Get Lucky didn't shimmer in the same way without the DAC than with it.

Whether you'll want to pay extra for the Red version depends entirely on how difficult your headphones are to drive – there's far more of a difference with power-hungry over-ears than budget in-ears.

Neither the Dragonfly Red or Black can match the sophistication of the Chord Mojo, but their budget price and much more practical form-factor make for a far better portable listening experience.

(Image credit: Creative)

7. Creative Sound Blaster E5

A wireless DAC for folks who can't be bothered with wires

NFC for Android pairing

Wireless playback

Upscaling over Bluetooth

SBX function doesn't add much

Creative Labs is a name you've heard before. It was the company that started the sound card craze in the late '90s and became king of the audiophile crowd for a short period of time. In the time since, Creative has been hard at work crafting extraordinary triple-driver in-ear headphones and an 11.2.4 soundbar while simultaneously working on a portable DAC for more... uh, affordable price points.

The result of all that hard work is the Creative Sound Blaster E5 - the middle child in a large line-up of DACs that offers wireless connectivity options for those of us that can't be bothered with a cord.

While the idea of wireless is a great one, it's not without its limitations - Bluetooth can't transmit music at CD-quality without the help of more advanced codecs like LDAC or aptX HD. Because of that limitation, music over wireless just sounds OK. Sure, Creative can upscale it after it's been received, but it never sounds quite as good as native Hi-Res Audio. Still, if wireless convenience is what you're looking for to power those powerful headphones in your closet, the E5 is far from the worst choice you could make.

Why should I use a DAC?

The advantages of using an external DAC

The best portable DACs take the bits and bytes stored in a digital music file and convert it into something a headphone or speaker (analogue devices) can play back. 

The thinking behind DACs and amps is that, when you press play on your phone or speaker, the sound that comes out often isn't as the artist intended. We've found it should often be clearer, crisper or offer up more bass.

Of course you could just get used to how your phone plays music. But if you're an audiophile that just won't do. So, if your music isn't sounding quite as spectacular as it should – and the only thing you've changed recently is the source – it's likely that your new device (a new laptop, desktop, phone or tablet) has a poor quality DAC built-in.

Which headphones style is best for you?

Check out TechRadar's exhaustive guides to the best headphones to buy today including the best over-ear headphones,  best on-ear headphones and the best in-ear headphones.

For some more specialist pairs, take a look at our guides to the best wireless headphones, best true wireless earbuds, best wireless earbuds, and the best noise-cancelling headphones.

Need a specific brand? We have guides to the best Sony headphones, the best Apple headphones, the best Bose headphones, the best Beats headphones, and the best Audio-Technica headphones.

Looking for some headphones you can work out with? Check out our guide to the best swimming headphones and the best running headphones. 

So, to be clear, there's a DAC in your phone or other device. But that doesn't mean you don't need another,

The first advantage of using an external DAC rather than the DAC that comes built into your device, is that an external system will usually be better than the one.

Simply put, external DACs will usually perform much better than those that come built in to your smartphone or equivalent playback device – usually because that aspect of the hardware usually isn't the priority in all-round media devices like phones or tablets.

The second reason to shell out for a better system is the fact that some of the more premium headphones on the market are 'high-impedance' headphones, which require more power through the headphone jack on your music source in order to work properly. (Impedance, for the record, is measured in a unit called ohms, and less than 50 ohms is considered to be low-impedance.)

The general consensus is that the harder a pair of headphones is to drive, the better they will eventually sound when paired with the right equipment.

An external DAC helps with these headphones as it can work as a headphone amp to provide the extra power needed to drive a high-impedance pair of 'phones.

It's worth bearing in mind, that some portable DACs won't work with iPhones – you may find that when you plug them in, you get an error message that says "the attached accessory uses too much power". If that's the case, you'll need to purchase a Lightning-USB 3 adaptor, and plug it into an outlet while using the DAC to give it the power it needs.

DAC deals

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Apple Watch SE 2 price, news, rumors and if it could come alongside the Watch 7

For a smartwatch we're expecting to see in a matter of weeks, the Apple Watch SE 2 hasn't been leaked very much - so don't hold your breath for it to appear alongside the Apple Watch 7 and iPhone 13, but maybe cross your fingers just in case.

We first saw the Apple Watch SE in 2020, and it was something of a surprise, as an affordable counterpart to the Apple Watch 6 in the spirit (and naming convention) of the iPhone SE (2020).

As the iPhone SE doesn't get newly versions, and we haven't heard about the Watch SE 2, it's looking a little unlikely we'll see it at the anticipated Apple event in September - and we don't even know the company is working on the watch.

Still, assuming an Apple Watch SE 2 is in the works we might well see it this year, and below we’ve included some predictions as to when it might launch and what it might cost, along with a list of the improvements we want from it.

And as rumors start to roll in we’ll be including all of those in this article too, so check back often to stay up to date on the Apple Watch SE 2.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next affordable Apple Watch
• When is it out? Possibly September
• What will it cost? Less than the Apple Watch 7

Apple Watch SE 2 release date and price

So far there’s no news on when the Apple Watch SE 2 might launch, but the original Apple Watch SE was announced on September 15, 2020, so there’s a fair chance the Apple Watch SE 2 will land in September of this year – possibly alongside the iPhone 13 range and the Apple Watch 7.

We've heard an Apple event might take place on September 14 so we could see the watch then, though in 2020 the company separated its smartphone and other-tech launches, and the 14th is said to be for the iPhone.

Then again, since Apple has only launched one Apple Watch SE model so far, there’s not much to go on, so there’s a chance the Apple Watch SE 2 won’t even land this year.

There aren’t any price rumors yet either, but the original Apple Watch SE starts at $279 / £260 / AU$429, with prices rising for LTE, a larger size, or different strap types. There’s a fair chance that the Apple Watch SE 2 will have a similar starting price, but we can’t be sure for now.

The Apple Watch SE is fairly affordable (Image credit: TechRadar)

News and leaks

We haven’t heard anything specifically about the Apple Watch SE 2 yet, but Tim Cook has spoken about the future of the Apple Watch on the Outside podcast, saying that “there’s a ton of innovation left to go in there” and "We are in the early innings… think about the amount of sensors in your car. And arguably, your body is much more important than your car.”

That suggests a continued focus on health and fitness for future Apple Watch models, and we’d expect the Apple Watch SE 2 would be included in that.

What we want to see

There are some key improvements that we want from the Apple Watch SE 2, including the following.

1. An always-on display

The Apple Watch SE (Image credit: TechRadar)

The Apple Watch SE doesn’t have an always-on display, which is one of the main things it lacks in comparison to the Apple Watch 6.

That’s fair enough, as Apple would have wanted to save some features for its more premium wearable, but by late 2021 when the Apple Watch SE 2 will hopefully land, we’d like the always-on display to be a standard feature across the range.

2. A longer-lasting battery

The Apple Watch SE actually has better battery life than most Apple Watch models, but at around a day and a half it still doesn’t match a lot of other wearables, and also doesn’t really cut it for sleep tracking, since you’ll likely find you want to charge it at night.

So for the Apple Watch SE 2 we’d like to see life extended to at least two days, and ideally three or more.

3. A bottom of the range price

While the Apple Watch SE is positioned as a relatively budget option in the Apple Watch range, it’s actually not the cheapest wearable that Apple sells. That’s the Apple Watch 3, which is still on sale.

To simplify things, we’d like to see the Apple Watch SE 2 have the lowest price of any currently available Apple Watch, so it’s clear what the wearable’s position is in the range.

4. A wider range of colors

The Apple Watch SE isn't available in many colors (Image credit: TechRadar)

The Apple Watch SE is only available in gold, silver, and space gray shades, and while there’s nothing wrong with those colors, we’d like to see a wider selection available for the Apple Watch SE 2, including perhaps something flashier, like the red color that you can get the Apple Watch 6 in.

You can of course get a lot more color from the strap, as we’re only talking about the body here, but we’d still like more options.

5. Blood oxygen monitoring

Beyond the always-on display, one other feature the Apple Watch SE lacks that the Apple Watch 6 has is blood oxygen monitoring.

This is a useful health monitoring feature, but probably not a big selling point for most people, so while we’d like to see it, we wouldn’t mind too much if Apple keeps this for premium models.

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WordPress-powered websites to get new makeover via Frontity acquisition

WordPress parent company Automattic has added yet another company to its roster with the acquisition of open source software firm Frontity.

The firm says it hopes to contribute to the WordPress open source project to help improve the full website editing developer experience.

Frontity first arrived on the scene in 2017 following a project launched with big Spanish WordPress publishers who wanted to improve the performance of their mobile sites.

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By 2019, Frontity decided to launch an open source framework for those who wanted to use WordPress as a headless CMS with a React frontend. 

 WordPress websites win

Automattic then invested in Frontity in 2020, which sparked discussions about a possible acquisition.

In a written blog post, Frontity founders Pablo Postigo and Luis Herranz said Automattic offered to sponsor the Frontity team to work directly on the WordPress open source project. 

"In particular, to contribute our expertise in developer experience, frontend tooling, performance, and UX to the WordPress core itself, instead of doing so only for an external tool," they added.

"The impact our team could make working directly on WordPress is much more significant than continuing on our own, so we decided to go for it! Now we have the chance to improve the experience of all WordPress developers, not just those who want to use it as a decoupled CMS."

Frontity will not be pushing React to the WordPress frontend, despite being a React framework company.

The company plans to look at Gutenberg and full site editing space to identify the areas where its work has the most impact, in order to make improvements on the WordPress website building experience.

Post acquisition, Frontity will continue as an open source software project, and will be free to use.

A member of the developer experience team at Automattic and lead architect of the WordPress Gutenberg project, said: "I’m really impressed with the effort and care the Frontity team has put into their work over the past few years. 

"We are at the cusp of exciting new opportunities with Gutenberg, and I cannot wait to start collaborating together on making the experience of developing with it a joy to behold."

• Also, have a look at our list of the best managed WordPress hosting available

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This bizarre CPU vending machine in Japan is a real silicon lottery

Japan is famous for its massed ranks of vending machines, with a ton of different models crammed in everywhere in Tokyo, selling all manner of things – from umbrellas to beer – and now there’s a new model in town that vends processors.

As Wccftech reports, dedicated vending machines dispensing CPUs are now a thing in Japanese arcades, which on the face of it contain AMD Ryzen 5000 processors. Though priced at 1000 Yen – about $9.10 / £6.60 / AU$12.40 – you’re not going to get a cutting-edge chip as you might anticipate.

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If you take the plunge with one of these machines, what you do get is a Ryzen 5000 box which contains a few CPUs that might be AMD or Intel models, and could be anything.

The temptation to play is driven by the (very slim sounding) possibility of picking up a contemporary(ish) Ryzen CPU, perhaps a first-gen or second-gen model as Wccftech makes clear – something you could actually build a budget PC around, in other words, or maybe use to upgrade a very outdated machine.

---

Analysis: Treasure or trash, that’s the (doubtless heavily weighted) gamble

We talk about the silicon lottery in terms of how good any given CPU is at overclocking, but this is a literal processor lottery, and we’re betting the odds of getting something good are very shaky.

Given that you’re handing over the equivalent of a handful of dollars or pounds for a handful of CPUs in some cases, those bits of silicon are likely to be ancient: the 486DX processor, a 33MHz beast that powered our first PC, was brought to mind here (though probably not that old, seeing as that’s now venturing into collectible territory).

Despite the doubtless age-old silicon mostly involved, the temptation of getting some kind of decent Ryzen chip (like maybe a 2700X which is still a perfectly serviceable 8-core CPU in the main), or an Intel equivalent, will doubtless keep folks paying. An image of one of the machines posted on Twitter shows it’s almost empty, so that would appear to tell a story in itself.

Of course, the idea of tech vending machines which are a huge gamble isn’t a new one. ‘Treasure Box’ vending machines are already a thing as this Timeout article highlights, offering the enticing possibility of winning a Nintendo handheld for a small fee, but the likelihood of getting a tiny plastic torch that breaks after three days of ownership.

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You season 3: release date, trailer, cast, story, and everything we know so far

You season 3 has a release date of October 15, 2021, Netflix has confirmed – and it's released a first teaser trailer to mark the event. 

You is Netflix's popular thriller series that follows the obsessive and dangerous Joe Goldberg, and while it's definitely in the guilty pleasure realm of the streamer's originals, its success is justified. The show is big on jaw-dropping twists, but also careful characterization to keep the viewer engaged with its protagonist. 

This third season has been a long time coming, and will arrive almost two whole years after season 2. This time, Joe is contending with fatherhood, among other changes in his life. 

Here's what we know so far, but be wary that spoilers for seasons 1 and 2 follow. 

Release date: Netflix has revealed You season 3 will release on October 15, 2021.

Cast: Penn Badgley and Victoria Pedretti will return in this new season, and 12 additional cast members will join them – including Scott Speedman, Saffron Burrows and Travis Van Winkle. Scroll down for more on those characters. 

Will there be more seasons? Executive producer Sera Gamble has teased the prospect of "several" more seasons, which leads us to believe this one won't be the last. 

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You season 3 release date

You season 3 release date: confirmed

You season 3 will release on October 15, 2021, it's been confirmed. Check out the first trailer below.

You season 3 trailer

Fatherhood will be a big part of You season 3 for Joe, as teased by the new trailer released alongside the launch announcement. Here it is:

Whoever said raising a child would be a piece of cake? YOU S3 is coming October 15. pic.twitter.com/sFzdSjxEGSAugust 30, 2021

See more

You season 3 cast

In November 2020, we got a huge number of new You season 3 cast announcements (see all their character backgrounds at Variety). Here's the core cast, including the 13 new names, the fresh cast members they'll join, and the returning faces:

• Penn Badgely: Joe
• Victoria Pedretti: Love
• Scott Speedman: Matthew
• Travis Van Winkle: Cary
• Shalita Grant: Sherry
• Saffron Burrows: Dottie
• Dylan Arnold: Theo
• Tati Gabrielle: Marienne
• Michaela McManus: Natalie
• Shannon Chan-Kent: Kiki
• Ben Mehl: Dante
• Chris O'Shea: Andrew
• Christopher Sean: Brandon
• Bryan Safi: Jackson
• Mackenzie Astin: Gil
• Ayelet Zurer: Dr Chandra
• Jack Fisher: Young Joe Goldberg
• Mauricio Lara: Friend of Young Joe

In 2020, we got confirmation of two (obvious) returning cast members: Badgley will return as Joe, and Victoria Pedretti as Love. The continued presence of Love in Joe's life was a pretty sure thing given how season 2 ended, with the couple in a pretty unholy union (more on what that twist means for season 3 below). Hopefully, we'll see the return of the extended cast of Quinn family and friends from season 2 as well.

We'll also be getting a new face in the shape of Scott Speedman (Animal Kingdom, Underworld. According to Deadline, "Speedman will play Matthew, a successful CEO, husband, and uncommunicative father. He’s reserved, at times mysterious, and has a tendency to be withdrawn, all of which masks a deep well of emotion underneath." 

Speedman joins the other new cast members: Travis Van Winkle and Shalita Grant. Grant is to play Sherry, a mean girl who feels threatened by Love, who puts on a front as a friendly 'Momfluencer'. Van Winkle will be Cary, a wealthy, charming "Master of Self-Optimization". With Cary and Matthew around, Joe has some more competition in the eligible bachelor department.

You season 3 story

Season 2 of You drastically stepped up the melodrama, diverging from the books with a pretty shocking character reveal. When Love is forced to confront Joe's true nature by his first victim, Candace, she takes the news in a way few people saw coming – by stabbing Candace in the throat. 

It was a jaw-dropper of a moment, revealing that Love is as obsessive and inclined toward murder as Joe is. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Badgley offers some insight into the gender politics the show explores through Joe's rejection of his partner's darkest tendencies. 

"...it's like, 'OK yeah, theoretically they're the same – but then he denies her, which again brings up the archetypes of man and woman and the oppression of women, the inequality of men and women," Badgley says. He goes on to hint at a deeper look into Love in season three, noting that she: "...she doesn't appear to be the same kind of person, she doesn't appear to be the same kind of predator."

It's not just Love that season three plans to interrogate more thoroughly. Showrunner Sera Gamble is planning an even darker future for Joe, too. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gamble talked about how the ending of season 2 doesn't indicate good things for our protagonist. 

(Image credit: Tyler Golden/Netflix)

In the wake of Love's revelations of murder, she also surprises Joe with the news that she is now carrying his child, securing her future with him (for now). We see the two move to the suburbs (with Love's mother in tow) and it's here that Joe spies his new neighbor through the fence – a possible new subject of his obsessive nature. 

"I think to me, the most important thing about that last scene is just it is confirmation that Joe is still Joe," Gamble says, "in a way that's not going to be great for Joe." What drives Joe, and how that makes us feel about his actions, was clearly Gamble's vision for season two, which saw an extensive dive into the traumatic childhoods of both Joe and Love. Even though their histories are pretty different, we learn that both leads experienced physical and emotional abuse as well as perpetrating acts of violence at a very young age. 

The finale was designed to set up, "a much more suburban, insular world where Joe would be a complete fish out of water". How Joe handles fatherhood will be an interesting element of next season – the past two seasons have shown that he's particularly protective of the children in his life. The trailer certainly underlines that theme, too.

Badgley told TVLine that Joe and Love are "not soulmates. He's afraid of her at the end. Basically, it's set up for season 3 in a way where they would be each other's arch nemesis." That's a lot of potential material for You season 3 to explore. 

You season 3: how many seasons will it get?

Joe's story won't necessarily be complete with You season 3, either. "I am not scared at all of saying that we definitely could follow Joe for several more seasons," Gamble told THR. Don't worry about the writers running out of ways to test their protagonists, either. "Because we believe in the world that Caroline gave us and we believe in these characters, we just know they'll keep finding really fucked up shit to get into."

You is a one-of-a-kind show

Netflix's guilty pleasure hit deserves its status as one of the biggest shows on the platform. With author Carlone Kepnes already working on book four in her You series, it should mean the producers have enough source material to chew on for a while yet. 

You feels like a fresh, sexy and oddly dangerous series – it's like an odd mix of soap opera and Hannibal, mixing dark thriller vibes with ludicrous twists for something extremely watchable. While on paper it looks a little too problematic to work, Gamble has found the right balance between darkness and deep characterization to pull it off. We can't wait for more. 

Bring on You season 3. 

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Best AirPlay speakers: the best Apple-friendly wireless speakers in 2021

The best AirPlay speakers let you stream music, podcasts or audiobooks from your iPhone or iPad directly to a speaker in your home. This means you can enjoy room-filling sound from your phone without the need for a more complex entertainment set-up.

AirPlay is the name of Apple’s wireless streaming standard. So, maybe without knowing it, if you already own Apple products, like iPhones, iPads or even an Apple HomePod, you're probably using AirPlay.

But to make the most of AirPlay and the products you have already, you need some AirPlay speakers. This is why we’ve selected our favorite AirPlay-friendly speakers in our guide below. Because although there are many smart speakers on the market to choose from, not all of them will play nicely with your current Apple devices.

Back in 2019, AirPlay 2 – the next generation of Apple's cutting-edge proprietary wireless platform – arrived on the scene. This turned the Apple streaming standard into a proper multi-room platform – it even added Siri integration into speakers that never would've had it before, too. 

That’s when AirPlay was also added to more devices, including Samsung TVs. A few years on, and even more TV brands have at least three or four TV options with AirPlay, including LG, Sony and Vizio, too. 

But assuming you don’t have an AirPlay-enabled TV right now, which are the best AirPlay speakers for you? Find out from our guide below. 

How to choose the best AirPlay speakers:

There are a lot of factors to consider when you're looking for the best AirPlay speakers for you. 

One of the obvious ones is budget. None of the speakers in our list below are cheap. But they are from some of the best audio brands around, which means your money will go further and you'll have access to updates so they keep working for a long time. Some cheaper and older speakers might not be getting updates anymore, so that's worth checking before you buy.

If you want AirPlay but you're not sure your budget can stretch to new speakers, consider the Belkin SoundForm Connect instead. It's an audio adapter that can be plugged into any powered speaker or sound system via a 3.5mm or optical port to give it Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity, giving your old speakers a very modern upgrade.

Design is also important. Luckily, most AirPlay speakers are simple and streamlined, meaning they'll fit into most homes discretely. However, it is worth considering whether a small portable speaker, like the Sonos Roam, or a soundbar that slots under your TV, like the Sonos Beam, would suit you and your home better. 

Finally, think about sound quality. All of the best Airplay speakers below are on our list for a reason, but you might have specific things to consider. For example, do you like listening to Hi-Res audio? Only a few of the options below will give you the sound quality you're looking for. 

The best way to choose the right AirPlay speaker for you is to take a look at the options and compare the specs. Be sure to click through to our reviews of the speakers too, which will give you even more information about how they work day-to-day.

The best AirPlay speakers in 2021:

(Image credit: Sonos)

1. Sonos One

Combining AirPlay smarts with Sonos' sound quality

Full-bodied, rich sound

Alexa and Google Assistant support

AirPlay 2 support

No Hi-Res Audio support

Sonos One started a revolution. It's the first smart speaker that doesn't make users choose between smarts and sound quality because it does both very well.

Given that this is a Sonos speaker, you won’t be surprised to hear that the Sonos One sounds pretty fantastic. Throw Elegie by Mouse on the Keys at the speaker, and sound has real punch and energy to it. The song’s kickdrum... well... has kick to it, and drives the energy of the song. It’s an impressive amount of power from such a small speaker. 

The speaker even deals admirably with more complicated pieces of music. Silent Earthling by Three Trapped Tigers sounds clear and crisp, despite the multiple layers of instruments circulating throughout the song. 

Of course, much of what’s written above could also have been said of the original Play:1 when it was first released back in 2013. The real story here is about how voice control is integrated – it is simply wonderfully executed. 

With AirPlay 2, you can play any sound from an iPhone or iPad, or Mac computer – including YouTube videos and Netflix movies – on the Sonos One. You can also ask any Siri-enabled device to control Apple Music on Sonos speakers.

Read more: Sonos One Review

(Image credit: Apple)

2. Apple HomePod

Superb sound, so-so smart speaker

Great sound

Nice, minimal design

Siri's scope is limited

Apple Music needed

Apple’s official Siri and AirPlay speaker was the HomePod, at least until it was recently discontinued by the tech giant. For now, you can still buy the HomePod, but once stocks are depleted, it will be no more.

The obvious benefit of an Apple HomePod over an Echo or Google Home device is that it'll play nice with your other Apple products. So if you're a die-hard Apple fan the HomePod may be a no-brainer. 

But it's worth asking the same question you should always be asking yourself when you want to splurge on a new Apple product: how much of a premium should you pay for owning a device that fits only seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem?

When we reviewed the device we were torn because we were really reviewing two things at once: how the HomePod weighs up as a premium speaker and how it fares as a smart home hub.

In the former category, the HomePod is excellent, as it boasts incredible sound and a very intuitive set-up. But in the latter, Siri is only middling in its implementation, and the fact that you're not able to break out of the Apple ecosystem for many key functions also rankles.

Read more: Apple HomePod review

3. Mu-So Qb

Stunning looks, but thankfully not just a pretty face

Amazing looks

Full and vibrant sound 

Small form factor

Setup isn't seamless

You might not have heard of it before, but Naim audio is a company that produces some of the most stylish connected speakers in the business, and we think the Mu-So Qb is the best they've put out yet. 

It comes will a full suite of connectivity options including aptX Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and AirPlay, which means all of your music should be supported at its maximum resolution, no matter what device you're using. 

But even if you don't have your phone in hand, this wireless speaker is still controllable using its sleek touch-screen which allows you to access internet radio stations, for example. 

It's got a premium price, but if you pluck for the Qb then you won't be disappointed. 

Read more: Mu-So Qb review

(Image credit: Bowers & Wilkins)

4. Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge

A Wedge to pick up where the Zeppelin left off

Unique looks

Clever engineering

Big, wide soundstage

Limited connectivity

It will divide people with its looks, and it will exclude some people with its price, but the Formation Wedge is Bowers & Wilkins doing what it does best, delivering bold looks and bigger sound.

Sound from the Wedge is spread far and wide, without becoming vague or ill-focused, and there’s enough outright power to fill even large rooms with sound. While it’s apparent where the music originates, there’s a much less pronounced ‘sweet spot’ than some less capable wireless speakers generate and the Wedge is an enjoyable listen, no matter where you are in relation to it.

Bluetooth (proper aptX HD Bluetooth, what’s more) is available, as is Spotify Connect. And, of course, Apple AirPlay 2.

Read more: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge review

(Image credit: Sonos)

5. Sonos Beam

This is the AirPlay-friendly soundbar we've been waiting for

Great compact design

HDMI ARC compatible

Superb sound

No Dolby Atmos

If you're looking for an AirPlay speaker that can not only stream music but tackle TV audio as well, the Sonos Beam is one of the best options money can buy.

It's a fantastic soundbar for its price, one that takes full advantage of the Sonos ecosystem as well as Apple's, and is a joy to use (and set up, if your television has HDMI ARC). Its smaller form factor means it’s a device that will sit comfortably next to a 32-inch TV, but it’s got enough of a footprint to not be dwarfed by a much bigger set either.

If you're an Apple enthusiast who is also after additional functionality (like Amazon Alexa support and the possibility of multi-room audio via Sonos products), then you can't do any better than this for an AirPlay speaker.

Read more: Sonos Beam review

Looking for Dolby Atmos support? Check out the Sonos Arc, which also supports AirPlay.

The Naim Mu-so Qb wireless speaker (Image credit: Naim)

6. Naim Mu-so Qb

Big sound and stylish looks in a petite AirPlay-ready package

Stylish looks

Small form factor  

Full and vibrant sound

Setup can be painful

Naim makes some of the most stylish wireless speakers available and the Naim Mu-so Qb, a smaller version of the Mu-so soundbar released in 2014, is no exception. 

In simplest terms, it’s an AirPlay-ready speaker cube that adds style to just about any room. And yes, these are our words, not Naim’s. The fabric grille on its sides is curved and a glass-like acrylic block at its bottom makes the Qb look like it’s floating. (Sort of.)

It also has a striking control wheel up top, and lit touch buttons that control playback away from your phone. 

The Naim Muso Qb sound is lively, with great bass for its size, and good soundstage separation for a wireless speaker. It uses tilted drivers to make dispersal as wide and stereo-like as possible. This isn’t just an AirPlay speaker, either: It has Bluetooth, multi-room using the Naim app, a USB port for direct playback and a digital connector that lets you plug in your TV or AV receiver.  

Performance, portability and versatility? It doesn't get much better than this.

Read more: Naim Mu-so Qb review

(Image credit: Apple)

7. Apple HomePod mini

Apple's 'cheap' speaker offers amazing sound

Incredible sound

Sleek design

Needs Apple Music for full function

Siri and the smart home features need work

For anyone looking to enter the Apple smart ecosystem, or who has an Apple Music subscription, the HomePod mini is a great option. It's far cheaper than some might expect, packing mighty sounds and an elegant design for under $100 / £100 / AU$150. However, Siri and the smart home experience still need some work, even years after launch.

For us, the audio performance is the key reason to buy the HomePod mini. It's excellent for a speaker that's so small, and it really feels like the right mix of price and sound quality. The bass isn't too heavy, vocals aren't lost in the mix, and when you pair two minis the stereo experience is really immersive.

The Apple HomePod mini has also gained support for handoff functionality, which allows you to seamlessly transfer music, podcasts, and calls between your phone and the compact smart speaker. 

All you need to do is hold your iPhone near the HomePod mini, and as well as being able to transfer playback between the devices, you'll also see personalized listening suggestions and playback controls automatically appear on your screen. You won't even have to unlock your phone to adjust these settings.

Read more: Apple HomePod mini review

(Image credit: Sonos)

8. Sonos Roam

The best Bluetooth speaker you can buy

Powerful audio performance

Easily portable design

Fairly pricey

Bass can be overwhelming

The Sonos Roam is our pick for the best Bluetooth speaker on the planet, with a powerful sound, rugged design, excellent connectivity features, and smart home control. A bass-heavy audio performance makes it ideal for use outdoors, while a clever Automatic Switching feature means it's easily used indoors, too – though audiophiles may dislike the overwhelming low frequencies and rhythmic handling.

Following in the footsteps of the Sonos Move, the Sonos Roam comes with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity along with AirPlay support, which means it can work as a portable speaker as well as part of your wider multi-room Sonos system – and with Google Assistant and Alexa onboard, it doubles up a smart speaker too. 

In spite of its (relatively) low price you’re getting a lot for your money here. Its slick design means the Sonos Roam won’t look out of place in your home, while a rugged, waterproof and dustproof build and a decent battery life make it ideal for listening to music outdoors.

Read more: Sonos Roam review

• Looking for the best Bluetooth speakers? We have you covered

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