The Stuff Gadget Awards 2024: Best speakers of the year

Sound that booms, screens that bloom

The Stuff Gadget Awards 2024 is back, and we’ve scoured the soundscape to bring you the finest audio gadgets of 2024. From Bluetooth speakers that bring the boom to soundbars that make you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. Our categories celebrate the standout performers, and our picks combine superior sound with cutting-edge features, ensuring an audio experience that’s nothing short of spectacular for you, dear reader!

Ready to crank up the volume as we celebrate the speakers that truly rocked 2024?

Bluetooth speaker of the Year 2024: JBL Authentics 300

A time machine disguised as a boombox? The retroinspired JBL Authentics 300 channels the free-lovin’ spirit of the 70s, with its vintage design and enough thumpin’ bass to fuel a disco party. But don’t let the old-school looks fool you. This speaker is packed with modern tech, including simultaneous Alexa and Google Assistant support, so you can boss it around with whichever voice assistant tickles your fancy. The sound is big, bold, and guaranteed to get your floorboards shaking. It’s the life of the party, whether you’re chilling at home or picnicking in the park (just don’t get it wet!). It’s a bit pricey, but with its killer combo of vintage vibes, powerful performance, and smart features, the Authentics 300 is the speaker that’ll make you say, “Groovy, baby!”.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Beats Pill, Sony ULT Field 1, Marshall Willen II

Soundbar of the Year 2024: Sony Bravia Theatre Quad

Just like the David Copperfield of home audio – the Sony Bravia Theatre Quad makes a whole lot of sound appear from practically nowhere. This quartet of wireless speakers is so sleek, you’ll barely notice them...until you fire them up. Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping tech is the real deal, bouncing sound off your walls and ceiling to create an immersive audio experience that’s bigger and bolder than your room suggests. Upward-firing drivers add a whole new dimension, making you feel like you’re dodging bullets in “John Wick” or dodging slaps in “Heeramandi”. If you’ve got a Sony Bravia TV, the integration is so smooth, it’s practically telepathic. Sony has raised the bar for home-theatre, and the Bravia Theatre Quad is the conductor of the year.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Klipsch Flexus Core 200, Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9