Laptops, hi-fi
Apple MacBook Pro
from £1249 (13in) / stuff.tv/MacBookPro
While the Touch Bar versions of the MacBook Pro have been treated to an internal shake-up, most notably with speedy 8th-gen Intel Core chips, the basic Pro is still running on last year’s specs. But with a Kaby Lake processor under the hood, this is still a monster of a machine. And when you factor in the gorgeous display, fantastic keyboard/touchpad and slick design, there’s no doubt this affordable option still deserves its place at the top of our list.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Performance, portability and a sensible price make this the king of laptops
● NOW ADD THIS Satechi Type-C USB 3 Hub
Two ports not enough? This hub adds loads more and sits snugly against the MacBook Pro’s side. £31/satechi.net
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
From £920 / stuff.tv/SurfaceLaptop2 While there’s little that’s truly new about the Surface Laptop 2, that also means this computer has kept everything that made it such a phenomenal device in the first place. The additions of Intel’s latest processors and the full version of Windows 10 ensure it’s even better
Stuff says ★★★★★
An even stronger all-round workhorse than its predecessor
Dell XPS 13 (2018)
From £1199 / stuff.tv/XPS13
The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best, most consistent Windows laptops in the world. There are no gimmicks, no flimsy parts: every element is top-quality. You get style, portability, performance and great battery life. And every part of it just feels, well, good.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Royalty among Windows laptops: everything about this is top-notch
Apple MacBook Air 13in (2018)
★★★★★ from £1199 / stuff.tv/MacBookAir13 With a stunning design, screen and features, this is more than enough MacBook for most people.
Apple MacBook
★★★★★ from £1249 / stuff.tv/MacBook A Kaby Lake processor keeps the standard MacBook competitively brilliant.
Huawei MateBook X Pro
★★★★★ from £1779 / stuff.tv/MateBookXPro A stylish Windows laptop with some clever ideas to get the maximum display for your dollar.
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1
★★★★★ from £1749 / stuff.tv/XPS2in1 A powerful, portable and versatile hybrid, but with a hefty price tag to match.
Lenovo IdeaPad 320S
★★★★☆ from £279 / stuff.tv/IdeaPad320S Cheap and cheerful makes for a refreshing combination, especially if you’re on a budget.
Razer Blade 15
★★★★☆ from £1480 / stuff.tv/Blade15 This ultra-portable is a super-powered gaming behemoth, but gets very hot under pressure.
Apple MacBook Pro 13in with Touch Bar
★★★★☆ from £1749 / stuff.tv/MacBook This 2018 revamp shakes up the laptop’s insides, giving it enough power to justify its Pro moniker.
FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND FULL REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW LAPTOPS, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/LAPTOPS
Sonos multiroom system
from £149 / stuff.tv/SonosOne
If you want to pretend your favourite band is playing in your living room, there’s no better option than a Sonos wireless speaker. They look great, work with your smartphone and boom out your tunes with dazzling finesse – from the compact and Alexa-compatible One (£199) to the flagship Play:5 (£499) and the TV-friendly Beam (£399).
Stuff says ★★★★★
Infinite music in every room without the need for custom installers? Sign us up!
● NOW ADD THIS Spotify Premium
Sick of playing your iTunes library on repeat? Sign up to Spotify for more new music than you could ever possibly listen to. £9.99/month/spotify.com
Naim Mu-so
£895 / stuff.tv/Mu-so
How much for a wireless speaker?! Well, yes, but what a wireless speaker it is. Naim has ploughed all of its high-end hi-fi experience into delivering a beautifully made, great-sounding device with AirPlay, Spotify Connect and aptX Bluetooth all on board.
Stuff says ★★★★★
A wireless speaker that can make a valid claim to be genuine hi-fi
Riva S
£129 / stuff.tv/RivaS
With six drivers pumping out music with a tonal fidelity unrivalled by similarly priced speakers, this Riva is a must-have for sound nerds. Take into consideration the 13-hour battery life and a USB port on the back to charge other devices, and it’s also a great travel companion.
Stuff says ★★★★★
The top small wireless speaker for real sound-hounds
Naim Mu-so Qb
★★★★★ £599 / stuff.tv/Mu-soQb Complements its big brother’s more refined character with a confident presentation.
KEF LSX
★★★★★ £999 (pair) / stuff.tv/KEFLSX Convenience and fine sound at a real-world price, and in some vivid colours.
Loewe Klang M1
★★★★★ £169 / stuff.tv/KlangM1 Exceptional build quality and sound in a comprehensive compact speaker.
Jam Heavy Metal
★★★★★ £58 / stuff.tv/JamHM Classy sound and design at a bargain price: this is the best affordable Bluetooth speaker.
UE Wonderboom
★★★★★ £60 / stuff.tv/Wonderboom This little speaker might look cute, but it’s a sonic grenade – one you can deploy anywhere.
UE Megaboom 3
★★★★★ £170 / stuff.tv/Megaboom3 You’ll struggle to find a better, or more fun, portable Bluetooth speaker.
Marshall Stanmore II Voice
★★★★★ £350 / stuff.tv/Stanmore2Voice A multi-use speaker with rock’n’roll looks, great sound, wireless convenience… and Alexa.
FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS AND REVIEWS OF ALL THE BEST NEW HI-FI, VISIT STUFF.TV/TOP-10/HI-FI-STREAMING