Sonos Beam 2

Smarter than your average soundbar $699, sonos.com

PROS

Powerful audio with Dolby Atmos No remote control provided

Speech Enhancement mode Trueplay audio only for iPhones

Works with Google or Amazon commands No Bluetooth streaming

This gadget can upgrade your TV soundscape without taking up too much space. The second generation Sonos Beam nests neatly beneath most TV screens – its sleek enclosure just 65cm long. It crams plenty of tech into that small frame, including four amplifiers, a tweeter, four midwoofers, and support for Dolby Atmos to produce compelling surround sound. Its Speech Enhancement mode should impress anyone who’s tried to hear voices over sound effects, although its Trueplay feature that adjusts audio to the room only works if you set it up with an iPhone.