Music
The Best USB Microphones for Musicians and Podcasters
The 512 Audio Tempest is the best USB microphone because of its excellent clarity, useful controls, and versatile mounting options.
The Best Budget Digital Piano for Beginners
The Roland FP-10 is our favorite budget digital piano for beginners because it offers the most realistic feel and sound among models in its price range.
The Best Music Streamer
The WiiM Pro Plus is the best music streamer because it offers easy setup, reliable performance, and a wide variety of features—all at an affordable price.
How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio System
No matter what kind of turntable and audio gear you have, it is possible to get them working together. Here’s how.
Ready to Get Serious About Vinyl? Start With These Affordable Accessories.
If you’ve discovered a passion for vinyl, a few affordable accessories can make a positive difference in your turntable setup.
The Best Karaoke Machines
Belt out a classic ballad with our favorite karaoke machines.
The Best Record Player Setup for Beginners
Start your vinyl music journey here with our picks for turntable, receiver, speakers, and more.
Setting Up Your Turntable System Can Seem Daunting. The SpinBase 2 Makes It Easy.
We love the Andover Audio SpinBase 2 because it makes setting up a vinyl-record playback system easy, and it sounds shockingly good.
Outgrown Your Starter Record Player? Here’s How to Shop for a Quality Turntable.
Shopping for your first higher-end, dedicated turntable can be a confusing experience. We explain the important features to consider.
The Best USB Audio Interfaces for Musicians and Podcasters
If you’re serious about recording high-quality music or podcasts, a great USB audio interface—like Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 or Vocaster Two—is a vital tool.
The Best Ukulele for Beginners
The Kala Satin Mahogany is our favorite starter uke for beginners. It sounds good, is easy to play, and comes in concert and soprano sizes.
New Portable Cassette Players Transport You Back to the ’80s. But Do You Really Want to Go There?
We checked out the new generation of portable, Walkman-style cassette players to find out if an old-school audio format could really replace streaming services.
Everything New York Times Pop Critic Lindsay Zoladz Uses to Listen to Vinyl
The ancient art of spinning records is alive and well at Lindsay Zoladz’s Brooklyn apartment. Here’s all the gear the music critic uses to get her grooves on.
How Wirecutter Tests Audio Products (And You Can, Too!)
Here are the procedures Wirecutter uses to test audio devices, plus a few tips on how you can evaluate them yourself.
Skip the Spotify Car Thing. Get a Car Phone Mount Instead.
The Spotify Car Thing didn’t solve the major problems I had with listening to music in my car. Here’s the device to get instead.
Use This Time During Coronavirus Isolation to Learn to Play Guitar or Ukulele
So many people want to learn an instrument, but so few find the time. With free online lessons, you can learn guitar or ukulele while your town’s on lockdown.
