(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
We’re just over half way through 2026 and it’s shaping up to be one of the best years yet for home cinema enthusiasts. We’ve seen new, cutting-edge TV technology in the form of RGB TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and Hisense; fantastic active speakers from Klipsch and Edifier; and new luxurious high-end open-back headphones that have blown us away.To help you sort through this year’s cavalcade of great gear, we’ve put together a list of 25 award-winning products that deserve a spot in your home theater or listening room. This list of products is sorted in alphabetical order to avoid any bias or claims of favoritism, so be sure to scroll all the way down to see the complete list of winners.Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC
(Image credit: Future)By adding noise cancellation to the already fantastic Maxwell 2 formula, the new Maxwell 2 is the all-rounder that Audeze’s gaming lineup has been crying out for. Its planar magnetic drivers deliver excellent fidelity, and while there are other headsets out there using similar drivers, none offer the immersion of ANC and a closed back design. — Pete Wolinski, Senior Reviews EditorBelkin SoundForm Mini 2 Kids Wireless Headphones
(Image credit: Belkin)As a relatively new dad, I take my daughter’s health seriously. As desperate as I am to have her right beside me listening to music on the latest speakers and soundbars, I want to preserve her hearing health — that’s where these cheap wireless headphones come in. With a set volume cap, there’s no way for her to crank up the music to a dangerously high level, which makes me feel better about the times we do listen to music together. — Nick Pino, Managing EditorBluesound Pulse Cinema
