Mini hi-fi systems can be expensive and temperamental, but our aim is make sure you don’t end up out of pocket or with a useless product. Unlike other review sites, we go out and buy every single mini hi-fi we review, just as you would, and then we take it to our lab for stringent testing.
In our mini-hi-fi testing, we look at everything from simple, budget models costing less than £100, to pricey, feature-packed devices going for upwards of £500.
We test models from the biggest brands on the market, including Panasonic, Sony, Cambridge Audio, Denon and Pioneer, and look at a wide range of models for each so you can decide when it’s worth spending your money and when it’s not.
Those we judge to be Which? Best Buy mini hi-fis sound fantastic and are easy to use, with no convoluted instruction manuals to wade through or overly-complicated processes to change music source. You can be sure that it is a genuinely excellent device.
Our thorough lab tests look at every aspect of the mini hi-fi, including:
How easy it is to set up and use
How well it sounds whether you’re listening to classical, jazz, rock or pop.
What useful features it has, such as a radio, CD player, and music streaming capabilities. We also look at the ability to hook up an external device such as a smartphone or MP3 player and play music through your hi-fi speakers. We’ve been testing mini hi-fi systems in our labs for more than 20 years so we know what separates the cream from the crop.
And we don’t just reveal the best – we also highlight poor scoring Don’t Buy mini hi-fis, so you don’t inadvertently end up with an overpriced dud that you’ll soon want to replace.
How we uncover the best mini hi-fi systems
If you’re buying a mini hi-fi online, there’s no real way of knowing how it will sound once you’ve set it up in your living room. Even trying out a system on the shop floor won’t give you an accurate idea. As well our expert listening panel, our extensive lab tests make over 100 individual different checks and measurements. This enables us to provide extensive ratings for all the key functions of a mini hi-fi system, so you can get an idea of what to look for and what’s available to you. With each mini hi-fi we assess:
Sound quality
Our expert listening panel assesses sound quality using tracks from a collection of test tracks selected to put each system through its paces.
Ergonomics and setting up
We then try out the hi-fi systems’ various functions and features in the way you would use them – assessing how easy and intuitive each is to use and whether there are any significant drawbacks.
Energy use
We test how much electricity each mini hi-fi uses both when idle and when playing back music at a normal listening level. We convert this into a star rating to show how much it’s likely to add to your electricity bill.
Mini hi-fi systems reviews
Denon CEOL N10 (Denon SC-N10 speakers included) review
Test scoreShow Context
73%
Key features
- Separate speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Impressive sound system
If you’ve been waiting for a mini hi-fi that you can use to stream music, look no further. The Denon CEOL N10 did well in all our tests: it sounds great, and is easy to set up and use. There’s a lot of potential here for creating the perfect audio setup for your home. It’s a well-deserved Best Buy.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Lots of features and connection options
- Very good app
Cons
- Will be too complex for some
Panasonic SC-HC2020 review
£249.00Typical price
Test scoreShow Context
69%
Key features
- Built-in speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Great range of functionality in a compact package
Panasonic is one of the most popular mini hi-fi brands, and with the flat-panel Panasonic SC-HC2020 they’ve proven they can deliver. For a mini hi-fi system with built-in speakers, the sound quality is among the better models we’ve tested, and – aside from a few quirks – its highly convenient to set up and use.
Pros
- Great range of features including Google Assistant voice control
- Chromecast multi-room support
- Wi-fi
- Bluetooth and DAB/FM radio
- Fantastic app
Cons
- Sound quality could be even better
- Screen is a bit small
Ruark Audio R3 review
Test scoreShow Context
69%
Key features
- Built-in speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Very good all-in-one mini hi-fi
The Ruark Audio R3 is a success: an easy-to-use mini hi-fi system with built-in speakers and very good sound quality. It only narrowly misses getting a Best Buy. That’s a very strong result for a built-in-speaker system, where good-sounding models are pretty rare. Provided you’re not put off by the price, or that the accompanying app takes some learning, this is a nice solidly built mini hi-fi that delivers where it counts and is well worth buying.
Pros
- Sounds good
- Easy to use
- Lots of features
- Versatile connectivity
- Built-in-speakers
Cons
- Companion app isn’t very user friendly
- Expensive
John Lewis Tenor Hi-Fi Music System review
£249.00Typical price
Test scoreShow Context
68%
Key features
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Full of interesting and useful features
John Lewis has produced a mini hi-fi packed full of features with the Tenor Hi-Fi Music System. The sound quality is below average, but its sleek design with built-in speakers will suit everyday listening. Read our full review of the John Lewis Tenor Hi-Fi Music System to find out more.
Pros
- Easy to use and set-up
- Lots of features
- Loud volume
- Built-in wi-fi
- Smart and compact design
Cons
- Below-average sound quality
- You can’t buy parts separately if anything breaks
JVC UX-D750 review
£149.00Typical price
Test scoreShow Context
68%
Key features
- Separate speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Very easy to use mini hi-fi
This is a very user-friendly mini hi-fi that’s straightforward to set up, and the sound quality is very nearly enough to make it a Best Buy. It can reach high volumes, and the audio coming from both speakers is very balanced, but it can be a bit unnatural-sounding at times.
Pros
- Very straightforward to use with a large remote
- Good maximum volume
- Easy to play audio from other devices such as your smartphone or tablet
Cons
- Not much
- Although the sound quality could be even better
John Lewis Cello review
£200.00Typical price
Test scoreShow Context
64%
Key features
- Built-in speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Versatile mini hi-fi system
Those looking for an all-in-one mini hi-fi solution could well be satisfied with the great degree of functionality, ease of use and stylish looks of the John Lewis Cello. However, our expert listening panel found the sound quality a touch disappointing compared with the best mini hi-fis with built-in speakers on the market. The bass can be excessively strong at times, and it doesn’t produce a significant stereo sound effect. You can get excellent-sounding mini hi-fis with plenty of features and connections in this price range. Have a look at our Best Buy mini hi-fis for the best available.
Pros
- Lots of functionality: Internet radio
- CD player
- USB socket
- Dual alarms
Cons
- The sound quality could be better
Denon D-M41DAB (Denon SC-M41 speakers included) review
£399.00Lowest price (not in stock)
Test scoreShow Context
64%
Key features
- Separate speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: A great package but not flawless sound
The D-M41DAB doesn’t live up to the sound of the best mini hi-fis available, but it’s a very competent unit in a stylish package with lots of functionality, so could be worth a look if you’re not a stickler for flawless hi-fi sound quality.
Pros
- Lots of functionality
- DAB+/FM radio
- CD player
- Separate speakers usually included
- Great looks
Cons
- Sound quality doesn’t match the very best mini hi-fis
- Cluttered remote
- Not the easiest to set up
Panasonic SC-PM250EB-S review
Test scoreShow Context
57%
Key features
- Separate speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Average hi-fi
It may be cheap, but this micro hi-fi never rises above mundane. The sound is a letdown for the most part, and the model lacks any feeling of care in its construction. This is one that’s best avoided.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Sound is lacklustre
Panasonic SC-HC302 review
Test scoreShow Context
57%
Key features
- Built-in speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Rivals are better
This is a reasonable but not exceptional Panasonic mini hi-fi, sporting the same popular design common with other models. The sound quality isn’t bad, but won’t match those of more traditional mini hi-fis with separate speakers. And those looking for convenience will be disappointed by the poor menu and unintuitive remote control. We’d recommend having a look at our Best Buy and Great Value mini hi-fis instead.
Pros
- Simple setup
- Radio with generous number of presets
- Wall mounting
- Supports music-streaming services via smartphone app
Cons
- Unimpressive sound quality for a mini hi-fi
- Poor remote control and menu design
Denon DT-1 review
£179.00Typical price
Test scoreShow Context
53%
Key features
- Separate speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Good sound but not much more
If you’re looking for top-quality sound, the DT-1 delivers – it’s almost a match for Denon’s higher-end models. However, the impressive audio quality comes at a cost: the hi-fi has few advanced features and cheaper build quality. What’s more, design issues mean that although it has fewer functions, they’re more difficult to use. We’d recommend considering our higher scoring mini hi-fis instead.
Pros
- Good sound
- Can save radio station presets
- Sleep timer
Cons
- Remote control can be a pain to use
- No DAB radio
Panasonic SC-HC200 review
Test scoreShow Context
50%
Key features
- Built-in speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Awkward to use with disappointing sound
This is one of the cheapest launch-price mini hi-fis we’ve ever tested, and there proves to be a reason for that. Sound quality is pretty disappointing for a mini hi-fi system; even casual listeners won’t be that impressed. You’re highly unlikely to get a good mini hi-fi in this price range. You’ll need to spend a bit more to get really great sound – have a look at our top-scoring mini hi-fis for the sound quality you deserve.
Pros
- Cheap
- Bluetooth
Cons
- Disappointing sound quality
- Difficult to use
Sony CMT-X3CD review
Test scoreShow Context
44%
Key features
- Built-in speakers
- Bluetooth
Which? verdict: Thin in stature and sound
We’ve tested a handful of these thin, compact mini hi-fis, and we’re yet to be impressed. The CMT-X3CD hasn’t changed our opinion, with lacklustre sound that will only disappoint. It’s a Don’t Buy.
Pros
- Slim with small profile
Cons
- Sound is mediocre
- Buttons and display poorly placed
Sony CMT-S20B review
£95.00Typical price
Test scoreShow Context
40%
Key features
- Separate speakers
Which? verdict: Not for audio fans
Sound quality is a bit of a letdown and it’s not that easy to use. It’s not a Which? Best Buy.
Pros
- DAB radio
- USB input
Cons
- Poor ease of use
- No line-input of headphone socket
- Disappointing sound
