Audio

Best Audio Gadgets in the UK: From Retro Turntables to Running Headphones

Why audio gadgets still matter in a noisy world

Remember the warm pop of a vinyl record or the rush of a crisp headline in your favourite podcast? Audio gadgets do more than play sound — they shape moments. From living-room turntables that spark nostalgia to lightweight running buds that keep you motivated on a rainy morning jog, the right gear transforms ordinary days into memorable ones. If you live in the UK and want great sound without the fuss, there’s a brilliant range of stores and products to explore, whether you’re hunting for a quirky Menkind gift or specialist RunningXpert kit built for pavement miles.

Menkind: playful, retro and unexpectedly brilliant audio gifts

Menkind is a go-to for novelty and design-led audio gadgets that double as décor. Think retro-style record players on legs that look straight out of a 1960s flat, colourful Bluetooth speakers that brighten a kitchen island, or a turquoise Crosley Cruiser turntable perfect for spinning 12-inch LPs at low volume. Menkind’s mix of style and sound makes it easy to buy something with personality — ideal if you want your audio to be a conversation starter as much as a source of tunes.

Top Menkind picks and why they stand out

If you love vintage vibes, the Retro Style Blue Record Player on legs and the Steepletone Roxy 4 Record Player in blue deliver that warm, analogue feel. For party-ready portability, the Red5 Wireless Speaker and Red5 Wireless Orb Speaker in bright colours deliver fun sound and easy Bluetooth pairing, usually covering around 30 ft of wireless range for casual use. Gamers and desk dwellers might prefer the Playstation Desk Light and Headset Stand combo — it keeps your setup tidy while giving your headset a home. And if you love karaoke nights, the Red5 Wireless Karaoke Speaker with Mic can turn a living room into a mini-stage.

RunningXpert: audio built around motion and safety

If you spend time pounding pavements or weaving through park trails, RunningXpert focuses on headphones made for active use. Their range includes open-ear and bone-conduction designs like the JVC Open Ear and Sudio B1 bone-conduction models, as well as sport-tuned true wireless earbuds from JVC, Miiego, and JLab. The headline here is safety and comfort: open-ear and bone-conduction options keep your ears aware of traffic, while sweatproof in-ear buds lock in place through a workout. Lightweight builds often come in at under 1 oz per bud, so you hardly notice them while clocking miles.

How RunningXpert items fit different kinds of runners

Prefer to hear the world while you run? Bone-conduction headphones such as the Sudio B1 or Shokz OpenRun Pro transmit sound through the cheekbones, leaving ear canals free. If you want bass and isolation for interval sessions, JVC Sports TWS or Miiego Miibuds Air deliver a snug in-ear fit with sport-focused hooks or tips. For long runs, battery life matters — many models give 6–10 hours per charge, with extra hours from a charging case if they’re true wireless. RunningXpert’s selection helps you pick based on fit, ride, and your tolerance for ambient sound.

Other top UK retailers for audio gear

Beyond Menkind and RunningXpert, the UK market is full of reliable retailers where you can audition or buy audio products. Currys is a popular high-street choice for mainstream Bluetooth speakers, headphones and turntables; John Lewis is known for excellent customer service and a well-curated stock; Richer Sounds is the specialist for hi-fi and loudspeakers if you want to take a living-room system to the next level; Argos offers convenient local pickup and a wide price spread; and HMV remains a good spot for music-lovers seeking turntables, records and vinyl accessories. Amazon UK and large marketplaces also carry wide ranges and fast shipping options when time is tight.

Where to shop for specialist needs

Need a bargain or a specialist accessory? Richer Sounds and independent hi-fi shops are best for speaker setups and acoustic advice, while RunningXpert and sports retailers such as Wiggle or Sports Direct are better for running-specific headphones and mounts. If you’re after vinyl accessories — cartridges, strobe discs, or dust covers for a 12-inch LP collection — boutique record stores and HMV often stock those extras or can point you to local specialists.

How to compare specs without getting lost in numbers

Specs can be dizzying, so here’s a simple compass: start with comfort, then check battery life, build quality and real-world sound impressions. Bigger drivers generally lean toward fuller bass, but driver size alone won’t guarantee balance — how a maker tunes the sound matters. For wireless listening, look for consistent Bluetooth range (typically up to about 30 ft in everyday environments), stable codecs for better audio quality, and a case that holds extra charges if you want all-day use. If you only want qualitative guidance, imagine trying a jacket: fit and feel matter most, then check the features tag for the extras.

Battery life, codecs and real-life performance

Battery labels often promise a best-case number. Expect fewer hours if you max volume or use features like active noise cancellation. For most people, 6–10 hours is ample for daily use, and a charge case can add multiple refuels. Codec details (like aptX or AAC) matter if you want cleaner wireless sound from certain phones, but they’re secondary to comfort and stability. Finally, read reviews that mention day-to-day usage: how well do buds stay put during sprints, or how much bass bleeds from a compact speaker when you place it on a kitchen counter a few feet away?

Setting up speakers and turntables at home

Want your living room to sing? Small changes can make a big difference. Position bookshelf speakers a few feet from the back wall and a few feet apart to create a believable soundstage — usually starting around 3–6 ft apart for compact speakers works nicely. Turntables benefit from a solid, vibration-free surface; placing a 12-inch record player on a stable shelf or cabinet reduces skips and improves sound clarity. If space is tight, a retro-looking turntable from Menkind or a compact Bluetooth speaker from Red5 can bridge vintage vibe and modern convenience.

Room treatment basics without breaking the bank

You don’t need acoustic panels everywhere — simple moves like adding a rug, closing curtains and moving speakers off the floor can reduce harsh reflections. For nearfield listening at a desk, place the speakers at ear height and aim them toward a central listening spot. For portable speakers, try different placements: directly on a counter gives punch, while a raised wooden shelf can warm the tone. Little tests — shifting a speaker a few inches or swapping the angle — are an easy way to learn how placement shapes sound.

Waterproofing, sweatproofing and UK weather considerations

UK weather can be unpredictable, so think about protection. Many running earbuds and portable speakers offer sweatproof or water-resistant ratings designed to handle showers and perspiration. If you’ll run in drizzle or carry a speaker to the beach, choose devices with a solid IP rating and keep a lightweight protective pouch for storage. For vinyl and turntables, avoid placing them in humid or draughty rooms; a stable, indoor environment preserves cartridges and keeps 12-inch records from warping.

Quick care tips to extend gadget life

Wipe down earbuds after sweaty sessions and let them dry in their case for a short period before storing. For record players, clean records with a soft brush and keep the stylus dust-free — that tiny needle does the heavy lifting. Avoid leaving speakers or turntables in direct sunlight and always use the original cases or dedicated bags for transport. These three simple habits — dry, clean and store — keep gear sounding better for longer.

Budget buys and premium picks: where to spend

Not all audio upgrades need a heavy outlay. If you’re on a budget, a well-reviewed Bluetooth speaker or a budget-friendly true wireless pair can dramatically lift day-to-day listening. Menkind often has eye-catching designs that punch above their price, while RunningXpert offers focused options that avoid gimmicks and deliver durable performance for runners. When to splurge? If you care about long-term fidelity, invest in a higher-grade pair of headphones, a quality turntable (with a good cartridge), or a stereo amp and speakers from a specialist retailer — those components age well and reward you the more you listen.

Finding deals without regret

Seasonal sales like Black Friday, Boxing Day and bank-holiday events are great for bargains, but watch for real user feedback and sound demos if possible. A price drop is only useful if the product still meets your needs — check fit, battery life and durability in reviews. Comparison shopping across Currys, John Lewis, Richer Sounds and online marketplaces can reveal where the best value sits for a given model.

Bringing it together: matching store to need

To sum it up simply: if you want quirky design and gift-ready gadgets, Menkind’s shelves are a fun place to start. If your priority is sport-specific performance with safety and fit in mind, RunningXpert and dedicated sports retailers cover the bases. For a mix of range, advice and audition options, visit Currys, John Lewis or Richer Sounds. And if you’re hunting down vinyl accessories or specialty cartridges for a 12-inch LP collection, HMV and independent record shops likely have the extras and local knowledge you need. Pick your store by need — design, sport, hi-fi or convenience — and you’ll find the gear that keeps your soundtrack on point.

Final checklist before you buy

Pause for a moment and ask: will I use this daily or occasionally? Do I need ambient awareness for safety? Is portability or sound quality my priority? Answering these helps narrow the field fast. Try devices on if you can, read a mix of expert and user reviews, and consider how the gear will handle rainy runs or a steady record-collecting habit. With a little thought, the right gadget — whether it’s a playful Red5 speaker, a Crosley Cruiser turntable for your first 12-inch LP, or a pair of Shokz bone-conduction buds for morning runs — will feel like the perfect companion.

Conclusion

Great audio in the UK is all about matching needs to products and shops. Menkind offers playful, retro choices that look as good as they sound; RunningXpert focuses on performance for active lifestyles; and broader retailers like Currys, John Lewis and Richer Sounds fill out the market with options for every budget. Whether you want the warm thrum of a record player, the focused punch of running earbuds, or a portable speaker for weekend getaways, there are sensible ways to compare, test and buy. Treat sound like an experience, not just a spec sheet, and you’ll enjoy your music and podcasts more with every listen.