TechRadar picks six portable hi-fi deals for Amazon's October Prime Day

According to TechRadar, the top pick is Astell & Kern's HC3 DAC, which has a microphone for gamers. It is now £99, down from £199, making it less than half-price. The article says the HC3 is suited to listeners who are bypassing Bluetooth and want to upgrade the wired IEMs or player they already own.

For gamers who want better sound from interactive entertainment, TechRadar highlights the Fosi Audio K5 Pro. It describes the device as a compact and budget-friendly desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed primarily for gaming, streaming and PC or console audio. The K5 Pro is priced under £65, down from £80, which the article calls a bargain.

TechRadar also points to the Activo Scoop, an in-ear monitor from Astell & Kern's affordable sub-brand. The Scoop appears in TechRadar's best wired earbuds buying guide, and the article notes that each earpiece has five drivers. The IEMs were initially priced at £80, but Activo later raised the price because of their popularity. They are now back down to £79 from £99, which the article says makes them worth buying.

The iFi GO Bar Kensei is included for buyers who want a portable DAC that looks more expensive than it is. In its review, TechRadar called it the 'stylish steel swordsman of portable DACs.'

For users unsure whether they want USB-C, Lightning or the option to upgrade audio while staying with Bluetooth, TechRadar recommends the Astell & Kern HB1. The article describes it as brutalist and easily pocketable, and says it could be mistaken for a high-end lighter by people unfamiliar with it. It comes with USB-C to Lightning and USB-C to USB-C cables, and it can also connect wirelessly over Bluetooth. The HB1 is 25% off at £149, down from £199.

TechRadar also includes the Astell & Kern HC4, now priced at £149 from £219, a 32% discount. The article calls it a tiny DAC and quotes a review saying: 'When it comes to its single function — taking the digital audio information from your source device and converting it to the analogue equivalent — there's plenty to admire here.'

The article notes that the deals offer extra detail, more space around musical instruments and crispness through the leading edges of notes, especially as daily commutes become darker and colder.