# What Hi-Fi? — Tech, Guides & Equipment

> World's leading guide to hi-fi, home cinema, and streaming tech reviews. (iPhone/iPad app by Future plc.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what-hi-fi/id496516601 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Future plc](https://appshunter.io/developer/378460265)
- Category: Entertainment, Magazines & Newspapers
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 98 App Store ratings · 57 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 25 MB
- Languages: American English, Dutch, French (France), German (Germany), Italian, European Portuguese, European Spanish
- Released: 2012-03-19
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what-hi-fi/id496516601/reviews.md

## What is What Hi?

What Hi-Fi? is the world’s leading guide to the best in hi-fi, home cinema and streaming tech – now available in a premium digital version for iPhone and iPad.

Whether you’re into pure audiophile sound, immersive home cinema setups or next-gen streaming, our expert reviews, in-depth buying advice and independent comparisons help you choose the best gear. 

Inside each issue:

- Discover the top headphones, integrated amps and vinyl essentials
- Hands-on tests of the latest amplifiers, AV receivers, and hi-fi systems
- Step-by-step guides to elevate your TV and projector performance
- Learn how to build the perfect system, from budget to high-end setups

Every issue is packed with trusted advice and expert insight for anyone who wants better sound, better picture and better value.

Download now and enjoy your free trial of the world’s best-selling hi-fi and AV magazine.

-------------------

Once you’ve downloaded our app, you will need to take a free trial or purchase a single issue or subscription to access our in-depth content. We also publish specials and guides - browse our publications, read what interests you most, and get inspired.

Back issues, specials, and future issues are available for purchase within the app. Subscriptions are available on various monthly and annual terms, and auto-renew until you decide to cancel it. Check inside the app for current pricing.

*** Please Note: Our digital edition is not printable and does not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with the print edition ***
 
• The free trial offer is only available to new subscribers. If you have previously subscribed then payment will be taken immediately.
• You can cancel at any time during the free trial period and you will not be charged. Simply turn off auto-renew in your Apple account subscriptions page at least 24 hours before the auto-renew is due.
• Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase.
• Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period.
• You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, for the same duration and at the current subscription rate for that product.
• You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase .
• No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period.  This does not affect your statutory rights.
• Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription.
• We will be collecting information about your use of the app both when you are online and offline. To find out more please see our privacy policy.

The subscription will include the current issue if you don't already own it and subsequently published future issues for the duration of your subscription period.

-------------------

By purchasing a subscription or downloading an app you agree that you have read and accept Future Publishing Ltd's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use:
 
www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/
www.futureplc.com/terms-conditions/

## Key features

- Expert reviews of audio and home cinema gear
- In-depth buying advice
- Independent product comparisons
- Guides to improve TV and projector performance
- Tips for building audio systems
- Coverage of headphones, amps, receivers, and more

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 Month Subscription | $11.99 | per 3 months |
| 6 Month Subscription | $23.99 | per 6 months |
| 1 Year Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| 1 Month Subscription | $4.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision: Awards 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision: August 2012 | $5.99 | one-time |
| What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision: Awards 2013 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Awards 2014 of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision | $5.99 | one-time |
| March 2016 of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision | $5.99 | one-time |
| Awards 2016 of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision | $5.99 | one-time |
| Issue 481 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Issue 516 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Issue 515 | $5.99 | one-time |
| Issue 500 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 495 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 494 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 493 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 492 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Issue 491 | $4.99 | one-time |
| All What Hi-Fi Back Issues | $29.99 | one-time |
| Issue 488 | $4.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of What Hi?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 👍 Magazine content is good
- 👍 App works fine now (for some)
- 👍 Electronic version cheaper than print

**Cons**

- 🐛 App frequently crashes
- 🐛 Unable to download editions
- 🐛 Cannot log in to account
- 🐛 Paid for issues disappear
- 🐛 Subscription not recognized
- 🐛 Poor rendering of articles
- 🐛 Text difficult to read
- 🐛 App is expensive
- 🐛 Customer support unresponsive
- 🐛 App is a PDF copy
- 🐛 Lacks interactive features
- 🐛 Old issues not free
- 🐛 App is a "half-hearted exercise"
- 🐛 Search function not working
- 🐛 App is confusing
- 🐛 Library keeps resetting
- 🐛 Login issues after updates
- 🐛 Restore purchase option missing
- 🐛 Privacy policy overlaps button

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Unable to download editions
- Cannot log in to account
- Paid for issues disappear
- Subscription not recognized
- App crashes frequently
- Poor rendering of news articles
- Blank areas in news articles
- Previous editions not visible
- Cannot restore purchases
- Login issues after updates
- Restore subscription button overlapped by privacy policy
- App keeps removing library
- App defaults to subscribe
- New issues not appearing on app
- App won't scroll past page 99
- Double tapping zoom window too small
- Search function not working for headphones
- App is a PDF of the magazine
- App screws up page orientation
- App is not retina-ready

**Most requested features**

- Make older issues free
- Offer free trial section
- Add video content or app-only exclusives
- Improve text readability and zoom functionality
- Make app interactive, not just PDF
- Allow access to previous issues after cancellation
- Improve search functionality
- Fix app orientation issues

## Recent user reviews (10 of 57)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/what-hi-fi/id496516601/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Won’t even download a single edition

*2023-12-15*

Just installed on the iPad and spent an hour attempting to unsuccessfully download the latest edition. Meanwhile other comparable magazines don’t have their own app and work just fine in Apple News.

### 2/5 — Poor rendering of news articles (free)

*2023-07-28*

Frequently can’t get to the end of reading an article as it doesn’t render (blank area in news article) … think it may be related to all the adverts it’s trying to display! Have latest iPhone pro.

**Developer response:** Hi Gary,

Thanks for letting us know about this. We'll be looking into the news feed to try and fix this issue. It'd be really helpful if you could contact us on apps@futurenet.com and share some screenshots of the problem, which can help us locate and fix the issue, or offer some advice for your specific issue.

We hope you are enjoying the rest of the app.

All the best.

### 5/5 — Yamaha

*2023-02-07*

I have been receiving your magazine for several years now and like it very much but I never see any Yamaha products. I see Denon ,Marantz all the time so what’s the problem with Yamaha. Thanks.

### 4/5 — It is Working ok now.

*2022-12-08*

The app is working fine now, it just would not work last October 22, today all ok.

### 1/5 — KEEP WELL AWAY FROM THIS APP!

*2021-02-15*

Worst app I have ever had the misfortune of installing on my iPad. Unable to log in after 3 months of subscribing. Contacted customer support, got answers to questions I never asked, got lied to on the telephone from customer support, and also, the odd email I get from them repeatedly asks me to describe the problem I’m having. You really are a complete useless bunch of retards at magazines direct!

Contacted credit card with relevant information as I’m paying for a service that isn’t being provided, so want my money back. Just look at the more recent reviews of this app, (something I wish I had done before subscribing.) KEEP WELL AWAY FROM THIS APP!

### 1/5 — Awful update

*2019-09-27*

As with other users, I can’t see any previous editions I have paid for and I can’t even use my account to log in to see new additions.

### 1/5 — New app

*2019-06-28*

Not working for me, can not see old mags or download new ones without paying when I already have a subscription, emailed support but no reply.

### 1/5 — Not up to date

*2019-06-26*

A very poor and confused app. Worst magazine app I have used. You send me an Email that there is s new issue but it does not appear on your app. Keeps removing my library, keeps defaulting to subscribe and won’t let me get back to library. So there’s 3 strikes. I recommend your IT guy does not take up baseball.

### 1/5 — App is broken 😕

*2019-06-20*

Following the recent update, it is not possible to view any of the editions I have paid for. There is no option to restore purchases. Basically it’s useless. Will now be unsubscribing from the digital edition.

### 1/5 — Useless upgrade

*2019-06-17*

After updating app all previous titles purchased have disappeared with no option to restore. Please fix!

## Frequently asked questions about What Hi

### What does the What Hi-Fi? app offer?

The app provides expert reviews, in-depth buying advice, and independent comparisons for hi-fi, home cinema, and streaming technology. It helps users choose the best gear for better sound, picture, and value, covering a wide range of equipment like headphones, amplifiers, and AV receivers.

### How can I access content in the What Hi-Fi? app?

To access the in-depth content, you will need to take a free trial, purchase a single issue, or subscribe within the app. Back issues, specials, and future issues are also available for purchase. Subscriptions offer monthly and annual terms.

### Is the What Hi-Fi? app free to download?

Yes, the app is free to download. However, to access the premium content, you will need to either start a free trial, buy individual issues, or purchase a subscription. The free trial is available for new subscribers only.

### What kind of content is included in a subscription?

A subscription includes the current issue if you don't already own it, as well as all subsequently published future issues for the duration of your subscription period. You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal in your Account Settings after purchase.

### What are the benefits of using this app for tech purchases?

This app offers trusted advice and expert insight from the world's leading guide to hi-fi and home cinema. It helps users make informed decisions by providing hands-on tests, step-by-step guides, and comparisons, ensuring better sound, picture, and value for money.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 7.1.14 — 2025-07-23

We’ve enhanced app stability and usability for an even better, smoother reading experience.

### 7.1.1 — 2023-08-10

We've improved the initial app loading time and squashed some bugs

### 7.0.12 — 2023-07-05

Hi there readers! We'd like to introduce you to an all-new user interface making your reading experience smarter and easier than ever before. Please let us know if you experience any issues with this update at apps@futurenet.com.

### 6.4 — 2022-09-14

Bug fixes and improved customer support via the help page.

### 6.0.16 — 2020-11-04

General app improvements and bug fixes.

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All apps by Future plc: https://appshunter.io/developer/378460265

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*
