Reviews

There are ample means by which you could learn about the fascinating intricacies of feudal Japan. Still, Koei Tecmo presents the option for a doubly steep learning curve with the latest addition to its turn-based grand strategy RPG series, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition (a repackaged edition of the initial 2023 game released for Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5).

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: PS5 (Complete Edition); PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, (original edition)
Release date: June 5, 2025

In this Nintendo Switch 2 game (also available on PlayStation 5), you play as a contemporary daimyō, acting as a Japanese feudal lord ruling over a province during the turbulent Sengoku period. There’s the option to follow the story of the series’ titular character, Nobunaga, head of the Oda clan, but you can also play as a host of other historical leaders from the era.

So, what is Nobunaga’s ambition? Oh, just the small feat of unifying Japan; a contentious matter among those he wished to suppress to achieve his dream. Your objective in Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening is to help realize this vision – whether or not you’re playing as the man himself – by developing your lands, conducting diplomacy, and, of course, a healthy dose of feudal warfare as you strive to dominate the various territories of Japan.

Along the way, you’ll also encounter cutscenes reimagining famous battles from the time, as well as rumors from your various officers, which reflect the era’s propensity for near-constant drama and gossip among its magnates.

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

It’s a game that struggles to find its footing; in one part, it’s a gruelling uphill battle to learn complex political systems, heightened only by the game’s stunted UI and some slightly half-baked gameplay mechanics that I accidentally manipulated to win the game in less than a minute (more on that later).

On the other hand, there is something intangibly captivating about this historical part-fiction. Combat mechanics are satisfying, there’s a fulfilling base management system, and great care and attention have been paid to injecting the game with ample historical education and context-based events to keep things interesting. It’s just so brutally difficult that any enjoyment I could find is as yet out of reach.

I played over 30 hours of the game (it felt like at least ten of those were spent reading endless text boxes and tutorials) before I got to a point where I was happy upping the difficulty to medium.

Naturally, I instantly lost, and another ten hours later, I’m still in the throes of learning the next level of strategy required to win past dumb-dumb difficulty; but I’m comforted to read online that I am one of so, so many gamers to say the same.

Humble beginnings

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

You begin the game by selecting a date from 1543 to 1614 and then choosing a clan to play as. Each begins the game with different setups: alliances, provinces, and officers, which you’ll take custody of and command as you grow your control of Japan.

There is a tutorial, but as you may expect if you’re familiar with the genre, it’s pretty bare-bones, covering only the fundamentals you’ll need to get started and win a campaign on the easiest settings. After that, you’re on your own, left to unpack the other 70% of the game that the tutorial scarcely mentions.

It’s worth noting that, as the game advises, you’ll want to pick one of the easier levels first, not least because the tutorial can almost sabotage you at higher difficulties. I mistakenly jumped straight in at a medium difficulty level and followed the tutorial religiously, which led me straight into war with a far more powerful enemy.

You’ll want to start your game by checking out your territories, each of which consists of a castle and counties that contribute to resource production. Each district has a farm and fair that you can harvest to increase your monthly earnings, as well as slots for settlements that offer different benefits.

The castle county also has a town square that you can develop with various facilities. That’s not always down to you to decide, though; the art of Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening, really, is delegation.

Rise above your station

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

The first port of call, then, is assigning dominion over your lands to your officers. Officers can make or break your strategy; they’ll make judgment calls for you within their lands, though you can give guidance and structure if you want to micro-manage. You’ll recruit more and more as the game progresses through covert operations and recruitment drives, and you can choose which ones to hire based on how well their unique traits, skills, and relationships mesh with your strategy.

Each castle will need a Lord stationed from your more senior officers, and then you’ll want to assign dominion to counties to ensure the land is worked efficiently. As your Lord’s station improves, they’ll be able to pick up the slack and manage counties within their territory, too.

Officers will also recommend actions and make suggestions for how to engage in military or covert operations, which you can choose to accept or decline; but lean too far and you may find they’ll start acting on their own accord or lose loyalty towards you. As the fearless leader, you’ll also have your own castle; this can be managed autonomously by Substitutes instead.

Occasionally, they’ll even want to barter with you, whether because their loyalty has dropped low enough that they wish to part ways or because they’re offering a boon in exchange for land holdings. In each trade, you’ll need to hit a certain point value to secure the officer, and if you really want what they’re offering, you can up the ante to ensure they stick around for longer.

I found this mechanic to be a bit frustrating, given that I rarely seemed to have much to barter with, and when I did, it either drastically overdelivered or underdelivered.

Overall, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening’s staff management mechanics are pretty satisfying and well-rounded. The game does well to give you tips and pointers in this department, and you can really affect the game’s outcomes with your staffing decisions. Unique traits of officers really can drive the game, especially when it comes to battle mechanics and officer proposals.

A council of your peers

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Another core tenet of running an effective kingdom is consulting your council. However, much of this council management is left unexplained, and as the game gets pretty tied up in its own Sengoku-specific vocabulary, it’s hard to even find the help you need within game guides.

User guides online are fairly scant, too, but I can understand why. I can’t see myself pouring my blood, sweat, and tears into learning this behemoth of a strategy game and then spelling it out for the next player for free, either.

Policies are the backbone of progress in the game, and one of the areas I enjoyed the most during my playthroughs; they allow you to unlock new features, better delegation, and strengthen your forces. However, you’ll want to wait until you have excess gold before setting up any new ones, as some are pricey.

From the council menu, you can also bestow accolades to your officers, which increases their abilities and can even grant them special effects. These are earned by achieving significant accomplishments like clan targets and demonstrating loyalty.

You can also choose to give gifts of treasure to your officers to improve their stats and loyalty, marry them to an eligible Hime, and grant titles earned by appeasing the Imperial Court from this menu.

As you grow your lands, you’ll also want to divest more responsibilities onto your officers by heading to your council and setting up a new province to be ruled over by a regent.

These run fairly autonomously, and especially on harder difficulties, the choices you make to staff these regions can make or break your game; choose a warmongering Lord and you stand to lose a fair few allies.

Friends we made along the way

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

With your ultimate goal being unification, you might want to make some friends in high places, so you’ll need to put on your diplomacy hat and send your highest officers – or your daimyō – as a diplomat to rack up some goodwill with your neighbors, including a monthly gold stipend to woo them.

Once you’ve built trust, you can ask them to be your allies and help you in combat, negotiate peace between warring territories, or even solidify your alliance through marriage. You’ll also want to conduct diplomacy with powerful entities like the Shōgun and the Imperial Court, the latter of which can offer you official posts in exchange for (costly) diplomatic activities to help you improve your prestige.

I’ve mentioned vassals already; once you’re allied with a smaller clan that may want or need protection and acknowledges you as a superior force, you can ask them to become your vassal and effectively join your territory. In time, and especially under pressure, your vassals might decide to just absorb themselves into your clan altogether, but either way, these relationships count towards the end goal of unification.

Do be warned, though, if you don’t want to cheese the game too much; there’s at least one clan scenario you can play where the goal territory is occupied entirely by allies, meaning you can just load a new save, vassal-ize your allies and win before you’ve even assigned your first officer.

Generally speaking, the diplomacy in Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening is a good enough system, though you’ll want to really think about which allies make the most sense based on your goals; some allies may end up getting in the way of your expansion or be more trouble than they’re worth when enemies come knocking at their doors.

That being said, diplomacy lacks the intricacy required to offer a rewarding alternative to war. One frustration I found was that you seemingly can’t make a country with existing vassals your own vassal. I say seemingly because in the rafts of game guides available within the software, I can’t for the life of me find an alternative other than straight-up demolishing the vassal and then building relations with your target nation, at which point it’s likely better to just chip away at the territory of theirs that you want.

It’s also really frustrating that you work so hard for what can often be so little; it can take anywhere from two to six months even to accrue enough goodwill for reinforcements, and you don’t always get the all-out assault you want.

Considering it’s six to ten months to achieve enough goodwill for an alliance, too, you can wipe out a senior officer all year-round with diplomacy if you’re not careful, leaving their civil affairs at home unmanaged.

What are we doing today, brain?

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Okay then, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening – if it’s war you want, it’s war you’ll get. It’s nigh-on impossible to dodge combat for an entire save, so if you enjoy a pacifist playthrough, you might be better off with a more flexible strategy game like Sid Meier's Civilization 7.

Once you’ve chosen an enemy's castle as your target, your castles will start amassing soldiers and readying supplies for war, indicating preparedness with a little flame icon next to the castle town(s) selected as your militarization base. Once completed, you’ll direct troops to march, choosing from various strategies suggested by your officers as to the route taken as well as which, if any, provinces you control will join the fray. You can also conduct covert operations to spread rumors or incite revolts across enemy territory and weaken forces, or just raze or destroy target castles to help with upcoming battles.

En route, you’ll undoubtedly encounter enemy units, and if your senior commanders or daimyō are on the field, you’ll be able to trigger a battle event. Instead of passively watching the unit counters trickle down in an autonomous head-to-head, you have the opportunity to command each of your troops yourself with the assistance of your officer’s recommendations, and broadly speaking, I’d recommend doing so if you really want to cut down their troops.

Battling is generally quite fun, especially when the game throws you a historical fight sequence with a good lore drop.

Best bit

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

After hours of trial and error in higher difficulties, followed by more hours of learning the ropes in lower difficulties, I returned to the scenario that had me stumped to begin with and opted to manually control my troops for a challenging siege that I won in the first try. Nothing beats that feeling.

There are a few ways to win here: destroy the enemies’ path to escape, decimate their forces, or crush their morale with consecutive defeats on the field. Some battlefields also have strategic key points, and controlling these improves your armies’ standings and morale, too.

Battling is fun, but Siege encounters are a bit trickier. Maps are slightly more complex, and if you don’t manage to launch your attack on the castle before it’s finished preparing for your attack, you’ll have an even harder time as you encounter traps and barricades. These can be brutal, especially in the early stages, and if you don’t follow your officers’ advice to always bring three to five times the units your enemy has – and I’d really recommend you aim high.

If you want to skip these siege sequences altogether, you can – and they can be a little tedious if you mostly want to auto-play – but then you miss out on the authority mechanic. Winning battles will earn you authority, which can mean anything from lands submitting themselves to you to new (or fallen) alliances.

A beautiful mess

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

So, that’s gameplay covered, but what about the actual user experience of the game?

I mentioned already that the user interface is a little disappointing, and that point stands; crowded menus, unclear navigation, and clumsy controls make an already challenging game downright frustrating. It’s a shame, because the game itself isn’t bad, aesthetically. Sure, the map and menus are all dated, but the splash art is delightful, the music is immersive, and the voice lines are delivered with conviction and minimal cheese.

The standard button layout is really confusing and unintuitive, especially for navigation and menu access, but the biggest crime is the UI clarity and visibility. Battle and siege interactions play out on an unzoomable field, and when more than three or four units on each side are on the battlefield, it’s nigh-on impossible to see where your forces start and your enemies end, which can make manual controls for retreating and resting troops hard.

Thankfully, some of these complaints are deftly handled by having the Switch 2 as my platform of choice for this review; mouse mode makes navigating through rafts of menus and directing your troops far smoother than using a controller. In fact, I’d say unless you’re used to how the games lay out their UI on a controller, it’s the de facto way to enjoy Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening (outside of a PC, of course).

Still, there’s just a lot of chaos in the game and abundant quick fixes that could be made to streamline the interface. For example, annoyingly, if you want allies to send reinforcements as you march to battle, you’ll have to head to the alliance interface instead of conducting from your marching orders screen, which can often mean they arrive long after or before your troops.

Generally, automation and management are fine, but more options to issue mass directives for castle or province management would really help to reduce time spent clicking through various menus.

Not easy to love

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Over time, I grew to really enjoy Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening. It’s an addictive uphill slouch for infrequent strategy players, but even for the more experienced, the work needed to fully learn the game might come as a blow.

Had I not needed to play it for this review, I might just have given up after the third or fourth false start, but having to persevere has earned the series a new fan. I can’t, in good conscience, rate it more highly than I have; it’s just too messy and inconsistent, and too many parts of the game stick out like a sore thumb for their shallowness when compared to the richness and complexity elsewhere.

Winning feels good, though, and not just because it’s despite the issues the game presents. Even on easier modes, nothing is handed to you on a platter, and you need to engage with the game’s source material and setting to reap the many rewards of playing Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening. If you’re up to the challenge, this game will bring it.

Should I play Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening?Play it if…

You love grand strategy
As far as strategy games go, this one has got most others beat with the sheer amount of micro controls, all while also giving you plenty to do at a macro level. View Deal

You enjoy battle tactics
War mechanics in this game are rich and fulfilling, offering a few different ways to play and clear direction to victory. Provided you can read the UI. View Deal

You want to keep coming back for more
There is so much replayability to Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening; not only to beat your own runtime, but also to play all the various clans across the years.View Deal

Don't play it if…

You hate a steep learning curve
Hoo boy, this is not the game for you. From controls all the way to core functions in the game, it’s a long road to knowing how to play.View Deal

You want more ways to win
Diplomacy plays a role in the game, yes, but I’ve yet to find a way you can achieve Nobunaga’s Ambition without at least a little bloodshed.View Deal

You can’t tolerate bad UI and UX
From confusing button layouts to nonsensical menus to its weak tutorial and hard-to-parse interfaces, sometimes Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening is physically tiring in its poor design. View Deal

Accessibility

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening is far from an accessibility-first game, but there are some features of note.

The difficulty is adjustable to a fairly granular level; different scenarios offer different star ratings, but you can also head to settings before starting a scenario to adjust AI difficulty and behaviors right down to how clans form alliances.

You can also opt to spend more of the game delegating and focusing on macro controls if the micro management proves challenging.

Mouse controls are a boon to the game’s unwieldy AI, and could double as useful alternatives for those who can’t use Joy-Con control layouts. There are no specific audio accessibility features, nor are there colorblind or graphics settings.

How I reviewed Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening

I played Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2, racking up over thirty hours of gameplay. In that time, I set up multiple campaigns in different scenarios and difficulty settings, playing through to the victory scenario in each and trying all of the various features.

While using docked mode, I was playing on a 4K TV with the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. I also tried handheld mode using the Joy-Con 2 controllers and used mouse mode.

I love a good strategy game, clocking in over 250 hours playing Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 (and that’s only on one console where I own it!) and reviewing strategy games like Age of Empires 4.

First reviewed July 2025

iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo: two-minute review

The Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo feels like a missed opportunity given iRobot's recent restructuring and slew of new upgraded floor bots. The unique dust compactor is an intriguing concept – the bot houses an oversized internal dustbin with a motorized paddle that compresses all debris, theoretically negating the need for a large self-emptying dustbin dock. However, in practice it's messy to deal with and ultimately impractical, especially if you have shedding pets in the home.

Granted, the 205's suction performance is acceptable enough – although not up there with what you'd get with one of the best robot vacuum on the market – its halfhearted mopping system is extremely outdated and when the mop pad is fitted, it prevents the robot from traversing rugs or carpet. The 205 is also a much noisier machine than any other robot vacuum cleaner I've thus far reviewed. And while its newly-adopted LiDAR navigation is clearly better than the company's previous V-SLAM camera-based incarnations, it also feels erratic and unsophisticated, at least when compared to other LiDAR systems.

I used to be a massive fan of iRobot products but I'm absolutely dumbfounded by how poorly its latest machines have behaved. The Roomba Combo 10 Max was mostly disappointing but I actually think that the Roomba 205 is worse. It's just so frustrating to use and requires too much intervention from the user. I wish I could recommend this model but it just doesn't perform as you'd expect for a robot vacuum cleaner in the year 2025.

(Image credit: Future)Roomba 205 DustCompactor review: price & availability

• List price: $469.99 / £399
• Launch date: March 2025
• Availability: Widely, including US and UK

With a list price of $469.99 in the US and £399 in the UK, the iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo sits towards the top of the mid-range price bracket. Note that at time of writing, there's a $170 discount in the US.

Given all the peculiarities with this machine, if you don't mind making a little more space for a simple, small-bodied, self-emptying dock in your home, I would recommend doing some research on other models in the same price range. For instance, the Roborock Q5 Pro+ has a list price of $699.99 / £499.99 but can often be picked up for a similar price to the Roomba 205, and offers far more reliable performance.

Alternatively, if a small dock is the priority and you're not dealing with huge amounts of dust, it could be worth considering a model without dust compression. There are a number of cheaper options in this category, for example, the Dreame D9 Max Gen 2, which costs $299.99 / £219 at list price and impressed our reviewer.

If you're hellbent on going for the Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo simply because of its unique bin system, by all means go ahead. But make sure your home is on the smaller side and with no rugs or carpet to block its path when the mopping pad is attached.

• Value for money score: 2.5 out of 5

Roomba 205 DustCompactor specs

Max suction:

Not stated

Robot size:

14 x 14.1in / 35.9 x 35.8cm

Robot height:

4in / 10.1cm

Dock dimensions (W x D x H):

3.5 x 5.9 x 5.3in / 9 x 15 x 13.5cm

Dust bin volume (onboard):

~ 1.5L

Water tank volume:

0.25L

Base type:

Charge only

Max noise level:

78dB at 5ft

Roomba 205 DustCompactor review: design

• Hybrid robot vacuum and mop with internal dust compression
• Compact, charge-only dock that refuses to stay put
• Only one rubber roller rather than iRobot's usual double rollers

Given the financial troubles that have besieged US brand iRobot during the past few years, it's good to see that the company has since restructured itself and developed a new range of robot vacs and mops entirely from the ground up. However, in design terms, I feel that the Roomba 205 is a pale shadow of its forebears like the Roomba ‘i' and ‘j' series, and especially the excellent S9+ (for my money, by far and away the best robot the company ever made).

The USP for the Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo I'm reviewing here is that it's equipped with an extra large onboard dustbin (about 1.5 liters) with an internal motorized plastic paddle that swings back and forth to compact all detritus towards the back of the bin, thereby creating more space for subsequent cleaning sessions. That means it can offer a large dust capacity without the need to make space for a large auto-empty dock.

iRobot states a period of about 60 days before the bin needs emptying but I can see it filling up with dust and hair within a week or so if you have shedding pets in the home (this is not one to consider if you're on the hunt for the best robot vacuum for pet hair). On the plus side, you will never need to buy any extra dust bags.

(Image credit: Future)

From an aesthetics point of view, the 205's dock is almost invisible in a room so I can see the appeal of a back-to-basics approach like this. However, from my tests I've found that emptying the bin myself has been quite messy and not especially pleasant (I'll get into this more in the Performance section).

Personally, I'm not sure such an innovation is necessary, either. The are models on the market that have petite, unobtrusive self-empty docks equipped with large dustbin bags – I'd happily sacrifice those few more inches of floorspace for the relative ease of this setup.

Another drawback of iRobot's solution is that the 205's titchy dock is so light in weight that it shifts around when the robot is docking and this often causes the robot's contacts to fail to connect with the dock. It's even worse when the dock is placed on carpet – I tried this the first time I used the 205 and it failed to dock at all; the charging base simply refused to stay put.

(Image credit: Future)

Let's take a look at the unit itself. The Roomba 205 is roughly the same width as most robot vacs but a bit taller, which means it might not reach under some low furnishings.

Flip it over and you'll notice that the 205 has only one rubber roller brush, which is a bit strange considering that iRobot invented the twin roller brush that so many high-end robot vacs use these days. I'm not sure why, but this roller brush tends to clatter across my hard wooden floors and jitter over one of my Persian-style rugs as if it were on a corrugated surface, which is distinctly annoying.

iRobot doesn't list any of its robots' suction power in Pascals so it's difficult to tell how powerful it is in comparison to other bots on the market. But, hey, you can take it from iRobot that it's ‘70x the suction of the older 600 series', whatever that means. Incidentally, you get three levels of suction power with this unit – Light, Normal and Deep.

The 205 also comes with the obligatory side spinning brush for flinging wayward debris along edges into the path of its suction. However, unlike many newer (and perhaps pricier) robovacs with side brushes that automatically articulate outwards when traveling along edges and in corners, the 205's side brush is firmly fixed in position.

(Image credit: Future)

The 205 DustCompactor's mopping system comprises a simple mop pad with its own 250ml water container above it. The user takes charge of filling the tank and washing the pad – the dock won't help with this, as is the case with some bots.

For mopping, the robot will simply drag the pad along the floor. You can set the amount of water that's dispensed but just don't expect any miracles, especially when it comes to deep stain removal. This kind of basic mopping setup isn't unusual setup for an affordable robovac, and for general day-to-day floor cleaning it does pass some muster.

Me? I've removed it entirely because I've since discovered that the robot refuses to cross rugs or carpet if the mopping pad is attached, but more on that in the Performance chapter.

(Image credit: Future)

Given that iRobot has refused for years to include LiDAR as part of its navigation system, even when every other manufacturer and their dogs have, it's refreshing to note that the company has at last seen fit to include LiDAR navigation on the 205.

However, while most bots have their LiDAR turret in a raised puck their top surface, to allow a full 360-degree view, here iRobot has hidden it behind a narrow slot just above the camera, thus restricting the view to around 180 degrees. Thankfully the camera provides backup, although it's not AI enabled like so many models these days.

Setup

The iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo arrives in a small box containing the robot, its tiny charging dock, a clip-on side brush and rear mop mount. Initial setup was relatively easy but only once I'd discovered that the old iRobot Home app isn't compatible with this model, so I downloaded the newly upgraded Roomba Home app instead.

All went according to plan until it connected to my Wi-Fi and then proceeded to automatically download the latest firmware update. That's normal, I thought, but then a warning popped up saying that ‘Roomba is having some trouble updating and to make sure Rosie (Rosie?) is docked with a good Wi-Fi connection'.

‘Rosie' was docked and the internet was fine so I waited a while, then got impatient and restarted it. It sprang to life again and gave the impression it was ready to work, so I commanded it to and it proceeded to spin round on its dock for about a minute, entangling itself on its own power cable.

(Image credit: Future)

I took it off the dock and placed it on the floor, whereby it started spinning again. At this point I thought I'd been handed a dud so I took it to a different area downstairs, plugged it in and left it to fully charge. Lo and behold, when I launched the app again, it showed the ‘start mapping' screen which suggests it was updating all along, only without any icons or progress bars to tell me so.

Anyway, I tapped the mapping button and it proceeded to map my entire floor plan efficiently and – because the roller brush was turned off – without getting caught on any rugs. The upshot of all this is that if you decide to buy a Roomba 205, just be patient and let it fully charge and complete its first firmware update, even if it says it's having trouble connecting, before trying to request any cleaning.

• Design score: 2 out of 5

iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo review: performance

• Decent vacuuming but emptying is messy
• Woeful mopping and won't ride over carpet with mop attached
• Below average obstacle avoidance

After a confusing setup, the 205 started behaving as expected and mapped my open-planned, four-room downstairs area surprisingly quickly, even if it did create nine different rooms that I had to merge in the app. This is common with most robot vacs when mapping open-plan environments though it has to said that nine divisions is a record for me.

Also, for a LiDAR-equipped robot, the detail of its mapping in the app is lamentable and way behind the likes of Roborock, which displays every nook and cranny instead of just a basic overview of one's floor plan.

(Image credit: Future)

Since it's been running, the 205's LiDAR-based navigation has been mostly okay though I have had one or two issues where it has either got stuck while trying to cross a loose rug – a common issue with some models – or suddenly stopped dead next to a kitchen cupboard for no apparent reason. With most other robot vacuum I've tested, I've learned their working methods to some degree, but this model's navigation process remains largely a mystery to me.

Obstacle avoidance

As mentioned above, the Roomba 205's LiDAR is tucked under a slotted housing so it doesn't appear to give the robot a full 360–degree view. There is a camera on the front, however, and this seems to help with its obstacle avoidance. In my test I placed the usual assortment of dog toys in front of it, plus the obligatory phone cable. It carefully avoided the first two large toys but simply snow-ploughed all the others. As expected, it also rode over the phone cable and then dragged it along behind it for a while.

(Image credit: Future)

In the pantheon of obstacle avoidance, the Roomba 205 isn't the worst I've seen but it's not that great either, and clearly not a machine to have running around if you have (for example) a non-house trained puppy in the home.

Vacuum performance

Let's take a look at the vacuuming performance. There are few niggles to note up top. Firstly, as noted above, the Roomba 205's rubber roller made quite a racket as it trundled across my wooden hard floors. But perhaps worse than that was the monotonous high-pitched sound of the suction motor, which was clearly audible from meters away. I measured the sound waves at an average 78dB from five feet away and at an annoyingly high-pitched frequency of 660Hz.

Aside from the noise issues, the side sweeping brush fell off twice during my tests, despite being firmly connected before setting off.

(Image credit: Future)

To get an objective ideal of this bot's suction powers, I ran TechRadar's standard vacuuming tests. This involved sprinkling debris of different sizes – specifically, flour, muesli and rice – on the floor and assessing how efficiently the robot picked it up. Here, the Roomba 205 was pretty decent, though it did leave traces of flour in the cracks.

(Image credit: Future)

However, when I later went to the dock to grab a photo of the robot returning after a standard cleaning session, I noticed a small scattering of rice and muesli that it had deposited in front of the dock from its previous cleaning test, which suggests it never fully sucked all the rice and muesli into its bin and instead simply held some of it in its brush housing. This anomaly hasn't repeated itself on subsequent tests, so hopefully it was just a glitch.

(Image credit: Future)

I then proceeded to run the same tests on carpet. This proved to be quite a challenge, because although the app has a menu item called ‘furniture and zones' under the heading ‘routines', nothing happens when you tap it. What it should do is provide an editable square that can be expanded or contracted over a specific cleaning area.

In the end I opted to select ‘spot clean' which was equally tricky because the map for each room is very basic and cannot be expanded so it takes trial and error to find the exact spot that relates to a specific area. Anyway, I'm pleased – indeed surprised – to report that the 205 collected all evidence of rice and muesli though, like other robots I've tested using this method, it did leave some flour marks behind.

Dust compactor performance

Moving on to the unusual bin system. While the Compactor's paddle does indeed push all detritus to the outer edges of the bin, I found that emptying it has been quite messy and not especially pleasant.

Firstly, the lid of the robot's bin doesn't open anywhere near wide enough, so I couldn't find a practical solution for emptying its dusty and hairy contents into my average-sized Brabantia kitchen bin without some of the contents spilling all over the floor. Worse, my model has a sticky bin latch so I've had to be doubly careful when trying to open the bin lest its contents end up all over the floor and my clothing.

(Image credit: Future)

iRobot states ‘up to 60 days' of cleaning before the dustbin requires emptying but my test model required emptying after just eight days of vacuuming. I should add that I have two Labradors and two cats that regularly shed hair and my home is also surrounded by woodland and farm fields so it's dustier than most urban environments.

Mopping performance

Onto the mopping. First things first: if you have any rugs or carpet dividing your hard floors, this may be the last hybrid robot you want, because it will not traverse any rug or carpet when the mopping pad is fitted. I first thought that it was the small protruding lip at the bottom of the mop mount that was catching on my rugs but it transpires that the unit has a carpet sensor on board that, in my case, refused to allow the robot to proceed the moment the front half of the robot touched the rug.

It did do its darnedest to head over the rug en route to the hard floor kitchen, but after 10 minutes of trying at every conceivable angle, it eventually announced that it was unable to continue cleaning before returning to the dock, having not performed the assigned mopping task. I can't believe that I'm the only household in the world with rugs scattered over hard flooring but what I do know is that, for me, this model has proved to be as useless as a chocolate teapot when it comes to complete household cleaning without any human interjection.

(Image credit: Future)

Anyway, having failed to ride over my rugs, I resorted to carrying the bot to the kitchen so it could perform a spot clean on a spill of milk. I had to make several attempts at this because, as I had discovered for the carpet vacuuming test, the app's map is so unrefined that it's almost impossible to select a specific cleaning spot. Anyway, I eventually spilled some milk in its path and it duly soaked up the milk leaving no signs of it. But then I expected that – much like I'd expect a single swipe with a paper towel to do the same thing.

In its favor, it did also mop the rest of the area quite effectively, leaving only a damp swathe that dried up quickly. I then had to pick the robot up again and place it near its dock so it could get back to charging.

It's not unusual for a budget robot vacuum to have this kind of simple mopping setup (not including the refusal to pass over carpet – that is very unusual). More advanced bots will have pads that vibrate, rotate or press down to dislodge dirt, but you might need to pay a little more for this kind of setup.

• Performance score: 2.5 out of 5

iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo review: app

• New app for this current range of Roombas
• Very basic with incomplete menus and unrefined maps
• Frustrating and slow to use

The new iRobot Home app was recently launched as a replacement for the older app that's now been renamed iRobot (Classic). Having used it extensively during the past week I can report that there's a lot of work to be done on making this app more user-friendly. Firstly, it's slow to send commands to the Roomba 205 and some user inputs cause a spinning cog wheel to pop up on screen while it sends its signal.

Perhaps I'm too used to Roborock's fully comprehensive app but I found the iRobot Home app to be too simplistic and, at times, very irritating to use. For instance, the floor plan maps it creates are so basic it's difficult to tell where one room ends and another begins. Also, its Spot Clean function is almost impossible to use since you can't expand the map in this menu and the little spot cleaning square it provides can't be placed exactly where you need it.

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(Image credit: iRobot)

Although the app allows you to create routines and standard cleaning schedules, and make adjustments to both vacuum power and water amount for mopping, you can't create any specific cleaning zones, like in front of the dog bed or a specific rug. Bizarrely, there is an option to select ‘Furniture and Zones' but when you click on this function, nothing at all happens. I'm sure iRobot will be adding improvements to this app going forward but, as it stands, it's woefully inadequate.

• App score: 1.5 out of 5

Should you buy the iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Mid-friendly price, but performance issues make it a poor investment. Other cheap bots work much better.

2.5 / 5

Design

Hybrid robot vacuum and mop with internal dust compaction and a simple, small dock. An intriguing idea let down by multiple design flaws.

2 / 5

Performance

Decent vacuuming but mopping is basic, and navigation and obstacle avoidance are mediocre at best. Noisy and glitchy in use.

2.5 / 5

App

Overly simplistic, buggy and irritating to use, the new iRobot Home app needs a serious overhaul.

1.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You absolutely do not want a large dock
The Roomba 205's dust compactor system means it can hold more dust than most bots with charge-only docks.

Your home has a simple layout
The 205's basic navigation means it's best suited for simple floor plans.

Don't buy it if...

You have pets
The compacting bin will fill too quickly with hair – if you have shedding pets, it's worth investing in a bot that comes with a self-empty dock.

You want hands-off cleaning
You will need to empty the bin and clean the mop yourself here, and I experienced various issues that required manual intervention in use.

It's at full price
Although not expensive within the market, there are similarly priced (and indeed, cheaper) robovacs that offer much better performance.

How I tested the iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo

As is the way with all TechRadar tests, we live with the product for as long as possible, observing its day-to-day functions and generally appraising it from afar. We then get down to some serious testing while making copious notes on the product's performance.

In the case of the iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo, I had it installed at home for just over a week while I observed its navigation behaviour. I then proceeded with my vacuum, mopping tests on both hard floor and carpet using a variety of household ingredients in order to replicate a real-world scenario. I then tested its obstacle avoidance system using some dog toys and the obligatory phone cable.

I should add that this particular review took me a lot longer to complete than usual because the machine in question failed to behave as I expected. Hence, I had to spend extra time repeating tests to make sure its previous hiccups weren't just one-off glitches.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

• First reviewed July 2025

Asus ROG Flow Z13: Two-minute review

This year has seen some of the best gaming laptops and gaming handhelds ever made hit the market, which means it can be hard to decide which device you want to pick up for your on-the-go gaming needs.

However, what if you were to take both device categories and smoosh them together? You get the Asus ROG Flow Z13: a high-performance gaming tablet which, unlike other gaming tablets on the market, actually allows you to play ambitious AAA titles and achieve not just playable but good frame rates, all while staying cool and quiet.

(Image credit: Future)

The downsides, which stop this device from achieving a perfect score, is the battery life not being great when gaming. However, it does last a decent amount of time when using it for general browsing or watching videos.

It’s also very expensive, coming in at over $2,000, which means this device is not for those who are on a budget, with gaming laptops in the same price range delivering much higher performance.

Asus ROG Flow Z13 review: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? $2,099 / £2,199
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Only available in certain regions

Coming in at $2,099 / £2,199, this is an exceptionally expensive device in terms of gaming tablets. However, with alternatives unbale to offer a similar level of performance, it's hard to compare price-wise with other gaming tablets.

More similar alternatives are products like the Asus ROG Ally X, the gaming handheld from the same company, which comes in at $799 / £799 and provides you with the same kind of performance.

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is available in certain regions including the UK and US, however unfortunately it cannot be picked up worldwide.

• Value: 3 / 5

Asus ROG Flow Z13 review: Specs

This gaming tablet from Asus ROG Flow Z13 comes in one iteration in 2025. You get an AMD CPU with a built-in NPU and GPU paired with 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD making for a powerful machine.

Price

$2,099 / £2,199

CPU

AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 12-Core Processor

Graphics

Integrated

RAM

32GB DDR5

Screen

13.4-inch WQXGA IPS 180Hz 100% DCI-P3 Screen

Storage

1TB SSD

Ports

1x USB-A, 2x USB-C with DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack, 1x MicroSD Card Reader

Wireless

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Camera

13MP camera and 5MP IR camera

Weight

2.65lbs (1.20kg)

Dimensions

11.81 x 8.03 x 0.51-inches (30 x 20.4 x 1.30cm)

Unfortunately you only get a 1TB SSD with no way to expand the storage, so you may have to invest in an external hard drive if you’re planning on installing large games.

There are other iterations of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 from previous years if you’re looking for other specifications.

Asus ROG Flow Z13 review: Design

• Very portable
• Fantastic design
• Good selection of ports

One of my favourite parts of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is how compact it is, as you’d expect from a gaming tablet.

This is a device you can take pretty much anywhere, chucking it into any bag, even a small handbag thanks to how small it is (measuring 30 x 20.4 x 1.30cm). Compared to many gaming laptops that weigh around 3kg, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 comes in at just 1.2kg, perfect for taking your device on the go.

In terms of style, you get a simple and sleek tablet with a detachable keyboard and trackpad. There’s a small window on the back of the device that allows you to view some of the components inside, which is a really nice touch.

(Image credit: Future)

While it doesn’t have an OLED screen - something that did shock me initially - the Asus ROG Flow Z13 still has a pretty nice display. It won’t blow you away by any means, but it has a great color range and an exceptional refresh rate for a tablet at 180Hz.

There are a fair amount of ports on the Asus ROG Flow Z13 , including USB-A, two USB-C ports (either can be used for charging), HDMI, an audio jack, and a microSD card reader. This is great for those who are hoping to use other gaming peripherals with their device as there are plenty of options to plug in.

(Image credit: Future)

The included keyboard is extremely slim, and while I usually despise tablet keyboards, this one wasn’t as squidgy as alternative options. It made for a satisfying typing and gaming experience, however for those playing competitive titles, I would recommend opting for an external gaming keyboard for those precise responses.

• Design score: 5 / 5

Asus ROG Flow Z13 review: Performance

• Gaming performance is impressive
• Overall user experience is great
• Quiet when in use

Benchmarks

These are the results of our benchmarking tests for the Asus ROG Flow Z13:

3DMark: Night Raid: 36,307; Fire Strike: 11,230; Time Spy: 4,634
GeekBench 6: 2,162 (single-core); 11,575 (multi-core)
CrossMark: Overall: 1,417; Productivity: 1,241; Creativity: 1,760; Responsiveness: 1,100
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Ultra): 63; (1080p, Low): 122
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 73; (1080p, Low): 93
Dirt 5 (1080p, Ultra): 39; (1080p, Low): 80
PCMark 10 Battery Life: 6 hr 4 min
TechRadar movie test: 5hr 55 min

In terms of performance, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 delivers some pretty good framerates for a gaming tablet, however considering the price point, I was actually expecting more.

While for the most part, you get above 60 fps when playing in 1080p at Ultra graphics presets, equivalently-priced gaming laptops would likely be delivering significantly better performance, as they can make use off more powerful hardware without having to fit it into a tablet-like form factor.

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 stayed very quiet the whole time I was using it. Even when putting it through its paces, like running AAA titles at Ultra, I was barely able to hear the device which makes it perfect for using on the go so you’re not disturbing everyone around you.

(Image credit: Future)

As you’d expect, due to how quiet it was, it also stayed very cool which is great for a tablet as it means you can still hold it and use the touchscreen as intended without worrying about burning your hands and fingers.

The speakers are pretty good, however as always I would recommend plugging in and using a headset to ensure the best gaming experience. For watching videos and movies, the speakers are absolutely perfect since you don’t need the directional precision.

(Image credit: Future)

Outside of the actual performance I was getting in-game, using the device itself has been a very pleasant experience. I enjoyed typing on it, and I found it easy to switch between tablet and laptop mode by just removing or flipping the keyboard back.

One downside for me was the built in trackpad, I found it a little bit slow in terms of responsiveness, while fine for browsing and general use, I obviously opted for a gaming mouse when playing.

• Performance score: 3.5 / 5

Asus ROG Flow Z13 review: Battery life

The battery life of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is actually surprisingly great, surpassing even some of the highest-performance and more expensive gaming laptops I’ve tried recently.

When benchmarking the battery, I was able to get around sixhours of usage, which is more representative of watching videos on the device rather than gaming. When gaming on the Asus ROG Flow Z13, I found I got closer to four hours of battery, with AAA games draining the device even faster.

For example, when playing Cyberpunk I only got around an hour of half of game time before the device shut off, which certainly limits how portable this device actually is, no matter how thin and light it might be.

• Battery life: 3 / 5

Should I buy the Asus ROG Flow Z13?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

This is a very expensive device, but it’s hard to compare to alternatives as it's so unique.

3 / 5

Design

You get a sleek and stunning device which is lightweight and has an excellent range of ports.

5 / 5

Performance

This tablet delivers great performance while staying cool and quiet however laptops at a similar price point would surpass this easily.

4 / 5

Battery life

While delivering a better battery life than some gaming laptops on the market, it's significantly reduced when gaming.

3 / 5

Total Score

This unique gaming tablet can be used as a more traditional laptop, and offers impressive performance and a fantastic and innovative design. Its high price and compromised battery life prevent it from being perfect, however.

3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a portable gaming device
This is super lightweight and compact, making for a great on-the-go gaming device.

You want something cool and quiet
Even when put through its paces, it stays very cool and quiet.

You’re looking for good performance across AAA titles
I got decent frames in all of the titles I tested out, including AAA titles at 'Ultra' graphical settings.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget
You do get a decent battery capacity here, but it won’t last you very long when gaming.

You want a long-lasting battery
You do get a decent battery capacity here, but it won’t last you very long when gaming.

Asus ROG Flow Z13 review: Also consider

Asus ROG Flow Z13

Razer Blade 14 (2024)

MSI Katana 15

Price

$2,099 / £2,199

From $2,199.99 / £2,149.99 / AU$3,999

$999 (about £785 / AU$1,543)

CPU

AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 12-Core Processor

AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS

Intel Core i7-13620H

Graphics

Integrated

Nvidia RTX 4060 - RTX 4070

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 - 4070

RAM

32GB DDR5

16GB DDR5 - 32GB DDR5

16GB DDR5 - 32GB DDR5

Screen

13.4-inch WQXGA IPS 180Hz 100% DCI-P3 Screen

14-inch QHD+ 240Hz, 2560 x 1600p, up to 100% DCI-P3, Factory calibrated, Calman Verified

15.6-inch FHD, IPS-Level 144Hz

Storage

1TB SSD

1TB SSD

1TB SSD

Ports

1x USB-A, 2x USB-C with DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack, 1x MicroSD Card Reader

2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A , 2 x USB4 Type-C Ports with Power Delivery and Display Port 1.4, Charging supported with 20V USB-C chargers with PD 3.0 (100W), 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Power port, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack

1x USB-C 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-A 2.0, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm Combo-Jack

Weight

2.65lbs (1.20kg)

4.05 lbs (1.84kg)

4.96 lbs (2.25 kg)

Dimensions

11.81 x 8.03 x 0.51-inches (30 x 20.4 x 1.30cm)

12.23 x 8.97 x 0.70 inches (310.7 x 228 x 17.99mm)

14.13 x 10.20 x 0.98 inches (359 x 259 x 25mm)

Here are some alternatives if the Asus ROG Flow Z13 doesn't sound right for your needs:

Razer Blade 14
You can grab this powerful gaming laptop which provides you with immaculate performance regardless of if you’re looking for stunning visuals or high frame rates all packed into a compact and stunning chassis, then the Razer Blade 14 is a great option.

Read our full Razer Blade 14 review

MSI Katana 15
For those not looking to spend too much, then the MSI Katana 15 is a great budget option for those who are looking for a powerful gaming laptop. You can pick it up at less than $1,000 and still get decent AAA performance in 1080p.

Read our full MSI Katana 15 review

How I tested the Asus ROG Flow Z13

• Tested for two weeks
• Used for work and for gaming
• Ran benchmarks

I spent two weeks using the Asus ROG Flow Z13 as my everyday laptop for work and leisure. I was sure to use the device all day for my typical workday, and then also used it for gaming in the evening.

I took it on the go with me to different locations where I needed to work to see how it would feel outside of my workstation. As well as using it every day, I also benchmarked the laptop using a range of different benchmarking software and in-game benchmarking tools for a range of titles.

• First reviewed: July 2025
• Read more about how we test

Insta360 Mic Air: two-minute review

Following in the footsteps of DJI, Rode, Saramonic, Hollyland and more, Insta360 brings us the Insta360 Mic Air, a compact, inexpensive wireless microphone designed with video creators in mind – particularly those who use the Insta360 X5 or Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action cameras.

The button-sized, ultra-lightweight Mic Air transmitter (aka the TX) can connect wirelessly to either of the above Insta360 cameras, either replacing or teaming up with the on-board mics. The idea is that it adds an instant upgrade to sound quality, offering 48kHz / 24-bit audio, optional noise reduction, and a furry attachable shield to cut down on distracting wind noise.

Having tested the Mic Air on a typically breezy day on the English coast, I’m very happy with the results. With the windshield carefully attached, the noise from occasional strong gusts was completely removed, as the video below illustrates. I say “carefully” because Insta360 has opted for a slightly unconventional method for attachment: the shield is mounted on a rubber ring that slips over the sides of the TX, and some care must be taken to ensure that it’s sited directly above the mic grille.

There’s also a form of noise reduction available, accessed by double-tapping the TX’s power button. It’s fairly effective, helping negate background drones and hums without overly distorting the final audio. You can also adjust the mic’s gain in the X5 or Ace Pro 2’s menu screens, and there’s an on-screen indicator while you’re recording to give you an at-a-glance view of the current gain.

Connected directly to the X5 or Ace Pro 2, the Mic Air has a short range – about 30 to 50m. But add the receiver (or RX) and things get a lot roomier, with the theoretical range going up to 300m (the real-world results are less thanks to interference and obstructions).

Note – at launch, the Mic Air is compatible with the X5 and Ace Pro 2 only. Insta360 says a firmware update is coming for the X4, while the Go 3 / 3S won't be compatible with it. The X3 and the Ace Pro aren't compatible either, but could be further down the line.

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(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The receiver, which is also tiny and lightweight, has a USB-C connector that enables you to plug it into smartphones, tablets, laptops and other products, such as Insta360’s Flow range of smartphone gimbals. It then establishes a wireless connection with the transmitter, so that when you hit the record button on your device the audio recorded comes from the transmitter rather than your device’s own microphone.

I still use an older iPhone model with Lightning, so I wasn’t able to test this method on my smartphone (Insta360 has told me that a Lighting version is a definite possibility for the future). While I understand the decision not to offer a Lightning option at launch, it does leave some people out of the loop, as does the lack of a 3.5mm output for connection to cameras. Some other small, affordable mics, like the DJI Mic Mini and Fulaim X5M, offer wider connectivity.

I did, however, put the Insta360 Mic Air through its paces hooked up to an Android tablet, and found the audio quality a huge improvement over that offered by the built-in mic. You don’t have to use it just for video capture, either – it would also improve the quality of voice notes and recordings, Zoom calls, and anything else that requires the use of a mic.

The Mic Air RX attached to a tablet. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

One thing Insta360 has done really well with the Mic Air is offer a variety of mounting options. In the box there’s a button magnet, which lets you attach the TX to thin clothing, as well as a clip magnet that can grip onto collars, lapels, bag straps and even cap brims. I’ve seen those with virtually every wireless mic I’ve reviewed, but here there’s also a magnet pendant, so the user can wear the TX around their neck. It’s nice to have that extra option.

The magnet also comes into use when recharging the TX battery, locking it into position on its charging plate. The charging plate uses USB-A, which surprised me a little in 2025 where USB-C is ubiquitous, but I doubt many people will struggle to find somewhere to plug it in.

On the subject of the battery, the TX offers about 10 hours of use on a full charge, which is a little less than the DJI Mic Mini’s 11.5 hours, but still very respectable.

Insta360 Mic Air and DJI Mic Mini. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Insta360 Mic Air: specs

Dimensions:

26.9 x 26.9 x 11.6mm / 1.3 x 1.3 x 0.6 inches (TX)

Weight:

7.9g / 3.7oz (TX)

Range:

Up to 300m

Connectivity:

USB-C

Bluetooth:

Yes

Battery:

Up to 10 hours

Noise cancelling:

Yes

The Insta360 Mic Air and its accessories all fit into a great puck-shaped, zip-up carry case. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Insta360 Mic Air: price and availability

The Insta360 Mic Air is available now, with two options available. For buyers who own an Insta360 X5 or Ace Pro 2 camera and just need a mic transmitter to connect to it directly, the Mic Air Transmitter package costs $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$89.99. It comes with a single TX unit, charging base, button magnet, magnet pendant, clip magnet, windshield and carry case.

For those in need of more flexibility, there’s the Insta360 Mic Air (1 TX + 1 RX bundle), which includes all of the above plus one USB-C Receiver unit that can plug directly into smartphones, tablets, computers and more. This costs $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$129.99.

Insta360’s pricing seems very fair to me, although recent price drops have seen the DJI Mic Mini (1 TX + 1 RX) bundle fall to just $89 / £59 / AU$199, or £78 / $139 with a Lightning adapter. That’s probably a better deal than Insta360’s, if you can find it.

Should I buy the Insta360 Mic Air?

The Insta360 Mic Air next to the company's X5 360 camera. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Buy it if...

You want to boost your X5 or Ace Pro 2's audio
Buying a single TX unit will hugely improve your action-camera audio at a low cost and with very little fuss.

You want the most mounting options
With a clip, button magnet and pendant in the box, there's no shortage of ways to wear the Mic Air.

Don't buy it if...

You need a flexible wireless mic
An RX unit adds some versatility, but with no 3.5mm or Lightning connectivity, the Mic Air isn't particularly versatile.

You want an all-in-one package
Unlike most rivals, you can't buy the Mic Air in a 2x TX, 1x RX and charging case bundle. In fact, there's no charging case accessory at all.

Insta360 Mic Air: also consider

DJI Mic Mini

The shrunk-down version of DJI’s ubiquitous wireless microphone is slightly more flexible than the Insta360 Mic Air, thanks to its RX unit supporting a 3.5mm input that lets it connect to cameras. In many other respects it feels similar, and the way it seamlessly works with certain DJI products mirrors the Mic Air’s compatibility with Insta360’s own most recent cameras.

Read our in-depth DJI Mic Mini reviewView Deal

Boya Mini

It might be 16-bit only and very plasticky, but the Boya Mini is still the best super-cheap wireless mic we’ve tested. It’s refreshingly quick and easy to set up and surprisingly reliable, and everything, windshields included, fits into the charging case for easy transport. You can pick up a full two-mic set (2x TX, 1x RX and the charging case) for less than one Mic Air TX.

Read our in-depth Boya Mini reviewView Deal

How I tested the Insta360 Mic Air

• I used it for one week
• I tested it with an Insta360 X5 camera and Android tablet
• I used it indoors and outdoors

I tested a full production version of the Insta360 Mic Air over the course of a week, using it both with the Insta360 X5 and my OnePlus Pad Android tablet. With the X5, I went outside on both calm and windy days, vlogging with the setup as a means to test its wind-negating and noise-reduction capabilities.

First reviewed July 2025

The United States continues to experience a severe identity fraud problem, which has become increasingly expensive due to modern digital threats. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received more than 1.1 million identity theft complaints in 2024, representing a 9.5% increase from the previous year. The total financial losses from fraud and identity theft reached an alarming $12.7 billion according to recent statistics. The statistic illustrates how our digital convenience comes with a price, as it makes us more susceptible to advanced cybercriminal activities.

The rising importance of digital identity protection services has transformed them from optional extras into fundamental necessities because of the widespread nature of identity theft. The conventional methods of protecting our data, such as using strong passwords and being careful with information sharing, no longer provide adequate protection. The growing complexity of cyber threats necessitates that individuals implement robust defensive strategies to safeguard themselves against potential security breaches. The growing awareness of identity protection has motivated people to seek dedicated solutions that safeguard their personal data and identity.

The cybersecurity company Bitdefender leads the way with its innovative solutions, among others. Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection provides a comprehensive suite of services that track and detect identity theft, while also offering recovery support to affected users. The service offers three primary features, including continuous web-based personal data monitoring, identity theft alerts, and post-incident recovery assistance.

This review examines Bitdefender to help you determine if it represents the correct solution for your needs.

(Image credit: Bitdefender)Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Plans and pricing

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection operates on an annual subscription model, making it accessible for users who prefer a straightforward payment structure. Although prices can fluctuate depending on ongoing promotions, the typical cost for the first year hovers around $39.99. Following this initial period, the subscription automatically renews at a standard rate, often around $79.99 per year. For those seeking more flexibility, a monthly subscription option is generally available for about $7.99.

It’s important to note that this service is designed for individual use, meaning it generally covers one person’s identity. For families or groups looking to monitor multiple identities, it may be necessary to explore Bitdefender's more comprehensive offerings. Options like "Identity Theft Protection Standard" or "Premium" plans provide a broader range of features, such as credit report monitoring and identity theft insurance, which can cover losses of up to $1 million or $2 million, in addition to restoration services. For users seeking the most extensive protection, Bitdefender's "Ultimate Security" bundles might be worth considering.

Understanding that users should have confidence in their purchase, Bitdefender offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its Digital Identity Protection service. This feature allows users to try the service risk-free, reassured that if it doesn’t meet their expectations, they can receive a full refund within the specified timeframe.esn’t offer any short-term subscriptions or free trials.

You can contact Bitdefender directly for a full refund within 30 days of starting a new subscription (Image credit: Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection)Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Features

Through Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection, you receive complete online security for your personal information that extends to dark web monitoring with alerts about potential security threats. This solution enables users to understand their digital identity footprint and receive step-by-step protection instructions.

The core monitoring system uses Personalized Breach Monitoring, which generates individualized intelligence about data breach effects on your identity. Through advanced data processing, the system generates risk scores by analyzing multiple elements from data breach events. The platform performs Dark Web Threat Monitoring through continuous website scans that include black market chat rooms and blogs to identify illegal personal information sales. Bitdefender delivers immediate warnings about compromised credentials and potential account takeovers so users can act right away.

The Smart SSN Tracker system provides alerts when an unfamiliar name, alias, or address shows up with your Social Security Number, indicating possible fraud. The service also includes Social Media Identity Monitoring, tracking Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram accounts for violent content, profanity, and discriminatory or cyberbullying posts.

The system protects against financial and medical forms of fraud. The Medical ID Fraud Protection service enables users to check medical benefits statements for unauthorized usage of their medical benefits. The Fraud Alert Reminders system sends rapid warnings to users when their identity appears in applications for new credit cards, wireless devices, utility payments, check reorders, mortgages, and car loans, thus enabling users to identify fraud at its early stages.

The premium features of this service provide Bank & Credit Card Activity Alerts that notify users about charges, withdrawals, and balance transfers above their defined limits. Additionally, Investment Account Alerts detect early warning signs of deposit fraud, withdrawal fraud, duplicate transactions, and balance transfer fraud in 401(k), brokerage, and financial accounts.

The Change of Address Premium feature sends alerts to users about unauthorized USPS mail redirections, which criminals often use to steal financial documents. The Premium version of Court Records Monitoring searches millions of criminal, court, and public records to protect your identity from unauthorized use. The Sex Offender Registry Monitoring Premium feature actively monitors sex offender registries for both illegal identity misuse and when sex offenders move near your location to use your personal information fraudulently.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection provides Identity Threat Alerts to deliver information about significant data breaches, identity theft cases, and emerging identity theft legislation. The service includes Lost Wallet Protection, which enables quick credit card, debit card, and ATM card replacement and cancellation in case of identity theft. Moreover, it offers 24/7 U.S. Customer Support staffed by specialists who help users resolve and restore their digital identities. The service also shows your digital footprint through visualization and provides actionable education, presenting tailored identity protection advice based on detected risks.

Bitdefender makes it easy to track and visualize your digital footprint (Image credit: Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection)Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Interface and in use

The Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection interface enables users to manage their digital identity through a web-based dashboard, accessible via Bitdefender Central online. This platform allows users to monitor their online identity risks without requiring any local software installations. The platform offers users complete control over their digital privacy through its centralized management system, making it easy to protect personal information.

The dashboard shows users' essential digital identity components after they complete the login process. The "Digital Identity Protection Score" stands out as a key feature that provides a numerical value indicating your current level of privacy protection. The score functions as a fundamental tool that helps users determine their level of online exposure. The "Digital Footprint" area displays users' publicly accessible information, enabling them to assess their data vulnerability.

The interface contains specific sections for monitoring "Data Breaches" while enabling users to perform "Impersonation Check" operations. The "Data Breaches" section notifies users about potential information breaches, and the "Impersonation Check" verifies that your identity remains protected from unauthorized usage.

The dashboard navigation becomes simple because it features clickable tabs at the top, including "Dark Web Monitoring," "Data Brokers," and "Event History." Users can explore each specific part of their online presence by using the tabs on the interface. The "Dark Web Monitoring" feature of the platform performs real-time checks on illicit online marketplaces to identify any personal data that matches your information. Through the "Data Brokers" section, users learn about the personal information collection and sales operations of data broker companies, while also receiving guidance on controlling their data visibility.

The Bitdefender interface presents complex information in an efficient and structured manner. The platform utilizes visual components, including risk maps and graphs, to help users easily understand complex information. The platform's user-friendly interface displays your data risk locations alongside recommended actions to mitigate those risks. The platform enables users to access simple one-click features that help them contact companies to remove data and protect compromised accounts, thus providing quick solutions.

The platform includes real-time alert systems that enable users to quickly handle digital identity threats. Through its complete set of tools, Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection enables users to track sensitive information and detect data breaches while providing active protection for their online presence. Through its user-driven digital identity protection system Bitdefender delivers a safer online experience to users.

The Bitdefender interface enables you to quickly visualize data and view suggested actions (Image credit: Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection)Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Support

Like several other identity protection companies, Bitdefender includes a rather comprehensive support page with solutions to frequent inquiries regarding the settings and functionality of the program. If you require assistance with Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection, start by visiting the Support Center.

Bitdefender offers several other options beyond the answers available in the Support Center. You can contact the company’s support team directly via a choice of phone, email, or live chat.

Although there are no specified hours for live chat assistance, English-language phone support is offered around-the-clock. The Bitdefender support system may be able to address any issues you run through, however we never received an answer to a question that was quite simple.

The Bitdefender Support Center contains detailed articles on a number of topics (Image credit: Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection)Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: The competition

The identity protection services from Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection compete with various established players and emerging companies that offer comprehensive protection against identity theft, credit monitoring, and cybersecurity services. The market consists of two main groups of competitors, which include traditional antivirus companies that are extending their identity protection services alongside specialized identity theft protection services.

The market is dominated by two leading competitors: Norton LifeLock and Aura. Norton LifeLock provides established identity protection services through its Norton 360 antivirus suite, which combines real-time threat detection with VPN and identity restoration features. Aura has established itself through its comprehensive feature set, which includes dark web monitoring, public records tracking, financial transaction alerts, three-bureau credit score monitoring, AI-based spam call/text blocking, and identity theft insurance benefits. Aura provides quick fraud detection capabilities alongside family-oriented subscription plans.

Identity Guard operates as a major competitor through its comprehensive identity theft protection system, featuring AI alerts, password management, and secure browsing capabilities. IDShield stands as a powerful option because it delivers comprehensive identity theft protection through its social media monitoring and unlimited fraud resolution services, which utilize the expertise of private investigators. IdentityForce provides an extensive feature set that includes advanced fraud monitoring, together with robust child protection capabilities.

The broader security packages of cybersecurity companies, such as McAfee, Avast, and Kaspersky, include identity monitoring and protection features. The primary focus of these companies on antivirus and malware protection has led them to develop dark web monitoring, password managers, and secure VPNs that deliver comprehensive digital security solutions. The anti-malware solution provider Malwarebytes has developed identity protection features in addition to its core malware defense capabilities.

New identity protection services, such as NordProtect from NordVPN developers, provide identity protection through their cybersecurity suite, which includes data leak monitoring and cyber extortion coverage features. The market is undergoing ongoing evolution, as providers actively enhance their monitoring capabilities with rapid alert systems and comprehensive recovery services, while bundling these tools with other cybersecurity products to increase consumer value.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Final verdict

The digital world presents identity fraud as a significant security concern that users must address. The Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection system offers comprehensive services that track and warn users about identity theft, while also helping them recover their stolen personal data.

Bitdefender offers its services through annual subscriptions, which provide ongoing personal data monitoring, identity theft alerts, and post-incident recovery support. The system includes Personalized Breach Monitoring, which provides customized risk scores, and Dark Web Threat Monitoring, which detects the sale of illegal personal data. The system fights financial and medical fraud through its Smart SSN Tracker and Medical ID Fraud Protection tools.

Users can handle their digital identity through Bitdefender Central's user-friendly web dashboard, which shows their "Digital Identity Protection Score" and "Digital Footprint." Users can easily manage their data removal and account protection through the platform's simple interface.

The Digital Identity Protection service from Bitdefender comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it exists mainly for individual users. The "Identity Theft Protection Standard" and "Premium" plans of Bitdefender offer credit report monitoring and identity theft insurance to families who need these features.

The competitive market featuring Norton LifeLock and Aura does not deter Bitdefender from offering its complete feature set and excellent customer support, which makes it an attractive choice for identity fraud protection.

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Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

There is finally an identity theft prevention program that is worth your time and money among the multitude of options available. This is particularly noteworthy since MyFico is the consumer arm of the company that created the FICO credit score, which has been an industry standard for more than 25 years.

MyFico places a strong emphasis on your credit score and credit reporting, offering a wide range of educational content as well as detailed information about your credit situation. The mobile app presents this information in a vibrant and easy-to-understand manner, boasting a more polished appearance than most of the applications we've tried. Although this product is typically priced higher than others, it meets all the criteria for a high-quality offering.

First and foremost, the user interface (UI) is simple and easy to navigate. This is crucial because a clumsy and unappealing UI can make any program difficult to use. Quickly finding the features you need can help you protect yourself against criminals or hackers attempting to steal your personally identifiable information, which makes identity theft protection essential. MyFico's colorful display of credit scores includes pop-up alerts that notify you of potential risks.

Like many other products, the app offers $1 million in identity theft protection, although some of the more basic competitors provide similar coverage. Additionally, a credit score simulator is available, allowing you to see how various actions, such as taking out a new auto loan, may affect your credit score. The organization behind MyFico is well-known and reputable. Overall, this is an effective and intelligent product for monitoring your online presence.

MyFico: Plans and pricing

MyFICO offers a range of plans to help consumers monitor their credit and identity, with pricing structured across different tiers. The Free Plan provides basic coverage, including a FICO Score 8 based on Equifax data, monthly Equifax credit reports, and 24/7 credit monitoring.

For more comprehensive coverage, MyFICO has three paid subscription tiers that automatically renew each month:

Advanced Plan: Priced at $29.95 per month, this plan offers three-bureau coverage (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) with credit reports and FICO Score updates every three months. It includes comprehensive credit monitoring, FICO Score monitoring with alerts, and identity monitoring. Additionally, it provides $1 million in identity theft insurance and 24/7 identity restoration. Features like the FICO Score Simulator and "How Lenders View You" analysis are also included.

Premier Plan: This top-tier plan costs $39.95 per month and offers the most frequent updates, providing three-bureau credit reports and FICO Scores (including versions for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards) on a monthly basis. Similar to the Advanced Plan, it includes proactive credit report monitoring and alerts, identity monitoring, up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, and 24/7 identity restoration. All paid plans feature FICO Score 8 and may include additional versions of the FICO Score.

Please keep in mind that all subscriptions automatically renew and are non-refundable

MyFico has one of the best looking identity theft protection apps we've seen yet (Image credit: FICO)MyFico: Interface

MyFico truly stands out in the realm of identity theft prevention software, especially when compared to many other programs that often resemble outdated tax software from a decade ago. One of its most notable features is its vibrant, user-friendly credit score indicator, combined with a sleek, modern design that makes the mobile app particularly appealing to users.

The app boasts an intuitive layout, allowing users to easily navigate and access key features. Checking your credit score is a swift and straightforward process, while delving into potential credit issues or assessing identity theft notifications is just as seamless. This accessibility is vital in a landscape where timely intervention can make a significant difference.

One of the app’s standout components is its credit score simulator. Unlike traditional calculators that offer limited insights, MyFico's simulator operates more like an interactive wizard. It allows users to explore various financial scenarios—like purchasing a home or a car—illustrating how these decisions might affect their credit score. This foresight equips users with the knowledge they need to make informed financial choices, ensuring they can assess whether it’s wise to move forward with significant purchases.

While MyFico comes with a higher price tag than some of its competitors, the simplicity and effectiveness of its interface can be well worth the investment. If this user-friendly design helps you tackle potential identity theft issues or prevent future credit complications, the cost becomes a minor consideration compared to the peace of mind it offers.

In contrast, other identity theft protection apps, although they may offer impressive features, often fall short in usability. Their cumbersome and outdated interfaces can make it challenging for users to locate and utilize these tools effectively. MyFico’s sleek design and robust functionality set it apart, making it a superior choice for anyone serious about safeguarding their identity and maintaining their credit health.

Figure out how your purchasing decisions will affect your FICO score with the service's FICO Score Simulator (Image credit: FICO)MyFico: Features

MyFICO offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to empower you with knowledge and protection over your credit and identity. With MyFICO, you receive FICO Scores and credit reports from all three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. This is essential because 90% of top lenders rely on FICO Scores. By reviewing your reports from all three bureaus, you can identify discrepancies and errors that may be negatively impacting your scores.

Additionally, MyFICO provides credit monitoring and alerts, continuously tracking significant changes such as new accounts or inquiries. This allows you to quickly detect potential identity theft or fraudulent activity and take immediate action if necessary. You will also benefit from FICO Score monitoring and a history graph, which visually displays your score's progression over time, helping you understand how your financial decisions impact it.

One particularly helpful tool is the FICO Score Simulator, which enables you to explore "what if" scenarios, such as how paying down debt or applying for a new loan could affect your score. This feature empowers you to make informed financial choices before taking action.

Beyond credit monitoring, MyFICO offers identity monitoring by scanning the dark web and public records for your personal information. If your information is compromised, you will receive alerts. In the unfortunate event of identity theft, you are protected by identity restoration services and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. This coverage includes 24/7 access to specialists who can assist you in recovery and provide financial protection for related expenses.

Finally, MyFICO provides valuable credit education and customer support to help you understand the complexities of credit and offer assistance whenever needed. Together, these features give you a complete picture of your financial health, proactive protection, and the tools to confidently manage your credit and identity.

You can find answers to common problems by visiting MyFico's Support Center (Image credit: FICO)MyFico: Support

Users who are facing problems can get assistance from the MyFico support team. A direct toll-free number is provided, along with what appears to be an email address but, upon selecting it, directs the user to a support portal. The business is open Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 6 PM and on Saturday from 7 AM to 4 PM PST. There are no choices for faxing or chat.

Additionally, there are articles categorized by subjects such as "Why did my FICO Score change?" and professional credit education. A discussion board, ebooks, or video content are not current options.

MyFico: The competition

While MyFICO is the official consumer division of FICO and offers direct access to the widely used FICO Scores, several strong competitors provide comprehensive credit monitoring services, often with different focuses.

One of the most prominent competitors is Credit Karma, which stands out for offering free credit monitoring services. Unlike MyFICO, which primarily provides FICO Scores, Credit Karma uses the VantageScore® model (generated from TransUnion and Equifax data). Credit Karma also includes features like credit-building tools, financial management resources, and personalized offers for credit cards and loans, making it a popular choice for those looking for free and expansive credit oversight, though it's worth noting they share user data for marketing purposes.

Another significant player is Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus. Experian offers its own free credit monitoring service, providing access to your Experian credit report and FICO® Score. They also have a unique feature called Experian Boost, which allows users to potentially increase their FICO Score by including on-time payments for utilities, phone bills, and streaming services. While MyFICO also offers FICO scores, Experian's direct connection to one of the bureaus and its Boost feature offer a distinct advantage for some consumers.

Beyond these, other services like CreditWise by Capital One (free, offering TransUnion VantageScore and credit report monitoring), SmartCredit (offering three-bureau reports and scores with credit-building tools), Aura, Identity Guard, and LifeLock provide various levels of credit monitoring and identity theft protection. These often bundle credit monitoring with more robust identity theft insurance, fraud alerts, and even digital security features, catering to users who prioritize comprehensive protection beyond just credit score tracking. The key distinction often lies in the specific credit scoring model used (FICO vs. VantageScore), the number of credit bureaus monitored, and the inclusion of additional services like identity theft protection or financial management tools.

MyFico: Final verdict

We have a strong appreciation for the user-friendly interface and the extensive range of features provided by the MyFico service. One of the standout advantages of this platform is the reassurance it offers; you won't have to worry about navigating the murky waters of obscure identity theft companies. MyFico is backed by a well-established brand known for its credibility and trustworthiness, which is a significant advantage in the realm of financial protection.

An effective starting point for monitoring your financial health is by checking your FICO score, as it serves as a crucial indicator of your creditworthiness. Keeping an eye on this score allows you to make informed decisions regarding your credit history and potential discrepancies that may arise.

Additionally, we appreciate that even the most basic plan includes identity theft insurance, providing peace of mind in the unfortunate event of fraud. This proactive approach to identity theft protection is a considerable benefit for individuals looking for comprehensive security. Moreover, if you ever find yourself needing assistance, MyFICO's customer support is available around the clock, ensuring that help is always at hand whenever you may need it.

While we consider the MyFico solution to be robust and reliable, it is worth noting that we believe services like Norton LifeLock and IdentityForce edge it out, as they deliver a wider range of features at a more competitive price point. These alternatives provide enhanced options that cater to varying needs and budgets, making them worthy contenders in the landscape of identity protection.

We've also highlighted the best identity theft protection

OneOdio OpenRock S2: Two minute review

I’ve tested so many of the best open earbuds recently that they’ve almost started to blur into one, but I’ve never forgotten two of the first open-ears I tested for how unique they were. One of these was the OneOdio OpenRock S – and it has finally seen a successor in the OneOdio OpenRock S2. But the thing is, it’s quite a different proposition.

The OpenRock Pro and OpenRock S were pretty big and bulky open-ears compared to what we’re seeing in 2025 but they were perfect for outdoor adventures or running thanks to their absolutely huge battery life, rugged design and solid, robust, inflexible design.

For better or worse the OpenRock S2 aren’t like the first-gen model but keep closer to current market trends in terms of design and feature set. I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but these new buds could be more appealing to a wider audience so I can understand the change.

These are slightly more affordable alternatives to most of the other major open earbuds we’ve seen this year, the majority of which sit just north of the $100 / £100 / AU$200 price line. I’d recommend them to people who want decent open-ears but don’t need the very best audio, fully-rounded feature set or long-lasting batteries.

The S2 are lightweight buds with a more flexible design and much smaller carry case, so won’t take up so much space in your bag or on your head than the last-gen model. I did find that this design presented a few issues with fit though, as the buds would sometimes move position on my head or get stuck on my ear’s antitragus, and I found myself missing the older buds’ design.

Another downgrade is a battery life in that it's roughly half that of the predecessors, but other areas compensate: OpenRock finally has a phone app for its earbuds, which wasn’t the case upon the release of the previous-gen buds.

The sound profile is warm with a clear focus on bass, with tech from the company emphasizing bass not to give it extra oomph, but to ensure you can even hear it in this form factor (which often loses it). They’re good options if you’re looking for something to work out with.

If you were put off by the original OpenRock’s rugged, chunky look and huge carry case, thinking it a bit too much of a fringe option for you, you’ll definitely think the S2 an interesting new pair of earbuds. But if those traits were the entire selling point of the originals for you (as they were for me), the S2 just don’t have that uniqueness.

OneOdio OpenRock S2 review: Specifications

Component

Value

Water resistant

IPX5

Battery life

8 hours (earbuds), 32 hours (total)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 6.0

Weight

7g / Charging case: 58g

Driver

12mm

OneOdio OpenRock S2 review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Released in June 2025
• Costs $98.99 / £79.99 / AU$154

The OneOdio OpenRock S2 went on sale in June 2025, officially marking the second generation of OpenRock’s sports-specific open-ear headphones.

You can pick up the buds for $98.99 / £79.99 / AU$154 , so they’re cheaper than their predecessors, which released in October 2023 for $99 / £89 (roughly AU$150) although price cuts have seen the OpenRock S go for half that.

That also puts the OpenRock S2 as some of the most affordable open earbuds to come out this year, a good option for cost-cutters. You can find some competitors below, but let me speak plain: the options worth buying are all about $130 / £100 / AU$200.

OneOdio OpenRock S2 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Small and lightweight case
• Lightweight buds, slightly wobbly design
• Hard-to-press physical buttons

Having tested previous OpenRocks, I was expecting a similarly huge carry case (relatively – earbuds cases can be like boxes of dental floss now) for the S2, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a much smaller pebble-shaped holder which weighs just 58g and easily fits in a hand.

While it’s made from a fairly brittle plastic that doesn’t feel like it’d survive much of a battering (I didn't try any drop tests), the speckled pattern on it makes it more distinctive-looking than the vast number of its rivals I've used.

The earbuds themselves are also smaller and more svelte than previous offerings from the company. They weigh just 7g each and are made up of a small bud, a thin rubbery sports loop and a larger counterweight/battery pack that sits behind your ear.

Evidence of how easily-bendable the hook is. (Image credit: Future)

As stated, I’ve tested loads of open-ears and these have got to be some of the most comfortable, thanks to how small and lightweight they are. Often I’d completely forget I was even wearing them.

Despite being comfortable, the fit isn’t reliable, likely due to just how thin, flexible and wobbly the sports loop is. When running, working out or sometimes even walking, the driver housing near my ear would wobble or change position a little, which can have a big knock-on effect on audio quality.

Another thing to criticize on the design front is the touch controls. On-ear controls, be they touch capacitive sensors or physical clicking buttons, are a hard thing for companies to get right, but the S2 is possibly the worst example yet on an open earbuds design.

The button is on the bottom of the counterweight, so if you want to pause your music, you have to press upwards — which shoves the thing straight out of your ear. Now that’ll stop your music! The solution is to hold the bud in place with your other fingers or hand to keep it in place, but this is a much more convoluted process than, say, picking up your phone and pressing ‘pause’.

• Design score: 3.5/5

OneOdio OpenRock S2 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• 8-hour battery, 32 hours from case
• New app with extra features
• Reliable connection via Bluetooth 6.0

OpenRock has seriously cut the S2’s battery life from its predecessor, which is a big shame. You’re now looking at a lasting power of 8 hours per bud, or 32 hours when you factor in the case, which is about average for open-ears but far short of the 19/60-hour life of the OpenRock S. It’s a shame to see a downgrade like this from one of the S’ best selling points.

As with most open earbuds, there’s no noise cancellation here; in fact, the form factor makes it easy to hear surrounding sounds. In truth, the buds’ relatively low max volume means that often, you might not even hear your music over the surrounding din in built-up cities, say.

The OpenRock S2 work alongside the OpenRock phone app which brings a few extra features. The most important one of these is the equalizer, which has three presets (Rock Mode, Relax Mode and Boom Mode, a graphic of the equalizer curve being the only way you’ll know what any of them do) and a seven-band custom mode.

(Image credit: Future)

This was a little infuriating to use as every time you change profile, music quickly flickers off and back on, so repeatedly tweaking the sound creates a strobe-like effect.

The app offers a few premium features like Spatial Sound, a way to adjust the left-right balance of music, a Hi-Res Mode and Multi-Point Connection. Some expected features appear like the ability to customize touch controls and there are two rarer ones: the ability to set an alarm to let you know you’ve been listening for a set amount of time, and a maximum volume limiter (ironic, given what I said about the volume).

Throughout testing, I found the OpenRock S2 quick and easy to connect to my phone, and reliable at maintaining a connection.

• Features score: 4/5

OneOdio OpenRock S2 review: Sound performance

(Image credit: Future)

• 14.2mm driver
• Bass tech returns for warm sound profile
• Low max volume, can be hard to hear

Each bud of the OpenRock S2 has a 12mm driver. It supports LDAC, AAC and SBC codecs, the former once you enable it via the app. The buds sound decent for their cost, though they’re not the best open-ears for audiophiles.

A selling point of OpenRock’s first-gen open-ears is back here: TubeBass, which boosts low-end sounds to fix a common complaint of the form factor, that thumping rhythms can be lost in the gap between earbud and ear canal.

(Image credit: Future)

TubeBass works well in ensuring the S2 is one of the better open-ears for bass fans, ensuring that you hear the bump of a bass guitar, synth or double bass in your chosen song. It makes the buds useful for people who listen to lots of workout songs, though obviously they don’t compare to any over-ear or in-ears which will deliver far more bass.

The bass isn’t overwhelming though, so it doesn’t drown out the treble in sounds. The overall sound profile of the buds is undeniably warm though, so guitars are crunchy and brass can be punchy but vocal lines lack some sparkle and sharpness through the upper mids and trebles. Mids can also be lost in songs, even rockier ones that enjoy extra ‘oomph’ from their rhythm guitars.

The soundstage is fairly limited, combining instruments into a bit of a thick lump at times, but this isn’t as damning as it sounds because the kind of nuance that a detailed soundstage can offer can also be quickly lost in open-ears when surrounding sounds get in the way.

• Sound performance score: 3.5/5

OneOdio OpenRock S2 review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

OpenRock’s decision to price these as more affordable than most other open-ears from major brands was a smart one. It makes them tempting as an alternative to top options from brands like Nothing, Huawei and Honor, for people who want to save money.

The S2 isn’t so fantastic value for money that it’s an instant must-buy, but they still provide lots of bang for your buck. That’d be doubly true if a discount ever comes to them to reduce the price a little further, especially for US buyers.

• Value score: 4/5

OneOdio OpenRock S2 review: scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

It's an affordable option that doesn't have the feature set of rivals (or predecessors) but isn't that much of a downgrade.

4/5

Design

Much more lightweight and svelte than before, perhaps too much so.

3.5/5

Features

Most of the features you need are present, even if some have seen a downgrade from past models.

4/5

Sound

A warm sound profile that'll appeal to people working out, though it has its limitations.

3.5/5

OneOdio OpenRock S2: Should you buy them?

(Image credit: Future)Buy them if...

You want something lightweight
Both the buds and the case of the OpenRock S2 are easy to wear or carry due to their light nature.

You're on a budget
One of the most affordable options around right now, the OpenRock S2 will appeal to people looking to save.

You like your bassy, fiery sound
The OpenRock S2 won't offer you sonic perfection but instead a sound profile that lists to the warm, bassy and fuzzy.

Don't buy them if...

You'll listen in busy areas
The low max volume of the OpenRock S2 makes them unsuitable for use in busy and noisy areas, where they'll compete with other surrounding sounds.

You need rugged earbuds
The unique appeal of past OpenRock buds is lost here with a shorter battery life, looser design and less-protected carry case.

Also consider

Component

OpenRock S2

Earfun OpenJump

JLab Epic Open Sport

OpenRock S

Water resistant

IPX5

IPX7

IP55

IPX5

Battery life

8 hours (earbuds) 32 hours (total)

11 hours (earbuds) 42 hours (total)

7 hours (earbuds), 30 hours (total)

19 hours (earbuds), 60 hours (total)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.3

Weight

7g / Charging case: 58g

8g / Charging case: 67g

16.8g / Charging case: 49.6g

12g / Charging case: 132g

Driver

12mm

14.2mm

14mm

16.2mm

Earfun OpenJump
One of the other affordable open earbuds you might want to consider comes from Earfun, and they're cheaper in the US but pricier in most other places. These buds don't sound as good but their equalizer has plenty more customization and they last longer.
Read our full Earfun OpenJump review

JLab Epic Open Sport
These contemporary open-ears sound a little better than the OpenRock, however their features don't quite match especially in the battery life.
Read our full JLab Epic Open Sport review

How I tested

The OpenRock S2 underwent roughly two weeks of testing in order to write this review, and as the introduction implies they're just the latest in a long chain of open-ears I've been testing.

During the review period the buds were connected to an Android smartphone and I generally used them for music on Spotify but also occasionally for calls, games, TV show streaming and listening to voice notes. This took place on runs, at the gym, on walks around my neighborhood and at home.

I've been reviewing gadgets for TechRadar since early 2019 and have used a huge range of tech. This includes other open-ear buds as well as past earbuds from OpenRock and other headphones from parent company OneOdio.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: July 2025

Narwal Freo Z10: Two-minute review

I’ve tested quite a few brands of robot vacuums in the last decade, but this is my first Narwal. I was quite excited to try it out as I’ve read good things about the company’s previous robot vacuums from TechRadar’s other reviewers. That includes our Narwal Freo Z Ultra review, where it “smashed [its] mopping tests”.

The Narwal Freo Z10, a slightly cheaper version of the Freo Z Ultra, is very much cut from the same cloth – it too is a fantastic mop but, like its more expensive sibling, carpets are not its forte. Actually, I will go so far as to say that vacuuming in general isn’t its forte.

It’s 15,000 Pa suction looks good on paper, but it took two consecutive vacuum runs at its highest suction setting for it to pass my vacuuming tests. And that’s just hard floors. It struggles even more on carpets, although if you are patient, it will clean about 80% of hair off the fibers, but that’s not a lot considering there are other robot vacuums I’ve tested recently that do a better job.

The other big issue with the vacuuming is the self-cleaning of the onboard dustbin. Even though I can hear it say “self-cleaning started” and it makes the appropriate noises, dust and debris from several vacuuming sessions just kept compacting inside the onboard bin to a point where I had to pull out the hair and dirt myself to increase suction.

And while its anti-tangle brushes do what they promise, I found that the hair strands it invariably misses sucking up from hard floors get collected by the mop pads as clumps that I have to pick up myself.

So while I question the Freo Z10’s vacuuming prowess, I can’t fault its mopping – and the evidence is there to see in the color of the dirty mop water. The kind of tiles I have in my apartment require high waterflow rates, and the Narwal Freo Z10’s Wet Mopping setting was perfect – however, this mode guzzles water. I had to refill the clean water every time I did a full-home cleaning. If you have wood floors, though, you shouldn’t need to worry as the lower water settings will treat the planks kindly.

While I didn’t mind refilling fresh water in the middle of a cleaning session, I can’t quite forgive how basic the map in the app is. It can be edited, of course, but that’s fiddly to do if your rooms aren’t precisely placed squares or rectangles.

Even that is a small issue compared to my experience with single-room cleaning. This defaults to the Customized Mode option in the app and I think it's badly named. The assumption would be that you can set up custom cleans here (those are, in fact, saved as Shortcuts, by the way), but you have to keep editing it for every room clean you want to do – your living room may not need as much cleaning as your dining room, for example, and switching from one to the other means you’re constantly editing that mode.

Then there’s the Freo Mind automatic cleaning mode which, in theory, uses AI to determine the best clean for the room or full house, but oh boy, does it get it wrong most of the time. During my testing, it invariably cleaned my living room multiple times before moving on to do just a basic cleaning in the rest of the apartment. In one such session, it mopped the living room four times, the dining room twice, while the entry hallway and the home office got just a single mop!

The one really good thing about the Freo Z10 is its intelligent use of detergent. It automatically takes some only when it thinks a floor space needs deeper mopping. This automatic detergent use happens in the Freo Mind mode and I could tell when it was using the soap by keeping an eye on the dirty-water tank for suds after each room’s mopping was done over multiple sessions.

Despite its excellent mopping capabilities, it’s hard to get over the fact that the onboard dustbin doesn’t self-empty properly and the app isn’t well thought out either. For just a robot mop, it’s priced too high.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Narwal Freo Z10 review: Price & availability

• First shown at CES in January 2025; released April 2025
• Available in the US and Australia, but not in the UK
• List price: $1,099 / AU$1,999

Despite being cheaper than the flagship Narwal Freo Z Ultra (which retails for $1,499/ AU$2,499), I can’t really say that the Freo Z10 is ‘affordable’ at its full price of $1,099 / AU$1,999. I can’t even say it’s competitively priced because it’s not quite the efficient cleaner I was hoping it would be.

The only other robot vacuum cleaner that comes in at this price point that I would recommend is the Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni (£799 / AU$1,749), but it isn’t widely available and it's got no detergent dispenser. This cheaper Deebot even beats out the Freo Z10 in terms of performance too, vacuuming and mopping well, although the Narwal is the better mop despite boasting higher suction (15,000 Pa vs 11,000 Pa).

If you want more intelligent features, which the Freo Z Ultra can provide, you’re obviously going to need to spend more. For example, the Dreame L40 Ultra available in the US and the UK with 11,000Pa suction has a list price of $1,499.99 / £999 (unavailable in Australia), but take it up a notch and the 12,000Pa Dreame X40 Ultra with detachable mop pads will set you back a whopping $1,899 / £1,299 / AU$2,799. Similarly, the Eufy Omni S1 Pro, with its interesting slimline design but with a maximum of 8,000Pa of suction costs $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,699.

Of course, as with any all-in-one robot vacuum, you will also need to take into consideration the ongoing cost of maintaining the Freo Z10. Replacement dust bags will cost you $19.99 in the US for a set of two, while it’s AU$29.99 for a set of three Down Under. Similarly, when it comes to replacing the mop pads, a pair will cost you $19.99 / AU$39.95. That said, each dust bag will last you up to 120 days and the mop pads a lot longer.

What you might require more frequently will be the detergent, which will set you back $29.99 / AU$59.95 for the 19.6oz/580ml pack. Again, I say ‘might’ need frequently – this will depend on how often the machine thinks it needs to use soap on your hard floors. So that 19.6oz/580ml bottle might well last months.

• Value score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Narwal Freo Z10 review: specs

Suction power:

15,000Pa

Onboard bin capacity:

Up to 1L (compressed)

Dust bag capacity:

2.5L

Clean water tank capacity:

4.5L

Dirty water tank capacity:

4L

Reservoir capacity:

N/A

Mop lift:

12mm

Noise level:

up to 55dB

Battery capacity:

5,200mAh

Runtime:

up to 210 minutes

Charging time:

up to 2.5 hours

Dimensions (L x W x H):

Robot = 355 x 350 x 107.7 mm; base station = 431 x 426.8 x 461.5 mm

Weight:

Robot = 4.6kg; base station = 11.3kg

Narwal Freo Z10 review: Design

• Curvy but solid base station
• Robot tucks right inside base station
• Features a detergent dispenser

The Freo Z10 robot vacuum isn’t very different from other vacuum bots, featuring a small turret on top to house some of its sensors, and it's quite similar to the one supplied with the Narwal Freo Z Ultra. The main difference between the two siblings is that the Freo Z10 lacks the camera that the Ultra model has.

I do love the curvaceous look of the base station, though, which is unique to the Freo line. It’s quite different.

What I didn’t expect is how heavy the whole thing would be to take out of the box it came in. You see, the robot is already tucked inside the base station in the packaging, so you’re essentially trying to lift about 11 kilos in one go out of the box. Other robot vacuums come with various parts packed separately, making them easier to set up out of the box.

Well, if you’re prepared to haul out a heavy machine, the rest of the setup is simple. You just need to fit the cleaning tray inside the base station, slip the robot in, then attach the base station extension ramp.

Compared to some other robot vacuums I’ve tested recently, the Freo Z10's base station is broad, so be sure you have enough space around it for the robot to safely maneuver in and out of the base station.

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What sets the Freo Z10 apart from many other brands is that it has two side brushes rather than just one. Both feature two tufts of bristles, but one has them placed closer together, while the other is further apart.

The side brushes turn at different speeds sometimes, depending on what the Freo Z10's DirtSense technology is telling it, or if it’s along a room edge. On paper, the varying speeds should help it push hair and dirt more effectively towards the central bar brush under the robot, but in reality, that doesn’t work as well as I had hoped (more on this in the Performance section).

The central bar brush is anti-tangle and, in the six weeks I’ve used the Freo Z10, I’ve never had to clean it. It pulls everything into a small onboard dustbin that, unlike other such robovacs, doesn’t have a lid, but the filter can be taken off for cleaning.

While it’s supposed to self-empty each time it finishes a vacuum run, I found that dirt just kept compacting inside and I had to manually pull it all out via the two holes (one facing the bar brush, the other towards the base station) as it was beginning to affect the suction.

The mop pads are slightly triangular in shape to help them get into corners, which they do better than most of the rounded mop pads on other similar robovacs.

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The curvaceous base station features a deep cavity that practically engulfs the entire robot when it’s docked, something I haven't seen on any other brand of robot vacuum I've tested. I like that the bot is barely visible, it's a clean aesthetic.

As with similar models, the base station has the capability of emptying out the onboard dustbin into a 2.5L dust bag which, incidentally, is supposed to compact the dirt to accommodate about 3L. As I’ve mentioned though, the self-empty did not work for me and the dust bag remains nearly empty even after six weeks of use at the time of writing.

Beside the cavity for the dust bag is space to fit a bottle of detergent and one comes in the box – the Freo Z10 will automatically take detergent only when it’s needed, which is an intelligent function I appreciate.

On the top of the base station are a few buttons that allow you to control the robot without needing to reach for your phone each time. And under the top cover are two plastic tanks – one for clean water and the other for the dirty mop water.

With some silver accents on the white unit, the Freo Z10 is a well-designed robot vacuum – I just wish it performed as good as it looks.

• Design score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Narwal Freo Z10 review: Performance

• Excellent mopping and good obstacle avoidance
• High suction on paper doesn’t translate in performance
• Auto-emptying of dustbin doesn’t work; mops get washed even when not used

Starting off with using the Narwal Freo Z10 was a wonderful experience – it connected to my home’s Wi-Fi instantly and was set up within a minute, ready to map my apartment.

Mapping took about six minutes for the one-bedroom space, but I have to admit I wasn’t quite enamored with the final map that was created (more on this later in the App Control section).

The test space for this review, which measures approximately 40sqm, includes wall-to-wall carpet in the bedroom, with the rest being tiled floors throughout.

The Freo Z10’s first cleaning run was fantastic! It did a decent enough job on the carpet (although I have tested others that did slightly better), but I was thrilled with how well it mopped.

Vacuuming

My initial vacuum run with the Freo Z10 was satisfactory, so I went into full testing mode with high expectations from its 15,000 Pa of suction.

It has four vacuum settings – Quiet, Normal, Strong and Super Powerful – and you can choose to have it vacuum up to three times in a single session. One thing I have to note right up front: even on the Strong setting, the Freo Z10 is comparatively very quiet. It’s only when you switch to Super Powerful that it truly makes its presence felt.

In my testing, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the Quiet and Normal settings as it barely sucked up anything – hair strands and visible dust remained on the hard floors and carpets looked untouched. Strong, though, is fine for hard floors, although I found it needed to be set to Super Powerful for the best possible vacuum on carpets.

Case in point: while performing TechRadar’s standard tests of vacuuming oats and tea on carpets and hard floors, I found that the Freo Z10 needed two sessions in the highest suction setting to pick up all the oats from tiles, but I could still see some tea on the tiles (to be fair it’s tea from a bag, so fine particles). I also sprinkled some talcum powder to test suction of very fine particles and it wasn’t able to do a good job even after two passes. I had to use my Dyson V15s Detect Submarine to clean the remaining tea and talcum powder off the tiles.

It was a similar experience on carpets, although here it even struggled to clean up the larger oats pieces too. In the bedroom, where my hair collects on the carpet fibers each day, it managed to clean about 80% of the strands, so a little disappointing compared to the Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni and the Roborock Qrevo Edge I've previously tested in the same area.

Long story short, I’m really not impressed with the Freo Z10’s vacuuming prowess, but it works in a pinch if you need a quick job done before guests arrive – provided the onboard dustbin isn't already full to reduce overall suction.

Mopping

Interestingly the Freo Z10 robot doesn’t have a water reservoir onboard – it just goes back to the doc to repeatedly wet its mop pads. Despite that I was quite impressed with how well it mopped – a pleasant relief after seeing its lack of vacuuming strength.

Its slightly triangular mop pads can manage to get into corners, but temper your expectations for corner cleaning as there's just not enough pressure exerted on the edges of the mop pads to be effective. On the rest of the floor though, the 8 Newtons of pressure it exerts can mop up dried and wet stains well, although the waterflow rate you choose will determine how well.

On the kind of tiles I have in my apartment, the Wet Mopping option was best for dried-up dusty stains and wet sauce spills. A single run was good enough to clean up the former but I found it sometimes needed to be run twice in an area to clean up the latter. It's a slightly different story if there's dried sauce spills on the floor – three turns in the Wet Mopping mode did the trick during my testing, although it will depend on what exactly it's cleaning up.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

For everyday mopping, however, I found the Normal waterflow option to work well and, if you have wood floors, the Low setting will treat them kindly.

One thing to note though: the Freo Z10 guzzles water much more than other robot vacuums I've tested, particularly on the Wet Mopping mode, and I had to refill the clean-water tank every time it did a full-house mop. It's not a deal breaker because it really does a good job.

Another thing to keep in mind about its mopping is related to its lack of vacuuming: because it doesn't always pick up all the hair or fur from a floor, I found the mop pads gather the strands and leave them on the floor as damp clumps. Not ideal at all and that means it's hard to recommend it for households with pets.

Navigation and obstacle avoidance

Complementing the mopping is the Freo Z10's obstacle avoidance. It's the first robot vacuum that I've tested that was able to avoid cables in its path. While it tried to swallow up a very slim Lightning cable for an iPhone, it easily avoided three other USB-C cables I put in its path while testing.

Anything a little bigger and that's an even easier job for the Freo Z10 to avoid. Footwear, slim furniture legs, even little tea-light holders (I have a floor-height shelf under my entertainment unit that most robovacs climb onto) are all left in peace. However, beware the sock on the floor – the Freo Z10 will try and swallow little booties or no-show socks, like practically every other robot vacuum.

Its navigation is a mixed bag, though. It's fine as long you don't move things around after its map has been created, but shift a chair even a little bit and it does tend to get confused.

I noticed this first when I left a large package in a corner that was cleaned on a previous run. While it avoided banging into the box, it moved around it a few times to figure out it couldn't get to that space it had previously roamed. To test this again, I moved my living room chairs a little (just by a couple of inches) and, lo and behold, the precise back and forth movement the Freo Z10 usually employs was messed up and that also meant it went around in circles a few times before getting back to its dock after its job was done.

It never got lost during my testing, but it definitely doesn't quite like things out of place.

Base station performance

Like many other similar robovacs, the Freo Z10's base station is multipurpose, requiring minimal human intervention and, for the most part, that's true. All you need to do is remember to refill the clean water as needed and empty out the dirty so it doesn't begin to grow its own little ecosystem.

It's mop washing is arguably the best I've seen in any robot vacuum. Even after six weeks of use, the mop pads still look quite pristine despite the color of the dirty water being, well, very dirty. I was impressed with the Deebot T30 Omni's washing, but this surpasses even that. Narwal's use of hot-water washing and hot-air drying is very effective indeed.

This could perhaps be attributed to the fact that the mops get washed even if they didn't get used. Every time I did a vacuum-only run (whether it was a single room or the full house), the mops always got washed. I hadn't experienced this with the previous robovacs I'd tested, so it took me by surprise. This also meant that the base station was consuming more power than was necessary as the hot-air drying can take a few hours.

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Another feature I appreciate here is the 'disinfecting' of the bin and dust bag. It uses hot air to keep things dry so as to avoid growing bacteria and fungus inside and, after weeks of use, there's no smell anywhere to indicate otherwise.

Now, I can forgive the excessive mop washing I suppose but, as I've already mentioned, the lack of self-emptying of the robot's dustbin is worrying. Where most robot vacuums return to their docks to repeatedly empty their bins in the middle of a vacuum run, the Freo Z10 doesn't – it waits till the job is finished to do so. I can hear the robovac say "self-cleaning started" and the base station suction can be heard but, obviously, no emptying takes place and this subsequently starts affecting the suction power of the bot.

Maintenance of the unit involves needing to refill and clean out the tanks and, every few days, washing and drying the filter on the bin of the bot. What should be minimal intervention, however, also included emptying the bin myself after a few uses, which is far from ideal.

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Battery life

Narwal says that the Freo Z10's 5,200mAh battery will run up to 210 minutes on a single charge, but that of course depends on what settings you use.

Despite having it set to max suction (Super Powerful in the app) and at the highest waterflow rate, I found the Freo Z10 could do a single full-house vacuum-then-mop session without needing to go back to the mains to charge.

It needed to top up when it was set to 2x vacuum and 2x mop in the Meticulous cleaning pattern.

The Freo Z10 runs all the way down to about 5% before making its way back to the base station and, in my case, juices up till it's about 45% to complete a job if may have left unfinished.

So when it comes to battery life, I really can't complain.

• Performance score: 3 / 5

Narwal Freo Z10 review: app control

• Basic map that's fiddly to edit
• Able to save plenty of Shortcut routines
• Freo Mind AI mode is not efficient

If there's one thing all robot vacuums have in common is a subpar app experience. I've said this before with the Ecovacs app and a colleague has complained about it with Dreame too. The only brand that has a wonderful, albeit over-the-top, app experience is Roborock.

Sadly the Narwal Freo app can't compete with Roborock and is even more disappointing than the Ecovacs Home app.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's perfectly functional, but the map is very basic and if your home isn't divided into near-perfect squares and rectangles that align well, it's hard to edit the map to accommodate rooms perfectly. In my case, I couldn't edit the entry hallway in my apartment to the correct size, which I was able to do in the Roborock and Ecovacs apps.

That's not a deal breaker, to be honest, and the Narwal Freo app actually does one thing better than Ecovacs – offer a Shortcuts list that accessible from the device's home page. You can set up several routines in this list and it makes for quick and easy access for frequently used cleaning runs (for example, carpet-cleaning only or after-dinner cleaning).

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What's confusing is a Customized Mode within the app that it defaults to when you pick a room or zone cleaning. While I can see why it's there, it's rather annoying as you constantly have to edit that one option for each room or zone clean.

Case in point: I clean my dining room more often than the rest of the apartment but each run has different requirements. I might have set it to do a vacuum-then-mop session one afternoon, but the next time I might want just mopping and I have to edit the Customized Mode for each. The next day I might need to vacuum my bedroom only (which is carpeted) and I have to delve into the Mode to change things.

It doesn't take long, but when using it every day or two, it does become rather annoying. Other brands have a more seamless room or zone cleaning app experience in my opinion.

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Like other premium robot vacuums released in the last year or two, the Freo Z10 also features an AI mode called Freo Mind. In theory, this automatically picks the best cleaning option for your home based on previous sessions but, in reality, I found it to be very inefficient.

In the six weeks of testing, it has cleaned my dining room more than any other space in the apartment, but it doesn't leverage that knowledge. Instead, it chooses to do multiple cleaning sessions in my living room, which hardly ever gets dirty (the dining room is where everyone congregates), but does maybe one or two cleans elsewhere.

This means it's using up its battery life, so chances are it will take the entire day to finish cleaning a home when set to Freo Mind as it will need to repeatedly charge itself. It will also require you to refill the clean water repeatedly if it mops one space multiple times.

After trying out Freo Mind a few times, I gave up on it and never went back – Narwal will need to work on it to make it a little more efficient.

• App score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Should I buy the Narwal Freo Z10?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

It's not cheap, but compared to similar options, it's well priced. However, taking its overall performance into account, it's an expensive mop.

3.5 / 5

Design

It's a well-designed, sturdy robot vacuum with a curvaceous base station that I'm personally fond of.

4 / 5

Performance

While its mopping and obstacle avoidance are good, the basic task of vacuuming isn't its best attribute. Moreover, the lack of self-emptying is concerning.

3 / 5

App control

With a fiddly map, an annoying Custom mode and subpar Freo Mind performance, the Narwal Freo app needs work.

3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

Mopping is important to you

If there's anything the Narwal Freo Z10 does better than many other robot vacuums, it's mop. Moreover, its mop washing is one of the best I've seen.

You have a lot of things lying around the house

Home owners with clutter on the floor will appreciate the Freo Z10's obstacle avoidance. Sure, it might swallow up a tiny Lego piece, but it's one of the few robovacs I've tested that doesn't get tangled up in cables.

Don't buy it if...

You want good vacuuming prowess

Mopping might be the Freo Z10's forte, but the basic task of vacuuming is questionable, especially since I found the self-emptying isn't what it's advertised to be. If you have pets, you'll want to look elsewhere for a better robot vacuum.

You want an efficient robot vacuum

The whole idea behind a premium robovac is automated cleaning, but Narwal's Freo Mind isn't the best option to use, so you will need to set up several routines. Moreover, constantly washing mops even when they haven't been used isn't the best consumption of power.

You want a seamless app experience

Most robovacs don't have a good app, but Narwal's Freo is arguably one of the most basic ones I've used.

Narwal Freo Z10 review: Alternatives

Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni

If you can find the Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni where you live, I think it's one of the best-value robot vacuums you can get, and it's often discounted too. It has all the essential features of a premium robovac, and an interesting design as well, and performs well for a bot that has a maximum of 11,000Pa of suction
Read my in-depth Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni review

Narwal Freo Z Ultra

If it's a Narwal you have your heart set on, you might be better off spending the extra cash on the Z Ultra as it performed better in our tests. While vacuuming carpets isn't its thing, it still aced its mop tests.
Read our in-depth Narwal Freo Z Ultra review

How I tested the Narwal Freo Z10

• Used three times a week for six weeks
• Set up different custom routines and performed room cleans
• Tried different suction and waterflow settings

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As previously. mentioned, I tested the Narwal Freo Z10 in an apartment with mixed flooring, which gave me a good opportunity to assess both vacuuming and mopping prowess.

I tried all four suction modes and the different waterflow rates for both options, I set up various Shortcuts (or custom routines) and tried room cleaning too. I also delved into the settings in the app to adjust various options, particularly for the base station, and repeatedly checked the dirty-water tank for detergent use.

I also conducted TechRadar's standard tests for both vacuuming and mopping, scattering oats and tea from a bag onto both a carpet and tiles, and allowing a dollop of ketchup to dry.

I've previously tested several robot vacuums, including two in 2025 prior to the Freo Z10, giving me plenty of experience to compare performance and user experience.

Read more about how we test vacuums

[First tested July 2025]

Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE: one-minute review

It’s not often that a lens grabs you by the scruff of the neck and demands attention, but that’s exactly what the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE does. This unassuming lens, which doesn’t benefit from Viltrox’s Pro or LAB series labels, is one of the most impressive lenses I’ve used in a long time. It’s not the best, it’s not the most expensive, but it is unbelievably impressive for several reasons.

That’s a bold statement if ever I’ve made one; but this lens, which is perfect for landscapes and astrophotography, is incredibly well-priced, produces excellent image quality, and offers professional-level build quality and features. How Viltrox has managed to pull off creating a lens of this quality at this price point is beyond me.

The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE costs just $464 / £533 / AU$899, which is an incredible price for such a well-built, weather-sealed lens offering professional performance and excellent image quality. Sony's own Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is a direct competitor, and it costs a whopping $848 / £849 / AU$1,799, so the Viltrox undoubtedly offers excellent value for money – and the Viltrox is a far superior lens in almost every way, despite being larger and heavier than the Sony.

What’s more, the Sony version relies heavily on lens corrections, while the Viltrox is optically excellent without the need for corrections. I appreciate that many modern lenses rely on lens corrections to achieve their excellent image quality (and compact size), but you simply cannot beat near-perfect images in terms of sharpness, distortion, and aberrations straight out of camera.

The Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 is one of the best Sony lenses designed for full-frame cameras, plus it is also available for Nikon Z mount. There's no word on future versions yet, such as for L-mount.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE specsViltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE specs

Type:

Wide-angle prime

Mount:

Sony E / Nikon Z

Sensor:

Full-frame

Focal length:

16mm

Max aperture:

f/1.8

Minimum focus:

10.6 inches / 27cm

Filter size:

77mm

Dimensions:

3.35 x4.06 inches / 85.2 x 103mm

Weight:

19.4oz / 550g

Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE: Design

• Compact yet heavy design
• Weather sealed
• Excellent handling

We’ve already covered the price of this lens, and you’d normally expect build quality to take a hit at such a competitive price point, but that's certainly not the case here. The 16mm f/1.8 features an all-metal body and weather-sealing, giving it an undeniably premium look and feel. This is emphasized further by the color digital screen that displays lens information – more about that later.

The 16mm f/1.8 is quite a hefty beast in terms of weight due to its construction at 19.4oz / 550g, but it’s fairly compact at 3.35 x 4.06 inches / 85.2 x 103mm, and balances well with Sony full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras.

This is in contrast to the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G, which is much smaller and lighter at 2.91 x 2.95 inches / 73.8 x 75mm with a weight of 10.7oz / 304g, but it’s an optically inferior lens alongside being much more expensive.

That construction comprises 15 elements in 12 groups, including four ED glass and three aspherical lenses. The optical design aims to deliver sharpness, detail and high contrast while minimizing distortion, and it achieves this as we’ll discuss in the performance section.

The front element is standard in its design rather than bulbous, which is great, and it features an HD Nano multilayer coating including water-resistant antifouling coatings.

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The filter thread is 77mm, which is average for wide-angle lenses, which typically range from 67mm to 82mm. This means you can use both circular and square filters for astrophotography and landscape photography.

The minimum focusing distance of the lens is 10.6 inches / 27cm, which is great for landscape photographers who want to use focus stacking to achieve pin-sharp images from front to back.

In terms of controls, you get a nice wide manual-focusing ring, a manual aperture ring that can be set to stepped or stepless operation via the switch on one side of the lens, two customizable Fn buttons and an AF/MF switch.

There’s also a USB-C port on the lens mount so that you can connect it to the Viltrox Lens app via Bluetooth to update firmware, customize the Fn buttons, and customize the digital screen’s welcome screen.

Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE: Performance

• Fantastic image quality
• Impressive sharpness at f/1.8
• Excellent corner sharpness

This is a fast and wide prime, which means it has excellent light-gathering capabilities for astrophotography. The combination of such a wide field of view and a fast f/1.8 aperture draw in huge amounts of light.

Of course, f/1.4 would be better, but that would require the lens to be much larger and heavier. The focal length is also great for landscapes, which can benefit greatly from the image quality the 16mm f/1.8 is capable of producing.

The image quality produced by this lens is fantastic, with excellent sharpness across the frame, even in the corners, wide open at f/1.8. This aperture produces the most vignetting as you’d expect; this almost disappears as you stop down to f/2.8 and is completely gone at f/4.

There is an Adobe Lightroom Lens Profile that can deal with this and the tiny, pretty much negligible amount of barrel distortion that’s present. There’s also only minimal chromatic aberration, so this is an optically impressive lens.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)

Sharpness is great wide open and increases incrementally up to the sweet spot of the lens, which is f/8. Sharpness drops slightly at f/11, and at f/16 you begin to see diffraction coming into play, and while f/16 is perfectly usable for landscape photography, diffraction is too high at f/22, so this setting is best avoided.

The color digital screen is a feature we’re seeing more on Viltrox lenses, and it’s a unique and pretty neat feature. It simply shows the focus distance, aperture setting and the active Fn control, and I find it most useful when I’ve manually focused on a point and need to replicate that focus distance quickly.

Autofocus isn’t the fastest. It takes the lens around 0.5 seconds to lock onto subjects when stopped down, and about 0.25 seconds wide open. This isn’t great, but since this is a lens that you wouldn’t typically use for action subjects, it’s not a huge issue.

Autofocus is driven by an SMT stepping motor, which is quiet but just about audible. AF is absolutely fine for landscape photography, while astrophotographers will exclusively use manual focus for precise focusing on stars.

Should you buy the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE?Buy it if...

You’re on a budget

The professional-quality lens comes in at an enthusiast-level price, making it the perfect choice for anyone on a budget.

You shoot astrophotography

With an ultra-wide-angle field of view for capturing more of the night sky and a fast maximum aperture, this is a great lens for astrophotography.

You want excellent image quality

The image quality produced by the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE is fantastic – arguably amazing considering the competitive price of the lens.

Don't buy it if...

You’d like a faster lens

While f/1.8 is perfectly adequate for astrophotography, there are wide-angle lenses available with faster maximum apertures.

You’d prefer more versatility

Primes are known to offer the best image quality and faster maximum apertures for astrophotography, but zoom lenses are more versatile due to their variable focal lengths.

You don’t shoot with Sony or Nikon cameras

This lens is only available in Sony E and Nikon Z mounts, so if you use any other camera system, there’s no option available for you.

How I tested the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE

• I tested the lens over a couple of months
• I used it to capture landscapes and astrophotography
• I tested it with a Sony A7R V

I tested the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE over several weeks attached to an unforgiving Sony A7R V, shooting landscapes and astrophotography. I took photos at a range of aperture settings to test sharpness, distortion and aberrations.

I shot most images simply to see how the lens performed in different situations, while others were shot specifically to be able to compare the results to those from other lenses.

With 30 years of photographic experience and 17 years working as a photography journalist, I’ve used many of the cameras and lenses that have been released in that time. As a working photographer, I aim to test cameras and lenses from a photographer’s point of view.

• First reviewed July 2025

Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

It happens suddenly, catching you off guard like a thief in the night. Picture this chilling scenario: you stroll into the local bank, casually swiping your card at the ATM to deposit a check, and your heart sinks as the screen flashes an error — your account is inaccessible. An anxious pit forms in your stomach as you pull out your phone and scroll through your Twitter feed. To your horror, you see that someone has hijacked your account, spewing links to malicious sites to your unsuspecting followers. Panic sets in as you realize the magnitude of the situation.

Determined to regain control, you rush to your bank, where you find a comfortable chair in the office of your banker, hoping for answers. But instead, she delivers the crushing news: your loan application has been denied because your credit score is in shambles. The sense of violation and confusion is overwhelming; where do you even begin to untangle the mess of identity theft?

Identity theft is one of those unfortunate realities of modern life, an experience that makes your stomach drop and anxiety soar. However, there is a silver lining amidst this dark cloud: a reliable name in the insurance industry — yes, that Allstate with the comforting “Good Hands” ads — offers a comprehensive identity theft protection app that shines with remarkably unique features.

Allstate Identity Protection stands out with its proactive approach, providing you with real-time alerts for social media monitoring. If your account is hacked, you receive an immediate notification, enabling you to act swiftly before a small breach becomes a full-blown crisis. With a safety net of up to $500,000 in insurance protection, you can navigate the murky waters of identity theft with a bit of peace of mind (though some competitors offer up to $1 million).

But what sets Allstate apart is its coverage of not just your credit cards or checking accounts, but also your student loans and retirement accounts. This all-encompassing protection shows that they understand the multifaceted nature of modern finances. While it may not boast the most powerful features compared to other identity theft solutions, the value for the price makes it an enticing option. In fact, you'd find it a worthy investment even at a higher monthly fee, granting you the confidence to reclaim your identity and restore your peace of mind. In a world where cyber threats loom large, having Allstate by your side is like having a trusted guardian, ready to protect what matters most: your good name.

(Image credit: Allstate)Allstate Identity Protection: Plans and pricing

Allstate Identity Protection, which is offered and serviced by InfoArmor, Inc.—a subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation—provides a comprehensive suite of identity protection plans designed to safeguard your personal information and assist in the recovery process in the event of identity theft. With an understanding that each individual and family has unique needs, Allstate Identity Protection offers both individual and family plans available across several tiers, each tailored with distinct features and pricing to cater to a variety of requirements.

Among the options available, the Essentials Plan is an excellent starting point for individuals and families looking to secure their identities. Typically priced at about $9.99 per month for individuals and $18.99 per month for families, this plan features essential identity monitoring services along with financial fraud protection. Customers benefit from one-bureau credit monitoring and access to 24/7 full-service remediation support, ensuring help is always available when needed. Additionally, the plan includes lost wallet assistance and significant reimbursement coverage, offering up to $1 million in identity theft expense reimbursement and up to $50,000 in stolen funds reimbursement.

For those seeking enhanced protection, the Premier Plan offers a step up with a monthly cost of around $17.99 for individuals and $34.99 for families. This tier builds upon the Essentials Plan by adding features such as financial account transaction monitoring and social media monitoring, which are crucial in today’s digital landscape. Furthermore, users benefit from stolen tax refund advances and increased coverage for stolen funds reimbursement, which can go up to $500,000, giving families added peace of mind.

The most robust option available is the Blue Plan, usually priced around $19 per month for individuals and $36 per month for families. This comprehensive plan includes family digital safety tools and a cybersecurity toolkit featuring antivirus software and a virtual private network (VPN). Additional benefits include robocall and ad blockers, three-bureau credit monitoring with credit lock/freeze assistance, and an amplified stolen funds reimbursement of up to $1 million, as well as up to $1 million coverage for stolen 401(k) funds. Such extensive features make the Blue Plan an exemplary choice for those who demand maximum protection.

All plans share common features designed to provide proactive monitoring and support. Customers receive dedicated 24/7 remediation specialists who can assist with identity theft issues, along with identity theft expense reimbursement and privacy management tools to help individuals maintain control over their personal information.

It's important to keep in mind that discounts may be available for Sam's Club members, and potential price increases may occur after the first year of service. Additionally, these identity protection plans are often offered as employer benefits, making it convenient for employees to access these essential services.

For the most current and accurate information regarding features and pricing, it is always recommended to visit the official Allstate Identity Protection website, where you can find detailed descriptions of each plan and make an informed decision that best suits your identity protection needs.

(Image credit: Allstate)Allstate Identity Protection: Interface

We hope you have a strong appreciation for the color blue, as Allstate Identity Protection prominently features a deep, calming shade of blue on both their website and mobile app. This color choice not only enhances brand recognition but also conveys a sense of trustworthiness and security, which is crucial in the realm of identity protection.

The interface adopts a no-frills approach, reminiscent of TurboTax, prioritizing straightforward navigation over elaborate design. Users will find essential categories such as credit monitoring, Dark Web monitoring, and alerts for financial transactions clearly laid out, making it easy to access the most important features.

The mobile app places a significant emphasis on alerts, actively engaging users with questions about potentially suspicious transactions. This proactive stance is beneficial, but it could be improved. For those unfamiliar with identity protection, the app might benefit from more guided experiences. In contrast, we believe that incorporating wizards and status indicators, similar to those offered by Norton LifeLock, would provide a smoother experience. Such features can help users navigate the complexities of identity protection with ease, offering step-by-step guidance and a clearer understanding of their security status, particularly for beginners.

Overall, while Allstate Identity Protection has a solid foundation, enhancing the user experience with more intuitive design elements and interactive tutorials could make it an even more valuable tool for safeguarding personal identity.

(Image credit: Allstate)Allstate Identity Protection: Features

The comprehensive identity protection platform, Allstate Identity Protection, provides a carefully designed suite of tools for safeguarding families and individuals against evolving identity theft and cybercrime threats. The sophisticated nature of modern fraud techniques makes having a trustworthy identity protection service essential for everyone.

The key benefit of this feature includes Identity Monitoring, which thoroughly examines multiple sources across the dark web along with public databases for your Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and financial account information. Through this proactive system, you receive instant alerts when your sensitive information appears anywhere without authorization. Your swift action, enabled by this system, becomes crucial to stop fraud attempts from becoming serious security threats.

The security framework of Allstate Identity Protection includes Financial Transaction Monitoring and Credit Monitoring, which provide constant oversight of bank accounts, credit cards, and credit reports through its higher-tier plans that cover all three major credit bureaus. Such monitoring features enable you to detect quickly any suspicious transactions or unauthorized account openings that indicate potential financial fraud. Through its careful approach, you can easily track your financial condition.

The restoration process for identity theft victims receives full support from Allstate Identity Protection through its Full-Service Identity Restoration service. If identity theft strikes you the company provides a dedicated Privacy Advocate to oversee the complete restoration process. The process involves working with creditors to freeze your credit and resolve any fraudulent accounts that have been opened. The expert management of identity theft recovery processes through the dedicated Privacy Advocate helps you avoid excessive emotional strain while simplifying the recovery process.

The financial security of Allstate customers is strengthened through Identity Theft Expense Reimbursement, which offers coverage exceeding $1 million based on plan selection and Stolen Funds Reimbursement benefits. These essential features protect your out-of-pocket expenses from identity theft incidents by covering legal fees and lost wages during the resolution process and financial losses from stolen funds. Such extensive financial protection ensures you will recover better from identity theft incidents.

The digital environment requires cybersecurity tools, which higher-tier plans provide as essential features that include Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), password managers, antivirus protection, and browsing safety tools. The security resources operate to defend your devices and online actions from malware attacks, phishing attempts, and data breaches, which helps decrease the chances of your information being stolen.

The Family Digital Safety features of Allstate provide web filtering, screen time management, and location tracking tools for family protection. The features prove most beneficial to parents who want to build safer digital spaces for their kids. Parents can use the system to detect cyberbullying and block inappropriate content while having better control over their children's digital activities. Many plans include Senior Family Coverage, which provides specialized support through an Elder Fraud Center because older adults face higher scam vulnerability.

Through Allstate Digital Footprint, you gain the power to see where your personal data exists across the web and how different companies use this information. The available transparency allows you to handle your privacy settings effectively, which enables you to regain control over your online presence while reducing data exploitation risks.

Allstate Identity Protection provides users with multi-layered security through its combination of monitoring and cybersecurity tools, along with expert restoration services and complete financial reimbursement to protect against identity and cyber threats in the modern world. Through Allstate, you gain peace of mind because your personal information now holds greater value than ever.

Allstate Identity Protection: The competition

Allstate Identity Protection operates within a highly competitive landscape, characterized by several strong contenders vying for market share through the provision of robust identity theft protection and comprehensive cybersecurity services. Among the most notable competitors is LifeLock, a subsidiary of NortonLifeLock. LifeLock is well-regarded for its extensive monitoring capabilities, which span across major credit bureaus, the dark web, and various personal data sources. It boasts high insurance coverage limits for stolen funds, often making it a preferred choice for consumers seeking peace of mind. Additionally, LifeLock offers expert restoration services to assist users in rectifying identity theft issues. However, potential customers should consider the pricing structure, which can become steep following introductory offers, making it essential for users to evaluate the long-term cost against the benefits provided.

Another significant player in the identity protection arena is Aura. Aura has carved out a niche for itself with a holistic, all-in-one approach to security. In addition to identity and credit monitoring, it frequently includes features such as a virtual private network (VPN), password manager, and antivirus software, delivering comprehensive protection for digital assets. A standout feature of Aura is its family plans, which can accommodate multiple adults and offer unlimited coverage for children at competitive prices, providing significant value compared to some rivals. Aura also features substantial identity theft insurance, enhancing its appeal for families and individuals alike.

IdentityForce, a company under TransUnion, is another formidable competitor, especially recognized for its advanced fraud monitoring capabilities and dedicated attention to social media risk. Their services encompass exhaustive credit monitoring across all major bureaus, along with comprehensive restoration services that help clients restore their identities. IdentityForce also places a strong emphasis on alerts and proactive measures to minimize risks, making it a wise choice for consumers who lead an increasingly digital lifestyle.

IDShield, often associated with LegalShield, distinguishes itself by offering unlimited consultations with identity theft experts and focusing on legal support in the event of identity theft. This service is particularly appealing for individuals seeking legal guidance and resolution options should their identity be compromised. IDShield is praised for its transparent pricing model and a strong emphasis on social media scanning, ensuring that clients receive vigilant protection across various digital platforms.

Other noteworthy contenders include Experian IdentityWorks. Leveraging its status as a major credit bureau, Experian provides robust credit monitoring features, giving users an added layer of assurance regarding their credit health. Identity Guard utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to deliver enhanced monitoring and alerts, hoping to proactively safeguard users against burgeoning identity theft threats.

In addition, less prominent but still viable options like ID Watchdog Premium cater to those affected by pre-existing identity theft issues, providing specialized assistance in remediation. Zander Insurance is highlighted for its affordability, providing essential identity protection services without breaking the bank.

Allstate Identity Protection: Final verdict

If your primary objective is to find the best identity theft protection app available, regardless of price, then Allstate Identity Protection may not be your top contender. However, when you consider the overall value it provides—especially with added features like social media monitoring and Dark Web oversight, along with comprehensive identity theft insurance—Allstate Identity Protection presents a compelling option.

While it might not eclipse the capabilities of industry leaders like Norton LifeLock or IdentityForce in terms of sheer strength and breadth of features, it still offers a well-rounded package that can effectively safeguard your personal information. Its focus on monitoring social media platforms allows for timely notifications in case of any suspicious activity, while its Dark Web monitoring can alert you to any potential threats lurking online. This holistic approach to identity protection is indeed noteworthy.

Moreover, Allstate Identity Protection includes identity theft insurance coverage, which adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind for users. Even if you ultimately opt for one of the more robust services, trying out Allstate Identity Protection could provide valuable insights into whether you need this type of coverage and what specific features matter most to you.

In summary, while Allstate Identity Protection may not have the power or extensive capabilities of some of its competitors, it remains an attractive option, particularly given its feature set at this price point. It’s a practical choice for individuals who value proactive monitoring and comprehensive support without breaking the bank.

We've also highlighted the best identity theft protection

In today’s fast-paced digital world, keeping your personal data safe has become super important. With information constantly being shared and stored, it’s essential to take steps to protect your sensitive info. Thankfully, some pretty cool tools have popped up to help with this.

One of the standout options is data removal services, which are great for getting your personal information off the radar of data brokers—those companies that scoop up personal info and sell it without you even knowing. These services can give you peace of mind, knowing that your data is less accessible to anyone who shouldn’t have it.

Surfshark, known for its VPN services, also has a neat offering called Incogni. This service helps you remove your data from data brokers—a task that would take forever if you tried to do it yourself, given how many databases are out there.

• Sign up to Incogni

Incogni: What is it?

In addition to using basic cybersecurity tools like a VPN and antivirus software, adding a data removal service to your digital safety toolkit can give you more comprehensive protection. These services do a great job of tracking down and eliminating your personal data from various places. You might be surprised to learn how many companies have your information, and data removal services help you take control of your privacy.

The whole process usually involves searching for your data across different data broker platforms, figuring out what companies have it, and then asking them to remove it. Data removal services make this a lot easier and quicker since they automate much of the work. With their expertise, you can be confident that your data is getting scrubbed from as many sources as possible.

It’s worth mentioning that while data removal services are effective, they can’t completely wipe your info from the internet. Once your data is out there, it can be tough to get rid of it entirely. However, these services help reduce how exposed your data is, making it harder for unauthorized people to access it.

By taking action to safeguard your data, you're stepping up your identity theft protection and lowering the chances of financial fraud and other online threats. Data removal services are a powerful way to protect your privacy and personal info, helping you manage your digital footprint.

And it doesn’t stop at just removing your data; the ongoing battle is making sure it doesn't come back. Incogni continues to scan various databases to look for your name and personal details. When it finds your info, it steps in to get it removed, so it stays off these platforms.

• How we test, review and rate on TechRadar

(Image credit: Incogni)Incogni: Pricing and plans

Incogni offers a variety of pricing options for its data removal service, catering to both individuals and families who seek different levels of privacy protection. For individuals, the service provides a **Standard plan** that can be purchased either monthly or annually. The monthly Standard plan is typically priced around $16.58, but for those looking to save, the annual plan brings the effective monthly cost down to approximately $8.29, billed as $99.48 per year.

For users requiring a more comprehensive level of data removal, Incogni has an **Unlimited plan**. This plan is primarily available as an annual subscription for about $14.99 per month, totaling $179.88 annually. The Unlimited plan allows for custom removal requests from sites that may not be covered by the standard service, offering an enhanced layer of privacy.

On the family side, Incogni provides specific plans designed to accommodate multiple users. The **Family Standard plan** covers up to five individuals and is priced at around $32.98 monthly, or approximately $16.49 per month when billed annually (totaling $197.88 per year). For families seeking the most extensive coverage, the **Family Unlimited plan** is available, offering custom removal requests for all members at a cost of approximately $29.99 per month, billed as $359.88 annually.

All plans generally include automated removals from over 270 data brokers, 24/7 support, and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring users can try the service risk-free. Additionally, Incogni can be obtained as part of the Surfshark One+ bundle, which may provide even more cost-effective pricing when combined with other cybersecurity tools. Whether you are an individual or part of a family, Incogni has flexible options to help protect your privacy online.

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(Image credit: Incogni)Incogni: Basic features

Continuously gathering information about individuals, data brokers scour the internet, social media, and public sources like property record databases or alumni databases for names with addresses or graduates from specific institutions.

Data brokers gather and compile personal information to create individual profiles, aiming to sell this information for various purposes. While some data collection serves legitimate purposes, such as credit checks, this practice also raises concerns about the potential misuse of this data. Nefarious actors, such as hackers, may exploit this vulnerability and compromise sensitive information, posing significant risks to individuals.

Incogni is a cutting-edge privacy protection service that empowers individuals to take control of their personal data and safeguard their online privacy. At the core of Incogni's service is an exhaustive list of data broker databases. These data brokers collect and aggregate vast amounts of personal information from various sources, including public records, social media platforms, and online activities.

Incogni's comprehensive database of data brokers ensures that individuals can identify all entities that possess their personal information. This is a crucial first step in the process of data removal, as it allows individuals to target their efforts and focus on the specific data brokers that hold their information.

Recognizing the overwhelming task of manually navigating the complex and time-consuming process of data removal, Incogni provides a user-friendly data removal tool. This tool is designed to streamline the data removal process by automating many of the steps involved. With Incogni's tool, individuals can easily identify the data brokers that have their information, initiate the data removal process, and track the progress of their requests.

Incogni's data removal tool is designed to be intuitive and accessible, even for individuals who are not particularly tech-savvy. The tool guides users through the process step-by-step, providing clear instructions and prompts. It also offers personalized recommendations based on the specific data brokers that have the user's information.

By leveraging Incogni's exhaustive database of data brokers and user-friendly data removal tool, individuals can save hundreds of hours of work that would typically be required to remove their information from these databases manually. Incogni empowers individuals to take control of their personal data, protect their privacy, and minimize the risk of identity theft and other online threats.

To delve in deeper, Icogni uses laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), an EU law also from 2018, along with other privacy laws that apply to the location in question to compel data brokers to act.

Incogni initiates the data removal process immediately upon joining, sending out requests on day one. Within a week, they begin receiving responses. During the first month, the majority of these removal requests are processed. Subsequently, they periodically review and follow up on outstanding requests to ensure the complete removal of data.

Users enjoy the convenience of receiving weekly updates, a feature that distinguishes this service from others that provide less frequent updates, such as monthly or quarterly intervals.

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(Image credit: Incogni)Incogni: Using Incogni

Using Incogni proved to be a user-friendly and straightforward process. Upon creating an account, the service promptly initiates a comprehensive scan across the web to identify your personal data. Subsequently, it presents you with a clear overview of data removal requests being initiated on your behalf.

The online dashboard is straightforward, displaying essential information such as the total number of requests. While the service collaborates with 180 data brokers, this number, while significant, falls short of its competitors' extensive networks.

Upon registering with most data removal services, the initial excitement wanes as the process unfolds. Incogni, like many others, requires users to patiently wait while it scans the web, sends data removal requests, and awaits responses. While waiting, the company does provide insights into the types of data held by each broker.

It's essential to acknowledge that data brokers may operate at a slower pace, which can make Incogni (and other data removal services) appear sluggish. However, there is no need for concern, as the process is ongoing, and positive results should be evident within a few weeks or months.

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(Image credit: Incogni)Incogni: Support

While Incogni provides direct and self-help support options, we believe that enhancing both services would greatly improve the user experience.

On the direct side of things, we did not seem to be able to find a phone number, fax, snail mail address, or online chat box. Rather, there is an option for direct communication via an email address, support@incogni.com, and it is indicated that users should expect a response in 24 hours. Alternatively, there is a support portal for those that prefer that method.

On the website, there is a blog with some general information. We also located a Knowledge Base, which can be searched to get to various topics. We also found some opt out guides, such as how to remove your information from numerous people search finders. However, you don’t need to sign up for anything to take advantage of using the op out guide.

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Incogni: The competition

Incogni operates in a competitive landscape of data removal services, all aimed at helping individuals reclaim their digital privacy by removing personal information from data broker websites. Here’s an overview of some of its main competitors and what distinguishes them:

DeleteMe: Often regarded as one of Incogni's strongest rivals, DeleteMe has been in the data removal industry since 2010. Its key differentiator is a hybrid approach that combines automated processes with human agents to handle removal requests. While DeleteMe advertises coverage of over 750 data brokers (including many custom requests), Incogni generally covers more brokers automatically. Additionally, DeleteMe offers privacy tools like email and phone masking, but Incogni tends to be more affordable, particularly with its annual plans. Incogni also provides unlimited custom removals with its higher-tier plan, while DeleteMe limits custom requests.

OneRep: OneRep primarily focuses on people-search sites and has developed a robust methodology for scanning these platforms to locate specific profiles and verify removals. While Incogni offers broader international coverage, OneRep is currently limited to U.S. residents. OneRep provides a free scan and a 5-day free trial, which Incogni does not offer, although Incogni does have a 30-day money-back guarantee. There have been concerns raised about OneRep's data handling practices and the founder's past connections to data broker sites.

Optery: Optery distinguishes itself with extensive coverage of data brokers, often listing hundreds more than Incogni. It provides greater transparency by auto-generating links and screenshots of where your data is exposed, which Incogni does not do for all removals. Optery also has a free plan that performs an initial scan, while Incogni does not offer this feature. However, Incogni typically covers more non-public data brokers, such as those in marketing, recruitment, and risk mitigation, whereas Optery focuses more on publicly searchable people-search sites.

Aura: Aura is another strong competitor, often bundled with identity protection services. It offers data removal services at very affordable prices, sometimes starting at a lower cost than Incogni, and includes extras like a VPN and antivirus. However, Aura may not provide as much detail on individual removal requests compared to Incogni.

Privacy Bee: Privacy Bee provides comprehensive data removal with extensive data broker coverage and features like dark web monitoring and the ability to blur your house on public maps (available with higher-tier plans). Despite its large coverage, Incogni is generally more affordable and fully automated, while Privacy Bee may require some user input. Privacy Bee primarily targets U.S. customers, whereas Incogni has a wider international reach.

In summary, while Incogni excels in its automated processes, broad data broker coverage (including many non-public brokers), and affordability, its competitors often differentiate themselves through human oversight in removals, more transparent reporting of discovered data, additional privacy tools, or a greater focus on specific types of data brokers (such as people-search sites). The best choice often depends on an individual's specific needs, budget, and desired level of involvement in the data removal process.

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(Image credit: Incogni)Incogni: Final verdict

Incogni offers a compelling and robust service for individuals looking to take control of their online privacy. With an annual subscription that includes a significant discount, users can enjoy substantial savings while gaining access to comprehensive privacy protection. The platform not only provides weekly updates on data removal efforts, ensuring that users are informed about the progress made on their behalf, but it also comes with a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing potential customers to explore the service risk-free.

One of the standout features of Incogni is its effective data removal capabilities. The service is designed to help users eliminate their personal information from various data broker sites, which is crucial for those wishing to enhance their online anonymity. In an age where data privacy concerns are at an all-time high, such features can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and unwanted solicitations.

However, it's worth noting that Incogni does not offer a free trial, which might deter some potential customers from exploring its features. Additionally, while the support infrastructure is functional, there is room for improvement in terms of responsiveness and the resources available to users seeking assistance.

Overall, despite some minor drawbacks, Incogni proves to be an effective and competitively priced solution for anyone who prioritizes their data privacy. For those serious about safeguarding their personal information, Incogni is definitely worth considering.

Sign up to Incogni

Shockbyte has been around since March 2013 and has grown from strength to strength in this time. Below, you'll find our full overview of how good Shockbyte is. Its mission statement has been to offer “premium services at unbeatable prices'' and it mostly meets those ambitious goals.

The Australian-based company is now one of the longest-running Minecraft server hosting providers. It's best known for its Minecraft offerings which is what we reviewed here, but it also provides servers for games like Project Zomboid, ARK: Survival Evolved, Rust, and many more.

It offers many server locations scattered around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia, so there's something for everyone here. It also provides 24/7 customer support as standard, 100% uptime, full FTP access, and support for seemingly every mod you can think of. Shockbyte sounds pretty irresistible on paper. With an eye on whether it could be one of the best Minecraft hosting providers, here’s how we found the Shockbyte experience from setup to playing on the server.

Shockbyte has 12 different Minecraft-themed plans to choose from (Image credit: Shockbyte)Plans and pricing

Shockbyte offers 12 different plans, plus a custom plan if you have specific needs. All the plans offer 24/7 customer support, 100% uptime, full FTP access, DDoS protection, and full mod support. Where plans differ is how much RAM they offer as well as the number of player slots. There’s good variety here with the option to upgrade any time as needed. To help customers know what to buy starting out, Shockbyte also has a few recommended plans for certain needs such as best for modding or the latest version.

The cheapest plan is the Dirt plan with 1GB RAM and 8 player slots at $4 per month. That ramps up to the Titan plan at $64 per month with 16GB of RAM and unlimited player slots with a 300 recommendation. Discounts are available for committing to quarterly, six monthly, or annual plans.

Such a discount means the Dirt plan drops to just $24 for the year which works out as excellent value for teaming up with your mates on a private server. All servers use NVMe SSDs with unlimited disk space and bandwidth. Deciding which plan to buy mostly comes down to how many players you expect to play at once and RAM considerations.

Shockbyte offers a 72 hour refund policy so there’s just enough time to test things out if you’ve made a mistake with your needs. Payment is accepted via credit or debit card along with PayPal and Paymentwall methods. While signing up, you can choose to add on a preferred location, purchase a dedicated IP, and arrange server management options, all for a fee. That means the price can increase a fair bit depending on what you need with features like a dedicated IP costing $5 per month while server management costs $15 per month. While the cost can ramp up, at least it’s fairly clearly laid out so you always know what you’re paying for and why.

(Image credit: Minecraft)Ease of use

Starting out with a Minecraft server with Shockbyte is pretty speedy. Once you wrap up the purchasing process, you’re given two username/password combos. One is for the client side of things while the other is for the control panel. Access to the latter can then be shared with other users who you want to have control over things, although you’ll need to get in touch with support to get it set up.

The opening part of the control panel has you able to choose the server type you want. A near never ending choice of Bedrock or Java server types are available with recommendations highlighted.

On the left hand side is the more complex set of options as well as the best ways to monitor your server. Chat and console are fairly self explanatory with the latter a good way of dipping in to check all is well.

Dive into the Files section and that’s where things get a little more complicated. The Config Files section offers server settings such as if you want to set up whitelisting, change the game mode or difficulty, as well as disable or limit various settings. It’s clearly laid out with drop-down boxes allowing you to quickly change things. The responsiveness is fast with the majority of actions not requiring a server restart although Shockbyte recommends doing so once a day.

(Image credit: Shockbyte)

If you want to add any modpacks or plugins, the Shockbyte interface is simple to use. There are a lot of plugins to choose from while you can use full FTP access to add anything that hasn’t already been thought of. Again, adding from the plugin list is straightforward and takes moments. It’s all designed in a way that makes the process as simple as possible, even if you don’t have prior server admin experience.

For those users who do have more advanced experience, there’s an appropriately titled Advanced tab too. Here, you can set up commands, scheduled tasks, add additional ports, startup parameters and MySQL databases. It’s reasonably comprehensive stuff that means Shockbyte is fairly good at catering for both novice users that simply want the basics right up to those who know exactly what they’re doing.

You can set up your Minecraft server using Shockbyte's custom control panel (Image credit: Shockbyte)Speed and experience

Shockbyte offers servers across Europe, North America, Singapore and Australia, with the latter two requiring an additional payment each month. The Minecraft server I used was based in Europe, much like myself, and I found the ping to be pretty reliable. A steady 30-35 ping meant no issues with lag and that continued while adding players to the server.

As promised by Shockbyte, there was no downtime either with the Minecraft server always ready to go. It’s a reliable force for regular players.

During my time playing on the server and gathering together some friends, the experience didn’t dip in quality. Daily restarts and not cramming the server with mods and plugins is sure to help here but as a general, standard Minecraft experience, it works well out of the virtual box. That’s also where the level of ease involved in adding or removing mods, as well as simply restarting the server certainly helps keep things ticking along healthily.

(Image credit: Minecraft)Support

Support is two-fold with a ticketing system and extensive tutorials. The tutorials are the true standout here. It feels like there’s a YouTube video for literally everything you could possibly need while setting up a Minecraft server. A full playlist is available or you can dip in for individual queries. Each tutorial is clearly laid out and no longer than it has to be. Whether you simply need guidance on which server type to choose from or you want to set spawns, manage whitelists, or learn how scheduled tasks can benefit you, it’s covered here with no padded out filler.

It’s a truly useful resource with things backed up by a Knowledge Base which answers many queries, followed by direct support. When I contacted support by sending off a ticket, I was impressed to get a response within an hour. The follow up, however, took a fair while longer. Cynically, paying helps. It’s possible to pay $3 to bump your ticket to the front of the queue which feels a little unsavoury but on the other hand, Shockbyte is pretty cheap elsewhere.

Talking of payments, it’s also possible to pay $15 per month for the company to manage your server including controlling and setting up mods and plugins. With the many tutorials available, it’s hardly necessary for most people but it could be useful when starting out.

Shockyte's knowledgebase has plenty of helpful tutorials and the company's YouTube channel also provides a wealth of videos to help you get started (Image credit: Shockbyte)Final verdict

Shockbyte is an excellent value way to snap up a Minecraft server that isn’t much hassle to set up and maintain. Ideally suited for novices but also anyone who wants to keep costs down, you can get straight on with setting up your Minecraft server pretty quickly, right down to installing some mods or plugins without having to delve too deeply.

Where things falter is a bit, is the added costs and occasional support quibbles. A little inconsistent with speed isn’t a dealbreaker for everyone when it comes to needing assistance from support and the YouTube videos certainly help, but if you run into a major problem, feeling obliged to pay an extra $3 will grate.

Similarly, added costs for features like a dedicated IP or server management are transparent but something to be aware of when totting up the actual price you’ll be paying.

Neither of these issues will affect everyone though and for the most part, Shockbyte works well. Its 100% uptime and speedy servers mean you and your mates will easily be able to join in at any time without any problems. It fits nicely into that ‘it just works’ mentality that everyone appreciates about technology. It also makes the process far more accessible than server management ever was in the past.

I know what you’re thinking – why isn’t Girls getting rebooted like every other TV show these days? Why isn’t Lena Dunham contorting herself to make that happen? Isn’t everything else she works on going to be Girls 2.0? It’s understandable that her new Netflix series, Too Much, will be compared to the show that launched her career to global heights, but it’s a lazy contrast.

You see, I am not a Girls fan. Aside from brief flashbacks of Dunham’s character Hannah spaced out on drugs while wearing a string vest that wasn’t hers, much of the show’s scenes blur into one hazy hallucination for me. That’s not to say the hit TV show was a bust in my eyes – far from it – but 17-year-old me wasn’t ready to embrace the messy reality of womanhood when Girls first aired in 2012.

Aged 30 in 2025, I couldn’t have fallen harder for Too Much. Set in my back garden of London, Jessica (Megan Stalter) takes the opportunity to move to the city for work after her ex-boyfriend, who she’s still not over, proposes to a popular influencer. It’s not the most original lead-in to a new Netflix show like this, but it’s the springboard for something even better.

(Image credit: Netflix)

No matter your opinions on Dunham or her work, she’s able to remain effortlessly relevant in a way that’s absolutely astounding. The script and situations feel fresh without ever venturing into laughable territory, incorporating 2020s culture like Instagram reels and TikTok beauty hacks with successful irony. Trust me, you’ve never wanted to own a hairless dog who wears bespoke turtleneck jumpers more.

Where Dunham has largely stepped behind the camera (aside from a few stray appearances), Megan Stalter’s Jessica is a flawless replacement. We’ve known she’s a comedy queen in the making since her role on Hacks, but Too Much is her circus ring for the performance of a lifetime. Jessica might question her choices every 0.5 seconds, but she never truly sacrifices her sense of self, unashamedly returning to the things that give her joy in darker moments. She’s a typical 2020s twentysomething and proud of it, and that in turn makes us feel better about the ways we’ve adapted cliché and overdramatic habits.

Clearly Stalter is our star here, but the rest of the ensemble cast is just as chaotically fleshed-out, and we want to sink our teeth into all of them. Even better is the frankly insane level of celebrity cameos, popping out more frequently than a teenager’s acne. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but Naomi Watts’ diabolically unfazed British housewife Ann has to cinch it for me. Keep a close eye on every episode, though – I won’t spoil it, but there’s a particularly good cameo in episode 9 that might remind you of a character they’ve played before.

There are a few downsides, but regardless of how Too Much tackled its subject, they were bound to be there. Jessica’s fixation on her ex-boyfriend becomes as tiring as it is in the show as we experience watching it ourselves, with the stereotypes of her new London chums not doing anyone any favours either. Roll the two together too frequently and the show becomes its namesake, but sadly, Jessica needs to wade through the worst to learn her lessons.

Too Much isn’t an in-depth exploration of what it means to love and live as a young woman in a new decade, and it doesn’t have to be. In hindsight, Girls was heralded as exactly that for its time and place, but to judge Too Much in the same way is to miss the raw emotion and humanity on display here. It’s never slacking on the chaotic front, and going with the emotions and bad decisions in real-time is what makes Dunham’s show feel like a new take on something we’ve seen before. Sometimes you’ve just got to make your peace with the fact your life has resulted in eating cold instant noodles at 1am, and that’s okay.

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The day was a real cooker as I approached the Brooklyn Navy Yard, site of the Samsung Unpacked event that would feature the new Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and the latest addition to the foldable family, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE.

I’d heard whispers about the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE; rumblings from the street, you might say. We knew it would be a cheaper version of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but how was Samsung going to pull it off? What corners would be cut? What features would get left out in the cold?

I couldn’t concentrate on cold; it was too hot outside. I waited through the Galaxy Z Fold 7 announcement. Did the suit on stage really misspeak and say it would cost $199.99? I guess some prices are too high even for Samsung’s own people to swallow.

I sat through the Galaxy Z Flip 7 announcement, thinking I’d made a huge mistake. I put my partners on the trail of the Flip 7 and the even more expensive Fold 7. I figured my time slumming it with Motorola’s base model Razr would make me the right gumshoe to sniff out the details on the cheap new Flip FE.

Then I saw the bezel on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 cover display and I felt the green monster — jealousy — breathing down my neck.

Fine, I thought, you can’t have every phone. Sometimes you have to let the good ones go if it means saving a buck or two. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has looks, sure, but those come at a high price: $1,099.99. That’s too rich for my blood.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review: price and specs

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Starts at $899 / £849 / AU$1,499 for 8GB RAM / 128GB storage
• Cheaper than Galaxy Z Flip 6, but still very pricey

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. The Samsung rep faked a retreat then stepped back to the front of the stage with that old chestnut: and one more thing… it was the Galaxy 7 Flip FE. My quarry. I finally had my eyes on the prize. But what exactly was I seeing?

Samsung laid it out in black and white – literally. That was the first thing I noticed about the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. It came in black or white. Shiny, glossy, like 88 ivories ready to be played. No other colors.

I grabbed my notebook. This couldn’t be right, could it? For a Galaxy FE? I flipped back a few months to the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, Samsung’s iPad Air competitor. Didn’t that tablet come in blue? The blood drained from my head. The room started to go dark.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE in rich colors (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I flipped back even further to the Galaxy S24 FE. Mint! I have it in mint, and I know there was a blue. Was this a dream? Some sawbones once told me that dreams are often in black and white, but I don’t pay much attention to doctors.

Why would the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE be available only in black and white? I may have a long memory for Samsung’s favorite hues, but Samsung only has its eye on one dame… the Apple iPhone 16e.

Samsung used to show up at the bargain table wearing bright colors like it was Easter Sunday. Then Apple reminded the world that every day can be a funeral, and the iPhone 16e launched in black and white – the first monochromatic iPhone I can recall since the iPhone 3GS.

If I had to guess, I’d say that’s why Samsung changed its FE look. I would also guess that the overpriced iPhone 16e is the reason Samsung priced the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE like a premium flagship, not a bargain phone. The Flip 7 FE will start at $899.99. I gasped when Samsung flashed the number.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 FE

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Motorola Razr 2025

Price at launch:

$899 / £849 / AU$1,499

$1,099.99 / £1,049 / AU$1,799

$699.99 / £799.99 / AU$1,199

Dimensions (folded):

85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm

85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm

88.1 x 74 x 15.9

Dimensions (unfolded):

165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm

165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm

171.3 x 74 x 7.3mm

Weight:

187g

187g

188g

Main display:

6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED

(1080 x 2640), 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness

6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED

(1080 x 2640), 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness

6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED

(1080 x 2640), 1-120Hz refresh rate, 3,000 nits peak brightness

Cover display::

3.4-inch Super AMOLED

(720 x 748), 60Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness

3.4-inch Super AMOLED

(720 x 748), 60Hz refresh rate, 1,600 nits peak brightness

3.6-inch AMOLED

(1056 x 1066), 90Hz refresh rate, 1,700 nits peak brightness

Chipset:

Samsung Exynos 2400

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy

Mediatek Dimensity 7400X

RAM:

8GB

12GB

8GB

Storage:

128GB / 256GB / 512GB

128GB / 256GB / 512GB

256GB / 512GB

OS:

Android 16 / OneUI 8

Android 15 / OneUI 7

Android 15

Primary camera:

50MP f/1.8

50MP f/1.8

50MP f/1.7

Ultrawide camera:

12MP f2.2

12MP f2.2

13MP f/2.2

Inner Camera

10MP f2.2

10MP f/2.2

32MP f/2.4

Battery:

4,000 mAh

4,000 mAh

4,500 mAh

Charging:

25W wired, 15W wireless

25W wired, 15W wireless

30W wired, 15W wireless

Colors:

White, Black

Yellow, Silver Shadow, Mint, Blue, Black, White, Peach

Pantone's Gibraltar Sea, Spring Bud, Lightest Sky, Parfait Pink

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: design

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Same dimensions and weight as Galaxy Z Flip 6
• Only comes in black and white

I headed to the hands-on tables and sidled up next to Lance, who was parked in front of the gorgeous, mint green Galaxy Z Fold 7. The room was filled with tables and shmoes like me, looking for a scoop.

All I saw were bright colors, but my target had none of that. I was looking for the colorless suspect in the center of it all: the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE.

The massive warehouse was decked out in more color than I could comprehend. There was bright graffiti covering one corner. OLED TVs showed off Samsung’s commitment to ecology in bright green and poison-dart frog orange.

A more colorful Galaxy Z Flip 7 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

After a tour of the gigantic space, I found my FE back near where I started. There were three on a table: two black and one white. These were the only Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE phones in the room.

Clearly, Samsung didn't expect a big crowd for its so-called bargain.

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(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: display

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• You'll be jealous when you see the Flip 7's cover display
• Inner screen is large but not as big as a Moto Razr or Flip 7

Frankly, I don't blame them. It's hard to work up a sweat over a cheap phone that costs $900, even on a hot day like today. With a good sale happening, I can get two Motorola Razr phones for the same price – one for work and another for the weekend.

After a few minutes with the Flip 7 FE I’m onto Samsung’s jig. The FE is the exact same size and weight as the Galaxy Z Flip 6. It’s got the same screens, inside and out, down to the pixel.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

To be fair, the Flip 7 FE can get brighter, but that’s according to Samsung. I’ll let my folks in Future Labs run tests at the clubhouse before I declare this phone the winner.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE almost seems designed to disappoint. No colors. No big cover screen. No Snapdragon inside – this phone runs on the Exynos 2400 that flummoxed Galaxy S24 buyers who weren't in the US. It even has less RAM than the Galaxy Z Flip 7: eight gigabytes instead of 12.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: cameras

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra wide
• Same camera specs as Galaxy Z Flip 7 (and Flip 6)

I check out the cameras – not bad? At least it keeps the same shooters as the normal Flip7. There’s a 50MP wide cam that’s a solid option for selfies, and I can see my kisser in the cover screen with the Flip 7 FE closed.

At least the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE doesn't seem to be a downgrade in that department. I'll need to take it for a spin to be sure, but the cameras look identical to what the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is packing.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: final word

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Why not just keep the Galaxy Z Flip 6 around at a discount? Samsung feeds me a line and I chew on it, but I don't swallow. It said the Z Flip 6 couldn't run DeX, but the Exynos in the Z Flip 7 will make it happen. A likely story, since the Flip 6 and the Galaxy S24 had the same chips.

But what about the Flip 7 FE? It's unclear what it can and can't do.

I can't imagine anyone picking the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE over a Galaxy Z Flip 7, except by accident. I'll need to spend some quality time with this phone before I can write its full review story, but my gut tells me if last year's phone gets a discount, steer folks toward an older, more colorful Flip 6 before sending them after this black-and-white 'bargain.'

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: One minute review

Every time I try a big-name smartwatch these days, I’m slightly disappointed. Not because they’re bad devices (they’re certainly not) but because all too often, they tend to be very similar to their predecessors with very incremental, minor changes, such as a new software feature or slightly brighter screen, which isn’t the most exciting thing to write about.

However, not so this year. Samsung has decided to buck the trend with a comprehensive redesign, extending from its hardware to its software. The watch itself is thinner with a brighter screen and bigger battery (although battery life is still allegedly the same), keeping the round display but adopting a Watch Ultra-style metal cushion in an attempt to give Samsung watches a distinctive brand identity

In the software stakes, there are several useful updates that change how you use the watch day-to-day. A Now Bar widget allows you to quickly access the task you’re currently running in the background (such as a timer or workout) from the watch face screen, while at-a-glance views are more useful thanks to a nifty redesign. On-device Gemini has also been added out of the box, allowing you to complete complex multi-step tasks with a simple audio request, such as “find the best gym nearby and ask Julie if she wants to join it”.

There's also a running coach, which analyses your form and performance during a 12-minute test run and assigns you one of 160 running performance plans, switching you from plan to plan if you repeatedly exceed its expectations (or don’t perform as expected). A new antioxidant index measures the level of carotenoids, a beneficial antioxidant, using your thumb as another metric to indicate general health. Sleep apnea detection has also landed, just like this year’s crop of the best Apple Watches.

This is all in addition to the other features present on other watches: heart rate, advanced sleep algorithms, body composition, third-party apps, social features, music control, 32GB storage and more. Samsung’s eighth iteration of its Galaxy Watch series is, based on my early hands-on time, the most comprehensive change I’ve seen from the company in years, sporting plenty of genuinely useful improvements. Stay tuned for a full review after a few weeks, and scroll down for more detailed first impressions of its design and features.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• 40mm Bluetooth model starts at $349.99 / £319 / AU$ TBC
• 44mm model starts at $399.99 / £349 / AU$ TBC
• Available to pre-order July 9

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series is available to pre-order now. Prices start at $349.99 in the US, £319 in the UK for the 40mm Bluetooth model, rising to £369 for the LTE-enabled version. The 44mm Bluetooth-only version starts at $399 in the US, £349 in the UK, rising to £399 for the LTE version. AU prices are TBC.

This is a slight price rise from the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, which started from $299.99 / £289 / AU$549 when it was released last year.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Slimmer new cushion shape
• 3000-nit brightness
• Software revamp

Let’s talk about some of the new changes. First and foremost, the display is still perfectly round, but the casing no longer hugs that shape to create a cylinder. Instead, it’s a squarish cushion designed to emulate the shape of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. Samsung representatives have mentioned that it’s an instantly recognizable brand identity, in the same way you see a ‘squircle’ watch with a digital crown and immediately understand it as an Apple Watch.

The most surprising thing about the redesign is that where the Ultra looks awkward and boxy at times, the Galaxy Watch 8 looks good. This is partially down to the watch being 11% thinner than its predecessor, and a whole lot thinner than the Ultra or the other new kid on the block, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as you can see above. It’s a lovely minimalist design, and I like it a lot. The display is brighter now, capable of up to 3,000 nits, and the battery is 8% larger to accommodate.

There’s also less case movement on-wrist now, thanks to the Dynamic Lug system ported over from the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Getting the straps on and off using this system was a bit more fiddly than anticipated, especially if you have short nails like mine, but it’s hard to deny the watch was an incredibly snug and comfortable fit.

The UI has also received an upgrade. A Now Bar, similar to those on the best Samsung phones, pops up on the watch face when a task is running in the background such as Timer or Workout. It's a satisfyingly slender widget showcasing a piece of information, like the time remaining, which you can tap to balloon it to full-screen. At-a-glance app views and collections have also received a revamp, emphasizing usability. I loved all of these changes, especially the Now Bar; it’s such a simple concept, I wonder why it hasn’t been done before. It’ll soon be everywhere though.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• Gemini on wrist
• Advanced new health features
• Running Coach with 160 plans

First and foremost, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is the first watch with Google Gemini on-wrist out of the box. It’s finally here, and as you might expect, it’s very handy when it comes to performing simple tasks. My demonstration involved simple requests, such as starting a 20-minute running workout, but also more complex examples – such as the aforementioned “find the best gym near me and text Julie” prompt. It has the potential to be transformative in the way we interact with smartwatches going forward, but I’m interested in testing its limitations. How does it interact with requests that require a Bluetooth connection to your phone in order to work, such as opening and playing Spotify on your phone from a Bluetooth-only watch? Does it only process these requests on LTE-enabled devices? This has yet to be determined.

Another new feature I can’t wait to get stuck into is the new Running Coach. After inputting your goals and completing a 12-minute test run, you’ll be assigned one of 160 different running plans, ranging from a first 5K to a complete marathon. If your performance looks like you’ll outperform your goal at any point, Samsung Health will switch you to another running plan that more closely matches your capabilities.

Other new health features include the Antioxidant Index, which detects the level of a single antioxidant, carotenoids, in your blood to give you an indication of whether you’ve eaten enough fruit and vegetables to support a healthy diet using your thumb. I got to try this: sadly, my carotenoid levels were not up to scratch, though I don’t have any way of verifying the reading either way at this stage.

Otherwise, the watch is still packing all its existing health and fitness credentials and plenty of robust hardware and software features. Hardware features such as the camera viewfinder and body composition sensor are all present and correct, as are Samsung’s app drawer and the litany of third-party apps the watch, which uses Samsung’s One UI Watch 6 skin of Wear OS, is capable of accommodating. Full-color maps and turn-by-turn directions are also here courtesy of Google Maps.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Early Verdict

Honestly? This is the best showing from Samsung’s mainline watch series I’ve seen in a long time. It’s a fairly dramatic departure in terms of design while slimming, streamlining and improving everything else. It’s the first watch with Google Gemini on-wrist out of the box, and comes with with a bevvy of other exciting-looking features. During my brief test, the watch was comfortable to wear and use, although the straps are a bit more fiddly to change than Samsung is letting on.

Overall, it's a very, very promising start to what should be a great generation for Samsung wearables.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: One-minute review

My mind reels. How is this flagship Android 16 phone unfolding into an 8-inch tablet? It’s like the parting of the Red Sea but with a smartphone. What appears to be one is cleaved in two, split neatly down the middle to reveal an expansive, touch- and multi-task-friendly display.

I am flabbergasted.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 doesn’t just move the size and weight needle; it sends it off the dial into uncharted foldable territory (at least for Samsung). Starting at 8.9mm thick when folded (just 7mm thicker than the 8.2mm Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra), the Z Fold 7 unfolds to reveal an impossibly svelte 4.2mm thin chassis. Crazier still, the Z Fold 7 weighs just 215 grams. Yes, you read that right: that’s three grams less than the 218-gram Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

In this and in other ways, Samsung has nudged its pricey premier foldable into 'Ultra' territory. It’s not an Ultra, mind you, in that Samsung hasn't conferred that label on the phone, but there are features that make it undeniably ultra-level.

Let’s leave aside the size and weight for a moment, and focus on the other marquee upgrade: a new camera. I’ve been griping for some time about a flagship-price phone that still has sub-flagship level cameras. Not anymore. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 finally has the 200MP sensor previously only found on the S25 Ultra (and now on the new Galaxy S25 Edge).

200MP means you can shoot pictures at maximum megapixel quality, and crop in to reveal detail that’s unprecedented at the Z Fold level. Granted, you'll likely still shoot at 12MP, but that pixel-binned photo now has more brightness and color information per dot for higher-quality photos,

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

If you’re wondering, though, why the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is not officially an Ultra, I have a few reasons for you: First, there’s no 5x optical zoom. The camera system tops out at 3x. This may be due to limitations imposed by the thinness of that frame – I bet you can’t fit a periscope lens in there.

Second, achieving that feat of thinning meant Samsung had to jettison the digitizing layer and lose the S Pen support. While Samsung pitches this as a big-screen, lightweight device that you don’t need to use a stylus with, I will miss being able to draw on that foldable display.

One area where this phone is truly 'ultra', though, is in the pricing. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1999.99 / £1,799 (we're awaiting Australia pricing). That’s $100 more than the Z Fold 6 in the US. The more portable design and extreme pricing create some tension between people who think the foldable they can carry without compromises has finally arrived and those who want a relatively affordable foldable experience.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review: price and specs

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999.99 / £1,799, which is $100 more than the previous model in the US (we're awaiting Australia pricing). The base model comes with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. The Z Fold 7 is on preorder now, and ships from July 25. It's available in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, and Jetblack, plus a Samsung online-exclusive Mint.

Those prices make the Galaxy Z Fold 7 one of the most expensive foldables you can buy – it now costs $100 more than a similarly configured Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, for instance.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

OnePlus Open

Oppo Find N2 Flip specs

Dimensions (folded):

72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm

155.2 x 77.1 x 10.5mm

153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm

85.5 x 75.2 x 16.02mm

Dimensions (unfolded):

143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm

155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1mm

153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm

166.2 x 75.2 x 7.45mm

Weight:

215g

257g

239g (black); 245g (green)

191g

Main display:

8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED

(2184 x 1968), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

8-inch Super Actua display

2076 x 2152 / 1080 x 2424 pixels

7.82 inches (2440 x 2268)

6.8-inch 21:9 (2520 x 1080) 120Hz LTPO E6 AMOLED, protected by UTG

Cover display::

6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED

2X Display(2520 x 1080, 21:9), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

6.3-inch Actua display

6.31 inches (2484 x 1116)

3.26-inch 17:9 (720 x 382) 60Hz AMOLED, protected by Gorilla Glass 5

Chipset:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Mobile Platform for Galaxy

Google Tensor G4

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Plus

RAM:

12GB / 16GB (1TB only)

16GB

16GB LPDDR5X

8GB (LPDDR5)

Storage:

256GB / 512GB / 1TB

256GB / 512GB

512GB UFS 4.0

256GB (UFS 3.1)

OS:

Android 16 / OneUI 8

Android 14

Android 14 with Oxygen OS 13.2

Android 13 w/ ColorOS 13

Primary camera:

200MP f1.7

48MP main

48MP (wide)

50MP, f/1.8, 23mm, 86° FoV (Sony IMX890)

Ultrawide camera:

12MP f2.2

10.5MP ultrawide

48MP (ultrawide 114°)

8MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112° FoV (Sony IMX355)

Telephoto

3x 10MP f2.4

10.8MP 5X zoom

64MP (3x telephoto)

Cover Camera:

10MP f2.2

10MP

20MP; 32MP

32MP, f/2.4, 21mm, 90° FoV (Sony IMX709)

Inner Camera

10MP f2.2

8MP f/2.0

Battery:

4,400mAh

4,650mAh

4,805mAh

4,300mAh

Charging:

30 mins with 25W adapter (wired)

30W (wired)

67W SUPERVOOC (proprietary)

44W (wired)

Colors:

Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jetblack [Samsung.com Exclusive] Mint

Porcelain, Obsidian

Emerald Dusk (green); Voyager Black

Astral Black, Moonlit Purple

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: design

• It's incredibly thin
• Lighter than the single-screen Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Excellent construction

If you ever get the chance, hold the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 next to the Z Fold 6 – the difference is astonishing, and the only wrinkle in the effect is the new phone's sizable camera bump. It’s more prominent than the bump on the Z Fold 6, and means the phone won’t lay even close to flat on that side.

This phone feels good and light in the hand, especially unfolded and, while not Ultra-level titanium, the materials are good and well-used here. The body and frame are Armor Aluminum. On the exterior back is Corning Gorilla Class Victus 2, and on the display side there's Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2.

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Samsung has upgraded the FlexHinge, so it’s less conspicuous than ever. When you fold and unfold the phone, it offers just the right level of firmness. Even the inside of the hinge is cleaner. Where last year’s hinge interior coverings had a little nub on it, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s are a pair of unblemished curves, like smooth little fenders over a wheel..

Samsung claims the flexible screen crease is less noticeable, but it was hard to tell if this was the case during my brief hands-on time, so I'll withhold judgment for now. IP48 protection means the phone can handle a dunk and some dust, but I’d still keep it clear of sand.

Folded, the phone is now just 8.9mm thick, which is only marginally thicker than the S25 Ultra and significantly thinner than the folded Z Fold 6 (12.1mm). Unfolded, it’s a remarkable 4.2mm. To put that in perspective, it appears that the USB-C charge/data port just barely fits in the space. At just 215 grams, it feels like a traditional phone when closed, and when you unfold it that weight is distributed across an 8-inch body, making the device feel featherlight.

Those latter dimensions also easily beat the Z Fold 6, which is 5.6mm unfolded and weighs 239 grams, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is 5.1mm thick unfolded and weighs 257 grams.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: display

• Larger main and cover displays
• Visible punch hole for the camera on main display
• Cover display has a more natural aspect ratio

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

More than ever, the exterior display of the Z Fold 7 makes it look like a traditional smartphone. It’s now a 6.5-inch display (up from 6.3 inches), helping to make the aspect ratio a more traditional 21:9. In my hands-on time, the screen was bright and responsive.

At eight inches, the interior AMOLED screen, aka the main screen, now matches the size of the iPad mini. It’s a lovely and expansive space for content consumption, photography, productivity, and gaming.

You might notice a new selfie camera cutout. That existed on the Z Fold 6, but when not in use it was covered by a cluster of pixels that could be made transparent when it was time to take a pic. Now, to accommodate a wider field of view (100-degree versus 85-degree) and enable greater image clarity, there are no pixels covering the lens.

Some might mind the small black hole breaking the immersion of their full-screen gaming experience, and distracting when using some apps, but I think I prefer having a wider angle, and what are noticeably clearer photos from the interior camera.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

The bezels around the display do not appear thinner than those on the Z Fold 6, and the screen quality appears similar. Samsung has made almost every display component thinner to support the new design, with the exception of the Ultra Thin Glass, which is now thicker. All of this may help make the crease less noticeable, though I could still, in certain light and at certain angles, see it, and I could feel it; it’s not pronounced, though.

If there is any disappointment in the new Z Fold 7 it can be found here in the display, which no longer supports the S Pen. This, it seems, was a physics problem. Samsung simply couldn’t fit in the digitizing layer, which means it’s back to drawing with your fingertip, or with a soft and specially-designed 'dumb' stylus.

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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: cameras

• Finally, a Z Fold phone gets the 200MP sensor
• The main display camera gets a big upgrade, too
• It's a solid camera array overall

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

When you pay $2,000 for a smartphone, you expect it to include the ultimate camera system, and that has never been the case with Samsung’s Fold line – but the Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes close to delivering the full package

Here’s the camera system:

• 200MP wide
• 12MP ultra-wide
• 10MP 3x telephoto
• 10MP cover-screen camera
• 10MP main-screen camera

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

There are a couple of significant upgrades within that lineup. One is the sharper, wider main-screen camera, which was 4MP and is now 10MP, and the other – and arguably more significant – is the 200MP wide lens. This is more or less the same sensor as the one in the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Edge, and it's one of the S25 Ultra’s defining features, bringing a level of detail to photos that you won’t get from, say a 50MP sensor.

Granted, you’ll usually be shooting in 12MP binned format, but the image information from all those extra pixels is combined to give you tremendous detail in every photo shot with the main lens.

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I am disappointed that we still didn’t get a 5x optical zoom, but I wonder if Samsung could have fit the necessary technology inside a 4.2mm-thick frame.

While I didn’t have a lot of time with the Z Fold 7, I did shoot with all the lenses, and the image quality looked good – it’s pretty wild to shoot with the 200MP option turned on, and see how far you can crop in on a standard photo. The 10MP main-screen camera is also a vast improvement over the 4MP camera on the Z Fold 6.

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(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Software and AI

• The phone will ship with Android 16
• There's deeper Google Gemini integration
• Gemini Live fills the main screen

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

There are a few things of note here. First, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will ship with Android 16. That’s big news, because I cannot remember a Galaxy phone of any stripe that did not ship with the current year’s Android, with Samsung waiting until Google upgraded its Pixel phones to the latest platform before flowing it into the new Galaxy handsets.

Second, Samsung is not holding back when it comes to integrating the latest Google Gemini AI goodness deep into the phone.

First, Gemini Live has a tablet-sized interface for the main screen. It’s not a huge deal, but it is nice to see that the system is hardware-aware. More importantly, though, you can use Gemini Live on one half of the Fold 7 screen and have it react to what's on the other side – the benefits of multitasking. The other update is in Google’s Circle to Search, which now works in games. Samsung claims it will work with any on-device game.

As Samsung demonstrated in a video, you can launch Circle to Search during gameplay, use your finger to circle something on screen, and it will bring back context-specific search results that you can instantly apply without leaving the game.

You might, for instance, circle an in-game character and ask, "What's the character's name? What are his powers, and how do I beat him?" and get the answers without leaving the game.

The video made it look easy; we’ll see how it works in the real world when I fully review this phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Performance and Battery

• Bespoke Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 8 Elite processor
• Decent RAM for the base unit (though less than some competitors)
• Battery size unchanged, but battery life gets a boost

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As expected, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is running Qualcomm’s Gen 8 Elite for Samsung processor. The last bit indicates the chip’s bespoke nature: it’s like all other Gen 8 Elite’s, but likely overclocked for Samsung.

The zippy and AI-friendly chip is backed by 12GB of RAM (16GB, if you get the 1TB model), and a base storage capacity of 256GB.

That combo should provide plenty of power, though a multitasking-friendly screen like the Z Fold 7’s 8-inch main display will likely encourage more heavy-duty usage and more gaming, so it’ll be interesting to see how the handset holds up under duress.

Even in my relatively limited hands-on time, though, I could feel some warmth on the back. I’m guessing that with such a thin chassis, Samsung may have no option but to allow some of the heat to dissipate directly through the phone’s body.

Despite the massive slim-down, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 somehow still has a 4,400mAh battery inside, but now it’s rated for 24 hours of video playback. We got a little over 10 hours of mixed-use battery life with the Z Fold 6. I’ll be thrilled if this more efficient system extends the life of the same-sized battery.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Early value verdict

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I saved this one for last because it’s such a gut punch. This is a remarkable device, and perhaps the Fold that will make foldables in general mainstream – but that may also be an elusive dream.

For the second time in two years, the Z Fold series has gone up in price by $100 in the US. This latest hike has the Z Fold 7 flirting with two grand, which is a lot of money for a smartphone – even a lovely foldable like this.

There will be trade-in and other deals to soften the blow, and there will be people who will break up the cost over many installments, and consider it worth the price of folding admission. But I think others will look to the new Galaxy Z Flip 7 or, better yet, the $799.99 Z Flip 7 FE.

The Z Fold 7 is available in three colors: Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jetblack. Mint is a Samsung online-exclusive color, and it's gorgeous.

It's a shame Samsung couldn’t hold the line on pricing. I know the design is premium-plus, and that refashioned 200MP sensor probably doesn’t come cheap, but for many, Samsung just pushed what is likely its best foldable ever out of reach.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: One-minute review

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is different from its predecessors. The Classic series crops up every two years like clockwork, and all feature that rotating bezel, which serves as a way to interact with the watch.

However, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and Watch 4 Classic bear a resemblance to their namesake mainline entries in the Galaxy Watch series, the Watch 8 Classic draws more from the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

This new influence means the body is a whole different shape to the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, which has slimmed down by 11% to become the thinnest Galaxy Watch yet. The Classic is still chunky, and features the Ultra’s programmable Quick Button in addition to the rotating bezel. The Quick Button can be programmed and used in many different ways, from starting your most-used workout to opening music controls. The rotating bezel also allows you to scroll through apps, lists, and messages without using the touchscreen.

These two features, combined with voice commands aided by the Google Gemini AI assistant, mean you have lots of different ways to interact with the watch, which is great. The bezel feels smooth in use, and it feels very natural to use the wheel to scroll through long passages of text and lists of apps alike.

Other new features include sleep apnea detection, a new Running Coach with 160 running plans to recommend and track, useful redesigned software (including new at-a-glance app collection displays and a minimalist widget called a Now Bar, which lives on your watch face when a task is running in the background) and of course, that previously mentioned AI assistant. It’s also got Samsung’s existing suite of features, such as a BioActive heart rate sensor, sleep coach recommendations, accurate body composition, and lots more.

I’ve only tested the watch for a very short time alongside the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, but it certainly seems to be the full package, inside an attractive but thick and chunky casing.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Price and availability

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• Bluetooth-only model starts at $499 / £449 / AU$ TBC
• LTE model is $549 / £499 / AU$ TBC
• Pre-orders available July 9

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is available for pre-order now priced at $499.99 / £449 / AU$ TBC for the Bluetooth-only model. Considering the mainline Watch 8 is available for $150 / £100 cheaper, you’re paying for the upgraded stainless steel body, the rotating bezel, and the added Quick Button. LTE connectivity is available for an additional $50 / £50 in the US and UK.

This certainly isn’t a small price increase between editions, and it's a big jump from the previous-generation Classic as well: the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic started at $399 / £369 / AU$699, although that was a smaller-sized 43mm model, whereas, like the Ultra, the Classic 8 is a one-size-fits-all 46mm.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Design

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• The rotating bezel is back
• Added Quick Button
• Redesigned UI/software

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic only comes in a single size, 46mm, where 40mm and 44mm options are offered with the mainline Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. This is a watch for bigger wrists only, as it’s also thick and chunky due to the added height and heft from the bezel.

It looks and feels like a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, especially with the addition of the Quick Button – so if you liked that design, you’ll also like this one. The Watch 8 Classic's display is tied with the 8 for the brightest yet, at 3,000 nits. You also get double the internal storage of the standard Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 – 64GB, instead of the standard 8’s 32GB.

As mentioned above, the Quick Button can be programmed for different purposes, and the bezel is used like the digital crowns on the best Apple Watches in that you use it to cycle through options, but the real magic is in the redesigned UI, which I love.

At-a-glance views now offer more information on your limited display, while a new watch face widget called the Now Bar, an idea borrowed from the best Samsung phones, allows tasks running in the background – like Timers and Workouts – to have a small presence on your regular watch face. It works very well in practice, and I loved using it.

My main design con, other than the limited size options and thickness of the watch, is the Dynamic Lug system, which is borrowed from the Galaxy Watch Ultra. I mentioned in my Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 review that I found it fiddly, especially as a man with short nails.

However, it does allegedly mean there’s less case movement during exercise, and the watches (in white and black) look snappy with the leather-effect strap provided. If you’re keen to use it for exercise, especially swimming, it may also behoove you to pick up a silicone one, further inflating the price of the watch as you’ll need to buy this separately.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Features

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Aside from the design differences, many of the new features on offer are the same as the ones described in my Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 review, but I’ll repeat them here. Sleep apnea detection is added to Samsung’s extensive suite of sleep-tracking features, which also includes sleep coaching, snore detection, and Energy Score.

A new Running Coach helps calibrate your running and can recommend one of 160 different training plans, intelligently switching between plans on the fly based on your performance. The new Antioxidant Index detects the level of the beneficial antioxidant carotenoids in your body, found in leafy greens and orange vegetables: if this score is low, you likely need to eat more vegetables.

Gemini on the Samsung Galaxy Watch, the first of its kind, is a headline feature here, and based on my brief hands-on time with the watch, it seems to work well in practice. My unit was only connected to a test phone wielded by one of Samsung’s representatives, but I look forward to testing its capabilities when it’s connected to my own unit.

All of this is added to Samsung’s existing suite of health tracking, fitness, and lifestyle features, which are further enhanced by third-party apps from Wear OS. These include advanced fitness features like dual-frequency GPS to better calculate runs, hikes, and rides, TrackBack to stop you getting lost, and body composition analysis to determine your ratio of fat to muscle to bone. This is surprisingly accurate: we tested Samsung’s feature against a smart scale with favorable results.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Early Verdict

I’m not as in love with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic’s design as I am with the minimalist Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, even though the design is this watch’s unique selling point. It’s too big and bulky for me, but I can see the appeal, and the rotating bezel’s added functionality is always a welcome addition.

However, there’s no denying Samsung has knocked its generational redesign out of the park, and I’m intrigued to see what comes of more thorough testing soon.

OnePlus Buds 4: Two-minute review

It’s easy to dismiss earbuds made by smartphone companies as a cheap add-on made to sell alongside a handset, a job made easier by the fact that many are. But the OnePlus Buds 4 shows that this isn’t always the case.

Let me speak plain: these earbuds are really good for ANC. Some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds around, then? Absolutely, but that's not the end of the story – if it were, you'd be right to utter 'So, why the four-star review, not five?' and I'll get to that, I promise.

The OnePlus Buds 4 are the successors to last year’s OnePlus Buds 3, but with a little of the DNA of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. And these new fourth-gen buds are independent from OnePlus phones to such a degree that they weren’t actually released alongside any flagship handset from the company (though their launch did coincide with some new cheaper Nord 5 phones from the brand).

I appreciate it when companies do what OnePlus has done here: create buds that focus on offering a few key superb selling points that beat the competition. It ensures it’s easy to compare them positively to other buds, and makes my job of writing an intro that much easier!

One such department on the OnePlus Buds 4 is the Active Noise Cancellation, or ANC. Once the most important arms-race of any headphone maker, though now slightly forgotten in the reverse arms-race of open earbuds, ANC is still an important feature for many buyers… and the Buds 4 have easily the best noise cancelling performance in any earbuds or headphones I’ve tested at this price. It absolutely eradicates background sound, no matter how noisy, and you’d have to buy buds for double the price to get something competitive.

The design of the buds also needs to be commended. You might not be able to tell from photos, but these earbuds themselves are perhaps the lightest I’ve ever tested at under 5g (I haven’t gone through every review I’ve written to check, but quite a few!) and they’re really comfortable as a result. The case is also really small, and equally lightweight (see above, about me having written too many reviews to check these against every one). Sometimes, fantastic design isn’t a funky look or weird features or LEDs, but the meat-and-potatoes of a light, comfortable wear.

You’re getting a (mostly) fantastic feature set from the OnePlus Buds 4 too, again one of the best selections of extras in any buds I’ve tested at this price. I won’t go through them all, as I’ve already exceeded my word count in the Features section talking about them, but goodies like a listening test, Spatial Audio and high-res listening are all working well.

But wait! I haven’t mentioned how the things sound yet! That isn’t because it’s bad, just that the features and design are so great I got distracted. Like the Buds 3, there's a strong focus on bassy booming sound, but it’s much better balanced this time around. Music is punchy and exciting, with plenty of customization options to take it further.

The main issue I had with the OnePlus Buds 4? It's a big one I'm afraid: the app had a ton of connectivity problems, which really affected my experience with the buds. I need to preface this statement by saying that I used the buds before their official release and it’s very possible that by the time they are in your ears, these software kinks will be ironed out, but it's also important for me to be honest in my write ups – and this was my experience. I have tested myriad sets of earbuds, and if it was challenging to me, it will surely be for any owner.

Some buyers will also find the price increase over the OnePlus Buds 3 hard to swallow, but the significant uptick in ANC efficacy justifies it.

OnePlus Buds 4 review: Price and release date

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• Unveiled in June 2025, officially launched July 8, 2025
• Costs $129.99 / £119 (roughly AU$200)
• Price hike over predecessor

The OnePlus Buds 4 became available on July 8 2025, alongside a Nord-y line-up of phones from the company’s affordable line of Androids.

TechRadar was provided with the buds’ UK price prior to launch: £119, and they've been released in the US for $129.99, which means in Australia they'll set you back around AU$200 or just above.

Many buyers will probably get these buds for free, though, as OnePlus likes to offer gadgets like this for free if you buy its mobiles.

It’s worth pointing out that this price is a noticeable hike from the $99 / £89 / AU$179 price point of the previous-gen buds, but is still far south of the $179 / £199 (roughly AU$400) price of the Buds 3 Pro.

At that price, I could hear arguments for these counting as cheap earbuds, and other points in favor of these being mid-rangers. Either way, there are lots of rivals at this price point, and you can find them described in the Competition section below.

OnePlus Buds 4 review: Specs

Drivers

11mm woofer + 6mm tweeter

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life (ANC off)

11 hours (buds) 45 hours (case)

Weight

4.73g (buds) 40g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

Waterproofing

IP55

OnePlus Buds 4 review: Features

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• Amazing noise cancellation
• …but we need to talk about the app
• 6/24 hour battery life (ANC on)

When I first turned on the OnePlus Buds 4’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), I was in a busy gym – it’s a great test case due to all the noises going on (and the music they play at my local is absolutely awful). I was absolutely floored by how much background sound the buds removed, which I’ll aptly summarize simply as ‘basically all of it’.

This is on the buds’ High ANC mode, which uses an algorithm to automatically adapt for wherever you are. There’s also a moderate and low, and also an Auto which… also chooses between those three automatically. You’ve also also got a Transparency mode to block out ambient noise but allow loud nearby ones, and yet another adaptive mode which selects between Transparency and standard noise cancellation. If you’ve been keeping count, that’s three different auto modes.

Using the HeyMelody app was a pain. It never remembered the buds between listening sessions so I kept having to re-add them, which was hard when it could only detect them about 50% of the time. And when it could and I pressed ‘Connect’, I wouldn’t get taken through the the app pages where I could control the buds. Oh no.

Instead a pop-up would appear telling me that I can find more settings for the earbuds by going to my phone’s Bluetooth settings. Okay, good to know. But pressing ‘Cancel’ just hides the pop-up so I need to press ‘Connect’ again, and pressing ‘Go’ just takes me to my phone’s Bluetooth settings. It took me ages to figure out I’d need to go to this menu (not a page in HeyMelody, I should add), and then select the headphones, and then press ‘Earbud functions’ which would take me back to HeyMelody. It’s an absolutely infuriating and long-winded process and I can’t imagine that this is actually how it’s meant to function.

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It’s a shame because you really do need to use the HeyMelody app as most of the Buds 4's features are within it – and because those features are some of these earbuds' biggest draws.

You’ve got OnePlus 3D Audio, the company’s version of Spatial Audio. You’ve got an equalizer, which offers a 6-band custom mode or three presets along with a separate bass booster called BassWave. You’ve got the ability to set up ways to control your phone camera with the buds, toggles for High-Res mode, a find-my-earbuds function and, most importantly Golden Sound.

Golden Sound combines two tests we infrequently see in earbuds: an ear canal scan and a listening test, which together create a custom sound profile to enhance your music. I was impressed to see results which back ups hat I’ve independent learnt about my ears (one being better than the other) and the created sound profile did mark an improvement on the buds’ sound (albeit a smaller improvement than on some other buds which also have this test).

Some other features of the Buds 4, like a live translation feature, are exclusive to owners of a OnePlus phone.

Throughout testing, the connection between my phone and the buds was flawless, with the Bluetooth never dropping once. That wasn’t the case with the app itself, as I’ve already said, and every time I plugged the buds in it defaulted to their Transparency ANC mode, so I’d have to open up the app and change it.

With all these features, and more to list in the Sound Quality section, there’s a knock-on effect. The OnePlus Buds 4 battery life is fine, but nothing to write home about, and it can suffer if you’re using all the features.

The buds have a battery life of 11 hours… with ANC switched off. Turn it on and that drops by nearly half to 6 hours, and using LHDC codec drops it even further by about an hour. The case itself has quite a bit of gas in the tank as it starts at 45 hours of listening time, dropping to 24 with ANC and 22 with LHDC.

Those are all OnePlus’ figures but my own testing backed them up. With ANC but without LHDC, I’d get just over 6 hours of listening time on one charge.

• Features score: 3.5/5

OnePlus Buds 4 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Incredibly light case and buds
• Fiddly touch controls
• Black or green color options

Banish the thought of the square-cased OnePlus Buds 3; in the Buds 4, the company has borrowed the case design of the Buds Pro 3. That means it’s a pebble-shaped container that opens horizontally to reveal the top of the buds.

The case weighs 40g, so it’s very lightweight, and it’s certainly one of the smallest I’ve seen recently, clocking in at 65.4 x 52.4 x 25.3mm according to the very-specific figures OnePlus provided TechRadar.

I did find it a bit fiddly to get the buds back into the case at times, frequently putting the wrong one in the gaps. It’s probably only a concern to people who identify as klutzes, so I can’t list it as a ‘Con’, but it’s worth pointing out.

(Image credit: Future)

Like the buds themselves, the case comes in green or black. As someone who’s tested loads of OnePlus tech over the years, I’ve got to say the colors are very… ‘OnePlus-y’.

The buds weigh 4.73g so they’re incredibly lightweight. They use a stem design like previous buds from the company, so they consist of a body which stays wedged in your ear with a rubber tip, and a small stem that dangles down

Both buds have a stem that you can stroke up or down to change the volume. I found these really hard to use, as a light touch wouldn’t be triggered, and a hard one would invariably dislodge the buds in my ears. I quickly figured that it was better to stick to using my phone for volume controls. The actual double-tap controls worked a lot better though.

The buds are IP55 rated which means they’re protected against dust ingress, and can survive against low-pressure water jets. Yes, that includes sweat and rain, but I wouldn’t wear them during a water fight or while you swim.

• Design score: 4/5

OnePlus Buds 4 review: Sound quality

• 11mm+6mm drivers, dual DAC
• Emphasis on bassy sound
• Supports Hi-Res Audio, LHDC

(Image credit: Future)

OnePlus has absolutely stuffed the Buds 4 full of audio-specific features.

Take, for example the drivers: each has two, an 11mm woofer for bass and 6mm tweeter for the higher stuff. There’s also a dual DAC solution, offering a separate one for each driver, so let each specialise. Buds 3 Pro users might be getting some Deja vu right now.

If you’re picking up what I’m putting down, you will have noticed that I’ve referenced plenty of bass features. Like the previous-gen buds, these models offer absolutely loads of bass – they’re punchy and exciting, but crucially it’s not as lopsidedly-balanced as the last-gen buds.

Vocal lines, guitar rhythms, piano harmonies are all crystal clear and defined, with the buds’ new focus on dynamic balance ensuring other parts of music can cut through the bass surprisingly well.

Listeners who like finely-balanced audio may still find the Buds 4’s heavy bass off-putting (even though you can strip lots of the excess away using the app’s EQ), but if you don’t mind a bit of oomph, the buds are fantastic.

The buds also support streaming High-Res audio via the Hi-Res Audio Wireless standard, the LHDC 5.0 Bluetooth codec and offer a sampling rate of 192Hz.

• Sound quality: 4/5

OnePlus Buds 4 review: Value

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• Good value at full price
• Great value on sale
• Incredible value as bundle gift

I mentioned before that you may be receiving these as a pre-order or buying bonus with a phone, and if that’s the case… yep, a 100% discount is pretty good value for money!

In a hypothetical situation in which you’re buying these at full price, they’re still really good value for money due to the stand-out features. You’d be hard-pressed to get buds for cheaper with ANC, a feature set or a design like this.

However, if you don’t mind compromising in a few areas, you can definitely get buds for under $100/£100/AU$200 which equal the Buds 4 in most departments – if not the ANC.

• Value: 4/5

Should I buy the OnePlus Buds 4?

(Image credit: Future)OnePlus Buds 4 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

A fantastic feature set and top-notch ANC are a little hard to use thanks to the app experience.

3.5/5

Design

Incredibly lightweight buds that you'll forget are in your ear.

4/5

Sound quality

Heavy bass that doesn't obscure the rest of your music and is energetic and punchy.

4/5

Value

They're not too expensive and the entire package could cost twice as much without it being a rip-off.

3.5/5

Buy them if…

You need top-of-the-line ANC
I can't stress just how impressive the OnePlus Buds 4 noise cancellation is. If you hate background sound, buy it.

You have a OnePlus phone
A few features of the Buds 4 are exclusive to OnePlus users, so if you have such a phone, you're getting a little extra out of the purchase.

You want lightweight buds
Some earbuds are a pretty noticeable presence in your ear, for better or worse. The OnePlus buds certainly aren't that.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You're not a bass fan
While not as overwhelming as on last year's model, the Buds 4 certainly offer lots of bass which isn't for everyone.

You want earbuds for long journeys
When you switch on all of its features, the OnePlus Buds 4 don't really last all that long.

OnePlus Buds 4 review: Also consider

OnePlus Buds 4

Nothing Ear

Earfun Free Pro 3

OnePlus Buds 3

Drivers

11mm + 6mm

11mm

7mm

10.4mm + 6mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life

11 hours (buds) 45 hours (case)

5.2 hours (buds); 24 hours (case)

7.5 hours (buds) 25.5 hours total (with case)

10 hours (buds) 44 hours (case)

Weight

4.73g (buds) 40g (case)

4.62g (buds); 51.9g (case)

41.5g total

4.8g (buds) 40.8g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.3

Waterproofing

IP55

IP54

IPX5

IP55

Nothing Ear
These similar-priced earbuds also offer loads of bass and a top-end feature set that's comparable. The battery life is even worse but a few unique features may clinch the deal.

See our full Nothing Ear review

Sony WF-C710N
You could save a little money and buy these Sony buds, which have a stem-less design. They too have great ANC and some useful features, including from Sony's impressive suite, and their battery life is also much better/

See our full Sony WF-C710N review

How I tested the OnePlus Buds 4

• Tested for 14 days
• Tested at home, in the office and on walks

The testing and writing period of the OnePlus Buds 4 took roughly two weeks, most of which were testing and a few of which were writing.

I used the buds alongside my Realme Android phone and the apps I used included Spotify, Tidal, YouTube, Netflix and various games. I tested at home, around my neighborhood, at the gym and on public transport.

For TechRadar I've tested plenty of other earbuds including the previous-gen OnePlus Buds 3, and have other reviewed other gadgets from the company including the buds' contemporary smartphones.

• First reviewed in July 2025

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

Preserving the safety of our identities has become paramount, playing a crucial role in achieving various personal and professional milestones. A secure identity is foundational for maintaining a spotless record, a stellar credit history, and a clean criminal background. These elements serve as the bedrock for financial well-being, enabling individuals to unlock employment opportunities, purchase vehicles and homes, and access bank loans for ventures such as starting a new business. As we navigate this landscape, understanding the implications of identity theft becomes increasingly critical, particularly in light of the surge in online activities we've witnessed in recent years, particularly during the pandemic.

The concept of identity theft is no longer a distant worry; it has become a salient threat that looms over individuals in the digital age. This invasive crime can lead to catastrophic disruptions and financial devastation. Unfortunately, many people harbor the hope that they will never fall victim to such deceit; the stark reality is that identity theft can happen to anyone, regardless of how prudent or careful they may be. Identity theft typically occurs when someone unlawfully acquires and exploits another individual's personal information—such as their name, address, social security number, or credit card details—for fraudulent purposes. The repercussions are often far-reaching and can linger for years, affecting every aspect of a victim's life.

One of the most immediate and devastating impacts of identity theft is the inability to access financial resources. When personal information is compromised, banks and lenders may abruptly deny loans or credit applications, leaving victims in a precarious financial position. This disruption can hinder individuals from purchasing essential items like homes, cars, or securing personal loans necessary for everyday life. Additionally, victims may find their existing financial accounts frozen or compromised, further exacerbating the situation and preventing them from accessing their own hard-earned funds to meet their financial obligations.

Employment opportunities, too, can be negatively affected by the ramifications of identity theft. Many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring process, and if discrepancies or red flags associated with a victim’s stolen identity are flagged, it can lead to job rejections or even terminations. This loss of income can be particularly devastating, leaving individuals struggling to provide for themselves and their families.

Beyond the tangible financial consequences, the emotional toll of identity theft can be equally devastating. Victims often report feelings of violation, anger, and helplessness as they grapple with the breach of their personal security. The process of restoring one’s identity and repairing damaged credit can be not only time-consuming but also financially burdensome, requiring significant emotional resilience. Moreover, identity theft can foster social isolation, as victims may become wary of engaging in everyday activities that necessitate sharing personal information, eroding their trust in others.

In a world where identity theft poses a significant and growing threat, taking proactive measures to safeguard personal information has become essential for everyone. Individuals can fortify their defenses by employing robust passwords, implementing two-factor authentication on various accounts, and exercising caution when sharing sensitive data online. Regular monitoring of credit reports and bank statements enables timely detection of suspicious activities, serving as an early warning system for potential compromises. Additionally, identity theft protection services offer an extra layer of security, often providing assistance in the event of account breaches and credit restoration.

For those concerned about identity theft, services such as IDShield are worth considering. This product emphasizes fraud intervention by deploying licensed private investigators who act on behalf of victims. By granting them Power of Attorney, individuals can ensure that these professionals navigate the complexities of credit agencies to restore their good name effectively. However, while IDShield offers notable services, there are concerns regarding its efficacy. An ideal identity theft protection app should be more proactive in preventing fraud rather than merely addressing it post-incident. Additionally, some users have expressed frustration with unclear explanations on their website, which can create confusion about the specifics of what the product actually offers.

(Image credit: IDShield)Plans and pricing

IDShield offers straightforward plans designed to protect individuals and families from identity theft, with pricing that varies primarily based on whether you opt for one-bureau or three-bureau credit monitoring.

For individuals, plans typically start around $14.95 per month for one-bureau credit monitoring (usually Experian). If you desire more comprehensive credit oversight, the three-bureau option (monitoring Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) is available for approximately $19.95 per month.

For families, IDShield provides coverage for two adults and eligible dependent children under 18 living in the same household. A one-bureau family plan typically costs around $29.95 per month, while the three-bureau family plan is approximately $34.95 per month. Some sources indicate the family plan covers an unlimited number of children.

Regardless of the plan you choose, all IDShield subscriptions come with a robust set of features. These include dark web monitoring, social security number (SSN) monitoring, financial account monitoring, social media monitoring, public records monitoring, and alerts for various identity threats like address changes and court records. A significant benefit across all plans is access to licensed private investigators who will work to fully restore your identity if it's stolen, alongside up to $3 million in identity theft insurance to cover eligible financial losses and certain legal fees. Many plans also bundle in digital security tools like a VPN and password manager for up to three devices on individual plans and up to 15 devices on family plans, typically provided by Trend Micro. It's worth noting that while credit monitoring is a core feature, some plans may not provide full credit reports, only a monthly credit score tracker. IDShield often provides a 30-day free trial for new members.

Interface

Before discussing the desktop and mobile apps, it's imperative to highlight the IDShield website. Unlike other apps that can be downloaded and used right away, identity theft protection requires some self-education. Understanding the field of identity theft, including how criminals can harm your reputation, destroy your credit, and even impersonate you to commit crimes, is essential.

Despite its efforts, IDShield encounters some obstacles in conveying critical information. The primary website provides descriptions of the app's features, but the "See more" option that elaborates on additional functionalities is easily overlooked due to its diminutive size.

Furthermore, the consultation feature's description lacks specifics, leaving out crucial details. It merely states that “We monitor your personal and financial information 24/7. When we detect fraud, we work to restore your identity quickly.” However, without some more specifics, it fails to provide any meaningful information about the restoration process or the actual steps taken to return consumer reports and other records to their pre-theft status. This generic description leaves potential customers with some unanswered questions and an unclear understanding of the services provided.

Mobile app

Within the app, just like in other sections, there's a lack of detailed explanations about the features' functionality. In contrast, Norton LifeLock excels in presenting options in a dashboard layout, similar to a wizard. It clearly indicates the remaining steps or the number of accounts that require configuration.

IDShield places too much emphasis on your credit score. Some of the information intended to explain features actually ends up explaining general credit monitoring concepts. This issue persists not only in the desktop app but also in the mobile apps for iPhone iOS and Android.

(Image credit: IDShield)Features

IDShield lacks substantial features, except for the consultation with licensed investigators. This service primarily addresses issues that arise after identity theft has already occurred. The app monitors credit bureaus and sends alerts for credit-related problems, allowing users to address them promptly before they become severe, such as a low credit score. However, some of these features are repetitiously listed, causing inconvenience.

On the IDShield website and in a feature comparison document, "Unlimited consultation" and "Licensed private investigators" are listed. However, these phrases essentially convey the same idea. Another example is social media monitoring, which is not as impressive as it seems. It primarily tracks illicit images, drug references, and foul language, but it does not monitor for account hacking.

IDShield excels in its vigilance in safeguarding your identity. While Norton LifeLock offers superior tools for identity protection, IDShield surpasses it in monitoring the usage of your personal information, such as your address, phone number, and other identifiable details. IDShield's capabilities extend to tracking public court records and detecting pay-day loan fraud attempts made with your name and identity.

One standout feature of IdentityForce is its capability to alert users when a registered sex offender moves into their neighborhood. However, it's worth noting that the app currently lacks the ability to notify users if a sex offender attempts to steal their identity. This could be a valuable addition to the app, as it would provide users with a more comprehensive identity protection solution.

Support

IDShield understands that customers may have questions or concerns about their services, and they offer multiple support channels to ensure timely and convenient assistance.

For immediate assistance, customers can call IDShield's dedicated phone support line at 1-888-494-8519. Phone support is available from Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 7 PM Central Standard Time (CST). Customers can speak directly to knowledgeable representatives who are trained to address a wide range of issues, from account inquiries to technical support.

For customers who prefer written communication, IDShield offers email support at Idshield@legalshield.com. Customers can send detailed queries or concerns to this email address anytime, and they can expect a response within 24 hours. This option is particularly suitable for non-urgent matters or complex inquiries that require more comprehensive explanations.

IDShield's website features a live chat option for customers who prefer real-time assistance. The live chat function allows customers to connect directly with a support representative and have their questions answered promptly. This option is available during business hours, and customers can initiate a chat by clicking the "Live Chat" button on IDShield's website.

In addition to these support channels, IDShield also provides a comprehensive knowledge base and frequently asked questions (FAQs) section on their website. Customers can find answers to common questions, troubleshooting tips, and other resources without contacting support directly.

IDShield's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their diverse support options. By offering phone, email, and live chat support, IDShield ensures that customers have convenient and accessible channels to resolve their queries and concerns.

The competition

In today's digital age, the threat of identity theft has become increasingly prevalent, prompting consumers to seek robust identity theft protection services. IDShield operates in a competitive landscape, where several strong players vie for attention with their comprehensive offerings.

Among these, Aura stands out as a prominent competitor, frequently receiving high marks for its all-in-one approach to digital security and identity protection. Aura distinguishes itself by bundling essential features like a virtual private network (VPN), antivirus software, and thorough dark web monitoring with its identity theft services. This integration of tools provides users with a holistic security solution, allowing for a seamless experience. Additionally, Aura's three-bureau credit monitoring, included across all plans, enables users to gain a complete view of their credit status, enhancing their ability to detect fraudulent activities promptly.

Another key competitor in this space is Norton LifeLock, a well-established name recognized for its extensive suite of monitoring features. LifeLock offers an array of services that extend beyond typical identity theft protection. Users benefit from comprehensive monitoring of their credit and financial activities, as well as unique features like home and auto title monitoring. This focus on a broad spectrum of identity protection resonates with consumers looking for a more integrated solution. Moreover, the incorporation of Norton 360 antivirus with LifeLock subscriptions appeals to those seeking to combine cybersecurity with identity theft protection, ensuring that users’ devices are safeguarded against various online threats.

Identity Guard is another significant player that has garnered attention for its strong monitoring capabilities, leveraging artificial intelligence to detect threats swiftly. This technological advancement allows Identity Guard to provide proactive alerts and real-time monitoring, which can be invaluable for users keen on staying one step ahead of potential fraud. The service typically offers a range of plans at various price points, making it accessible to a wider audience. This flexibility can be particularly appealing for consumers primarily focused on alerting and monitoring, rather than extensive recovery services.

Beyond these top contenders, other notable services such as IdentityForce also provide substantial protection, incorporating features like social media monitoring and personal identity safety scores. Such tools help users maintain an awareness of their online presence and identify potential risks associated with their digital identity. Experian IdentityWorks and ID Watchdog stand out for their strong ties to credit bureaus, offering users a direct link to credit monitoring services that can provide significant peace of mind, especially in times of heightened concern about financial security.

As identity theft protection continues to evolve, companies like McAfee and Bitdefender are increasingly integrating these services into their broader cybersecurity suites. By bundling antivirus capabilities, VPN access, and identity protection, they create an all-encompassing security solution that appeals to users looking for comprehensive protection under one roof.

Ultimately, the choice among these competitors often comes down to individual needs, budget constraints, and the desired level of credit bureau monitoring. Factors such as additional features, like enhanced digital security tools or personalized restoration services, can also play a crucial role in the decision-making process. Consumers must carefully evaluate their priorities and preferences to find the identity theft protection service that best meets their unique requirements in this ever-evolving digital landscape.

Final verdict

IDShield could benefit significantly from rebranding with a more fitting name. Since its primary focus is on collaborating with investigators to handle fraud cases, a name like "IDRestore" would better align with its core function. This strategic change in naming would provide a clearer and more accurate representation of the app's services.

When comparing IDShield to its competitors, it stands out as a cost-effective option. Its pricing structure makes it an accessible choice for individuals and families seeking protection against identity theft. The affordability of IDShield makes it a practical solution for those who prioritize financial security without overspending.

Despite its low cost, IDShield does not compromise on the quality of its services. The app employs robust security measures and advanced technologies to protect users' personal information. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features enable users to monitor their credit reports, detect suspicious activities, and receive real-time alerts easily.

By offering a competitive price point alongside effective identity protection services, IDShield presents an attractive value proposition. Its commitment to providing affordable yet reliable solutions makes it a compelling choice for individuals and families looking to safeguard their personal information in an increasingly digital world.

Take a look at our full guide to the best identity theft protection

Protecting your digital identity has become increasingly important. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, such as phishing scams, identity theft, and data breaches, choosing a robust identity protection service is essential for safeguarding your personal information.

This review offers a comprehensive analysis of McAfee identity protection, examining its key features, effectiveness in preventing identity theft, and overall value to consumers. Key aspects covered include the service's monitoring capabilities, real-time alerts, recovery support, and user-friendly interface. Additionally, we'll explore how McAfee+ compares to other identity protection services on the market.

By the end of this review, you will have a clearer understanding of whether McAfee Identity Protection is the right solution for you in securing your sensitive information and maintaining your online peace of mind.

McAfee+: Plans and pricing

The McAfee Essential plan, often referred to as a "starter" plan within the McAfee Total Protection suite, is designed to provide a solid foundation of security for individuals with multiple devices. Priced at an introductory offer of $39.99 for the first year (with renewal prices typically higher), it offers protection for up to five devices, compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and ChromeOS. This plan includes McAfee's award-winning antivirus and scam detection, ensuring real-time defense against malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts.

In addition to core antivirus protection, the Essential plan enhances online privacy with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which often includes unlimited data usage, particularly when auto-renewal is enabled. Users also benefit from identity monitoring that alerts them if their personal information appears on the dark web. The plan includes a password manager (True Key) for secure login management and Safe Browse capabilities to warn against risky websites. Furthermore, it provides Personal Data Cleanup (scan only) to help identify where your data may be exposed on data broker sites and Online Account Cleanup (scan only) to locate old online accounts linked to your personal information. The McAfee Protection Score included in this plan helps users gauge their overall cybersecurity health. While the Essential plan offers a robust range of essential security and privacy features, it lacks the more extensive identity theft coverage and full-service data cleanup found in higher-tier McAfee+ plans.

In contrast, the McAfee+ Advanced Individual plan presents a much more comprehensive security package. Typically priced at an introductory fee of around $89.99 for the first year, this plan is more than double the cost of the Essential plan. The most significant upgrade is its coverage for unlimited devices (for one user), ensuring that all household devices are protected. Beyond the features of the Essential plan, the Advanced plan significantly enhances identity protection. It includes full-service Personal Data Cleanup, where McAfee actively assists in removing your information from data broker sites rather than merely scanning and alerting you. Furthermore, it provides $1 million in identity theft coverage and restoration services, enhanced bank and credit card transaction monitoring, and 1-bureau credit monitoring with monthly scores. The ability to initiate a security freeze in the event of suspected identity theft adds layer of security, making the McAfee+ Advanced Individual plan ideal for users who prioritize comprehensive identity and financial safety alongside robust device protection.

Lastly, the McAfee+ Advanced Family plan offers a comprehensive solution designed to protect the entire household (up to six users), extending beyond devices to include robust identity and privacy features. Its introductory price typically starts around $119.99 for the first year, though this can vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

This family plan offers unlimited device coverage for all compatible household devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, iOS devices, and Chromebooks. A key differentiator for the family plan is the inclusion of Parental Controls (McAfee Safe Family), allowing parents to manage their children's online activities, set screen time limits, filter content, track locations, and view activity reports.

Beyond device security, the McAfee+ Advanced Family plan offers significant identity protection features. These include identity monitoring with alerts for personal information found on the dark web, as well as advanced tools such as bank and credit card transaction monitoring, along with 1-bureau credit monitoring that includes monthly credit scores. The financial protection is substantial, boasting up to $2 million in identity theft coverage and restoration services (an increase from the individual plan's $1 million coverage). This plan also allows users to place a security freeze on their credit if suspicious activity is suspected.

To enhance online privacy, the McAfee+ Advanced Family plan features an unlimited Secure VPN for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi. It includes full-service Personal Data Cleanup, where McAfee actively helps in removing personal information from data broker sites. Additionally, the Scam Detector, powered by McAfee Smart AI, identifies and warns against risky texts, emails, and videos. Meanwhile, the password manager (True Key) ensures secure login credentials. Safe Browse (WebAdvisor) blocks dangerous websites and downloads, further contributing to comprehensive cybersecurity. Lastly, the McAfee Protection Score tracks the overall cybersecurity health of the family, making the McAfee+ Advanced Family plan an ideal choice for families seeking comprehensive digital protection and peace of mind.

McAfee+: Features

McAfee+ is a comprehensive cybersecurity suite developed by McAfee that offers a variety of features to enhance your digital safety. Below are some key features included in the McAfee+ plans:

Antivirus and Antimalware: McAfee+ provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious threats. It scans your system to detect potential threats, preventing them from causing harm. Unlike many online identity protection suites, this feature is essential for personal security.

Firewall Protection: A built-in firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, protecting your device from unauthorized access and blocking suspicious connections.

Web Protection: This feature helps safeguard your online activities by blocking malicious websites, phishing attempts, and dangerous downloads. It also scans email attachments and instant messages for potential threats, making it especially useful for children online.

Identity Theft Protection: McAfee+ helps protect your personal information from being compromised by monitoring potential identity theft risks. This may include features like credit monitoring, social security number tracking, and alerts for suspicious activity. McAfee’s Identity Theft Protection service monitors over 40 data broker sites to identify whether your personal information has been compromised.

Safe Browsing: McAfee+ provides secure browsing extensions or plugins for popular web browsers. These tools warn you about unsafe websites in search results and block harmful ads or pop-ups.

Credit Monitoring: Depending on the selected plan, credit bureau monitoring looks for threats to your identity and monitors the Dark Web for associated risks.

Password Manager: This unique tool securely stores your login credentials and assists in creating strong, unique passwords for each website or application you use.

Secure VPN: McAfee+ includes a virtual private network (VPN) feature that encrypts your internet connection and anonymizes your online activities, adding an extra layer of privacy and security.

System Optimization Tools: McAfee+ also offers system optimization tools to improve your device’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files, managing startup programs, and optimizing system settings.

Parental Controls: McAfee+ products include parental control features that allow you to monitor and restrict your child's online activities, block inappropriate content, and set usage time limits.

Overall, McAfee+ provides a robust suite of tools designed to enhance your cybersecurity and protect your personal information online.

McAfee+: Support

As would be expected from a veteran provider, McAfee offers numerous methods for support. On the direct side, there is 24/7 phone support, although we would have liked to see the number more prominently featured as we had to go through multiple screens to find it. There is a virtual assistant, and we did find a chat to a real person available 24/7 for English speaking countries (and 9am to 6 pm on business days for the rest of the world). We did not find an email, or a support portal as alternate methods for direct contact.

There are some options on the self support as well. We found a Support Home page, with a search bar, which had jump offs to YouTube videos, a FAQ, and related articles. There are also links to McAfee social media sites, including a Twitter feed that is active with recent updates, but it was not reassuring to find the link to the Facebook site coming up as “This page is not available.”

McAfee+: Competition

While McAfee+ provides a comprehensive security suite, several outstanding alternatives offer similar, if not enhanced, protection tailored to your specific needs and budget.

One of the top contenders is Bitdefender, which consistently earns high marks for its impressive malware detection capabilities in independent lab tests. In addition to its robust antivirus protection, Bitdefender boasts a feature-rich package that includes parental controls, a secure VPN, scam protection, and a comprehensive firewall. Its user-friendly interface and streamlined performance make it an excellent choice for families seeking extensive security without a steep price point. Moreover, Bitdefender offers a unique feature called "Vulnerability Assessment," scanning for potential security risks on your devices, further fortifying your online safety.

Norton 360 is another widely acclaimed option, often regarded as a gold standard in digital security. It encompasses a full suite that extends beyond basic antivirus functions, with many of its plans including features such as automatic cloud backup, a secure VPN, parental controls, and even identity theft protection. This makes Norton 360 an ideal choice for users looking for a holistic security solution. Moreover, it is equipped with advanced features like a password manager and dark web monitoring, ensuring that users are not only protected from current threats but also alerted to potential future risks. Norton also proudly offers a "100% Virus Protection Promise," reassuring users of its commitment to effective malware defense.

For those interested in a robust solution that includes a free tier, Avast One is an excellent option. Its free version is notably feature-rich, providing robust ransomware protection, a secure VPN, tracker blockers, and a built-in firewall. Furthermore, Avast’s reasonably priced premium upgrades offer even more sophisticated tools, such as advanced malware protection and a system cleanup feature, catering to a broad range of users with diverse budgets and requirements.

Other noteworthy alternatives include TotalAV, recognized for its superior web protection and system optimization tools. TotalAV not only helps shield against malware but also enhances system performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a more responsive computer experience alongside security. On the other hand, Malwarebytes is a household name recognized for its effective malware removal capabilities; its premium version provides real-time protection against a variety of online threats, making it an excellent complement to any primary antivirus.

Finally, consider solutions like Surfshark Antivirus, which is often bundled with the popular Surfshark VPN. This combination offers a substantial advantage in terms of privacy and security when browsing the internet. Similarly, Trend Micro is also a strong contender, offering comprehensive security features that include ransomware protection, Pay Guard for secure online transactions, and a social media privacy scanner, appealing to users who prioritize multifaceted protection.

In summary, while McAfee+ remains a solid choice, exploring these alternatives may lead to discovering a solution that better meets your specific security requirements and budgetary constraints.

McAfee+: Final verdict

McAfee+ provides a strong option for personal security and identity protection. We appreciate the variety of subscription tiers, the multitude of features, the support center, and the availability of 24/7 phone support. However, there are some areas that could be improved: the pricing is only available on an annual basis, the lowest tier lacks credit monitoring, there is only one method for direct support, and overall, the pricing tends to be on the expensive side. Nonetheless, when it comes to trusting a provider with your personal information, McAfee's longstanding reputation built over the years is a significant advantage.

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