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I’ve been reviewing Dell laptops for years, and I'm honestly still shocked at how much I like the Dell 14 Plus

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 14:00

Dell 14 Plus: One-minute review

The Dell 14 Plus is one of the first rebranded Dell laptops to go on sale this year, and despite some growing pains, it’s an auspicious start thanks to its solid performance, great portability and style, and an accessible price point.

The new 14 Plus is available now in the US, UK, and Australia, starting at $799.99 / £999 / AU$1,298 and features both Intel Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors. This makes it one of the best laptops for budget-conscious Windows users on the market right now without having to make too much of a compromise on style, portability, and features.

What you won’t get with the 14 Plus, however, is a professional workstation or the best gaming laptop, as the integrated graphics and processor options don’t have the kind of horsepower to churn through complex workloads like video editing or intense gaming at high settings.

But for those in the market for a new laptop for general productivity or school work, everyday computing tasks, video calls, or video streaming with good responsiveness, battery life, and portability, the Dell 14 Plus delivers pretty much exactly what you need to get the job done, and it even looks pretty decent while doing it.

It’s not perfect (I’ll get to its faults soon enough), but for the price and the performance on offer, the 14 Plus is easily one of the best Windows laptops going and should be at the top of the list for students, remote workers, and just about anyone else who needs a solid notebook PC without breaking the bank.

Dell 14 Plus: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

How much does it cost? Starting at $799.99 / £999 / AU$1,298
When is it available? It is available now
Where can you get it? You can buy it in the US, UK, and Australia through Dell’s website and other retailers.

The Dell 14 Plus is available now in the US, UK, and Australia, starting at $799.99 / £999 / AU$1,298 for its base configuration, the specs of which vary depending on your region, and maxes out at $1,479.99 / £1,299 / AU$1,498.20.

Compared to something like the Acer Swift 14 AI or the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4), the Dell 14 Plus almost always comes in cheaper when similarly specced, and in a couple of instances, you get better specs with the 14 Plus for a lower price than competing devices like the Asus Zenbook A14, making it an attractive option for value shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice too much in the way of performance.

Value: 5 / 5

Dell 14 Plus: Specs

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Configurations vary considerably between the US, UK, and Australia
Options for both Intel Core Ultra 200V and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors
No discrete graphics options

The starting configurations for the Dell 14 Plus vary slightly depending on your region, with the US and Australia sharing the same specs—AMD Ryzen AI 340 CPU with Radeon 849M graphics, 16GB LPDDR5X memory, and a 14-inch FHD+, 300 nit, non-touch display—while the starting setup in the UK uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V with second gen Intel Arc graphics, 16GB of slightly faster LPDDR5X-8533 memory, and a 14-inch 2.5K (2560x1600p) 300 nit, non-touch IPS display. All starting configs come with 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage.

Dell 14 Plus Base Specs

Region

Australia

Price:

$799.99 at Dell.com

£999 at Dell.com

AU$1,298 at Dell.com

CPU:

AMD Ryzen AI 5 340

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

AMD Ryzen AI 5 340

GPU:

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V)

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Memory:

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

16GB LPDDR5X-8533

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

Storage:

512GB SSD

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS

14-inch 16:10 2.5K (1600p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS

Ports:

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.35 lb (1.52 kg)

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

3.35 lbs (1.52kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)

The max spec for the Dell 14 Plus in the US and UK are identical, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V with Intel Arc graphics, 32GB LPDDR5X memory, 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, and a 14-inch 2.5K (2560x1600p) display with 90Hz refresh and 300 nits max brightness. In Australia, the max spec comes with an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with Radeon 840M graphics, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD storage, and a 14-inch FHD+ (1920x1200p) display with a max brightness of 300 nits.

Dell 14 Plus Top Specs

Region

Australia

Price:

$1,479.99 at Dell.com

£1,299 at Dell.com

AU$1,498.20 at Dell.com

CPU:

Intel Core Ultra 9 288V

AMD Ryzen AI 7 350

GPU:

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics

AMD Radeon 840M Graphics

Memory:

32GB LPDDR5X-8533

16GB LPDDR5X-7500

Storage:

1TB NVMe SSD

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 2.5K (1600p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS

14-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1200p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS

Ports:

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ DP and Power Delivery, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

3.35 lb (1.52 kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)

The configuration I tested for this review is only available in the US, but the UK has a very similar spec, just with a 512GB SSD rather than the 1TB in my review unit, while Australia doesn't yet have Intel-based coinfigurations for the 14 Plus at all.

Dell 14 Plus Review Unit Specs

Price:

$1,179.99 / £999 / (about AU$1,830, but Intel systems not yet available in Australia)

CPU:

Intel Core Ultra 7 256V

GPU:

Intel Arc Xe2 (140V) Graphics

Memory:

16GB LPDDR5X-8533

Storage:

1TB NVMe SSD (512GB NVMe SSD in UK)

Screen:

14-inch 16:10 2.5K (1600p), 300 nit, non-touch IPS

Ports:

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C w/ DP 1.4 and Power Delivery, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP 2.1 and Power Delivery, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x combo jack

Battery (WHr):

64 WHr

Wireless:

WiFi 7, BT 5.4

Camera:

1080p@30fps

Weight:

3.42 lbs (1.55kg)

Dimensions:

12.36 x 8.9 x 0.67 ins | (314 x 226.15 x 16.95mm)

Generally, there aren’t a whole lot of configuration options available for the Dell 14 Plus right now, but the specs you do get—even with the base configurations—are all solid hardware for general computing and productivity work, and some can even do some modest PC gaming and creative work.

Specs: 4 / 5

Dell 14 Plus: Design

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Thin and light form factor
Trackpad can be tricky at times
Display isn’t stellar, especially in daylight

The Dell 14 Plus takes a number of design influences from earlier Inspiron laptops and merges them somewhat with the former Dell XPS laptop series, and the end result is a fairly attractive ultrabook for the price.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

It doesn’t have the same kind of premium materials that more expensive laptops use, but the 14 Plus doesn’t necessarily feel like a cheap laptop either. Where its design does let me down, though, is its keyboard, trackpad, and display.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The keys on the keyboard aren’t bad, but they’re not really great either and can sometimes feel stiffer than they should. This problem is compounded by the trackpad that isn’t the smoothest, and I’ve found my fingers catching at times from even the light friction of swiping across its surface.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The more ‘premium’ 2.5K display on my review unit works fine in an office environment or when sitting on the couch at home, but its 300 nits peak brightness means that its hard to use if you’re outside, so if you like to work at an outdoor cafe or sitting in the grass of a university quad, the display is going to be difficult to see clearly in daylight.

Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

You get a decent selection of ports for a laptop this thin and a physical privacy shutter for the webcam, which I love to see. The webcam is 1080p @ 30 fps, which is good enough for most needs, as you can see from my selfie taken with the webcam.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The down-firing speakers aren’t very good, especially if the laptop is sitting on a fabric like a bed comforter. They work, though, and conference calls and general audio is fine in most cases. For music and movies, however, I recommend using headphones or one of the best Bluetooth speakers.

Design: 3.5 / 5

Dell 14 Plus: Performance

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Very good productivity and general computing performance
Hardware isn’t suited for intensive workloads like heavy gaming or video editing
Lags well behind similarly specced MacBook Air models

The Dell 14 Plus is targeted toward office workers, students, and others who need a responsive everyday device for web browsing, video streaming, and the like. In that regard, this laptop does exactly what it should and does it well.

That’s not to say it's the best, though, as you can see when comparing its benchmark results against something like the MacBook Air 13 (M4), which considerably outperforms the 14 Plus at pretty much every task.

But the 14 Plus consistently comes in second or third place against several other competing laptops on the market, including the Acer Swift 14 AI, Asus Zenbook A14, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, while also coming in at a lower price point, making it my top pick for the best student laptop of 2025 so far.

Overall, only the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 offers a better value for your money than the 14 Plus, which is something I really wasn’t expecting when I started working with the 14 Plus earlier this month, but it's a very welcome surprise.

Performance: 4 / 5

Dell 14 Plus: Battery Life

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

How long does it last on a single charge? 13 hours, 24 minutes
How long to full charge it to 100%? 2 hours, 30 minutes with the included 65W adapter (1 hour, 4 minutes to charge it to 50%)

If there’s one area in my testing where the Dell 14 Plus came in dead last, it’s battery life, but it’s not as bad as it might sound. While some laptops like the Zenbook A14 can run for just over 18 hours in our Web Surfing Battery Test, the Dell 14 Plus’s nearly 13 and a half hours isn’t terrible, especially given how we were praising laptops like the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 from 2022 for making it longer than eight hours on a single charge.

As for charging time, the 64WHr battery takes a little over an hour to get from fully depleted to 50% using the included 65W USB-C power adapter, but with its Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports capable of higher power delivery, a higher wattage adapter will speed things up.

Battery Life: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Dell 14 Plus?

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler) Dell 14 Plus Scorecard

I reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition and this beauty might be my favorite business laptop yet

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 13:01

I've had a special place in my heart for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon series for a while now. I have personally reviewed Gen 11, Gen 12, and now Gen 13.

The Gen 12 was a nice upgrade from the Gen 11, and that trend continues with the Gen 13. So much so, that if I ever needed to move my primary machine away from Mac (stuck in Mac Ecosystem for many reasons for my primary machine), I would strongly consider this laptop as a business every-day machine.

It's got everything that a busy business professional could want or need. It has great ports, power, a good battery, excellent performance, and is lightweight and easy to carry. What more could you want from one of the best business laptops around?

I keep specifically saying that a business professional laptop is needed for a reason- that's what it is. With that being said, I will review this laptop. It's not meant to be a creative powerhouse, it's not meant for the developers who need maxed-out machines to process large warehouses and scripts, and it's not meant for the casual browser who might check their email and Google a few things.

This computer is intended for the business professional whose day-to-day work depends on their needs. Still, one thing is for sure: they need something reliable, able to jump in and out of work, portable enough to go from place to place, has a great port selection for what may come and whatever they may need, and the ease of use that comes with a ThinkPad. It might be one of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops around - and it's definitely my favorite yet.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future ) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 came in compact and secure packaging, much like all Lenovo devices I have reviewed. It came with a 65W USB-C charger, the proper documentation, and nothing else. It's pretty straightforward.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

After my first look at this machine, I noticed that it reminds me of the other Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptops I tested. They are all clearly in the same family. Beyond the comparison, it looks very sleek and professional, it's lightweight, portable, and built from clearly high-quality materials that I don't have to worry about breaking every day I take it out of the house.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Design & Build Quality Specs

Display: 14" 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 120Hz
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (soldered)
Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD
Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Battery: 57Wh
Weight: 2.2 lbs (0.99 kg)

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is built from, as the name implies, carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, making a durable yet lightweight chassis while still allowing for a professional and premium feel as well.

The keyboard has the touchpoint in the middle as Lenovo Laptops do, and on top of that, it has a great backlit keyboard with excellent tactile feedback on every press, making it comfortable to use all day long. The ThinkPad's touchpad has integrated buttons on the top of the square, making it super easy to click, click and drag, right click, and so on from the touchpad or the touchpoint.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future ) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: In use

I could go on and on about using this machine for the last 137 days. During this time, I have had the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura in a rotation with my other workhorse machines, and even so, this one has stood out among the rest. It's been a favorite to grab quick for a day working out and about, using when working from home, or taking on a short trip due to it's compact size yet blazing performance.

So far, it has handled multitasking and productivity for business tasks with ease. I have thrown my plethora of Chrome tabs with project management tools and large documents at it without a problem. I've run basic prompts through Postman, done some light photo editing, a lot of writing, emails, and some fun benchmarks, and so far this machine has not skipped a beat.

One thing that makes this machine special with that Aura edition is the inclusion of security parameters like how it will blur the screen, suggest a VPN, and prompt me if someone is looking over my shoulder while I am working out at a coffee shop or in a co-working space.

I love the 14-inch platform for laptops. I have had 12-inch laptops, 13-inch laptops, 15-inch laptops, 11 iPads, and so on, but the 14-inch is my absolute favorite. It's just the right size, the sweet spot even, between easy to carry and still having plenty of room on the screen for all your tasks, project management, virtual meetings, writing, and so on.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Simple, compact, beautiful

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Right for most people

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Understandably higher price

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is a powerful option for professional individuals in need of a laptop that is not just lightweight but also durable and loaded with all manner of features. This computer is a fantastic component helping me do what I do.

Categories: Reviews

I tested out the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 and it's an all-in-one computer that can't do-it-all

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 08:01

Some people love all-in-one computers; some hate them. I've been in offices where every station has an iMac, in environments where everyone has a desktop with a monitor, in workspaces where everyone has a laptop, and in hot desk offices.

I always prefer to have what I need in my bag or a hot desk scenario, but for that workspace that makes sense, like a front desk, an admin's desk, or a simple in-room computer, for whatever reason, the best all-in-one computers make a lot of sense.

The goal is to have something that is simply all in one; there is no need for extra docks, monitors, adapters, or bulk. Just one display with a machine built into the casing is always there and ready to go. Simple.

That's where the ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 thrives. It's a simple machine. However, that can also be its downfall if misused.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Price and Availability

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 is available on the Lenovo main site for $959.40. It's also widely available from online retailers, so you should have no trouble getting your hands on one.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo computers are always well packaged, ensuring no damage in transit or delivery. This model specifically had some odd instructions for assembly, though we were able to put the few pieces together to get this machine booted up and running as it should.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

At first glance, this machine stood out as more modern-looking, with a professional leaning toward it. It's designed for an office space as a front desk unit or at a desk in a cubicle. The display, the center of an AIO unit, offers good color accuracy and brightness, though nothing ground-breaking with its FHD resolution.

The ThinkCentre M90a also comes with a bundled mouse and keyboard, though I'd suggest not using it, grabbing a decent Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and freeing up those ports.

In my initial feel test, setup, and first impression of this machine, it seems capable of what it's designed for. With ports to spare, this machine could be a true all-in-one, not needing extra docks or hubs to get the basics done as many computers need.

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Design & Build Quality Specs

Processor: Up to 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage: Up to 4TB PCIe SSD
Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770
Display: 23.8" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS
Ports: Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet
Camera: 5MP with privacy shutter
Audio: Dual 3W speakers with Dolby Atmos
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 has the build quality you'd expect if you have any experience with Lenovo products. It's built well, feels like it will last, and is relatively compact.

That compact design saves overall desk space because you don't need a monitor, a desktop, or a dock; all you have on the desk is the base to the AIO if even that. If you want to, you can VESA mount this machine and get it off the desk entirely.

If you choose to use the stand, it has adjustable tilt and height with some integrated cable management as well, helping to keep that tidy workspace even more.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: In use

This machine is designed for basic admin and basic office work. In that sense, it handled those tasks efficiently and easily. I started trying to push it under the heavy load of my day, but I felt a bit slow. However, for the vast majority of users who could benefit from a Lenovo AIO machine, you'll be just fine with the ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 capabilities.

I've been on a single monitor kick recently. I went through my phase of wanting as many monitors as possible, and many of my reviews around here will showcase some images from those days. However, recently, I have become a big fan of simplicity. I realized while using this machine that it doesn't get much simpler. It's just a machine that you can leave wherever you are. You have one power cable running into it, and you know it will always be there, ready to work when you are.

If you want to expand your screen real estate, there is an HDMI and a DisplayPort out, allowing you to plug into an external monitor and have even more room to work with. This would be great for a TV if you need to prep and present things in a conference room but don't want to mount a headless mini desktop behind the TV or if you have a desk running a menu board or display screen. Or, of course, it's also great if you just want to see what you are working on even better than before.

All around, this machine is solid for what it is; it's a simple productivity machine for business tasks that don't require a heavy computational load. For that, this computer is good, but this one feels a tad lacking in the world of high-performing, high-powered machines.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Simple, compact

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Right for the right person

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Mid range price

⭐⭐⭐⭐

ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5: Final verdict

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5 is an all-in-one desktop PC that blends nicely into professional settings.

It is an excellent model for use by someone with everyday computing demands since it makes for a streamlined and clean environment and gives users solid and steady performance one can rely on.

For people or professionals, though, who either need improved performance for their graphics or have specific requirements, this may not be the machine for you, and that's okay.

For more pro-level devices, we've reviewed the best business computers and the best business laptops for professionals.

Categories: Reviews

My snaps looked great on the Aura Aspen – but not as great as the digital photo frame itself

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 08:00

Aura Aspen: review

The Aura Aspen is a 1600 x 1200 11.8-inch digital photo frame. Sitting slap bang in the middle of the market, it retails for $229 (around £175) – while it’s currently only available in the US, the company has confirmed it will launch internationally later in 2025. In return, it offers a polished performance, neat design and unlimited cloud storage, making it a pretty reasonable investment.

Setting up the Aspen could not be more straightforward. Once you’ve downloaded the Aura app, you just need to tap +New Frame and plug in the frame. To connect your frame to Wi-Fi, simply enter the numbers displayed on the frame into the app, and it’ll connect to your home network. You’ll then be able to add users to the frame or just get on with adding photos.

And that could not be easier. You can navigate through the app – just tap Add Photos and pick an unlimited number of snaps and videos from your gallery – or use the built-in share button in most photo apps to share directly with the frame. After a quick upload, they’ll start appearing on the frame's screen.

Once they do, you’ll immediately see how impressive the Aspen’s screen is. While its display isn’t the highest pixel density we’ve seen – at 11.8 inches and a 1600 x 1200 resolution, it sits at around 170ppi – its images subjectively look about as crisp as we’ve seen from any of the best digital photo frames. However, it does occasionally overstep the mark (it was pretty unforgiving of the artificial bokeh on some of my iPhone 16 Pro snaps), making me wonder if it subtly sharpens images to give them that extra-well-defined look.

(Image credit: Future)

One area it absolutely nails, however, is color reproduction. Whether it’s the marbled turquoise and azure of the Ionian Sea or the riot of peach and magenta of rhododendrons in full bloom, the Aspen made every hue in my photos look rich and enticing. And it never strays into looking artificial; it’s steadfast in its accuracy, not once overstepping the mark into that lurid oversaturation that some screens are susceptible to.

To top off this strong performance, the Aspen also has a pretty decent feature set. Alongside the ability for friends and family to share their shots to your frame, the Aspen automatically detects the orientation of the frame and rotates images accordingly. Unfortunately, while you can manually crop images to center them according to your preferences, you can’t crop them differently for landscape and portrait, or select which images you’d rather appear in either orientation. Still, few digital photo frames I’ve tested handle this perfectly, so I can absolutely forgive this here.

And the Aspen has some innovative features that few other frames offer. Perhaps the most attention-grabbing is its colorization feature, which adds color back to black-and-white photos. The results are, inevitably, a bit hit and miss, as it tends to default to the most conventional colors for everything. For example, it rendered the rock and sand of Fuerteventura in drab khaki and dull beige, rather than their true colors of ochre and gold. Meanwhile, its in-app scanner allows you to ‘digitize’ – read ‘take photos of’ – existing physical pictures. Both of these are a lot of fun to play with, even if I suspect you won’t end up using them that much.

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to controlling the Aspen, you can, of course, use the Aura app. However, for those who prefer a more tactile method of control, the frame has two touch-capacitive bars that sit on top of the frame in either orientation. These allow you to swipe left and right to select photos from your playlist, tap to hide photos or double-tap to see image info. While this is less futuristic than the Netgear Meural Canvas II’s touchless gesture control, it also feels much more intuitive and foolproof. Put simply, it’s one of the best control mechanisms I’ve ever used when reviewing digital photo frames.

And this kind of pragmatic yet refined styling is a design language the Aura Aspen seems fluent in. Its white 1.4-inch (35mm) bezels have a matte, textured paper effect, making them feel convincingly like an authentic mounting board. Meanwhile, rather than the flimsy stick some digital photo frames rely on, its stand is a sturdy arrowhead shape fashioned out of weighty metal, meaning I never had to worry about it tipping over. The device showcases this kind of dependable, considered build quality throughout, making it feel suitably premium.

If you’re already convinced and ready to pick up the Aura Aspen, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. For those on the fence, there is one more factor to consider: its price. Yes, at $229, it’s marginally pricier than the similarly impressive Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, which retails for $159.99 / £149.99 and offers a slightly higher 221 PPI pixel density. However, the Aura offers a more premium-feeling build and unlimited uploads and storage, so which frame edges out the other is a matter of your biggest priorities.

(Image credit: Future) Aura Aspen review: price & release date

Launched April 16, 2025
Retails for $229 (around £175)
Currently only available in the US

Launched on April 16, 2025, the Aura Aspen is available in the US now. Customers elsewhere in the world will have to wait a little longer for it, as according to Aura, its international rollout is currently pencilled in for ‘later in 2025’.

The Aura Aspen retails for $229 (around £175), positioning it slightly above the $159.99 / £149.99 Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame and far more than budget options like the Aeezo Portrait 01, which you can currently pick up for as little as $39.99 / £53.19 from Amazon. The Aspen is subscription-free, however, and that price includes unlimited transfers and cloud storage, so there aren’t any hidden costs or upgrade fees included.

It's available in a single size, but offers two colorways: Ink, the charcoal-hued frame we tested here, or Clay, a neutral beige color.

(Image credit: Future) Aura Aspen review: specs

Dimensions

12.7 x 10.1 x 1.1 inches (323 x 257 x 28mm)

Display size

11.8-inch

Resolution

1600 x 1200, 170 pixels per inch

Aspect Ratio

4:3

Touch Screen

Sound

Built-in speaker

Orientation

Portrait or landscape

Storage

Unlimited cloud storage

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Aura Aspen?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

From a streamlined, user-friendly app to innovative features like photo recoloring, the Aspen has a decent feature set.

4/5

Design

Excellent build quality meet gorgeous aesthetics – it’s a work of art in its own right

5/5

Performance

Colors are vibrant yet faithful, the screen is bright and glare-free and the resolution is decent, even if bokeh occasionally looks a little sharp.

4/5

Value

Not the cheapest frame on the market, but its sturdy build and excellent finish more than justify the price.

4/5

Buy it if…

You’re looking for a lush, detailed display
While it doesn’t have the highest resolution on the market, what the Aspen is capable of is rather impressive, offering gorgeous color and crisp details.

You want a frame that looks as good as your snaps
Aesthetically, the Aspen is a gorgeous frame – not only is it made of premium materials, but its textured mount makes it feel like an authentic, high-quality picture frame.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best bang for your buck
The Aspen is great quality, but in terms of sheer value, the $159.99 / £149.99 Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame offers similarly stellar performance for marginally less investment.

You want a massive screen
At 11.8 inches, the Aspen is far from the largest screen on the market. If you want a frame that will occupy a decent amount of wall space, something like the gargantuan 27-inch Netgear Meural Canvas II might serve you better.

Aura Aspen review: also consider

Aura Aspen

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame

Aura Walden

Dimensions

12.7 x 10.1 x 1.1 inches (323 x 257 x 28mm)

7.4 x 11.2 inches (18.9 x 28.4cm)

15.7 x 12.7 x 1.2 inches (399 x 323 x 30mm)

Display size

11.8-inch

11-inch

15-inch

Resolution

1600 x 1200, 170 pixels per inch

2000 x 1200, 212 pixels per inch

1600 x 1200, 133 pixels per inch

Aspect Ratio

4:3

5:3

4:3

Touch Screen

Yes

Sound

Built-in speaker

Orientation

Portrait or landscape

Storage

Unlimited cloud storage

32GB

Unlimited cloud storage

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi, SD card, USB-A, USB-C

Wi-Fi

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
One of my go-to recommendations at this price point, the Pexar offers an excellent balance of performance and price. Its true 2K resolution means it offers a staggeringly sharp 212 PPI pixel density, while colors are striking yet faithful. It’s not quite as gorgeous to look at as the Aspen, though. Read our full Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review.

Aura Walden
If you love what the Aspen is all about but fancy a little extra screen estate, the Aura Walden is a great option. After all, we named it our best premium digital photo frame for a reason: it has a larger 15-inch display while still offering the same premium build quality and ease of use. Bear in mind, though, that the increased screen size means you get a lower 133 PPI pixel density. Read our full Aura Walden review.

How I tested the Aura Aspen

Tested the product over multiple weeks
Uploaded a wide variety of photos
Have many years of experience working with photography

I tested the Aura Aspen over several weeks. First, I used its app to set up the frame, upload images, and explore its various features. I tried sending both individual snaps and bulk uploading whole folders to see how it coped in terms of transfer times.

I uploaded a variety of shots, from brilliantly hued blossoms to detailed monochrome compositions designed to help assess resolution and color performance. I also tried the frame in a range of settings to help assess its capabilities at different angles and distances, and in different light levels.

When it comes to experience, not only have I tested a wide range of digital photo frames for TechRadar, but I’m an experienced photographer, having taken over 40,000 photos on cameras from my Canon DSLR to my iPhone 16 Pro. I also spent many years working in print publishing, giving me a keen eye for image resolution and color accuracy.

First reviewed: May 2025
Read more about how we test

Categories: Reviews

I was surprised by how cheap this wireless gaming headset is – and even more by its performance

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 07:00

OXS Storm G2: two-minute review

The OXS Storm G2 is a wireless gaming headset compatible with PlayStation and Nintendo consoles, as well as PC and mobile, thanks to its various connectivity modes. It looks sleek and quite understated, although there are a few flourishes that mark it out as a gaming peripheral, and these are its least attractive aspects. However, the RGB lighting does add some tasteful vibrancy to proceedings.

The buttons operate solidly and smoothly, and are well located to make for easy access. The volume wheel is placed underneath rather than behind the left driver, which prevents miscrolls when leaning back in a chair. However, it’s a shame that it’s awkward to use, owing to its low profile and rough notching.

It’s also pleasingly light and not as bulky as some of its rivals. However, it doesn’t feel as premium as the best wireless gaming headsets out there, with the plastics letting the side down somewhat. The fit and finish in certain areas is admirable, while it’s wanting in others.

The hooks for the drivers feel reassuringly solid, although their height adjustment mechanism is quite poor, as it’s difficult to move them smoothly. Still, at least they offer plenty of security.

The Storm G2's earcups fail to provide as much cushioning as you might expect based on their thickness: the inside of the drivers touched my ears, it felt as if the lower portion of my ears weren’t cupped sufficiently by the padding.

They also exerted a little too much pressure against the sides of my head. Admittedly, this is a problem I experience with many headsets, and the effect wasn’t too problematic here. However, the issue was made worse when wearing glasses, as the drivers pushed the arms of my frames into my head slightly too much. I found the Storm G2 comfortable for short and medium sessions, but for anything longer, I would experience fatigue.

Despite the lack of software, there are three EQ modes selectable via a dedicated button. These offer meaningful differences to audio quality, with Music and Surround modes being the highlights, as both provide enough fidelity and low end for an enjoyable experience, regardless of the kind of content being consumed. I was also pleasantly surprised by the microphone quality, which is clear and free from distortion.

What’s most impressive about the Storm G2, though, is its low price. There aren’t many gaming headsets with multiple wireless connectivity modes this cheap, still less those that perform as strongly.

There are better sounding gaming headsets out there with budget prices, but they’re still more expensive than the Storm G2 – although some offer software for accessing additional features and tweaks. But at this price point, the Storm G2 is a strong choice for those on the hunt for a decent and affordable gaming headset.

(Image credit: Future) OXS Storm G2 review: price and availability

$79 / £62 (about AU$123)
Available now in black and white finishes
Very good price for a wireless gaming headset

The Storm G2 costs $79 / £62 (about AU$123) and is available now in black and white colorways. It comes with a detachable microphone, carrying bag, USB charging cable, USB-C dongle (with USB-A adapter), and a 3.5mm AUX cable.

This is a very low price for a wireless gaming headset, especially one that supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz standards. If you’re looking for a similarly budget-friendly wireless headset, the Corsair HS55 Wireless is a great alternative, as we think it’s the best PC gaming headset in this category.

It’s still more expensive than the Storm G2, but it can be customized using the iCue software, while the Storm G2 lacks any such tool. It also has good sound, if lacking low-end response somewhat.

If you’re looking to save even more money and don’t mind being tethered, the Epos H3 is one of the best wired gaming headsets around in our view. It boasts superb sound and comfort levels, but like the Storm G2, it lacks software.

OXS Storm G2 review: Specs

Price

$79 / £62 (about AU$123)

Weight

9.9oz / 282g

Compatibility

PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS

Connection type

Wired (USB-A), Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

Battery life

Up to 40 hours

Features

Three EQ modes, detachable mic

Software

None

(Image credit: Future) OXS Storm G2 review: design and features

Sleek-ish looks
Passable build quality
No software

The Storm G2 has a mixed appearance, with sleek elements that are somewhat undermined by the gaming-oriented flourishes, such as a nondescript symbol and contoured drivers. The RGB lighting does inject some attractive dazzle, though.

It feels quite light, and the build quality appears durable enough. However, the plastics aren't the most premium, and some of the panels and their joins feel a little sharp and unrefined.

The stitching around the headband is more impressive, with its tight and precise execution, and the hooks for the drivers are reassuringly solid. Making height adjustments, though, isn’t the smoothest process, as they tend to grab when sliding them back and forth, but at least remain secure once in place.

The drivers themselves are pleasingly slim, with less bulk than those adorning some other gaming headsets. And while the buttons on the left driver don’t look particularly elegant, their simple layout makes for easy and intuitive operation when wearing the Storm G2.

I was also pleased to see the volume wheel located at the bottom of the driver rather than at the back, as this prevents it from accidentally jogging when leaning back in a chair or sofa – an issue I’ve experienced with other gaming headsets. However, I wish it protruded a little further, as it can be awkward to use at times.

On the issue of comfort, the Storm G2 is again somewhat inconsistent. Despite appearances, the earcup padding isn’t the plushest, which means it fails to buffer the pressure of the drivers pressing inwards, especially around the tops of the ears. This is especially bad news for glasses wearers, as I found the lack of cushioning pushed the arms of my frames into my head with more pressure than I would’ve liked.

(Image credit: Future)

The effect isn’t as egregious as some other gaming headsets I’ve tried, and I was comfortable wearing the Storm G2 for an hour or so, but for anything longer, I would start to experience some mild aching and fatigue.

Curiously, the drivers didn’t feel as secure around the bottom of my ears as I was expecting; coupled with the fact that the inside of the drivers made contact with my ears, this made the Storm G2 feel more like an on-ear rather than an over-ear headset.

Thankfully, the headband has a better design; the outer material feels premium, although it still lacks cushioning. Again, this meant I would start to experience aching after long sessions, although I should say it wasn’t to the same degree as I’ve experienced with other gaming headsets.

The detachable microphone has a flexible gooseneck design, which I always welcome, although it doesn’t feel as stable as others I’ve tried. However, it remained in position during use, and it’s very easy to wrangle into the ideal position.

Unfortunately, there’s no customization software for the Storm G2, so those looking for extra features and tweaks will be disappointed. There’s also no way to check the battery level, which is another inconvenience.

(Image credit: Future) OXS Storm G2 review: Performance

Crisp and punchy sound
Useful EQ profiles
Good connectivity

The overall sound of the Storm G2 is quite admirable, with crisply rendered mids and highs without much distortion, although fidelity isn’t up there with headphones dedicated to audio playback. Still, in this sector, the Storm G2 acquits itself well enough for a pleasurable listening experience.

The various listening modes make a meaningful difference to sound as well. Music mode offers the most impact thanks to its punchy bass response, although sub frequencies aren’t as deep or sonorous as those of the best sounding headsets.

Meanwhile, Surround mode lives up to its name and imparts a greater sense of space, which I found helpful when trying to locate footsteps more precisely in Counter-Strike 2, for example. What’s more, this mode also retains the fuller sound of Music mode.

Game mode, however, is perhaps the weakest of the three modes, and only seems to take away fidelity and low-end, with no real benefit to balance this out.

No matter what connectivity mode you use, audio response is fast, and the audio quality is consistent. However, I seemed to detect a slight lag when using Bluetooth. Also, it’s a shame that in wired mode, the various EQ modes, the microphone, and the volume wheel all cease to function. It does seem to default to Music mode, though, which is something I welcomed.

The Storm G2 connected easily to the various platforms I tried it on via both Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz dongle, and is level with the best Nintendo Switch headsets in terms of setup with the console. Battery life is hard to discern, since there’s no indicator, although I can say that it at least lasted a whole day’s worth of testing.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the OXS Storm G2? Buy it if...

You want to save money
There aren’t too many wireless gaming headsets around at this price, and it punches above its weight in terms of performance.

You want multi-platform compatibility
Thanks to 2.4GHz and Bluetooth modes, as well as a 3.5mm cable for wired play, the Storm G2 is compatible with various systems.

Don't buy it if...

You want the best comfort
The Storm G2 can get a little uncomfortable after long periods, especially for the bespectacled.

You want to tweak settings
The Storm G2 has no accompanying software, so the only adjustments you get are the three EQ profiles selectable via a button.

OXS Storm G2 review: Also consider

OXS Storm G2

Corsair HS55 Wireless

Epos H3

Price

$79 / £62 (about AU$123)

$119.99 / £119.99 / $229

$119 / £109 / AU$179

Weight

9.9oz / 282g

9.4oz / 266g

10.5oz / 298g

Compatibility

PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile

PlayStation, PC, Mac

Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch, mobile

Connection type

Wired (USB-A), Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

2 x 3.5mm jack / 1 x 3.5mm jack (GSA 30 PC Cable/GSA 30 Console Cable)

Battery life

40 hours

24 hours

N/A

Features

Three EQ modes, detachable mic

Omnidirectional boom mic, Dolby Audio 7.1

Lift-to-mute mic, EPOS BrainAdapt Technology

Software

None

iCue

None

Corsair HS55 Wireless
The HS55 provides detailed audio, if a little underwhelming in the bass department, and is light and comfortable to wear. Furthermore, customizations are available courtesy of the iCue software, which remedies one of the main drawbacks of the Storm G2. It’s considerably more expensive than the Storm G2, but relative to other gaming headsets, it’s still well-priced. Read our full Corsair HS55 Wireless review

Epos H3
If you want to save even more cash and can settle for wired-only connectivity, the H3 is one of the best around. We found its sound and comfort levels to be excellent, while the microphone is crisp and clear, if a little too large for our liking. But considering how low this headset now goes for, that’s a small price to pay. Read our full Epos H3 review.

How I tested the OXS Storm G2

Tested for a full day
Used with various platforms
Plentiful gaming experience

I tested the Storm G2 for a day, during which time I used it for gaming, listening to music, and watching video content. I connected to multiple devices via its various connectivity modes.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is ideal for testing surround sound qualities and response times. I also played Gran Turismo 7 on PS5 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch, which both offer different kinds of sonic experiences as they focus on different frequency ranges.

I have been gaming for over two decades, and during that time, I have experienced numerous headsets. I have also reviewed a number of them across a range of brands, varying in their price points, features, and form factors.

First reviewed: May 2025.
Read more about how we test

Categories: Reviews

I shot video with the affordable Canon EOS R50 V vlogging camera, and it is a solid option for aspiring content creators

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 06:30

Canon EOS R50 V: two-minute review

The Canon EOS R50 V is the company’s latest mirrorless camera. Put simply, it’s an affordable video-centric model aimed at content creators and vloggers, offering 4K video recording at up to 30fps, four-channel 24-bit audio from its built-in microphone and decent wired and wireless connectivity.

I’ve reviewed a lot of vlogger-focussed cameras recently, including Canon’s own PowerShot V1, a fixed-lens compact that launched alongside the EOS R50 V and costs a similar amount, so I was interested to see how this interchangeable lens camera performed in comparison. In some ways, the PowerShot V1 has more appeal: it’s more compact and its lens is faster and wider than the 14-30mm kit lens that can be purchased bundled with the EOS R50 V. It comes with a built-in ND filter too.

What the R50 V has on its side is future versatility, thanks to an RF lens mount. With the ability to use other lenses in the RF system, upgrading image quality or gaining a new field of view is easily achievable here. With the PowerShot V1, you’ve only got that one lens.

The EOS R50 V’s 24.2MP APS-C sensor is also physically bigger than the 1.4-inch sensor on the PowerShot V1. Not by much, mind you – and image quality isn’t too different on the two cameras.

The EOS R50 V can capture video at 4K at up to 30fps, or a cropped 4K at up to 60fps. The latter isn’t really ideal for vlogging, as it greatly reduces the field of view and I found it difficult to get myself comfortably in frame while holding the camera. The uncropped 4K delivers a much more expansive field of view, albeit at the expense of frame rate – but I don’t think many will require 60fps for vlogging. The other resolution on offer is 1080p, which can capture at up to 120fps – ideal for slow-motion playback.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Videos and JPEGs look great straight out of the camera, as I’ve come to expect from the best Canon cameras and their color science. For those who want to edit or grade in post, however, RAW photos and a flat C Log color profile are also available.

There’s a lot to like about the EOS R50 V’s all-round performance. Its autofocus system is fast and accurate, and able to recognize and track human, animal and vehicle subjects. Its optical image stabilization is decent (if unremarkable, thanks to no in-body IS) and its on-board microphones perform well indoors in quiet conditions. Testing outside on a blustery day, I found the wind reduction mode to be almost completely ineffective, so a decent external mic is required; the PowerShot V1 includes a fluffy windshield that works quite well, and it’s odd Canon didn’t supply one here.

Connectivity is what you’d expect from a video-centric camera, while the LP-E17 battery supplies around 480 photos according to Canon. I did find it drains quite quickly while shooting 4K video, as you might expect – but thankfully the USB-C port can be used for on-the-go recharging or even constant power supply.

I’m quite impressed with the EOS R50 V. There’s nothing particularly fancy about it, and in many ways its sister camera the PowerShot V1 is a much more interesting device – being more of an all-in-one vlogging machine. But the R50 V’s lens mount means it might be a better choice for vloggers who plan on gradually upgrading their setup over the years.

The EOS R50 V (left) alongside the EOS R50 (right). They share much of the same tech, but the R50 V id designed more specifically for video. (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Canon EOS R50 V: Price and availability

$649 / £729 / AU$1,169 body only
$849 / £959 / AU$1,499 with Canon 14-30mm lens

The EOS R50 V is available to order, priced at around $649 / £729 / AU$1,169 body only or $849 / £959 / AU$1,499 in a kit with Canon’s new 14-30mm f4-6.3 IS STM PZ power zoom lens.

That strikes me as a competitive and affordable price, particularly with the lens – and especially for US-based consumers. I think the kit is the one to go for, unless you already own a few RF lenses, of course – but do bear in mind that you may need to buy an external microphone too.

Price score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Canon EOS R50 V: specs Quick Specs

Camera type:

Mirrorless

Lens mount:

Canon RF

Sensor:

APS-C, 24.2MP

Video:

4K 30fps / Cropped 4K 60fps / 4:2:2 10-bit

Battery (CIPA rating):

480 shots (LCD)

Dimensions:

119.3 x 73.7 x 45.2 (body only)

Weight:

370g (body only)

Canon EOS R50 V: Design and handling

3-inch, 1.04m-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen
Front tally lamp and record button
Camera weighs just 370g without a lens

The EOS R50 V is a small and mostly plastic-bodied camera designed primarily for video. There’s no built-in flash and no viewfinder like you get with the EOS R50, which photographers might miss. For video users, the vari-angle screen handles composition more than adequately and the 21-pin multi-function hot shoe and extra, side-mounted tripod thread are very useful additions.

The side mounting point is ideal for recording 9:16 portrait ratio videos. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

I found the control layout to be user-friendly, particularly the second video recording button on the front. There’s also a front-facing tally lamp, to let you know when you’re recording video. On the back and up top you’ll find the usual well-labelled dials and buttons, and with the help of the touchscreen I never struggled to change a setting or switch between shooting modes.

The camera isn’t weatherproofed, and the plastic body feels lightweight. In fact, at just 370g without a lens, it’s one of the lightest mirrorless cameras I’ve used in a long time. Adding the 14-30mm kit lens doesn’t tip the scales by much either: it’s just 181g, keeping the complete weight for camera and lens well under 600g.

Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Canon EOS R50 V: Performance and features

No in-body image stabilization
12fps continuous shooting with mechanical shutter
24-bit or 16-bit stereo audio via internal mic

Image stabilization is very important for a vlogging camera, but with no in-body stabilization here, it all has to come from the lens. The kit lens, for example, comes with optical stabilization and I think that’s just about enough for vloggers who want to walk around with the camera. You can see some real-world examples of the stabilization in action in my sample video in the next section of this review. Just be aware that you won’t get assistance if you fit a non-stabilized lens.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system is excellent: fast, accurate and able to recognize and track humans (eyes, face, head or body), animals (dogs, cats, birds and horses) or vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trains and aircraft). I encountered no problems with it at all during my time using the camera, during which I was mostly filming myself in a mock vlog style. It kept me in focus no matter how I moved around the frame.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Despite the EOS R50 V’s video-first design, it does have a mechanical shutter. It’s a pretty adept stills camera, actually, thanks both to the aforementioned autofocus setup and its ability to shoot at a respectable continuous speed of 12fps (with mechanical shutter) and 15fps (with electronic shutter).

Connectivity-wise, I wasn’t disappointed. There are dedicated 3.5mm jacks for a mic and headphones, a micro HDMI output (while I’d prefer full-size, the compact body always made this unlikely) and a USB-C 3.2 port that works for data transfer, battery charging and power supply. It’ll also support live streaming when connected to a computer and allows users to set up the EOS R50 V as a webcam. There’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth too, supporting wireless image transfer, printing and upload to Canon’s cloud services.

The built-in microphone can record in four-channel 24-bit or two-channel 16-bit modes, and comes with a wind noise reduction mode that is supposed to kick in automatically if needed. I tested in indoors and found it excellent quality, but outside on a windy day the noise reduction feature was next to useless. I’d have liked at least a furry windshield included to help mitigate interference, but I think vloggers using the EOS R50 V outside in anything but the calmest of conditions will need an external microphone of some kind.

Performance and features: 4.5/5

The 14-30mm kit lens is compact, but its maximum f/4 aperture is quite limiting especially in low light. (Image credit: Tim Coleman) Canon EOS R50 V: Image and video quality

APS-C sensor delivers 4K video and 24.2MP photos
Full HD slow-motion capture at 100fps or 120fps
Canon Log 3 color mode supported

Canon’s much lauded color science makes the EOS R50 V almost too easy to use. Whatever you point it at, it’ll produce great-looking JPEGs and videos right out of the camera, with no need for intervention on your part. I’ve made some very minor tweaks to the photos you see below in Adobe Lightroom to draw a bit more detail out of shadows, but overall I could have left them be and been more than happy to use them.

The kit lens is pretty poor in terms of brightness, having only a maximum f/4 aperture. Coupled with the smallish APS-C sensor, it makes this camera quite unsuited to low light photography out of the box. Slap a faster lens on here and you might get good results, however.

Image 1 of 10

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(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

For the 4K sample video (I apologize for the lack of camera audio on the outdoor shots – but the wind noise was just too intrusive to keep it in), I made no adjustments at all. All these clips are presented here exactly how they came out of the camera.

I recorded these at 4K 24fps quality, to make the most of the full sensor size. You can also capture cropped 4K video at up to 60fps, but for vlogging I felt that crop was a bridge too far, reducing the frame too much to comfortably get my head in. It’d be fine for capturing b-roll, however. I’ve not included any here, but the camera can also shoot in Full HD, and in up to 120fps for some smooth slow-motion playback if desired.

The EOS R50 V shoots RAW photos and can capture video in Canon’s flat C Log 3 color profile, should you want to perform more editing and grading yourself. So, there’s plenty of support here for imaging enthusiasts who want to achieve their own look.

Image quality score: 4/5

Canon EOS R50 V: testing scorecard Canon EOS R50 V

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Decent price, especially in the US.

4/5

Design

Compact and video focused by design.

4/5

Performance and features

Shame not to have in-body IS, but that's understandable given the price.

4/5

Image and video quality

Canon knows how to do gorgeous colors, but the EOS R50V's kit lens is so-so.

4.5/5

Should I buy the Canon EOS R50 V? Buy it if...

You want an expandable cheap video camera
The RF mount and connectivity make the R50 V a great starting point for a content creator. You can always add more lenses to widen your creative capabilities as you gain popularity.

You love Canon’s color science
It’s hard to fault the look of the images and videos that come straight out of the R50 V. Canon knows how to produce punchy, pleasing pictures with minimal user effort.

Don't buy it if...

You want an all-in-one vlogging camera
You’ll still need a decent external mic if you plan on vlogging outdoors with the R50 V, as wind noise is an issue.

You’re a stills photographer first
With no flash and no viewfinder, photographers get a bit of a raw deal here. That’s fine – it’s a video camera first – but it’s something to be aware of.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Canon EOS R50 V: Also consider Canon PowerShot V1

With similar performance and color science, plus a superb, bright built-in lens, this sister camera to the EOS R50 V makes for a great one-stop-shop video compact camera. True, you can’t upgrade the lens, but it’s a great pick if you want a single small camera to handle all your video needs.

Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot V1 review

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

With its 1-inch sensor, a gimbal-stablized 4K camera, a pocketable and compact stick-like form factor, the Pocket 3 is brilliant focused vlog camera. It’s cheap too. While the R50 V has the bigger sensor and interchangeable lenses, if you’re looking for a great affordable vlogging option, don’t discount this.

Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review

How I tested the Canon EOS R50 V

Tested a full production model for three days
Shot clips handheld and on vlogging handle
Used a range of video resolutions and frame rates

Owing to a short loan time, I didn't have as long as I would have liked to review the EOS R50 V – just a few days. Even so, I was able to get outside multiple times to test its photo and video capabilities in real-world conditions, which I did in generally favorable weather conditions (wind aside). I mounted the camera on a Joby GorillaPod for vlogging purposes.

First reviewed May 2025

Categories: Reviews

I tested the JVC DLA-NZ700, and its performance is nothing short of a revelation for a mid-range 4K projector

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 06:00

JVC DLA-NZ700 projector: two-minute review

The JVC DLA-NZ700 is a new mid-range projector from the brand, combining its existing BLU-Escent laser light source and redesigned D-ILA 4K chipset into a more compact and lighter body.

The result with the JVC DLA-NZ700 is a highly capable beamer that builds on JVC’s success with the previously released DLA-NZ800 and DLA-NZ900, while allowing its lineup to more effectively compete with the best projectors in terms of price.

The new lens may combine plastic with glass, but it still delivers a crisply detailed image, and the picture accuracy is superb with both SDR and HDR. The latter really impresses thanks to JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping, along with support for HDR10, HLG and HDR10+. The laser power setting also offers more precise control for dialling in brighter HDR without fan noise.

What is most remarkable about the NZ700 is that, despite its lower price, it delivers a brightness and contrast performance that matches the earlier, and more expensive, NZ8. It even includes a colour filter to cover the DCI-P3 colour space, along with the Deep Black function and Balanced dynamic laser mode. There’s also an effective remote, redesigned menus, and flexible installation.

Of course, JVC has dropped some features to shave off costs, although most probably won’t miss the lack of 8K or 3D support. On the other hand gamers will bemoan the lack of 4K 120Hz, along with a rather high input lag. Otherwise, this affordable and feature-packed native 4K HDR projector will give any other high-end beamer a run for its money.

JVC DLA-NZ700 projector review: price and release date

A new optical unit and 80mm hybrid lens in the NZ700 contribute to its compact size (Image credit: Future)

Price: £9,499 / $8,999 / AU$14,999
Release date: May 2024

The JVC DLA-NZ700 (DLA-RS2200) is the mid-range model in the brand’s revised line-up of 4K laser-powered projectors. It’s available now and retails for £9,499 / $8,999. The NZ700 replaces the outgoing DLA-NZ7 (DLA-RS2100), and sits between the equally new DLA-NZ500 (DLA-RS1200) at £6,499 / $5,999, and the higher range DLA-NZ800 (DLA-RS3200), which costs £15,999 / $15,999.

JVC DLA-NZ700 projector review: Specs

Screen sizes supported:

30-150 inches

Brightness (specified):

2,300 lumens

HDR support:

HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Display technology:

Laser, D-ILA

Resolution:

Native 4K (4,096 x 2,160)

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.0

Dimensions:

450 x 180 x 479mm (18 x 7 x 19 inches)

Weight:

15.2kg (33.5lb)

JVC DLA-NZ700 projector review: design and features

The NZ700 uses the same third-generation D-ILA 4K chipset found in JVC's step-up NZ800 and NZ900 projectors (Image credit: Future)

World's smallest native 4K projector
New 80mm hybrid lens
Gen2 Frame Adapt HDR

The JVC DLA-NZ700 sports a completely new design inside and out, resulting in a more compact chassis that, along with the NZ500, makes it the world’s smallest native 4K projector. The NZ700 is noticeably smaller and lighter than its predecessor, especially when they’re placed side by side.

The NZ700’s size and weight have been reduced by utilising a new optical unit and 80mm hybrid lens. However, the build quality remains excellent, and the NZ700 is still finished in matte black, making it ideal for dedicated home theatre installations. It measures 450 x 180 x 479mm (18 x 7 x 19 inches) and weighs in at 15.2kg (33.5lb).

At the rear are a pair of HDMI 2.0 inputs that support bandwidths up to 32Gbps and are limited to 4K 60Hz (which isn’t great news for console or PC gamers). The HDMI ports can also handle HDCP 2.3, and high dynamic range – specifically HDR10, hybrid log-gamma (HLG), and HDR10+.

The provided remote is the same slightly tweaked version included with the NZ800 and NZ900, with its more luminescent light button, and small bumps on the on/off and enter buttons – all of which make this well-designed controller very easy to use in a fully blacked-out home cinema.

The JVC DLA-NZ700 incorporates the same third-generation D-ILA 4K chipset introduced on the NZ800 and NZ900. The new design is more efficient, allowing for brighter images, deeper blacks, and improved uniformity. As a result, despite using the same laser light source as earlier models, the NZ700 has a claimed peak brightness of 2,300 lumens and a native contrast ratio of 80,000:1.

In addition to the improved black levels offered by the upgraded D-ILA chipset, the NZ700 has the new Deep Black function with its revised algorithm to further enhance contrast without crushing shadows. In addition, the dynamic laser control includes the new Balanced setting for pictures that appear punchier without introducing the brightness fluctuations seen on earlier models.

The NZ700 has the improved sliding scale control in the laser power sub-menu, allowing for more granular adjustments as you gradually boost brightness without a sudden increase in fan noise, thus enabling the creation of more useful settings for HDR. There’s also the new “Vivid” mode that JVC added previously for watching SDR sports or gaming in a room with some ambient light.

The NZ700 retains the BLU-Escent laser diode light source with its claimed minimum 20,000-hour lifespan and greater consistency. Other features include motorised focus, zoom and shift controls, which makes installation easier, plus there are lens memories for different aspect ratios on a 2.35:1 screen. There’s also a Filmmaker Mode, along with ISF-certified calibration controls.

JVC’s tone mapping remains state-of-the-art, with the latest proprietary Gen3 Frame Adapt HDR dynamically analysing HDR10 content on a frame-by-frame basis to optimise the image, while 18-bit gamma processing results in smoother and finer gradations. However, JVC has dropped the Theatre Optimiser, which enhances tone mapping based on your screen’s size, shape and gain.

In addition to the existing analysis of an incoming HDR signal, the NZ700 now reads the Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata that tells the tone mapping the peak brightness of the display on which the content was originally mastered. This is useful because the more metadata the tone mapping has to work with, the better the results in terms of the displayed HDR images.

The NZ700 has a revised menu system compared to the NZ800 and NZ900, with a new main Setting Menu Select page. Here you choose between Picture Settings, HDMI Settings and Installation Settings. Once you’ve selected the Settings you want to adjust, you’ll find all the related sub-menus for those particular settings available, and you can move between them.

Design and features score: 4.5/5

JVC DLA-NZ700 projector review: picture quality

Rear-panel ports include two HDMI 2.0 connections (Image credit: Future)

Detailed and cinematic 4K delivery
Impressive HDR tone mapping
Wide colour gamut filter

The JVC DLA-NZ700 is nothing short of a revelation, and delivers a performance that I could immediately see was comparable to the NZ800 I reviewed previously. There are similar components, such as the D-ILA chipset and laser light source, but I hadn’t anticipated the new lens producing such a sharp image, nor did I expect the black levels to be quite so impressive.

My first impressions were confirmed during testing, with the NZ700 delivering a contrast ratio of nearly 50,000:1, which is better than the earlier and more expensive NZ8. The laser brightness approaches the claimed 2,300 lumens, although you only hit these peaks in the Vivid mode, and in the preferable Filmmaker or calibrated Natural mode, this is closer to around 1,700 lumens.

The out-of-the-box SDR accuracy is excellent with the white point close to the industry standard of D65, an even greyscale, and colours hitting their saturation targets for BT.709, but this can be improved through calibration. I was able to get reference accuracy using the built-in controls, and anyone spending nearly nine grand should really get their new NZ700 professionally calibrated.

This accuracy also extends to HDR, with the NZ700 covering 97% of DCI-P3 with its colour filter in place. What’s even better is the filter only reduces the brightness by about 15%, although if you’d rather not use the filter (and with HDR10+ you don’t have a choice), then the brightness increases, but the gamut coverage now drops to around 83% of DCI-P3 instead.

The NZ700 may be more affordable, but it still includes JVC’s class-leading HDR tone mapping with the beamer not only accurately tracking the PQ curve standard, but also using dynamic tone mapping to get the best out of content based on the available metadata and real-time analysis of the HDR signal. The ability to read the Display Mastering Luminance also helps in this regard.

The Deep Black feature remains a useful addition, bringing slightly more detail out of shadows while keeping the blacks suitably inky. The Balanced dynamic laser setting is also useful, adding greater depth at the low end while also boosting the brightness at the other end without any ‘pumping’ in the image itself. The superior tone mapping ensures the highlights are also free of clipping.

The NZ700's dynamic tone mapping feature is very adept at optimising its performance (Image credit: Future)

This NZ700 is equally impressive with motion handling, producing smooth pictures that are free of blurring and unwanted artefacts. The projector may be limited to 60Hz, but the motion with games remains excellent, although the responsiveness suffers due to the lack of a low-latency mode. As a result, this projector’s input lag measures 51ms, which is probably too high for serious gamers.

When it comes to SDR content, the NZ700 is a fantastic performer, producing detailed and natural images that enjoy added depth thanks to the impressive contrast ratios. Watching Samsara on Blu-ray reveals a remarkably detailed image, and any concerns I had about the new 80mm lens using a combination of plastic and glass were dispelled by the finely rendered images on display.

Moving on to HDR, the NZ700 continues to dazzle with a spectacular delivery that retains all the fine details in the snowy landscapes of The Revenant. The colours of The Greatest Showman burst off the screen during the musical numbers, and the rain-soaked neon-lit streets of Gotham are bathed with beautifully rendered blacks, deep shadows and nuanced colours in The Batman.

The dynamic tone mapping is very adept at optimising the performance of the NZ700, and the resulting HDR is often comparable to high-end video processors that cost more than the projector itself. When able to use the dynamic metadata of HDR10+, the results are equally impressive, and the kinetic and colourful Motorball sequences in Alita: Battle Angel are brought vividly to life.

Picture quality score: 5/5

JVC DLA-NZ700 projector review: value

The JVC NZ700's fully backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)

Exceptional value for money
Has no direct competitor
The sweet spot in JVC's projector line-up

The JVC DLA-NZ700 represents remarkable value, especially when you consider it offers much of the same image quality and feature set as the more expensive DLA-NZ800. Yes, you lose support for 8K 60Hz, 4K 120Hz and 3D, plus there’s no low latency mode, but in terms of overall picture performance there isn’t a significant difference between the two, making the NZ700 a great choice for film fans looking to save a few bucks without compromising on contrast and HDR tone mapping.

The NZ800 has a direct competitor in the form of the Sony Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES), which is priced at £15,999 / $15,999, while the flagship DLA-NZ900 goes up against the Sony Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES), which costs £25,999 / $31,999. However, the NZ700 currently has no direct competitor, and while it’s more expensive than the NZ500, Sony VPL-XW5000ES and Epson EH-QB1000, when you consider its performance and features, it may well be the sweet spot in the JVC projector line-up.

Value score: 5/5

JVC DLA-NZ700 projector

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design and features

Compact chassis, and backlit remote; motorised lens controls with memories, class-leading HDR tone mapping, and HDR10+ support, but no 4K 120Hz input or low-latency mode

4.5/5

Picture quality

Excellent black levels and accurate 4K images combine with a bright and cinematic delivery with SDR and HDR

5/5

Value

Remarkable value given the feature set and performance

5/5

Should I buy the JVC DLA-NZ700 projector?

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

You want detailed 4K images with that all-important film-like quality: The new 4K chipset and hybrid 80mm lens deliver crystal-clear images, with superior black levels and excellent contrast that result in wonderfully cinematic images that elude the competition.

You want class-leading HDR tone mapping: JVC’s proprietary dynamic tone mapping reads the available metadata and analyses the incoming HDR signal to produce remarkable HDR images that rival ultra-high-end video processors.

You want HDR10+ support: The inclusion of HDR10+ allows the NZ700 to take advantage of the format’s dynamic metadata, ensuring tone mapping that’s optimised for the lower brightness of a projector compared to a TV.

Don’t buy it if…

You want support for 4K 120Hz high frame rate gaming: The NZ700 lacks HDMI 2.1 inputs, so it doesn’t accept 4K images with a frame rate higher than 60Hz, and that means those with the latest consoles or high-end PC rigs can’t game at 4K 120Hz.

You want a projector with a low input lag: There’s no low-latency mode, and as a result the input lag is 51ms. This is far too high for serious gamers, who should probably consider the cheaper Epson or Sony projectors.

You want support for 3D: JVC has dropped 3D support on both the NZ500 and NZ700, bringing them in line with Epson and Sony. Unfortunately for 3D fans, you’ll have to buy the more expensive NZ800.

Also consider... Comparison: 4K projectors

JVC DLA-NZ700

JVC DLA-NZ800

Epson Pro Cinema LS1200

Price:

£9,499 / $8,999 / AU$14,999

$15,999 / £15,999 / AU$24,999

$4,999 (£4,399 / about AU$7,090)

Screen sizes supported:

60 to 200 inches

50 to 130 inches

Brightness (specified):

2,300 lumens

2,700 lumens

HDR support

HDR10, HDR10+,HLG

HDR10, HLG

Display technology:

Laser, D-ILA

Laser, 3LCD

Resolution:

Native 4K (4,096 x 2,160)

4K (3,840 x 2,160)

Connections:

2x HDMI 2.0

2x HDMI 2.1

2xHDMI 2.1

JVC DLA-NZ800
JVC's NZ800 costs quite a bit more than the NZ700, but adds 8K, 4K 120Hz, and 3D support. For most buyers, choosing the NZ800 over the NZ700 will come down to this projector's gaming features, since it has a low-latency mode plus 4K 120Hz support for console gaming.

Here's our full JVC DLA-NZ800 review

Epson Pro Cinema LS1200
The Epson LS1200 is our pick for the best projector for most people due to its powerful contrast, HDM1 2.1 ports, and reasonable price given the performance and features it delivers. It's a great alternative option if the JVC NZ700 exceeds your budget.

Here's our full Epson Pro Cinema LS1200 review.

How I tested the JVC DLA-NZ700 projector

(Image credit: Future)

Measured with Calman calibration software
Evaluated using SDR and HDR content
Reviewed in a dedicated home cinema

As with all my TV and projector reviews, I use a combination of subjective viewing and objective measurements against the industry standards. For projectors, I also do all my testing in a dedicated home cinema with a completely blacked-out environment and high-quality screen.

The subjective testing is based around watching a variety of familiar scenes, primarily sourced from 4K and 1080p Blu-rays, plus the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K disc. Any test scenes have been specifically chosen to evaluate a display’s black levels, contrast performance, colour accuracy, upscaling, image processing, motion handling, and HDR tone mapping.

For the objective testing, I measured the NZ700’s brightness, greyscale and colour gamut in SDR, before doing the same in HDR. I also evaluated the accuracy of the HDR tone mapping, along with the colour gamut coverage for DCI-P3. To do this, I used a pattern generator and colour meter combined with Portrait Display’s Calman calibration software. I measured the NZ700’s input lag in milliseconds using a specialised Leo Bodnar tester.

First reviewed: May 2025

Categories: Reviews

I reviewed the Branch Aire for 100 days and it's about as breathable as an office chair gets

TechRadar Reviews - Sat, 05/17/2025 - 01:03

Branch is a professional ergonomic furniture company that I have grown to appreciate over the last few years. I've reviewed a pretty wide range of the company's desks and chairs - so I was pretty excited to try out the Branch Aire.

As the name suggests, this chair is light. It has a very breathable design, with a single piece of material running from the seat to the back, creating a cohesive, all-in-one look. All around, this chair is solid. It's lightweight and a bit skimpy, but it's solid, comfortable for most, and out of all the best office chairs I've tested, it's the easiest one I have ever assembled (other than chairs that come fully assembled).

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Branch Aire: Price and Availability

The Branch Aire is available on the Branch website right here, where it retails for just under $500 in three different colorways - Vapor (reviewed here), Graphene, and a brand new Hunter color.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Branch Aire: Unboxing & first impressions

The Aire arrived in a compact yet well-packaged box. Each component is labelled and protected with packing material to ensure no rips or punctures in the mesh material during transit.

The chair took only about 7 minutes to assemble as I did not have to screw a backrest into a base or armrests into a base/backrest like I usually have to with the chairs that I test. All I had to do was take the base, add the wheels, add the piston, and then put the chair on top of the piston/base combo. All around, it's it's pretty simple.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Before I saw this chair in person, I looked it up online. It appeared sleek, sharp, and futuristic. However, experiencing it in person was a completely different story. The mesh material feels both durable and comfortable.

Sitting in it for the first time confirmed my expectations; it conformed to my body so perfectly that it felt like I was sitting in a custom-molded chair. It was significantly lighter than I expected it to be, but that's not a bad thing in the slightest. I've had a lot of cumbersome chairs, so having one that is super lightweight is a nice change of pace.

Branch Aire: Design & Build Quality Specs

Dimensions: 27.4" x 24"
Height: 45.9" to 48.4"
Seat Height: Adjustable from 17.9" to 20.5"
Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
Materials: Polyester and polyelastomer mesh, plastic, and nylon frame
Warranty: 5 years

As I have said, the Branch Aire is an all-mesh chair with one cohesive section of mesh running from the shoulders down to the thigh. The entire back and seat is one piece of mesh, making it minimalist and simple while allowing maximum airflow and comfort.

The frame is sturdy, and the wheels roll nicely on my low-pill carpet, glass pad, and hardwood floor. The waterfall edge makes for a super comfortable thigh portion of the chair, allowing no circulation to cut off from my thigh, hitting a bar or something else uncomfortable.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Branch Aire: In use

Due to the nature of my role, I have a few desk setups. I have one to test new gear, so I can always leave a primary workstation set up to be operational to get work done quickly and easily. For the last 100 days, the Branch Aire has been one of the chairs I have rotated in and out of my secondary workspace, and I have gotten a pretty good feel for it. While it's not the most ergonomic option I've had, it is comfortable even for extended work hours.

I weigh around 205 pounds and stand at 6'2". This chair feels like it was made for people up to about 6', maybe 6'1". Even though I am noticeably too tall for this chair, it's still comfortable. The armrests can raise and lower and move forward and backward while sitting in the chair. However, they cannot get closer to your body.
The chair's design does not allow adjusting seat depth or include any form of lumbar support. So, although the chair does fit snugly against the body of most users, taller or larger users might find that the fit of this particular chair is less adjustable than other chairs manufactured by Branch.

I've done full 8-10 hour days in this chair, occasionally swapping to standing at my Flexispot E7 Plus standing desk. While a part of me misses the heavier-duty chairs that feel more robust, there is something fantastic about the minimalism of this chair. I could see enjoying this chair if I had a simpler workspace, a basic desk and laptop, or even a clean, simple desk in a more visible space like a living room. Since then, this chair has looked more like a statement piece than a comfortable, ergonomic office chair.

Another situation that would be great for this chair would be a conference room or co-working space. I would probably avoid having this in a highly-traffic space like a conference room that's open to the public or has a lot of new people in and out.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Beautiful and sleek

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Restrictive for larger users

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Mid range price

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Branch Aire: Final verdict

Branch Aire Chair undoubtedly tops the list due to its innovative design and excellent breathability, collectively making it a highly worthy contender for an office chair that is both comfortable and good-looking.

However, if you're considering this chair, you'll want to note the non-adjustable seat size and the headrest height to ensure a good fit according to your needs.

I recommend this chair for anyone looking for a minimalistic chair to match a minimalistic workspace or someone looking for a modern yet comfortable chair.

For more office essentials, we've rounded up all the best standing desks.

Categories: Reviews

I spent countless hours in meetings with EKSA S30 and this open-ear wireless headset made it all more bearable

TechRadar Reviews - Fri, 05/16/2025 - 12:57

The most eye-catching thing about the EKSA S30 wireless headset is its open-ear design. For anyone looking for an airy alternative to large, padded ear-cups or invasive earbuds, this may prove ideal.

Unlike many of the best Bluetooth headsets around, this boasts a twin-headset – one for each ear, with a moveable mic on the left – rather than a single unit that leaves one ear exposed (and all the office distractions that come with it).

Speaking of which, the manufacturer claims that the open-ear air conduction unit cuts out 99.9% of environmental noise on the mic, despite hanging over the ear. That said, there’s no ANC for audio, which depending on your POV may be good or bad.

It’s retailing for $150 – although on Amazon, I saw it on sale at around the $100 / £100 mark. But how does it measure up? I took it into meeting after meeting to find out if the EKSA delivers on its promise.

EKSA S30: Unboxing & first impressions

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)

The headset comes nicely packed, in a bright orange box – a color theme that’s continued across the design, from the buttons to the branding on the case. As you’d expect, packed away in a sleeve, is the instruction manual and warranty cards. It’s a nice touch, perhaps overkill, but ever since Apple began its tech domination, it’s all about making packaging and unboxing an ‘experience’.

Inside the well-padded carry case, you’ll find the two headsets, sat in a removable molded base unit that charges them when not in use. The headsets are kept in place with concealed magnetics, preventing movement, too. At the front of the base unit is a single orange button for turning the headsets on or off.

There’s also a USB cable neatly slotted in the space in front. For my money, this case offers all the protection you need. It’s lightweight, but feels durable – I put plenty of weight on top of it, and the structure still held out, making it ideal for the commute, or leaving around in a manic office.

EKSA S30: Design & operation Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)

The headsets themselves are light, with a plastic front and rear connected by a flexible rubberized ear hook which can be adjusted for fit. For what it’s worth, I didn’t feel any sense of these being too tight or too loose during use, so it must be doing something right.

On the underside of the speaker sections of each headset are the textured control buttons – again, bright orange, so you can’t miss them. Positioning is good, but I found operating them was a little stiff, with the hard plastic never giving me the feedback I wanted when switching on or off. I had to rely on the small lights to check whether or not the headsets were ready for the meeting.

These lights will also serve up the battery level, flashing red when they require a recharge. A light on the carry case performs the same function, showing green, orange, or red depending on how much battery charge remains.

The left earpiece also has a microphone that smoothly swivels into position. Towards the end of this there’s a button (guess which color) for muting, but happily, this one offers a better tactile experience, with a soft but definitive click when depressed.

One of the biggest missteps here is not allowing access to the USB-C charging port from the outside of the case. This means you’ll need to take the base unit out to charge it up when the battery inevitably dies. A solution like the one found on the case for the Xbox Elite controller, with a rubber cap that can be lifted to allow charger access, would just keep everything cleaner and more compact.

EKSA S30: In use Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)

Alright, so that’s the design – but how do they work in a real-world setting? First, I was keen to find out how that open-ear air conduction felt and sounded. As a man who practically lives in his over-ear Anker Q20 headphones, I wanted to know if this headset would offer a more breathable experience, especially in the hot weather.

And I was pleasantly surprised. Draped over my lobes, the EKSA S30 felt comfortable – so light, in fact, that I almost forgot I was wearing them. Before I knew what had happened, I’d listened to an hour-long podcast without once fiddling with them or shifting their position. If you’re just using these for meetings (even all-day meetings), you’ll have no issues popping these on.

However, this headset doesn’t just cater to meetings on your desktop or laptop. As a Bluetooth device, it’ll connect to your phone, letting you answer calls, play or pause music and YouTube videos, adjust volume, or activate your phone’s AI assistant. This, too, worked well.

More importantly, everything sounded good, with the correct timbre and bass (as expected for a device that bills TubeBass Technology as a selling point). Voices sounded natural and real, with none of the tinniness you sometimes get from a headset.

During calls and meetings I could hear others perfectly, and those on the call noted that my mic delivered clear audio. When I recorded myself to listen to the playback, I experienced the same.

According to EKSA, the headset’s AI-powered microphone delivers up to 99.9% environmental noise-cancelling (ENC) Technology. A figure like that is red rag to a bull for a reviewer, so I ran a makeshift test by playing TechRadar's YouTube videos at varying volumes during calls. Once I moved around half a meter away from the source and began speaking, no-one could hear any background chatter.

Where users may have some difficulty switching from headphones to headset is the lack of noise-cancelation on the audio. But, then, I suppose that’s part of the appeal for the S30’s open-ear design, preventing the alienation that comes from blocking out absolutely everything but what’s being pumped into your ears, and generally keeping you aware of your surroundings.

EKSA S30: Final verdict Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom)

Light, comfortable, breathable open-ear design, good audio. For me, the EKSA S30 headset ticks all the key boxes for those who want a unit for all-day meetings.

The price might be a little higher than for some headsets, but you get a fair amount in the box, including the molded charging case for protection during travel and some decent tech operating inside the twin headsets, with excellent audio clarity across speakers and microphone.

A lack of ANC may put off some users. However, I had no issues using this in a relatively quiet workspace – and with AI-powered ENC on the mic, others in your meeting won’t hear all the background chatter, even if you can.

Should I buy the EKSA S30?

(Image credit: EKSAtelecom) Buy it if...

✅ You want an open-ear headset: I really like how the design of this headset doesn’t shut you out the way a pair of cans does, without compromising on audio.

✅ You want a headset for all-day use: I found the S30 so light and comfortable, I practically forgot I was wearing it. The fit is snug without being tight, and ideal if you’re on calls all day.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You need ANC: While the microphone blocks out background noise, the speakers have no active noise cancelation. That may be an issue if you work in a particularly noisy office.

❌ You prefer on-ear headphones: This speaks for itself, really – if you’d rather traditional headphones, this model won’t appeal. However, even as an avowed headphone addict, I found plenty to like and recommend here.

For more options for regular meetings, we've also reviewed the best headsets for conference calls.

Categories: Reviews

I reviewed the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, and they’re a glorious fusion of the best parts of their predecessors

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 05/15/2025 - 11:00

Sony WH-1000XM6: two-minute review

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are here to try to cement Sony's status as the go-to brand for headphones, three years after the release of its previous flagship model.

Sony says that the WH-1000XM6 are “the best noise cancelling product on the market” as well as being “improved in every single way” over previous models – talk about setting a high bar. But thankfully, they manage to jump that bar on almost every metric.

As you may expect, the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer expressive and clean audio from a new 30mm driver alongside a new QN3 processor, featuring a ‘noise shaper’ that levels up digital to analogue conversion and pre-empts sudden sound changes, resulting in a more controlled listening experience. There’s also a more balanced sound signature out of the gate, which doesn’t compromise on punchy bass, rich mids or energetic treble.

The new QN3 processor also harnesses the power of 12 microphones – four more than last time – to serve up truly incredible noise cancelling capabilities. These supply better ANC than the majority of the best noise cancelling headphones out there. Yes, they even stand up to the critically acclaimed Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which have ruled the noise cancelling roost since their launch. When on public transport, walking near traffic or working away in the office, I had either near-silence or total silence, enabling me to indulge in beautifully isolated listening sessions.

But that’s not all. There are a ton more features to get your teeth sunk into via Sony’s Sound Connect app. There’s adaptive sound control, LDAC and DSEE Extreme, extensive EQ options, Cinema mode for immersive audio, and Auracast – among others. Almost everything you could want from a premium pair of cans is here, all in one place.

On top of that, there’s an updated design, which compiles the best of what the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 had to offer. See, foldability is back from the XM4 era, and I think the majority of people will be grateful for that.

There are new, more durable hinges (the XM5 had a hinge issue) and a slightly smaller magnetic carry case as well. But the sleeker look of the XM5 has still been largely maintained.

There’s an evolution of what came before too, with a wider headband for increased comfort and a more snug fit around the neck when the headphones are out of use. Overall, you’re getting a fantastic combination of style and comfort, though some may still feel that the earcups are a tad chunky.

(Image credit: Future)

Other incremental improvements include the ability to charge while streaming over Bluetooth, refined touch controls and better call quality. And when all the little adjustments come together, it’s clear – these are the best Sony headphones produced to date.

Still, there are a few areas in which the WH-1000XM6 fall just short of their rivals. You get 30 hours of battery life with ANC, which is by no means bad, but lots of rivals (even much cheaper ones) beat that, and some can double it.

On top of that, they are quite expensive. At $449 / £399 / AU$699, these are $50 / £20 / AU$50 pricier than their predecessors were at launch. And given the WH-1000XM5 are now widely available for around $300 / £250, some may be a little tentative at taking the plunge on Sony’s newest flagship headphones.

Finally, the newly released Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are the same price in the UK (US release and pricing tbc), but sound even better than these Sony over-ears. Sure, they don’t quite match the XM6 on ANC or features overall, but they're clearly better sound for the price.

All in all, though, the Sony WH-1000XM6 still have a strong claim to be some of the best headphones around, with their noise-crushing ANC being the real highlight. Their treasure trove of features and talented audio performance also help them to stand tall in a convoluted market, and the design tweaks meld all the highlights from their ancestral lineage. Sure, they’re pricey, but if you’re willing to splash the cash, you’ll almost certainly love Sony’s latest release.

(Image credit: Future) Sony WH-1000XM6 review: price & release date

$449 / £400 / AU$699
Launched on May 15th, 2025

The Sony WH-1000XM6 launched in May 2025, three years after the preceeding WH-1000XM5 model. Sony is unclear on the exact release date at the time of publishing, stating just that they'll be available "from May" in the UK/US, while Sony Australia says you can get them "from June 2025. Pre-order available from May 16th, 2025."

At launch, they’re available in three colorways: Black; Silver; and Midnight Blue. However, there could be scope for more color variants in the future – we saw the XM5 adopt a new Smoky Pink only back in September 2024.

At the point of release, the Sony WH-1000XM6 cost $449 / £399 / AU$699. That’s $50 / £20 more than their predecessors launched at. This price puts Sony’s flagship cans up against the likes of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 – more on those later, but basically they're very much in the premium range.

Despite the slight price bump over their predecessors, these are still notably cheaper than the Apple AirPods Max – which have a huge list price of $549 / £549 / AU$899.

(Image credit: Future) Sony WH-1000XM6 review: Specs

Drivers

30mm dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

30 hours (ANC on)

Weight

254g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm

Frequency range

Not listed

Waterproofing

None

Sony WH-1000XM6 review: features

Super-impressive active noise cancellation
The best touch controls I’ve used
Battery life may not wow, but in-use charging is now here

When I attended the launch of the Sony WH-1000XM6, Sony described its new flagship headphones as “the best noise-cancelling product on the market”. And the ANC is far and away the standout feature these headphones have in their arsenal.

You’re getting some of the best noise cancellation that any headphones can offer with the XM6. ANC has been improved over the XM5 thanks to Sony’s new QN3 noise cancelling processor, which harnesses twelve microphones to shut out the world around you.

Even when compared to the awesome Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the XM6 perform exceptionally well. I tried both pairs of headphones while vacuuming my home and walking in high-traffic areas, among other tasks, and each dealt with external noise fantastically.

But in my experience, the XM6 performed ever so slightly better, producing a minimum of near-silence from the outside at 60-70% volume in each test. Rest assured – these really are the real deal as far as ANC is concerned.

I also tested the XM6’s noise cancelling capabilities at Sony’s 5020 studio in Madrid, before doing real-world testing. While there, I played a song at about 50% volume with a bunch of people chatting around me and the outside world was totally shut out – it was just me and my music. At one stage, a super-harsh static sound was blasted at the studio and that slightly crept through. It was dampened severely, though, and I was barely disturbed.

If you want to be more aware of your surroundings – fear not – there’s a very fleshed-out Ambient Sound mode. This includes a slider that ranges from 1 to 20 and lets more exterior noise seep through the higher you go. On top of that, there’s a voice passthrough checkbox, which filters through speech while still suppressing other noises.

Ambient mode worked very nicely for me; I could easily hear the sound of typing in my office, murmurs from a nearby conversation and doors opening. Also, it’s worth noting Auto Ambient Sound mode, which adjusts volume of ambient sounds depending on noise levels around you.

But another one of my favorite features on the Sony WH-1000XM6 is their excellent touch controls. Something that may seem gimmicky, but is actually incredibly helpful, is that you can cup your hand over the right earcup to smoothly, yet drastically reduce media volume and dampen noise cancelling effects.

This isn't new to the XM6, but it's really worth highlighting. I found it incredibly useful in an office environment when a colleague wanted to talk with me, or if I was in a story and didn’t want to rip the cans off. In fact, I didn’t even bother turning on the Speak-to-Chat function, because this option is so responsive.

Generally, the XM6 have the most consistent, intuitive touch controls I’ve ever used on a pair of headphones. On the right earcup, you can slide your finger up or down and hold it in position to continually raise or lower volume respectively. That’s an improvement over the XM5, which required you to constantly flick up or down to amend loudness.

You can also double tap to pause music and flick forwards or backwards to skip or return to the previous track. Touch controls are locked to the right earcup only, much like the WH-1000XM5 model.

And there are plenty of returning features from the previous model to enjoy. Of course, you’ve got the likes of multi-point connectivity, wear detection and a good app in Sony Sound Connect.

But there’s more: adaptive sound control, which adjusts audio output depending on your environment and movement; head gesture monitoring for taking or rejecting calls; and voice assistant compatibility.

There are a few new nuggets to uncover as far as features go, however. Perhaps one of the biggest inclusions is Auracast. This is a type of Bluetooth technology that enables you to tune into an audio broadcast transmitted from a phone, TV or similar device without any pairing.

Furthermore, you can now mute the mic on the XM6 by simply double pressing the noise cancelling button. You’ll need to enable this in settings, but it’s ultra useful when on a Microsoft Teams or Slack call, for instance.

There’s only one real area where the Sony WH-1000XM6 failed to impress me as far as features: its battery life. You’re getting 30 hours of playtime from this model, which is by no means bad – it’s the same you’ll get on the XM5 and a whole host of rivals. But there are some cans that are capable of more. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, for example, can go 60 hours with ANC on – now that’s impressive.

Still, you can charge the XM6 while using them now, and even get three hours of playtime from just three minutes of charging – that is if you have a USB PD charger around.

If you’re looking for over-ears with highly astute call quality, you can trust the XM6 to deliver. The strongest example of this was a demo at Sony’s 5020 Studio in Madrid, in which someone make a call in an artificially noisy environment – and after placing the XM6 on, their voice was totally separated from clamoring and noise littering their surroundings.

In my real-world use, my own speech came through cleanly when making phone calls to family and friends, with vocals sounding crisp. That’s in part thanks to the additional beamforming mics used on the XM6 – there are six this time and they help to shift focus towards the mouth – while AI also enters the fray to scoop out external sounds.

Features score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future) Sony WH-1000XM6 review: sound quality

Beautifully rounded and immersive audio
DSEE extreme and LDAC for improved Bluetooth streaming
Default tuning is great, but great EQ options also available

Like their predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM6 use a 30mm driver, rather than the larger 40mm one used for the legendary XM4 model. But the driver itself is new and improved, designed to offer more balanced audio across all frequencies.

That QN3 processor I mentioned earlier also includes a ‘noise shaper’, which refines digital to analogue conversion and enables the cans to anticipate sudden sound changes, intended to reduce distortion and produce a more controlled listening experience.

So, yes, there’s plenty of flashy new tech in the XM6 headphones, but do they actually deliver a premium audio performance? Short answer: yes. You’ll get a rhythmic, detailed, and well-balanced listen with the Sony WH-1000XM6 that still doesn’t skimp on punchy bass and exciting treble output. And that’s regardless of whether you’re listening with ANC turned on or off.

For instance, I tuned into Fluffy by Himiko Kikuchi – a laid-back jazzy track – and expressive piano sounded pleasantly forward, while full-sounding smooth bass and tightly controlled percussion accompanied subtle strings dancing through the track.

The balanced output across all frequencies is really pleasing, and there does seem to be a bit less emphasis on the low-end compared to Sony’s previous pair of flagship cans – at least out of the box.

The default EQ calibration is certainly even enough to ensure you can hear those finer details across the frequency range. No need to worry about overbearing bass, harsh treble or overly recessed mids.

When tuning into I Want You by Moloko, I was struck by the breathy vocals, impactful and response cymbal hits and pumping, yet disciplined bass output. This song adds instrument after instrument as it unfolds, resulting in a densely layered climax. Yet the XM6 had the capability to keep things in check, maintaining clear, distortion-free audio throughout.

There’s some incredibly stiff competition for Sony’s new headphones. I tested out a number of rivals, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.

Vocals and some finer details sounded slightly clearer on the XM6 compared to Bose’s effort, though the latter did still sound great considering you can now regularly scoop them up for closer to $350 / £350.

The Px7 S3 launched mere weeks before the XM6 at essentially the same price-point (at least in the UK) and I found they had a slightly more luxury sound. They could lift vocals out of the mix and push them forwards a little more precisely than the XM6, and their open, spatial-sounding audio output was truly hypnotizing.

You get slightly better ANC from the Sony XM6, plus I found the Sony cans to be more comfortable – but if we’re talking pure sound, you could do a little better for the same price.

But still, there are plenty of ways to get a sound that matches your style with the XM6. To truly adapt them to your palate, head over to Sony’s Sound Connect app and get playing with EQ adjustment.

You have a few options here: Find Your Equalizer, which lets you pick the sound signature that suits your tastes best; presets, including Heavy, Clear and Game; or custom EQ, which lets you manually create your own calibration with a 10-band equalizer.

And there’s even more to experiment with in the Sound Connect app that can elevate your listening to the next level. Specifically, you get access to DSEE Extreme, a technology that up-mixes lower quality audio files to bring out the most detailed, quality-sounding audio possible. This works really well on music platforms such as Spotify, which is yet to offer higher-resolution streaming.

There’s also LDAC, which enables you to access ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth listening. And if you want to keep it old-school, there’s also a 3.5mm port on the headphones, as well as a cable in the box so you can engage in wired listening.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are designed for more than just music listening, though. There’s improved width to the XM6’s soundstage, which is useful if you’re watching movies or TV series on your phone, for instance. And on top of that, there’s a cinema listening mode, which harnesses Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Upmix and can convert a stereo signal into an immersive, wraparound sonic experience.

I tried watching The Boy and the Heron on Netflix in Cinema mode and was impressed by the expansiveness and directionality of audio. Voices, for instance, may not have been as crystal clear as Standard mode, but if immersion is what you’re chasing, it’s well worth checking out.

There’s also a Background Music option, which can make your music sound as if it’s playing in a café or living room. Spatial audio and head tracking are included too – but will only work on certain devices that support Android's built-in head tracking, and this doesn't include Samsung phones (and obviously rules out Apple devices).

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Sony WH-1000XM6 review: design

Foldability is back and better than before
Ultra-comfortable headband
Some may find them to be a little bulky
New magnetic case is much more convenient

The WH-1000XM6 may not look drastically different to their predecessor, but Sony’s made a handful of small tweaks that I really appreciate.

Stitching on the front of the headband is gone in favor of a smoother, more premium look, and the headband itself is a little wider for improved comfort.

The earcups also fit more seamlessly around the neck in a downward facing position, which is super useful if you’re on the go or just need to stop for a chat.

There’s one major difference between the XM6 and the XM5, though, and that’s the reintroduction of a folding headband. Controversially, the XM5 ditched this in favor of a single-hinge, slimmer look – but XM4 fans, it’s your lucky day.

There are new, more durable hinges on the XM6 that enable them to neatly fold into a new magnetically closed carry case – this isn’t the smallest or the most flashy, but is still assembled to a high standard.

They also don’t fold up as compactly as headphones like the Marshall Monitor III ANC or Anker Soundcore Space One Pro, say, so are not quite pocketable – but it's nice to packing in a bag.

But how do the headphones look and feel in-use? Pretty good all round! They’ve been designed in a way that makes them appear more straight on your head, rather than curved inward. That wider headband I mentioned also goes a long way in improving comfort for multi-hour listening sessions. Pair that with beautifully padded earcups and easily accessible buttons and there’s not much more I could ask for.

There are a few minor things I don’t love about the design of the XM6, though. First of all, the earcups look quite bulky, meaning you’re not getting the most sleek, stylish look compared to something like the Sonos Ace.

The color options, while classy, also feel a little bit safe. I would’ve liked to see a more vibrant option thrown in there, or even the Smoky Pink variant – which was released as a late addition to the XM5 lineup – available from the get-go.

Finally, there’s still no waterproofing on this new model. That’s usually the case for over-ear headphones, but it would’ve been nice to see Sony lead the way with some kind of water resistance rating.

All in all, though, there’s still so much to love about the XM6 design-wise. They have a premium-looking, almost paper-like matte consistency to the casing’s finish. And they’re nice and light once again, weighing in at just 254g.

There are two physical buttons – one to turn the headphones off and on or pair via Bluetooth and one to toggle between noise cancelling modes or mute the mic during calls.

Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Sony WH-1000XM6 review: value

A very premium price, no question
Truly awesome noise cancelling and great audio quality
Best of both worlds from previous two gens

Let’s address the elephant in the room. The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a pricey pair of headphones. And they’re also more expensive than their predecessor at launch. Yep, these come in at $449 / £400 / AU$699, which is $50 / £20 / AU$50 more than the XM5 at the point of release.

Of course, there have been economic issues for Sony and co to deal with, and there are a number of significant improvements on this model. But nonetheless, it’s a lot to pay for some over-ears considering there are so many excellent competitors floating around for considerably less.

For example, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra – which offer incredible noise cancelling capabilities, adept audio and a nice selection of smart features – are now more than a year-old, so you can find them on sale for under $350 / £350 pretty regularly. That's a great deal less than the new XM6.

Even the WH-1000XM5 are now widely sold for around $300 / £250. And spending that extra $150 / £150 to get the newest instalment, won't be a clear-cut decision for everyone, though I think the XM6 make the case for themselves.

But let’s give the XM6 their flowers. In terms of ANC, it really doesn’t get much better than this. You get top-tier isolation as well as fantastic sound quality, a boat-load of features and a design that marries the best of the XM4 and XM5 together. Sure, you may prefer the Bowers & Wilkins Px& S3 for sound, but the WH-1000XM6 are still, undoubtedly, among 2025’s very best over-ear headphones.

Value score: 4/5

Sony WH-1000XM6 next to their predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM5 (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Sony WH-1000XM6?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

In-use charging is neat, but incredible ANC and smart features steal the show.

5/5

Sound quality

Expressive, impactful audio that is more tuneable than ever.

4.5/5

Design

A touch chunky, but pleasingly foldable and highly comfortable.

4.5/5

Value

A little more than the XM5 and there's hot competition, but hard to beat as all-rounders.

4/5

Buy them if…

You want incredible noise cancellation
The Sony WH-1000XM6 plate up seriously impressive noise cancellation capabilities. Seriously, I could barely hear anything other than my favorite tunes when using these cans, even when walking in areas with heavy traffic or while vacuuming. If you’re sick of hearing the clicking and clacking of the train on your daily commute – or maybe your neighbor’s non-stop DIY projects, it might be time to snap these cans up.

You want top-tier features
These Sony cans supply no end of features to mess around with. You get adaptive noise cancelling, cinema upmixing, ‘hi-res’ music streaming options, Find Your Equalizer… need I say more? Pretty much everything you could ever want from some headphones is at your fingertips with the XM6. Just download the Sound Connect app and you’re off.

Don’t buy them if…

You’re on a budget
At $450 / £400, these over-ears are hardly wallet-friendly. You can get a lot of the features from the XM5 for far less, and there are some awesome affordable options out there such as the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51, which pack ANC, solid sound and wonderful battery life for less than $100 / £100.

You want bundles of playtime
Now don’t get me wrong, 30 hours of playtime with ANC on isn’t too bad. It’s just not anything special either. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless deliver an astonishingly high 60-hour battery life. And that’s with ANC on!

(Image credit: Future) Sony WH-1000XM6 review: also consider

Sony WH-1000XM6

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Price

$449 / £399 / AU$699

$TBC / £399 / AU$699

$429 / £449 / AU$649

Drivers

30mm dynamic

40mm dynamic

35mm dynamic

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

30 hours (ANC on)

24 hours (ANC on)

Weight

254g

300g

250g

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm

Frequency range

Not listed

10Hz-20kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproofing

None

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
I tested the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 during the course of this review, and they blew me away. Their ability to lift vocal performances to the forefront while still delivering pounding bass and tight treble is something that you have to hear to believe. ANC isn’t quite as good as the XM6 and some features, like spatial audio, are only coming via update. But for £400 – US release and pricing is TNC – you really are looking at top-tier sound. Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Even though it’s been more than a year since the Bose QuietComfort Ultra came to market, they’re still among the best over-ear headphones money can buy. Why? Well, it’s really all about ANC. You’re getting phenomenal isolation from the outside world here and with their price now slashed a fair amount, they’re a seriously strong candidate to be your next audio companion. Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review.

Sony WH-1000XM6 review: How I tested

Tested for a week
Used while travelling, in the office, and at home
Predominantly tested using Tidal streaming

I tested the Sony WH-1000XM6 over the course of a week. I used the over-ears in a variety of environments, including Sony’s 5020 Studio in Madrid, on walks near built-up roads and on public transport. I mainly connected the headphones to Tidal with the LDAC codec enabled for the best quality audio. But I also tried Cinema mode on Netflix and used DSEE Extreme on Spotify music files.

When listening to tunes, I went through the TechRadar testing playlist, which includes tracks from a number of genres, before expanding to a wider music selection. I also tested the headphones with my Windows laptop to trial quality using a wired connection. On top of that, I compared the WH-1000XM6 to a number of competitors we recommend, including Sony’s own WH-1000XM5, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.

First reviewed: May 2025
Read more about how we test

Categories: Reviews

I’ve had a blast reviewing the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025, it obliterated every obstacle to buying a flagship flip phone

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 05/15/2025 - 08:02

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025: Two-minute review

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I really dig the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 – this phone delights in ways other flat slabs simply can't. Using it with the cover display like a tiny, competent smartphone? Love it. The sheer satisfaction of snapping the phone shut to end a call – or my doom-scrolling session? Chef's kiss. The Razr Ultra makes every other phone feel like a boring rectangle. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty great.

What’s your excuse for not owning a Motorola Razr? Cameras? Durability? Raw gaming power? Whatever your hesitation, the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 is here to gently overcome your doubts. This isn’t just the best Razr ever; it's a genuinely remarkable mobile device.

Let’s get the sticker shock out of the way early: the Razr Ultra 2025 is more expensive than any previous Razr (yes, even that golden Dolce & Gabbana Razr V3i from the 90s). Starting at $1,299 / £1,099.99, it’s a cool $600 pricier than the base Razr 2025. That's a leap.

However, more than any other phone in this lofty price bracket, the Motorola Razr Ultra earns every penny. Consider what you're getting:

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

A glorious 7-inch main display. That’s one of the biggest screens you'll find on a non-tablet-style foldable. And it's not just big; our testing found that it's incredibly bright, and just as colorful as Moto claims.

But wait, there's more! The Razr Ultra's cover display isn't just for glancing at notifications. It’s a bona fide second screen that ran every app I threw at it. Plus, it's bright, sharp, and boasts a silky-smooth 165Hz refresh rate. Yes, the Razr Ultra's bonus screen is faster than any iPhone display.

This year's Razr Ultra 2025 also finally packs a flagship-level chipset: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, a processor that's been crushing it in every Android phone I've tested.

That powerful processor contributes to remarkable battery life. Despite its folding nature, the Razr Ultra packs enough juice to last all day, and even beat most competitors in our lab tests.

Even the cameras are good this year! During my cloudy New York City review period, I pitted it against the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Razr Ultra 2025 held its own, with photos sometimes better, sometimes worse – the hallmark of a decent camera shootout.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Need more? The Razr Ultra boasts the most unique selection of materials and finishes around. My review unit is literally made of wood (responsibly sourced, no less).

My colleague at Tom's Guide has one in Alcantara, like a fancy sports car steering wheel. The Alcantara and faux suede devices are technically plastic, but they feel much more premium.

The best you'll get from Samsung and Apple? Glass or titanium. Oh, and speaking of titanium, this year's entire Razr family uses it to reinforce the hinge. Take that, boring slabs!

The Razr is catching on, and Motorola loves to talk about iPhone switchers. After a week with the Razr Ultra 2025, I'm surprised I'm not seeing more of these flip phones in the wild.

Durability is a common concern, and it’s a fair one. The Razr Ultra is the first foldable to use Gorilla Glass Ceramic on its cover display. And did I mention the titanium? It’s also IP48 rated, meaning it can handle an unexpected dip, but dust remains its nemesis.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I’d love to say the Razr Ultra is bulletproof, but my first review sample had a screen hiccup within a day – it turned white intermittently, then fixed itself after a few days.

Moto replaced it, and the second unit has been flawless. I'll chalk it up to a fluke for now, but reliability is a hurdle for foldables. That said, the folding mechanism feels incredibly solid, closing with a deeply satisfying clap.

More than anything, using the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 reminds me how refreshing a unique design and capabilities can be. Also, I adore hanging up on… well, everything.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

$1,299 / £1,099 for 512GB storage and 16GB RAM
No Australian pricing or availability announced yet

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 is Motorola’s priciest Razr, starting at $1,299 / £1,099 / AU$TBC. A 1TB US model is an extra $200, but it's not available in the UK. We'll update this article with Australia pricing when we get it.

Yes, it's expensive – Galaxy S25 Ultra territory, and more than an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Only tablet-style foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 cost more.

I'd argue that you get more bang for your buck with the Razr Ultra. The Galaxy Ultra gives you a stylus. Do you really need a stylus? The iPhone 16 Pro Max gives you… well, more iPhone. Both have more cameras, but that’s about it.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Razr gives you a huge, foldable display that vanishes into your pocket like magic, and a 4-inch cover display larger than the original iPhone's screen. It’s genuinely two phones in one.

You also get a design with unmatched colors and materials. If natural titanium and moody blues are your jam, Apple and Samsung have you covered. For tactile wood and soft suede, Motorola is your dealer.

A word to the wise: the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 was frequently on sale. Discounts, bundles, you name it. Right now, US buyers get a free storage upgrade to 1TB at launch. If you want to save some money, patience might be rewarded with a future deal.

Value score: 5/5

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Specs

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Finally, a Razr that’s mostly flagship with few compromises. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is fast and efficient. The cameras are on a par with flat smartphones (though you only get two lenses). Even battery life is admirable.

I wouldn’t pay extra for 1TB of storage, and at launch, it's a free upgrade. My concern? Instead of price drops on the 512GB model, we might just see "special deals" offering the 1TB version at the 512GB price.

Dimensions:

154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm

Weight:

185.9g

Display:

6.3-inch Actua display

Resolution:

1080 x 2424

Refresh rate:

60-120Hz

Peak brightness:

2,700 nits

CPU:

Google Tensor G4

RAM:

8GB

Storage:

128GB / 256GB

OS:

Android 15

Cameras:

48MP main; 13MP ultra-wide

Selfie Camera:

13MP

Battery:

5,100mAh

Charging:

23W

Colors:

Obsidian, Porcelain, Peony, Iris

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Design

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Excellent material options, including actual wood and Alcantara
There’s a new button… for AI. You can mostly ignore it

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 looks almost identical to last year’s Razr Plus 2024, but it's available in new materials and new Pantone-inspired colors: Mountain Trail (real, responsibly sourced wood!), Rio Red, Cabaret, and Scarab (Alcantara suede).

No other phone feels like this. Motorola has refined the Razr design to a peak.

It’s not all sunshine and wood grain. There’s a new button on the left side of the Razr Ultra 2025, and I’ll give you one guess what… never mind. It’s AI. It’s a Moto AI button, and you can’t reprogram it to do anything but open Moto AI features (or just to do nothing at all).

To be fair, you can tie Motorola’s fascinating 'Pay Attention' feature to the button, and that intrigues me. I’ll talk more about the AI features in the Software section below, but it really bugs me that there's a whole new button and it’s just for AI.

The new Moto AI button on the side of the Razr Ultra 2025 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Why? Because Google’s Gemini AI already uses the power button on the other side! So, now there are two different AI buttons sitting on opposite sides of your Razr. Ugh.

If you’re concerned about the crease, don’t be. It never bothered me once. It’s hardly visible, and easy to ignore. It may look dramatic if you’ve never used a foldable phone, but it’s actually quite smooth. When you look at the unfolded screen head-on, you won’t see the crease at all.

Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 in Pantone Rio Red

Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 in Pantone Scarab

Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 in Pantone Mountain Trail

Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 in Pantone Cabaret

Design score: 3/5

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Display

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Incredibly large man display folds into a surprisingly small package
The large cover screen is also fantastic

Think of the Razr Ultra 2025 as a two-screen device, because the cover display is half the fun. Using it closed, interacting with just the 4-inch display, feels wonderfully clever and so convenient; I loved finding new ways to enjoy it. It became my Roku remote, my palm-sized hiking navigator via AllTrails, and my Slack monitor so I could keep my desktop less cluttered.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

That 4-inch cover display isn't just capable with software; it's advanced, refreshing up to 165Hz! Overkill? Maybe. Awesome? Definitely.

The inner display is remarkable as well. It’s a 7-inch, LTPO AMOLED panel that's Dolby Vision certified. The display is nearly the same size as the 6.9-inch screen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but the Galaxy is also a millimeter thicker and 20 grams heavier than the Razr.

In our Future Labs tests the Razr Ultra 2025 displayed a wider color gamut than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it was just as bright. Samsung still doesn’t support Dolby Vision, so if you’re a Netflix fan, that might give the Razr Ultra’s display a leg up over Samsung’s mightiest screen.

Display score: 4/5

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Software

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Useful gestures to open the camera and turn on the torch
AI image generator can be... problematic, producing stereotypical and offensive results

First, the good: Motorola’s interface gestures are great. Twist your wrist for the camera – it's the fastest camera shortcut out there. Chop thrice for the flashlight. I use these constantly; so does every Moto fan I've met.

Now, the AI. Motorola has also partnered with Perplexity AI. Perplexity is known to have trained its AI engine by ignoring the robots.txt page on media sites, a serious violation of web ethics. This allowed Perplexity to steal content freely, even content that was behind a paywall. I’m not going to say more about Perplexity here, they don’t deserve my support. Let's move on.

Moto AI has some interesting tricks. ‘Pay Attention’ records and summarizes audio. It can record phone conversations, or it can just record you and your friends talking.

‘Catch Me Up’ summarizes notifications, though it was hit-or-miss in my testing, often ignoring texts or other key alerts.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Then there’s the AI image generator. Guardrails seem optional. You can generate images of copyrighted characters and realistic-looking humans. Ask for humans, and you will likely get offensive stereotypes.

If you ask for an image of a person of any nationality or ethnicity, and you'll get a picture of what a bigot might think that person looks like. Ask for a "successful person"? Expect white dudes in suits.

Software score: 2/5

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Cameras

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Better than expected, occasionally even outshining the competition
Great macro mode helps compensate for the lack of a dedicated zoom lens

Cameras were always the Razr's Achilles heel, but the Ultra 2025’s dual 50MP shooters are a huge step up. I was more impressed with its images than I have been with images from any previous flip phone.

AI processing clearly helps. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, the Razr Ultra showed less noise and better detail in distant signs, though close inspection reveals some artificial sharpening. The end result is still pleasant. These aren't the best cameras, but they're very good. You're no longer sacrificing photo quality for that cool flip.

In fact, the Razr Ultra sometimes outperformed top camera phones. Its macro mode is excellent, capturing sharper, more vibrant low-light macros than the Pixel 9 Pro. Motorola seems to have borrowed Samsung’s color tuning philosophy – photos are 'Pantone validated' to be vibrant, making my flower shots pop against dreary scenes. Photographers might prefer the iPhone's naturalism, but I liked the Razr's shareable, satisfying images.

Plenty of modes are available, including Pro and a cool camcorder mode. The Photo Booth feature, using the folded phone as a stand, is perfect. There's room for improvement, but this Razr no longer feels like a camera compromise, especially for selfies using the main 50MP camera and cover display.

Camera score: 3/5

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(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future) Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Performance

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Excellent Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
Tons of RAM helps, but occasional lag during busy moments

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite continues its reign, with the Razr Ultra 2025 delivering impressive real-world performance and benchmark results.

It's great for gaming. Call of Duty Mobile ran maxed out with my Xbox controller connected, and Vampire Survivors was smooth with tons of enemies on screen.

You can game on the cover display. Vampire Survivors and Mighty Doom were playable, but CoD was illegible.

Benchmarks put the Razr Ultra 2025 on a par with the OnePlus 13 (another Snapdragon 8 Elite, 16GB RAM phone), and slightly below the Galaxy S25 (which gets a slightly overclocked Snapdragon). You won't notice the difference.

The only lag I saw was with cloud-dependent AI features or when downloading multiple apps, where button presses sometimes became unresponsive.

Performance score: 4/5

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Battery

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Excellent all-day battery life
Faster charging than most of the flagship competition

The Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 turned in impressive battery life. The phone had no trouble lasting all day in my weeklong review period, every day I used it.

The phone kept going whether I was using it for work, making video calls and using productivity apps, or using it for fun, taking photos and playing games on the train home. The Razr Ultra never quit before I went to bed.

In our Future Lab tests, the Razr Ultra is a top performer, lasting 18 hours and 30 minutes – just five minutes less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has a larger battery. Moto's power management is clearly on point.

It also charges at 68W, faster than many rivals at this price (the Galaxy S25 Ultra is 45W). With a compatible Motorola charger, you get nearly a full charge in 30 minutes, while the Galaxy Ultra hits around 70% in the same time.

Battery score: 5/5

Should you buy the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025?

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future) Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The most expensive Razr, but also the first that doesn’t compromise on flagship specs, from the processor to the cameras. The Razr Ultra gives you more than other phones this expensive.

4 / 5

Design

Excellent Razr design keeps getting better, with improved durability, more unique materials and color options, and a new titanium hinge. Not to mention the cover display. Forgive the AI button, there’s still plenty to love if you ignore it.

5 / 5

Display

If the Razr Ultra only had the excellent 7-inch internal screen it would be great, but the 4-inch cover puts this phone in a class of its own. It’s the only flip phone that is truly two phones in one.

5 / 5

Software

Motorola has a clean interface and useful software editions. I especially love the added gestures. Moto AI may have some promise and I like the ‘Pay Attention’ feature, but an offensive image generator spoils the party.

2 / 5

Camera

Much better cameras than you’d expect on a flip phone, and I even liked some of the Razr Ultra’s photos better than my iPhone’s pics. It also excels at macro, which almost makes up for the lack of telescopic zoom.

3 / 5

Performance

Excellent performance from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite inside. It’s not the fastest you can find, but it keeps up with all the best flagship phones and it plays my favorite games at their highest settings with no trouble at all.

4 / 5

Battery

Surprisingly good battery life, as good as the Galaxy Ultra even though the battery is smaller. Fast charging makes it worth splurging on a faster Moto charger – this is a phone that doesn’t want to miss the party, after all!

5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a phone that is actually stylish
Are you tired of raw metal and phone colors that aren’t colorful? Motorola is making phones stylish again, with faux suede and real wood.

You want two devices in one, a big phone and a compact
Somehow the Moto Razr Ultra gives you one of the biggest displays on any smartphone along with one of the smallest, and both are quite capable.

You're really, really into AI and all the AI apps
AI isn’t my thing, but if you love AI, the Moto Razr puts AI tools front and center – literally, on the cover display, so you can talk to the robot without opening your phone.

Don't buy it if...

You need serious zoom cameras
If your kid plays a sport or you love bird watching, you might want that extra reach to get better photos from far away. The Razr Ultra doesn’t have it.

You want all the style but don’t need the performance
You can get a stylish flip phone for much less if you don’t care about performance or great cameras. The Razr 2025 is just over half the price of the Ultra.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 review: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Razr Ultra 2025 might be great, but the king of smartphone heap is the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with the fastest performance, most versatile cameras, and so many features.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review

Motorola Razr 2025
You don’t sacrifice any style by choosing the less expensive Razr 2025, just the faster processor and better cameras. You still get great colors and two amazing displays.
We'll have a full review of the Razr 2025 on TechRadar soon.

Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Motorola Razr 2025

Price (at launch):

$1,299 / £1,099 / AU$TBD

$1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,149

$699 / £799 / AU$TBD

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

Mediatek Dimensity 7400X

Display(s)

7-inch AMOLED / 4-inch pOLED

6.9-inch AMOLED

6.9-inch AMOLED / 3.6-inch pOLED

Cameras

50MP main / 50MP ultrawide

200MP main / 10MP 3X zoom / 50MP 5X zoom / 50MP ultrawide

50MP main / 13MP ultrawide

Charging

68W wired / 30W wireless

45W wired / 15W wireless

30W wired / 15W wireless

How I tested the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

I used the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 for one week. I tested the phone on AT&T’s network in the greater New York area, throughout the city and suburbs. I used the Razr Ultra as my primary work phone with all of my work accounts and apps, as well as using it as a personal phone for photos and gaming.

I tested the Razr Ultra with a Pixel Watch 3 and OnePlus Buds Pro 3. I connected the phone to my car and tested Android Auto. I connected an Xbox wireless controller for gaming.

I tested the Razr Ultra camera to the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra. For macro photo comparisons, I compared to the Pixel 9 Pro.

Future Labs tests phones using a mix of third-party benchmark software and proprietary, real-world tests. We use Geekbench, CrossMark, JetStream, WebXPRT and Mobile XPRT, and 3DMark for performance testing. We test a phone's performance on video editing tasks using Adobe Premiere Rush. We also measure display color output and brightness.

For battery testing, we have proprietary rundown tests that are the same for every phone, which we use to determine how long it takes for the battery to run down.

Imperium Hosting review

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 05/15/2025 - 06:31

Imperium Hosting is a veteran-owned game server host which caters for a wide range of games. We focused on its place among the best Minecraft server hosting, but if you can think of a game with an online community, Imperium probably has a server plan for it.

For Minecraft, Imperium Hosting focuses on a range of configurable options rather than specific plan names which means a lot of variety. Besides game server hosting, Imperium also provides web hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated servers. Potentially a good option for someone seeking the best dedicated server hosting, we’ve specifically looked at Imperium Hosting’s dedicated Minecraft server hosting options. Here’s what we found during our time with Imperium.

Plans and pricing

Unlike other game server host providers, Imperium Hosting doesn’t use dedicated names for its plans. Instead, you pick your game then configure the options you need.

For Minecraft, that means you can adjust the memory allocation between 2GB and 20GB, and the disk space between 50GB and 200GB. Additionally, there are options like a superior CPU and other add-ons as needed.

It’s great to have such flexibility but if you’re new to game server hosting, some guidance as to what plan works best for your situation would help.

All plans offer DDoS protection, global server locations, extensive customer support, and one-click mod pack installation.

Refreshingly, while Imperium Hosting offers some add-ons during sign up, like migration, everything is opt-in. As standard, you’re provided with the cheapest plan with Minecraft plans starting from $2.99 for a basic 2GB RAM/50GB disk space plan (you’ll need more RAM in most scenarios). It’s laid out well so you know what you’re getting.

The cheapest plan starts at $2.99 with the price rising to $72 for the maxed out 20GB RAM/200GB disk space/RealTime CPU plan. There’s no extra fee for any of the server location with servers based in Washington, California, Virginia, the UK, France, and Canada. Payment is accepted via PayPal or credit/debit card.

Ease of use

A screenshot of the Imperium Hosting control panel (Image credit: Imperium)

As mentioned, the sign up process on the Imperium website doesn’t involve clicking on specific plan names. Instead, you pick the memory and disk space you need along with the CPU priority you would like. It’s not as clearly laid out as other hosting options (and I never could find full details on concrete differences between the CPU options), but it does give you plenty of control.

In a similar vein, once signed up, the dashboard and control panel aren’t as clearly laid out as others either but there’s all you need once you dig around. Log in and you can dive into the MySQL manager (1 database comes as standard), or the game service manager. The latter is where you’ll be spending much of your time with clearly laid options for adding mods, checking logs, or scheduling tasks? Attractive to look at? Not in the slightest but it gets the job done.

There are many modpacks available as well as the option to switch between Spigot and Paper, or Vanilla. If you’re completely new to setting up a Minecraft server, Imperium Hosting can be a little intimidating but it’s as powerful as you need it to be.

My favorite highlight is how easy it is to add sub users as not every game server host makes that as obviously simple as this. Just go to Create a Sub User and you can easily get set up.

Speed and experience

Adding a user to your Imperium Hosting plan. (Image credit: Imperium)

Imperium Hosting has servers located around the world. These include three within the US, one in Canada, one in the UK, and one in France. When signing up, your options are a little more restricted to Western America, Eastern America, or Western Europe.

Elsewhere in the world, you may find this a little limiting but based in Western Europe, I achieved a steady ping under 40 at all times. While there could be more varied servers, the core market is covered with North America and Western Europe.

As with all Minecraft server plans, aim high if you want to install any mods. Checking out the most basic plan and installing a couple of mods soon maxed out the memory usage. That’s typical when managing any Minecraft server but bear in mind that it’s a smart move to research what you need for your plans as Imperium Hosting doesn’t provide any recommendations.

Support

When it comes to support, it’s a benefit that Imperium Hosting is fairly small. Support is friendly and well-respected by many users. There’s Live Chat, a Discord server, as well as a more typical ticketing system. There’s also a Knowledgebase which covers most queries.

A YouTube channel would round things up nicely but like a lot of the service, Imperium is all about function over form and it still works reasonably well.

Imperium doesn't provide insight into its uptime on the site so there are no statistics to compare with other hosting providers. However, in my experience using the server, there was no downtime.

Final Verdict

Imperium Hosting isn’t the prettiest or most novice friendly of game server hosts, but it deserves some attention. If you’re keen to back a smaller game server hosting service, you’ll gain a decent pricing structure and good customer service.

There’s no chance of paying for features you don’t need here as Imperium Hosting keeps it simply laid out even if it isn’t ideal for newbies. Similarly, while you won’t be regaling Minecraft buddies with tales of how good looking the control panel is, it gets the job done.

Simple yet effective in all the right ways, I’d still recommend Imperium Hosting even if it could be a little more refined in places.

Categories: Reviews

Empower Servers review

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 05/15/2025 - 06:30

Empower Servers might not be a major name in Minecraft game server hosting but it’s been around since 2018 and offers some key services.

It isn’t quite of the standard to feature among the very best Minecraft server hosting but its choice of standard or premium plans and a sliding scale all ensure it’s well suited for novices and experienced server admins alike.

We focused on our time with its Minecraft server but Empower provides hosting for many of the most popular games including Palworld and Rust. It also offers Discord bots and website hosting if you have wider plans in mind. If you’re looking for some of the best Palworld server hosting, this could be a good option for that as well as Minecraft. There are also options to rival the best Rust server hosting. Here’s how we found the dedicated Minecraft server hosting options within Empower.

Plans and pricing

Pick the game you want a server for and you’re presented with configuration options relating to that game. With Minecraft, that means a choice of tiers between standard and high performance, and the ability to adjust how much RAM you need. Predictably then, there’s a lot of flexibility here.

Once you’ve picked the basics, it’s also possible to pay extra for daily backups, a dedicated IP, plugin and mod install, and a domain registration, As standard, all the Empower plans promise 20GB of NVMe storage, a free subdomain, full mod and plugin support, no player limit, and unmetered bandwidth. Premium plans offer a dedicated IP, daily backups, and unlimited NVMe storage as part of the bundle.

Empower uses a mixture of AMD Ryzen 3900X, Intel i9-11900K, and Xeon-E 2286G CPUs. It’s not possible to pick the specific CPU your server uses if you’re keen for that level of control.

All plans have a 48 hour refund policy which is a little brief compared to the competition which typically offers 72 hours, but should still be sufficient for giving you enough time to figure out if you like how Empower does things.

Ease of use

The Empower dashboard console mid update. (Image credit: Future)

Empower Servers focuses on a simplified process when signing up which continues throughout use. Sign up is simple enough with you picking the game then working out what extras you want to pay for. It’s clearly laid out.

Once set up, the control panel is similarly obvious. It takes seconds to find the console, find plugins or modpacks to add, and all the other essentials you need.

It’s simple enough that you don’t need exactly how to set up a Minecraft server as Empower takes out most of the hard work. In particular, it’s great to see how easy it is to install extras without needing expert knowledge. You can also easily add files via the file manager so it’s not like you’re held back either if you know what you’re doing.

One neat addition is that you can easily add other admins with Empower laying out exactly what each option does via a series of tick boxes. That’s particularly useful for anyone figuring out the basics behind server hosting.

Speed and experience

The Empower dashboard showing all plugins available to install. (Image credit: Future)

Empower has servers located in eight locations. These include Canada, Germany, New Zealand, United States, Netherlands, UK, Australia, and Singapore.

While signing up, you can choose the location. I picked the UK one and had a steady ping of around 40 throughout use. Empower promises 100% network uptime.

Unusually, I did have brief downtime with my server crashing and restarting. However, I suspect that was because of a configuration issue rather than a fault on Empower’s end. I’d installed an out-of-date plugin which was causing connection issues. I think that ultimately led to the server rebooting.

It’s possible to sign up for a 2GB RAM plan but it’s not advisable. Empower suggests that such a minimal plan is only suitable for the Bedrock edition and in my experience, 4GB RAM at minimum is best for small server aims.

Once you install a few mods and plugins, less RAM can really negatively affect performance. Fortunately, Empower’s dashboard shows at a glance how your CPU and memory usage is being affected at all times.

Support

Empower offers quite a few different ways to reach out for support. At its simplest, it has an extensive knowledge base which covers a wide range of the most common issues you might come across.

When you need more assistance, there’s also a Discord for more direct help or general advice. Alternatively, there’s a live chat facility with AI assistance at first leading into human help. If it’s not too urgent, you can also email Empower.

Another option is to watch the Empower YouTube channel which offers some great tutorials on how to complete many tasks.

I found the service across the board pretty efficient and also helpful. Having so many choices means you shouldn't feel stuck with any issue or query you might have.

Final Verdict

Empower is good for everyone but its strength lies with being fairly user friendly. It doesn’t dig too deep into the details at first glance unless you want to go looking for it. Instead, it’s welcoming and ensures its control panel and dashboard make logical sense with clearly laid out terms that don’t require as much prior knowledge as you would expect.

The best option with Empower is a premium plan but you can still get good value from money from a standard plan. It all comes down to your needs. For someone looking to host a few friends, a standard plan will suffice, while those looking to create a community may wish to go for the premium plan.

Categories: Reviews

I found one of the best free Minecraft servers I just wish Minefort's paid plans were as good.

TechRadar Reviews - Thu, 05/15/2025 - 04:22

Minefort is a dark horse of a game server hosting company. That’s because its initial focus is on how it provides free plans. It isn’t a perfect service which is why one of the best Minecraft server hosting providers is likely to be better suited for many needs, but for a quick hit, there’s appeal here.

Besides the free plan, there are premium options too. As the name suggests, Minefort exclusively caters for Minecraft players so others may prefer to use the best dedicated server hosting instead if you have bigger plans. Simpler than the best VPS hosting, here’s how we found Minefort for Minecraft server hosting.

Plans and pricing

Minefort offers five plans each named after a type of accommodation. The free plan is named Hut while there’s also Cottage, House, Mansion, and Fort. The free plan is only online when in use and goes into hibernation mode until you restart it. The others are all available 24/7.

There’s no insight into what CPUs are used for each server plan but you’re provided with the essentials -- RAM, max players, backup slots, and storage limits. The free plan starts things off with 10 player slots at most.

Unlike bigger hosts, Minefort doesn’t lead the way with suggestions or even with a sliding scale to adjust plans, but the basics are here. There’s also DDoS protection and support for all plans. The two priciest plans offer ‘Advanced’ and ‘Premium’ DDoS protection but again, details are pretty non-existent as to what that entails. Consider Minefort simple in both good and potentially frustrating ways for micro managers.

Ease of use

A screenshot of the Minefort control panel (Image credit: Future)

Signing up to Minefort takes mere moments. It leans heavily into its free offering so there’s no need to enter card details until you get to the upgrade screen. A clearly laid out control panel is instantly accessible. Head to appearances to get things personalized while there’s one-click plugin installation for many different mods.

It’s also possible to quickly add another admin, create backups, and connect via FTP. That goes for the free plan as well as paid servers too.

On the free plan, you'll need to remember that the server can go into hibernation mode easily when not in use. Also, while you can set up many free servers, only one can be actively online at any one time.

Still, Minefort offers much of what you need from a paid plan while never feeling like you miss out on much when pursuing the free plan too. This is a service that’s appropriate for anyone new to knowing how to set up a Minecraft server as well as more experienced admins.

Speed and experience

Minefort general server options (Image credit: Future)

Unlike other hosts, Minefort doesn’t explain where its servers are located. You can’t choose the location but a dig around confirms they’re based in Canada. That means if you’re based in Europe like me, ping can be a little higher than average. In my case, it was around 150ish which isn’t too awkward. Certainly not for something a little more forgiving (most of the time) like Minecraft.

The lack of location options feels more of an issue when paying for a plan than it does with the free plan. Your mileage will vary here as obviously, it’s good to have plenty of control when paying a lot, but less relevant on cheaper plans.

Understandably, performance similarly varies depending on what you’re paying. Scant details are provided regarding CPUs and RAM, but the basic free plan lives up to its name which means it’s best just for a few players and not too many mods. It only offers 1GB RAM which is pretty low for most Minecraft installs. Upgrade and you can change things up between 35 players right up to 200. As with other Minecraft server hosts, you get what you pay for.

For any long term plans, aim for the most premium package (or potentially something from the best premium game server hosting).

Support

Minefort has fairly limited support on the free plan with 24/7 access for paid plans. On a free plan, your main route of support is a chatbot until support is available or the knowledge base. The chatbot is reasonably helpful for basic queries while the FAQ also covers many commonly asked questions. There’s also a Discord – an increasingly popular way to solve queries fast by crowdsourcing help in some cases.

It’s not as feature rich as competitors and the lack of a YouTube channel is a missed opportunity. Still, if you know what you’re doing, you may not need support very often.

Final Verdict

Minefort’s strength is in its free offerings. It’s refreshing to find a seemingly catch-free way of enjoying a free server with a few friends. After all, you don’t even need to enter card details. That free server may not offer much power but it’s still sufficient for a quick few sessions with a couple of buddies.

Where it gets trickier to recommend is when it comes to its paid plans. The lack of location choice and the limited details about hardware won’t appeal to experienced server admins and understandably so. It’s well priced but competitors do a better job of explaining all before you commit to anything.

Because of that, Minefort is best suited for anyone who needs an inexpensive or free plan for a short period of time. Something to tide them over rather than if they have plans for a community-driven server.

There’s a place for that kind of service which is why Minefort is worth acknowledging and checking out. Just make sure to temper your expectations. If you know what you’re doing and what you need, there are better alternatives around.

Categories: Reviews

I tried the AOC Q27V5CW - read what I thought of this simple but top-quality USB-C monitor

TechRadar Reviews - Wed, 05/14/2025 - 05:26

This review first appeared in issue 339 of PC Pro.

AOC has built its reputation on putting together high-quality monitors for a great price, and that’s exactly what it has done here. What lifts the Q27V5CW apart from previous mainstream AOC products is that it offers USB-C docking along with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, which is quite remarkable for the price: one obvious competitor is HP’s E27d G4, which costs almost £500.

In terms of panel quality, the AOC is definitely a match for the HP. Both offer a 2,560 x 1,440 resolution across a 27in diagonal, and with 94% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut coupled with an average Delta E of 0.33 the Q27V5CW is a vibrant offering. If you prefer the sRGB color space then head into AOC’s (clumsy) OSD, which switches to a fixed brightness of 255cd/m2. That is a drop from the screen’s peak of 336cd/m2 but it locks you to the sRGB gamut: 95% coverage out of 96% volume with an average Delta E of 0.43. Those are exemplary figures.

Like the HP, AOC also includes a webcam. But where HP sticks at 720p, this one goes up to 1080p. Overall, I was impressed: plenty of detail and solid colors are all most people need. There are no fancy AI features, such as following you around during calls, but it does support Windows Hello logins. The dual microphones are merely fine, suffering as they do from a slight hum, but the pair of 5W speakers are just about good enough for listening to music on. Audiophiles won’t be happy with the lack of bass and detail, though.

The USB-C port delivers up to 65W of power, so not the 100W of the best docking monitors but plenty for most laptops. Connecting over USB-C not only cuts down on cable clutter but also activates the four USB-A ports tucked away at the rear. However, this is no USB-B input so you can’t share a keyboard and mouse between two connected computers.

I took advantage of the well-built stand’s pivot option to access the ports more easily, and it also offers 130mm of height adjustment and plenty of swivel and tilt. It adds up to a superb everyday screen, and while AOC doesn’t offer high refresh rates – up to 75Hz – a 4ms grey-to-grey response time means casual gamers should be satisfied. But the real prize here is the £330 asking price, which is simply amazing for a high-quality 27in USB-C docking monitor.

We've also ranked the best monitors for a dual-screen set-up.

Categories: Reviews

I tested these clip-on open ear headphones with 3D audio – here’s how I rated them

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 13:00

Anker Soundcore C40i: review

Enter the Anker Soundcore C40i, another competitor in the ever-growing field of open ear headphones. Thanks to their lack of a seal, these clip-on headphones are ideal for those who want to be aware of their surroundings – such as runners or gym-goers. At the same time, the Anker Soundcore C40i still aim to deliver a strong sonic experience – something that a lot of open ear models have struggled to accomplish. So how do they fare?

Well, as you may expect, you’re not going to get stunning audio from the Anker Soundcore C40i. Like all open ear headphones, the loose design means that sound is less concentrated and there’s ambient noise to compete with from your surroundings. Yet these still perform decently in the audio department. Well, that is, after a bit of tinkering.

You see, out of the gate, I wasn’t sure if me and the Anker Soundcore C40i would be best pals. The default Soundcore Signature tuning is a little convoluted and bass packs a pretty feeble punch… well, more of a tap really. But I had no need to fear, because like many of the best open ear headphones, the C40i have custom EQ settings. I simply wandered over to the Soundcore app and refined audio by selecting 3D Surround Sound.

I was actually quite surprised that the 3D audio mode was a hit – I’ve seen no end of headphones fail on this, including rival clip-on buds like the Edifier LolliClip. Bass response is improved and you get a decently immersive listening experience – I stuck with 3D mode for much of my testing. There’s also a Bass, Volume Booster and an eight-band custom option for those who aren’t digging the 3D effects.

After getting all set up, I got straight into A Seagull & Clouds by Himiko Kikuchi, a beautiful funk-infused jazz track. The C40i performed very well for a pair of open ear headphones, with subtle percussive elements including tambourines coming through clearly, yet subtly enough to give the expressive trumpet, dancing keys and smooth bass plenty of limelight.

Moving over to Black Eye by Allie X and the pounding drum machine didn’t have the razor sharp speed that I’ve heard from more premium headphones, but its depth was replicated nicely, especially given the C40i’s open build. Higher pitched vocal segments sounded perfectly clear at medium volumes but could sound a little harsh at top levels.

Overall, I’d argue that the C40i sound above-average for a pair of open ear headphones. There’s no LDAC for ‘hi-res’ listening and you’re unlikely to be wowed by massive sub-bass, for example. But these do still offer up surprisingly good separation and impressively immersive overall sound, which is to be applauded.

There’s no noise cancelling here, as seen with some open ear headphones like the Honor Earbuds Open. And if you pair that with the C40i’s inherently leaky open design, you can expect listening sessions to be significantly interrupted if you’re in busy areas.

That could be a big win if you’re concerned about the risks of using ANC-enabled buds in traffic-heavy areas for your morning run. But if you’re instead looking to shut out the world around you, don’t worry – you can check out our guide to the best noise cancelling earbuds instead!

(Image credit: Future)

In general, there really aren’t a ton of features to play around with on the Soundcore C40i. Again, you can adjust EQ in the super easy-to-use app, which also shows devices connected with multi-point and battery life remaining for each bud and the charging case. The only other major inclusion is customizable button controls. You can assign a different function to tapping once, twice, or three times on the buds’ buttons. Options include playback control, voice assistant activation and volume adjustment.

The decision to use traditional button controls was also one that I had no issue with whatsoever. Sure, it’s not the most modern approach, but it removes the frustration I’ve experienced when accidentally triggering touch commands on rivals like the Happy Plugs Clip. These buttons also let you take or reject calls, which brings me onto mic quality. I found the C40i performed nicely, with clear speech on both calls and a voice recording. Background static was very limited and I wasn’t subjected to harsh sibilance either – no complaints here!

Outside of their button controls, I didn’t quite fall in love with the C40i’s design, though. Firstly, they’re not particularly pretty, with the Midnight model I tested having an almost muddy shade to it. The case also feels a little chunky and positioning the sync button on the underside of the case is a little odd – not that I really needed it thanks to the C40i automatically pairing to my phone via Bluetooth 5.4.

I also didn’t find these open ear headphones to be particularly comfortable. They were a little tight for me, so I rarely found myself keeping them on for longer than a couple of hours at a time. That’s something that the slightly newer, more expensive model, the Anker Soundcore AeroClip corrected with a more flexible build.

A couple more things before I stop moaning – both the C40i’s waterproofing and battery life are markedly average, with a number of competitors outperforming them. They’re just IPX4-rated, meaning they can handle some water splashes and sweat, but might not be the best with water jets or submersion. That’s not the case for a model like the IP57-rated Huawei FreeArc, which have plenty of protection against the elements. And you’re getting a moderate eight hours of playtime from the buds and maximum 21 hours with the case – again, nothing special.

The C40i still plate up impressive audio in 3D sound mode and I’m a big fan of the Soundcore companion app, so their list price of $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$149.99 is hardly outrageous. But you can do better. Specifically, the newer Anker Soundcore AeroClip are a more rounded, comfortable pick and only cost a touch more. And if you’re on a tighter budget, you can grab an excellent budget alternative like the Huawei FreeArc, which I’ve spotted on sale for less than £80 fairly regularly – but more on these below.

Anker Soundcore C40i review: specs

Waterproof rating

IPX4

Battery life

7 hours (earbuds); 21 hours (with charging case)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.4

Weight

5.8g (per bud); 40g (charging case)

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

(Image credit: Future) Anker Soundcore C40i review: price and availability

$99.99 / £99.99 / AU$149.99
Launched in October 2024

The clip-styled Anker Soundcore C40i released in October 2024 alongside a more traditional open ear model, the Anker Soundcore Aerofit 2. You can grab this model in three colorways: Desert Bronze; Midnight (black); or my personal favorite, Champagne Mist, which is a see-through variant, similar to the Sony WF-C710.

The C40i launched with a list price of $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$149.99, which is in the budget-to-midrange category. It’s worth noting that this model is significantly pricier than its predecessor, the Anker Soundcore C30i, which are typically $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.99. On the other hand, you’ll have to shell out $129.99 / £129.99 (about AU$210) for the more recent (and superior) Anker Soundcore AeroClip.

(Image credit: Future) Should you buy the Anker Soundcore C40i?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Solid mic quality, effective 3D sound mode, battery life just OK, no ANC.

3.5/5

Sound quality

Need some tuning, but offer solid bass output and clear audio for open ears.

4/5

Design

Not the most comfortable, average waterproofing, nice button controls.

3/5

Value

Fairly priced but you can do better in a similar price range.

3.5/5

Buy them if...

You’re on a budget
With a sub-$100 / £100 list price, the Anker Soundcore C40i are far from the most expensive open ear headphones on the market. They’re a bit less than the newer AeroClip model, making them a solid budget alternative.

You’re not into touch controls
If you don’t want fiddly touch controls then you’re in luck, because the C40i stick with good ‘ol buttons. You can customize the button controls in the Soundcore app too, allowing you to assign a different function to one, two, or three button presses.

Don't buy them if...

You’re an audiophile
These sound above average for a pair of open ear headphones, but still, you’re not going to get that rich, detailed and separated sound that a pair of the best wired earbuds can offer, for example.

You’re looking for ANC
Like a lot of open ear headphones, you won’t get ANC out of the Anker Soundcore C40i. Combine that with their open design and you’re going to find that a lot of ambient noise will flow in.

Anker Soundcore C40i review: also consider

Anker Soundcore C40i

Edifier LolliClip

Huawei FreeArc

Price

$99.99 / £99.99 / AU$149.99

$129.99 (about £100 / AU$210)

£99.99 (about $130 / AU$200)

Waterproof rating

IPX4

IP56

IP57

Battery life

7 hours (earbuds); 21 hours (with charging case)

9 hours (earbuds); 39 hours (with charging case)

7 hours (earbuds), 28 hours (with charging case)

Bluetooth type

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.2

Weight

5.8g (per bud); 40g (charging case)

7g (per bud); 46g (charging case)

8.9g (per bud); 67g (charging case)

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

20Hz-40kHz

Not stated

Edifier LolliClip
OK, so at the time of writing, this model is only available to those of you in the US, although I got to test them out myself on the other side of the pond. These are a great pair of open ear headphones that have plenty of features – including ANC, heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen tracking. They also supply strong sound quality, a neat design and high comfortability. Sure, their companion app isn’t as sleek as the Soundcore one and EQ options are a bit limited, but they’re still an option that’s well-worth your consideration. Read our full Edifier LolliClip review.

Huawei FreeArc
Conversely, the Huawei FreeArc are an alternate option for UK customers who want a truly excellent open ear experience. We love these buds for their “top-tier sound”, natural fit and competitive price. That’s right, these can also be yours for less than £100 (about $130 / AU$200). Like the C40i, there’s no ANC and battery life won’t blow you away. But still, these are a great value option in a red-hot market. Read our full Huawei FreeArc review.

Anker Soundcore C40i review: How I tested

(Image credit: Future)

Tested during a one-week period
Used in the office and while out in public
Predominantly tested using Tidal

I tested the Anker Soundcore C40i across the course of a week, predominantly when working at Future Labs, but also when out and about. I played around with their full set of features, tuned in for casual and critical listening and assessed their quality across all EQ presets.

When listening to music, I made use of Tidal on my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. As always, I ran through the TechRadar testing playlist, which includes tracks from a variety of genres and is optimized for assessing sound quality across the frequencies. I also blasted a ton of tunes from my personal music library and compared audio capabilities against the Soundcore AeroClip on ear headphones.

First reviewed: May 2025
Read more about how we test

Categories: Reviews

This cheap Apple Watch dupe is under $100 and actually stuffed with features

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 08:54

Tozo S6: Two minute review

The Tozo 6 is unlikely to make it into our guide to the best smartwatches, but it's certainly good value for money, comparable with some of the best cheap fitness trackers. What you get for the $79.99 / £54 / around AU$111 price tag is pretty impressive, although you’ll be purchasing it knowing its limited feature set. Despite being relatively feature-rich, there are a lot of limitations. We’ll get into those alongside what’s good and commendable about this budget-friendly option below.

The Tozo S6 looks almost identical to the Apple Watch SE, a cheap dupe. I appreciate it can be difficult to make smartwatches stand out from each other, but if you put these two smartwatches next to each other, you’d be amazed at how similar they are. It’s not even just the shape, but also the location of the crown and secondary button, as well as the strap's style.

The Tozo S6 plastic case boasts a smooth curved bezel from back to front, culminating in a sizable 1.82-inch AMOLED display. Tozo has done a superb job of engineering a screen that is both clear and bright, especially for the price. Colors are generally replicated accurately, with a slight tendency towards being too vibrant. Customizable watch faces are an expected, but welcome addition.

On the right-hand side, you’ll find a rotating crown above a secondary button. The crown performs nicely with sufficient resistance and satisfying ‘feedback’ to enable predictable and controlled scrolling. The secondary button protrudes from the case and is easy to locate without looking.

The silicone strap took a while to install due to some rather fiddly pins but once in place, it was pretty comfortable. Once tightened, the rest of the strap folds up underneath so it’s not flapping around. At first, I thought this would be unbearably uncomfortable but in reality, it caused no discomfort at all.

(Image credit: Future)

Moving on from the design and onto the features, we find a smartwatch that covers all the expected bases when it comes to smartwatches, health trackers, and fitness trackers.

The Tozo S6 provides the ability to track metrics, including heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen levels. Unfortunately, the watch is slow to generate results, with a heart rate measurement taking upwards of 30 seconds. This is noticeably slow compared to other smartwatches, including the Huawei Watch GT5, which takes between 10 and 15 seconds. Having to wait for metrics is one of the downsides of paying so little for the watch.

Exercise activities can be tracked using one of 10 sports modes, although more can be added by using the app, which is a slightly odd system. Your desired sports mode can be located by swiping up and down through the list, although the scrolling experience is far from smooth and reliable. However, once in, the interface is actually quite nice; stats during runs and cycles, such as time elapsed, calories burned and distance traveled are prominently displayed, enabling them to be easily seen even during intense exercise or adverse weather conditions.

The accuracy of metrics collected during my test cycles is comparable with other smartwatches that I’d worn while cycling the same routes. These include the recently-tested Huawei GT5 and Suunto Race S, which are both at the more premium end of the market. Recorded activities are nicely displayed in the Tozo app.

I liked how these were organized and presented in a calendar format, with each one showing a set of key stats and presented in easy-to-digest graphs. For such a cheap smartwatch, the Tozo app is actually comparable with anything you’d find from Huawei or Samsung.

Smartwatch features include receiving notifications and reminders. These are delivered reliably and instantly, as long as the device is connected through the app. I did find the device dropping connection more often than I would have liked, but thankfully the pairing process is both quick and easy. For the price, I was impressed that Bluetooth calling was available, although you have to add contacts into the Tozo app first. Audio quality could be improved, but what are we really expecting for one of the most budget smartwatches around?

The watch is advertised as lasting around 15 days on a single charge, although I barely managed 10 days during my ‘only check the time and notifications’ testing period. With activity tracking and health monitoring performed each day, the battery life dropped nearer to 5 days.

Tozo S6: Specifications

Price:

$79.99 US / £54 UK

Dimensions:

44.5*38.5*10.8 mm

Weight:

39.5g

Case/Bezel:

PC+ABS

Display:

1.85-inch AMOLED 390x450 ppi

GPS:

None

Battery life:

Up to 15-days battery life

Connection:

Bluetooth

Water resistance:

1 ATM

Tozo S6: Price and availability

$79.99 US / £54 UK
One size only

The Tozo S6 is only available in one size and one color (black). It retails at an unbelievably low $79.99 US / £54 UK. Shipping takes between three and seven days. Every purchase includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, a one-year hassle-free warranty, and lifetime customer support.

Tozo S6: Scorecard

I’ve reviewed every DJI drone, and the triple-camera Mavic 4 Pro sets a new benchmark for what’s possible

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 07:03

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: one-minute review

I’ve flown and reviewed every DJI drone from the past 10-plus years, and I’m blown away on an almost yearly basis; and that's the case once again with the DJI Mavic Pro 4, which sets a new benchmark for what’s possible with consumer and prosumer UAVs. The Mavic 4 Pro is, without a doubt, one of the best DJI drones you can buy.

The responsiveness of the controls and speed and smoothness of flight remind me more of the DJI Inspire 3 than the Mavic 3 Pro. Let’s not get carried away though; the Inspire 3 and Mavic 4 Pro are different in many ways, and the Mavic 4 Pro takes prosumer drones to a whole new level.

(Image credit: James Abbott)

And this is all before we consider the three impressive cameras with true vertical shooting. That’s right – the gimbal rotates 90 degrees, which is a first for a drone with more than a single small camera and sensor, let alone one with a Four Thirds camera.

The Mavic Pro 4 camera offering is headed by a 28mm 4/3 camera with up to a 100MP resolution and an adjustable f/2-f/11 aperture. This is complemented by a 70mm camera with a 48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor, and a 168mm camera with a 50MP 1/1.5-inch sensor. Video is available up to 6K 60fps with the main camera, and up to 4K 120fps with the two telephotos.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: release date and price

Released on 13 May 2025
Three kit options
Prices start at $TBC / £1,879 / AU$3,099

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro was announced and released on 13 May 2025, and is available directly from DJI and authorized retailers. There are three kits, starting with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro (DJI RC 2), which costs £1,879 / AU$3,099; as mentioned, DJI has yet to confirm when or if the Mavic 4 Pro will be available in the US. This kit includes the Mavic 4 Pro, RC 2 smart controller, 64GB of internal storage, an Intelligent Flight Battery and accessories.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo costs £2,459 / AU$4,039. This includes all of the above plus two additional Intelligent Flight batteries, a DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter, a Battery Charging Hub and a shoulder bag. In my opinion, this kit offers exceptional value for money.

The third and most high-end kit option is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro 512GB Creator Combo. This costs £3,209 / AU$5,359, and includes everything in the standard kit plus 512GB of internal storage, a 240W power adapter, two additional Intelligent Flight batteries, a Parallel Battery Charging Hub, a USB-C to USB-C High-Speed Data Cable and a Shoulder bag.

(Image credit: James Abbott) DJI Mavic 4 Pro: specs Specs

Camera

28mm 100MP 4/3 sensor / 70mm 48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor / 168mm 50MP 1/1.5-inch sensor

Video resolution

Up to 6K

Frame rates

6K up to 60fps / 4K up to 120fps / FHD up to 60fps / Vertical 4/3 up to 4K 60fps, Tele 2.7K up to 60fps

Video transmission range

18.6 miles (FCC) / 9.32 miles (CE, SRRC, MIC)

Flight modes

Sport, Normal, Cine

Battery

6654mAh / up to 51 minutes flight time

Charger type

USB-C / charging hub

Weight

2.34lbs / 1063g

Dimensions

10.14 x 4.91 x 4.07 inches / 257.6 x 124.8 x 103.4mm folded / 12.94 x 15.37 x 5.32 inches / 328.7 x 390.5 x 135.2mm unfolded

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: design and handling

Excellent design and build quality
Impressive gimbal
Great new controller

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro features the folding design we’ve become accustomed to, but the drone is slightly larger than the Mavic 3 Pro, with larger propellers. As a result, the Mavic 4 Pro is also slightly heavier than its predecessor at 2.34lbs / 1063g. In use, you don’t notice this, but the increase in speed, power, and maneuverability are noticeable.

The most obvious difference between this drone and the Mavic 3 Pro is the new camera and gimbal design. We get three cameras as before, but the camera housing is more spherical, with a more robust gimbal that supports upright shooting, with vertical movement of the camera available between -90 and 70 degrees.

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This opens up new creative possibilities, and during testing I was able to capture the northern lights by flying at a low altitude and tilting the camera up to capture more of the night sky. Further enhancing creative convenience, the drone switches on automatically when you unfold the propeller arms, while the controller switches on when you raise the screen to reveal the controls beneath. The controller goes into sleep mode when closed, unless you switch it off first.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)

The new DJI RC 2 smart controller features a completely new design with an impressive 2000-nit 7-inch high-bright Mini-LED display. This can be rotated 90 degrees when shooting in portrait format to give you a full-screen camera view.

There’s also a new adjustment dial that makes changing camera settings easy, an HDMI port for video-out, up to four hours of battery life, and 128GB of built-in storage, while audio can be recorded with the built-in mic or when paired with a DJI Mic.

The screen also covers the control sticks when closed to make the controller more compact for transport and storage. Since the controller runs Android, you can view a standard Android interface that supports third-party apps.

This wasn’t tested because I didn’t have any relevant APK files to install and the Google Play Store isn’t installed on the controller. The Firefox web browser is, however, installed, so this would provide one way to install apps.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: features and performance

Fast and positive flight
Excellent Return to Home
Advanced subject tracking

The Mavic 4 Pro's responsive controls and speed and smoothness of flight remind me of the Inspire 3. It’s not as powerful, of course, but flight performance overall is noticeably improved compared to the Mavic 3 Pro. Flight is incredibly smooth and positive, with a top speed of 60.4mph in Sport mode and 40.3mph when tracking moving subjects. Wind resistance is 26.8mph. You also get all the usual features including Quickshots, timelapse, burst shooting, exposure bracketing and free panorama.

Subject tracking is great, and tracking cars works well, with the Mavic 4 Pro maintaining tracking even when the target vehicle is partially obscured by trees, as claimed by DJI. During testing, I tried to position the drone in front of, directly above, and to the side of the car, as well as the standard behind. Above and behind worked well, but when I tried the other two orientations the drone reverted to behind automatically, so although highly effective, the Mavic 4 Pro isn't as versatile as the DJI Flip or Neo for general tracking. The drone also allows adjustment of the gimbal and flight parameters during tracking.

The Mavic 4 Pro features DJI's 0.1-Lux Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing system, comprising six low-light fisheye sensors, a forward-facing LiDAR on the right propeller arm, and an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft. When flying in highly complex environments the obstacle avoidance worked well in both daylight and at dusk, with Brake and Bypass options available alongside off. Sometimes, the latter is essential for smooth flight but is naturally high-risk. The drone is also backed up by DJI O4+ with up to 18.6 miles and 10-bit HDR Video Transmission.

Car tracking with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro

Adding to the safety credentials, Return to Home has seen some impressive improvements, including the ability to take off and Return to Home without a GPS signal. This is achieved using real-time vision positioning and map construction technologies, with the drone capturing flight paths when light levels allow.

Then there’s Dynamic Home Point, where the Home Point is set by the controller location rather than the take-off point. This is useful when tracking vehicles if you’re in the vehicle, but if doing so you should always maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) of the drone.

The Mavic 4 Pro can transfer files to your computer without being switched on when connected via USB-C, and it can also transfer files to the DJI Fly app when switched off using off-state quick transfer. I’ve never found phone transfer functionality useful myself, but many people do, and it allows you to view and download files to the DJI Fly app on your phone using WiFi 6, which could be useful for sharing photos and videos quickly to social media and clients.

Flight times per battery are claimed to be up to 51 minutes, and during testing my flight times were typically around 37 minutes, with the drone offering Return to Home at 15% battery. Also, during one test flight, an airplane flew around my flight area at an altitude of roughly 660ft / 200m, and the controller alerted me to the aircraft being close. This is impressive, although I had seen the plane 30 seconds before the alert was displayed on the controller.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: image and video quality

Three impressive cameras
Up to 6K 60fps and 4K 120fps video
Up to 100MP photos in raw and JPEG

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The cameras on the DJI Mavic Pro 4, along with the innovative gimbal, are impressive, and each offers excellent image quality alongside some impressive features. There is some fall-off in sharpness towards the edges of the frame when shooting photos, and the higher-resolution images aren’t as sharp as those taken at lower-resolution settings, while video doesn’t suffer from the fall-off in sharpness.

All three cameras feature Dual Native ISO Fusion, a feature seen in previous DJI drones to reduce noise in photos and videos. A photo of the northern lights shot with the main camera at 100MP was quite noisy but still useable, although in theory 25MP should have been more effective. The short duration of the phenomenon didn’t allow for a lower-resolution example to be captured, unfortunately.

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The main Hasselblad camera features a 28mm equivalent focal length and an adjustable f/2-f/11 aperture. F/2 is a hugely welcome upgrade over the Mavic 3 models, which have a maximum f/2.8 aperture. The new Four Thirds sensor can be set to capture at 100MP or 25MP. The 70mm equivalent camera features a 48MP / 12MP 1/1.3-inch sensor, while the 168mm equivalent camera uses a new 50MP / 12.5MP 1/1.5-inch sensor. Both of these telephoto cameras have a fixed f/2.8 aperture. Photos can be captured in raw and JPEG formats.

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Shot with the 168mm camera (Image credit: James Abbott) DJI Mavic 4 Pro 4K 30fps video

The main Hasselblad camera can capture up to 6K 60fps video, while the 70mm can capture up to 4K at 120fps and the 168mm up to 4K at 100fps. Cropped vertical video is also available with all three cameras, with the main camera offering up to 4K 60fps, and the telephoto cameras able to capture up to 2.7K up to 60fps. You can also rotate the camera to portrait orientation to capture video.

During testing rotating the camera allowed me to capture 6K vertical video with the main camera and 2.7K with the 70mm camera. Sometimes, this caused the drone to fly slowly, which may be a quirk of the pre-release firmware because it wasn’t consistent.

Video color profiles include Normal for straight-out-of-the-camera use, D-Log, D-Log M and HLG (HDR). Shooting HDR, the 28mm can capture up to 16 stops of dynamic range, the 70mm up to 14 stops, and the 168mm up to 13 stops. The 512GB Creator version of the Mavic 4 Pro can also capture video in the ALL-I 4:2:2 codec. Overall, you've got plenty of options for a variety of workflows and requirements.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: testing scorecard DJI Mavic 4 Pro

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

A surprisingly inexpensive Fly More Combo.

5/5

Design

New design for aerodynamics with an innovative new gimbal.

5/5

Performance

Flight is fast and smooth while features perform well.

5/5

Image and video quality

Excellent image quality from the three cameras with upgrades to the main Hasselblad camera.

5/5

Should I buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro? Buy it if...

You require speed and power
The Mavic 4 Pro is a fast and powerful drone with excellent flight performance that allows the drone to be flown in winds of up to 26.8mph.

You need three cameras
With impressive 28mm, 70mm and 168mm equivalent cameras capable of capturing a variety of photo and video formats, you have many creative possibilities available to you

You capture professional aerial video
If you use a drone for professional video capture, the Mavic 4 Pro can capture D-Log, D-Log M and HLG (HDR). The 512GB Creator version can also capture video in the ALL-I 4:2:2 codec.

Don't buy it if...

You’d like a less restricted drone
If you’d prefer an easier-to-carry, more regulations-friendly DJI drone, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best sub-250g drone money can buy.

You'd like a less expensive dual-camera drone
The DJI Air 3S offers dual cameras and is smaller and lighter than the Mavic 4 Pro. What’s more, the smart controller kit is considerably less expensive.

You’d like to capture a first-person view
If you'd like to capture immersive FPV video, the DJI Avata 2 is a beginner and expert-friendly FPV drone that offers excellent video quality. Photos, however, are extremely limited with this drone.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: also consider DJI Air 3S

The DJI Air 3S is similar to the Mavic 4 Pro in several ways, but comes in at a more affordable price for consumers. Not only is it smaller and lighter, it also features dual 24mm and 70mm cameras. This is the logical drone for you if you don't need the Mavic 4 Pro's 168mm camera.

Read our in-depth DJI Air 3S review

How I tested the DJI Mavic 4 Pro

All features and functions tested
All three cameras tested for photo and video capture
Tested in different conditions

I tested the DJI Mavic Pro 4 over several weeks, testing all of its features to assess their effectiveness in real-world situations. I also captured a variety of photos and videos to test the quality of the three cameras.

Photos and videos were captured in a range of conditions including overcast, sunny, and windy to see how well the drone performed in these situations.

First reviewed May 2025

Categories: Reviews

I tested the Poly Studio R30 - an affordable conferencing option for small rooms

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 02:48

This review first appeared in issue 340 of PC Pro.

HP’s acquisition of Poly in August 2022 gives it a strong presence in the hybrid working market with access to a fine range of VC products. Poly retains its name for now, and the Studio R30 on review aims to offer SMBs an affordable all-in-one solution for small conference spaces.

At first glance, the R30 looks very similar to Poly’s P15 video bar, but its chassis is slightly larger, the central 4K UHD camera has a much wider diagonal 120° field of view (FoV) and its digital zoom steps up from 4x to 5x. Internally, things remain the same: it has an 8W internal speaker, while a triple-microphone beamforming array provides speaker tracking and automatic framing.

The Studio R30 employs Poly’s NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technologies to identify and remove annoying background noises such as keyboard heavy hitters. It goes a step further as Poly’s new DirectorAI feature ensures no meeting participant feels left out by providing automated group, people and speaker framing, along with presenter tracking.

The central 4K UHD camera has a wide 120° field of view (Image credit: Future)

Rear-mounted ports include an external PSU connector and a USB Type-C port for host connection, with the kit including a generous five-meter cable. Two USB Type-A ports allow the R30 to function as a USB hub but, unlike the P15’s mechanical privacy shutter on its lens, the R30 gets only a cheap rubber cap.

Installation is swift. We connected the R30 to a Windows 10 PC and watched it load the camera and audio device drivers in a few seconds. You’ll want to add Poly’s free Lens Desktop app as this provides a firmware upgrade tool along with local access for manually adjusting audio and video functions and selecting a framing mode.

Using the app to link up with our Lens cloud account, we could remotely manage the R30, change its settings from the portal and use the inventory service to see its physical location. Use the app to connect the R30 to a wireless network and it will link up with a remote Poly provisioning server for pushing custom settings to it.

Rear ports include a USB-C, two USB-A and an external PSU connector (Image credit: Future)

During meetings, we found Poly’s tracking and framing features worked very well, with the camera snapping to the current speaker, zooming back out when they stopped talking and moving effortlessly to other speakers. In presenter mode, the R30 easily kept track of us as we moved around our meeting room while we spoke, with shift delays of around two to three seconds.

The speaker delivers a clean soundscape, and in our 24m2 room we found a volume level of 75% was sufficient to cover all areas. The integral mics also impressed, with remote meeting participants saying they could hear us clearly at distances of up to three meters.

In a direct comparison with the lab’s Studio P15, we found the R30’s wider FoV clearly provides greater horizontal coverage. It didn’t suffer from the P15’s slightly soft focus and presented a sharper, cleaner picture with a more natural color balance, while its backlight compensation coped better with bright sunlight.

Video quality is good and the Poly Lens service enables remote management (Image credit: Future)

The camera’s digital pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) functions can be manually controlled from the Lens app but only when auto-tracking is disabled. Although currently in a preview testing phase, you can also select a conversation mode to display two speakers in a split screen, while people framing shows all participants using up to six split screens.

Poly’s Studio R30 offers SMBs an affordable and easy-to-use 4K videoconferencing solution. Video and audio quality are very good and its clever people-tracking and framing features add that all-important professional touch to your meetings.

We've also rated the best webinar software.

Categories: Reviews

I tested the MSI Summit MS321UP - a high-quality business monitor that’s packed with features

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 05/13/2025 - 02:45

This review first appeared in issue 340 of PC Pro.

MSI describes the Summit MS321UP as a business and productivity monitor, as opposed to its huge range of gaming screens and a handful of creative displays. With a peak 60Hz refresh rate it’s obvious that gamers won’t be applying, but MSI still hopes to lure designers here as it includes a monitor hood in the box.

Print designers can’t expect miracles at this price. There is an Adobe RGB mode, but with this selected it covers only 79% of that color space; a huge distance behind the 95% you can expect of an Eizo ColorEdge monitor. But, and it’s a big but, even the 27in ColorEdge CG279X costs twice as much, while the 32in and 4K ColorEdge CG319X retails for almost £4,000. Two more pitfalls for print designers: its color accuracy isn’t great, with an average Delta E of 1.97, and there’s no Pantone certification.

There’s far more for digital creatives and photographers to cheer, as coverage of the DCI-P3 space is 92% if you switch to the Display P3 profile, while color accuracy improves with an average Delta E of 0.88. You may also want to take advantage of the Design Assistance tools. Alongside print-focused aids such as guides for business cards, A4 and more (these guides appear as rectangular overlays on the screen, so you just slot your artwork within the lines), there’s a bunch of rulers and grids, including a rule-of-thirds grid.

In general, though, I found myself sticking to the sRGB gamut as it locks so well to the 6500K color temperature – I measured 6501K, which is essentially perfect for whites – while again scoring 0.88 for color accuracy. And while a 4K resolution may seem overkill when working in typical business tools such as Word and Excel, you grow to enjoy the sheer crispness of the words and numbers on screen.

A monitor hood is just one of this flexible display’s many attractions (Image credit: Future)

The panel pushes up to 468cd/m2, which is retina-burning high for daily use, and, as its HDR600 certification illustrates, it can push right up to 600cd/m2 in localized areas. I preferred to keep it at around 375cd/m2 (70 in the controls), but this consumes 47W of power. If you’re trying to control your energy outgoings then you can manually drop this yourself or switch to the Eco mode, where brightness dropped to 175cd/m2 – which is still fine in a typical office – and power consumption to 33W. You can also activate auto brightness control, but I found that distracting.

As you can tell from all these options, it’s worth investigating the OSD menu. Tucked away at the bottom of the profile choices are three calibration profiles for your own use, for example, and if you select the User profile a sophisticated array of tools for controlling color temperature, saturation and hue become available. But these are probably overkill for most users, unless they want to fine-tune the color calibration themselves.

You don’t need to head into the main menu to switch between profiles, as pushing the joystick upwards flicks between them. Pushing down activates the Design Assistance tools, while heading right gives you the option of choosing the display input: there are two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort and the increasingly crucial USB-C port.

Connections include two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort and a USB-C port (Image credit: Future)

It’s disappointing that this only delivers 15W of power, so it will trickle-charge laptops at best, but that isn’t such a problem if a laptop will stay connected most of a working day. And because there’s a KVM built into the monitor, if you connect a second PC or laptop (via the monitor’s USB-B input as well as the video input) then you can share a mouse and keyboard between them. Pressing left on the joystick allows you to switch inputs, or you can keep it as automatic – or you can use the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) features.

You can also share any device connected via the three USB-A ports, with one port tucked awkwardly at the rear and the other two on the left-hand side. There are mic and headphone jacks here, too – note the lack of built-in speakers – along with a full-size SD card slot.

I ended up being grateful for the proximity of those ports, as this 9.7kg hunk of a monitor isn’t easy to move. There’s 35° of swivel to the left and right, and a more than adequate 100mm of height adjustment, but with a 32in panel such as this you’d need an even heftier stand to support 90° pivots into portrait mode.

Despite this lack of physical flexibility, this monitor fully deserves to be described as versatile. The ease with which you can switch between color profiles, along with the shedload of features, mean it can fit into almost any workflow. And at £700, with a five-year warranty, it’s great value.

We've rated the best monitors for a dual screen setup.

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