Reviews

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra two-minute review

If you're going to call a smartphone ‘ultra’, it needs to embody that adjective. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has a top-tier camera system. The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has mind-boggling charging speeds and a chic textured look. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a stylus (and lots more besides).

Throughout my testing of the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra, I couldn't quite put my finger on what made it worthy of the 'ultra' designation. It’s undoubtedly a highly capable premium Android phone, but in the competitive mobile market, ‘good’ just isn’t good enough.

The latest entry in Asus’ one-per-year line of flagship Zenfone mobiles, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is another top-spec handset that costs a blisteringly large amount of money. On paper, it's a stablemate of the best Android phones and best iPhones – and it certainly competes with those devices in some areas.

Indeed, if you look at the specs sheet below, you’ll see that the Zenfone 12 Ultra bears all the hallmarks of a premium smartphone. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor provides a huge amount of processing power, and its giant 6.78-inch display is great for gaming or streaming movies. The phone's three-lens rear camera array also gives shutterbugs much to delight in.

Certainly, from a specs perspective, there's nothing to dispute the Zenfone 12 Ultra's status as an 'ultra' phone. But that's no longer enough.

All of those aforementioned ‘ultra’ phones go that extra mile to justify the suffix, offering unique features or specs that make their hefty price tags seem almost reasonable. I don’t see any such selling point in the Zenfone 12 Ultra. It’s not ‘ultra’, it just is. Ironically, the lack of a non-ultra Zenfone 12 seems to underline this fact.

If you were to ask Asus, the company would likely say that the killer additions here are the phone's AI features. Most new phones nowadays tout a long list of ‘AI features’, a buzzword given to what we’d otherwise call ‘new software tools’ or, less forgivingly, ‘unnecessary software extras’ – but you need to call everything ‘AI’ in today's tech landscape.

Among the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s AI features are an article summary tool, call translation, a feature that creates AI-generated wallpapers, and plenty of AI-powered camera tools. Now, regardless of the usefulness of many of these features (how many people actually phone someone else who doesn't have a language in common?) and the unproven interest of normal tech buyers in AI features, they don’t allow the Zenfone 12 Ultra to collect the 'ultra' suffix for one simple reason – so few of them are actually new. Honestly, the Zenfone 11 Ultra had most of them.

Speaking of the Zenfone 11 Ultra, the 12 Ultra barely brings any upgrades over it to the table. A newer chipset and some minor tweaks to the camera lenses are the only improvements I could discern. I checked the price of the now-year-old Zenfone 11 Ultra one week prior to the 12 Ultra’s release, and it was going for over a third off from Asus itself. So, you’d be saving loads of money on a pretty similar mobile.

What's more, the Zenfone 12 Ultra has even more similarities to the recent Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro. Their appearances are near-identical, as are their specs, with the scant differences being the 12 Ultra's smaller battery and a refresh rate that doesn’t go quite as high, and the ROG Phone's trigger sensors and LED back panel.

Okay, let's take a breath. I may sound down on the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra in this review, but it's undoubtedly a good phone. It provides a top-tier experience across the board and I enjoyed using it throughout my testing process.

That said, Asus loaned me the device for review purposes, meaning I didn’t have to part with a scary amount of my salary to buy it. When you factor in the phone's high price, it’s hard to see why you should opt for the Zenfone 12 Ultra over its equally expensive rivals – or, for that matter, mid-range rivals that offer similar specs for a dramatically lower price.

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Released in February 2024
• Costs €1,099.99 in European markets
• US, UK, and Australian availability unconfirmed for now

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra was launched in early February 2024, a year on from its predecessor, and with nary a standard or Pro sibling to speak of.

At the time of writing, it's only available in European markets for a price of €1,099.99, which will net you 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. "As for pricing and availability in the US, UK, and Australia", Asus told TechRadar, "we have yet to get a clear date or price at this moment." That said, we expect the Zenfone 12 Ultra to launch in at least some of these regions soon.

For a little bit of context, the Zenfone 11 Ultra started at $899.99 / £869.99 (around AU$1,450) for its 12GB/256GB starter model. There was also a 16GB/512GB model, which offers a better price comparison to the Zenfone 12 Ultra, but it was only on sale in the UK (for £949.99). The Asus Rog Phone 9 Pro, meanwhile, is available globally for $1,199.99 / £1,099.99 / AU$1,999.99.

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: specs Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: design

(Image credit: Future)

• Blocky phone that looks like predecessor
• Still has a 3.5mm jack
• IP68 protection

There’s no getting around it: the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is a blocky phone. I won’t quite call it ‘ugly’, not when the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra lays claim to that term with such an iron rule, but it’s a little on the boring side.

It looks almost identical to the Zenfone 11 Ultra, and pretty similar to the ROG Phone 9 Pro, but without the lines pattern of the former and the ‘gamer chic’ of the latter.

It’s a big phone, measuring 183.8 x 77 x 8.9 mm and weighing 220g, so if you remember how Asus used to cater to the small-phone market with its Zenfones, you’ll be disappointed. It stretched my hands out and I’ve got fairly average-sized mitts, and it was a pretty big burden in the pocket too.

The right edge of the mobile has the power button – pretty easy to reach, despite the phone’s big size – and the volume rocker, which was a little harder to stretch to. There’s also an in-screen fingerprint sensor, positioned higher up than on other phones, which took a little getting used to.

Talking of acclimatizing, the USB-C charging port on the phone’s bottom edge isn’t right in the middle. Instead, it’s to the left – as far as I’m aware, Asus is the only company that uses this design quirk. There’s nothing wrong with it, once you get through the first few days of jamming your charger into the wrong place. There’s another novelty here too, in the form of a 3.5mm headphone jack. How many mobiles cater to wired headphone users these days?! Props to Asus for that.

I mostly used the Zenfone 12 Ultra in a protective case (provided) but even when I didn’t, it took drops and bumps like a champ. It has an IP68 rating, so it can withstand dust ingress, as well as brief drops in the tub or pool.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: display

(Image credit: Future)

• 6.78 inches, 1080 x 2400 resolution
• 144Hz refresh rate max, though usually at 120Hz
• A few display customization features

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra has a nice big display: it’s 6.78 inches diagonally, which explains how much of a hand-stretch the mobile itself is.

The screen’s resolution is FHD+ or 1080 x 2400 — that’s pretty standard for most smartphones, although you’d be forgiven for wanting a little more at this price range.

Mind you, the phone's refresh rate is super fast at 144Hz (good luck finding many games to utilize that spec, though) and the max brightness is nice and high at 2500 nits. In typical use, you can expect a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

There's another feature here I love to see in smartphones: a color temperature and balance mode for adjusting the way the screen looks. Max saturation with the warmest possible temperature? Don't mind if I do!

• Display score: 4 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: software

(Image credit: Future)

• Android 15 with optional Asus overlay
• Only two years of OS updates
• AI features aren't very useful

In a pretty unusual move for an Android phone, you actually have your pick between two software systems when you first boot up the Zenfone 12 Ultra. Both are technically Android 15, but you can choose between stock Android and Asus’ reskinned version. The differences are minimal but it's nice to be given the choice.

Stock Android is, if you don’t know, the standard Google-made version of the Android operating system, and it’s popular for being quite clean-looking. However, it misses many custom features that certain other versions of Android have. Asus doesn’t add any of these features in its own version, mind; it’s just a redesign for how menus and icons look.

Whether you pick stock or Asus Android, you’re getting software that’s quite minimal, which is a good thing; there are few pre-installed apps (beyond lots of Google ones) and a smartly laid-out quick-settings menu with big icons that are easy to press.

Asus has only promised two years of software updates for the Zenfone 12 Ultra, which isn’t a particularly ‘ultra’ commitment given how many years of updates rivals offer. That doesn’t mean it’ll stop working after two years, but you won’t get new features added after that point.

As mentioned in the introduction to this review, a few AI features on the Zenfone 12 Ultra seem to be its main selling point, but I wasn’t hugely impressed by any of them. The option to use them is often buried in menus (to use the AI article summarizer, for instance, you need to go into the browser’s ‘share’ menu to share it with the summary tool) and they were often pretty slow to work. In fact, for summarizing articles online, I found it quicker to literally just read the article than to wait for the summary tool to work.

You have to download extra kits for most of the AI features, too, and they’re pretty big, often several GB each. I can see these tools eating up a fair amount of storage space.

I’m always a little cynical of AI features on phones, with most of them seemingly designed to fix problems that no one actually has, and offered in lieu of actual improvements to a given device. Suffice to say, I never used these AI features on the Zenfone 12 Ultra beyond my obligatory testing of them.

• Software score: 3.5 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: cameras

(Image credit: Future)

• 50MP main, 13MP ultra-wide and 32MP telephoto lenses
• 32MP selfie snapper
• Scene optimization comes in clutch

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra may not offer the megapixel overload of its rivals, but it covers its bases.

On the back of the phone is a 50MP main camera, which is joined by a 13MP ultra-wide and a 32MP telephoto, the latter of which can reach 3x optical zoom.

All three combine to give you a decent level of versatility and control over the shots you take (as long as you don't want to go above the 30x digital zoom cap), and there's largely a consistency between image quality at these ranges

Coming in clutch is the image optimization and HDR, which was quick to punch up the contrast and saturation of pictures to improve their vibrancy without making them look unnatural. Look at the curry bowl or football field images below as cases in point; neither looked as bright in real life as they do on camera.

These improvements increase the Zenfone's camera grade from 'fine' to 'good', even if the phone misses the extra lenses, sensitive sensors, and super-high-res MP counts of its competitors. That said, the latter would have been preferable for situations in which the AI optimization didn't step in, like in the pizza pic below.

Another thing to note is that photos often took longer to capture than I'd expect; I'd often press the shutter button and assume the photo had been taken, only to move the phone and end up with a blurry end image. My advice to owners would be to hold the Zenfone 12 Ultra in place for a few seconds longer than you think you need to, or else you'll end up with a long list of camera reel mistakes.

(Image credit: Future)

The selfie camera hits 32MP, and its result is largely similar to the rear ones: it has the potential to make some bright and bold pictures, and succeeds most of the time, thanks to software.

The phone can record video in 8K/30fps, 4K/60fps, or down to HD/480fps in the slow-mo realm.

The Zenfone 12 Ultra also has a small selection of extra modes. Some, like Night and Portrait, work well; the latter was great at balancing contrast and exposure, as you can see in the photo below, and Portrait was fantastic at adding a natural-looking bokeh and also balancing the colors and tones of a shot.

There are a few modes being touted as 'AI' ones too, despite the fact that almost all camera software features use artificial intelligence in some way or another. These include AI Panning, which creates a "dynamic focus effect" on a moving object, and in effect, this is very similar to Portrait mode. The other is AI Tracking, which lets you record a video of something moving and it'll output a zoomed-in photo that keeps the moving subject framed center. I can see this being situationally very useful, although I only ever found myself using it for testing's sake.

• Camera score: 4 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra camera samples Image 1 of 7

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 7

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 7

(Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 7

(Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 7

(Image credit: Future)Image 6 of 7

(Image credit: Future)Image 7 of 7

(Image credit: Future) Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra: performance and audio

(Image credit: Future)

• Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
• Fast for gaming and everyday use (mostly)
• Range of audio options

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra really embodies the ‘ultra’ in its name when it comes to performance: it’s a certifiable beast.

The processor at work here is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is the chipset you'll find inside many of the current best Android phones (at the time of writing, at least) and it tells. It’s paired with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.

Games were snappy to play, and could easily handle the highest graphical settings; they didn’t lag or stutter once and, in the most noticeable improvement (in my mind) over a lesser chipset, they were really quick to open too.

In a Geekbench 6 multi-core test, the Zenfone 12 Ultra returned a score of 9,818, putting it in the higher echelons of phones we’ve tested. For context, Geekbench’s own rankings mark the iPhone 16 Pro at a score of 8,528 (though no recent 8 Elite-toting phones are listed).

The speed is mostly noticeable in other parts of the phone, too, for example when you’re trying to edit a big photo. However, I noticed that the AI features could cause the phone to slow down noticeably. This isn't a deal-breaker, especially given that most of the features take only a second to use, but the minor slowdown was still noticeable.

The Zenfone 12 Ultra has stereo speakers and, in a surprisingly retro turn, a 3.5mm headphone jack. As a result, audio fans have a choice as to how they’d like to listen to content on this phone, which is a rarity in this day and age.

• Performance score: 5 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• Pretty big 5,500mAh battery
• Lasts for over a day of use
• 65W charging, 15W wireless

The Zenfone 12 Ultra packs a 5,500mAh battery — that's pretty big, but it’s also necessary for a phone of this size and power.

When I used the Zenfone as a normal mobile (i.e. not as a gaming phone) it could reliably coast through a single day of use and reach mid-way into the second day without trouble, but I wouldn’t go quite so far as to say it’s got two-day battery life.

When I did go heavier on the gaming side of things, I was happy with how well the Zenfone 12 Ultra could handle a few hours of gaming without losing too much battery — it’s hard to be scientific when talking about experiential battery use, but the phone lost charge slower than lots of other handsets I’ve tested recently.

Charging is a little slow. That feels silly to say for a phone with 'fast charging', but it’s at 65W, which is slower than lots of its rivals. There’s also 15W wireless charging.

• Battery score: 3.5 / 5

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: value

(Image credit: Future)

The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is an undeniably pricey premium phone. While an argument could be made that no phones in this price range really offer value for money, it's doubly the case with the Asus.

I say this because it doesn't really offer any killer features, either over its predecessor or comparatively priced rivals, that make it a must-buy. When you cost this much, specs alone will only get you so far.

If you can find the Zenfone 12 Ultra at a meaty discount, it's potentially more deserving of your money, but I'm talking a 25% discount as a minimum for that to be the case.

• Value score: 2.5 / 5

Should you buy the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra? Buy it if...

You need lots of processing power
The Zenfone 12 Ultra is one of the most powerful phones on the market right now, and it'll stay a contender for years to come.

You're a wired audio fan
Few Android phones come with headphone jacks these days, especially towards the premium end of the market.

You play 144Hz games
Very select mobile games can play at 144 fps, but for the ones that do, it's hard to find mobiles that support this high refresh rate. The Zenfone 12 Ultra is one of them.

Don't buy it if...

You don't like big phones
The Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra will stretch smaller hands; don't buy it thinking it's one of the compact Zenfones of old.

You find the Zenfone 11 Ultra discounted
The Zenfone 12 Ultra doesn't offer that many upgrades over its predecessor, and that older phone is now poised for sizeable sales.

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra review: Also consider

If you want other 'ultra' smartphones to compare the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra to, here are some other similar-priced picks.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The natural rival, this Android powerhouse has a wider array of cameras, a bigger and higher-res display, and a stylus. However, its chipset is the same as the one in the Asus, its battery is smaller, and it charges slower.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review

iPhone 16 Pro
The other natural rival, the iPhone 16 Pro, costs roughly the same as the Asus. It has a smaller screen, a weaker battery, and, if the benchmarks are anything to go by, a lesser chipset. But I'd be remiss not to mention the Apple rival at a phone this costly.

Read our full iPhone 16 Pro review

Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Another ultra-branded Android phone, this Xiaomi has an unbeatable camera array, a better display, and faster charging, but last year's chipset and software.

Read our full Xiaomi 14 Ultra review

How I tested the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra

• Review test period = 2 weeks
• Testing included = Everyday usage, including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
• Tools used = Geekbench 6, Geekbench ML, GFXBench, native Android stats

To properly test the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra, I used it daily for two weeks; this doesn't include a short period beforehand when I set it up, took the review photos, and played a few games on it.

The testing of the handset occurred in two parts. The first saw me run benchmark tests, take sample photos, and run down the battery. The other was more experiential; I used the handset for personal things like music and video streaming, social media scrolling, mobile game-playing, and other everyday tasks.

At the time of this review's publication, I've been writing reviews for TechRadar for exactly 6 years (happy anniversary, me!). I've reviewed countless smartphones in that time, including multiple Asus models as well as headphones, smartwatches, and tablets.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed February 2025

Nike Zegama 2: two-minute review

(Image credit: Future)

The Nike Zegama 2 is a high-mileage trail shoe designed to handle pretty much anything you can throw at it. Nike put nearly two years of testing into the model, which is designed to offer supreme comfort and support over uneven, changing terrain.

Launched alongside the Pegasus Trail 5, it stands out against the latter as a more dedicated trail shoe rather than a road-to-trail offering.

While the first Zegama was cool, it fell down because of its limited grip. The Zegama 2 offers more traction, plenty of cushioning, and a really responsive ride. After a few weeks with it I've been really impressed. I'm not a trail runner by trade and find most trail shoes look a little too much like walking shoes. The Zegama 2 got me out on the trail and looked brilliant in the process.

(Image credit: Future)

Out of the box, the Zegama Trail 2 features a really striking design. Its large heel stack complete with shelf gives the shoe an imposing silhouette reflective of its rugged durability and exceptional support.

This is the Khaki/Hyper Crimson/Burgundy Crush/White option, a special design inspired by the Donghai Yunding trail in China. In all honesty, I love the design. The lighter jade color is also a real head-turner, as is the special Two Bays Trail blue version. Essentially, it's impossible to find a dull or disappointing colorway.

Not that you'll be keeping these clean, the Zegama Trail 2 is one of the best running shoes for the great outdoors. At its heart, Nike has adopted the extremely responsive and cushioned ZoomX foam midsole. In trials across tarmac, concrete, grass, and dirt trails I found the Zegama 2 to be very comfortable.

You wouldn't buy the Zegama 2 for road running, but we all need to get to the trail before the fun begins. These trainers will deliver you to your trail in style and won't put paid to your feet on the way. The ZoomX midsole felt responsive and springy, combined with a pronounced rocker motion that really helps propel you along.

Once you get to the rugged stuff and the bumps, jumps, ridges, and roots, the Zegama 2 brushes them all off with ease as you navigate your way along uneven terrain. I've never been much of a trail runner but the Zegama 2 instills a real sense of confidence and almost challenges you to seek out more treacherous and adverse terrain. I've no doubt these would also easily double as a durable hiking shoe, thanks to their extremely forgiving underfoot experience.

(Image credit: Future)

Stability is another big plus here, and crucial to the trail shoe experience. With uneven terrain all around, the last thing you want is movement and rotation. The fit of the entire upper is very comfortable. I found there was plenty of room upfront in the toe box, although I've seen a couple of complaints about the vertical space being more limited in this year's model. The snug upper combines with the ankle gaiter to give a supremely secure fit that also limits ingress of the great outdoors into your shoe.

Across all manner of uneven ground that I tried, there was never any sense of rolling an ankle or losing my balance.

The original Zegamas lost out big time because of its poor traction. For the Zegama 2, Nike has added the Vibram Megagrip and the effect is obvious. Living in Scotland I do all my running in the wet, and I couldn't believe how much traction the Zegama 2 delivered on wet grass, mud, and slippery concrete. Of course, the Megagrip does cake up with mud pretty quickly, so there's a little bit of slip-and-slide when the going gets really soft, but that's to be expected of any shoe in the conditions. By and large, the traction is excellent, and generally, this is regarded as the biggest upgrade Nike has made to the Zegama 2.

(Image credit: Future)

The Zegama 2 displays extremely good build quality and exudes durability. I have absolutely no concerns that this is a shoe built to last, with its chunkier features and rugged design lending themselves to hundreds of miles getting battered by the great outdoors.

(Image credit: Future)

If you like a more neutral feel to your run, then this might not be the shoe for you. Generally the Zegama 2 is excellent, and gives you a sense of being nudged along as you travel, which I really appreciated.

While there are a couple of overlays on the toes for extra durability, these shoes aren't waterproof. If you land yourself in a large enough puddle, your feet will get wet. If you do want a waterproof trail shoe, options from the likes of Saucony available.

Across my testing and research, the other drawbacks I've come across are few. They are on the heavier side, so if you want a lighter trail shoe you might want to look elsewhere. There are some concerns about how hot the shoe runs given how substantial it is. Again, as a resident of Scotland I'd chalk this up as a bonus, but it's definitely true and something to watch out for if you run in warmer climes.

Nike Zegama 2: price & availability

• $180/£165/AU$250
• Men's and women's options, 11 total colors

The Nike Zegama 2 is available from Nike.com and the usual array of third-party resellers. Its hefty and rugged build means it's a little pricier than your average running shoe at $180/£165/$250 AUD, although we have seen it discounted, including on Nike's website.

There are versions for men and women, with five or six colors respectively.

(Image credit: Future) Nike Zegama 2: specifications Nike Zegama 2: scorecard Should I buy the Nike Zegama 2?

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

You're running primarily on trails

This sounds obvious, but the Zegama 2 is for trail running, so make sure you're primarily on the rugged stuff if you're buying.

You want a trail shoe for longer distances

With its heavier, softer feel, this is a shoe that excels over longer distances.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

There are a couple of cheaper options out there including Nike's own Pegasus Trail 5.

You want a lighter shoe for speed or agility

If you're doing faster trail runs the Zegama 2 might not be for you, it's more a long-distance shoe with comfort, rather than pace in mind.

Also consider

(Image credit: Future)

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Nike's cheaper, general purpose trail shoe.

Shop at Nike

Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2

A brilliant neutral trail shoe that's lighter and grippy, with good spring and a firmer ride.

Read our full Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2 review

How I tested

I used the Nike Zegama 2 across a multitude of terrain including concrete, grass, mud, as well as incline and declines during a series of runs.

First reviewed: February 2025

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus: Two minute review

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a solid soundbar at a decent, but not exceptional, price. While that’s a non-controversial and fairly vanilla statement, it’s a strange situation for Amazon since the company typically subsidizes its products, especially ones like Echo speakers and Fire TV branded TVs, to beat the market. It’s hard to ignore that there are plenty of cheaper options, whether you’re considering a basic all-in-one soundbar or a 5.1-channel soundbar system.

While I’m surprised that the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is not as discounted as most Amazon products compared to the competition, it is one of the best soundbars I’ve experienced when it comes to ease of setup – everything is already paired and you just have to plug it all in.

The performance is, as expected at this price point, good but not great. The surround sound is immersive and the audio quality is what you’d expect at this price point. The sound doesn’t have quite the clarity of more premium options, but only fussy listeners will notice.

The only big issue I had with the audio quality is that the stereo image is not as wide as it should be from the soundbar, which I’ll get into below. And while the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is advertised as having Dolby Atmos, it doesn’t actually have the physical speakers for spatial audio, so you won’t find it on any list for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

That said, you could do a lot worse for a soundbar system at its price point, whether you’re looking at the most basic configuration or the 5.1-channel one, especially if you see it discounted (as Amazon is wont to regularly do with its products).

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus comes with all the accessories you need, including an HDMI cable and wall-mount brackets (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Price & release date

• First available: December 2025
• Price: Starting at $249.99 / £249.99 (about AU$400)
• Available in the US and UK

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is priced at $249.99 / £249.99 (about AU$400), and is just a standalone soundbar (along with a power cable, HDMI cable, remote, remote batteries, and mounting kit). The next level up comes with a wireless subwoofer and is priced at $374.99 (about £300 / AU$590). The maxed-out configuration (reviewed here) adds surround speakers along with the subwoofer for a 5.1-channel setup and costs $489.99 (about £390 / AU$770).

Surprisingly, this is more mid-range than budget pricing, bucking Amazon’s typical model of subsidizing its hardware for either market share or branding, especially when it comes to either smart home devices or Fire TV ones.

As far as availability goes, those in the US have access to all three configurations while only the most basic configuration is available in the UK. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is not sold in Australia.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Specs

A basic set of control buttons is located on the soundbar's top surface (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Features

• Surprisingly stripped down feature set
• Some EQ and audio modes available through the remote
• Virtual Dolby Atmos

Considering the branding, I was surprised to see how barebones the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is. It doesn’t have built-in streaming the way Roku soundbars do, and it doesn’t have any Alexa-related functionality. There’s no app either, so you’re not going to be able to do any EQ fine-tuning (with an exception that I’ll mention below).

All EQ settings are available via the remote. There are four audio modes: Movie, Music, Sports, and Night. I preferred the Movie mode most since it seemed the least affected. However, Night mode is a nice addition as it keeps any peaks in the audio from getting too loud while simultaneously making everything easy to hear at low volume.

There are also individual bass and treble controls as well as surround sound volume on the remote. A dialogue function boosts the volume of dialogue to make it easier to hear – a great option for those with hearing loss, even if it’s a somewhat subtle effect.

There’s no physical Dolby Atmos on hand – the advertised Dolby Atmos is virtual, meaning you don’t get a true spatial audio experience. You get a full surround sound experience with the rear speakers at least, so there is a lateral 360-degree soundstage, just not the vertical one that spatial audio provides.

Besides the usual HDMI and optical digital connections, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus also comes with Bluetooth, so streaming a Spotify playlist from a phone is straightforward.

The one area where the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is unique is that, when paired with certain Amazon Fire TVs, you can fine-tune the audio on a deeper level in the TV’s settings.

• Features score: 3.5 / 5

Subwoofer level can be adjusted using the bass settings on the remote (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Performance

• Sounds good but not the best resolution
• Stereo image is a bit narrow
• Surround sound is immersive
  

The sound quality of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is pretty good. You might not be impressed if you’ve used hi-fi equipment or premium soundbars, but if you’re looking for your first home theater surround sound system, you should be pretty happy.

Specifically, the high-end is just a tiny bit lacking so the audio doesn’t quite have the best clarity and resolution. This was especially apparent when playing music I’m familiar with, which just didn’t quite have the same sparkle it usually does. However, this is a nitpick.

The mids are fairly well balanced so that they sound full without being compressed or distorted. And there’s lots of bass available from the subwoofer so you get that rumble when watching movies.

You can adjust the subwoofer via the bass settings on the remote to be less impactful (or more) if you want. The treble, as mentioned before, is also adjustable via the remote, though I found the various levels to be a little too subtle.

When it comes to the soundstage, the left and right channels are a little closer together than I would like. This is because, even though the soundbar has left, center, and right channel speakers, the drivers and tweeters for the left and right channels (each channel has a mid-bass driver and tweeter) both face straight ahead. Even though the soundbar is 37 inches wide, this is not enough separation when you’re sitting beyond a 1.5-meter distance from the TV.

Yes, everything that’s supposed to be on the left sounds like it’s on the left and everything that’s supposed to be on the right is there as well. But, the stereo image is still a bit too narrow.

The surround sound, on the other hand, is a pleasure to listen to. The surround speakers offer a 360-degree experience, even when it’s just the atmosphere of a video game like It Takes Two or random background characters talking such as I experienced when watching Fool’s Paradise. I also tested the surround speakers with 5.1-channel audio mixes on YouTube, and it was enlightening to experience the spaciousness these speakers deliver while also confirming that you don’t really need to listen to Bob Marley in anything other than stereo.

It’s worth noting again that, though this soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this is purely virtual as there are no physical upward-firing speakers. And I didn’t notice anything resembling that vertical sense of space when watching movies and TV with Dolby Atmos soundtracks.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

A minimal set of inputs, including HDMI ARC, optical digital and USB-A, is located on the soundbar's back panel (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Design

• Basic aesthetics and design
• LED indicator lights instead of alphanumeric display
• Most fine tuning done through the remote

Aesthetically, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus can best be described as utilitarian. All the units come in a matte black. The units are also all pretty boxy, and you would only know that they were made by Amazon because each piece has the Fire TV logo imprinted in shiny black somewhere on it. The various units don’t call too much attention themselves, other than the fact that the sound bar is 37 inches wide so you’ll need a wide enough surface to install it if you’re not wall-mounting.

The ports on the back are surprisingly limited to HDMI, optical digital, and USB. While the HDMI port is ARC-enabled, I would have appreciated a second HDMI passthrough port. This is an issue I frequently find with cheaper sound bars.

Another limitation is that there’s no alphanumeric display on the front, just five LED indicator lights that shine through the front grill cloth to reflect what the volume or various settings are up to.

The controls on top of the soundbar are a bit more limited than on the remote, but the necessary ones are here, namely: power, source, Bluetooth, volume up, and volume down.

All fine-tuning is done on the remote. Luckily, it’s easy to use and has separate bass and treble buttons to cycle through levels as well as a button to turn on/off surround sound, which has its own volume up and down. There are also EQ preset and dialogue buttons.

• Design score: 4 / 5

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus system's surround speakers make an instant wireless link to the soundbar when plugged in (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Setup & usability

• Already paired out of the box
• Easy to use
• No real display for current settings

Setting up the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus couldn’t be easier. Everything comes in one big box – all the packaging seems to be materials that can be recycled – and just needs to be removed and plugged in.

The soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers are already paired so that once everything is plugged in and powered on, the soundbar will register the other units. A wall-mounting kit is also included, though it’s just for the soundbar. The hardest part (unless you’re planning on mounting) is putting the batteries in the remote.

As far as using the soundbar, it’s also just as straightforward. The buttons on the sound bar itself are a bit basic so you need to keep track of the remote to get most of the functionality. But switching sources and adjusting the audio to taste within its limitations is fairly foolproof.

I do wish there was a front panel alphanumeric display for feedback when making changes. Instead, you have to rely on the indicator LEDs and listen to a voice prompt to know what setting you’ve changed. And if you’re not paying close attention, you have to adjust again to find out what it was on.

• Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5

With no app or Alexa control, EQ and sound adjustments on the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus are all carried out using the included remote (Image credit: Future) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Value

• Good, but not great, deal for a surround sound soundbar system
• Can find cheaper, though lesser, 5.1-channel sound bar options
• Same money can get better-sounding options, but with fewer channels

I may sound a little confused when discussing the price of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus by saying it’s at once affordable and overpriced. At $489.99 (about £390 / AU$770) for the surround sound configuration, it’s a good mid-tier system for the price that comes with a large soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers. Yet, it’s priced higher than one would expect from the likes of Amazon, especially considering how light on features it is.

This is particularly highlighted when considering the Ultimea Poseidon D50, a 5.1-channel sound bar system that goes for a paltry $119.99 / £149.99 (about AU$180). Sure, the Ultimea comes with many more compromises with slightly worse audio and build quality, but it’s also much, much cheaper.

Of course, you can spend the same amount on something that’s not quite considered premium and get a much smaller package. Consider the Sony HT-S2000, a 3.1-channel system that counts virtual Dolby Atmos as a main attraction. It does have generally better audio quality. Still, you have to pay $499 / £449 / AU$695 for it.

• Value score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus? Buy it if...

You want the easiest setup possible
All you have to do to set up the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is to power up the various units. It doesn’t get easier than that.

You don’t want to spend too much for a surround sound system
While it’s not the cheapest out there, the price is pretty good, especially if you go for the configuration with the surround speakers and subwoofer.

You want a straightforward soundbar
Not only is this soundbar system easy to set up, but it’s easy to operate. If you find that too many bells and whistles get in the way, then this might be the one for you.

Don't buy it if...

sound-enabledYou want a lot of features
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is surprisingly stripped down, especially for a surround sound- enabled setup. Sure, there’s virtual Dolby Atmos, but it’s not the real deal.

You want crystal-clear audio
The sound quality is good, but if you’re fussy, you’re going to wish you spent a little more on something with better clarity and resolution.View Deal

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus review: Also consider

Ultimea Poseidon D50
The Ultimea Poseidon D50 is proof you can go really cheap and still get a 5.1-channel system. Yes, there are compromises, such as the lack of any kind of Dolby Atmos support, and it’s also a bit cheap-looking. But, it mostly sounds good, and is easy to set up.

Read our full Ultimea Poseidon D50 review

Sony HT-S2000
If surround sound is not a top priority, but you still want something beyond stereo and have $500 / £500 to burn, the all-in-one Sony HT-S2000’s overall sound quality is impressive and its virtual Dolby Atmos is actually spacious-sounding.

Read our full Sony HT-S2000 review

Hisense AX5125H
Hisense's soundbar system offers 5.1.2 channels in a compact package with wireless surround speakers and subwoofer. It also has an alphanumeric front panel LED display and costs less than Amazon's system.

Read our full Hisense AX5125H review

How I tested the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

The Nakamichi Dragon with its two subs in my home. (Image credit: Future)

• I used the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus for a couple weeks
• Tested with both TV, movies, and music

I used the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus system regularly for a week. I used it with TV shows, movies, and music. I tested the various EQ options and audio modes as well as played around with all the other settings available, such as the dialogue mode.

After testing, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus seems to be a decently priced 5.1-channel system that leans a bit on the Fire TV brand, offering mostly convenience and the surround sound experience, and not much else.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

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

Developer Allware makes no secret of its inspiration from Superhot with its aptly named VR game Cold VR. Flipping the script with the tagline “Move or Die,” this shooter introduces a reversed time mechanic: time slows down when you move and speeds up when you stand still. While Superhot used its time-bending feature to create strategic, puzzle-like combat, Cold VR pushes for a more fast-paced, aggressive style, demanding quick, on-the-fly adjustments.

(Image credit: Allware LLC) Review Info

Platform reviewed: PCVR via Meta Quest 3S
Available on: Meta Quest, PC (via Steam), PSVR 2
Release date: February 11, 2025 (PSVR 2 releasing in 2025)

Even the art style takes cues from Superhot by focusing more on simple low-poly visual design with various shades of white, blue, black, and pink. There is a visual switch-up during optional intermission horror-inspired levels called 'backrooms' that feature dark orange and black but we’ll touch on that later.

Neither Hot Or Cold

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

The core gameplay loop of Cold VR has players defeating a set amount of enemies until an area is clear. Dodging bullets and attacks is a must as one hit will send players back to the beginning of the level which can stretch pretty long compared to Superhot. So long that players may find themselves frustrated by making it far to have to start all over considering some segments take as long as 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

A diverse arsenal of melee weapons and firearms keeps the gameplay exciting and dynamic. Of course, players can wield those weapons in either hand for a nice variety of combat options. Like Superhot, one strategy involves having something like a sword in one hand and a pistol in another as guns have a finite amount of bullets. Various katanas, claws, straight swords, and even shields join pistols, shotguns, machine guns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. Playing in a flat open arena firing away at gun-toting enemies in one hand and hacking approaching grunts in another in slow motion can be a euphoric experience at times.

While you can throw guns and swords at enemies, the awkward physics and clunky controls make it an unreliable combat option. Adding to the frustration, players can’t pick up weapons from defeated enemies. This eliminates the kind of cinematic moments seen in Superhot, where you could toss an empty gun at an enemy, watch them shatter into crystal-like fragments, snatch their weapon midair, and seamlessly continue the fight.

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

Some platforming portions within gameplay add some diversity to the combat though it doesn’t make good on the promise the opening tutorial brings. Similar to Doom, some battle scenarios beg players to run on jump pads and shoot enemies while in mid-air. Outside of learning core mechanics, players have to use the time mechanic to slow down lasers to pass alongside climbing moving stairs.

The optional backroom levels initially offer a refreshing break from the intense combat, challenging players to navigate a maze armed with nothing but their wits. These eerie corridors are patrolled by black, spiked creatures that kill on contact and the first level effectively builds tension with clever flashlight mechanics. However, the suspense quickly fades as these levels devolve into tedious fetch quests and button hunts. One variation has players searching for three orbs, which can be confusing without a map and frustrating if you're killed mid-search. For completionists, the backroom levels risk dragging down the game’s pacing and adding unnecessary frustration instead of serving as a pallette cleanser.

Shining bright despite bugs

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

Combat is also hurt by bugs that can lead to annoying moments. Sometimes levels can start with players pointing in the wrong direction which can lead to instant death. This happened several times in a level that starts with an elevator opening with an enemy already firing in your direction. This happened in other missions that start with enemies directly facing the player as well. Cold VR also has ammo counters on guns but a bug makes it inconsistent when players see them leading to an unnecessary guessing game.

Though Cold VR’s gameplay experience can be fairly inconsistent, its story and presentation shine. Players are a piece of software attempting to fight against a rogue artificial intelligence led by a menacing force. The mysterious protagonist is helped by a human hacker who appears via a large monitor in between levels. These live-action FMV (full-motion video) sequences ride a fine line between providing over-the-top camp and meaningful story beats. By the time Cold VR ends, players will even have a nuanced understanding of the main baddie’s motivations.

Best Bit

(Image credit: Allware LLC)

In one mission, players start perched on a rooftop with a sniper rifle, methodically taking out enemies one by one as they cock the hammer back between shots. Once the coast is clear, they leap onto the rooftop, unleashing a barrage of dual-pistol fire in epic slow-motion to finish the remaining foes.

The FMV sequences add to a respectable-looking game that blends solid cyberpunk art direction and great performance. Cold VR's minimalistic art design allows for some pretty neat special effects. This includes fantastic particle effects, lighting, shadows, and even reflections. All of that is done without a hint of slowdown during our playthrough. Adding to the experience is an awesome techno soundtrack that enhances the feel of combat in meaningful ways. If there’s one area where Cold VR overtakes its inspiration, it’s the presentation department through and through.

Cold VR offers a unique twist on the time-manipulation shooter formula, delivering a visually striking and fast-paced experience. With its 3.5-hour campaign, it’s a concise yet challenging ride that demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The reversed time mechanic - where time slows as you move - pushes players into more aggressive combat scenarios. While the gameplay occasionally stumbles with clunky physics, bugs, and some frustrating level design, Cold VR excels in its narrative and presentation.

The straightforward story, bolstered by engaging FMV sequences, adds depth, while its cyberpunk aesthetic and dynamic techno soundtrack elevate the overall immersion. Despite its flaws, Cold VR stands out for its cool mechanics and polished visuals, making it a worthwhile addition for VR enthusiasts seeking a fresh take on the genre. At this price point, it’s an intriguing, albeit imperfect, adventure that’s sure to challenge and entertain.

Should you play Cold VR? Play it if...

You’re a fan of Superhot
Cold VR proudly showcases its inspirations while adding some unique twists to make it stand out just enough.

You want a unique presentation within your VR experience
The game offers stunning visuals, immersive audio with dynamic sound effects, a high-intensity soundtrack, and a solid storyline.

Don't play it if...

You expect to do cool things like throw objects or throw enemy weapons
All players can do in Cold VR is shoot and swing a wide range of weapons. Don’t expect to grab enemy weapons or throw objects effectively.

You require a certain level of polish during your playthrough
Occasional bugs can disrupt an otherwise enjoyable experience, becoming especially frustrating when levels stretch to ten minutes and a single death forces players to restart from the very beginning.

Accessibility features

Cold VR offers smooth gameplay regardless of whether you're standing or sitting. Movement is handled with the left controller, while the right controller allows for both snap and smooth turning options. Players can adjust snap turn angles and smooth turn speed with dedicated sliders. Additionally, a vignette slider is available to darken the screen's edges, helping some visually impaired players focus on the center of the image.

(Image credit: Allware LLC) How I reviewed Cold VR

I reviewed Cold VR on a gaming PC using a Steam key provided by the developer, playing wirelessly on a Meta Quest 3s via Steam Link. The single-player campaign took about three hours to complete, but I spent more time with the game to explore it and test it more intensely.

First reviewed February 2025

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: two-minute review

The ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine is a semi-automatic coffee maker sporting a smart design, a beginner-friendly interface, and an impressive set of features that belie its entry-level price. At £399 (about $500 / AU$800), it's one of the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee makers I've tested, and also one of the best.

With its integrated burr grinder, manual steam wand, and centrally positioned display, it looks similar to premium semi-automatic machines such as the Breville Barista Touch Impress; but there are some key differences. For example, parts of the ProCook machine's chassis are made from plastic rather than metal, reducing both the weight and cost; its screen is crisp monochrome rather than color; and it has a manual steam wand rather than an automatic milk frothing system.

The ProCook Barista Bean to Cup is a good-looking semi-automatic espresso machine, with a case made from a combination of brushed stainless steel and silver-toned plastic (Image credit: Future)

None of those factors will be a problem if it will be your first espresso machine, and you're after something that will perform well and guide your hand while you get to grips with the process. Just select your preferred drink using the clear, high-contrast screen and set of four buttons, customize it if you like, and the ProCook Barista will guide you through (almost) ever step of the process.

There are a few quirks along the way. For example, the machine doesn't reveal that after pulling the lever for the steam wand, you'll have to wait half a minute for the steam to actually begin, even if the machine has already heated to temperature. neither does it tell you to tamp your ground coffee, instead directing you to transfer the portafilter straight from the grinder to the group head – a potentially messy mistake.

Those are small quibbles, though; overall, the ProCook Barista is a likeable, fun introduction to the world of espresso-making that demystifies what can sometimes be an intimidating craft.

The biggest drawback is that it's currently only available in the UK. If you live elsewhere, take a look at my list of alternative recommendations further down this guide.

There are six coffee drinks to choose from, each of which can be customized (Image credit: Future) ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: price and availability

• Only available to buy direct from ProCook in the UK
• Currently priced at £399 (about $500 / AU$800)
• One of the most affordable bean-to-cup machines we've tested

The ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine is available to buy now direct from ProCook in the UK for £399 (although its usual price is £599). It isn't currently available in other countries. This is very good value, and cheaper than anything in our guide to the best bean-to-cup coffee machines.

If you're on a tighter budget, the ProCook Espresso Coffee Machine is an entry-level espresso maker in the same series priced at £199 (usual price £249). It has a similar LCD panel and manual steam wand, but lacks the built-in grinder of the Barista machine. It's available bundled with a standalone grinder for £269 (typical price £349).

There's also the premium ProCook Barista Elite Bean to Cup Espresso Coffee Machine, which has a full color display rather than monochrome, and an automatic steam wand with heat sensor. It's available for £599 (usual price £999).

• Value score: 5/5

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: specs ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: design

• Chassis is made from a combination of plastic and brushed metal
• Controlled using high-contrast monochrome display and four buttons
• Excellent integrated conical burr grinder with easy adjustments

With its centrally positioned display and brushed metal finish, the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine bears a passing resemblance to semi-automatic espresso machines from Breville, but there are some significant differences. Firstly, the ProCook machine's chassis isn't made entirely from stainless steel, but has strategically placed plastic panels that reduce both the weight and cost, without having a significant impact on aesthetics.

I certainly welcomed the lighter build when moving the ProCook Barista into position in my kitchen (at 21.38lbs / 9.7kg, it weighs a lot less than most similar espresso machines). The only downside is that plastic doesn't conduct heat well, which means you can't use the top of the ProCook Barista as a cup warmer (the circular depression I initially took for a cup holder is actually just a place to store the tamper).

Turning the bean hopper adjusts the grind size, and pressing it down while twisting lets you remove it to clean the burrs (Image credit: Future)

The tamper and portafilter handle are also light in the hand. They don't feel as sturdy as those you'd get with a pricier machine, and if you're particular about your accessories then you may prefer to invest in a heavier metal tamper that will help you apply more even pressure. However, the lightweight handle here could be a benefit for people with limited strength or mobility in their hands and wrists.

The bean hopper can be twisted to change the grind size, with markings on the side showing the difference your selection will make to the speed of extraction. It's a small but helpful touch for users grinding their own coffee for the first time.

You can remove the hopper by pressing down as you turn, then take the top off the grinder assembly to clean it using the stiff-bristled brush provided. The machine won't prompt you to do this, but it's a good idea to clean it regularly to avoid build-up of debris in the burrs.

The machine comes with a stiff-bristled brush that's ideal for cleaning the burr grinder (Image credit: Future)

The ProCook Barista's display is large and clear, with the decent contrast ratio making it easy to read, no matter the level of lighting in your kitchen. It doesn't offer touch controls; instead, you scroll through menus and select options using four buttons –two either side of the screen.

It's a system that works well and is extremely straightforward to use, although I was surprised to find that there's no simple way to exit a menu and go back to the previous screen. For example, if you selected "single espresso" but have changed your mind and actually want a double, you can't go back to the drinks menu – even if you haven't started grinding the beans yet. Instead, you have to restart the machine. It's a small quibble, but was unexpected considering how much thought has gone into designing the interface.

The generously sized reservoir is easy to lift off the back of the machine, and has an integrated handle for carrying (Image credit: Future)

The 95oz / 2.8-liter water reservoir is easy to lift off the rear of the machine for filling. Note that it doesn't have a filter, and ProCook doesn't sell any separately. As such, you may want to use pre-filtered water to avoid minerals changing the taste of your coffee and to slowdown the build-up of limescale.

• Design score: 4.5/5

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: performance

• Default brew settings produce consistently good results
• Experimentation is encouraged, even for new users
• Steam wand is particularly well designed

Some espresso machines come with an inch-thick instruction manual, but not the ProCook Barista. In fact, I found no manual in the box at all, because this machine simply doesn't need one. Just load up the bean hopper, fill the water tank, power it on, and you'll be guided through each step of the coffee-making process with clear on-screen instructions and diagrams.

There's no setup process to go through before you can start brewing; the machine takes you directly to a menu of drink options. There are six coffee drinks to choose from (single espresso, double espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, and americano), plus hot milk and hot water – the latter of which is dispensed via the steam wand.

You can stick with the default settings for each drink, or press and hold the "select" button to pick your own grind time (which correlates to dosage), water volume (to suit the size of your cup) and water temperature.

The on-screen instructions are clear, but don't attach the portafilter to the group head without tamping first (Image credit: Future)

Note, however, that the instructions do miss a couple of steps. For example, you're told to insert the portafilter directly into the group head, with no mention of tamping the grounds, so a little familiarity with making coffee will be helpful.

The machine also doesn't mention that after pulling the lever on the right-hand side, you need to wait a little while for it to actually start. This wait time is actually quite helpful, giving new users a window to get themselves and their milk jug in position; but if you're used to other espresso machines then you might mistakenly believe that the wand isn't working.

The cool-touch steam wand is a joy to use (Image credit: Future)

Like many manufacturers of coffee machines, ProCook advertises the pump's maximum pressure of 15 bars, but this isn't really relevant, and the machine will use the industry recommended nine bars when actually brewing. One thing I particularly like about the ProCook Barista is that it displays the exact pressure on-screen during the brewing process, so you can see the impact of your chosen beans, grind size, and tamping technique before you taste the finished drink.

During tests, the default settings provided consistently good results (although I did gravitate towards using my own metal tamper rather than the plastic one provided). The machine encourages experimentation, which is great for those new to espresso, who will find it interesting to see how tinkering with individual properties, such as water temperature, grind size, or bean type, can have a noticeable effect on flavor.

The steam wand is a pleasure to use. It has a cool-touch exterior, which I hadn't expected for an espresso machine at this price. It maintains good pressure, giving you plenty of time to stretch and heat your milk, and its angle makes it easy to achieve a good "whirlpool". It’s controlled using an arm on the right-hand side of the machine, which is pleasingly tactile; simply pull it forward to start the steam and push it back for hot water, as directed by the on-screen instructions. The only potential drawback is that there’s no control over the steam pressure, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing for a machine designed not to overwhelm beginners.

The steam arm on the right-hand side of the machine is pleasingly tactile (Image credit: Future)

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. The exterior of the machine can be wiped clean using a cloth, and the drip tray (easily pulled out), handle, and filters can be hand-washed in warm, soapy water. The ProCook machine arrives with a pair of cleaning brushes, plus a pin for clearing the nozzle of the steam wand if it becomes clogged.

As mentioned earlier, there's no water filter for the reservoir, and unlike pricier espresso machines from the likes of KitchenAid or Smeg, there are no settings for water hardness. You can use tap or filtered water, but whichever option you pick, you will be prompted to run the machine's descaling program once you've used it to brew 300 coffees. However, you can run it sooner if you notice that the water flow has become inconsistent, or it's making odd noises.

Speaking of noise, my decibel meter recorded a maximum volume of 75dB while the machine was grinding coffee, and 60dB while pumping water, which is about standard for a bean-to-cup coffee machine. If you want a quieter bean-to-cup machine, the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 averaged just 44dB in our tests.

• Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine? Buy it if

You want your first espresso machine

As a semi-automatic machine, the ProCook Barista helps you with some of the trickier parts of making espresso, while letting you tackle the fun parts (such as steaming milk). It's easy to use and explains what's happening at each stage of the process, so you can see the effect of tinkering and experimenting on your finished drinks.

You don't want to spend a fortune

This is one of the most affordable bean-to-cup coffee machines we've tested, yet ProCook hasn't compromised on components where it really matters.

You're tired of using capsules

Its integrated grinder with automated dosing means fresh coffee beans are just as easy to use as foil-sealed coffee pods.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You don't live in the UK

At the time of writing, this machine is only available to buy in the UK directly from ProCook.

You already have a grinder

ProCook also sells a version of this machine without the built-in grinder, and it's even cheaper.

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine: also consider

Not sure that the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso machine is right for you? Here are two other options to bear in mind.

Breville The Barista Touch Impress

We awarded the Barista Touch Impress a full five stars thanks to its excellent, consistently brewed espresso and auto milk frother that handles both dairy and plant-based alternatives with ease. However, it does cost well over twice what you'd pay for the ProCook Barista.

Read our full Breville The Barista Touch Impress review

De'Longhi Dedica Style

If you're looking for a manual espresso machine that won't break the bank or take up too much space in your kitchen, this stylish little number is the one for you. It has an impressive steam wand, and it's super affordable. It lacks a grinder, though.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review

How I tested the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine

I used the ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Machine in place of my usual Gaggia Classic and Dualit burr grinder for two weeks. I prepared all drinks from the menu, customizing several of them to suit different-sized mugs and experimenting with heat and grind time settings.

I used coffee beans from Exhale Healthy Coffee, which were provided by ProCook, and freshly roasted beans from Clifton Coffee Roasters here in Bristol. I tested the machine using both full-fat dairy milk and almond milk, which were used cold from the fridge.

For more details, see how we test and review products at TechRadar.

First reviewed January 2025

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Two-minute review

The Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air is a large gaming mouse with some useful features aimed at improving the user experience for players. It stands out due to that size and its shape, with its concave sides, the left of which juts out at the bottom to accommodate the Easy Shift button. The body is very smooth with no texturing.

The white colorway features some subtle gray accents on the buttons and scroll wheel, and overall it looks relatively mature compared to other gaming peripherals, although it still isn’t exactly elegant.

Compared to the best gaming mouse out there, the RGB lighting on the Kone 2 Air is relatively large, with two stripes running along the top, as well as the usual LED on the scroll wheel.

The Kone 2 Air adopts a wide, squat stance and features a relatively flat top, so those with larger hands will likely find this fills their palms more substantially than other gaming mice do. With that large size, though, comes a heavy 110g weight.

(Image credit: Future)

By contrast, the clicks are light and snappy, yet well damped, and the same is true of the two side buttons and the DPI cycle button on top. The scroll wheel feels smooth to the touch and features 4D scrolling, allowing you to tilt it left and right for horizontal navigation. It also has a free spin function, activated by pressing the button above the DPI cycle. This allows you to disengage the notching to scroll much faster, yet it still feels reassuringly weighty and smooth.

However, without free spin activated, there’s a little too much play in the wheel, making it hard to get a feel for single flicks. The scroll click, however, is reassuringly solid and easy to press in the heat of the moment, as well as providing satisfying feedback and a clearly audible click.

The included USB cable is braided and light, so there’s next to no drag when using it. However, it doesn’t seem as thick or as durable as those on other gaming mice. It’s also quite short, so you’ll need your machine relatively close by if you want to play in wired mode.

Turtle Beach’s peripheral software, Swarm 2, allows for numerous adjustments and customizations. There are numerous rebinding options, such as keyboard keys (including in combination with modifiers) and media controls, but there’s only two system level shortcuts available: one for shutdown and one for sleep. There’s also a wholly separate layer for assigning secondary inputs courtesy of Easy Shift, and naturally, you can also customize the RGB lighting in Swarm 2.

Swarm 2 features some useful adjustments for gaming too, such as Motion Sync and Angle Snapping, as well as a debounce time slider between 0-10 (no unit is given here).

However, there’s no setting labeled lift-off distance; instead, there’s what Swarm 2 calls DCU Calibration. You have settings for low and very low, as well as a custom setting which takes you to a calibrator, asks you to make circular movements with the cursor, and automatically selects an appropriate lift-off distance for you – although it doesn’t tell you what this distance is.

There’s also the typical DPI settings, with five predefined points for you to adjust for cycling. There’s a DPI calibrator too, which asks you to hit a series of targets in order to automatically pick what it thinks is the best DPI setting for you.

Macro recording is possible, and Swarm 2 even includes a range of default macros for a number of popular games and productivity software, including Microsoft Office and Photoshop.

(Image credit: Future)

Gaming with the Kone 2 Air is a mixed experience. All buttons are responsive and satisfying to use, but the overall form isn’t the most ergonomic, as the sides don’t offer enough grip, even if you apply the included grip tape.

The indentation of each side only occurs towards the rear, and flattens out immediately, which meant my thumb and fingers couldn’t set in place for greater security. As a result, I had to squeeze tighter than I normally would for, which naturally compromises movement speed; I never truly felt comfortable holding the Kone 2 Air.

That hefty weight the Kone 2 Air is saddled with only adds to the problem. It prevents glides from being smooth and seamless. The weight is also concentrated towards the rear, which makes the mouse feel unbalanced as it has a tendency to tilt backwards when lifting off.

Thankfully, the Easy Shift button is easy to reach and hit with your thumb. The RGB lighting also changes color when held, which is a useful indicator that I was just able to make out in my peripheral vision, without it being distracting.

When it comes to connectivity, using the Kone 2 Air via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz is as quick and easy as can be, and switching between two devices on the fly works pretty much flawlessly, merely requiring a flick of the switch underneath.

Turtle Beach states a very long battery life for the Kone 2 Air: 350 hours via Bluetooth and 150 via the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Although I wasn’t able to test its limits during my time with it, I can say that after several days of varied use, it only dropped a few percentage points, so its claims would seem to hold water.

The Kone 2 Air is a divisive gaming mouse, then. Those with larger hands may prefer it more, thanks to its size and weight. However, those after speed and comfort will be better served by lighter, higher-performing mice, such as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro – and, if saving money is a top priority, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed and Cooler Master MM311 are better alternatives.

(Image credit: Future) Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Price & availability

• $119 / £119 (about AU$182)
• Available now in black and white colorways
• Undercuts some popular brands

The Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air costs $119 / £119 (about AU$182) and comes in two colorways: black and white. A wired only version is also available for considerably less, at $59 / £59 (about AU$90).

Compared to the best wireless gaming mice, it sits towards the lower end of the market. It’s cheaper than popular offerings from Razer, including the DeathAdder V3 Pro. That mouse, though, is capable of polling at 8K (albeit requiring an additional adapter).

There are some that undercut it, including mice in Logitech’s Lightspeed range, such as the G305 Lightspeed and G309 Lightspeed. However, the former can only connect wirelessly via the Lightspeed USB dongle (there’s no Bluetooth), and both have no rechargeable battery, requiring a AA each instead.

Then there’s the Cooler Master MM311, our pick as the best gaming mouse for those on a budget. It massively undercuts the competition, and although this too has no rechargeable battery or Bluetooth connectivity, it still offers brilliant gaming performance with wireless capability.

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Specs Should I buy the Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air? Buy it if...

You want multiple connectivity options
With Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz receiver and USB-C connectivity, the Kone 2 Air is ideal for multi-device setups, allowing you to switch between the different modes on the fly.

You have large hands
The size and weight of the Kone 2 Air lends itself to those with big palms, although even they may struggle to grip it securely.

Don't buy it if...

You want something small
The Kone 2 Air is about as full as they come, so if you don’t like your mouse filling your palm, this won’t be for you.

You want pro-level performance
The heavy weight and 1K polling rate likely won’t cut it for pro-level players, who require the utmost speed and smoothness in their movements.

Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air: Also consider

Cooler Master MM311
If you’re on a budget, then you can’t do much better than the MM311. It shares the same 1K polling rate as the Kone 2 Air, although it’s considerably lighter at 77g. However, it has no inbuilt battery, requiring a AA instead. There’s also no wired or Bluetooth modes available. However, if you can live without these, then the MM311 offers serious value for money. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.

Logitech G305 Lightspeed
Another pick as one of the best wireless gaming mouse for those on a budget, the G305 Lightspeed offers serious performance for the money. It’s only a little more expensive than the Cooler Master, and still a whole lot cheaper than the Kone 2 Air. However, it too has no rechargeable battery and no Bluetooth connectivity. Read our Logitech G305 Lightspeed review.

How I tested the Turtle Beach Kone 2 Air

• Tested for several days
• Played FPS titles
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the Kone 2 Air for several days, during which time I used it for playing games, productivity, and general use.

I played Counter-Strike 2, the litmus test for gaming mice, as well as Black Mesa. I made sure to try as many features and functions as possible on both the mouse and in the GG software.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and during that time I have experienced a variety of mice. I have also reviewed numerous units, ranging in size, weight, performance and price.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: November 2024

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Two-minute review

The Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless is a lightweight wireless gaming mouse with a small size and a unique form factor for improved ergonomics and handling.

Aesthetically, the M64 Wireless keeps things rather simple. The black colorway with mint green accents that I tested looked sharp and understated. White and blue variants with green and orange accents respectively are also available. No model has any RGB lighting, though, which is something of a rarity in this sector.

The asymmetrical shape of the M64 Wireless fit my hand and grip style very well. It’s among the best gaming mouse in terms of ergonomics, with the long indentations of the side walls and downwards rake of the mouse buttons accommodating my thumb and fingers perfectly.

What may prove contentious, however, is the location of the USB-C port. It’s on the rear right side, which, depending on your particular gaming setup, may put play-and-charge beyond your reach – literally.

(Image credit: Future)

Thankfully, the included USB cable is very light and causes next to no drag at all. It’s also very long, so even if your PC is to your left, you still might be able to find some way to route it adequately. The recess of the port on the mouse body is also very deep, so I had no concern about accidentally knocking it out either.

The M64 Wireless has no accompanying software; rather, all adjustments are made via the power slider and selector buttons underneath, as well as a few combinations of the topside buttons. The power slider has three positions for selecting the CPI, polling rate, and debounce time. With one of these selected, the selector button cycles through the various settings for each of these parameters.

Despite not being able to fine-tune these settings via any software, I found the available presets to be sufficient. There are eight CPI settings, ranging from 400 to 26,000, four polling rates from 125Hz to 1000Hz, and four debounce times ranging from 2ms to 12ms. A small LED light flashes certain colors to indicate the setting selected, with the key detailed in the manual.

On paper, it’s a clever solution given the lack of software, but it can be quite fiddly, as it involves referring back to the manual to check what color indicates what setting, although it could be argued that after initial setup, you probably won’t be changing them regularly. Still, a software tool would’ve made on-the-fly adjustments simpler and quicker.

Various topside button combinations can be used to alter the lift-off distance between 1mm and 2mm, as well as toggle Motion Sync on or off. There’s also a combination for checking the battery level, with four different colors indicating the percentage range. Personally, I would’ve liked the more precise readout that software provides. Also, these button combinations are again quite fiddly and inconvenient to use quickly.

(Image credit: Future)

To game with, however, I found little fault with the M64 Wireless’ performance. The aforementioned form factor made it easy to grip and maneuver, further helped by the light 53g weight and ultrasmooth PTFE skates – although these are quite thin, so aren’t the best for unpadded surfaces. The precision and speed of the Pixart 3395 sensor is also great for a 1K mouse.

The Huano Transparent Blue Shell Pink Dot switches in the main mouse buttons are snappy yet controlled, and the same goes for the two side buttons. The scroll wheel is also notched just right, allowing for quick yet secure flicks. The scroll click strikes a similar balance, being responsive without causing accidental spins.

Cherry claims the M64 Wireless can last 75 hours on a single charge, and I’m inclined to believe this figure. After several days of use, I was still in the green, indicating a level between 76-100%.

Considering its price, the M64 Wireless sits a little too close to the M68 Pro, which offers a similar shape and performance, yet has an 8K polling rate for maximum pro-level performance, although only serious gamers will likely notice the difference.

It’s also about the same as the Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed, which has the benefit of integrating with Synapse, Razer’s in-depth peripheral software, offering numerous tweaks and customizations, including button rebinds and HyperShift functionality.

So while the M64 Wireless is a great feeling and excellent performing wireless gaming mouse, there are equally capable pointers at this price point, yet offer more in the way of features and functionality.

(Image credit: Future) Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Price & availability

• $92 / £99 / AU$133
• Available now in various colors
• Same price as better-equipped rivals

The M64 Wireless costs $92 / £99 / AU$133 and is available now in black, white, and blue colorways. It comes with a USB-A-to-C cable for charging and wired play.

It sits a little too close to the M68 Pro Wireless, which is only about $30 more, yet has an upgraded polling rate of 8K. The ergonomic form is very similar too, although the mouse buttons slope even more, which might deter some.

The Cooler Master MM311 is one of the best wireless gaming mouse picks for those on a budget, thanks to its ultra-low price and great performance. It’s heavier than the M64 Wireless at 77g and requires a AA battery, but if you can live with these facts, it’s hard to beat for sheer value.

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Specs Should I buy the Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless? Buy it if...

You want a lightweight mouse
At 53g, the M64 Wireless is on the light side of the spectrum, which makes it easy to maneuver.

You want great ergonomics
The unique shape of the M64 Wireless provided me with a comfortable grip, and the downwards slope of the mouse buttons was a natural fit for my fingers too.

Don't buy it if...

You want plenty of features
There’s no software for the M64 Wireless, which means no rebinding or macros options. There aren’t many on-board buttons either.

You want esport-grade performance
Since the polling rate only goes up to 1K, competitive players might need something even more precise.

Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless: Also consider

Cherry XTRFY M68 Pro Wireless
For not much more, you could get the M68 Pro Wireless instead, which ups the polling rate to 8K for unparalleled cursor precision and smoothness. It also has a similar shape to the M64 Wireless, although the rake of the mouse buttons is even steeper, which might not sit so well with some gamers.

Cooler Master MM311
As one of the best value gaming mice out there, the MM311 is a bargain considering its performance and comfort levels. It’s heavier than the M64 Wireless at 77g, and there’s no rechargeable battery, but if those drawbacks don’t bother you, you can’t do much better at this price point than the MM311. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.

How I tested the Cherry XTRFY M64 Wireless

• Tested for several days
• Used for gaming, working, and browsing
• Over 10 years of PC gaming experience

I tested the M64 Wireless for several days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

To assess its performance, I played Counter-Strike 2 - a stern test for the speed and accuracy of gaming mice, as well as featuring certain settings that can reveal a pointer’s true potential. I also played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, another FPS title but one that involves more variation to the pace and range of mouse movements.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and in that time I have experienced plenty of gaming mice. I have also reviewed a number of them, including another offering from Cherry XTRFY, the M68 Pro Wireless.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: December 2024

Shot Scope V5: One minute review

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

If money is no object and you want one of the best golf watches at any price, then there are technically better options out there than the Shot Scope V5. However, if you aren’t looking to spend upwards of $500/£500/AU$900 on a watch that you only plan on wearing for golf, the V5 is a great option as it offers some features that you wouldn’t usually get in the mid-price range it falls in.

As well as providing the basic front, middle, and back yardage numbers, the V5 offers some other useful functions too, such as accurate distances to hazards, layups, and doglegs. It comes with 36,000 preloaded courses worldwide and you also get full maps of each hole so you can see what lies ahead as you prepare your strategy on the tee.

The V5 is button-operated rather than touchscreen, rather like some of the best running watches, which might seem a little outdated but it’s arguably more practical and efficient during activities. Many golfers find touchscreens can be a little erratic, especially in the rain or while wearing gloves. The button system is simple to use once you become familiar with it, making it easy to scroll through the hazards and record your score on each hole.

Where the V5 really stands out though is in the post-round shot tracking and the analytics on offer. It comes with 16 individual club tags which attach to the butt of a club’s grip and record data from each shot. After the round, you have access to all manner of useful data that allows you to hone the areas you need to improve. Other brands offer this too, but usually, you have to pay for the tags and/or a yearly subscription to access the data. Shot Scope offers all of this at a very reasonable single price point.

Shot Scope V5: Specifications Shot Scope V5: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

• £239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99
• One price and color
• Cheaper than many rivals

The Shot Scope V5 costs £239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99 and is widely available from numerous online retailers. There is only one color choice (black) and there are no alternative strap color options either.

If you do want alternative color options then the very similar Shot Scope X5 might fit the bill, as it does offer a slightly more premium look and has a choice of five straps, but in terms of features and functionality, there’s very little between the V5 and the X5. In fact, almost all of the features are the same – but the V5 is button-operated whereas the X5 uses a touchscreen.

The V5 is £40 cheaper as a result of that, but many people will actually prefer the buttons, which makes the price very attractive. It’s also worth mentioning that touchscreens can often suffer in rainy conditions and buttons are certainly more reliable in the wet. The V5 has a longer battery life too, so in our view, it’s the better option, especially at this lower price point.

• Value score: 5/5

Shot Scope V5: Design

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

• Simple, clean design
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Doesn't intrude on swing

The V5 probably isn’t a watch that many will choose to wear away from the golf course but personally, I’d have no qualms about doing so. It’s a simple, black design and looks nice on the wrist. It’s very comfortable and lightweight too (weighing just 50g), so on the course it’s not intrusive or distracting during the swing. The dust-resistant silicone strap is nice and flexible and sits snugly on the wrist. In fact, it’s actually one of the more comfortable golf watches I’ve tested.

In terms of construction, the V5 has a 1.2” daylight-readable color display made from hardened mineral glass. While I’ve mentioned already that for the watch itself, there are no color options other than black, in terms of the display you have five colors to choose from. Four buttons (two on each side) are used to operate the watch, but the buttons are quite discreet and certainly don’t stand out too much or detract from the aesthetics.

• Design score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Features

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

• 36,000 preloaded courses
• Shot tracking
• In depth stats

The V5 comes preloaded with 36,000 golf courses and you get the standard front, middle, and back yardages. However if you can see where the pin is on the green and want a more specific number, there is a function that allows you to move the pin around on the screen to the right location. This will provide more accurate yardage, but I had no interest in using this feature, to be honest; scrolling through the options to find the pin and then continually clicking the button to move the flag around to the desired spot can be irritating. Frankly, I don’t need a number to be that accurate, as I’m not that good of a player to know, to the exact yard, how far I’m likely to hit my approach shot. A ballpark figure is more than sufficient for me, but the option is there for those who want it.

You do have access to excellent shot tracking information if you use the tags that come with this watch. They attach to the grip of your club and will record each shot you hit which then gives you access to very detailed information on your performance. If you’re into that, then this is an excellent feature. It’s very similar to services provided by Garmin and Arccos, but the difference is that you have to pay a yearly subscription fee for those whereas Shot Scope provides this free of charge.

I could talk all day about how in-depth this is as there are statistics available for everything you can think of, as well as plenty that you probably can’t! As well as being able to get ‘shots gained’ data, there are other interesting things available, such as how well you historically play particular golf courses or even specific holes. If you’re a golf nerd, this is something that will really appeal to you, and given that you don’t have to pay for any of it once you have made the initial purchase of the watch, for me this is the main selling point of the Shot Scope V5.

• Features score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Performance

(Image credit: Future / David Usher)

• Unlock button can be annoying
• Shot tracking not automatic
• Very easy to use

Upon arrival at the course, I found that the V5 identified the course fairly quickly. It isn’t always the same speed though. The first time I used it I found it was very quick, probably less than 10 seconds. Other times it has taken a little longer and on one occasion it was around a full minute. I find that to be normal though, and I’ve tested premium Garmin watches that have taken longer to locate the course than the V5 does, so from that perspective, I was quite impressed.

The trickiest thing for me, to begin with, was getting used to pressing the unlock button before attempting to access any of the functions. Without pressing the unlock button (the bottom left button), nothing else works, and initially, it was quite frustrating simply because I normally use a watch where I don’t need to do that. By the time I got to the back nine, I was generally okay with it, although I would occasionally still forget. After that first round, though, it became second nature.

That being said, having to press the unlock button first does make it slightly more of a pain to access some of the functions I like to use, such as the hazard map and distances, but this isn’t a premium watch – so there will naturally be some compromises to be made.

The watch does not automatically track individual shots on the course, but you can activate the track option after hitting a shot. Again, this is not ideal for me personally, as I often forget to do it, especially if I’m chatting with playing partners or feeling rushed due to a group behind me.

Some more expensive watches, such as the Garmin Approach S62 (my current watch of choice) or the newer Garmin Approach S70, track shots automatically and you don’t have to do anything. You hit your shot, start walking and the watch will immediately begin counting the yards until you reach your ball. This is a feature I use all the time, not specifically so I can see how far I’ve hit it, but more because it makes finding a ball that has strayed from the fairway a lot easier. For instance, if like me you know you usually carry your drive 200 yards, then it really narrows your search area considerably if the watch is telling you where exactly 200 yards is and you’re having to just guess. Having used the Garmin Approach S62 for a few years I’ve come to completely rely on that feature, and because it does it automatically it is hard to then get into the habit of doing it manually.

So when testing the V5 I kept forgetting to activate it and it was very frustrating, but that’s more of a me problem than a failing of the watch. Automatic tracking would be nice, but at the price point the V5 comes in at, it would be unreasonable to expect it.

There’s a lot to like about the V5 though. The app is excellent and simple to use; it’s just a case of downloading to your smartphone, creating an account, and then adding your device (in this case the V5, but there are other Shot Scope products you can add too).

It was straightforward enough to set up the tags too. They are pre-marked so there’s very little to do other than screw them into the specific club. Then, in the app, you can make up your bag by adding in your specific clubs. There are 16 tags so you can have spare clubs, which is handy if, for example, you occasionally switch out a hybrid for an extra wedge or vice versa.

In terms of the charger, the cable is extremely secure. Perhaps too secure, as I had to be quite forceful to remove it and that makes me nervous. I’ve had enough iPhones over the years to know how easily charging ports can be damaged when you’re too heavy-handed with them.

• Performance score: 4/5

Shot Scope V5: Scorecard Shot Scope V5: Should I buy? Buy it if...

You’re looking for detailed analytics without extra cost

For the golf nerd who wants to soak in as much information about their own strengths and weaknesses, this is a fantastic option and the club trackers come free with the watch.

You prefer using buttons to a touchscreen

While many people prefer the functionality of a touchscreen, it can be more difficult to use in wet or cold conditions. The V5 utilizes four buttons for navigation and (once you get used to them) it’s very easy to operate.

You want something with nice features that doesn’t cost a fortune

There’s enough here for the golfer who wants more than just the basic front, middle, and back yardages, and the detailed data available through the Shot Scope app when using the tags is really next level.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want your golf watch to be a top smartwatch

If you're looking for your next golf watch to be a versatile, fully functioning smartwatch that you can wear all the time then this is absolutely not the watch for you. It isn’t going to allow you to read messages, track your heart rate, or do any of the other things you get from an actual smartwatch.

You want a watch with a touchscreen

As previously mentioned, the V5 operates using four buttons rather than a touchscreen. So if you’re used to a touchscreen and that’s your preference, you might want to look at something else.

Also consider

Garmin Approach S70

An ultra-premium, do-it-all golf watch.

Read our full review

Garmin Approach S62

The best golf watch we’ve tried for maps. A bit older, but it’s now also a bit cheaper.

Read our full review

How I tested the Shot Scope V5

I have played two full rounds and a further nine holes using the Shot Scope V5. Weather conditions were varied and on one occasion the rain was quite heavy for a time. To find out how accurate the GPS numbers were I compared the numbers to that of my Garmin Approach S62 and also used a laser for a more exact yardage. The Shot Scope V5 was always within two yards of the laser and was usually bringing up the same numbers as the Garmin.

First reviewed: February 2025

Sony LinkBuds Speaker: Two-minute review

Sony has released a fair few speakers in its day but the new LinkBuds Speaker is the first to be released under its LinkBuds branding; the original Sony LinkBuds were novel for having open-ring designs so you could hear your surroundings while also streaming music, but the name now just seems to be used for a range of lifestyle audio options instead of applying to that particular open design, so here we are.

I often having to get name whingeing out of the way early when I review products like the Sony LinkBuds Speaker, because I want to save the rest of the review to focus on compliments on the device (and because I love a good name-whinge).

Don’t make the mistake I did when I first started using the speaker – unlike many other entries into our annals of the best Bluetooth speakers, this creation isn’t designed for house parties or loud gatherings. Instead, it’s a svelte house-trained pet that does its best work when you keep it domestic.

That’s most evident from the charging cradle, which was my favorite aspect of the entire speaker. It charges the speaker when you’re not using it (or when you are), acting as a hub that you can easily whisk the speaker away from when you’re marching into another room.

But there’s more evidence as to the LinkBuds Speaker’s introverted state. Its understated design means it fits snugly into your home decor, but it's not as rugged as the best waterproof speakers. Its microphone means you can use it as an ersatz home assistant (via your phone, at least) and a range of other features such as a programmable musical alarm clock and hourly time alerts all indicate that this is a housebound gadget.

That doesn’t mean you’ll be left in the lurch if you take it outside, especially with a surprisingly big 25-hour battery, but you might not find the audio fits parties or summer cookouts. That’s doubly the case with audio which proves quite directional, and doesn’t quite equal some rivals on the market in terms of energy and vibrancy – if you’re looking for a party speaker, the Sony will disappoint.

I was pleasantly surprised with the feature set offered by Sony, with its Sound Connect app boasting quite a few handy features – some are ones I haven’t seen on rival devices, which is a neat touch. Admittedly some of these features are hidden deep in the app – I still have no idea how I enabled the aforementioned hourly notification – and not all of them work wonders.

But it’s another illustration of how the Sony offers brains over the raw brawn of some of its rivals. It’s no slouch in the audio department, but it’s found a different way to best the likes of the JBL Flip 6: the features.

I should cap this intro by saying one more thing if you like the ideas of these extra features: only buy this if you use Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel. Loads of the extra features require a subscription to one of these three streaming services so you're not going to be able to use all the features if you use Tidal, Apple Music or YouTube Music.

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Price and release date

• Released in October 2024
• Officially priced at $179.99 / £139 / AU$249

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker was announced in October 2024, alongside two new earbud additions to the brand: the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open.

You can buy the speaker for $179.99 / £139 / AU$249 so it costs a little more than rivals in the area such as the JBL Flip 6, Ultimate Ears Boom 4 or Bose SoundLink Flex, but it roughly matches the Sonos Roam 2 which we rate as the best Bluetooth speaker.

I should point out that at the time of testing, three months after the LinkBuds Speaker’s release, it’s already on offer from some retailers, so it’s worth hunting around to find a discount as they're easy to find.

(Image credit: Future) Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Specs

(Image credit: Future) Sony LinkBuds Speaker: Features

• A 25-hour battery life
• Lots of features thanks to Sound Connect app
• Many tools require Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker offers a surprisingly admirable 25 hours of battery life, which laps most of its close rivals – you can expect between 10 and 15 hours of listening time on its competitors.

Thanks to how the aforementioned charging cradle fits into my real-world experience, I never actually had to test this figure the hard way, but that’s not the end of the world – it just goes to prove that you’ll never have battery anxiety with the LinkBuds Speaker.

You can get many more features from the LinkBuds Speaker by using Sony’s Sound Connect app – until recently called Headphones Connect.

One useful feature is auto-play, so you can set your speaker to start auto-playing from Spotify, Amazon Music or Endel at certain times on certain days, basically like an alarm clock. In my testing, I was unable to choose which playlist Spotify auto-played from, and it default to carrying on whatever I last listened to, but the writing in the app suggests that I should be able to pick them. Hopefully a software update will change this.

As I'll discuss in the Design section of this review, the speaker has a quick access button. Using the app, you can map this to use two of: Spotify Tap, Amazon Music Play Now or Endel Quick Access (all three bring up a curated playlist from the app of choice). As you can tell, these are the only three apps supported by Sony’s app – sorry, Tidal fans – but you can use other streaming platforms for standard speaker playback. You just can’t use the extra features.

Audiophiles will also be pleased to hear that there’s an in-app equalizer. It’s a five-band one with an extra Clear Bass dial to increase or decrease bass prominence between -10 and 10. You can save two different custom EQs, and there are no presets. In my experience I didn’t find that the equalizer made much of a difference on the sound quality.

Sony’s auto-EQ mode is back, but I’ve not previously been impressed by this, and the LinkBuds Speaker didn’t change that. The way it works is that the app presents you with five different EQ mixes and you have to choose your favorite; you do this twice and the app creates a custom mix for you. The problem is that the mixes it suggests to you are often so indistinct that I can never tell the difference between them, so it’s not a good way of gauging my actual tastes.

I was impressed by a few of the quality-of-life features Sound Connect offers. You can choose the auto-power-off length, toggle on a battery-saving mode that stops you overcharging the speaker, connect two multiple devices (including LinkBuds earbuds, which can automatically switch your music from the buds to the speaker when you get near) and can enable a Sony-made audio decompression feature to improve the sound of music on lossy streaming services. They all just improve the way you use the speaker in small but meaningful ways.

A feature I got really close to liking is the ability to set hourly reminders. This was surprisingly convenient to help mark the passage of time through the day, reminding me that it was lunchtime or that my working hours were finished… except there's no way in the app to silence it for certain hours. I was woken several times by the speaker announcing that it was 2am or 3am and so turned this otherwise-handy feature off.

I’ll briefly touch on pairing: when I first started using the LinkBuds Speaker, I simply couldn’t connect to it via Bluetooth pairing. However as soon as I opened the Sound Connect app, it immediately recognized and paired. So if you’ve just bought this gadget and can’t get it to connect, download the app now!

• Features score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Design

• Black or gray squoval
• Has a hook for hanging; charging pad in box
• A fair range of buttons

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker basically looks like a small furry squoval. (It's a real word! A portmanteau of square and oval!) Compared to lots of other portable speakers it’s a little plain looking, but I liked how it blended into the background of my home more than other speakers I test. Sometimes nondescript is good. The fabric cover also gives it a premium look that many other rivals lack.

It’s not a huge speaker, measuring 11cm tall and with body dimensions of 8.4 x 9cm, but it’s a little heavier than you’d think at first glance at 520g.

The ‘back’ of the speaker – a word I use because the sound is pretty directional, as I’ll get into in the sound quality section – has its power button as well as the USB-C charging port (which you can use instead of the included base plate, another feature I’ll explain later on). It also has a hook that you can use to hang the speaker on a hook in the bathroom, on the back of a chair or wherever works – but it’s not that big so it was hard to clip onto certain objects, plus the way the speaker hangs has problems with the directional sound (yet another tease about a future point to discuss).

On top of the speaker are buttons: volume up, volume down, play/pause/accept phone call, and the quick access button. There’s also a small light: white when the speaker is on and red when it’s off, and purple sometimes… for some reason? If there’s a way of turning the LED off, I couldn’t find it, which was a little annoying at night.

I’d be remiss not to include mention of the LinkBuds Speaker’s base plate, because it became an integral part of the experience during my testing. Included in the box is a charging cradle, which you plug into a USB-C charger, and it holds the speaker firm and slowly charges it up. Once I set this up in my office, it became a ‘home’ of sorts for the speaker – when I was listening during work, it would power up so that there was charge for when I was taking it out and about. Super convenient, two thumbs up from me.

You can buy the speaker in black or light gray, and your choice will affect the base plate as well as the speaker itself. It has an IPX4 rating so it’s protected against splashes of water but not solid jets or submersion, so it may not be at home at a pool party.

(Image credit: Future)

• Design score: 4/5

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Sound quality

• Good, not great audio quality
• Volume fine indoors but not loud enough for outdoors
• Directional audio poses a problem

The Sony LinkBuds Speaker combines a tweeter and woofer in a classic two-way system; I couldn’t find much information on either component from Sony's materials.

There’s no use beating about the bush; the LinkBuds Speaker doesn’t quite sound as great as rivals I’ve tested at this price point from Ultimate Ears and JBL. It offers a balanced audio mix, but lacks the 'oomph' that portable Bluetooth speakers generally need.

For example: there’s ample bass, but not as much as you’d get on an outdoor speaker; clear treble, but a distinct lack of shine to some instruments; the same lack of soundstage that you get on smaller speakers like this thanks to mono audio. The maximum volume is sufficient if you plan to use the speaker exclusively at home or in your garden, but in wider open spaces, it might prove hard to hear. Unlike its rivals, Sony hasn't turned any one element up to 11.

The mono audio problem can be fixed, according to the Sony website, by simply buying a second speaker and pairing them together to get stereo sound. That will, of course, double the amount you’re paying to listen.

My main concern when I started listening to the LinkBuds Speaker was simply that audio didn’t sound as energetic or exciting as on many other portable speakers I’ve tested; lots of rivals are designed as party devices and going in with the same expectations here will leave you disappointed.

This was underlined when I used the LinkBuds Speaker to play music at a gathering; after a few drinks, balanced audio isn't as important as vibrant bass. However once I figured out that the Sony is designed for a different use case – namely home listening – I could appreciate it a little more.

The LinkBuds Speaker’s sound depends a lot on the direction you are to it – that’s not uncommon in speakers, as 360-degree audio is a rare treat. But it makes a marked difference in the LinkBuds Speaker, and it’s doubly annoying for two reasons.

Firstly, due to its design, it’s pretty hard to glean which way the front is from a glance – close up, you can see the way the buttons are facing and where the hook is. If the speaker is in the corner of a room, you’ll have to guess if you’re getting the full experience. Secondly, when you use the hook to hang the speaker up, its positioning means that the tweeter and woofer point downwards – the only person getting optimal audio is the downstairs neighbor.

Sony boasts about its Sound Diffusion Processor in the LinkBuds’ web post, which is supposed to spread sound from the speaker out into a wide area, but I can only assume this listing was written on opposite day because my experience was that music sounded so much better when the speaker was facing you.

(Image credit: Future)

• Sound quality: 3.5/5

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Value

I can't go so far as to say that the Sony LinkBuds Speaker is outstanding value for money, but it ticks all the boxes that you want when you're paying this much.

The range of features, the audio quality, the design; I'm pretty sure I'd be able to accurately predict the LinkBuds' price because it's in line with expectations.

That changes a little if you can find the speaker discounted, though, and if you find it nearing the $100 / £100 / AU$180 mark, it may tip more into 'must-buy' territory.

• Value score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Sony LinkBuds Speaker? Buy it if…

You're a homebody
Looking for a Bluetooth speaker that you plan to use at home, rather than in outdoor events? Look no further.

Battery life is important
No-one likes that most gadgets take constant charging. You can put it off for 25 hours at a time with the LinkBuds Speaker, and top it up super-easily.

You want to be woken up by music
The LinkBuds Speaker's musical alarm clock feature has woken me up for the last week, and I'm all for it.

Don’t buy it if…

You're a party planner
The LinkBuds Speaker lacks the max volume, overwhelming bass or rugged design needed to make it a real party speaker.

You're not an app fan
Some people don't like having to use an app to control their speaker or headphones, and that's a fair stance, but you won't like the LinkBuds Speaker in that case.

Sony LinkBuds Speaker review: Also consider

JBL Flip 6
It's been around for years, but it remains a stalwart rival in the Bluetooth speaker space. It has a balanced sound and a hardy design, though it lacks some features (and the long battery life) that the Sony has – you can dig into it in our full JBL Flip 6 review.

Bose Soundlink Flex Gen 2
Another well-received rival from Bose, this gadget takes some party speaker DNA but not as much as some other rivals. It provide balanced audio, but perhaps doesn't quite have the charm of the Sony, but you can read more in our full Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 review.

This review first appeared in issue 355 of PC Pro.

Asus’ ExpertWiFi product family speaks to small businesses and retail outlets requiring a complete network security solution that’s affordable and simple to deploy. The EBR63 is a prime example: this deceptively small router teams up dual-band Wi-Fi 6 services with a heap of gateway security measures and delivers them all for only £125.

On the wireless side, the EBR63 has an AX3000 rating derived from claimed speeds of 574Mbits/sec on its 2.4GHz radio and 2,402Mbits/sec on the 5GHz radio, with the latter supporting high-performance 160MHz Wi-Fi 6 channels. However, the EBR63’s switch is only endowed with gigabit WAN and LAN ports so you won’t see the full performance potential of its Wi-Fi 6 credentials.

A positive takeaway is support for Asus’ AiMesh technology so you can use any compatible Asus wireless device to increase wireless coverage with up to 12 mesh nodes. You can also create up to five wireless SSIDs and present custom captive portals to guests and customers.

The EBR63 is a compact plastic unit that can be wall- or ceiling-mounted using the two holes in its rear panel. It also has a flip-out desk stand, but we wouldn’t recommend using this in a busy environment as it’s quite flimsy and, with the router only weighing 415g, it could easily get knocked over.

Internet redundancy is present, with the dual WAN feature able to apply failover or load balancing across two internet connections using the WAN port and a LAN port of your choosing. A quick fix if your main internet connection goes down is to connect a mobile to the EBR63’s USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port and use it as an instant internet backup.

The EBR63 is deceptively small and delivers decent overall speeds (Image credit: Future)

Deployment is a breeze using the ExpertWiFi mobile app. With this loaded on an iPad, we connected it to the router’s secure default SSID and followed a wizard to activate the device and update its firmware.

Management choices abound. The EBR63 presents a well-designed web interface, which we used to create more wireless, or self-defined, networks. This is nicely handled as you choose from a list that includes employee, portal, guest, scheduled and IoT options, then fill in the fields presented and choose WPA2 or the more secure WPA3 encryption. The “Scenario Explorers” makes this even easier as you choose an environment such as office, coffee shop or home working and it will present you with the most appropriate settings.

Security features are quite remarkable considering the price. The SPI firewall can be customized with up to 128 rules, while the Trend Micropowered AiProtection Pro service blocks malicious sites, stops infected systems from accessing the network, provides intrusion prevention services (IPS) and generates security assessment reports.

Web content and app filtering can be applied to selected clients where you tick boxes next to any of the four categories, choose a discovered device from the drop-down list and add a new rule. VPN options are outstanding, as Asus supports PPTP, OpenVPN, IPsec and WireGuard VPN servers, while the VPN Fusion feature creates secure connections for devices that can’t run VPN client software. In addition, quality of service (QoS) features are handled by Asus’ Adaptive QoS, which prioritizes traffic from different apps and activities using a customizable list.

The EBR63 delivers great security and traffic analysis features (Image credit: Future)

Despite only having gigabit ports, the EBR63 delivered respectable speeds in our real-world tests. Using a Dell Windows 11 Pro workstation equipped with a TP-Link Archer TXE75E Wi-Fi 6/6E PCI-E adapter, we saw close-range large file copies between the client and a LAN-connected Windows server return a rock-steady 112MB/sec, dropping to 89MB/sec with the router placed ten meters away in an adjoining room.

The ExpertWiFi EBR63 will appeal to small businesses that want all their network services and security in one, easily-managed device. The gigabit ports do limit wireless performance but overall speeds are impressive nonetheless, and Asus delivers an incredible range of security measures at a very tempting price.

We also rated the best software for small businesses.

This review first appeared in issue 356 of PC Pro.

Zyxel’s XMG1915 family of switches is aimed at small businesses that want plenty of multi-gigabit ports in a space-saving design and at a competitive price. The range comprises three models, and we reviewed the XMG1915-10EP, which provides high-power PoE++ services.

Measuring only 250 x 104 x 27mm (WDH), this desktop switch packs in eight 2.5GbE multi-gigabit ports all capable of delivering up to 60W. It partners them with a pair of 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports for high-speed uplinks. It has a good power budget of 130W, which is facilitated by a chunky 150W external power brick that’s over half the size of the switch.

The switch uses its chassis as a heatsink and its fan-less design means it’s completely silent. Management options are good: you can run it in standalone mode or hook it up with Zyxel’s Nebula Control Center (NCC) service for full cloud access.

The switch packs plenty of LEDs into its front panel, with lights showing system and cloud connection status, while a three-color PoE LED warns if you’re getting close to the power budget. Each port is also assigned an LED that shows whether its connection speed is 100Mbits/sec, gigabit or 2.5GbE.

The diminutive XMG1915-10EP packs in eight 2.5GbE multi-gigabit ports (Image credit: Future)

The switch is easy to deploy in standalone mode, with its local web console presenting four wizards for setting a default admin password and SNMP community names, and configuring security features, VLANs and quality of service (QoS). Not that it will concern the target audience, but the XMG1915-10MP is a pure Layer 2 switch and doesn’t offer the “Lite-L3” static routing features found in Zyxel’s larger PoE switches.

Standard L2 features are plentiful and include port and protocol-based VLANs plus static and LACP link aggregation groups. VoIP networks are on its radar as the switch identifies traffic from IP phones using a customizable organizationally unique identifier (OUI) list and automatically prioritizes it by dynamically creating voice VLANs.

The web console’s dashboard shows details on system utilization, port speeds, whether they’re supplying power and overall power consumption for all connected powered devices (PDs). One of three power priorities can be assigned to each port so if the power draw gets close to the maximum available, those with the lowest priority will be switched off first.

Unless you’re planning on deploying power-hungry PoE IP cameras with integral PTZ functions, it’s unlikely you’ll get close to the maximum power budget. We tested this by connecting two Zyxel Wi-Fi 6E access points (APs) and the new WBE660S Wi-Fi 7 model plus Netgear’s tri-band WAX630E AP; we saw from the web console that the total draw didn’t go above 43W, leaving us with 87W still to play with.

Cloud deployment is swift. We used the Nebula iOS app on an iPad to scan the QR code label on the switch’s base. Two minutes later the switch popped up in our cloud portal and received all our site settings, including a new admin password.

The switch can be managed in standalone mode or remotely from Zyxel’s NCC cloud portal (Image credit: Future)

The widget-based NCC dashboard can be easily customised and we added widgets to show the online status of our switch and total power usage. Selecting the switch took us to its monitoring page, with color-coded views of all ports and 24-hour traffic and power graphs, which can be extended to seven days with an optional NCC Plus license and to one year with the Pro version.

For general switch operations, Nebula provides remote access to all the same features as standalone mode. Up to five global PoE schedules can be assigned to specific ports that determine when attached PDs are active and you can disable and enable PoE services on each one as well – very handy for remotely rebooting a PD that isn’t responding.

The compact XMG1915-10EP is a great choice for small businesses that want plenty of multi-gigabit ports and high-power PoE++ services. It supports standalone and cloud management and the remarkably low price includes an impressive set of features.

We also ranked the best apps for small businesses.

This review first appeared in issue 356 of PC Pro.

TP-Link may be best known for its affordable business networking products, but it also has a strong presence in the video surveillance market. Its VIGI family offers a range of network video recorders (NVRs) and cameras, and in this review we look at its NVR1004-4P four-channel NVR and test it with TP-Link’s latest C540V outdoor PTZ IP camera.

Costing under £100, the NVR looks great value but you’ll need to add the extra cost of a SATA hard disk to store video recordings. At the rear are four network camera ports, each delivering PoE+ services, and it has a total power budget of 53W.

HDMI and VGA ports support local monitors, two old-school phono jacks are provided for audio in and out and a separate Fast Ethernet port facilitates NVR web management. Setup is easy; after fitting a 4TB Western Digital Red Pro hard disk in the NVR, we connected an HD monitor and followed the onscreen wizard.

To secure access, you choose an admin password and provide a recovery email address. You can also set a global username and password as well as a recovery email that are applied to VIGI cameras when they first come online.

The wizard finishes by displaying QR codes for TP-Link’s VIGI mobile apps. To use them, you create a TP-Link ID account and bind the NVR to it from its web console. We also loaded TP-Link’s Security Manager app on a Windows host and linked it to our ID account for remote NVR access, although this doesn’t provide event management.

It’s great value, but you’ll need to add a SATA hard disk to store recordings (Image credit: Future)

To add the C540V camera, we connected it to a PoE port and waited ten seconds while the NVR discovered it. All security settings and firmware updates were applied for us, and the NVR assigned a base set of video parameters that included enabling the latest H.265+ codec.

This IP66-rated camera delivers great image quality. Along with good contrast and color balance, it has a sharp focus, handles bright sunlight well and its motorized pan and tilt functions cover a lot of ground. The IR LED provides good night illumination up to around 20 meters, its white LEDs are blindingly bright, and the powerful integral speaker will scare the living daylights out of intruders.

(Image credit: Future)

The NVR1004-4P can’t match Synology’s DVA appliances, which provide slick people counting, face recognition and crowd control features, but it does offer a good range of detection and recording features. For basic motion detection, you draw multiple polygonal shapes in the camera view where you want it applied, set object height and width filters, tweak the sensitivity and enable human and vehicle detection.

Smart events go further, and allow you to draw lines in the camera view to denote digital fences and choose one-way or two-way directions. Custom detection zones can be monitored for objects being removed or those that linger in them for a specific period, while entry and exit regions are used to keep an eye on specific areas such as building entrances.

Along with event recording, trigger actions can include pop-up warnings, sounding NVR and camera audio alarms and activating a camera’s security lights. Recordings can be viewed from the NVR’s local monitor or web console, the Security Manager and mobile app, with options to choose camera channels and scroll through their timelines to points of interest.

The NVR supports a wide range of motion detection events (Image credit: Future)

The NVR1004-4P supports ONVIF-compliant IP cameras and it discovered our D-Link models as soon as we connected them to the PoE ports. We customized the live view to show all camera feeds, but features are more limited as we could only apply basic motion detection events to them.

You’ll need to use TP-Link’s VIGI cameras to get the best from it, but the NVR1004-4P is a good choice for small businesses seeking affordable in-house video surveillance. It offers plenty of video analytics features, the C540V camera scores highly for image quality, and the components are offered at very competitive prices.

We've also rated the best secure smartphones.

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review

The INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger is listed at $32.99 / £26.99 on the INIU website and is also available to purchase at Amazon. This price makes it a more costly alternative to the similar non-MagSafe Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand, but this is warranted due to its performance and flexible design.

As this isn't a magnetic charger (although phones do need to be MagSafe to charge on it), there's nothing to stop a phone from sliding off if knocked, but the design is otherwise pretty sturdy thanks to the charging stand's overall weight and square base.

The adjustable viewing angle is my favorite part of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger's design. The phone cradle pivots on the top with a range of 90 degrees, so my phone could be positioned vertically or laid back almost flat. The included USB-C power cable is only a meter long – this may be adequate for some, but I would have preferred a longer length, as it limited my placement options.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

At first, I was unimpressed with the charging speed of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger, as it took over three hours to charge an iPhone 13 Pro from 0% - 100%, a test I perform on all chargers I review to be able to make a solid comparison. As this was a questionably long time for a charger that claims to be "fast", I had a read of the small print and found that INIU recommends using a charging adapter of 18 watts or higher.

Personally, I feel that any charger requiring a wall adapter above a specific output to achieve anywhere near the charging speeds stated should include one in the box. The INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger does not. Naturally, I have plenty of spare plugs about, but the average buyer may not; so it's worth bearing this in mind, as a further purchase may be needed to get the most out of this charger.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Once I'd repeated the test with a suitable plug, the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger was able to fully charge the iPhone 13 Pro in 2 hours and 16 minutes, putting it in the same league as most of the MagSafe chargers I've tested so far. This also makes it much faster than the Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand that currently features in our list of the best wireless chargers. This result made me do a 360 on my opinion of the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger, as this charging speed is good for the price.

Overall, this is a well-designed and versatile phone charging stand. The vast majority of the wireless chargers I test are compatible with iPhones only, so to test a charger that can charge a range of devices at a good speed with a sturdy and adjustable design has been refreshing. So if you're on the lookout for a decent and fairly priced phone charger that'll remain usable even if you switch your allegiance come upgrade time, the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger is a good shout.

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review: Price & specs Should I buy the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger? Buy it if…

You want viewing flexibility
If you're anything like me and will more often than not continue to use your phone as it recharges, then an adjustable stand is a must. The viewing angle on this INIU charger is easy to alter, making it easy to consume content while it's juicing up.

You want a versatile charger
Whether you're rocking two phones, or want a simple charging solution located in a communal space, this INIU charger's compatibility with both iPhones and Androids means less cables and clutter.

Don't buy it if…

You're a die-hard iPhone user
As much as I like this charger, as an avid iPhone user, I much prefer the reassurance that a MagSafe charger provides. It provides a more secure hold, which is appreciated by someone as klutzy as me.

You don't want to feel tethered
Granted, this isn't the only charger that comes with a disappointingly short power cable, but the 3.3 ft / 1 m cable can limit placement options.

INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger review: Also consider

Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand
If you're just looking for something cheap and cheerful, and aren't fussed about charging speeds or adjustable angles, then this Anker charger may just take your fancy. Like the I212, it's compatible with iPhones and Androids and can accommodate phones up to 5mm thick.

CMF Watch Pro 2: One minute review

(Image credit: Future)

The CMF Watch Pro 2 is undoubtedly one of the best cheap smartwatches you can buy right now, if not the absolute best pick, and it wins huge points purely for its incredibly affordable price tag.

Despite the cost-saving efforts, it has an impressive design and build and comes with plenty of features that make it a perfect beginner smartwatch for anyone new to the form factor. The screen is perfectly adequate, the software works well enough, and there are myriad smartwatch features including workout tracking, sleep monitoring, GPS, and more.

However, it lacks a couple of key features, including NFC payments, and it can't really be used in water. Also, some of its features, like raise and tap to wake, as well as workout detection, are a little temperamental. Perhaps my biggest issue with it is that I prefer the larger, squircle shape of the previous model, but I've reviewed it here on its own merits.

Nothing still sells both, and it's a big departure from what I believe is the ultimate smartwatch success formula. However, it does deliver some good upgrades, including a better display and more watch faces.

CMF Watch Pro 2: Specifications CMF Watch Pro 2: Price and Availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $69 / £69 / AU$99
• Four colors

The CMF Watch Pro 2 is available now in two colors from Nothing's website as well as from retailers like Amazon. It costs $69 / £69 / AU$99 but does occasionally see discounts of up to 25%.

There's only one size, the 42mm watch face, available in four colors: Blue, Ash Grey, Orange, and Dark Grey pictured here.

Pound for pound, this has to be the best-value smartwatch you can buy on the market right now, considering it's compatible with both iPhone and Android and it has an impressive feature set. It only gets a 5/5 because I can't award a higher score.

• Value score: 5/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Cool circular display
• Divisive change from the 1st-gen
• Solid, premium build

You're going to hear a lot of "for a $69 watch" in the next few minutes. But honestly, for a $69 Watch, the CMF Watch Pro 2 is a really impressive piece of design.

Nothing is famous for making cool-looking tech gadgets, and the CMF Watch Pro 2 is no different. However, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. I'm very much team "smartwatches should be squircle," but the CMF Watch Pro 2 eschews the design of the first CMF Watch Pro in favor of a completely circular design more akin to the Google Pixel Watch 3. It's a big change, and one fans of the first watch might not like. The 42mm display is housed in a 45mm chassis, and the rather thick bezel is tapered towards the middle to create a unique bowl effect.

While the styling is divisive, it's certainly not generic. The digital crown is also premium and feels nice and responsive to use. My only build gripe is the liquid silicon strap, which is pretty thin and not very premium-feeling. That being said, it is comfortable, and I didn't experience much in the way of wrist fatigue during any of my testing.

The bezel is interchangeable, so you can pop it off and replace it with a purchased alternative to change up the style and color of your watch pretty quickly. This is another fairly unique feature that you won't really find on other smartwatches.

(Image credit: Future)

The display is a 1.32-inch AMOLED measuring 466x466. It's a slight upgrade on the previous generation, now putting out 620 nits of peak brightness with a 60fps refresh rate, vs 58Hz and 600 nits in the old one. The display is considerably smaller than the previous model, another divisive change. However, the overall shift makes the watch much smaller in profile, so people with smaller wrists or those who want a more unintrusive experience will prefer this.

The screen has a new auto-brightness feature, as well as five levels you can manually select from. At 620 nits peak, it's not exactly a looker (even the Apple Watch SE 2 puts out 1,000 nits) but it's perfectly adequate. In fact, for a $69 watch, it's definitely a decent display.

Some colors look a little washed out, like the temperature dials on my multifunction face. But colorful faces like the Prismatic Time face definitely have some pop to them. There are some weird pixel-shifting issues I've seen on some of the interfaces, lines that should be straight are wonky in places, but I can't tell if this is a hardware or a software issue. At a glance, it's not really that noticeable.

Durability-wise, the CMF Watch Pro 2 comes with an IP68 water rating. That means it's dustproof and can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, Nothing says the Watch Pro isn't suitable for use while swimming, in the shower, saunas, steam rooms, or any kind of water sports or activity. Basically, water is a no-go, which is definitely a key weak spot.

• Design score: 4/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• Lots of sports tracking and health metrics
• Bluetooth, GPS, heart rate metrics
• No NFC

For a $69 watch (I won't stop), there's an awful lot going on here. The CMF Watch Pro 2 offers a myriad of features you'd expect to find in a smartwatch, with a couple of key missing features reflective of the price.

Let's start with what you do get. Underpinning most of the best smartwatches these days is health and fitness, and the CMF Watch Pro 2 offers 120 sport modes, as well as five smart recognition activities that can detect your workouts without manual input (I'll get to whether this works in the Performance section). Some exercises even have a warm-up option that triggers a quick slew of animated warm-up stretches and movements before you work out, something you won't even find on any of the best Apple Watches.

Health tracking delivers an Active Score, round-the-clock heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, step count, calories, resting heart rate, and alerts for abnormal heart rate and blood oxygen.

You also get key features like reminders, music controls, a remote camera control, a calendar, a calculator, and alarms. The Watch Pro 2 works with both iOS (13 and above) or Android (8.0 and above), so you should get plenty of cross-compatibility and synchronization between features like reminders and alarms on your watch and whichever smartphone you use.

You'll also get a Find My Phone feature, flashlight, and a voice assistant functionality, although I found the latter one is a bit of a gimmick, it's supposed to trigger your phone's voice assistant, and while I could see the watch waking up Siri on my iPhone, I couldn't actually ask questions or use it for anything.

Crucially, the Watch Pro 2 lacks NFC, so can't be used to make mobile payments from your wrist, which might be a deal breaker for some.

• Features score: 4.5/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Decent workout tracking
• Some obvious quirks
• Snappy day-to-day use
• Good battery life

I'll start with the performance positives because there are a couple of quirks with the CMF Watch Pro 2 you should be aware of.

I generally found workout tracking to be consistent. A direct test with my Apple Watch Series 10 for an indoor run measured almost identical readings for distance traveled. The average heart rate was just one bpm off, and the range was pretty much spot-on. As far as workout tracking on a smartwatch can be accurate (the jury is out on just how useful it is generally), I'd say the CMF Watch Pro 2 delivers pretty reasonable accuracy across the board.

I've seen other reviews comment on GPS quirks, but I didn't experience any issues with it. Battery life on the Watch Pro 2 is pretty impressive, rated for up to 11 days of typical use, 9 days of heavy use, or 25 hours using GPS. I've found that generally to hold true in testing, and the battery life is definitely one of the positives.

(Image credit: Future)

While syncing with iOS and my iPhone was generally seamless, it doesn't play nice with Apple's notifications because these are restricted for third-party hardware. As such, iOS Focus modes don't work, one consideration for iPhone users. Notifications are pretty limited in use also, whereas you can respond to them in watchOS on devices like the Apple Watch or Wear OS, all you can do is read and dismiss them here.

As you might have picked up, the CMF Watch Pro 2 runs Nothing's proprietary smartwatch software rather than Wear OS. I actually prefer the look and feel over Wear OS, but like Wear OS, some elements of the UI remain poorly optimized for the circular display. Scrolling and swiping were very snappy overall, and I never experienced any performance lags. In fact, the Watch Pro 2 is noticeably snappier than even the Garmin Instinct 3 I was recently hands-on with.

Throughout my testing, I couldn't get 'raise to wake' to work at all. I even wrote this portion of the review, describing it as the CMF Watch Pro 2's biggest flaw and one that really hobbled the user experience. Then, out of nowhere, the feature began to work perfectly.

Now, whenever I lift my wrist, the watch immediately springs into life. Tap to wake is less reliable, and I've seen other reviews flag that raise to wake is an issue. So while I can no longer say it doesn't work full stop, it is definitely quirky and a problem to watch out for.

Workout detection does work, sort of. While out walking, my watch notified me that I was doing exactly that and asked if I'd like to track the experience. I tapped yes, but the tracker started from zero. Workout detection on Apple Watch is always running in the background, so if you get a detection notice after 10 minutes of walking, that 10 minutes of activity is included in your metrics. The Watch Pro 2 starts from scratch, which isn't exactly how I'd expect workout detection to function. Basically, it's handy if you forget to start your workout and need a reminder.

One final flaw, the vibration motor isn't nice. It resonates at just the wrong frequency and shakes the whole watch with an annoying, high-pitched buzz, it's the only part of the experience that feels cheap.

• Performance score: 3/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Scorecard CMF Watch Pro 2: Should I buy? Buy it if...

You've never had a smartwatch before

This is a perfect beginner smartwatch, an easy investment to see if using one is for you.

You're on a budget

You'll struggle to find a better smartwatch at this price.

Don't buy it if...

You like water

Nothing warns against use in any kind of water, so this is not the pick if you want a watch you never have to take off.

You want true software synchronization

Both Apple Watch or Wear OS models are going to offer better integration with their respective operating systems

CMF Watch Pro 2: How we tested

I used the CMF Watch Pro 2 over a number of weeks, as a daily smartwatch, during workouts, and more. I tested all of its main features and it was connected to an iPhone for the duration of testing.

CMF Watch Pro 2: Also consider

The original CMF Watch Pro is still fantastic, similarly priced, bigger, and has more battery life. It's a great alternative, as there aren't a ton of improvements in the new one.

Read our full CMF Watch Pro Review

For exactly the same price, this Amazfit offers a similar experience with a more Apple Watch-esque design. It's GPS is impressive and it's light and comfortable, but you won't get the same build quality or workout tracking accuracy. Really, consider this pick vindication that Nothing is king of the cheap smartwatch.

Read our full Amazfit Bip 3 Pro Review

First reviewed: February 2025

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Two-minute review

The GM41 Lightweight is a super simple wired gaming mouse appealing to serious gamers with its light weight and laser-like focus on gaming over extravagant features.

This even extends to its looks. It sports a sleek, low-slung design with little in the way of adornments, or anything to offset the total black colorway. A large RGB light on the body is the only element that brightens up proceedings, which can be customized by holding the DPI button and pressing other buttons or moving the scroll wheel to adjust aspects such as the brightness, mode, speed, and color.

The thin, long shape will likely suit those with long hands, although it might not be wide enough for some. As it’s flat and lower to the ground than many of the best gaming mice, your hand is barely raised from your desktop, which again, some may prefer and some may not. The mouse buttons are relatively flat too, meaning claw grippers might not find them to their liking.

Its texture is smooth all over, save for the rubberized sides that help with grip, but they’re not as sticky as some others are, which I prefer.

The DPI switch is located on the bottom, which isn’t the most convenient, although this does help to keep the GM41 Lightweight as minimal as possible, and prevents mispresses from occurring.

(Image credit: Future)

There’s no removing the braided cable as it's hardwired. It also feels more durable than other braided cables, although it’s not as soft to touch. And while it’s light, it’s not as light as some of those adorning its rivals.

In order to tweak the GM41 Lightweight further, the MSI Center software can be downloaded for free. However, compared to other peripheral software, it’s disappointingly basic.

There are only a handful of rebinding options, including other mouse buttons and a few multimedia functions, but there are no keyboard assignments or system-level functions available. The same is true of performance enhancements. While you can select the increments for DPI cycling, the only other adjustments are for the polling rate, angle snapping, and lift-off distance – the latter of which only features two settings with no distance unit given. Those who like to tinker with their debounce time or toggle motion sync will be left out here.

When it comes to actual gaming, the GM41 Lightweight acquits itself reasonably well. The lightness makes for easy maneuverability, while the mouse clicks are snappy, thanks to their lack of travel. However, this lack of travel also reduces feedback somewhat. This makes spamming clicks harder, as does the relative heaviness of the clicks themselves and that aforementioned flat shape of the buttons. On a more positive note, however, I did find the mouse buttons to be also pleasingly resistant to slam clicks.

The scroll wheel, however, is very fast yet still provides enough notching to make for controlled flicks when needed. The scroll click is a little heavy, however, making it hard to actuate at times, but thankfully, it’s secure enough to prevent accidental mis-scrolls.

(Image credit: Future)

The side buttons are very thin, but light enough to use with ease. They offer slightly more travel than you might expect, but they are satisfyingly damped, making them more enjoyable to use than you might expect.

However, while the cable is light, I found it did create drag when making large swipes. The issue seems to stem from the lack of angle on the strain relief, as it did little to elevate the first portion of the cable from my desktop surface. Depending on the layout of your setup, this might not be an issue, but you may benefit from using the GM41 Lightweight with a mouse bungee.

Thankfully, the PTFE skates allow for smooth gliding on hard and soft surfaces, although they are quite thin, and there’s no spare set included in the box. But if you stick to mouse pads, then you should have no problem moving the GM41 Lightweight around.

If you’re looking for a basic gaming mouse with no extra buttons or features, then the GM41 Lightweight is a solid choice. Its main rivals boast similar prices, such as BenQ’s range of EC mice. However, there are others, such as the Cooler Master MM311 and the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, that are cheaper and offer brilliant gaming performance, all without requiring a cable.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $54 / £29 (about AU$85)
• Available now
• Black only

The GM41 Lightweight costs $54 / £29 (about AU$85) and is available in one colorway: black. It doesn’t come with any replaceable parts, such as grip tape or a spare set of skates.

Its price is in line with other 1K wired gaming mice. The BenQ Zowie EC2-C, which is our pick as the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2, costs about the same. However, that mouse is heavier at 73g, and that’s excluding the cable, but we still found its performance to be excellent.

There are wireless gaming mice for less. The Cooler Master MM311, for instance, is our budget champion and also features a 1K polling rate, although it has no rechargeable battery. Likewise, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed is only marginally cheaper than the GM41 Lightweight, and is our pick as the best wireless gaming mouse for those on a budget.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Specs Should you buy the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2? Buy it if...

You want something simple
The stripped-back nature of the GM41 Lightweight means there’s nothing to distract or delay you from gaming – just plug and play.

You want something light
At 65g, the GM41 Lightweight is undeniably lean, which makes fast movements a breeze. There is some drag though, which might be improved with a mouse bungee.

Don't buy it if...

You want extra features
The GM41 Lightweight has no extra buttons besides the usual, and the software doesn’t offer much in the way of customization and tweaking.

You want the best performance
With a 1K polling rate and lack of advanced settings, the GM41 Lightweight might not offer enough precision and tweakability for elite gamers.

MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2: Also consider

Cooler Master MM311
As budget mice go, you’d be hard pressed to do better than the MM311. It offers a 1K polling rate and great performance, yet undercuts many gaming mice on the market, wireless and wired. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, though, and at 77g it’s considerably heavier than the GM41 Lightweight, but it could be a better choice for those who prefer no trailing cables to deal with. Read our full Cooler Master MM311 review.

BenQ Zowie EC2-C
The BenQ Zowie EC2-C is an esports champ in our eyes, as it’s the best for shooters like Counter-Strike. It marries excellent performance with a comfortable design, and it’s also available in multiple size variants. However, like the GM41 Lightweight, it only has a 1K polling rate, so those after something more should look elsewhere. Read our BenQ Zowie EC2-C review.

How I tested the MSI Clutch GM41 Lightweight V2

• Tested for several days
• Played various games
• 10+ years PC gaming experience

I tested the GM41 Lightweight for several days, during which time I used it for playing games, productivity, and general use.

In order to push the GM41 Lightweight to its limits, I played fast-paced shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, which is the ultimate test for any gaming mouse.

I have been PC gaming for over 10 years, and have used a large number of mice during that time. I have also reviewed many of them, from budget picks to high-end offerings, all with various shapes, sizes, weights, and feature sets.

• First reviewed: November 2024
• Read more about how we test

Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review

The Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank is a low-cost portable phone charger compatible with the iPhone 12 – 16. Its list price is $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$93.99 on the official Iniu website; however, discounts are often applied. At the time of writing, a 55% – 57% discount is available, and it's also available for less than the list price at Amazon. Unlike some other brands' power banks, it comes with a USB-C cable and a little travel pouch, providing it a little protection against scuffs and scratches when on the go.

I would argue that the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t the most compact example of a MagSafe charger. Its dimensions are 3.8 x 0.9 x 2.7 inches / 97 x 23 x 69mm, which feels quite bulky in one’s hand when trying to continue using a phone as it charges. It feels pretty weighty, too, at 9.2oz / 261g.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

The Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank features a super-soft touch matt finish and smooth rounded corners. It offers both MagSafe charging, plus there is a USB-C in/out, and a USB-A out port for wired charging, too. The MagSafe charging area stands proud of the power bank’s surface by roughly 2mm.

The design of the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t a far cry from your typical power bank. On the front face of the charger, there is the Iniu logo in the top-right corner, while in the bottom left, there’s an animal paw print that acts as an indicator light to communicate the level of charge remaining in the battery pack.

Charging an iPhone 13 Pro with the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank proved disappointingly slow, taking three hours and ten minutes to achieve a full charge. To put this in context, it took the similarly priced Anker 633 Magnetic Battery just two hours and fifteen minutes to do the same, plus it has the added bonus of a built-in stand, so it’s easy to continue watching content as your phone charges.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Overall, if you’re not fussed about fast charging and like the novelty of the blue paw print, the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank wouldn’t be a bad choice. However, there are certainly faster alternatives within the same price range, like the UGREEN Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W, for example, that have novelty value of its own, displaying cute little faces on its screen depending on the level of charge.

So it’s clear the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank isn’t up to the standard required to feature in our selection of the best wireless chargers or the best iPhone chargers, but it would make an adequate enough purchase if you’re prepared to forgo fast charging speeds.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future) Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review: Price & specs

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future) Should I buy the Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank? Buy it if…

You don't want any bells or whistles
Aside from the light-up paw print, there's nothing particularly fancy about this charger. There's no built-in stand or LED screen, so if you want something super simple, this charger would prove satisfactory.

You like tactile finishes
One thing I liked about this power pack was the soft matt finish of the material and its nicely rounded corners.

Don't buy it if…

You want to use your phone as it charges
Although marketed as a compact power bank, its depth makes it a little too bulky to be comfortable to hold when attached to your phone. I recommend checking out our pick of the best power banks if you'd like to continue scrolling as you juice up your phone.

You want a built-in stand
Many portable chargers make terrific travel companions, but this power bank sadly isn't one of them. With no stand included, you're limited to lying it flat on a surface to charge, making it hard to binge-watch Netflix during a flight or hotel stay.

Iniu B43 MagSafe 10000mAh Compact Power Bank review: Also consider

Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank
Not only is this power bank lower in price, it's also slimmer and lighter. It offers similar charging speeds, but would make an ideal alternative for anyone who struggles to put their phone down for extended periods of time. If you'd like to learn more, head over to the full Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank review.View Deal

Saramonic Ultra: one-minute review

The Saramonic Ultra is a portable wireless mic system in the same vein as the popular DJI Mic and Mic 2. Aimed primarily at people who need to create audio and video content on the go – vloggers, podcasters and journalists – the Ultra is available as a package containing two wearable transmitters, one receiver and a portable charging case to keep everything together.

This kit allows for single and dual-channel audio, and the receiver can be connected to a variety of devices for adding high-quality 24-bit sound to recordings. Adapters are included for iPhones, iPads, USB-C smartphones and computers, 3.5mm camera inputs and even for Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe, but the transmitters can also record audio on their own thanks to 8GB of on-board space. When recording directly onto this memory, users can even record 32-bit float audio – a data-rich, high dynamic range format prized by audio professionals.

Saramonic’s build quality doesn’t feel quite as rock-solid as some of the alternatives, but the fact that the transmitter is waterproof to IPX5 levels suggests that the company is doing something right. And, despite the noise cancelling being far from the most effective I’ve encountered with wireless mics, the audio quality is generally excellent in a variety of environments.

The whole kit includes two transmitters, one receiver and a charging case (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Saramonic Ultra: Price and release date

• $249 / £259 / AU$449 for 2-Channel Set with receiver, two transmitters and charging case
• Also available with lavalier mics included
• Available now in black and white colour finishes

The Saramonic Ultra is available to purchase in a set that includes two transmitters, one receiver, a charging case, adapters for Lightning, USB-C and Sony Multi Interface, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, two windscreens and a drawstring bag to hold everything. This package is available in a black or white finish and costs around $249 / £259 / AU$449. For a little more money, you can purchase the same package with two cabled lavalier mics included ($299 / £289).

As far as I can see it isn’t possible to buy the individual components separately, or just a transmitter and receiver package (as is available for those who want to save money on a DJI Mic 2, for instance).

That being said, at a price that falls quite a bit below that of premium rivals like the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro, and even below the relatively affordable Sennheiser Profile Wireless, the Saramonic can lay claim to being one of the most affordable higher end wireless mic sets around.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Saramonic Ultra: Specs

The Saramonic Ultra receiver comes with USB-C and Lightning adapters for direct smartphone connection. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Saramonic Ultra: Design

• Most elements slot into charging case for transport
• Entire package weighs 210.5g / 7.4oz
• Adapters for USB-C, Lightning and Sony Multi Interface Shoe included

Like most wireless mic setups, the Saramonic Ultra is centered around two main elements: a small wearable transmitter and an almost as small wearable receiver. The transmitter (of which two are supplied here) has a clip and a strong magnet allowing it to be attached to clothing, with the magnet being best suited to thin garments like t-shirts. It has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer purposes, and a 3.5mm jack for attaching a wired lavalier mic if desired. The transmitters are IPX5 certified too, making them waterproof against rain – something I’ve not seen with rival mics.

The receiver, which links wirelessly to either one or two transmitters, also has a clip, which doubles as a mounting option for sliding into camera cold shoes. It also comes with adapters for Lightning and USB-C devices, and something I haven’t seen on its competitors: an optional antenna to boost its wireless range to 300m (Saramonic claims the range without the add-on is 250m). The receiver also features an OLED touchscreen accompanied by a pressable dial for adjusting settings and viewing gain levels which, while both are small, I had few problems using. Those of a larger fingered persuasion may find them a tad fiddly, however.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The supplied charging case has room for both transmitters, the receiver and the Lightning and USB-C adapters for the latter. Unfortunately, there’s no space inside for extras like the transmitter’s windshields or any of the cables. Still, the case, which has a leather-effect texture and a nice light-up logo on top to indicate remaining battery life, is a neat way to carry (and recharge) the core elements of this setup. Its construction is a little creaky compared to that of the DJI Mic 2’s case, but not to the degree I’d be concerned about it falling apart.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Saramonic Ultra: Performance

• Choice of 16, 24 and 32-bit recording
• Transmitters can be used solo
• Noise reduction, Vocal Boost and Low Cut modes

Like the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro, the Saramonic Ultra has an option to record high-quality 32-bit float audio directly onto the 8GB on-board memory of the transmitters. 32-bit float is to standard 16 or 24-bit audio what RAW photographs are to JPEGs – a much larger file size with much more data, allowing for more post-production manipulation of the sound. In my opinion, while it’s a useful option to have, particularly for professional users, the smaller file sizes of the 24-bit audio, and the fact that it can be transmitted wirelessly, means I’d be using 24-bit audio nine times out of ten.

It’s not like the 24-bit audio is bad, either. In fact, it’s nice and crisp, and turning on the Vocal Boost mode lends speech some real heft and body. If you want your voice to sound deeper and more authoritative, it’s probably going to be switched on most of the time. The mic can also be set to record 16-bit audio, which is presumably included as a space-saving option.

Another optional mode is Low Cut, which removes some of the lower frequency noise from recordings, and the three-level noise cancelling mode does reduce background sounds – albeit not to the extent of the highly effective noise cancelling employed by the DJI Mic 2. For example, traffic noise was still very loud in my test recordings, even with Saramonic’s noise cancelling dialled up to its top level.

The attachable furry windshield is a must for outdoor recordings. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Wind noise is also noticeable on my outdoor recordings, even in relatively calm conditions, which is why the furry windshields should rarely leave the transmitters if you’re using them outside – they do a good job of reducing it.

Gain can be set manually, with the receiver’s screen providing both a live indication of levels and a means for adjustment, but the Auto Gain setting can also be used in trickier, changeable environments. It’ll adjust gain on the fly to compensate for changes in background noise or subject distance from the mic, so it’s ideal for non-studio settings.

There’s no backup recording mode here, so no protection against signal drops. That being said, with the antenna attached you should get a consistently strong wireless signal. I wouldn’t rely it to work perfectly over the 300m maximum range claimed by Saramonic (and I take all manufacturers’ range claims as best-case scenarios) but for the vast majority of users that’s never going to be put to the test. I had no signal issues myself using the microphone while walking around my home, despite walls and floors potentially getting in the way.

Another pro-friendly feature you’ll find here is timecode support, allowing users of multi-camera shoots to easily sync their mics and cameras in post-production. It’s something few people will use, but very handy to have – and of the recent wireless mic launches, this and the Rode Wireless Pro are the only two models that offer it.

Battery life is decent, with around 6 hours of operating time on each transmitter and the receiver, plus an addition 12 or so hours (or two charging cycles) in the charging case. In theory, you can record for around 18 hours in total before needing to find a power socket to recharge.

Should I buy the Saramonic Ultra? Buy it if…

You want an affordable pro-friendly wireless mic

The Saramonic Ultra is packed with useful and often premium features, such as 32-bit float recording, despite being one of the more affordable wireless mic packages around.

You need a waterproof solution

With IPX5-rated water resistance, you could use the Saramonic Ultra’s transmitters in a rainstorm (or even during your morning shower) without fear of damage.

Don’t buy it if…

You want to buy the components separately

The Ultra is only available as a two-transmitter kit supplied with a charging case. So if you need just one transmitter and one receiver and are hoping to save money, you’re out of luck.

You often record in very noisy places

With the on-board noise cancellation tech far from the best around, recording in noisy environments like busy roads can be risky.

Saramonic Ultra: also consider

DJI Mic 2
Packed with pro-friendly features like 32-bit float recording and AI-assisted adaptive noise cancelling, DJI’s second-gen wireless mic is well-built, well-designed, easy to use and more than capable of levelling up your vlogs, interviews, podcasts and other recordings. It also plays nicely with DJI’s camera drones, eliminating propeller noise automatically.

Read our DJI Mic 2 review

Sennheiser Profile Wireless
More affordable than the DJI and Rode alternatives and similarly priced to the Saramonic Ultra, Sennheiser’s wireless microphone set is a great (if slightly lacking in features) one-stop solution for improving vlog audio. Its innovative charging bar even doubles as a handheld mic for interviews.

Read our Sennheiser Profile Wireless review

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) How I tested the Saramonic Ultra

• Used regularly for a week in both quiet and noisy environments
• Paired with iPhone 13 and Panasonic Lumix GH6

I tested the Saramonic Ultra mic both inside and outdoors, and with its receiver physically connected to devices (my Apple iPhone 13 smartphone and Panasonic Lumix GH6 camera) and in solo mode. I made sure to record in a variety of environments in order to see how the microphone handled different background noises and weather conditions.

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

Character action single-player games are something of a dying breed or rather only something a handful of developers excel at, often feeling at odds with contemporary expectations of features or content. That's why the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 is such welcome news, but it's the surprise shadow drop of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a current-gen remaster of Team Ninja's 2008 Xbox 360 title, that makes you truly realize that they truly don't make them like this anymore.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: January 23, 2025

It's not just here to whet your appetite for the upcoming sequel that's being co-developed by action game extraordinaire PlatinumGames, but goes some way to addressing criticisms over the game's previous remaster in 2021's Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, which was based on the PlayStation 3 Sigma 2 port that purists consider to be inferior.

Arguably, the original 360 game was also unbalanced and a bit broken with an absurd enemy count that would infamously have the frame rate dipping into single digits, so Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is more like the best of both worlds, with Team Ninja doing its best to stay close to the original's vision of gushing, dismembering ultra-violence while still retaining features introduced in Sigma 2. In other words, it's as close to a definitive edition of the game as you can get today.

Old school of hard knocks

(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo)

There is, however, a difference between a definitive and modernised experience. The most modern thing you can say about Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is however its stunning visuals updated in Unreal Engine 5.

Yet despite the impressive modern lighting and effects, there's something uncanny about how stubbornly old-school everything else remains, from its linear level design to Team Ninja's obsession with cleavage, a reminder that this is the team that gave us the Dead or Alive series. You often hear how a new game is described as being like a PlayStation 2 game, but it really puts things into perspective when playing a brand spanking new-looking game that controls exactly like one from the Xbox 360 era.

Quite honestly, I suspect it may turn players who have been accustomed to the smoother controls of Bayonetta (incidentally also a 360-era game, albeit released a year after Ninja Gaiden 2). There are times Ryu Hayabusa seems annoyingly sluggish just trying to get him to turn to face the correct enemy while dodging also requires holding block while shifting the control stick. Or the way your attacks can get easily interrupted by a relentless mob of enemies with the same nuisance of being out-jabbed in a fighting game.

The worst thing is a camera that you're supposed to be able to freely move with the right stick, only until it doesn't. Sometimes you're being ambushed from all sides but unable to correctly get the camera behind you while there's no option to target enemies, which you take for granted these days.

Best bit

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black relies on intricate combos and no quicktime events but the coolest most powerful attack you can pull off is the Ultimate Technique, which simply requires holding down Y/Triangle and then releasing to unleash a deadly flurry of moves that requires no further input. It's also difficult to pull off mostly because enemies come at you faster than you can charge it up. The best part then is that this can also be executed by jumping in the air and then pressing Y/Triangle just as you land.

Playing Ninja Gaiden 2 Black then requires a bit of mental rewiring. Yet once you push through it, there's plenty to appreciate. Already a hardcore game, it's not actually as overwhelming as its reputation gives off.

The absence of a scoring and ranking system in the normal campaign offsets any performance anxiety, while you'll also automatically regain health outside of combat, with the exception of red damage that affects your maximum health. Then there are the deliciously gory cinematic finishers you can perform on any enemy that's already had one of its limbs lopped off, requiring nothing more than a single input.

There's still depth in the different weapons you can unlock and the different combos you can execute, though once I remembered how to pull off the Izuna Drop that just became my go-to. But there's also something so pure to its action – no quick time button-mashing, no parry or stagger mechanics, no indulgently lengthy cinematics, no bosses with multiple health bars and phases – it actually feels refreshing.

Ninja unlocked

(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo)

Like other comparable character action games, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black's campaign only takes around 10-12 hours to complete but it's the additional challenges that add to its appeal, and that doesn't necessarily mean only for those who want to finish on the most punishing Path of the Master Ninja difficulty.

Sigma 2's Tag Missions make a welcome return here, which in the absence of the original's online co-op functionality simply allows you to pick two characters and then switch between them on the fly with a button press. Better yet, the mode's roster of female characters you can pick besides Ryu are all unlocked at the start, while completing the story once unlocks all the missions so you can jump ahead to the toughest challenges if you desire.

Players who do care about how well they play are also catered for with Chapter Challenge, which acts like an equivalent of New Game Plus where you can play any mission with all weapons and spells fully upgraded and where you will receive a rank, with UI flashing up to let you know what high-scoring techniques you've just executed.

Nitpickers may bemoan that not every element cut in the Sigma 2 port is restored but if you're an Xbox owner that original is at least still available to you. For everyone else, this is nonetheless the best way to play a classic action game either on Game Pass or at a reasonable price point. As an action game, I don't think it's a cut above Bayonetta, but it's also so uncompromisingly singular that it's in a class of its own. Bring on Ninja Gaiden 4.

Should you play Ninja Gaiden 2 Black? Play it if...

You like fast-paced action demanding reflexes and combos
Forget stamina bars, this is just about rinsing enemies in as fast and as bloody a fashion as you can.

You don't want to stress about scoring or progression systems
While it offers different playstyles, switching between weapons is flexible and you already have a suite of moves without upgrading. The game is already challenging enough without grading you, which is instead available after completing the story once.

Don't play it if...

You're expecting the remaster to also offer modern gameplay changes
Despite the Unreal 5 glow-up, the game still controls like it did 17 years ago, which will likely cause a level of friction that some players might find too frustrating to get past.

Accessibility features

Although the original game has a reputation for being one of the most difficult games ever made, subsequent releases have provided easier difficulty options. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black adds to this with a 'Hero play style' option that activates the Hero Gauge when your health bar is extremely low. In this state, you'll automatically block or avoid enemy attacks until the gauge runs out or your health is restored.

Elsewhere, you can turn off blood and dismemberment effects, subtitles can be turned on and off, and their size can be adjusted between large, standard, and small with a slider. The game's audio options are English or Japanese, and there are, sadly, no colorblind options.

(Image credit: Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo) How I reviewed Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

I played Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for 15 hours on my PS5 Pro, completing the game once on the default difficulty setting, as well as spending some time replaying some missions in the ranked Chapter Challenge mode and playing as different characters in some of the Tag Missions.

I played on an LG C2 OLED TV, which allowed me to play the game in 120 frames per second, with the default TV speakers and a DualSense Edge controller.

First reviewed February 2025

Garmin Approach S70: One minute review

The Garmin Approach S70 is the brand’s top-tier flagship golf watch and has all the features and performance to match that mantle. Channeling all that makes Garmin watches great for sport, the golf-centered features of the S70 go a long way to put it apart from its competition.

Coming in at $649.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,099 for the larger 47mm model and $699.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,199 for the slightly smaller 42mm, it does have a considerable price of admission, but I broadly think it represents good value and is worth it for those golfers looking to get the most out of a companion watch.

Its design is immediately recognizable as a Garmin watch, and the slick black ceramic of the 47mm size I tested makes for a chic aesthetic, with its sleekness and pop of color provided by the red accenting. The 1.4-inch screen means everything on the watch is easy to read and digest at a glance or in more detail, while the three buttons make it easy to navigate and get around the menus, apps, and features.

The features on offer are excellent too. From the 43,000 pre-loaded courses, to the virtual caddie recommending clubs, all the way to the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature which takes into account weather, wind, and topography, players will find plenty to both help their game and get their teeth into to get more out of their game. You can even unlock more features, like green contour data, by subscribing to Garmin Golf. Presented on that beautiful AMOLED display and with fully full-color maps, the watch is a joy to use on the course.

As a pure golf watch, the S70 is, simply, the best golf watch I have ever used. Its suite of features, on top of its wonderful display and established Garmin excellence in golf means that the S70 performs brilliantly. The yardages were accurate (I compared it with another golf watch I find to be accurate too), the new PlaysLike feature is incredibly helpful, and the virtual caddie is super after it’s learned and racked up a bunch of data from your shots.

The battery life is also very strong with the S70. I was able to easily complete two full rounds of 18 holes in GPS mode as well as two weeks’ of day-to-day usage on one charge.

All in all, the Garmin Approach S70 is absolutely one of the best golf watches money can buy right now, and should be at the top of your list if you’re after something that will give you the most bang for your buck, from golf features to battery life, to display.

Garmin Approach S70: Specifications Garmin Approach S70: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)

• List price of $699.99 / £549.99 / AU1,199 (47mm) / $649.99 / £499.99 / AU1,099 (42mm)
• Premium end of the market but discounts becoming more common
• Launched in May 2023

Given its punchy list price, the Approach S70 is one of the more expensive options on the market and its price tag is formidable; likely putting it out of range for most golfers. However, for those who can afford it, I believe the S70 goes a long way to justify the price tag and offers robust value for those looking at the top end of the golf watch spectrum.

It’s also worth noting that it still costs comfortably less than those super-premium models like the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition and Garmin’s own MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) watch. Thus, as a member of the top-end club, it still comes in much more affordably than those. Equally though, it comes in considerably higher than some excellent budget golf watches such as the Garmin S12 and the new S44.

Even though we’re seeing new watches from Garmin in the S44 and S50, the Approach S70 remains the premium model of the Approach lineup. However, it is also seeing more regular price cuts and discounts, making it even more attractive.

• Value score: 4/5

Garmin Approach S70: Design

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)

• 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is crisp, bright, and clear
• Two sizes and three colorways available
• Smart and chic aesthetic overall

The Approach S70 very much looks like the best Garmin watches right out of the box, and is a symphony in black ceramic and red trim. It’s a subtle and very agreeable aesthetic for a golf watch. It’s not quite as subtle as a conventional smartwatch, especially alongside the likes of the best Samsung smartwatches – the S70 looks like a chunky sports watch, for sure.

However it is worth noting at this point, that only the 47mm model that I tested comes in this colorway; the smaller 42mm variant comes in either a grey and peach or black and yellow unit, both with a grey strap as opposed to the 47mm’s black strap.

The three buttons on the right side of the S70 make navigation easy, and the screen of the S70 is beautifully crisp and clear making engaging with the features on the course, as well as choosing apps, functions and viewing messages simple.

Garmin’s proprietary charging port remains on the rear of the watch face which I think is a continuing weak point in the design of Garmin watches. This means you’ll always have to have the watch face down on a surface while you press in the connector and leave it to recharge.

Combine this with a cable that never feels quite long enough, and it’s rather an inelegant charging solution, not really befitting the price tag – even if the change to USB-C at the other end of the cable is welcome.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Garmin Approach S70: Features

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)

• Extensive golf features are superb
• Garmin’s suite of fitness trackers present
• A monthly fee can open up more features

The golf features on offer on the Approach S70 will help out almost every type of golfer, and be incredibly useful. From simply navigating a hole shot-by-shot, to learning more about your game through tracking distances keeping score and marking where to hit shots, to incorporating real-time weather data to help your next shot, the feature-set on offer here is exquisite. The addition of the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature is the standout on the S70, meaning you can get accurate assistance on what shots are actually like, given the conditions.

If you want even more out of the Approach S70, you can access further features if you commit to the Garmin ecosystem with a Garmin Golf membership ($9.99 / £9.99 a month). The headline feature you get here is the green contour data you can get, adding further insight and assistance.

On top of the golf-specific stuff, you’re also getting Garmin’s superb range of fitness and sports tracking apps that mean the S70 can turn its hand to a whole host of other activities and workouts.

Throw in some good solid but unspectacular smartwatch functionality, and the S70 does go a long way to tick all the boxes and offer the full package in one watch.

• Features score: 5/5

Garmin Approach S70: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)

• Wonderful on-course performance and features
• Great battery life
• Smartwatch performance is just OK

In short, the Approach S70 is the best golf watch I’ve ever tested and used. Its suite of golf features and functions are nearly second-to-none and translate into exceptional use out on the course – and considering it comes preloaded with 43,000 tracks from around the world, you’re going to be able to use it pretty much wherever you go.

Garmin’s excellence in distance accuracy and help with yardages is present once again, with the hole map providing a clear image of what shape the fairway and green are, as well as what hazards are on the hole, and how far away, well, everything is.

After playing some rounds, the shot tracking data is wonderful too, and the virtual caddie element of the watch will be able to provide some help in terms of suggesting clubs. You can also team it with the Garmin Golf App to record all your scores, penalties, and shot types too, as well as mistakes and successes.

Elsewhere, I particularly enjoyed the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature that gives you accurate yardage based not only on distance, but also topography (if you’re above or below the hole), wind direction, and weather. I have a good grasp on my yardages generally, but the extra assistance when it comes to external factors was really useful.

(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)

I’ve briefly mentioned the battery life above regarding two weeks’ worth of use, and Garmin’s claims largely hold up. I used the Approach S70 for two weeks, as well as every day as a smartwatch, and threw in two 18-hole rounds of golf in GPS mode, and still had 9% of the battery left. Exceptional.

Practically, however, charging the watch is a little awkward, and is mainly due to Garmin’s proprietary connection. While the USB-C connection is welcome, the oval-shaped connector for the back of the watch is still subject to coming loose – and it also requires the watch to be on its face, all with a cable that never feels as long as it could or should be. I hope this informs future premium models as having a pad-like charging solution like Samsung smartwatches, or even a smart dock like my TAG Heuer has would feel more appropriate for the price tag and experience. Folks will have paid a lot of money for this, after all, so sticking a cable in the back, and awkwardly keeping it face down close to a socket feels a bit cheap.

As a golf-first watch the S70 excels, naturally, but this also shows in its use as an everyday smartwatch and I prefer my TAG Heuer or Samsung Watch3 as a daily smartwatch driver by some distance. One example of my gripes with the S70 as a smartwatch is that my WhatsApp messages wouldn’t be displayed with the most recent one first, so if I received a few messages in a group in quick succession (or even not so quickly) then I was unable to stay on top of the conversation at a glance.

It’ll be interesting to see in the future how the S70 stacks up against its new brethren in the S44 and S50, but the fact remains that it is an excellent golf watch and one that you’ll not regret going for.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Garmin Approach S70: Scorecard Garmin Approach S70: Should I buy? Buy it if...

You want the best suite of golf features

There’s no denying the S70’s feature set and it packs so much in for golfers who want to get excellent data for their game on their course.

You want a golf watch that can do fitness tracking too

Garmin’s trademark excellent fitness tracking is also present in the S70, so if your desire to track exercise and sport goes beyond just golf, then this is a great watch to get.

You’re already in the Garmin ecosystem

The S70 is an ideal step up if you've tested the waters already with one of Garmin’s budget golf watches and want to embrace something more feature-filled.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You don’t need loads of features

The amount of features on hand in the S70 may actually be overkill for some golfers, and you’ll only get the most out of the watch if you fully immerse yourself in its capabilities.

You want something that’s a slick daily smartwatch

I much prefer using my TAG Heuer golf watch or my Samsung Galaxy Watch as an everyday smartwatch given their looks, styles, and daily functionality.

Also consider

TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition

Offering a more premium feel and performance in both golf watch and smartwatch functions, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition represents stiff but expensive, competition for the S70. If you’re after a super premium golf watch that does it all – and the small expense of some of the S70’s features – then this is the watch to aim for if you have the budget.

Read our full TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition review

Garmin Approach S62

The S70s slightly older, less fancy brother still offers an excellent golf watch option from Garmin, having been its flagship golf watch when it was released back in 2022. It’s got a great set of features that will still help your game a couple of years after it came out, and with its moderate age comes increased value for money with its price dropping consistently.

Read our full Garmin Approach S62 review

How I tested the Garmin Approach S70

I used the Garmin Approach S70 over the course of several months, using it for summer and winter golf rounds – and for more rounds than I can remember to put an actual number on. I put all the features to the test in all my rounds and relied on it solely as my only GPS or virtual caddie assist.

Light spoilers follow for Invincible season 3 episodes 1 to 6.

Few superhero shows have been as consistently excellent in recent years as Invincible. The adult animated series has entertained and emotionally stunned Prime Video users – and occasionally made us wince with its extremely graphic violence – since its March 2020 debut. And, as long-time fans (myself included) of its source material will tell you, things will only escalate further as its story progresses.

Pleasingly, Invincible season 3 does a superheroic job of translating its source material's increasingly fraught narrative from page to screen. While lacking in a couple of key areas, the darkest chapter (so far, anyway) of Mark Grayson's story refines and builds on the narrative foundations laid by its predecessors with expert precision, and cements Invincible's position as a torchbearer of R-rated animated storytelling.

The hero within

Season 3's early episodes fully expose the flaws in Mark and Cecil's fragile alliance (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)

Three months have passed since Mark (Steven Yeun) was warned that the Viltrum Empire was readying itself to invade and conquer Earth. Since then, the Amazon show's eponymous hero has been training under Cecil Stedman (Walton Goggins) and the Global Defence Agency to prepare for the forthcoming assault.

The best-laid plans often go awry, though, and Mark and Cecil soon find themselves at each other's throats – literally and figuratively. Long story short: when Mark finds out that Cecil has employed, rather than imprisoned, two mass murderers that Mark helped to stop in prior seasons, it leads to a complete breakdown of their working relationship.

Invincible season 3's first poster teased that this would happen, while Invincible 3's official trailer doubled down on this hugely significant plot point. It isn't until the latter half of episode 1 and large swathes of episode 2, though, that non-comic book readers will grasp the full extent of Cecil's perceived multifaceted betrayal of Mark, and the irreparable damage it does to their already uneasy alliance.

Season 3 ups the introspective ante by placing a greater emphasis on the battle waging within Mark

The fallout is so bitter, in fact, that it leads to a Captain America: Civil War-like splitting of the Guardians of the Globe (GotG), aka Earth's most famous superteam, with some of Mark's fellow heroes also walking away from the GotG and GDA over Cecil's apparent duplicity.

Those consequential moments, which play out with an increasingly captivating intensity, are just two instances of the thematically darker undercurrent woven into season 3.

With its visceral levels of ultraviolence and adult themes, Invincible was already a mature and oft-times disquieting take on the superhero formula. Season 3, though, ups the introspective ante by placing a greater emphasis on the battle waging within Mark than ever before. Indeed, one of the best Prime Video shows is no longer just about Mark continuing to grapple with who he is corporeally (i.e., the son of disgraced Viltrumite and near-Earth conqueror Omni-Man/Nolan Grayson (J.K. Simmons)). Now, it's also about planet Earth's most powerful hero struggling with who he has to be versus who he wants to be – or, given his inadvertent involvement in the wanton destruction of Chicago in the final episode of Invincible's first season among other tragic incidents in seasons 1 and 2, whether he's a hero at all.

Cecil is antagonistic in season 3, but he's not a villain in the traditional sense (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)

It's a season- and character-defining theme that's similarly explored in a near-perfect adaptation of Cecil's backstory from the comics, which explains his understandable steadfastness and at times questionable choices as the GDA's uncompromising director. "You can be the good guy, or the guy who saves the world," Cecil's mentor tells him during the extensive flashback sequence – a quote that comparably applies to Mark as he persists in wrestling with his own interpretation of heroism, especially after he seemingly killed Angstrom Levy (the first person he's accidentally murdered, FYI) in Invincible season 2 part 2's finale.

Mark's self-examination extends to his tutorship of half-brother Oliver (Christian Convery). With Oliver's abilities manifesting early on in season 3, Mark is thrust into the role of Oliver's mentor-in-chief – an interesting juxtaposition on the student-teacher dynamic Mark shared with Nolan in season 1.

Mark has to deal with a number of familial issues in season 3, too – not least with his half-brother Oliver (pictured left) (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)

Oliver's black-and-white worldview and excitable nature (he's still a kid, after all), coupled with his desire to use his powers to save people by any means necessary, though, occasionally puts him at odds with Mark. The conflicts that arise from their opposing perspectives of what it means to be a hero become a fascinating part of what makes this season's primary narrative tick, and forces them to reconsider if their individual points of view are as valid as they first thought.

The conflicts that arise from their opposing perspectives become a fascinating part of what makes this season's primary narrative tick

Away from the familial melodrama, Mark and Eve's 'will they, won't they' dynamic is also central to the duo's individual and collective arcs. Season 3 was in danger of following in its forebears' footsteps and dragging out this out – something that, even as a big fan of Invincible's source material, was starting to irritate me. Thankfully, season 3 stops laboring the point in its second episode, though I would've appreciated it if this had happened as part of an episode's main plot, rather than the afterthought-esque mid-credits scene it's allocated to. Still, the evolution of their romantic relationship throughout this season is an endearing and at-times light-hearted diversion from its weightier material.

Coloring in around the gray(son)

Rex (left) continues to be one of the main beneficiaries of Invincible's TV adaptation righting the wrongs of its source material (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

Key members of Invincible's extensive supporting cast roster also benefit from satisfying character development. Season 3 continues to highlight Rex Splode's (Jason Mantzoukas) growing maturity as a hero and individual, while Debbie's (Sandra Oh) recovery following Nolan's betrayal and Angstrom's brutal attack continues apace with heart-warming aplomb.

Elsewhere, Shrinking Rae (Grey DeLisle) is granted some long-overdue time in the spotlight with her own emotionally driven arc – one of numerous creative deviations from Invincible's literary works that remedy some of its outdated material and gratifyingly flesh out underused characters. Season 3's exploration of other characters' backstories, including a subplot centered around Dupli-Kate (Malese Jow) and twin brother – not to mention newly-introduced villain – Multi-Paul (Simu Liu), though, suggest that other Invincible one-off specials, such as the standalone chapter that laid bare Atom Eve's past, won't be made. That's a pity, too, because there are plenty of side characters with enough history and intrigue surrounding them to star in their own TV specials.

Key members of Invincible's extensive supporting cast roster also benefit from satisfying character development

Nevertheless, the variety of subplots supplement season 3's core storyline to largely satisfying effect, especially ones that directly tie into Mark's moral quandry. Whether it's reintroducing old villains like Titan and Machine Head, dipping its toes into the multiverse once more, or setting up events ahead its final two episodes and already confirmed fourth installment, Invincible crams a lot into its latest eight-episode season, and it juggles them all with a deftness that its contemporaries have sometimes struggled to master.

Atom Eve gets moments to shine from action perspectives as well as emotional ones (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)

That said, season 3 doesn't get everything right. For me, there are hugely significant moments that aren't as emotionally impactful in Amazon's TV adaptation as they are in the source material. The previously mentioned Mark and Eve storyline is one, but there are a couple of others, such as a massively important character-defining event for Oliver, which I won't spoil here for non-comic readers, that aren't as potent or don't carry the same weight as they do in the literature. Viewers may also be disappointed that the plot revolving around Nolan and Allen the Alien (Seth Rogen), who are fast becoming everyone's favorite superpowered odd-couple pairing, doesn't get much airtime, either.

There are hugely significant moments that aren't as emotionally impactful in Amazon's TV adaptation as they are in the source material

Season 3 is found lacking in the primary villain department, too. This season, it can be argued that Mark's greatest foe is himself, particularly as he battles his inner demons and guilt, and comes to terms with the fact that any action he takes has grave consequences, either for himself or someone else. The ever-looming threat of the Viltrum Empire is all well and good, as is the tease of a returning enemy, whose reappearance will be a surprise development to anyone who hasn't read the graphic novels.

Powerplex is one of many new villains introduced in season 3 (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)

Where past seasons had Nolan and Angstrom, though, Invincible's latest chapter doesn't have its own Big Bad. The closest thing it has to a primary foe is Powerplex (Aaron Paul), a tortured soul/tragic villain seeking vengeance against Mark for – again – reasons I won't ruin ahead of time. What I will say is that Paul absolutely steals the show with a typically powerful performance that spans the emotional spectrum, and may help cement this season's sixth entry as one of the all-time great Invincible episodes. Anyway, with two more chapters to go before season 3 ends, I'm still hopeful that a monstrous foe, be that a Viltrumite warrior or someone else, will show up. After all, the roles of two of season 3's nine new cast members – Jonathan Banks and Doug Bradley – remain a mystery after its first six episodes...

My verdict

Invincible's third season secures the adult animated show's position as the best superhero series on television right now. It's as hyperviolent, action-packed, occasionally funny, and strikingly visual as before (its animation doesn't feel like it's evolved as much as it did between seasons 1 and 2, mind you). Above all else, though, it continues to be an incredibly compelling character drama – one that, with its skilful deconstruction of heroism, carries a greater emotional gravitas than previous seasons. If its final two episodes can stick the superhero landing, I'd suggest that Invincible season 3 is the Prime Video series' strongest installment yet.

Invincible season 3 launches with a three-episode premiere on February 6. New episodes air weekly until this season's finale on March 6.