Reviews

This review first appeared in issue 340 of PC Pro.

We are entering another exciting phase for PC processors, particularly if you’re a content creator. While the mid-range pendulum swung back to Intel in our workstations Labs, AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series promises huge potential for content creation. Here, I put it through its paces in Armari’s Magnetar M16R7-1300G3.

Armari has, of course, opted for the top Ryzen 9 7950X for its system. Unlike the Intel Core i9-12900K chips that proved so popular in the Labs, the Ryzen 9 has 16 full-speed cores rather than eight, alongside eight low-power ones. And the 7950X provides a base clock of 4.5GHz across all its cores, with an incredible maximum Boost frequency of 5.7GHz, so it should hurtle through any task with a multithreaded bias.

The Ryzen 7000 series is AMD’s first to support DDR5, with Armari providing a generous 64GB complement of 5,600MHz Corsair Vengeance Black DDR5 as two 32GB DIMMs. This runs at 4,800MHz on the system, but enables the processor’s dual-channel memory capability. It also leaves two DIMM slots free on the Asus X670E ProArt-Creator WiFi motherboard, to make an upgrade to 128GB possible – but this will drop the DIMM operating speed to 3,600MHz.

One area where AMD hasn’t had the upper hand for some years is professional graphics. Nevertheless, Armari sticks with AMD here, via a Radeon Pro W6800 graphics card that sports a hefty 3,840 Stream processors and 32GB of GDDR6 frame buffer. The latter operates at 512GB/sec, a little behind Nvidia’s latest and greatest, but there’s no shortage of connectivity, with six mini DisplayPort 1.4 connectors enabling up to two 8K displays or six 5K ones.

Armari hasn’t gone to town with storage, unlike the £16,000 Scan 3XS GWP-ME A1128T. Just a single drive is included, but it’s a potent one. The 2TB WD SN850 Gen4 M.2 SSD SN850 delivered a sustained reading throughput of 7,050MB/sec in CrystalDiskMark 8, with writing at 5,248MB/sec, making this the fastest single NVMe drive we’ve tested.

Armari’s latest workstation is a powerful beast (Image credit: Future)

If you need secondary storage for large media files, the chassis includes four 3.5in/2.5in easy swap backplanes and drive sleds, which you can switch out when the system is powered down and the side panel off. The case is one of Armari’s secrets, as the firm custom-designs its own. The Magnetar M60 Gen3 chassis has loads of cooling, including a side mount for the CPU liquid system, replete with a trio of 120mm fans.

Despite all this, the Magnetar isn’t a power hog. It consumes 90W when idle, pushing up to 370W when rendering a scene in Blender using both the CPU and GPU. If you run the CPU, GPU and memory all at maximum it consumes 530W, which still isn’t terrible considering how much processing power you’re getting in return. And since Armari has included a hefty 1,300W power supply, you can be confident the system will stay stable even under maximum load.

You may want to make full use of that maximum load, too, because this workstation has outrageous power. The Magnetar was a stunningly quick system in every CPU-related test I threw at it. The score of 773 in the PC Pro benchmarks would have beaten every system in the most recent Labs, and even surpasses the excellent Scan 3XS GWP-ME A1128T with its 64-core Threadripper processor.

Underlining the CPU’s potency is a Cinebench R23 multicore result of 37,170, which trounces a pair of 24-core Intel Xeon Gold processors and would even beat a 32-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX. The single-core result of 2,093 is on a par with that of the Intel Core i9-13900K in the Scan Vengeance 3XS – except the Ryzen 9 7950X has 16 cores capable of this speed, where the Intel chip only has eight. To further underline the AMD chip’s power, the Blender Gooseberry render only took 293 seconds using the CPU.

The single area of weakness is the graphics acceleration, but only relatively. With 3D modelling and animation, using SPECviewperf 2020 the AMD Radeon Pro W6800 achieved 174 in 3dsmax-07 and 456 in maya-06, which are great results, but Nvidia’s Quadro A4500 will surpass the latter. With CAD/CAM, the scores were 99 in catia-06, 133 in creo-03, 431 in snx-04 and 259 in solidworks-05. All good results, but again the A4500 holds the advantage here.

Nevertheless, the Magnetar is an unquestionably capable workstation that can slice through every kind of content creation task, be it modelling and design or rendering the results out to a file. Armari has delivered the AMD platform in its habitual efficient, solid build. The price is high, but the amount of power you get from this 16-core processor workstation is phenomenal.

We also ranked the best monitors for video-editing.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge review: Two-minute review

The Galaxy S25 Edge is the phone for Samsung fans who like to complain. Does your Galaxy S25 Plus feel too thick for your tight jeans and small hands? Is the Galaxy S25 Ultra too heavy for your bag? The Galaxy S25 Edge is precisely the phone you want, nothing more and nothing less.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is the solution to a very simple formula. Take a Galaxy S25 Plus. Shave 1.5mm off the thickness by removing the zoom camera and shrinking the battery. Add a 200MP camera sensor. Wrap it in titanium. Voila: Galaxy S25 Edge!

Seriously, that’s it; that’s the whole phone. The Galaxy S25 Edge has the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset inside, with the same 12GB of RAM as the Galaxy S25 Plus. There’s a bigger vapor chamber for improved cooling, but we’re talking about a minuscule space made slightly less so.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is only 5.8mm thin, the thinnest Galaxy S ever (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Even though it’s thin, this isn’t a phone you should experience on paper. You need to get your hands on a device to see just how thin and light it feels. I spent a couple of hours with Samsung to get hands-on time with the new Galaxy S25 Edge, so I can tell you what to expect: expect a little bit.

It feels a little bit thinner and a little bit lighter than other phones I’ve used. Just a little bit. It’s not the thinnest phone ever. Even Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 is thinner when it’s open; it’s just the thinnest ever Galaxy S phone.

It’s not even close to the thinnest flat smartphone ever. The Vivo X5 Max from 2014 was more than 1mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Edge at less than 4.75mm.

The Galaxy S25 Edge won’t spark a revolution. It won't make your current phone look fat. There will be other thin phones – Apple’s long-anticipated iPhone 17 Air is expected to launch later this year. But I don’t expect a Pixel Edge, or a OnePlus Edge.

Holding the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge immediately put me in mind of past Samsung phones. Foremost, the ancient Samsung SGH-U100 Ultra 5.9, an incredibly thin phone Samsung launched in 2007 at the sunset of feature phones. That was the last time I remember Samsung making a phone whose main feature was being thin.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is thin, but not shockingly thin (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

That phone shocked onlookers. Nobody could believe Samsung could make such a thin phone. You wondered how there was space for the buttons to move; it felt so thin.

That’s not true of the Galaxy S25 Edge. It’s very thin, but nobody is going to be shocked. I expect the reaction will be more like ‘huh, that’s pretty thin,’ and not ‘WOW, what a THIN PHONE!’

That’s ok, because the Galaxy S25 Edge is priced right for a subdued reaction. The phone is a bit more expensive than the Galaxy S25 Plus. You lose some battery and some zoom, but you gain a much better camera. Plus, you have the thinnest Galaxy S!

What’s the benefit? Samsung says the Galaxy S25 Edge is easier to hold than the Galaxy S25 Plus. I had an iPhone 16 Pro Max in my pocket to compare, and the Edge was definitely much thinner and lighter than the biggest iPhone. Easier to hold? Maybe a little, but I keep my phone in a case anyway.

All eyes now turn to Apple to see if it can deliver an even thinner iPhone 17 Air to beat the Galaxy S25 Edge. With a 5.1mm iPad Pro on the market, it seems likely that Apple will launch an even thinner phone, but if it packs cheaper cameras or lacks flagship features, it won’t match the thin new Galaxy.

The iPad Pro is only 5.1mm, will the iPhone 17 Air be just as thin? (Image credit: Future)

Which brings me to some big concerns about the Galaxy S25 Edge – everybody is going to put this phone in a case. Samsung is offering its own thin cases, but any case will add bulk. The phone is durable, but it’s not military standard rugged.

With a benefit of only a millimeter or so, you’re already paying more for less battery life and fewer cameras. If you slap a case on it, can you still feel how thin it is? Not as much.

My second concern is that this is the slimmest Galaxy S phone… today. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is thinner, so we know that even thinner phones are possible. Will tomorrow's Galaxy S26 be just as thin as today’s Galaxy S25 Edge? Is a 5.8mm phone impressively thin in the long run? If you’re going to keep this phone through years of updates, I doubt it’s going to feel as thin as it does today in two years.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

With that in mind, the Galaxy S25 Edge doesn’t stand out. It’s thin, but it isn’t going to blow anybody away. It’s the thinnest Galaxy S today, but not the thinnest phone ever, and not even the thinnest phone Samsung makes right now.

However, it scratches an itch. If you were considering the Galaxy S25 Plus, you can spend a bit more and get a thinner, arguably cooler phone. But coolness, like being thin, doesn’t last forever.

I wish there was something unique to this phone to make it stand out from the rest of the Galaxy lineup, but I’m not sure what that should be. Even a new theme or some Edge-related widgets would have been a nice addition. It just feels like otherwise this phone launch is all about giving us the perfect compromise, with no new benefits.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge hands-on: Price and availability

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Starts at $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,849 for 256GB and 12GB of RAM
• That’s $100 / £100 / AU$100 more than the Galaxy S25 Plus

The Galaxy S25 Edge is available for pre-order now, and it should be in hands by May 30, assuming the current global economic climate causes no delays. That was a question I heard Samsung folks discussing, but they don’t anticipate any problems.

The phone will come in three colors: black, blue, and silver. You can get it with 256GB or 512GB of storage, and Samsung will have a deal at launch to double the storage for free. Both models include 12GB of RAM inside.

The Galaxy S25 Edge slots in nicely between the Galaxy S25 Plus and the Galaxy S25 Ultra on Samsung’s price ladder. It also costs more than an iPhone 16 Pro, but less than an iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Storage

US Price

UK Price

AU Price

256GB

$1,099

£1,099

AU$ 1,849

512GB

$1,219

£1,199

AU$ 2,049

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge hands-on: Specifications

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Galaxy S25 Edge has most of the same specs as the Galaxy S25 Plus, with some Ultra inspiration thrown in. It has the important Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor that made the Galaxy S25 Ultra such a winner.

The camera is a 200MP sensor, but Samsung said it is not the exact same sensor found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Megapixels don’t mean anything, it’s the sensor size that really matters, so I’m assuming there is a smaller sensor in this phone than its bigger Samsung brethren.

The Galaxy S25 Edge has a 3,900mAh battery, which is much smaller than the 4,900mAh cell in the Galaxy S25 Plus. Samsung says we should expect better battery life than the Galaxy S24, but not as much longevity as the Galaxy S25 provides.

For charging, the Galaxy S25 Edge tops out at 25W, slower than the 45W charging that the rest of the Galaxy S25 family can use. There is wireless charging, at least, along with reverse wireless power sharing.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Dimensions

75.6 X 158.2 X 5.8mm

Weight

163g

OS

OneUI 7, Android 15. 7 major Android upgrades promised.

Display

6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz

Chipset

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

RAM

12GB

Storage

256GB / 512GB

Battery

3,900mAh

Rear cameras

200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide with macro

Front camera

12MP

Charging

25W wired, 15W wireless

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge hands-on: Design

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Thinnest Galaxy S ever, thinner than any iPhone
• More Galaxy Ultra than Galaxy Plus

Samsung might be selling the Galaxy S25 Edge short by comparing it freely to the Galaxy S25 Plus. In fact, with its titanium frame and muted color options, it feels more like a waifish Galaxy S25 Ultra. In any case, the phone is clearly a current-generation Samsung device, while veering just a bit from the formula.

The camera bump looks, frankly, more like the leaked design of the iPhone 17 than the current Galaxy S25 family. It’s not small portholes, it’s an entire bar that seems to be attached to the back of the phone.

The look is decidedly less polished and clean than the similar round bar that holds the Google Pixel 9 cameras. Google’s phone seems to be a single block of metal, while the Galaxy S25 Edge looks like pieces stuck together.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is not symmetrical, and the pieces don't seem to fit perfectly (Image credit: Future)

The phone is not very symmetrical, and it doesn’t seem to have the same fit and finish as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. On the bottom, USB-C port is centered, but the speaker port and the SIM card slot are both haphazardly aligned. The SIM card holder doesn’t even seem to fit perfectly flush with the phone on some of the units I saw, as you can see in my photo below.

I worry about this phone. I worry that it will bend easily, even with a titanium frame. I worry that the protruding camera will make the lens glass more vulnerable in a fall. I worry the gap between the camera bump and the back of the phone will gather unsightly dust and grime.

I’ll feel better if our review unit proves solid, so check back soon once we’ve had an opportunity to run this phone through a thorough battery of tests.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge hands-on: Software

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• All of the Galaxy software you know...
• Nothing special to the Edge, but plenty of Galaxy AI

Samsung’s OneUI 7 is looking good on the Galaxy S25 Edge, running on top of Android 15. All of Samsung’s software tricks are here, including the Edge panels, which now sport some AI selection tools. You can even hook this phone up to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use the Samsung DeX desktop environment.

I’m a big fan of DeX, so I was thrilled to see it wasn’t left off. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 inexplicably lacks DeX, so I was worried it would be sacrificed for thinness. Nope, DeX is here, along with all of Samsung’s software features. The endless layers of Settings menus. The massive flotilla of bloatware.

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(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

That latter is probably just a regional choice, because not every Galaxy S25 Edge I saw had the same software preloaded, but some of the devices were jam-packed with junk. There were tons of garbage games, along with carrier software, additions from Microsoft and Google, and then the Samsung folder of apps.

There was a brief time when it seemed like Samsung was pulling back its software bloat, but those days have been washed away with the tide.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge hands-on: Cameras

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• 200MP main camera, but not the same as the Ultra
• 12MP wide lens with macro capabilities

The camera on the Galaxy S25 Edge is just what I was hoping to see… I hope. We knew that Samsung would be reducing its camera load from the triple-lens system on pretty much every other Galaxy phone besides the Galaxy Z Flip series. I was hoping for one big main camera with a big sensor, and that could be what we got with the 200MP sensor on the Edge.

I don’t expect quality on par with the Galaxy S25 Ultra and its 200MP main camera. Samsung says the sensor is not the same, and it would not tell us what sensor it's using or the size of the sensor.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

A tiny sensor cut into 200 million pieces will not produce high-quality images. Megapixels don’t matter, what really matters is the size of the sensor, and it’s likely the Edge sacrifices some sensor size compared to the Ultra.

The marketing might say this phone has 2X 'optical quality zoom,' but in fact Samsung is using the 200MP sensor to simulate a variety of zoom lengths, and then enhancing the results with AI.

I kind of wish more phones would use this technique, paired with a larger sensor, because I think we’d get better photos than we do from today’s 5X zoom lenses mated to teeny-tiny sensors.

We’ll see if Samsung can pull off a satisfying camera with only two lenses instead of three. It can’t be too good, of course, or else you won’t want to buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra, still the most expensive in the Galaxy S family.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge hands-on: Battery

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• 3,9000mAh battery is smaller than even the Galaxy S25
• Battery life won’t be great, and charging will be slower

The Galaxy S25 Edge packs a 3,900mAh battery inside. That’s much smaller than the 4,900mAh cell in the Galaxy S25 Plus – it’s closer to the smaller Galaxy S25, which uses a 4,000mAh battery inside.

In fact, Samsung says battery life will fall somewhere between the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25, and you'll be able to get a full day of normal use out of this phone. So, it won’t be great for a phone this big, but it will be acceptable. That’s an expected trade-off for a much thinner phone.

@techradar

♬ stellar (Sped Up) - .diedlonely & énouement

What I didn’t expect was slower charging. I was hoping for a charging miracle, maybe even faster charging speeds than the Galaxy S25 to make up for the smaller battery.

If I could charge this phone to full in 30 minutes, I wouldn’t mind that it can’t last all day on a single charge. But with only 25W charging, Samsung says 30 minutes will get me just over halfway, to 55% charged.

We’ll know just how long the phone can last after we’ve tested it in Future Labs and given it a full review. For now, don’t buy this phone expecting great battery life. Buy it for the style.

You might also like...

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: latest news, rumors, and everything we know so far
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launch live: all the last-minute Unpacked news
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus review: I used it for two weeks, and it's so good...

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3: one-minute review

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is a compact analog keyboard that promises incredibly responsive performance courtesy of its analog switches. Its looks don’t exactly reflect its gaming prowess, but it’s smart and sleek enough to adorn any setup. The black colorway is a little austere, but this is alleviated somewhat by the vibrant RGB backlighting.

Once you get your hands on it, though, you start to realize this is a premium slice of engineering. It’s reasonably light considering how solid it feels, and the double-shot PBT keycaps have a more textured finish than usual, which feels great under the fingertips. Even the included detachable USB cable is made to a high standard.

As you would expect from any of the best gaming keyboards, numerous customization options are available via the SteelSeries GG software – or more specifically, the Engine section within this app. It hurts usability somewhat that Engine opens in a separate window to GG, but this is a minor gripe.

Alongside the typical RGB tweaks and macro creation features, there are a healthy selection of rebinding options, with plenty of media and system shortcuts available, with various adjustable parameters for binding behavior.

Naturally there are various alterations for actuation, with points settable between 0.1mm and 4mm, which is a generous range of travel. You can also toggle rapid trigger and protection modes, while various SOCD settings (called rapid tap here) and dual binding features are available in addition.

This makes Engine a versatile tool and one that’s easy to use, thanks to its clear layout and useful explanations. The visualizer for key actuation, though, doesn’t respond in real time, which is a drawback.

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 excels when it comes to performance. Presses are very tactile and rebound fast, imbuing it with a pleasingly snappy feel, which is great for both gaming and typing.

Hitting certain actuation points is easy too, thanks to the satisfying resistance to the keys which impart just enough feedback without disrupting its light touch.

It’s also comfortable to use, thanks to the indentations of the keycaps, which make it a very tactile board to use while still allowing for easy gliding. The bottom row is very accessible too, especially the space bar, with its low profile making for consistent hits with the tip of your thumb, rather than the edge.

What’s more, the tilt angle, especially when used with the very stable two-stage feet, gave me a comfortable position for typing as well as gaming – although for very long sessions, I would still benefit from using a wrist rest.

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is certainly an expensive keyboard, especially when you consider its small 60% layout and lack of wireless connectivity. However, there’s no denying this is premium hardware, and it performs as well as you could hope an analog board would.

There are a few much cheaper alternatives out there that come quite close to rivaling its performance, but the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is hard to beat if you want the absolute best analog performance.

(Image credit: Future) SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 review: price and availability

• $179.99 / £174.99 (about AU$282)
• Available now in black only
• Very expensive

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 costs $179.99 / £174.99 (about AU$282) and is available now in black only. It comes with a detachable USB-A-to-C cable and a keycap puller. It’s one of the more expensive analog keyboards around – especially when you consider its compact 60% layout and wired-only connectivity.

If you’re looking for a much cheaper alternative, the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra is admirably close to the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 in terms of performance, yet also features multiple wireless connectivity modes. What’s more, it uses TMR rather than the Hall effect sensors of the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3, which are considered more accurate, although in truth I couldn’t discern a difference. MonsGeek’s software provides a few more features than Engine, but it suffers from a few usability issues.

Another viable option for budget hunters is the Gamakay TK75HE V2. This is similarly cheap for an analog keyboard, but again comes close to rivaling the performance of more expensive models, including the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3. What’s more, it has a larger 75% layout, which might be more useful for those looking for some productivity prowess as well. However, like the FUN60 Ultra, its software isn’t the best from a usability perspective.

Value: 3 / 5

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 review: specs

Layout

60%

Switch

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

11.5 x 4 x 1.6 inches / 293 x 103 x 40mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

(Image credit: Future) SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 review: design and features

• Muted looks
• Solid but light construction
• Useful customization software

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 doesn’t push the boat out aesthetically. It adopts a rather functional design that’s inoffensive but still sleek enough to work in any environment. The RGB backlighting also helps to offset the somewhat gloomy black finish.

It’s very well made, and the build quality is certainly level with the best keyboards around. It’s quite light for a board that feels this solid and durable, and the double-shot PBT keycaps are an especial highlight, with more texture than others, but feel great under the fingertips. What’s more, their indentations were a perfect fit for my fingers, which improved their tactility and security when hammering away.

The tilt of the layout ensures a comfortable typing position, which is further aided by the two stage feet, which are incredibly stable and offer meaningful differences in angle. This made the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 comfortable for me despite its lack of wrist support; although for longer sessions, I would still prefer to use a rest with the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3.

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 doesn't have an Fn key; instead, you get SteelSeries’ Meta key, which functions in much the same way. There are numerous useful shortcuts available, including those for adjusting actuation points, rapid trigger and other analog functions.

What’s more, these shortcuts are labelled on the keys themselves, which is very helpful, especially on a compact board such as this, lacking as it does arrow keys, a dedicated F row, and the like.

(Image credit: Future)

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 can be further customized using SteelSeries GG – or more specifically, the Engine app within GG. It’s a little inconvenient that the latter opens in a separate window to the former, but this is a small complaint.

You’ll find the usual customizations on offer in Engine, with a generous selection of rebinding options available, including plenty of media and system shortcuts. Five configuration slots are available, and there are even preset configurations for certain games, including one for Counter-Strike 2 created by esports brand FaZe Clan.

Being an analog board, there are plenty of actuation adjustments as well. The actuation point can be set between 0.1 and 4mm, and there’s a rapid trigger toggle with its own accompanying slider to adjust sensitivity within the same range.

A protection mode is also available, which reduces the sensitivity of adjacent keys to prevent mispresses. An SOCD feature called rapid tap is present as well, with different key priority behaviors to choose from when two are pressed simultaneously: you can choose which key always has priority, let whichever is pressed last take precedence, or make neither register. There’s also a dual binding mode, although it’s a little annoying that there’s a separate window for setting up dual actuation first, since both rely on each other.

Overall, however, Engine is laid out clearly and features useful explanations for its various features and settings. However, the visualizer for key actuation is severely lacking, as it doesn’t illustrate presses in real time, which I would’ve appreciated so I could see exactly how my tweaks manifest themselves in practice.

Design & features: 5 / 5

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 review: performance

• Excellent springy keys
• Responsive and precise analog switches
• Great for gaming and typing

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is an excellent performer on pretty much every front. The keys are very light and springy, yet still offer enough dampening and weight lower down in their travel, which helps to provide feedback.

Actuation points are also easy to hit thanks to the tactile switches and relatively long key travel. The space bar is also a highlight thanks to its very satisfying response, and its low profile makes it very easy to hit flush with your thumb tip rather than the edge. In fact, the whole of the bottom row is easy to use, thanks to the slightly concave layout and keycap indentations.

When typing, these indentations are especially useful, offering plenty of security while still allowing for easy gliding around the board. Also, the amount of Meta shortcuts available to access functions reserved for larger layouts makes the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 more viable for mild productivity purposes.

(Image credit: Future)

Performance: 5 / 5

Should I buy the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3? Gamakay TK75HE V2 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

With a 60% layout and wired-only connectivity, the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 demands a lot, and there are much cheaper rivals around.

3 / 5

Design and features

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is built to an incredibly high standard, and the software for customizing its analog keys is mostly great.

5 / 5

Performance

The analog switches are springy and satisfying, making them great for gaming and typing. It’s hard to find fault here.

5 / 5

Overall

The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 does most things right, thanks to its excellent analog switches and superb build quality. It might be eye-wateringly expensive, but there aren’t many that can outperform it.

4.5 / 5

Buy it if…

You want incredible build quality
The board itself and the accompanying software are both expertly engineered. It’s also surprisingly light for something so solid.

You want superlative analog performance
The analog switches are very snappy yet ultra precise, and the layout and feel make it great for gaming and typing.

Don’t buy it if…

You want to save money
The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is very expensive no matter how you slice it – especially when you consider its small layout and wired-only connectivity.

You want wireless connectivity
The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is wired-only, so those who want to go wireless or switch between multiple devices on the fly might want to look elsewhere.

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 review: also consider

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra

Gamakay TK75HE V2

Layout

60%

60%

60%

Switch

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Analog (TMR magnetic)

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Programmable keys

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dimensions

11.5 x 4 x 1.6 inches / 293 x 103 x 40mm

Not stated

12.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches / 325 x 136 x 28mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

Yes (customizable)

Yes (customizable)

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra
If you want analog switches at a fraction of the cost of the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3, then the FUN60 Ultra is an excellent choice. Its performance isn’t far behind that of the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3, although it’s not quite so satisfying. However, it offers multiple wireless connectivity modes, whereas the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 is wired-only. Its software is versatile too, with a few more features than the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 offers, although it’s not as easy to use. The clunky device switching is another drawback, too.

Gamakay TK75HE V2
The TK75HE V2 is very similar to the FUN60 Ultra in many respects, and although it’s perhaps not quite so satisfying to use, it still competes very admirably considering its relatively low price. However, it suffers from the same software issues as the FUN60 Ultra, so it isn’t quite as refined as Engine.

How I tested the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3

• Tested for a few days
• Used for gaming and productivity
• Over a decade of PC gaming experience

I tested the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming and working, on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.

I played Counter-Strike 2, a great game for testing peripherals, given it requires fast and precise inputs. It’s especially useful when playing with analog keyboards, since the need for controlled micro-movements provides the perfect testing ground for the rapid trigger functionality.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced a great deal of keyboards. I’ve also reviewed a number of them, including other analog and SteelSeries models.

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

Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad review

The Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad is a premium laptop cooling pad. Its huge 5.5-inch (140mm) fan is capable of spinning at up to dizzying 2,800rpm, meaning it should be perfect for chilling your CPU during heavy workloads. Cheap it certainly isn't, though: costing a cool $119.99 / £129.99 (around AU$190), it's an expensive cooling pad.

However, in return for this princely sum, you get some glacial cooling. I ran a 3DMark Stress Test using our Acer Predator Helios 300 testing laptop with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. Before the test, the laptop’s ambient temperature sat at 82F / 28C; after running the stress test for 15 minutes with the Llano in place at 2800rpm, the laptop had warmed to only 97F / 36C. That 15F / 8C rise is one of the most impressive results I’ve seen in my time testing laptop cooling pads, and should definitely mean that your laptop will be remain nice and frosty during long gaming sessions.

So, on the plus side, the Llano is more frigid than a blizzard; the downside is it sounds like one, too, with its fans kicking out some gale-force noise. Ten minutes into my benchmarking tests, I used a noise level meter to gauge the sound kicked out by the laptop and the Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad set to maximum – it recorded 64dB from head height and 79dB from only a few inches away. This is much louder than many of the best laptop cooling pads, and, according to the Center for Hearing and Communication, it's roughly the same volume as a small blender, so you likely won’t be popular using this in an office environment.

Overall, the design of the Llano is tastefully done – there are no aggressively sharp angles of the type often seen on gaming accessories, and the RGB lighting is restricted to a single, modest bar around the cooling pad's edge; there are four lighting modes you can cycle through. Note that I did find the power cable a little on the short side: my power socket is just to the left of my desk, but the cable plugs in on the right-hand side of the device, which was more of a stretch.

Ergonomically, the Llano Cooling Pad is well thought-out, too: its slope ensure wrists are held at the perfect angle, and its three different height settings should make it easy for you to find the optimum slope for your needs. Be aware that the laptop rests do come very close to sitting exactly where you’ll want to lay your wrists, though – I’m not sure why so many brands think right below the WASD keys is the perfect place for a jutting piece of plastic; but it's a common problem with laptop cooling pads.

Despite this, the Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad is a fantastic piece of kit, capable of delivering pretty extreme cooling – and looking good while it does it. Yes, it sounds like an idling jet engine, and getting such performance will cost you a pretty penny. However, it will do an astounding job of keeping your laptop cool during demanding tasks, so if you have the money spare, you really can’t go wrong with it.

(Image credit: Future) Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad review: price & availability

• Released July 30, 2023
• List price of $119.99 / £129.99 (around AU$190)

Originally released on July 30, 2023, the Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad retails for $119.99 / £129.99 (around AU$190) on Amazon. However, it's occasionally available for less: at the time of writing, it was reduced to $92.79 in the US – its lowest ever price. It also dropped down to £103.99 in October in the UK, so it's worth keeping your eyes peeled for potential discounts.

At its full price, the Llano definitely comes in at the premium end of the market, dwarfing the price of affordable cooling pads such as the $19.99 / £20.99 Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad. But on the flip side, it offers far better cooling – some budget options saw our testing laptop temperatures rise by over 68F / 20C, while it was just 46F / 8C with the Llano. For high-intensity gaming or creative work, you may well find that extra spend is well worth it.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad? Buy it if…

You want icy cooling
Even during an intensive CPU workout, this laptop cooling pad kept our testing laptop from warming any more than single digits – that’s positively polar cooling.

You want comfortable, ergonomic design
With three height settings, it’s easy to find the perfect angle to support your wrists while using this laptop cooling pad. And its memory foam pad and laptop rests keep your laptop firmly in place.

Don’t buy it if…

You can’t handle a bit of noise
The Llano is no shrinking violet: when it’s hard at work, you’ll definitely hear it. When it’s running at its peak speed of 2800rpm, it hits around 80dB, which is about as loud as a garbage disposal or dishwasher.

You want an explicit gamer aesthetic
While it features stylish RGB lighting, this laptop cooling pad is still pretty discreet. If you fancy something with a much more in-your-face gamer look, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.

(Image credit: Future) Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad review: also consider

Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad
If your budget won't stretch that far, my current pick for affordable laptop cooling pads would have to be the Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad. In the same benchmarking tests run on the Llano, the Liangstar saw our laptop temperature rise from 22.2ºC to 37.5ºC – a rise of just 15.3ºC. Not bad, given it costs just $19.99 / £20.99 / AU$66.91. Read our full Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad review.

How I tested the Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad

• Tested the cooling pad over several days
• Measured the device’s cooling during a stress test on a gaming laptop
• Used a sound level meter to assess how much noise it made

When testing the Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad, I ran it through TechRadar’s standard benchmarking tests. First, I used a thermal camera to record the temperature of the hottest point of our Acer Predator Helios 300 with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 testing laptop as a baseline. I then ran a 3DMark Stress Test for 15 minutes with the Llano dialled up to its maximum cooling, before recording its new temperature.

I also used a sound level meter to check how much noise the device kicks out while running. Once our stress test had been underway for 10 minutes, I checked the volume of the combined noise of the laptop and cooling pad from a few inches away and from head height. I then compared this to the noise generated by the laptop’s fans alone, when it wasn’t being cooled.

On top of all of this benchmarking data, I made sure I got plenty of experience using the laptop cooler, to assess factors such as comfort, stability and ergonomics. Here I was helped by many years of experience reviewing gadgets and several decades spent gaming on laptops.

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

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra: one-minute review

The MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra is a compact wireless gaming keyboard with TMR switches, which claim to have greater precision than other analog varieties. It certainly makes a good first impression, with its sleek yet minimal looks, which are accentuated in the white colorway, and makes the RGB appear even more vibrant.

The build quality is also excellent. This is quite a heavy board for the size, which may be a positive or a negative depending on your preferences. But the overall construction is hard to fault.

Thankfully, the FUN60 Ultra isn’t too thick, which makes it more comfortable to use – although, as with most keyboards I’ve tried, some wrist support still would’ve been welcomed for extended sessions.

The PBT keycaps are similarly premium, and feel just as satisfying as you could wish for from any of the best gaming keyboards around, thanks to their smooth texture that offers just enough grip.

However, perhaps the worst aspect of the FUN60 Ultra’s design is the switch for toggling between Windows, Mac, and wired modes. It’s located underneath the Caps Lock, which means removing this keycap every time you want to change modes. What’s more, this switch isn’t labelled and has a different orientation to the manual illustrations, all of which makes knowing which position to select harder than it should be.

The FUN60 Ultra can be customized using the MonsGeek Driver, which offers all the usual gaming keyboard adjustments, alongside plenty of analog-related tweaks. It’s very versatile in this regard, but there are a few issues with it, such as the cumbersome actuation adjustment process, and the uninformative visualizer that accompanies it.

When it comes to performance, however, I found little wrong with the FUN60 Ultra. The keys are snappy and very satisfying to use, with plenty of bounce but enough dampening for enhanced tactility, which is a boon for typing as well as gaming.

Connecting the FUN60 Ultra via the 2.4GHz dongle and Bluetooth proved easy enough, with no discernible dips in performance over wired play. Switching between wireless and wired modes, though, was more hassle than it should have been.

Battery life seems quite good, with the RGB indicator staying green after a couple of days of varied use. Unfortunately, the software doesn’t provide a percentage, so I wasn’t able to get a precise read on how much remained.

When you consider its relatively low price, the FUN60 Ultra represents great value for those after a high-end analog keyboard experience, as it punches far above its class in terms of performance. It’s slightly cheaper than the Gamakay TK75HE V2, which is one of its closest rivals, although this has a slightly larger layout and is wired only.

For a more luxurious alternative, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is one of the best analog keyboards around, but is considerably more expensive than the FUN60 Ultra, and doesn’t outstrip its performance by as much as the price difference might lead you to believe. So if you’re looking to get into the analog gaming keyboard world, the FUN60 Ultra is a great place to start.

(Image credit: Future) MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review: price and availability

• $89.99 / £75.59 / AU$142.54
• Available now in black and white
• Very well priced

The FUN60 Ultra costs $89.99 / £75.59 / AU$142.54 and is available now in white and black finishes. It comes with a keycap puller, a switch puller, a 2.4GHz USB-A dongle, and a USB-A-to-C cable. You can also configure it with PBT or PBT-SP keycaps. Wired and Hall effect variants are available as well, with cheaper price tags.

This makes the FUN60 Ultra one of the cheapest analog keyboards you can buy, and has the potential to be one of the best cheap gaming keyboards around. Other budget-friendly examples include the Gamakay TK75HE, which is slightly more expensive and is wired only but has a larger 75% layout. It performs similarly to the FUN60 Ultra, although the keys don’t feel quite as bouncy and therefore satisfying in my view.

If you want something more premium, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is one of the best analog keyboards I’ve experienced, offering very responsive and accurate presses. This also has a larger layout, but is considerably more expensive than the FUN60 Ultra, and the difference in performance isn’t as great as you might expect. However, the FUN60 Ultra is probably the easier board to live with, and the software, while not featuring quite as many tweaks, is still better to use.

Value: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future) MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review: specs

Layout

60%

Switch

Analog (TMR)

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

Not stated

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

(Image credit: Future) MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review: design and features

• Great build quality
• Bizarre selector switch placement
• Software isn’t the best engineered

The FUN60 Ultra has a neat and minimalist design, with a few design quirks that hint at its intended audience, such as the (rather pointless) side hook and diagonally cut corners. It looks sleek, and in its white finish, quite vibrant, which is emphasized further by the RGB backlighting.

The overall build quality is excellent, with the chassis feeling reassuringly solid, although it’s quite heavy despite its compact size. There isn’t much tilt angle, and the lack of feet means you won’t be able to adjust this.

Thankfully, though, the body isn’t too thick, so I found it comfortable to use, even without wrist support – although for longer sessions I would benefit from using a rest, and I suspect others would too.

The keycaps feel very premium, as you would expect from their PBT construction. It’s a shame, though, that they’re not labelled with their Fn shortcuts, so you’ll have to keep the manual close by.

One very annoying aspect of the FUN60 Ultra is the fact that the switch for toggling between Windows, Mac, and wired connectivity is located under the Caps Lock, which means you have to remove this keycap every time you want to switch between them.

Why MonsGeek chose this location is beyond me. What’s more, the switch isn’t labelled, and runs vertically rather than horizontally as pictured in the manual, so there’s no way of knowing which side is Windows and which is Mac (for your information, down is Windows, up is Mac).

The FUN60 Ultra can be customized using the MonsGeek Driver. Here you’ll find the typical gaming keyboard features, including a macro creator, a section for altering the RGB backlighting, and key remapping.

(Image credit: Future)

The latter offers a reasonable selection of media and system shortcuts, although these aren’t as copious as some gaming keyboards provide. You can bind mouse movements to keys, though, which isn’t a function that’s always present in customization software.

As you’d expect given its analog switches, there are also plenty of actuation adjustments available. You can set the actuation and reset points independently, with a range between 0.1mm and 3.4mm, and there are various modes and features you can use too.

These include a non-stop rapid trigger, continuous trigger and snap tap modes, as well as the ability to bind up to four inputs to a single key, depending on its actuation point and direction of travel. There’s also a rapid trigger stabilizer setting, which prevents unintended inputs when setting very short actuation points.

This makes it a versatile piece of software, with more actuation tweaks than some other software provides. However, the tool isn’t the easiest to use, and I experienced a number of issues with it.

The window can’t be resized, and there are relatively long loading times after making certain changes. I also experienced an issue where the drop-down menus wouldn’t work, requiring a full restart of my PC to rectify – although admittedly, this might’ve been an issue with my particular system rather than with the software itself.

What’s more, while there’s a visualizer to simulate key actuation in real time, this can lag at times, and the color-coded bar representing presses and releases fails to change with the actuation points you set, so its usefulness is somewhat limited. More frustration comes in the form of having to hit a confirm button every time you make these tweaks – and doing so when multiple keys are selected deselects them all (bar one), which only makes the process more cumbersome.

Design & features: 3.5 / 5

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review: performance

• Bouncy keys
• Short yet controlled travel
• Great for typing and gaming

The overall performance of the FUN60 Ultra is very good. The TMR magnetic switches I had in my review unit promise a lot, claiming to be even more accurate than Hall effect ones.

In practice, I can’t say I noticed a huge improvement in this regard, but that’s certainly not to disparage them. They are very snappy and tactile, with just enough dampening to make them very satisfying to hammer away on. In terms of feel, they come close to giving some of the best mechanical keyboards a run for their money. And despite the short travel of the keys, there’s enough resistance to make for controlled presses.

The typing performance is also excellent, largely thanks to the fast rebound of the keys. And while it has a clicky sound, it’s not as loud as some other analog keyboards. I would label the FUN60 Ultra as a great keyboard for productivity, if it wasn’t for the compromised layout, which doesn’t even include arrow keys or a dedicated F row.

(Image credit: Future)

Connectivity is mostly great, with no dropouts of noticeable lag when using wireless modes. Switching between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes on the fly using the relevant Fn shortcuts also proved responsive enough.

However, switching between wireless and wired modes isn’t the easiest, due to the aforementioned location of the selector switch under the Caps Lock. Worse still was the fact that on occasion, the FUN60 Ultra wouldn’t connect to my wired device even with the selector in the right position, requiring me to remove the 2.4GHz dongle from my other device before it would, which only adds to the inconvenience of switching between devices.

Battery life on the FUN60 Ultra seems quite good. After using it for a couple of days, the backlight indicator remained green, which means it at least remained above 90%. However, I can’t be more accurate than this, since there’s no percentage readout in the software.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra? MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

There aren’t many cheaper analog keyboards than this, especially those with TMR sensors.

4 / 5

Design and features

The FUN60 Ultra is solid and premium feeling, although the decision to place the connectivity toggle under the Caps Lock key is baffling. The software offers plenty of tweaks, but it’s not the easiest to use.

3.5 / 5

Performance

The FUN60 Ultra is snappy and with plenty of bounce, with just enough dampening to make it satisfying. Great for gaming and typing.

4.5 / 5

Overall rating

The FUN60 Ultra offers a very compelling package, with top-tier analog switches and build quality at a relatively low price. A few usability issues aside, it’s a great value gaming keyboard all the same.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want responsive, satisfying switches
The analog switches are responsive, and that bouncy feel is great for gaming and typing.

You want to save money
For a wireless keyboard with analog TMR switches and PBT keycaps, the FUN60 Ultra is hard to beat in terms of value for money.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a keyboard for productivity
Despite its excellent typing performance, the 60% layout means you’re missing out on some useful functions, such as arrow keys, F keys, and the home-end cluster.

You want to hot-switch between devices
Switching between wired and wireless devices was needlessly convoluted, and concealing the mode switch beneath the Caps Lock key is one of the worst design choices I’ve come across.

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review: also consider

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra

Gamakay TK75HE V2

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3

Layout

60%

75%

TKL

Switch

Analog (TMR magnetic)

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Programmable keys

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dimensions

Not stated

12.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches / 325 x 136 x 28mm

14 x 5 x 1.7 inches / 355 x 129 x 42mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

Yes (customizable)

Yes (customizable)

Gamakay TK75HE V2
If you’re looking for an analog keyboard without spending large amounts, the TK75HE V2 is another contender in the space. It uses Hall effect rather than TMR sensors in its switches, which in theory are less precise, but you’d be hard pressed to notice the difference. I didn’t find it quite so satisfying in terms of feel, but it still acquits itself very admirably at this price. It does suffer from software issues, however. Read our Gamakay TK75HE V2 review.

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
The Apex Pro is a premium analog gaming keyboard in every sense. It has excellent analog switches, offering plenty of precision and responsiveness. The software for customizing is also better than MonsGeek’s, but you’ll certainly have to pay for all these privileges, and the performance isn’t exactly streaks ahead of the FUN60 Ultra’s. But if only the best analog keyboard will do, the Apex Pro is hard to beat. Read our SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review.

How I tested the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra

• Tested for a few days
• Used for gaming and typing
• Plentiful PC gaming experience

I tested the FUN60 Ultra for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming and typing. I also made use of its various connectivity modes, and used it on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a great test for peripherals given its need for fast and accurate inputs. It’s also ideal for putting analog switches through their paces, with counter-strafing and other player movements revealing the effectiveness of rapid trigger modes.

I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and I’ve experienced plenty of keyboards in that time. I’ve also reviewed a number of them, ranging in manufacturer, switch type, and price.

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

You might not think it to look at the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF, but this 27-inch monitor is actually a portable display.

Now, we’ve reviewed plenty of the best portable monitors, but most clock in at around 14 to 16 inches - so this is a big jump.

It might be relatively light, all things considered, and it does have a built-in kickstand, but with a screen this size, this isn’t one for whipping out to work in the library or cafe, or playing games on a long flight. To my mind, this is a screen designed for businesses, collaboration, and a second screen for desktop set-ups, especially across multiple locations.

We’ve previously reviewed the 24-inch Asus ZenScreen MB249C portable monitor. It’s not dissimilar in design, but we found it had a few flaws - chiefly the low resolution (1080p) and pixel density (92.56 ppi), and the so-so built-in speaker, a perennial issue for portable displays. It seems Asus has sat up and taken notice. The new MB27ACF now boasts a 2.5K resolution that better suits the big-screen experience, a pixel density of 218 ppi, and vastly better speakers.

I took the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF for a test drive for several weeks as a second screen hooked up to a 14in laptop, to see how it measures up against my favorite portable displays.

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(Image credit: Asus // Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Asus // Future) Specs

Screen size: 27in

Panel: IPS, LED

Resolution: 2560x1440

Pixel density: 218 ppi

Color space: 99% sRGB

Brightness: 300 nits

Ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C (DP Alt), 1x 3.5mm audio jack

USB-C Power Delivery: 70W

In the box: Monitor, monitor arm, hanging hooks, HDMI cable, USB-C cable, PSU

VESA mount: 75x75mm

Dimensions: 24.06" x 29.76" x 11.85in / 61.1 x 75.6 x 30.1cm

Weight: 6.57 lbs / 2.98 kg

First impressions? This display is big. Far bigger than any portable monitor I’ve used in the past. At first glance, I seriously doubted the portability of this display.

In the box you’ll find the VESA-mountable display, of course, alongside a pretty hefty monitor arm, hanging hooks for attaching to whiteboards, HDMI and USB-C cables, and the power supply unit.

Despite my initial misgivings, drawing it from the box, I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to carry. Yes, it’s large and relatively heavy at 6.57 lbs before any stand is attached, though not ridiculously so. I wouldn’t like to cart this around on the commute every day, particularly since it lacks any protective covering or sleeve.

With that in mind, I maintain this is still best for multiple set-ups across a single location.

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(Image credit: Asus // Future)

Given its size, to look at the MB27ACF, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is just an ordinary computer monitor. The screen is broad, the bezels are fairly slim, except along the bottom of the frame where you’ll find the speakers - a 2.1-channel audio with subwoofer that’s acceptable in use.

It’s only when you spin the monitor around that it gives itself away as a portable device. Around the back is a fold-out silver kickstand that pulls out and downward, which helps support the weight compared to those that just flip out from the bottom. Asus is billing this as a carry handle, but I wouldn’t chance it.

Initially, I found folding out this stand was a bit stiff, and I’d advise using a hand on either side to pull it into position, because it does feel like one hard yank might snap it. Once out, you can set it to multiple positions depending on desk-space and required viewing angle. At the center of the rear is a socket for attaching the C-clamp monitor arm, too.

Along the left side is the power jack, alongside three ports - a HDMI, USB-C, and audio jack. On the right is the menu, arrow keys, and power buttons. As such, operation is very straightforward. That USB-C port also offers 70W power delivery, letting you charge your laptop via the monitor, which is useful if you’re short on power sockets - the monitor already uses one, and there’s no built-in battery to help keep down the weight.

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Throughout testing, I had no trouble using this transportable monitor. It does everything I needed it to do without any fuss or issues, no dead pixels, problems seeing what’s on the screen. Yes, it is heavy. So, as a fully portable monitor, it’s not ideal. That’s not what it’s designed for, of course.

Surprisingly, the speakers were… acceptable. You’re never going to get high-end audio from a device like this, however, the sounds here are a lot less tinny than on many of the speakers on portable monitors. Saying that, I’d still recommend making use of the display’s 3.5mm audio jack or external speakers for tasks that demand the best audio experience.

Outside of that kickstand, which I would’ve liked to see somewhat reinforced, my only real issue is I didn’t find the screen especially bright. The display has a matte covering, which does a great job of limiting screen glare and reflections, but I’d hesitate to use this in direct sunlight.

I would’ve loved this to have a wider color gamut, too. 100% sRGB is fine for creating online assets. But now imagine if this packed 100% P3, or even AdobeRGB - it would make it a very attractive choice for mobile photographers, video editors, and all-round creators who want to conduct detailed creative work. And, wishful thinking though it may be, i can’t help feeling it’s a missed opportunity.

Realistically, though, that’s not who this monitor is for. It’s for business professionals in a collaborative office, and those who want a second screen on their desk that can be easily stashed away when not in use. On that score, the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF delivers the goods.

Should I buy the Asus ZenScreen MB27ACF?

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

✅ You want a big, portable display: With its 27in screen, this is a great choice for those who want a large screen with a high resolution for detailed work, and to supplement your laptop or computer screen.

✅ You’re collaborating with others: For my money, this display is best-suited for businesses who need to collaborate with colleagues or present to the wider team.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You want ultra portability: Ok, it might be thin, light, and transportable, but the size and weight limit its portability - I’d suggest only moving this around multiple spaces in a single location, like an office.

❌ You’re a content creator: At just 100% sRGB, this monitor lacks a wide color gamut demanded by creative professionals like photographers.

For more options, we've also reviewed the best business monitors you can get right now.

Gamakay TK75HE V2: two-minute review

The Gamakay TK75HE V2 is a wired keyboard with Hall effect analog switches that provide snappy and precise inputs, and feature multiple actuation adjustments to tailor key response to your exact preferences.

It sports a minimal aesthetic, which, combined with its compact form, makes it conducive to use in any setting. This aspect is somewhat hampered, however, by the short USB cable, which might fail to reach your PC depending on your setup.

Still, the overall build quality of the TK75HE V2 is impressive, on a level-pegging with some of the best gaming keyboards. The plastic chassis is light yet reassuringly solid, and, although it’s thick at the rear, this tapers off towards the front. The PBT keycaps feel as premium as you could wish for, too.

The two-stage folding feet provide plenty of tilt for getting an ergonomic typing position, although I still found the TK75HE V2 uncomfortable to type with for extended periods, owing to the lack of wrist support needed to offset its elevated height.

A screen is integrated in the bottom right corner of the TK75HE V2, although this is very limited in scope, with actuation adjustments, for instance, missing from its menu. For settings such as these, you’ll need to use the Gamakay Driver.

This PC app allows you make all the usual keyboard customizations, with various rebind options available, alongside macro creation and RGB adjustments. Tweaks for the analog switches are plentiful and accompanied by a handy visualizer to see key response in real time.

However, this visualizer lacks some useful feedback indicators, and has a tendency to lag significantly when making multiple inputs rapidly. What’s more, the app window can’t be resized, and a few explanations lack clarity, while others were cut off from the GUI, which was frustrating.

Thankfully, the tool is usable enough, and the analog adjustments it can make provide a meaningful difference to performance. To game with, the TK75HE V2 is certainly responsive, although I can’t say its 8K polling rate makes much difference in this regard, relative to lower-polling keyboards.

Key presses with the linear Mercury switches installed on my TK75HE V2 were less damped than I was expecting – certainly less so than the ultra-soft tactile Pegasus switches I tried in the mechanical TK75 V2, for instance – but I still found them satisfying to use, whether I was gaming or typing.

The latter was also helped by the shallow, short-traveling Cherry profile keycaps, which makes the TK75HE V2 suited to productivity tasks. However, it really needs a wrist rest to make long sessions comfortable.

The TK75HE V2 has a low price for an analog keyboard, undercutting many of its big name rivals by a huge margin, such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro. However, that keyboard has some of the best analog switches I’ve tried, and offers exceptional gaming performance overall.

But the TK75HE V2 isn’t that far behind in this regard, which makes it a great entry point for those looking to get their fingers on some analog switches. The mechanical TK75 V2 is slightly cheaper but not by much, although this would be a better alternative for those who prefer soft and silent key presses.

(Image credit: Future) Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: price and availability

• $109.99 / £85 / AU$176
• Available now in two colorways
• Cheaper than many analog boards

The TK75HE V2 costs $109.99 / £85 / AU$176 and is available now in two colorways: black and white. It can be configured with two stock switch types: Phoenix, which is silent; or Mercury, which is linear. Additionally, it comes with a USB cable and a keycap puller for hot-swapping purposes.

The TK75HE V2 is more expensive than its mechanical counterpart, the TK75 V2, which has an exquisite typing feel with much more dampening, although this could be due to the tactile Pegasus switches I experienced in that board. However, since it doesn’t use analog switches, there aren’t any actuation adjustments.

If you’re looking for pure analog performance, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is hard to beat. It’s one of the best keyboards with analog switches in my view, offering incredible precision and responsiveness, but it’s considerably more expensive than the TK75HE V2.

Value score: 5 / 5

Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: specs

Layout

75%

Switch

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Programmable keys

Yes

Dimensions

12.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches / 325 x 136 x 28mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

(Image credit: Future) Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: design and features

• Minimal looks
• Premium feel
• Versatile but unrefined software

The TK75HE V2 has a rather understated appearance, although this is buoyed somewhat by the bright RGB lighting, which is even more pronounced in the white variant. But overall its minimal aesthetic should fit in well with most setups.

Build quality is also admirable, with the plastic chassis feeling durable yet pleasingly light at the same time. It has a thick depth at the back, but this narrows out at the front, which helps to keep things compact.

This narrowing also improves usability, since the TK75HE V2 doesn’t come with a wrist rest. It does come with a USB cable, but this is disappointingly short and may prove unfeasible for certain setups.

The PBT keycaps feel premium to the touch, with a very subtle texture that doesn’t encroach on their smoothness. It’s slightly inconvenient, however, that the FN shortcuts aren’t labelled on the keys themselves, so you’ll have to refer to the included manual to see what they are.

The volume wheel is well notched to allow for smooth yet controlled jogging, although its click function is a little too stiff for my liking – but this is a minor grievance.

A small screen is also nestled in the bottom right corner, controllable via the volume knob, although I found little use for it since its functionality is quite limited. You can view the runtime and date, as well as CPU usage and temperature – although these latter two failed to take readings, and there’s nothing in the manual to explain how to set this up.

(Image credit: Future)

Rounding out the interface’s capabilities are RGB lighting adjustments and Mac and Windows modes. You can also display your own drawings, but for this you’ll need to download the Gamakay Driver PC app.

This app also contains many other typical gaming keyboard customizations. There are various rebinding options with multiple layers available, although sadly system shortcuts and commands seem to be absent: you can only remap keys to other keys, key combinations with modifiers, or macros you’ve created.

There are also numerous adjustments for the analog switches, though, including independent actuation point sliders for presses and releases. There are also various modes to toggle and configure, such as multi-input, continuous trigger, and others.

Overall, the Gamakay Driver provides an impressive selection of customizations, although some analog-based functions are missing, such as controller emulation. What’s more, the software isn’t without its faults.

Firstly, the app window can’t be resized, which, in my experience at least, can result in cut-offs. There were also certain sections where text explanations weren’t fully rendered.

What’s more, certain explanations were hard to understand, and some occasional odd word choices didn’t help matters either: for example, a button used to select multiple keys for customizing simultaneously is labelled “drag”.

Design & features score: 3.5 / 5

Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: performance

• Satisfying feedback
• Not as damped as other keyboards
• Controlled analog switches

The TK75HE V2 is very capable when it comes to gaming. Its keys are very responsive, although I can’t say the 8K polling rate provided a noticeable improvement in this regard over other boards.

The unit I had came preinstalled with Gamakay’s Mercury switches, which are said to have a linear profile. Their impact might deter some gamers, as they lack the dampening of some of the best mechanical keyboards: they’re more clicky and louder, but there’s still enough cushioning to make them satisfying to use.

What’s more, they feel a little heavier than other analog switches I’ve tried, which works in their favor as their resistance is progressive, feeling lighter at the top but getting heavier as they near the end of their travel.

This makes for controlled presses, and is especially useful when trying to hit certain actuation points. It also means that quickfire presses are easy to execute, which is especially useful when using the Rapid Tap feature – one of the key selling points of analog switches.

The mild indentation of the Cherry profile keys was something I welcomed too, as they allow for a secure positioning while still being amenable to gliding over the board.

(Image credit: Future)

This aspect also makes the bottom row readily accessible, as does the subtle concaving of the layout in general. The space bar is pleasingly low too, as it meant I could hit it with the tip of my thumb rather than the edge.

However, one small gripe I have is with the feet, which aren’t stable enough to handle even small shuffles back and forth. This may prove frustrating to those who frequently adjust the position of their keyboard.

Typing performance is also good, with those Mercury switches providing plenty of feedback and bounce, while being controlled at the same time. This allowed for fast and accurate typing – although the drawback is the relatively loud noise they generate.

I found the layout a little cramped at first, but I got used to it quickly. The angle provided by the feet does improve the ergonomics, but I still experienced some discomfort after only a short period; the TK75HE V2 is another keyboard that requires additional wrist support and yet sadly doesn't come with any.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Gamakay TK75HE V2? Gamakay TK75HE V2 Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

You’ll struggle to find many analog keyboards cheaper than this, and its performance and build are impressive for price.

5 / 5

Design and features

The TK75HE V2 is minimal and inoffensive. It’s also well built, although the software, while versatile, isn’t as refined as others.

3.5 / 5

Performance

The analog switches are certainly responsive, and it’s great for both gaming and typing – although wrist support is sorely needed.

4 / 5

Overall

The TK75HE V2 is an impressive keyboard considering its relatively low price tag. The software provides useful customizations, although it’s not the best engineered. If you’re looking for a budget analog keyboard, this should certainly be a contender.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

You want to hot-swap
You can choose which switches come equipped in your TK75HE V2, but if you ever fancy a change, you can swap them out at any time.

You want analog switches at a good price
There aren’t too many analog boards around at this price, and it doesn’t exactly feel as if you’re skimping on quality.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best software
The Gamakay Driver has plenty to offer, but it’s not always the easiest to work with, thanks to some interface issues.

You want the best comfort
The feet offer a meaningful break angle that makes typing more comfortable, but the TK75HE V2 really needs a wrist rest if you plan on using it for productivity.

Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: also consider

Gamakay TK75HE V2

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3

Gamakay TK75 V2

Layout

75%

TKL

75%

Switch

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Analog (Hall-effect magnetic)

Mechanical

Programmable keys

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dimensions

12.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches / 325 x 136 x 28mm

14.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches (approx.) / 368.3 x 139.7 x 38.1mm

12.8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches / 325 x 136 x 28mm

RGB or backlighting

Yes (customizable)

Yes (customizable)

Yes (customizable)

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
The Apex Pro is certainly more expensive than the TK75HE V2, but its analog switches are a dream to use, and its adjustments and accompanying software are great as well. A wireless variant is also available, which is naturally even more expensive, but not by a huge margin. Read our full SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review.

Gamakay TK75 V2
If you don’t need analog switches, then Gamakay makes for a great alternative. The tactile Pegasus mechanical switches I experienced in this board had much greater dampening and felt fantastic for both gaming or typing. It’s cheaper than the TK75HE V2 too, although not by much, but that’s fine since both are well-priced considering what they offer. Read our full Gamakay TK75 V2 review.

How I tested the Gamakay TK75HE V2

• Tested for a few days
• Used for gaming and working
• Plentiful keyboard experience

I tested the TK75HE V2 for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming and working on both Windows 10 and 11 machines.

I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a great test for any peripheral due the premium it places on fast and accurate inputs. It’s especially useful when testing analog switches, since counter-strafing can put Rapid Trigger features through their paces.

I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have used a great deal of keyboards. I have also reviewed numerous examples, including those with analog switches and other Gamakay models.

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

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: two-minute review

Wisdom dictates there’s no such thing as an all-purpose lens. Yet in the FE 28-70mm F2 GM, Sony’s had a stellar go at making one. Pitched as a do-it-all solution for photographers who demand versatility without compromise, this is flagship glass that could replace a trio of primes in your kit bag.

Thanks to a constant f/2 maximum aperture, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM delivers the kind of results you’d expect from a prime lens, paired with the versatility of a standard zoom. The sweetener is that it’s packaged with dimensions that are easy enough to work with on a daily basis, more so than Canon's ungainly equivalent.

This isn’t a lightweight lens by consumer standards, but for G Master glass with fast optics, Sony’s done an impressive job of keeping measurements in check. The solid build and weather seals reflect its premium status, as does the way it handles, with tactile control rings and buttons.

In performance terms, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM hits the mark at every focal length. That maximum aperture gives it excellent low-light credentials, allowing you to shoot fast even in dim conditions. F/2 also unlocks beautifully smooth bokeh and striking subject isolation with a shallow depth of field. The lens is as effective for night-time street scenes as it is for 70mm portraits.

(Image credit: Chris Rowlands)

It’s optically excellent too, with no discernible sacrifice in quality for the sake of flexibility. Central detail is consistently sharp across the zoom range, with only the tiniest hint of corner softness when shooting wide open. There’s no shortage of contrast either, with minimal evidence of vignetting or chromatic aberrations.

In-camera correction does address some barrel distortion at 28mm, but this is less impactful than if the lens went to 24mm like most standard zooms. That slight restriction on wide-angle coverage will give some users pause for thought. In practise, the f/2 aperture more than makes up for the slightly tighter focal length.

The only major omission is lens-based stabilization, even this isn’t felt in real-world conditions; with the ability to shoot at fast shutter speeds, paired with rapid, accurate autofocus, you won’t encounter issues with blurring.

In truth, there’s only one drawback to the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM and that’s the price. There’s no escaping that this lens is a serious investment. But when you consider that this is professional glass which delivers prime performance at several focal lengths, its value is self-evident.

If you want a new go-to lens that’s manageable on a full-frame mirrorless body and can handle everything from landscapes to weddings, this might just be the most complete standard zoom Sony has ever made.

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM specs Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM specs

Type:

Standard zoom

Mount:

Sony E-mount

Sensor:

Full-frame

Focal length:

28-70mm

Max aperture:

f/2

Minimum focus:

0.38m

Filter size:

86mm

Dimensions:

92.9 x 139.8mm

Weight:

32.4oz / 918g

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: Design

• Tidily packaged for such a fast zoom lens
• Robust G Master build with weather seals
• Tactile controls with zoom ring switches

Sony has managed to keep the FE 28-70mm F2 GM surprisingly compact for such a fast standard zoom. It’s by no means a lightweight lens at 32.4oz / 918g, but it’s only a fraction larger and heavier than the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM. That’s quite a feat, given the optics required to achieve its f/2 maximum aperture. It’s also significantly more portable than the comparable Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM.

Paired with a full-frame body like the Sony A7S III, the FE 28-70mm f/2 GM balances well without feeling too front-heavy. It helps that the lens is fantastic to handle. You get a full complement of controls, including rings for zoom, focus and aperture. A pair of customizable focus hold buttons offer useful flexibility, together with the familiar AF/MF and aperture lock switches. Two additional switches let you further influence the shooting experience.

We’ve seen the aperture click switch on other Sony lenses. It’s a welcome one, letting you choose whether you’d like tactile feedback while moving through f-stops. More unusual is the torque switch, which gives you the option of tight or smooth zoom ring rotation. The former is helpful for preventing zoom creep, while the latter lets you change focal lengths with a light touch – something that videographers are likely to appreciate.

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Given the price and the G Master badge, it’s no surprise that the FE 28-70mm F2 GM feels solid. This is a professional lens that’s built for the elements, with weather seals throughout. It’s all sturdy and purposeful, with a lovely weighting to the controls and no sense of compromise anywhere on the barrel.

It’s worth noting that the large front element requires equally large 86mm filters, which are more expensive than smaller standard thread sizes. That shouldn’t be a revelation: with a lens of this calibre, there’s an expectation that budget won’t be an issue.

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: Performance

• Fast f/2 maximum aperture at every focal length
• Strong center sharpness across the zoom range
• Four XD linear motors for rapid, accurate autofocus

When it comes to performance, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM is nothing less than superlative. Autofocus is rapid and reliable, as you’d expect with a quartet of XD linear motors at work. While its size might conjure expectations of a sluggish response, there’s not even a hint of hesitation as the lens hunts for a subject. It’s remarkably quiet, too.

That speed puts another string in the bow of the FE 28-70mm f/2. While a standard zoom wouldn’t be the traditional choice for capturing action, its autofocus capabilities, paired with the ability to use fast shutter speeds at its widest aperture setting, make it a real sporting performer. It had no trouble tracking subjects in motion, locking with laser accuracy.

That constant f/2 maximum aperture is what sets the FE 28-70mm apart from other standard zooms. It unlocks prime performance at every focal length. Whether you’re shooting a night-time street scene at 35mm or a portrait at 70mm, you get the full light-gathering, background-defocusing power of a wide aperture.

F/2 is one stop faster than f/2.8. That means you need half as much light to shoot at the same shutter speed with the FE 28-70mm f/2 GM as you would with the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM. That makes a big difference in the real world, allowing you to shoot sharp and fast even in tricky conditions. Only with an f/1.4 prime would you get a meaningfully faster shooting experience.

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The net result is a standard zoom that can replace several primes in your kit bag. And it can do so without optical compromise: bokeh and background blur at f/2 is exceptionally smooth, with beautiful subject isolation.

Taken all together, that recipe makes the FE 28-70mm F2 GM a uniquely versatile option. For wedding and event photographers who don’t want the hassle of switching lenses throughout the day, it’s a compelling proposition – as it is for any well-heeled photographer who covers a wide range of genres.

Arguably its only limitation besides the price is the slight loss of wide-angle coverage: its 28mm starting point is tighter than on a typical 24-70mm zoom. Whether that extra 4mm makes a difference will come down to how you shoot, but the constant f/2 maximum aperture is your pay-off. For most people, that number is probably the more useful of the two.

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: sample images Image 1 of 5

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A close look at images shot with the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM reveals that it really is a master of all trades. Central sharpness is consistently superb across the zoom range and the lens is able to render magnificent detail. Paired with a high-resolution full-frame sensor, you’ll have no trouble cropping in on stills.

Edge sharpness is also excellent. Only at the wide end does a touch of corner softness become visible. There’s some in-camera correction at play here, addressing minor barrel distortion at 28mm. You’ll need a keen eye to spot it, though. Sony has certainly made its life easier by not extending the zoom range to 24mm, where distortion would have been a more significant issue.

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In fact, there’s little evidence of any major imperfections. Both vignetting and chromatic aberrations are kept under tight control, with no color fringing to speak of. Contrast is strong as well, with just a trace of ghosting and a few flare artifacts visible when shooting wide open into direct sunlight. Optically, it’s very hard to find fault with this G Master glass.

In short, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM gives an almost flawless demonstration at every focal length. Even the absence of lens-based stabilization doesn’t hold it back: at f/2, shutter speeds are more than fast enough to eliminate the risk of blur. If you’re willing to dig into your pockets, Sony will reward you with a standard zoom that excels in every respect.

Should you buy the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM? Buy it if...

You want a do-it-all zoom lens

Combining the optical performance of a prime lens with the versatility of a standard zoom, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM can cover everything from landscapes to portraits with aplomb, whether day or night.

You want quality at every focal length

Sony has made very few optical compromises here. Pin-sharp at the center across the zoom range, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM also displays little in the way of vignetting, aberrations or distortion.

You want a lens you can live with

Cleverly packaged and lovely to handle, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM pairs well with a full-frame Sony body. It’s manageable to walk around with, while the G Master build includes full weather seals.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a tight budget

This is flagship glass that’s priced to match. With a premium build, versatile reach and professional performance, you’re getting your money’s worth, but the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is still a major investment.

You need a 24-70mm lens

Most standard zooms start at 24mm. Sony’s sacrifices 4mm in favor of a constant f/2 maximum aperture. That’s a stellar trade-off, but if you need the wide-angle coverage, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You shoot at specific focal lengths

Much of the Sony zoom’s value lies in the versatility of its reach. If you only plan to shoot at specific focal lengths, such as 35mm and 50mm, you’ll get faster apertures for less from a pair of prime lenses.

How I tested the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM

• Tested in-depth for seven days
• Paired with a Sony A7S III body
• Shot a range of test scenes

The FE 28-70mm F2 GM was only available on a short loan from Sony. That gave me a week to run the zoom through a series of in-depth tests. Given that it’s pitched as the kind of lens you’ll keep on your camera by default, that’s exactly how I lived with it. Paired with a Sony A7S III body, I picked it up every time I left the house.

That gave me a good impression of how easy the FE 28-70mm F2 GM would be to live and shoot with as a long-term standard zoom. Walking around with it allowed me to get a feel for its weight and handling, while shooting a range of scenes in different light conditions yielded a diverse catalog of stills. Covering everything from floral close-ups to abstract street scenes, the results gave me a good basis on which to assess its optical performance.

I’ve shot with several Sony lenses recently, including wide-angle primes and super telephotos, so I had a good benchmark for comparing the build quality. I also regularly shoot with both prime optics and standard zooms on my own Nikon camera, which means I know what to look for when it comes to both image quality and the physical shooting experience.

• First reviewed May 2025

I write this review a few days after the Spain and Portugal electricity blackouts, this showed how reliant our societies are on electric power. The blackouts, perhaps the worst in recent memory in some places lasted up to 23 hours. One of the biggest sale items at the time being portable power banks as people were desperate to keep small electronic devices powered.

However, even these small power banks only have around 10,000mAh and can only power devices that often use a form of USB charging. This leaves anything running on 240v mains electricity often without power such as fridges and freezers.

Having reviewed the best portable power stations from varying brands across the years, the noted mainstays of the industry was a copy and paste with few tweaks here and features there. Nearly all of them were of a large boxlike design often with a status screen, varying power in and outputs and maybe an app. Portable only in the sense that you could pick it up and cart it off elsewhere, but some of them were bulky and pushing north of 20kgs in weight.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is almost no different except in this package you get not just the portable power station, but also a portable solar panel as a combo, however both are available for purchase separately as the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station and Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel.

We start on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station part of the combo.

(Image credit: Future) Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: Portable Power Station Packaging

Starting with the Explorer 2000 Power Station, I opened the cardboard box to be presented with an orange box and helpful pull-out handles, removing this gave us a nice orange box, the sort you would see on shop shelves to market the product to you.

The back of the box shows that this power station has a capacity of 2042Wh or 45.6Ah from its Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, its in and output rates and some basic specifications.

Opening this orange box gives us the accessories tray consisting of only the AC power cable and manual. I do want to point out I was very impressed with the orange box packaging using only sturdy corrugated cardboard with a felt liner, no plastics in this box whatsoever.

(Image credit: Future) The power station

Once the power station was removed from the box, I noted its dimensions being on average about the same size here and there as other power stations I had reviewed in the past.

A quick visual inspection, I noted that all the output ports are at the front, the sides have ventilation slots with the AC and DC input ports on the right side. The back was plain save, for an information label and the bottom had large, wide sturdy rubberized feet.

One notable feature was the large carry handle on the top, possibly one of the best ones I had seen on any portable power stations as these are heavy with the Jackery weighing in at 17.5kgs (38.6lbs). The handle can be stowed away when not in use.

(Image credit: Future)

We will start discussing the output ports, all of which can be found on the front of the Jackery. The on/off switch can be found to the left of the screen which after a short press powers the unit on.

On the other side of the screen is a “Light” button which illuminates the small light, the white round disc, to the light button’s right. This light can be used as an emergency light source, it can be cycled from steady on dim, bright and SOS mode.

Below the lights are the AC power sockets, in this model the UK type G socket. Other models featured in the past had three or four but this only has two. The inverter Jackery has provided is capable of providing a pure sine wave to closely mimic that of the grids alternating current. It has a maximum wattage output of 2200W but can support a brief surge peak of 4400W should it be necessary. The sockets can be turned on or off using the small button labelled “AC” to the right.

To the left of the sockets are a column of three USB power outputs, two USB-C and one USB-A. The top USB-C has a max draw of 30W, the middle USB-C 100W and the lower USB-A only 18W draw.

Above the USB outputs is the 12V DC output capable of a 10A draw. The USB and 12V DC outputs can be switched on and off by the small button to the right of the USB outputs.

Curiously, all the outputs have no covers such as the rubberized ones we often see on other power stations. This means that the Explorer 2000 has no IP rating. An odd choice for a product marketed for on-the-go power to be charged by solar so long as its dry.

(Image credit: Future)

In the upper center is a small status screen that shows all the useful information that you will need at glance.

In the center is the remaining battery percentage surrounded by a battery power indicator, to the left in the input wattage and time to full charge and to the right is the output, also in wattage and remaining time until the battery is fully discharged.

(Image credit: Future)

To the top left is the status symbols for WiFi, Bluetooth and different modes, to the top right is the AC power indicator for 110 or 240v and 50 or 60Hz AC. Bottom left is the method of charge symbols for mains, car or solar charging and lastly to the bottom right are the various fault symbols.

To the side of the Explorer 2000 are the input sockets of which there are only three and none of the have covers or any ingress protection. That said, I was glad to see that the mains input was via the standard IEC14 socket. The other two were the DC inputs which worried me as I had not seen these kinds of DC inputs on previous power stations from other brands.

(Image credit: Future) Using the product

I used the Explorer 2000 on a few tasks through the house, this included running a Ninja Double Stack air fryer which drew a max of 1600W cooking for about 25 minutes, the Explorer 2000 had no problem powering this going from 100% to 80%.

I then used it for my steam generator iron which drew a max 2100W, again the Explorer 2000 had no issues powering this along but I did hear the fan (for the first) kicking in. That said the fan is incredibly quiet, barely audible even, more so outside. My quick 45-minute ironing session took the battery from 80% down to 40%.

The handle made transporting the battery around the home easier than some of the others I have used in the past making it not feel too heavy.

(Image credit: Future) Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: The SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

Now moving onto the Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

Packaging

The Solar panels were shipped in a rather flat looking box covered in a glossy sleeve, removing this we came to the brown box containing the panels.

The panels were wrapped in bubble wrap and pulling it out was fairly easy as the handles are at the very top.

The only items in the box are the panels, cable and manual. I started with the cable as this is the main interface between the panels and the Explorer 2000.

(Image credit: Future)

To say I am a little disappointed with the cable wouldn’t be a stretch. Solar panels such as those large ones mounted on homes and even smaller flexible ones from other brands often use the industry standard MC4 connectors.

Not so here, the SolarSaga’s output is via a proprietary socket and plug and on the other end is another non industry standard socket and plug, the cable has two adapters so that you can use either the DC 8020 or DC 7909 plugs. The industry standard is often the XT60 plug seen on so many other power stations.

(Image credit: Future)

This means that you cannot use these panels on other power station brands or charge the Explorer 2000 with an aftermarket set of panels without the use of adapters. Furthermore, if you lose or damage the SolarSaga cable, you’re stuck. The UK, US and other international Jackery websites do not list the cable for separate purchase, so ensure that you look after it.

The only plus of the cable is that on the end towards the battery is a small box containing a USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

(Image credit: Future)

The panels themselves are non-ridged panels with a max peak output of 200W over 4 panels (50W per panel) with a Open Circuit voltage peak of 25V. The panels are kept together with a series of press studs on the corners and the legs are kept in place by Velcro pads. Once side of the panels has the main circuit bar were the cable plugs into.

Once fully unfurled and opened up the panels take a surprising amount of room, fully extended measures 235cm or 92.5inches. I found these panels a little fiddly to get up and running as the legs are only on the end panels leaving the two in the middle to sag a little

(Image credit: Future)

To assist with aligning the panels with the sun, Jackery have thoughtfully included a Sun angle indicator on one of the ends of the panels, all you have to do is align the panels until shadow dot is in the middle of the white circle.

Once all connected you simply leave, it, occasionally moving the panels as the day goes by to ensure that they are at the optimum angle and face to the sun. During the day I monitored the input from the panels into battery and saw an average of 165W during the day with peaks hitting 180W. Solar panels rarely, if ever, hit their advertised peak output so the amounts I saw were about right.

On a recent, sunny day I set the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 up, between 1015Hrs and 1815Hrs, some 8 hours’ worth of charging, occasionally turning and re-angling the panels, the Explorer 2000 v2 went from 29% to 70%. It wasn’t a perfect test by any means, as during the latter part of the day the shade from my garden fences cast shade on the panels.

During the solar charge test, the Explorer 2000 stated an estimate 9 to 10 hours of solar charging needed to reach 100%. Of note there are two DC sockets and the SolarSaga 200 only used one of them, the manual does state that two SolarSaga 200s can be paired to double the charge rate thereby halving the time to charge fully.

(Image credit: Future)

Once I set up the Jackery Explorer 2000, I delved into, you guessed it, the app. A quick app download, registration and I was in. Adding the battery to the app was a simple and quick affair.

On the home screen you are greeted by your Jackery products, on this occasion the Explorer 2000 and state of charge.

Tapping on the battery led me to the main status screen of the battery showing is state of charge, inputs, outputs, WiFi signal strength, temperature and some basic controls.

Tapping on the cog on the top right led to more in depth controls and settings and through this the product specifications.

(Image credit: Future)

Using the app, I did find it somewhat laggy. I would click on say the USB icon to switch on USB charging and it would take about 5 seconds before the icon lit up and my phone acknowledging charge. Sometimes I found I had to click back to leave the battery status page and then click back into the battery to see that it had done what I asked of it.

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2: Final Verdict

Another solid product by Jackery and if recent events are anything to go by, maybe having one of these at home isn’t a bad idea after all. An old saying comes to mind “I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it”.

High output and high storage mean that this is excellent for most home uses in an emergency or using off peak charging to use during the day.

The only cons are that the SolarSaga cable is proprietary and not available anywhere else and a somewhat at time slaggy app.

We've compiled a list of the best laptop power banks.

Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni: two-minute review

Not all robot vacuums live up to the promise of effortless cleaning – but the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni gets pretty close.

As a premium all-in-one device that vacuums, mops and even cleans itself, the X5 Pro Omni is designed to keep your home clean day to day without any help. Unlike standalone robot vacuums that need more frequent attention, the X5 Pro Omni's base station handles (almost) everything – from emptying the dustbin to scrubbing and drying the mop pads. You will have to, of course, refill the clean water as necessary and clean out the dirty-water tank.

For this review, I tested the X5 Pro Omni in a 3-bedroom home for an extended period of six months, and it did a great job overall, despite dealing with two messy adults and an even messier Great Dane.

Setting up the X5 Pro Omni is quick and easy, and mapping is fast and pretty accurate, though I had to make minor room division adjustments after the first scan. The robovac navigates well around larger objects, but does sometimes suck up objects like cables or shoelaces, or other small items the sensors miss, meaning it’s best used in spaces that are relatively clear.

Performance is excellent across all floor types, including hard floors, carpets, and rugs. Higher suction modes work best to get dirt out of carpets or pick up heavier debris, while standard mode is fine for everyday cleaning on hard floors. Battery life is impressive and the bot has no trouble doing a full clean without needing to return to the dock and charge.

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The X5 Pro Omni base station is one of its biggest strengths, and unlike competitors like the Dreame X40 Ultra, it reliably clears the robot’s dustbin completely, even with pet hair and heavier debris.

The mop washing system is equally effective, using 70°C hot water and scrubbing to keep the pads fresh, followed by hot-air drying to prevent odors. I also found that the 4L clean- and dirty-water tanks were large enough to only need emptying and refilling once a month.

The Ecovacs app offers fairly deep customization, and tracks details like where the robot has traveled, the amount of area cleaned and the total number of sessions, but doesn’t log obstacles detected like the Roborock app is capable of doing.

Unfortunately the app can be clunky to use at times, like having to navigate into advanced robot settings just to set a scheduled clean or different cleaning modes being triggered than what is selected.

The app prompts you to handle any long-term maintenance issues, replacement parts are easy to find, and consumables last more than a reasonable length of time. In my use, the dust bag typically lasted around 60 days (in my case, mostly being filled with dog fur) and the robovac filter needed cleaning at the same time.

The main brush, side brush and mop pads show the expected wear, and have plenty of life left in them after six months of constant use. Replacement-part costs are in line with other premium robot vacuums, but I found significant price variation across different markets.

While not perfect, the X5 Pro Omni is an excellent choice for those who want a robovac that takes care of itself, with great vacuuming and mopping performance, infrequent maintenance, and a powerful auto-emptying base station.

However, if your home has lots of cables or small clutter, or if you want a robovac with smarter object detection or a nicer app, you might need to look elsewhere.

(Image credit: Future) Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? Starting from $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$2,399
• When is it available? Available to buy now
• Where can you get it? You can get it in the US, UK, and Australia

Launched in late 2024, the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni is available in most major markets, including the US, UK, and Australia. You can purchase it directly from the official Ecovacs website, Amazon and leading retailers.

At full price, the X5 Pro Omni costs $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$2,399. However, Ecovacs frequently offers discounts of around 20%, bringing the price down to a much more appealing amount. And, if you happen to shop on Amazon, you could potentially find even bigger price drops during major sales.

Of course, actually using the X5 Pro Omni will incur ongoing costs, particularly for consumables like dust bags, filters, mop pads and brushes. Based on replacing consumables as per the recommendations from Ecovacs, I estimate my annual maintenance costs at around $466 / £424 / AU$606.

Some parts, like the Anti-Tangle Main Brush, are significantly more expensive in the UK and Australia than in the US. Third-party alternatives are available but, as expected, Ecovacs recommends using official parts for optimal performance. That said, the most common cost will the dust bag.

Want to know more about consumable pricing, and how parts like the brushes hold up long term? Read through the rest of the review below, or jump to Consumables and Maintenance.

The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni consumables kit (available to purchase separately) helps reduce running costs (Image credit: Future)

Premium robovacs from competing brands tend to be priced a bit higher than the X5 Pro Omni. For example, the Dreame X40 Ultra, which features detachable mop pads and 12,000Pa suction, is listed at $1,899 / £1,299 / AU$2,799. The less fully featured Dreame L40 Ultra costs $1,499.99 / £999 but isn’t available in Australia.

Similarly, the Eufy Omni S1 Pro, which has a slimmer design but a lower 8,000Pa suction, is priced at $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,699, while the Roborock Qrevo Edge comes in at $1,600 / AU$2,799 (currently unavailable in the UK).

Ecovacs also has the more affordable but still premium Deebot T30 Omni, which launched at £799 / AU$1,749 (but isn’t available in the US) and is often discounted to £699 / AU$1,199.

There are cheaper robot vacuums available, but the X5 Pro Omni balances premium features, powerful suction and fairly advanced automation at a price that makes it an appealing robot vacuum, especially when on sale.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni: Specifications Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: Design and features

• Squared-off front, no LiDAR turret
• Base station with auto-empty, mop washing and hot-air drying
• Side-extendable mop pad

Where most robot vacuums are round, the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni features a squared-off front (D-shaped) that's a little reminiscent of the Deebot X2 Omni. Ecovacs says this design helps the bot get the side brush into corners and improve edge cleaning. The shape also means it doesn’t use an extendable side brush.

Unlike many competing models, it doesn’t have a top-mounted LiDAR turret, making it shorter and better suited to cleaning under furniture.

The bot has a floating main brush that adjusts to different floor types, and a spinning side brush helps with cleaning along edges. It also features a 15mm (0.6in) mop lift, allowing it to vacuum carpets without transferring any dampness from the mop pads, and the right mop pad extends by 4cm (1.6 inch), improving coverage along walls and corners.

For navigation, the X5 Pro Omni uses dToF (Direct Time-of-Flight) laser mapping, combined with AIVI 3D 2.0 object recognition, an RGB camera, TrueDetect 3D sensors and anti-drop sensors. In other words, it uses fancy robot vision for navigation and obstacle avoidance, and has extra cliff sensors to avoid accidentally driving down the stairs. It can also use some of these sensors to spot stains that need another mopping pass to be fully cleaned up.

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The bot includes Ecovacs' Yiko 2.0 AI voice assistant, which lets you control a range of functionality, like adjusting cleaning tasks without pulling out the app.

The X5 Pro Omni can climb obstacles up to 22mm (0.87 inch), which means it can handle some thresholds and small lips in areas with slightly different floor heights. It also offers ZeroTangle tech, where the main roller brush features comb teeth for hair removal to avoid tangles.

The physical size and weight of the X5 Pro Omni are fairly typical, and the robot itself measures 31.3 x 34.6 x 9.5cm (12.3 x 13.6 x 3.7 inch) and weighs 4.3kg (9.5lbs), while the base station (or dock) is 39.4 x 44.3 x 52.75cm (15.5 x 17.4 x 20.8 inch), with a total weight of 11kg (24.3lbs). The dock needs 50cm (19.7 inches) of clearance on both sides and 150cm (59 inches) in front for proper operation.

The dock handles dustbin emptying, mop washing with hot water, and drying with hot air. It stores dust in a 3L (101oz) bag, which is accessed through a front-opening panel for easy replacement. The clean- and dirty-water tanks each hold 4L (135oz) and are located under a top lid, making them simple to refill and empty. The mop washing tray is removable and any buildup is easily cleaned, although the Roborock Qrevo Edge one-ups the X5 Pro Omni by also featuring a self-cleaning cycle for the tray as well.

• Design and features score: 4 / 5

Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: Performance

• Handles all floor types well
• Struggles to get deep into corners
• Mop pads lift high enough for carpets but not thick rugs

Overall, the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni kept my floors clean just as well as I can with a stick vacuum and mop, and rarely required any help or intervention beyond normal maintenance. Once I had cleaning schedules set up, it handled most vacuuming and mopping automatically, and I only needed to step in for occasional spot cleaning or to pick up debris that was too large or in a corner it could not reach.

The bot works at a similar pace to other robot vacuums, taking around 1.5 minutes per square meter to vacuum and 2 minutes per square meter to mop, but since it can do both tasks at the same time, a full clean doesn’t take as long as it might seem.

According to Ecovacs, the 6,400 mAh battery provides up to 224 minutes of runtime, which is enough to clean up to 400m² (4,305ft²) per charge in optimal conditions. Ecovacs doesn’t break down battery life by suction level, but runtime will vary depending on settings and home layout.

• Overall performance score: 4 / 5

Mapping and obstacle avoidance

The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni created a detailed and mostly accurate map on its first run. It didn’t require any manual adjustments to the map itself, but I did need to tweak the room divisions in the app. Mapping is fast and easy to run a second time, which I had to do after the robot got lost and mistakenly added extra rooms that didn’t exist.

Obstacle avoidance is decent but not flawless. The X5 Pro Omni generally avoids larger objects, but isn’t great at recognizing cables, shoelaces or small items like pieces of paper towel. It will avoid some small obstacles, but anything lying flat on the floor is at risk of being sucked up or dragged along. It also tends to catch and tangle cables, so keeping the floor clear makes a big difference in how well it completes a cleaning run.

While it doesn’t have dedicated pet recognition, it does a good job of avoiding spills and larger debris. The app lets you set up no-go zones, though these aren’t pet-specific. Unlike the competition like the Dreame X40 Ultra, the X5 Pro Omni does not capture images of obstacles, so there’s no way to review what it avoided after a clean.

The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni uses a wide range of sensors for mapping and navigation. Note how they get dusty over time – following the sensor cleaning reminders from the app is important. (Image credit: Future)

During testing, it rarely got stuck as long as the floor was relatively clear. When it did, it was usually due to cables, a thick rug or getting wedged behind a laundry basket or on a dog toy. It detects when it’s stuck and stops safely, rather than pushing forward and causing damage. If that happens, it has to be manually picked up and placed back on the dock, as pressing the power button doesn’t wake it. If told to return home via the app, it sometimes gets lost along the way and needs to be rescued by hand. On the plus side, these issues came up relatively rarely during use.

To test its ability to handle small steps, I made a simulated step between rooms using a section of plywood at the maximum 22mm height, and while it sometimes took two or three attempts, the bot made it across every clean.

The app includes a remote control mode that streams video from the onboard camera, and allows manual steering of the bot, which I found useful to check on my dog when not home. The video feature didn’t work the first time I tried, but functioned fine every other time I used it. Steering the bot feels slightly laggy but still usable, making it more suited for basic navigation adjustments rather than precision movement. The built-in two-way communication feature works for real-time voice interaction, though there’s no dedicated pet-tracking mode.

Despite the quirks covered above, overall the X5 Pro Omni handles navigation fairly well and happily adapts to changing environments. It moves effectively around furniture, shoes and baskets that shift between cleaning sessions, making it a solid choice for homes where the position of larger items may change frequently.

• Mapping and obstacle avoidance score: 3.5 / 5

Vacuuming

I tested the Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni on wooden floors, tiles and rugs to see how well it handled different surfaces. Along with daily cleaning, I ran a series of controlled tests using flour, sand, rice, oats, dry dog food and dry leaves, scattering them in a corner on hard floors and then on a short-pile rug.

Performance across different surfaces was excellent overall. For most debris, the X5 Pro Omni was able to pick up nearly everything in a single pass, but two passes were best for thorough cleaning. Larger or heavier debris required additional cleaning cycles, and the side brush sometimes flicked smaller particles away before the main brush could capture them. The one downside was the robot vacuum consistently failed to get all the way into corners, or fully clean along edges.

The vacuum’s suction power can be set to Max, Strong, Standard or Quiet modes. Standard mode worked well for daily cleaning of pet fur, dust and light debris, but heavier dirt and sand needed Max suction to be fully removed. Carpets and rugs benefited from higher suction levels as Standard mode sometimes left behind some debris.

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Vacuuming test with oats (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 10

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Some oats left after a single pass (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 10

The robovac dustbin needs manual cleaning once a month or so (Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 10

The robovac dustbin filter can be replaced or cleaned when clogged (Image credit: Future)Image 6 of 10

The filter responds well to vacuuming with a stick vac (Image credit: Future)Image 7 of 10

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After an extended test with no cleaning, hair builds up on the side brush, but it does not reduce performance (Image credit: Future)Image 9 of 10

Hair builds up on the main brush over time, but vacuuming performnce remains decent (Image credit: Future)Image 10 of 10

Removing the trapped hair is very easy and takes less than one minute (Image credit: Future)

My home has two people who shed a lot of long hair and, in my testing, hair buildup was manageable, but it still accumulated in the side brush and main brush over time, despite the anti-tangle feature. Both the side and main brush collected a noticeable amount of hair after just a week of use, but it doesn’t end up embedded and removal is easy. The wheels and mop pads remained tangle-free, making overall upkeep straightforward, and even leaving it a month between cleaning caused no problems.

I measured the noise levels of the X5 Pro Omni with a decibel meter at a range of 1m, with multiple passes and the results averaged. Using Quiet mode, it produces 41dB, which is low enough to be unobtrusive, and the wheel-drive system is actually slightly louder than the vacuum motor.

Standard mode is only slightly louder at 42dB, making it suitable for cleaning while watching TV or having a conversation. Strong mode increases the noise level to 44dB, which is still reasonable but more intrusive. At Max suction, it reaches 52dB, which is significantly louder and comparable to a stick vacuum at moderate power.

While vacuuming, noise levels remain fairly steady, but auto-emptying at the base station is much louder, peaking at 63dB. Mopping is quieter at 40dB, and general driving noise sits at 41dB, meaning the robot isn’t exactly stealthy when moving between cleaning zones. Mop washing reaches 37dB, so while not silent, it’s quiet enough not to be disruptive.

If wanting to run the vacuum at night while sleeping, Quiet mode is an option, provided you have a closed door between you and the robovac and aren’t a light sleeper. The dock should be placed away from sleeping areas, as the auto-emptying noise is quite loud and could be disruptive if triggered at night. To avoid this you can set Do Not Disturb times, where the dock will not activate the auto-empty functionality, but this does limit vacuuming performance for larger homes as the small onboard dustbin in the bot fills up.

• Vacuuming score: 4 / 5

Mopping

For mopping, the X5 Pro Omni uses water with the Ecovacs cleaning solution optionally added to the clean-water tank. I tested with plain water and adding a cleaning solution, but didn’t find the latter made a noticeable difference unless having the bot do a deeper scrub.

During my testing, I scheduled mopping once a week but found that adding extra runs during wet weather helped keep the front and back door areas free of muddy footprints.

The X5 Pro Omni does a good job on open spaces, but it doesn’t reach under furniture edges as well as a handheld mop. The right-side mop pad does extend slightly, helping it clean closer to edges, but some tight spots remain out of reach.

For tougher messes, I tested the X5 Pro Omni by spilling sauce, 'stepping' in it and letting it dry a little on my wooden floors. In most cases, one pass was enough to fully clean up the mess, but two passes were needed for the dried stains. Turning up the water-flow setting was helpful in making sure the mop pads were wet enough to tackle stubborn spots. The automatic re-mop feature worked reasonably well on tiles, but the bot struggled to tell the difference between a speck of dried sauce and darker patches of wood.

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A slightly dried sauce stain (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 5

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It swings back for a second pass (Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 5

The sauce is entirely cleaned up (Image credit: Future)

The mop pads are washed and dried by the base station after each cleaning run, with drying time adjustable between 2, 3 or 4 hours. You can also set it to wash the mops after each room, or at 10, 15 or 20-minute intervals. The base station washes the mop pads with hot water, scrubbing them against a textured cleaning tray to remove dirt and debris. While I found that this process was very effective, the mop pads still benefit from being machine-washed periodically to give a deeper refresh. It’s also recommended to inspect the pads regularly for wear and replace them as needed.

The X5 Pro Omni isn’t designed to handle large liquid spills, as its mop pads are meant for scrubbing rather than sponging up a lot of moisture. I found that if the robot is picked up after or during mopping (for example, to extract a cable or shoelace), it may dribble water, so don’t do that over anything you need to keep dry.

One somewhat frustrating quirk is that vacuum-and-mop mode is the default setting, and it can’t be changed to vacuum-only by default. Worse, if a mop and vacuum cycle is accidentally triggered, even if canceled immediately, the robovac will still run a mop wash cycle that can’t be stopped.

• Mopping score: 4 / 5

Battery life

The X5 Pro Omni has a 92Wh battery, which is the same as competing models like the Roborock Saros 10 and Dreame X40 Ultra, and larger than the 75Wh capacity battery in more affordable models like the Ecovacs Deebot T30 Omni and Dreame L40 Ultra.

Battery capacity alone isn’t the only metric though. For example, in my testing the X5 Pro Omni can do a full double-pass vacuum of a three-bedroom house (around 50 square meters of actual floor cleaning) and only drop to 73% battery capacity.

Doing a full vacuum and mop at the same time drops it to 65%, and doing a vacuum then mop takes it to 60%. This means you can expect up to around 140 square meters of vacuuming at maximum suction, and over 100 square meters of vacuuming and mopping. With the suction power set to Standard, the total amount of floor area that can be vacuumed almost doubles.

My results here also support the claim from Ecovacs that the X5 Pro Omni can handle up to 244 minutes of cleaning on a charge.

As a comparison, the Roborock Saros 10 needs to stop and charge after three rooms when set to the maximum suction. Part of the difference is that the Saros 10 has a higher maximum suction power of 22,000Pa, vs 12,800Pa for the X5 Pro Omni, and higher suction does mean higher battery consumption.

One annoyance is that the X5 Pro Omni does not give the exact battery percentage when cleaning, as the Ecovacs app just displays 100 in the battery indicator. It’s not until the vacuum returns to the dock and you start another clean immediately that it updates the remaining capacity. Other times, the indicator works as expected.

The X5 Pro Omni will return to the dock to top up the battery as needed when cleaning. While a full charge can take over 4 hours, getting back to 50% only takes about 30 minutes.

• Battery life score: 4.5 / 5

Dock performance

The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni comes with a 3L (101 oz) dust bag, rated for up to 60 days of use. How long it actually lasts depends on your home’s size and how much debris is collected, but in my case, the manufacturer’s estimate was fairly accurate. The robovac’s 250ml (8.45 oz) dustbin is emptied automatically when full, or you can set it to Extra mode for more frequent emptying – useful for homes with pets or a lot of dust buildup.

Unlike the underwhelming auto-empty suction from the Dreame X40 Ultra's dock, the X5 Pro Omni’s base station has a well-thought out airflow design and reliably empties the dustbin. During testing, I didn’t experience any clogging issues within the dock itself, but blockages inside the robot's dustbin occasionally prevented proper emptying which, in turn, affect vacuuming up more dirt until manually cleared.

The robovac is supposed to detect when the dock fails to empty the bin, but I found these warnings to be inconsistent. There were times when the bin was clogged but the app never alerted me, so I had to manually check the dustbin after cleaning to ensure everything was working properly.

Increasing the emptying frequency can help avoid any potential issues, but in my use, clogging wasn’t a frequent issue unless I had accidentally left larger debris that the bit could suck up.

In testing, the mop washing and drying system worked well to keep the pads clean and stop any odors forming between uses. The dock heats water to 70°C (158°F) and pumps it through a wash system to rinse the mop pads, scrubbing them against a textured cleaning surface to remove dirt and grime. After washing, the dirty water is stored in a container in the top of the base station, and it dries the mop pads with hot air, with drying times adjustable to two, three or four hours. The scrubbing system is highly effective, and the mop pads always came out looking fresh after cleaning cycles and there was never an issue with smell.

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The dust bag is easy to replace via the front of the base station (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 4

The clean and dirty water tanks live under the top lid (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 4

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Emptying the dirty mop water is as simple as opening the top of the dock, lifting the container out by the handle and emptying it in a sink. I only did this once a month and the dirty water did tend to smell when being tipped out, but the container was easy to rinse out and didn’t retain any odor. The clean-water container uses the same design and can be topped up at a sink, then put back into the dock.

The dock's noise levels vary depending on the task. Measured from 1 meter away (3.3 feet) mop washing is noticeable at 37dB but not disruptive, though the pumps are briefly quite noisy (46 dB) when running. The drying fan produces a low hum for a few hours but isn’t intrusive. Auto-emptying is the loudest part of the process at 63dB and although it only lasts 10 seconds, it’s still very disruptive if the station is located in a main living area or if done at night.

For households with pets or heavy dirt buildup, the dock performs well and reliably empties debris, though owners should occasionally check for clogs in the bot’s dustbin since warnings aren’t always accurate. Smaller objects left on the floor can cause issues, but aside from that, the X5 Pro Omni’s base station is a very reliable and hands-free system.

• Dock performance score: 4.5 / 5

Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: App control

• Reliable scheduled cleaning
• Quick access to cleaning reports and history
• Certain settings are hidden in sub-menus

The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni can be controlled using the physical buttons on top of the robot, but the app is critical for unlocking its full potential. It provides access to the home map, lets you adjust cleaning settings and offers deep customization of scheduled cleans.

The app includes a cleaning history and reporting section, which provides a visual map of where the bot traveled during each clean. It also records the time of each session, the area cleaned and the total duration. Over time, this builds into a comprehensive cleaning log, showing the total square footage cleaned across all sessions, the number of cleans completed and total runtime. However, one notable omission is that the app does not log obstacles detected during a cleaning session, which means there's no easy way to see what might have blocked the robot mid-clean.

Most frequently used settings are easy to access, but some features are buried in sub-menus. For example, scheduling cleans is hidden under Advanced settings, and certain options are locked while the robot is in operation – like when manually triggering a dustbin empty, other settings can’t be adjusted until the process is finished.

Scheduled cleaning is very reliable, and in my testing, the X5 Pro Omni only failed to start once without explanation. If a scheduled clean is missed, the robovac resumes correctly at the next scheduled time. However, one frustrating issue is that if you set a clean for later in the day, the app doesn’t indicate that it’s actually scheduling it for the next day – only showing this after the schedule has been set.

Perhaps my least favorite bug is when doing spot cleans. If I sent the bot to vacuum up a mess, then later wanted to do another one-off clean, the app would show the previous vacuum-only mode was still selected – but when hitting start, it would actually trigger a vacuum and mop, not vacuum-only. Even if you canceled it immediately, it would spend a few minutes running a mop wash cycle before you could get it to do the actual vacuum.

The app also sometimes didn't properly register where the bot was or what it was doing. This was frustrating, because if you tried to trigger a clean, it would say the bot needed to return to the dock first – even though it showed the bot already in the dock on the app. Force quitting and restarting the app would fix the issue, but it was an annoying extra step.

To rule out an issue with my phone (a Pixel 9 Pro XL), I also tried the app on other mobiles and saw similar problems. Apple users may have a different experience – my colleague didn’t run into the same issues when using the app on an iPhone during her Ecovacs T30 Omni review, for example.

The app looks good, but can be frustrating at times (Image credit: Future)

Another small but unnecessary annoyance is that even when Do Not Disturb times are set (muting the robovac), it mostly works, but still loudly makes some announcements. For example, if the bot gets stuck during the day, and you arrive home late and need to manually place it back in the base station during the Do Not Disturb time, it loudly proclaims “start charging”. Another issue is that after turning down the voice volume to a quiet level, the "task stopped" announcement is still made at the loudest setting.

During testing I found the Wi-Fi connectivity to be stable, but it’s worth noting the robovac only supports 2.4GHz networks. I had some quirks when using it with a mesh network, but the issues were hard to pin down to a specific cause. That said, setting up a dedicated 2.4GHz-only network for the robovac helped make it more reliable.

During testing, I went on holiday, leaving a family member to house and dog sit. The robovac initially worked fine, but eventually stopped performing scheduled cleans. Despite easy remote access via the app, I couldn’t identify the problem and had to manually trigger cleans each day remotely.

After returning, I discovered the Do Not Disturb times had mysteriously reversed from 8pm–8am to 8am–8pm, preventing morning cleans. The app does give error notifications (but does not save them to the log), but I was unaware due to a daylight-saving bug that meant the scheduled clean was being triggered an hour earlier than I expected.

In terms of usability, the app provides a similar level of control to other brands, though some robovacs with more features offer slightly more customization. However, occasional lag and loading issues make the experience feel less polished than it should be. The voice and volume inconsistencies are also quite jarring, and take a little of the premium shine off the experience.

I also wish it had an easy delayed start option – like a quick way to select a one-time clean at a set time later in the day – especially because setting same-day scheduled cleans is not possible.

Still, despite these frustrations, the app is mostly reliable and offers a good balance of customization and control, and hopefully Ecovacs will continue to work on improving the experience over time.

• App control score: 2.5 / 5

Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni review: Consumables and maintenance

The Ecovacs Deebot X5 Pro Omni comes with one dust bag, two side brushes, and a set of washable mop pads in the box – but no cleaning fluid is included. While this is enough to get started, you’ll need to order replacement dust bags within 60 days, and other consumables including filters, mop pads and side brushes will need replacing on a set schedule.

Under normal use, the dust bag should be replaced every 60 days, side brushes and filters every few months and mop pads periodically based on wear.

Consumables can be purchased through the Ecovacs website and third-party retailers like Amazon, though availability varies slightly between regions. For example, the quarterly maintenance kit is not available in the US, while six-pack dust bag sets are only sold in the US and not in the UK or Australia.

The app tracks the lifespan of consumables by usage percentages and notifies users when replacements are recommended. These estimates tend to be on the conservative side and, in my testing, parts like the main brush and mop pads lasted longer than suggested, though this will of course depend on your usage.

Routine maintenance is straightforward, with the main brush and robovac dustbin checked weekly, side brushes and sensors every two weeks, and filters and mop pads cleaned or replaced monthly. Hair buildup occurs over time, but manual removal is simple, and no issues were noted with hard-to-reach areas during testing.

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Despite the anti-tangle features, hair builds up on the main brush over time (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 8

The side brush collects hair, but is easily removed and cleaned (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 8

The front wheel is well designed and does not trap hair (Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 8

The main drive wheels do a great job of avoiding any tangles (Image credit: Future)Image 5 of 8

Removing hair from the main brush is easy – just cut along one side and it slides free (Image credit: Future)Image 6 of 8

The mop wash station is self cleaning, but does build up debris over time (Image credit: Future)Image 7 of 8

The mop wash parts can be removed for a deeper clean in the sink every few months (Image credit: Future)Image 8 of 8

The dust bag seals when removed, which avoids any mess (Image credit: Future)

Based on my usage in a small 3-bedroom home, I estimate consumables will cost up to $465.79 / £423.85 / AU$606.30 per year. For larger homes, costs will scale accordingly. Some notable price differences exist between regions – for example, the anti-tangle main brush is 88.9% more expensive in the UK and 54.9% more expensive in Australia compared to the US. However, Australia tends to have lower prices overall for consumables, while the UK has some of the highest accessory costs.

Third-party consumables are available, though Ecovacs advises using official parts for optimal performance. I did not test any non-official replacements.

With regular maintenance and timely consumable replacements, I found the X5 Pro Omni quite easy to keep in top condition and ongoing costs are similar to other premium robovacs. Be aware, though, there can be significant regional price variations.

• Consumables and maintenance score: 3.5 / 5

Should I Buy the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni? Buy it if…

You want a powerful auto-emptying system

The X5 Pro Omni’s self-cleaning dock has strong suction and reliably empties the robot’s dustbin, and never clogged during testing.

You want a hands-free mopping system

With built-in water tanks, automatic mop washing and hot air drying, the X5 Pro Omni keeps its mop pads clean with minimal effort on your part.

You want the latest features in a robot vacuum

The X5 Pro Omni offers powerful suction, smart mapping and an advanced all-in-one dock, making it one of the more feature-packed robot vacuums in its class.

Don’t buy it if…

You have a lot of small objects on the floor

While the X5 Pro Omni can avoid most large obstacles, it struggles with cables, shoelaces or flat items like paper towels, and may get stuck if the floor isn’t kept clear.

You only have carpet

The X5 Pro Omni has a strong vacuuming system and mop lift, but if your home is fully carpeted, a vacuum-only robovac will save you money without sacrificing cleaning performance.

You want a polished app experience

While the level of customization and control is decent, the app feels clunky and unpolished at times, and I ran into many small but frustrating issues during my testing.

Also consider

Not sold on the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni? Below are a few alternatives that are worth considering.

Dreame L10s Ultra
This slightly older model doesn’t have quite as many features as the X5 Pro Omni and isn’t as powerful, but it’s still a great option and can often be found for less than half the price.
Read our full Dreame L10s Ultra review

Eufy Omni S1 Pro
One of the few robovacs that can compete directly with the X5 Pro Omni, the Eufy Omni S1 Pro is a feature-packed alternative with an innovative rolling cylinder mopping system.
Read our full Eufy Omni S1 Pro review

Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo
While not quite as good at dodging cables as the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni, the Deebot T30S Combo stands out with a stick vacuum that slots into the side of the its dock, keeping it ready to go for any extra cleanup.
Read our full Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo review

How I tested the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni

• I used the X5 Pro Omni as my main vacuum cleaner for six months
• My testing space included hard floors and carpet
• I performed specific grain-size and wet-spill tests

I used the Ecovacs X5 Pro Omni daily for six months in a home with a dog and two adults, and with polished wooden floors, tiles, carpet and medium-pile rugs. The weather during the test period included both wet and dry conditions. I started with an initial deep clean, followed by ongoing daily vacuuming, with mopping once or twice a week – plus extra spot cleans as needed. I tested both the automatic mode and manually customized cleans using schedules and shortcuts.

I documented cleaning performance over the testing period and conducted a range of specific tests with different debris sizes to further gauge vacuuming ability. I also tested dry and wet spills to evaluate the mopping prowess. Additionally, I strategically placed debris – including fur, leaves and hair – in problem areas like corners to assess the robovac’s effectiveness in daily use.

During my testing period, I changed the base station vacuum bag 4 times, manually cleaned the mop cleaning system in the base station, and performed the full range of maintenance checks as prompted by the app.

Read more about how we test vacuums

[First reviewed May 2025]

Brompton Electric G Line: One minute review

Brompton is only one year away from celebrating 50 years of its inception. That is a whole lot of bike development experience, but Brompton’s entry into the electric bike market happened a lot more recently, in 2018. Despite that, they’re already making some of the best electric bikes around and certainly some of the best folding e-bikes on the market.

The Brompton formula has remained largely unchanged despite the release of electric versions of the C Line and P Line, but the all-new G Line is a radical departure. The frame shape and classic 3-point folding mechanism that the company is known for remain the same, but it boasts chunkier tyres and wider handlebars for rougher paths.

Having used it as my main commuter bike for over two months, I’m still torn as to how I feel about it. On the one hand, the engineering and quality to deliver a great riding experience are there, but I just don’t know what to make of the off-road enhancements. While it’ll handle gravel, cobbles, and single tracks better than other Bromptons, is anyone really going to be riding this on proper dirt tracks and difficult terrain?

I suppose only time will be able to answer that question, but from my point of view, it’s definitely the most comfortable and reliable Brompton e-bike I’ve ever used. The wider handlebars make for more predictable handling, while chunkier tyres make light work of potholes and uneven roads. I won’t be taking it off-roading, but I certainly wouldn’t trade it in for a C or P Line.

Brompton Electric G Line: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $3,300 USD / £3,499 UK / $7,250 AUD
• Expensive for a folding bike
• Premium build quality for the price

The cost of the Brompton Electric G-Line puts it firmly between the price points of the C Line at the lower end and the P Line at the higher end. The price is hard to stomach, but for the money, you are guaranteed excellent-grade materials and superb build quality. Put simply, they are built to last and well worth the money.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Brompton Electric G Line: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Chunky tires
• Wide handlebars
• Four-speed setup

Brompton's iconic three-point fold continues to function well despite the larger wheels, increased tire size, and widened handlebars. As a result, it can be packed into the back of a car or popped on a train, albeit not as easily as the smaller Brompton models. You also get an adjustable seat height and a long handlebar stem, and there's a 250W motor that drives the e-bike forward. In many ways, the G Line is like every other Brompton.

But also, in many ways, it's very different. Most noticeable of all are the 20-inch wheels. They're not too big to affect the smooth folding mechanism, but they are large enough to stand out. The chunky Schwalbe G-One All Round 54-406s not only look fantastic thanks to a tan wall finish but are also puncture-resistant. I haven’t had a puncture in over 600 miles and don’t expect to have one anytime soon.

Then there are the wide handlebars that have been custom-designed for the G Line. Alongside the tires, this might just be my favorite thing about the e-bike. Having ridden a number of Brompton bikes, I can honestly say that the G Line is by far the most stable, due in part to the widened handlebars.

The G-Line is also equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, a first for Brompton. In my opinion, the decision to go hydraulic is long overdue. I found the brakes to be reliable in all weathers and had no need to carry out any adjustments or maintenance on them. Whether Brompton will go down that route for future product releases, only time will tell.

Finally, the G-Line is a four-speed setup, which historically has been the go-to number for Brompton. Having taken the bike across a variety of terrains, including up some pretty serious hills, I would have preferred a few extra gears. Two at either end would be ideal, taking the total up to eight. As with Brompton’s other ranges, I imagine it will introduce a model with more gears at a later date.

• Design Score: 4/5

Brompton Electric G Line: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Certainly not a replacement for a dedicated gravel bike
• Larger size and extra weight affect portability
• Greater stability on predictable surfaces

I've thought long and hard about how to assess the performance of this new Brompton e-bike. I've flip-flopped between treating it as any other folding e-bike and assessing it on its off-road merits, and I'm not sure I've really landed yet. This indecision is probably largely due to the fact that in attempting to create a gravel bike, of sorts, they've actually compromised some of its portable qualities.

Let me be clear. This is no replacement for a dedicated gravel bike. At a push, you might utilize it as a commuter bike from Monday to Friday and on some minimally demanding wooded routes on the weekend. But that's as far as the G-Line will take you.

The off-road limitations center around the lack of stability, especially when riding out of the saddle. The wider handlebars and larger tires help out a little bit, but nowhere near enough to really push the bike to the limit. I also didn't trust it enough to deliver under more extreme conditions, such as through thicker mud. As I've said, simple trails with limited obstacles are fine, but serious off-road enthusiasts will be left wanting.

Everything was much rosier on my daily commutes. In fact, it was actually the highest-performing Brompton e-bike that I've ever ridden. I loved the stable handling and confidence to go up and down kerbs. The additional weight provided a feeling of security, although it's definitely less nippy than the C-Line or P-Line models.

But at the end of any commute comes the need to fold it up and transport it into either the office, onto a train, or into the back of the car. This is where I had a few problems. At over 16 kg, it’s significantly heavier than other Bromptons. I’m fairly fit and healthy, but I still had to be careful how I was lifting it. The folded size is also a lot less compact, so if you’re hoping to store it in tight spaces, then I’d recommend checking the dimensions.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with the G-Line, but only while I stayed away from gravel tracks. Buy it if you want a more stable Brompton ride and are prepared to handle the extra weight.

• Performance score: 3.5/5

Brompton Electric G Line: Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

• 20-40 miles per full battery
• Four-hour recharge
• Battery makes weight front-loaded

The range of this e-bike is very similar to all the other Bromptons I've tested. This is no surprise given the similar battery capacity. If we're going to drill down into the number, then in reality, the G Line actually fares slightly worse, probably due to the extra tire friction. As a result, I only ever managed to achieve a maximum of 40 miles per charge, with 20 miles being more common. I do love full pedal assist, after all.

This range might be too limiting for some, but if you know you'll regularly be in reach of a charger, then it won't cause too much of a problem. With a daily commute of 14 miles, I found myself having to recharge the battery most days. An empty-to-full recharge takes around four hours and is ideal for a daytime recharge between the two legs of a commute.

The battery sits at the front of the e-bike, which helps balance the steering a little, but is far from ideal when considering the overall balance. This is especially the case if you try lifting the bike.

On a previous Brompton e-bike, I did experience battery cutouts when going over big bumps, but I had no such problem with this G Line. I was glad of this, especially given that the bike is designed for off-roading. The battery is quick and easy to remove and install, although I'd still like a secure solution for locking the battery into place.

• Battery life score: 3.5/5

Brompton Electric G Line: Scorecard Buy it if...

You want a foldable off-road e-bike

With chunkier tires and more stability, the Brompton G Line is a great option.

You need an all-purpose solution

The G-Line is able to bridge the gap between city riding and off-roading. Despite not being the best on dirt tracks, it is one of the best all-rounders I’ve seen.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

The G Line Brompton is far from cheap and to be avoided if you want something more affordable.

You’re a Brompton purist

With chunkier tires and wider handlebars, the Electric G Line is definitely a deviation away from the original Brompton.

Also consider

(Image credit: Future)

ENGWE MapFour N1 Air

The lightest 100 km range carbon e-bike around. A perfect e-bike solution for commuters. Read our full review.

Tenways CGO600 Pro

The magnetic torque sensor and carbon belt drive deliver smooth and seamless performance. Read our full review.

How I tested the Brompton Electric G Line

Having tested a number of 'standard' Brompton e-bikes, I was pumped to get my hands on the first of this new line of bikes. Having unpacked and unfolded it, I made the e-bike my main form of transport for well over a month. Living in the countryside provided ample opportunity to take it off-road, while my daily commute enabled me to test it in more predictable environments. As part of the review, I clocked up several hundred miles.

First reviewed: May 2025

Maxtang SXRL-20: 30-second review

The Mini PC has undergone some transformation since Intel ended its NUC and left the field open for PC makers to define the market for these small machines.

While some brands are still making traditional NUC-inspired designs, Maxtang, with the SXRL-20, has taken its small computer concept in an entirely different direction.

Conceived explicitly for digital signage use, it can drive up to four displays and achieve this with a passively cooled solution for prolonged running. It’s all-metal construction and wall-mounting accessories deliver a robust and made-for-purpose solution that uses an Intel Core i5-class processor to run Windows 11.

This is the same silicon that has been used in NAS boxes. It provides sufficient CPU and GPU power to drive the displays and sufficient storage options to handle a lot of playback media.

With LAN, WIFi, and even LTE connectivity, this system can be easily and remotely accessed to update the content when required.

At a modest price, the only aspect that potential customers need to be aware of is that there isn’t much performance headroom in the SXRL-20 to repurpose it for other duties. This hardware was assembled for a specific job, and not to become a desktop PC if the requirements change. Because of that, this hardware is a little too niche to make it into our best mini PC round-up.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance) Maxtang SXRL-20: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $429
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Currently, this machine can be obtained directly from Maxtang and through Amazon

According to the Maxtang specifications, the company intends to make six different versions of this hardware using i3, i5 and i7 class processors.

Maxtang sells the machine directly on a quotation basis, which I’d assume could adjust the unit cost based on volume.

The review machine using the i5-1235u with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD is $479, and the i7-1255u variant with the same amount of memory and storage is $599, available from Amazon.com.

The cheapest option is a $429 machine with just 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, using the i5 processor. That platform can also be had with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for $579.

Interestingly, the i7 model is offered with no memory or storage for $469, which might be helpful if you have plenty of DDR4 SODIMM modules and NVMe drives spare.

Europeans can source this hardware from AliExpress with the i5 and i3 models listed, but there are no i7 options. The Core i5-1235U variant with 16GB of RAM and 512GB is £498.45 for UK customers.

As alternatives, there are plenty of Mini PC designs that support dual monitor outputs and up to four using USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, although docks or adapters would be needed to connect them to a typical HDMI TV input.

The problem with the majority of these options is that the machines are actively cooled and need ventilation to remain operational. They also don’t support operational hours in the BIOS.

For the quality of construction and passive cooling model, the price of the SXRL-20 seems reasonable, with the i5 models offering the best value.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance) Maxtang SXRL-20: Specs Maxtang SXRL-20: Design

• All-metal passively cooled
• Designed to be mounted
• Easy internal access

Most mini PC designs follow the old Intel NUC concept of a small box that mounts a 15cm square motherboard with components neatly stacked to keep everything compact. The SXRL-20 is not like that at all.

It has more of a set-top box feel, or even an automotive component aesthetic, with its flattened metal exterior and integrated heatsink fins.

Along with the PC, Maxtang provides two mounting plates made to connect to the underside, lifting the machine a short distance from the mounting surface. That’s ideal for an information booth or digital signage scenario.

Because this hardware won’t typically be sitting on a desk or used directly, with the exception of the wifi antenna BNCs, all the ports are on one edge.

These include four HDMI outs, dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, plus a selection of USB and a COM port. That last feature could be critical, as from this COM port you could easily hang the relay electronics to fire up lights and other hardware via the PC.

There is an option, not in our review hardware, to also have a side-mounted HDMI-in port, which might be helpful if you wish to record the reaction to promotional material or for security purposes.

The machine is powered by a small 90w laptop PSU, which is more than enough to drive this platform and whatever USB peripherals are connected to it.

In this writer’s experience, getting into mini computers can be more challenging than it should be, but this design is as straightforward as it gets. Simply removing six screws from the underside releases that side of the machine providing full access to the internal system, no spudgers required.

Inside is a large mainboard that fills 70% of the internal volume, with spaces for various upgrades and enhancements. There are two SODIMM slots occupied in the review machine with 8GB of Kingston-branded DDR4 modules for 16GB in total. It’s possible to replace these with 32GB modules for a maximum of 64GB.

The M.2 SSD was also a Kingston product, a 512GB SATA SSD, and that slot can take SATA or NVMe drives, but a second M.2 2280 slot is exclusively NVMe.

I’m not sure why Maxtang used an M.2 SATA drive since Kingston doesn’t list these devices for retail; they must be exclusively for OEM customers and industrial use.

The logic behind using it may be to reduce the chance of overheating since this enclosure is entirely passively cooled.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The WiFi is provided by a now-discontinued Intel AX200NGW controller in a M.2 2230 slot, but alongside that slot is an M.2 2242 slot that could take a second controller. There is also a SIM card slot that I assume requires an LTE modem that uses the spare M.2 2242, and there are four punch-outs on the rear for antennas to be mounted.

With LTE in this unit, reconfiguring it remotely or having it pick up new material to display on an overnight basis would be a breeze.

Overall, this design has two clearly defined objectives: to run without cooling for long periods, and to be easily adaptable should the mission require changes.

It succeeds in both these things, although it’s not something that you would want to repurpose as an Office PC, in case you wondered. While it runs Windows 11, the performance compared to a machine designed for that role is lacklustre for a few reasons I’ll cover in the performance section.

• Design: 4.5 / 5

Maxtang SXRL-20: Features

• Intel i5-1235U
• Iris Xe GPU
• DDR4 memory

Intel went through a slightly odd phase in which successive generations of its chip designs appeared to make limited headway and, in some respects, went backwards.

One of the most impacted series was the Alder Lake 12th generation, which Intel made for both desktop and mobile platforms. In this context, the chip used in this machine is an Alder Lake-U design that combines Golden Clove P-cores and Gracemont E-cores.

When Intel launched Raptor Lake chips for the 13th generation, these were superseded. With the advent of the Core Ultra series 1 and 2, Alder Lake is four generations behind the current product set.

This particular chip is interesting because it’s found favour in several non-mobile devices, particularly the Ugreen DXP4800 Plus and DXP480T NAS boxes.

Even by Intel’s curious standards, the Intel i5-1235U is an odd processor, but it’s found a number of niches where performance isn’t as important as flexibility.

One advantage it has over the UHD Graphics that the N100 is saddled with is the Iris Xe GPU, although this is hardly something for gaming.

One impressive thing about the Maxtang SXRL-20 is that it has four HDMI outputs, which flies in the face of the Iris Xe specifications. According to Intel, the Iris Xe supports a maximum of three displays, so what Maxtang did to get the fourth one is a mystery. Perhaps it’s an undocumented option, or they mapped one output over two HDMI ports, but it is possible with this machine.

However, depending on what you intend to do with those outputs, there are practical limitations based on the memory that the Iris Xe can map from main memory and the modes it supports. Trying to generate smoothly moving 3D images over all four displays is unrealistic, unless the resolution of each is dramatically reduced.

In theory, the Iris Xe can generate an 8K HDR image over HDMI 2.0, but that’s via a single monitor. If that’s segmented to four displays, then 1080p HDR is possible, and video playback at that level is achievable.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

My issue with this is that it’s hard to see where the limits of this GPU and CPU combination are without actually trying to execute a specific file or scenario. What doesn’t help is that the Maxtang SXRL-20 uses DDR4, reducing the memory bandwidth for both the CPU and the GPU. It’s worth noting that the Intel i5-1235U can use DDR5 modules, but Maxtang chose not to provide that performance headroom for this hardware.

Clearly, those who designed the SXRL-20 had an objective in mind that it should be able to drive four monitors with four video streams smoothly at the target resolution, and it was deemed that DDR5 wasn’t necessary to deliver that.

The problem is that the use case defined by Maxtang might not be the same as one envisaged by a potential customer.

Overall, the hardware in the SXRL-20 is fit for purpose, but only within some narrow constraints.

• Features: 4 / 5

Maxtang SXRL-20: Performance

Because of this unusual configuration, I’ve not pitched the Maxtang against another Intel system. It’s a little quicker than the typical N100-based machines, but significantly slower than even a Core-i3 N300 machine, like the Zotac P1430AJ Pico.

The issues here are that this CPU only has one performance core, and all the rest are efficiency. Only the P-core has hyperthreading, giving a total of twelve threads of processing.

Intel revised this design with slightly higher clock speeds for the i5-1335U, and Maxtang has that as an option for this series, but with the same underlying core and cache architecture, it won’t be much better.

What’s important to consider is that this system was specified for a job, displaying promotional graphics and videos, and it has sufficient power to do that without breaking any benchmark records.

By desktop PC standards, the performance of the SATA SSD is slow compared to NVMe drives, but again, not so glacial that it would interfere with the machine’s running.

This wasn’t meant to be used as a desktop PC; therefore, judging it by those standards isn’t helpful. It’s an appliance PC made to run throughout the day and not overheat, which seems well suited to do.

• Performance: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance) Maxtang SXRL-20: Final verdict

(Image credit: Maxtang)

The Maxtang SXRL-20 is an interesting system that has more in common with a NAS than a desktop PC. However, given that the objective of delivering digital signage has different priorities, those behind its design approached its construction and specifications from a unique perspective. This hardware was made for a purpose, and it fulfils that brief well.

My only concern is that while the machine is appropriate, I’m unconvinced that using Windows 11 on a customer-facing system is such a great idea.

Given how Microsoft has an unfortunate track record of screwing up its own operating system, and how an ill-considered update might stop this system working, or end up with messages on the screen is a concern. While I’m sure it is possible to lock down a Windows machine to avoid these pitfalls, we’ve all seen Digital Signage with Microsoft enhancements that those running the system wouldn’t care for.

It’s worth noting that on the promotional material for this product, the Ubuntu logo makes an appearance along with the Linux one, so I’m not the only person thinking about this possibility seriously.

Should you buy a Maxtang SXRL-20? Buy it if...

You like computers to be quiet
The design of this mini PC makes the entire case a radiator, avoiding fans entirely.

You want four monitors connected
With HDMI 2.0, it is possible to connect four screens to this system. But, be realistic about what you intend to show on those screens simultaneously. As the Iris Xe (80eu) isn't a discrete GPU.

Don't buy it if...

You want 4K on lots of screens
The Iris Xe GPU used in this system can drive four displays, but 4K video on four outputs might be beyond it. For those scenarios, you might need a discrete video card on a machine that won't be passively cooled.

You want max power
Unlike a lot of mini PCs I've reviewed, this machine isn't built for absolute performance - it's best for businesses with digital displays. View Deal

For more display essentials, we've rounded up the best digital signage software.

Have you played the MotoGP series lately? Challenging, isn’t it? Nobody’s gone this deep into sim territory in bike racers as Milestone’s recent releases, and while direction has served a hardcore nucleus of players willing to master the extremely nuanced inputs required to stop the bike without being launched into orbit, MotoGP 23 and 24 were a tough sell to newcomers and racing fans looking for something they could pick up and play.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC
Available on: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: April 30, 2025

Enter MotoGP 25 and its bushel of new features, including a new arcade handling mode that finds a pleasing halfway point between the ultra-demanding, ultra-gratifying sim handling of recent iterations and a more approachable take.

The bike still feels potent, twitchy and dangerous – it’s just that you can absolutely launch it down the inside of your opponents now and brake well into the apex, without tucking the front and pressing the rewind button for the 70th time this lap.

Easy rider

(Image credit: Plaion)

As someone who (semi) mastered the sim handling in MotoGP 24, I was surprised how much of a draw the arcade handling is.

Far from feeling watered down, or like the bike’s riding itself, like the feeling you get when you use the neural aids, this mode just feels like you’ve got an incredible set of tires on. You can turn in more sharply than other riders, get on the power earlier, brake that little bit later. And that means I don’t have to do every practice session before a grand prix in order to find the pace. I can just launch into the race.

However, I do miss a few elements of the ‘pro’ mode, like bike setup and tire choice options. I can see why Milestone would remove these on paper, since having more variables to fiddle with might seem overwhelming to a newcomer. But it’d be nice to be able to turn them back on again if you want them.

There’s another drawback to arcade mode: the AI opponents are way too easy. I wouldn’t dream of racing against 120% AI in the last game, but this time in arcade mode I whizz past them like a rocket-propelled Valentino Rossi weaving past little kids on scooters. I’m not sure if it’s a feature or a bug, but I want more challenge.

Best bit

(Image credit: Plaion)

Working your way up from the junior categories is a joy in this game that even EA F1 doesn’t have a direct answer to. Moto 3 and Moto 2 bikes each handle according to their own physics, but the sense of accomplishment you get from doing well enough in those categories to get a MotoGP contract is a real high.

Over to pro handling, then. It’s definitely received some tweaks since the last game, and in general the bike seems more compliant, particularly under braking. I found I could get away with braking harder for longer into corners without washing out, and the ride height device seems to activate and deactivate in a smoother way in and out of corners, making it slightly easier to maintain a flow and carry more corner speed.

It’s still incredibly demanding, and ultimately incredibly gratifying. And it’s still probably too much to ask of most players, which is why it’s a really big deal that the arcade handling option feels so good. A minor point, though: tire choices still feel a bit arbitrary. I picked a soft front and rear in every dry race of my four-season career in Moto 3, Moto 2 and MotoGP categories, and never had a reason to do otherwise.

Flat track friends

(Image credit: Plaion)

Whichever mode you choose, the new additions to career mode prove a compelling draw. Top of the billing here are the training events, in which a rider from the roster of real competitors invites you to race minibikes, flat track or motard between race calendar rounds.

The gameplay benefits are twofold: you raise your rider fitness level to increase performance (though I’ve still no idea how this actually manifests and whether it just makes your lap times quicker) and boosts your relationships with the riders you train with. So if you want to land a factory Ducati ride one day, accepting all of Marc Marquez’s invites to go racing between rounds is a good way to improve your chances.

It’s also a thoughtful way of reflecting the real sport. Riders increasingly train together in cliques in modern MotoGP, so there’s an extra degree of immersion to getting out there onto the new tracks (four layouts over two locations) and cutting some sick lines with your paddock pals.

All three disciplines handle convincingly and are bolstered by bespoke new animations, and outside of career mode you can set up events using these bikes in the Race Off mode as solo or PvP events. Personally I didn’t feel especially compelled to master any of them. As a career mode mainliner, these training events were a means to an end, but a welcome addition.

What’s another year

(Image credit: Plaion)

In terms of presentation, the game’s shifted over to Unreal Engine 5 and upgraded its audio by capturing sound directly from the 2024 bikes as they were raced on the track. I don’t notice a huge jump forwards visually that one might associate with an engine upgrade, but MotoGP was already a looker in the first place.

I do notice some newfound fidelity in the sound though, both in differentiating between manufacturer engine noises, and some additional pops and rumbles.

Further down the order, there’s a revamped bike development system which allows you to dictate exactly what area of the bike your team focuses on, and that’s been tied more closely to the career mode objectives that set rivalries with different opponents. For example, when given the choice of trying to beat one of three different riders as your next objective, one might boost your reputation, another might boost your bike development, and another will raise your relationship with a specific rider.

Time to pose the question that every annualised release must ultimately face: does it do enough to extract another full-price purchase from your wallet? To my mind as a series veteran who puts 100+ hours into every game, every year… Just barely, yes.

And I’m surprised to find that it’s the arcade handling, as much as anything else, that leads me to that decision. Not only do I find it a refreshing change for myself, it’s also an easier sell to my friends. The online community has always been smaller in this game than in contemporaries like EA’s F1 series or Assetto Corsa Competizione, so getting into an online race whenever I like isn’t a given. Opening the gates to a broader audience can’t be a bad thing.

However, I still feel the absence of historical bikes and riders, as we saw four games ago now in that superlative ‘Nine’ mode, and I still feel short-changed by the same old gloves, boots and leathers, with very limited colour customisation. There are more options in this game, but I want to be able to apply custom designs to them like I can with helmets, not just change their colour.

A close win is still a win. MotoGP 25 is headed in the right direction, and it can’t be easy to add the volume of content it’s added in less than twelve months. Maybe I’ll skip a year soon, but for now, I’m back in the title hunt.

Should I play MotoGP 25?

(Image credit: Plaion) Play it if…

You follow the real sport
There are so many authentic touches here, from the broadcast sound effects when a rider crashes to the inclusion of Moto 2 and Moto 3 categories

You’ve been put off by the handling before~
Pro mode still exists and is still a handful, but the new arcade physics is a much more accessible option

You’re already tired of watching Marquez win every race
There’s only one thing for it. Save us all from another 2019 and start winning some races.

Don’t play it if…

You want Crazy Taxi levels of arcade handling
At its heart this is still a sim, so be prepared to have to spend some time mastering the handlingView Deal

You’re fatigued by spending too many hours in MotoGP 24
If you burned out on the last game, there’s probably not enough to revive your interest. Skip a year then check back in. View Deal

Accessibility

There’s a decent range of options in the game for adjusting subtitles to maximise visibility, and 10 different languages available.

A colour blindness filter has been added, with the additional option of adjusting the filter intensity. On the audio side there’s a tinnitus reduction filter with individual frequency adjustment.

How I reviewed MotoGP 25

I played 30 hours of MotoGP 25 on PC, using an Xbox Elite controller. That time’s been split evenly between arcade and pro modes, using manual gearing and all assists disabled in either mode.

Career mode has accounted for most of those hours, where I worked up from Moto 3 to the big bikes, like I do every year. I’ve also tried ranked and unranked online PvP, and individual Race Off events.

First reviewed May 2025

Hitman World of Assassination on the PSVR 2 is, simply put, a must-play game for anyone with the latest PlayStation VR headset.

Being so intrinsically tied to the flat game – this title exists solely as a DLC expansion for the PS5 version of Hitman – there was a risk this game would feel overwhelmingly familiar. Stale, even.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PSVR 2 (PS5)
Available on: PSVR 2 (PS5, PS5 Pro)
Release date: March 27, 2025

Moreover, given the series’ rocky relationship with virtual reality up until this point, Hitman on the PSVR 2 could have quite easily blown past ‘boring’ and landed itself squarely in ‘bad game’ territory.

Much like a well-executed assassination, however, Hitman on the PSVR 2 finds its mark with the perfect balance of faithful recreation and fresh mechanics courtesy of its enhanced VR perspective.

In doing so, Hitman proves itself as not only one of the best PSVR 2 games but one of the best VR games in general, with this (currently) PlayStation exclusive taking a chunk out of the Meta Quest 3’s seemingly impenetrable armor.

It also serves as a blueprint for other PS5 titles to follow should they wish to port themselves to PSVR 2 – a guide I seriously hope they follow, as with more experiences like this in its repertoire, PlayStation's second attempt at VR would struggle not to be a smash hit.

Sometimes the direct approach is best (Image credit: Future / IO Interactive) Ready for more, 47?

Anyone who has dipped their toes into the World of Assassination since its 2016 debut knows the drill. Across 22 bespoke sandboxes bursting with creative killing methods – a puzzle game disguised as a shooter – the player, as Agent 47, must find and execute his targets (ideally without being noticed).

It’s much the same in this VR reimagining of the series, but with renewed player agency that comes with VR’s inherently more interactive nature.

An immediately noticeable change is the game’s first-person perspective. It’s one thing to watch Agent 47 push through the crowded streets of Marrakesh, it’s another to be weaving your way through the packed market for yourself.

Everything is more involved. You have to physically swing, throw, or pull the trigger of your weapon of choice to take out non-player characters (NPCs) – both targets and potential foils to your murderous schemes alike – and you even have to physically swipe keycards or pick locks to explore restricted areas of the map.

Act natural 47 (Image credit: Future / IO Interactive)

True to Hitman's creative nature, VR doesn’t just serve as a way to embody the Agent 47 you see in the flat game. It also opens up new options for your strategies.

My favorite is the ability to dual-wield. This mechanic opens the door to more violent dual-firearm approaches which see you go on a bloodthirsty rampage as you gun down everyone in your way, but also as the simple (yet effective) dual-soda can approach that allows you to incapacitate two guards by throwing your both cans (or your preferred blunt object) in different directions at the same time.

Speaking of throwing, I appreciate that the game gives you two options. The basic chuck where you simply hurl the item, or a more targeted throw which you can activate using the controllers, which helps ensure you hit your intended target rather than an unintended bystander.

Perfectly executed

To this end, Hitman isn’t afraid to adopt VR in its own way.

There’s realistic weapon reloading and other object interactions, which are staples of the genre, but also reticle targeting for your throws and the use of the third-person perspective during climbing and when 47 is blending in to lend the player a hand when needed.

While some may find leaving first-person a little immersion-breaking breaking I always found it useful. When blending in, or clambering up drain pipes or across ledges, you need to be able to take in your surroundings to know when to emerge – otherwise you could get rumbled immediately.

Best Bit

(Image credit: IO Interactive)

Re-exploring missions once you have a wider arsenal and understanding of the level is supremely satisfying. You feel like a true master assassin as you perfectly execute your exit with the 5-star Silent Assassin rating.

I felt the more informative third-person perspective matched how Agent 47 would be paying closer attention to the world around him in these moments, working as both a narrative and mechanical tool.

One area I wish more assistance had been given to the player, however, was when attempting to use the sniper rifle.

In my hours of playing, I never once felt I mastered this weapon. In fact, I felt I got worse over time.

I never mastered the sniper rifle (Image credit: Future / IO Interactive)

During my final mission before writing this review, I missed a dozen or so shots from the top of Sapienza’s church’s bell tower, resulting in zero kills, two panicked targets, and a small army of angry guards storming my position.

There are ways to slow time while using the sniper rifle, which help a little, but I found my scope simply swayed too much to be effective, even when I tried my darndest to stay still. I’ll endeavor to improve what is very possibly a skill issue, but some assistive mechanics would have certainly helped me with sniping, and I imagine several over players would appreciate them too.

A view to a kill

Beyond its gameplay successes, Hitman also looks pretty and runs very well on the PS5 system.

Even locations packed with NPCs like Miami and Paris ran smoothly while still looking just as crisp as the flat version. At times, the visuals were such a delight that it was easy to forget about my mission as I just got lost in the environments.

The tradeoff is that, unlike some VR titles, the objects littering the various maps are mostly set dressing. If an item is one you could pick up in the base game, it’s the same in VR, but other objects like kitchen frying pans, radios, and other decorations are cemented in place.

While this can initially be disappointing, IO Interactive's approach is understandable considering the technical nightmare this would cause for both the development team and the PS5 hardware. And frankly, Hitman’s sandboxes are full enough already.

Strangely, Hitman’s final success is that it isn’t exclusively a VR game.

Even VR veterans need to take a break to handle motion sickness or general fatigue from waving their arms around for a couple of hours, and with many titles, that means putting the game you’re enraptured by down until you’re ready to put the headset back on.

The level locations in Hitman are so varied (Image credit: Future / IO Interactive)

With Hitman on the PSVR 2, because it exists as an expansion of the base flat game, you can simply swap to the non-VR version and boot up a new mission while relaxing on your couch.

All of your unlocks and the knowledge you’ve gained about a target carry over between versions, and I generally appreciated the freedom I had to experience this game how I wanted across different sessions. I could play it in VR, I could play it on my TV, or I could swap between the two on a whim.

IO Interactive has done a superb job translating the Hitman experience to VR with this PSVR 2 port. It simultaneously feels fresh yet familiar with a resulting package that I’m sure will be enjoyed by complete newcomers and Hitman aficionados alike.

If you’re looking for an excuse to replay the Hitman World of Assassination trilogy, this is it, and if you own a PSVR 2 headset and haven’t yet picked up this game, what are you doing still reading this review?

Should you play Hitman on PSVR 2? Play it if…

You have a PSVR 2 headset
The PSVR 2 system has a few excellent games available to play on it, and this is easily one of its best.

You need an excuse to replay Hitman
Whether you're new to Hitman or looking for an excuse to replay it this PSVR 2 version is an excellent choice as the first-person perspective and new mechanics make everything feel fresh again.

Don't play it if...

You want a complete VR sandbox
Hitman provides you with a lot of freedom but not every object is interactable, and some actions will shift you to a third-person view rather than keeping you immersed.

You're a complete VR newbie
Himan on the PSVR 2 system has some comfort controls, but its large maps and smooth motion won't be easy for complete newcomers to stomach.

Accessibility

Hitman has a handful of accessibility settings to make the game more approachable. Chiefly, it has three optional difficulties you can swap between to make the gameplay experience more or less forgiving.

When it comes to VR-specific settings, the whole game can be played sitting down or standing, though you will need some range of upper body movement to use weapons and reload.

There are also comfort controls like vignetting, snap/smooth turning, and other adjustments, which can make the game more comfortable for newcomers. Overall, I found the experience not too nauseating (I could easily play for an hour or two at a time without trouble), though it does seem like a VR game best suited to people with a little VR experience who will be used to smooth control stick movement while wearing a headset.

(Image credit: IO Interactive) How I reviewed Hitman on PSVR 2

I reviewed Hitman World of Assassination using a standard PlayStation 5 console and PlayStation VR 2 headset. My only upgrade is that I swapped the wired earbuds for a pair of Marshall Monitor III ANC headphones.

I played the game for around 30 hours, splitting my time fairly equally between the VR and non-VR versions of the title (which I would sometimes play in cinematic mode while using the headset if I wanted to continue a save state I had created in the flat game).

During the VR playthrough, I made sure to visit each location to explore, try a range of mission story assassinations, and see how the game runs, as well as testing a wide range of weapons to understand how intuitive item interactions felt. I never once noticed any hiccups, and never wanted to put my headset down as I enjoyed being immersed in this title immensely.

First reviewed April 2025

TCL QM7K: Two-minute review

The TCL QM7K is an impressive TV. Even though it’s a bit more expensive than the TCL QM6K I recently reviewed, it fixes the main issues I had with that model. Specifically, the audio quality is much improved. It also offers quite a bit more brightness, which particularly benefits high dynamic range content, and there are more local dimming zones in its mini-LED backlight.

The question of whether the TCL QM7K is the best TV for you will depend on if you’re comfortable paying the extra cash for the improvements it brings. TCL’s Halo Control tech does a great job of keeping backlight blooming effects – an issue even with the best mini-LED TVs – at bay, and the TV’s fast, 144Hz refresh rate (with the potential to effectively double that rate) is a great feature, though both are also available on the cheaper QM6K. In fact, everything outside of the better audio and brightness is basically the same on the QM6K.

The improvements the QM7K brings are ultimately worth the $500 price difference (that amount will vary a bit between screen sizes). But for me, the cheaper QM6K’s lower screen brightness wasn’t a dealbreaker, and adding one of the best soundbars will bring an audio quality improvement to just about any TV.

Still, the TCL QM7K is a high-quality TV with a great-looking picture that’s easy to use. It’s also packed with features, whether you want to watch a movie or boot up your PlayStation 5.

TCL QM7K review: Price and release date

The TCL QM7K's impressive color gamut coverage means colors look rich and vivid (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: March 2025
• 55-inch: $1,299.99
• 65-inch: $1,499.99
• 75-inch: $1,999.99
• 85-inch: $2,499.99
• 98-inch: $4,999.99
• 115-inch: $19,999.99

The TCL QM7K is a step up from the brand’s newly released QM6K series TVs. Some of the sizes, specifically the 98-inch and 115-inch, are not yet available. TCL QM7K series TVs are only sold in the US.

The QM7K’s step up in price over the QM6K series reflects features such as the higher number of local dimming zones (a maximum of 2800 versus 500), improved brightness, and Bang & Olufsen-tuned built-in speakers.

TCL QM7K review: Specs TCL QM7K review: Benchmark results TCL QM7K review: Features

The QM7K's connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support (Image credit: Future)

• Dolby Vision IQ effectively adjusts the picture for bright rooms
• Picture presets include IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode
• Hands-free voice control

While I’ll go into a little more detail regarding Halo Control in the next section, it’s worth mentioning that TCL’s proprietary technology for precise dimming is featured on the QM7K series, and it’s probably the most important one for this TV. I’ll go into the QM7K’s impressive HDR performance there as well.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg here. Dolby Vision IQ is one of my favorite features for this TV (also available on the cheaper QM6K). My viewing room gets a lot of ambient light from windows, and watching TV during the day can sometimes be an exercise in frustration. But the Dolby Vision IQ feature minimizes the effects of ambient light by adjusting the TV’s brightness accordingly, so you can see the picture regardless of whether the sun is shining or not.

There’s also Dolby Vision (the non-IQ version of the feature), which functions similarly with Dolby Vision content, automatically adjusting contrast to give the best results based on the image being shown, whether it’s sports or a brooding Batman movie.

If you don’t want the TV to intelligently (the word you’ll see in the menu for these features) adjust the screen, there are plenty of picture modes available. There are the basic ones like Movie and Sports, but there’s also an Imax Enhanced mode and a Filmmaker Mode meant to provide the most accurate picture when watching movies.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there’s also hands-free voice control using far-field mics if you don’t feel like reaching for the remote.

• Features Score: 4.5/5

TCL QM7K review: Picture quality

The QM7K's Halo Control technology is great at eliminating blooming effects in high-contrast pictures (Image credit: Future)

• Impressive HDR brightness
• Halo Tech minimizes blooming
• Some minor vignetting

The TCL QM7K boasts some solid benchmarks. To start with, its brightness is one of the biggest upgrades over its little brother, the TCL QM6K. In Filmmaker Mode, peak HDR brightness on a 10% white window pattern was measured at 1,733 nits, and 100% fullscreen brightness at 536 nits.

Those same brightness measurements made in the TV’s Standard picture mode were even higher at 2,350 and 640 nits, respectively.

Color gamut coverage is good as well, but not quite the smae upgrade as the brightness. We benchmarked it at 96.9% for UHDA-P3 and 79.2% for BT.2020, both better than the QM6K and Hisense U7N. It’s also worth mentioning that the QM7K’s color accuracy averaged out to a very respectable 1.4.

The Halo Control Technology that the TCL QM7K shares with the QM6K is a huge help in minimizing bloom, an artifact of mini-LED and LED-backlit TVs, where you see a halo effect in dark parts of the screen positioned next to bright sections. The QM7K series has up to 2,800 dimming zones compared to 500 on the QM6K series, and regardless of what I watched, high-contrast images had crisp definition.

Cinematic fare like Hero, The Batman (2022), or really any movie with great cinematography came to life on the QM7K, its brightness, comprehensive HDR support, color gamut coverage, not to mention precise dimming control contributing to detailed yet vibrant images.

The only real issue I encountered was that I experienced some very slight vignetting in the corners of the screen, though it was more minimal than what I saw when I reviewed the TCL QM6K. And despite the QM7K’s high brightness, I still experienced screen glare when watching during the daytime with sunlight coming through the windows.

• Picture quality score: 4.5/5

TCL QM7K review: Sound quality

The TCL QM7K's stripped-down remote control annoyingly lacks a play/pause button (Image credit: Future)

• Audio by Bang & Olufsen
• Limited bass
• Soundstage is good if a bit narrow

Having just reviewed the TCL QM6K, the QM7K’s sound quality is another big upgrade. The 40W system is described by TCL as “Audio by Bang & Olufsen,” and since Bang & Olufsen makes solid-sounding products, that usually bodes well.

The QM7K supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, and is also IMAX Enhanced. There are several sound modes, including Bang & Olufsen’s proprietary Beosonic EQ profile that allows for some fine-tuning. When this is selected, a dial appears on the screen with a particular sound profile at the top, bottom, and sides: bright, energetic, warm, and relaxed (clockwise from the top). You can also navigate a cursor anywhere within the dial to create some combination of these sound profiles.

When I reviewed the QM6K, I found there to be a strange dip in the frequency response that gave the sound a slightly artificial quality. Luckily, the QM7K doesn’t have that. The mids are nice and full so that vocals have the kind of richness one would expect when listening to music or watching a movie, and the high-end has both clarity and detail. The bass is fairly limited, but that’s to be expected with any system that doesn’t have larger speakers, such as a TV.

In The Batman (2022), a scene where Selina Kyle is breaking into a safe near the beginning of the movie illustrates a lot of what’s going on with the QM7K’s sound. The sounds of her drill and the turning of the safe’s dial were heard clearly and sounded crisp. And the sound of her hand-to-hand combat with Batman had plenty of impact, as did the dialogue. The TV’s full mid-range also benefited music listening.

The QM7K’s soundstage is good, with elements in soundtracks that are supposed to be on the left or right (or moving from one side to the other) spatially well-defined but still fairly narrow, as it is physically limited by the placement of the speakers.

In the end, the QM7K’s audio quality is very good – it’s just not the full movie experience you would get if it were paired with a good soundbar.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

TCL QM7K review: Design

The QM6K's support feet (Image credit: Future)

• Pedestal stand can be adjusted for height
• Ports include two HDMI 2.1 with 144Hz support
• No dedicated play/pause button on remote

The TCL QM7K looks like most contemporary TVs, so you’re probably not going to make a buying decision based on how it looks. The bezel around the screen is fairly thin, making this a svelte-looking TV from the front, and a slight angle allows the dual ports housing the speakers some clearance if you were to wall mount it.

A pedestal stand keeps the TV stable, and it can also be connected at a range of heights so you can raise it a little higher if you want to keep the bottom of the screen from being blocked by a soundbar.

The back of the stand also has a cover that easily slides up and off, revealing some rudimentary cable management, which allows for a cleaner look, especially with the included cable clips. There’s not a ton of space here, however, so if you have a ton of devices plugged into the TV, you might not be able to route all the cables through the back of the stand.

Speaking of plugging devices in, all the ports except for the power are located on the right side of the TV and are angled so that any cables sit flush against it. This is a simple touch that helps keep things looking tidy, especially if you plan on a wall-mount installation. Also worth noting is that the different HDMI ports have their maximum resolution and refresh rate listed next to them – important for gamers!

The remote for the TCL QM7K has all the usual controls, from the directional wheel and center button used to select things to the ones that take you directly to apps like Netflix and Prime Video. There’s also a dedicated button for the TV’s voice assistant. Sadly, there’s no dedicated play/pause button, which means you have to press the directional wheel to bring up the interface and then press the center button again to actually pause playback.

• Design score: 4.5/5

TCL QM7K review: Smart TV and menus

The QM7K's Google TV smart interface (Image credit: Future)

• Home page displays a good range of content
• Google account login required to fully unlock features
• Hands-free voice control

The TCL QM7K uses Google TV as its smart TV interface. This has a large, cycling tile that takes up much of the screen with featured content, followed by various rows of tiles with suggested content from various services, a list of apps, and more. It’s a nice layout, only hampered by the fact that not all content seems to be indexed on the home page. (I would love to see suggestions from my Criterion Channel or Mubi app pop up next to YouTube and Max ones.)

As with most smart TV interfaces, there’s plenty of live and free ad-supported content available without needing an additional subscription. This isn’t up to the quality level of what you get from something like Netflix, but it’s not all Sharknado knock-offs. I came across Nip/Tuck, Mr. Bean, and The Illusionist after just a quick scroll. Of course, there’s plenty of Ed Wood-level content available as well.

To get the most out of the interface, you need to first log in to your Google account to set it up. If you’re worried about privacy, this is a requirement that might seem as invasive as it is necessary. It didn’t help that a portion of the featured tiles were ads as opposed to just highlighted content that I already have access to, including an ad with a QR code for ordering pizza on the front page.

As far as the menu diving for TV functionality goes, it’s straightforward and baked into the Google operating system, so you can get to the settings either via the remote or navigating through the home page. It’s also very easy to get deep into fine-tuning the screen, sound, and more to your liking without getting lost.

• Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

TCL QM7K review: Gaming

The TCL QM7K's Game Master onscreen menu (Image credit: Future)

• 4K 144Hz support plus VRR game accelerator
• Smooth and clear action
• Dedicated Game Master settings menu

Pricier TVs like this one need to appeal to gamers, and TCL has succeeded on that front. Two of the HDMI inputs support 4K 144Hz, so you get smooth gameplay even when the game is going at a breakneck speed, as I did when running away from or through crowds of zombies in Dead Island 2. It can boost up to a 288Hz variable refresh rate (240Hz on the 55-inch model) at 1080p resolution.

If needed, there's a game-centric settings interface called the “Game Master” menu that you can easily pull up to display a refresh rate in the corner, add an aiming crosshair, turn on the VRR, and boost HDR content where applicable.

All in all, using the TCL QM7K is a treat for gaming. The picture quality is sharp and vibrant, especially when you can turn on HDR, and the action is as smooth as one could hope. Input lag is 13.1ms, which is higher than what you get with TVs from Samsung and LG, but it still feels immediate and responsive when gaming.

• Gaming score: 4.5/5

TCL QM7K review: Value

The QM7K's included accessories (Image credit: Future)

• Not cheap, but still a good value proposition
• Cheaper than other “mid-range” TVs
• Better brightness than other TVs in its price range

The TCL QM7K TV is not the same fantastic value proposition as the TCL QM6K, but it’s still a very good value.

A good point of comparison would be the Hisense U7N, a competent TV that punches above its weight. The QM7K is better than the Hisense U7N all around, with better brightness and significantly better audio quality. However, the QM7K is also more expensive.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the TCL QM7K?

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

You want a picture with great contrast
Thanks to Halo Control tech, there’s very little blooming. Plus, the TV’s high brightness makes full use of HDR.

You want good sound
Audio is one of the main upgrades that this TV gets over its little brother and other mid-range TVs. It’s not quite the same as a good soundbar, but it's good enough that you may not need to get one.

You’re a gamer
There are plenty of gaming-centric features on hand, including 4K 144Hz support on two HDMI 2.1 ports, along with 288Hz at 1080p.

Don't buy it if…

You have a limited budget
You can spend quite a bit more on a TV, but the TCL QM7K is still not a cheap model. If you’re on a tight budget, you should also look at the less expensive step-down QM6K series.

You don’t want a Google TV
If you don’t like connecting your Google account to a TV for privacy reasons, look elsewhere, because that step is needed to make the most of the Google TV smart interface.

Also consider...

TCL QM6K
The TCL QM6K is a wonderful TV, but it’s not as bright as the QM7K, and it also has worse audio. It’s about $500 cheaper on average, however, making it is a good option for those with less cash to spend.

Read our full TCL QM6K review

Hisense U7N
The Hisense U7N does have some issues with backlight blooming and also suffers from poor audio quality. But it has good color gamut coverage and brightness for the price, not to mention similar features such as Dolby Vision IQ and Google TV.

Read our full Hisense U7N review

TCL QM851G
The TCL QM851G is a 2024 model that was still available for a substantial discount at the time this review posted. This model has even higher brightness than the QM7K, plus a similar set of smart TV and gaming features.

Read our full TCL QM851G review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the TCL QM7K

• I used the TCL QM7K TV for two weeks
• Tested with TV, movies, music, and games
• Benchmark measurements conducted by Future US testing lab

I used the TCL QM7K TV regularly for several weeks, testing it with movies, shows, sports events, and games. I tested the various features, such as Dolby Vision IQ, to see if they work as advertised. I also spent time listening to the TV’s audio and watching reference clips to evaluate the picture quality.

After spending some time with this TV, it’s clear that it’s aimed at those looking for a premium experience but at a lower price than a comparable Samsung or LG TV.

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

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

• First reviewed: May 2025
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

RecDot Earbuds: Two-minute review

Boy, have I enjoyed my experience with the Viaim RecDot earbuds. Beginning with the AI recording and transcription functionality and ending with the sound quality, there’s very little not to love about Viaim’s latest offering.

The positives begin with the ability to record and transcribe calls, audio/video clips and meetings. This covers all situations and scenarios that you could ever find yourself wanting this type of functionality. I tried all of these features and thankfully found them to be reliable and accurate; otherwise, I would have been left seriously frustrated. My only gripe was that if a speaker (as in, the person speaking) paused for too long, Viaim would insert a full stop. Not very helpful, but perhaps a nice reminder that AI doesn't have consciousness, creativity or actual emotion.

Transcription is extended further by translation tools, the creation of to-do lists and summaries, and sharing audio or transcriptions to other devices. It really is a one-stop shop for managing your professional life. I found that these buds fit seamlessly into all aspects of my life, but especially at work.

I’ve already mentioned how impressed I was with the sound quality, but my brief comment deserves expansion. Having listened to music and carried out calls with friends and colleagues, I think Viaim has hit the mark across the board for detail across the frequencies. Remarkably, I found that I could just as easily discern a caller’s words while in a busy location as I could enjoy soulful tunes having sunk into my favorite chair for the night.

In short, far from being AI earbuds with average sound quality that you have to put up with, these are buds that are as good as much of the competition out there at the moment. The fact that they also transcribe recordings like a pro is ever more impressive.

(Image credit: Future)

From a design point of view, the RecDot are slightly chunkier than I would have liked, although they look pretty good for it. They’re not the snuggest fit and therefore aren’t really suitable for intense exercise, but they’re fine for when you’re sat at a computer, commuting or in a meeting.

Each bud comes with a long stem which houses a sensor for picking up presses and swipes. I would love to have had a recognition tone or perhaps haptic feedback integration, as it can at times be difficult to tell if your touches have been picked up. The buds sit cosily in the charging case, which offers a total of 36 hours of life, with each bud able to hold a maximum of 9 hours of power. All of this is more than enough to keep you going even through the busiest of days.

At $249.99 / £185 / AU$375, they’re not the cheapest buds around, but I wouldn’t compare them like-for-like against any other alternative on the market right now. These are excellent-sounding buds that deliver game-changing transcription. If you’re looking to save time in (and after) work meetings, there’s no easier way than with Viaim’s RecDot.

Any flies in the ointment? One or two; the case lid feels a tad flimsy and the ANC is fine rather than fantastic. OK, so they're unlikely to ever make it into our guide to the best noise cancelling earbuds, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they popped up in our broader best earbuds guide. I also think that if ever we created a ‘best earbuds for AI’ category (can't be long, surely?) the RecDot would be a front-runner.

Viaim RecDot Earbuds review: Price & release date

• Released January 2025
• Priced $249.99 / £185 / AU$375

As Viaim’s flagship product, the RecDot earbuds attract a premium price tag. Early AI adopters might be able to stomach the price, but if you only have a passing interest in how AI can streamline your workflows, you might not be convinced.

It’s difficult to bring a direct price comparison given there are so few AI earbuds on the market that can do everything these earbuds can. One example would be the Aidio X1 AI Earbuds for $149, but we’ve not yet tested those – oh, and Samsung's Galaxy Buds can do the real-time translation trick (and have been able to for a little while now) provided you've got a Samsung phone.

A helpful comparison is always Apple's AirPods Pro 2, which usually cost under $199 / £199 / AU$349. Let's not mince words – the design correlation between Apple's buds and Viaim's newer effort is striking. If you go for the RecDot earbuds, you’ll be sacrificing ANC quality, but for the extra money, you’ll get an abundance of useful hearing health features that are well worth the money (especially if you own an iPhone).

(Image credit: Future) Viaim RecDot Earbuds review: Specifications

(Image credit: Future) Viaim RecDot Earbuds review: Features

• Excellent AI recording
• Live transcription
• Smart ANC leaves a little to be desired

When you buy a pair of the best wireless earbuds, you’ll be looking for great audio, excellent ANC and a snug fit. What most people are not looking for is an extensive set of recording and transcription services. But just because you might not have been looking for them, doesn’t mean you don’t need 'em.

With that introduction out of the way, are you ready for some seriously good features? Let’s begin with recording. There are three primary ways your set of RecDot Earbuds can do this, including call recording, audio/video recording, or live recording. The first will transcribe in real-time during a system or VoIP call. The second transcribes speeches in an audio or video clip, again in real time. The last transcribes live when you are in face-to-face dialog or in a small meeting room.

No matter how you access these recordings and transcriptions, you’ll find them to be reliable, comprehensive and useful for everyday purposes. I used it to make written notes from my own voice, to access a transcription of a conversation with a friend, and in a meeting with colleagues.

The Viaim software was able to pick up what was being said with very few issues or errors. The only snafu I experienced was that if I or someone else spoke too slowly or paused, Viaim would think it needed to begin a new sentence even if that wasn’t the speaker’s intention. So, you'll need to sub-edit your notes afterwards, but I find that's true of all note-taking software. I’d definitely like to see some post-AI tools that can sweep through the text and bring corrections, but it's still a neat perk.

(Image credit: Future)

What is maybe even more impressive than real-time transcription is that Viaim is able to distinguish between different speakers and mark them accordingly. I found this feature to be surprisingly reliable, making it a good fit for creating extensive meeting notes about who said what.

Transcriptions can also be simultaneously translated into up to 14 languages. With support for English, Chinese, French, German, and others, Viaim has covered a very high percentage of the world’s languages. I wasn’t involved in any bilingual meetings during my time of testing, but I can imagine how helpful this would be to non-native speakers.

The final AI feature to mention is the meeting assistant, which extracts concise summaries and actionable to-do items from lengthy recordings. If my mind hadn’t already been blown, then it most certainly was when I tested this feature. I couldn’t believe how accurately it was able to determine who needed to do what. It also did it remarkably quickly. My experience of this particular feature rings true through all the AI tools: impressive, reliable, and accurate.

Let’s finish by talking ANC. The 'Smart ANC' in the RecDot claims to reduce ambient noise by up to 48 dB, which would make it more than capable of drowning out most ambient noise. They don’t nix noise to the level of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, but they’re still capable enough for general everyday use. Given that they’ll be used primarily in office settings, you’re unlikely to need the highest-performing ANC buds – although for long-haul flights their minor shortcomings when it comes to jet engine noise cancellation could be more noticeable.

• Features score: 4.5/5

The actual RecDot! (Image credit: Future) RecDot Earbuds review: Sound quality

• Vibrant, detailed, and crisp
• Only one profile works for those with broad music tastes
• ANC can be hit and miss, but auto option is best

I began by firing up Azizam by Ed Sheeran. The RecDot are able to deliver high levels of vibrancy with the strong dance beat punching through, without fighting against the vocals. While I was in an Ed Sheeran mood, I jumped into Galway Girl and sat back to enjoy the surprisingly wide soundstage. I would have taken a little more detail across the listening experience, but in general, it was all very pleasant.

Transitioning to a more sombre mood, I hit play on The Curse by Agnes Obel. Obel’s voice rises above the beautifully defined plucking of strings, delivering a near-perfect blend of instruments and notes. Alongside numerous other tracks, I was keen to play something layered, complex and gentle. I turned to the theme from Jurassic Park, by John Williams. Given this track's multiple instruments, I was pleased to hear the distinction between the flutes, piano and in fact all other sections of the orchestra. Well done, Viaim.

Most of my testing was carried out using the 'balanced' sound setting, although I did have a play around with other options, including pop, bass boost, and electronic. These other profiles were fantastic for specific tracks, but given my broad music tastes, I found them unreliable across multiple genres. I would therefore recommend sticking with the default unless you have reason to change it.

It was a similar story when it came to ANC. There’s the option to set it to low, middle, or high, but I found these weren’t reliable enough across a wide range of environments. I opted instead for the auto option and let the RecDot do the work. It’s fair to say that this did affect the sound, negatively at times, but it was better than choosing one of the three predefined options.

All that being said, I wouldn’t buy these buds purely for their sound quality. As good as they are, audiophile purists will want a dedicated pair of earbuds or headphones – probably with wires to their source device. The RecDot are for audio lovers who want more from their buds, namely a meeting companion that gets the job done.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) RecDot Earbuds review: Design

• Accessible recording controls
• Well-designed case that’s easy to use
• Plenty of eartip options

The RecDot earbuds look pretty similar to almost all other long-stemmed earbuds, although they feel a little bulkier in the hand than something like the AirPods Pro. The additional size is no doubt due to the extra recording features that make the RecDot stand out from the competition.

The sensor strip is located on the stem and provides all on-board controls. The sensor supports five types of interaction with a simple slide increasing and decreasing the volume. I don’t mind sensors instead of buttons, but only if they work well. I found the RecDot earbuds a little fiddly to operate, especially the triple press to go to the previous track. Part of this will be personal preference, but I feel there’s some fine-tuning required.

The also buds ship in black, although I was sent the silver colorway. Both look smart, but I think the black offers a slightly more premium appearance. To help with fitting, Viaim supplies five different sizes of dustproof eartips. They’re a little bit fiddly to swap out, although I’ve never experienced a problem-free eartip change on any earbuds I’ve used to date. Finding the correct size of eartip took a little time, but I was glad to have an abundance to choose from.

With an IP55 rating, the RecDot earbuds are resistant to dust and water. That means you’ll be fine if sweat and rain are your only concerns, but if you’re looking to do anything more adventurous, then they’ll come up lacking. Given their recording and translation talents, these aren’t designed for extreme sports anyway.

Before moving onto the case, the only other thing to mention is that the 11mm dynamic drivers are coated in titanium, which provides the highest possible strength-to-weight ratio. This makes sure they are as light and strong as possible.

No pair of wireless earbuds would be complete without a charging case. Aside from the slightly flimsy sliding top, I only have positive things to say about it. The buds magnetically slot in with a seriously satisfying click, with zero chance of them falling out despite serious shaking. And yes, I did try!

The case supports USB-C charging, which delivers a total of 36 hours of battery life. Each charge will only give the buds a maximum of 9 hours, although this is more than enough for a full day of listening to your favorite music – and quite competitive.

The final element of the charging case is the physical record button. Offering one-click recording during meetings, all you have to do is place an earbud in the charging case, hit record, and wait for either the left or right indicator to flash. I love this feature and have used it regularly. My only bugbear is that I think this record button should double up as a ‘now recording’ light. In my opinion this would be far more satisfying and demonstrative than a dim blinking indicator on a bud.

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) RecDot Earbuds review: Value

• AI features to die for
• Admirable sound considering the extra perks
• Competitive battery life

At $249.99 / £185 the Viaim RedCot are far from cheap. You’re paying a premium price for a fully featured set of innovative earbuds. Whether they’re worth the money will hang solely on whether you will utilize their AI features. If you’re only concerned about design and sound then I’d perhaps nudge you towards the much more affordable AirPods 4 with ANC instead.

The AI recording tools are far above the biggest strength of Viaim’s latest buds. Record calls on your phone or at on-site meetings and view translations in realtime. With a capture distance of up to 7 metres you’ll be covered no matter where you’re sitting. I appreciate that you could download software to do this but to have all this tech alongside very capable sound performers makes the recording and listening workflow beautifully seamless.

• Value score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the RecDot Earbuds review: Buy them if...

You want on-board recording capabilities
Not only do the RecDot buds sound fantastic, but they also record audio and transcribe it.

You need a meeting assistant
Extract concise summaries and create actionable to-do lists from lengthy recordings.

You want a great all-rounder
With fantastic sound, decent ANC, good battery life and AI smarts, these are the buds that do it all.

Don't buy them if...

You’re on a budget
At $249.99 / £185, there are much more affordable alternatives.

You must have tight fitting earbuds
They fit fairly well, but I wouldn’t call them a super secure or sports-optimised fit.

Sound is your only priority
The Viaim RecDot do sound good, but there are superior alternatives on the market if detailed, nuanced, neutral audio is your chief concern.

(Image credit: Future) RecDot Earbuds review: Also consider

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Prefer device-agnostic head-tracked spatial audio plus some of the best ANC in the business? These September 2023-issue earbuds from Bose are a great shout – and the in-ear security is nearly as good as the Powerbeats Pro 2. You'll have to forego a bit of stamina (it's only 6 hours here) and transcription/translation, but the noise-cancellation is superior.
Read more in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100
The ANC-off and transparency profiles are much more enjoyable here – as is the sound quality generally. You also get a similar battery life and the option of Matt Berry on voice prompts (his "Waiting to pair!" is a delight). The overall aesthetic isn't as striking though, and they aren't as secure in your ears – also you can forget about meeting transcription… 
Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the RecDot Earbuds

• Tested for three weeks at work, home, while exercising
• Listened to Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer on a MacBook Pro, and iPhone

I began by getting them fitted correctly. This was helped by the numerous ear tips provided and the in-app test that covered both sound quality and noise reduction. With that out of the way and my app fully configured, I was ready to test them out in earnest.

Given their AI recording smarts, I was keen to focus my attention on that in the first instance. This mean utilizing them in meetings, conversations, and when I'm on my own. I tested all the different workflows for recording and transcription alongside all the finer elements of functionality. The only part I wasn’t able to test accurately was the translation feature.

Once I was happy with that, I turned my attention to sound quality and ANC. With Ed Sheeran, Agnes Obel and John Williams all lined up alongside TechRadar's trusted track list, I sat back and let my ears do the work.

• First reviewed: May 2025
• Read more on how we test earbuds at TechRadar

If you had to pick a single feature that's most commonly missing from premium monitors aimed at creative professionals, it's high refresh rate support. Not any more, thanks to the new BenQ PD3226G.

This 32-inch display ticks all the usual premium boxes, including elevated image fidelity from a 4K IPS panel, outstanding connectivity and a broad range of pro-friendly features that creators will appreciate, such as wide color support and Pantone validation. To that it adds 144Hz refresh where 60Hz used to be the norm.

You could argue that high refresh rates are irrelevant to many professional workflows. Largely, that's true. But it is essential for maximising responsiveness for use with some digital art tools, such as drawing tablets. Moreover, high refresh certainly has a major impact when it comes to smooth rendering and an all-round sense of computing slickness. It makes daily computing feel so much snappier.
BenQ also throws in a few unusual extras, including a very nifty IR remote control puck, that serve to sweeten the overall appeal of this gorgeous monitor and ensure that it ranks among the best business monitors. The main snag, however, is the price. At just under $1,300 or £1,100, this is a very expensive display, especially in the context of the entry-level DisplayHDR 400 certification it offers.

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• Minimalist, slim-bezel design
• Comprehensive connectivity
• Wireless IR remote

Specs

Panel size: 32-inch

Panel type: IPS

Resolution: 3,840 by 2,160

Brightness: 400 cd/m2

Contrast: 1,200:1

Pixel response: 1ms GtG

Refresh rate: 144Hz

Colour coverage: 95% DCI-P3

HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400

Vesa: 100mm x 100mm (bracket included)

Inputs: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0 x1, Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C in with 90W PD

Other: Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C out USB-C hub, USB-C x2 in, USB-A x3, 3.5mm audio

BenQ's latest 32-inch 4K panel for creatives sticks with the company's typically slick and minimalist design vibe, including slim bezels on three sides of its IPS panel. The lower chin bezel is a little chunky. But overall, it's a well-built display and sits securely on a metal stand that offers a full array of adjustability, ensuring strong ergonomics.

Speaking of which, the main array of ports sit flush on the rear of the chassis, as opposed to being situated underneath and pointing downwards, making power, peripheral and display inputs super-simple to get at and plug in. You also get additional ports, including a USB-C data port, plus a USB-A hub and 3.5mm audio jack, situated on the bottom surface of the lower bezel.

While we're on the subject of connectivity, that's definitely a significant highlight of the BenQ PD3226G. For starters, there's Thunderbolt 4 support that offers sideways compatibility with USB-C for single-cable connectivity to a wide range of devices, most obviously laptops. That means you can both drive the display and charge your device with one cable, with power delivery up to 90W.

The Thunderbolt 4 aspect also means you can daisy chain a second monitor from the BenQ PD3226G, though support for that does depend on your computing device. By way of example, Apple's entry-level M1 and M2 chips as found in previous generation Apple Silicon MacBook Air models, only support a single external display and so can't exploit the PD3226G's daisy chaining ability.

To all that you can add KVM switch functionality and therefore support for connecting two computers to this display and sharing a single keyboard and mouse. Rounding out the main physical features is BenQ's third-gen control puck. This time around, it's wireless via IR and powered by a pair of triple-A batteries.

That's a real benefit compared to previous wired iterations of the control puck and helps keep desk clutter to a minimum. The puck itself is extremely slick and sports a tactile metal dial plus shortcut buttons. The dial can be set to control brightness, volume or contrast, while a range of other functions and presets can be accessed in a flash via the shortcut buttons. It's a very nice little extra.

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• Good factory calibration
• Excellent all-round image quality
• Only entry-level HDR support

Much of the BenQ PD3226G's specifications and therefore performance are pretty familiar. The 32-inch IPS panel delivers excellent all-round image quality, including 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and factory calibration with Delta Es well below two.

Generally, it's a very sweet IPS panel that offers all the usual advantages of the 4K resolution, including plenty of desktop working space and decent pixel density for precise fonts and sharp image quality. It's not a true pro-grade panel for video production, for instance. But it is very well calibrated from the factory and makes for a super nice all-round monitor for creative workflows.

Where it separates itself from many similar displays aimed at creative pros, however, involves refresh rate. Instead of the usual 60Hz, you get 144Hz over both HDMI and DisplayPort, the latter including DisplayPort alt mode over the Thunderbolt 4 interface.

Now, 144Hz isn't directly relevant for most creative workflows. It's not required for image editing, nor the vast, vast majority of video editing. But for certain digital artwork tasks, notably those involving drawing tablets, high refresh really helps with visual responsiveness and accuracy.

It's also just a very nice thing to have, day-to-day. Once you're used to the slickness of 144Hz when scrolling web pages or just moving application windows around, you won't want to go back to 60Hz.

BenQ has also fitted the PD3226G out with lots of well-calibrated color space presets, including the core triumvirate of DCI-P3, sRGB and M-Book mode. The latter is a mode that's designed to match the factory calibration of Apple's MacBook laptops, though it's unclear how that differs from the standard P3 gamut that MacBooks run by default and is also offered separately by this BenQ.

As if that's not enough, this monitor is also Pantone Validated and Claman verified. So, it can be calibrated to an even higher precision for those workflows that demand it. Where it isn't so impressive is with HDR content.

You do get HDR400 support, but that's the most basic of HDR capability. There's no local dimming and the brightness peaks at a modest 400 nits. In other words, it's not a true HDR display and if you're looking for a screen to use in really bright ambient conditions, the PD3226G isn't the best choice.

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Do not dismiss the new BenQ PD3226G as a routine update to the brand's already very appealing range of displays for creative pros. This one is a little different.

For starters, it gets an upgrade to 144Hz refresh. Admittedly, that's not of direct benefit for most creative workflows. But it's a genuine upgrade for all-round responsiveness and day-to-day usability. Once you're used to high refresh, you won't want to go back to 60Hz. It's also a clear advantage for certain digital art workflows, notable in concert with drawing devices like tablets.

BenQ has also upgraded its control puck with this generation from wired to IR wireless. It sounds like a small change, but it makes for a much more usable and ergonomic remote control. Once again, if you've gotten used to BenQ's IR remote, it's a chore to return to fiddly little buttons under the screen bezel.

On top of all that, BenQ has included plenty of features that creative pros will love, including a wide range of color space presets and excellent factory calibration. This is a really nice IPS 4K display with lovely image quality.

Connectivity is another very strong point thanks to Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, plus daisy chain and KVM switch functionality. Really the only obvious weak point of the BenQ PD3226G involves HDR support. The DisplayHDR400 certification is very much entry level and means you're not getting a true HDR experience.

That latter point would be fine save for the notably premium price point. This is an extremely expensive display given that it's ultimately limited to SDR visuals. Of course, if HDR doesn't factor in any of your workflows, that won't be a deal breaker. But at this price point, local dimming and a bit more backlight punch probably wouldn't go amiss. That aside, BenQ is onto a winner with the new PD3226G.

For more displays for creative professionals, we've rounded up the best monitors for photo editing, the best monitors for graphic design, and the best monitors for video editing.

CMF Phone 2 Pro: Two-minute review

With the CMF Phone 2 Pro, Nothing has delivered a truly remarkable bargain phone, treating you, the user with endearing respect, rather than sticking you with a watered-down version of the device you really want.

This phone has one of the most distinct and recognizable designs I’ve seen, but that design is also practical and extensible. I can’t imagine buying a CMF Phone 2 Pro without thinking of all the accessories I might make for it.

For less than $300 / £300 / AU$525 you can have a phone that isn’t just good, but special. The modular design, though a bit less adaptable than the first-generation CMF Phone, means you can make this phone your own in ways that Samsung Galaxy and iPhone owners can only dream of doing.

Even if you don’t want to create your own cases or accessories, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is still one of the best smartphones you can buy at this price. Its performance is solid – better than other bargain competitors, at least – and battery life is excellent.

It may not be quite as durable as a Samsung Galaxy A26 or Motorola Moto G Power 2025, but it’s more resilient than I expected. It has an IP54 rating against rain and splashing water, and Nothing also says the phone will survive in 25cm of water for 20 minutes, so you don't have to panic if it gets wet.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The CMF Phone 2 Pro certainly gives you one of the most distinctive versions of Android that you’ll find on a phone today, using the NothingOS interface as found on the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro. NothingOS is all about a minimalist, almost monochromatic aesthetic, so you get black-and-white icons on the home screen with no labels, and a set of matching widgets to complete the look.

Of course there are some AI features as well, and I honestly ignored them because they revolve around taking screenshots. I’m just not a screenshot type of user, but Nothing isn’t alone in this – the latest Google Pixel 9 also relies on screenshot-based AI tools. You can also use Google Gemini, but don’t expect the robust set of AI features that you might find on more expensive Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.

With such a low price tag there are bound to be compromises. The cameras are not good, even compared to those on the cheapest Pixel, the Pixel 9a, although that phone costs almost twice as much as the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Performance also lags, and I experienced stuttering in the interface, and occasional delays as the system worked to catch up with whatever task I wanted to perform.

I used the CMF Phone 2 Pro as my primary phone for work, and I really enjoyed it. I like the style of NothingOS; it’s refreshing, with fewer distractions than my Galaxy phone. I committed to using the bright orange lanyard screwed into the back of the phone for my entire review period, and I now understand the appeal of being able to sling the phone over my shoulder and having it readily at hand.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The worst thing about the CMF Phone 2 Pro is how hard it might be to buy one – and then to buy all the accessories you want. In the US, you can only get the model with 256GB of storage as part of Nothing’s so-called 'Beta' program. I used the Phone 2 Pro on AT&T near New York City, and after an initial warning message from AT&T that my phone wouldn’t work properly, it worked just fine.

The phone is easier to buy in the UK, Australia, and the rest of the world, with an even cheaper 128GB version available. Still, comparable phones from Samsung and Motorola are available at your local carrier store, and you can surely get one for free if you sign a contract. The CMF Phone 2 Pro may be cheap, but you probably won’t find one for free.

Only a few accessories will be available for US buyers, and those won’t include the back cover that lets you use attachable macro and fisheye camera lenses, or the magnetic wallet stand. I’m not a fan of snap-on lenses for smartphones, so that’s no big loss, but I wish more of the unique accessories were available here. Since they’re not, I’ll just have to head to my library’s 3D printer and make my own.

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• $279 / £249 / AU$509 for 256GB and 8GB of RAM
• £219 / AU$449 for a 128GB model, not available in the US

The CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing is available directly from Nothing in two storage options: 128GB and 256GB. The smaller-capacity model is not being sold in the US, however, and neither is the light green color – the color of my review sample – but you can still get the phone in white, black, or a very bright orange.

The Light Green is available in the UK, but not Australia, and all the other colors are available globally. That’s too bad, I like this light green very much, and it looks cool with the bright orange lanyard attached.

Don’t get too attached to the lanyard if you're in the US, though, because the accessories are only available in the UK and Europe, and Nothing says quantities may be limited.

The 128GB model has an incredibly low price for a phone this good, and if you use cloud storage services there isn’t a pressing need to buy the larger capacity.

Even so, the 256GB model is also an incredible bargain. For around the same price – $300 / £299 / AU$499 – you'll get a Samsung Galaxy A26 or Motorola Moto G Power with 128GB of storage. Both of those phones are a bit more durable, though, with true IP67 and IP68 ratings for water resistance, respectively. Otherwise, there are no significant benefits in terms of specs and hardware, and the CMF Phone 2 Pro has a slight edge in performance.

• Value score: 5/5

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Specs

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a MediaTek 7300 Pro 5G chipset inside, which is a bit faster than the Exynos 1380 you’ll find in a Galaxy A26 or the MediaTek 6300 in the Moto G Power 2025. The phone ships with 8GB of RAM, which is adequate for a bargain phone, and there's a microSD card slot behind the SIM tray if you need more storage space.

The camera specs are impressive for a phone in this price range, even if, as mentioned, the images aren’t noteworthy. The main camera uses a 0.63-inch sensor, which is much larger than the sensors you’ll find in competing Samsung and Motorola phones. There's a real 2x optical zoom, in addition to a third lens for ultra-wide shots and macro photos.

As with most phones at this price there’s no wireless charging, but you do get slightly faster charging speeds if you buy a 33W charger.

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Design

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Exposed screws and removable bits
• More durable than before, even water resistant

The CMF Phone 2 Pro design is a whole choice. Like its big-sibling Nothing Phones, the CMF Phone stands out; it looks, er, nothing like other phones you’ve seen. The back of the phone is punctuated by exposed screws, a removable circular plate, and cameras that look like internal components laid bare.

I like it. It doesn’t feel haphazard – it’s clear that there's thought and design behind the asymmetry. You can't remove the whole back cover of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, as you could with the original CMF Phone, but there is still the small circular screw that you can remove to screw in accessories like the lanyard (or just the lanyard holder, which can also be a loop for dangling charms).

The CMF Phone 2 Pro only comes with an IP54 rating, which means it's protected against dust, but when it comes to water it can only handle rain or splashing, not a full dunk.

However, Nothing has tested the phone itself, and claims it can be submerged in 25cm of water for 20 minutes – so I wouldn’t wash this phone in the sink, but I also wouldn’t worry if you drop it into the toilet by accident.

That’s a huge improvement over last year’s CMF Phone, likely thanks to that new back panel that doesn’t come off as easily. Still, the Samsung Galaxy A26 is IP67 rated for longer dips underwater, and the Moto G Power 2025 is fully military MIL-STD 810H rated, so it can take a serious beating.

My phone came in a lovely light green color that is becoming popular this year – the Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in the same hue as a Samsung online-exclusive color. Unfortunately, you can’t buy this color in the US; you can only get the black, white, or orange versions. I haven’t seen the orange in person, but if it’s as bright as the matching lanyard I got, be aware that it could stop traffic.

• Design score: 4/5

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Display

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Brighter than competitors at this price
• Colorful and durable with Panda Glass

The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a very nice display for a phone at this price. It was brighter and more colorful in our labs tests than the Samsung Galaxy A26, a solid win for Nothing since Samsung is usually known for its superlative displays.

Does it get to 3,000 nits at peak brightness? Not that we could see, but it was bright enough in my review time for me to take photos in outdoor light, and to use the phone in a variety of lighting conditions. My content always looked great on the display, whether I was watching movies or perusing my photo albums.

This is one area where spending more will get you better technology, however. The Pixel 9a costs a bit more, but it has a much brighter display that's easier to see in bright, outdoor light. Even paying just a bit more for the Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro will get you brighter displays than what you'll see on the CMF Phone.

If I were going to pay to upgrade any feature, it would be this, because more expensive phones have displays that are brighter and easier to use in bright sunlight. I’d also like a stronger glass panel, though the CMF Phone 2 Pro is no slouch here.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro has a screen that's durable and should stand up to mild abuse. The phone uses Panda Glass from Chinese glass maker Tengshu, and it offers many of the same physical qualities as Corning’s Gorilla Glass. I didn’t see any scuffs or scratches after an intense week using the phone as my primary device.

• Display score: 3/5

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Software

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• NothingOS on top of Android 15 for a signature style
• For folks who want fewer distractions, not more features

If you want a smartphone with helpful display-edge software panels, tons of features, and customizations galore, buy a Samsung with One UI. If you want to minimize distractions with a signature look and feel that's different from any other smartphone, you should check out NothingOS on the CMF Phone 2 Pro (and other Nothing phones).

That doesn’t mean Nothing gives you nothing on top of Android 15. In fact, Nothing offers a plethora of cool widgets to enhance your home screen, all in Nothing’s signature monochromatic style.

At startup, you can choose between a Nothing interface and a standard Android home screen. Go with Nothing and you’ll see fewer colors, fewer labels on app icons and settings, and presumably fewer distractions. I actually like the NothingOS design, especially with its home screen widgets and monochromatic wallpapers, so I stuck with it for my review period.

There is some AI on board, but frankly I never used it. Just like with the latest Nothing Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, you get a so-called Essentials key, which is a glorified screenshot button. Press the button to take a screenshot that saves to Nothing’s Essential Space. Hold the button to take a screenshot and add a voice memo.

Essential Space is an AI tool that scans whatever you save so it can offer answers later. Unfortunately, I don’t screenshot very much. I don’t save every bit of useful information as a screenshot. I don’t screenshot my emails, text messages, or calendar invitations, since those already live in their own app.

So I didn’t get much value out of Essential Space. If you screenshot everything, or if you’re willing to change your behavior, you may find this more useful. I, on the other hand, did not feel the CMF Phone 2 Pro was missing anything when I skipped these AI features.

• Software score: 3/5

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Cameras

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Lots of megapixels and big sensors don’t equal great photos
• If photos matter, you’ll need to spend more (or get a camera)

The CMF Phone 2 Pro's cameras offer plentiful examples of pretty much every way smartphone cameras can go wrong. There’s a lack of detail in most shots, and evidence of strong digital sharpening that makes photos look more like still frames from a low-quality video camera. Backgrounds are frequently over-sharpened, leaving dark edges around objects. In even my most simple shots it can be so hard to tell what I was photographing.

Don’t take photos of anything red, because the cheap sensors on this phone can’t handle the hue, and flowers become a garbled mess, even in bright, outdoor light that should have made for the best results. I was equally unimpressed with the zoom lens, which took photos of birds that were so muddy I couldn’t tell if the water fowl were covered in feathers or plastic.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The wide-angle lens produces a lot of barrel distortion, so buildings will look rounded and weird. I saw plenty of chromatic aberration along high-contrast edges, and the camera falls apart when asked to shoot in low-light near darkness.

It’s hard to find a good camera on a phone this cheap, but the Samsung Galaxy A26 will certainly produce better results in most situations. If photos truly matter, though, you’ll need to step up at least to a Pixel 9a, or perhaps look for a cheap digital camera to carry alongside your phone. I carried an older point-and-shoot camera during my review time, and I barely thought about the CMF Phone 2 Pro for my photography needs.

• Camera score: 2/5

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Camera samples Image 1 of 6

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(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future) CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Performance

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Budget-level performance means delays
• Still very usable, and lags weren't noticeable in lighter usage

The CMF Phone 2 Pro uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G chipset, which is a slight step up from the Dimensity 7300 5G in last year’s CMF Phone. In Future Labs tests, the CMF Phone 2 Pro edged out the competition, including Samsung Exynos 1380-equipped Galaxy A26 and Motorola’s Dimensity 6300-driven Moto G Power 2025. In pure benchmark terms, this phone performs about as well as the Galaxy A36, a more expensive phone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 inside.

In the real world, performance could be very laggy as I navigated the interface and performed advanced tasks. If I tried to select more than a dozen or so apps to download all at once, the phone came to a halt and stopped registering my taps. When I tried to add six-dozen photos to a single photo album, the phone flatly refused to move so many images at once. I got an error message that I could never defeat.

For most of my daily tasks, however, I didn’t notice any slowdown. Network speeds were fine on AT&T’s network near New York City, and web pages loaded slowly but steadily. All of my messages came through, and I was able to hold video chat meetings.

This isn’t a powerhouse phone, but it gets the job done, even for professional work. The phone handled TechRadar's AirTable content management system with no trouble, and it loaded up the over-complicated AirTable app to show me behind-the-scenes planning.

Any step up in price will get you a phone with more power, but I would pay more for better cameras and a better display before I worried about much faster CPU performance. As long as you’re not a hardcore gamer you might just need a little more patience, so maybe just stare at the cool design while you wait for your phone to catch up.

• Performance score: 2/5

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Battery

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

• Excellent battery life, among top performers overall
• Charging could be faster; no charger included

The CMF Phone 2 Pro delivered excellent battery life, both in the real world and in our Future Labs testing. During my review time the phone always lasted through a full day of use, although it probably helped that I didn’t play many games and didn’t use the cameras very much. In any case, I could forget to charge this phone overnight and still have enough juice to get me through to lunchtime the next day.

In our Future Labs battery rundown test the CMF Phone 2 Pro was a top performer, managing to last just over 16 hours. In the same test, the Samsung Galaxy A26 lated around 10 hours, and the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e (the cheapest iPhone right now) both lasted just over 12 hours.

Much of this longevity is down to how you’ll use the phone. With a slower processor on board, you’ll use less battery power; the Moto G Power 2025 is even slower, and that phone lasted slightly longer in our lab tests. You also won’t use the cameras on the CMF Phone 2 Pro as often as you might with one of the best camera phones.

That said, bargain phones offer great battery life, just like cheaper cars usually get better gas mileage. It’s a benefit of saving money, and I’m happy to take it.

For juicing up, the CMF Phone 2 Pro can charge up to 33W, but there’s no charger in the box (except in India). There's also no wireless charging, but that feature is a rarity at this price point.

• Battery score: 3/5

Should you buy the CMF Phone 2 Pro?

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future) Buy it if...

You have a 3D printer and want to make phone accessories
The CMF Phone 2 Pro offers creative types unique options to make accessories that enhance the phone’s capabilities more than any other device.

You want more than just a cheap version of another phone
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is unique. It doesn’t try to look like a more expensive model, and it stands out with its own design that’s like nothing else.

You want a distinctive look that minimizes distractions
With NothingOS you can dial down the colors and distractions from all the apps on your phone that suck you in like candy.

Don't buy it if...

You need great cameras, or even very good cameras
It’s got megapixels, but that doesn’t equate to great photos, and the pics I got from the CMF Phone 2 Pro were disappointing in every way.

You want to play a lot of games with serious graphics
This phone performs better than most other phones you’ll find at this price, but you’ll notice lag on normal apps, and intense games are out of the question.

You plan on beating this phone up
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is more durable than the last CMF phone, but if you’re going to beat up on a phone, get something more durable.

CMF Phone 2 Pro review: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy A26
The Samsung Galaxy A26 has Samsung’s OneUI software with more AI features, as well as a water-resistant build that can take a serious dunk.

Motorola Moto G Power 2025
The Moto G Power 2025 isn’t the most powerful (ironic), but it is the most durable phone you’ll find at this price, and it comes in some great Pantone-approved colors

How I tested the CMF Phone 2 Pro

I used the CMF Phone 2 Pro for almost two weeks. I tested the phone on AT&T’s network in the greater New York area, throughout the city and suburbs. I used the CMF Phone 2 Pro as my primary work phone with all of my work accounts and apps, and as my personal phone for photos and gaming.

I tested the CMF Phone 2 Pro with a Pixel Watch 3 and CMF Buds Plus. I connected the phone to my car and tested Android Auto. I connected an Xbox wireless controller for gaming, and connected to a Bluetooth speaker for audio.

I tested the CMF Phone 2 Pro camera against the Nothing Phone 3a, among numerous other phones, in Future Labs.

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

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

Read more about how we test

Why you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of smartphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

First reviewed April 2025

Id Software’s Doom series made a hell of a comeback in Doom (2016) with one of the best FPS campaigns of all time. This was followed up by 2020’s Doom Eternal, which turned every element of the series to an extreme level with a faster pace, enhanced weapons, and some of the most satisfying movement in any shooter; it was Doom by way of Devil May Cry. However, rather than go even more extreme, Doom: The Dark Ages takes on a medieval theme where instead of a Formula One killing machine, you’re a tank.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Release date: May 15, 2025 (early access May 13

The Slayer (or, to give him his full name, Doom Slayer) is far slower than usual; there’s a sprint button as opposed to him just being naturally fast, and there’s nary a double jump or dash in sight. You’re heavy, you’re bulky, and you’re blocking all manner of attacks.

A shield is introduced very early on in Doom: The Dark Ages. Enemies will throw out attacks that glow green, meaning they can be parried, which you will soon realise is the central mechanic of the game.

(Image credit: Bethesda) The only thing they fear is you

The Slayer is built around defense, which is a far cry from the previous two entries and results in the stylish combat feeling a bit more barebones. The right move often feels like sitting back and having the enemy come to you, as opposed to you being the final boss tearing through every environment.

That doesn’t mean the combat doesn’t have its moments, though; the chainsaw shield throw is a bit of kit that feels incredibly satisfying from the moment you get it until the finale.

Throwing the shield into a large demon results in it getting lodged inside of it, which – with an upgrade – will let you shoot at it to create a ricocheting death machine. There are flashes of Doom’s trademark style, but it doesn’t quite have the sauce that was found in previous entries.

(Image credit: Bethesda)

That being said, the actual shooting still feels fantastic. The Super Shotgun continues to be the greatest gun known to man. Meanwhile, the new Ravager weapon – which grinds up skulls and shoots out bone shrapnel – is a brilliant concept, and the ball and chain launching chainshot is so satisfying to charge up and blast off the skull of a demon with. Even if the Slayer doesn’t feel as good to control, his guns sure do.

Difficulty-wise the game strikes the perfect balance. I played on Ultra-Violence (hard), and it felt like the right amount of tough; countless adrenaline-filled moments of near death, where you’re parrying for your life, make for some of combat's highlights.

The combat is also extremely customizable, with the likes of parry windows and damage sliders being adjustable. Although there is nothing quite as terrifying as the Marauder battles from Doom Eternal, which would push you to your limit constantly.

The graphics look incredibly crisp – especially on PlayStation 5 Pro – even with all the gore and particles on screen, I never noticed any framerate drops on both the base PS5 or the Pro. The game does have some DualSense Wireless Controller features like adaptive triggers for the guns and use of the controller speaker (although the latter borders on the obnoxious as sound effects get doubled).

(Image credit: Bethesda) BFG Division

The levels found in Doom: The Dark Ages are a mixture of classic Doom and some new ideas. While the dense, secret-filled gauntlets are still present and accounted for, id experiments with a semi-open world formula for some of the new levels.

These levels will plop you into a domain and let you run free, taking on objectives in any order you please, and allow you to explore all corners of the map looking for upgrades and secrets. While some don’t feel quite as clean as the more focused levels, it's a nice way to change things up.

The other two additions are Mech and Dragon stages. These are used as nice distractions to break up the pace and are undoubtedly cool set piece moments; however, it becomes clear once you reach the second one of each that there’s no real progression between them.

Both revolve around a dodge-then-attack format, with the dragon having some aerial chases to segue between areas, but they feel pretty identical the whole way through and are a little half-baked.

Best bit

(Image credit: Bethesda)

During the final act the story goes into overdrive and you’re faced with a number of great boss fights and set piece moments that round things off with a bang.

Another thing I didn’t think the developers went far enough with was the dark ages concept itself. While there’s fantasy iconography with the Slayer’s sick fur pelt cape and the melee weapons, there’s really not much that separates this from regular Doom.

It’s still fused with sci-fi, so there are still energy weapons; in fact, only the Ravager and Chainshot feel uniquely dark ages. The environments are pretty different at least, swapping Mars and destroyed Earth cities for large battlefields.

The roster of enemies have all gotten redesigns to fit the theme, but some are a massive step down. The Cacodemon – which is typically a pretty goofy-looking monster, bordering on cartoonish – looks unrecognisable as the team goes for a more realistic style. However, the majority of these are fantastic, with the Imps and Mancubus being the highlights.

(Image credit: Bethesda) Hell on Earth

Story is a big part of Doom: The Dark Ages, which means even more cutscenes. It centres on The Slayer being a tool in a war between Sentinels and the forces of hell.

The game introduces a ton of new characters who are new to the series, but outside of the Kreed Makyr and main villain Ahzrak, there’s not much to write home about. There’s a cast of human characters with their own plight, but it wasn’t engaging, and whenever they were on screen, I just found myself wishing I was playing or watching the Slayer do something.

The Slayer is still great, though. Right from the beginning it’s still established that he is that guy. Everyone talks about him with hushed tones; he’s treated like a bogeyman by the denizens of hell, and the moment he steps foot on the battlefield, the entire aura changes. It’s full of him doing superhuman feats that border on silly in how over the top they get, and despite my lack of interest in the overall plot, id Software nails it when he is on screen.

The previous two entries in the Doom series were all-time great FPS campaigns, but they were also top-tier albums, as Mick Gordon’s soundtrack work on them was incredible. However, after controversy with the Doom Eternal soundtrack, Gordon hasn’t returned for this. One of the best things about his soundtracks was the blend of metal riffs with excellent synth work, over just being straight metal. However, sadly, The Dark Ages goes for the straight metal approach. and it just doesn’t hit the same. None of the music is bad, but it’s not entirely memorable either.

Doom: The Dark Ages features an excellent FPS campaign with satisfying gameplay, best-in-class shooting, and great set-piece moments. At the end of the day, its biggest sin is that it doesn’t live up to what came before.

The decision to slow combat down and scale back the Slayer’s movement makes things feel like a step back and takes away some of the flashy style. I wish it did more with the medieval setting, but it’s still a great shooter campaign that continues to prove why id Software is at the top of the FPS mountain.

(Image credit: Bethesda) Should you play Doom: The Dark Ages? Play it if...

You want a nice, long single-player campaign
Doom: The Dark Ages’ campaign clocks in at about 15-20 hours, with each level being packed with collectables and secrets to find. There’s also challenge modes available like Ultra Nightmare, for those who really want to test their limits.

You like satisfying shooting and parries
Doom remains second-to-none when it comes to satisfying gunplay, each shotgun blast feels devastating thanks to great visual and sound design. While the new weapons are unique and welcome additions to The Slayer’s arsenal and the parries are plentiful and impactful.

Don't play it if...

You want a multiplayer shooter
While Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal both had in-depth multiplayer modes, Doom: The Dark Ages has skipped it entirely, the single-player campaign is all you’re getting this time around.

Accessibility

Doom: The Dark Ages has one of the strongest accessibility suites I've seen recently.

All the controls are able to be remapped, plus you’re able to freely tune each difficulty to your own standards (such as changing damage values, parry windows and game speed).

The game features subtitles, font and HUD scaling on the UI, as well as customisable colours for effects such as parries. There’s also colourblind modes although these are found in the ‘Video’ options menu rather than the ‘Accessibility’ menu.

How I reviewed Doom: The Dark Ages

I played 30 hours of Doom: The Dark Ages between a PS5 Pro on a Samsung Q60D TV and a Samsung HW-T450 soundbar. I also played on a PS5 on a Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor with a PlayStation Pulse 3D Headset.

During this time I completed the game on Ultra-Violence difficulty, with no difficulty modifiers turned on. I didn’t use the Life Sigils for an instant revive during combat, only during segments where I was exploring. I got 100% completion in all but two levels (having replayed a few levels to nail down those last few secrets).

First reviewed March 2025

The USG LITE 60AX is Zyxel’s latest secure small business router. As with other Zyxel appliances, the hardware and software setup is straightforward. The device includes two 2.5G Ethernet ports, four 1G ports, and a 4x4 Wi-Fi 6 radio. It connects seamlessly to the Nebula mobile app through the WAN, providing control and status of the network over the cloud.

Under the hood, a Quad-core ARM CPU with one gigabyte of RAM guarantees excellent packet processing times even with multiple clients connected to the unit. The firewall does not provide a serial console port, while status LEDs at the back hinder troubleshooting as they are hidden. The plastic unit can topple easily when many connections are made to the backports. The lack of mounting holes and heat dissipation vents means the firewall can only be placed on a flat surface.

Zyxel USG LITE 60AX: Price and Availability

The USG LITE 60AX costs $199 and comes with a five-year warranty. For this price, the user gets the basic Zyxel firewall package, including remote access from the cloud. Enterprise features such as SSH access require a premium license, which costs $456 annually. The smaller firewall version, the SCR 50AXE, supports Wi-Fi 6E for the same price but features a weaker processor.

Zyxel USG LITE 60AX: Design

The Zyxel 60AX ships in a large box with only one RJ45 cable and a 12V AC power block. The white plastic case is recycled and has a red front tab to match Zyxel’s colors. It measures 16 cm by 6.5 cm by 2.3 cm for a weight of 700 g. The case lies flat or upright on a table, with no mounting hole. A small plastic tab at the bottom rotates to become the router’s stand, keeping it stable when cables are plugged into the back. A multicolor LED hiding beneath the red plastic tab shows the router's state.

The built-in switch offers two 2.5GbE ports for WAN and LAN connections and four gigabit LAN ports. Each port has a pair of LEDs to show link status and speed. A recessed button enables resetting the unit if it becomes unstable or slow. The router's power consumption maxes out at 31W. An AX6000 class access point with speeds up to 1.2 Gbits/sec on the 2.4GHz radio and 4.8 Gbits/sec on the 5GHz channel makes accessing the Internet a breeze, even with multiple clients connected simultaneously.

Under the hood, the 60AX features one application processor for the firewall and router. The design is based entirely on Mediatek’s chipsets and includes an MT7986 ARM-based quad-core CPU, two radio transceivers, and a high-performance seven-port switch. A one-gigabyte DRAM provides data storage for the processor while 512MB of NAND flash holds the router application and supporting software.

(Image credit: Future) Zyxel USG LITE 60AX: In use

The 60AX offers protection against hackers and ransomware beyond what a regular router typically provides. The subscription-free software includes an intrusion blocker and a firewall that filters access based on ports and IP addresses. The device also consists of the ever-useful ad blocker and cloud accessibility, allowing control from anywhere with an internet connection.

The installation is simple and allows the router to be used in minutes. Thanks to a Bluetooth interface, the setup is done with a smartphone, similarly to any Zyxel appliance. The mobile app, available on Android and iOS phones, scans a QR code at the bottom of the case. The router is then ready to be used with a few clicks. A firmware upgrade step might be necessary at the end of the setup.

The 60AX acts as a security router between the Internet provider’s modem and the LAN, actively monitoring and filtering inbound and outbound packets with a throughput of up to 2 Gbps, decreasing to 300 Mbps when used as a VPN. The router offers up to four VLANs, which is somewhat limited compared to competitive products. The 60AX consumes about 25W under normal load, with four devices actively surfing the net, which increases to a maximum of 31W when the CPU is under stress.

(Image credit: Future) Zyxel USG LITE 60AX: Competition

The Zyxel 60AX security router competes directly with firewall products like the Firewalla Gold. Zyxel's advantage is the router’s seamless integration into the Nebula cloud. The price is also competitive, at less than $200. The 60AX has a built-in Wi-Fi 6 4x4 radio, which the Gold does not have. This firewall not only filters out unwelcome access but also acts as an Ethernet switch and a Wi-Fi access point, which makes $200 look like a bargain.

Zyxel USG LITE 60AX: Final Verdict

The 60AX bundle features that cost several times more than the unit. First, the firewall goes beyond content and attack filtering with additional extras such as a built-in AdBlocker. A Wi-Fi 6 access point and a multi-gig Ethernet switch are also included. The user eventually saves on the electricity bill and space compared to having multiple items to do what the 60AX is doing.

On the negative side, Zyxel could have chosen a newer Wi-Fi standard, such as 6E. We also are not a fan of the round casing, which topples over more than the average switch.

Buy the Zyxel 60AX if ... you need an all-in-one router with a built-in firewall and priced reasonably well.

Don’t get the 60AX if ... you want a speedy Wi-Fi 7 connection or three or more 2.5 Gb ports.

We've listed the best secure routers.