Reviews

Miele Blizzard CX1: two-minute review Product note

The Miele Blizzard CX1 range is available in multiple territories, but in various different configurations. These have the same base model, but different tools and accessories. For this review, I tested the Blizzard CX1 Flex.

The Miele Blizzard CX1 is a bagless cylinder vacuum that plugs in via a power cable for endless vacuuming time. It offers four suction levels and four vacuuming accessories in addition to the main floorhead.

Miele is a German brand with a reputation for quality across many appliance categories. And since it's been making vacuums for around 100 years, it knows a thing or two about designing the best vacuum cleaners. Miele offers two distinct ranges of bagless plug-in cylinder vacuums, the Miele Blizzard CX1 range and the Miele Boost CX1 range.

There are a few different CX1 options which use the same base model but have different tools and accessories. For this review, I tested the CX1 Flex.

On the whole, its size, coupled with features like its large dust canister make it well suited to larger homes. And while performance was good, it's not the best I've tried on carpet and it isn't suited to homes with pets either. But it's quiet and easy to use, plus the super long flexible crevice nozzle allows you to clean those awkward, tight spaces between your large appliances and the wall.

(Image credit: Future) Miele Blizzard CX1 review: price & availability

• Various options in Blizzard CX1 range, depending on territory
• Price: $479-$999 / £429-£499 / AU$849

The Miele Blizzard CX1 range is available in multiple territories, but exactly which models you can get depends on where you live.

For this review, I tested the Miele Blizzard CX1 Flex, which is only available in the UK, and costs £429. It can be bought directly from Miele, or via large electrical retailers such as Currys or Hughes. In the UK there are four Miele Blizzard CX1 vacuums ranging from £429 to £499 and at the time of writing some of them were available at a discounted price, so it's worth shopping around, especially around the time of seasonal sales.

In the US there are three Miele Blizzard CX1 models, which have the same main vacuum as the one I tested, but different accessories and floorheads. They range in price from $479 to $999.

In Australia there's one model available, it's the Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Powerline and it'll set you back AU$849. Take a look at the Miele website in your country, for more details on the models available.

No matter which model you go for, the Blizzard CX1 is in the premium price bracket, and while that's not unexpected for this brand, I think it's a little overpriced given the overall performance.

• Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Miele Blizzard CX1 specs Miele Blizzard CX1 review: design

• Big and bulky for a cylinder vacuum
• Not all tools stored on board
• Good size dust canister

When I first removed the Miele Blizzard CX1 Flex from its box I was surprised at how chunky it felt. And maybe that is in part because I've just reviewed the super compact Miele Boost CX1, nevertheless it's worth checking out the dimensions if you're short on storage space.

The cylinder itself measures 51.5 x 31 x 29cm/ 20.3 x 12.2 x 11.4 inches (h x w x d) when stood upright on its end. The advantage of a larger vacuum is usually a larger dust canister and the Miele Blizzard CX1 has an ample 2 liter bagless canister. Though I would argue that its 7.5 meter/ 24.6ft power cord is on the short side.

(Image credit: Future)

This particular model comes with an upholstery nozzle and crevice tool, both of which are stored on board the vacuum, at the back. There's also a dusting brush, which frustratingly isn't stored on the vacuum. And lastly, there's an extra long and bendy crevice nozzle that's ideal for reaching down the sides of large appliances such as a fridge or dryer.

The crevice nozzle is what makes this the Flex model, the standard UK Miele Blizzard CX1 is exactly the same but without the flexible crevice nozzle. Other models in the range include different floorhead types such as parquet floorhead for very delicate hard floors, or a motorized floorhead for optimized pet hair pickup.

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(Image credit: Future)

The floorhead included with this model is called an EcoTeQ floorhead and Miele describes it as being designed for energy efficient vacuuming with maximum cleaning. For the best performance cleaning carpet and collecting pet hair, you'll need to fork out for the top-of-the-range Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog model which comes with the motorized floorhead.

The controls are very simple, there are just two buttons and a dial on the body of the vacuum. The power button and the cord rewind button can both be foot operated to avoid the need to bend down. But when you want to switch between the four suction levels you will have to bend down to adjust the dial.

The only other control is the foot pedal located on the floorhead. The position of this switch dictates the position of the brushes on the underside of the floorhead, and you have to adjust it depending on whether you're vacuuming carpet or hard floors.

(Image credit: Future)

Between the floorhead and the handle is a telescopic wand, which is an adjustable height tube. That means you can adjust it to suit your height, or, if you're trying to reach under furniture, you can extend it to lengthen the reach.

The dust canister lifts straight up and out of the vacuum simply by grabbing its handle and pulling upwards. Then it's easily emptied by pressing the bright yellow release button which flips open the bottom of the dust canister, allowing all the dirt and debris to fall directly into your bin.

(Image credit: Future)

Once the dust canister has been removed and emptied, there are two filters inside it that can be cleaned periodically. The filter frame slides out from inside the canister and the pre-filter can be found at the back of the canister. Both should be cleaned when obviously dirty by removing dust and rinsing.

The main fine dust filter can be removed and cleaned manually in water. But it also has a handy self clean function called ComfortClean. When it reaches a specified degree of soiling, the vacuum will switch off for around 20 seconds and carry out this cleaning process. Or, you can start the ComfortClean process simply by pressing the ComfortClean button.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Miele Blizzard CX1 review: performance

• Quiet in use
• Not effective at hair pick up on carpet
• Excellent edge cleaning

In general I found the suction to be effective on all hard floors and was particularly impressed when I tested the pickup at the sides of the floorhead. I did this by sprinkling flour along baseboards and no matter which side of the floorhead I vacuumed with, the results were flawless and no flour was left lingering at the edges of the room.

Due to there being no brushes at the front of the floorhead, it does feel like it clatters along on my uneven, rustic slate tiled floors as opposed to gliding smoothly. And if I had very expensive or delicate hard floors, this might concern me more. On my wood floors, which are flat and not uneven, it glides more smoothly.

(Image credit: Future)

To test the performance on very fine particles I dusted flour onto my hard floors and vacuumed it back up again. For the most part it collected the flour in one sweep. On wood floors it collected all the flour that had settled into the grooves between the boards but I could see that some flour was still embedded into the wood grain and this took a couple of sweeps to remove.

Depending on the direction I vacuumed towards the flour it did sometimes push a small pile of flour out in front of the floorhead. It was swiftly and easily sucked up by approaching it from a different angle, but I'd prefer this didn't happen in the first place.

(Image credit: Future)

Overall pickup on carpet was good, but it wasn't faultless. I've got both a wool carpet and a synthetic carpet. On the synthetic carpet the suction felt really strong and I had to turn it down in order to actually be able to vacuum the room. It left the floors looking very clean.

On the less fluffy wool carpet, suction was fairly decent and having just reviewed the Miele Boost CX1, I do think the Blizzard CX1 offers better suction on carpet. But it still didn't feel like it was giving the carpet a thorough clean; I'd much prefer a motorized floorhead.

Picking up hair was effortless on hard floors, but on carpet, the hair got dragged around and clumped up before eventually being sucked into the vacuum after several passes. If you've got pets and carpet, you'll find models better suited to your needs in TechRadar's guide to the best vacuums for pet hair.

(Image credit: Future)

The body of the vacuum could just about balance on a step when vacuuming stairs, but it hangs over the edge of the step. So in all honesty it's a bit too big, and I didn't feel confident that it wouldn't topple. I found it best to move it up with me one step at a time and position my body in front of it, so it could only tilt into me and not fall.

By attaching the main floorhead directly to the handle, I found vacuuming stairs to be pretty quick and easy. When needed I could grab the crevice tool from its position onboard the vacuum to easily get into corners and edges.

I like the long crevice nozzle that gave me the opportunity to vacuum some areas that I can't normally get to with most vacuums. Awkward thin gaps like down the sides of my washing machine were finally within reach. Admittedly, I couldn't easily see how well it was doing, but I could hear debris being sucked up the pipe so it's safe to assume these areas were left cleaner than they started.

(Image credit: Future)

The upholstery tool is a bit basic in my opinion and it's also very small. And I found it frustrating that unless I remembered to push it very firmly into place, it would end up falling off mid-use. Having said all that, it works fine for sprucing up sofas and chairs.

(Image credit: Future)

The dusting brush is good and effective. I like that by twisting it, the angle of the brush adjusts, so you can set it up perfectly for the job at hand. It made short work of dusting a huge shelving unit in my living room.

Overall, in my small home with its cottage proportions, this cylinder vacuum was quite simply too bulky. In tight spaces it can feel like the vacuum itself is always in the way. It was much more at home and user-friendly in larger, more open spaces.

(Image credit: Future)

In the car I was able to use the main floorhead to clean the boot, but had to switch to the upholstery tool for most other jobs including the seats, mats, and carpet. The issue is that it's a very basic and small upholstery tool, so this took a bit of time.

The crevice nozzle was able to reach down most of the awkward gaps. For the really hard-to-reach spots, I got out the long bendy nozzle and it managed to reach some areas down the sides of the seats that have long been neglected. The dusting brush was useful for the dashboard and other hard surfaces.

Even on maximum suction, this is a quiet vacuum. On carpet it averaged 70-75dB and it was slightly louder on hard floors at 75-80dB. The noise level decreases as you decrease the suction, so even though it's not particularly loud, you can still make it quieter.

(Image credit: Future)

In practice, emptying the dirt was straightforward, though when the base of the canister flipped open, it often didn't open up as wide as it could, and in these instances some dust and debris would settle on it and need a quick shake to remove.

• Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Miele Blizzard CX1? Buy it if...

You live in a larger home

The two liter dust canister and longer power cord make the Miele Blizzard CX1 range more appropriate for larger homes than the Miele Boost CX1 range.

You want a vacuum that doesn't need charging

It might seem obvious, but a plug in vacuum offers you endless vacuuming time and removes the worry of running out of power, which is a common problem with cordless vacuums.

You want a straightforward vacuum

With just four power levels to choose from, this is a straightforward vacuum that's easy to operate and maintain, it won't befuddle you with unnecessary settings and controls.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget

If money is tight and you want a Miele canister vacuum, take a look at the cheaper Miele Boost CX1 range, the vacuums are smaller but much cheaper and still come with the Miele pedigree.View Deal

You've got pets

Due to the style of floorhead, this vacuum isn't designed for homes with pets. For effective and efficient pet hair pick up you'll need a vacuum with a motorised floorhead.

You lack storage space

This isn't the most compact canister vacuum you can buy from Miele, so if storage space is tight take a look at the Miele Boost CX1 range instead.

How I tested the Miele Blizzard CX1

In my career testing and reviewing home appliances I've tried out well in excess of a hundred vacuums. This gives me a pretty good understanding of what makes a good vacuum and what features and design details will quickly become annoying.

I set up this vacuum in my own home and used it for my regular cleaning tasks. Not only that, but I cleaned my car with it, and set up some tests to see how well it performed very specific tasks such as cleaning right up to the edges of a room.

I also checked the noise level, maneuverability and comfort in use. Furthermore I checked that any maintenance wouldn't be too complicated or overwhelming, and that emptying out the dirt would be easy and mess-free.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners.

• First reviewed November 2024

Sennheiser Profile Wireless: one-minute review

With relative upstarts likes DJI, Rode, Hollyland and more all releasing tiny wireless microphones recently, veteran audio manufacturers have started to get in on the action. Sennheiser’s Profile Wireless is an attempt by the company – long famed for its excellent studio mics and headphones – to muscle in on the market, and I’ve found it to be yet another very impressive compact mic, ideal for anyone who wants to elevate their recorded content for vlogs, podcasts, interviews and more.

With a lightweight, compact design (each of the two transmitters weighs just 27g, while the whole package including a charging bar weighs 290g) and a solid 20-ish hours of battery life, the Profile Wireless is easy to carry around all day, and its 24-bit audio quality beats the pants off the internal mics used by smartphones, laptops and cameras – the things you’ll likely be pairing it with when recording content. It can also be used completely independently of other hardware, thanks to each of the transmitters having internal storage space for recordings.

While its lack of so-called ‘premium’ features like Bluetooth recording, 32-bit float and automatic noise cancelling might give would-be completionists and professionals pause, I don’t think there’s much wrong with Sennheiser’s less-is-more approach. By keeping things simple and effective, the Profile Wireless makes for a worthy affordable alternative to the likes of the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro.

The whole kit includes two transmitters, one receiver and a charging bar (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Sennheiser Profile Wireless: price and release date

• $299 / £259 / AU$549 for 2-Channel Set with receiver, two transmitters and charging bar
• Replacement receivers and transmitters sold separately
• Available now

I think the best way to purchase the Sennheiser Profile Wireless, which is on sale now, is as a complete kit. The 2-Channel Set package includes a receiver, two transmitters, a charging bar/interview mic, three adapters (for mounting the receiver on a camera cold shoe, or on a USB-C or Lightning device), two magnets for attaching the transmitter to clothing, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, three windscreens (two for transmitters, one for the interview mic) and a soft zip-up carry case to hold everything securely.

The transmitter and receiver components can also be purchased separately, but I’d see that more as an option for replacing damaged or lost components (or buying spares) rather than for building a wireless mic setup.

The Sennheiser Profile Wireless is a bit cheaper than premium rivals like the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro, but more expensive than the compact DJI Mic Mini and Rode Wireless Micro. I think the pricing is about right, as the Profile Wireless can’t match the premium models on features such as 32-bit float recording.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Sennheiser Profile Wireless: specs

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Sennheiser Profile Wireless: Design

• All main elements slot into charging bar
• Entire package weighs 290g
• Adapters for USB-C, Lightning and cold shoe included

The main two elements of the Sennheiser Profile Wireless package are the transmitter and receiver units. The transmitter is a small and lightweight mic that can be attached to clothing via a built-in clip or a magnet (the latter being suitable for thin fabrics like t-shirts only), and can be used in tandem (for stereo or two-person recording) or solo (for mono recording). It links wirelessly to the receiver, a slightly larger unit that can be attached to smartphones, tablets, laptops or cameras; the receiver takes the audio signal and converts it to digital audio data on a video or audio recording, and also features an OLED touchscreen for adjusting settings and viewing input levels in real-time. The touchscreen is tiny, which can make tweaking things tricky at times, but given one of the key features of the setup is its compact size, I think this is just par for the course.

The charging bar doubles as a handheld broadcast mic, perfect for thrusting into the faces of interviewees (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Both the transmitter and receiver elements are handsome (if not showy or fancy) to look at and constructed well, just as I would expect from a Sennheiser product. They also come with a cleverly designed charging bar, which features space to dock them for storage and recharging, plus room to store adapters and magnets. Its long, narrow shape, and the fact that the transmitters are stored at one end, means it can be repurposed as a traditional handheld microphone, held by the user and pointed towards interviewees – much like you’d see a news reporter wielding for a vox pop or red carpet interview. That’s something I’ve never seen on other wireless mics, and a good reason to consider buying the Profile Wireless if you’re planning on creating that sort of content. The charging bar also has a standard tripod mounting point on one side, so you can attach it to a tripod or mic arm if you wished.

As with most small wireless microphone packages, the Profile Wireless can be attached to various devices. Included in the box are adapters to attach the receiver to Lightning devices, USB-C devices and cameras (the latter using a cold shoe mount). The transmitters can also be used completely independently, thanks to onboard recording controls and 16GB of built-in storage space – enough for about 30 hours of audio. Each also has a 3.5mm input for attaching an optional lavalier mic, and it’s a nice high-quality metal connector too, with a screw fit for firmly securing the lav mic cable. Again, that’s a nice premium touch that I haven’t seen on similar wireless mic systems – the DJI Mic 2 has a lav input, but it’s just plastic with no screw fit.

The receiver can attach directly to your smartphone, tablet, camera or laptop (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) Sennheiser Profile Wireless: Performance

• 24-bit audio quality
• Automatic backup recording
• Wireless range of up to 245m

Like most 2.4GHz wireless mics, the Profile Wireless records audio at 24-bit quality. Some recent mics, like the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro, offer an option to record at a higher 32-bit float quality, but that’s not available here. I don’t think most users will find that a huge loss, as the 24-bit audio sounds great here, and 32-bit float (the files of which take up a lot more space than 24-bit files) is something that’s really designed for professionals and uncompromising perfectionists rather than regular users.

As stated above, I found the Profile Wireless’s audio quality to be excellent, having tested it both in and outdoors in various ambient noise conditions. The lack of active or intelligent noise cancelling means you may want to consider alternative microphones if you’re likely to be consistently recording in loud environments, but as long as you can live with some background noise I don’t think it’s a feature you’ll miss too much. There are removeable furry wind shields included to help reduce noise on blustery days, too.

The 24-bit audio does a fine job of making voices sound clear and weighty, whether you’re recording onto an external device via the receiver or directly onto a transmitter using the on-board controls. There are adjustable gain controls included on the receiver, plus a Safety Channel mode that, when using two transmitters, records a second version of the recording at -6dB in case the main channel clips out due to an unforeseen loud noise.

Adapters for Lightning, USB-C and camera cold shoes are included in the charging bar (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Another feature not included here but present on some rivals is direct Bluetooth recording, where you can pair a transmitter directly with your mobile device to record audio, bypassing the receiver altogether.

One great audio feature Sennheiser has added is Backup Recording Mode, which automatically switches to on-board recording when the wireless signal is weak or drops. The wireless range is good (up to about 250m in clear conditions) but having this as a fallback option in case of connection issues may turn out to be a godsend for some.

Battery life is fairly decent, with around 7 hours of operating time on each transmitter and the receiver, plus an addition 15 or so hours in the charging bar. So you’re looking at an overall recording time of around 21 hours when using a single transmitter at any one time – roughly the same as you’d get from the Rode Wireless Micro.

Should I buy the Sennheiser Profile Wireless? Buy it if…

You want a no-nonsense way to improve your recordings

With no app required, auto-pairing and everything included in one small package, the Profile Wireless’s simplicity makes it a great one-stop way to get great audio.

You want protection against signal drops

Profile Wireless comes with an automatic backup mode, which kicks in to rescue recordings that might otherwise be lost if the wireless signal becomes weak.

You want to interview people while out and about

The charging bar’s ability to double as a handheld broadcast-style microphone makes it ideal for recording vox pops and similar interviews.

Don’t buy it if…

You need 32-bit float recordings

32-bit float recordings are overkill for most users, but those perfectionists who do want them will need to opt for a pricier alternative such as the DJI Mic 2.

You often record in very noisy places

With no noise cancellation tech included, you’ll be hearing background sounds in the Profile Wireless’s recordings. If recording in noisy environments is commonplace for you, it might not be the best choice.

You want to buy components separately

The Profile Wireless is only available as a two-transmitter kit with the charging bar, with extra transmitters and receivers being sold separately – but only as replacements or backups.

Sennheiser Profile Wireless: also consider

DJI Mic 2
If you're operating at a pro level, want audio quality a cut above the Profile Wireless’s, and are prepared to do a little work in the editing suite, then the pricier Mic 2 is the better bet thanks to its 32-bit float audio option and built-in environment noise cancelling. It is slightly pricier than the Sennheiser, accordingly.

Read our in-depth DJI Mic 2 review

Rode Wireless Micro
If you're keen for a fuss-free mic and only shoot with a smartphone, the tiny Rode Wireless Micro is a sensible choice. However, if you might branch out to vlogging with a camera, or want more flexible buying choice, the Sennheiser Profile Wireless remains a better bet.

Read our in-depth Rode Wireless Micro review

The whole kit and caboodle fits into a nice zip-up carrying case (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen) How I tested the Sennheiser Profile Wireless

• Used regularly for two weeks in quiet and noisy environments
• Paired with iPhone 13 and Panasonic Lumix GH6 II

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

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

If you’re going to get serious about money management then it’s a good idea to explore the best budgeting apps and personal finance software. However, if you’re after a free quick fix for your finances then NerdWallet is well worth investigating.

This is a quirky little package that works best in its app incarnation for both iOS and Android, allowing quick and easy access to lots of features and functions on the move. However, the desktop website edition offers another useful perspective on your finances, so to get the best from the NerdWallet arsenal of money tools, it’s probably best to use both from time to time.

This convenience aspect is a big pull factor for NerdWallet users, who once they’ve imported all their financial transactions into the software, can check income and expenditure in one fell swoop.

• Want to try NerdWallet? Check out the website here

Of course, being free means that NerdWallet does have to raise revenue in other ways, which largely revolves around offering financial products and services from within the software itself. If you can live with that aspect, rather than spending money on more complex and ad-free personal finance software, it makes a lot of sense.

NerdWallet comes in desktop and app editions and can be used for free. (Image credit: NerdWallet) NerdWallet: Pricing

NerdWallet is currently free to use, both in its desktop guise and also as the app edition, which is available for both iOS and Android. While there is no fee to pay for enjoying NerdWallet, there is a focus on the software offering finance-related deals and offers, which isn’t at all unreasonable given the overall appeal of the package.

NerdWallet offers a range of financial tools within its slick interface. (Image credit: NerdWallet) NerdWallet: Features

One of the most appealing features of NerdWallet is its capacity for giving you access to your credit score. This can be incredibly useful for checking its current status, but also for learning about how to improve it and, also, for spotting anything that might not be right. Nestling within NerdWallet are nudges towards financial products, but that’s still worth living with for the valuable insight the software gives about your financial wellbeing.

The credit score information is dynamic too, so is useful for getting an up-to-date overview of your current financial situation as well as piecing together a more historical picture. There’s also a neat credit simulator that can help give users an idea of what would happen if a new credit card is applied for and so on. This all works nicely alongside allowing users to keep a close eye on incomings and outgoings from their bank accounts and other financial interests.

NerdWallet rounds out the appeal with a comprehensive helping of advice shop features, which can help shine the light on any aspects of personal finance that you’re not really sure about. Used regularly, the package really can help with becoming more knowledgeable about money matters.

The NerdWallet app experience offers an insight into finances on the go. (Image credit: NerdWallet) NerdWallet: Performance

There’s a lot to like about NerdWallet and one of its most appealing aspects is the slick and simple interface of both the app editions and the desktop website. It all runs very well and, while there are financial deals and offers present on that journey, this is never enough to make you feel like going elsewhere to one of the rivals.

NerdWallet: Ease of use

As you’d expect from a quick and easy app, NerdWallet is equally straightforward to get to grips with. There’s a short sign-up process, which requires users to input personal information including a social security number, along with any relevant bank account details where the system pulls in transactional records from. It’s all well laid-out and NerdWallet follows all the same security protocols as other competitors in the personal finance space.

The app is also wonderfully simple to operate and, unlike some rival products, is easy to pick up and get the hang off. Rather than giving the user too much information, the NerdWallet approach is more minimalist and tailored. This is another aspect that makes NerdWallet useful for anyone who’s time poor and frequently checks their finances while they’re on the go, or in transit.

Meanwhile, the desktop experience is similarly slick, although it’s interesting to note that neither have exactly the same level of features and functions. It therefore makes sense to use the two in tandem where possible, though you don’t need to do this at the same time, obviously.

NerdWallet is easy to use either via the desktop website or the excellent app. (Image credit: NerdWallet) NerdWallet: Support

A big part of the appeal of NerdWallet is the wealth of help that’s on tap, with lots of guides and advice available for no cost at all. Using the app edition, or even the desktop incarnation for that matter, is also very straightforward, so there’s really not too much that can go wrong. Setup is a no-nonsense affair, but if you do run into problems there is plenty of guidance on offer to help get you back on track, plus a support email address for registered users.

NerdWallet: Final verdict

NerdWallet has to make money somehow, so this app and website combination does present users with deals and offers along the way. However, there’s no escaping the usefulness of NerdWallet, both for getting an overview of personal finances but also for getting monetary matters into better shape. Anyone looking for a quick and easy way to do this should investigate it, although there are rivals out there that offer similarly useful options, albeit for a fee.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: two-minute review

The LG XBoom Go XG8T has a pretty tough task – standing out in a field with extremely strong competition from some of the biggest names in audio. That’s right, this large portable speaker finds itself pitted against some tough rivals from the likes of JBL, Bose and Ultimate Ears. So, how does it fare in its battle for supremacy?

Well, firstly, LG has looked to focus on this speaker's design – specifically its phenomenal durability. The LG XBoom Go XG8T is said to have "military grade" protection against the elements, having passed seven different durability tests. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating and high-quality build, protecting it against impact and underwater submersion.

As well as that, this has neat, customizable LED lights, an attractive wraparound speaker grille and conveniently adjustable handle/strap. It's looking good so far, right? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but outside of its looks and design, the LG XBoom Go XG8T really struggles to outdo some of its similarly-priced competitors that have made our list of the best Bluetooth speakers.

There are some standout reasons for that. First, battery life. This is the XG8T's fatal flaw. LG says you get up to 15 hours of playtime – but there’s a real emphasis on the ‘up to’. If you’re playing at 50% volume without EQ adjustment or LED lights, sure, that might be attainable. But with lighting on and the booming Sound Boost feature activated, you’re going to see that battery percentage fall way faster. 15 hours isn’t particularly impressive anyway, so given depletion happens much faster with core features like Sound Boost is a real shame.

Next, let’s talk sound – another area where the XG8T can’t quite usurp some of the best waterproof speakers around. Bass, thankfully can get pretty deep and hits with impact, especially with Sound Boost on. Generally, elements like vocals and percussive elements in the treble range are clear too, although you may sense a bit of harshness at top volumes. However, this isn’t going to offer a massively detailed listen and there are no fancy audio codecs – think LDAC – to play with, so you end up with solid, yet fairly unremarkable sound in the end.

There are a couple of other smaller issues that arise too: slightly outdated Bluetooth connectivity, lacking EQ presets and a hefty AC adapter stick out. When you combine all of that with a high list price of $379.99 / £400 (about AU$600) it’s hard to justify buying this portable speaker.

Having said that, there’s another factor to consider. Since it’s release, the XG8T has frequently been available on sale, sometimes even for around half price. This, of course, changes the game significantly. Is the battery life still a big issue? Sure. But the power and bass on offer here would certainly be a lot more impressive in this context. So, if you can grab it at a massively cut price, it could possibly be worth considering the XG8T.

But all in all, this speaker just misses the mark. It’s not by any means a bad option, with impressive low-end power, generally clear all-round audio and incredible durability. But unless you’re a massive LG fan specifically, you’re likely to be better served elsewhere. Some of 2024’s big hitters like the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Xtreme 4 are regularly on sale for well under the list price of the XG8T and they are some top alternatives – so why not read more about those in the ‘Also Consider’ section below…

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom Go XG8T review: price and release date

• $379.99 / £400 (about AU$600)
• Launched in March 2024

OK, so if you buy the LG XBoom Go XG8T at its list price, you’ll have to shell out a fair amount of cash. Its usual price is $379.99 / £400 / AU$600, pitting it against competitors like the JBL Xtreme 4 and Ultimate Ears Epicboom.

However, as you may expect for a speaker that launched early in 2024, you can regularly find the XG8T available at a cut-price. In fact, this model can be as low as half price. I've spotted it going for less than $200 / £200 with some online retailers. It’s also worth noting that this speaker is only available in Black.

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom Go XG8T review: specs

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom Go XG8T review: features

• LG XBoom app compatibility
• Sub-par battery life
• Outdated Bluetooth version

The LG XBoom Go XG8T has a pretty tidy set of features and it owes this, in part, to the LG XBoom companion app. Using this, you can access some fairly typical options: multi-point connectivity, Party Link for pairing multiple speakers and EQ adjustment, for instance.

And on the topic of EQ adjustment, this app offers a pretty mixed experience. One key positive is that there’s a fully customizable, six-band equalizer available through the app, so you get a decent amount of control over the sound you get here. But I was frustrated at the real lack of presets available here. You can use Sound Boost, which provides a boost to volume and low-end power, but this counts as a preset in itself. Other than that, there’s only Standard mode. I would’ve liked to have seen some gene-specific presets, for instance, to make it easy to get your preferred sound from the offset.

Another cornerstone feature is LED light customization. There are three main categories to switch between – Ambient, Nature and Party. Within these are three preset choices, such as ‘Passion of youth’, ‘Cheerful celebration’ and ‘Gorgeous night view’ in the Party category. However, you can also save a custom pick within each of the three groups – making for a user experience that’s not only highly customizable, but highly convenient. If only EQ settings were this fully-fledged!

One more nice touch here is Healing Therapy. This provides access to a set list of calming sounds, all of which have to be downloaded separately. A few examples include ‘A Still Summer Night with Insect Sounds’ or ‘The Sleepy Sounds of the Deep Sea’, which I really enjoyed listening to. You can also set a sleep timer with Healing Therapy, just in case you find that you’ve nodded off. I think it’s fair to say that this feature is a bit of a gimmick, but gimmicks can still be fun. I still liked it, anyway.

But alas, there are a couple of issues I have with the XG8T, feature-wise. First of all, it doesn’t have the most up-to-date Bluetooth version. This speaker harnesses Bluetooth 5.1, even though a handful of speakers are already using version 5.4 now. But that’s not a deal-breaker, in my view.

The killer issue here is battery life. LG says you get up to 15 hours, that is if you keep volume at 50% or lower and have EQ and lights off. Activate Sound Boost and crank up the volume and battery depletes way too quickly. I’d lost 20% in about an hour with an average of about 50-60% volume, intermittent Sound Boost use and LED lights turned on – that’s pretty poor for a modern Bluetooth speaker of this size. So, if you want to get the best out of the XG8T, expect sub-par battery life. In fact, it may not even last an entire event without dying unless you’re conservative with volume and lighting.

• Features score: 3/5

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom Go XG8T review: sound quality

• Impactful bass
• Mighty volume levels
• No ‘hi-res’ codecs for more detailed listening

In the audio department, the LG XBoom Go XG8T puts in a pretty solid performance, with the main attraction being… you guessed it, bass. Now, out of the box, you may feel low-frequency audio output is a touch underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, it’s by no means pathetic, but it could definitely do with a leg up. And that’s where Sound Boost mode comes in, an essential option for bass-heavy bangers or if you want to flood large or outdoor spaces with your favorite tunes.

When listening to Voyager by Daft Punk, I was impressed by the pumping deep bass on offer, which produced a ground-shaking, head-bopping performance ideal for a party setting. The funky guitar playing throughout the track didn’t sound distorted either, even at about 70% volume. Getting higher than this was quite the task though – not because it sounds terrible, but because this thing can get very loud, thanks to its 60W woofer. And that certainly improves its credentials as a capable outdoor speaker.

One complaint I had when listening to Voyager and a host of other tracks, such as Moloko’s I Want You, was that higher-pitched percussive elements didn’t have perfect clarity and sharpness. This was emphasised more at top volumes, where this could get a bit grating – something that wouldn’t typically bother me too much, but for the price you're paying here this level of critique is valid.

Another slightly disappointing aspect of this speaker is its lack of support for more ‘hi-res’ Bluetooth codecs, such as LDAC. And this was a contributor to some songs occasionally lacking, or underplaying details in tracks. For instance, when I listened to Didn’t Cha Know by Erykah Badu, smaller percussive and string elements were kept under wraps, making for a slightly constricted listen.

Sure, vocals sounded decently balanced and overall audio was clean, but in all honesty that’s to be expected at this price-point. If you want a more detailed, nuanced listen for the money, this speaker is not your best option. You can pair it with another Go XG8T speaker (in dual mode, or multiple speakers in multi mode) via LG's Wireless Party Link, however, if you’d at least like access to even bigger sound.

Ultimately, this speaker’s success hinges much more on its talents in the bass and loudness departments. This is designed more for outdoor or party use and it works very nicely for that. Just make sure you have Sound Boost on to really add some meat in the low-end. You get great volume levels too and although things can get a little edgy at the top of the speaker’s range, it will still be capable of filling a larger room or cutting through pesky background noise in an outdoor setting.

• Sound quality score: 3.5/5

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom Go XG8T review: design

• Military-grade durability
• Decent looks with classy LED lights
• Adjustable strap can work as handle

The LG XBoom Go XG8T has a pretty standard look about it – which is by no means a bad thing. It’s a large, black Bluetooth speaker with passive radiators on each side, lined by LED lights and a wraparound speaker grille. I found this to be an attractive looking speaker, with its build quality perhaps being indicative of a higher price point.

But this is more than a classy-looking speaker, it’s super practical too. First of all, one of the speaker’s main selling points is that it offers military-grade durability. LG says that the XG8T has passed seven tests against: dust, high temperatures, rain, salt fog, shock, vibration and water immersion. On top of that, it’s IP67 certified, so it can even survive being submerged under a meter of water for up to thirty minutes.

Another big win in terms of practicality is the inclusion of an adjustable strap. The attached strap is more of a handle at first, which is ideal for carrying this fairly hefty speaker over short distances. But let’s say you’re going for a beach trip and have to carry the XG8T over a bit more ground. Fear not! You can extend the attached strap to a considerable length, in order to sling it around your shoulder.

This speaker also has some useful button controls just below the handle. These are all well-sized and serve their purpose well. You have the obvious inclusions, play/pause, volume controls and power on/off. But there’s also a Bluetooth button to swiftly connect devices and a Sound Boost option to crank up volume and boost the low-end. On top of that, there’s a tab on the reverse side of the speaker to access the USB-A port or the charging slot.

And that leads onto the only design element that bothered me with the XG8T: charging it up. The included AC adapter gives off the vibe of an oversized laptop charger from about 15 years back – not a good look. This really juxtaposes the high practicality of every other aforementioned element – and as much as it’s no deal breaker, I would’ve preferred slightly more lightweight charging equipment for the XG8T.

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom Go XG8T review: value

• List price is high
• But it's often available at a reduced price
• Outdone by too many competitors

If we are judging the LG XBoom Go XG8T’s value on list price alone, things aren’t looking too good. You’d need fairly deep pockets to pick up this speaker without a discount – for reference its official price is $379.99 / £400 (about AU$600). And this speaker doesn’t do a ton to set itself apart at that price point.

Audio, although good, isn’t massively detailed or perfectly clear all the time. Combine that with a disappointing battery life and unimpressive EQ presets and its clear: this speaker isn’t worth its list price, especially when you consider the incredible quality of competitors in this price range, like the JBL Xtreme 4 or Bose SoundLink Max (more on those in ‘Also Consider’).

But luckily, there’s more to the story here. Since its release this speaker has been heavily discounted on a number of occasions – even for as little as half price in the UK and US. Even still, it's not free of competition. There are speakers like the Tribit Stormbox Blast, for instance that offer booming, talented audio for under $200 / £200.

Even if the XG8T is a solid speaker in its own right, it's hard to justify its list price. And even at a cut-price, I wouldn’t argue it's best-in-class either.

• Value score: 2.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the LG XBoom Go XG8T? Buy it if...

You want booming bass
I wouldn’t necessarily argue that the LG XBoom Go XG8T has the most impactful bass in the game, but it certainly offers a healthy serving of low-end power. If you’re hosting a house party or outdoor event, there’ll certainly be enough bass on offer to fill a larger space with big, booming audio.

You want ultimate protection against the elements
If durability and reliability are at the top of your priority list, this speaker is sure to serve you well. Not only does it have the IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, but it offers military-grade protection against impact and harsh weather conditions.

Don't buy it if...

You want top-tier audio quality
If you want an elegantly balanced, beautifully detailed listen, you could do better than the LG XBoom Go XG8T. Audio quality is by no means bad here, but I didn’t get an amazing sense of nuance from this speaker, with the lack of ‘hi res’ audio codecs holding it back further.

You want a top value pick
If you’re paying the list price for this speaker, you’re not getting great value, unfortunately. Of course, it’s often available at a significantly cut price now, but there are so many fantastic, low-priced speakers out there, including the Tribit Stormbox Blast, for instance.

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: also consider

JBL Xtreme 4
For me, the JBL Xtreme 4 was one of 2024’s best Bluetooth speakers, bringing fantastic audio quality, high build quality and fantastic features to the table. When I initially reviewed it, my main issue came with its high list price, but you can regularly find it for far less now, making it a top-tier option for speakers in this size and weight class. Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review.

Bose SoundLink Max
Another one of 2024’s big hitters was the Bose SoundLink Max – a speaker that offers punchy, agile and ultra-clean audio. It also has beautiful looks, an IP67 waterproof rating and a handy two-way USB-C socket, making it the perfect marriage of style with practicality. Read our full Bose SoundLink Max review.

LG XBoom Go XG8T review: how I tested

• Tested for one week
• Mainly used at our music testing space at Future Labs
• Predominantly tested using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

(Image credit: Future)

I dedicated hours when listening to the LG XBoom Go XG8T and tried it out in a range of spaces. However, I did predominantly use it in our music testing room at Future Labs to assess audio quality in a quiet, controlled environment. I also conducted a battery test to validate LG’s claim about playtime.

When I listened to music, I mainly harnessed the power of Tidal via the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, from which I streamed tracks within our expertly curated TechRadar reference playlist. But that's not all – I also tapped into tunes from my personal music library as well as podcast episodes. Finally, I used the similarly-sized JBL Xtreme 4 as a point of comparison across areas like sound quality, features and battery life.

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

Dreame X40 Ultra: two-minute review

Dreame Technologies hasn’t been around long but, since its inception in 2017, the brand has made some excellent robot vacuums, including the Dreame L20 Ultra. The X40 Ultra succeeds the older model (as well as the X30 Ultra), bringing much-improved intelligence and tracking compared to lesser bots, as well as a fairly unique collection of features. For those who want something slightly cheaper, it's well worth checking out our Dreame L40 Ultra review.

Like most robovacs, the X40 Ultra handles both vacuuming and mopping and comes with a base station that empties the robovac’s dustbin, dispenses water, and cleans the mopping system. Where it stands out is the ability to leave the mop pads behind when vacuuming, the automatic dispensing of floor-cleaning fluid, the wide array of sensors, and the ability to recognize a large number of objects using its cameras.

Getting the X40 Ultra up and running is relatively simple, and upon first activation, it will map your home with an array of sensors. The test space for this review was my own home with a built-in area of 80 sqm, and it took the bot about 10 minutes to poke its robotic nose into every room. The quality of the resulting map is excellent, and any adjustments are easy to make within the Dreamehome app. The X40 is great at identifying and avoiding obstacles like shoes or cables and can even recognize your pets and give them space when cleaning. While very functional overall, the app can be a little clunky at times, like lack of consistency in how navigation gestures work, and a convoluted layout to reach certain settings.

If activating a scheduled or single-time clean, selecting CleanGenius mode lets the robovac use its own smarts to decide exactly what is needed, and it will vacuum, mop, and go back over areas as it sees fit. While the results were good, I found the robovac went a bit overboard and wanted to mop my polished wooden floors every day. Instead, I set a schedule for a daily vacuum and reduced mopping to once a week. I also configured shortcuts in the app to trigger custom cleanups, like an extra vacuum or mop by the front or back door for when my dog walked in with muddy paws.

The X40 Ultra is equipped with an extendable and liftable side brush for getting into corners and under furniture, plus dual spinning mop pads – one of which can also protrude further out as needed. The mop pads are magnetically attached, so the bot can leave them behind at the base station when vacuuming carpets, avoiding any chance of spreading damp mop water or contamination.

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After three months of daily use, it’s hard to find fault with the vacuuming prowess of the X40. It works equally well on hard floors, carpets, or rugs, and the extendable brush does a great job of getting into corners and cleaning debris from along walls. The spinning extendable mops are likewise very effective, and the X40 Ultra can keep your floors shiny or quickly get rid of sticky messes. It also very thoroughly cleans the mop pads with hot water – then dries them with hot air – to avoid odors. Overall, the wearing parts on the X40 Ultra (like the mop pads, filters, and corner brush) are fairly robust and don’t need to be replaced too often.

Importantly, it has pet feces detection – and it really does work – which allows the robovac to spot and avoid any accidents, ensuring you won’t come home to a horror show of smeared messes. It can also detect wet patches, so it won’t spread or vacuum over any puddles it encounters.

As great as the robot itself is, the suction on the auto-empty station is a bit weak. I found I had to change the bag more often than expected – and these can get quite expensive. The X40 Ultra itself is not cheap – it’s one of the more expensive models on the market – but when you compare the actual technology and features included, it provides decent value overall.

(Image credit: Future) Dreame X40 Ultra review: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? Starting from $1,899 / £1,299 / AU$2,799
• When is it available? Available to buy now
• Where can you get it? You can get it in the US, UK, and Australia

The Dreame X40 Ultra was announced in May 2024 and can be bought directly from the Dreame website if your country has a local online storefront or from authorized local retailers, which can include Amazon. It has a rather steep asking price of $1,899 / £1,299 / AU$2,799 and, so far, has only attracted modest discounts. That said, it shouldn’t be too long before we start seeing worthwhile discounts, which would make the X40 Ultra worth investing in if you want a complete and autonomous cleaning solution for your floors.

However, using the X40 Ultra will incur ongoing costs, specifically the replaceable dust bags. I’ve included the accessories pricing below for the US, UK, and Australia. Notably the Dreame website doesn’t sell the side brush in the US, or the brush cover in Australia. You can also get a kit that contains 2x dust bags, 2x dust filters, 1x main brush, 2x side brushes, 6x mop pads – rather useless ratios of these consumables as they don’t match the usage rates.

For households like mine that have people (or pets) with long hair, Dreame sells an optional TriCut brush that’s designed to shred hair and avoid tangles and clogs. This upgrade does a much better job at keeping hair from tangling compared to the standard brush, and I think it’s well worth the added $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$199.95 – though Aussie buyers pay a very steep premium compared to the US and UK.

If you don’t need all the features offered by the X40 Ultra, or have a simple home layout with few obstacles, then a cheaper robovac like the Dreame L10s Ultra or D10 Plus may be a better buy. You can also opt for options from Ecovacs, with some models like the Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus ($649.99 / £499 / AU$999) and Ecovacs DEEBOT T20 Omni ($1,099.99 / £951.65 / AU$1,799) offering good value for money.

(Image credit: Dreame)

• Value score: 4 / 5

Dreame X40 Ultra consumables kit (Image credit: Dreame) Dreame X40 Ultra: Specifications Dreame X40 Ultra review: Design and features

• Automatically detachable mop pads
• Base station with auto empty and mop clean
• Extendable side brush and mop pad

The X40 Ultra has a fairly standard design and complements the typical round robovac form factor with a base station for charging, dustbin emptying, floor-cleaner dispensing, mop washing and drying – plus containers for clean and dirty mop water. In the box, you get the robovac itself (including mop pads), the base station, two dust bags, a cleaning tool, and 200ml (6.7 ounces) of floor-cleaning solution. Setting it up is very easy – the base station needs the ramp attached, but otherwise, it’s ready to go once plugged in and charged. After installing the app, you scan a QR code on the robovac, and it walks you through the rest of the process in just a few minutes.

The base station is tall (60cm / 24-inches) but relatively skinny (35cm / 14-inches) and only needs 5cm (2 inches) of clearance on each side. The dust bag and floor cleaner dispenser are hidden under a front-opening cover on the dock, while the mop water is accessed from under a hatch on the top – meaning it’s not suited for placement under a bench. Dreame will also soon release an optional kit to allow the base station to be plumbed into a fresh-water supply and a waste-water outlet, enabling the mop water changes to be fully automatic. The availability of this kit is to be confirmed.

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The robovac sports a multitude of sensors to help navigate your home, ensure the best clean, and avoid any pets or places where it could get stuck. The front of the bot has two cameras (one infrared), as well as 3D Dual-Line Laser sensors and LED headlights. The underside has a carpet sensor, along with downward-facing cliff sensors to detect steps or other drops. The sides of the robovac have edge sensors, and on top, it features a microphone and a laser distance sensor (LDS). All these work together to allow the bot to recognize over 120 different types of objects – including obstacles like cables that could cause a tangle when vacuuming.

The X40 Ultra offers four suction levels – Quiet, Standard, Turbo, Max, and Max+ – with up to a very high 12,000Pa of pull. Notably, the highest suction level (Max+) is only available for a one-off clean and can’t be used with a schedule or a customized shortcut clean. This means the full advertised suction (up from the X30 Ultra’s 8,300Pa) feels like marketing spin, rather than an actually useful upgrade.

The robovac can extend its side brush to get deep into corners, clean along edges or under the lip of low furniture – and even lift it to avoid spreading liquids. The bot can also magnetically drop and pick up the mop pads from the base station, giving it extra cleaning flexibility. While the bot can lift the pads when vacuuming carpet, the clearance is 10.5mm (0.4 inches), so for deeper carpet piles or rugs, leaving the mop pads behind ensures there’s no chance of dampness or cross-contamination. The right-hand side mop pad is also extendable – meaning the X40 Ultra can reach into corners, mop along the edges of kitchen cabinets, or even clean a little way under the edge of low appliances like a fridge.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Dreame X40 Ultra review: Performance

• Somewhat noisy at full power
• Amazing obstacle recognition
• Weak base station automatic emptying

Overall, the X40 Ultra does a very thorough job of vacuuming and mopping – and aside from picking up larger debris by hand and the occasional spot clean, I didn’t have to do any extra floor cleaning myself. The robovac has a CleanGenius mode that lets it choose the cleaning parameters for you – though I found it mopped much too frequently, and I preferred using the scheduled cleaning function (as well as shortcuts) to create my own customized cleaning regime.

The X40 Ultra isn’t especially fast, and during my testing, it took around 1 minute per square meter when vacuuming, and takes about the same amount of time to mop. That said, it can vacuum and mop at the same time if needed, which allows for a quicker cleaning run. The 6,400mAh battery is rated to provide up to 198 minutes of vacuuming and mopping at Standard suction strength, covering up to an area of 308m² (3,315ft²) in Quiet mode. It’s a little frustrating that Dreame rates the runtime and area coverage at different vacuum power levels – the exact amount of coverage per charge depends on your specific home and cleaning settings. During my testing, the X40 Ultra was able to vacuum my small 80m² two-bedroom home at Max suction level, then do a full mop, and still have 80% charge remaining. Extrapolating from that, I think it will have no trouble cleaning up to 200m² per charge.

• Overall performance score: 4 / 5

Mapping and obstacle avoidance

After setup, the X40 created a very accurate map of my home – with no adjustments needed in the app aside from giving rooms specific names. When vacuuming, the array of sensors and cameras does a great job of spotting anything on the floor, and it’s especially careful to stay clear of anything that might cause a tangle – like shoelaces or cords. Handily, the bot records a picture (viewable in the app) of any obstacle it encounters, making it easy to move it before the next clean.

The X40 Ultra has the smarts to recognize your pets (in my case, just the paws of a Great Dane) and will keep clear if it spots them snoozing. It records a few pictures of any interactions – viewable in the cleaning log via the app – so you can see how your pet reacts to the vacuum. It’s also possible to set up zones for the robovac to stay out of, like around a pet's bed or feeding area. Even more importantly, the robovac can recognize any pet droppings and will steer well clear when cleaning. My dog doesn’t make any messes at home, so I faked a test using food, and the X40 Ultra had no trouble identifying the fake feces and dutifully stayed well clear.

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Using the app, you can also stream live video from the robovac’s main camera while it’s working, or take over and remotely steer it – though this can be a bit laggy. You can also command the bot to navigate to a specific spot in your home, use it to have a two-way conversation, or even have it automatically search for your pets and snap a picture.

Impressively, the robovac only got stuck twice in three months of testing – and both times were my fault. The first time was because it half-ingested a USB-C cable I had knocked down next to the base station, and the second was from vacuuming up a loose tile in my (very old) bathroom. In both cases, no damage was caused, as the bot knew it was stuck and waited patiently until freed.

Overall, the X40 Ultra did an amazing job of navigating my home and had no problem cleaning around always-changing obstacles – big and small – left in its way. It’s a great choice for anyone with a busy, complex home, or if you don’t want to have to worry about picking every last thing up from the floor before cleaning.

• Mapping and obstacle avoidance score: 4.5 / 5

Vacuuming

I tested the X40 on polished wooden floors, as well as tiles and rugs. Aside from vacuuming every day for three months, I also performed a number of specific tests to gauge how effective the robovac is at cleaning up a variety of spills and debris types. I used flour, sand, rice, oats, dry dog food, and some dry leaves – scattered in a corner on hard floors and then on a short-pile rug.

Whether on carpet or hard floors, the flour, rice, oats, and leaves were 90% (or more) cleaned up after one pass – and fully gone after two. The dry dog food was all sucked up in one go, while the sand took three passes to capture it all (although a few grains remained on the rug). Importantly, the X40 Ultra’s side brush is relatively slow-spinning, so it doesn’t tend to flick any material away from the vacuum. Anything larger than about 10mm x 8mm (0.4 inches x 0.3 inches) will generally be recognized and avoided by the robovac, as it could get stuck behind the main brush.

I found that the standard vacuum level is fine for picking up pet fur, dust, and light debris on hard floors – but needs to be bumped up to Turbo or Max for carpets. The higher suction modes were also best for sand, heavier dirt, or chunkier debris like oats and dry dog food. This means a daily vacuum in the standard mode with a single pass will capture almost all the lighter debris in your home, but may leave a small amount of heavier debris behind. This isn’t much of a problem, as you can customize scheduled cleans on a room-by-room basis to accommodate different needs.

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On lower suction levels, the sound isn’t too intrusive – and could be set to vacuum overnight – but with the suction turned up, the noise level is not far off a stick vacuum. Measuring at 1 meter (3.3 feet) with a decibel meter, the bot produced 43 dB on Quiet, 46 dB on Standard, 51 dB on Turbo, 55 dB on Max, and 60 dB on Max+. When the robovac is driving without vacuuming, it produces 41 dB, while mopping sits at 35 dB most of the time – with occasional peaks up to 45 dB when moving fast. The base station emptying the robovac dustbin hits 57 dB, while mop washing is 33 dB with peaks up to 50 dB when the water pump runs. These results are normal, but not particularly quiet – so you'll want to position the base station away from living areas where you relax or watch TV.

My home has two people who shed a lot of long hair, and in my testing, the side brush stayed relatively tangle-free – as did the main wheels and mop pads. The front roller does slowly collect hair – as does the main brush – though the TriCut brush (which is available to buy separately) is much better in this regard. Thankfully, both these areas are very easy to maintain, and the X40 Ultra’s design keeps the hair from getting sucked deeper into the inaccessible innards of the robovac.

• Vacuuming score: 4.5 / 5

Mopping

I’m not a frequent mopper at the best of times, so I started my X40 Ultra’s testing with a deep clean – then reduced the mopping frequency to once a week – and my floors have never looked better! I found it handy to turn on an extra mopping schedule during wet weather, so areas near the front and back door were kept clean of muddy shoe and paw prints.

Like its side brush, the X40 Ultra can also extend the mop pad on the right side, and I found the robovac easily cleaned areas where a handheld mop struggled to reach. The automatically dispensed cleaning solution (a bottle is supplied in the box) also helped cut through grime in a way that robovacs using plain water can’t manage.

To further test the mopping ability, I spilled two puddles of soy sauce – one of which I allowed to dry – and also smeared wasabi paste and sticky honey on a section of tiled and wooden floor. I found that the liquid soy sauce was cleaned away in a single pass, while the thick, dried soy took two passes to remove. A third pass was needed to get the floor squeaky clean. The wasabi paste and honey both took two mopping passes to fully clean up, leaving no trace behind.

The bot washed the mop pads between each test – removing any contamination from previous cleanups. That said, the X40 Ultra is not designed to mop more than a small amount of liquid, as the pads are meant for scrubbing, not sponging.

The only issue I noticed is that the strong magnet in the mop pads (used to attach them to the vacuum) tends to pick up tiny particles of magnetic dirt. It’s normal for some dirt to be slightly magnetic (due to iron content), and this accumulates on the plastic spindle of the mop pads. The mop washing process doesn’t remove this dirt – in fact, it increases wear on the base station – and the slightly rusty residue can stain the mop pads or potentially other flooring during mopping. To avoid this, regularly wipe away any residue remaining on middle of the mop pads.

• Mopping score: 4.5 / 5

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(Image credit: Dreame)The magnetic mop pad attachment can accumulate iron rich dirt. Base station performance

Dreame rates the 3.2-liter (108 oz) dust bag in the base station for up to 75 days of use – but how long it lasts for you will depend on how large or dirty your home gets. The robovac itself has a 0.3-liter (10 oz) dust bin that is emptied by the base station as needed when full, or it can be set to empty after every room.

While I was impressed with the suction on the bot itself, the base station suction is weaker than expected. I found it didn’t always manage to fully empty the bin in the robovac, leaving debris to build up if not manually cleaned. Worse, despite all its smarts, the robovac couldn’t sense when the base station had not successfully emptied its bin – or tell that it was clogged and not vacuuming effectively. That meant it would often do an entire home vacuum while clogged and not pick up anything.

Even when the base station successfully empties the robovac’s dust bin, the low suction means the debris tends to form a clog right at the mouth of the dust bag. This clog would further reduce the suction, worsening the emptying problem. I found the situation could be somewhat alleviated by setting the base station’s auto-emptying frequency to the highest setting and occasionally manually triggering an extra empty cycle. It also helped to ensure the dust bags were very carefully installed with no folds of fabric near the inlet – or to occasionally manually shift the collected debris further into the bag. Even so, I needed to change the bags well before they were full, and I found they only lasted half as long as the 75-day rating from Dreame.

This is the main reason I would find it hard to recommend the X40 Ultra for a household with pets that shed hair (like golden retrievers or huskies) or one with a lot of debris to vacuum up – as the base station suction just isn’t powerful enough to ensure problem-free operation and economical use of the dust bags.

On the plus side, the mop washing system works very well, and I only encountered one minor downside during my testing. The base station heats water and dispenses it into the washing system, then circulates it against the mop pads while the robovac spins the mop pads against plastic scrubbers to remove any contamination. The used water is then sucked out and stored in the dirty water container, and the mop pads and cleaning system are dried using hot air to avoid any odors. The washing process is a little noisy at time, like when the pumps runs, and the drying fan does make a quiet whir for a few hours.

• Base station performance score: 3 / 5

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(Image credit: Dreame) Dreame X40 Ultra review: App control

• Deep customization of scheduled cleans
• Homescreen widgets and shortcuts
• The app is sometimes laggy and feels unpolished

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While the X40 Ultra can be controlled in a limited way using the buttons on top of the circular bot, the app is the best option for everyday use. It makes it easy to interact with the map of your home – created immediately after setup and updated during each clean – and allows you to customize cleaning sessions. The depth of control is noticeably better than competitors such as Ecovacs, and you can fine-tune much of the robot’s day-to-day operations, as well as check the comprehensive cleaning history.

I found the layout and navigation of the app frustrating at times. For example, many frequently used options – like adjusting scheduled cleans – are buried a few layers deep in the menu system, and such settings are locked out when the robovac is in operation.

In my three months of testing, the X40 Ultra only failed to start a scheduled clean once (with no discernible reason) and completed the next day's clean without a problem. The robovac will only connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, and I found it sometimes had issues with a typical dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) mesh network – like you’d find in our guide to the best mesh Wi-Fi systems. At one point, the X40 didn’t want to connect to my network, and a few times it reported low signal strength despite being right near the router. I found it much more stable to configure a dedicated 2.4GHz Wi-Fi SSID for the robovac to connect to.

While the Dreamehome app is less polished than expected for such a premium robovac, it’s not better or worse overall compared to the competition. Sure, brands like Ecovacs and Eufy offer apps that are nicer to use in many ways – but neither provides the same depth of control options, and they still suffer from lag and the occasional missed clean.

• App score: 4 / 5

Dreame X40 Ultra review: Consumables and maintenance

The X40 Ultra comes with everything you need to get started right away, but there are only two dust bags included, along with one small refill of floor cleaning fluid. This means you need to either buy spare bags when purchasing the vacuum, or order them within a month or two. The X40 Ultra consumables (main vacuum brush, mop pads, floor cleaning solution, vacuum bags, side brush and robovac dust bin filters) are mostly only available via the Dreame website in the UK and Australia, whereas in the US they are easier to buy from Amazon than they are from Dreame.

The Dreame app keeps track of each cleaning session and provides an estimated remaining life (in hours) for the consumables and wearing parts. The estimates generally seem quite conservative, and I expect many parts – like the main brush – will last longer than rated and need less frequent changing than expected. Maintenance for the Dreame X40 Ultra is fairly simple and takes about 10 minutes a month. It’s not messy or difficult to do and mostly involves giving the robovac a check-over, dusting off the sensors, and removing any trapped hair if needed. The latter involves removing the main or side brush and simply sliding the wrapped hair off – and I didn’t have to cut any free during my testing.

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Extrapolating my three months of testing to a full year, and using the remaining life estimates in the Dreame app, the X40 Ultra consumables include 10 to 12 dust bags, one filter, one side brush, a container of floor cleaner, one set of replacement mop pads, and one replacement TriCut brush – adding up to around $200 / £163 / AU$500. For a larger home, this cost could easily double or triple. Notably, in Australia (where the X40 Ultra was tested for this review), the TriCut brush is 170% more expensive compared to the US and UK – so using the normal brush saves AU$150 a year.

While using the official Dreame accessories is recommended, there are third-party consumables available from online retailers like eBay and Amazon. The best are nearly indistinguishable from the official Dreame parts, while the worst are of very poor quality and won’t work correctly. Until Dreame offers affordable bulk packs of dust bags, it’s hard to pass on third-party alternatives – provided you can find good-quality ones.

• Consumables and maintenance score: 3.5 / 5

Should I Buy the Dreame X40 Ultra? Buy it if…

You want a premium robovac with the latest features
There are very few competitors that can come close to matching the extensive functionality offered by the X40 Ultra.

You need excellent obstacle avoidance
The X40 Ultra is very skilled at avoiding anything that might cause it to get stuck, as well as cleaning around obstacles or even accidents from your pets.

You have deep pile carpets
The X40 Ultra’s party trick is being able to leave the mop pads at the base station, allowing it to vacuum through the plushest of carpets with zero chance of dampness or cross contamination.

Don’t buy it if…

You have pets that shed more than average
The robovac itself is great at picking up fur and other debris, but the base station auto-empty system lacks suction and the bag needs to be changed before it’s full to avoid clogging.

You only have carpet
The X40 Ultra does a fantastic job of mopping and keeping its mop pads clean, but if you don’t have much in the way of hard floors, you’ll save a lot of cash opting for a cheaper vacuum-only robovac.

You want a cheaper option
The X40 Ultra is great, but it’s also one of the most expensive robovacs available. For those on a budget, there are plenty of other great options at more affordable prices.

Also consider

Not sold on the Dreame X40 Ultra? 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 X40 Ultra 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 reviewView Deal

Eufy Omni S1 Pro
One of the few robovacs that can compete directly with the X40 Ultra, the Eufy Omni S1 Pro is a feature packed robovac with an innovative rolling cylinder mopping system.
Read our full Eufy Omni S1 Pro reviewView Deal

Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo
While not as good at dodging cables as the Dreame X40 Ultra, the Deebot T30S Comboi stands out with a stick vacuum that slots into the base station, keeping it ready to go for any extra cleanup.
Read our full Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo reviewView Deal

How I tested the Dreame X40 Ultra

• I used the X40 Ultra as my main vacuum cleaner for three months
• My testing space included hard floors and carpet
• I performed specific grain-size and wet-spill tests

I used the Dreame X40 Ultra daily for three months in a home with a dog and two adults. I tested the X40 Ultra on 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 CleanGenius mode and 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 such as corners to assess the robovac’s effectiveness in daily use.

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

Read more about how we test

When it comes to budgeting apps and personal finance software, lots of folks are drawn towards free or low-budget options. However, sometimes it’s worth spending more in order to enjoy a rather more premium experience. If you care about your finances, or they can be complicated and perhaps problematical too, Monarch could be an alternative.

This software, which is supported by excellent apps for both iOS and Android, has been evolving over the last few years and is now one of the most potent power tools you can own. While it packs many of those handy everyday features and functions that other budgeting and personal finance tools offer, Monarch also boasts options that can help make life easier when it comes to more complex money matters.

• Want to try Monarch? Check out the website here

However, there is indeed a cost for these extra power tools and Monarch is not the cheapest option out there in the financial software marketplace. It is possible to pay an annual fee, rather than going down the route of monthly payments, which makes the product slightly cheaper. Monarch, though, is essentially going to appeal to people who are very serious about getting their finances in order.

Monarch is a quite way to track finances without breaking the bank. (Image credit: Monarch) Monarch: Pricing

Anyone who has been used to enjoying their preferred personal finance and budgeting apps for very little outlay will find Monarch an altogether different proposition. Currently, it’ll set you back $14.99 per month, or there’s the annual payment option for $99.99, which equates to $8.33 per month over the course of a year, which shaves a little off the outlay. 

In that respect, Monarch is a premium product and, thankfully, its features, functions and overall usability go a long way to justifying the higher price.

Monarch offers tracking, budgeting and planning tools within its slick interface. (Image credit: Monarch) Monarch: Features

Monarch revolves around three core areas, all of which will be of interest to those with a keen eye on keeping their finances in order. First up is tracking, which, thanks to the powerful interface and ease of use, makes keeping tabs on all of your accounts in one handy location a big bonus of the personal finance app. There are tools for charting your net worth by pulling in data from bank accounts, real estate, investments and more.

The next core component of Monarch is its budgeting capability. This Is not only powerful but a really well laid out aspect of the software. There are plenty of automated power tools, but the way everything is presented in delicious graphical colour makes the experience all the more impressive.

Following on from that is the third core component of Monarch and that revolves around planning and goals. Knowing what sort of shape your finances are in is one thing, but Monarch also offers lots of potential for planning for the future. Again, the way the graphics drive this section makes it a joy to use, while the power tools inside make working with your data simple but effective.

The Monarch interface is wonderfully easy to use and makes light work of budgeting. (Image credit: Monarch) Monarch: Performance

Although there are app versions for iOS and Android, Monarch works best initially via a laptop where there is more space on screen to pick through the many and varied component parts. Again, the experience is a treat thanks to logical page layouts, great graphics and the clean, no-nonsense use of easy-to-read typefaces.

Monarch: Ease of use

Monarch is an easy thing to configure too, from linking bank accounts through to customising personal preferences. There’s even a helping hand given where it’s needed from AI elements. Better still, the way Monarch can be heavily tailored and personalised to suit your own financial situation makes it much more potent than many rivals. Transactions, in particular, is an area that can be tweaked and fine-tined with pinpoint precision.

Monarch offers plenty of support for any users who become stuck along the way. (Image credit: Monarch) Monarch: Support

While Monarch is very nicely designed, and beautifully thought out, there is plenty of help at hand should you need any support along the way. Some of the tools and functionality do take a while to explore and exploit to their full potential and a pick through the advice pages can prove to be highly beneficial. Outside of that, there are also options for messaging support services who should be able to help with anything not covered in the comprehensive and nicely laid out Monarch website.

Monarch: Final verdict

If you lament the demise of Mint, which was an excellent personal finance software tool, it’s well worth having a look at Monarch. Even more so when you consider some of the original team on Monarch also worked on Mint back in the day. The product has evolved a lot in recent years and now has plenty going for it, although that does come at a price. 

It’s also interesting to note that the Monarch website has an area that allows potential users to compare it with YNAB, Simplifi, Credit Karma and, yes, Mint too. They’re all similar and obvious rivals, but Monarch holds its own, and then some.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

Aarke Coffee System: two-minute review

If you’re in the market for a statement coffee machine, few options catch the eye quite like the Aarke Coffee System. With an unmissable chrome finish, it cuts a dash on any countertop, and the luxe design cues don’t stop with the stainless steel construction: from the knurled control knob to the weight of the grinder itself, there’s a lot about the setup that feels premium.

Comprised of a bean grinder and drip coffee maker, which can be bought and used independently, the two parts make most sense when connected together by wire. The cable itself is slightly unsightly, but automation is the pay-off: set the control knob to A and the grinder will churn out the right amount of coffee based on how much water is in the tank.

It’s a clever trick that reflects the streamlined approach of the whole system. Just a single button manages the maker, its hot plate and the descaling mode. You’ll find more controls on the grinder, including a collar that clicks as you twist to set the grind size, as well as a satisfyingly sturdy on/off switch.

What you don’t get is a great degree of manual influence over the brew. While you can fine-tune the quantity, strength and grind size, you can’t change the temperature – either for the brew or the hot plate. You might expect that option for the money, but the Aarke automatically regulates temperatures instead. That’s because this system is more about making slick and efficient brews in style.

(Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

In that sense it excels. Fill the tank and a light inside automatically illuminates so that you can see the water level. Hit the button and it heats up quickly, with the water head evenly wetting the coffee bed for maximum extraction. The result every time is an enjoyable pot of coffee with plenty of depth and flavor.

For such an expensive system, we encountered more niggles than we’d expect. The grinder jammed up twice, even with regular brushing. The supplied catch cup doesn’t sit perfectly against the grinder, which can lead to overshoot. And the carafe doesn’t keep coffee especially hot once it’s off the plate.

So the Aarke Coffee System is an interesting proposition. It’s beautifully built, simple to operate and has some clever automated features. Yet it’s not quite automated enough for uninitiated users to master without a demonstration, nor is it faultless. But if you want an exquisite solution for reliably good coffee and you’re happy to pay for it, there’s nothing quite like what Aarke is offering.

Aarke Coffee System: price and availability

• Coffee System costs $758 / £620
• Coffee Maker costs $379 / £300 (standalone)
• Coffee Grinder costs $379 / £300 (standalone)

Bean-to-cup coffee rarely comes cheap – and the Aarke Coffee System is no exception. Priced at $758 / £620 (about AU$1,200) for the Coffee Maker and Coffee Grinder combo, it’s a pretty serious investment – especially for a drip filter system which has limited controls.

That makes the Aarke Coffee System more expensive than any other machine in our list of the best drip coffee makers, including the De'Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB – a US-only bean-to-cup machine with a more sophisticated digital interface.

It’s worth noting that the constituent parts of the Aarke system can also be bought individually. The Coffee Maker costs $379 / £300 (about AU$450), while the Coffee Grinder is priced at $379 / £320 (about AU$600). That means you don’t save anything by buying the Coffee System versus purchasing each element separately – so you could start out with one and add the other later.

You can also pick up an optional Thermal Jug, which is vacuum-insulated and designed to keep your brew warmer for longer than the carafe included with the Coffee Maker. It’s yours for $99 / £80 (about AU$160).

• Price score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands) Aarke Coffee System: specs Aarke Coffee System: design

• Separate grinder and coffee maker
• Polished stainless steel finish
• Streamlined, tactile controls

With its chromed stainless steel finish, the Aarke Coffee System is an unmissable presence on any counter. There’s an industrial quality to the design, from the bolted-on nameplate to the way that the filter basket locks into place. It’s a beautiful bit of kitchen kit, even if its polished surfaces leave nowhere for fingerprints or spilt coffee to hide.

The system is comprised of Aarke’s Coffee Grinder and Coffee Maker. These can be bought and used separately, but they work best when paired together. Connecting them by a coiled cable unlocks the system’s party trick: fill the brewer’s tank, set the quantity to automatic and the grinder will churn out coffee to match the volume of water.

It’s a clever trick that works well in practise, but the cable feels like an unsightly piece of clutter in what is otherwise a streamlined setup. You can wind away some of the wire underneath, but with a pair of power cables also trailing away from the two machines, these leads do feel like a distraction. For a design-first coffee maker with a serious price tag, we think Aarke could have done more to neaten up the wiring.

Load beans into the hopper, and ground coffee into the chute (at the top right) (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

Because the grinder and brewer stand separately, the Aarke Coffee System isn’t the most compact bean-to-cup option on the market. If you want the two to sit side-by-side, you’ll need to clear a fair amount of counter space. That said, the overall footprint isn’t unmanageable.

Both units are weighty in the right way. At 9.5lb/4.3kg, the grinder in particular has a heft that feels nicely premium. So do its tactile controls. A knurled knob on the side sets the grind quantity, with an additional dial built-in to fine-tune the strength. The collar twists with a satisfying click to set the grind size, while a satisfyingly sturdy lever starts and stops the grinding.

One unmarked button is all you’ll find on the brewer itself, to control the brewing, hot plate and descaling mode. You can also hold it for three seconds to bloom the coffee before the main brew. This setup reflects the minimalist approach of the whole system. You don’t get the kind of manual control offered by drip makers like the De’Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB, with no option to change the water temperature.

The large, bright touchscreen makes it easy to fine-tune your perfect coffee (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

Because everything’s pared back and unlabelled, there is a little bit of a learning curve across the grinder and brewer. That said, once you’ve got the hang of it, this is a very easy machine to use.

There are several neat features which show the thought that’s gone into the setup: a grind size guide on the bean basket lid; a light inside the tank which illuminates when you add water; a valve beneath the filter basket, which stops coffee from dripping onto the hot plate when the carafe is removed. The hot plate also detects when the carafe isn’t in place, turning off to save energy.

There are some oversights, though. Chief among them is the included catch cup, which doesn’t sit flush against the grinder. As a result, ground coffee will often overshoot and spill around the base. The carafe also doesn’t feel as premium as the rest of the machine and doesn’t offer much insulation when taken off the hot plate.

These imperfections detract from what is otherwise a beautiful coffee maker. In that respect, the Aarke Coffee System falls just a little bit short for the money, but the aesthetics and interface do a lot to make up for it – especially if you want something slick, without too much complexity.

• Design score: 4/5

Aarke Coffee System: performance

• Relatively straightforward to use
• Brews quickly and consistently
• Grinder spout can block up easily

As a premium bean-to-cup setup that brews consistently tasty coffee without much fuss, the Aarke Coffee System performs well. With the grind quantity set to automatic, there are four human inputs: beans in the grinder, water in the tank and a filter paper in the basket – plus freshly ground coffee transferred from the catch cup to the filter.

Once you know the process, the Aarke Coffee System is fundamentally straightforward and – crucially – makes good coffee. With capacity for up to 10 cups’ worth in a single brew, you can easily churn out batches for yourself and guests. It’s pretty quick, too, taking just a few minutes to fill the carafe.

The milk dispenser is easy to attach, and unlike most fully automatic espresso machines, the KF8 keeps the container covered at all times. (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

The showerhead covers pretty much the whole of the filter basket and does a decent job of wetting the coffee bed. According to Aarke, water temperature and flow rate are optimized based on the quantity in the tank. This automated approach means you don’t get any modes for different coffee styles. The system is simply designed to brew consistently good filter coffee.

In our experience, that’s what it does. With a range of different beans, the Aarke Coffee System delivered good extraction and nicely balanced flavors, without any bitterness. Using the bloom mode pre-soaks the grounds to reduce sourness, although whether you’ll notice a difference depends on both your palate and the beans you’re using.

Each member of your household can have their own profile for their custom drinks (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

We also found the hot plate temperature pretty much spot on. We never tasted any bitterness from burnt coffee at the bottom, which is down to how the hot plate operates: it isn’t designed to keep your brew warm indefinitely. Instead, the system gradually reduces power to the plate over 40 minutes. This is better for taste but because the time setting can’t be overridden, it’s not ideal if you want a pot of coffee to keep going back to throughout the morning.

As mentioned above, you get much more control over the grinder. We didn’t test all 50 of its grind settings, but we did find that it produces a consistent grind and quantity of coffee. Dialled in for espresso, French press or drip filter, it’s a quality flat burr grinder that would work well as a standalone option with a different brewer – albeit without the automatic hook-up.

Espresso was consistently well extracted, with rich, golden crema (Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

On its default setting, we found the automatic mode resulted in coffee that was a little strong for our taste. That’s easily adjusted using the fine-tuning dial or by manually setting the grind quantity to one cup less for the same amount of water.

It is loud, but that’s the nature of the beast. More frustrating was the fact that it jammed up twice, due to ground coffee clogging up at the top of the spout. This happened after only a few uses. You’ll need to regularly and vigorously clean the spout with the included brush to avoid this, which is a slightly messy process and means the Aarke Coffee System requires more maintenance than something like the De'Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should I buy the Aarke Coffee System? Buy it if

You want a stunning bean-to-cup setup
With a polished stainless steel build, streamlined controls and tactile knobs and buttons, the Aarke system is a seriously sophisticated way to enjoy drip coffee.

You want some automation
Connect the grinder and maker by wire and the system will automatically calculate the correct quantity of coffee for the amount of water in the tank.

You want a reliable brew
Once you’ve got your strength and quantities dialled in, the Aarke system produces tasty filter coffee every time – and keeps it at the right temperature.

Don't buy it if

You have a limited budget
Sophistication comes at a price and the Aarke system commands a pretty hefty premium, especially when compared to rival drip coffee makers with similar features.

You want total control
While you can adjust grind size, quantity and strength, the Aarke system doesn’t allow you to change the temperature of the water or hot plate.

You want a mess-free setup
The grinder spout requires regular cleaning with the bundled brush, while the shape of the catch up means coffee often ends up on the counter.

KitchenAid KF8: also consider

Not completely sold on the Aarke Coffee System? Here are a couple of alternatives to consider.

De'Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB

If you’d like a bean-to-cup machine which gives you more options for adjusting the brew, De’Longhi’s drip maker is worth a look. It’s not as stylish as the Aarke system and still doesn’t come cheap, but it is easy to use, with convenient automation and minimal maintenance required.

Read our in-depth De'Longhi TrueBrew CAM1025MB review

Moccamaster KBGV Select

If you don’t need to grind your own beans or already own a grinder, the Moccamaster is our favorite drip coffee maker overall. With just two buttons to push, it’s a seriously easy machine to operate. It brews tasty coffee quickly and consistently, plus its functional design is strikingly industrial.

Read our in-depth Moccamaster KBGV Select review

How I tested the Aarke Coffee System

(Image credit: Future / Christian Rowlands)

• Used every day for a month
• Tested with different beans and grind settings
• Cleaned out the grind spout several times

To test the Aarke Coffee System, I used it as my main coffee maker for a month. Every morning, I would grind a fresh batch of beans, tip them into the filter basket and brew several cups’ worth for me and my partner. I also brewed up the occasional afternoon boost – and because I tested it in December, the system was also put to use making coffee for guests over the festive season.

To fully understand the capabilities of the system, I tried a range of different grind sizes and strength settings. I used the grinder on its automatic mode, as well as manually adjusting the cup quantity to find a setting that suited my taste.

I also tested the system with a range of different beans over the course of the month, to put the grinder through its paces and understand how well the Aarke Coffee System extracts different flavor profiles.

While I haven’t reviewed too many coffee machines in my many years as a product tester, I know what makes a good coffee: I’ve been drinking the stuff for a long time – and I’ve made brews using everything from French presses to pod machines to portable hand pumps.

Find out more about how we test.

It’s never too early to start managing your personal finances, which is why Greenlight is such a good idea. This is a banking app and bank account combination that is designed to help younger users master the management of their money.

Unlike some personal finance software and budgeting apps, which are dedicated to helping adults take control of their spending, Greenlight adds a lighter touch to proceedings, which makes getting to grips of money more of a fun experience.

Along with giving children and teens a great grounding in managing their personal finances, Greenlight also features the option to have and use debit cards. Allowing kids to take control of their spending habits, while still enabling parents to keep a keen eye on their progress, has been hugely popular. The Greenlight app frequently gets a thumbs-up from users, while the user base is said to be over 6.5 million.

• Want to try Greenlight? Check out the website here

While older fans of personal finance apps such as Quicken or Simplifi are already well catered for, having Greenlight at the disposal of kids and teens is an excellent way to boost education about money matters. The added benefit, alongside the ability to maintain strong parental control, is that Greenlight has so far managed to keep costs low, making it a very affordable option for most families.

Greenlight is an affordable service that comes with three different product options. (Image credit: Greenlight) Greenlight: Pricing

The best personal finance software caters extensively for the adult end of the market, whereas Greenlight is perfectly tailored towards kids and teenagers, much like the high-profile GoHenry product. Another bonus in that respect is Greenlight keeps things simple, with a straightforward selection of products built around an app and card combination. A free trial can be used to sample the service first too.

From there, Greenlight offers Greenlight Core, which currently costs $4.99 per month, followed by Greenlight Max at $9.98 per month and this is topped off by Greenlight Infinity. This costs $14.98 per month at the time of writing.

And, because these products come with supporting bank accounts, there is interest to be had as well. Currently, the rates sit at 2 percent, 3 percent and 5 percent accordingly. It should be noted, though, that these rates can (and probably will) change depending on market conditions.

Greenlight offers advice and guidance on every area of personal finances for kids and teens. (Image credit: Greenlight) Greenlight: Features

As is the case with most personal finance software, more features and functions come with the pricier packages. Central to the appeal and a mainstay of all products is the debit card that comes with each account for up to five children or teenagers. There’s also a credit card option open to adult users of the Greenlight service.

The Greenlight Core package comes with the debit card, a ‘Chores, jobs and allowance’ feature and financial literacy game, designed to encourage kids to get involved with their finances. The Greenlight Max product builds on that and adds in investing for kids, 1 percent cashback on purchases plus phone, purchase and identity theft protection. It’s worth reading the small print relating to these features, however, to ensure they work for you and your circumstances.

Rounding it out on the features front are driving reports, alerts and crash detection options plus family location sharing and SOS alerts offered with the Greenlight Infinity product. Again though, the Greenlight website does have some asterisks attached to these features, so it’s important to check on any exclusions or limitations based on what you expect from the product.

Greenlight has games designed to generate the interest of kids in managing their own money. (Image credit: Greenlight) Greenlight: Performance

Greenlight works very effectively and that’s largely down to the neat tools on offer within the app itself. There are options to set spending limits and, better still, create chores for the kids to do. These can be used in their default modes or customised to suit more unique scenarios. It’s all very well engineered and thought out, which means using the app is a doddle for both parents and kids alike.

The great thing about all this is the way the graphically-driven software delivers the information. It’s all very simple, logically laid out and the power tools, such as teens having their paychecks deposited and visible within the app, makes the Greenlight performance level very high indeed.

A more advanced feature, like the investing aspect of the service impresses too, with the reassuring line that nothing can be done without parents or guardians being involved.

Greenlight: Ease of use

Greenlight is excellent at providing features and functionality for any parent wanting to keep an eye on things, especially when it comes to the kids' spending. From the off, Greenlight encourages kids and teens to learn about managing their money and using games and other fun features with the app and website. Equally, though, parental controls are at the forefront of all three product variants, so control is never far away if you’re the parent or guardian.

The same goes for the debit card side of things because the Community Federal Savings Bank offering supplied with the Greenlight products can be fully supervised by an adult. There’s even the benefit of cashback too, so younger users can quickly learn to see the benefit of being savvy with their spending. This is a great way to do things and works in a simple but effective fashion. Greenlight does also offer a credit card option for parents if they feel the need for more plastic.

Greenlight provides a helping hand for users via an excellent assistance portal. (Image credit: Greenlight) Greenlight: Support

Greenlight works well but anyone who does encounter issues or who has a question to ask will find the help portal very beneficial. There are lots of FAQs here, but there is also the option to ask a question via SMS, while the chat tools could prove useful too. 

At the foot of the help hub page, Greenlight also offers more ways to seek assistance with a text number, email button and phone number all being at customer’s disposal. Help is apparently offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with some holiday hours variations.

Greenlight: Final verdict

Alongside a product like GoHenry, the options presented by Greenlight are very appealing and, perhaps, slightly more substantial. The company offers options that sit right up there next to the best personal finance software apps, but the focus on kids and teens is a masterstroke. The product options are also very practical, offering useful guidance on how to manage money while also allowing parents to keep a close eye on spending habits.

With three product variants that are affordable too, Greenlight has done a great job at making money management interesting and fun. At the same time though, it gives kids and teens the ability to take control of their own finances, with plenty of options for parents to ensure that things never get out of control.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

CreditKarma is part of the Intuit company, which also owns the likes of TurboTax, Quickbooks and Mailchimp. It’s been designed to make life easier when it comes to monitoring personal finances, with tools that cover everything from credit ratings and card ownership through to offering help with tax and accounts.

Adding to the appeal are options for handling everyday essentials on the money front as well as guidance on loans plus home and auto matters. CreditKarma comes with a sign up for free option for anyone just curious as to how useful if can be to them. Intuit reckons over 130 million members are already part of the CreditKarma club, which suggests it must be doing something right although it's not as appealing as the now defunct Mint app, also owned by Intuit.

• Want to try CreditKarma? Check out the website here

One of the most important issues relating to the best personal finance software packages is ease of use. Convenience and time-saving features are vital, which is some that Credit Karma aims to offer. So, if you find staying on top of monetary matters a chore and welcome help when it comes to filing tax returns or optimising how you spend and save, CreditKarma could be worth exploring.

You'll need to sign up for an account prior to being able to use CreditKarma. (Image credit: CreditKarma) CreditKarma: Pricing

The best personal finance software market is a competitive one, which means that Intuit has to provide value for money when it comes to CreditKarma services. The initial sign-up process can be done for free, which is obviously appealing.

Naturally, with something that comes as free initially, CreditKarma can also tend to provide the user with a bewildering blizzard of financial products. The deeper you get into its offerings, the more this seems to intensify. It’s fine for anyone looking for such things, but this can also detract from the initially appealing free stance.

CreditKarma offers advice and guidance on every area of personal finances. (Image credit: CreditKarma) CreditKarma: Features

CreditKarma works by offering free access to your credit score and, from there, allows much more effective management of personal finances. It’s a sort of helping hand, offering guidance as to the best way to move forwards, which could be a real boon for anyone who struggles with managing personal money matters.

Once you’ve signed up for an account, you’ll have your own log-in details, which will enable you to peruse personal credit scores from the leading names including TransUnion and Equifax. Being able to do this at your leisure and whenever it suits can be very handy as is the suggestions CreditKarma makes to help you navigate your money management chores.

CreditKarma also offers lots of free advice even if you don't go on to become a subscriber. (Image credit: CreditKarma) CreditKarma: Performance

Many of use lead such busy lives that staying on top of personal finances can be tricky. So aside from the desktop website, CreditKarma works best when it’s used via the app. This means it’s quick and easy to tap into the incredible array of help and guidance using Intuit’s large-scale volumes of data. It also means that checking the latest deals of loans, credit cards and mortgages can be done on-the-go too.

Such is the level of information offered, both via the desktop website and through the app, Intuit has done a great job and users of CreditKarma might end up finding it their won one-stop shop when it comes to managing personal finances. It’s all here, and everything seems to flow very nicely indeed too. So, it’s a thumbs-up to CreditKarma on the operational front.

CreditKarma: Ease of use

As expected, the slick CreditKarma website and app combination works every bit as easily as other products in the Intuit portfolio. This is a big company, with seemingly endless resources so it’s little wonder that using the CreditKarma features and functions is a breeze. However, it’s interesting that Intuit also owns budgeting app Mint, which was very popular with lots of people.

Since the acquisition though, Intuit has closed down the apparently loss-making Mint and now points customers in the direction of CreditKarma. Some users who have done this report that it’s not such plain sailing and another complaint is that there are less budgeting features and functions on offer compared to Mint. However, CreditKarma does make it immediately obvious that it is more concerned with offering advice on credit scores. And for that purpose, it seems to work well enough.

(Image credit: CreditKarma) CreditKarma: Support

There’s not too much to go wrong with CreditKarma as the areas where it gives you an overview of your credit scores and the information relating to how that is shaped proves straightforward. In that respect, it seems unlikely that help will be needed for users dipping in and making the most of the free service. Anyone who does come unstuck is pointed to the Help Center, which is, in essence, an online portal offering predetermined answers to questions. It is comprehensive, mind.

CreditKarma: Final verdict

On initial inspection, CreditKarma is impressive enough with lots of tools that purport to help you better manage your personal finances. However, dig a little deeper and there are obviously lots of features and functions that have the potential to draw users deeper into the world of personal loans, offers of credit and other such schemes.

There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but anyone using CreditKarma who isn’t confident with their own financial management processes will want to tread carefully. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up, so CreditKarma is worth an experimental look. The comprehensive advice sections on the website could prove handy too, but there isn’t anything here that can’t be found elsewhere, as our best personal finance software guide attests only too well.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: one-minute review

When I sent a picture of my Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack review unit to my editor, he called it a “ridiculous product”. He meant it flatteringly, of course - how could anyone not want a chunk of a fighter jet’s cockpit ripped out and placed on their desk? That’s exactly what’s on offer with the catchily titled Mission Pack (which sounds like Flight Sim DLC as opposed to a peripheral).

To get the important thing out of the way, though, there’s no stick included here. You can, of course, connect up any traditional flight stick, but for $549.99 / £449.99, it’s worth remembering you’ll still need one.

That plus the price tag puts this firmly in ‘enthusiast’ territory for many, and yet as soon as you take the hefty unit out of the box, it’s hard not to let out a small gasp at just how neat it is. From the switches, to the throttle and its assorted inputs, it only gets cooler when you plug it in and engage the backlights throughout.

There are a staggering 64 buttons included on this 1:1 model, and it’s possible to get even more out of it with some remapping. It’s in a nice spot where it’s approachable (as long as you can afford it) because you can plug it in and most games will recognize it almost instantly, but there’s the potential for some light tweaking with adjustable lights and friction that mean it can be as smooth as you’d like.

The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack won’t be for everyone, but if you’re in the target demographic, you’ll likely already have an order placed.

(Image credit: Future) Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: price and availability

• List price: $529.99 / £449.99
• Available worldwide
• Very much in premium territory

The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack, as mentioned above, doesn’t come with a flight stick but it does come in three different configurations if you’d like to keep costs down.

The first is the throttle, which is available solus, while the second is just the control panel of switches and the like. Finally, you can get the complete version that we’re reviewing here, but if you already have a throttle and just want some switches, or vice versa, the option is there.

Still, there’s no getting around that price tag, but there are much more affordable options available for newer pilots - we’ll come to those shortly.

Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: specs

(Image credit: Future) Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: design and features

• Sturdy construction means it won’t move
• Adjustable friction
• Plenty of inputs

What struck me when removing the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack from its box was just how weighty it is. It’s not necessarily what I’d describe as heavy for heavy’s sake, but it’s got enough heft to it where you can tell it’s been made of materials that will last.

It arrives fully assembled, but with the option to adjust the friction. I found it a little too easy to push at first, and lacking in dramatic effect, but in order to engage afterburner or idle your in-game engine, you’ll need to lift the throttle over a sort of 'hard stop' which adds a fun mechanical feel. Once you then dial in the friction, it just feels right.

There’s even a 'slap button' which can trigger flares with your backhand, which is a nice touch, and then you have a whole bunch of buttons and knobs on the throttle handle. There’s comfortable, if overwhelming at first, and relative novices (that’s me) will likely not press them often, but we’ll come to mapping shortly.

For the panel, you get an adjustable green backlight once you plug it in (there’s a USB-C port at the front), and every switch has a satisfying click when engaged. Add to that the variety of knobs that are easy to turn but don’t get too close to the throttle, and there’s plenty of space for some quick maneuvers.

I also really like the landing gear switch, which you can’t accidentally nudge because it has to be lifted before it can be moved. When I started playing Elite Dangerous I was on Xbox, playing with a controller, fumbling with modifier buttons and all sorts to get my landing gear up. Having a bespoke switch now is a testament to how wide the gamut of flight sim control options are.

If the game you’re playing supports an eject button, you’ll find one of those, too - here’s hoping you never need it.

(Image credit: Future) Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack: performance

• Plug and play
• Customizable elements
• T.A.R.G.E.T software feels a little dated

Thrustmaster recommends using its T.A.R.G.E.T software, but I barely dabbled with it in my testing.

It’s a small install, but outside of using it to install drivers, I found the interface a little too dated to use for button remapping. Still, you can set up various premade layouts within it, mimicking the behaviour of real aircraft, if that’s your thing,

I’m more a space ace myself, so I was keen to test it at two ends of the spectrum: Star Wars Squadrons and Elite Dangerous.

The former was nice and easy, with the game instantly recognizing my stick as one input, and the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack as a secondary one. Within minutes I was chasing ‘Rebel scum’ in my TIE Fighter, locking on and looping the loop.

Elite Dangerous is a slower-paced space sim, but again it was easy enough to get going after switching my input method over in the settings. After a quick auto-launch procedure, I was out space trucking in comfort, safe in the knowledge I was able to react to any situation.

Naturally, sim-based games will have more use for many of the panel’s various switches and knobs. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 dropped during testing, and I found much more use for the array of inputs there than I did in more sci-fi settings.

(Image credit: Future) Should you buy the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack? Buy it if...

You want to take your flight sim setup to new heights
This is as close as you can get to flying a real aircraft at your desk, and could elevate your entire setup.View Deal

You’re happy to get your hands dirty
With customizable friction and lighting, as well as extensive button mapping.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want a flight stick
The Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack is additive, but you’ll still need a stick.View Deal

Also consider...

Still not sold on the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack? Here’s how it compares to two similar products.

Turtle Beach VelocityOne
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne is a much more affordable stick, which might make it an ideal companion to the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack.

It has plenty of buttons and a nice OLED screen for data, while also offering a comfortable flight experience. We’d have liked it to be slightly heavier, though, so it’s less likely to move across a desk.

For more information, check out our full Turtle Beach VelocityOne reviewView Deal

Logitech T Flight Hotas One
Looking to get a throttle and stick combo that’s built for beginners? This option has a comfortable stick and detachable throttle.

It’s not as weighty, but it is a fantastic beginner product thanks to its competitive price and the ability to use it on PC and Xbox consoles.

For more information, check out our full T Flight Hotas One reviewView Deal

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack

• Tested over multiple weeks
• Used on a gaming PC with an RTX 4070Ti
• Tested using Elite Dangerous, Star Wars Squadrons and Microsoft Flight Simulator

I’ve been using the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack for a couple of weeks now, switching between multiple titles.

While I enjoyed using it for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, I primarily tested it using Elite Dangerous, an expansive space sim, and Star Wars Squadrons for testing tight turns and dogfighting, as well as Microsoft Flight Simulator for longer, more realistic flying sessions.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i : two-minute review

Blueair offers similar air purifiers under different model names in the US and UK. In the US, this air purifier is known as the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max, but as I’m located in the south of England, I tested the UK model, Blueair Blue Max 3250i.

The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase at the Blueair website and Amazon for a list price of $169.99, but can occasionally be on offer for a discounted price. In the UK, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is priced at £169 at multiple retailers including Very and Amazon, and also sees a price drop now and then.

(Image credit: Future)

Despite being compact and impressively light for its capabilities, there’s a lot to love about the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. The two touch buttons make it simple to power on the air purifier and to cycle through auto mode, night mode, and fan speeds one to three. The simple design is composed of the white plastic top section that houses the working parts, and a simple yet efficient base that consists of a lightweight frame within the changeable particle and carbon filter, plus a machine-washable fabric pre-filter outer layer. The neatness of the seam isn’t perfect, but other than this it is a great way to capture dust before it reaches the single-use filter, and is available in a range of colors making it effortless to switch things up if desired.

The Blueair Blue Max 3250i does a great job for the price, rivaling some of the best air purifiers. For the most part, the fan speed remained on the lowest setting when the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was left in auto mode. This came as no surprise to me, but I’ve seen some customer reviews complaining that this air purifier doesn’t do anything. In fact, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i is purifying, and it’s capable of clearing more than just the PM2.5 it detects, such as VOCs when manually operated – it just doesn’t possess the capability to detect these things automatically. That's fine, in my professional opinion, considering the low price.

(Image credit: Future)

During testing, it took just ten minutes for the contamination from spraying dry shampoo to be detected and cleared by the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. It continued to impress me over the days I tested it, being sensitive enough to detect the drop in air quality when I used hair products in the next room.

In terms of noise levels, I didn’t experience any issues with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i. I found that I could sleep or watch TV with it in the room without it being disruptive.

I’m a big fan of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, both for its innovative design, and its good performance for a low price, so I can envision it finding its way into our choice of the best air purifiers in the near future. So if you're in the market for a low-cost air purifier that won't shock you with extortionate costs for replacement parts, this is the one for you. If you'd like to learn more, read on for our full review to get all the facts.

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: price & availability

• List price: $169.99 / £169
• Available: in the US and UK under different product names

The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max is available to purchase from the Blueair US website for $169.99, and at the time of writing has a Black Friday deal slashing the price down to $119.99 at Amazon US. The comparable UK model, the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, can’t be purchased from the Blueair website but is available at many major UK retailers, including Argos, Very, and Amazon. The list price is £169 for the Blue Max 3250i at Amazon, and a Black Friday deal has knocked the price down to an even more impressive £113.

I was pleasantly surprised that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i performed so well and had such a considered design considering its price tag, making it fantastic value for money. Replacement components won’t break the bank either, with replacement Particle and Carbon filters costing just $29.99 / £35 – this is particularly impressive as Blueair states that these filters can last between six to nine months.

• Value for money score: 5/5

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: specs Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: design and features

• No display
• Simple to use
• Machine-washable pre-filter

I became a fan of the design aspects of the Blue range when I reviewed the impressive Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max. The standout design feature is the attractive machine-washable fabric pre-filter covering most of the purifier’s outer. This design proves innovative, as directly behind the pre-filter cover sits the particle and carbon filter (this can be upgraded to Smokeblock or Allergenblock filters if desired), which surrounds a simple plastic frame. This makes the base of the purifier super lightweight for its size, weighing in at 7.5 lbs / 3.4 kg. The Blueair Blue Max 3250i can purify an area of 219 sq ft / 48 sq meters yet still remains fairly compact, measuring 18.9 X 10.6 X 10.6 in / 481 x 269 x 269 mm. I’m very pleased with the reduced amount of materials used on the body of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but my concern with this construction is that the exposed filter could be prone to damage.

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve never seen a design quite like this, as most air purifiers have plastic casing to protect the inner filters whereas the body of the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max is simply some structural plastic sitting within the particle and carbon filter, covered in the washable pre-filter. This goes to explain its very light weight of 2.5 lb / 3.4kg but could make it vulnerable to damage.

Despite its minor flaws, it’s a nice touch that Blueair made the pre-filter part of the overall aesthetic, which has meant less material and wasted plastic, which we’re always happy to see at TechRadar. It’s also an advantage that they are machine washable and extras can be purchased in a range of colors, just in case you don’t want to wait for one to dry, or want to switch things up occasionally.

Not only is it delightfully light, it’s dinky in size, too. Measuring just 11.4 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches / ‎172 x 172 x 289mm. This cylindrical 360-degree design enables the Blueair Blue Pure Mini Max to be placed in a variety of spaces, as there’s plenty of opportunity for it to pull air in.

(Image credit: Future)

As was the case with the Mini Max, the seam of the fabric pre-filter could be neater as it is a little puckered and bulges in places, but this is less noticeable on the Blueair Blue Max 3250i as the overlapping seam doesn’t stand out as much over the larger area.

The controls on the top of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are simple, there are just two touch-operated buttons, a power button, and a fan button that cycles between auto mode, sleep mode, and fan speeds of one to three when pressed. There’s no LED display to view the air quality data; however, there’s a light on the front of the unit that changes color to indicate the air quality score, ranging from Excellent to Very Polluted, and a light below each fan mode to indicate which is currently being used.

Real-time quality levels are easy to view on the Blueair app, but there’s no detailed data to review, simply a colored graph showing the air quality rating over time. I found I was able to use a pinching motion to zoom in and out of the graph, which allowed me to view more detail of the air quality changes over smaller increments of time.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: performance

• Quiet operation
• Clears PM2.5 contaminations quickly
• Detects and reacts to PM2.5 that originates in other rooms

Getting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up was quick and simple. The user manual was easy to follow, containing first-time setup instructions including how to connect it to my home Wi-Fi, which proved to be a breeze. It also included instructions on how to remove and wash the fabric pre-filter, which I appreciated. Upon installing the Blueair app, I was given the option to use it without creating an account, but I chose to so I could enter my location and view the outdoor air quality data too.

Connecting the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to the app was blissfully straightforward, taking less than three minutes after switching the air purifier on to view my indoor air quality. As I was using the Blueair Blue Max 3250i in my living room, I selected “Living room” as the product name, but there was an option to add a custom name should I have been using it in an office or nursery, for example.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s worth noting that although it’s claimed the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s electrostatic and mechanical filtration captures airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, it will not detect anything smaller than PM2.5. PM2.5 is particulate matter over 2.5 microns in size, including dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. Other far more expensive air purifiers, such as the Molekule Air Pro, can monitor and react to VOCs along with PM2.5. These volatile organic compounds can come from paint, furniture, carpets, and cleaning products, and are often the main offenders behind lower air quality, so having an air purifier capable of detecting these contaminants would be advantageous.

However, just because an air purifier doesn’t detect these contaminants doesn’t mean it isn’t tackling them, but it won't be aware of them so won’t initiate higher fan speeds in their presence. Considering the low price of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i though, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t have this capability, but this is something to bear in mind if you want a purifier that you can leave to its own devices to tackle all the common contaminants.

(Image credit: Future)

According to the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, the air quality in my living room was considered excellent, so it remained at a low fan speed when I put it into auto mode. To test how sensitive the sensors were to contaminants, and how quickly they reacted to them, I sprayed some dry shampoo roughly three meters away. Within two minutes the Blueair Blue Max 3250i detected the dry shampoo, raising the contamination reading to 56 on the graph within the app over about thirty seconds, which it classed as very polluted. Within three minutes of spraying the dry shampoo, the reading had lowered to 25, classed as good; within six minutes, it returned to excellent.

It was at this moment that my fluffy cats chose to pay a visit, and interestingly, the air quality reduced slightly again, raising the score, so it appeared to detect their fur or dander in the air. Within a minute of them leaving, the score gradually dropped further than before, so it appear that the Blueair Blue Max 3250i’s particle sensors were doing a good job.

I continued to be impressed by how sensitive this air purifier was to changes in air quality over a week of testing. I would be surprised to hear the fan speed ramping up, before realizing I’d used my dry shampoo in the next room. I’ve not encountered a cheap air purifier that possessed this level of sensitivity before.

(Image credit: Future)

When it came to viewing the testing data on the air quality graph on the Blueair app, I found that it wasn’t very easy to view data over multiple days. Whenever I viewed the graph, the data was in real time and I would need to scroll along for some while. I could change from hourly readings to readings across a day or month, but when I scrolled back to a previous day and switched to hourly view to see more detail, it returned to the current day and time. This meant that I could only see this level of detail by scrolling all the way back to my chosen day when in hourly view, which wasn't ideal. The air quality graph didn’t give the full picture of how contaminated the air had become after I sprayed the dry shampoo. It communicated the highest score as being 22, despite reaching 56 in reality. This lack of detail isn’t unheard of, though, as I found that the Molekule Air Mini+ also failed to relay all readings if they were cleared quickly.

I found the Blueair Blue Max 3250i to be easy to sleep next to when in sleep mode, and I found that I couldn’t hear it over the TV when operating on fan level 2. Some other air purifiers can prove deafening at higher fan speeds, but this was not the case with the Blueair Blue Max 3250i.

Overall, though, I was very impressed with how sensitive the Blueair Blue Max 3250i was, how quickly it responded to contaminants, and how swiftly it dealt with them. The level and quality of features are great for the price, and this is only the second non-VOC detecting air purifier that I’ve found myself growing a fondness for, with the other being the Blueair Blue Mini Max.

• Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i? Buy it if...

You want good results on a budget
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m highly impressed with this air purifier. It’s repeatedly proven itself sensitive, responsive, and fast-acting, making it a great performer for the cost.

You need something lightweight
The Blueair Blue Max 3250i isn’t just light for its size; it’s lightweight in general. With barely any body material in its base, it is very easy to pick up and move, making it a good choice for anyone wanting to use it in multiple rooms.

You want something simple
With only two onboard buttons to operate the air purifier and a simple-to-use app, the settings of the Blueair Blue Max 3250i are easy to get a handle on.

Don't buy it if...

You want detailed air quality readings
With a low-cost piece of tech, there’s always going to be an element of compromise. In this case, the contamination detected is limited to PM2.5, and the app doesn’t give any detail on indoor air quality aside from an overall score.

You want something to fight off the nasties on its own accord
As this air purifier can’t detect VOCs, it won’t automatically react to strong odors or finer particles, so settings will need to be altered manually if a higher level of purifying is required.

You want something robust
Despite the advantages of such a lightweight air purifier, there’s no denying that the base design could be at risk of damage should anything make contact with it.

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i review: Also consider

Levoit Core 300S Smart True HEPA
We rated this little air purifier a commendable four-and-a-half stars thanks to its performance and smart features. It is cheaper than the Blueair Blue Max 3250i, but there were delays in response time, and it doesn’t offer washable pre-filters. For more information, why not check out our full Levoit Core 300S True HEPA air purifier review.

Molekule Air Pro
I know, I know, the cost difference here is vast, however, if you happen to be looking for an option with medical-grade materials, FDA medical device clearance, and fantastic VOC detection, then this is hands down the product to go for. If you'd like to find out more about this air purifier's skill set, take a look at our full Molekule Air Pro review.

How I tested the Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i

• I used the Blueair Blue Max 3250i for a week and a half
• I tested how much of an impact it had on the surrounding air quality
• I tested how easy it was to operate and live with

I checked how easy was to get the Blueair Blue Max 3250i set up, how easy it was to operate, and how portable it was.

I tested it in different rooms in my home, and observed how quiet it was at night time and whether it disturbed my sleep.

I assessed its design and structure, paying close attention to quality and any sustainable elements.

I reviewed the impact it had on the air quality in my environment, and how well it handled cooking smells.

• First reviewed: November 2024
• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum: two-minute review

The Temola TS20BS is available to buy at Amazon for $49.99 / £45.99. This is a fairly average cost for a handheld vacuum from a lesser-known brand, and after testing it out I would say that you get what you pay for here.

I was very disappointed to discover that there doesn’t appear to be replacement stainless steel HEPA filters for this model, although I could see replacements for some of their other vacs. Although the stainless steel covering could potentially increase the longevity of the HEPA filter within, but there’s no telling how long it would last. There is, at least, a replacement filter provided with the purchase, but without further replacements, this could significantly decrease the lifetime of the Temola TS20BS.

The Temola TS20BS is lightweight enough to use easily, although in my case using it with my arm extended with nothing to lean on did cause some aching. It’s fairly compact, so it has been easy to store, especially when combined with the convenient drawstring storage bag that fits the accessories, too. The Temola TS20BS doesn’t come with a storage dock but was easy to charge with the included USB-C cable, although it is disappointingly short at just 30.5 inches / 780mm long.

I was happy with the material quality of all parts of the Temola TS20BS set, the dust brush, crevice nozzle, and floor brush didn’t look cheap, the storage bag looked durable, and the materials on the vac itself felt sturdy and looked good. To aid visibility when vacuuming in darker spaces, there’s an LED light situated just above the top of the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup. It wasn’t outstandingly bright, but it was good enough.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

As is the case with many handheld vacuums in this price bracket, I had to remove the front end of the vacuum to empty the dust cup. Detaching it was easy, but care needed to be taken when removing the filter from within, as a lot of debris collects around it. Getting the dust cup to clip back on was tricky on occasion. The level of noise emitted from the TS20BS is fairly standard for a vacuum cleaner, reading 76dB at 10,000PA power, and 80dB on the higher 15,000PA setting.

I found the Temola TS20BS to be a helpful tool for vacuuming my desk and sofa, but it really proved its worth when I put it through its paces against our TechRadar vacuum testing process. It did an adequate job of picking up the larger particles of oats and a mixture of flour and biscuit crumbs when on the lower power setting, but the higher setting was required to collect up the finer dust particles.

When testing the floor brush attachment I found it wasn’t helpful in that instance, mainly flicking debris around rather than helping to collect it up. When I used the dust brush on the end of the crevice nozzle, on the other hand, the results were fantastic. I found this smaller brush to improve performance in many different areas of my car, from dusting and vacuuming the leather to removing stubborn bits of leaf from carpeted areas.

For the most part, I’d recommend you purchase the TS20BS, as it did a good job for its price. Sadly, though, the lack of replacement filters makes me hesitant to encourage you to buy without doing further research, in case some may have become available in the meantime. If you’d like to take a look at some alternatives to help make up your mind, we’ve collated a selection of the best car vacuums, and best handheld vacuums to help you discover the most suitable option for your needs.

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Price and availability

• List price: $49.99 / £45.99
• Available at Amazon

The Temola TS20BS is a handheld vacuum that comes with accessories and a storage bag for a list price of $49.99 / £45.99 at Amazon. You’re getting what you pay for with the Temola TS20BS, considering the quality, performance, and ease of use; although some slightly more expensive vacs performed better, I was happy enough with its performance.

The set comes with an additional washable filter, which I was pleased about, but after investigating I cannot find replacement filters for this model. While the stainless steel covering of the filter may potentially increase the longevity of the filters, providing they are cleaned regularly, there’s no saying quite how long they’ll last, giving the Temola TS20BS a disappointingly short lifespan if replacements do not come available to purchase soon.

• Value score: 2.5 / 5

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Specs Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: design and features

• Materials look good quality
• Short USB-C charging cable
• Useful drawstring storage bag

Considering its price, I was pretty impressed with the material quality of the Temola TS20BS. The majority of the vacuum is black and off-white and has a gloss finish, aside from the buttons and dust cup securing latch, which are bright orange with a slightly textured finish. The dust cup that makes up the business end of the vacuum is made from shiny transparent black plastic, making it easy for me to see when the dust cup is reaching capacity while obscuring the contents enough to stop it from being an eyesore.

The Temola TS20BS is fairly lightweight, but it isn’t the lightest handheld vac I’ve tested. It weighs 2.1lb / 957g, so it was easy enough for me to use but caused a little bit of arm ache if I wasn’t able to lean a little on what I was vacuuming. It isn’t a bulky vac, at 15 x 4 x 5 inches / 350 x 150 x 150mm, making it easy to store away in the handy drawstring bag, which also holds the accessories as well.

The accessories included are a dust brush, crevice nozzle, and a floor brush. Most of these did a great job, although I found one of them wasn’t very helpful during testing. Another useful addition that resides on the Temola TS20BS itself is the integrated LED light that is positioned above the dust cup. It’s not the most powerful LED I’ve seen, but it did an okay job of helping me see a little better when vacuuming darker spaces.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

The Temola TS20BS comes with what Temola states is a stainless steel HEPA filter in place, and an additional filter comes in the box. This is a nice touch, as although the filters can be washed, and made easier with the included cleaning brush, they would likely need to be changed within a few months.

The Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum doesn’t come with a charging dock, instead, it can be recharged using just a USB-C cable. While some users may prefer a dock for ease of access, I liked the flexibility of placement that came with charging via a cable, and I was still able to store the vacuum and accessories away neatly in the drawstring storage bag. The one downside here, however, is that the cable that comes with the Temola TS20BS is only 30.5 inches / 780mm long, proving a little annoying at times.

There isn’t a replacement battery available, so I was limited to the max run time, which wasn’t quite enough to give my car a full valet, although with it being winter as I write this and I both work and live near a lot of leafy trees, I can’t judge it too harshly for that. One aspect I appreciated is that the included USB-C charging cable can be used with a power bank, or with a cigarette lighter adapter, so I didn’t necessarily need to bring it into the house to charge.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

I was satisfied with the level of noise the Temola TS20BS emits, as it was quieter than a lower-powered car vac I’d tested and pretty standard for a vacuum cleaner. On the low 10,000mAh setting it reached a sound level of 76dB, and the higher setting reached 80dB, so the highest setting was no louder than a busy restaurant. I still needed to use some ANC earbuds when using it, but that’s due to an auditory issue; for the average person I don’t envision the noise levels would be uncomfortable.

On a few occasions, I found that the dust cup didn’t always connect to the handle properly the first couple of times I’d attached it. It clicked on and looked attached, but any bit of pressure on it caused it to fall off, I found I needed to pay particular attention to making sure the bottom of the dust cup had clicked over the extra plastic tag, which was a little fiddly, but simple once I’d gotten used to it. This is likely just a personal preference, but long pressing the power button did nothing when on the lower suction setting, this would only work after increasing it to the max suction level. This is only a minor niggle, but I like to keep loud noises to a minimum, so I wasn’t a fan that the increase of sound was unavoidable when I needed to turn it off, especially when using it to give my desk a quick hoover in the office.

• Design and features score: 4 / 5

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: performance

• Performed well for the price
• Dust brush works well
• An extension hose would've been helpful

As it weighs just 2.1lb / 957g, the Temola TS20BS was easier to wield than the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, which is currently our top pick of the best handheld vacuum and best car vacuum. I found the handheld Shark vac made my arm ache a little when performing the same tests for a direct comparison.

The Temola TS20B did a good job when I used it to vacuum my sofa, but I really put it to the test when I used it in my beloved car. One thing I love about working for TechRadar is our mission to perform thorough testing on all products – I just wish that didn’t involve spreading flour, biscuit crumbs, and oats in my car. But, if nothing else, I’m dedicated to our mission. So, dear reader, despite how uncomfortable it made me: I did it, for every single handheld vac I tested, each time praying they were up to the job of cleaning it up. I’m relieved to say, in the case of the Temola TS20BS, I needn’t have worried.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

When following our testing procedure, the Temola TS20BS picked up most of the mixture of flour and biscuit on the lowest power setting, but smaller particles were left behind in the pile of my car mat. Turning up to the higher power setting made quick work of picking this up though, so I was able to get it all vacuumed up in a minute or so.

It was a similar story when it came to hoovering up the oats. The lowest setting picked up the large pieces without issue, but the smaller debris remained on the surface of the carpet and in the pile. Again, the higher setting cleared this up, but it required a little elbow grease and pressure.

The floor brush attachment of the Temola TS20BS didn’t do the best job of picking up the fine dust from my car mat. It kind of flicked debris around when using the lower suction, though it performed better on the higher setting. In the end, I found myself removing the floor brush attachment and giving the carpet a final going over on the higher setting just to collect the remaining dust. The dust brush, which is smaller and softer, did a vastly better job, even just on the lower 10,000PA power setting, and the performance improved further when I increased it to 15,000PA.

(Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

The crevice tool performed as expected, reaching smaller areas, and, naturally, the pickup was best with the higher suction setting. One nice-to-have would have been a flexible extension hose like the one included with the Homekane Handheld Vac, as getting down the edges of my seats was a bit of a struggle with the limited reach. As with the earlier tests the performance improved by far after adding the dust brush tool to the mix as it aggravated the debris just enough to allow it to be picked up easily.

When it came to emptying the 3.6 cup / 850ml dust cup, I must say that I preferred the Shark configuration, which simply required me to push a button and pull down a flap on the underside of its dust cup, which felt quicker and less messy than needing to remove the dust cup and filter from the Temola TS20BS each time. I had to bang out the filter, as most of the debris was caught on its surface and the cavity at the bottom of the filter housing, and it was also tricky to put it back into place properly.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum? Buy it if...

You want a simple-to-use vac
With easy-to-master controls and a fairly lightweight body, you'll be up and running with this Temola vac before you know it.

You want a vac that's easy to store away
Whether you plan on sticking it in a cupboard or in the trunk of your car, the drawstring storage bag makes it easy to keep all the parts neatly in one place.

Don't buy it if...

You don't want a vac with an expiry date
As there doesn't appear to be any replacement stainless steel HEPA filters compatible with this model at present, there is a risk that this handheld vacuum could only be usable for as long as the two included filters last.

You want a charging dock
The Temola TS20BS doesn't have a model with a storage dock, so if you're a dock fan this won't be for you. The storage bag provides a tidy storage solution, though.

Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: also consider

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus
The top spot holder of our pick of the best handheld and car vacuums, this handheld Shark vac delivers great suction power, easy emptying, and some versatile tools. Take a look at our full review to hear how well it performed.

Shark WandVac System WS642 / WV361UK 4
This versatile vac requires more investment, but it's a great choice if you're looking for a lightweight and ergonomic vac that can be used in a stick or handheld configuration. It features on our list of the best handheld vacuums for its flexible use and light weight, but its battery life is a little on the short side. Here's our full review if you'd like to find out more.

How I tested the Temola TS20BS Cordless Handheld Vacuum

• I tested the Temola TS20BS against two other handheld vacs
• I assessed its ability to vacuum both large and fine debris
• I made use of the included accessories

I took a close look at the design and materials used for the Temola TS20BS. I used it to vacuum my sofa and my desk and put it through its paces against the TechRadar vacuum testing process in my car. This involves testing a vacuum's ability to pick up fine and coarse particles, namely oats, and a mixture of flour and fine biscuit crumbs.

I assessed the fit of the accessories and used each of them to see how effective they were. I also looked at how easy and efficient the dust cup emptying process was.

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

Carv 2 Ski Coach: One minute review

Carv is a system that gathers motion data from your ski boots using sensors, analyses that via the app on your smartphone, and provides feedback through your headphones. It’s a digital ski coach, using advanced algorithms to detect and evaluate your technique, grade it, highlight improvement points, and provide feedback to help you achieve that.

The first version of Carv used pressure-sensing insoles but has now evolved to two sensor units that clip onto your ski boot in Carv 2. That makes setup a breeze, you just clip them on, check the Bluetooth connection to your phone, pop in a headphone and you’re good to go.

The beauty of Carv 2 is that it works in real-time. It can provide audible feedback on each turn, with more detailed evaluation when you stop, or once you get on the lift. Your skiing is captured in incredible detail: this isn’t just a GPS trace like you’d get from a Garmin, you get detailed data through every part of your turn, recording how your weight shifted and how each of your skis behaved.

Carv 2 gamifies your skiing, giving you a Ski IQ score based on your skill (mine is 124) while helping you target the changes you’d have to make to improve your technique. The aim is to help you become a smooth carving skier, but there’s plenty to help you progress to better parallel turns, so it works for a wide range of intermediate to advanced skiers.

(Image credit: Carv)

Carv is a unique system and incredibly detailed, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, with audio feedback to help you improve, supported by videos in the app to demonstrate what’s being discussed. It’s like having an instructor with you every time you ski, talking in your ear, while hitting new targets is incredibly rewarding.

Carv 2 isn’t suitable for beginners and it can’t teach you to ski from scratch. It’s also fairly expensive: the sensors cost £99, but you need a subscription to use them and that’s £99/$119 for 6 days (a typical ski vacation). Alternatively, you can pay £199, get the sensors free of charge, and have a full year of use – but in future years you’ll need a new subscription, so there’s an ongoing cost.

(Image credit: Future / Chris Hall)

It’s cheaper than ski lessons, but you have to be engaged with Carv to benefit and you don’t have the advantage of having a real-life person to show you what you’re doing wrong – instead, you might end up with repeated feedback, which can feel a little like nagging.

Carv 2 is perfect for me however: as an intermediate skier, who has plateaued and is unlikely to ever have lessons again because I’d rather ski with my family, Carv 2 lets me make small adjustments to focus on my technique. There’s nothing else like it and for a skier, those stats are really addictive and mean that every run counts.

(Image credit: Carv) Carv 2 Ski Coach: Scorecard Carv 2: Should I buy? Buy it if…

You’re an intermediate skier

If you love skiing but aren’t getting any better, then Carv 2 could help you make those changes to improve.

You’re a data junkie

Sometimes you just need data and Carv 2 will give you data on everything about your skiing. You’ll get the metrics of your turns, your speed, and the distance you’ve covered, all nicely presented for every ski session.

You feel like you’re held back by friends or family

It sounds mean but … with Carv 2 you can use those slower runs to really focus on your technique and make progress – while skiing with others.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re a beginner skier

If you’re just getting started and you can’t turn, then Carv isn’t for you. Get some lessons to help you learn the basics safely.

You don’t ski regularly

While you could buy Carv 2 for one week of skiing, you’re really not going to benefit unless you’re getting out on the snow regularly – yearly at least.

You don’t like headphones

It might sound silly, but Carv 2 talks to you through your headphones - if you can’t ski with headphones, then you won’t get on with it.

How I tested

I used Carv 2 over two days of skiing on the Stubai glacier in Austria, where I tested all the features. I previously used the original Carv, so had the chance to compare the experience of both systems. During testing, I covered 40km of runs, a descent of 8000m in total, with over 1600 turns across those days. I skied on piste, including some mogul segments. I didn’t have the chance to test it in powder snow. All testing was conducted on a trip paid for and provided by Carv. Carv did not have any say in the content of this article and did not see it before it was published.

First reviewed: November 2024

OneOdio Focus A5: One-minute review

If you're considering picking up the OneOdio Focus A5, it's probably for its fantastic battery life – it'll last for 75 hours of music if you let it, which is an excellent figure. That's over three days straight, and well over double the figure of most rivals.

The world of the best cheap headphones is a competitive one, but this will have certain users' eyes perking up. If you go on long-haul flights across the world, embark on journeys in the wilderness for days at a time, or religiously forget to charge your gadgets, that figure could prove game-changing.

And you're getting the Focus A5 for cheap at $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100)! Sounds like a must-buy, right?

Well, that'll depend on what you actually want to listen to for 75 hours, and if you're an audiophile – or anyone who values well-balanced audio – then the Focus A5 might not actually be what you're looking for.

The audio balance on these cans is more wonky than a famous Italian tower, offering an overwhelming amount of bass that drowns out important parts of a song. It's not even well-tuned bass, so people who just want 75 hours of ear-shaking tunes won't like it either.

Then there's the feature set – or lack thereof. The OneOdio's Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is so light-touch that you can forget that it's turned on (and I'd recommend ignoring it, since turning on ANC cuts 30 hours off the battery life). There's no app either, and therefore no equalizer, so you can't try and fix the muddy sound quality.

You can't expect fantastic-sounding audio, an advanced feature set and a low price in the same set of headphones (even though some options do come close), but most of OneOdio's rivals tick at least two of those boxes. With the Focus A5 only hitting the last point, it's hard to recommend them beyond their long-lasting battery. The Earfun Wave Pro cost essentially the same price and have an even longer battery life, and work better in every way – those are ideal affordable option among the best noise cancelling headphones.

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Sells for $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100)
• Cheaper alternative to Focus A10

You can pick up the OneOdio Focus A5 for $69.99 / £59.99 (roughly AU$100, but unlike other OneOdio headphones, I can’t find it on sale in Australia at the time of writing).

That price makes the Focus A5 one of the more affordable headphones you might be considering if you’re looking to save money, but the cheap headphone market is a very competitive one.

Our best-in class option costs only a little more: the Earfun Wave Pro sells for $79.99 / £79.99 (roughly AU$120) and we also highly rate the $60 / £60 / AU$99 Sony WH-CH520.

OneOdio itself has plenty of other options, if you’re keen to stick with the brand: there’s also a slightly-more-expensive A10 as well as several other families of studio, monitor and hybrid headphones.

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Specs OneOdio Focus A5 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• No phone app
• Light-touch ANC
• 75 hours of battery life

The OneOdio Focus A5 doesn’t have a smartphone app to use, which makes writing this section easier, but using the headphones (or balancing its audio) a little bit harder. That means there's no equalizer, a big loss (as we'll get to).

You'll use the ‘ANC’ button on the right earcup to toggle between the three Active Noise Cancellation modes: on, off and ambient sound. The ANC on the A5 is very light touch, and I often didn’t know whether I had it turned on or not – it felt like the natural cushioning of the pads removed as much sound as the ANC.

From a poor feature, to a really handy one – the OneOdio Focus A5 has a battery life of 75 hours. You read that right – you could listen for over three days straight if you wanted to. That figure is for ANC turned off, and it reduces to about 45 hours with ANC turned on – given what I’ve said about how effective the noise cancellation is, you may want to opt for the longer lasting power.

The ability to listen to music for several days straight without having to juice it back up it is a win for the A5, as it means that people who are going on long trips or can’t reliably get to a power source could still enjoy using it.

• Features score: 3/5

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)

• Too much bass
• Too little anything else
• High max volume

When I first started listening to the OneOdio Focus A5, I said to myself “wow, bass fans are going to love these headphones” but as the testing process went on, I had to amend that thought: “or they might hate them”.

Bass is certainly the emphasis of the Focus A5’s audio balance. The mix isn’t so much ‘warm’ as it is ‘blistering to the touch’, for how loud bass is compared to other parts of the sound profile. My first impression, to assume bass fans would love this, was proven wrong the more I listened.

The bass blows out other aspects of the sound mix. Vocals fade into the background like the roadies forgot to plug the mic in, guitars sometimes get a cut in but more often than not (especially with higher-pitched notes and hooks) fall to the same fate as the singing. Some other mid-frequency aspects of songs, like keyboards and rhythm guitars, have as much chance of being heard as you do of finding your phone if you drop it off a boat.

Fans of bassy headphones may simply accuse me of saying that simply to dig out my dusty creative writing degree, but there are more reasons to malign the bass tilt: even that aspect of the audio has a problem.

(Image credit: Future)

The bass is quite muddy, so it’s less ‘thumping’ and more ‘patting gently’ – it lacks energy or urgency, loudly saying nothing at all. According to Amazon, the Focus A5 has a custom-made 40mm dynamic driver (this information was conspicuously absent from OneOdio’s own site), and judging by other reviews of OneOdio products, this sound profile is a recurring feature in its headphones.

I can’t completely rule out the Focus A5’s audio chops – some people may really like this kind of hiccupping bass. I don’t think I’ve ever met these people, and I’ve no evidence to suggest they actually exist, but I can’t rule it out.

OneOdio has added support for LDAC codec and Hi-Res Audio certification to the headphones, but I’m not sure that the cans need more detailed bass – they need less of it.

I want to say a nice thing now: the OneOdio Focus A5 goes really, really loud. I could hear music perfectly well at max volume when the headphones were around my neck – no-one can complain about them being too quiet!

• Sound quality: 2/5

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Svelte look
• Single color option: black
• Feels a little fragile

OneOdio hasn't re-invented the wheel with the Focus A5 but I liked how svelte they look between the metal pivot, textured cups and gold-silver color scheme.

Don't get me wrong, these are incredibly similar to the vast majority of cheap headphones, but with a few augments here and there. They come in a single color option: black.

The right cup has all of the Focus A5's controls: there's the ANC button which you press to toggle between the three modes, a power button and a volume rocker. Nice and simple. The USB-C port for charging is on this side too.

The headphones weigh 265g which is a little less than some rivals I've tested, however they felt quite fragile. The cups rattle and rotate a little bit when you're not wearing the A5, there's no included carry case and if the cans have an IP rating, I can't find any mention of it in OneOdio's fact sheets. I was quite careful with the headphones during testing as a result, although they were never damaged in a way that would justify my caution; it's likely that they feel flimsy, but are perfectly robust. Still, I'd have liked to have felt more confidence in that.

• Design score: 3.5/5

OneOdio Focus A5 review: value

(Image credit: Future)

I'm all for 'cheap and cheery' headphones, and the OneOdio Focus A5 are ostensibly that: you don't have to pay much and you're getting one great feature along with a few less-great aspects.

However its iffy audio and troubled feature-set might lose the A5 some of those 'cheery points' – especially when similar-price rivals simply don't have the same issues.

These aren't inherently bad value at this price, but there's much better value out there.

• Value: 2.5/5

Should I buy the OneOdio Focus A5? Buy them if…

You don't like charging
The 75-hour battery life will be a blessing to certain kinds of users who can't reliably access a charging point.

You're on a budget
Don't want to spend loads on top-price or even mid-range headphones? These will fit into your budget.

Don’t buy them if…

You don't like bassy audio
The audio is heavily skewed towards bassy sounds, so if you don't like this kind of sound, you're really not going to like the A5.

You're listening somewhere loud
The Focus A5's tender noise cancellation means you won't be able to hear music if you often listen in loud environments.

OneOdio Focus A5 review: Also consider

Earfun Wave Pro
Here at TechRadar we're big fans of the Earfun Wave Pro, and they beat the OneOdio in most areas while only costing a tiny amount more, so read our full Earfun Wave Pro review.

JBL Tune 670NC
We didn't rate the JBL Tune 670NC in the audio department, but elsewhere it has a great feature set and a decent battery life too. Here our full JBL Tune 670NC review.

How I tested the OneOdio Focus A5

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for three weeks
• Tested at home, in the office, on public transport and on walks

I used the OneOdio Focus A5 for three weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music, watching streamed TV or playing games basically daily.

For the entire testing period I used the Focus A5 alongside my Android smartphone, via Bluetooth. Streaming was done via Spotify, Netflix and a range of games and I listened mainly at home or on my city's various public transport options, with some listening time also conducted in an office or on walks.

I've been testing gadgets at TechRadar for just shy of six years now, including many pairs of cheap headphones and other OneOdio offerings.

• First reviewed in December 2024

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Two-minute review

The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are a fantastic pair of wireless headphones. Using the same drivers as the company’s studio-oriented DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, the sound quality will make you feel like you’ve taken a blanket off your music, especially if you’re upgrading from a cheaper, lesser model. And they’re as feature-filled as any other model at this price point.

I believe that, since their release this year, they belong in the conversation for the best wireless headphones. They do fall slightly short of the active noise cancellation (ANC) you find with the likes of Bose and Sony flagships. But, they still fare very well. And again, they sound fantastic. On top of that, the battery life is very, very good.

There are a couple aspects that hold the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 from being perfect. For instance, the ear pads are tough to remove – an issue if you’re worried about potential wear and tear. And, the main way to control audio on the headphones is a touchpad on the right ear. It’s innovative, but slow to respond and comes with a bit of a learning curve. Since I generally use my phone or computer for adjusting things like volume and forwarding / rewinding, it’s not a dealbreaker. Still, it’s annoying.

At the end of the day, however, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.

(Image credit: Future) Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: Price and release date

• Announced September 9 2024, available from November 2024
• Costs $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640)

No doubt about it, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are among the more premium options out there when it comes to wireless headphones. They go for $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640), which is more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and their price of £380 / $399 / AU$649. Both are fantastic sounding headphones. Of course, the Aventho 300 fold up and have faster Bluetooth connectivity, but the WH-1000XM5 have class-leading ANC.

There are even more expensive options out there such as the $899 / £599-priced Dali IO-8 or the $549 / £549 / AU$899-priced Apple AirPods Max where you’re paying for the name or premium materials as much as anything else. The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, therefore, are well-priced for what they are and offer good value, but are not a steal.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Specs Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• Very useable EQ and presets
• Plenty of accessibility in the app
• Has multipoint connectivity and lossless codecs

As far as features go, the only thing missing from the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is some kind of personalised, augmented sound profile. That said, there is more than enough flexibility available in the app to adjust the EQ. Not only are there six different presets to choose from, including “neutral” interestingly (more on why that’s necessary for some later), but there’s also a five-band graphic EQ with the ability to boost or cut up to six dB where you can save your preferred EQ curve.

Speaking of the app, there’s much more on tap, including playing around with different levels of ANC and ambient mode as well as turning Dolby Atmos and head tracking on. The ANC and ambient modes have five levels of sensitivity and work pretty well, either blocking out sound or letting you hear your surroundings. They’re not quite class-leading, but unless your neighbours or colleagues are especially raucous, you’ll probably be happy with them.

In the app, you can also turn on/off a voice assistant as well as adjust what the internal voice prompt announces. For example, I like hearing the battery level when I turn on the headphones, but I don’t want to hear which codec is being used during the first few seconds of the first song I listen to.

The app also allows toggling things like auto shutdown, sidetone, and LED brightness. There’s even a touch guide to show how to use the touchpad on the side of the headphones.

Though you won’t see it in the app, multipoint connectivity is available. It’s also worth noting that there’s AAC and aptX lossless (and adaptive) support.

(Image credit: Future)

• Features score: 4.5/5

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Design

• Aesthetically pleasing if a bit bulky
• Touchpad has a learning curve and has inconsistent sensitivity
• Has a very long battery life

The chunky design of the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 is aesthetically pleasing while still looking very similar to the majority of over-ear headphones out there. Available in Black and Nordic Grey (reviewed here), the whole thing from the earcups to the head band and all the plush materials are the same color with the exception of the metal (presumably aluminum) yoke and the model name emblazoned on the left earcup – silver on the Nordic Grey model and Nordic Grey on the Black model.

The ergonomics are solid as the ear cups are angled to sit more naturally on the side of the face, though the amount the headband can extend seems like it might not be enough for big heads. The ear pads and headband are covered in a faux leather that’s not the most breathable, but is comfortable enough. I can definitely wear these for a while without feeling fatigued, but they’re not the cream of the crop when it comes to comfort. On top of that, the clamping force is a bit strong, so if you’re sensitive to that, you might need to stretch them out just a bit.

(Image credit: Future)

The controls consist of a power button that also pairs via Bluetooth, a button to cycle through ANC, ANC off, and transparency mode, and the touch pad I’ve mentioned which covers the entire flat portion of the right ear cup. This capacitive area allows an assortment of controls from volume control, skipping through songs, answering calls, and the like via tapping and gesturing in the appropriate directions. It’s a good idea, but takes a bit to learn. More importantly, the sensitivity seems inconsistent, so sometimes I have to gesture more than once to get the headphones to react to what I want to do. This is probably the area where these headphones could use the most fine tuning for successive models.

At least the battery life is long, as you can get 50 hours with ANC on – and ANC has a tendency to drain the battery. After about 10 hours of listening, I had 80% battery life left without charging back up. Considering they charge via USB-C, 10 minutes of charging gets about five hours of play.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Sound quality

• Seemingly neutral but has prominent bass and slightly hyped high-end
• Decently wide soundstage
• Dolby Atmos and head tracking work well

If you don’t feel like reading the next 200ish words, just know that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound really good. Since these headphones share the same Stellar.45 drivers that the company introduced in its studio-focused DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X headphones, the frequency range leans towards a very clean, high-headroom experience that on first listen almost sounds neutral the way a pair of headphones meant for the studio sounds.

After spending a little time listening to all sorts of genres from Rock to Hip Hop and Folk, the nuances become a little more obvious. First of all, even though the sound comes across as clean and even, it’s actually quite bass heavy (note that the frequency range goes as low as 5Hz), especially nearing the sub-bass region. Any Rock or Alternative tracks I listen to become very bass prominent even though the genres are generally more mid-focused.

Of course, it’s a testament to the quality of the drivers that you get such prominent bass while still hearing everything else clearly.

(Image credit: Future)

The high-end is also a little hyped, which adds a bit to the clarity. But, it’s not so prominent to be in-your-face or painful. In the EQ modes I mentioned earlier, the neutral setting actually boosts the mid-range just a tad while bringing the low-end down quite a bit and the high-end a dB or two.

The soundstage is just as stellar. It feels wide enough to make me feel like I’m sitting on stage with the musicians. Far off elements are well-placed so that I get a really immersive sense of space. Now, they’re not the widest sounding headphones ever, but they sit at a sweet spot between intimate and concert hall.

Since there’s Dolby Atmos support, I should mention that it’s a nice touch. However, it is a virtual spatial audio so everything just sounds like there’s just a bit more reverb. While more dimensional, it doesn’t really add much to the experience unless watching a movie or show. I feel the same way about the headtracking that can be enabled. It works well if that matters to you.

• Sound quality: 5/5

(Image credit: Beyerdynamic) Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Value

• Pricing is about what one would expect for flagship wireless headphones
• Paying for consistency
• Comes with a hard shell and softshell case

As a value proposition, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are good but not great. As previously mentioned, they're not that much more than the Sony WH-1000XM5 and are comparable in a lot of ways, with some aspects being slightly better and others slightly worse. You can spend much more for models that aren’t really any better. But you can spend much less and still get very good-sounding headphones.

However, Beyerdynamic headphones are consistently great, so you’re paying for that to a degree the way you do with Apple when it comes to phones or laptops. At least, you get a nice hard shell case and drawstring bag out of the deal.

• Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300? Buy them if…

You want excellent, polished sound quality
Not only do the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound great, but they sound polished like they’re meant for the studio. Somehow, they still have a large bass response.

You want something a little different but just as good
If you want to get something a little different than everyone else without sacrificing quality, these headphones have it all from sound quality to feature set.

Don’t buy them if…

You’re looking for a best-value buy
While they’re priced appropriately, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are not cheap. So, if you’re looking to get the bang for your buck, there are other options to consider.

You want easy controls
Though the capacitive touchpad on the right earcup is a good idea, it could be executed just a little bit better (it’s not bad, just inconsistent).

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review: Also consider

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 don’t have the best ANC and lose the proprietary spatial audio. However, they’re great value and not just because they’re a bit cheaper. Since they come at a lower price point, they focus on what matters most – and that’s excellent sound quality. Also, the battery life is excellent
Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review

Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are still considered one of the best, if not the best, over-ear wireless headphones. The sound quality is excellent, the app is easy to use, and, most importantly, the ANC and ambient features are still virtually unparalleled. Only thing is they’re minimally better than their lower-priced and still available predecessor.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

• Tested over two weeks
• Tested with different music as well as video streaming
• Tested every feature meticulously

I spent a few weeks using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 as my daily headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip-hop to rock and acoustic music to compare the frequency range and soundstage. I also tested them with streaming video and used the various settings such as ANC, ambient mode, and EQ.

After testing, it seems that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 are best suited for those wanting a mostly neutral audiophile-like experience in a set of wireless headphones without sacrificing on features.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.

• First reviewed in December 2024

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Orico O7000: One-minute review

Although we’re technically in the PCIe 5.0 era of storage, it’s really been a golden age for PCIe 4.0 SSDs thanks to a plethora of choices, such as the Orico O7000, which is positioned as a drive with high-end performance for a midrange price.

This PCIe 4.0 SSD ranges from 512GB to 4TB, and for this review we’re taking the 1TB model for a spin. Rated for 7000MB/s in reads and 6500MB/s in writes, the O7000 isn’t quite at the top-end of PCIe 4.0 storage (which would be the Samsung 990 Pro), but it’s close.

What makes this drive particularly interesting is its current $69 price (about £55/AU$100), which is relatively low nowadays for a drive of this caliber.

Compared to top-end PCIe 4.0 SSDs like the FireCuda 530R from Seagate and the MP600 Pro NH from Corsair, the O7000 is just a shade slower for the most part, and often ties the two drives.

However, when writing lots of data to the O7000 (like if you’re moving all your game installations to it), its performance easily bogs down and becomes extremely slow.

The O7000 1TB also has a weakness in that other brands offer the same SSD hardware under different names, and these drives can sometimes be cheaper, but sales pricing is always a fickle thing.

For now, though, the O7000 is the cheapest option for this hardware, and its performance makes it one of the best values in PCIe 4.0 storage.

Orico O7000: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Connatser)

• How much does it cost? From $69 (about £55/AU$100)
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, with UK and Australia availability pending

The O7000 is currently available on Amazon and Newegg, though at the time of writing, Amazon only offers the 1TB model, while Newegg also has the 2TB and 4TB variants in stock. The 1TB model costs $59, the 2TB $93, and the 4TB $196. The 2TB is currently the best deal on a dollar per GB basis, but since SSD prices can easily go up or down, it’s unclear how long this will be true for.

At $59 for the 1TB model, it’s significantly cheaper than other flagship PCIe 4.0 drives like Seagate’s FireCuda 530R and Corsair’s MP600 Pro NH, which cost $94 and $84 respectively for the 1TB version. It’s also much cheaper than older PCIe 5.0 SSDs, such as the $169 FireCuda 540 1TB.

Orico O7000: Specs Orico O7000: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Connatser)

Overall, the O7000 shows good, but not perfect, performance. The 530R and MP600 Pro NH were faster for the most part, but in nearly every single test the O7000 nipped on their heels. There were even a few instances where the O7000 tied or beat the Seagate and Corsair drives.

A particularly bright spot for the O7000 is its thermal performance and efficiency. It only maxed out at 50 degrees Celsius, far lower than the three other SSDs we tested. That makes the O7000 a decent candidate for laptops and handheld PCs, which often lack good SSD cooling.

Of course, more heat occurs because of higher power consumption, so the O7000 is a low-power drive too, another reason to choose it for a battery-powered device.

The FireCuda 540 was of course in its own league, but it costs about twice as much and benefits from active cooling, something the O7000 definitely doesn’t need.

However, the O7000’s biggest weakness is in sustained writes. All SSDs suffer from lowered writing performance the less free space they have, but the O7000 can see its performance drop to as low as 150MB/s. However, it’s rare to come across this situation in the real world since it requires tens or hundreds of gigabytes of large files being moved to an SSD.

Orico O7000: Verdict

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Connatser)

While the O7000 1TB isn’t perfect, its overall performance is very close to what you get with the FireCuda 530R 2TB and MP600 Pro NH 2TB. With a substantially lower price tag of $69, that makes the O7000 a better deal for the most part. If you’re looking for a new boot drive on a budget or if you just want some fast, secondary storage, the O7000 is a sensible choice.

However, the SSD that the O7000 1TB is based on is also made by other brands, including TeamGroup with its MP44. There’s really no reason to buy the more expensive drive since they’re essentially identical, but that works in Orico’s favor right now since the O7000 is cheaper.

The O7000 2TB is an especially good deal right now, going for just $93, which isn’t much more than lots of 1TB drives. Spending the extra $34 to get double the storage and the same performance makes the O7000 2TB especially appealing versus the 1TB model, though we don’t know how long this will hold since SSD prices can change quite frequently (and have done so as this review was in progress).

Should you buy the Orico O7000 Buy the Orico O7000 if...

You need fast storage on a budget
The O7000 has nearly top-end performance for a PCIe 4.0 SSD, and should work fine for just about anyone.

You want a cool and efficient SSD
The O7000 consumes very little power, which means longer battery life on mobile devices and low temperatures even without a heatsink.

Don't buy it if...

You need top-end performance period
The O7000 isn’t quite as fast as other PCIe 4.0 SSDs and stumbles in sustained writing.

You can find another SSD with the same hardware for less
There are a few SSDs out there that use the same components, such as TeamGroup’s MP44 and Lexar’s NM790. They’re essentially identical, so if they’re cheaper, just get one of those instead.

How I tested the Orico O7000

Although Intel’s new Core Ultra 200 Series has technically replaced last-gen 14th Gen CPUs, I’m using my LGA 1700 test bench for SSD testing, rather than an LGA 1851 test bench.

This is because SSDs run on Arrow Lake CPUs actually perform significantly worse than on 14th Gen CPUs. We’re not entirely sure why this is the case, but in order to show our SSDs’ best possible performance, we have to use Intel’s last-gen CPUs.

The LGA 1700 test bench is equipped with the Core i9-14900K, ASRock’s Z790 Taichi Lite motherboard, 32GB of DDR5 clocked to 5600MHz, and Corsair’s H170i iCUE LINK liquid cooler with a 420mm radiator. We also tested the Firecuda 530R, Firecuda 540, and MP600 Pro NH for comparison.

AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh: Two-minute review

AndaSeat's playing an intriguing game with this one. The X-Air Series Mesh line actually features two base models to choose from straight out of the gate, the X-Air and the X-Air Pro. The X-Air starts at $369 / around £290, and the X-Air Pro comes in at the $419 / around £329 mark. Both are only available from its store right now. The big difference between the two? Well, it's mostly down to colorways, the base, and the armrests.

With the Pro, you get 5D rests (more on that later), an aluminum base, and access to two additional colorways. The Celeste model, which I got to test, is a black mesh solution with a purple ombre back finish, and the Twilight, with a pinkish ombre back but with a white mesh rather than the black we see here.

The stock X-Air gets more traditional 4D armrests, along with a stock adjustable tilt system, plus an iron base, and is only available in black throughout. Yet, to be frank, that's still the one I'd recommend you pick up if you're torn between the two. Not only because of the savings but because those more traditional armrests are far superior to the 5D devils that you get on the X-Air Pro.

Why are they such an issue? Simply put, they're just too confusing. They slip, slide, and shunt in so many directions and rotate in so many different ways that it makes it incredibly hard for them to support you if you push against them. Rest your arms on top; sure, you'll be fine, but otherwise they've really lost some of that critical function that makes a good armrest; it's elements like this that really detract from the overall score, and keep it a step away from becoming one of the more comfortable gaming chairs available today.

(Image credit: Future)

As for its build process, well, you're going to absolutely want a second pair of hands to help out here, that's for sure. AndaSeat's manual is detailed enough, and the included bits and bolts are plenty abound, but the way it wants you to angle and align some of the (seriously heavy) parts just to secure them together is honestly mildly insane.

The ergonomics too are curious; it's got solid lumbar built-in and a decent headrest, and the mesh itself is supportive enough (even despite lacking any padding underneath), yet it's incredibly difficult to adjust or even know what you're doing when you start using it. That can make the initial experience with it quite a bit of a turn-off. There's an argument to be had that it is adjustable and with enough time, effort, energy, and reading the manual you'll get there, but this is something that should just be intuitive straight out of the box, which sadly it's not.

It might sound like I'm just wailing on this thing, but it's still an ok proposition if you're looking for a sleek, comfortable gaming chair that'll fit right into an office environment too. Alright, it might not make it as one of the best gaming chairs around, but credit where credit's due; comfort is impressive, and it does what it meant to: keep you cool over long gaming sessions while being ergonomically supportive. But, and it's a big but, there are still a number of better options out there at this price point.

AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh: Price and availability

• List price: $419
• No Amazon or UK availability
• Limited Colorways

Right now, if you're looking to pick up your own Mesh X-Air, you're likely going to find it a challenge if you're anywhere but the US. Stateside is the only place you can easily pick one of these up, and only directly from AndaSeat's website.

You can grab either the X-Air or the X-Air Pro in one of three colorways. The X-Air is limited to an all-black run, whereas the Pro also has access to a white mesh with an ombre back and a black mesh variation of that as well. The Pro also comes with AndaSeat's 5D Armrests, along with an aluminum base, and a self-adjusting tilt system, although I'll cover all that in a little more detail soon enough.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given how little physical material is involved in the Mesh line, the pricing of this compared to something like AndaSeat's Kaiser 4 is markedly less. The Kaiser 4 line starts at around $569, whereas the X-Air Mesh you can get as low as $369, making it seemingly good value by comparison.

AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh: Specs AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh: Design and aesthetics

• Office-esque feel
• Challenging to configure
• Light gaming "pop" to it

Ok, let me call it like it is here. From the front, this thing screams corporate office, and little else. It just does. It's got that new mid-level manager making an executive decision to buy in 20 new highly ergonomic office chairs while they're in their task force/project codename phase, feel to it.

There's nothing glamorous here, nothing obviously comforting, just semi-transparent woven mesh fabric strapped ergonomically to a metallic-plastic superstructure, combined with an all-black finish, and some rather funky-looking armrests.

Turn it around on the spot, however, and if you've grabbed yourself one of the more outlandish X-Air Pro variants, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the dramatic and ostentatious ombre gradient running from top to bottom on the rear support structure. It's bold, it's potent, and honestly, a little bit confusing.

Almost like the X-Air doesn't quite know what it wants to be. Is it the best gaming chair? The best office chair? It doesn't know, but to be honest, that's fine.

(Image credit: Future) AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh: Comfort and adjustability

• 5D Armrests are a nightmare
• No lumbar adjustment
• Not intuitive to use

From a comfort perspective, the mesh material on the AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh is far more impressive than you'd first think.

If you've not tried a mesh chair, and have sat your posterior down mostly on their slightly more expensive PU leather counterparts throughout your gaming career, complete with thick padded cushions and enough adjustable dials to make even the most avid of guitarists happy, then you might be surprised by just how spongy and supportive these things can be.

AndaSeat has nailed the mesh fabric on this. It's not anywhere near as abrasive, or unsupportive as you first might think; there's almost a bounce to it. That's not to say it's as soft as a labrador's ears, but nevertheless, if you're sitting on this for prolonged periods of time, you'll find it more than comfortable enough. Whether you're doing a nine-hour Elden Ring challenge run or writing out a 20-page feature, the X-Air Pro does have your back (quite literally).

Now onto the bad bits. Adjustability is there, but it's not intuitive. The lumbar support is fixed straight out of the gate and quite aggressive. If you're not a fan of that, there's little you can do to alleviate the pressure it puts on your lower spine. The headrest is adjustable, but again it does protrude quite aggressively, even with the best of adjustments, and the seat base does move back and forward too, giving you some level of control, but again, even with all the toggles you have at your disposal, knowing when you've actually moved it takes a great degree of awareness for your fine motor skills.

Then there's the 5D armrests. These things are a mess, sadly. They're effectively built on three moving parts. The main arm moves up and down on a ratchet system, a middle extended plinth attached to that that can rotate up to around 220 degrees, and then the final armrest on top of that, which can also rotate a full 360 degrees and also slide backwards and forwards as well.

There's a lot going on here, and although it's comfortable enough up top with plenty of sponge because it has all that movement, it means if you try and lean on it at any point or attempt to use it to reposition your sitting position on the chair, it's likely to slide out from under you in all manner of weird and wonderful ways. This is a marked design devolution, even compared to something like the Kaiser 4's 5D armrests, to the point that I'd actually recommend sticking with the X-Air if you're considering this chair, purely to avoid the 5D rests.

Final positive: the tilt mechanism is fantastic. The back of the chair itself tilts, rather than the base it's attached to as well. That gives you a much more sturdy seating position that lets you relax if you're a little on the anxious side. This was the first chair where I personally enjoyed having it set to that, and its self-adaptive tilt is top tier.

(Image credit: Future) AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh: Assembly

Oh, why AndaSeat, why is the assembly on this thing so nightmarish? What is it that stops you from assembling some of this on-site and shipping it complete?

This is not an easy chair to put together. The instruction manual is good enough, and it tells you what to do, but you need to route and attach the wire cables for all of the adjustment elements, secure the toggles into position on the side of the seat base, and then cover the exposed cables with what has to be the most awkward plastic cover I've ever seen.

From there, it's a case of (if you're building it solo) precariously attaching the seat back to the chair base (which weighs a ton) with the arms already attached. That would be fine if it weren't balancing on those plastic 5D armrests. Finally, you can install the headrest, which again you're securing into position with two screws that you can't see. It's just a nightmare. I've built well over 50 gaming chairs over a decade during my time in this industry, and this was the most challenging one by far.

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh? Buy it if...

You want to be cool
The mesh fabric does an outstanding job of keeping you cool under pressure. It's easy to clean, doesn't feel that abrasive, and supports you well.

You love lumbar support
You just need solid lumbar support straight out of the gate. It might not be adjustable, but this thing is pronounced for the lumbar lovers.

Don't buy it if...

You haven't got a buddy
Building this thing is a real challenge. If you've got a spare pair of hands available, pull them into the fray to get you to the end, otherwise other chairs are way easier to assemble and will be more attractive as a result.

You shuffle about a lot
Those 5D armrests might sound cool on paper, but they do little to support you if you move around on the chair or sit cross-legged.

Also consider...

It's relatively cheap, relatively comfortable, but a bit of a nightmare. If, like me, you're not sold on the AndaSeat X-Air Pro, then try out one of these for size.

Steelcase Series 2 Task
One of the best office chairs around, it may be pricey, but it's simple, elegant, unsophisticated, surprisingly minimal, and endlessly customizable for your needs. That might feel a little niche compared to our pseudo-mesh gaming solution here, but it's well worth your time if you're already looking down this alley.

For more information, check out our full Steelcase Series 2 Task Chair review.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL
AndaSeat's bread and butter gaming chair, the Kaiser 3 XL, comes with a lot of the same features that you'll find in seats nearly twice the cost. It's widely available, and you can pick one up in an absolute armada of colorways to suit your style too. Only downside? The stitching's a little out.

For more information, check out our full AndaSeat Kaiser 3 XL review.

(Image credit: Future) How I tested the AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh

• Sat in all manner of positions
• Tested over three weeks
• Multiple butts in seat

I tested the AndaSeat X-Air Pro Mesh gaming chair rigorously over the course of several weeks, using it as my daily chair throughout all of my writing work, alongside gaming and other PC-oriented activities.

Additionally, I also took it to live in a hospitality environment for 1 week with multiple staff members of a variety of different shapes and sizes sitting in it, providing me with their own direct feedback as well, ensuring all manner of folk are catered for. I documented the entire build process and my time with the X-Air Pro, and also sat in for the duration of the review writing process.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024.

These days, my life is full of technology. Depending on the trip, I have my iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad Mini, MacBook Pro, my wife's iPhone, Kindle, kids' tablets, and a smart power station or two. That's a lot of internet-connected gear when on the go. Not only is it annoying to have to put in a new password for whatever location you are at, but it's also incredibly insecure.

Over the last few years, I have stopped connecting to public Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi, which is not secure altogether. I'll frequently tether to my iPhone if I am just on one device. But, when I start pulling out multiple devices or if my iPhone cell service isn't excellent (I'm looking at you, Verizon), I look for a strong and probably ok public Wi-Fi and connect to it, but not with my devices, with my portable router. I do this, plus a VPN to help ensure that my information stays my information, and this little travel router is how I do it.

Can this tiny travel router compare with the best Wi-Fi routers out there? I put the pocket-sized TP-Link TL-WR1502X Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router to the test.

TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: Price and Availability

The TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel router is available all over the place. You can find it on the TP-Links website, Amazon, or other retailers. When writing this sentence, the price is $60 for a single unit.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: Unboxing and First Impressions

When I opened the box for this router, I immediately noticed how simple everything was. This router seemed too small and too basic-looking to be able to do everything that it was doing. It's lightweight, with a sleek and durable build. The router, a power adapter, a USB-C cable, a quick start guide, and a simple ethernet cable came in the box.

The compact design is easy enough to tuck in any bag, pocket, or jacket. The unit as a whole can fit in the palm of my hand. Right now, I carry it with me daily in my backpack. And I'm particular about what I am willing to put in my backpack, so that's a big deal for me to tuck it away. I love the matte black finish and the built-in ventilation, as it helps keep the device from overheating.

Lastly, the port offering is impressive for a small unit, and the ports are placed great on the device, making it easy to use and work with.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: Design and Build Quality Specs

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6
Speeds: Up to 1.5Gbps
Ports: 2x Ethernet, 1ssx USB-C for tethering/power, 1x fUSB-A
Features: VPN support, WPA3 security, USB tethering

As I have mentioned, this device is incredibly portable. Still, it's also quite sturdy, making it a great travel companion because I don't have to worry about it breaking on me. I've had this in my everyday carry backpack that goes everywhere with me for the last few months, and I have not had any issues with this getting damaged or slowing down. It keeps working and working great every time.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: In use

So far, I have gotten a lot of use out of this little travel router. I've had it with me for a few months now and am thrilled to have it. The older I get, and as time goes on, the more and more paranoid I get about my physical and digital security. In the digital world, one of the things I have sworn not to do anymore is to connect to networks that I do not know or do not manage myself. However, sometimes that is the only option. That's where my travel router comes into play for one of the many use cases I have it for. I can quickly flip a switch and connect to that coffee shop, VRBO, airport, or even airplane Wi-Fi with my router, throw a VPN on, and then connect with my devices. My work and sensitive information, like bank cards and sensitive documents, are accessible through my Macbook. It would be wild for me not to protect it.

Another way that I have been using my travel router is to connect non-apple devices to my iPhone hotspot or direct USB tether. Most of what I have with me on any given day is Apple; however, for the times that I am testing a different laptop, if I have the Nintendo Switch with me, a portable projector if the kids have a gadget or something like that, this makes it super easy to have specific travel Wi-Fi saved on their devices that they can connect to that isn't just always my phone.

I have noticed smooth and fast connections when using the Wi-Fi, even from a decent distance away. For example, we stayed at a VRBO rental a few weeks back. I did not want to connect to the provided Wi-Fi, so I connected the ethernet cables to my TP-Link Travel router and ran that as a main router for a week. It worked great across the entire home, with all my devices connected. It handled (up to) five iPhones, two MacBooks, eight iPads, two Apple Watches, and a sound machine/night light, all without skipping a beat.

The only gripe I have with this router is that it takes a minute to boot up, so if I am in a hurry, it can be frustrating to wait for it to boot up and get working. However, if that's my only frustration, that makes for a pretty incredible device.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: Final verdict

The TP-Link AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Travel RoutWi-Filivers top-tier performance in a travel-friendly package. With its fast speeds, modern security, and versatile features like VPN and USB tethering, it's a must-have for anyone needing reliable internet access wherever they go. While it's priced slightly higher than some competitors, its advanced functionality justifies the investment for frequent travelers or remote workers.

For more connectivity tools, we reviewed the best mesh Wi-Fi systems

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: One-minute review

Look, it’s hard to make one of the best racing wheels at an affordable cost. Compromises have to be made in order to hit a lower price point, and there are no good options when it comes to what to jettison.

In the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex, Hori has managed to retain decent build quality and even an impressive wireless function that far pricier wheels don’t feature, but after a few hours of use it’s clear that this is a Pyrrhic victory - the driving experience makes you miss the features it’s gone without.

Specifically: a longer brake pedal actuation, a sturdier pedal base that stays in place, and - although it’s a stretch at the price - force feedback. With these elements missing, the fundamental fun and increased precision you gain from inputting via a wheel is unfortunately offset by too much fiddling and repositioning with the pedals, and an unsatisfying on/off feel to braking.

Of course, that’s the sim racer in me talking, with an awareness of how far more expensive direct drive setups feel in the best racing games. If you put this wheel in the hands of a younger gamer whose curiosity for racing might not warrant sinking two grand on a Fanatec direct-drive rig quite yet, they’ll likely just appreciate the pros and won’t miss the cons too much.

The same goes for casual players whose appetite for racing is infrequent and who just want to try a different style of controlling their vehicles in game. Ultimately, then? The Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex's quality hinges entirely on the use case, and the audience. Just know that there are dramatically better options out there for only a small amount of extra cash.

(Image credit: Future) HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Price and availability

• List price: $119.99 / £159.99 / around AU$319
• As budget-friendly as you’ll find for a racing wheel
• Logitech’s G29 is only £40 more now in UK, and offers force feedback

You can’t fault Hori’s ability to achieve a really attractive entry-level price point – in fact, you’ll struggle to find a cheaper model from a reputable brand. This pricing alone makes the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex worth considering.

It’s up against dominating competition from an old stalwart, the Logitech G29, in the UK which is now going for £199 and offers force feedback, superior build qualit,y and functionality. In the US, where the G29 still costs $299, the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex seems a lot more reasonable.

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Specs Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Design and features

• Smart appearance
• Ergonomic layout
• Flawed pedal design

You’ll find even less metal here than at the Teen Choice Awards, but this wheel’s finish and aesthetic do a lot to flatter the plastic construction materials. This being a PlayStation wheel officially licensed by Sony, you’ll find all the buttons from a DualSense Wireless Controller mapped around the centre of the wheel in a sensible ergonomic layout. Behind them are two plastic paddle shifters, and above the central PlayStation logo are a couple of toggle switches for PS4 / PS5 / PC compatibility.

It’s an attractive peripheral for the price, and the chromed plastic on the lower half does a lot to elevate the look. The gold centre band is a useful touch that adds some motorsport cred to the design, and all the face buttons feel really nice to press – perhaps owing to Hori’s chops in the fight stick market.

I also appreciated the rubberized grips, which added a lot to the feel during a race and kept my hands exactly where I needed them, even in sweatier sessions.

(Image credit: Future)

Down at your feet though, the design fares less well. There’s no hiding how plasticky that throttle and brake are, nor how insubstantial they feel to operate.

A lot of this comes down to the design. The base just isn’t big enough to distribute your stamping force across a wide enough surface area to prevent the pedals from shifting or twisting under your feet. Even if you push the unit right up against a wall so it can’t move backwards, you still feel a twist if you brake hard. There’s not much that can be done about this - there are no mounting holes for a racing seat, and the rubber stays aren’t sticky enough to keep it in place on carpets or hard floors.

Time for the ace up the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex’s sleeve, though: wireless operation. Alright, not totally wireless - you still need to connect the wheel to the pedals, via an old-school modem-like input (like the ones Thrustmaster and Fanatec use in bases). But from wheel to console or PC, it’s cable-free.

Up to 10 hours of battery life is promised on the spec sheet, and pairing it to the USB-A dongle is a simple procedure. It’s a genuinely impressive addition, although you can’t help but wonder if the overall experience might have benefitted from that expense being spent on the driving feel instead.

Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex: Performance

• Functional but basic
• Limited steering angle and brake actuation
• Centering spring hampers car feel

There are two ways to appraise this wheel. Given that it’s aimed squarely at the beginner end of the market, the first is to simply weigh up the merits of using a wheel input versus a controller – the increased precision offered, the way you can catch those spins quicker and correct them more easily. The advantage of holding a consistent steering angle through a corner is something that’s much trickier when you’re trying to be precise with a tiny analog stick. It won’t make you faster straight away, but in the long run, you’re always going to feel the benefits of a wheel peripheral over a pad.

The second approach – and this is where Hori is sweating – is to evaluate this wheel against similarly priced competitors. And that’s where it struggles to make a compelling argument.

Here are the elements that hamper your performance: firstly, the brake pedal. In addition to the issues with keeping the pedal base in place, the brake pedal itself has a tiny amount of actuation, and that creates the sensation that you’re pressing the brake button, rather than applying progressive pressure to the brakes. In other words, it negates the benefits of braking using a pedal instead of a trigger on a pad.

It’s not all bad, though. To the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex’s credit, there’s a decent amount of resistance to the spring on the brake, slightly more than on the throttle, which feels just about resistant enough. And which, crucially, has just about enough travel.

(Image credit: Future)

Next performance-limiting issue: the centering spring strength of the wheel. This is not a force feedback peripheral, so there’s no tarmac rumble, no dynamic resistance to turn-in, and no steering wheel snaps when your back end hits traction loss and steps out. That’s fair enough. This is a budget wheel, and implementing both the hardware and the software compatibility for force feedback aren’t cheap.

So in its place is a simple spring which brings the wheel back to its centre point when you’re not exerting steering inputs to the left or right. The amount of tension when you’re moving the wheel from centre to a degree of rotation feels fine, and likewise when you’re moving it back from that rotated position. But as it hits the centre point, the wheel snaps into position so aggressively that it affects a car’s stability in-game.

There’s also the 270-degree rotation range to consider. It’s enough angle to enjoy the feeling of sending a car through a corner in most scenarios, but it’s quite limited by the standards set by its peers and situations will crop up where you’ll wish for more angle. Taking the hairpin at Monaco in F1 24, for example, or trying to park in Euro Truck Simulator 2. Many wheels offer up to 900 degrees, and truthfully I’ve sometimes felt like I could get away with much less until I used this Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex.

And that leads to the final point about this wheel. It’s not to be knocked or ruled out of contention, because the build quality and features are decent for the price. But that caveat is crucially important. It’s the only context in which such a wheel makes sense.

And that means you should consider if this wheel is going to satisfy your needs in the long run, or whether you’ll probably end up buying a more expensive upgrade later down the line that adds in the features you’ll miss here.

Should I buy the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex?

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

You’re new to racing peripherals
The pricing and feature set are aimed squarely at the entry level of the market, making the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex a low-cost way to see if wheel peripherals are for you.

You’re buying for a younger gamer
The smaller size of the pedals and wheel would suit a junior racer who’s newer to the genre.

You’re not going to upgrade later
Spending slightly more could unlock access to wheels with force feedback, more rotation, better pedals and sturdier construction, so be sure that this is all you’re going to need.

Don't buy it if...

You're an Xbox racer
The Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex is PS5, PS4, and PC-compatible, so if you want a Forza rig you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You want force feedback
You get a lot more information from a force feedback wheel which helps you to improve as a racer in the long run.

You’ve got a heavy foot
The small pedal base, plastic construction and limited brake actuation aren’t ideal for heavy brake or throttle inputs.

Also consider...

If the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex doesn’t meet your need (for speed), these similarly priced rivals are worth a look.

Thrustmaster T248
A decent all-rounder with sturdy build quality, gratifying magnetic shifter paddles and a lot of torque generated by a dual-motor force feedback servo.

For more information, check out our full Thrustmaster T248 review

Logitech G920
The elder statesman of racing wheels remains as dependable and feature-complete as ever, even if its position in the Logi G hierarchy is confusing following the G923’s arrival.

For more information, check out our full Logitech G920 review

How I tested the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex

• One week of regular use during testing
• Tested with PC and PS5
• Racing sims and arcade titles tried

Since the Hori Wireless Racing Wheel Apex's pedal base can’t be mounted to a sim racing rig, my Playseat gathered dust for a week while I clamped this wireless rig to my desk and put in the hours with Gran Turismo 7, F1 24, and The Crew Motorfest.

I’ve been testing wheels since the early 2010s when the Logitech G27 sat resplendent on the sim racing throne, and in the intervening year,s I’ve taken hairpins and sent many a purple sector with high-end direct drive models and budget offerings alike.

As a point of comparison, I dug out Thrustmaster’s similarly priced T128 wheel for a feature, build quality and driving feel reference, setting aside my usual Thrustmaster T-GT II belt-driven wheel (and the sim rig it’s attached to) for a while

Read more about how we test

First reviewed December 2024

I’m new to the Saucony Ride range but had heard great things about the versatility of the Saucony Ride 17. My everyday road trainer tends to be a Mizuno Wave Rider, Brooks Ghost, or Hoka Skyward X (when I’m in recovery mode), so I was intrigued to see what the Ride 17 could offer. I knew they were one of the best running shoes for easy miles, but since I have switched focus from ultra marathons to half marathons recently, I was curious to see how they stood up during harder sessions.

With major upgrades to the previous version, the Saucony Ride 17 now offers an upgraded Pwrrun+ midsole foam, a new mesh upper, and increased padding around the heel. This culminates in a poppier run during those speed sessions and a closer fit around the midfoot – both welcome improvements.

But it doesn’t reinvent the wheel and maintains its comfortable 8mm drop fit, lightly padded tongue, and reliable road traction. It even copes well on light trails even if the best performance comes from running on harder, drier terrain.

The shape of the inner sole does take a little getting used to but Ride fans may not notice the raised inside arch which I found a little distracting.

The Saucony Ride 17 is available now but if you are looking for a cheaper option the Ride 16 remains a great alternative.

SAUCONY RIDE 17: SPECIFICATIONS Saucony Ride 17: Price and availability

The Saucony Ride 17 is available at a moderate price on par with most non-carbon-plated shoes. Priced at $140 / £135 / AU$269.98, it can be found at discounted prices, but limited sizes are available. We’ve spotted it at £80.99 in the UK at Pro Direct Sports, at $104.95 in the US on Saucony’s own website, and as low as AU$139.99 on The Athlete’s Foot in Australia.

(Image credit: Lily Canter) Saucony Ride 17: Design

• Engineered mesh upper
• PWRRUN+ sole
• 8mm heel-to-toe drop
• Design score: 3.5/5

The shoe is thoughtfully designed to provide a blend of comfort and support for everyday road running. Its updated engineered mesh upper enhances breathability and offers a tailored fit by contouring closely to the foot. The wider perforations in the mesh allow for increased airflow, helping to keep the foot cool and dry during long runs. High sidewalls ensure stability by cradling the foot, creating a secure and supportive ride.

As someone who prefers a slightly lower heel to drop, I was surprised how quickly I adjusted to the deeper fit. However, this may have been because I was distracted by the internal molding. When slipping the shoes on for the first time I was convinced they were a support shoe, because they felt so similar to the Saucony Guide 15. On closer inspection when I removed the FormFit insole I realised my issue was with the raised inside arch. This felt like it was trying to push my foot outwards as if I were an overpronator. I must admit I was not a fan of this geometry, which aimed to create a rocker effect but actually felt like an unnecessary obstruction.

Faring better was the shoe’s midsole constructed with Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam, delivering plush cushioning and energy return while maintaining a lightweight feel. This innovative foam enhances both comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for runners seeking a shoe that can handle both long easy runs and tempo sessions.

The outsole features durable rubber with strategic flex grooves to improve adaptability and efficiency during take-offs and landings. This iteration also boasts increased outsole coverage, providing additional protection and prolonging the shoe’s lifespan.

Finishing touches include a secure lacing system that locks the midfoot in place for a personalized fit. I found this, along with the gentle cushioning in the tongue, and slight padding in the heel, created a comfortable, locked-in feel.

(Image credit: Lily Canter) Saucony Ride 17: Performance

• Durable and supportive
• Moderate level of cushion keeps feet comfortable
• Can handle light trails together with road
• Performance: 3.5/5

Given that most of my runs are along the towpath which can become a little leafy and muddy in the winter, these road shoes performed surprisingly well. The white colorway was not the best option for hybrid road and trail runs, however.

Although I was slightly distracted by the shape of the insole, once I got running, I barely noticed the shoes. They seemed to mold to my feet, and I had no niggling feelings that they were too hard or too soft, too sluggish or too bouncy.

I was also impressed with the robustness of the outsole which seemed to handle 40- mile weeks without any wear and tear.

When pushing the pace, they were similar to my Mizuno Wave Rider, albeit with less cushioning, and offered a middle-of-the-road level of propulsion and energy return. While they were not as poppy as a shoe like the Brooks Hyperion Max, they felt like an effective all-rounder, designed for easy to moderate-paced efforts. Ideal for everyday runs but not necessarily the pair you would turn to come race day.

Saucony Ride 17: Should I buy? Buy it if

You run on roads

The Saucony Ride 17 is an everyday workhorse, ideal for banking the miles thanks to its durability. View Deal

You prefer internal support
If you like a shoe with a big drop, a locked-in feel, and modest arch support these are the perfect companionView Deal

You run mid-distance
The Ride 17 will comfortably handle anything you can throw at it on a regular basis, but if you run up to around 10-15 miles it’ll be in its element, and it’ll last ages.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You prefer a tactile shoe
If you like to feel the ground beneath your feet, and usually wear a lower heel-to-toe drop then these might feel too smotheringView Deal

You are looking for ultra cushioning
These are great everyday shoes for middle-distance runners but are not ideal for ultra runners seeking luxurious cushioning for extended periods of timeView Deal

You mostly run on trails

Although the Ride 17 is a decent hybrid shoe for light trails for anything more technical a specialist shoe would be requiredView Deal

Saucony Ride 17: Also consider

For an everyday run around my go- to is always the Mizuno Wave Rider now in its 28th iteration. It has great grip and is super comfortable. Available for £140 in the UK, $140 in the USA and AU$250 in Australia.

For a durable, versatile hybrid road-to-trail shoe I cannot recommend the Merrell Morphlite highly enough. A bargain at £100 in the UK, but even more of a steal at $59.99 in the US.