Reviews

Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan: two-minute reviewProduct info

For this review, I tested the UK version of the Levoit CirculAir. A version with the same product code is available in the US, but there are minor differences compared to the UK model, including fewer fan speeds and slightly different onboard controls.

The Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan, also known as the Levoit Pedestal Air Circulator Fan in the UK, might be the best fan I've tested. I’ve been seriously impressed with the strong performance, convenience, and quiet operation.

This fan can be configured in two ways: either at full height or shorter, by simply unscrewing a section of the stand. This lower height is a little bit tall for use on a tabletop, but perfect for circulating air from heaters or floor-standing air conditioners.

(Image credit: Future)

It offers automatic horizontal and vertical oscillation, which makes for great air circulation, and also makes it really easy to fine-tune the position of the airflow just using the remote. The only thing it’s missing here is the option to select different oscillation ranges; instead, it's limited to 90 degrees horizontally and 120 degrees vertically.

On the front of the stand there’s a well-lit LED screen that displays the selected mode, and either the fan speed or the ambient temperature. Below this are the onboard touch controls (which vary slightly depending on region), and the CirculAir can also be controlled with the easy-to-use circular remote, which is magnetic for convenient storage on the back of the air circulator.

(Image credit: Future)

The airflow proved impressively strong during testing, and I was very grateful for it during a recent heatwave. Even at its lowest speed, I could feel a good breeze from 8ft / 2.4m, and I ran out of space to back up any further at 18ft / 5.5m away when the fan was at its top speed of 12, so it’s clear it has super-strong airflow when running full blast.

Despite its strength, the CirculAir runs satisfyingly quietly. I measured a volume of just 29dB from around 2ft away on fan speed one, 37dB at speed five, and 51dB at speed 12. This means it can operate with whisper-quiet volume at its lowest speed, and only gets as loud as moderate rainfall.

All this for a not-too-painful price tag: this fan is available to purchase at Amazon at a list price of $89.99 / £119.99, but I've already spotted a few discounts, so you might be able to avoid full whack. That's the short version; read on for my full Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review.

Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: price & availability

• List price: $89.99 / £119.99
• Availability: US and UK

The Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan, AKA the Levoit Pedestal Air Circulator Fan in the UK, has a list price of $89.99 / £119.99, and is available at VeSync in the US, and at Amazon in both regions.

This is a good price considering the impressive performance the Levoit CirculAir delivered during testing, but I recommend keeping an eye out for offers, too, as there appear to be fairly regular deals available at Amazon. For example, at the time of writing, there’s a 10% limited-time deal knocking the price down to $80.99 in the US, and the price was regularly dropping to below £95 in the UK a couple of months ago.

I’ve tested the UK model, and while the model number is the same in the US, there are some slight differences, which I make note of in the following sections.

• Value for money score: 5 out of 5

Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: specs

Type:

Pedestal air circulator

Speeds:

9 (US) / 12 (UK)

Oscillation:

Automatic: 90 degrees horizontal, 120 degrees vertical

Dimensions:

43.7 x 12.5 x 14.5 in / ‎36.5 x 110.8 x 32 cm

Weight:

12.7lb / 5.8kg

Control:

Onboard buttons and remote control

Timer:

Yes

Additional modes:

Eco, Turbo, Sleep

Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: design & features

• Automatic vertical and horizontal oscillation
• 2 height options and 4 fan modes to choose between
• Onboard touch controls and remote control

The Levoit CirculAir is a pedestal air circulator with two height options, so it can be placed on the floor or a tabletop. I personally found its shorter height to be a little taller than I’d prefer for a desktop fan, but this is a good option to have if you happen to be short on floor space. This shortened height could also prove useful if you wanted to, for example, position the fan in front of a heater or floor-standing AC unit, as it would be more efficient at circulating the heated or cooled air from that position.

I found it satisfyingly easy to get the Levoit CirculAir setup in either configuration – it was a simple case of screwing the poles together and into the base. The base is just the right weight: heavy enough that the fan felt sturdy on my medium-pile living room carpet, but not too heavy to move it around when required.

(Image credit: Future)

There are two ways to control the Levoit CirculAir: by using the circular remote or the large touch panel on the front of the stand. The remote was just the right size; small enough to be easy for me to hold and reach all the buttons, but large enough that the buttons were well-spaced and the icons were easy to read.

The large LED panel has a generous screen that displays either the fan speed or ambient temperature, as well as which mode the CirculAir is currently set to. The controls vary slightly on the UK model from the one in the US, but all controls are accessible on the remote in both regions.

(Image credit: Future)

The number of fan speeds also varies slightly between regions, curiously, with 12 fan speeds on offer on the UK model I tested, but only nine in the US. There are a few different modes that can be cycled through: Normal mode (where I could choose the fan speed), Turbo mode (which amps up the fan), Sleep mode (which silences the responsive beeps and dims the display), and Eco mode (which makes use of the CirculAir's internal temperature sensor and adjusts the fan speed to suit).

Unlike most desktop fans, the Levoit CirculAir boasts automatic vertical oscillation, along with the standard horizontal oscillation. There isn’t the option to choose the degree of oscillation, sadly, so it’s either 90-degree horizontal oscillation and 120-degree vertical oscillation, or nothing. I did have the choice to use just one or the other, or both, though. Not only does this range of oscillation equal better air circulation, but it also means that it could be set to just the right angle from the comfort of my couch using the remote, which I loved.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: performance

• Easy to use, responsive controls
• Super strong airflow
• Satisfyingly quiet operation

Controlling the CirculAir was straightforward, as the touch buttons on the well-lit display were simple to understand and responsive, as were the controls on the remote. I really liked that the remote control could be magnetically clipped onto the back of the air circulator, as this made it really easy to store and retrieve.

The Levoit CirculAir has delightfully strong airflow, and I found it to be a real help cooling me down during a recent heatwave here in the UK. In fact, it has the strongest airflow out of the fans I’ve tested to date, to the point where I wasn't able to confirm how far the air travelled when it was running at its top speed, as I ran out of room at 18ft / 5.5 meters.

The airflow strength was great at lower speeds, too, as I could still feel a pleasantly cooling breeze from an impressive 8ft / 2.4m away at speed 1, and 15ft / 4.5m at speed 6, which means it reaches further at half power than the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 does at full blast.

(Image credit: Future)

I love it when a fan has an automatic mode, and 'Eco mode' (as it's called in the CirculAir's case) came in particularly handy during the recent heatwave. The CirculAir adjusted the fan speed in response to the rising ambient temperature throughout the day, though I found it to be much more conservative in terms of the fan speeds it applied compared to my current favorite air circulator, the MeacoFan Sefte 8in. This is good news for energy saving, though, and doesn’t make it any less efficient, really, considering the concentration of air kicked out even at the lower fan speeds.

The volume levels were pleasingly quiet, especially when taking into account the CirculAir’s punchy airflow. I got a reading of just 29dB from about 2ft away on fan speed 1, 37dB at speed 5, and 51dB at speed 12, so it was whisper quiet at its lowest, and only as loud as moderate rainfall when running at top speed.

(Image credit: Future)

Its low volume meant I had no problem at all sleeping with it toward the foot of my bed. I really appreciated the automatic vertical and horizontal oscillation at nighttime, too, as being able to control both with the remote meant I could get the angle of the airflow exactly where I wanted it without needing to get up and manually adjust it.

After testing, I have no complaints about the Levoit CirculAir. It was easy to use and responsive, and it operated at low volumes while delivering impressively strong airflow.

• Performance score: 5 out of 5

Should I buy the Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan?

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

This air circulator’s fantastic performance and versatility make it great value for money, but it’s always worth keeping an eye out for discounts.

5/5

Design

With 2 height options, automatic horizontal and vertical testing, plus responsive controls with clever remote storage, there’s plenty of versatility.

4.5/5

Performance

The airflow is seriously strong, and yet the CirculAir runs pleasingly quietly. The automatic oscillation proved particularly convenient.

5/5

Buy it if...

You want strong airflow
This air circulator certainly packs a punch! With impressively strong airflow even at its lower speeds, verging on ridiculous when running at full blast.

You want automatic cooling
The CirculAir’s Eco mode is a handy feature to have when the ambient temperature fluctuates, as it’ll adjust the fan speed to suit.

You want a fan with adjustable height
Having two different height options is great, whether you want to move it from the floor to a table, or you want to get the most efficient air circulation, depending on the position of your heater or air conditioner.

Don't buy it if...

You want something smart
If you love your smart tech and prefer to operate things from your phone, then this won’t be the air circulator for you.

You’re looking for a desk fan
Even at its shortened height, the CirculAir is a bit too tall, and the airflow is likely too strong to be a personal fan.

You want to fine-tune the oscillation
Unlike fans like the Dyson Cool CF1, which offers angles of 15 to 70 degrees, the Circulair doesn’t have the option to fine-tune the range of the oscillation.

Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan review: Also consider

Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan

Shark FlexBreeze

Meaco MeacoFan 1056P

Price

$89.99 / £119.99

$199.99 / £199.99

$189.99 / £149.99

Speed settings

9 US / 12 UK

5

12

Oscillation

Automatic: 90 degrees horizontal, 120 degrees vertical

Automatic:180 degrees horizontal

Manual: 55 degrees vertical

Automatic: 60 degrees horizontal, 80 degrees vertical

Timer

Yes

Yes

Yes

Controls

Touch buttons, remote control

Buttons, remote control

Buttons, remote control

Power

Corded

Corded or cordless

Corded

Additional modes

Eco, Turbo, Sleep

Boost, Mist

Sleep, Natural, Eco

Height adjustable

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dimensions

43.7 x 12.5 x 14.5 in / ‎36.5 x 110.8 x 32 cm

37 x 13.8 x 13.8in / 94 x 36 x 36cm

32.3-37.6 x 12.6 x 13.4 in / 82-95.5 x 32 x 33.9cm

Weight

12.7lb / 5.8kg

12.2 lb / 5.7kg

12lb / 5.4kg

Shark FlexBreeze
This is a great option if you like the idea of taking your fan outside and making use of its misting attachment on sunny days. It can be used as a pedestal or table fan, plus it can run cordless, and our reviewer was pleased with the battery life. It only has five fan speeds, but it still delivers airflow that can be felt up to 70 feet away. If you’d like to learn more, check out our full Shark FlexBreeze review.

Meaco MeacoFan 1056P
Another impressively quiet fan, this height-adjustable air circulator proved a hit with our reviewer. It delivered a great performance when tested during hot weather, and proved pleasingly quiet, even at higher speeds. This is another fan with clever fan storage, too, as the circular remote magnetically clips to the front. To find out more, have a read of our full Meaco MeacoFan 1056P review.

How I tested the Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan

• I tested the Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan for a week
• I tried out the different modes and features
• I tested its volume and how strong the airflow was

I used the Levoit CirculAir Oscillating Fan in our photo studio, my home office, and my bedroom over the course of a week. I evaluated the assembly process and build quality closely before using it passively and in specific tests that allowed me to assess the available features.

I tried the CirculAir at both heights, oscillating, and static. I tested out the different modes, particularly Eco mode, to see how the CirculAir would respond to fluctuating temperatures.

I assessed the airflow by checking the distance I could still feel a cooling breeze on the top, middle, and lowest settings. I used a decibel meter on my iPhone to check the noise levels, taking the readings from around 2ft / 600mm away, ensuring the fan wasn’t blowing directly into the microphone.

• First reviewed: August 2025
• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee

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Cambridge Evo 150 SE: Two-minute review

A little over four years after it launched its well-regarded Evo 150 music streaming amplifier, Cambridge has given it the once-over and rechristened it Evo 150 SE. The differences are not numerous, but they are noteworthy nonetheless – and that’s even before you take into account the fact that this new model is actually less expensive than the model it replaces.

A neat form factor, with swappable side panels a particularly nice touch, a big, bright display and several very decent control options are all carried over. So is the expansive selection of digital and analogue, wired and wireless input options. Power, at 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms, is unchanged too – but now the Hypex NCOREx Class D amplification is ‘tuned by Cambridge’. This is by far the most significant differential between the 150 SE and the outgoing 150.

It makes its presence felt, too, in the weighty, punchy (and ultimately fractionally overstated) low frequency reproduction. But it hasn’t affected the machine’s ability to create a big soundstage, to extract and deliver lots of detail, to manage a rhythm confidently, or to generate a large and persuasive soundstage.

Add in great ergonomics, a fine standard of build and finish and the ability to drive a couple of pairs of speakers without alarms, and it’s apparent the Cambridge Evo 150 SE is a very worthwhile proposition indeed. Even if it doesn’t look all that different to the product it replaces.

Oh, it's red and no mistake (Image credit: Future)Cambridge Evo 150 SE review: Price and release date

• Release date: July 2025
• Price: $3,299 / £1,999 / AU$5,999

The Cambridge Evo 150 SE launched in July 2025, and in the United Kingdom it sells for £1,999 – the same price as the outgoing Evo 150 had hit after launching at £2,249 back in 2021. In the United States you should expect to pay $3,299, while in Australia it’s currently listed at AU$5,999.

Of course, the market for streaming amplifiers is hotting up nicely – brands as venerable as NAD and as up-and-coming as Eversolo have products contesting this region of the market. So simply having a decent reputation for this sort of thing is only going to carry Cambridge (and the Evo 150 SE) so far…

Cambridge Evo 150 SE review: Features

• 150 watts of Hypex NCOREx ‘Tuned by Cambridge’ Class D amplification
• Numerous wired and wireless, analogue and digital inputs
• Four-layer PCB

There was very little wrong with the feature-set of the original EVO 150, so Cambridge has (very sensibly) left well enough alone. Or, at least, it has in all but one very significant area.

So what’s carried over from the outgoing model? Well, there’s the remarkably generous selection of physical and wireless inputs and outputs, for starters. Where analogue stuff is concerned, the Evo 150 SE has a line-level unbalanced input on stereo RCAs, a balanced equivalent via XLRs, and a moving magnet phono stage for use with a turntable accessed by another pair of RCAs. Digital inputs run to a digital coaxial input, a digital optical socket, an HDMI ARC and a USB-B input.

Wireless stuff is handled by dual-band wifi and Bluetooth with aptX HD codec compatibility. Wi-fi, of course, means the Cambridge can deal with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect - and it also gives access to internet radio. The 150 SE is Roon Ready, too.

As far as outputs go, there are binding posts for two pairs of speakers and a 3.5mm headphone socket. In addition, there’s a pre-out for a subwoofer, corresponding pre-outs for use with a power amplifier. And the Cambridge is a Bluetooth transmitter as well as a receiver, so it can drive your wireless headphones.

Incoming digital signals are handled by an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M digital-to-analogue converter that can deal with resolutions of up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256. The Cambridge is compatible with all popular file types, and quite a few unpopular ones too.

So far, so very-similar-indeed-to-the-old-model. But what makes this machine an ‘SE’ is the fact that Cambridge has worked in such close collaboration with Hypex on its NCOREx Class D amplification that here it’s branded as ‘Tuned by Cambridge’. And it is, at least according to the companies involved, ready and able to produce “warm, dynamic and controlled sound”.

Features score: 5 / 5

Note the 'wings' (Image credit: Future)Cambridge Evo 150 SE review: Design

• 39 x 317 x 352mm (HxWxD)
• Large, bright, full-colour display
• Swappable side panels

Just as with ‘features’, not a lot has changed where the design of the Evo 150 SE is concerned - it demonstrably wasn’t broken, and so Cambridge has chosen not to fix it. Unlike the ‘features’ section, though, where there’s a difference here between the 150 and this 150 SE it is absolutely trifling.

So your £1999 buys you a nicely proportioned, beautifully made and flawlessly finished box with a bright, crisp full-colour display on the fascia that will display album artwork or virtual VU meters as well as providing menu and set-up options. The Evo 150 is supplied with two pairs of side-panels that attach magnetically and can easily be swapped - one is a real wood veneer, the other a dark grey slatted alternative.

So yes, the difference between the Evo 150 and this Evo 150 SE is - hold on to your hat - the knurling of the two-part volume dial/input selector. It’s less knurled than it was before.

Design score: 5 / 5

Everything in its right place… (Image credit: Future)Cambridge Evo 150 SE review: Sound quality

• Detail and dynamism in equal measure
• Big, organised soundstage
• Slightly overconfident low-frequency reproduction

There are differences between the way the Evo 150 SE sounds when delivering a DSD64 file of Tears For Fears’ Head Over Heels via some network-attached storage compared to the same song streaming from the free tier of Spotify, of course – but one of the most admirable things about this Cambridge machine is how consistent it sounds. No matter which of its inputs you’re using, its fundamental character comes through loud and clear.

And broadly speaking, its character is a lovely balance between ‘detail’ and ‘energy’, and between ‘scale’ and ‘dynamism’. The Evo 150 SE is capable of revealing the finest, most minor details in a recording, and giving them the appropriate amount of emphasis relative to the overall performance. It invests music with the sort of vigour and momentum that can bring it to life, without ever threatening to lose control of proceedings. It creates a large and well-defined soundstage, and ensures that every element of recording (no matter how numerous the elements might be) gets the required elbow-room to express itself – though it delivers music as a unified and singular piece at the same time. It has the sort of dynamic headroom that allows it to track the shifts in intensity or volume during the course of a recording without sounding pressured or stressed.

At the top of the frequency range, the Evo 150 SE attacks with chunky determination. Treble sounds have brilliance and a fair amount of bite, but they’re substantial enough to prevent any hardness or edginess creeping in. It’s a similar story through the midrange: the Cambridge is forward and direct, but never pushy, and it reveals a big amount of information, both broad and fine, about what’s going on there. Voices, in particular, benefit no end from this eloquence and positivity.

The tonal balance up to this point, and down into the low frequencies too, is almost (but not quite) neutral – there’s just a hint of warmth that suits the overall character of the Evo 150 SE just fine. The frequency response, though, is slightly skewed. The Cambridge puts slightly more emphasis on the bottom end than is absolutely ideal, with the result that the overall presentation is slightly tiled towards bass. It’s not that the low end here lacks detail or is in any way ponderous – the Evo 150 SE controls the low frequencies carefully at their attack and decay, and expresses rhythms confidently as a result. But while there are doubtless plenty of listeners who will interpret this slight bottom-heaviness as ‘exciting’, it serves to make the Evo 150 SE sound less than neutral. And to demand you take some care with partnering equipment, especially loudspeakers.

Having praised the Cambridge for the consistency of its sound through its numerous inputs, it’s nevertheless worth pointing out just what a gem the Evo 150 SE’s phono stage is. A vinyl copy of The Cinematic Orchestra’s Every Day sounds full, dynamic to almost comical degree, lavishly detailed and is delivered with complete positivity. Yes, that tilt towards the bottom end is still in evidence – but the way the Cambridge handles the various rhythms and tempos goes an awfully long way towards making up for it.

Sound quality score: 4.5 / 5

The bulk of my testing was done with the Sennheiser IE900 or the Austrian Audio 'The Composer' (Image credit: Future)Cambridge Evo 150 SE review: Usability & setup

• Remote handset or app control
• Simple to get attach to your local network
• Big-print on-screen menus are nicely realised

Control is available via the on-screen menus and the input dial, or via the perfectly adequate yet entirely unremarkable remote control handset. Or you can do what all sensible people will do, and use the fourth (and current) version of the StreamMagic control app. This is a comprehensive, logical, stable and usable app, which offers a lot of options – I’m particularly keen on the ability to include only those inputs you’re using on the home screen. It’s good for integrating your favourite music streaming services, saving half a dozen internet radio stations as presets, and plenty more besides.

As far as ‘setup’ goes, it’s simply a question of making the physical connections you want to make, and then getting the 150 SE on to your local network. It behaves as an AirPlay speaker when fresh out of the box, so finding it and hooking it to your network couldn’t be easier (unless you’re using an Ethernet connection to your router, which makes it easier still). Then load up your streaming services and internet radio stations, nominate the inputs you’re using to the front of the app, and away you go.

Usability & setup score: 5 / 5

This white light (for aptX Lossless) was oddly hard to come by when using sources able to handle it… (Image credit: Future)Cambridge Evo 150 SE review: Value

When the original Evo 150 launched back in 2021, it cost £2249 – and everyone seemed to think that was fair enough. Somehow Cambridge has managed to retain everything that was great about the original, dial in some upgraded amplification and lower the asking price to an extremely eye-catching £1999. So yes, there’s splendid value for money here.

Value score: 5 / 5

Note the new 'rails' on the casework to help with cooling (Image credit: Future)Should you buy Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE?Buy it if...

You admire well-realised industrial design
The Evo 150 SE is an understatedly swish looker, and those magnetically attached side panel options are never less than gratifying.

The description of sound as ‘thumping’ strikes you as a positive
You’ll never find yourself craving greater low-end heft or substance.

You own (or will own) some capable loudspeakers
The Cambridge is an adept performer in so many ways - and it deserves the speakers that can do that fact some justice.

Don't buy it if...

Your speakers or source equipment aren’t of a similar standard
See above, really - if you want the Evo 150 SE to sound like the money’s-worth (which it most definitely can) your sources and speakers need to step up.

You crave perfect sonic balance
There’s a definite flavour to the way the Cambridge sounds - and as with all flavours, it’s very much a matter of taste.

(Image credit: Cambridge)Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE review: Also consider

In 2025 the Naim Uniti Atom is an old stager – but that just means it’s matured, rather than being in any way past it. The audio balance is more neutral than the Evo 150 SE, and what the Naim lacks in inputs (there’s no phono stage, for instance) it more than makes up for in both tangibles and intangibles.

iFi makes strong design choices and you love to see it (Image credit: Future)How I tested the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE

• Two-week testing period
• Bowers & Wilkins speakers
• Rega P1 turntable; network storage; Tidal Connect, internet radio

With a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 Signature at the business end, with a Rega Planar 1 turntable as a physical source and a mixture of Tidal Connect, network-attached storage, internet radio and various devices attached via Bluetooth at the other end, the Cambridge Evo 150 SE always held its own.

No genre of music seemed to be off-limits, and it wasn’t as ruthless with lower quality content as it might have been - try as I might, I couldn’t make it insist on hi-res stuff. Which means it was a pleasure to listen to in pretty much every circumstance.

• Read more about how we test

First reviewed August 2025

Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II: Two-minute review

As you can probably tell from my Onyx Boox Go Color 7 review, I didn’t take a shine to the original model released in 2024, which meant I had higher expectations from its successor.

The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II launched in April 2025 alongside a monochrome edition called the Boox Go 7, both sharing the same design and and feature set – the only difference being the screen: the former uses the color E Ink Kaleido 3 display while the latter is the grayscale E Ink Carta 1300.

Physically, both the 2025 Go Series siblings are nearly identical to the Go Color 7 from 2024, with one tiny design change that I’m pleased with – the page-turn buttons on the new models are smaller, rounded and separated a little to improve ergonomics.

On paper, the Go Color 7 Gen II is the better device compared to its predecessor, running Android 13 (rather than Android 12), getting a generation newer processor and adding writing capabilities that the previous model lacked. Like many smaller-screen epaper tablets like it, you will need to purchase the stylus separately, although at the time of writing, the only pen that works with the Go Color 7 II – the Boox InkSense – has been discontinued and no official replacement has been made available.

According to Boox, it’s preparing a new stylus after taking on user feedback, and the new pen “is expected to be available in the third quarter” of this year. Reimagining a stylus is admirable, but it still begs the question: why release ereaders with stylus support (this affects the monochrome Boox Go 7 as well) if their only pen isn’t available to buy?

When I started testing the device about 11 weeks ago, third-party retailers still had stock of the InkSense, which is how I was able to source one for this review, but even those are no longer available. That said, I’m glad the pen is being replaced as I didn’t enjoy the writing experience with a hard nib on a very smooth screen. I’ll update this review when the promised stylus is released.

The 2025 Boox Go series ereaders get writing capabilities but, at the time of publication, the compatible stylus has been discontinued (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

While I’m not docking any points for the lack of a supported stylus at the time of publication, I’m disappointed to see that the 7-inch color screen on the Gen II isn’t as nice to read on as its predecessor. Text on the Gen II is 'fuzzy', for the lack of a better word. Compared to its predecessor, its monochrome Go 7 sibling and the Kobo Libra Colour, text within ebooks and speech bubbles clearly lacks crispness. You can still read, that's not the issue, but it's hard to recommend an ereader when others do a better job.

And while some colors are more saturated here than on the older model and the Kobo Libra Colour, the additional contrast means small details are lost in the darker areas. Strangely, though, the color 'inks' when writing lack this same saturation and look washed out compared to what I've experienced on older color Boox models like the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C.

Boox has somehow managed to make the display yellower (or warmer) than on any of its other tablets, and it's a stark difference between the Gen II's monochrome sibling as well. This warmth sadly affects the displayed colors as well. The yellowness is exacerbated when the frontlight is switched on, giving comics and graphics novels what I call the 'jaundiced look'. In fact, the frontlight isn't even as bright on the Gen II as other Boox ereaders (or even Kobos and Kindles).

The overall user experience is also marred by constant ghosting. It’s not as obvious as I’ve seen in older Boox devices, but it is distracting enough to be an issue. Setting the device to higher refresh rates, however, eats into the battery life, which also drains at a faster rate than other ereaders. Even the preset refresh modes that can be set on a per-app basis weren’t well optimized here, causing excessive stuttering while scrolling on the native web browser.

The good news is that the software issues I’ve had with the previous generation have been fixed and I was thrilled to see that wired transfer via OTG (directly plugging an external hard drive or portable SSD to the USB-C port) works smoothly – something I’ve had problems with in previous Boox tablets I’ve tested. Even the fonts folder within Storage is correctly bound, so things work a little more smoothly now, although the user interface continues to be slightly complicated.

Better implementation of the software doesn’t make up for the subpar reading experience, and neither does selling it at the same price as its predecessor – in fact, I'd say it’s hard to recommend at any price.

The magnetic case made specifically for the 2025 Boox Go series comes with a loop to secure the supported stylus (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Price & availability

• Announced end April 2025 for US, Europe and Australia
• List price: $299.99 / €279.99 / AU$439
• Available directly from the Boox Shop and select retailers, including Amazon

As alluded to earlier, the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II was announced alongside the monochrome Boox Go 7, both becoming available at the end of April 2025.

Despite the added note-taking functionality, the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II carries a similar price tag to its predecessor (which is already listed as out of stock on the Boox Shop, indicating it might get discontinued soon). Where the older model had a launch price of $249.99 / €279.99 (about £245) / AU$459, the Gen II is listed for $279.99 / €279.99 / AU$439 at the time of writing. As you can see, only US customers face a slightly higher charge likely due to tariffs on several imports. This price includes a magnetic case that features a loop to secure a stylus.

In comparison, the Kobo Libra Colour is cheaper at $229.99 / £209.99 / AU$379.95 for the standalone ereader, but you will need to add on the $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$119.95 for the Kobo Stylus 2 if you want to use it for writing notes, and you’ll need to purchase a case separately if you want one.

The only compatible stylus for the 2025 Go series was the Boox InkSense, which has been listed as “out of stock” since the release of the Go Color 7 II (and its monochrome sibling), and at the time of writing is no longer available from third-party retailers either. I have official confirmation that the pen has been discontinued, and while the Boox Shop lists a bundle that includes the stylus, I’d recommend holding off purchasing the full package until the replacement pen has been released. There’s no confirmed release date at the time of publishing this review, and neither is there any indication of how much the stylus would cost. I’ll update this article as soon as I know more.

Given my subpar experience with the Go Color 7 Gen II, I think the monochrome Boox Go 7 would be the better buy and it retails for $249.99 / €249.99 / AU$399, a price that includes an identical magnetic case as well.

• Value score: 3 / 5

The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II is a very compact size for a 7-inch ereader, and it's lightweight too (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Specs

Display type:

E Ink Kaleido 3

Screen size:

7 inches

Resolution:

300ppi in B&W; 150ppi in color

CPU:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 690

Frontlight:

Warm and cold

Storage:

64GB (expandable)

Battery:

2,300mAh

Speaker:

Stereo/dual

Water protection:

None

Software:

Android 13

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz); Bluetooth 5.1

File support:

20 document; 4 image; 2 audio

Dimensions:

156 x 137 x 6.4 mm (6.1 x 5.4 x 0.25 inches)

Weight:

195g (6.9oz)

Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Design & display

• Exact same dimensions and weight as Gen I model, but design tweaks to buttons
• Compact and lightweight, lacks waterproofing
• 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 screen lacks contrast and sharpness

As the old adage goes: if it ain’t broke… The original Go Color 7 was a lovely compact ereader that I liked the design of, except for the closely placed page-turn buttons. That's been changed on the Gen II model, which now sports smaller, rounded buttons with some space in between.

This tiny change, in my opinion, makes the Gen II a touch more ergonomic in use, but there’s a case to be made for the asymmetric design of the Kobo Libra series (and the Kindle Oasis models) – it provides a nice resting place for the thumb along the edge of the broader bezel. The slim and flat form factor of the Go Color 7 II can be harder on the fingers and wrists in comparison, although the added thickness from its magnetic case helps a alleviate the soreness a little.

As before, the page-turn buttons automatically become volume controls for apps that don’t require scrolling or page turning, and this functionality can be set on a per-app basis in the Settings menu.

Image 1 of 3

The page-turn buttons have been redesigned to being separated and rounded... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

..compared to the straight-edged, closely packed ones on the 2024 Go Color 7 (left) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

The rounded and separated buttons are nicer to use on the Gen II (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Where the buttons on the older model were a different color to the rest of the chassis (silver on the white colorway and dark grey on the black), the Gen II – and its monochrome sibling – are a single color, available in black (as reviewed here) or white. The one-color look without any trimmings or accents makes the device look a little dated, but that’s not a complaint, merely an observation made in comparison to the older model.

All other physical attributes are identical to the Gen I model, including the textured rear panel which, to me now seems just a smidge rougher that makes the Gen II a little grippier if you prefer not to use its magnetic case. In terms of dimensions and weight, nothing has changed since 2024 and that’s not a bad thing as the Go Color 7 II is compact and lightweight, making it quite portable.

There’s a tiny power button on the bottom right corner of the device, while the right edge is home to the USB-C port, the speaker grilles and a microSD card tray. Only the mic has moved, now housed on the opposite edge.

Image 1 of 2

On paper, the Go Color 7 Gen II (top) is the better ereader than its predecessor (bottom) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

The page-turn buttons are the most obvious design change, but the mic is gone from beside the speaker grille to the opposite edge (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

What it lacks is waterproofing; there’s no IP rating for it listed on the official website, so if you plan to travel with it – it's the perfect compact size for doing so – steer clear of the pool.

As I mentioned earlier in this review, the Go Color 7 II uses a 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display, the same as the previous generation, although Onyx has made the newer model more naturally yellow in comparison. This has the unfortunate effect of adding a yellow hue to all the colors on screen, giving them what I call the 'jaundiced look'.

This is exacerbated by the frontlight on the Gen II as it enhances the yellowness of the display. It’s also, rather strangely, not as bright as the Gen I model which, at the time of testing it in 2024, I said wasn’t bright compared to the even older Onyx Boox Page. In fact, the light on the Go Color 7 Gen II is dimmer than its own 2025 sibling, the Boox Go 7.

I had complained about the lack of sharpness on the Go Color 7 (Gen I) when compared to the Kobo Libra Colour, but Boox has managed to make that a lot worse on the Gen II, and that is its biggest failing – a subpar display (more on this below in the User Experience section).

• Design & display score: 3 / 5

The Boox InkSense stylus still works with the Boox Go Color 7 II, but there's no word on what its replacement will be like (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Android software & apps

• Runs a custom version of Android 13
• User interface takes time to get used to
• Access to the Google Play Store; AI Assistant app available on board

Where the older model from 2024 was running Android 12, the Go Color 7 II has been upgraded to a custom version of Android 13. There’s usually no need to worry about a device like an ereader running an older version of Google’s OS as there typically aren’t any security issues here, and I doubt anyone would save sensitive information on a device like this.

The trimmed-down version of Android on the Go Color 7 Gen II caters specifically to reading and writing, and should be familiar to anyone who has used a Boox tablet before. If not, the user interface will take some getting used to as it’s not the most streamlined UX I’ve come across. For a simpler setup, you’ll need to turn to a Kindle or a Kobo ereader.

Image 1 of 3

The navigation menu doesn't have the Notes tab by default and finding it requires some online research (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

Third-party app downloads via the Google Play Store are quick and easy (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

The Boox user interface has evolved a little, but it still takes a while to get a handle on as a first-time user (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The home screen, once you’ve connected to Wi-Fi, is easy to get around, with a navigation menu at the bottom of the display. This gives you quick access to your library, the storage menu and your apps, plus it’s customizable via the device’s Settings menu. There’s space here for five options and, strangely for an ereader with writing capabilities, the native Notes app is not one of them.

Finding it wasn’t easy, but Boox at least has a quick guide online on how to access it: you’ll need to navigate to Settings > System Display > Homescreen Navigation Bar where It’s listed as one of the options for the aforementioned customization. This may not seem like a big issue, but my expectation from a device like this is to highlight its main features up front rather than tuck them away, highlighting the unintuitive UX. In my case, I swapped out the Bookstore as it’s not as enticing a source of content as the Kindle or Kobo stores.

Preset refresh modes are nice to have, but they didn't work as well I had hoped on the Go Color 7 II (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Given its open Android ecosystem, the interface on the Boox Go 7 II includes a lot of advanced settings that help you use third-party apps as smoothly as possible, but submenus for native applications are difficult to find. For example, you need to open an ebook in the NeoReader app (the native library), tap onscreen to open the top menu bar, click on More, then select Settings from there – another example of a convoluted interface.

Thankfully adjusting fonts and overall styling for individual books is easier to do, but there’s a lot going on here compared to what you’d see on a Kindle or Kobo. The setup for styling, however, is now improved, which makes it easier to understand than previous iterations of Boox’s interface.

In fact, there’s another improvement to the software that I’ve previously had trouble with on Boox devices – taking advantage of the USB-C port’s OTG support for wired file transfer. Previously, the menu required to copy files across from an external hard drive to a Boox tablet would disappear as soon as I tried to navigate back to the Storage pane, thus not letting me add files to the default Books folder. Now that is no longer an issue and I was able to select multiple ebooks saved on my Samsung T7 portable SSD and save into the Go Color 7 II without any issues.

I was thrilled to see that OTG transfer worked a charm on the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I had no trouble downloading third-party Android apps to the Go Color 7 II. These included the Kindle and Kobo apps as the bulk of my library is on these two platforms, plus an app called CPU X that detects the exact chipset a device is using. I didn’t try any third-party note-taking applications as I’ve always found Boox’s native Notes app to be full featured and more than enough for my needs.

• Software score: 3.5 / 5

Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: User experience

• Excessive yellow hue on screen affects colors
• Subpar reading experience due to lack of text sharpness
• Writing experience could change depending on the new stylus

An unintuitive user interface aside, the Go Color 7 Gen II is quite usable. It’s when you compare it to other models, including its own predecessor and its 2025 monochrome sibling that you begin to realize there are better color ereaders to spend your money on. And that’s exactly what my job, as the reviewer, entails – doing the side-by-side comparisons so you, dear reader, can make the most informed buying decision.

As you will see in the comparison photos below, the Go Color 7 Gen II doesn’t hold up well as an ereader. As for writing, it’s hard to rate the experience when you can’t purchase a compatible stylus yet.

There are quite a few submenus to explore on a Boox device (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Reading

I’ve tested several ereaders in the last eight years and I don’t think I’ve ever been as disappointed with the reading experience as I was with the Go Color 7 Gen II. Admittedly that’s because I’m comparing it directly to a few of its contemporaries, but even if you didn’t do a side-by-side comparison, it’s easy for anyone who’s used an ereader before to say the display looks hazy. I suspect that’s because of the anti-glare layer on the screen, and it’s just a lot more pronounced here when compared to other brands and Boox models.

Colors appear saturated on the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II, but the higher contrast hides details (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display used here is naturally more yellow than other ereader I’ve previously tested and found this affected how colors appear on screen. I compared it to its predecessor and the Kobo Libra Colour, both of which have paler backgrounds in light mode and made the displayed colors appear as close to natural as is possible on an epaper screen. While I can't say this alone affects the reading experience, I found the monochrome Boox Go 7 was nicer to read on in light mode because of the whiter background – it added a touch more contrast to the page.

The frontlight, which isn’t as bright as I’ve seen previously on other Boox tablets (even the Go 7 that released alongside this ereader is brighter), exacerbates the ‘jaundiced look’. Boox doesn't list how many amber LEDs are used on the Go Color 7 II, but the frontlight is warmer compared to five other ereaders I had with me at the time of this review (two other Boox tablets, two Kindles and a Kobo), which makes the screen look yellower when switched on. The only other E Ink tablet that surpasses the Gen II's warm display and light is the Kobo Elipsa 2E, but here it's not a problem as the epaper tablet doesn't display color.

Image 1 of 2

The frontlight of the Boox Go 7 Gen II (left) makes the screen yellower than on the Gen I model (right) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

Even the Boox Go 7 (right) that launched alongside the Go Color 7 Gen II (left) is clearer and brighter with the frontlight at full bore (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As with every color ereader using the E Ink Kaleido 3 screen technology, the Go Color 7 II has a screen resolution of 150ppi for color and 300ppi in grayscale. Colors appear more washed out when compared to its own predecessor which, at the time of writing the Boox Go Color 7 review, I said was pale beside the Kobo Libra Colour. And while I don’t expect the Gen II to match what I would see on an LCD display, I did expect it to be similar to its older sibling, if not better.

Image 1 of 3

The warmer light affects colors on screen, giving them a 'jaundiced look' on the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II (left) compared to the Gen I (right) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

Colors might appear darker on the Go Color 7 Gen II (right), but the text is sharper on the Gen I (left) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

A closer comparison between the Go Color 7 II (left) and the Gen I (right) shows text just isn't as nice to read on the newer device (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The flip side to that is colors on the Gen II look more saturated compared to the Kobo Libra Colour. Newer firmware may have made the Gen I better at displaying colors, but the release notes for v4.1 on the Boox website make no mention of changes that would account for this improvement. The more saturated hues, however, do come at the cost of some details in darker areas being diminished, but this may not be a deal breaker for many readers of comics and graphics novels.

Image 1 of 2

Compared to the Kobo Libra Colour (left), the Go Color 7 II (right) is yellower and text paler (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

The lack of contrast is clear when seen closely (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

What is truly disappointing is how the text is displayed, whether in ebooks or in speech bubbles – letters are fuzzy on the Go Color 7 II compared to the Gen I and the Go 7. Even the Kobo is better at displaying text.

The new Boox interface allows you to have custom styling for individual titles you’re reading, but enhancing text weight (or boldness) didn’t help, although setting the Dark Color Enhancement to its maximum improved the text a tiny bit, but note that you will lose further details in darker areas when reading in color. Switching to dark mode also made no difference as overall contrast is lacking.

Long story short, it’s hard to recommend the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II as an ereader.

Even compared to the Boox Go 7 (top), the Go Color 7 Gen II (bottom) is a lackluster ereader (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Writing

It’s hard to rate the Go Color 7 Gen II’s writing experience objectively as the Boox InkSense is no longer available (although it still works if you can find stock at a retailer) and will be replaced by a new stylus that I hope will add a touch of friction.

The hard plastic nib of the InkSense just slides across the screen of the Go Color 7 II, and I often felt like I was losing control over my writing because of that. I think a softer nib would be ideal, but we’ll just have to wait and see what Boox releases for its 2025 Go series 7-inch ereaders.

However, as with reading, the color ‘inks’ available for writing look washed out compared to what I’ve experienced on older Boox tablets like the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C, and black is the only option that stands out clearly.

Image 1 of 3

There's no friction between the screen and the Boox InkSense, so writing isn't very paper-like (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

There's a good color palette to choose from for writing and drawing... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

..but results appear paler than expected (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The native Notes app, though, is the same as you’d find on the brand’s more high-end epaper tablets like the Onyx Boox Go 10.3 and is more than enough for the average user who needs to jot down some thoughts or doodle. Power users would appreciate the Notes app better, thanks to several tools that could prove handy for productivity. For example, the Insert option allows you to add images and audio files to your notes, and the same tool lets you hyperlink selected text to an external URL or to a different page within the same notebook.

The adjustable Lasso tool gives you a lot of flexibility for text selections, and promptly adds the AI tool for instant handwriting-to-text conversion. Handwriting recognition is not always accurate, but then it’s very simple to make edits manually.

• User experience score: 2.5 / 5

Hopefully the redesigned stylus for the Boox Go 2025 series will be better than the InkSense (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Performance

• Not the fastest ereader I’ve tested
• Lots of light ghosting that quickly becomes annoying
• Battery drain is higher compared to other similar models

The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM to keep things running as smoothly as possible. The CPU is a small improvement over the Snapdragon 680 used in the older Go Color 7, but it doesn’t seem to have made much of a difference in overall performance.

Boox tablets aren’t known for being speedy loaders, and the latest Kindle and Kobo ereaders boot up faster from sleep mode than the Go Color 7 Gen II. Even the native Library app takes its time to open a chosen title, even if it’s been saved locally to the device. It’s not a deal breaker in terms of overall usability, although it’s undeniably slower than the 2024 Kindles and Kobo devices when opening up a book to read.

Even wired file transfer via USB-OTG was very quick. Wireless transfer of files has always been easy using the BooxDrop platform, but I had no trouble signing into my Google Drive account either, with cloud transfer also working quite well.

Third-party apps, however, load quickly and, during my testing, worked smoothly, with no app crashes experienced with the few that I downloaded for this review. That said, reading on the Kindle or Kobo app also suffered from the same screen issues as when using the native NeoReader application.

Image 1 of 2

There are options to tweak the text style on the Go Color 7 Gen II, both for comics/graphics novels... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 2

..and text-heavy ebooks, but they don't help the Go Color 7 Gen II very much (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

My biggest performance issue with the Go Color 7 II was ghosting. Adjusting refresh rates using the presets available for individual apps didn’t help at all and the only way I found to counter this was to set system refresh rate to a faster option. I tested a full-refresh frequency set at 10 taps and 5 taps, with the latter working fine for the most part, although it came at the cost of battery life. There was still some ghosting on the display between the 5 taps, and the only way to eliminate this was setting full-refresh frequency to 1 tap. This drains the battery even more significantly, but was the best solution for me.

In fact, the preset refresh rates that can be set on a per-app basis didn’t even help smoothen stuttering while scrolling web pages on the native browser. I wasn’t expecting seamless scrolling like on a phone, but I’ve experienced better refresh-rate presets on other E Ink devices: case in point, I had no such problems in my ViWoods AiPaper review which also runs a custom version of Android 13 like the Go Color 7 II.

Image 1 of 3

Dark mode doesn't improve readability very much, but it has its own quirks. It's fine when first switched on... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 2 of 3

..but the white floating bar gets distracting. (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Image 3 of 3

Turn a page, though, and the bottom information bar becomes white, which is just as distracting as the floating toolbar (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As I’ve already mentioned, battery drain for me on this ereader was quite significant after I changed the system refresh rate to a quicker option, but even on default settings, the Go Color 7 II chews through its 2,300mAh battery quite quickly.

I had the ereader set to powering off after 48 hours of no activity, but upon switching the Go Color 7 II on again I found the battery life would be significantly lower than when I put it into sleep mode. I expect about 5% to 10% drain for ereaders in scenarios like this, but the Go Color 7 II would drop by 25% on average – in one instance where it was in sleep mode for 48 hours and powered down for a further 36 hours, battery life dropped from 81% to 56%.

This isn’t behavior I’ve experienced with any other Boox tablet, so I suspect there’s a bug that’s affecting battery efficiency and a future firmware might be able to fix it. In the meantime, you’ll still get about a week of reading from every top-up with the system refresh rate set to 15 taps. This will reduce if you use faster refresh rates and will also be affected by how bright you set the frontlight to and how often you use Bluetooth connectivity.

Recharging, thankfully, isn't slow and it went from 12% to full in 1 hour and 57 minutes plugged into a wall adapter during my testing. Connected to a dock slowed down the charging rate only marginally, going from 17% to full in 2 hours and 10 minutes.

• Performance score: 3 / 5

I wish submenus were easier to find on Boox devices – for example, you can't tell there's a library settings option under the More in the above image (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)Should I buy the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II?

Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II

Kobo Libra Colour

Kobo Clara Colour

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

Price

$279.99 / €279.99 (about £245) / AU$439

$229.99 / £209.99 / AU$379.95

$159.99 / £149.99 / AU$249.95

from $159.99 / £134.99 / AU$299

Screen

7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3

7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3

6-inch E Ink Carta 1300

7-inch E Ink Carta 1300

Resolution

300ppi in B&W; 150ppi in color

300ppi in B&W; 150ppi in color

300ppi in B&W

300ppi in B&W

Operating system

Android 13

Linux-based

Linux-based

Linux-based

Storage

64GB (expandable)

32GB

16GB

16GB

CPU

Qualcomm Snapdragon 690

Undisclosed 2GHz dual-core chipset

Undisclosed 2GHz dual-core chipset

Undisclosed 1GHz dual-core chipset

Battery

2,300mAh

2,050mAh

1,500mAh

Undisclosed

Connectivity

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (in select regions), USB-C

Waterproofing

None

IPX8

IPX8

IPX8

File support (including images and audio)

25

16

16

17

Speakers

Yes

No

No

No

Dimensions

156 x 137 x 6.4 mm

161 x 144.6 x 8.3 mm

112 x 160 x 9.2 mm

176.7 x 127.6 x 7.8 mm

Weight

195g

199.5g

174g

211g

Buy it if...

You want a compact color ereader with writing capabilities

With a 7-inch color display, the Go Color 7 II is quite compact and very light too. And given it’s also got writing features built in, it’s versatile. Unfortunately, its many usability and performance issues makes it hard to recommend over similar devices.

Don't buy it if...

Readability and performance are important to you in an ereader

The Go Color 7 II has potential, but its subpar screen and above-average battery drain leaves it trailing behind many of its contemporaries. If the color display isn’t important, you’ll be better off opting for the grayscale Go Color 7.

Value for money is important

Compared to its predecessor, the Go Color 7 is well priced as it adds writing features for the same cost. However, its lackluster user experience and lack of performance makes it hard to recommend at any price point.

You want a compatible stylus at the time you buy a device

It’s very strange for a brand to release devices that require an optional add-on that gets discontinued soon after their launch. Stranger still is that no replacement was made available at the time. So until Boox releases a replacement for the InkSense stylus, it’s hard to recommend the 2025 Go series ereaders.

Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II review: Alternatives

Kobo Libra Colour

It's displayed colors might look washed out in comparison to the Go Color 7 II, but that means you can see a few more details in darker areas. It, too, allows you to read and write and Kobo's Advanced Notebooks are quite full featured. You will, of course, need to purchase the Kobo Stylus 2 separately if you want to use jot notes, but I think it's worth the additional ask. Compared to the Go Color 7 II, though, it's the better ereader and has a more streamlined interface.
Read my in-depth Kobo Libra Colour review

Kobo Clara Colour

If you don't want the writing features, but the color screen is important to you, you can save quite a bit of cash opting for a 6-inch color ereader and I think the Kobo Clara Colour is the best option in that regard. Seamless performance and a compact form factor are just some of its attributes.
Read my in-depth Kobo Clara Colour review

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)

The 12th generation Kindle Paperwhite is a fantastic 7-inch ereader with a black-and-white screen that I'd recommend if you're already part of the Amazon ecosystem. With direct access to the Kindle Store and a smoother interface than Boox, its E Ink Carta 1300 is one of the best optimized in the business.
Read our in-depth Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) review

How I tested the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Gen II

• Used as main ereader for approximately 11 weeks
• Used wireless and wired file transfer methods for books and audio files
• Separately purchased the Boox InkSense to test writing

The Boox Go Color 7 Gen II has potential... if only its screen hadn't been so disappointing (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

When Boox sent the Go Color 7 Gen II for review without a stylus, I was a little surprised. On enquiring, I was told that the Boox InkSense – the supported pen – had been discontinued and I would be sent its replacement as soon as it was released. However, that meant delaying this review until later this year, so I purchased the InkSense myself from a third-party retailer in Australia (where the the testing was done) who still had stock. The stylus is now no longer available anywhere.

It was fantastic to see that I didn't need to manually pair the stylus to the Go Color 7 II – it just worked. To test the writing features, I wrote some notes and tried doodling a little (I can't draw to save my life).

To test the Go Color 7 II as an ereader, I used USB-OTG to transfer a few ebooks, but also signed into my Google Drive account for cloud transfer of other files, including the Bookerly font family I'm partial to and some MP3s. I also 'pushed' a couple of existing files I had in the cloud via the BooxDrop platform as well.

I compared the Go Color 7 II to two other color ereaders: the older Boox Go Color 7 and the Kobo Libra Colour. I also compared it to its 2025 sibling, the Onyx Boox Go 7, as well as the 2024 Amazon Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite for direct text comparisons.

I listened to some audio files using the native music player. I downloaded a couple of other reading apps (Kindle and Kobo) and used the native web browser to see what the experience is like on an E Ink tablet.

I've tested more than 30 ereaders in the last eight years, giving me the knowledge and expertise to comment on the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II's usability and performance.

Read more about how we test

[First published August 2025]

EcoFlow River 2: Two-minute review

The River 2 has been out for a couple of years now, but I think it's a great buy due to the solid spec and increasingly cheap price. The unit tested here has been with me since launch and I have taken it on dozens of adventures without it skipping a beat.

Are you after the latest model instead? Take a read of our EcoFlow River 3 review and see if the updated version is better suited to your needs.

The River 2 is the smallest in EcoFlow's ultraportable River 2 power station series and it has a 256Wh capacity. Note that I tested the Australian spec model, but aside from a different AC plug depending on the country it's sold in, the underlying capabilities are the same.

The River 2 is basically a big battery bank combined with a 230V/120V inverter, high power USB and 12V outputs, and a range of charging ports. The River 2 can handle 300W AC appliances, with a surge capacity up to 600W.

The River 2 series is designed to be very portable, and is great for any charging or power needs when out and about. Not just for recreation either – it’s well suited for professionals who need to run equipment in the field – especially since it can be combined with solar for charging anywhere. The River 2 can also be used like a UPS, to automatically keep your modem or other critical devices powered on through a blackout.

Importantly, the River 2 series uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, which allows for a large amount of full cycles. The River 2 is rated at 3,000 cycles (100% to 0%) before capacity drops to 80% of the original. That means you could recharge it almost every day and it would take 10 years to drop to 80% of original capacity. Even then, with 80% capacity being around 200Wh, that's still a heap of juice.

On the front, the River 2 has a single 230V/120V AC power socket, a 12V/8A car-style DC accessory socket, dual USB-A ports (5V/2.4A) and a 60W USB-C PD input/output that can charge a laptop, or charge the power station itself. When plugged into the wall, the River 2 charges at up to 360W. That's fast, and means it can go from dead flat to full in just an hour – an incredibly handy feature when you need to recharge in a hurry. It also has a DC input port on the back that can accept 11-30V, and charge the battery at 110W. This means the power station can be quickly charged in the car (or 24V in a truck), or with a solar panel or other DC power source.

The River 2 has a screen that shows remaining charge, time until flat at current usage, and input/output wattage. That’s all that most users will likely need, but you can also connect to the power station using a slick app from EcoFlow. This provides all sorts of deeper functionality, like setting maximum charge and discharge levels, setting specific charge rates, updating the firmware and more.

I have really enjoyed my time with River 2, but of course there are some minor niggles. At higher loads, the River 2 does need a fan to keep internal temperatures down. It’s not especially noisy and doesn’t run all the time, but is potentially a way for dust to build up (and require occasional cleaning) over time. Otherwise most of the things I wish for (like a 100W USB-C output) are options on the larger capacity models.

The River 2 did command a somewhat premium price at launch but has been getting much more affordable over time and has had some great discounts lately. All in all, it offers an excellent mix of features that is well worth it for those who need reliable portable power on the go.

Do you need something smaller, for charging a phone or laptop? Then check out the TechRadar guide to the best power banks.

The River 2 has a very capable 256Wh battery and is ready to power all your devices no matter where you are. (Image credit: Future)EcoFlow River 2 review: price and availability

• How much does it cost? Launch RRP of $239 / £269 / AU$649
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in most major markets including the US, UK and Australia

The River 2 has been out for a couple of years now and is easily available for much less than the launch RRP. The easiest place to find it is generally direct from EcoFlow, though it's also stocked on Amazon and at a large number of third-party retailers.

Generally speaking the River 2 is solid value, considering the focus on portability, unique features and long warranty. It also has fairly frequent sales that can bring it down to less than half price.

• Value score: 4 / 5

On the rear the River 2 has AC input for 360W charging, and a DC input for car or solar charging at 110W. (Image credit: Future)EcoFlow River 2: Design and features

• X-Boost for over-wattage appliances
• Very fast AC charging
• Solar input
• 5-year warranty

One of my favorite features on the River 2 series is a completely non-technical one – the huge grab handle. Even though the unit is only 3.5kg, the handle makes it very easy to carry long distances, but doesn't make it too bulky to fit in a bag. My least favorite thing is the fan, which can get mildly noisy under load, and is a potential place for dust or water to get inside the River 2.

At 256Wh, the battery in the River 2 can be run flat very quickly (under an hour) if using the full 300W AC output. Lower power devices will run from hours to days, depending on the power use. Thanks to the huge 3,000 cycle life (to 80% capacity), you can fully discharge and recharge the River 2 multiple times in a day if need be, and rest assured the battery won’t wear out in a hurry. One thing to keep in mind is that the 256Wh capacity means the River 2 can’t be taken on a flight, as it's over the 160Wh limit most airlines use. For the full rundown of the rules, take a look at my guide on how to travel safely with a power bank.

It’s great to have a wide range of charging options on the River 2, but the clear standout is the very impressive 360W AC charge rate. I extensively tested the power station out and about, and being able to quickly grab some charge was very useful. While it takes just 1 hour to go from 0% to full, even just 5 minutes can bring back 10% charge. Charging in the car and using the solar mode is a fair bit slower (around 100W), but it was very handy when further afield, or camping. I also loved the USB-C charge option, as it made it easy to plug in overnight without using the bulky AC cable, and does not need to use the fan.

EcoFlow River 2 specs

Capacity: 256Wh
AC Output: 300W (Surge 600W) Pure Sine Wave 230V/120V
Solar / Car Charging: 11-30V, 8A, 110W max
Cycle Life: 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity
USB Charging: 1x 60W USB-C (input/output), 2x 12W USB-A
Other Outputs: 12V, 8A (100W)
Dimensions: 24.5 x 21.4 x 14.2 cm
Weight: 3.5kg
Warranty: 5 years

The 300W (600W surge) AC output is well-sized for most devices that might be used on the go, and the River 2 also has X-Boost, which allows certain high power devices (up to 600W) to be run at lower power without overloading the power station. The AC output can also be turned off completely via a button, or in the app, saving standby power. If the River 2 is plugged into the wall, and a device is plugged into the power station, then it automatically works as an Uninterruptible Power Supply. This is a handy extra feature, especially for when the River 2 is not being otherwise used. For example, it can be left plugged in to keep your modem running in the event of a blackout, or power critical things like a fish tank heater.

While the River 2 has a screen with key information, the more in-depth control is done via the app. It can connect via Wi-Fi and be managed even when away from home, or directly connected to (for example when camping) via Bluetooth. The EcoFlow app has options like being able to limit the maximum charge or discharge percentage of the power station, turn the outputs on and off, or set timeout periods. Importantly, the River 2 series is backed by an impressive 5-year warranty, which gives peace of mind that the power station will be with you for the long haul.

• Design and features: 4.5 / 5

While the River 2 can output 60W via USB-C, it can also charge itself, reducing the need to carry the bulkier AC cable. (Image credit: Future)EcoFlow River 2 review: Performance and testing

• 60W PD USB input/output
• UPS style functionality
• Solar and DC charging

The River 2 series rates very well for portability, and the 3.5kg heft is very easy to carry with the sturdy grab handle. The unit has large rubber feet, and the plastic shell is robust. The ports on the front are well laid out and not too crowded, so plugging and unplugging multiple things is easy. The display is easy to read even in bright sunlight, though I wish the buttons were more recessed, as I found they could be accidentally pressed if the River 2 is in a bag.

I connected the River 2 up to a load tester for the 12V DC and USB outputs, and the ports all happily gave their specified wattages and voltages. The AC output provides clean power without dropping the voltage at full load, and the X-Boost functionality worked as intended to avoid shutdown at higher loads.

The River 2 real-world usable capacity depends on how fast you discharge it, and through what output, but overall efficiency is excellent, and generally under 10% of the rated capacity is lost in conversions. One minor niggle – charging power banks has mixed results, with some charging, and others only being able to charge the River 2. A workaround is to use a USB-C charger in the 12V socket, but it would be great if the River 2 had a USB-C input only port on the rear.

The River 2 fan won’t kick in for USB-C use, but will spool up to high speed if fast charging via AC, or running something that uses a significant amount of the 300W available. The AC charge rate can be limited in the app, and at the minimum 100W, the fan is quiet, but still audible. One minor frustration is that the fan speed control is overly enthusiastic, and often cranks up to full speed for a few seconds before dropping back.

I managed a full charge from dead flat in 58 minutes on AC, and at peak rates could restore 10% charge in just 5 minutes. Charging from USB-C took a touch over 5 hours. Solar and car charging worked well – though the solar voltage and amperage inputs are somewhat awkward compared to what typical portable solar panels provide. Still, a 100W solar panel (or the EcoFlow 110W panel) can easily charge the power station up in as little as 4 hours. For those who want more solar input, check out the River 2 Pro and Max. The River 2 is rated for a UPS switching speed of under 30ms, and in my testing I didn’t have an issue even with finicky, lower power electronics. That said, it's not quite a true UPS, so not designed for very sensitive equipment.

While excellent overall, the EcoFlow app doesn’t have as much detailed information as I’d like, like allowing tracking of solar collected (or other data logging), or viewing how many cycles the power station has done. I also feel it's a missed opportunity to add some automation options, like being able to schedule the outputs to turn on and off at certain times.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

The relatively low 3.5kg weight and the large grab handle on the River 2 makes it very easy to carry longer distances. (Image credit: Future)Should I buy the EcoFlow River 2?EcoFlow River 2 report card

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

The River 2 series has a fairly premium feature set, which results in a higher-end price tag. Compared to the limited competition, the River 2 excels in areas like battery cycle life, being compact and low weight, and the inclusion of USB-C charging.

4 / 5

Design & features

The River 2 includes a solid mix of features, without going overboard on options that will add mass without providing much extra utility. The key advantages are that it's lightweight, very portable, and flexible enough to be used every day for many years.

4.5 / 5

Performance

The River 2 performed above and beyond in all my tests, and was extremely reliable, yet rugged enough that it does not need to be treated too gently. All the outputs (and inputs) happily sustained their full wattages for the entire battery capacity, even in (simulated) hot and cold conditions.

4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You need an ultraportable solution
The large grab handle and low weight of the River 2 mean it's just begging to be taken out on adventures. Bring an electric throw rug when stargazing in winter, hold your own movie night in the park, take it camping and more.

You will use the River 2 a lot
With a standout 3,000 cycle battery longevity, the River 2 is perfect for heavy use, and is well suited for everything including home or day-to-day use, camping, or for professionals who need power in the field.

256Wh is enough capacity for your charging needs
If you need a larger battery capacity between recharges, then consider the heavier, but even more capable 512Wh River 2 Max, or 768Wh River 2 Pro. Or even the larger Delta Series, like the 2016Wh Delta Max.

Don't buy it if...

If you need to power high wattage appliances
300W of AC power (100W DC at 12V, 60W USB-C) is enough for most smaller appliances and gadgets, but not everything. Items like power tools, or appliances for cooking, all need a higher AC output, and more storage capacity.

Silence is important
The fan in the River 2 is fairly quiet most of the time, and only really ramps up to noisier levels under heavy load, or when rapidly charging. But even at its lowest setting, the fan is audible – especially on a quiet night.

You need a waterproof and dustproof power station
While the River 2 can handle normal outdoor use just fine, it’s not waterproof and needs some protection from the elements. The fan is also a dust entry point and the power station does not have covers on the ports.

Final verdict

Connected up to a portable solar panel, the River 2 can be fully recharged in as little as 4 hours. (Image credit: Future)

Overall the River 2 is a very competent little power station that is well suited to a variety of uses. It focuses on portability over maximizing features and spec – leaving that for the larger River 2 Max and Pro. The River 2 is powerful enough to be a worthy addition to your next camping trip, and combined with a solar panel, makes it possible to keep devices charged indefinitely. Other options like the UPS functionality mean the River 2 is also useful at home between adventures.

The 256Wh capacity is well suited to daily use, and the fast charge ability makes it very easy to top up any time. The ability to silently charge from USB-C is great for nighttime use, or just for avoiding needing too many cables. The long 5-year warranty and 3000 cycle battery longevity mean the River 2 can be pushed hard without worrying about a shortened lifespan. The EcoFlow app is quite slick, but a little lacking when it comes to deeper levels of control and data logging.

While the power station isn’t perfect, and larger Max and Pro models might suit some users better, the River 2 is a great option.

[First reviewed August 2025]

AutoFull M6 Ultra: Two-minute review

Alright, I'm going to be totally honest: I wasn't expecting the AutoFull M6 Ultra gaming chair to be very good. I've seen gaming chairs with fancy massage and cooling functions before, and I was never very impressed with them (in fact, I had a good laugh about one of them during Amazon Prime Day 2022).

On paper, it sounds a bit ridiculous: a premium gaming chair absolutely loaded with features, from '6D' armrests to built-in fans and even a heating element that helps keep your posterior the perfect temperature. In practice, though, it delivers on all the advertised promises - almost all of them, anyway.

(Image credit: Future)

For starters, it's genuinely very comfortable and feels like a premium product. The cushioning is nice and plush on the seat, back, and headrest, and the PU leather finish is pleasantly cool to the touch. Both the base of the seat and the lumbar support section are perforated to make them more breathable, too.

I'd potentially go so far as to call this one of the best gaming chairs out there right now - but more due to the overall high quality and comfort, rather than the extra fancy features. That being said, the cooling and heating functions genuinely do work - more on that later in this review.

In fact, I'd have to admit that some of my issues with the AutoFull M6 Ultra are more to do with me than the chair itself. I'm 6'3", and I can't help but feel like this chair simply wasn't designed for someone of my stature. But if you're six feet tall or less, this could be the perfect chair for you - especially if you live somewhere with a warm climate.

AutoFull M6 Ultra: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

With a $799.99 / £799.99 (around AU$1,225) price tag, the M6 Ultra is far from affordable. Even relatively premium offerings from respected gaming chair brands like SecretLab and NobleChairs are cheaper.

That being said, it's worth noting that this is the highest-end model sold by AutoFull. If you're willing to sacrifice the massage and cooling/heating functions, there's also the M6 Elite, which retails for $599.99 / £599.99 (around AU$920) and retains the same high build quality without the extra bells and whistles.

Plus, at the time of writing, the M6 Ultra is on sale at AutoFull's website (seemingly in every territory), bringing the price down to a far more reasonable $569.99 / £569.99 (around AU$875). In that range, it's going up against chairs like Razer's Iskur V2 and the SecretLab Titan Evo, and for my money, it performs reasonably well against those rivals.

AutoFull M6 Ultra: Specs

Max weight of user

396lb / 180kg

Max height of user

Not specified

Recline angle

90-160° Backrest recline

Warranty

3-year

Lumbar support?

Yes (Adjustable)

Material

PU leather, fabric headrest

AutoFull M6 Ultra: Design and features

(Image credit: Future)

To describe this gaming chair as feature-rich is almost an understatement; I'm frankly surprised it doesn't also cook my dinner and do my taxes. In terms of its core construction, it's nothing groundbreaking; we've got a five-armed ergonomic base with smooth rolling casters, a fully reclining backrest, and a racing seat design with sturdy but not uncomfortable bolsters on either side.

The armrests feature '6D' movement, which sadly doesn't mean that they're capable of accessing a forbidden sixth dimension of spacetime, but rather that they can move in six specific directions.

This makes the armrest position highly customizable, which is great, though I would've liked to see a little more resistance on the 360-degree rotation; it's a bit too easy to push them out of position when getting up or sitting down, but this is an admittedly very minor quibble on my part.

(Image credit: Future)

The recline function works well, with a sturdy feel to the backrest and the option to go back almost to a fully horizontal position. Combined with the extendable flip-up legrest, it's certainly one of the most comfortable gaming chairs - you could reasonably take a comfortable nap in the M6 Ultra if you were so inclined, or reclined (sorry).

The headrest is very plush, but - somewhat unusually for a premium gaming chair - isn't removable. Instead, it's mounted on an adjustable bracket, and the sides can be 'folded' inwards too for a cradling effect. It's good enough, but I can't help but feel like a magnetic headrest would've been a better choice here. The lumbar support is also fully adjustable (and very comfy), but can't be removed without damaging the chair.

(Image credit: Future)

Now, onto the good stuff: does this chair really keep your bum cool? Surprisingly, yes, it does. Two fans in the breathable seat center can be set to three different power levels, and they definitely do keep the temperature down. I reviewed the M6 Ultra at the peak of a nasty heatwave here in the UK, and while I wasn't exactly blown away (no pun intended) by the cooling, it did make a noticeable difference after an extended period in the chair.

The heating function works quite well, too. Given the current temperatures at the time of writing, I was reluctant to use it for very long, but it certainly does get nice and toasty. It's easy to imagine how pleasant that could be in the middle of winter.

The same can't really be said for the 'massage' functionality, unfortunately. This is basically just a vibration motor concealed in the lumbar cushion, which can be set to pulse at three different speeds. I was hoping for a more active massage experience (like those bulky chairs you see at malls and airports) and ultimately found it more annoying than relaxing.

All of these features are controlled by three buttons on the seat.

AutoFull M6 Ultra: PerformanceImage 1 of 5

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(Image credit: Future)

So, how does the AutoFull M6 Ultra actually perform in practice? Well, for me, not great. At 6'3", I'm simply a bit too tall for this gaming chair; the headrest was the main offender, as setting it to the maximum height was still a little too low for me to sit comfortably. The NobleChairs Hero TX that I use as my regular desk chair stands about two inches taller by comparison.

Luckily, I have a 5'9" fiancé who I was able to persuade (read: bribe with snacks) into using the chair for a few days, and he reported that it was actually fantastically comfortable if you're not excessively tall. Even after a five-hour Stardew Valley binge, it was comfy and sweat-free thanks to the cooling function. Consider this a warning, then: if you're my height or taller, this might not be the chair for you.

In terms of other body types, the M6 Ultra is wide enough to accommodate most plus-sized users, and it works well for cross-legged sitting as well. The lumbar support is genuinely great (something I'm always on the lookout for in desk chairs), and it's very easy to find a natural elbow position thanks to the multi-directional armrests. It's also Lucy-approved, an extremely important certification for any chair, as you can see in the picture below.

Don't worry, she was perfectly happy to sit in the chair; she just looks perpetually concerned. (Image credit: Future)

When it comes to the question of longevity, it's always difficult to gauge exactly how well a chair will last based on a few weeks reviewing it, but I have to say that I feel confident about the staying power of the M6 Ultra. The stitching looks and feels high-quality, and the chair as a whole is very robust, with mostly metal and leather in its construction; the only plastic I could see here was the external covers for the seat hinges and the lumbar adjustment dial.

One last thing I have to bring up: don't expect to be rolling around in this thing unless you've also got a USB power bank to connect to it. The USB cable that powers the extra features is simply too short to practically connect it to a PC or wall outlet unless you remain perfectly still, so the best solution is to plug it into a portable charger and store that in the handy pocket on the back of the chair.

AutoFull M6 Ultra: Should you buy it?Buy it if...

You want a feature-rich gaming chair
The AutoFull M6 Ultra is positively overloaded with features, from the fully adjustable lumbar support to the cooling fans. If you want a chair that can do it all, this is the one to pick.

You want to be super comfortable
With breathable PU leather, plush cushioning, a built-in legrest, and near-horizontal recline, the M6 Ultra might be one of the most comfortable gaming chairs on the market - just so long as you're not too tall for it.

Don't buy it if...

You're taller than six feet
If you're on the tall side, this probably won't be the right chair for you - due primarily to the headrest, which can be adjusted up and down but not fully removed (or at least, not without permanently breaking it).

You’re on a budget
If you want a new gaming chair but don't want to spend a lot, you'll be better served elsewhere - this is an undeniably pricey throne.

Also consider...

AutoFull M6 Ultra

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 XL

Razer Iskur XL

Max weight of user

396lb / 180kg

395lb / 180kg

395lb / 180kg

Max height of user

Not specified

6'9" / 205cm

6’10" / 208cm

Recline angle

90-160° Backrest recline

85-165° Backrest recline

139° Backrest recline

Warranty

2-year

5-year

3-year

Lumbar support?

Yes (adjustable)

Yes (adjustable)

Yes (adjustable)

Material

PU Leather, fabric headrest

Neo Hybrid Leatherette / Softweave Fabric / NAPA Leather

PVC leather

Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 XL
The Titan Evo range from Secretlab is one of the best in the business and its 2022 range is excellent. It offers a similar package to the Kaiser 3 XL but will give you a better finish and build quality that many folks value and don't mind paying extra for.

Here's our full Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 review

Razer Iskur XL
The XL variant of the Razer Iskur will cater for the bigger player just as much as the Kaiser 3 XL but it will offer perhaps a more 'fulsome' lumbar system - an entire panel of the chair's back can be moved into the perfect position.

Here's our full Razer Iskur review

How we tested the AutoFull M6 Ultra

I spent more than a week testing out the AutoFull M6 Ultra gaming chair, swapping out my usual desk chair, the NobleChairs Hero TX, to use it daily at home, both for work (since I work from home) and a fair bit of gaming.

I'm 6'3" and weigh about 95kg (209lbs), so I'm on the large side - which is why I had both my 5'9" partner and 5'11" friend spend some time in the chair too, to get a properly rounded idea of how comfortable it is for different people.

We all tested out various positions for the headrest, armrests, and lumbar cushion, as well as seeing how comfortable the footrest and additional features were. I carefully documented their feedback and also took the time to read some product reviews on AutoFull's own website, to make sure there were no glaring issues with the M6 Ultra that I'd somehow missed in my own testing (and there weren't, so my pride remains intact).

Read more about how we test

First reviewed: August 2025

Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: review

The Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is a peculiar, yet undeniably fun creation. It’s a webcam for Nintendo Switch 2 that’s modelled on the classic Super Mario enemy, Piranha Plant. You know, the one that rears its head from a pipe in an attempt to eat you whole.

This model is produced by video game accessory producer Hori, but licensed by Nintendo itself. Yes, it’s a lot more character-filled and extravagant than the official Switch 2 camera, but still, it costs a fair chunk less, coming with a list price of just $59.99 / £33.99 / AU$64.95. But why?

Well, before we get to that, I want to talk about this thing’s design – which is more unique than even the best webcams. Not only is it playful and perfect for any Nintendo fan, but it’s pretty well made too. It comes with a poseable stem to angle the webcam with, a leaf part – which you can attach to its stem – and a mouth that can be opened and closed to reveal or conceal the camera.

(Image credit: Future)

On top of that, there’s a plant pot, which can be kept closed and used as a stand, or opened to mount the plant on top of your monitor or TV. For the most part, I kept the pot closed, and connected it up to my Nintendo Switch 2 via the included USB-C cable. The open position wasn’t wide enough to fit on top of my TV, which I expect will be the case for a lot of users.

If you’re playing in handheld mode, you can plug the Piranha Plant into your Switch 2’s USB-C port directly, which makes it a highly versatile option. I also appreciated a 3.5mm right-angle adapter, which enables you to use one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets wired, without the leaf part obstructing your cable.

So far, it all looks very rosy for this lil’ plant. But we haven’t really addressed the key reason for that low price point yet. And it is, unfortunately, tied to performance. Yes, Hori’s Piranha Plant camera offers a 480p resolution, which would’ve been fine 20 years ago but, in 2025, it’s simply not good enough.

As you can imagine, 480p is highly restrictive, and the picture quality you get from this camera is poor. I tried playing some Mario Kart World with my friend, and details on my face and clothing were unclear, while colors lacked vibrancy and that true-to-life tone. On top of that, I tried sitting about one meter from my TV in docked mode, and my picture was extremely blurry. In fact, my face looked almost as if it was melting. Thankfully it wasn’t, but the Plant made me question that.

(Image credit: Future)

One thing I’ll commend the Piranha Plant on, though, is that it tracked my face fairly well. In Mario Kart World, a webcam can be used to show your face in a small circle on the results page, or alongside your character mid-race. Throughout, the Piranha Plant was able to keep me well-centered, even if the actual sharpness of my picture was lacking.

It’s worth noting that there aren’t all too many titles with webcam functionality right now. Yes, it adds a fun touch to Mario Kart World's online multiplayer, and it unlocks a few extra minigames in Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV, but that's about it right now.

With that said, is it worth purchasing Hori’s Piranha Plant webcam? Well, its 480p resolution makes it impossible for me to recommend outright – that is unless you want to reminisce over the camera quality of the Nintendo DSi and 3DS.

And so ultimately, it matters not how much I adore the very sight of this dashing plant. For I cannot help but feel despair – no… anguish – over its tragic picture quality. It makes me wonder, then, how can we possibly reconcile two such polarising emotions for just one individual. Well, maybe we can’t. Maybe that conflict is, at its core, what makes this plant so intriguing. Its beauty is undeniable, yet so are its flaws. To buy it is to experience conflict in its rawest form.

(Image credit: Future)Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & specs

Price

$59.99 / £33.99 / AU$64.95

Resolution

480p at 30fps

Field of view

85 degrees

Dimensions

65 x 44 x 150mm (camera); 49 x 49 x 47 (base)

Weight

30g (camera); 80g (base)

Compatibility

Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, MacOS

Should you buy the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2?

(Image credit: Future)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Fun, endearing look, flexible stem, mount works well, but won’t fit every screen

4.5/5

Performance

Dismal 480p resolution, very blurry at a distance, but framing works well

2/5

Value

Considerably cheaper than official Switch 2 camera, but at a quality cost

3/5

Buy it if...

You’re a big fan of Piranha Plant
Honestly, there’s a case to pick this lil’ guy up as a collectible, or a statement piece – rather than to use as your Switch 2 webcam. The Piranha Plant cam is well made and oozing with character, and it can add a splash of color to your TV unit or monitor.

You want a flexible design
I appreciate the versatility of the Piranha Plant webcam a whole lot. You can find the perfect angle for your living space using its poseable stem and L-shaped mount, and it can be used in either handheld mode, or in TV mode (using the mount or plant pot base).

Don't buy it if...

You value strong picture quality
Oh what could’ve been. See, this Piranha may look pretty neat on the outside, but on the inside, it’s not really equipped for peak performance. That’s due to its resolution being capped at 480p – the same as that of the DSi, which first released in 2008. Ouch.

You want an ultra-secure, highly versatile mount
The L-shaped mount on this webcam is good enough to sit on top of most monitors, and a good amount of slim TVs. Still, it’s not exactly the most secure mount I’ve used, and if you’ve got a chunkier TV, then it won’t be able to sit on top. You can instead place it inside the pot and on top of a TV unit, if the mount isn’t working out, of course.

Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: also consider

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
Well, I’ll be honest, there aren’t too many Switch-2-oriented competitors out there right now, so if you’re not sold on this plant creature, I’d just suggest picking up the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. It offers far higher picture quality, thanks to its 1080p resolution, and even if that’s the only reason to pick it over this model, it’s a pretty major one!

How I tested the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for one week
• Used at home in handheld and TV mode
• Predominantly tested while playing Mario Kart World

I tested the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for a week, using it as the primary camera for my Nintendo Switch 2. During this period, I used the camera in both handheld and docked mode, with my console connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 television and Samsung HW-Q800D soundbar.

There aren’t all too many titles that support camera functionality on the Nintendo Switch 2 just yet, so for the most part, I tested this model’s picture quality on Mario Kart World. To do this, I entered GameChat with my Future colleague, Nikita, and assessed the quality of my picture from various distances.

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

Review information

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date: August 29, 2025

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an all-new side-scrolling action title from Streets of Rage 4 and Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap developer Lizardcube. As someone who’s loved the dev’s previous works, I’m happy to say its take on Sega’s legendary Shinobi series is nothing short of a slam dunk.

The Lizardcube staples are all here. Sublime hand-drawn visuals, slick and responsive combat, and plenty of replay value after you’ve rolled credits. Art of Vengeance is a game that - much like Streets of Rage 4 before it - is maddeningly hard to stop playing.

Each and every stage offers a unique flavor, in terms of both setting and gimmicks. There are some light metroidvania elements, with opportunities to explore off the critical path for vital upgrades and abilities, but that’s (perhaps thankfully) not the main focus. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is more linear than, say, a Hollow Knight or a Metroid Dread, and that’s no bad thing.

The bulk of gameplay here, then, is a careful mix of platforming, light puzzle-solving, and that oh-so moreish combat, which quite honestly is some of the best-feeling and most satisfying I’ve had the pleasure of playing in a side-scroller in a long while. It mixes Shinobi staples like throwing kunai and powerful Ninpo spells with combo-happy melee combat that constantly thrills, especially in boss fights and optional challenges.

While Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master will likely always be my favorite game in the series, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance can absolutely be mentioned in the same breath as that Sega Mega Drive classic.

A-to-Z of vengeance

(Image credit: Sega)

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance puts players back in the role of series protagonist Joe Musashi, head of the Oboro ninja clan. The game’s subtitle is adequately portrayed in its opening chapters, as a powerful warlord named Ruse and his ENE Corp forces raze the clan’s village to ashes and wipe out just about everyone, save Musashi himself. Thus does his road to vengeance begin.

The plot is thin, but accomplishes what it sets out to do, taking a backseat to the action. Some cutscenes and fully-voiced interludes between stages add a good amount of flavor, but certainly don’t overstay their welcome. Musashi only communicates in vaguely threatening grunts, which leads to the odd bit of humor as other characters attempt to get the gist of what he’s saying.

If this is your first exposure to the Shinobi series, you might be surprised by its futuristic setting. Things start out simply enough in the rustic Oboro clan village, but Musashi will also make his way through neon-drenched city skylines, a fish market, lantern festival, and even a high-tech laboratory as just some of the stops on his journey. Each level is jam-packed with detail, too, and eagle-eyed Sega fans will spot plenty of loving references and cameos (be sure to check the background of the fish market stage for a Shenmue-themed surprise!).

Art of the kill

(Image credit: Sega)

Musashi’s combat abilities are the bread and butter of the game. He’s an incredibly powerful force of destruction, with a broad list of melee attacks and combos; more of which can be unlocked in shops with coins collected from defeated enemies and optional challenges.

Musashi can also toss kunai to dispatch distant foes, Ninpo spells that achieve a variety of effects (such as countering powerful attacks or breathing flames for massive damage), as well as screen-clearing Ninjutsu arts to get yourself out of a bind.

Best bit

(Image credit: Sega)

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance does several things expertly, but nothing quite beats clearing out rooms of goons with Musashi’s surprisingly robust move set. Enemy variety is excellent, too, making for several thrilling encounters that properly make you feel like a master ninja.

Supplementing Art of Vengeance’s combat is the Execution gauge, which all enemies have. Filling it will allow Musashi to instantly kill a foe regardless of their remaining health. Chaining several of these together isn’t only satisfying, it provides Musashi with health and kunai refills as well as an abundance of coins.

Enemy variety in Art of Vengeance is superb, and you’ll need to change up your approach depending on the types of baddies you encounter. Some toss shuriken from afar, while others will rush you with combos of their own. Some enemies can fly or even control space with a rain of arrows. Later on in the game you’ll also encounter armored foes which resist staggering until fully depleted, and these are best handled with particular moves or Ninpo abilities.

Above all, combat in Art of Vengeance just feels fantastic. There’s a satisfying amount of hit stun on Musashi’s attacks, and his nimble movement makes darting between targets a joy. Stealth and subtlety are simply not part of the Musashi playbook.

What I will say is that Musashi is so incredibly powerful that the game isn’t particularly hard. There are some challenging boss fights and optional encounters (and some of the late game platforming challenges truly tried my patience), but Art of Vengeance is a pretty forgiving game overall with unlimited lives and generous checkpointing - even on normal difficulty. I think the game could benefit from a harder difficulty option, perhaps as part of a post-launch update.

Lastly, I did run into a small handful of bugs during my playthrough. In one level, the map stopped updating Musashi’s location after exiting an Ankou Rift challenge. Another completely froze the game upon executing a Ninjutsu technique. Both were solved by simply resetting the game, but I naturally hope small issues like this will be patched out on or close to launch day.

Should you play Shinobi: Art of Vengeance?Play it if...

You want some of the best side-scrolling combat in years
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is endlessly satisfying to play thanks to its slick combat and dense enemy variety. No two stages offer quite the same experience, and there’s plenty of optional challenges to slice your katana through.

You’re a big Sega head
Lizardcube clearly has reverence for Sega and its history, and this is apparent with plenty of background references for keen-eyed players. A couple of bonus stages pay loving tribute to past Shinobi games, too. Some Sega-themed DLC is also on the way, including a boss fight with Sonic the Hedgehog’s Dr. Eggman.

You want a compact 100% completion experience
At around 15-20 hours for full completion, you can get through Shinobi: Art of Vengeance in a pretty slick amount of time. But if you want more, you’ll also get access to Arcade and Boss Rush modes after rolling credits. There may be a secret, high-difficulty boss fight, too…

Don't play it if...

You want a high level of challenge
Art of Vengeance is fairly forgiving in the difficulty department, outside of a select few optional challenges and some tricky boss fights. I’d say it’s still very much worth playing regardless of this, but if you’d prefer a more hardcore experience, you may wish to hold off until a potential harder difficulty option gets patched in.

Accessibility

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance doesn’t have much in the way of robust accessibility options, sadly. You can fully remap controls, however, and custom difficulty options exist including variants on enemy damage and attack frequency.

How I reviewed Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance took me around 16 hours for 100% completion. That included a full campaign playthrough, as well as full completion achieved on all stages. I fully explored each level’s map, uncovering secrets like upgrades, abilities and Ninpo techniques. I also took some time to play some stages via the unlockable score-based Arcade mode as well as Boss Rush for an extra challenge.

First reviewed August 2025

Smeg Mini Milk Frother: two-minute review

The Smeg Mini Milk Frother is extremely easy to use, and would be a great choice for anyone who finds a steam wand tricky to use, or those who want to prepare cold drinks

It has three modes: Hot Milk Foam, Hot Milk, and Cold Milk Foam. As with all other Smeg devices I’ve tested to date, its controls are refreshingly straightforward. There’s a single button on the front, which you press once, twice, or three times to choose a setting. There’s no need to confirm your selection – just wait a few seconds and the frother will start.

The Smeg Mini Milk Frother has a single button, which you press once, twice, or three times to choose a mode (Image credit: Future)

The Smeg Mini Milk Frother’s 500W motor is remarkably quiet, and during my tests it was barely audible, registering only 40dB on my sound meter, with the occasional soft tick from the heating element on the hot foam mode. It was about the same volume as my fridge, and much quieter than texturizing milk with a steam wand. When your milk is ready, the Mini Milk Frother will beep to let you know.

The Smeg Mini Milk Frother is intended to be used with chilled full-fat dairy milk. In tests, hot foam was super thick, and best suited to topping a cappuccino or an espresso macchiato. It wouldn’t be suitable for a caffe latte, which requires milk to have a similar texture to emulsion paint. Unlike the Dreo Baristamaker or Smeg Multi Milk Frother, there's no choice of foam textures.

Whether prepared hot or cold, full-fat dairy milk produced a thick foam suitable for cappuccinos, but not for pouring latte art (Image credit: Future)

The Cold Milk setting also made very thick and stable foam, which would work well for an iced cappuccino, while the Hot Milk program produced sweet milk ideal for night time, or for pouring onto hot chocolate powder.

When using the Hot Foam or Hot Milk mode, milk is heated to a consistent temperature of 140F / 60C, which is optimal for coffee – hot enough to keep the milk sweet without scalding it and denaturing its proteins.

The frother heated milk to a consistent temperature of 140F / 60C, which is optimal for coffee (Image credit: Future)

The instructions don’t mention plant milk, and unlike some other milk frothers, the Smeg Mini Milk Frother has no separate modes for non-dairy drinks. I did test it with oat and almond milk for comparison with frothers such as the Dreo Baristamaker, but since these aren’t explicitly recommended by Smeg, I didn’t factor its performance with plant milks into my final score.

In these tests, barista-style oat milk turned out very well – perhaps more so than dairy – producing a smooth, glossy foam. As is often the case, almond milk produced quite a stiff, dry foam, but it was very stable whether prepared hot or cold.

Image 1 of 2

Smeg only recommends using the Mini Milk Frother with full-fat dairy milk, but oat milk turned out thick and glossy foam using the Hot Foam setting (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

Almond milk produce a more stiff, dry foam (Image credit: Future)

The carafe has a non-stick lining that helps your foamed milk slide out easily, and that makes washing it up a breeze. Just bear in mind that it’s not suitable for use with metal utensils; if you need a tool to remove any foam, use something like a soft silicone spatula to avoid scratches.

The lid and whisk can be washed in the top drawer of a dishwasher, but the carafe and its base should only be cleaned carefully by hand using a cloth, and not immersed in water.

The Smeg Mini Milk Frother isn’t recommended for making drinks such as shakes or hot chocolate (there’s no mention of that in the manual), so I stuck with milk alone. If you’d like a quick and easy way to make frothy hot chocolate or other drinks, the Smeg Multi Milk Frother would be a better choice.

Smeg Mini Milk Frother: price and availability

• List price £99.95 (about $140 / AU$210)
• Not currently available in US or Australia
• Costs much less than the Smeg Multi Milk Frother

The Smeg Mini Milk Frother has a list price of £99.95 (about $140 / AU$210), but at the time of writing it’s not available in the US or Australia.

For comparison, the Smeg Multi Milk Frother, which has six functions and is also suitable for making drinks like hot chocolate, costs $249.95 / £179.95 / $299 and is available globally. The Dreo Baristamaker, which I reviewed last year and has dedicated modes for plant-based milks, is $99 / £119.99 (about AU$150).

Smeg Mini Milk Frother: specifications

Dimensions (H x W x D)

7.9 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches / 200 x 93 x 93mm

Minimum capacity

2oz / 60ml

Maximum capacity

6oz / 180ml for hot foam or 4oz / 120ml for cold foam

Motor

500W

Modes

3

Noise

40dB

Smeg Mini Milk Frother: design

• Minimalist 1950s-inspired design
• Available in six colors
• Non-stick lining for easy cleaning

The Mini Milk Frother is one of Smeg’s 1950s-inspired kitchen appliances, with a minimalist design and clean lines. It comes in six colors (black, cream, pastel green, pastel blue, red, and white), and has a glossy finish.

Image 1 of 3

The Smeg Mini Milk Frother has a carafe with non-stick lining and transparent lid, a power base, and a magnetic whisk (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

The base uses induction to power the Mini Milk Frother (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

The whisk is attached to the bottom of the carafe and rotated magnetically (Image credit: Future)

It comprises a carafe (which is shaped like a squared-off cylinder with rounded corners), a transparent plastic lid, a removable whisk that’s held in place magnetically, and a base that powers the frother using induction, similar to an electric toothbrush. Note that there’s no rechargeable battery, so you can’t use the frother when it’s not on its base.

The carafe has a non-stick ceramic lining, with raised markings on the inside showing the maximum and minimum fill levels. These are quite far down, and are a little difficult to see unless the light is just right.

The markings inside the Smeg Mini Milk Frother can be tricky to see unless the lighting is just right (Image credit: Future)

Each corner of the carafe can serve as a pouring spout – a smart choice that makes it easy to decant your prepared milk. It doesn’t have a fine pouring spout, so you won’t be able to use it to create latte art; but in tests, the hot milk foam was rather thick for that.

Should you buy the Smeg Mini Milk FrotherBuy it ifDon't buy it ifSmeg Mini Milk Frother: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Smeg Mini Milk Frother is the right device for you, here are two alternatives to bear in mind.

Smeg Multi Milk Frother

If you want to prepare drinks other than just milk, the Smeg Multi Frother is more versatile, with six options for foaming and/or heating milk. You can also add other ingredients for preparing drinks such as shakes or hot chocolate, and it has a larger capacity than the Mini Milk Frother. It looks just as good, too, but is considerably more expensive.

Dreo Baristamaker

Unlike the Smeg Mini Milk Frother, the Dreo Baristamaker has modes for creating foam at different consistencies, including a fine option suitable for latte art. It wasn't quite as good as a steam wand in my tests, but was a reasonable alternative.

Read our full Dreo Baristamaker review

How I tested the Smeg Mini Milk Frother

I tested each of the Smeg Mini Milk Frother's modes using fresh, chilled whole milk in accordance with Smeg's instructions.

I also tried it with chilled oat and almond milk , since these are both popular choices for making coffee at home. However, I only tried this for the sake of comparison. I didn't factor the frother's performance with plant-based milks into my scores, since such milk alternatives aren't explicitly recommended by Smeg.

I cleaned the non-stick carafe using a damp cloth as directed by the manual, and washed the whisk and lid by hand using warm water and dish soap.

Read more about how TechRadar tests, reviews, and rates products.

First reviewed August 2025

ManageEngine OpManager is an enterprise-ready network monitoring solution trusted by over 1 million IT administrators worldwide. It provides comprehensive visibility into network health and performance across switches, routers, servers, and other critical infrastructure components. For organizations evaluating network monitoring options, OpManager deserves consideration alongside the solutions featured in our best network monitoring tools roundup.

TechRadar reviewers spend several weeks researching each major IT platform in the market, analyzing everything from feature depth to pricing structures. During our evaluation process, we found that while LogicMonitor remains our top pick for network monitoring in 2025 thanks to its AI-powered suite for day-to-day IT network automation, OpManager offers a compelling alternative for budget-conscious enterprises.

OpManager's strength lies in its end-to-end approach to network infrastructure monitoring, supporting both traditional and hybrid environments including VMware, Hyper-V, and cloud-based networks. Its proactive alert system and real-time dashboards provide IT teams with the visibility needed to prevent outages and resolve issues quickly, making it a practical choice for organizations prioritizing network uptime and performance.

ManageEngine OpManager: Features

OpManager delivers a feature-rich monitoring platform that covers nearly 3,000 metrics across network devices, servers, and applications. It is particularly well-suited for mid-to-large enterprises managing complex hybrid infrastructures, offering solid core monitoring functions like device discovery, performance tracking, and alert management.

While OpManager includes essential capabilities like network topology mapping, bandwidth monitoring, and automated workflows, it notably lacks some advanced features found in competitors such as sophisticated machine learning integration and multi-threshold alerting. But given the competitive pricing at $245 for 10 devices, the feature set provides excellent value for organizations seeking comprehensive monitoring without premium-tier costs.

Real-time network monitoring

OpManager excels at continuous performance monitoring across routers, switches, firewalls, and servers, tracking availability and health metrics in real-time. The platform supports multiple monitoring protocols including SNMP, WMI, and CLI, ensuring compatibility with diverse network hardware. Users consistently praise the real-time dashboards for providing clear visibility into network performance without latency issues.

Automated device discovery

It automatically discovers network devices and builds topology maps, significantly reducing manual configuration time. OpManager can detect newly added devices in subnets and immediately begin monitoring them, though some users report challenges with older legacy devices requiring manual SNMP OID mapping. The discovery process supports hybrid environments including cloud and virtualized infrastructures.

Alerting and notifications

OpManager's multi-channel alerting system sends notifications via email, SMS, and SNMP traps when thresholds are breached. The platform allows customization of alert thresholds and escalation procedures, though users note limitations in setting multiple threshold levels for the same parameter. Real-time alerting capabilities help IT teams identify and address issues before they impact end users.

Performance analytics and reporting

ManageEngine generates comprehensive reports on network performance, bandwidth utilization, and device health trends. Built-in dashboards provide visual representations of network data, while customizable reports support compliance and capacity planning requirements. Most users appreciate the intuitive graphical interface and NOC dashboard building capabilities.

(Image credit: ManageEngine)ManageEngine OpManager: Ease of use

OpManager has a user-friendly interface that simplifies network monitoring for IT administrators of varying experience levels. The web-based console features intuitive navigation and customizable dashboards that allow users to quickly access critical network information. New users can typically navigate the basic monitoring functions within hours, though the extensive feature set may require several days to master fully. Plus a graphical approach to network topology mapping and performance visualization reduces the learning curve compared to command-line alternatives.

However, initial setup can be time-consuming, particularly when integrating legacy devices or complex hybrid environments. Some users report that adding older network equipment requires manual configuration and SNMP OID mapping, which demands deeper technical knowledge. The default report templates may also need customization to meet specific organizational requirements, occasionally requiring scripting or external tools for advanced reporting needs.

ManageEngine OpManager: Pricing

Plan

Starting price (paid annually)

What's included

Standard Edition

$20.42/month

10 devices, basic monitoring, web-based console, email alerts

Professional Edition

$28.75/month

10 devices, advanced reporting, mobile app, workflow automation

Enterprise Edition

$38.52/month

25 devices, distributed monitoring, business views, enhanced security

OpManager's pricing structure offers competitive value compared to enterprise-grade alternatives, with transparent per-device licensing that includes unlimited interfaces, nodes, and sensors. This allows organizations to start small and scale up as monitoring needs grow, though the jump from Professional to Enterprise edition represents a significant price increase for advanced features.

While more affordable than premium solutions like LogicMonitor or Datadog, OpManager's pricing can become substantial for large-scale deployments, with the Enterprise edition reaching $11,545 for 250 devices. The inclusion of all monitoring capabilities within the base license helps avoid unexpected costs, making it easier to budget for network monitoring initiatives.

ManageEngine OpManager: Customer support

ManageEngine provides comprehensive support options through both Classic and Premium tiers, with Classic support included free with subscription licenses. Classic support offers email and chat assistance during regional business hours, with acknowledgment within 8 hours and access to product upgrades and online resources. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive for most technical issues, though response times can vary depending on case complexity and geographic region.

Premium support significantly enhances the experience with 24/7 multi-channel assistance including telephone support, single point of contact, and faster response times with acknowledgment within 3 hours. This tier includes additional services like health checks, custom product support, and online training sessions. However, Premium support requires additional investment beyond the base license cost, and some advanced customizations may still require professional services or partner assistance.

Phone support is available across multiple regions including the US (+1 877 834 4428), UK (0800 028 6590), and Australia (1800 631 268).

ManageEngine OpManager: Alternatives

OpManager occupies a solid middle-ground position in the network monitoring market, competing directly with solutions like Paessler PRTG, Auvik, and SolarWinds NPM. The platform is best suited for mid-to-large enterprises seeking comprehensive monitoring capabilities without the complexity or cost of premium alternatives like Datadog or LogicMonitor.

Key competitors include Auvik, which offers superior ease of use and cloud-native architecture, and Paessler PRTG, which provides more flexible sensor-based pricing and stronger customization options. Premium alternatives like LogicMonitor and Datadog offer more advanced AI/ML capabilities and extensive integrations but command significantly higher prices.

ManageEngine OpManager: Final verdict

ManageEngine OpManager delivers reliable network monitoring fundamentals at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for enterprises seeking comprehensive infrastructure visibility without premium costs. It excels in device coverage, real-time alerting, and hybrid network support, providing teams the essential tools needed to maintain network health and performance.

While it may lack some advanced features found in higher-end competitors, OpManager's combination of functionality and affordability creates strong value for budget-conscious organizations. And its proven track record with over 1 million administrators worldwide demonstrates its viability as a long-term monitoring solution.

FAQs

What devices can OpManager monitor?

OpManager supports monitoring of switches, routers, firewalls, servers, wireless devices, load balancers, and virtualization platforms including VMware, Hyper-V, and Citrix XenServer. The platform can monitor nearly 3,000 different metrics across these device types using protocols like SNMP, WMI, and CLI. It also supports cloud and hybrid network infrastructures, making it suitable for modern enterprise environments.

How does OpManager pricing compare to competitors?

OpManager offers competitive pricing starting at $245 for 10 devices annually, significantly less expensive than premium alternatives like LogicMonitor or Datadog. The per-device licensing model includes unlimited interfaces and sensors, providing predictable costs. However, large-scale deployments can become expensive, with Enterprise edition pricing reaching $11,545 for 250 devices.

What support options are available with OpManager?

ManageEngine provides Classic support free with subscription licenses, including email and chat during business hours with 8-hour acknowledgment times. Premium support offers 24/7 assistance, phone support, faster response times (3-hour acknowledgment), and additional services like health checks and custom support. Phone support is available globally across multiple time zones and languages.

Can OpManager integrate with other IT management tools?

OpManager supports integration with other ManageEngine products and third-party systems through APIs and standard protocols. The platform can send alerts to external systems via SNMP traps, email, and webhooks. However, the integration ecosystem is more limited compared to cloud-native competitors, and complex integrations may require custom development or professional services.

Is there a free trial available for OpManager?

Yes, ManageEngine offers a 30-day free trial of OpManager that includes full functionality for evaluation purposes. The trial allows organizations to test the platform with their actual network infrastructure before purchasing. Trial users receive evaluation support with 2-business-day acknowledgment times, though some advanced support features are reserved for paid customers.

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The Vtoman FlashSpeed Pro 3600 is hefty. There is no way around that. This is not a power station that you'll want to be toting around, though it is technically still portable.

See, unlike many of the best portable power station units I've reviewed, the Pro 3600 is more designed for long-term backup or for use with enormous power demands, not just to charge your smartphone (though it could).

So, for that reason, this unit is hefty in both size and specs, yet it is still something that can be used in real-world applications with ease.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Pricing & Availability

The Vtoman FlashSpeed Pro 3600 starts around $1499 right now, on sale from $2,299. They do offer bundles at the point of purchase that include solar panels that can stretch up to $2,700, too, all with a two-year warranty.

Also worth mentioning is that the unreleased battery expansion is expected sometime in 2025. Outside of that, the other pieces are available.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Unboxing & first impressions

The FlashSpeed Pro 3600 Portable Power Station is a fluorescent yellow and black power station that made me sigh when I picked it up; it was so heavy. Keep in mind, I pick up and move power stations, chairs, desks, and more. This one shocked me.

Thankfully, this unit has wheels and a handle with two height settings to accommodate those with varying heights and those who can't quite reach the same physical height.

From the first moment I turned this unit on, I loved the screen. The readout is excellent; it's easy to understand, shows all the information I want, and feels premium in quality.

Taking another pass, I noticed the lightbar that can shine white or even red light. I saw a small storage bay in the back of the unit, perhaps for the charging cable, and I noticed that the port layout is super helpful.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Design & build qualitySpecs

Battery Capacity: 3,096 Wh
Continuous Output: 3,600 W AC (6,000 W surge)
Outputs: 4× AC, 2× 100 W USB‑C, 2× DC, 4× USB‑A, 2× Cigarette port
Features: UPS (switch‑over <20 ms), LCD screen, wheels, IP65-rated shell
Dimensions / Weight: 378×418×581 mm / 38 kg
Warranty: 2-year global

The whole unit feels like a hefty suitcase. I wish that suitcases or luggage in general rolled as easily as this machine does. I'd even be happy if shopping carts rolled as smoothly as this setup does. Moving on, the ports are covered with a flap, enhancing their water resistance. And the entire case around the power station feels rugged and ready to take anywhere. The wheels I mentioned briefly above are not easily damaged. They are large with a decent grip, and super easy to maneuver the power station with.

The ports are organized and easily accessible, and clearly labeled. All things that make using a power station super helpful. If you are in an emergency and need power quickly, the last thing you want to have to do is slow down to try to figure out where ports are, which are which, and how to turn your power supply on. It's easy to know what is what, and with the integrated light bar, you can light up your scenario to make getting things plugged in and backed up even easier.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: In use

I've used a lot of power stations, and while I don't usually note or have the recharge time stand out to me, in the VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600's case, it stands out as one of the most significant benefits to this unit. Now, rather than feeling like you need to have this always charged, if you know a storm is coming, you have time to recharge it quickly, whether from zero to full or from partial charge to full charge.

Additionally, you are more likely to use this power station for portable power where there isn't shore power or a grid power system. In that case, you can plan to go, quickly plug this in, get everything else ready and squared away, and only two hours later (zero to full), you can have a fully charged power station prepared to tackle your construction project, off-grid camping, or whatever else you may be powering.

I don't currently have this power station plugged into my house, but I have had it power my garage while working on projects, running saws, air compressors, shop vacs, and battery chargers. I've also had this recharge my EGO Electric mower, my Eufy E18 Robot Mower, my Lectric XPedition2 E-Bike, and more, to see if it can - and it did without any issue.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

If you live on some land and are looking for more ways to recharge, rather than using the grid, you could also add a solar panel to recharge using the sun, which also recharges incredibly fast.

The unit also boasts Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), and for good reason. If you have networking gear, computers, or other devices, you don't want to have any downtime in a power outage, the UPS will flip over before your devices even realize that the grid lost power.

Overall, this is a great power station. It is pretty heavy, so the wheels are essential for moving it around. However, I suggest only relocating it when necessary. It's best to place it in a location where you'll use it frequently and leave it there for a while.

VTOMAN FlashSpeed Pro 3600: Final verdict

The FlashSpeed Pro 3600 is a power station for the (semi) portable pros. This is a great hub to place and use as an added power source wherever you may need it, whether that is a job site, an off-grid setup, or a backup unit. It's got incredible speeds, high capacity, a fantastic port layout, a built-in light bar, and wheels to help move it around.

If you're in the market for a power station, especially one with a fast recharge and multiple ports, this power station is a great one to consider. IF you're wanting something ultra portable, or if you don't need 3000Wh capacity, though, this may be too much of a unit for your use case.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Rugged, hefty design

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

For those who need massive power

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for what it is

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nacon Hard Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2: review

The Nacon Hard Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 is a reasonably priced case for the handheld console. It offers storage not only for the console itself but also most of its accessories, as well as a handful of Switch games cartridges. So how does it feel in use?

Generally, I’ve found it holds up well. The bright Mario red feels suitably attention-grabbing without being gaudy – I wouldn’t be embarrassed pulling it out on my commute, and it doesn’t remotely feel at odds with the premium console inside. I've seen similar materials getting scuffed or dirty after months of being thrust into a backpack, but in all the time I’ve spent carting it round so far it’s maintained that vibrant hue without picking up any marks.

Given the name of the product, I’d kind of assumed it had been designed with the Nintendo Switch 2 in mind. But if you actually try to place the console in the molded inner tray Nacon has supplied, you quickly realize that it’s far too small, because it’s shaped to fit the original Switch. You can remove this and the Switch 2 will sit snugly in the base of the case, but it’s not quite as well fitted around the console’s Joy-Con 2, which is something I would expect from one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories.

Despite this, the Nacon Hard Carrying Case seems sturdy and well constructed. Even squeezed in a bag with my work laptop and climbing gear, it seems to be able to protect the Switch 2 well and keep its shape, even while it's under pressure. I never really felt I had to worry about the safety of my Switch 2 when it was in the Nacon and that’s the kind of peace of mind you’re looking for when picking up a case.

When it comes to additional storage, the Hard Carrying Case has a decent amount of space. The main compartment is capacious enough that I was able to squeeze in the Joy-Con 2 Grip, the Switch 2’s charger and an HDMI cable. Pretty much the only thing I was unable to fit was the console’s dock but if you’re desperate to take this on the go with you, something like the Nacon XL Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 should offer sufficient space for this.

(Image credit: Future)

I did occasionally find myself wishing that some of this storage could be better laid out however. I was never that clear what the central pocket was intended for, given it was too small for most accessories but felt an odd fit for loose cabling. Equally, the Nacon’s storage for Switch 2 cartridges is pretty limited – you can fit a maximum of four cards in its little bandolier, which feels like it will fill up fast.

All told though, the Nacon Hard Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 feels like a reliable way to keep your Switch 2 safe and offers a pretty attractive package while it does so. Particularly when you consider its price: at $14.90 / £12.90 (around AU$25), this case very much sits at the more affordable end of the market. So if you’re looking for a cheap way to keep your Switch 2 safe and you’re not too fussy about odd details, this is a decent choice.

(Image credit: Future)Nacon Hard Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 review: specs

Price

$14.90 / £12.90

Dimensions

12 x 5.9 x 1.9 inches (305 x 150 x 50mm)

Weight

14.5oz (412g)

Number of game card slots

4

Compartments

2

Handle

Yes

Color

Red, black or blue

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Nacon Hard Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2?

Design

Decent understated looks, hardy construction; while it comfortably fits the Switch 2, the removable molded tray is only compatible with the original Switch.

4 / 5

Storage

Very few game cartridge slots, no space for Switch 2 Dock, not clear what every pocket is for.

3.5 / 5

Value

Only a few cases come cheaper than this and given what you’re paying for it, it does pretty much everything you could ask of it.

5 / 5

Buy it if…

You need a hard case for not much cash
At $14.90 / £12.90 (around AU$25), this is very much at the cheaper end of the market. If you only care about protecting your Switch 2 without all the extras, it’s a great choice.

You want an attractive accessory
While its style is minimalist, I do think the red and black colorway looks sharp, without garishly advertising what it is. If understated looks are your bag, it should suit you to a T.

Don’t buy it if…

You have a huge physical games collection
As it only offers four slots for Switch cartridges, you’re heavily limited as to how much of your collection you can take on the road. So if you mostly own physical games, you might want to look elsewhere.

You want to take absolutely everything with you
While the Hard Carrying Case can fit a fair number of accessories inside, you’re not going to be able to bring your dock with you, meaning it’s less handy for bringing to a friend’s house or visiting a holiday cottage.

(Image credit: Future)

I've used Synology for a while now, both personally and professionally. I've worked with DiskStations, the original BeeStation, and many other NAS devices, too. As someone who juggles many businesses, clients, and a ton of storage at any given time, even with great internal storage on my primary laptop, access to more on others that I am testing, and external drives all around me, there is something simple and so helpful about cloud storage.

But, as many of you have also noticed, subscriptions are getting ridiculous these days. Everything has moved to subscriptions, and with that, when you want to expand further, the cost continues to skyrocket. That's why I started paying attention to Synology a few years back, recognizing that while some things I can keep on SSDs, having everything accessible no matter what company I am with, if I am home or away, or no matter what device, was something that I still desired in my daily workflow.

The ease and ability to pull up any number of documents, photos, videos, diagrams, and so on for any of my clients at any time, all without cluttering my internal storage or having to rummage through several external hard drives, is hard to pass up.

The frictionless action of searching in Finder (on my Mac) to grab the file I want and have it ready on my machine without having to store it there is always spectacular. And, with how fast I move these days, that is the kind of flexibility I need. That's where the BeeStation Plus comes in. It's got a few key upgrades from the original BeeStation, the first and foremost being that it doubled in storage from 4TB to 8TB.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Synology BeeStation Plus: Pricing & Availability

The Synology BeeStation Plus is available the official website by clicking here. Right now, it's being sold for around $400 for the 8TB of NAS.Right now, it's being sold for around $400 for the 8TB of NAS.

It's also available from other online retailers including B&H Photo, Amazon.com, and Amazon.co.uk.

Synology BeeStation Plus: Unboxing & first impressions

Unboxing and setting up the BeeStation Plus could not have been easier. I opened up the box, chose a spot in my home office where I wanted it to live, and plugged it into my monster of a desk setup with battery backup from my Anker Power Station with UPS. Lastly, to ensure I had the best download and upload speeds possible, I plugged the included Ethernet cable in from the Synology BeeStation Plus to my network switch, which then routes up to my TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro system. One power cable, one Ethernet cable, that's all.

After that, I jumped in and set up the BeeStation Plus via the IP address and web interface and began setting up sync folders, shared folders, a Plex Server, backups to my DiskStation (review coming soon), and more. I also added one right-angle USB-C adapter, but more on that later. All around, this setup took a matter of minutes, and probably took longer for me to cable manage one more thing into my monster of a desk setup than it did actually to set up the BeeStation Plus itself.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Synology BeeStation Plus: Design & build qualitySpecs

Storage: 8TB SSD
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, USB for external drives
Software: Synology BeeStation OS
Apps: Mobile apps (iOS/Android), Mac Finder integration, web portal access
Cloud: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
Streaming: Plex media server compatible
Backup: Can back up to Synology DiskStation NAS
Remote Access: Synology QuickConnect, direct VPN connection

The BeeStation Plus has a sleek matte plastic shell with its modern and clean design. It blends in, and it fits in with my office setup. I don't feel like I need to hide it, so I didn't. It's got a visible spot in my setup, but I barely notice it, which is excellent.

Even when this NAS is up and running, I can't hear it at all. The only reason that I know it is on, other than being able to access my files, is because of the status lights.

The only ports on here are the Ethernet port, a USB-C port, and the power port. The BeeStation Plus keeps it simple while packing a lot of power in a simple package.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Synology BeeStation Plus: In use

I've had the BeeStation Plus set up in my home office for 75 days at the time of writing this review. In that time, the BeeStation Plus has been my primary storage solution for the many clients that I work with, for all of the files, content, and assets that I have created for each client, as well as working files I have received from clients. All of them are stored on the BeeStation Plus and accessed from my many devices via the files/finder integrations or from the web or mobile apps.

Thanks to the Ethernet port, I have not noticed any downtime or issues with network speeds, and because my entire workspace is backed up with a power station from Anker, I don't worry about losing any data either. Even in a power outage, I could access my files locally from my computer over local Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Alternatively, if my internet line is still active but power is out, my whole home battery backup system will kick in, and I can access files from anywhere.

If you don't have a battery backup, though, that is not the end of the world; you will want to have a plan in place in case of a power outage if you have critical client files stored on the BeeStation Plus.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

Another critical way that I utilize the BeeStation Plus is to offload files from any drives I am working with. Occasionally, I have a role where I need to transfer data from external drives or SD Cards. With the BeeStation Plus' USB-C port, I can plug in an SSD directly to that port, or I can use an SD Card reader with a USB-C port and plug that in to access an SD Card directly through my BeeStation Plus.

The benefit to this, of course, is that I never have to take up internal storage, nor do I have to ingest files, to upload them to a cloud service, to then share. Instead, I can plug in, choose where to move the files to, such as a previously shared client folder, and then I am good to go. I can walk away, work on something else, and so on.

Another thing that makes the BeeStation Plus super helpful, mainly when used as a business storage tool, is the ability to sync in multiple different ways, with multiple different servers. I work across Google Drive, Dropbox, and others daily.

For those folders that I want to make sure I don't lose anything, or that I have what I need, without having to jump in and out of folders every day, logging in and out of accounts and trying to remember where I have each file. Instead, I set up cloud sync preferences so that my folder structure on my BeeStation Plus will automatically stay in sync with some folders, one way download other folders, and auto upload to others—making my file management a breeze. Setting something like this up right from the start makes it feel like I have an admin helping me manage my file management, without the need for an admin or a monthly subscription cost.

Synology BeeStation Plus: Final verdict

All in all, the Synology BeeStation Plus is a welcome upgrade from the previous model. I haven't even gone into depth on the Plex integrations and other TLC updates that Synology has made. This is the perfect storage solution if you need terabytes of secure storage and don't want to pay an absurd monthly charge to access your files on another big-name cloud storage service. Power users may still need something more robust like the DiskStation, but for small businesses, freelancers, contract workers, and fractional guys like me, this is a spectacular option.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Simplistic, Minimal, Professional

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for anyone with digital storage

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for what it is

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For more storage solutions, we've reviewed the best NAS hard drives you can get right now.

Specs

Battery: 2× 716 Wh LFP (total 1,433 Wh), ≥3,500 cycles
Output: 1,800 W continuous; 2,700 W surge; four AC outlets + USB-A/C + car port
Inputs: 1,440 W AC, ~500 W solar; UPS switching <20 ms; app + LCD control
Weight/Size: 26.5 kg, 390×280×395 mm

When I have the chance to go on any adventure, I will occasionally take portable power with me. Having something like the swap power system, where I can move around my charged power banks to whatever inverter I want, is handy, especially when you pair that with the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler.

This system allows me to have my Multi-Cooler anywhere in the world that I want, running on batteries, and when one gets low, I can pop it out, hot swap it with another battery that is charging in my AC180T, for example, and keep the cool times cooling. Plus, on the days or trips that I don't need to bring an entire Cooler with me, I can use just the AC180T on its own, just as I would any standard portable power station.

Bluetti's AC180T is one of many devices in the SwapSolar ecosystem, and I hope Bluetti continues expanding the devices in that family, too. I didn't realize how helpful this was until I visited my family cabin. I am in the process of installing the Bluetti AC500 system as a whole cabin backup, but until then, having portable solutions like the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler is vital.

The Cabin is on an old lakefront grid, so during storms, the power goes out regularly. Knowing I can put my meats, dairy, and some beverages I want to keep cold in the SwapSolar Multi-Cooler, and keep that inside, in a tent, in the truck, or wherever I want while at the same time being able to put the AC180T wherever needed to best pull some solar power makes for such an easy experience. Mainly because I don't even have to move the full AC180T when the batteries are charged, I have to pull out one of the hot-swappable batteries.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)Bluetti AC180T: In use

I've gotten to the point where power stations are all the same to me. Yes, there are, of course, specifics that make each unique, but each portable power station is the same idea. It's heavy enough that you don't want to move it, but not heavy enough that you can't.

This makes it portable, and it has a range of port options and capacities. That's the portable power station market. Now, however, there is a new possibility that has joined the scene. The hot-swappable batteries make for an entirely new possibility when it comes to mentioning specs, features, and even use cases.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)

I use the AC180T entirely differently than I use any of the best portable power stations I've tested. Most power stations I can plug in and charge, then bring to where I need it, plug things in there, and go from there.

With AC180T, I can set up a charging station. This allows me to efficiently run my cooler or any other Bluetti products within the SwapSolar ecosystem. I can take out a fully charged battery from my AC180T and place it into a different inverter (like my cooler) when I need it. Or, I can use my AC180T as a UPS, a power strip, a battery backup, or anything else.

Speaking of the cooler, it has plenty of space, which is excellent. In addition, if you add some filtered water, you can make ice on the go. So with this setup, you'll not only have portable power, but you can also keep your food cold and enjoy ice-cold drinks—literally!

The AC180T stands out on its own. It can recharge in about an hour and has enough output to power even larger devices. The accompanying app provides all the relevant stats and information.

On the front of the AC180T, you'll find four AC ports, two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 120W car port. There's also a port for the Explore Charger 1, which allows for faster car charging, as well as options for a standard car charger, solar panels, or lead-acid battery charging. The right side features a standard AC port for more traditional recharging of the unit.

Overall, this power station has been fantastic. It's impressive on its own, but when paired with the cooler, it unlocks amazing capabilities.

If you're a nomadic traveler, a camper, or just someone looking to ensure you have a backup to keep food and drinks cool, this power station is an excellent choice.

Bluetti AC180T: Final verdict

The Bluetti AC180T is one of the most unique power stations I have tried. It can hot swap batteries with a portable fridge with a working ice maker, it has great ports, fast recharging, and it will hopefully work with other devices in the future as well.

For RV caravaners, van campers, off-grid users, and anything in between, this is a serious power station to consider. It's a sweet spot. It's not the largest, but it's got enough power to give a good amount of power to those who need it, plus it has the added benefit of being able to hot swap with the portable fridge.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Easy to use, great layout

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for most who want portable power

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Decent price for what it is

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Casabrews 5418 Pro: one-minute review

The Casabrews 5418 Pro espresso machine is compact, lightweight, and easy to operate via physical buttons and a simple lever to control all its functions. A pressure meter on the machine's face helps guide extraction; but the pressure can be inconsistent, leading to under-extracted espresso.

This inconsistency may well be down to the boiler, but it's further hindered by the lightweight plastic tamper, which makes it difficult to exert much pressure on the coffee puck. The portafilter also feels rather flimsy, and with no clip to keep it in place, the filter basket had a tendency to fall out when I was knocking out used grounds.

The Casabrews 5418 Pro can work well, but it sometimes struggles to achieve the necessary pressure for well-extracted espresso (Image credit: Future)

On the positive side, the 5418 Pro heats up quickly, and the shot volume can be manually configured to compensate for any drips once the pump has finished. The steam wand is also a highlight, with a good range of movement and a cool-touch silicone handle. The machine can also dispense hot water for tea, which is handy.

My first impressions were overwhelmingly positive, but the more I used this machine, the more it became apparent where corners had been cut to keep the price so low.

Casabrews 5418 Pro: price and availability

• Launching late August 2025
• List price $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460)
• About the same price as Breville/Sage Bambino

At the time of writing, the Casabrews 5418 Pro has yet to be officially launched. It will go on sale on August 26, 2025, with a list price of $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460). However, there will be a $120 launch coupon, bringing that price down to just $179.99 (about £130 / AU$280) – and, ahead of its launch date, Casabrews is offering pre-orders for an early bird price of $159.99 (about £120 / AU$250) at Amazon.

The Breville Bambino (known as the Sage Bambino in the UK) is a compact espresso machine sporting roughly the same specifications, and has a similar list price at $299.95 / £329.95 / AU$449.95. The Bambino has been around for several years, and can usually be found steeply discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Check out our full Sage Bambino review for more details.

• Value score: 5/5

Casabrews 5418 Pro: specifications

Name

Casabrews 5418 Pro

Type

Semi-automatic espresso machine

Dimensions

12 x 5 x 11 inches / 30.5 x 13.5 x 28cm

Weight

7.2lbs / 3.27kg

Water reservoir capacity

34oz / 1 liter

Steam wand

Manual

Max pressure

20 bars

User profiles

N/A

Casabrews 5418 Pro: design

• Very compact and lightweight
• Physical buttons rather than touchscreen
• Accessories feel somewhat flimsy

The Casabrews 5418 Pro is extremely compact, and very light, making it ideal for small kitchens; you can easily tuck it in a corner and move it around, if necessary. It measures just 12 inches / 30.5cm tall, 5 inches / 13.5cm wide, and 11 inches / 28cm deep. That’s tiny enough to fit on my kitchen scale, which confirmed that it weighs around 7.2lbs / 3.27kg including its power cable and plug.

I was testing the North American version. The UK model, when it launches, will be slightly heavier as a result of the bigger fused plug.

Image 1 of 2

The tank is easy to lift off the back of the machine (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The water tank has a robust handle (Image credit: Future)

The water tank lifts easily out of the back of the machine, and has a robust handle that makes it easy to carry to and from the sink. There’s no water filter provided, but I wouldn’t expect that for such an affordable espresso machine. Casabrews doesn’t currently appear to sell filters for this machine, but you could fill it with filtered water, if you like. Just don’t use distilled water; it’s not good for any coffee machine, and can cause problems with the water-level sensors.

There’s no touchscreen here; instead, all the controls are in the form of physical buttons arranged along the front of the 5418 Pro: power, single shot, double shot, and steam. The steam wand is operated using a lever on the right-hand side of the machine, which feels a little lightweight in the hand, but works perfectly well. The wand itself has a good range of motion, and a heat-resistant silicone grip, so you can adjust it safely without burning yourself.

The steam wand is a breeze to use, although the machine doesn't come with a milk pitcher (Image credit: Future)

On the front of the machine you’ll see a pressure meter, which is a helpful guide to help you see whether your espresso shot is likely to be extracted correctly. The pressure goes up to 20 bars, but you’re aiming to be around nine when pulling a shot. It’s worth noting that this is the pressure at the boiler, and will likely be higher than the pressure at the group (where the hot water is forced through your coffee grounds).

The Casabrews 5418 Pro comes with just a handful of accessories: the portafilter handle, a pressurized double-shot filter basket, and a plastic scoop with a tamper on the end. According to the instruction manual there should also be a single-shot pressurized filter basket, but this wasn’t present with my review sample.

The machine comes with pressurized filter baskets, but no single-walled units (Image credit: Future)

The portafilter is different to any I’ve used before, because it doesn’t have a spring clip to hold the basket in place. Instead, you place the basket in the handle and rotate it to fasten it in place. This was presumably a design decision made to keep costs down.

The tamper is super light, and you may find it tricky to tamp your coffee grounds hard enough – although it helps that the portafilter handle has silicone ridges on the base that help stabilize it on your countertop. I have my own wood and metal tamper, which I would have tried for comparison, but it’s too large for the 51mm basket.

The portafilter handle has no clip, so the basket has a tendency to fall out when you're knocking out used grounds (Image credit: Future)

There’s no milk pitcher provided with the machine, so you’ll need to buy one separately. Look for one with a fine spout if you want to try your hand at latte art.

According to its Amazon listing, the 5418 Pro will be available in two colorways (Silver and Metallic Gray); but at the time of writing, only the latter is available to pre-order.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

Casabrews 5418 Pro: performance

• Heats up very quickly
• Initial results were promising
• Inconsistent extraction (sometimes under-extracted)
• Lots of dripping after pouring a shot

I wanted to love the Casabrews 5418 Pro, and my initial impressions were very positive. My first attempt at brewing a shot with the 5418 Pro turned out well, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the espresso was extracted. Foaming milk was a piece of cake, and within a couple of minutes I was enjoying a very pleasant latte.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the case, and the 5418 Pro sometimes struggled to reach the optimal nine bars of pressure, leaving me with under-extracted espresso, even when I set my Sage Dose Control Pro grinder to its finest setting. I’m quite sure from experience that my grinder wasn’t the limiting factor, so it may have been the pump, or it may have been due to me struggling to apply sufficient pressure consistently using the plastic tamper. If you choose to pick up this machine, I’d recommend investing in something sturdier.

The machine sometimes managed to reach the correct pressure for extracting espresso, but it wasn't consistent, even after dialling in the grinder (Image credit: Future)

I also didn’t love the clipless portafilter, since the basket tended to fall out when I was trying to knock out the used puck. Fishing a hot filter basket out of a food waste bin is nobody’s idea of a good time.

On the plus side, Casabrews’ claims that the machine can reach temperature in just a few seconds proved accurate. The 5418 Pro comes with a sticker warning you to pre-heat the groupset by running hot water through it without the portafilter attached, and another note to the same effect in the instruction manual – but this is good practice with any espresso machine. I certainly didn’t experience any problems with cold espresso during my testing.

The pressurized basket means there's no shortage of crema (Image credit: Future)

The double-shot pressurized basket certainly creates lots (and I mean lots) of crema, but I’d be curious to use the single-shot basket as well.

Like the Breville/Sage Bambino, the 5418 Pro tends to dribble coffee after the pump has stopped, presumably for the same reason – the lack of a three-way solenoid valve. If you own the Bambino, you can get around this problem by using the manual shot button. This lets you choose how long the pump runs, and you can stop it early so you don’t end up with too much espresso.

There’s no such button on the Casabrews machine, but if you’re finding yourself with too much espresso, you can configure the shot volume manually. To do this, press and hold either the single or double espresso shot button for three seconds (depending on which one you want to customize), then press it once to start the pump. Once you’ve reached the desired amount of espresso, press the button again to stop the flow. The machine will then remember this setting and re-use it next time.

You can also use the Casabrews 5418 Pro to dispense hot water for tea, which is a nice feature that you won’t find on all espresso machines.

My only other criticism is that the 5418 Pro’s beeps sound somewhat tinny, which is perhaps a strange thing to complain about, but it does add to the overall impression that this is an espresso machine made to a strict budget.

• Performance score: 3/5

Should you buy the Casabrews 5418 ProCasabrews 5418 Pro score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

One of the most affordable home espresso machines I've tested, with early bird discounts available too.

5/5

Design

Compact and light, but some unsatisfying design decisions have been made to keep the cost down.

3.5/5

Performance

Initially performed well, but proved inconsistent with continued use.

3/5

Buy it if

You're on a tight budget

This is a very affordably priced espresso machine, particularly if you take advantage of Casabrews' early bird discounts.

You have a very small kitchen

The 5418 Pro is both small and light, so it will fit into even a super-compact kitchen (and you can easily stash it in a cupboard when it's not in use, provided it's clean and dry).

Don't buy it if

You have over $300 to spend

This is a budget machine, and some of the compromises that have been made to keep the price down are quite obvious. With espresso machines, you get what you pay for to a certain level.

You prefer black espresso

Adding milk can go some way to disguising somewhat inconsistent extraction, but if you drink your espresso plain, you'll notice the difference more.

Casabrews 5418 Pro: also consider

If you're not sure whether the Casabrews 5418 Pro is the right espresso machine for you, here are two alternatives to consider.

Breville / Sage Bambino

Around the same list price as the Casabrews 5418 Pro, the Bambino (branded as Sage in the US and Breville in the rest of the world) is a reliable little espresso machine that's stood the test of time, and is regularly recommended as a good option for beginners.

Read our full Sage Bambino review

De'Longhi Dedica Style

Even more affordable, the Dedica Style is a reliable performer that's compact and simple to use. It tends to drip after brewing, much like the 5418 Pro, but stopping the pump early will prevent you pouring too much espresso.

Read our full De'Longhi Dedica Style review

How I tested the Casabrews 5418 Pro

I used the Casabrews 5418 Pro for two weeks in place of my usual coffee machine, and brewed coffee using a blend of freshly roasted Brazilian and Colombian arabica beans. When my shot wasn't properly extracted, I adjusted the grind size of my Sage Dose Control Pro grinder to compensate. I used the tamper provided with the machine to tamp the coffee. I tested the steam wand with fresh, full-fat dairy milk and oat milk.

I flushed the machine with hot water before and after brewing (to preheat and cool it respectively). I purged the steam wand and wiped it with a damp cloth after making each drink.

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

First tested August 2025

The MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme is yet another gaming PC handheld to hit the market. Taking all of the positives of the previous iteration of the MSI Claw, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme seems promising on paper, being the first gaming handheld to pack the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, potentially giving gamers a whole new level of performance right in the palm of their hands.

In terms of availability, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme has been slowly released over the past few months as different regions start to stock the device. The UK is still waiting for its opportunity to purchase, as well as the US, and with the new Asus ROG Xbox Ally hitting the shelves soon, it may be a race to the finish line in terms of the first device featuring AMD’s new chip to be on the shelf.

However, using the device at Gamescom 2025 actually proved to be a rather mediocre experience, and this wasn’t the fault of the handheld but rather the processor itself. While the device looked snazzy and was comfortable to use, it didn’t quite deliver the performance boost I was expecting from AMD’s latest chip, and instead felt practically identical to the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme.

Not only are my expectations for the device tainted, but I’m worried about the progression of handhelds in general if this level of performance is meant to be seen as an upgrade. Oh dear.

(Image credit: Future)MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme hands-on: Price and availability

The price of the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme varies from region to region and with no stock available in the US or UK just yet, we don’t have a confirmed price.

However, with sales already underway in Germany starting at €999, we can therefore assume it will be at a similar price point in both dollars and pounds, though exchange rates, local taxes and tariffs will likely have an impact.

This is particularly expensive when compared to alternative handheld gaming devices on the market. However, this is currently the only gaming handheld to feature the brand new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, which makes direct price comparison difficult. The previous MSI Claw was £899 / $899 on release, and other alternatives like the Asus ROG Ally X come in at around £799 / $799 with frequent sales and price cuts.

Right now, there's no confirmed release date for the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme for most of the world, but with it being on shelves in some areas of Europe, we shouldn’t be waiting too long.

(Image credit: Future)MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme hands-on: Design

In terms of design, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme comes in a fancy new colorway, Neon Green.

Being honest, I found this new color absolutely repugnant, but this is more of a personal taste issue rather than it being a major problem. Despite not being a fan, I can be the bigger person and admit that this new color definitely sets the device apart from the monochrome sea of gaming handhelds which are on the market right now.

You get an 8-inch screen which is just slightly higher in resolution than your standard 1080p at 1920x1200. Pair this with the variable 120Hz refresh rate, and this screen is one of the best options on the gaming handheld market.

The only thing that would improve this display would be if it was OLED. It was gorgeous to look at and would make a great option for both casual and competitive gamers alike - if competitive gamers would ever dare to play ranked on a gaming handheld.

(Image credit: Future)

The chassis definitely feels more ‘gamery’ in style when compared to its predecessor, with a more aggressive shape and clear cut edges rather than that smooth and sleek finish which we’re familiar with. Despite this, it was still comfortable to hold.

Coming in at 765g, it's one of the heavier devices on the market; the Asus ROG Ally X, for example, weighs less than 700g. This is to be expected given the difference in screens, but doesn’t detract from the fact that the handheld feels like it's slightly weighing you down while you’re playing it, but it didn’t cause any major issues.

MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme hands-on: Specs

In terms of specifications, the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme looks fantastic on paper, however the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme does majorly let it down. While using the device, I found that I wasn’t really getting any better performance when compared to the Z1 Extreme chip found in other (cheaper) gaming handhelds.

It managed good quality graphics in the games I played on the handheld, with solid frame rates which didn’t look or feel choppy. However, since this was just a brief hands-on session I wasn’t able to actually monitor the frame rates while playing, and it really didn’t feel like the device was delivering any significant boost in performance on a surface level.

MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme specs

CPU

AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme

Display

8-inch FHD+ (1920x1200), 120Hz, VRR, Touchscreen

Memory

24GB LPDDR5x-8000

Wireless

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Ports

2x Type-C, 1x Micro SD Card Reader

Battery

80Wh

Dimensions

299.5 x 126.2 x 24.0mm

Weight

765g

Aside from this, you also get 24GB of RAM, a major upgrade from some of the previous generation gaming handhelds. Lower RAM in previous handhelds has posed issues in the past, so it's nice to see MSI learning from the mistakes of their competitors.

You also get a chunky 80Wh battery, the same as the previous iteration of the MSI Claw. While it would have been nice for this to have been improved upon, it seems like this is slowly becoming industry standard.

I wasn’t able to actually monitor the battery level during my hands-on time with the device, but the AMD Ryzen Z2 series of chips come with a promise of better efficiency so we’ll have to wait for a full review to see if this proves to be true.

MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme hands-on: Early verdict

All in all, I feel like I was somewhat underwhelmed with the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme, but that wasn’t down to the device itself but rather the processor from AMD.

The device was comfortable to hold, looked stunning (apart from the new neon green colorway, sorry) and has a promising battery capacity.

However, with a high price point and a processor which wasn’t delivering that boost in performance that I was expecting over its predecessor, it’s hard to recommend picking up the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme based on first impressions alone. Our full review, where we'll put the MSI Claw A8 Z2 Extreme through our suite of benchmark and real-world tests, should determine if it deserves a place amongst the best gaming handhelds.

The Goal Zero powerstation lineup is impressive, especially since their merger with BioLite. According to Goal Zero, the Yeti Pro 4000 is their most remarkable power station yet. It boasts a high output, high capacity, high weight, and a high price to match.

There are several different setups that this power station can support. First, there are Haven Setups that provide additional capacity and a home connection point, allowing a home to function as a battery backup. Second, there is an option to integrate solar power, enabling recharging from the sun. Lastly, there is an escape system that can either convert a towable RV into a system powered by the Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 or a drivable kit that transforms an adventure vehicle into a system backed by the Yeti Pro 4000.

No matter what the use case is, if you need a large amount of reliable power, high output, and you're willing to pay for quality gear, this system could be the right fit for you. Goal Zero's goal with the Yeti Pro 4000 was to replace noisy and messy traditional gas generators - and they've done it.

I will note here that I have seen some notes about reliability issues that some have had with this unit, though I have not experienced that myself. So far, I haven't had any problems.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Pricing & Availability

The Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 is available on Goal Zero's website for just under $4000. There are other retailers selling, including Amazon.com.

You can pick up an expansion battery to extend the capacity for another $2000, and there are other accessories to outfit this even further.

Worth noting that I'm seeing limited availability outside the US right now.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Design & build qualitySpecs

Battery: ~3,994 Wh (LiFePO₄), 4,000+ cycles
Power: 3,600 W continuous; 7,200 W surge
Recharge: 1,800 W AC inlet; up to 3,000 W solar

The Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 is not a compact device. It's pretty cumbersome, so it has a wheeled base that comes with the standard purchase to facilitate more effortless movement.

However, what it misses in ease of mobility, it makes up for in pure power. The output is phenomenal for this size, and the choice in port layout makes sense. All of the inputs are on the back of the unit, plus the inverter you would use if you are plugging into the Haven system, for example.

All of the output ports are on the front, making it super simple if you want to set this unit up and leave it somewhere for an extended period. You can set it and forget it, and still you're able to plug in everything you may need to without moving the unit around, unless you are changing primary inputs, which is less familiar to change around than outputs.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // TechRadar Pro)Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: In use

The Yeti Pro 4000 by Goal Zero is designed to carry a heavy load, all without any issue. It's intended to be a home backup, a primary power system on the road, or even a primary system for an off-grid building.

It's rated to run a residential fridge for 1-2 days, while also running a Wi-Fi Setup, basic lighting, and other essentials. If you connect to solar, depending on the sun, you can keep things running for longer. You recharge with the sun and then run off the battery when the sun is not out, and recharge via the solar panels.

For home use, this is an easy option. Set it, forget it, keep it tucked away, hooked up to your house with a Haven backup system. If your home requires more power, you can add more tanks, which adds capacity to run off-grid for longer.

For those who are looking for an RV/Van Life/Off-Grid Camper solution, you can have this unit in the corner of your setup, or tucked away and have it plugged in with the Escape system to have an integrated screen and complete system, meaning you'll never even have to touch this unit, or if you don't want to do that, you can plug anything and everything you need into the front of this unit, have any solar input plugged into the back, and then you can run things that way.

If you do choose to add the Escape System, you can then add an integrated screen wherever you want in the vehicle or trailer to control all aspects of the Yeti Pro 4000 while the unit itself is tucked away. Add this to a system where you have outlets placed where you want them throughout your off-grid home on wheels, and it will feel like you're in a standard home when it comes to power convenience.

Some people don't need a semi-permanent setup, and they want something that can be brought out for job sites, one-off jobs, or similar projects. The Yeti Pro 4000 can be great for this, too, as long as you have a good way to transport it there. But, if you work at a job site and you want to be able to swap out the traditional generator for a portable power station to recharge tools, run a table saw, or similar tasks, this is a great solution.

Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000: Final verdict

No matter your potential solution, this power station is a serious one worth considering. It could power you for days on the road if used reasonably, and it could back up essentials in your home in the case of a power outage. The Yeti Pro 4000 has a great set of offerings for expansion, and it is built to last. If you're looking for a high-powered, high-capacity, and highly reliable power station, the Yeti Pro 4000 is one worth considering - keep in mind that it's not easy to move.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Hefty, robust.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for heavy users

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Expensive

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For more power solutions, we've tested and reviewed the best portable power stations.

Panasonic Z95B: Two-minute review

The Panasonic Z95B is the latest flagship TV to enter what is turning out to be a very competitive OLED TV market in 2025. Whereas some of those models – specifically those from Samsung and LG – are making a bet on high brightness to distinguish themselves among the best TVs, Panasonic is pushing accuracy with the Z95B, and the effort can be seen in its refined, natural, and finely detailed picture.

For the Panasonic Z95B, the company opted to use the same Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display found in the LG G5. This new panel tech has a ‘four-stack’ structure, with separate red and green OLED layers sandwiched between two blue layers, and it accounts for the Z95B’s rich color display and high brightness capability – I recorded brightness measurements as high as 2,107 nits, though brightness is considerably more limited in several of the TV’s picture presets such as Filmmaker Mode, which is a quirk I'll dig into later in the review.

The Z95B’s predecessor, the Panasonic Z95A, distinguished itself as one of the best TVs for sound with its powerful 5.1.2-channel built-in speaker array. This same '360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics’ system carries over to the Z95B, though Panasonic has made improvements to the speaker drivers, speaker layout, and woofer output. The result is one of the best built-in TV speaker systems you can buy, with sound that’s clear, powerful, and immersive enough that you could easily get away with not using an external soundbar.

Those speakers on the Z95B are concealed behind a gray mesh fabric that runs along the TV’s top, bottom, and sides, and gives it a solid, dignified appearance. A pedestal stand that swivels in either direction to accommodate a range of seating positions is a bonus, though the included, basic remote control seems at odds with the TV’s premium design.

Panasonic uses Amazon Fire TV as its smart TV system, and it's a serviceable, but ad-driven platform that really would like you to be a Prime Video subscriber and devotee of other Amazon services and products. Fire TV’s Live TV portal is particularly friendly to users of the best indoor antennas, though, and the Z95B supports ATSC 3.0 broadcasts for viewers in the US.

Gaming is well supported on the Z95B, with 4K at 144Hz, Dolby Vision gaming, and variable refresh rate, including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, all accounted for. HDMI 2.1 ports supporting those features are limited to two, rather than the four HDMI 2.1 ports we look for on the best gaming TVs, but the Z95B’s powerful built-in speaker system makes that less of an issue than it normally would be.

Panasonic OLED TVs are typically priced higher than their Samsung and LG counterparts, particularly in the UK, but the Z95B was priced around the same as its competition at launch, and has already seen discounts. Given its impressive picture and sound quality, it’s one of 2025's best OLED TVs, and a very good overall value among premium TVs.

Panasonic Z95B review: Price and release date

The Fire TV Ambient Experience lets you choose images and artworks to display when the TV is in standby mode (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: June 2025
• 55-inch: $2,599 / £2,499
• 65-inch: $3,399 / £2,999
• 77-inch: $4,699 / £3,999
  

The Panasonic Z95B is available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch screen sizes, with that last option an expansion on last year’s Z95A series, which was only available in 55- and 65-inch sizes. Prices for all Z95B series TVs have dropped since launch, with all screen sizes now selling for several hundred less in both the US and the UK.

At the reduced price, the Z95B series is now priced in line with its premium OLED competition from LG, Samsung, and Sony. For example, the 65-inch Panasonic is now selling for around $3,000 in the US. In that same screen size, you’ll find both the LG G5 and the Sony Bravia 8 II priced around $3,000, and the Samsung S95F at $3,299.

Panasonic Z95B review: Specs

Screen type:

Primary Tandem RGB OLED

Refresh rate:

144Hz

HDR support:

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG

Audio support:

Dolby Atmos

Smart TV:

Fire TV

HDMI ports:

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Built-in tuner:

ATSC 3.0 (US)

Panasonic Z95B review: Benchmark resultsPanasonic Z95B review: Features

The Z95B's four HDMI ports, including two inputs with 4K 144Hz support (Image credit: Future)

• Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display
• Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
• 360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics speaker array

The Panasonic Z95B uses a new Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display with a notably higher brightness capability than the Master OLED Ultimate panel with micro lens array tech used in its Panasonic Z95A predecessor. Panasonic additionally uses a ThermalFlow aerodynamic cooling system that helps to maximize peak brightness by improving airflow through the TV.

Panasonic has carried over the same HCX Pro AI Processor MK II from the Z95A to the Z95B. This advanced picture processor uses dynamic 3D LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to ensure accurate colors across a range of picture brightness levels and provides 4K Fine Remaster and Smooth Motion Drive Pro features to improve detail and motion handling.

Panasonic models continue to be the only OLED TVs in the US to support both the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats (Philips OLEDs in the UK have the same capability), and in the Z95B, that’s supplemented by Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive for automatic picture brightness adjustments across a range of lighting conditions. Picture presets include Filmmaker Mode and Panasonic’s True Cinema and True Game modes, along with Netflix and Prime Video Calibrated modes for automatic picture optimization when streaming from those services.

The Panasonic Z95A quickly earned a spot as the best option for built-in sound quality in multiple TechRadar best TVs lists, and the new Z95B also features a '360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics' built-in 5.1.2-channel 160W speaker system – this time with redesigned speaker drivers and speaker layout, and higher bass output. This differs from the built-in speaker arrays found on most other TVs in providing a dedicated center channel speaker, along with side-firing and upfiring speaker drivers for enhanced immersion.

As with picture settings, the Z95B features a wide range of sound settings. Key among these is Space Tune, for automatically tuning the TV’s sound output using the remote control’s built-in mic, and Sound Focus, which lets you adjust the directionality of the TV’s sound using beam-forming to accommodate off-center seating positions.

Panasonic switched to the Amazon Fire TV smart TV interface back in 2024, and Fire TV on the Z95B features optimized voice control features for content discovery and navigation, a hands-free control option, and an interface that can be personalized for multiple users. Live TV channels, including ones pulled in by the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner, can be integrated into the smart interface for browsing and also customized for a ‘personalized Live-TV Experience.’

Gaming features on the Z95B include a True Game mode with latency reduction, a Game sound mode, and a Game Board onscreen menu for making quick adjustments while gaming. Two of the TV’s four HDMI ports also support HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K 144Hz and VRR, including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.

• Features Score: 4.5 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Picture quality

Ambient Experience options include full-motion and AI-generated images plus information widgets (Image credit: Future)

• High brightness capability for an OLED TV
• Brightness is limited in Filmmaker and other picture modes
• Rich color and excellent detail

The first thing to say about the Panasonic Z95B’s picture is that, while the TV is capable of high brightness, it’s not as bright as its premium OLED TV competition when its most accurate picture presets – Filmmaker Mode, True Cinema, and Cinema – are used and left at their default settings.

That’s because Panasonic is prioritizing picture accuracy over brightness here, and those modes limit peak brightness based on the maximum mastered brightness level of the source – typically 1,000 nits for most content.

Correspondingly, I measured Z95B’s peak HDR brightness in Filmmaker Mode at 992 nits, while its fullscreen brightness in that mode was 347 nits. After bumping up the luminance level of my test pattern source, peak HDR brightness in Filmmaker Mode jumped to 2,107 nits, and the TV’s EOTF (the equivalent gamma for HDR) also remained accurate at that brightness level.

Viewers not wanting to deal with any brightness limitations could instead opt for the Standard picture preset, which had a measured peak HDR brightness of 1,835 nits, and 327 nits fullscreen brightness. Panasonic also provides settings in the TV’s HDR submenu that let you manually set HDR tonemapping and luminance clipping levels, and these can be used to help optimize brightness. Needless to say, this is great news for tweakers, but a potential source of annoyance for others who don’t like to sift through menu settings.

As for other numbers, the Z95B’s coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces in Filmmaker Mode measured 99.9% and 79.1%, respectively – both impressive results. The average Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen, with a result lower than 3 being undetectable by the human eye) for color point accuracy was 2.6, and it was 3.2 for grayscale accuracy.

The Z95B has high peak brightness capability, but brightness is limited by default in specific picture modes, such as Filmmaker Mode (Image credit: Future)

For most of my Z95B evaluation, I viewed it in dimmed lighting, and such conditions allowed the Panasonic’s picture to fully shine. The set does use an anti-reflection screen, and while this works to a degree, I could still see mirror-like reflections from lamps and overhead lights, and picture contrast was also lessened with my room lights on.

After watching the recent movie Weapons in the theater, I was motivated to stream the director’s earlier movie, Barbarian (on Netflix in 4K), and the Z95B did an excellent job of displaying the deep black of the house’s basement and fleshing out shadows in the corridors of the creepy, dungeon-like space. For this movie, I used Netflix Calibrated Mode, which by default made it too dark, but the TV’s multiple black level adjustments allowed me to tweak the picture for a more balanced look.

Wild Robot was up next, and I streamed it in 4K with Dolby Vision using the TV’s Dolby Vision Dark preset – one that I’m happy to report turned off motion smoothing by default. The jungle and creatures in this animated movie were displayed with rich, vivid color. The picture also looked fantastically detailed and clean, with the textures in the computer-generated images giving the picture a near-3D quality.

I like to use the Netflix series Ripley in TV evaluations because of its sumptuous cinematography (by frequent Paul Thomas Anderson collaborator Robert Elswit). The Z95B certainly did not disappoint here, displaying the wide range of fine gray tones in the black and white images of Italian villages and villas with an impressive level of subtlety.

Dolby Vision Dark mode proved to be a good match for Ripley, but in this case, when I switched to Netflix Calibrated mode, the picture retained both its subtle grayscale and contrast punch.

No Time to Die is one of my go-to reference 4K Blu-rays, and when I watched the scene where James Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery, the Z95B’s picture looked impressively solid, with only a minimal level of judder. I often find myself applying some level of motion adjustment to TVs after checking this scene, but the Z95B’s motion handling was good enough that I didn’t feel any need to.

• Picture quality score: 5 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Sound quality

The Z95B features a rear-mounted subwoofer with dual passive radiators (Image credit: Future)

• 5.1.2-channel, 160W speaker array
• 360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics
• Sound Focus feature adjusts for off-center seating

The Z95B features a built-in 5.1.2-channel, 160W speaker array, with the front-facing left, center, and right-channel speakers contained in a soundbar-like enclosure at the screen’s bottom. Along with these, there are newly designed line-array speakers positioned at the sides and top surface of the TV, along with a subwoofer and dual passive bass radiators located around the back.

This ‘360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics’ Dolby Atmos sound system is more elaborate than what you’ll find on most TVs, and its performance is good enough that you can easily use it in place of one of the best soundbars. Panasonic has also introduced enhanced two-channel and 5.1-channel upmixing on the Z95B which it says can “deliver immersive rear sound without rear speakers,” though the TV’s virtual processing comes short of delivering on that claim.

As with the picture, there are extensive sound presets on the Z95B, along with settings for customizing the sound. After using Space Tune, a feature that uses the remote control’s built-in mic to calibrate the TV’s sound output for your viewing environment, I found that many of the presets sounded too bright for my taste and opted for the User preset, which provides Sound Field and Bass Boost settings to customize the sound, along with an eight-band EQ adjustment.

Once adjusted, dialogue projected clearly and sounded natural, and even music sounded good, as I confirmed when watching Queens of the Stone Age Alive in the Catacombs, an acoustic performance by the band recorded in the catacombs beneath Paris. The sound effects in action movies like Mad Max: Fury Road had a high level of spatial precision, and the TV’s powerful speaker array delivered a strong impact on engine roars and crashes during the movie’s many vehicle chase scenes.

Another key Z95B feature is Sound Focus, which uses beam-forming processing to change the direction of the speaker output to accommodate off-center seating positions. You can choose Pinpoint, Area, Spot, or Ambient settings, each of which provides a different level of soundfield width. Testing this, I used the Pinpoint setting to aim the sound at the far end of my sofa, and the TV’s soundstage clearly shifted 30 degrees off from center.

• Sound quality score: 5 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: DesignImage 1 of 2

The Z95B's swiveling pedestal stand (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The mesh fabric grille covering the TV's top- and side-mounted speakers (Image credit: Future)

• Swiveling stand
• Wide range of input and control ports
• Flimsy remote control
  

With its two-inch depth, the Z95B, while slimmer than its Z95A predecessor, is still on the bulky side for an OLED TV. That girth is a necessity given the TV’s substantial built-in speakers, however, and the Z95B still manages to maintain a sleek look when viewed straight on.

An attractive dark gray fabric mesh covers both the front-facing and side- and top-firing speakers, and the TV’s sturdy aluminum pedestal stand can be swiveled – a useful feature to accommodate a range of viewing positions.

The Z95B’s extensive connections include four HDMI ports (with two HDMI 2.1) and both optical digital audio and a 3.5mm headphone output that can also be configured for connecting an external subwoofer. An ATSC 3.0 tuner connection can be used for viewing ‘NextGen’ digital TV broadcasts in the US, and there are also powered USB and Ethernet ports, and an IR blaster output.

Panasonic hasn’t changed the flimsy remote control that previously shipped with the Z95A for the Z95B. And while that’s disappointing given this TV’s premium price, it mostly does the job and features a built-in mic for Alexa voice commands.

There’s no input select button on the US remote for changing inputs – one of my pet peeves with TV remotes – but you can configure one of the controls to switch to a specific input on the TV, along with a range of other options such as selecting a specific streaming app.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Smart TV and menusImage 1 of 2

The main Fire TV home screen (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The Live TV guide screen on Fire TV (Image credit: Future)

• Amazon Fire TV smart TV platform
• Live program grid with broadcast channels customization
• Extensive array of picture and sound adjustments

Panasonic TVs use Amazon Fire TV for a smart TV system, and the version you’ll see on the Z95B is essentially the same as what’s found on Amazon’s own Fire TV lineup. The top half is occupied by ads, many for Amazon streaming and VOD offerings, while a horizontal bar cutting across the center contains input selection, My Stuff, search, and Live TV tabs, along with a customizable row of streaming apps and a gear icon for advanced menus.

The bottom section contains a grid of recommended program options culled from free TV and subscription apps, and if you scroll down, you’ll see a seemingly endless range of these, with everything from political news to the latest cooking videos.

Fire TV’s Live TV portal features a grid guide option that lets you browse channels grouped in a range of categories such as Antenna Channels, Sports, News by Fire TV, and more. Digital broadcast stations can be arranged into lists, with the option to favorite your regularly watched channels, and to hide ones like home shopping networks that you’d prefer to shut out.

Fire TV provides a greater range of customization for browsing both free broadcast and streamed TV channels than most other smart interfaces, so it’s a good option for antenna users.

The Fire TV Ambient Experience provides a wide assortment of still and motion images that can be displayed when the TV is in standby mode. (It can also be accessed at any time by pressing and holding the power on/off button on the remote.) Along with the supplied content library, you can access personal photos (you’ll first need to upload these using the Amazon Photos app on your phone).

You can also use Alexa voice commands to create AI-generated images for your Ambient Experience library, though, as I found when experimenting with this feature, political content is not permitted.

Panasonic provides a much wider range of picture and sound adjustment options in the setup menus than most other TVs. I hit the high points for sound in the Sound Quality section above, but the Z95B’s picture menus include an almost over-the-top array of advanced adjustments.

To list just a few, the Brightness menu has multiple advanced settings for configuring black levels, and there’s an HDR submenu that lets you set EOTF type, HDR tonemapping, and luminance clipping levels. For color, you can switch between Rec. 2020, DCI-P3, Adobe, and Rec. 709 color gamuts.

The reason for all these adjustments is that Panasonic’s OLED TVs are used in post-production facilities as reference monitors, but in the majority of instances, you’ll want to leave things set to Auto.

• Smart TV & menus score: 4 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Gaming

The Z95B's Game Bar menu overlay (Image credit: Future)

• Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support
• FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync VRR
• 12.7ms input lag is average

The Z95B’s gaming features include two HDMI ports with 4K at 144Hz, FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync VRR support, and Dolby Vision gaming. There’s a True Game picture and a Game sound mode, and Panasonic’s Game Board onscreen menu can be called up to make quick and easy adjustments to parameters like dark visibility, sound mode, and variable refresh rate.

Input lag measured with a Bodnar 4K meter was 12.7ms, which is an average level for a TV. The best gaming TVs can hit the 9ms range, but the Z95B’s input lag is minimal enough that the vast majority of gamers will find it more than acceptable.

• Gaming score: 4 / 5

Panasonic Z95B review: Value

The Z95B's remote control is flimsy and lacks backlighting and an input select button (Image credit: Future)

• Priced the same as top OLED competition
• Built-in sound enhances value
• Less extensive gaming features than competition

The Panasonic Z95B is currently priced on par with, or even less than, its premium OLED competition from LG, Samsung, and Sony. Choosing between this year’s top OLED TVs is tougher than ever, but I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed with the Z95B’s picture, though the Samsung S95F and LG G5 may be better options for those wanting to view in bright rooms.

One thing that enhances the Z95B’s value is its powerful sound. For that reason, you could consider using this TV without a soundbar, though the built-in speakers aren’t necessarily a match for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar systems with separate rear-channel speakers and a subwoofer.

An argument could be made that the Z95B is a lesser gaming TV than the Samsung S95F and LG G5, both of which feature four HDMI 2.1 ports, lower input lag, and cloud-based gaming from apps including Xbox. But the Z95B’s lower HDMI 2.1 port count won’t be an issue if you're using its built-in speakers, and as a Fire TV, there is Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming app, which features popular games like Fortnite.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Panasonic Z95B?

(Image credit: Future)Panasonic Z95B

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

A fine selection of features led by sound processing modes for room tuning and off-center seating accommodation

4.5 / 5

Picture quality

Capable of high brightness for an OLED, but many of the TV’s preset picture modes favor a more subtle, balanced, and accurate images

5 / 5

Sound quality

Powerful built-in 5.1.2-channel speakers distinguish the Z95B from other TVs and is good enough that a soundbar isn’t exactly needed

5 / 5

Design

A slightly bulky form factor due to its built-in speakers, but otherwise a sleek design with a swiveling pedestal stand. Remote control could use work

4 / 5

Smart TV and menus

Amazon Fire TV isn’t the best smart TV platform, but it does the job for streaming and Amazon subscribers and Alexa users will find it useful

4 / 5

Gaming

A good set of gaming features and solid overall gaming performance

4 / 5

Value

A very good value compared to other premium OLED TVs, and its value is enhanced by its excellent built-in sound

4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want the best TV for movies
With its refined, colorful, and accurate picture, the Z95B is an excellent choice for those who want movies on Blu-ray and streaming services to look their best.

You don’t want to use a soundbar
The Z95B’s 5.1.2-channel built-in speaker array is powerful and immersive enough that you could easily get away with not using a soundbar.

You’re an Amazon fan
The Z95B’s Fire TV smart TV platform is very much aimed at Prime Video subscribers, and its built-in Alexa support makes it a perfect match for viewers who live in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem.

Don't buy it if…

You don’t want to dim the lights
While the Z95B is capable of putting out a bright enough picture to compete with daylight, many of its picture modes are tuned for viewing in dimmed lighting conditions, and its anti-reflection screen isn’t the most effective one we’ve seen.

You don’t like to tweak settings
The Z95B is a tweaker's delight, with an exhaustive list of advanced settings for configuring its picture and sound. You can ignore these, but in some cases, tweaking is necessary to get the best performance.View Deal

You already own a good soundbar
The Z95B’s built-in 5.1.2-channel is meant to replace a soundbar. If you already own a good Dolby Atmos soundbar, especially one with a subwoofer and rear speakers, this TV’s sound capabilities are overkill.

Panasonic Z95B: Also consider...

Panasonic Z95B

LG G5

Samsung S95F

Sony Bravia 8 II

List price (65-inch)

$3,399 / £2,999

$3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299

$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299

$3,499 / £2,999 / AU$4,999

Screen type

Primary Tandem RGB OLED

Primary Tandem RGB OLED

QD-OLED

QD-OLED

Refresh rate

144Hz

165Hz

165Hz

120Hz

HDR support

Dolby Vision/HDR10+/HLG

Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG

HDR10+/HDR10/HLG

DolbyVision/HDR10/HLG

Smart TV

Fire TV

webOS

Tizen

Google TV

HDMI ports

4 (2 x HDMI 2.1)

4x HDMI 2.1

4 x HDMI 2.1

4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

LG G5
The LG G5 also has ‘four-stack’ display panel and delivers exceptional brightness levels for an OLED TV. It has superior gaming features and a better smart TV platform, though its built-in sound isn’t nearly as good

Here’s our LG G5 review

Samsung S95F
Samsung’s flagship OLED TV also delivers high brightness levels, and its Glare Free screen does quick work of eliminating screen reflections when viewing in bright rooms. Similar to the LG G5, it has superior gaming features and a more advanced smart TV platform.

Here’s our Samsung S95F review

Sony Bravia 8 II
Sony’s flagship OLED TV offers up a refined picture with very good brightness and also has powerful built-in sound. Gaming features are about the same, and it has a somewhat better smart TV platform in Google TV.

Here’s our Sony Bravia 8 II review

How I tested the Panasonic Z95B

Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)

• I spent about 15 viewing hours in total, measuring and evaluating
• Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
• A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-the-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments. I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak and fullscreen light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.

For the Panasonic Z95B, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from HBO Max, Netflix, Apple TV+, and other services.

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

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Two-minute review

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

Can earbuds make you feel like royalty? Well, Noble Audio are here to give it a good old college try with their Noble FoKus Amadeus earbuds; the latest and cheapest in the FoKus series, but which benefit from some posh new engineering in both soft- and hardware. Specs-wise, these true wireless ‘buds knock it out of the park with LDAC and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth connectivity (other codecs are available), customizable sound profiles and an extensive battery capacity I actively struggled to exhaust during review.

Sound is the primary reason to buy something like the FoKus Amadeus – and these do sound great, with a cushy low-end and plucky transient response that makes for a playful listening experience straight out of the box. But these earbuds’ ergonomics are almost more noteworthy than their fidelity. Noble’s expertise in custom IEMs shows, with an asymmetrical design that follows the contours of the average ear canal better than any other generic-fit ear-thing I’ve tried. A glut of spare and swappable ear tips seals the deal with a thoughtful kiss.

These earbuds are only really let down by a lacklustre ANC, which is far from best-in-class – though their stock sound profile could be a little divisive, too, depending on your taste. That said, this writer found them to auditorily succeed exactly where they promise to, and even exceed expectations in other areas. If you’re looking to put some serious money behind a serious set of the best high-fidelity earbuds out there, these are very likely the earbuds you seek.

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Price and release date

• Release date: June, 2025
• Price: $320 / £299.99 / approx. AU$615

Noble sits pretty at the cutting edge of the in-ear monitor (IEM) market, with a suite of four-figure products that are as much to look at as they are to listen to. Noble’s custom IEMs are rightfully lauded for the incredible attention to detail they possess in practically every sense. With the recent FoKus series, Noble offers that rarefied approach to quality audio at a (slightly) more palatable price.

Indeed, the Noble FoKus Amadeus (the brand's latest offering) are clearly designed to evoke a different form of rarefied quality, often ascribed to classical music. If the presence of “Amadeus” in the name (for Falco Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, no less) wasn’t enough, look instead to that regal red finish on the earbuds. It's at once a refined finish in its own right, as well as a subtler nod to the firebrand composer via his oft-painted tailcoat. These surface-level signifiers are here to guide your thinking on the Noble FoKus Amadeus’ guts, too, where Noble has aimed to “[blend] classical artistry with contemporary engineering”. Rich stuff indeed.

The FoKus Amadeus wireless earbuds retail for $320 / £299.99 / approx. AU$615, putting them firmly above the peloton as far as the average earbud is concerned. That retail price does, however, make these the cheaper earbuds in Noble’s FoKus range, and hence the most accessible in Noble’s entire premium-quality oeuvre. Still, for your money, you’re buying a rarefied piece of portable kit, with multiple modes of Bluetooth connectivity, 42 hours of out-and-about-iness and a considered approach to conveying your faves ear-ward.

Given the highly competitive entry-level price band some dozens of dollars below, this price could be a bit rich for some consumers’ blood – but Noble Audio does an excellent job of justifying their expense, in theory and in execution.

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Specs

Type:

True wireless ANC in-ear

Dimensions:

17 x 25 x 25mm (WHD)

Weight:

8.6g (earbuds); 55.5g (charging case)

Drivers:

8.3mm, triple-layer

Frequency range:

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Battery life:

Up to 12 hours (earbuds, ANC off); 42 hours (charging case)

Control:

Capacitive touch controls; native voice assistant; Noble FoKus control app

Bluetooth:

5.4 with SBC, AAC, LDAC and aptX Adaptive compatibility, USB-C charging

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Features

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Excellent Bluetooth connectivity
• Exceedingly decent battery life
• Shame the ANC isn’t great

The key audiophilic selling point for Noble’s latest buds is the new driver design. The Amadeus sport a single triple-layer diaphragm driver per earbud, utilizing three skins of different materials – ceramic, titanium and PEEK – for enhanced frequency control. This commitment to single-driver superiority is backed-up by a holistic approach to audio excellence; there’s multifarious Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs.

While this driver's sound profile is great out of the box (more on which later), there are extensive EQ-fiddling opportunities in the Noble FoKus app, which is a pretty sweet one-stop shop for controls and customization. As well as graphic EQ bands, curves and presets, you’ll find a nifty Personal EQ algorithm, courtesy of algorithmic boffins Audiodo. Complete a short hearing calibration process, and you get a fully personalized sound profile with which to enjoy your investment all the more.

The Amadeus purport to provide three different listening modes: standard listening, ANC, and an Ambient mode which boosts the sound of the outside world for safer public groovin’. These features can be accessed and toggled via the aforementioned Noble FoKus app, or more readily via the Amadeus’ dual-bud capacitive-touch control capabilities.

Unfortunately, the latter two modes leave a little to be desired. I was willing to make concessions for the ANC mode when testing it on a loud rush-hour bus, but even in my quiet living room, it did little to quell incidental sounds from elsewhere. The Ambient mode possesses quite a high noise floor, too, which naturally proved a little distracting at times.

All that said, these earbuds do an excellent job of passive sound isolation anyway, so I didn’t really feel additional noise cancellation to be necessary. For the Ambient mode, sharp and loud sounds cut through any music with remarkable fidelity – fundamentally, I’d rather suffer a hissy soundtrack and not get hit by a car, than the opposite.

Lastly but no less importantly, the Amadeus offer up to 12 hours' continuous battery life in one sitting – and up to 42 hours using the charging case (thus outliving mayflies, but that's only part of the story, as I'll explain). It’s never easy to estimate what on-paper battery-life specs mean for real-life usage, so let me say this: outside of early days review-related stress-testing, these earbuds made it through six weeks of casual everyday usage on a single full carry-case charge. If that’s not enough for you, a 10-minute charge will gift you two hours of playback. You’ll never be caught short with these.

• Feature quality score: 4.5/5

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Broad, comfy, forgiving low-end
• Transients and dynamics handled marvellously
• Customizable sound profiles

For the majority of my time with the Noble FoKus Amadeus, I elected to listen at their stock, undoctored best, reserving the ‘calibrated’ experience for after I’d gotten a feel for what exactly they’re aiming for. In a nutshell, I can describe what they aim for as ‘presence’.

They lean warm and cushy, giving you a real solid base of bass to lean on; that warmth is a great foil for the pluckier high-end, which shines when handling percussive brilliance. Gelli Haha’s Bounce House is a catchy piece of slant-pop ear candy and all the more, er, moreish for the combination of speedy transient response and supple low-end on display. It's a great primer for these earbuds' capabilities out of the box.

The Amadeus landed on my desk around the same time I discovered the discography of 1970s American soul underdog Leroy Hutson, who replaced Curtis Mayfield in The Impressions. As such, quintessential DJ-fodder albums like the eponymous Hutson were frequent listens through the Amadeus’ smoooth-with-three-‘o’s drivers. Standout fave and stone-cold banger Lucky Fellow is resplendent in its tactile width. Hard-panned percussive guitars, leaping dynamic drums and fulsome, reedy vocals-in-harmony are all presented at their level best

Moving on to less-novel territory, one of my more common tester albums is Queens of the Stone Age’s Songs for the Deaf. This is a record I have known inside-out and back-to-front since its 2002 release, and which hasn’t lost a speck of luster in all 13 intervening years (because it is absolutely 2015 right now, Bowie’s absolutely still alive, and I am absolutely NOT an ancient fossil of a tech reviewer).

I’m pleased as punch to report that, through the FoKus Amadeus earbuds, this benchmark album still very much punches me in the face with urgent snares, sausage-fat guitars, growling bass and Mark Lanegan’s gruesome gravel-words. Again, the Amadeus' transient capabilities shine – spiky but not sharp, sudden but controlled, and in possession of a unique tactile clarity. It’s actually a bit addictive.

Nevertheless, there are some minor criticisms to be made –sometimes, energy can be a little misplaced. That plush, supple low-end can allow kick drums to take up a little too much real estate on occasion and, otherwise, can serve to cover for an occasional lack of width in the upper ranges.

Also, I did briefly test Audiodo’s sound profile calibration via the Noble FoKus app, and will say that I’m personally not a fan. The test is fun, using different volumes of tones at different pitches in each ear to develop a picture of your hearing sensitivity across the spectrum, but I found the results a little disarming first time round.

I won’t be knocking the Amadeus for featuring this algorithmic tech. I do think it’s a great thing to have – particularly as a way for people with gig-battered ears to improve the audibility of spoken voices in podcasts or phone calls. For music, though, my personalized EQ curve only served to put an uncanny mid-scooped sheen over sounds I was already familiar with and mentally compensating for. The great thing about these EQ options is exactly that: they’re optional.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Design

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Satisfying satin-red carry case
• Absurdly comfortable in-ear fit
• Touch controls are great, but finicky to start

You don’t design a set of wireless earbuds to look like this without wanting someone to talk about it. The FoKus Amadeus are waggling their figurative eyebrows at you, and trying not to drop a monocle in the process – an image befitting something non-ironically named for a classical composer.

There’s the glossy red finish on each earbud that recalls at once a luxury guitar plectrum and a Rover 800 dashboard (a lesser-spotted Sterling 800 if you're in the U.S.) – it serves to turn your head into an oddly proportioned executive sandwich accordingly. There’s also the delicious satin-red charging case lid, which incidentally possesses one of the more satisfying clasps I ever did feel. I could open and close this little box all day long.

The Amadeus earbuds are presented so lushly that you daren’t simply drop the case in your tote bag, among your keys and other scratchy effects – and Noble thought of that too. To prevent the marring of that pleasing finish, you can slip the case into a tiny velour drawstring pouch, and feel delightfully dainty in retrieving your earbuds from within.

Striking as these are as objects d’art, it’s my view that comfort is really where these buds stand above the rest. It’s not an easy job to make something relatively substantial fit so comfortably, and yet Noble’s achieved it with more success than any other brand I’ve tried.

For one, I’m a big fan of the different eartip options, handily provided by Noble in a little plastic case for your perusal. There are three sizes of single- and double-flanged eartips respectively; I personally got on best with the mid-sized double-flanged eartips, which delivered a security of fit hitherto unexperienced in other wireless earbuds.

This level of security is aided all the more by some clever topology. These earbuds share the same design principles as moulded in-ears, with angled drivers that seek to nestle close by the second bend in your ear canal. This, coupled with a clever balance of weight above the drivers, makes for a supremely snug and happy fit.

The capacitive touch functionality on the Noble FoKus Amadeus earbuds is great, by virtue of being very difficult to engage accidentally. The control scheme, though, is a little difficult for the sheer amount of functionality there is.

Noble has tried to make this as intuitive as possible, dividing tasks between earbuds – double- and triple-tapping the left earbud controls volume, while the same actions on the right move between tracks – but this isn’t the easiest to internalize without frequent revision. Even after a month of daily use, it’s still 50-50 whether I switch ANC mode on or activate my phone’s voice assistant.

Mercifully, the Noble FoKus app enables you to customize these controls to your own liking; a small but crucial gesture, that soothes the old-man-yelling-at-cloud in me. That something so insignificant (and readily rectified) commands so much of my attention is, in fact, proof that these earbuds are probably doing something right.

• Design quality score: 5/5

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Value

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Great feature-set
• Outstrips competition
• Worth it if you’ve got it

That $320 / £299.99 / approx. AU$615 price point isn’t one to be sniffed at. The vast majority of wireless earbuds come in well below this price, as do the vast majority of soundbars, consumer-grade monitor speakers and even integrated hi-fi systems. If you’re willing to spend this much, you obviously care a great deal about your mobile listening experience and understand that spending a little over the odds is the only way to get clear of that entry-level quality trap.

With an extensive battery life and some excellent Bluetooth connectivity, the FoKus Amadeus meet the basics well. With a great build quality and reassuring carry case, there are no qualms to be had about their design either. With an incredible set of newly engineered drivers, capable of providing all the oomph and splat you could ever want on the move, their sound fidelity is quite simply excellent.

All together, these facts make for a very compelling argument as to the Noble FoKus Amadeus’ value. Still, it’s a lot to drop on some earbuds. Which is exactly why you might have noticed some heightened scrutiny, with respect to the miniature frustrations I experienced during my testing.

This higher standard is an unfortunate function of pricing something in that difficult “middle” range (which looks indistinguishable to the top shelf, from the point of view of the average, budget-conscious buyer). Such frustrations would be somewhat forgiven in cheaper earbuds, and absolutely unforgivable in a set that dared to ask for more.

Even with this nitpicky frame of review, the Noble FoKus Amadeus earbuds absolutely pass muster. And that’s without noting the various ways in which Noble have outstripped the competition at this same price range – with longer battery life, better sound and better connectivity besides. If you’re spending this much on earbuds, you’re buying these, their twee, reverential branding notwithstanding.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Noble FoKus Amadeus?

Features

Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive; extensive battery capacity; lots of EQs and listening modes; but ANC not up to scratch.

4.5 / 5

Sound quality

Truly excellent warmth and pluck from single-driver earbuds, but a little overwarm sometimes.

4.5 / 5

Design

Visually arresting, ergonomically delightful and highly customizable inside and out.

5 / 5

Value

Competitive features and addictive sound profile justify the inflated price point.

4.5 / 5

Buy them if...

You need earbuds that go the distance
These are the least-fatiguing in-ears I’ve ever tested, thanks to both their excellent fidelity and impeccable ergonomic design. Throw in some astonishing battery longevity, and you’ve a pair of quality wireless earbuds built for endurance – be it a long-haul flight, or a long and drudging week.

Tech-bro earbuds bore you
Everything’s a soulless white, grey or greige nowadays – and this includes earbuds, which often fall prey to the grosser minimalist instincts of their manufacturers’ head honchos. Look upon these deep-red, wood-finished wonderbuds, and rejoice in the return of romantic design!

Don't buy them if...

You can’t afford them
A pithy suggestion, sure, but one that bears repeating; if you have to stretch to reach the asking price, you probably shouldn’t invest in them. Outside of their incredible comfort and unique sound profile, there’s nothing here you can’t find in some form at a cheaper price (albeit, with some concessions).

You’re looking for peerless ANC
It’s a small shame that the Noble FoKus Amadeus don’t sport especially effective ANC, though I do think ANC and earbuds are a difficult marriage. The Amadeus’ passive attenuation is more-than good enough by itself. Still, if you want the blissful silence only technology can provide, you may be better off with a pair of ANC-equipped headphones.

Noble FoKus Amadeus: Also consider

Noble FoKus Amadeus

Sony WF-1000XM5

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Price

$320 / £299.99 / AU$615 (approx.)

$229.99 / £175 / AU$331

$220 / £199 / AU$399

Drivers

8.3mm triple-layer

8.4mm Dynamic driver X

10mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Quoted battery life

12 hours (earbuds, ANC off); 42 hours (charging case)

8hr earbuds, 24hrs total with the case

6 hours (buds) 24 hours total with the case

Weight

8.6g (earbuds); 55.5g (charging case)

4.2g per earbud

6.24g per earbud

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, LDAC and aptX Adaptive compatibility, USB-C charging

Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Sony 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Extreme upscaling

Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, aptX Adaptive, Snapdragon Sound

Frequency range

20Hz - 20kHz

Not stated

Not stated

Other features

Noble FoKus app, capacitive touch, ambient sound

Sony Headphones Connect companion app, ambient sound, wind-reduction bone conduction mics

Immersive Audio, sound 'modes'

Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony’s a popular name for all things head- and ear-phone-y. These earbuds take after their over-ear siblings with some sweet design and a decent tackling of noise-cancelling tech. They might be a little more clinical than Noble’s FoKus Amadeus in some senses, but they could be more practical in others. Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose’s top-flight QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are pretty darn solid, with aptX Adaptive compatibility and some fun head-tracking capabilities. They sound pretty nifty, too. Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review.

How I tested the Noble FoKus Amadeus

(Image credit: Future / James Grimshaw)

• Tested for six weeks
• Used at home and on the go
• Predominantly tested using streaming services Bandcamp and Spotify, on a Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphone

The Noble FoKus Amadeus became my daily-driver earbuds, taking up a permanent space in my tote bag for daily usage on public transport and while gallivanting about town. I streamed music from Spotify and Bandcamp mostly, via my Samsung Galaxy S23; I occasionally used them at home, too, using my HP Pavilion laptop and the same services.

First reviewed August 2025

Plugable has been in the computer accessory game for quite some time. I used to think of them as another option, then as a great option, and now, with their Thunderbolt 5 offerings, they might become one of the better options.

This unit boasts quite a few features I have yet to see as neatly packaged with even some of the best docking stations. Thunderbolt 5 support offers up faster file transfers than TB3 and TB4, and means there's also up to dual 8K outputs, depending on your laptop's capabilities. And it even allows 140W charging to your host laptop, and then direct more power output to accessories.

The dock itself feels sturdy and rugged, reminding me of the ever-popular CalDigit docks. Further, the port offering is fantastic, granting users 11 ports that they can utilize from their machine, including Thunderbolt Share integrated into the dock, which is something I have not seen as a mainstream offering yet.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Pricing & Availability

The Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock is currently on sale for $300.

It's available from the official website by clicking here and you can grab it from other online retailers like Amazon.com.

However, I am seeing less availability outside the US.

Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Unboxing & first impressions

The Plugable 11-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station arrived in a very clean and simple box, just as I would expect from Plugable. Nothing fancy, just basic packaging. Within the box are the dock itself, a Thunderbolt 5 cable, the power brick, a stand, and some basic documentation.

The dock feels very good in the hand, and the aluminum chassis feels durable and rugged, while at the same time, the added touches like the rubber feet show that Plugable is thinking ahead and doesn't want their dock to scuff up your desk or workspace. Depending on your setup, this dock may fit under a desk shelf, or you could mount it with adhesive, a 3D printed mount, or another mounting method to the underside of your desk.

Alternatively, you can use the base that the dock comes with to stand the dock up vertically if you so choose. At my setup for testing, I decided to slide it under my desk shelf as it fits perfectly.

Once I got the power supply plugged in, I connected my monitor, an ethernet line, and the Thunderbolt 5 cable to my laptop, and then I got to work.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Design & build qualitySpecs

Ports: 2× TB5/USB4, 2× HDMI 2.1, 1× DP 2.1, 3× USB-A (10Gbps), 1× USB-C (10Gbps), 1× 2.5GbE, 1× UHS-II SD, 1× 3.5mm audio
Power: 240W total (140W host, 100W peripherals)
Display: Dual 8K60 or triple 4K144 (Mac limited to dual 6K)
Bandwidth: 120Gbps TB5 (split lanes for display + data)
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux (TB5 or TB4 laptops)

As I mentioned, the aluminum is a nice touch. It makes this dock feel premium without adding a ton of unnecessary weight or flair. The aluminum also helps with heat, as this dock can get warm when pumping out up to 240W of power. One of the things I always pay attention to with laptop docks is the port layout and how easy it is to use it in a day-to-day scenario.

From what I can tell, even after just setting this up, the dock has a great port layout. I don't feel like, after setup, I'll need to go digging behind the dock to plug things in repeatedly, and if I do, it will be understandable. Plugable has put the more permanent, or set-it-and-forget-it ports on the back, so if you tuck this under a desk shelf, or if you mount this under your desk, you won't feel like you are constantly having to reach around or re-adjust.

Another thing I noticed off the bat was the size of the power brick. Granted, I see a lot of Thunderbolt 4 bricks, but this one still surprised me. It's got to be larger due to the demand for this power output and the draw of Thunderbolt 5, but still, it's pretty extensive.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: In use

This dock has been fantastic. I've been able to try it out with both macOS and Windows OS, I even tried it with a Chromebook that I have too. All around, it works great. The charging is fast, the monitors were stable, and didn't feel like they had any issues.

Plugable has made it so that both macOS and Windows can push to the computer's maximum video output, capping Mac-based systems on the chip's abilities, and the same with Windows.

The power delivery was impressive, too. My primary machine is a 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro that draws a good amount of power, but my secondary machine, the Dell Precision 5690, draws even more power.

So far, the Plugable Thunderbolt 5 dock has handled both without a problem. I can even charge at full speed while running multiple displays, powering an SSD, and transferring terabytes of information over a network link to my Synology DiskStation. That's impressive.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

The ports are plentiful, but the best port is the second Thunderbolt 5 port. On a Thunderbolt 5 dock, with a Thunderbolt 5 laptop, I would want to be able to also connect to other devices at Thunderbolt 5 speeds. Part of the reason this port is so incredible is not just the TB5 specs, but the fact that this is how Plugable allows Thunderbolt Sharing through this dock.

Now, I can connect two Windows Laptops and take advantage of Thunderbolt Sharing, transferring files at lightning TB5 speeds, controlling one laptop with the other, and so on.

All around, this dock is incredibly powerful, and I have found the only fundamental limitations to be computer-based, and not docking station-based, which says a lot about the quality and abilities of this docking station.

Plugable's Thunderbolt 5 Dock: Final verdict

The Plugable Thunderbolt 5, 11-in-1 dock is not only a powerful docking station, but it brings the power of Thunderbolt 5 to your laptop, providing high-quality display, fantastic power delivery, and a plethora of perfectly placed ports.

Thanks to the design of both the dock and the power brick, it's not the most portable device. Couple that with its thoughtful port placement (where lesser users ports are tucked around the rear), it's probably best left in a single-space set-up.

If you are looking for a docking station for your Thunderbolt 5 machine, this one is worth considering. But if you are looking for a dock that will work great for your Thunderbolt 4 or earlier machine, you'll get more bang for your buck with other docks.

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Simple, Powerful, Durable

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Easy to use

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

Practical for anyone with Thunderbolt 5

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price

Understandable Price

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle: One-minute review

The Farming Simulator crowd is a pretty diehard one, but unlike the sim racing community they aren’t blessed with a world of choice when it comes to dedicated peripherals and accessories. The Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle is one of the few options available with a combination of a wheel, pedals, and input-rich side panel.

The wheel and pedals are pretty stock standard, bordering on being a little underwhelming. Both are made entirely of plastic with a real hollow feeling and no reassuring weight to them. There’s no force feedback on offer here either, instead the wheel relies on a tightly sprung return mechanism to recentre the wheel in a pretty aggressive and haphazard way. The pedals also lack any kind of resistance, both the accelerator and brake feel the same under foot with an identical size and travel. It all has a very arcade vibe but at least it gets the job done.

The control panel is a different story altogether, so much so it almost feels at odds with the rest of the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle. Once again it’s all plastic, but it’s much more solid and each of the 24 buttons are snappy and responsive. The front loader joystick is the highlight on the entire bundle, it feels premium and offers a great level of control.

I fired up Farming Simulator 25 and was delighted to see how well the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle was pre-mapped. Not only was the entire setup recognized immediately, it was truly plug and play with every in-game control for every machine I tried already configured out of the box. It made the experience far more welcoming than the Thrustmaster FarmStick X which required almost entirely manual setup before I could begin working the fields.

The lack of force feedback meant it wasn’t exactly a realistic experience, the entire time I spent behind the wheel I was fully aware it was essentially a toy, but it made me enjoy my farming a trailer-load more than when I’ve played with a controller or keyboard and mouse.

(Image credit: Future)Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle: Price and availability

• List price: $329.99 / £229.99 / €289.99
• Side panel also available separately as a standalone device
• Previously sold as the Saitek Heavy Equipment Bundle

Just like a scarecrow standing alone in a field, the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle seems to cast a pretty lonely figure in the category of farming simulation gear.

Racers are blessed with an abundant range of wheels but it's rare to see such a focused piece of tech. Much like that experienced, old scarecrow, the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle is somewhat of a veteran at this stage too. Celebrating its 10th birthday in 2025, this wheel and button box combo was originally released by sim hardware manufacturer Saitek shortly before its acquisition by Logitech back in 2016.

Logi then rebadged and re-released the Heavy Equipment Bundle under its Logitech G brand a couple of years later and it remains as one of the only dedicated farming sim rigs in the market. Little has changed since the original, you’ll still get a three-piece bundle of a wheel, pedals and side panel, and the price remains close to what it was at a reasonably steep $329.99 / £229.99 / €289.99. If you’ve already got a wheel and pedals, the side panel is available on its own for $169.99 / £139.99 / €169.99.

This sees the Logitech G Heavy Equipment bundle come in a chunk cheaper than its only major competitor, the Hori Farming Vehicle Control System, which will set you back just shy of $400. It also keeps it in-line with the sim racing staple Logitech G920, which does away with the side panel in favor of a higher-quality wheel. If you play more than just Farming Simulator it may be worth looking at that standalone option and spending a little more to pick up a higher quality wheel.

(Image credit: Future)Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle: Specs

Dimensions

Wheel: 13.98 x 10.83 x 12.60in / 355 x 275 x 320mm (HxWxD)

Pedals: 5.43 x 9.17 x 7.09in / 138 x 233 x 180mm (HxWxD)

Side Panel: 7.56 x 6.61 x 13.27in / 192 x 168 x 337mm (HxWxD)

Weight

Wheel: 4.19lb / 1902g

Pedals: 1.26lb / 572g

Side Panel: 2.56lb / 1160g

Mappable Buttons

Wheel: 10

Side Panel: 24

Sticks

Wheel: 2

Side Panel: 1

Pedals

2

Throttle Controls

1

Platform Compatibility

PC (Windows 11/10, MacOS)

Box Contents

Heavy equipment wheel with 6.6ft/2m USB connector cable, Gas and brake pedal set with 6ft/1.8m USB connector cable, Side panel control deck with 6.6ft/2m USB connector cable

(Image credit: Future)Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle: Design and features

• 900° rotating steering wheel with spinner knob
• More than 30 mappable buttons plus throttle control wheel
• Dual-mode joystick

While it may have arrived in a large box featuring Logitech’s slick, modern G branding, the Heavy Equipment Bundle itself is distinctly old school. This combo is now a decade old and it shows every bit of that age. There’s an instant giveaway too, the product photo on the box is noticeably low resolution and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same one that Saitek was using all those years ago. First impressions certainly weren’t excellent.

This experience wasn’t quickly improved when opening the box either. Call me a packaging snob but I’m a sucker for a slick unboxing experience and I wasn’t granted that here. There’s not much going on in there and it was all flanked by basic, thin brown cardboard. I know Logitech isn’t pitching this as a premium device but if I’d invested more than $300 on it I’d feel a little short changed.

It’s a simple bundle but has everything you need to get going, no extra gear required. You’ll also often find it bundled with a copy of Farming Simulator too which is a nice touch. In the box is an 11” wheel with an integrated table clamp, built-in USB-A cable and a fixed spinner knob.

A two-pedal accelerator and brake pedal set connects to the wheelbase with an included cable, while the side panel also includes an attached clamp and its own USB-A cable. It means needing to offer up two ports on your PC, though also allows the side panel to be used independently from the wheel as your PC will see them as two entirely separate devices. That’s mainly a blessing but also a slight curse, more on why later.

Build quality is disappointingly average across most of the Heavy Equipment Bundle. For something with ‘heavy’ in its name the whole thing is unbelievably light and rather cheap feeling. It’s plastic everywhere you look and I constantly found myself wanting for the smallest smidgen of rubberisation, upholstery or even just a little embossed texture.

The Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle wheel features a mirrored layout with four buttons and two thumb sticks on each side. These are nicely positioned and reasonably sized and I had no problem reaching and accurately using them while working the farm. Around the back of the wheel are two further buttons that while well placed, are irritatingly loose and loud. I streamed my Farming Simulator 25 gameplay on Twitch and had multiple comments from viewers about just how intrusive those rear button clacks were.

The side panel is much better in this regard and almost feels at odds with the wheel and pedal set. While not mechanical, each button is much more solid with no rattle or wobble, and they’re nearly arranged with plenty of space between each. Presses are firm but responsive with a gentle tactile bump and audible click. It’s all very pleasant. The dual-mode joystick is a nice size and has enough resistance to offer fine control without feeling like a workout. I’d have liked a little more strength to the resistance of the throttle wheel, but for how often it’s used it’s perfectly passable too.

(Image credit: Future)Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle: Performance

• Plug and play for Farming Simulator titles
• Centre-sprung wheel has no force feedback
• Loads of customization potential

It may not actually mention farming anywhere in its official title, but the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle’s intentions are clear—all it really wants to do is help you plough, sow, and harvest. This is a dedicated farming wheel in all but name.

You’ll need to be establishing your homestead on a computer though because the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle offers no console support whatsoever. The good news is there’s compatibility with both Windows and MacOS, somewhat of a rarity in the gaming world. It’s also impressively plug and play, so much so it wasn’t even recognized by Logitech’s G Hub, so there isn’t even an app to install before you can hop in the game.

Logitech has worked in partnership with developer Giants Software on the Heavy Equipment Bundle so it’s in the natively supported Farming Simulator 25 where I spent most of my time behind the wheel. Firing the game up for the first time I was delighted to immediately be greeted by not only a fully–pre-configured wheel and side panel, but the game also showing me correctly labelled inputs alongside menu items.

I was able to navigate straight through menus and into a new save without ever touching my keyboard or mouse, relying mainly on the thumb stick and button set on the wheel itself.

Arriving on the farm I jumped straight into the nearest truck to test out the most basic driving controls. They worked just fine, but as someone used to using pretty high-spec sim racing gear I found the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle wheel to be incredibly toylike.

There’s no force feedback or even basic rumble effect, just an overly keen centre spring that offers a tiny amount of resistance when steering but sends the wheel rubber-banding back to a default position like a cartoon saloon door. It’s not exactly immersive but I’ll concede it’s far more fun than using a controller or keyboard and I’d still rather use this wheel than no wheel at all.

(Image credit: Future)

Jumping over to some more complicated agricultural machinery is where things got more confusing. Every button was bound and they were all labelled in game, that was good, but the problem was both the Heavy Equipment Bundle wheel and side panel use the same input numbers and the game rarely told me which it was referring to. It seemed as if it only wanted to show me wheel labels rather than side panel numbers, a slight problem given it has some three times more inputs to remember. It meant blindly pressing just about every button to work out what did what and then needing to memorize them.

There is an incredible amount of customisation potential here though and even just using the default button maps I had a blast. I can imagine experienced digital farmers getting a huge amount of value from the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle side panel, particularly if you took the time to refine the input layout to something a little more memorable.

In my testing it was the dual-mode joystick that proved the standout addition. Controlling the intricate movements of an excavator arm felt natural, and more importantly, incredibly fun. I did need to go in and rebind a couple of movements here to gain full control, but once I did you’d have a hard time dragging me out of the driver’s seat.

The fundamental gameplay improvements brought about by the joystick made me long for a little more input variety because beyond this (and the basic throttle wheel) the Heavy Equipment Bundle side panel is just an array of simple buttons. There are four of what appear initially to be two-state switches, but are actually just buttons in costume with a switch-style keycap.

Given how many farming systems are two-state, think raising and lowering a harvester head or extending and retracting an auger, this functionality would have been very welcome as it’s not always immediately obvious in game whether you’ve got your gear in the right position and having some real world visual feedback would have helped.

While a majority of my time with the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle was spent in Farming Simulator 25, I also tried jumping over to a couple of other similar titles to see how it fared. Results were mixed. In Euro Truck Simulator 2 I had to manually configure every input, even down to simple left and right turn controls, though this was simple enough and the game recognized each input.

Motorway driving is rather dull without any level of force feedback however, so I probably wouldn’t recommend it. Roadcraft offered no functionality at all, though this is true of a lot of wheels so I’m inclined to lay blame more on the software side than the wheel itself.

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle?Buy it if...

You’re playing Farming Simulator with a controller or Keyboard
It may not be the best wheel and pedal set going, but I found the game considerably more enjoyable to play than with the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle than without it.

You’re willing to dial it in
While there is plug-and-play button mapping for Farming Simulator titles, you’ll have a better overall experience if you take the time to manually configure button layouts to your liking. And more importantly, keep track of what’s bound to what.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for true realism
With its rather mediocre build quality and no force feedback whatsoever, I didn’t find the Heavy Equipment Bundle particularly immersive. It’s a good arcade toy but it’s far from a detailed piece of simulation hardware.

You’re looking to play more than just Farming Simulator
Some other titles will recognize the different components of the Heavy Simulator Bundle but plug-and-play compatible with other games is lacking and I found some wouldn’t work with the wheel at all.

Also consider...

Not sure if the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle is the right choice?

Here are a couple of other flight stick options you might consider instead.

Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle

Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X

Thrustmaster Sol-R Flight Stick

Dimensions (HxWxD)

Wheel: 13.98 x 10.83 x 12.60in / 355 x 275 x 320mm

Pedals: 5.43 x 9.17 x 7.09in / 138 x 233 x 180mm

Side Panel: 7.56 x 6.61 x 13.27in / 192 x 168 x 337mm

9.1 x 7.5 x 7.3in / 230 x 190 x 185mm

9.72 x 7.71 x 7.71in / 247 x 196 x 196mm

Weight

Wheel: 4.19lb / 1902g

Pedals: 1.26lb / 572g

Side Panel: 2.56lb / 1160g

1.9 lb / 858g

2.79lb / 1270g

Mappable Buttons

25

33

21

Joystick Axis

3

3

6

Triggers

0

2

2

Throttle Controls

2

1

1

Platform Compatibility

PC

Xbox and PC (limited games on console)

PC

Box Contents

Heavy equipment wheel with 6.6ft/2m USB connector cable, Gas and brake pedal set with 6ft/1.8m USB connector cable, Side panel control deck with 6.6ft/2m USB connector cable

FarmStick X, Warranty flyer, USB-C to USB-A cable, Additional trigger cap

Sol-R base, Sol-R grip, Removable wrist rest, Thumb rest (+ 1 cover) for left-handed configuration, Stability supports, Detachable USB-C cable, Warranty information

Also consider Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X
If it’s the extra functionality of the side panel that interests you most, the Thrustmaster SimTask FarmStick X might be worth a look. Taking its cues from flight simulators, it compresses all those extra buttons into a tighter layout and wraps them around a large joystick. This grants efficiency at the expense of more traditional farm styling, and you’ll still need to grab a separate wheel, but we had a blast using it in Farming Simulator 25.

For more information, check out our full Thrumaster SimTask FarmStick X review

Also consider Thrustmaster Sol-R Flight Stick

Designed primarily for flying games, the Thrustmaster Sol-R flight stick can still do a handy job on the farm. It offers a range of programmable buttons around a large hall effect joystick and is available in a dual pack too. It could be a good choice if you’re looking to play more than just Farming Simulator 25, but you’ll still need to source a wheel and pedals.

For more information, check out our full Thrumaster Sol-R Flight Stick review.

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle

• I clamped the bundle to my desk and spent hours playing Farming Simulator 25 on PC
• I tried a range of farmyard machinery and general controls
• I also checked performance in other, non-officially supported games

I added the Logitech G Heavy Equipment Bundle to my PC gaming setup featuring an Intel Core i9 14900k CPU and AMD Radeon 9070XT graphics card.

Setup was simple with integrated screw clamp mounts on both the wheel and side panel attaching firmly to my desk, with the pedals just resting on the floor. Both the wheel and side panel need their own USB connection, though both performed just fine when connected to either a USB hub or directly into my motherboard.

Most of my testing was focused on Farming Simulator 25 through Xbox GamePass where I tested the out-of-the-box button mappings of a range of vehicles for the first couple of hours. I then jumped into the in-game menus and made a few manual tweaks to check how simple things were to re-configure to my personal preference.

After ploughing a few fields I swapped over to RoadCraft and Euro Truck Simulator 2 to check performance in titles it’s not officially designed for.

First reviewed April 2025

Read more about how we test