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The EZVIZ EP4 is a great home security camera for renters — but its facial recognition won't stop it from spamming you with alerts when you come home
EZVIZ EP4: one-minute review
Fitting a video doorbell or security camera is often a non-starter if you rent or live in an apartment where drilling into the walls isn’t allowed. That’s where the EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer comes in — by fitting through your front door’s existing peephole, it brings almost everything you’d get from a full video doorbell, without any damage that could upset your landlord.
The physical setup is incredibly easy and took me just 10 minutes to complete. After you’ve unscrewed the old peephole, the EP4 securely clamps onto the door without a power tool in sight.
Once it’s running, the footage captured is very clear, giving you a detailed look at anyone outside. The companion app is simple to use and intuitively designed, making it effortless to check live feeds, use the two-way talk feature, or adjust security settings.
When it comes to saving video footage, EZVIZ doesn’t lock you into a subscription plan like some rivals. While the company includes a free trial of its cloud subscription service, you aren’t forced to pay for it afterwards. If you want to skip the recurring fees, you can opt to install a local microSD card (up to 512GB) to store clips locally.
However, the EP4’s AI facial recognition has a notable quirk. Although it's smart enough to identify who is at your door, there’s currently no way to stop the app from sending you notifications when it spots someone you know — including you. Because you can’t tell the camera to ignore certain individuals, you’ll be alerted every time you walk through your own front door.
EZVIZ EP4: price and availability- List price £229.99 (about $300 / AU$440)
- Available in the UK, but not the US or Australia
- No subscription necessary if you use a microSD card
The EZVIZ EP4 Wire-Free Peephole Door Viewer is available in the UK for £229.99 (about $300 / AU$440), but I’ve seen it discounted to as little as £159.99 during sales events. It’s not yet available in the US and Australia at the time of writing, but older models are, so hopefully the EP4 will launch more widely soon.
If you want to store your videos at home subscription-free, you’ll also need a microSD card (up to 512GB), so factor this into the cost. If you’d prefer to store footage in the cloud, you’ll want an EZVIZ CloudPlay subscription. After a 30-day free trial, there are three plans to choose from:
Plan Type
Cameras supported
Unlimited cloud storage
7-day event-based video history
30-day event-based video history
Individual plan
1
Yes
Monthly: $3.99 (about £3, AU$6)
Yearly: $39.99 (about £30, AU$58)
Monthly: $6.99 (about £5.30, AU$10)
Yearly: $69.99 (about £53, AU$100)
Home plan
4
Yes
Monthly: $5.99 (about £4.60, AU$8.70)
Yearly: $59.99 (about £46, AU$87)
Monthly: $10.99 (about £8.40, AU$16)
Yearly: $109.99 (about £84, AU$160)
Business plan
10
Yes
Monthly: $12.99 (about £9.90, AU$19)
Yearly: $129.99 (about £99, AU$190)
Monthly: $27.99 (about £21, AU$41)
Yearly: $279.99 (about £210, AU$410)
- Value score: 4.5/5
- Discreet external camera
- Very simple to fit without damaging door
- Internal screen projects an inch into the room
- Visitors might not spot the doorbell button
The EP4 has two main parts: the camera, which has a cable that threads through the peephole in your door, and a screen that sits on the inside. The camera has a doorbell button below the lens (though visitors might not notice it because it's at an unusual level), a motion sensor at the top, and a speaker and microphone on the side.
It’s compatible with doors between 1.4 x 4.1 inches / 35 x 105mm thick, with a peephole diameter between 0.6 inches and 2 inches / 14mm and 50mm. That’s a wide range, and should be fine for the vast majority of internal and external doors, but it’s worth measuring yours first just to be sure. You can remove the peephole from your door by simply unscrewing it, though if it’s particularly tight, you might need to use a pair of pliers to get it started.
The camera unit threads through an existing peephole and is compatible with most doorsFutureI recommend using a spirit level to get the camera straight before securing it in placeFutureThe screws connect the backplate to the camera, clamping them to your door without damaging itFutureTo fit the EP4, start by measuring the thickness of your door using the card template provided, and choose the appropriate pair of screws, indicated by the instruction manual. These will be used to clamp the EP4 onto your door. Peel the paper off the 3M tape on the back of the camera unit, position it on the outside of your door (I recommend using a spirit level to get it straight), thread the screws and data cable through the peephole (you can roll a piece of paper around them to avoid snagging), and press down to secure it.
Then tighten the screws a little, slide the mounting plate for the screen into place, tighten the screws the rest of the way, plug in the data cable, and slide the screen into place. The whole process takes no longer than 10 minutes, and when you want to remove it, there’ll be no damage to your door.
The external camera is unobtrusive, and visitors might not realize it's also a doorbellFutureThe internal display gives a clear view of the area beyond your front door, but you'll get a better picture in the appFutureThe screen stands about an inch proud of your doorFutureWhen you move, just unscrew the EP4 and screw the original peephole back in placeFutureIt’s a clever design, and the exterior camera is discreet (it comes with stickers to put on your door if you want to warn visitors they are being recorded), but it’s worth being aware that the interior screen stands about an inch proud of the door, so you’ll need to be very careful if it opens opposite a wall.
You can detach the screen unit to charge it via a microUSB cable (supplied with the EP4) and insert a memory card. It’s a shame there’s no hot-swappable battery — you can’t use the camera and doorbell while the unit is charging — but battery life is quite respectable. EZVIZ suggests up to 120 days, though this will depend on how many times the camera is triggered and how often you use the internal screen to see what’s happening outside.
- Design score: 4.5/5
The EP4 is an ingenious home security device that provides many of the advantages of a video doorbell or home security camera without needing to make permanent changes to your property. It’s a great pick for an apartment, with excellent picture quality and smart notifications, though it’s worth being aware of a few drawbacks — particularly when it comes to person recognition.
The resolution of the internal screen is fine, and you’ll immediately benefit from a field of view that’s much wider than your original peephole, but it doesn’t do justice to the EP4’s 4K camera. To see footage in its full 4K glory, you’ll need to use the Ezvizlife app, which also gives you access to all the EP4’s settings, as well as event history, saved recordings, call logs, two-way talk, and static photos.
The app's welcome screen gives you quick access to video logs and live viewFutureThe camera records 10-second clips when triggered, which are kept in your video logsFutureYou can browse recordings at any time, scrub through video, capture stills, and export video filesFutureFootage in the Ezvizlife app is incredibly sharp, and there’s very little lag between events happening outside and the camera starting to record. You’ll notice a delay when using two-way talk, but it’s only a couple of seconds, and no worse than some much higher-end video doorbells we’ve tested here at TechRadar.
When a visitor uses the doorbell, you'll receive an incoming-call-style notification that you can choose to reject or answer to start two-way talk. It's also possible to start two-way talk at any time through the app if you can see someone at the door.
Want to keep your identity private? The app gives you two options: ‘Uncle Tone’, which deepens your voice, and ‘Clown Tone’, which makes it high and squeaky, both of which work well and will effectively disguise your voice if you don’t want to be recognized. Personally, I would prefer an option that doesn’t sound quite so cartoonish, but they’re a welcome feature nonetheless.
I found the fisheye-correction option particularly useful during my testing, along with the AI person-shape recognition, which correctly identifies subjects even when they’re wheeling a bike or carrying a large object that might obscure their body shape.
When a person is detected, the camera will send a notification to the EZVIZ app, and start recording a 10-second video clip, which will be saved on an SD card or in the cloud, depending on which storage option you’ve chosen. You can also choose to watch through the camera live at any time, trigger a recording, or capture a still image.
Person identification works even when an individual's outline is obscured by large objectsFutureYou can see a live view through the app or internal screen any timeFutureCheck your video logs in the app, export videos, and capture still imagesFutureYou can also export videos from your logs at any time, which is very useful if you're unfortunate enough to need them as evidence for the police.
EZVIZ is a Chinese company, and although the app has been localized quite well, some parts are still confusing. For example, if you attempt to toggle a feature that’s still in beta, you will see a notification reading: “The current status of this detection is closed. Please enable the corresponding algorithm in the intelligent detection before enabling this function”.
For me, the biggest drawback — and the one that holds the EP4 back from a better score — is the implementation of facial recognition. In an ideal world, you wouldn’t receive a notification when your own face is detected, and you could disable alerts for other members of your household as well, so you’re only alerted when a stranger arrives. Unfortunately, that’s not an option with the EP4, which notified me that “Cat appeared” each time I arrived home from work.
You can add a person to 'Familiar Faces' using an existing photo, or take a new oneFuturePhotos should be well-lit and taken from the frontFutureAdding yourself to 'Familiar faces' doesn't mean that the app will 'ignore' you FutureFacial recognition works very well, and even identifies a person wearing a cycle helmet and sunglasses, but at the moment, the implementation seems back-to-front. In fairness, though, the feature is still in beta, so perhaps the developers at EZVIZ will make that change before its full launch. For now, it's a real problem.
- Performance score: 3.5/5
Attribute
Notes
Score
Value
Very reasonably priced, particularly during sales, though you'll need an SD card too.
4.5/5
Design
Ingenious design that's great for renters, though screen projects quite far into the room and isn't very high-res.
4/5
Performance
Key functions are great, but you'll receive notifications whenever it detects your own face.
3.5/5
Buy it ifYou rent your home
There’s no need to drill or make any permanent changes to your door, which will keep your landlord happy. When it’s time to move, the EP4 comes right off, and you can screw the old peephole back into place.
You’re on a budget
The EP4 is a great value doorbell and camera combo, and is frequently discounted on Amazon.
Security is a real concern
The 4K footage will make it easy to identify anyone who’s up to no good, if you’re unfortunate enough to need it as evidence.
Don't buy it ifYou particularly want to watch for packages
Although the EP4 has a good horizontal field of view, it doesn’t cover your doorstep, so you won’t be able to see parcels left there.
You have notification fatigue
At the moment, there’s no way to avoid receiving a message when you approach your own front door.
EZVIZ EP4: also considerIf you're not sure whether the EZVIZ EP4 is the right security camera/doorbell for your home, here are two other wireless alternatives to consider.
Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell
This excellent subscription-free doorbell earned our seal of approval due to its sharp 2K recordings, ease of use, and great battery life.
Read our full Philips 7000 Series Video Doorbell review
Eufy Video Doorbell Dual
Another solid subscription-free option, with dual cameras so you can keep an eye out for deliveries.
Read our full Eufy Video Doorbell Dual review
How I tested the EZVIZ EP4I installed the EZVIZ EP4 on the door to my apartment, having first unscrewed the original peephole. I used it for two weeks, adding myself and my husband as 'familiar faces' halfway through. I used the two-way talk function to speak to him when I received a notification that he had arrived, and we used the doorbell function to speak to one another. I kept recordings on a microSD card once the seven-day cloud storage trial expired, and used the app to review recordings, export videos, and capture still images.
At the end of the test period, I removed the EP4 and replaced my door's original peephole. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.
First reviewed July 2026.
Categories: Reviews
D-Link G572 review: This SIM-ready 5G router is a valuable fallback for my weak home internet
D-Link G572: 30-second review
Living in the south of England, you’d expect the internet speeds to be pretty decent, and at one time, not long ago, in the New Forest, they were. But then, as the area started to develop, connection speeds dropped and became increasingly unstable, meaning that if you run a business, fallbacks are needed if you want to keep running.
However, even then, the cellular networks can be hit and miss, aim for the high ground, and ordinarily, you can get a signal, so when my fibre network at home keeled over completely, I reached for my usual choice of mobile network router to get me back online.
However, this time the fibre connection has not been short and tipping over for over a week with no connection and intermittent service for the last few months, I’ve had to look for a more permanent solution. Thankfully, the G572 was in for review and has now been delivering impressive connection speeds to the 4G network from its high point in the house and office.
Unlike my high-end portable 5G router, this box requires AC power, but then it provides wireless coverage that essentially matches that of the Eero 6 routers we usually use at home. In an area where connection speeds are usually lacking, the powerful antennas do the job.
While I still can’t connect to a 5G network, the 4G connection speeds are impressive, with the speed test nearly reaching 80 Mbps and upload speeds of around 6 Mbps. Still some way off the fibre connection, but a lifesaver when you rely on that connection for work and, of course, entertainment.
But this router has not only stepped in where the fibre connection fails, in the office, but another once-sweet spot for bad fibre connection, which, on last checking, has now dropped below 10Mbps and the cellular network is close to non-existent. Using this router, the cellular network connection speeds have improved enough to enable some email, web browsing, and music streaming; video streaming might be wishful thinking. Then there’s also the ability to just plug it directly into the 10G network, fully integrating it with the office network.
The other point at home is that multiple devices can be easily connected with surprising efficiency. Most days when working at home, I’d have two to three machines, three robot vacuums, which I discovered only work when there’s an internet connection, the Alexa, and a couple of mobile phones.
In the evening, that volume of connection uplifts with my partner’s phone and laptop and the use of the Fire Stick. Ordinarily, this volume of connections would cause a slowdown of the connection speeds, especially as the usual mobile router would need to be placed in relative proximity to where the devices were being used, but here, placed on another floor, the connection speeds are still impressive, with a floor between the router and the devices used.
I looked at the previous iteration of this router, the D-Link G530, last year, and was impressed with the Wi-Fi 6 performance. This new model boosts the wireless connection speed to Wi-Fi 7 and adds three more network ports to the back. The uplift in performance is significant to the point that, for most people, with a dedicated network SIM, you can seriously move away from a wired broadband connection, even if you’re limited to the 4G connection.
In my household, while this unit came in for review, the real-world testing has been a little more real-world than I would have liked. While I’m impressed with the download speeds, the upload is a little more limited.
However, if you need a fast and reliable connection in a workshop, studio, office, or at home where you don’t have a fibre connection, or you have a good 5G connection and are happy to rely on a cellular network, then this is a great option. Most importantly, while this box is expensive and the data-only SIM also doesn’t come cheap, the impact of no internet at all makes this fallback a valuable addition to your business costs.
D-Link G572: Price and availability- How much does it cost? £350
- When is it out? Now
- Where can you get it? Online at major retailers
At present, the D-Link G572 will set you back around £350 for the base unit. On top of that cost, you will also need a mobile SIM contract.
In this test, I used the Unlimited plan from Vodafone, which is uncapped on both usage and speed through the business plans, and this set me back around £250 for the year.
There are cheaper data plans out there, but if you rely on the internet and a clean connection, then this plan, even when limited to the 4G speeds due to local network coverage, will ensure you can keep your business going.
- Value: 4/5
Antenna: 10 x Wi-Fi internal antennas, 4 x LTE/5G NR internal antennas, two of which can be substituted with external TS-9 antennas
Interfaces: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet WAN port, 1 x SIM card slot
Wireless speed: 7200Mbps (5GHz up to 5764Mbps / 2.4GHz up to 1376Mbps)
IEEE Standard: IEEE 802.11be/ax/ac/n/g/b/a, IEEE 802.3u/ab
Size: 137 × 146 × 205mm; 660g
OS installed: Router firmware with Web UI and D-Link Falcon app management
Accessories: Power adapter
Wi-Fi standard: IEEE 802.11be/ax/ac/n/g/b/a
Wi-Fi speed: BE7200, up to 5764Mbps on 5GHz and 1376Mbps on 2.4GHz
Ethernet: 4 × Gigabit LAN, 1 × 2.5GbE WAN
SIM: 1 × Nano SIM card slot
Antennas: 10 internal Wi-Fi antennas; 4 internal LTE/5G NR antennas, with two substitutable via external TS-9 antennas
Security: WPA/WPA2/WPA3, WPS, SPI firewall, anti-spoofing, IP filtering, and DMZ support
Like the excellent G530 I looked at last year, the G572 uses an almost identical upright white tower design that sits neatly on a shelf or windowsill. Throughout the test, I moved the router around to find the strongest connection in the home, and, just like with your mobile phone, it’s worth checking the signal strength.
As there’s no screen or readout on the router itself, you need to rely on the companion app, which, while simple, highlights basic information, including that all-important signal strength. While mine was still only three bars, flickering onto four on occasion, the performance was maximised for the area.
The relatively small footprint of 137 x 146mm enables easy positioning. However, you do need to make sure that the positioning is near an AC plug. In the house, that wasn’t an issue, with the prime location directly next to a socket.
Likewise, in the studio, a plug was easily located; however, in the office, the prime location was some distance from the nearest AC socket, so rather than using an extension cable, I used a Jackery 1000 V2 power station, which kept the router running happily throughout the day with a minimal impact on the capacity.
While the unit has a relatively small footprint, the height of 205mm means that you do need a decent-sized shelf height to position the router, and as I moved from one location to another, I actually found that this height was pretty average for most of the shelving units that I use across all locations, so the router fitted without issue.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)On the back of the router is a 2.5GbE WAN and four gigabit Ethernet ports, which I was able to plug directly into the network, then there’s the all-important slot of the Nano SIM and AC power socket and the option to connect the TS-9 antenna if you need a connection signal strength boost. Locally, for me, this might have been an idea, but those were not provided for this review.
Getting started with the router is straightforward: install the Nano SIM, then plug the box into the mains. Once done, you install and connect the app, update passwords, and create or log in to your D-Link account, and then you’re pretty much set to go.
For wireless, like any router, you need the username and password; for the wired network connection, it just needs to be plugged in. I installed the DXP4800 GT and the IDX6011 Pro as part of my usual video setup.
As a cellular router, the ease of use and integration into my existing network while I wait for the fibre to be fixed was surprisingly smooth and easy.
- Design: 4.5 / 5
The G572 is quite an upgrade from the already impressive G530, with the main focus being the switch to Wi-Fi 7 and the inclusion of four network ports on the back. The cellular connection also offers 5G NR support, with theoretical download speeds of up to 7.01Gbps in SA mode for pure 5G potential and up to 5.67Gbps in NSA mode, where the 4G/LTE network is still the base infrastructure, which is the system by which I tested the unit.
Wi-Fi 7 BE7200 supports multi-link operation and dual-band speeds of up to 7200 Mbps, which really makes a difference as more devices are connected. It lets multiple devices connect to the same router using different bands, freeing up bandwidth and improving speeds.
On the back of the router are five network ports, with one WAN 2.5GbE set apart from the four Gigabit LAN ports that enable you to connect to your computer, NAS devices and other office equipment.
The main feature that sets this apart from a standard router is the slot for a Nano SIM. This is essentially the same type that you find in most phones, and you can get a data-only SIM package from most mobile providers.
Once inserted into the slot, it can connect to the cellular network to provide a fast internet connection. While a cellular network connection option is what differentiates this from the standard router, you can also plug directly into your standard wired fibre network connection with automatic failover.
The incoming network cable plugs directly into the 2.5GbE port; if your wired network fails, then it will automatically switch to the mobile connection, so you don’t have any downtime.
Through the test, I tried several locations, in the studio where it stood alone with the cellular network connection. In the home, the fibre internet had failed, so the box was positioned on the second story for the best hebest cellular network signal.
Finally testing in the office, where the wired connection is extremely slow and has dropouts, I put the router between the wired connection and used it as my Wi-Fi network so that when the fibre connection dropped, it automatically switches to the cellular network.
Alongside the hardware is also the D-Link Falcon app and the web UI, which enable you to set up and manage the box. The app, which is how most people will access and communicate with the router, is relatively simple and easy to navigate with access to all the settings you want. If you want a little bit more in-depth control, then you can use the web view that can be accessed directly from your browser window.
When it comes to security, the usual boxes are ticked: WPA/WPA2/WPA3 security, SPI firewall, anti-spoofing, IP filtering, DMZ, and WPS. I was also pleased to see that it offers parental controls, as well as a switch that basically turns everything off at night, so if you’re in the office and you want to switch it off completely when you leave, then you can just access the app, and it’s a simple one-touch button to switch it off.
If you’re in the home, using separate parental controls on the access, essentially saying that after 6 o’clock in the evening, all internet connections are off. The great thing here is that D-Link has really sorted this out, so it’s probably one of the quickest and easiest options I’ve come across in a long time.
The other big feature here, especially for office use, is that you can connect plenty of devices, so within the studio, I had one PC, two Macs, and two mobile phones connected. I also had two NAS systems, and the box handled everything with ease, providing fast internet and network access over the cellular and wired networks.
Even though the LAN ports only offer a Gigabit connection, as my network is isolated at 10GbE through the switch, this wasn’t too much of an issue and only limits the speed at which the wired devices to the router will connect to the internet, which, with the 4G connection, didn’t really pose an issue.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)- Features: 4.5 / 5
Download speed: 79.3Mbps (4G network)
Upload speed: 5.97Mbps (4G network)
The G572 sounds like a great idea on paper and can be used in several ways. Firstly, if you’re in an office, outhouse, studio or other location where there is no wired internet connection, then you can use this router to connect to the cellular network, and then all of the devices can connect to it in exactly the same way as you usually have with a wireless router.
Alternatively, if the internet connection is absolutely critical and slightly unstable, as it often is here in the New Forest, you can place it between your wired connection and use it as a wireless router in exactly the same way as all other routers of this type. However, if that wired connection falls over at any point, then the cellular connection kicks in, meaning that you have no break in network connectivity. If you plug it into your existing wireless network, as I have in this review, you'll notice very little difference in the connection, even if there is a slight drop in speed, unless it’s uploads where there will a significant slow down.
Unlike portable cellular routers that you can take anywhere, this one is designed to be plugged into mains power, so you can use it in your office, home, or anywhere else with mains power. In this review, I also had to plug it into a Jackery 1000 V2 power station because the place with our best cellular connectivity in the office was too far from a plug to connect without an extension lead. Used in this way, it actually provided a sound solution.
Getting set up and started with it was all easy enough, and once the unit was taken out of the box, it was simply a case of plugging my Nano SIM into the slot on the back and then plugging it into the mains. In the studio, this was as far as it went. I was able to connect using the app and get the rest of the unit set up; it was all quick and really straightforward.
Once connected, whilst I could only find a 4G connection, the transfer rates were almost at 80 Mbps, which was impressive on the download, although the upload speed, closer to 5 and 6 Mbps, was less impressive than my usual wired connection, but in line with what I’ve experienced in the past.
Once everything was set up, I could connect to whichever device I wanted to the router, select that network name, enter the password, wait a couple of seconds, and it would connect. What was impressive here was that every device I connected to delivered similar performance: newer Wi-Fi 7 devices were limited only by the cellular network speed, while older devices that only featured Wi-Fi 6 still produced very fast speeds. Unfortunately, there is no 5G coverage in this area.
Used off-site with no wired connection, I had the router running for around six weeks, and it provided a solid, stable connection throughout, even during the heatwave, when the wired connection at home decided to come to a grinding halt and has since failed to come back online.
While the first month of the test proved just how good this router was in the office and studio, where it provided decent internet connection for download and moderate for upload, the real test came where I had to package up the router and take it home, find a location around the house where I could actually get a mobile phone signal for that data connectivity, and then plug it in.
I’m used to network speeds of around 150 Mbps and upload speeds that are equally impressive; however, while we used to have very decent cellular connectivity, that connectivity has recently dropped out this year. In searching around the house for a decent location for the router, I finally settled on the second floor and the rear of the house, which must have had the clearest line of sight to whichever mast it’s picking up.
Once it was switched on and connected, the 4G connectivity showed at three to four bars, and testing out the transfer rates, I was again surprised to see that I was getting around 80 Mbps, not at all bad.
Now, in my second week of using it as my main internet connection, I can confirm it works incredibly well. I might not be able to test out the 5G speed, but even at 4G, with the slightly ropey connectivity of the area, I’m still getting those fast download rates, although uploads are slightly slower at about 5 to 6Mb per second, and you do have to pick your time of day, with that signal dropping to about 20Mb per second at the height of what seems to be mobile phone use in the area.
Despite that, in the evenings, we’d have at least one Alexa going, two laptops, possibly two mobile phones, and the Fire Stick playing whichever streaming channel we’d settled on for the evening. The D-Link G572 was able to supply all devices without issue, and whilst you could tell, especially with the streaming services, that I wasn’t having the usual speed of connection that I’m used to with the wired fibre connectivity, it was still incredibly impressive.
When the unit first arrived, and after I’d initially set it up, I tested it with the wall connection, installing it as the main router for the house and connecting it to the 2.5GbE WAN port at the back. I was again really surprised by the coverage it provided in the house, surpassing the Eero 6 wireless router I presently use. I also noted that those devices that utilise Wi-Fi 7, primarily a couple of mini PCs that I have for a review, saw the transfer rates vastly increased, still limited somewhat by the 2.5GbE input, but still significantly more than the other router.
Back in the office, and with it just connected to the mobile network and with one of the worst fibre connections going, I connected to the back of the D-Link G572 again, although this time it was more to see whether it could improve the connectivity I usually have in the office.
Here, I was really impressed: every time the wired connection cut out and switched to the mobile network, it was still not great and was far slower than when I was using it at home, but a definite improvement on what I’m used to.
To get a fast connection in my office, I need to cross the car park and go into the next building. There’s obviously a connection somewhere within the old building. However, having this router in between meant that when my wired connection was actually feeling like working well, I’d have a relatively decent connection, and then when it would drop out, it switched over to the cellular network, and for the first time, I was able to work nonstop using the internet connection without worrying about it dropping out partway through a call or upload.
What I really like about the router, although its speed was slightly limited, was the fact that it had those four Gigabit LAN ports, which means I can plug in my NAS boxes for archive and working, along with the network printer, which made them more easily accessible on the network, both wired and wireless. While my actual network in the office runs at 10GbE, this downgraded it to just one. For most office work, this is absolutely fine, and when I actually need faster connectivity, I can go through the switch and plug directly into the faster NAS.
As I’m used to working in an environment where the internet connection can be variable, from very good to absolutely non-existent, always having some sort of wireless router with me is an essential part of my working kit, and I usually rely on the Netgear Nighthawk M7, as it’s just a very powerful and portable solution, although even that struggles at the moment in the office.
The D-Link G572 is a far cheaper solution, which is good, especially considering the cost of a 5G unlimited data package, which can also see costs rise rapidly. With this AC-powered router, I was impressed from the outset. It is a bit of a shame that those LAN ports are limited to a Gigabit, but when it comes to one of these devices, it’s just simple. It does what it does, and you don’t need to really think about it. It’s exceptionally good, and for someone like me, who works in an older building in a town with very little internet, this makes a lot of sense.
- Performance: 4 / 5
When I tried out the predecessor to the D-Link G572 last year, I was impressed by just how versatile it was and by the fact that it could serve as a backup to my internet connection. At that time, my wired and cellular network connections around the New Forest were exceptional, but in the intervening year, the cellular network dropped out entirely, and even the wired network that had always been so reliable became especially unreliable, meaning I had to look for alternative solutions.
Having now burnt through EE, O2, Vodafone and a few other providers, it turns out there's been an issue with our mast for almost a year, so a device with a good antenna to pick up whatever signal you can get is essential.
What I found with the D-Link G572 was that, even without the optional antenna, it still picked up a pretty decent signal as long as it was positioned correctly. That place in the house took quite some time to locate, but once I did, I was seeing speeds in excess of 80 Mbpsd, far faster than I would have thought possible and over 20 Mbps faster than the comparable rate on my iPhone 15 Pro using the same network.
I also like that I could plug it in between my wired fibre connection and use it as my wireless router, with it switching to cellular when the wired connection drops out. Even though many of my devices around the house couldn’t fully use that Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, it was fully backwards compatible and still provided all devices with a strong signal, enabling me to continue working despite cellular and wired connection issues.
As a solution for anyone working off-grid or in a location where a wired or even cellular data network can be an issue, this D-Link G572 is certainly worth the money. Whilst it might seem that it is a premium option, especially when you consider you’re also going to need a data SIM contract, actually, just the fact that it keeps you working online and able to do business makes it a valuable asset for any business.
Should I buy the D-Link G572?Value
Initially, it seems expensive, especially when you put the cost of a cellular network package on top, but then, if it keeps you working, it more than pays for itself.
4.5/5
Design
Very neat, with a tower design that sits easily on a shelf or window ledge, as long as you have power nearby to keep it running.
4/5
Features
5G and Wi-Fi 7 are leading features, and it’s also good to see that it’s fully backwards compatible with your older gear.
4.5/5
Performance
Only really limited by your cellular network connection, and when it works, plugging it into your wired connection improves usability.
4/5
Overall
A great choice as a fallback if you have an internet connection that is temperamental and unreliable, and more than worth the money to keep you working.
4.5/5
Buy it if...Fibre connection unavailable
If you’re in a new office, location or studio where there just isn’t any fibre connection, then this cellular network router can be an absolute lifesaver, providing you with ultra-fast internet, as long as the network is available and comes close to fibre in speed.
Backup matters most
If you’re working in an area with an unreliable copper or fibre connection to your home or office and are regularly cut off from the internet, this is a perfect solution.
The signal is weak
If your area doesn’t have 5G coverage, you'll be limited in the speeds you’ll get from this wireless cellular network router; however, even with 4G speeds, those transfer rates are impressive.
You need 6GHz
This is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router, so tri-band 6GHz isn’t available. If you want a 6GHz option, you’ll be looking at a lot more money.
For more connectivity solutions, we've tested the best Wi-Fi routers.
Categories: Reviews
Unihertz Titan 2 Elite review: This 5G business phone with a BlackBerry-style keyboard made my mobile work feel faster
Titan 2 Elite: 30-second review
Touchscreens have changed the way we enter text on our mobile devices, with swipes used to interact with apps rather than typing on a traditional keyboard; long gone are the days of BlackBerry.
This means that the way apps are designed has changed greatly since the advent of smartphones. However, there is still a place for physical QWERTY keyboards, especially if you do a lot of typing. Whilst a touchscreen is great for straightforward input, when it comes to shortcuts, they can be a little bit convoluted, and that’s where this type of QWERTY keyboard really starts to make sense, especially when you can customise and add your own shortcut systems into the keyboard layout.
As a smartphone, the Titan Elite 2 runs Android 16, into which you install the latest apps, and the screen itself, while small at 4.03 inches, is an AMOLED display with 1080 x 1200 resolution and a very decent 120Hz refresh rate. This means it is actually pretty good for watching back TV shows or catching up on social media, but it really comes into its own for quickly typing in messages. Actually, after I got used to the small keys, I found it much easier to respond to messages, WhatsApp, and emails on this keyboard than on the standard touchscreen.
Through the test, I found the battery life was pretty decent, and because you are generally not using it the same way you would, say, a standard touchscreen smartphone, the battery still had a decent 60% remaining when I got back home. I then just found myself using the phone less because of the design, and again, that was something that really endeared me to the design.
The other point about the design, aside from the bright orange colour, is just how small and compact it is. It fits neatly into a trouser pocket, and while it’s as wide as a smartphone, it’s shorter, making it feel slim and lightweight.
Whilst there were many aspects of this phone that I really liked, there were a few minor issues. When it came to quickly editing a photo or two, the small screen was just a little bit too small. There’s not a great deal of real estate for anything other than typing or watching back videos, and even when you come to play games, because the screen is that much smaller and with that keyboard in place, it’s not great. Then there is the issue that there is no 3.5mm jack or wireless charging, which is a little bit of a shame. However, it does feature Bluetooth and the USB-C port.
The Unihertz Titan 2 Elite is a really nicely considered phone. It won’t appeal to everyone, but for those who like the slightly retro approach to smartphone use, it is a great option.
Titan 2 Elite: Price and availability- How much does it cost? $489
- When is it out? Now
- Where can you get it? Online at unihertz.com
At present, the phone is only available for pre-order, with a full release in August. The US price is at present set at $489.99.
You can pre-order now by clicking here, and the item will start shipping soon.
- Value: 4/5
CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 7400, octa-core, 2.0–2.6GHz
Graphics: Mali-G615 MC2
RAM: 12GB LPDDR5
Storage: 256GB UFS 3.1, microSD support up to 2TB via hybrid slot
Ports: USB-C
Connectivity: 5G, 4G LTE, dual Nano SIM, eSIM, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo, IR blaster
Audio: Loudspeaker, FM radio, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Camera: 50MP main + 50MP telephoto rear cameras; 32MP front camera
Size: 117.8 × 75 × 10.4mm; 163g
OS Installed: Android 16
The Unihertz Titan 2 Elite instantly differentiates itself from most smartphones, first with its colour options, my review sample was the bright orange, though it’s also available in a subdued black. Then more strikingly, with its physical QWERTY keyboard below the touch screen.
The phone itself is compact, measuring 117.8 x 75 x 10.4mm and weighing just 163g, significantly lighter than the latest intake of smartphones. Whilst that screen is smaller, as the review went on, I found that having a physical keyboard always there, partnered with an on-screen keyboard for special characters, actually made it a quick way to input text and write emails, something I always find extremely tricky on my iPhone.
The phone's build quality is also surprisingly good. Made of aerospace-grade CNC aluminium and with that anodised finish, it gives a good, high-quality premium feel.
The keyboard is well designed, with a slight bevel on each key. They just make it a little easier to find each key than if they were flat. It does take a little bit of time to convert from using a touchscreen mobile to one with a physical keyboard, and there is no doubt that those keys are really small. But even with my hands, I was able to adapt to those keys relatively easily, and I did find typing just a little bit easier. I was far less likely to mistype on this phone than I am when using the touchscreen keyboard on the iPhone.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)The screen is smaller and has a slightly different aspect ratio than I am used to, and at 4.03 inches, it features an AMOLED display that is nice, bright, and easy to view in most conditions. It also has a decent resolution of 1080 x 1200 and a refresh rate of 120Hz, so whilst it is not really designed for a bit of gaming, if you do decide to opt for a few moments playing Asphalt Legends, the gameplay is actually relatively smooth.
That screen size can leave things feeling a little cramped at times, but it is quite nice to have a square screen. What really strikes you about the phone in your hand is just how comfortable it is to use. It looks a little bit wider than the standard smartphone when you take it out of your pocket, but it’s actually much the same.
It’s just the height that is much reduced, meaning that, firstly, it’s more comfortable in a pocket, and, secondly, when you have it to your ear, it’s in a really nice position for the earpiece and the microphone. I just found it much nicer to handle than my larger phone.
Design-wise, this looks like a business phone, and there is no getting around it. It also looks very retro with a modern twist. I love the bright orange color, and I really like the look of the QWERTY keyboard. It’s supported by the touchscreen, and as designs go, it all seems well balanced. Of course, like all decent smartphones these days, there is also a selection of cameras on the back and a very decent forward-facing selfie camera for conferencing.
- Design: 4.5 / 5
There is no escaping the main feature here, which is that physical QWERTY keyboard with touch-sensitive functions, both on the screen and the keyboard itself, which is quite remarkable when you start to scroll through pages, especially online, and you can do that by just swiping up and down on the keyboard itself and not the touchscreen.
This function is not available from the outset. You need to delve into the settings to activate it, but once you have, the scroll assistant and cursor assistant open up a wealth of controls I have not seen on a smartphone of this style before. It just becomes quick and intuitive to use.
Then, as you delve into the settings and you go to shortcut keys, you then have a series of function keys that you can also assign, so if you want a quick key to open up one of your apps or to copy and paste, then you can do all of that through the shortcut key menu. This is something that I always find especially tricky on a touchscreen-only device.
The point about the keyboard is that it is a decent-quality, and once you figure out that you need to push the “symb” button in order to bring up symbols and numerics, everything from that point on becomes pretty much smooth sailing.
Inside, there’s a relatively decent MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. As you use the phone for various apps, you realise it is more than capable of work-related tasks, including the full Google suite, where it seems especially tuned and smooth in use.
What I also like is that there is dual Nano SIM support, eSIM support, and a hybrid microSD expansion option, so you can have one Nano SIM alongside a microSD for storage expansion.
The CPU is joined by a decent GPU, the Mali-G615 MC2, which we often see in this style of mid-range smartphone. During the test, I found that this was more than enough for most productivity apps in the Google suite and handled Lightroom and gaming without too many issues, although the screen size was the main limitation. So, for the intended use, if you are mainly typing, then this GPU is probably going to keep up with everything that you need.
The cameras are not cutting-edge, but they are well-balanced, with a 50-megapixel main camera and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera, which should just about cover you in most situations. They are great for site pics and taking a few snaps, but they are not cutting-edge camera quality. Likewise, the 32-megapixel selfie camera is perfect for video conferencing and video calls, and for capturing a quick picture of yourself in front of a few locations, but the quality is mediocre rather than outstanding.
What I do like is that it has the latest version of Android 16, and Unihertz has said that this will come with five years of update support and OS upgrades to Android 20, along with all security patches until 2031, meaning that your investment in this phone will be supported for a good few years.
The other point here is that whilst it might lack a 3.5mm headphone jack, which I would have liked to have seen on something slightly retro-styled like this, there is NFC, an IR blaster, fingerprint unlock, USB OTG, FM radio, Google Pay support and a programmable red side button that you can assign to something such as the camera.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)- Features: 4.5 / 5
Geekbench CPU Multi: 3292
Geekbench CPU Single: 1061
Geekbench GPU: 3038
Wild Life Overall: 3971
Sling Shot: 7709
The design of this phone is quite striking, and actually, whilst it has a decent CPU, when it comes to the main focus of this smartphone, it’s all about productivity and being able to type quickly, with the big feature being that full QWERTY keyboard.
An initial look at the phone as it’s lifted from the box shows it is exceptionally high quality. That CNC-machined aluminium just gives it a real nice finish, and with that anodised orange coating, it just looks great. It’s kind of in the same colour profile as the new iPhone 17 Pro, but if you are not into these bright, vivid colours, you will be glad to know you can also order a black version, which is a lot more sedate.
Getting started with the phone was quick and easy enough, and after a full charge, I loaded the interface, signed in to Google, and instantly, all my Google apps and everything else were available. It just shows how the Dimensity 7400, 12GB of RAM and the ultra-fast UFS 3.1 storage could be when used on a phone that’s primarily designed for productivity rather than multimedia, and for messaging, browsing, email, as well as updating a couple of Google Docs, it was able to handle everything without too many issues.
The one thing that I did note from the outset was the size of the screen. There is no getting away from the fact that it is a lot smaller than your average smartphone. However using Google Docs, because you have the keyboard underneath rather than covering half of the screen being taken up by a keyboard, it feels perfectly workable despite being smaller.
As I got into using the keyboard and my thumbs started to get the muscle memory for the positioning of all the keys, I found my typing speed actually increased, or at least the number of mistakes I was making rapidly reduced. When smartphones first arrived, I used a BlackBerry for a long time, and there is still a bit of that muscle memory left, which helps me navigate this phone relatively quickly.
Obviously, with technological advancement, it’s much better than those older phones, and what I like most is that the keys are not only physical but also touch-sensitive. By activating the cursor and scroll controls in the settings, I could then use my finger to swipe left or right on the keyboard or navigate on the screen with the small cursor.
This ability to essentially use the keyboard as a trackpad just made typing and correcting what I was typing on screen so much easier than on my iPhone, which when trying to place the cursor on the iPhone will inevitably pick a spot two lines below what I want.
Trying to navigate anywhere on my iPhone screen with the cursor is near impossible, to the point where I rarely bother, often just deleting a line or two in order to correct something. Here, with the Android 16 interface within Google Docs, it just worked. It was easy to place the cursor where I wanted, then correct the text and move on without getting frustrated.
During the test period with the phone, its limitations became obvious, and if you do decide to download Lightroom, for instance, to update and edit some photos, the small screen size really starts to feel like a limitation, although the interface is incredibly well designed for small screen phones.
It’s still possible to work on an image, but your eyesight has to be pretty good, and it is obviously not designed for this sort of thing. Likewise, playing games just gets you a small screen rather than the large screens that we are used to with the latest smartphones.
However, when it came to viewing video, and this might be because I was used to an old iPod video years ago, I actually quite enjoyed watching a couple of episodes of a TV show on the small screen. Whilst yes, it is considerably smaller than the iPhone's, the screen and picture quality are still pretty good.
Through the test, I utilised the phone in and out of the office and also on a trip up to London. Because I was so impressed by its use, I used it as my main phone for about a week to see if I could really get on with a keyboard smartphone rather than a touchscreen option, and over time if that keyboard was a touch larger then yes I might have actually made the switch.
One of the things this highlighted through the use was battery life, which lasted a full day without issue, even with making a few calls, answering emails, updating Word docs, and listening to music. I wouldn’t say that the battery life is outstanding at the end of the day. It did need a good charge, but for a phone of this size, it’s certainly more than enough for a day-to-day phone that will always be charged at night.
To finish the test, I took a quick look at the camera, and there are two options. You have your wide-angle to capture large vistas and your telephoto, which lets you zoom in and, as I found, is also pretty good for portraits. Whilst the camera is not a major feature of the phone, the fact that both are set at 50 megapixels means that they are well balanced.
Whilst the cameras are not headline features, they can still capture a pretty decent image as long as the lighting conditions are right and you are not expecting too much. If you are just taking holiday snaps, or, more than likely, a few images on business trips, then this will be perfectly adequate for what you need.
- Performance: 4 / 5
There is no doubt that the Titan 2 Elite is a niche phone with that QWERTY keyboard, and it’s not trying to take on touchscreen smartphones. It’s more of an alternative to use, and it also changes how you use your smartphone because you have a physical way to interact with it, rather than that touchscreen swipe.
Through the test, I found that it’s much better suited to typing, so it’s good for writing emails, replying to social media messages, and standard messages. I found it a lot easier on this phone than on my iPhone, mainly because I am always mis-typing on that touchscreen, whereas here each press, because of that small bevel on the keys, was a little more precise despite the keys’ small size, which was surprising.
I also like that the keyboard, which features a decent backlight, could be set to be touch-sensitive, essentially using it as a trackpad or for left- and right-scroll, which again just made things easier. The fact that you can also assign some of the buttons to custom settings and applications really does help with workflow, especially if you do a lot of typing on your phone.
When it came to battery life, it was well-balanced and able to handle all of Google’s productivity apps without issue and lasted easily all day. For me, at least, I found that the touchscreen and keyboard combo was a really great way of working. I also love the retro look of the phone. It is kind of a mix of retro and modern, but I do miss a 3.5mm headphone jack. It would just have set it off nicely.
So whilst this phone is not really a competitor to the latest touchscreen mobiles, it does offer something different, and if you like the more physical way of interacting with your phone and you want something that is just a little bit smaller and lighter than what is on offer in the mainstream, then the Unihertz Titan 2 Elite is a great alternative, with a design focused on productivity rather than social, gaming and creative use.
Should I buy the Titan 2 Elite?Value
Keyboard smartphone with unique features with mid-range performance
3.5/5
Design
The compact design is distinctive, and with a physical keyboard, it gives a different slant on smartphones
4/5
Features
The keyboard is the main feature, but the fact that it is touchscreen and has a more square-style screen means there are plenty of features that help promote productivity
4/5
Performance
Mid-range performance from the CPU and GPU, but that is more than enough for its intended use for productivity
4/5
Overall
A retro take on the modern smartphone that works and gives you an alternative to the standard touchscreen approach
4/5
Buy it if...You primarily type
If you use your smartphone to answer emails, write notes, and send messages, a physical keyboard might actually be a faster way to work.
You miss BlackBerry
Back in the day, everyone had a BlackBerry, but then the touchscreen revolution happened, and we all left for the new technology. However, when it comes to productivity, nothing quite beats the secure layout.
You play games and watch videos.
The compact screen is really nice, but if you play games, stream video, or watch other content on your smartphone, the small screen will be a limitation.
Your touchscreen focused
If you use a lot of apps that require touch gestures, then the smaller size of the touchscreen on the Elite is going to have its limitations, and you might find that many apps, including those that are creative, all feel a little bit too cramped.
For more professional picks, we've tested the best rugged phones for field-work.
Categories: Reviews
TCL PlayCube review: I used this portable projector for business presentations and watching movies, and it’s brilliantly simple
TCL PlayCube Portable Projector: 30-second review
If you’re looking for a small, portable projector for business presentations or just to sit back and relax and watch a movie, this Google TV-enabled 1080p projector is a superb option. What I really liked about this projector was that as I fed a presentation from my 4K output through the projector, it was downscaled without any issue, no black screen or flickering it just worked.
Essentially, with Google TV installed, linking it to my selection of mobile phones, be that Android or iOS, was straightforward, all done through the Google Home app. Once you’ve run through that initial setup process, along with all the updates, you’ll be up and running within a few minutes.
Since it's based on Google Home, you can install any native apps you want. If you are primarily using this for entertainment, you can download Amazon Prime, Netflox, 4oD, and any other apps you want, although iPlayer and the BBC apps do need to be cast. There's also a slight compatibility issue with iPhones when trying to cast from Apps like iPlayer, but for the most part it's simple enough. It’s all very simple, as ever with anything that runs on Google Home, and the connection speeds provide fast downloads in most situations.
When the unit arrived, it came in a semi-hard case, which is great for portability, especially if you’re going to business meetings or are running a workshop, as I was. In which case, it makes it a very neat and easy way to carry. The other point that I like about the design is that it has a 90-degree rotating body, which means you can very easily tilt the projection at will, no need for book to prop it up, and with the auto keystone correction, it automatically corrects the verticals. If, however, you want to mount it onto a tripod, then there is a quarter-inch thread on the base, making things especially easy.
Considering the size, the 750-lumen projection brightness is pretty decent for a portable model, although you do still need to present in slightly subdued lighting. In midday daylight, it’s worth just pulling down the blinds so you can see the projected image clearly. But if you’re viewing this later in the evening or at night, then that projection clarity is superb, and the uplift to Full HD, not just HD as many portable projectors are, really does make a difference to the quality.
The one thing I would say is that it has an integrated 5W speaker, and whilst that is actually pretty decent and was fine for my presentation, it’s a little low on the volume stakes. However, as you’ve got a 3.5mm audio output jack, if you do want to plug in a louder soundbar, then thankfully, that’s very easy to do.
The point here is that, alongside the Home integration, which is great for entertainment, when it comes to business use, you also have the HDMI input. So, you can connect it straight into a laptop, in my case, the MacBook Pro M1 Max, or there’s a USB Type-A port as well, so USB keys can be plugged directly in.
There’s also the built-in 66Wh battery, which is rated for up to three hours, which is enough to watch most films and get through most presentations without too many issues, but you can be cutting it a little bit fine. I found that just plugging it in via USB-C into the mains was the best way to keep the projection topped up and running, and, when out in the field, I used the Jackery 1000 V2 power station, which proved a great option.
TCL PlayCube Portable Projector: Price and availability- How much does it cost? £799 TBC
- When is it out? Now
- Where can you get it? Most large high street retailers and online
The TCL PlayCube is widely available in the US, UK, and beyond, from retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Argos, and Richer Sounds. I generally found it selling for around the $799 / £799 mark.
- Value: 4/5
CPU: MT9630 processor
Graphics: DLP projector, 0.33-inch DMD chip, RGB LED light source
Rear / main ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x 3.5mm audio output, USB-C power connection, IR input
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, Google Cast
Audio: Integrated 5W speaker, Dolby Digital Plus, four EQ sound modes
Size: 5.9 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches / 150 x 97 x 97mm; 2.87lb / 1.3kg
OS Installed: Google TV
Accessories: Power cord and user manual
I absolutely love the design of the PlayCube portable projector. It just looks great once you remove the semi-hard case it arrives in, unzip it, and the cube-like projector inside is revealed, along with the remote, plug, and USB cable that supplies AC power when not utilising the battery.
The design is somewhat unique, earning it the PlayCube name: part of the body rotates 90° to let you tilt the projector up onto a wall when it’s on a desktop, making it extremely portable and easy to use in different locations.
I used a workshop I was running to fully test this projector and even the set up process that was as simple as popping it onto a desk, tilting the body to project onto a wall was extremely quick and straightforward.
With the auto keystone and focus correction, I could literally get on with setting up without worrying too much about the projector. It’s just a very nice, neat design.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)At just 5.91 x 3.82 x 3.82 (150 x 97 x 97mm) and weighing 2.87lb (1.3kg), it’s also relatively light, so you can easily position it on a desk if giving a presentation. Equally, if you’re at home or out camping and want to watch a movie, it’s very easy to position and place. Great if you’re just taking it with you to watch a sporting or music event this summer, or to kick back and watch a movie at the end of the day.
In my case, it’s brilliant for workshops because you never know how much room you’ll have or what you can project onto. Just having something small and versatile like this is especially useful, even more so when it has a quarter-inch thread on the base, letting you mount it on any standard tripod.
Design-wise, it looks ultra-modern, extremely stylish, and well-made, and with that semi-hard case, it feels good and durable. So, if you are using it as a professional piece of kit rather than just for entertainment, then, stashed away in a Peli case for transport, it should survive more than a knock or two. it feels well made and robust, and durability has certainly been a consideration.
- Design: 4.5 / 5
Considering this is a portable projector, the feature set is quite impressive, with a step up to 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, which is far better than the standard 720p resolution we often see with this style of portable projector. What’s more, it also supports 4K input, so if you’re outputting from your laptop at 4K directly to the projector, or from a media player, it will downscale it to the correct resolution without issue.
The other point here is that 750lm is exceptionally high for a small portable projector, which means you can use it in slightly brighter conditions than you would usually consider. For myself, running a workshop, that brightness was just enough to produce a clear image in daylight conditions that was easy for everyone attending to see.
The brightness was matched by decent clarity and sharpness, and the autofocus really does lock on. Again, with that auto keystone correction, you’ve got a nice rectangular visual, even when you’re projecting up at an angle towards the wall.
The size of the projection is dependent on how far you move the projector back from the wall, you can go from a relatively small 30-inch projection to a 150-inch one. Obviously, the closer you are to the wall, the brighter the projection, so during the day you’re probably going to want that close-range projection of just 30 inches, which is still relatively large in small workshop situations, all the way up to about 150 inches if you’re kicking back of an evening and watching a movie.
Checking the quality of the projection, the image is produced via an Aura RGB LED light source, which the company claims has a 124% Rec.709 colour gamut. I’m also pleased to see that it’s got autofocus, auto keystone correction, auto screen alignment, and obstacle avoidance, meaning the screen will actually resize to avoid certain obstacles like light sockets and doors, all helping to make the setup nice and straightforward.
As we see with quite a few of these projectors now, safety guards, including the TOF active guard eye safety feature, help reduce the risk of direct eye exposure. As a multi-use projector, you get Google TV, Netflix certification, Google Assistant voice control and Google Cast, meaning you can cast directly from an Android phone to the projector, making things ultra-simple.
When it comes to connectivity options, if you don’t want to use Google Home and just want to use it as a straight projector, there are HDMI and USB ports, and I was pleased to see a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting external speakers. You also have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity to stream to online services and connect to external devices such as speakers.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)- Features: 4.5 / 5
Getting started with the PlayCube is extremely easy. After all, it has Google TV, and the setup and installation process is exceptionally quick. The only thing I would say is that during use, my home internet connection completely failed, so I had to rely on a mobile network. Still, the connection speeds were exceptionally good using the D-Link G572 5G router, which I highly recommend as a backup for your home internet if it’s slightly temperamental.
Once I’d run through the setup process, installed all the apps that I wanted, connected my Google account and run all of the updates, which did actually take some time, I was then able to use Google TV to project from all of my favourite streaming apps, and this all worked as expected, with a few notable exceptions.
While the projector works with most main stream apps, there's no option to download iPlayer and trying to cast to the projector from my iPhone through the iPlayer app also proved a non event. All other apps worked incredibly well.
What I liked here was that the remote control is really well thought out and very responsive in use. The quality of the projected image was also exceptionally good, and compared with some of the portable projectors that I normally use for workshops, the higher-resolution 1920 x 1080 display, alongside the 750lm brightness, really did make a difference to the clarity and internal gradation, even in relatively bright daylight conditions.
As the afternoon and evening drew in, the quality of the projection really stood out, and for presentations and workshops, this projector is an ideal solution. Coming in that small semi-hard case, this is easy to transport and even easier to set up.
There are several things that really appeal to me. First, the semi-hard case keeps everything neat and tidy, and the second is just how easy and quick it is to set up. Essentially, place it onto a desktop, rotate the cube around so you get the tilt onto the wall that you want, power on, and then you can connect whichever device you want, be that through the Wi-Fi connection for streaming services or, in my case, connecting my MacBook Pro through HDMI directly into the back of the projector so that I could project my presentation as well as examples.
The speakers are only 5W, and while they’re relatively decent quality, I did plug into an old pair of Fostex monitors just because they gave me better, louder audio.
I also found that, as I was setting up, the autofocus, keystone and object avoidance all happened automatically and extremely quickly. Once you get enough distance from whichever surface you’re projecting onto, it is very easy to get it to sit within a projection screen or wall, from the relatively close quarters of the workshop to pulling the projector right back for watching a movie later on that evening.
The fact that it’s got that quarter-inch thread on the base, enabling me to mount it onto a tripod, just made it far easier to manoeuvre around, and whilst the battery does last a good two and a half to three hours, for safety, especially while I’m watching the movie, I plug it into a Jackery 1000 V2 power station just to ensure it doesn’t power down right at the end of the movie.
Through the tests, the projector just worked exceptionally well, and whilst there is quite a bit of fan noise, especially in these weather conditions, it’s just about bearable, and in workshops where there’s plenty of chatter, so that fan noise really wasn’t an issue. However, when I was watching a few movies, the fan's background noise was a bit distracting at first, but you soon get used to it and kind of block it out.
When it comes to the visuals, they are clear and bright, and for such a small projector, it certainly packs in a great deal of power. For entertainment on the move, on holiday, or at home, the small projector is a great option because it packs away easily, unlike larger home projectors that take up a lot of space.
You can use it at home when you want to watch a film big on the screen or a sporting event, and then just simply pack it away in a cupboard when that’s over. Likewise, if you’re off on holiday, you can easily pack it, take it with you, and it doesn’t add too much weight to your luggage.
More importantly, if you’re away on business or you’re running a workshop, then having a small projector like this is an ideal solution. It enables the entire group to easily see what you’re talking about without needing to connect up to a TV screen, monitor or large projector. Because it’s small, lightweight and extremely versatile when it comes to connectivity options, it gives you plenty of flexibility.
The ease of connection really won me over during the test, as did the image's brightness and clarity. What I also really liked was that it would last for a good two and a half hours without issue, and with most of my workshops lasting around three hours, it meant that I wasn’t having to be too precious about switching the projector on and off, of which the boot-up process can take up to a minute.
When the projector does indicate that the power is running low, it can always be powered via USB-C. For the most part, because I have other kit that also needs to be plugged in, I take the Jackery 1000 V2 along with me just to have some extra power when needed.
For both home and business use, the small projector, with its premium build quality and matching pricing, makes a great option. It might not be as bright as the larger desktop projectors, but if you’re looking for one of the best portable options on the market at present, then this certainly fits the bill.
- Performance: 4 / 5
From the outset, the TCL PlayCube impressed, firstly with a semi-hard case that instantly gives it an ultra-portable, premium feel. As it was opened, the projector inside had a decent weight and build quality, and it looked pretty stylish too.
As I ran through the test, checking out how Google TV and all the apps worked, it all seemed very fluid, exactly what I expect from anything based on the Google TV system. But then, branching out from just pure entertainment and streaming, I checked it out for the more serious business of work.
Connected out to my MacBook Pro M1 Max and a couple of the mini PCs that I’ve had on test recently, I was impressed to see that it was able to scale the video output instantly, ready for projection. There was no fiddling around with options or settings. It adjusted automatically, ready to project on the wall as and when needed.
Setup was exceptionally easy, with battery power, which provided plenty of projection time. This is one of the easiest projectors I’ve used: just set it on a desktop, project it onto the wall, plug in the HDMI, and off you go. If I wanted a little more audio volume than those 5W speakers provide, I could simply plug in a set of monitors and aim to vastly improve the output volume.
As ever there are a few issues with app compatibility for the likes of BBC iPlayer which isn't available, and trying to cast from iPlayer to the device from my iPhone just wasn't possible.
However, that aside as a compact and highly versatile portable projector, the PlayCube is a superb design and ideal for entertainment, both at home and away, as well as for business use, presentations and workshops.
Should I buy the TCL PlayCube Portable Projector?Value
Expensive for a portable projector, but equipped with good brightness that makes it suitable for home and business.
4/5
Design
clever design with its twistable casing that enables you to easily position it or mount it on a tripod.
4.5/5
Features
Using Google TV, everything is very straightforward, and if you just want to use it as a straight projector, then just plug in the HDMI. It’s all well thought out and easy to use.
4.5/5
Performance
750lm portable brightness does make a real difference, and the clarity and colour of the image are also superb.
4/5
Overall
This is a well-rounded package that’s equally suited to home as well as business use, and you do pay extra for the quality it provides.
4/5
Buy it if...You need a projector for business
The compact, semi-hard case that keeps everything neatly together, and the easy setup and use without a power supply make it a good portable business solution.
You stream content
After work, it is great to know that you can easily stream content from Google TV, Netflix and other streaming services without too many issues.
You need daylight
Even with a powerful projection, 750lm can still be drowned out by daylight, so if you do need to display content through the day, a TV screen might still be a better option.
You demand cinema
Whilst for business and light entertainment use, 1080p and a 5W speaker might be adequate, if you want true cinema, then you might need something with a higher resolution and louder audio.
For more top performers, we've tested the best portable projectors you can get.
Categories: Reviews
The new Blink Outdoor 2K+ is a sharper budget camera to protect your property, with one frustrating catch
Blink Outdoor 2K+: two-minute review
Blink has become the brand you recommend to people who don't really want a security camera. Cheap, painless, owned by Amazon, and a forgiving field of view. The catch was that previous 1080p pictures turned to mush the moment anything moved, or the sun went down.
The Outdoor 2K+ fixes this by capturing would-be crims at 2560 x 1440 in its top "Best" setting. There's 4x zoom for closer inspections, noise-cancelling two-way audio making doorstep conversations less of a shouting match, and an improved low-light sensor that holds color as the light fades before switching to infrared black-and-white. Drop to 1080p 'Standard' or 720p 'Saver', and you'll claw back a bit of battery life.
FutureFutureBlink quotes up to two years from a pair of AA lithium cells, and while I can't fast-forward through two summers to prove it, a fortnight’s daily use barely dented the gauge. There's a USB-C port if you'd rather wire it to the mains with Blink's separately sold weather-resistant adapter, an IP65 rating shrugs off wet weather, and it’s compatible with the existing Outdoor 4 accessory range, so floodlight mounts and battery packs carry over.
Setup should be the usual Blink doddle. Scan the code, follow the app, pair the Sync Module, done in under 10 minutes with no cabling and no electrician. For a first-time buyer, it's about as low-friction as home security gets, although we did encounter some teething problems connecting the kit to a home Wi-Fi network.
Then you discover the real kicker. The Outdoor 2K+ ships with a new Sync Module Core rather than the old Sync Module 2 we were supplied with, and the Core has had its USB port removed. That port was the whole point for subscription-averse buyers: plug in a flash drive, store clips locally, pay Amazon nothing.
FutureFutureWithout it, the free experience reduces to live view and motion alerts, while saved recordings, person and vehicle detection and the smarter notifications all sit behind a Blink subscription that starts at £2.50 (about $3.50 / AU$5) a month and rises to £8 (about $10 / AU$20) for unlimited cameras. An older Sync Module 2 still works if you own one, but most people buying this won't.
It leaves the 2K+ in an odd spot. As a camera, it's the best budget outdoor option Blink has made. As a package, it's less optimal. Judge it on the camera and battery life alone, and it's a comfortable recommendation. Judge it on the small print, and you’ve got a new monthly bill the old model didn’t demand.
Blink Outdoor 2K+: price and availability- List price: £89.99 / $99.99 / AU$119
- Launched October 2025
- Available in the US, UK and Australia
Pitched at the affordable end as ever, the Outdoor 2K+ slots in alongside the cheaper Mini 2K+ and the Blink Arc — a mount that pairs two Mini 2K+ cameras for a panoramic view — as part of the brand's 2K refresh. The one-camera kit includes the Sync Module Core, two AA lithium batteries, and a mount, so nothing essential to buy on day one — unless you want your footage saved anywhere, at which point the maths changes.
That's the rub. The headline price buys you a very capable camera and a deliberately hamstrung storage situation. Anyone who bought the Outdoor 4 specifically to dodge a subscription should know the goalposts have moved, because the bundled module no longer takes a USB stick. Frequent discounting means the camera itself rarely costs full RRP for long, which softens the blow, but the ongoing cost is the number to watch.
- Value score: 3.5/5
Blink has two subscription tiers to choose from, both offering unlimited cloud storage for recordings for up to 60 days (up to 30 days in the EU and UK). Monthly or yearly billing is available.
- Blink Basic: $3.99p/m | £2.50p/m | AU$4.95p/m
- Blink Plus: $11.99p/m | £8p/m | AU$15p/m
Blink Basic includes support for one device, motion-event recording, live-view recording, instant video access, video sharing, person detection, and photo capture. Blink Plus includes all Basic features, along with unlimited device inclusion, moments capture, notification snoozing and 10% off Blink devices.
Blink Outdoor 2K+: specificationsSpecification
Details
Resolution
2K QHD (2560 x 1440)
Field of view
130° Diagonal
Night vision
Color Night Vision (up to 30 ft) & Infrared
Power source
Rechargeable Battery (up to 6 months) or Solar Panel compatible
Connectivity
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Storage options
Local MicroSD (up to 256GB) & Cloud Storage
Audio
Two-Way Audio with Noise Cancellation
Smart integration
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Weather resistance
IP65 Weatherproof
Motion detection
AI Person/Vehicle/Pet Detection
Smart home
Amazon Alexa
Camera dimensions
70 x 70 x 41mm
Sync Module Core dimensions:
81 x 45 x 21.55mm
Weight:
142g (camera); 43.6g (Sync Module Core)
Blink Outdoor 2K+: design- Compact and easy to place
- IP65 weatherproofing
- Sync Module Core changes rules
There's nothing here to frighten the neighbours. The 2K+ keeps Blink's small, squared-off black housing, the kind of camera that disappears into a porch corner or sits on a windowsill without announcing itself. It's light, the bundled mount screws to a wall, and you can equally stand it on a flat surface and forget about it.
The IP65 rating earned its keep through sporadic summer showers and wind with no fogging or dropouts. Power comes from two AA batteries hidden behind a sealed cover, or bypass them with USB-C and an optional weather-resistant power adapter, if you'd rather not think about batteries at all.
Like the Sync Module 2, Blink’s bundled Sync Module Core is a similarly small puck minus a USB connection.
- Design score: 4/5
- 2K is a visible upgrade
- Color night vision is useful
- Smart features cost extra
The Blink Outdoor’s 2K output greatly enhances the chances of identifying strangers. I set it to watch a back garden, and it did an able job of capturing my faux break-in attempts. The 4x zoom is digital, so it softens as you push in, but it's enough to pick up distinguishing features or marks.
Low-light performance is the other win. An improved sensor holds color as daytime fades, while garden lights and street lamps keep footage useful. Let the light go entirely, and it reverts to black-and-white. For genuine color after dark, you can add Blink's separate Outdoor Floodlight Mount.
FutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureMotion detection was razor-sharp, even if the default settings felt overzealous. Definitely adjust sensitivity and activity zones in the app to avoid being swamped with notifications about plump pigeons and swaying flora… unless you’re aiming for Springwatch in forensic form.
This is also where the subscription cost bites again: person and vehicle detection — the features that stop your phone buzzing every time a fox crosses the lawn — only switch on with a Blink plan.
FutureFutureFutureRun it free, with the Core module, and you're left with motion alerts and a live view, which is a thinner experience for a 2K camera. As ever, there's no way to view footage on a computer or browser; it's the phone app or nothing.
- Performance score: 4/5
Attribute
Notes
Score
Value
A capable 2K camera at a low price, undercut by the storage you'll need to pay for.
3.5/5
Design
Compact, weatherproof and dead simple.
4/5
Performance
Sharp 2K video and useful color night vision, with the best features locked behind a subscription.
4/5
Buy it ifYou want a sharp camera for very little cash
The 2K upgrade is real, and the entry price stays low, especially during Blink's frequent sales.
You value a two-year battery life
Set it, mount it and largely forget it — the AA lithium endurance is still a standout at this price.
You're a first-time buyer in the Blink or Alexa world
For someone starting from scratch, this is the easiest home security addition going.
Don't buy it ifYou bought Blink to avoid subscriptions
The bundled Sync Module Core no longer takes a USB drive, so free local storage is off the table unless you own an older module.
You want Matter or HomeKit
Blink remains its own walled garden — Alexa only, with no Matter, Apple Home or Google Home.
You need top-tier image quality
2K is a welcome leap, but premium rivals shooting 2K HDR or 4K will still out-resolve it.
Blink Outdoor 2K+: also considerIf you're not sure whether the Blink Outdoor 2K+ is the right home security camera for you, here are two others to keep in mind.
Blink Mini 2K+
The wired indoor sibling with the same 2K sensor and smarts, for less money — handy if you mainly want eyes inside, or outside with the weatherproof adapter.
Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
If it's the front door you care about, Ring's head-to-toe doorbell covers the same ground with a visitor in mind, albeit with its own subscription.
How I tested the Blink Outdoor 2K+- Tested at a domestic property
- Mounted outdoor
- Assessed video, night vision, audio, and battery
I lived with the Blink Outdoor 2K+ as a normal household would, mounting it to watch the back garden. I ran it through all three resolution modes, checked color night vision against lit and unlit spaces, and held two-way conversations to judge the audio. The two-year battery claim is, by definition, untestable in weeks, so I've reported Blink's figure and my short-term experience rather than pretending otherwise.
For more details, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.
Categories: Reviews
Lenovo ThinkPad P16V Gen 3 review: This mobile workstation might just be the Goldilocks of the ThinkPad line-up right now
At this point in my professional career, I've tested many laptops and computers, and every single one tries to promote what makes it special. It's always the best at something, the lightest at something, the longest something, the brightest something, the most ports, or something like that. Whatever it is, there's always something that is trying to promote the best of the best at it.
The ThinkPad P16V Gen 3 is one of the unique ones that actually tries not to be the best of the best at anything, but to be a really good middle ground and an all-arounder, creating a Goldilocks-like scenario where it is not the best at anything. However, it's probably a really good option for most who want a portable workstation.
Lenovo has a pretty clear and sleek way of doing this. The ThinkPad P16S is a lightweight variant of this workstation. The P16 is a flagship, and the P16V is the value, or, as I'm referring to it, the Goldilocks version.
Yes, if you have the money, you should do the more expensive one - it remains one of the best laptops for engineering students I've ever tested. Yes, if you want the lightweight version, you should do the S version, but if you want the middle ground and you want to have your cake and eat it too, check out the V variant.
Lenovo ThinkPad P16V Gen 3: Price and availability(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )The ThinkPad P16V Gen 3 is widely available direct from Lenovo US, Lenovo UK, and other regional sites. You'll also find it from selected retailers.
The base configurations for this laptop start around $2,300, with an Intel Core i7 RTX Pro 5000, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD, all on Windows 11. The version I have is nearing $4,000 and has a Core i7 RTX Pro 2000 Blackwell with 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a WUXGA IPS screen, running Windows 11.
If you're looking for an OLED touch panel, that adds to the price, and you can get up to 96GB of RAM, plus larger storage if you're looking for that as well. The higher you go, eventually it gets to the point where it may be worth just getting the more flagship model rather than the more value-oriented variant.
Depending on what is important to you, you'll want to spec these out on Lenovo's website.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Lenovo ThinkPad P16V Gen 3: Unboxing and First ImpressionsThis laptop has the classic, simple, identifiable ThinkPad black finish, a decent enough webcam with nothing crazy, a privacy switch, and a co-pilot key, which I'm seeing on pretty much every Windows PC these days.
Right away, boot-up was pretty straightforward. There are great ports, and this seems like just another one of those old reliable laptops that you would get as a business computer in the best way possible. It's nothing shiny; it's not gonna win any beauty awards, but by golly, will it get work done.
Lenovo ThinkPad P16V Gen 3: Design & Build QualityLenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 3 is only just over an inch thick and starts around 4.5 lb. It has thinner bezels and adds a USB-A port, which is funny compared to the Gen 2, showing that even in a world where we are pushing towards USB-C, people still really do need that USB-A port for quite a few legacy devices.
The ThinkPad P16v Gen 3 also has a MIL-STD 810H rating, a spill-resistant keyboard, a fingerprint reader that matches on-device (not on the server), a ThinkShutter, a Self-healing BIOS, and more.
On paper, these all look great, but in reality, what you need to know is that it is a spec bump plus the addition of a USB-A from the prior gen, which also rated quite well. Through every section that I keep writing about this review, I keep realizing more and more that this truly is just designed to be the Goldilocks computer for people in this kind of line of work
Lenovo ThinkPad P16V Gen 3: In use(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )I think this computer has been great today. Over the years, I've gotten used to using the TrackPoint and trackpad on Lenovo ThinkPad laptops. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, even during extended working and writing sessions. The Dolby Voice 5 field mic is strong enough for virtual meetings or, more relevant to some, works great with Wispr Flow and other dictation tools if that's your kind of jam.
It's great to know that this computer is strong enough to handle CAD files and other 3D project files, video editing if I wanted to, photo editing, and some engineering work. I used this to help build up some workflows in Notion, which took quite a bit of computing power running an expensive terminal — several windows in Notion, VS Code, Chrome, and ChatGPT open at once — and it handled the load like an absolute champ.
But as the continued threat of the jack-of-all-trades master-of-none kind of logic continues, the battery isn't the best on this. It's good. I would even say it's pretty good. It's not spectacular. It's heavy to carry around and can be awkward to fit in some backpacks unless they're larger. It's by no means the kind of laptop that you want to carry around if you're traveling a ton.
If you are in a technical, engineering, coding, tech support, or other similar kind of role and you need a mobile workstation but you don't need the flagship, and you're okay with having a little bit more heft to save some dollars, this laptop gets the job done in most scenarios.
Lenovo ThinkPad P16V Gen 3: Final verdict(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )As I mentioned slightly above, if you're a mobile technical specialist in some way, shape, or form (and trust me, if you are in this field, you know it), and if you want a workstation on the go, or if you had the Gen 2 and you really were missing that USB-A port and don't want to carry around a dongle, you should check this guy out.
If you really need that high-end GPU MPP, you should go with the flagship model. If you're looking for a lighter model, go down to the P16S Gen 4. The P16v Gen 3 is for those who want it all: a decently priced laptop with decent ports, a decent weight, a decent battery, and decent power.
Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // FutureFor more powerhouse performers, we've tested the best business laptops and the best mobile workstations.
Categories: Reviews
Bose’s chic Lifestyle Ultra speaker works fantastically over Wi-Fi and with surprising height to the sound, which is why the ‘vanilla’ Bluetooth support is a bit of a let down
Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker: Two-minute review
It may not always be among the first brands to get a particular type of product to market, but you can usually rely on Bose to have done a proper job by the time it gets around to it. And on paper, that seems to be exactly what’s happened with this new Lifestyle Ultra Speaker — it’s priced and specified to meet the market-leaders head on, and has one or two points of difference to try and make its case even stronger.
The looks, for instance, are just distinct enough from the usual ‘cylinder of sound’ design to stand out in a showroom. The specification, which includes a 38mm mid/high driver angled to fire upwards through the top of the cabinet, promises authentic spatial audio performance where many a rival relies on digital sound processing in an effort to achieve the effect. And the appearance of Alexa+ as a voice assistant marks the first time a non-Amazon product is using the technology.
One of the best wireless speakers around? Yes, in a word. In practice, the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker has an awful lot to recommend it and immediately becomes a real contender. There's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, with Apple Airplay and Google Cast baked in too. It’s also a punchy, detailed and respectably dynamic listen, can play very loudly indeed if you so desire, and has a definite and well-defined sensation of height to its sound. You’ll need to be into the EQ settings to get treble response balanced out and calmed down, but overall this is an upfront, energetic but not remotely unsubtle performer that deserves a place on even very short shortlists.
Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker review: Price and release date- Launched May 15, 2026
- $299 / £299 / AU$499 in black or white (the 'sand' finish is pricier)
The Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is on sale now, and in the United Kingdom it costs £299. Or, at least, it does in either of the black or ‘white smoke’ finishes. If you fancy the Bang & Olufsen-tastic ‘sand’ finish with its natural oak base, you’re looking at £349.
In America it sells for $299 / $349, while in Australia (where the ‘sand’ finish does not seem to be available), the going rate is AU$499.
At this price, the Lifestyle Ultra Speakers' chief rival in the Bluetooth arena is probably the slightly more expensive (at its regular price, anyway) JBL Xtreme 5. And that's a five-star speaker, so competition is tough. That said, the Bose you're reading about offers streaming over your home's Wi-Fi network too, so in that category, your easy comparison is the Sonos Play.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker review: SpecsWeight:
1.66 kg (3.6 lbs)
Dimensions:
18.5 x 12.1 x 16.8 cm
Battery life (quoted):
N/A (plug-in only)
Connectivity:
Bluetooth 5.3 with BLE; Wi-Fi (Google Cast; AirPlay; multi-room)
Drivers:
Two front-facing drivers ( 1x 3-inch woofer; 1x 1-inch tweeter), plus a 1.5-inch up-firing 'twiddler'
Aux-in:
Yes
Charger port:
USB-C
Microphone:
Yes; built-in array
Waterproof rating:
Not rated
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker review: Features- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Three-driver speaker array includes 38mm up-firing mid/high drive unit- 3.5mm analog input
In most respects, the feature-set of the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is somewhere between ‘very good’ and ‘very good indeed’ — the features we know about fall into one of those categories, anyway. This is Bose we’re dealing with, of course, which means there are no details whatsoever regarding some aspects of specification forthcoming.
I’m going to go ahead and guess the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker uses Class D amplification, and that there’s an adequate amount of power on board (the ‘sound quality’ section will let you know how I’ve come to this particular conclusion).
What I know for sure is that there’s a three-driver array on board that’s in receipt of this mysterious amplification — a forward-facing 76mm mid/bass driver below a 25mm tweeter, with a 38mm mid/high driver angled up and out through the top of the cabinet.
As for what these drivers are made from, or the frequency response they’re capable of generating, well, your guess is as good as mine. Whatever the frequency response is, though, it’s bolstered by a rear-facing ‘QuietPort’ bass reflex port at the rear of the cabinet.
The port is towards the bottom of the back of the cabinet, just above a 3.5mm line-level analog input that constitutes the Bose’s only physical connectivity.
Wireless stuff is handled by dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth — the latter is version 5.3 but is only compatible with the bog-standard SBC and AAC codecs, which is a shame when you consider the number of alternatives that are capable of local streaming to a higher standard. Still, Wi-Fi means Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Spotify Connect are all available, with TIDAL Connect promised sooner rather than later.
- Features score: 4.5 / 5
- 184 x 121 x 167mm (HxWxD)
- Choice of three finishes
- Fixed grille
You make your own mind up when it comes to looks, of course, but for my money the shape of the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker makes a very pleasant change from all those cylindrical speakers that make up the bulk of the competition the Bose faces. The soft, rounded shape is miles ahead of the rather boxy stuff Bose has been turning out before now.
At 184 x 121 x 167mm (HxWxD) the proportions are pleasing, and the speaker is just about compact enough to work happily on a shelf (as long as there’s space above it for the up-firing driver to do its thing, of course). The standard of build and finish is basically impeccable, and there’s even a suggestion of tactility to the plastics Bose has used here. No matter which of the three available finishes you choose (the black of my sample, the ‘white smoke’ alternative that has more than a hint of grey about it, or the cost-option ‘sand’ alternative), the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker looks and feels the part.
The looks are nicely enhanced by the wraparound grille that covers a good portion of the front of the speaker. The fact that it’s notably proud of the main body makes it look very much like it can be detached — but it can’t, so don’t even try. No good can come of it.
- Design score: 5 / 5
- Spacious and punchy presentation
- Pronounced ‘height’ element to sound
- A little more width and a little less high-end vigour wouldn’t go amiss
First things first: the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker makes good use of its up-firing driver — dial in some ‘height’ in the control app, queue up a FLAC file of Idles’ Never Fight a Man with a Perm, let the ‘TrueSpatial’ processing do its thing, and you get a presentation that’s considerably taller than the cabinet from which it’s coming.
There’s nice even frequency response on display, too — the Bose digs respectably deep, hitting good and hard and the bottom of the frequency range, and the transitions to the midrange and into the highest frequencies is pretty smooth. While it goes out of way to ensure no part of the frequency range is over- or under-represented, the speaker does project the midrange just a little. The ‘V’ shape that results is more of a bump than a spike, though. Control of the bottom end is pretty tight, so the speaker has no real issues in expressing rhythms confidently. Detail levels are high at every stage. The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker is quite an insightful listen, and pays good attention to the more minor details in a recording — the fact that it presents quite a spacious and well-defined soundstage helps to make this obvious.
There’s a good sensation space to the overall sound, and certainly more than enough room for every participant in a recording to get the space in which to operate — but the left/right width of the presentation is quite curtailed in comparison to the height element. The result is a slightly narrow, notably tall sound that’s slightly counter-intuitive right until the moment you get used to it.
The tonal balance is, for the most part, pretty consistent; the Bose is a fairly neutral device in this respect. There’s a slight lack of substance to treble sounds compared to the rest of the frequency range, a tiny hint of toothiness that’s rather at odds with the robust way the rest of the range is presented. It’s nothing a moment or two examining your EQ options can’t mitigate, though.
Add in a reasonable facility with dynamics — the broad stuff about volume and intensity, and the more subtle dynamics of harmonic variation too — and the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker makes a pretty convincing case for itself. Unless, of course, you’re listening to content that simply doesn’t enjoy being forced into a spatial audio presentation. You can minimise the effect of the height channel in the app, but you can’t defeat the ‘TrueSpatial’ processing — and uncooperative recordings can sound just a touch vague where more compliant stuff is quite sharply focused.
- Sound quality: 4.5 / 5
- Alexa+ voice control
- Physical and app control too
- No auto-calibration feature
As far as ‘setup’ is concerned, the Bose is either mercifully straightforward or rather underpowered — it depends on your point of view. In order to get up and running, it’s simply a question of finding a suitable position for the speaker (Bose will sell you a wall-mount of a dedicated stand, and there’s a thread in the base of the cabinet for use with third-party supports) and plugging it in. Then it’s simply a question of logging into wi-fi and to Amazon in order to activate the voice assistant. There’s no automatic room calibration routine available here (which is distinct from the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar that launched at the same time), so any tweaks to the performance of the speaker will have to be made in the Bose control app.
The app itself is clean and logical, and as well as some EQ adjustment (plus a slider to increase or decrease the sensation of sonic height) it’s where you can create a stereo pair with a second Lifestyle Ultra Speaker or incorporate your speaker into a home theatre system. Use the Google Home app, meanwhile, and a multiroom system using any and all compatible speakers can very easily be set up.There are some physical controls on the top of the speaker, too.
Capacitive buttons take care of play/pause, volume up/down, Bluetooth pairing, input selection, and waking this voice assistant — there’s a button to defeat the mic too, in case you don’t want Alexa+ to listen out for you.
This is the first non-Amazon product to take advantage of Alexa+ voice control and, while Amazon has kept some smart features for itself, this version works very well indeed. It’s alert to voice prompts, and is rapid in its responses to any questions or instructions you might have.
- Setup & usability: 4.5 / 5
Obviously there’s no shortage of wireless speakers at this sort of money, and some of them are very good indeed. Spending your money with Bose rather than with, say, brands as credible as Apple, Denon, Sonos or WiiM (to name just a few) does have upsides, though.
Obviously there’s the standard of build and finish, the very pleasant aesthetic and the many positives about the way the Lifestyle Ultra Speaker sounds. But there’s also the open and agnostic nature of its multiroom capability, as well as the welcome and well-implemented appearance of Alexa+ as a voice assistant to be factored in too. So while this is not your only choice, the value for money it offers means it should really be on your shortlist.
- Value score: 4.5 / 5
You have other Google Home-compatible wireless speakers
The Bose plays nicely with any number of products from third-party brands
You enjoy a bit of height to your sound
That up-firing driver adds appreciably to the way your music is presented
You have plans for a home cinema system
One more Lifestyle Ultra Speaker, plus the matching Soundbar, makes for a quite compelling surround-sound set-up
Your Bluetooth source has good codec compatibility
Unfortunately, the Bose doesn’t
You’ve enjoyed the automatic room calibration some Bose products offer
The Lifestyle Ultra Speaker leaves you to deal with things manually
You’ve heard the width, as well as the height, available from alternative spatial audio speakers
The Bose ‘TrueSpatial’ processing doesn’t, in ultimate terms, deliver the ideal impression of ‘left/right’
Sonos Play
The Sonos Play is a portable, battery-powered speaker — with all the logistical positives and negatives that implies when compared to the Bose — but given that it costs exactly the same amount of money, that it’s part of a well-established ecosystem, and that it delivers a big, chunky but quite deft sound, it’s currently the product to beat.
Read our full Sonos Play review for more
JBL Xtreme 5
Want something fairly hefty that you can take outside in the rain, that isn't Wi-Fi enabled (only Bluetooth) but doesn't need to be plugged in? OK, it's possibly a long shot since you came here to read about a Wi-Fi enabled speaker for your home. But just in case, the JBL is a great five-star option for a similar price tag…
Read our in-depth JBL Xtreme 5 review for more
I used the Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker on a kitchen worktop, a bookshelf, and a dedicated speaker stand. I used an iPhone 15 Pro to stream to it using Bluetooth (given the lack of worthwhile codec compatibility, there didn’t seem much point in getting anything better specified charged up), and I also used the iOS device to listen to Apple Music via AirPlay 2.
- First reviewed: July 2026
Categories: Reviews
ErgoDriven Tempo Automatic Standing Desk review: An impressively well-built desk that actively encourages you to sit and stand
There are a lot of standing desks out there, and from my research and conversations with people who use them day-to-day, quite a few don't use the standing function more than maybe once a week, which pretty much defeats the entire purpose of having a standing desk. ErgoDriven's Tempo Desk attempts to solve that by incorporating an automatic standing function as a core principle of its operation. Not just an add-on, not just a software update, not just a plug-and-play feature, but a core functionality of how it operates.
I'll admit I was a tad bit skeptical when I first heard about a desk that will do this automatically. I even thought through some of the other desks that I have in love and thought, how hard could it be to add this functionality with a plug-in or an adapter? While this could be done with some adapters and accessories, having it all built-in first-party is really what makes this thing shine. It has the sensors, the brain, and the processing already on board, so it can do all this without anything else needed. For any other desk, you need to add not just the controller that can automatically trigger the up and down, but probably a different control sensor as well, so it knows if you are actually sitting at the desk, just as this one does.
At the end of the day, that's really what sets the Tempo Desk apart: it moves itself. It uses an IR sensor to detect when you're at the desk and whether you're standing or sitting, and then it will raise or lower based on that information. The ErgoDriven CEO even claims that this is the first real innovation in standing desks in the past 15+ years, a bold claim in a world that seems to be ever-changing. However, perhaps they're not changing in the ways that ErgoDriven was desiring.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )ErgoDriven Tempo Automatic Standing Desk: Price and AvailabilityThe ErgoDriven Tempo is available for $899 direct from ErgoDriven - although at the time of the review, it's discouinted to $599.
Because of the uniqueness of this frame and brand, this is probably one of those desks that makes the most sense to buy just the frame for, yes, or others that would look good or would help in certain areas.
If you're really looking to make your own custom version of this desk and you don't want to spend money on their tabletop, choose your own desktop, but then choose the $499 frame. If you do end up getting their desktop and some other features, your spend could go as high as $900, depending on the configuration.
The Tempo smart controller sells for about $99 on its own, but having it plugged in and built-in makes a huge difference, as I mentioned. If you want the first-party smart standing desk feel and you don't already have a desk you love, it's absolutely worth buying the full kit. If you already have a standing desk you love, decide whether you want to swap out the legs for a more integrated feel or just buy the accessory.
ErgoDriven Tempo Automatic Standing Desk: Unboxing and First ImpressionsIt took two of us about 43 minutes to fully assemble this desk. The assembly process is familiar if you have built others, but still has a little bit of uniqueness, of course. I do appreciate that we didn't need any drills for this, which was really nice, and it helped us with assembly even faster because I'd forgotten to grab one on the way up to build this in the office we were setting this up in.
The desk itself looks sharp and feels sharp. Now the materials feel well-built, and the joints feel solid. Even though this is a much lesser-known desk company, I'm impressed with the quality. It's not the highest, most bougie end, but it's definitely upper-middle tier in quality, so hats off to the team at ErgoDriven for that.
ErgoDriven Tempo Automatic Standing Desk: Design & Build QualityAs I briefly mentioned above, the build quality for this is quite nice. It's better than I expected, to be honest, but also, with a company that I don't know very well, I didn't really have many expectations at all.
One thing that I was curious about was if this desk experience would be app-first or app-second. Meaning, would it be clear that the design company intended this to be used solely with an app and not for the handset to work well at all, or vice versa? In reality, after utilizing this for a while, it's been working quite nicely in both respects.
Yes, the controller does have some adjustments I would like to make in a perfect world, but so does every desk. All around, this works pretty seamlessly. It did take a little while to learn some of the quick commands, just like with any custom keyboard or mouse that has specialty commands. After looking those up a handful of times and building some muscle memory, I can now perform them pretty accurately.
ErgoDriven Tempo Automatic Standing Desk: In use(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )In using this desk for several weeks now, I can say that the motor is surprisingly quiet going up and down, so much so that I can raise it and lower it (or, should I say, allow it to raise and lower) whilst in a meeting, virtually or sometimes even in person, and not have it be a huge distraction. After a few times of adjusting to it, I actually got used to it. Now I just move with it rather than trying to fight it, unless I'm in a very important meeting or I'm presenting something.
Over the last few weeks, I definitely found myself sitting at this desk more than I normally did. The automation is just enough to help me stand without making it feel like I'm standing too much, or just constantly standing, which is a nice change of pace. I still get to enjoy my comfortable chair and take a load off every once in a while, but then I'm prompted to stand up so I don't end up sitting for an entire day. Focused at what I'm doing, I can still stay focused and stand.
ErgoDriven Tempo Automatic Standing Desk: Final verdict(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )My team and I are fairly active, so there are days when we have had heavy workouts or heavy other activity, and we don't appreciate the standing feature as much. I do believe this is probably more focused on people who sit for days on end, or on people with desk jobs at home who never leave and need some help getting more activity into their day.
If you're the kind of person who's already pretty active, this may feel a bit redundant or a tad frustrating because you know your body pretty well. For those looking to add more activity to their day due to their work schedule or low activity level, this may be the perfect solution.
It's a quality desk with a fun feature, and it's performed pretty well over the last several weeks. If you're looking for some more movement throughout your day, make sure to check this out.
Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // FutureFor more office furniture, we've tested the best standing desks and the best office chairs.
Categories: Reviews
Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C S2725DC review: A perfect budget business monitor for every kind of office
There are a lot of monitors out there these days, and every one of them is touting how great it is in one way or another. Whether that is visual clarity or resolution, aspect ratio, custom zoning, colors, anything like that.
However, what isn't said is that even though there are iPads that you can buy with tandem OLED displays, most people in a business context or professional context just don't need that and probably don't even understand what they're looking at, even if they had all of the monitors at their disposal. I'm saying this from experience as well. It's not just me saying that as a tech reviewer isolated in a box, but as somebody who procures monitors for a growing business.
I've had several people who, when trying to figure out what they want for a monitor, simply just say they want a 27-inch screen because that's what they're used to and that's all they need and want. I've set up several workstations with much nicer setups, only to see the settings toned down to the point where they are using it as is: a 27-inch HD monitor rather than a fantastic 4K display with color accuracy.
The USB-C feature adds a layer of simplicity to this monitor: instead of needing a dock or an HDMI plug-in, you can simply train your team to plug in their company laptop with a single USB-C cable. One-cable setups are super easy, and this monitor does that very, very well.
For those who need simple and those who don't need anything fancy, this may just be one of the perfect monitors that fits that gap, while every other monitor seems to be trying to push for the best of the best of the best in some other area that may or may not matter to the masses.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor: Price and AvailabilityThe Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C S2725DC is widely available from Dell in all regions, as well as retailers such as Amazon. It retails for around $250 / £250.
For what you're getting, that feels like a phenomenal price to me. Especially when buying these out in bulk across multiple locations, offices, or similar setups.
Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor: Unboxing and First ImpressionsRight out of the gate, the unboxing for this one is very similar to the last Dell 27" HD monitor that I tested. It's a very simple white box. Inside is just as simple. There is a monitor, a three-piece stand, and some included cables. The only difference is that this box includes a USB-C cable as well. That is actually a surprising length, making it long enough for you to route into a desk, pull away, or mount somewhere as well, if needed. I would have expected probably a meter or two, but this one seems to be quite a bit longer in a good way.
Once set up, I was able to plug in a test device via USB-C to confirm it had power. Then I tested it with all sorts of different devices that I had. I tested it on my MacBook, my iPad, another iPad, and my iPhone. I tested it with several other laptops and a couple of desktops, and all of them worked out great. This USB-C is quick and responsive. The screen looks sharp, and the few times that you need to use the OSD, it works well.
One thing worth noting on this is that the pop-out ports on the bottom actually work really well. Of course, they're not Thunderbolt 5 speeds, but they're fast enough to get the work done you may need to do on this: charge quick devices, transfer some smaller files, things like that. Of course, it doesn't need to have crazy high-speed transfer rates, because that's not the design of this monitor. That would be like trying to cram 57 cup holders into a Ferrari. That's just not necessary, because that's not what that vehicle is designed for. Same thing here. Why would Dell spend money and time and resources on crazy high-speed USB-C on a device that isn't designed to work that way?
Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor: Design & Build QualityI've already mentioned it a little bit, but the design is simple. It's clean, and it's very work-friendly. This isn't the kind of monitor that's going to turn heads, and that's exactly what Dell was hoping for. This is the kind of monitor you would see on the desk of a data admin or an executive admin at a coworking space. Perhaps a hot desk scenario, maybe an accountant, account manager, or things of that nature.
The stand has some slight upgrades from past ones that I've griped about. Instead of a cable pass-through through the base, it actually has a little clip on the back. It's still not perfect, but it seems a little clearer and cleaner to use if you opt not to use the built-in stand. One thing to note is that the monitor is extremely light, so you will need to aggressively adjust your monitor arm to compensate for the reduced weight, which is not usually the case. Usually you have to account for heavier monitors.
There is an OSD joystick for selecting inputs, adjusting USB-C settings, or even choosing the original language when first setting up the monitor. Lastly, I do appreciate that this is a USB-C monitor, as that one-cable setup without needing another dock, another power, or another place to put a docking station really helps clean things up.
Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor: In use(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )This monitor has functioned well for everyday work. I’ll be the first to note that it wouldn't be ideal for color-accurate creative work. Nor would it be great for those who try to fit everything on their display at once, expecting a high-resolution screen to help by scaling. It’s not for video editors, photo editors, creatives, gamers, or those.
But for people who work on spreadsheets, project management, emails, web-based content, writing documents, working with AI, perhaps even basic coding, and things in this realm, those who don’t have a specialty niche when it comes to displays, this will work great. I immediately thought of my friends who work in finance and Insurance. These guys would kill for a monitor like this, as it does exactly what they need without any fluff. It’s not going to take their time to set up and understand.
Well, of course, the single USB-C is a huge benefit for this monitor. It's also super great for IT professionals who need a simple setup to run a server or plug into a server room or something like that. Other devices can be plugged into the HDMI ports, and then when they walk in with their laptop, they can plug in with USB-C. You could, of course, also plug in other devices via USB-C, like desktops, but that would also be just as easy to plug in an HDMI cable. That's not necessarily a huge selling point.
One of the many things that USB-C can transfer is audio, and while this monitor does have speakers, do not expect them to be anything fancy. You can potentially get away with some background audio, maybe some lo-fi beats on Spotify or a virtual meeting, but I wouldn't expect these to be anything crazy or clear. They'll get the job done in some scenarios, but not in many.
Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor: Final verdict(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )All in all, I think it's pretty clear that this is a simple monitor for simple needs for those who don't have a niche need. Nor do they want to spend what some people spend on a car on a monitor.
Monitor technology has gotten incredible. I would know. I've tested most monitors out right now, and while I do love a fancy monitor, there is something to be said for a simple one that is just plug-and-play, without any bells and whistles, that still costs a very reasonable $200-$250.
There's still plenty of demand for that kind of display, and Dell putting out this monitor shows exactly that.
Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // FutureFor more top-performers, we've tested the best business monitors.
Categories: Reviews
I was surprised by how well Keychron’s new mouse performed — but one aspect might disappoint FPS players
Keychron G5 review
The Keychron G5 is a small and lightweight symmetrical gaming mouse designed for both work and play.
It sports a gamer-centric design, with nondescript patterns embossed all over the unit. I can’t say I found these appealing, looking dated as they did, but at least they’re reasonably discreet, given they’re close to the same shade of black as the base color. Their texture feels good in the hand, too.
With its small and ergonomic, it sits low to the ground, while the mouse buttons slope downwards quite prominently, and feature deep indents to secure your fingers. The sidewalls are similarly cinched, and the whole unit is narrower and less bulky than many of the best gaming mice.
(Image credit: Future)It’s no surprise, then, that the G5 is also very light. Weighing just 43g, it's one of the lightest models around. Despite this, it feels well-made: the plastics used are solid and premium-feeling, and put together without a hint of looseness or rattle. All the various buttons feel stable and tightly installed, too.
However, there aren’t many of them. There are no extra inputs beyond the usual, not even a DPI button, which may prove inconvenient for those wishing to switch between productivity and gaming regularly.
All this isn’t to say the G5 is bereft of features, though. Thanks to Keychron’s Web Launcher software, accessible via your browser, there are plenty of input customizations and performance tweaks on tap. Remapping assignments include various system and media shortcuts, (although these are confined to the most basic ones), macros (a macro creator is featured here for this purpose), and DPI and polling rate toggles.
There’s also a remapping mode called Gaming Keys, which allows you to assign a key or mouse button that repeatedly triggers while holding down your chosen button. As well as selecting the number of times it fires, you can also alter the rate of fire in millisecond increments, from 10ms to 1000ms.
(Image credit: Future)As for performance tweaks, there are three settings for the lift-off distance (0.7mm, 1mm, and 2mm), as well as toggles for motion sync, angle snap, and ripple control. You can also adjust the debounce times for every button on the G5, not just the left and right clicks. Each has a slider with a range of 0-20ms, adjustable in millisecond increments.
It’s somewhat disappointing that the G5 uses a web app for these customizations, as I usually prefer standalone apps for the sake of convenience and ease of use. However, I have to say that Keychron’s works better than many others I’ve tried, proving responsive and stable during my time with it.
In action, the G5 is very effective. It glides very smoothly and easily, thanks to that aforementioned weight and the frictionless skates. Its ergonomic proportions and textured sides made for a comfortable grip and problem-free lift-offs as well.
However, in wired mode, this maneuverability is somewhat compromised, owing to the resistance introduced by the USB cable. I didn’t find the dragging sensation as strong as other gaming mouse cables I’ve experienced, and the upwardly curved jack does help to free the cable from your desktop, like a mouse bungee does. Unfortunately, the benefit here is comparatively marginal; ultimately the cable was still detrimental to my movements.
(Image credit: Future)The left and right clicks were also heavier than I expected, which I noticed when playing Counter-Strike 2. They failed to provide the snappiness I was after when spamming clicks. But they’re not heavy to the point of being prohibitive and they’re nicely damped, which lends them a satisfying feel.
Oddly, the scroll wheel is perhaps the most pleasing input of them all. Its soft yet textured material feels good and offers a secure grip, while the notching of the wheel itself feels excellent. It’s solid enough to prevent misfires, yet loose enough to allow for fast flicks when needed, such as when navigating web pages or documents. The middle click is also easy to actuate without triggering accidental scrolls.
Connectivity is very good, too. It connected to my devices via Bluetooth and the 2.4GHz USB dongle without issue, and I didn’t experience any drops or lag in my connections. Hot-switching between devices is also easy, thanks to the underside selector. However, I did find that the DPI value I set when connected via the dongle didn’t carry over when I hot-switched to Bluetooth, an issue that’s exacerbated by the absence of a DPI button on the G5.
I wasn’t able to extensively test the battery life of the G5, but it doesn’t seem to be particularly enduring. After about a day of use, switching between two different PCs connected via the two wireless modes, the battery depleted by about 10%.
The G5 isn’t exactly a budget mouse, but it represents good value considering its build quality, performance, customization options and multiple connectivity modes. It might not have many inputs compared to others in the sector, and the clicks are a bit too heavy for certain situations, but these are about its only drawbacks. All in all, then, the G5 makes a compelling rival to the big hitters in the space.
Keychron G5 review: Price & availability(Image credit: Future)- $109.99 (about £80 / AU$160)
- Available now in black
- Good value for the spec
The Keychron G5 costs $109.99 (about £80 / AU$160) and is available now in black only. It can be bought directly from Keychron’s website, where international shipping is offered. Charges and additional taxes depend on your region.
For an 8K gaming mouse with multiple connectivity modes and a supremely lightweight construction, the G5 represents good value for money. Pointers from the big brands with comparable specs usually cost more, such as the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro. This mouse lacks Bluetooth support as well, although we were mighty impressed with its performance when we reviewed it, ranking among the best esports mice you can get right now.
If you need more inputs, the Logitech G502 X Plus is a prime candidate. The line to which this mouse belongs has been a perennial favorite of the gaming community for years. It features 13 buttons, all customizable thanks to Logitech’s versatile G Hub software. What’s more, it’s about the same price as the G5.
Should I buy the Keychron G5?ScorecardValue
Expensive in absolute terms, but for a 43g 8K mouse with multiple connectivity options and plenty of customizations, it’s a good deal.
4.5 / 5
Design
Small, super light, and very comfortable. The pattern looks a little dated, though.
4.5 / 5
Performance
Very smooth and satisfying, but those heavy clicks do let the side down a little. Connectivity is mostly great, save for the DPI reset issue.
4 / 5
Final score
The G5 mightn’t suit every gamer, but it’s certainly worth considering if you prize lightness and a comfortable form.
4 / 5
Buy it if…You want something comfortable
At just 43g, the G5 is easy to move around, and the small yet ergonomic shape is easy to grip, too.
You like to tinker
Keychron’s web app offers all sorts of customizations and tweaks that should please pro-level gamers.
You want plenty of inputs
The G5 only gets the basic buttons — there’s not even a DPI cycler, although you could remap another button for this purpose.
You want the snappiest clicks
While clicks are satisfyingly damped, I found them a little too heavy for spamming quickly.
Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro
If you want to play like the pros, this is the mouse for you. We loved how well it performed when we reviewed it, and were even taken by its fantastic optical scroll wheel. It’s costlier than the G5 and lacks the same multiple wireless connectivity options, but the V4 Pro is just about the best pure gaming pointer right now in our eyes. Read our full Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro review.
Logitech G502 X Plus
The G502 line has been acclaimed by gamers for years, and this edition is no less impressive. It has a lot more buttons than the G5, all of which are programmable. It also has an ergonomic shape, although it’s much larger and heavier, so not ideal for those looking to shed the weight. Read our full Logitech G502 X Plus review.
- Tested for a few days
- Used for working and gaming
- Extensive gaming mouse experience
I tested the Keychron G5 for a few days, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.
I played Counter-Strike 2, a stern test for peripherals given the demands it places on quick movements and accurate aiming. I also made sure to try out as many of the mouse’s customization features via the Keychron Web Launcher.
I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have used a large number of gaming mice in that time. I’ve also reviewed plenty of them, across a broad range of price points, form factors, and feature sets.
- Read more about how we test
- First reviewed: July 2026
Categories: Reviews
Xerox C255a review: I much prefer Xerox’s reboot of Lexmark’s laser printer
Specs
Type: color multifunction laser printer
Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax, ADF
Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
Data storage slots: USB Host
Max print speed: 25ppm
Max paper size: Letter / A4
Print quality: 600x600 dpi (4,800 dpi color)
Memory: 1GB
Apple AirPrint: yes
Consumables included: 4 x toner cartridges (750 black, 500 color pages)
Dimensions: 16.18 x 15.71 x 13.58in (411 x 399 x 345 mm (WxDxH)
Weight: 42.9lbs/19.5kg
The first real fruit of the Xerox/Lexmark collaboration is a mid-priced multifunction laser printer aimed at hybrid workers and small businesses looking for high performance from a compact device that doesn’t need IT support.
It’s essentially Lexmark hardware with Xerox software and support, which sounds to me like the best of both worlds. The Lexmark print engine has proved fast and efficient in the past, but I much prefer the Xerox interface and Easy Assist App, so let’s see if this middle-of-the-road office all-in-one is worthy to wear the refreshed Xerox logo.
Xerox C255a: Design and build(Image credit: Future)The Xerox C255a is impressively compact for a four-in-one device with two paper inputs and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). The main tray can hold up to 250 sheets of A4 or letter paper, while the slot-loading multipurpose tray is for single sheets or envelopes. It’s smaller than the Brother MFC-L8970CDW in all dimensions, which is good, but it’s a pity the display is less than half that printer’s size at just 2.8 inches. At least there’s a USB Host port beside the front panel, in addition to the USB data port at the rear.
It looks much like the Lexmark MC3326i on which this new model is based, except that it now has a playfully shaped plastic front panel that bends its top right corner outwards just enough to look like a furling sheet of paper, while offering an easy way to open up the toner compartment door. The black and gray livery looks smart and it’s showcasing the reworked Xerox logo, which now features a kind of crosshead screw icon that looks like a nod to Lexmark’s green square logo.
It’s reassuringly heavy at just under 20kg or 43lbs and it feels well made, from fifty percent recycled plastic. The toner cartridges lock into place with a satisfying click and the paper drawer opens smoothly. In short, build quality is a strong point. You can even add an optional swivel cabinet or adjustable stand, but sadly, you can’t add another paper cassette.
Xerox C255a: Features & specifications (Image credit: Future)As the company’s mid-priced model, the Xerox C255a has all the features on my check list to be among the best small business printers. Wi-Fi with AirPrint and Chromebook compatibility is built in, there’s a USB flash memory slot, strong security and a manual paper feed in addition to the main tray. It can auto duplex print, of course, but it can’t auto duplex scan. That feature is reserved for the step-up Xerox C325.
The print rate is also appreciably slower than the Xerox C325. That said, our Xerox C255a is no slouch at 26ppm (pages per minute) in simplex mode and it doesn’t slow down much when duplexing. I think it’s fast enough for the needs of most businesses.
Print resolution is the usual 600x600 DPI which matches the scan resolution, while color printing is enhanced to 4,800 DPI. The 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM is an improvement on the old Lexmark and Xerox’s recommended duty cycle of up to 50,000 pages per month suggests that this is a printer that can handle a very heavy workload.
Xerox C255a: Setup and operation(Image credit: Future)I found the setup procedure to be quick and painless and did not need to reach for the single-page quick start guide. You just have to remove all the transport packaging, load your paper, power up and follow the on-screen prompts to get online and print the first test page.
The inbuilt 2.8-inch display is rather small, but it’s intuitive and Xerox’s setup procedure makes it easy to link your smartphone so you can use the helpful Easy Assist companion app to get your printer onto your Wi-Fi network for the first time.
Day-to-day operation is simplified by the user-friendly OS which I think Xerox always did better than Lexmark. The Lexmark MC3326i always suffered from a lazy touchscreen and more convoluted menu system, which I’m happy to say has been much improved.
Xerox C255a: Performance(Image credit: Future)Firstly, the pages of crisp dark text on plain paper pumped out by the Xerox C255a look great and explain why Xerox was so keen to purchase Lexmark’s print engine. It’s not the quietest laser printer in its class, nor the fastest, but the black on white print quality is consistently excellent. Characters printed at small point sizes always appear legible and well delineated when viewed through a magnifying glass.
Mixed color documents are less impressive because the C/M/Y toner, which doesn’t appear to have changed since the Lexmark days, is somewhat dull. The color tones are actually quite natural and consistent, but they certainly don’t pop in the way that they do with the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw, for example. I don’t think this is a problem for printing handouts and reports etc, but photographs, even when printed on laser photo paper, tend to look flat and disappointing.
The scanner bed and ADF both worked flawlessly during the tests and made accurate multipage copies swiftly and without paper jams. The duplicates appeared noticeably paler than the originals, but not enough to be a problem. As a digital copier, the Xerox C255a is fine, but without single-pass dual scanning, that’s not its strongest suit.
Xerox C255a: Consumables (Image credit: Future)The Xerox C255a ships with four pre-loaded starter cartridges containing just enough toner to print 750 black and pages, or 500 in color. That means they’re less than a third full because Xerox’s standard carts yield 1,200 color and 1,300 black pages, while the high-capacity carts yield up to 2500 color and 3,000 black pages.
With the highest yield black Xerox cartridges costing around US$100 or £98, the cost per page can be reasonably competitive, although it’s by no means the lowest running cost among laser printers in this class.
Apart from the badge, the cartridges look identical to those of the Lexmark MC33261i and contain the same toner, so we can assume they’re compatible.
Xerox C255a: Maintenance (Image credit: Future)Apart from replacing the toner cartridges, the Xerox C255a may require a new waste toner cartridge costing around $20 when the original becomes full.
The imaging drums are not built into the toner cartridges in this case, so they will also need to be swapped out if you notice serious deterioration in print quality or you receive the dreaded ‘Replace Drum’ message on the display.
None of those things should happen before around 40,000 prints, so I’d say this is a low-maintenance device.
Xerox C255a: Final verdictFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureThe Xerox C255a performed well enough in all of my tests to recommend it to both home workers with high print demands and small businesses in a shared office. It’s compact enough to sit on your desk at home, while also having the print speed and paper/ink capacity to serve a small workgroup, and thanks to the intuitive touchscreen interface and strong app support, you’re unlikely to need IT backup.
It’s not the quietest of laser printers, nor the fastest and it lacks high-end features like NFC or single-pass dual scanning, but crucially, it does have all the essentials, such as Wi-Fi with AirPrint, an ADF and robust security. There’s not much toner in the starter cartridges, but Xerox’s high-yield refills are reasonably priced. Build quality is also reassuringly solid and having tested the Lexmark on which this Xerox is based, I can confirm that it’s a genuine improvement rather than just a rebrand.
For more top-rated options, I've tested out the best home printers and the best laser printers.
Categories: Reviews
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN review - a standout choice for niche audiences
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a fifteen-year veteran of the VPN industry, and has carved out a niche as a privacy-focused VPN with tons of customization. Tech vets and power users will appreciate this, certainly, but PIA also nails the basics, making it a solid pick for beginners.
Admittedly, PIA isn't as feature-rich as its closest competitors, and can't keep up with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark when it comes to releasing new, innovative tools. It's still one of the cheaper VPNs on the market, though, with a 3-year plan coming in at just $2.03 per month.
Keep reading, and I'll dig into PIA's spread of features, speed testing results, and unblocking power. How does it stack up against today's top contenders? Let's find out.
FeaturesComparing PIA against its closest competitors, like NordVPN, you might think that it falls short when it comes to features. However, we think that it's a matter of quality over quantity - especially when you consider how many of PIA's tools can be tweaked on a granular level.
Its split-tunnel feature lets you differentiate between apps, IPs, and whether VMs are covered by the tunnel, alongside separate options for forcing DNS requests through PIA’s in-house encrypted DNS servers even if you’re not using the VPN tunnel.
PIA gives you access to some automation rules that you can use to force the VPN to activate (or deactivate) when you’re connecting to certain networks, making it just that little bit easier to work PIA into your daily routine.
Plus, it also uses its own encrypted DNS servers, which keep your browser requests hidden from your ISP. This also allows it to offer Mace, which is a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker. By blocking requests to known malicious URLs using their DNS server, Mace keeps unwanted content from being sent to your machine. It’s a good idea, but our testing suggests it shouldn’t be your only defense against ads.
There are some pretty strong obfuscation settings on offer from PIA too, giving you the choice between Shadowsocks and a SOCKS 5 proxy. Both will wrap your VPN connection inside a separate TLS tunnel, making it appear to anyone monitoring your data as though you’re just sending normal encrypted browsing traffic.
While Shadowsocks is a little outdated compared to the obfuscation ExpressVPN offers, it’s still one of the best solutions if you’re being blocked from creating VPN connections by a network administrator.
Shadowsocks is also the foundation for PIA's attempt at multihop. Since its multihop solution is more a part of its obfuscation capabilities than an individual feature, PIA's solution isn't entirely simple. What's more, it's only compatible with OpenVPN, and you won't be warned that multihop will stop should you switch back to WireGuard.
Features score: 8/10
Server networkPIA's servers are spread across 91 countries and 152 locations, including coverage in all 50 US states. Some of the American servers are virtually hosted, however, but PIA is still one of only a handful of VPNs with this kind of presence in the US. Only NordVPN even comes close in terms of North American locations, but with only 17 locations to choose from in the US, it still doesn’t hold a candle to PIA.
Unfortunately, the server network is less impressive on an international scale. PIA lacks coverage across Asia, in particular, lagging behind our other top-rated VPNs. The same can be said for Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania, but this is a rather grim constant across the industry.
Pivoting back to PIA's virtual servers, I was pleasantly surprised to see that PIA doesn't try to hide them away or pretend they don't exist. On the PIA site, they're called "geolocated servers", and you can see at a glance where they're really located.
This honesty is refreshing, but it does highlight just how many virtual locations PIA offers - more than 80, which is more than half of PIA's total location count.
If you're looking for a rock-solid choice for America, with plenty of Stateside coverage, PIA is a stellar choice. If you have your eye on more far-flung corners of the globe, however, the provider just doesn't have the same reach as the likes of NordVPN.
Server network score: 7/10
AppsPIA has apps for virtually every platform, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. They're well-designed and simple, and we found that feature parity is consistent between them. This is a nice change from the norm – a lot of VPNs leave their Mac and Linux users underfed, after all.
The desktop experience is straightforward. Check under the hood, however, and you'll find a roster of handy tools. The quick-connect bar lists different locations, split between your favorite servers and the last server you connected to. It's a handy timesaver if you find yourself frequently swapping between a handful of locations.
(Image credit: Future)There are two different ways to set up the client dashboard. The first is a basic interface that just gives you the connect button, the location selector, and a reminder of what your home IP and VPN IP are. It’s everything the average user needs to see at a glance, but if you’re interested in all of the techy stuff you can hit the dropdown button and you’ll be presented with a wealth of information, including in-depth details on your connection performance, session statistics, and all the choices you’ve made about how your VPN protocol is set up. It’s all very efficient in how it’s presented, wasting minimal space in the app window.
There’s also a VPN snooze timer that lets you turn the connection off for a few minutes. It’s rare that I’m turning off my VPN regularly enough to remember that there’s a feature to turn it off for a few minutes at a time, but it works and it’s convenient.
While the Android app used to look fairly outdated compared to the rest of the PIA line, a recent update brings the Android app in line with its desktop counterparts as well as the iOS version. The update hasn’t just given it a slick new UI, as you’ve also got access to a new dark mode and some advanced configuration options that let you get the most out of the multi-hop, DNS, and automation features you’ll be familiar with from the desktop version.
Apps score: 9/10
Ease of usePIA is a great choice for VPN newbies and anyone else who wants a sleek experience. However, we do think it's possible to get lost in the weeds if you toggle over to the "detailed" view of the app. This customizability is one of PIA's biggest selling points, though, and power users will relish the chance to tweak the provider down to the last detail.
The simplified app lets users hit the big "Connect" button and, after a moment, enjoy rock-solid VPN protection. This minimalist approach to a VPN gives PIA serious crowd-appeal, and we like that the options in the settings menu are all explained with a handy tooltip, too. Despite its reputation, PIA doesn't require you to have a degree in cybersecurity to make the most of its functionality.
Ease of use score: 8/10
Speed and performanceHow we perform speed tests(Image credit: Shutterstock)We have two virtual computers: one in the UK, and one in the US. We test the service's speeds across OpenVPN and WireGuard multiple times per day over multiple speed test sites, giving us an idea of the average speeds. If you have any questions, you can find out more about our VPN testing methodology.
Testing VPN speeds is a key part of our review process, and we use a freshly upgraded 10 GB line and a local UK-based server in our process.
Private Internet Access isn't a certified speed demon. When we connected to a nearby Dublin server and put its WireGuard protocol to the test, we saw speeds of 419 Mbps. It marks an unfortunate drop from our latest test, which recorded over 600 Mbps. What's more, the very fastest VPNs, such as PrivadoVPN and Mullvad, are now achieving in excess of 2000 Mbps.
Still, we've never experienced any major slowdown or sluggishness when using PIA in our day-to-day browsing. These average speeds are also more than quick enough to keep up with traditionally bandwidth-intensive activities, like HD streaming, online gaming, and torrenting.
Switching to OpenVPN, we recorded results of 129 Mbps. OpenVPN speeds tend to be slower than their WireGuard-based equivalents because it's just not as well optimized for speed. That said, this marks yet another drop from our prior testing, this time down from 244 Mbps. This is far slower than most other VPNs, with the fastest OpenVPN speeds we recorded this time being over 1000 MBps.
Speed and performance score: 6/10
UnblockingOne of the biggest, most thorough tests we put today's top VPNs through determines how well they can access popular streaming platforms from around the world. After all, these services regularly geo-restrict their content libraries and often detect VPN usage, requiring you to switch off your VPN to enjoy your favorite shows or sports.
They do this by blocking IP addresses known to belong to VPNs, which means that only VPNs that invest in their IP pools and frequently refresh them can reliably access streaming content.
Unfortunately, PIA's streaming unblocking capabilities have fallen off hugely in recent months. Our latest tests showed it failed to unblock YouTube in every region aside from the UK, and Prime Video everywhere aside from the UK and Australia. Disney+ also failed to unblock when we tested it in Canada. If you're a keen Netflix watcher, there is some good news, as PIA unblocked all Netflix regions without issue.
PIA is thankfully a capable torrenting VPN. Its speeds aren't chart-topping, but it does offer port forwarding – whereas plenty of its competitors don't.
Port forwarding allows you to accept incoming connections to your VPN’s IP address, so you can communicate with more peers in a P2P network.
Unblocking score: 6/10
Privacy and securityPrivate Internet Access has built a sturdy reputation as one of the most security-focused services on the market – and it delivers, for the most part.
Browsing traffic is protected by industry-standard AES-256 encryption and today's two most popular VPN protocols: OpenVPN and WireGuard. Both are widely accepted as secure, reliable technology, though you'll want to stick with OpenVPN if airtight privacy is your main goal, whereas WireGuard is more suitable for day-to-day browsing, or times when you want to balance security with speed.
Admittedly, PIA lacks the extra features offered by the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark, but it does boast all of the core tools a VPN needs.
There’s a kill switch on all its apps, which automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your data remains secure at all times. There are no DNS leaks here either. PIA’s own encrypted DNS servers route all of your domain requests, which prevents your DNS queries from being exposed to your ISP or a third party on the network.
PIA is committed to a strict no-logs policy. This has been independently verified by Deloitte with three separate audits.
The most recent of which was conducted in early 2026. According to the audit, PIA’s systems log zero user activity, meaning there is no way to trace online actions back to specific individuals. However, the full audit report is only available to PIA customers. While it’s good to see that PIA has undergone independent verification, making these reports publicly accessible, as ExpressVPN does, would bolster trust even further.
Despite providing very strong protection, our testing picked up some areas where PIA could improve. We tried running Mace through a gauntlet of phishing URLs to see which ones it’d block. So, with 100 brand new malicious URLs from anti-phishing experts OpenPhish, PIA managed to block… two of them. We think this is because Mace is pulling from a blocklist of known suspicious links, and most of the URLs we’re testing are fresh threat intelligence. Still, it’s notably weak, far below what we’d expect from a top-tier VPN.
Privacy and security score: 8/10
User reviewsPIA's user sentiment is a strange one. The best indicator of this is its subreddit, which has around 14,000 weekly visitors and 135 weekly contributions. Currently, the majority of these contributions surround reduced functionality, lack of development, and general unfixed problems.
PIA's lack of development, while unconfirmed, is something we're monitoring. That said, this hasn't impacted several of its other ratings.
Its Trustpilot score remains around 4.3/5, and its Google Play Store and Apple App Store ratings remain at 4.5 and 4.7 respectively. The only rating that seems to have noticed the lack of development is Chrome, where it rates only 3.2.
Development or otherwise, PIA is a known, trusted VPN, so I find it unlikely these ratings will drop any time soon.
Track recordPrivate Internet Access has a strong track record of maintaining user privacy and delivering reliable service over the years. The only black mark against it is the acquisition by Kape Technologies in 2019, which caused some serious concern.
Before its pivot to providing VPN brands, Kape’s primary output was browser add-ons, which injected adverts and monetized the browsing data. Although consumer trust in PIA plummeted after this revelation, it's done a lot of work to win back that trust with regular no-logs audits that demonstrate it's not following in Kape’s footsteps.
In fact, PIA has dealt with several court cases where it was legally obliged to turn over user information. It responded by asserting it had nothing to turn over, which is pretty impressive.
PIA has also demonstrated a commitment to transparency by regularly releasing Transparency Reports, which detail the number of legal requests the company receives and how it handles them.
The most recent of these reports came alongside its most recent no-logs audit in 2026. The report showed 30 requests from authorities were received in the final 3 months of 2025, but, as expected, no information was provided by PIA.
Track record score: 7/10
Customer supportPIA's customer support has room for improvement. As you might expect, there's a 24/7 live chat channel and email ticketing system, but we found responses could be sluggish across both of these avenues. Naturally, that's not ideal if you have a more pressing problem.
What's more, attempting to raise a ticket wasn't easy. The link to submit a ticket from the contact us page sent us to a Linux Manual Connections page instead. Switching to the support centre saw us manage to reach a ticket submission form, though it strangely required us to go through email verification steps first. All in all, not a simple process should you be in dire need.
On the other hand, if you prefer doing your own troubleshooting, you'll be glad to learn that PIA has its very own customer forum and knowledge base. The forums are active and packed with experienced users who are (typically) happy to help squash any issues, and the knowledge base is well organized and easy to navigate.
The one quibble we have with the knowledge base, however, is that a lot of the support articles are outdated. The basic information remains solid, but we'd like to see these pages receive an update that adds extra depth and detail.
Customer support score: 6/10
Pricing and plansPrivate Internet Access is one of the most budget-friendly VPNs on the market today. In terms of pure value for money, however, it lags behind NordVPN and Surfshark by a heel.
The monthly plan starts at $11.95, which is just a little bit over what you’d expect to pay for a top-tier VPN. Once you start getting into the long-term plans, however, the price drops through the floor. The annual plan only costs $3.33 a month, which is already cheaper than most plans offered by other top VPNs. It gets even better though, as the three-year plan costs as little as $2.03 per month, which also includes three additional months free.
The service includes all core features in its base price, without any hidden costs or paywalled features. The only extra you’d be expected to pay for is the dedicated IP option, which costs another $5 a month. This is understandable, as providing dedicated IPs is inherently expensive for a VPN provider because of the worldwide shortage of IPv4 addresses. Surfshark’s dedicated IPs are a little less costly at $3.75 a month, but if you opt in for a two-year plan PIA’s dedicated IPs drop down to $2.50 making it one of the cheapest around.
PIA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test the service risk-free.
Pricing and plans score: 9/10
Should you use PIA?PIA is an excellent VPN for the cost. It might not be as fast as Surfshark, offer as many features as NordVPN, or give you as many locations to connect to as ExpressVPN, but if you need a VPN that absolutely nails all of the core things you need to do and don’t want to spend too much, PIA is perfect. It’s also a VPN you can absolutely trust when it comes to privacy and security, and it’s one of the few providers out there that offers a Linux client that’s just as good as the Windows or MacOS client.
Out of everything that PIA could do better, speeds are at the top of the list. That’s not to say it’s a laggy VPN. It’s still light-years ahead of most VPNs you could pick, but it’s just outclassed by alternatives like Proton VPN or Surfshark. It’s also starting to lag behind in innovation compared to the likes of NordVPN.
Total score: 74/100
3. Private Internet Access – from $2.03 per month Packed with features and advanced tools
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a battle-tested provider with its very own built-in ad-blocker—and one that'll handle trackers and malware, too. PIA is jam-packed with customizable features that advanced users will love and unlimited simultaneous connections. So, you can cover all of your gadgets with one plan, and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal
Not sure if PIA is the right fit for you? Here are our top alternatives you can currently pick up, all of which you can test with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
1. NordVPN – from $3.49 per month
The best VPN overall
NordVPN sits at the top of our rankings with a virtually unbeatable spread of features and some of the quickest, most reliable speeds we've ever tested. All of its apps, across platforms, are sleek and clutter-free, and you can even add built-in ad and tracker blocking to your plan. Plus, NordVPN is one of our favorite VPNs for streaming, thanks to its ability to access platforms from all corners of the globe. Interested? See how NordVPN compares to Surfshark with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal
2. Surfshark – from $2.49 per month
The best cheap VPN (and also the fastest)
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that doesn't pull punches when it comes to speed, security, or simplicity. It always aces our testing, especially when it comes to unblocking streaming content from all over the world, and its blistering performance means that you won't be slowed to a crawl when checking out HD movies or going about your day-to-day social media scrolling. Plus, with unlimited simultaneous connections to play with, you can protect all of the gadgets in your home with just one plan. Take Surfshark for a test drive today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal
3. ExpressVPN – from $3.49 per month
The best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN might not rule at the top of our overall rankings anymore, but it's still our top recommendation to anyone on the hunt for a beginner VPN. Its apps are nice and easy to set up and use, regardless of your skill level, and it's jam-packed with security-boosting tools designed to keep snoopers at bay. While ExpressVPN is on the pricey side, you can sweeten the pot with a nifty 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal
No, Private Internet Access has a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently verified by Deloitte through multiple audits. This means that PIA does not track or store any data related to your online activities while using the VPN.
Can PIA unblock Netflix and other streaming services?PIA is more than capable of accessing in-demand streaming platforms – Netflix included. During our testing, we found that PIA had no trouble unblocking content libraries in the US, UK, and Japan. Plus, it works like a charm with other sites, like Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
Is PIA suitable for torrenting?Yes, PIA is a stand-out choice for torrenting and P2P activity. All of its servers support P2P traffic and there aren't any bandwidth caps to worry about. Plus, PIA is one of only a handful of reliable services to offer port forwarding.
Categories: Reviews
AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro with Expansion Battery review
AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: Design
The Nomad 1800 Pro makes a positive first impression as a portable power station. It's compact, easy to carry and has a clean industrial design that looks at home in a garage, campervan or utility room.
Look a little closer, however, and some cost-saving measures become apparent.
The plastics are perfectly functional but don't quite offer the reassuring solidity you'd expect from a premium product. Nothing feels fragile, yet the overall finish lacks the refinement found on more established alternatives.
(Image credit: Future)The weakest point is the power button. It has a soft, almost hollow action that doesn't inspire confidence, particularly as it's the one control you'll use every time you switch the unit on.
Fortunately, AFERIY makes some smart decisions elsewhere. Using a standard IEC C13 "kettle lead" for AC charging is a welcome choice, eliminating the need for proprietary charging cables. Likewise, the XT60 solar input means compatible solar panels are easy to source without hunting for obscure adapters.
(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: FeaturesExpansion is one of the Nomad's strongest selling points.
SpecificationsCapacity
1,024Wh (2,048Wh tested with expansion battery)
Battery chemistry
LiFePO₄
AC output
1,800W
Surge output
3,600W
Solar input
500W MPPT (XT60)
AC charging
IEC C13
Expansion
Up to four batteries (5,120Wh total)
USB-C
1 × 20W, 1 × 140W PD
Weight
11.6kg
The additional battery connects using an impressively substantial cable, and the connector itself is particularly well designed. A push-to-release mechanism combined with a sliding lock prevents accidental disconnection while remaining easy to remove when required.
The expansion system is also future-proofed, allowing multiple batteries to be daisy chained together for significantly increased capacity.
There are a couple of compromises, however.
The expansion battery serves only as additional storage and doesn't provide any extra output ports of its own. More noticeable is the length of the connection cable, which protrudes around 30cm from the rear of both units. Anyone planning to install the batteries beneath a workbench or inside cabinetry will need to account for the extra depth.
Port selection is generally sensible but not perfect.
(Image credit: Future)USB-C connectivity feels limited, with just one 20W port alongside a single 140W Power Delivery output. Given the growing number of USB-C powered devices, another high-power port would have been far more useful.
The inclusion of several 12V barrel outputs is also difficult to justify. While some specialist equipment still relies on barrel connectors, most modern devices either use USB-C or their supplied AC adapters, making these ports feel like a missed opportunity for additional USB connectivity.
(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: PerformanceWhere it matters most, the Nomad performs extremely well.
The inverter comfortably powers demanding appliances, charging is quick, and overall operation is quiet and dependable. Day-to-day use inspires confidence, with no unexpected behavior during testing.
The integrated LED light is useful enough for finding tools or navigating around a campsite after dark, but it's very much a basic utility feature rather than a dedicated work light. It does the job, but little more.
(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: AppThe companion app is easily the weakest part of the ownership experience.
Getting started proved frustrating, with registration and login issues complicating what should have been a straightforward setup process.
Once connected, the app is functional but lacks polish. Navigation feels clunky, some menu layouts appear unfinished and there are the occasional interface glitches that suggest the software still needs refinement.
Everything required to monitor and control the power station is present, but the overall experience feels more utilitarian than premium.
For a company still building its ecosystem, improving the software should be a clear priority.
(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: ValueValue is where the Nomad 1800 Pro really shines.
Its hardware specifications compare remarkably well with considerably more expensive products, and if purchased during one of the frequent online promotions, it becomes exceptionally competitive.
While there are areas where refinement is lacking, it's difficult to argue with the amount of capability on offer for the asking price.
(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: Final VerdictThe AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro is an impressive portable power station that gets the fundamentals right. Electrical performance is excellent, the expansion system is thoughtfully engineered and practical touches such as the IEC C13 charging lead and XT60 solar input make day-to-day ownership refreshingly straightforward.
At the same time, it's clear that AFERIY is still a relatively young company. The hardware lacks some of the refinement expected at the premium end of the market, the power button feels oddly inexpensive, and the companion app is in need of further development.
(Image credit: Future)None of these shortcomings undermine what is otherwise a capable and well-priced product. In fact, they're largely overshadowed by the Nomad's excellent value, dependable performance and flexible expansion options.
For buyers willing to accept a few rough edges in exchange for impressive capability at a competitive price, the AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro earns an easy recommendation—and suggests AFERIY is a brand well worth watching over the coming years.
(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro?
Buy it if...
- You want excellent performance without paying premium prices.
- Expandable battery capacity is important.
- You appreciate standard connectors like IEC C13 and XT60.
- You need reliable portable power for home, workshop or camping.
Don't buy it if...
- A polished mobile app is high on your priority list.
- You expect premium fit and finish throughout.
- You rely heavily on multiple USB-C powered devices.
- You prefer the reassurance of a long-established brand.
Categories: Reviews
Redodo battery and accessories review
Premium portable power stations usually offer a capacity upgrade path by adding battery modules similar in size to the base unit.
SpecificationsBattery capacity: 2112Wh
Number of charge cycles: Over 4000 before 20% drop
Output power: 2112W
Fastest charge time: 2 hours
Additional features: Bluetooth, IP65
Operating temperature: -20°C to 60°C
Storage temperature: -10°C to 50°C
Weight: 15kg
Warranty: 5 years
Changing other features, such as the charging rate or the inverter power, is usually impossible. If you eventually need more output power, you need to buy a new unit.
The Redodo battery and its supporting system change this paradigm, allowing users to build a power station and later extend the inverter or battery charging capacity.
Redodo’s battery unit delivers 165 Ah at 12V, equivalent to 2 kWh of usable power, and uses LiFePO4 chemistry instead of lithium-ion, providing over 4,000 charge cycles before a 20% capacity drop.
Operating temperature range is -20 to 60 degrees Celsius, with an IP65 water-resistant rating. At 15kg and measuring only 33 cm x 17 cm x 22 cm, the battery is small compared to units offering similar capacity.
(Image credit: Future)Redodo 165 Ah Battery: Price and AvailabilityThe reviewed Redodo 12V 165Ah battery retails for $499 and is usually on special for $370. The companion 40A battery charger adds an extra $260, while the battery monitor costs $100 and improves battery usage.
Without an AC power inverter, the battery can only supply 12V to small appliances such as a portable fridge. Adding a 120V 3000W inverter will cost an extra $570. The highest-capacity battery offered by Redodo is the 48V 5.12kWh model at $1700.
Redodo 165 Ah Battery: DesignThe Redodo battery ships in a heavy-duty dual packaging carton box surrounded by high-density foam. The tested battery is a Group 31-class unit, measuring 33cm x 17cm x 22cm and weighing 15kg. The only included accessory is a small card that links to the mobile application.
The battery, housed in an IP65 ABS enclosure, has a single top strap that serves as a handle. The working temperature ranges from -20 to 60 degrees Celcius. Charging, on the other hand, can only happen at 0 degrees Celcius and above. The cells used are LFP EV type with a reliability that can reach 15000 charge cycles or over 10 years of usage.
The 12V 165Ah battery outputs 12.8V with an internal resistance of 40 mOhm, which results in a maximum output power of 2.1kW. The charging current can reach 165A, for a charge time of approximately one hour. To prevent heat buildup, the manufacturer recommends charging the battery at a slower rate of 33A, which increases charge time to five hours. Two M8 bolts built into the case serve as positive and negative terminals and must be tightened to the correct torque.
Several accessories are required to use the lithium battery. Redodo’s battery monitor provides voltage, current, and cell capacity information, and protects against over-discharging with an alarm. The illuminated LCD screen is suitable for reading in dark conditions. The 12V battery charger we tested is a 40A unit that is very noisy and charges slightly above the recommended rate.
(Image credit: Future)Redodo 165 Ah Battery: In UseRedodo’s mobile app, available on both Android and iOS platforms, connects to the battery via Bluetooth using a QR code. The charge level, output voltage, current, and power are all available in real-time. The unit’s Bluetooth module can be turned off using the app, thereby saving energy. Bluetooth is automatically enabled when the battery is charging.
Installation consists of connecting wires to the battery terminals, charger, AC inverter, and monitor, with all except the latter connected in parallel. The monitor has a low-side sensor that connects in series to the negative battery terminal. The monitor supports up to 500A at its input and features a high-resolution display. Using the monitor is optional, as all critical battery information is also available in the mobile app.
The ideal setup is with solar panels and an AC inverter, which will initially bypass the battery entirely if enough solar power is available to the inverter. Any surplus energy is stored in the battery cells. Conversely, the battery provides additional power if the solar panels are insufficient to power connected appliances. A modular design is advantageous if the user eventually wants to double or triple the output power or change battery capacity.
The Redodo 12V battery uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which offers higher thermal stability than conventional lithium-ion chemistry, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. The 165A BMS enforces over 20 protections, including overcharge, overcurrent, and short-circuit cutoffs, as well as a low-temperature charging lockout at 0°C to prevent cell damage. The IP65-rated ABS enclosure adds water and dust resistance, making it well-suited for marine and outdoor installations.
(Image credit: Future)Redodo 165 Ah Battery: CompetitionWe tested the LiTime 320Ah battery some time back, and its smaller 165Ah sibling is equivalent to the current Redodo unit under test. The LiTime offering comes with similar Bluetooth connectivity and specifications but costs 10% more.
(Image credit: Future)Redodo 165 Ah Battery: Final VerdictThe Redodo 12V 165Ah lithium battery fits well in a versatile modular power solution, offering exceptional capacity in a compact format.
Backed by an LFP chemistry, a solid BMS, Bluetooth monitoring, and expandability up to 33kWh, it is well-suited for RV, marine, and off-grid applications.
While a full system can be expensive due to inverter and charger accessories, the long cycle life and upgrade flexibility make it a great long-term investment.
Buy the Redodo solution if you expect to increase capacity or power later.
Don’t buy the Redodo solution if you are looking for a turnkey solution.
Categories: Reviews
Uplift Parsons review: A dream standing desk that fits almost any workspace with elegance and ease
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I have tested a vast number of desks. In fact, I would even be able to venture to say that I'm getting close to the arena of saying I've tested most of the key desks in the market.
Uplift has been stepping up their game big time. When I saw the Parsons and realized it came in a 48-inch-wide silhouette with those beautiful four legs and a sleek frame, I knew I needed to get my hands on it as soon as possible.
Personally, I was absolutely drawn to the sleek frame that wraps around the real walnut desktop. I chose a butcher-block walnut desktop, and I am absolutely in love with it. The material feels fantastic, and the quality is spectacular, and that's coming from somebody who has seen a lot of desks. I have seen a lot of what companies consider their premium desktops, and Uplift stands out among the best.
The soft-touch desk legs and the frame around the desk are also a beautiful touch. Also worth mentioning are the four individual legs. Some desks use four legs for stability, but they are really just the same style as the two-legged, blocky look that everybody knows by now. Uplift chose to use more spindle-type legs that retract into themselves, and they look absolutely stunning, even when on wheels, as I have them. They are still stable and still look just as great.
While this desk really only has one potential flaw, it's not even really a flaw. It's simply just something to know. I have found my way around it, and you can as well with just some simple planning on the forefront. Without further ado, we can get into the full review
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Uplift Parsons Standing Desk: Price and AvailabilityThe Uplift Parsons is available direct from Uplift's website, with prices starting at $829.
My desk configuration alone was about $2,000, including the desktop upgrade, the wheels, some power and lighting, and a few other accessories.
I specifically chose to get the power inlay from Uplift so that it could mount seamlessly to the frame and not have to be bolted into the beautiful wood desktop. I also chose to get the wheels so that I can move this thing around a little bit more easily.
I chose to get the Bluetooth upgrade so that when I wanted to control my Bluetooth from my phone, or when Uplift decides to upgrade their app to be more integrated with my day-to-day technologies, then I could utilize this to its fullest.
The desk was roped in within just a matter of days and assembled quickly as well. I don't remember the exact time, but I believe it was just under 30 minutes, and then it took me several hours to set everything up on top just right. I've been tweaking ever since I built it, which was now, at this point, a hundred days ago or more.
Uplift Parsons Standing Desk: Unboxing and First ImpressionsFor most desks, I look at the sizing online, estimate the space I have and the features I want to showcase with this desk, and order that way. For this desk, I actually had a very specific spot I could fit it into, so unlike other desks, I measured more than I normally do to make sure it fits perfectly.
Thankfully, Uplift is very true to size, and their desk is exactly 48 inches wide, not 48 in a hair or just over, just under, but it is exactly 48 inches. When I measured and made room for a 48-inch-wide desk, this was spot on. The frame doesn't jut out past it, nor does the desk overlay the frame to add more width. The one thing that does extend a little bit past it is the wheels, but I can just have those swivel in and out instead of out and around when moving the desk.
Assembly was incredibly easy and straightforward, as all the Uplift desks are. I was even able to assemble it in the small room where I was going to have the desk, because assembly was so straightforward. I didn't need a ton of space to spread things out and make a mess. I could do it in a pretty tight space and assemble everything to get it up and running.
It was a quick little build session, and then I spent an absurd amount of time tweaking every little thing about the setup on top of the desk when it came to monitors, placement, docks, and the like.
Uplift Parsons Standing Desk: Design & Build QualitySince I was going with such a small desk, I wanted to make sure that it was of the highest quality that I could find. That's where I'm thrilled that I was able to get my hands on the Parsons in such a short time. I chose the Walnut Butcher Block, and when I say that this is some of the most beautiful wood I've ever seen, I genuinely mean it. Some desk companies use MDF wrapped in laminate walnut or walnut pieces, but Uplift uses genuine materials and makes an absolutely beautiful desk that you can feel and tell the difference in right away.
This smoke-gray or light-black frame is also fantastic. Feels good in the hand and is made of quality materials. It's not a plasticky frame or something that you feel like is going to chip away, but it's metal parts that click together, forming a sturdy frame to support the weight of the desktop and everything you put on top.
One of the things that Uplift does really well is the allowed cutouts for grommets or power inlays at the top corners or the middle of the desk. For this desk, I chose to add one grommet hole in each back corner, allowing me to install a storage cup in one grommet and a power inlay in the other.
Another spot where Uplift has added some holes is the front plate of the frame to allow for an inlay control panel. This lays flat against the front face of the desk, and it is super clean. The buttons are easy to press. There are four presets, a height readout on the screen, and it's quite aesthetic. All Things considered.
Uplift Parsons Standing Desk: In use(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )I'll start with the two things I wish were different about this desk and get those out of the way.
First, the ledge of this desk, or more like the frame, will make it hard for some monitor arms to mount. Not all, just some. Depends entirely on how the clamp works and what that shape looks like. I was able to get two different models with it. Clearly this is not an all-or-nothing problem, but something worth noting if you already have the monitor arm picked out.
Second, I wish that this desk could go just a little bit higher. This is an edge case and truly not a need in any way, shape, or form, nor even a negative about the desk. If it could go just a little higher, I could slide my chair completely under the desk to make space in a small office.
This could also be solved by removing the headrest from my LiberNovo Omni Pro chair. Again, not a negative on the desk at all, just one very, very niche and specific wish.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )Now to talk more about my use case with this desk. I have this as my main desk, which I use some on the weekend and then Monday through Wednesday at the church where I work. Currently, until we finish the renovations, my office is a multi-purpose room used for other things on the weekend as well. The space I had to fit into was unique and only 48 inches wide.
When I saw that the Parsons could fit a 48-inch desk, I was absolutely ecstatic! Even though I didn't have a ton of room to work with, I knew I would still need this desk to be highly functional because of the nature of what I do both at the church and outside.
This desk needed to be able to house:
- Two large monitors
- My laptop and iPad or two
- Accessories like mouse and keyboard
- Chargers
- Power
- Lighting
- Plenty of ports which would require a docking station or two
Lastly, I also wanted this to be a hot desk, so a single cable to run it all, with a mouse and keyboard that could switch between whatever was plugged in, which, of course, meant more ports. I chose a Keychron keyboard, the Logitech MX Master 4 mouse, and a Magic Trackpad for some niche scenarios. The keyboard is wired down to a dock that I actually mounted underneath the desk to save space, and so is the dongle for the MX Master 4 mouse. The Magic Trackpad is only used with my MacBook and is wireless over Bluetooth.
Along with those accessories, I have my BenQ RD280UG monitor in landscape on a monitor arm; then I have the brand-new (review coming soon) BenQ MA270UG in portrait off to the right of my main monitor. To the left, I have a Grovemade vertical stand for my MacBook, an air purifier from Uplift, and I still have room for a felt desk pad, and I don’t feel cramped at all.
One thing that helped, of course, was mounting so much underneath the desk and adding a BenQ light bar on top of the main monitor to avoid having another thing on the desk itself.
That's a lot of material on my desk and a lot more underneath my desk, and still the Parsons shines.
It looks clean and elegant. It's minimal. It works beautifully. There are absolutely zero issues in my well over a hundred days of testing this desk every single week, at least five to six days a week, with upwards of six to eight hours straight working at this desk, going up and down several times an hour.
If you're trying to build out an entire workspace, Uplift also has phenomenal shelves, organizers, storage, and other accessories and furniture you should check out. All made from the same incredibly high quality.
Uplift Parsons Standing Desk: Final verdict(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )After 100 days, this is still one of my favorite desks. It's clean, elegant, simple, and it doesn't make me feel bad for having a small desk in the slightest. Rather, it makes me feel great about optimizing such a small space to create something amazing, and all that is made possible by the stability and quality of the Uplift desk.
If it weren't for this quality, I wouldn't feel comfortable mounting the things I have. If it wasn't for the slimmest and cleanest design, I couldn't have put a desk where I did in the first place. Thanks to all of these things, this desk is so incredible.
If you're looking for a small or simply elegant desk to put in a non-traditional office, or you just care about your design, then you should check out the Uplift Parsons desk in all of its many shades of colors and materials. This desk is high quality. It's rather pricey, and it holds up to its reputation as a top-tier desk.
Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Getty ImagesCollin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // Future Collin Probst // FutureFor more office furniture, we've tested the best standing desks and the best office chairs.
Categories: Reviews
Asus ProArt PZ14 review: This surprisingly powerful tablet PC transformed my creative workflow
ASUS ProArt PZ14: 30-second review
The Asus ProArt PZ14 arrives as one of the most impressive pieces of hardware to come through the test setup this year. At 9mm thick and weighing in at an impressive 0.79kg, it’s closer in scale to an iPad Pro than a conventional laptop, but with a 14-inch 3K OLED display, and the optional removable keyboard and Asus Pen 3.0, all powered by a Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, it proved to handle every Adobe Creative Suite application without issue.
Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve all ran well, with no compatibility or performance issues that I have experienced when running ARM machines in the past. Microsoft Office ran as well as ever, and it was only when testing some of the games at the end of the test that those compatibility issues did appear. Some games, such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, were a no-go, while Hogwarts Legacy, suffered some graphics breakup, but beyond that, the performance was generally balanced.
Plugged into AC power you get the option to push the tablet into Performance mode, this boost the processing speed, and while it makes editing and game play smooth, the fans tended to kick in to quite a level.
The touchscreen display is the best 3K resolution display I’ve seen, and for creative work, the 144Hz, Pantone-validated panel with an anti-reflective coating looked great and handled bright outdoor conditions better than most OLED panels, with limited reflections.
One of the weak points was the detachable Bluetooth keyboard, which flexes at the joint, as is common with this type of design, making any use away from a solid desk difficult. Early on in the test, I realised that at a desk, the keyboard was great, away, it was best to use the Asus Pen 3.0 or a finger as the primary input method. Not only did this make sense, but it also transformed the machine's use.
Overall, however, the power for the size and price is exceptional, and in the creative workflow, like the iPad Pro, it can integrate with the project from beginning to end, from being used to tether to your camera through to the editing, uploading and distribution of your work.
ASUS ProArt PZ14: Price and availability(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)- How much does it cost? $2000 TBC
- When is it out? Now
- Where can you get it? From retailers such as Best Buy
In the US, the ProArt PZ14 is currently available for $1900 at Best Buy. This is for the 16GB / 512GB configuration.
Outside of the US, I can't see much availability. UK pricing for the 32GB, 1TB configuration with the ASUS Pen 3.0 and Bluetooth keyboard has not been confirmed at the time of writing. Going on what has come before, expect the price to be around the £2,000 mark in the UK.
- Value: 4/5
CPU: Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-88-100, 18 cores, up to 4.7GHz
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno X2-90, 128MB dedicated GPU memory
NPU: 80 TOPS
RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Display: 14-inch ASUS Lumina Pro OLED, 3K
Connectivity: 2 × USB4 (40Gbps), SD card reader, WiFi 7, Bluetooth
Battery: 75Wh
Cameras: 8MP IR front, 13MP rear
Durability: IP52, MIL-STD 810H
OS: Windows 11 Home
Weight: 0.79kg, 9mm thin
Accessories optional: ASUS Pen 3.0, Bluetooth keyboard, stand cover
The ProArt PZ14 is an exceptionally well-built tablet, and the hardware is very minimal. On the left side of the screen are the two USB4 ports that let you plug into the mains and attach accessories, and these are joined by an SD card slot, which is covered. Around the edges are plenty of ventilation slots that help expel the heat away from the Snapdragon processor and electronics inside.
Lifting the tablet from the packaging, the Nano Black CNC-machined aluminium chassis gives an instant premium feel, and the finish proved to be pretty much smudge-resistant. Over the month of testing, the build quality proved exceptional as it was moved between the studio, office, and location work, and used at home in the evenings while catching up on TV.
The aluminium chassis gives the table a tough feel, and this is paired with the IP52 rating, which means it can withstand a light rain shower for a short time without issue, but doesn’t go as far as being left out in it.
During the test, I found that the detachable keyboard supplied with the PZ14 was fine for use on a desk, where it offers a decent enough typing surface with good key travel, and likewise, the touchpad. Away from a desk, however, the flex between the keyboard and tablet can make it difficult to use; this is a tablet.
Think of it this way: in the office/studio, the keyboard is a traditional input device; in the field, it's just part of the protective shell, with the Asus Pen 3.0 and on-screen keyboard handling input.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)I’m not used to using a pen to interact with a screen; however, the Asus Pen 3.0 with MPP 2.6 support and haptic feedback is excellent. It paired instantly, and, in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Asus' own StoryCube and MuseTree apps, offers a more natural and intuitive way to navigate than the trackpad.
On location with the tablet held in hand, I started using the pen as the primary input method, and it worked far better than the keyboard and I expected.
The magnetic stand cover, of which the keyboard is part, enables you to fold out a small stand, which is handy when everything is supported on a desk, and there’s plenty of flexibility over the angle. In the studio, I tend to use a wired mouse and an external keyboard connected via USB4 to provide a fast input for video editing, which is standard.
- Design: 4.5 / 5
The PZ14 has been designed with the Creator in mind and features a decent array of creative-focused apps that will help you organise files and generate ideas. The ProArt range has in the past been closely tied to Adobe products, and here the Adobe Creative Suite performance is in mind; the Snapdragon X2 Elite does seem to have been optimised.
Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve all opened and ran without compatibility errors on the Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-88-100, 18 cores, up to 4.7 GHz, with thumbnails and timelines rendered at speed, supported by the Qualcomm Adreno X2-90, 128 MB of dedicated GPU memory, and graphics.
Inside is a relatively small 1TB SSD, but this provides exceptional transfer rates, exactly what you need when transferring large quantities of files, although it would have been good to see at least 2TB with the file sizes associated with the latest cameras.
Testing the capabilities of this hardware, I checked the Adobe Bridge thumbnail rendering for images from a Sony a7 IV and a Canon EOS R5 C RAW files and was impressed by the speed, though the noise from the cooling system was louder than expected.
Lightroom's touchscreen workflow seems to be made for the system, scrolling through the library and making adjustments with the slide controls; it felt natural on the 14-inch ASUS Lumina Pro OLED (3 K).
Alongside the CPU and GPU is an 80-TOPS NPU that enables Copilot+ features and boosts AI-powered tools in Premiere Pro and Photoshop. Generative fill and timeline expansion both ran smoothly and quickly. Local LLM inference via LM Studio was downloaded and was functional with a few issues.
However, if you really want to reach your full potential, StoryCube, Asus' AI media management app, highlights exactly what can be done and works well alongside Adobe Bridge, offering useful automatic organisation of RAW files and video assets.
The hardware features of the tablet design differ slightly from those of most laptops and mini PCs, so there are some compatibility issues. For instance, when gaming, ARM isn’t always as compatible as other systems.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would not load at all due to a Vulkan plugin compatibility error. Hogwarts Legacy loaded slowly but ran smoothly once started, aside from some graphics break-up, and always with the background of the fans working hard. PCMark 10 and the Windows Experience Index did not run at all, even with the usual workarounds.
Through the test in the ProArt Creator Hub, I shifted the resources into Performance, although this mode is only accessible when plugged directly into the mains. While in all other modes, cooling and noise are well balanced, everything is cranked up to 11, including the fans. However, in the 0dB whisper mode, fans are kept off during light use, meaning the system runs silently.
In Performance mode, which I used for video editing, the fans activate during rendering and timeline processing, and are noticeably audible. If you’re working on audio-sensitive work, it’s best to switch to one of the quiet modes and then back when that content needs editing or wear headphones.
- Features: 4.5 / 5
As with most laptops and mini PCs, the tablet is almost ready to run out of the box. To get started, I plugged in the power supply and gave the tablet a full charge. It’s worth noting that the power supply is 65W, and while it is USB-C, if you plug in a higher-wattage USB-C connection, the machine will prompt you to use the provided power supply or one of equivalent rating.
Once the final steps of the Windows 11 Home setup were complete, I could install all the usual apps. It was apparent from the outset that the internal SSD was fast. With files downloading from my external storage nice and quickly. Sure enough, the benchmarks highlight results of 6,065 MB/s read and 5,356 MB/s write, really showing that the PCIe 4.0 SSD was close to the upper limit.
As the machine filled with all the test applications, the 1TB internal SSD quickly filled with programs and files, including most of the Adobe Creative Suite, local LLM models and video project files; games had to wait due to space limitations.
Storage is always a consideration, and with the ProArt PZ14, if you’re working with video, you’re going to have to supplement the internal storage with a USB4 external SSD or, in this review, a direct NAS connection. During the test, editing 4K Canon EOS R5 C footage via a Ugreen DXP4800 GT NAS connection delivered approximately 800MB/s transfer speeds over USB4-to-10GbE, which was more than enough for smooth Premiere Pro timeline editing.
Over the test period, using Lightroom Classic was one of the major highlights, tethering a camera to the tablet so I could shoot, adjust, and share files with other members of the team. Touch input via the screen, combined with pen interaction for adjustments, just made things easy and far more natural than using my MacBook Pro M1 Max for on-location work.
After the shoot, editing images in batch in Lightroom and editing footage in Premiere Pro were handled well by the system. Run in performance mode, the fans were on constantly; however, switching down to standard mode in Photoshop and Lightroom still provided a good balance of speed, but did cut out the fan noise.
When it came to video editing, a pair of headphones helped me to focus on the vocals and video audio rather than the noise from the machine. It’s also worth noting that Performance mode is only available when plugged into the mains, Standard is the default.
Benchmark resultsCrystalDiskMark Read: 6,065.91 MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 5,356.66 MB/s
Geekbench 6 CPU Multi-Core: 9,976
Geekbench 6 CPU Single-Core: 2,908
Geekbench 6 GPU: 39,018
Cinebench CPU Multi: 4,345
Cinebench CPU Single: 634
3DMark Fire Strike Overall: 8,174
3DMark Fire Strike Graphics: 8,787
3DMark Fire Strike Physics: 19,321
3DMark Fire Strike Combined: 3,423
3DMark Time Spy Overall: 3,522
3DMark Time Spy Graphics: 3166
3DMark Time Spy CPU: 9737
3DMark Wild Life Overall: 31,823
3DMark Steel Nomad Overall: 3,788
PCMark 10: N/A
Windows Experience Index: N/A
Two other big points about the performance are the screen, which is just exceptional, with clean, clear detail and tone that, once calibrated, was absolutely ideal for all areas of creative work.
The other is the battery life, which just seemed unending. Usually, when video editing, image processing, or processing endless documents, this processing draws additional power, especially when accessories are also plugged in and drawing on resources.
However, with the combined use, the battery lasted all day, and a two-hour gaming session in Hogwarts Legacy the battery stood at 70%.
One other point to make is compatibility; while most applications load, some won’t. During the test, the usual benchmarking software, PCMark, refused to run a full test, and games such as Indiana Jones would not run either.
- Performance: 4 / 5
The Asus ProArt PZ14 is a great machine for photographers who work in the field and need a slim, light, colour-accurate display for Lightroom editing and camera tethering. It’s also a decent option for lightweight Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve editing, especially as a, with a display quality that makes colour grading reliable even without a secondary monitor.
The keyboard is a bit of a compromise, depending on how you work. On a desk, it is adequate. Away from a desk, it’s frustrating, as this design tends to be with the flexible connector.
The Asus Pen is excellent and, in many workflows, becomes the better primary input device. You also have to consider the noise from the fans, which did seem louder than with past models, likely due to the increased performance.
ARM compatibility for creative applications is not an issue with all of the Adobe apps, Microsoft Office and the Asus AI apps running without issue. This is a tablet PC that would suit enthusiasts, photographers, and students, providing performance in a very flexible format and a great alternative to a laptop and actually better suited in many situations.
Should I buy the ASUS ProArt PZ14?(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Value
Well balanced for the OLED display, ARM performance and all-day battery
4/5
Design
Exceptional tablet chassis and display; although the keyboard flexibility is an issue
4.5/5
Features
Large touch screen, powerful CPU, USB4 and all day battery life
4.5/5
Performance
Snapdragon X2 Elite handles all creative applications and workflows; however, 1TB SSD fills quickly, and fans are audible under load
4/5
Overall
A great option for field photography and Lightroom, especially in the tablet format. Video editors will need external storage from day one.
4/5
Buy it if...You shoot stills and need a field editing and tethering device.
The 3K OLED display, Lightroom touchscreen workflow, Pen 3.0 input, and all-day battery make the ProArt PZ14 an ideal companion for on-location photography. When tethering, reviewing and sharing images, it just seems purpose-made.
You work at a desk to type.
On a desk with the keyboard at a stable angle, the ProArt PZ14 works as a full creative workstation. Connect a USB4-to-10GbE adapter for NAS access, and the storage limitation is effectively removed.
Don't buy it if...You need to type or edit from your laptop.
The keyboard flex makes lap use impractical. This is a tablet first. If a comfortable laptop typing experience away from a desk is essential, look at a traditional clamshell design at this price.
You edit long-form video without a NAS or external SSD
1TB fills fast when the Adobe suite, project files and local AI models are all installed. External storage is a near-immediate requirement for video editors; it's worth factoring this in.
For more content creation machines, we've tested the best video editing laptops and best video editing computers.
Categories: Reviews
I tested the affordable Ruko U11Mini 4K drone — and it's no match for DJI's new flyer
Ruko U11Mini 4K: One-minute review
DJI's dominance of the consumer drone market is so total that you have to wonder whether any rival can land a meaningful blow. The Ruko U11Mini 4K is the latest contender to step into the ring, and on paper it looks like a credible one: a sub-250g folding quadcopter with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor, 4K video, and an optional touchscreen controller that's clearly modeled on DJI's own RC series.
Unfortunately, the closer I looked, the more the U11Mini 4K's limitations revealed themselves, and the gulf between Ruko and DJI's similarly-priced beginner drones remains huge.
In the air, the U11Mini 4K is a mixed bag. Flight is reasonably stable in calm conditions, but it's easily pushed around by wind, and during one flight I experienced an alarming voltage drop that triggered an unscheduled emergency landing. The touchscreen RC3 controller is a solid piece of hardware, and a smart way to sidestep the usual phone-pairing headaches, but its joysticks lack the precision of DJI's equivalents, making smooth, cinematic camera moves a struggle.
There's no obstacle avoidance whatsoever, and the automated flight modes feel half-baked: Point of Interest mode, for instance, simply circles wherever the drone happens to be, rather than the subject you actually want to showcase.
On paper, the Ruko U11Mini 4K looks like a solid DJI Mini 4K competitor, but a few minutes of flying it sadly convinced me otherwise. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)The camera quality is similarly inconsistent. 4K video in good light is detailed and perfectly watchable, if a little flat and lacking in dynamic range, but stills are a different story; the U11Mini 4K's exposure metering routinely blows out highlights, and there's no way to fix this reliably even when dialing back the EV.
Storage is another sore point: the drone does have a small but usable amount of internal storage, but with no USB port on the aircraft itself, getting your footage off it is a major chore, and I'd recommend sticking exclusively to a microSD card instead. One that you'll have to supply yourself, as none are included in the box.
All of this would be more forgivable if the U11Mini 4K were a budget bargain, but at around £300 (rising to £499 for the bundle I tested, with its two batteries, hard case and that RC3 controller), it's pitched at almost exactly the same price as the DJI Lito 1 — a drone that beats it comprehensively on image quality, obstacle sensing and battery life. The U11Mini 4K isn't a complete disaster, but nobody should pick one over DJI's equivalent.
Ruko U11Mini 4K: Price and availability- Priced from around $339.99 / £300 / AU$549.99
- Touchscreen RC3 controller bundle costs $424.99 / £499
- Available now direct from Ruko and via Amazon
The Ruko U11Mini 4K is available now, sold directly through Ruko's website and via Amazon in the US, UK and Australia.
Pricing varies considerably depending on region and bundle. In the UK, the base package costs around £300, rising to £499 for the bundle I tested, which includes two batteries, a hard case, and the touchscreen RC3 controller in place of the standard smartphone-based remote.
US pricing follows a similar pattern, though at the time of writing Ruko's online store had both bundles discounted. The two-battery, hard case, RC3 controller bundle was priced at $424.99 (down from $599.99), while a separate three-battery bundle with a hard case and smartphone controller (rather than the RC3) was available for just $339.99 (down from $509.99) — making it the cheaper option overall despite the extra battery.
In Australia, Amazon lists a single-battery, smartphone controller bundle for AU$549.99, with a three-battery, hard case and smartphone controller bundle priced at AU$699.99.
The carry case is a well-designed accessory that'll keep the drone, controller and a couple of extra batteries snug and safe. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)In the UK and Australia, its direct rival is the recently launched DJI Lito 1. This costs £299 in the UK, while in Australia it's priced at AU$539 for the basic bundle (one battery and the RC-N3 smartphone controller) or AU$779 for the Fly More Combo (three batteries, RC-N3 controller, charging hub and shoulder bag). I'd say it's a much better value prospect than the Ruko, and shoppers should definitely consider it if they're hunting for a good entry-level model.
US buyers don't have that option, however, since due to the current DJI ban the Lito 1 isn't sold in America. That leaves older models like the DJI Mini 4K as the more relevant comparison stateside — and despite its age, it's still a better drone than the U11Mini 4K.
- Price score: 2.5/5
Ruko U11Mini 4K
Camera:
48MP 1/2-inch CMOS sensor
Video:
4K 30fps
Flight modes:
Smooth, Normal, Sport
Storage:
Internal memory + microSD card slot (up to 256GB supported)
Battery:
2,200mAh / up to 32 minutes flight time
Charger type:
USB-C / Battery Charging Hub
Weight:
249g / 8.8oz (approx.)
Dimensions:
141 x 86.9 x 57.9mm / 5.55 x 3.42 x 2.28in (folded)
Ruko U11Mini 4K: Design and build quality- Folding design, weighing under 249g
- Optional touchscreen RC3 controller
- microSD slot supports cards up to 256GB
The U11Mini 4K follows the same folding quadcopter template as most sub-250g drones on the market right now, including DJI's own Mini and Lito series.
It's made from hard plastic, and folds down to a genuinely pocketable size (if we're talking coat rather than trousers, mind you). At under 249g, it sits just inside a weight threshold that exempts it from the strictest drone registration requirements in the UK, US and elsewhere.
Round the back, you'll find a microSD card slot, supporting cards up to 256GB. There's also internal storage built into the drone itself, but accessing it is far more trouble than it's worth.
That's because, bafflingly, there's no USB port anywhere on the drone. The only way to get photos and video off the internal storage is via the controller, transferring wirelessly to an app like Google Photos — a process that, in my testing, also downgraded my 4K footage to 720p in the process. So I'd strongly recommend buying a microSD card (none is included in the box) and ignoring the internal storage altogether.
When folded, the U11Mini 4K would fit in a large coat pocket.Future | Sam KieldsenThe RC3 controller is well built, but does suffer from some janky software issues.Future | Sam KieldsenThe batteries are recharged directly via their on-board USB-C port.Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenA clip-on cover is supplied to protect the camera and gimbal during transport, which is a sensible inclusion — if a little fiddly to fit and remove. Depending on the bundle you buy, you may also get a nicely sturdy hard-sided storage case, which comes with internal spaces for the controller, drone and up to two additional flight batteries.
The RC3 controller from the bundle I reviewed is pretty impressive, at least at first glance. Its built-in touchscreen is clearly inspired by DJI's RC series, and it's a decent effort: solid in the hand, with a bright, crisp display. But it came with its own set of connectivity issues, refusing to play nicely with my home Wi-Fi network and preventing me from downloading the latest firmware updates. I was able to connect it to my iPhone's hotspot, so the Wi-Fi antennas evidently do work in some circumstances, but the fact they wouldn't hook up to a network that works fine with every other drone I've reviewed recently suggests there's a deeper issue here.
- Design score: 3/5
- 32-minute quoted battery life; around 20 minutes in real-world testing
- No obstacle avoidance
- Automated flight modes feel underbaked
Ruko quotes a battery life of 32 minutes for the U11Mini 4K. In my testing, which happened mostly in fairly breezy coastal conditions, I got closer to 20 minutes before the low battery warnings kicked in.
That discrepancy might be partly down to the wind, which the U11Mini 4K isn't great at handling. Despite Ruko's claimed Level 5 wind resistance (a tolerance of 19-24mph), I watched the drone get visibly knocked around by some standard coastal gusts. You can see the resulting unevenness in the horizon line on some of my footage.
One flight also threw up a worrying issue. A few seconds after take-off, with the battery indicator initially showing around 75%, a low voltage warning flashed up, the battery indicator dropped instantly to around 10%, and I immediately effected a panicked return to home (not wanting the drone to drop straight into the sea). When I checked the battery afterwards, it was still showing roughly 75% charge. Whatever caused that mid-air voltage drop, it's not a reassuring thing to experience while flying.
With no obstacle avoidance tech, you'll need to steer well clear of trees, bushes and lampposts. (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Flight itself is reasonably stable and responsive in calm conditions, but the RC3 controller's joysticks let the side down. There's a wide dead zone before inputs register, which makes smooth, considered camera moves all but impossible, and as far as I can tell there's no way to adjust stick sensitivity to compensate. With a DJI drone, the slightest stick pressure produces an immediate and proportional response; here, you're fighting the controller as much as the wind.
Obstacle avoidance is non-existent, so pilots will need to take a lot of care when flying. There's no forward, downward or omnidirectional sensing of any kind, which is a significant omission next to the DJI Lito 1's full suite of vision sensors.
The automated flight modes are similarly disappointing. Point of Interest mode, for instance, should really let you tap a subject on the touchscreen and have the drone circle it automatically; instead, it just flies in a circle around wherever it happens to be at the time, regardless of whether there's anything interesting in front of it. There's also a tracking mode that follows your phone, though I wasn't able to test this myself, since I was flying with the RC3 controller rather than a paired smartphone.
- Flight performance score: 3/5
- 1/2-inch CMOS sensor, 4K video at 30fps
- Stills are overexposed and oversharpened
- No flat/log color profile available
The U11Mini 4K's camera is built around a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and f/1.8 lens, which on paper is perfectly respectable for a drone at this price. There's no fundamental reason a sensor of this size can't produce good aerial photos and video, but in practice, the U11Mini 4K struggles to get the most out of it.
Stills are the weaker of the two. Exposure metering is unreliable, and the camera has a strong tendency to massively overexpose, particularly in bright conditions. Even dialing back the EV compensation for photos didn't fix this consistently; I was left with whites that were blown out and stripped of any detail far too often. Zoom into the shots even slightly and they're aggressively oversharpened and algorithmically upscaled in a jarring way, too.
Future | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenFuture | Sam KieldsenVideo fares slightly better, for reasons I couldn't quite pin down. At its top quality setting — 4K at 30fps — footage is detailed and rich in good lighting, even if it lacks dynamic range and punch compared to the best in this class. Bright areas can still blow out, while shadows tend to lack detail and look slightly underexposed, but overall it's a far more usable result than the stills.
One thing that might have helped close that gap is a log color profile, but sadly there's nothing of the kind available. A log format may have given me more room to fix the exposure issues in post-production grading, but here what you capture in-camera is largely what you're stuck with, unfortunately.
- Image and video quality score: 3/5
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Price
Competitive on paper but matched or undercut by the superior DJI Lito 1.
2.5/5
Design
Decent folding build and solid touchscreen controller, but let down by the lack of a USB port.
3/5
Features and flight
Reasonably stable flying, but imprecise controls, no obstacle avoidance, and half-baked automated modes.
3/5
Image and video quality
OK 4K video, but routinely overexposes and there's no log profile to compensate.
3/5
Should I buy the Ruko U11Mini 4KBuy it if...You're a US buyer priced out of newer DJI options
With the Lito 1 unavailable in the US, the U11Mini 4K gives budget-conscious American buyers another option to weigh against older DJI models like the Mini 4K.
You want the cheapest possible 4K drone with a screen controller
If budget is your only real consideration and you can live with its flaws, the U11Mini 4K undercuts some screen-controller rivals on price.
You only ever shoot video, never stills
Video output is decent in good light, even if the photo side of things lets the side down badly.View Deal
You can stretch to a DJI Lito 1
At the same or lower price, the Lito 1 beats the U11Mini 4K in nearly every meaningful respect.
You want precise, cinematic camera control
The RC3 controller's dead zones make smooth, considered camera movement a real struggle.View Deal
You fly somewhere with lots of hazards
There's no obstacle avoidance of any kind, a significant safety gap next to rivals like the Lito 1.
DJI Lito 1
At the same UK and Australian price as the U11Mini 4K, the Lito 1 is simply a better drone in almost every way, with superior image quality, full obstacle avoidance and longer battery life. The only thing it can't match is the U11Mini 4K's RC3 touchscreen controller, which DJI doesn't bundle with the Lito 1 currently.
Read our in-depth DJI Lito X1/1 review
DJI Neo 2
Smaller, cheaper and a blast to fly, the tiny, whoop-style Neo 2 doesn't need a controller at all, tracking and filming you autonomously straight out of the box. Its video quality is on par with the Lito 1's, and therefore a clear step up over the U11Mini 4K's, even though it's a much more affordable drone.
Read our in-depth DJI Neo 2 review
(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)How I tested the Ruko U11Mini 4K- I tested all available flight modes and control methods
- I captured stills and video in a range of lighting and weather conditions
- I assessed battery life, wind resistance and file transfer in real-world use
I flew the U11Mini 4K over several sessions, in a mix of calm and breezy UK coastal conditions, to get a feel for how it handled real-world flying rather than just ideal, sheltered conditions. I tested manual flight extensively, paying close attention to stick precision and responsiveness, and also tried out the drone's automated modes to assess how well they lived up to their billing.
On the camera side, I shot both stills and 4K video in a variety of lighting conditions, later reviewing the footage and photos on a larger screen to properly judge exposure, detail and dynamic range. The footage you see embedded above was edited in DaVinci Resolve, but not color corrected. Photos were tweaked slightly in Adobe Lightroom.
I also tested battery life under real-world conditions rather than relying on Ruko's quoted 32-minute figure, and ran through the process of transferring footage off the drone via both the microSD card and the internal storage, to evaluate how easy (or otherwise) that process is for a typical buyer.
- First reviewed: July 2026
- Read more about how we test
Categories: Reviews
Dynadot domain registration service review
Dynadot was founded in 2002 in California and primarily focuses on providing domain names. It also offers email hosting, a website builder, and logo maker, but I’m focusing on the domain name side of its business.
I’ve spent a lot of time over the last 20 years or more buying domain names. In the past decade, I’ve reviewed many domain registrars so I know what companies are worth buying for and which should be skipped. In this Dynadot review, I’ve used hands-on testing to evaluate its services as well as consulted its help center, and looked at verified user reviews to determine the wider view of the service.
If you want to consider some alternative services, you can also see our rundown of the best domain registration services.
Dynadot: My experience(Image credit: Dynadot)Dynadot has a simple if plain interface. Type in the domain you want or use the AI search and you’re all set. You can add multiple domain names to your basket at once if you like. Unlike many competitors, Dynadot doesn’t upsell. It doesn’t suggest bundling together multiple domains at once (but that is an option) and its stated prices are accurate even if you just want a domain for one year. Free add-ons like domain privacy are clearly laid out too. Auto-renewal isn’t even toggled on by default.
Once bought, Dynadot encourages you to build a one page website, create a logo, or add an email address. All of which are free and don’t take long to do. That’s the trend with Dynadot – simplicity without costing a fortune. It’s not the prettiest of interfaces but it’s certainly convenient.
Dynadot: Features(Image credit: Dynadot)Dynadot has all the core features you could need. There’s free domain privacy as standard, along with a free website builder if you just want a one page placeholder solution. You also get one free email address which is a nice extra that rarely happens with other domain registrars.
Its DNS management system works well too, being clear to browse through and make changes. Dynadot may not be pretty but it lays things out in a way that even inexperienced users will find what they want to do. I particularly appreciated the site health tool for troubleshooting any issues.
If you own multiple domains, it’s easy to look through them and also simple to download a list of all your owned domains as a CSV file. Stats are readily available as well.
Dynadot: User experienceDynadot is well designed for newer users and more experienced customers. Its dashboard is clearly laid out if lacking the finer touches of more mainstream solutions. I liked that it guides users to set up a landing page and email address right from the start, with both available for free. There’s no tough upselling here which is refreshing compared to many competitors.
There are a few tooltips scattered around but mostly, experimentation is the key here. Fortunately, there’s a common sense approach so you can usually find what you’re looking for without poking around too much. Little details like not having auto-renew toggled on is a refreshing touch and I liked that renewal places were generally logical and fair, rather than the hefty renewal prices of other domain registrars.
Dynadot: Customer supportThere’s a vast amount of help out there for anyone needing assistance with Dynadot. At its simplest, there’s a help center which should quickly solve a lot of common issues or queries. If you like a more crowd-sourced approach to assistance, there’s also a forum for feedback as well as peer support. Some of it is a little quiet these days but it’s an option.
More conventional help comes in the form of email and a ticket system. You can also use live chat if you need a quicker response. Live chat was what I found most useful, rather than waiting for an email reply. For specific things like reporting abuse, bugs, or simply making a feature request, there are departments for these things. Finally, if you need more individual help, you can also apply for an account manager to help you with all your business plans.
Dynadot: PricingDomain
Price from
.xyz
$0.67
.com
$10.88
.eu
N/A
.net
$12.52
.org
$7.99
Dynadot is very competitively priced. In some cases, it has the cheapest prices while other TLDs price match competitors. As always, your mileage will vary but I found it one of the best for low prices. Refreshingly, there’s little upselling either so what you see is what you actually pay.
There are also useful free features like a landing page or logo, while renewal prices remain the same, so everything about Dynadot’s pricing is very attractive.
Dynadot: SpecsSpec
Details
Lowest price from
$0.67 (.xyz)
Highest price from
$2.060 (.inc)
Search tools
Standard search, AI, bulk, IDN, auction
Other services
Website builder, email hosting, logo maker
Dynadot: Should I buy?Attribute
Notes
Score
Features
Dynadot packs in everything you could need.
4.5/5
User experience
The dashboard is a little basic but you can find all you need.
4/5
Value
Some of the cheapest domains around.
4.5/5
Buy it if...- You want the cheapest domains. Dynadot is one of the cheapest domain registrars around with clearly laid out pricing meaning you’ll never feel cheated.
- You want a free email or landing page. Dynadot bundles in freebies that you’ll actually use with its free email address being a particular boon but also having an easily added landing page.
- You don’t need added extras like web hosting. There’s better web hosting options out there but keeping it simple keeps Dynadot cheap.
- You want some more niche TLDs. Dynadot misses a few more obscure TLDs so may not suit every need.
- You want an all-in-one solution. If you want a one-stop shop for your hosting and domains, Dynadot isn’t the ideal option. Make sure to shop around.
- You want to keep prices super low. As a quirk, Dynadot sells domains for under $1 but you need to pay $3 or more to pay with a card or Paypal. It’s a good excuse to stockpile domains at least.
- GoDaddy: If you want a one-stop solution for your hosting and domain needs, GoDaddy is a better alternative. It isn’t as cheap but it is simple.
- Porkbun: Another option for cheap domains is Porkbun. It won’t upsell or be obnoxious. It just gets straight to the point.
- Namecheap: Namecheap is cheap and has a great dashboard for getting things done. Its renewals can get pricier though.
- Set up an account and purchased two domain names
- Created a landing page
- Looked extensively at dashboard features
I created a Dynadot account and purchased two domain names. I then used those domain names to evaluate the management features offered, and I also created a landing page for one. I also looked through account features to see how easy it was to cancel renewals as well as purchase additional domains. Finally, I compared prices to competitors.
Categories: Reviews
Porkbun review 2026
Porkbun is an American-based domain registrar that’s been around since 2015. Underneath its quirky pig-based exterior, it promises to be one of the cheapest options around. It sells most domains at cost price of wholesale pricing, plus ICANN fees, and credit card fees, without making a chunky sum out of hidden fees. Besides domains, it also offers web hosting, and email hosting, but I’m focusing on its domain services here.
I’ve been buying domain names for the past 25 years and have been reviewing services for over a decade. This Porkbun review is based on my hands-on testing, consulting official documentation and support, as well as checking verified user reviews for additional feedback.
For more options, why not look through our list of the best domain registration services.
Porkbun: My experience(Image credit: Porkbun)Signing up to a domain via Porkbun only took moments. On the main page, I entered the domain name I was interested in purchasing and was quickly presented with a list of all the domain suffixes available right now. Once choosing to purchase one, there’s an option to add hosting and also to ‘upsell me’. Click the latter button and Porkbun suggests some relevant domain names you might also want to add on.
A minute later and you’re all set. Again, there’s a bit more upselling with the option of adding a site builder or WordPress hosting, but it’s not too intrusive. The domain management page is right there and it's simple to browse through your domains. As with most domain registrations, it takes a minute or two to be registered and it was pretty quick with Porkbun. The simple management page has everything you need and I liked the process. Just make sure to toggle auto-renew off unless it’s essential for you.
Porkbun: Features(Image credit: Porkbun)Porkbun keeps things simple so when it comes to features, there’s no filler here. Buying a domain name also brings the offer of web hosting but that’s about as complicated as it gets.
On the domain registration page, you’re given WHOIS privacy as standard. You can toggle the domain lock on or off, and there’s an auto-renew toggle as well. If you’re planning on selling your domain name at some point, you can also quickly add to the marketplace to auction it off to someone. CSV file downloads of all your domain name details, including auth codes, can be quickly obtained from the management page too.
Wrapping things up well, it’s easy to configure your DNS records for many popular services with a couple of clicks of a button. These include Google Workspace, Squarespace, Shopify, and Bluesky, amongst other services.
Porkbun: User experiencePorkbun is very simple to use even if it isn’t exactly attractive to look at. There’s no conventional onboarding process like you’d get with one of the more user-friendly (and more expensive) services, but its domain management page is reasonably straightforward to figure out, even if you’re not a particularly advanced user.
Crucially, a series of tooltips and one line explainers go a long way to ensuring that you won’t break anything. A few toggles are also available and clearly laid out. What it lacks in looks, it makes up for with easily accessible settings.
Porkbun: Customer supportPorkbun offers a good range of support options. It has a knowledge base which should solve most simple queries. There’s also an AI chat bot which answers a lot of questions before transferring you to a person if needed. Refreshingly, you can also click a button to go straight to talking to a real person if you’d prefer.
There’s also phone support although that isn’t 24/7. It’s available between 9am and 5pm PST. Otherwise, email support is 24/7 and human chat support is a somewhat vague ‘hours vary’ although I found I always got a response.
Porkbun: PricingDomain
Price from
.xyz
$1
.com
$11.08
.eu
$5.46
.net
$12.52
.org
$7.98
There’s seemingly a domain name suffix for every occasion here. Porkbun’s cheapest are its .xyz domains which cost $1 to register for the first year. .com domains are available from $11.08 while .net starts at $12.52.
As with any domain service, your mileage will vary depending on the domain name you have in mind, but those are good starting prices. Type in the name you have in mind and you’re given a vast list of available options along with a renewal price for the future.
Porkbun: SpecsSpec
Details
Lowest price from
$1 (.xyz)
Highest price from
$2.575 (.sexy)
Search tools
Standard search, AI, bulk, marketplace, auction
Other services
Web hosting, WordPress hosting, email hosting
Porkbun: Should I buy?Attribute
Notes
Score
Features
Porkbun has all the essentials you need.
4.5/5
User experience
A little simplistic and basic, but still mostly easy to figure out.
4/5
Value
Excellent value with some very cheap domains.
4.5/5
Buy it if...- You want a no-frills domain service. Porkbun skips fancy visuals and focuses on providing domain names very cheaply and clutter-free.
- You want the best value. Some kind of domain name for $1? Porkbun makes it very tempting to bulk buy in the best way.
- You want quick access to many domains. Porkbun dishes out a huge list of available domain names making it oh so easy to click on multiple domains to buy.
- You need hand holding. If you want guidance through setting up a domain, Porkbun isn’t the service for you. It’s not complicated but the onboarding could be a little more welcoming.
- You want web hosting from the same place. Porkbun’s web hosting isn’t bad but there are better options if you want an all-in-one service.
- You want a stylish experience. Porkbun is very basic looking and that can be a little off-putting compared to some competitors.
- Namecheap: For cheap domain names, Namecheap lives up to its name. Its dashboard is a little more appealing than Porkbun but renewals can be pricier.
- GoDaddy: Want good hosting as well as a domain? GoDaddy is the place to go. Just be aware of its upselling tactics.
- Dynadot: Dynadot has fairly cheap domains, limited upselling, and a good approach to domain registration. It misses a few TLDs out but for most people, it’s great.
- Set up an account and bought two domain names
- Tested the domain management features
- Evaluated the price of domains compared to competitors
I set up an account with Porkbun before searching for new domain names then buying two. I went through the sign up process to purchase the domain, before going into the domain management tools to make adjustments. This included looking at nameservers, how to change DNS records, and how to turn off auto renew and other features.
Categories: Reviews
GoDaddy domain registration service review 2026
GoDaddy is one of the oldest domain registrars and web hosting companies around. Founded in 1997, the company is now the largest ICANN-accredited registrar in the world, and you’ll likely have come across many adverts for it online over the years. It’s the go-to place for many people who just want to buy a domain or hosting package quickly.
I’ve been buying domain names for the past 20 years or more, and that includes via GoDaddy in the past. I’ve also reviewed many hosting plans and other web services so I know what to look for. This GoDaddy review is based on my hands-on testing and personal experience with GoDaddy. I’ve bought domain names, looked at how good the support options are, and kept an eye out for any unwelcoming upselling techniques. I’ve also spent time with other domain registrars to see how GoDaddy compares.
For more options, take a look at our list of the best domain registration services.
GoDaddy: My experience(Image credit: GoDaddy )GoDaddy has a very welcoming UI right from the start. Type your idea in and the site takes you to all the domains you can choose from, right down to ones that are currently taken but could possibly be acquired via a broker service fee. GoDaddy is a little sneaky with prices as it gives you the price for the first year based on if you commit to 3 or more years at once. That means the actual price is often much higher so it’s worth experimenting with the renewal length for accurate prices.
On the other hand, GoDaddy also suggests useful bundles if you want to commit to a name in a few different ways, and domain privacy is included as standard. You can pay extra for more advanced domain protection but it isn’t necessary. Skip past other upselling like email hosting and you’re all set. GoDaddy even creates a coming soon page for you if you don’t need to forward the domain elsewhere just yet. Its onboarding is very user friendly.
GoDaddy: Features(Image credit: GoDaddy)As standard, GoDaddy bundles in a lot of features and, refreshingly, highlights them clearly. You have WHOIS privacy as standard along with automatic DMARC security so you can keep an eye on any suspicious emails. There’s also LLC registration if you need it, along with domain forwarding. For building your vision, there’s also an AI Logo Maker and you can check out a free trial to GoDaddy’s website builder.
That leads into GoDaddy being a tad keen on upselling, right down to offering up free AI credits for its Airo AI builder. Dive into your domain management and it’s simple enough to toggle auto-renew, manage DNS records, and also sell your domain. Bonus points for GoDaddy gauging how much your domain is worth.
GoDaddy: User experienceGoDaddy is one of the easiest domain registrars to use. Its sign up process and dashboard is designed in a way that you don’t need much technical expertise to still get things done. Its onboarding process also guides you towards signing up for hosting, whether that’s email or web hosting, but it can also happily create a quick coming soon landing page so you’re not restricted here.
Everything within the dashboard is laid out clearly, so you can see exactly what you’re doing or might want to consider for later. For instance, one useful extra is how easy it is to set up a subdomain for your social media presence. The main thing to be aware of is that some of these tasks involve additional fees.
GoDaddy: Customer supportWhen you’re in need of help, there are two obvious port of calls. There’s GoDaddy’s Help Center which has solutions to a huge amount of queries. There’s also Airo, GoDaddy’s AI chatbot, which I found worked pretty well.
If you need to talk to a human being, you can do so by asking Airo to send you to a person for assistance. Adding to that, you can also phone GoDaddy with phone support available 24/7. WhatsApp is another solution along with how-to videos if you want to learn as you go along. Simply put, GoDaddy has it all.
GoDaddy: PricingDomain
Price from
.xyz
$0.74
.com
$3.84
.eu
$3.19
.net
$0.01
.org
$7.49
GoDaddy’s pricing looks very appealing at first glance. Its first year prices are some of the lowest around. When you delve deeper though, things often end up more expensive. That’s because the first year discount is often only applied if you plan on buying the domain for a number of years, and those extra years often cost a lot more.
That goes for individual discounts and bundle plans which are convenient but can get very expensive. It’s worth playing around with domain options to see what works out the best value for your needs, but be prepared for the fact that it’s all likely to be more expensive than the deals that lure you in.
GoDaddy: SpecsSpec
Details
Lowest price from
$0.01 (.co.uk)
Highest price from
$374 (.inc)
Search tools
Standard search, AI
Other services
Web hosting, WordPress hosting, email hosting, VPS, marketing services
GoDaddy: Should I buy?Attribute
Notes
Score
Features
GoDaddy generally provides all the key components as standard.
4.5/5
User experience
One of the easiest onboarding processes and dashboards out there.
4.5/5
Value
Renewals get expensive but there are some good core deals if you experiment.
4/5
Buy it if...- You want simplicity. GoDaddy really makes everything very user-friendly whatever your skill level. That makes it an enticing company.
- You’re looking long term. Domains are at their best value prices when you commit for a long time which is certainly useful at times.
- You want 24/7 support. GoDaddy doesn’t miss a trick here with every support option you could possibly need and it’s available 24/7.
- You only want a domain for a year. First year prices are cheap only if you commit for a number of years. This won’t suit every need.
- You hate being upsold. At every turn, GoDaddy tries to upsell you on something. It can get draining to keep an eye on what you’re clicking.
- You want maximum security for free. If you want two factor authentication, you have to pay for more advanced security.
- Ionos: For web hosting and domain management, Ionos is a good rival to GoDaddy. It still has some annoying upselling moments, but it packs in the essential features for free.
- Porkbun: Just need a domain rather than be tempted by hosting? Porkbun is the solution. It’s very cheap with a basic dashboard. It also somehow squeezes in phone support.
- Dynadot: Dynadot doesn’t have every TLD on offer but it does have the vast majority. It also boasts fairly limited upselling and clutter which makes it appealing.
- Signed up for two domain names
- Investigated domain management features
- Looked at pricing compared to competitors
I signed up for a new account at GoDaddy before browsing domain names that were suitable for my needs. Once signed up, I looked at how easy it was to use GoDaddy’s domain management features and changed a few things. I also looked at pricing conventions and how much upselling there was.
Categories: Reviews
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