TechRadar Reviews

Oppo Pad 5 Pro: One-minute review

If you’re after a big-screen tablet with a premium design, a huge battery, and a price tag that won’t bankrupt you, the Oppo Pad 5 Pro makes a compelling case as one of the best tablets on the market.

It also arrives with an initially puzzling spec configuration. The Pad 5 Pro is the successor to the Oppo Pad 3 Pro, which landed in 2025 with a smaller screen (12 inches) and 12GB of RAM. This time around, however, Oppo has increased the tablet's screen size but slashed its RAM capacity to 8GB.

That means the Pad 5 Pro has a lower power ceiling than its predecessor for multitasking and resource-intensive productivity tasks, but Oppo has almost certainly made this decision as a result of the ongoing global RAM shortage, which is pushing up memory prices. Had the Pad 5 Pro been equipped with 12GB of RAM, it would almost certainly be significantly more expensive.

And it’s not all bad news for the Pad 5 Pro's power credentials, as its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset can handle pretty much everything you throw at it. The Pad 3 Pro, by contrast, uses a still-powerful but older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chipset, so what you lose in RAM, you gain in CPU power.

The tablet's 7:5 aspect ratio display also makes the Pad 5 Pro a great productivity companion. The ColorOS 16 interface has excellent multitasking tools, and I love the ability to use the tablet as a screen for your laptop.

I also enjoyed holding the tablet vertically and reading articles, with its 144Hz refresh rate allowing for smooth scrolling, and the screen's bezel providing a place to rest my thumb.

With the Pad 5 Pro back in landscape, the expansive screen was great for my PUBG: Mobile sessions and streaming videos. Plus, with eight speakers built into the slender frame, the Pad 5 Pro has surprisingly good audio.

Then there’s the whopping 13,380mAh battery that’ll give you multiple days of use from a single charge with moderate use, and a solid two days with more intensive activity.

As big-screen tablets go, then, the Oppo Pad 5 Pro has a lot to offer that makes it easy to recommend.

Oppo Pad 5 Pro review: Price and availability

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

• The Oppo Pad 5 Pro costs £699, less than the 13-inch iPad Air (M4)
• Available in the UK and Europe with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro costs £699, making it slightly more expensive than Apple’s entry-level iPad 11-inch (2025) (£429), but comfortably cheaper than the firm’s iPad Air 13-inch (2025) (£949) and Samsung’s 12.6-inch Galaxy Tab S12 Plus (£1,399). Its closest competitor, price-wise, is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus (£689).

At £699, the Pad 5 Pro also costs £200 more than its predecessor. Sure, it has a bigger screen, a larger battery, and an updated chipset — but as mentioned, it also has less RAM. You're still getting decent bang for your buck, but last year's Pad 3 Pro was a better value proposition overall.

At the time of writing (October 2026), Oppo is running a £100-off promotion on the Pad 5 Pro, taking the asking price down to £599. At that figure, it's a steal.

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro is currently available in the UK and Europe. If you’re reading this review in North America or Australia, then bad news: this tablet is not currently sold in your region.

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro is available in a single configuration: 8GB RAM with 256GB of storage, and Wi-Fi only. Unlike Apple’s iPads and Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, there is no cellular option here.

If you want to enhance your experience, Oppo offers case and stylus accessories for the tablet. The Oppo Pad 5 Pro Smart Keyboard case (£299), as the name suggests, provides you with a full QWERTY keyboard and stand in a similar design to Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

The Smart Case (£29.90) provides front and back protection and an origami-style folding flag for various stand orientations.

Meanwhile, the Oppo Pencil 3 Pro (£79.90) comes with 16,000 levels of pressure sensitivity — more than the Apple Pencil series — and an industry-first felt tip for a realistic writing-on-paper-like experience.

• Value score: 4 / 5

Oppo Pad 5 Pro: Specs

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro boasts a number of key spec upgrades over its predecessor — but it's also saddled with a notable downgrade.

Oppo’s increased the screen size to 13.2 inches, and the display resolution gets a bump too, with the LCD screen now offering a 3392 x 2400 (3.4K) pixel resolution, 315 ppi, and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.

Battery capacity is now a meaty 13,380mAh with 80W fast charging, while Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset runs the show. There’s 256GB of storage too, plus eight speakers and two microphones, all packed into a supremely slim 5.94mm body.

The downgrade comes in the RAM department. The Pad 3 Pro packed 12GB of RAM, but for the Oppo Pad 5 Pro, you’re getting just 8GB. For a tablet that’s supposedly offering a PC-level experience and plenty of AI productivity tools, this is a disappointment, but not a deal-breaker.

Oppo Pad 5 Pro

Dimensions:

289.71 x 209.76 x 5.94mm

Weight:

672g

Screen:

13.2-inch, LCD, 7:5

Resolution:

3392 x 2400 (3.4K), 315 ppi

Refresh rate:

144Hz adaptive refresh rate

Peak brightness:

1,000 nits

Chipset:

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

RAM:

8GB LPDDR5X

Storage:

256GB

OS:

Android 16 w/ ColorOS 16

Main camera:

13MP, EIS

Front camera:

8MP, EIS

Battery:

13,380mAh

Charging:

80W wired (SuperVOOC)

Colors:

Mocha Brown

Oppo Pad 5 Pro review: DesignJohn McCann / TechRadarJohn McCann / TechRadarJohn McCann / TechRadarJohn McCann / TechRadarJohn McCann / TechRadarJohn McCann / TechRadarJohn McCann / TechRadarJohn McCann / TechRadar

• Slim, premium design that looks great
• Just one color option, but Mocha Brown works
• It’s almost 100g heavier than the 13-inch iPad Pro

In the battle of the big-screen tablets, there’s not much to choose between the Apple, Oppo, and Samsung slates in terms of design.

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro is a great-looking and feeling premium tablet. Its flat edges mimic the latest iPad design, while its ultra-slim profile means it slips seamlessly into a bag.

At 5.94mm thick, the Pad 5 Pro is certainly slender, but it’s not as svelte as the pricier iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) or Samsung Galaxy S12 Ultra, which are both just 5.1mm slim.

This isn't a particularly big issue, although at 672g, there’s some weight behind this supersized slate: the Pad 5 Pro is almost 100g heavier than the iPad Pro 13 (M5) and its predecessor, the Pad 3 Pro. A lightweight, compact tablet this is not.

Oppo claims the all-metal unibody is designed to feel "as natural and effortless to hold as a magazine." While it’s certainly heavier than the T3 magazine I had to hand, I did enjoy holding the tablet during use. There are no sharp edges, and so long as you’re okay with the weight, it’s comfortable in the hand.

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

I especially liked using it in portrait when reading articles, and while the bezels around the screen might appear to be on the large side, they provided an accommodating space for my thumb to rest.

Oppo has continued the single-color trend it employed for this tablet’s predecessor, with the Pad 5 Pro available in just one hue: Mocha Brown. Now, brown isn’t the first color that jumps to mind for a tablet, but I must say it looks smart here. Plus, a single color choice at least means a simpler buying journey.

There’s a front-facing camera positioned along the landscape edge of the screen, which is the premier position for video calls when in a protective case or keyboard stand, while a pill-shaped island on the rear houses the 13MP rear snapper and flash.

The only buttons on this tablet are a power key and two volume buttons, while a USB-C port provides wired charging and data transfer access.

On the rear, you’ll also find three pogo pin connectors, allowing you to connect the tablet to the optional Smart Keyboard accessory. And on the top edge, there’s a subtle oval indentation to guide you when magnetically attaching the optional Oppo Pencil 3 Pro stylus to the slate when not in use.

Oppo’s also managed to pack eight speakers into the Pad 5 Pro, four on each short side, and there are two microphones to pick up your voice during video calls.

There’s no fingerprint scanner either under the display or built into the power switch, with Oppo instead opting for face unlock smarts.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Oppo Pad 5 Pro review: Display

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

• Huge 13.2-inch, 3.4K display
• Great for multitasking, gaming, and video streaming
• Supports HDR for Netflix and Prime Video, plus Dolby Vision

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro's display measures a whopping 13.2 inches, making it bigger than Apple’s largest iPad Pro. This supersized screen ensures you have plenty of real estate for your apps, games, videos, and work tasks.

Oppo has stuck with an LCD panel for the screen here, which will likely help keep overall costs down, but it does mean you don’t get the same deep black levels as you do with Samsung’s AMOLED screens.

Resolution isn’t an issue, though, with the 3.4K panel offering a pixel density of 315ppi — that's much higher than you'll get on the pricier iPad Pro (265ppi) and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra (239ppi).

Oppo uses what it calls the “A4 golden ratio” for the screen — specifically, it's a 7:5 screen aspect ratio that makes reading articles, checking documents, and reviewing presentations very comfortable.

The adaptive refresh rate up to 144Hz means scrolling, swiping, and sliding around the interface and apps feels fluid; great when you’re moving through long documents or fast-moving comment sections.

Fire up a streaming service, though, and 16:9 and 21:9 videos result in large black bars above and below the action. Still, this isn't deal-breaking for the experience, and with HDR for Netflix and Prime Video, along with Dolby Vision support, content looks great.

The Pad 5 Pro's large screen size means it’s an excellent tablet to use away from home, especially when on the move for work. It’s easy to run apps side-by-side without them feeling cramped, and I enjoyed using Oppo’s O+Connect software with my laptop to enable the Pad 5 Pro as a second display.

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

Plus, the plentiful display real estate was beneficial when I fired up PUBG: Mobile, giving me an expansive view of the battlefield and plenty of space for the on-screen buttons and HUD.

With a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, I was able to use the Pad 5 Pro outside without much in the way of reflections or glare. In direct sunlight, you might struggle to see the screen a little, but positioned on a sun lounger in the shade, this tablet works nicely.

• Display score: 4.5 / 5

Oppo Pad 5 Pro review: Software

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

• ColorOS 16 provides excellent customization and multitasking
• AI tools are included, but usefulness varies

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro is an Android tablet at heart, with Oppo’s own ColorOS 16 interface laid on top. And Oppo says the tablet will get an upgrade to ColorOS 17 in November 2026.

The good news is Oppo’s UI is a highly accomplished offering these days. It’s pretty close to stock Android, while offering extra layers of customization and features on top. The result is a tablet that’s enhanced by the software Oppo makes.

If you like to fine-tune your experience, the Oppo Pad 5 Pro has plenty of options in the Settings menu, but you don't need to dive into them. This tablet also works great out of the box with the default settings.

And, mercifully, Oppo has kept pre-loaded applications to a minimum, with just a handful forced on you from the off — apps such as Netflix, WPS Office, LinkedIn, and TikTok. The good news is these can be uninstalled easily if you’d rather not have them.

I like how easy it is to get two (or three) apps side by side on screen — tap the three dots at the top of the screen when in an app, select Split View, and you're away. Coupled with the big screen, this multitasking functionality makes the Pad 5 Pro an excellent productivity machine that students and mobile workers will find intuitive and helpful.

And as I mentioned briefly in the display section, productivity can be further enhanced with O+ Connect, which allows you to sync your Mac or Windows laptop to the Pad 5 Pro to use it to transfer documents, mirror displays, or act as a second screen. It works wired and wirelessly, so you don’t need to remember cables every time.

Considering how slim the Pad 5 Pro is, it’s not a huge ask to slide this tablet into your bag with your work or study laptop, giving you excellent flexibility.

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

There are AI tools on board too, including the now-familiar Circle to Search feature, but Oppo also has AI Smart Circle. When using the optional Pencil 3 Pro, pressing and holding the stylus on the screen will highlight content, allowing you to annotate, save, or share it.

From there, you can access additional AI tools, including AI Painter (which helps you enhance images you find). The tools work and can be fun to use, but their mileage will vary depending on your use cases.

• Software score: 4.5 / 5

Oppo Pad 5 Pro review: Performance

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

• A mixed bag of specs, but enough power for most
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and 8GB of RAM
• Comfortably handles three apps on screen at the same time

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro performance specs are a bit of a mixed bag. First, the good: you get Qualcomm's latest, top-of-the-line chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

That means plenty of raw power under the hood and enough smarts for various AI workflows, whether you’re a Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, or other LLM user.

What’s less impressive is the amount of RAM you get. With its predecessor, the Pad 3 Pro (there was no 4 model), you got 12GB of RAM. On the Pad 5 Pro, however, Oppo has downgraded this capacity to 8GB.

We can’t be too cross with Oppo, though. There’s a global shortage of RAM, which in turn is pushing up prices, and its scarcity is leaving manufacturers in a tricky position when it comes to balancing power and price.

I suspect if Oppo did include 12GB of RAM in the Pad 5 Pro, its asking price would be much higher, and to be fair to the tablet, it handled everything I threw at it with ease.

I cranked up the graphical settings on PUBG: Mobile and was able to successfully log some Winner Winner Chicken Dinner victories, while 4K video streaming from Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Netflix all worked well and looked great.

Hours of gaming, long video calls, prolonged typing of this review using the Smart Keyboard Case, and TV series binges (series two of The Gentleman, anyone?) were all taken in stride, too.

If you’re looking to complete overly complex graphical or AI tasks, though, the Oppo Pad 5 Pro may start to struggle, so consider a more powerful (and likely pricier) tablet if you fall into this category.

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

For those of you who do a lot of gaming, the Pad 5 Pro has Oppo’s Game Assistant, allowing you to direct maximum performance to the game you’re playing, with toggles to enhance graphics and framerate too.

And a quick word on this tablet’s eight-speaker setup. They sound great for their size, considering they’re packed into the Pad 5 Pro’s slender frame, offering rich audio and great stereo performance. They’re not going to beat a quality pair of Bluetooth headphones, but they’re more than capable for most use cases.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Oppo Pad 5 Pro review: Battery

(Image credit: John McCann / TechRadar)

• Huge 13,380mAh battery
• Multi-day use from a single charge is easily achievable
• 80W fast charging, but you’ll need to provide the block

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro performs very well when it comes to battery life.

Oppo has packed a massive 13,380mAh power pack into the tablet's slender frame, and the sheer capacity on offer translates directly into impressive longevity.

An hour-long PUBG: Mobile gaming session resulted in a 7% drop in battery life, which means the Pad 5 Pro is capable of many hours of gameplay.

Loading up a Dolby Vision-supported movie on Netflix, the Pad 5 Pro dropped 9% in an hour and a half. That was with Wi-Fi connected, brightness at half, and various applications syncing in the background.

Extrapolated out, that's over 10 hours of video streaming, although Oppo claims the Pad 5 Pro can deliver up to 20 hours of video playback. That might be possible on lower brightness settings and with a film file on the tablet itself, but not through everyday streaming.

And when left idle overnight, the Pad 5 Pro lost just 1% in 12 hours.

Battery drain is similar when working and multitasking, with the Pad 5 Pro offering two days of battery life pretty consistently with multiple hours of use each day.

If you use the tablet less, though, you'll find you'll still have battery life days later.

Oppo has also equipped the Pad 5 Pro with its 80W SuperVOOC flash charging, allowing you to top up the mega battery at speed. You'll need a high-powered plug block to achieve the 80W speeds, though — and one isn't provided in the box.

I used a 100W charging block, and the Oppo Pad 5 Pro went from 46% to 54% in 10 minutes, reaching 62% after 20 minutes, and a quarter of the total capacity (3,345mAh) after 30 minutes.

These might not seem like stellar increases on paper, but when you consider the size of the battery inside the Pad 5 Pro, you’re getting hours of use from short charging sessions.

• Battery score: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the Oppo Pad 5 Pro?Oppo Pad 5 Pro scorecard

Value

Where it’s available, the Oppo Pad 5 Pro is priced to deliver bang for your buck — it’s just a shame that it’s not quite as compellingly priced as its predecessor.

4/5

Design

This big-screen, slimline premium tablet looks and feels the part. It’s well made and packs in eight speakers, but is heavier than the pricier competition.

4/5

Display

The 13.2-inch display provides an excellent viewing experience with a 3.4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Vision support, plus solid brightness.

4.5/5

Software

ColorOS 16 has a bunch of customization options for those who like to fine tune, excellent multi-tasking features, and a great default settings for those who just want to get going right away.

4.5/5

Performance

The Pad 5 Pro provides enough power to do everything you need, but the drop in RAM and increase in price is a shame. For really intensive tasks, you might need to look elsewhere.

4/5

Battery

The Oppo Pad 5 Pro has excellent battery life. Even with more intensive work days, you should get two days between charges, while lighter use will deliver multi-day use.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a portable streaming and gaming device

With its 3.4K display, eight-speaker system, and Game Assistant performance boost, the Oppo Pad 5 Pro makes Netflix binges and gaming marathons a piece of cake.

You don’t want to overspend on a big screen

Apple’s big-screen iPads are comfortably more expensive than the Oppo Pad 5 Pro, but here you still get a premium design, a great screen, and enough performance for pretty much anything.

You want a great productivity device

With excellent app multitasking, long battery life, and the ability to use the Pad 5 Pro as a second screen with your laptop, it’s a work winner. Splurge on the optional Smart Keyboard Case and Pencil 3 Pro, and it basically becomes a 13.2-inch laptop and sketchpad.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best tablet apps

Google’s Play Store has a much better selection of tablet-optimized apps than it used to, but Apple’s App Store is still the leader for this form factor. If you want the very best app selection, an iPad is the way to go.

You’re a power user

While the Pad 5 Pro’s cutting-edge Qualcomm chipset will handle most tasks with ease, for power users looking for a device to support intensive workloads, the drop in RAM to 8GB might cause a bottleneck.

Also consider

Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026)

Apple’s 13-inch iPad Air offers top-notch design, display, and performance credentials. There’s a plentiful app store and a range of accessories too — but the price quickly adds up.

Read our full Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2026) review

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus

Samsung has been making Android tablets for a long time, and it's refined its offering over the years. The Tab S10 FE Plus is water-resistant, with a similarly large screen and battery, plus it offers several color options.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus review

Oppo Pad 5 Pro

iPad Air (13-inch, M4)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+

Price

£699

From $949 / £949 / AU$1,599

From $649 / £649 / AU$1,099

Screen

13.2-inch, 3392 x 2400, 315ppi, 144Hz, 1,000 nits (peak)

13-inch, 2732 x 2048, 264ppi, , 60Hz, 600 nits (peak)

13.1-inch, 2880 x 1800, 259ppi, 90Hz, 600 nits (peak)

Chip & RAM

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 + 8GB RAM

Apple M4 + 12GB RAM

Samsung Exynos 1580 + 8/12GB RAM

Battery

13,380mAh

9,705mAh

10,090mAh

How I tested the Oppo Pad 5 Pro Why you can trust TechRadar

☑️ 100s of smartphones reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

I used the Oppo Pad 5 Pro as my daily tablet for a week. I used it for a wide variety of activities, including reading articles, sketching with the Pencil 3 Pro, gaming, checking emails, scrolling social, and streaming TV, movies, and music.

I used the Smart Keyboard Case to type the majority of this review, and recharged the slate with slow and fast charging blocks — you’ll want to invest in an 80W+ block if you buy the Pad 5 Pro.

As part of my testing, I engaged in a mix of high- and low- usage days to get a proper sense of the Oppo Pad 5 Pro's excellent battery life. I tried the tablet's AI features and used its cameras for photography indoors and outdoors, as well as for video calls.

Read more about how we test

First tested October 2026

Mozilla is best known for its Firefox web browser, but it also offers a broader suite of software services. Among these services is Mozilla Monitor, a tool that checks whether your personal information has been affected in a data breach and advises you on the next steps. Mozilla Monitor is free to use, just like the Firefox browser and other services offered by the company.

I’m reviewing this data removal service in detail, covering its pros, cons, features, ease of use, and other essential factors. This review will help you decide whether to add Mozilla Monitor to your online privacy toolkit.

Mozilla Monitor: Plans and pricing

Mozilla Monitor is completely free. You may be confused because you’ve previously heard of a paid Mozilla Monitor Plus data removal service. Yes, that used to exist, but it was shut down in March 2026.

Mozilla gave the reason of “refocusing our resources on other privacy and security initiatives,” but kept the core Mozilla Monitor features and expanded free monitoring to 20 email addresses per user.

That means you can use Mozilla Monitor to check if your email address was affected by a data breach, but it no longer scans data broker sites for your personal data and sends deletion requests. You can check out the service by clicking here.

Mozilla Monitor: Setup

Setting up Mozilla Monitor is as easy as it gets. It starts with creating a Mozilla account, and this one account can be used for all Mozilla services. Creating an account is as simple as entering an email address and a password. A verification code will be sent to that email address, and inputting it confirms your newly created account.

(Image credit: Mozilla )

With an account confirmed, you can begin entering email addresses to monitor for data breaches. Each account can monitor up to 20 email addresses, so there’s a lot of room. You could enter your siblings' and parents’ email addresses and be the de facto family IT staff. If any of their addresses are found in a data breach, you’ll quickly alert them and advise on protective measures.

Note that for each email address you’ll add, Mozilla sends a verification link to that address. The owner has to click on the verification link for Mozilla to start monitoring the email address. If you’re adding a family member, friend, or colleague’s email address, simply tell them to click on the verification link. They don’t have to create a Mozilla account–clicking the verification link is enough.

In the example below, I added one of my email addresses, only to discover that it was affected in 7 data breaches all the way back to 2019.

(Image credit: Mozilla )

I don’t like to brag, but I think I’m a bit tech-savvy in knowing how to respond to my email address being affected by a data breach. The usual step is to change the password on the affected platform, and also any other platform where I’ve used the same password.

For example, the results show data breaches on Trello, Gravatar, and Wattpad. This meant I had to change the passwords for these platforms and any other platform where I used similar passwords.

(Image credit: Mozilla )

However, users don’t have to be tech-savvy to use Mozilla Monitor. For anyone whose address is found in a data breach, Mozilla suggests the right steps to take. Clicking on the Resolve exposures button (pictured below) takes a user to these steps:

(Image credit: Mozilla )

I was glad to know that Mozilla Monitor suggested exactly the steps I recommended: changing the password for that account and anywhere else I’ve used the same password.

(Image credit: Mozilla )

Along with the above advice, I got some other security recommendations like avoiding clicking on unknown links in emails, marking suspicious emails as spam, and being aware of phishing attacks.

You can repeat the same steps for up to 20 email addresses. Mozilla Monitor helps you stay safe online, even when affected by a data breach. You’ll be aware of past data breaches and any new ones, then take immediate steps to prevent further problems.

Mozilla Monitor: Ease of use

Regarding ease of use, Mozilla Monitor is one of the best platforms I’ve reviewed in general, not just among security-related platforms.

The workflow is as smooth as it gets, and everything felt simple to navigate, even as a first-time user. It follows a sequential process, where one step leads to the next, to the next, and so on till you get the final results.

You can access Mozilla Monitor from any web browser, preferably on a PC, to get the best user experience. I give it a near-perfect user-friendliness score.

Mozilla Monitor: Security and privacy

Mozilla Monitor will be a valuable addition to anyone’s security software suite, and it's available at no cost. When email addresses and passwords get breached on any site, malicious actors often use these breached credentials to attempt to break into accounts, both on the affected and non-affected sites.

Mozilla Monitor helps prevent this problem, letting you know if your email address was found in any data breach and advising immediate steps to take.

I don’t like that Mozilla’s Plus data removal service is no longer available, but I have no control over that. At least, I’m happy Mozilla kept the data breach monitoring service and maintained it for free.

Mozilla Monitor: Support

On the dashboard, users can find an FAQs section with detailed answers to common questions asked about Mozilla Monitor.

This FAQs section explains what a data breach is, how Mozilla monitors data breaches, the risks of your personal information being found in a data breach, and other important topics. It provides valuable help for new users seeking to understand what Mozilla Monitor is about and how it works.

Given it’s a free tool, there’s not much direct help available. You can ask questions on the official Mozilla Discourse forum, but there’s no email, live chat, or telephone support.

Mozilla Monitor: Competition

I’ll mention Incogni and DeleteMe as two top competitors to Mozilla Monitor. These platforms offer data breach monitoring, like Mozilla Monitor, and also let you scan data broker sites for personal data, then send automated or manual deletion requests. Mozilla previously offered a data removal service, but it was shut down in March 2026.

I’d say Incogni and DeleteMe offer a more complete online privacy suite, but they require paid subscriptions, unlike Mozilla Monitor, which is completely free.

Mozilla Monitor: Final verdict

If you’re seeking a free tool that helps protect your privacy online, Mozilla Monitor is highly recommended. At no cost, it’ll alert you to data breach incidents affecting your email address and help you take corrective steps. However, it doesn’t offer much outside this service, so have modest expectations.

Your home address, phone number, email address, and government records are personal bits of information that can get exposed online. You’ve probably entered this information on one website, and it inadvertently made it to a public database. Anyone can look it up, and you’re not comfortable with that. What’s the solution? A data removal platform like Hello Privacy (now known as Privacy Protect).

With Hello Privacy, you can scan 100+ data broker sites for your personal information. If discovered, you can initiate automated removal requests to these sites, then monitor the results. Over time, Privacy Protect rescans these sites to ensure your data stays off them.

Hello Privacy is one of many data removal services out there, so what makes it stand out? What are its core features, pros and cons, and how does it compare to competitors? Read on to learn what Hello Privacy offers and whether it’s your best choice for a data removal platform.

Hello Privacy: Plans and pricing

Hello Privacy’s pricing structure is quite complicated. There used to be a distinct tool called Hello Privacy, with its own plan: $9.99 monthly or a discounted $100 per year for Premium. However, Hello Privacy was acquired by Array, an online security platform, in 2022, and its name changed to Privacy Protect. Post-name change, Privacy Protect is now offered under Array’s all-in-one bundle.

Array doesn’t have standard pricing. It runs a pay-as-you-go model, where users only pay for the features they utilize. Array is targeted at enterprises, and potential customers have to contact the company’s sales team for a quote.

Here’s another confusing aspect: you can still use Hello Privacy standalone or as part of Array’s Privacy Protect. For some reason, Array decided to integrate the data removal platform into its all-in-one suite and also maintain it as a standalone service, which I’m focusing on in this review.

You can use Hello Privacy’s free version to test the scanning features before making your final decision. There’s no standard refund policy, which I consider a disadvantage.

Hello Privacy: Setup

Setting up this platform follows a sequential, straightforward pattern. Individual users can visit HelloPrivacy.com to get started. Enter details including your first and last name, location, and age to run a free scan. The scan covers 132 data broker sites, including some of the most widely used ones, but this coverage is much less than some competitors offer. For example, DeleteMe covers over 750 data broker sites, and Incogni covers 420+.

The scan takes anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the volume of data discovered on the 132 data broker sites. Afterwards, you’ll see a list of the sites where your data was discovered (pictured below).

(Image credit: Hello Privacy)

As a free user, scanning is where the service stops. To send deletion requests to the identified data broker sites, you’ll need to pay for a premium plan. As mentioned earlier, the premium package costs $9.99 per month, but it’s discounted to $100 if you pay annually (compared to $120 if paid month-to-month for 12 months). The $20 discount (around 17% lower than the month-to-month price) isn’t as much as offered by several rivals, but it’s at least a deal.

(Image credit: Hello Privacy )

After subscribing, you can send automated deletion requests to each data broker site. A request asks the data broker site to remove your information from their database so that it’ll no longer be searchable. From your dashboard, you can monitor the progress of every request. You’ll also be alerted if a request is successfully processed.

There’s a drawback, though: Hello Privacy doesn’t support custom removal requests. If you discover your info on a data broker site not part of its 132-strong native coverage, there’s no way to draft a custom deletion request for the site. On several competitors, even when the data broker site isn’t natively covered, the team can still send manual removal requests on your behalf, but that isn’t the case with Hello Privacy.

Along with data removal, Hello Privacy also offers dark web monitoring. That is, it scans data breach databases on the dark web and alerts you if your email address was found in any. If so, it’s a signal to immediately change the password associated with that email address on the breached platform. If you’ve used the same password on other sites, you should also change them (hackers often use credentials obtained on one site to attempt to break into other sites).

Hello Privacy: Ease of use

Using Hello Privacy felt easy. I didn’t jump through obstacles to sign up, scan for personal data, or monitor the progress of deletion requests. Everything felt sequential, with one easy step leading to the next until I got the desired results. Hello Privacy is primarily accessible from a web interface.

Hello Privacy: Security and privacy

For its price, Hello Privacy is a good addition to your online security suite. It isn’t an all-in-one security platform, but it fulfills the valuable role of keeping your personal info off data broker sites. Hello Privacy covers 132 U.S.-centric data broker sites, not as many as covered by several competitors, but it offers good value for its price point.

Hello Privacy: Support

As a Hello Privacy user, you can count on having access to decent support. If there’s a need to contact the support team, you can do that via email or telephone.

I didn’t find a detailed FAQs section or Help Center on the website, which was odd, as having these pages is the norm for competitors.

However, I did find some user guides for opting out of specific data broker sites. In this criterion, there’s more room for improvement by providing better self-help support resources (user guides, manuals, and FAQs).

Hello Privacy: Competition

When talking about data broker coverage earlier, I mentioned two notable competitors, DeleteMe and Incogni. These rivals offer more extensive data broker coverage than Hello Privacy. They also support manual removal requests for data broker sites not part of their native coverage; in-house experts draft legal requests asking these sites to delete your data. Hello Privacy doesn’t support manual requests, which I highlighted as a drawback.

On the bright side, Hello Privacy is a more affordable tool. An annual subscription costs $100 compared to $129 for DeleteMe and $179 for Incogni’s Unlimited plan (which offers similar features to Hello Privacy).

Hello Privacy: Final verdict

I recommend Hello Privacy to users who need an affordable platform to keep their personal info off data broker sites. It doesn’t have the most extensive coverage or extra security features, but it fulfils its role at a cost-effective price. It isn’t a complete security suite, except when purchased as part of an Array enterprise security bundle, but it works well for the average user seeking to maximize their online privacy.

The internet knows more about us than we’d like it to. It also doesn’t forget, unlike most people, so whatever it knows stays there for a long time. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you aren’t comfortable with your personal data being online, you can scrub it with a data removal platform. The platform scans people-finder sites for your data, then sends automated deletion requests. Requests are sent regularly to keep your data off the web.

Cloaked is one of the most popular data removal platforms, and I’m reviewing it to help you decide if it’s your best choice. Read on to learn what Cloaked offers, its features, pricing, support, and other factors that determine if it’s worth adopting.

• How we test, review and rate on TechRadar

Cloaked: Plans and pricing

You can check out Cloaked by clicking here.

Cloaked offers flexible plans for individuals, couples, and families. Individuals pay $12.49 monthly, or a discounted price of $120 if paid annually ($10 per month, compared to the usual $12.49 monthly).

The Couple plan costs $19.99 per month and covers two users. Annual payment is discounted to $175.

The Family plan costs $30 per month and covers 4 users. If you pay annually, the price gets discounted to $300 (equivalent to $25 per month, instead of the usual $30).

(Image credit: Cloaked )

Cloaked offers slightly lower prices than many competitors. I like that its pricing system isn’t differentiated by features, but by the number of users. Every plan unlocks the full feature set, with the difference being how many people it covers.

However, Cloaked doesn’t offer a free trial, which I consider a disadvantage. It previously offered a 14-day free trial, but this is no longer available. On the plus side, there’s a 30-day window to request a refund if you aren’t satisfied with the platform.

Cloaked: Setup

Cloaked has a noticeably easy setup process. Simply visit Cloaked.com and click the Get Started button at the top-right corner. You’ll be redirected to a page with two main buttons: Log In or Buy Now. Click on the latter, choose your pricing plan, and proceed to the checkout page. After paying for a plan, you can begin using the software.

I don’t like that Cloaked lacks a free trial. However, Cloaked does offer a free feature. You can scan your phone number and understand what information linked to the number is already present on the web. This scan gives a hint of what needs to be removed–since Cloaked sells the service for removing the data, this free scan incentivizes potential customers.

After the quick setup, you’re off to using Cloaked’s features. The core feature is removing data from people-finder sites, those infamous sites that curate personal information and let users access it for a fee.

Enter your name, address, or phone number, and Cloaked will scan popular data broker sites where that data is present. If found on any of them, Cloaked sends automated deletion requests to the sites. If automated requests aren't enough, Cloaked’s team sends manual deletion requests on your behalf.

Cloaked offers more than just data removal. There's a dark web monitoring service that tracks dark web leaks for your personal data, like passwords and social security numbers. If detected, you'll be immediately alerted about the leak to take corrective action.

There’s also a Call Guard for blocking spam and robocalls on your phone—this feature works when you install Cloaked on your Android or iOS smartphone. Cloaked maintains a list of numbers associated with spam and robocalls and runs every incoming call against this list—numbers found wanting are blocked from getting through.

Likewise, there’s a Cloaked virtual private network (VPN) service that encrypts your online browsing activity. It routes online traffic through virtual servers, preventing third parties from tracking your web surfing. There’s also a password manager that helps you save and retrieve passwords conveniently. All these features are offered under a single subscription, providing good value for money.

Normally, people pay separately for a VPN service, a spam call blocker, and a data removal service. Cloaked offers a cost-effective, all-in-one package.

I do have a complaint about Cloaked. Its data deletion requests cover 120+ people-finder sites, but some rivals cover a much larger number. Cloaked offers broader features than most competitors, but I think it can improve in this criterion.

Cloaked: Ease of use

Cloaked is relatively easy to use. You can access the data removal service mainly on the website. After scanning your data and sending deletion requests, you can monitor the progress of these requests from your dashboard. You’ll also receive email alerts when a request gets successfully processed.

(Image credit: Cloaked)

Other features are easily accessible from Cloaked’s iOS or Android app. I found the app easy to set up, but given the numerous features I had to get used to, I’d note that users may face a steep learning curve. Expect some time to get familiar with the app’s many functionalities. All in, Cloaked scores high in the user-friendliness criterion.

Cloaked: Security and privacy

Cloaked offers a lot of features that enhance a user’s general security. It starts with the core data removal tool, which scans people-finder sites for your personal information and sends deletion requests. This tool helps keep sensitive data, like social security numbers and home addresses, off the web.

You may be wondering how something as sensitive as a social security number is available on the public web. That’s the result of data breaches. An instance occurred in 2024 when National Public Data, a background checking service, was breached, and millions of social security numbers were compromised.

The compromised data was sold on the dark web, and most U.S. residents aren’t sure if they were affected. This shows the importance of a dark web monitoring service to raise an alarm if your personal information is found on the dark web.

The Cloaked VPN helps maintain privacy as you surf the web. Your traffic gets routed through remote third-party servers with external IP addresses. This way, adware vendors, ISPs, and other third parties can’t track your browsing activities.

For maximum protection, turn on the Kill Switch feature, which automatically blocks internet access if the VPN temporarily stops working. This feature ensures no data gets leaked during temporary VPN malfunctions.

Cloaked: Support

Cloaked provides decent support resources for users. On the official Help and Support page, I found comprehensive, straightforward guides for all its core features. These guides proved helpful as a first-time user navigating Cloaked.

For direct help, users can contact Cloaked’s support team via email. However, I didn’t find telephone or live chat support options, which I consider a drawback, given the price of its plans. I’d understand if these weren’t available for free users, but for premium users, Cloaked needs to improve by providing live chat or telephone support.

Cloaked: Competition

Cloaked has a lot of competition, with Incogni and DeleteMe being two notable names. I’ve tested the three platforms and can give a fair comparison. Incogni and DeleteMe cover a much larger range of people-finder sites than Cloaked.

Officially, Incogni covers 420+ sites, and DeleteMe covers 750+, compared to Cloaked’s 120+ (these figures can get murky, as some businesses operate multiple people-finder sites under a single umbrella– a deletion request can wipe out your data from multiple people-finder sites owned by the same company).

On the other hand, Cloaked offers a broad range of complementary services that you won’t get on Incogni and DeleteMe. From a VPN to Call Guard, dark web monitoring, and even identity theft insurance, Cloaked is less of a data removal service and more of an all-in-one security software suite.

Cloaked: Final verdict

I’ll recommend Cloaked as a full-service platform that keeps you safe online. It doesn’t just help with data removal, but provides features that prevent your data from being leaked in the first place. It has some drawbacks, like the lack of a free trial, but it’s a reliable tool overall.

For more top picks, we've tested the best data removal services.

When I last looked at Movavi Video Editor, I was quite impressed by its capabilities - it's one of the best video editing software for beginners in my experience.

But time waits for no computer program, and as version 27 has recently been released, I thought it was time to check how it has improved.

Movavi Video Editor 27: Pricing & plans

• Subscription is fairly priced
• Perpetual license is way more expensive for Americans
• Free trial available

You can grab Movavi Video Editor 27 from the official site by clicking here.

Let’s face it: everything’s getting more expensive. Whether it’s food, petrol, or subscriptions, the price keeps going ever higher, so it was with trepidation that I looked at Movavi’s current pricing structure.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom: Movavi have actually lowered their prices. Should you decide to pay monthly for your video editor, you’ll need to fork out $20, €19 or £18, but the big incentive is to pay yearly, as it’s only $55, €44, or £41, which is a little over 2 months’ worth.

It’s not as cheap as free of course (like DaVinci Resolve), but it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than Adobe Premiere Pro (which would set you back $276 each year).

If you’d rather pay once and actually own the software you’re downloading, a perpetual licence is also available for £150, €90 or £90 (the massive discrepancy between currencies is… puzzling).

And perhaps best of all, the software is multi-platform, allowing you to work with it, whether you use a PC or a Mac.

If you’re not sure about investing in this application, there’s a free trial you can access. A watermark will be added to any output, and your projects are limited to 60 seconds in length. Still, it should be enough to give you an idea of what you can do with Movavi Video Editor.

• Score: 4/5

Movavi Video Editor 27: Getting started

(Image credit: Future)

• The software still doesn’t know which language your OS is set to
• So it defaults to Japanese

Last time I checked out Movavi, back when it was on version 25, I made a point of stating that unusually, the first time you launch the software, you’re not greeted with an interface in your own native tongue, or at the very least in English.

Instead, all the menus are in Japanese. That’s not an issue if you know that language, but if you’re more familiar with those that use the Latin alphabet, you’re faced with an unexpected challenge.

Thankfully, if you grab a screenshot of the interface and submit it to Google Translate, the solution will become more obvious, and changing the default language then becomes a trivial matter. But it’s disappointing to see that after all this time, Movavi still treats this as a feature, not a bug.

Software should be able to detect the OS’s chosen language and default to that when you launch it. I’m surprised Movavi still insists on making life difficult for many of its customers.

• Score: 2.5/5

Movavi Video Editor 27: Editing

(Image credit: Future)

• Excellent video editor with a wealth of useful, powerful, and well implemented tools
• Shame so many of them are locked behind subscription plans

Initial frustrations aside, when it comes to video editing - what the software is designed for - Movavi Video Editor does a sterling job. It starts with mousing over an imported clip in the media section. Doing that allows you to preview the clip as you move the cursor over it, enabling you to set in and out points with ease.

You can work with multiple layers of course, although there is a base layer beneath which you can’t add other clips, which can be a little annoying if you like to create complex projects and move clips around a lot.

There are Titles, Transitions, Effects, and Elements aplenty, all organised by category with a handy search field available, although many of those are restricted behind a paywall. These are identified by a little ‘crown’ logo, top right of their thumbnails.

You can still use them in your project, but you’ll be informed upon export that you need to purchase a subscription to be able to share any video with them in it, for either €36 a month, or €110 a year, which, I’m sure you can tell, is much more expensive than the actual program itself. This can be annoying but it’s entirely possible to restrict yourself to non-premium assets by setting the filter for each section to ‘free’.

The Tools section houses important features, such as image stabilisation, background removal, green green work, and an AI-based subtitle feature which worked incredibly well when I tried it out. Thankfully, everything stored in that section is part of the software’s base cost.

But all of this was already part of Movavi Video Editor. The big innovation that’s being introduced in version 27, is Templates.

• Score: 4/5

Movavi Video Editor 27: Templates

(Image credit: Future)

• Templates offers a great and versatile way to spice up your project
• Can be used wholesale or just choosing just the parts you’re interested in

The concept of Templates is pretty clever: editing can be hard and time consuming, and if you just want to put something out there but lack the skills or experience, it can really be a chore. So Movavi have created a large collection of ready-made templates which you can add to your project. One template could be your entire video, or alternatively, be part of a larger one. It’s also entirely possible to add multiple templates to the same project.

These are organised into 12 categories, from Beauty and Fashion, to Gaming, to Marketing and Promo, and more. And it probably won’t surprise you to know that nearly all these templates include some premium features of some kind, although each category has at least one free option for you to choose.

Dragging a template to a project expands it into various sections, each of which lets you know how many placeholders within it need to be replaced. Some sections don’t give you the option to replace theirs which is odd, but it’s a simple matter of deleting them entirely and adding one of your own clips in their place.

As for actually replacing those placeholders, it wasn’t as intuitive as I had expected, but once you’re aware of the concept, the process is quite simple: click on the ‘clips to replace’ text on the section’s representation in your timeline, to reveal the placeholder’s large thumbnail above it.

Clicking on that thumbnail opens a window containing all the media you imported into this project. Select the one you want, choose the part of it you’d like to use, and click on ‘Apply’. Repeat that for every placeholder.

Need more customisation? Double-click on a Template’s Section to reveal its ‘Clip Settings’. In addition to offering you another way to replace those placeholder clips, you also have other options, such as customising the text fields, or checking the applied effects, for instance.

These templates also come with a soundtrack which you’re free to use or discard, just like you can reorder or delete the sections it came with, which actually allows you to mix and match parts of different templates to create your own unique project in minutes rather than hours.

I found it a great fun way to quickly build something original.

• Score: 4.5/5

Should I buy Movavi Video Editor 27?

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You’re into video editing and are looking for an affordable application that will let you do just that, and you appreciate the addition of versatile and customisable templates to speed up your work.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t spend enough time editing video to warrant paying for such software, so you’d rather find something that’s free, even if it means having fewer tools at your disposal.

FutureFutureFutureFutureFutureFutureHow I tested Movavi Video Editor 27

Movavi Video Editor is multi-platform, being compatible with Windows and Macs alike, which is a great thing (sorry Linux users). I always like to test such software primarily with the underdog (or I prefer just Macs… you decide).

In this instance, I put it through its paces on a recent laptop sporting Apple Silicon, as based on my previous exploration of this software when it was at version 25, I had concluded it needed a ‘decently powerful machine’ to run effectively.

The software ran incredibly smoothly and was very responsive. I particularly liked the way it looks but, to be honest, that could be due to the fact the interface, and even the way the clips are presented in the timeline, resembles Final Cut Pro, one of my preferred video editing platforms.

For more creative apps, we've tested and reviewed the best video editing software, the best free video editing software, and the best video editing apps for mobile devices.

Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition: 30-second review

This review covers the four-bay ‘Creator NAS’ as Beelink calls it, which is available in two SKUs and uses the Intel Core i5-13500H mobile processor. But Beelink has five ‘Home NAS’ options below that one, using the Intel J5005, N95, N150 and Core 304 processors. And another two higher-end options with AMD Ryzen AI 350 and AI 470 class processors.

The four-bay enclosure is a compact all-metal unibody, measuring 165 x 121 x 185mm and weighing 2.4kg without drives. Beelink says it is 50 per cent smaller in volume than a conventional design, and compared to anything by Synology or QNAP, it’s certainly much smaller.

Inside, an internal blower on the motherboard module pulls cool air in and pushes it out to keep everything cool, and the milled aluminium construction also helps radiate heat. Silicone mounts sit either side of each drive and between the case and the motherboard tray, reducing vibration and noise

The review unit, with its Intel Core i5 13500H, has 12 cores, 16 threads and a 45W TDP. It comes with 32GB of DDR4, a 500GB system SSD and four M.2 slots. Beelink pitches it at creative professionals, and this is a great spec for those who need large amounts of fast storage for video editing or maintaining photo collections.

Earlier Beelink NAS used the FygoOS operating system, and it’s also in this NAS. It is flexible and well-featured, and it makes the ME Pro feel like a platform rather than an appliance. The evolution of this aspect is impressive, and FygoOS delivers many of the higher-end features that some NAS products lack.

However, there is one caveat. This is a Kickstarter launch product; therefore, a pledge is not a purchase, and delivery dates can slip. Buyers need to weigh that, but so far I’m impressed with this NAS on several critical levels. And if the Kickstarter goes well and this hardware ends up in the retail channel, it might be included in our best NAS devices.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $819
• When is it out? On Kickstarter soon
• Where can you get it? Only on Kickstarter initially

The ME Pro range is listed as coming soon on Kickstarter. Beelink is offering a Super Early Bird discount of 30 per cent. Prices are in US dollars, and drives are not included.

The 13500H four-bay costs $819 at Super Early Bird and $1,169 at list. All four-bay prices are below, Super Early Bird first, then list.

Beelink ME Pro Kickstarter pricing

Model

Super Early Bird

List price

J5005

$369

$529

N95

$489

$699

N150

$539

$769

Core 3 304

$769

$1,099

Core i5 13500H

$819

$1,169

Ryzen AI 7 H 350

$1,049

$1,499

Ryzen AI 9 HX 470

$1,379

$1,969

A $10 VIP deposit before launch unlocks a free four-bay upgrade. And if you back the two-bay tier machine, you will receive the four-bay model at the same price.

Given what some of these designs include in processing power and memory, these are mostly excellent deals. Specifically, $819 for the Creator NAS seems like exceptional value.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition: SpecsME Pro Creator Edition Specifications

Item

Spec

CPU:

Intel Core i5 13500H (12 cores, 16 threads)

GPU:

Intel Iris Xe (80 EU)

RAM:

32GB DDR4 expandable to 96GB

System Storage:

512GB internal SSD

SATA Storage:

4x 2.5 or 3.5 inch drives (HDD or SSD)

M.2 Storage:

2x M.2 NVMe Gen4 x4, 2x M.2 NVMe Gen3 x2 (one used for OS)

RAID:

Basic, Linear, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10

Ports:

3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm Audio jack

Networking:

1x 10GbE LAN, 1x 2.5GbE

Outputs:

1x HDMI port, up to 4K resolution

OS:

FygoOS

Internal File Systems:

BTRFS, EXT4, ZFS

External File Systems:

EXT4, NTFS, FAT32, HFS+, ExFAT

Maximum Capacity:

4x 30TB HDD + 4x 4TB M.2 NVMe, plus external storage on USB or Thunderbolt

Max TDP:

45W

Dimensions:

165 x 121 x 185 (mm)

Beelink ME Pro Series overview

Model

Cores and threads

Max TDP

AI TOPS

Memory

M.2 slots

System drive

Max storage

Pentium Silver J5005

4C / 4T

10W

NO NPU

8GB DDR4

2

128GB SSD

128TB

Intel N95

4C / 4T

25W

NO NPU

12GB LPDDR5

3

128GB SSD

132TB

Intel N150

4C / 4T

25W

NO NPU

16GB LPDDR5

3

128GB SSD

132TB

Intel Core 3 304

5C / 5T

35W

24 TOPS

16GB DDR5

1

512GB UFS 3.1

124TB

Intel Core i5 13500H

12C / 16T

45W

NO NPU

32GB DDR4

4

500GB SSD

136TB

AMD Ryzen AI 7 H 350

8C / 16T

45W

50 TOPS

32GB DDR5

3

500GB SSD

132TB

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470

12C / 24T

45W

86 TOPS

32GB DDR5

3

500GB SSD

132TB

Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition: Design

• Drawer concept
• Easy access to some upgrades
• Lots of screws

The drawer-style design is a neat idea: it uses almost the same mechanism as the drives, but replicated on the motherboard, which slides out for maintenance and upgrades.

That should make a processor upgrade a far simpler job than in a normal NAS. Beelink has also hinted at AMD and ARM boards in the same chassis. If you own a four-bay, you could buy a different two-bay and swap the platforms, in theory.

The unibody metal case is milled from solid aluminium and makes for a small footprint for a four-bay NAS. It’s also quiet enough that this could sit on a desktop.

Cooling relies on one internal blower rather than a bank of case fans, and when the motherboard module is removed, the dual-sided design is clearly influenced by Beelink’s mini PC designs.

Access to the two M.2 2280 Gen4 slots is super-simple, and they come with their own chunky heatsinks to help remove heat with the help of the fan assembly. There are two other M.2 slots (Gen 3 x2), one of these being occupied by the FygoOS installation, but getting those requires removing the fan.

Since the unused third slot doesn’t run at the same speed as the two easily accessible ones, it probably wouldn’t be a good plan to try to make a RAID array of the three, but that slot might be useful for a caching SSD.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

What I’m less impressed with is that the trays aren't tool-less for either 3.5- or 2.5-inch mechanisms. Each drive needs four screws, and once installed, two more hold it in place from the back of the tray.

The designers' issue here was that if they used a tool-less tray and a more elegant lock, then the NAS would be bigger, and the designers didn’t care for that. They also used four of these tiny screws to hold the motherboard tray in place, and these screws are easy to misplace.

One annoyance is that, to hold the thin steel air filter on the rear of the NAS, ten small magnets are glued into the chassis. They are placed within 4mm of where the screws hold the trays in, which inevitably means that when you go to screw them in, the magnets pull the screw off the screwdriver before you can thread it.

In short, the filter didn’t need that many magnets, and they didn’t need to be where the tray screws are.

The fine irony of all these screws is that the enclosure tolerances are so good that the screws holding the trays in and the motherboard are mostly pointless, certainly with the numbers used.

These points aside, the ME Pro is better built than most NAS enclosures, even if some compromises have been made to keep it so small.

• Design: 4 / 5

Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition: Features

• Intel Core 5 13500H CPU
• Up to 96GB of memory
• AI capabilities are limited

As a laptop processor, the Core 5 13500H was a strong platform sporting 12 cores total (4 Performance-cores with Hyper-Threading and 8 Efficient-cores) and 16 threads. As is the way with Intel 13th Gen technology, the performance-cores boost at a higher level, up to 4.7 GHz; and the efficient-cores boost at lower levels, up to 3.5 GHz.

All cores share an 18 MB Intel Smart Cache, and the chip has a base power TDP of 45W.

Some laptop designs using this chip scaled power up to 115W, but from what I understand, the ME Pro has more than enough performance at its base wattage.

The review hardware came with two 16GB DDR4-3200 modules providing 32GB, but if you can find them, this system could take dual 48GB modules for 96GB in total. It’s a shame Beelink didn’t use LPDDR5 for faster performance and lower power consumption, but the cost was probably prohibitive when these decisions were made.

The GPU is an Intel Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units running up to 1.45 GHz, and it shares memory with the rest of the platform.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The best aspect of this processor, aside from its high core count, is its PCIe lanes: 28 total. In this design, not all 28 lanes are created equal.

Eight primary lanes are Gen5, eight secondary lanes are Gen4, and all sixteen lanes are CPU-attached. The final twelve lanes route through the Platform Controller Hub (PCH) to handle slower or secondary peripherals (like Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, audio controllers, USB extensions, or secondary M.2 storage slots), and these are all Gen3.

That’s a terrific amount of bandwidth, and it enables dual M.2 Gen 4 x4, two more M.2 Gen3, a 10GbE LAN port and a 2.5GbE LAN port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports. That’s plenty for most people, as you can use the Thunderbolt port as a 40Gbps network connection if needed.

Overall, the architecture choices in this NAS are right for demanding workloads like video editing, photo manipulation, and software development, thanks to its hybrid core layout.

However, only the Ryzen AI models are sold specifically for local language models. The 13500H review unit is not one of them, and Beelink lists no AI performance figure for it. The AI 470 is quoted at up to 86 TOPS, with that number assembled from an NPU with 55 TOPS and a CPU and GPU combined for 32 TOPS.

Therefore, if you intend to run AI models on the NAS, one of the AMD machines would be preferable to this system.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Features: 4 / 5

Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition: Software

• FygoOS
• Docker and virtual machines
• Ollama options

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

FygoOS is the international face of a Chinese NAS solution that has surfaced in the past year. Its parent is fnOS, also called Feiniu Private Cloud. I believe a small team of NAS enthusiasts built it around Debian Linux, and it is closed source. During its public beta, it was offered as a free option for Chinese home users.

Reviews for this platform only began in early July 2026. Early adopters found a new NAS OS in version 1.2 and the FygoTV app in 0.9. The name hints at open source, but it is a proprietary system built partly on open source parts, with GPL source releases still in progress. It runs on x86 and ARM hardware and offers ZFS, Btrfs and ext4 storage. The changelog shows active development.

During my time with the ME Pro 4, it had several releases; I used version 1.2.0800, and FygoTV was 0.9.7-3.

FygoOS is the beating heart of the ME Pro, and it aims at beginners while leaving room for experts. Beelink says apps install with one click and update the same way. It lists official and community apps for media, backup, productivity and virtualisation.

For what appears to be a relatively new NAS OS, this all seems much more advanced than I’d normally expect, both in application selection and feature set.

As far as I’m aware, FygoOS is the only other hardware-included NAS OS with ZFS file system support other than QNAP QuTS hero. You can get this feature via Unraid, TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault, among other places, but you would be installing them onto this hardware to replace FygoOS.

Included in the selection of apps is a powerful photo and media search tool. It can use AI to rapidly find images using facial recognition and smart categorisation. The private cinema feature matches metadata automatically, and Beelink claims up to 99 per cent accuracy in identifying the content. It also syncs playback between devices and supports real-time hardware transcoding.

However, I was disappointed that, as nice as some of these tools are, Beelink missed a few tricks. One is the HDMI port, which is promoted as supporting up to 4K output. That might be true, but it can’t be driven by the Fygo TV app to play files directly onto a TV. That’s something you can do with a Ugreen or Asustor NAS, but not this.

But there are a few things it can do that are more exclusive. One of the more surprising features of this platform is the collaborative media workspace.

Teams can preview video, photos, audio, documents, fonts and 3D files without downloading them. AI search finds content by meaning, not just file names. You can send a review link, and reviewers add comments, annotations and timestamped notes. Sharing supports access controls, expiry dates, watermarks and branding.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The only caveat is that the features are tiered, with the best ones requiring a subscription.

The personal tier is included in all ME Pro. The business tier comes with a 30-day free trial on the J5005, N95, N150 and 304 models. The 13500H and both Ryzen AI models get six months free. But, and this is a concern, Beelink has not said what the business tier costs afterwards. I’d hate to use this for six months, find it incredibly useful and then discover that the monthly cost is too high to make it practical.

Being an Intel-based platform, and not ARM, this NAS supports virtualisation and with 32GB of RAM it is relatively easy to have several VT instances running. And, it has Docker, expanding the amount of software that can run on this platform dramatically.

It was interesting to note that while the hardware used here, specifically the Core i5 13500H, doesn’t have an NPU, it is a reasonably powerful processor and it has Iris Xe graphics, which can be used to process AI LLMs.

The standard application set includes Ollama, and I was able to install it and use it to run a local model like Gemma. While it wasn’t the fastest response, it did work quite well, so using this machine for AI isn’t impossible.

Obviously, if you want to use the NAS as an AI assistant, the two models with AMD Ryzen AI processors are a better choice, but even without a dedicated NPU, this hardware can run some AI and support interactive chats without relying on the Cloud.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Software: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition: Performance

• Overkill for file serving
• 10GbE and 2.5GbE
• Lacks channel bonding

When I started testing this NAS, I soon realised the platform was largely twiddling its thumbs during large file transfers. Using the 2.5GbE LAN port, no SSD cache and four 4TB drives in a RAID 5 pack, the CPU barely hit 9% usage. And that was shipping a file from my desktop PC at around 290MB/s.

Using the 10GbE port increased transfer speeds to nearly 700MB/s, but only added a few percentage points of CPU overhead. With an SSD, this machine can get closer to 1000MB/s, either directly or by allocating the SSD for reading and writing cache.

Four 3.5-inch drives don’t have enough performance to fully saturate the 10GbE link without cache support, so adding an SSD is more of a necessity if you're involved in file serving.

Gen4 x4 M.2 slots are great for internal SSD performance, but there aren’t many practical ways to use that bandwidth from the outside other than the Thunderbolt 4 port.

But unfortunately, the Thunderbolt port on this NAS doesn’t yet support Host mode, even though it is listed as a feature that’s ‘under development’ on the official FygoOS roadmap.

Also, while the networking functions enable Multi-gateway mode, where the LAN ports route according to the shortest path to the target system, there is currently no link aggregation/channel bonding. I don’t think channel bonding a 10GbE and a 2.5GbE line together is a good idea anyway, but FygoOS currently doesn’t have the necessary interfaces for this.

Because FygoOS is built on a Linux base, users looking to combine multiple network interfaces typically have to configure network bonding manually via SSH or underlying Linux networking tools rather than a native settings panel.

On a more positive note, I used a cheap Ugreen USB-A to 2.5GbE LAN port (CM648), and that worked perfectly for what is an incredibly inexpensive option. I know that Ugreen makes a 5GbE version of this adapter, and I suspect that would also be useful in this context.

Ideally, this system would have dual 10GbE and SMB multi-channel mode, but in most other respects, this NAS is overpowered for most roles.

• Performance: 4 / 5

Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition: Final verdict

Buy it if you want a compact NAS that you can upgrade later and you like the idea of a modern, flexible OS. Beelink pitches the 13500H model to creative professionals, and it has the core count to back it up.

That said, the four-bay market is crowded. Alternatives include the Ugreen NASync DXP4800 Plus and Pro, the Synology DS925+ and the UniFi UNAS Pro 4. Breaking down the ups and downs of each design would take another article, but to cover the basics, none of them matches the ME Pro 4-Bay Creator Edition.

The Ugreen NAS units are cheaper, use DDR5 and include special features like SMB Multichannel and HDMI video playback, which makes them useful.

Synology’s DS925+ uses a much weaker AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core CPU, only has dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, comes with 4GB of RAM expandable to 32GB, and has two M.2 slots that can only use Synology-branded storage. That machine supports ECC memory, but that and the DSM OS are the only real positives.

The UniFi UNAS Pro 4 is meant for racks, not shelves, and is an ARM SoC system that supports four HDDs, two M.2 NVMe SSDs, and 2x 10Gb SFP+ LAN ports.

It’s cheap, around $600, but the 8GB memory can’t be upgraded, and the ARM architecture doesn’t support Virtual Machines.

What I haven't considered are the Asustor Lockerstor 4 models, QNAP, and TerraMaster options, to name a few. But to generalise, most 4-bay NAS don’t compete on processing power, memory capacity, and build quality.

The fly in this ointment is that until this product exits the Kickstarter campaign and people have them longer term, will they be able to establish a reputation, good or bad.

I haven't had any issues with the machine Beelink sent, and with a few more updates to FygoOS, it could become a useful NAS to own.

But for those who have had bad Kickstarter experiences, wait if you need proven reliability. This is a new product on a crowdfunding platform, and the modular upgrade path is so far a promise. But as a first-generation device, the Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition is certainly heading in the right direction.

Should you buy a Beelink ME Pro Creator Edition?

Value

The Kickstarter deals are excellent for NAS of this spec

4 / 5

Design

Innovative drawer design that allows for system swaps

4/ 5

Features

Powerful Intel CPU, up to 96GB of DDR4, Thunderbolt and three M.2 slots

4 / 5

Software

FygoOS is more sophisticated than expected

4 / 5

Performance

Two drives limits throughput without SSDs

4 / 5

Overall

A tiny powerful NAS that’s ideal for creatives, but it lacks the silicon for AI use

4 / 5

Buy it if...

You have a 10GbE network
With one 10GbE LAN and the 2.5GbE Port as a failover backup, you can distribute 1000MB/s of data over a network easily. And, using the USB or Thunderbolt port, you can get even more network bandwidth.

You need lots of RAM for VT
Being able to scale to 96GB of memory enables this NAS to handle jobs that would overrun other devices. It’s also DDR4, which might be cheaper to find than DDR5 at this time.

Don't buy it if...

You need AI LLMs
While this machine can run an LLM, the lack of an NPU in the processor holds it back, and you can’t add a powerful GPU, as it doesn’t have OCuLink. If you want AI on a NAS, other machines in this range are better suited.

You want Thunderbolt Host Mode
With this system having a Thunderbolt port, I was hoping it would have host mode, enabling a suitable laptop to link directly to the NAS with a 40Gbps link. However, that feature is still to be added to FygoOS, and until it is, that remains a pipe dream.

For more NAS solutions we've collated the best NAS hard drives around

Topping DX1 II: two-minute review

The world is not short of little DAC/headphone amps that want to bring a taste of authentic audio quality to your desktop experience — and here’s another one. The Topping DX1 II is a thorough update of a previous (and very competitive) in the Chinese brand's stable, and it makes a strong case for itself even before it’s started doing its thing.

The aluminum casework looks and feels good and the on-paper specification is difficult to lay a glove on. It includes — deep breath — a very hi-res ESS DAC, carefully considered digital and analog architecture, USB-C for both power and data, sufficient grunt to drive most headphones without difficulty, a fistful of input and output options (including balanced analog connectivity), and the facility for plenty of end-user input where sound is concerned. The standard of construction and finish is more than adequate. And a little remote control handset takes some of the pressure off an overworked physical control interface.

The difference the DX1 II can make to your audio experience when it sits between, say, your laptop and the headphones that are plugged into it is fairly profound. The Topping is by no means perfect — it doesn’t attack the top of the frequency range quite as willingly as it might, and it doesn’t have the heft to make big dynamic variations as apparent as they might be — but it’s a far more convincing and well-realized listen than your laptop alone has a hope of being. Soundstaging, rhythmic expression, detail levels and all-around musicality all enjoy a big uptick, and the way the DX1 II handles a tonal balance is one of the most uncomplicatedly enjoyable things about it.

The Topping DX1 II hasn’t closed the door on other desktop-friendly headphone amp/DAC units at similar money, but it’s certainly made sure it’s on the inside of the conversation for the best on the market.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Topping DX1 II review: Price & release date

• Announced on May 18, 2026 (with availability from late June/July 2026)
• Priced $119 / £119 (around AU$169)

The Topping DX1 II is on sale now, and in the United States it costs $119. It’s £119 in the United Kingdom, while in Australia it goes for around AU$169.

So, it's a little pricier than the oh-so-portable iFi Go Link Max and the bigger, hip-flask-esque iFi Uno, say, but an awful lot cheaper than the also-new iFi iDSD GR2.

What exactly are you getting for your money if you go for the Topping? Read on.

Topping DX1 II review: Features

• ESS ES9039Q2M DAC
• Balanced and unbalanced outputs
• UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0

There’s something quite admirable about the way Topping has specified the DX1 II — I’ve used bigger and more expensive DAC/headphone amps that don’t come close to the level of this little device.

It’s built around a very capable ESS ES90392QM DAC chipset and features dual-DAC architecture with a dedicated digital-to-analog converter for each channel, plus fully independent processing. Digital files of up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD256 are supported.

A 16-core XMOS XU-316 assists with signal processing — just as with the dual-DAC arrangement and the fully balanced analog stage, the idea is to keep noise and distortion to an absolute minimum.

Digital audio information can be delivered using either the digital optical input or the USB-C slot on the rear of the Topping. The USB-C input also provides power to the device. Outputs consist of an unbalanced 3.5mm headphone socket, a couple of balanced 4.4mm alternatives (one for headphones, the other for connecting the DX1 II to a system, a powered speaker or what-have-you) and a line-level analog output on stereo RCAs.

There’s an optical output in case the digital signal needs to be preserved, and a switch to toggle between UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 — the first setting allows the Topping to be compatible with, say, the Nintendo Switch and the Sony PlayStation 5.

Topping has made provision for an awful lot of end-user input into the way the DX1 II performs. Connect it to a computer and you can access both the ‘Home Web’ platform (from where stuff like gain can be adjusted and no fewer than eight distinct digital filters are available) and ‘Topping Tune’. This uses a simple drag-n-drop interface to allow the user to easily create and adjust PEQ settings — frequency, gain and bandwidth control across 10 bands (with independent left and right channel adjustment) can be tweaked and settings saved. It’s available across each of the DX1 II’s outputs.

• Features score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Topping DX1 II review: Sound quality

• Impressively detailed, easy-going sound
• Pleasant tonal balance
• Could easily sound more dynamic

It’s possible to make quite significant changes to the ultimate sound of the DX1 II, of course — those digital filters have a slight effect, but go crazy with the PEQ and you can achieve some pretty obvious alternations. What you can’t do, though, is defeat the things the Topping does well or fully correct its shortcomings.

With a 24bit/48kHz FLAC file of The Record by Boygenius playing in the Tidal desktop app and incoming via USB-C, it doesn’t take long at all to appreciate the facility the DX1 II has with detail retrieval. It’s alert to even the most minor, most subtle occurrences in the recording, keeps an eye on the low-level dynamics of harmonic over- and undertones, and deals with transients confidently too. It gives these details good weighting, so the emphasis is always on the music and not solely on how deeply into it the Topping can peer.

The tonal balance it strikes is naturalistic and pleasant, and its over-all character is, in the most positive way, easy-going and quite laid-back. It can do ‘urgency’ if it absolutely has to, of course, but its fundamental attitude is one that’s not in any way fatiguing. At no point is the Topping likely to grab you by the lapels — it’s altogether too grown-up and, again in a positive way, polite for that sort of behavior.

Some of this comes about because of its relative lack of dynamic impetus. The headline dynamics of ‘quiet’ and ‘LOUD!’ in a 16bit/44.1kHz file of Life Metal by Sunn O))) are somewhat flattened by the slight shortage of headroom the DX1 II exhibits. The distance between these two positions is not as pronounced as it is when described by a DAC/headphone amp that breathes a little more deeply. Some of it is due to the Topping’s slight-but-definite tendency to roll off the highest frequencies. There’s acceptable extension into the top end, but not quite the attack or even assertiveness that makes treble sounds properly bite and shine.

Elsewhere, though, the DX1 II is on firmer ground. It has a good understanding of rhythm and tempo, and controls its low-frequency activity to the point that there’s a proper sensation of fluency to the way rhythms are expressed. It can open up a soundstage to the point that even quite complex recordings get a little elbow-room, and the stage is also controlled well. And it’s worth noting that, unlike a couple of nominal rivals, the DX1 II doesn’t alter its behavior depending on the volume you’re listening at — even when playing very quietly or really quite loud, its sonic stance remains consistent.

• Sound quality score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Topping DX1 II review: Design

• 275g
• Aluminum chassis
• 32 x 100 x 100mm (HxWxD)

The DX1 II is usefully compact (just 32 x 100 x 100mm, HxWxD), so won’t hog space on your desktop or equipment rack. Built mostly from machined aluminum, it’s very well-made and finished — its edges are nicely rounded and it’s not remotely sharp at any of its corners.

At 275g, it’s unlikely to be towed around your desktop by heavy-cabled headphones, either. Only the fact that some of the socketry is quite close together on the rear panel (which is inevitable, really) precludes the use of chunkier, more premium cables and constitutes any kind of issue.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Topping DX1 II review: Usability & setup

• LED display
• Remote control handset
• Overworked fascia control dial

The majority of the fascia is occupied by a relatively large and gratifyingly legible LED display — volume level, selected input and what-have-you is all revealed. There’s also a relatively large turn/press dial that covers a lot of the device's functions. In all honesty, the dial is not especially intuitive when you want to do anything beyond change input or adjust volume — so it’s just as well Topping provides a little remote control handset that makes getting at your EQs, and all the rest of it, quite a lot more straightforward.

Set-up is the work of a moment, of course. You’ll need to connect the USB-C slot to a source of power — maybe this is also your source of music, if it isn’t then your source will need to be connected to the optical input. Then you need to connect the DX1 II to its output device — headphones, probably, or maybe the stereo RCA outputs to an amplifier or powered speaker. And then you’re in business.

• Usability & setup score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Topping DX1 II review: Value

• Small but feels premium
• Good standard of build
• Out-and-out sound quality not up there (but you won't feel short-changed)

It may only be tiny, but Topping has managed to make the DX1 II feel and, to a lesser extent, look like it deserves to cost three figures. The standard of build is well up to snuff, too — and when you take the thoroughgoing nature of its specification into account, too, the sensation of value for money is hard to argue with.

The value proposition isn’t quite so cut-and-dried when it comes to out-and-out sound quality - but even here the DX1 II does more than enough right to prevent you feeling short-changed.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Should I buy the Topping DX1 II?Buy it if…

You have a desktop audio system that just consists of a laptop and some headphones
Putting the DX1 II between the two will result in a significant uptick in audio quality.View Deal

You want to enhance your gaming experience
With UAC 1.0 selected, the signal from a console incoming and some appropriate headphones attached, gaming becomes a much more immersive experience.View Deal

You have some power-hungry headphones
The Topping’s balanced output is rated at 2 x 1000mW into 32 ohms, which is more than enough to deal even quite tricky headphones.View Deal

Don't buy it if…

You’re easily frustrated
The fascia controls are not what you’d call ‘intuitive’.View Deal

You enjoy the dynamic aspects of music reproduction
The DX1 II is unwilling or unable to put really convincing distance between dynamic extremes .View Deal

You’re especially attuned to high-frequency sound
You can fiddle with the PEQ and/or the filters all you like — the Topping is inclined to roll off the top end at least a little.View Deal

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Topping DX1 II review: Also consider

It’s more affordable than the DX1 II — and it looks and feels it, too — but the iFi Uno is a high-achieving little device that offers a direct, confident and information-rich sound no matter the source of music it’s connected to.

How I tested the Topping DX1 II

I used the Topping DX1 II with an Apple MacBook Pro — connecting to the USB-C slot allowed for data transfer and power supply at the same time, and gave access to numerous music streaming services.

I connected a pair of Sennheiser IE900 wired in-ear headphones to the unbalanced 3.5mm output, and also to the balanced 4.4mm output (the Sennheiser have a selection of cables with different terminations).

I also connected a Sony PlayStation 5 via the optical input and sent the DX1 II output signal to the preamp in my reference system via its RCA outputs.

• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: October 2026

Seagate One Touch 4TB: 30-second review

The Seagate One Touch 4TB is a relatively nondescript-looking portable HDD which is bus-powered directly through the USB-C data cable. The drive is relatively compact and slips easily into a laptop bag or pocket, making it highly portable. Whilst the exterior casing is mid-grey plastic, it’s nicely finished and feels robust.

This portable drive features an HDD rather than an SSD, which does make this drive cheaper than some of the latest ultrafast drives I’ve looked at recently. Even so, at £179/US$199 at the time of writing this review, it’s still relatively expensive. For that money, you get the drive itself and a short 50cm USB-C cable to connect it to your machine.

Getting started is easy: the drive comes formatted in exFAT, so it’s easily recognised on Mac, PC, and Linux systems. Opening on either iOS or Windows machines reveals free software that guides you through initial registration, downloads the Security Toolkit, and highlights partner deals Seagate has set up with Adobe, Synology, and Mylio.

In this review, I’ve downloaded and installed the Toolkit, which is basically split into two parts. It includes a backup feature, which lets you choose different backup options for your computer and drive, and a security option, which lets you add a password and encrypt the drive’s contents.

Alongside those software options, there are also partner deals, and all offer a limited trial period before you have to move to a full subscription. However, the Synology Deep Search is well worth mentioning. Whilst you only get six months of free use before needing to pay, if you need to manage multiple files and have a search feature driven by AI that is far better than your standard search options, especially on a Mac, then this really might be of interest.

As a standard portable HDD, the 4TB capacity is perfect if you work with media files and need space for HD and 4K video. Whilst HDD technology limits speed, the benchmarking tests still showed impressive transfer rates, reaching over 140MB/s in some tests for both read and write.

That transfer speed let me edit 4K footage shot on the GoPro Mission 1 ILS directly from the drive in Final Cut Pro X, and while the machine and drive occasionally had to catch up, editing a five-minute production was extremely smooth.

Its real strength, however, is securely backing up your laptop or desktop data, and the included Toolkit software lets you run through a series of setup options with easy-to-follow prompts that work on both Mac and PC.

Unlike many HDD and SSD portable drives that offer software encryption, this drive offers hardware AES 256-bit encryption that is managed through the Seagate Toolkit software. For my money, that makes it one of the best external hard drives for security. Through that software, you can encrypt the drive with a password lock. Because this security is hardware-based rather than software, it also meant that, through the benchmarking, when I tested the drive before and after the hardware encryption had been activated, the performance difference was minimal.

It’s obvious from the aesthetics and material choices that this is a mid-range portable HDD, but the tests impressed me with its performance and overall quality. I'd definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a middle-of-the-road, no-frills, high-capacity HDD for general storage and backup, with the real value here being the Toolkit included with the drive.

Seagate One Touch 4TB: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? From £95
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Directly from Seagate and online retailers.

At present, the Seagate One Touch portable HDD is available in two different capacities - 2TB and 4TB, which retail for $160 and $200 respectively. In the UK, it's priced at £112 and £176.

You can buy it direct from the Seagate website, where you'll also find a list of all stockists, which includes most major main online retailers.

It comes in three colors: blue, grey, and white.

• Value: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Seagate One Touch 4TB: Specs

Drive Type: Portable external HDD
Storage Capacity: 2TB or 4TB
Interface: USB-C
Power: USB-powered, no external adapter required
Dimensions (2TB): 117 × 81 × 14mm
Weight (2TB): 156g
Compatibility: Windows and macOS
Security: Password protection and hardware encryption
Backup Software: Seagate Toolkit

Seagate One Touch 4TB: Design

Lifting the drive from the box, and the 4TB version I’m looking at feels nice and tactile, with a wave surface texture that adds a little interest to the mid-grey colouring. The full build is plastic, yet it feels decent enough, with a single USB-C port at the back and, thankfully, a small white indicator LED right next to it.

In terms of size and weight, it’s just a little larger than the compact 2.5-inch laptop-style HDD inside, with the casing measuring 115.3 × 80 × 20.9mm. The 4TB version I’ve looked at in this review weighs 268g. The USB-C cable is a bit longer than the ones I’ve seen with some other portable drives recently, measuring 50cm, which gives good reach to a desktop mini PC or laptop, depending on what you’re using.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Whilst the One Touch name initially suggests fingerprint security, it actually refers to the company’s product line that offers one-click backup for your files. It also offers automatic backup folder mirroring and is plug-and-play, so the name really reflects how simple the drive is to use.

Alongside the hardware comes a software suite, with installers on the drive's root that you can run once you plug it in. The drive comes pre-formatted in exFAT, but you can reformat it to match your native OS, Mac or PC.

The software installer lets you install the files you need for the more advanced backup and security features, and I liked how streamlined the installation process was, with it guiding you through the initial setup step by step.

• Design: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Seagate One Touch 4TB: Features

The Seagate One Touch portable external hard drive is sold by the company as a premium portable, on-the-go backup solution, designed to be used equally in the home or out and about.

This high-capacity portable hard drive comes with software options ready to install. These let you back up and secure your files, while software partnerships offer extended trial periods for apps to help you manage and organise files on the drive and on your host machine.

The drive is available in three colour options: dark blue, space grey, and white. It’s also provided with a long USB-C cable, at 50cm, that runs from the drive to your host machine. This means your machine needs a USB-C port to work with this drive.

The drive comes with bundled software, including the Seagate Toolkit, which requires registration but no other subscription costs. There’s also a two-month trial of Adobe Creative Cloud Pro, and six-month trials of Mylio and Synology Deep Search. You also get the superb Seagate Rescue Data Recovery Service. If the worst happens to your files, you can send the drive to Seagate, and they will see if they can recover anything that still exists.

While this drive can be used as a portable working drive, Seagate has marketed this as a portable backup solution, and as such, it doesn’t highlight the transfer rate. However, with USB 3.2 Gen 1, essentially USB 3, you can expect a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 5Gbps, 625MB/s.

However, since this contains an HDD, we can expect transfer rates between 120 and 150MB/s, which suggests Seagate matched the internal hardware and USB interface to maximise performance for its intended use as a portable backup rather than a working drive.

• Features: 5 / 5

Seagate One Touch 4TB: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Benchmark scores

CrystalDiskMark: Read 147.15MB/s; Write 146.06MB/s

AJA System Test Lite: Read 132MB/s; Write 127MB/s

ATTO Disk Benchmark: Read 133.55MB/s; Write 133.45MB/s

AS SSD: Read 137.86MB/s; Write 130.28MB/s

Getting started with the Seagate One Touch 4TB portable HDD is as easy as with any portable drive, and in this test, I used it on the MacBook Pro M1 Max and the HP EliteBook XG 21 laptop, along with a series of mini PCs.

As I moved from macOS to Windows 11 Pro and Home, the Seagate One Touch performed similarly across all operating systems, which is great to see, and the simple USB-C connection was fully compatible with all the operating systems I tried.

Because the drive came pre-formatted in exFAT, it was instantly recognised on both Mac and PC. I first installed the software on the MacBook Pro M1 Max to check out the backup options and security features, and I was impressed by how easy it was to set up.

The initial stage requires you to register the drive and create a Seagate account, but once that’s done, it guides you through downloading the Seagate Toolkit installer, installing it, and then walking you through the setup options one after the other.

For backup on the Mac, even though I have Time Machine activated, I selected a portion of my MacBook Pro’s hard drive, and once that initial setup was complete, the backup process started. What I like about the Toolkit is that it’s quick to access, and you can edit your backup plan at any time.

Another point is that if you need to use the machine during a backup, as I did when I initially set up the plan, you can pause it so it doesn’t slow down your system, then restart it later. You can then schedule it to run overnight when you’re not using the machine.

Likewise, on the PC, which doesn’t have such a sophisticated backup system as part of the OS, you can choose to mirror your mini PC, desktop, or laptop hard drive, and the registration and initiation process is just as easy.

The second part of the included software is the security option, which uses AES 256-bit encryption and is activated through the Security Toolkit on both Mac and PC. It takes a little more setup, you need to enable certain security options and unplug and re-plug the drive for the installation to complete.

But again, it’s extremely well documented, and the software guides you through every step, including adding an email address and phone number in case you forget the password you set.

As backup software and an off-the-shelf, easy-to-use solution, this is as good as any paid option out there and is certainly easy to get your head around.

Those two bits of bundled software really do balance the added cost of a standard 4TB portable HDD, and if you are looking for something cheaper, Seagate does make cheaper portable HDDs with this capacity. If you’re using this for business or your home office, I would highly recommend paying the extra for those security and backup features, since you’re only paying an extra $40 / £40 compared with the non-secure options.

When it comes to performance, I used the drive for quick video editing in Final Cut Pro X and then CapCut, using files from the GoPro Mission 1 ILS. I was impressed by how fast this drive’s transfer rates were, both reading the files from the drive and writing the final render back to it during the test.

I started with a simple HD edit, and even with footage shot in GoPro Log, it supplied and wrote data at the speed the system demanded. Even when I upgraded to 4K footage, it was still more than capable, with only the occasional pause as files were written. I’d still opt for an SSD over an HDD, but if you are caught out and need large-capacity storage on the move, then this will do the job. The only issue is that it doesn’t dissipate heat well, so it will thermal throttle during longer editing sessions.

However, when I switched to editing stills shot on the Sony A7 IV and scans of Ilford FP4 Plus, the drive was more than capable of handling edits in DxO PhotoLab on the Mac and PC.

As this drive is designed for archiving, it's a great option for small businesses looking for machine backup, photographers who want a solid, portable drive they can use in and out of the studio or anyone wanting a portable backup drive. The plastic exterior is lightweight, and it feels relatively robust. Plus, you can password-protect it for security.

• Performance: 5 / 5

Seagate One Touch 4TB: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Seagate One Touch 4TB portable HDD is a great all-round option for backup and a decent secure working drive for light media use. The design and build lean a bit toward plastic, but because it uses a single cable for power and data, you don’t have to carry a separate power supply, which makes it extremely convenient for field use.

It’s clear this is designed as a backup drive rather than a working drive, and with HDD rather than SSD technology, transfer rates are slower. So if you are looking for a high-capacity working drive, this is perfectly capable, but you might want to look at an SSD option.

This drive is marketed and better suited to backup and archive use, and the 4TB of capacity at this price is well balanced. What really sets this drive apart, and gives it an edge over many others, is its AES 256-bit hardware encryption, plus software that's exceptionally straightforward and easy to use. There’s just nothing complex about it. It does the job without going into any major complexities and offers excellent fallback when you need it.

Whilst the aesthetics and build quality are very middle of the road, it’s all solid enough. After carrying the drive around for a week in my kit bag, it stood up to knocks and bashes without much issue, proving the plastic exterior is as robust as many metal options.

If you are in the market for a high-capacity portable backup drive with hardware encryption and excellent bundled software, then I would highly recommend the Seagate One Touch 4TB HDD. It’s a well-balanced storage option without any aesthetic frills, with a main focus on pure functionality.

Should I buy the Seagate One Touch 4TB?

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Value

Well balanced in design, build quality, capacity, and bundled software.

5

Design

The aesthetics and material choices may make this functional rather than a design classic.

4

Features

The HDD, plastic exterior, and single USB cable again highlight function over performance, but it’s all exceptionally well balanced.

4.5

Performance

Considering that this is an HDD rather than an SSD, the transfer rates are impressive, and the performance matches its intended use.

5

Overall

Seagate designed this portable HDD for a specific use, and everything about it matches that purpose.

5

Buy it if...

You need portable, high-capacity storage.

This drive is built for high-capacity storage, with large internal drive options and a fast USB Type-C connection to your host machine.

You want easy backup and security.

The bundled software is about as good as I’ve seen for this type of portable HDD, offering easy backup and security in just a few clicks, with no complexity.

Don't buy it if...

You need high performance.

While the HDD's performance is exceptionally good, its transfer rates are far slower than you’d expect from a standard SSD.

You need physical and data security.

While AES 256-bit hardware security gives you peace of mind that people won’t be able to access your files if you lose the drive, the physical design, while it will stand a knock or two, isn’t built as a tough, go-anywhere drive.

For more storage solutions, we've tested the best portable SSDs and the best NAS hard drives.

I’ve always found Boulies to be a well-priced option in the office chair arena, and having tested several of them, the EP600 is easily the most comfortable.

Of course, that’s expected. This chair is packed with a range of adjustments for getting comfort levels just right - and I especially like the inclusion of the adaptive lumbar support and 6D armrests. Yes, some of the adjustability mechanisms are a little fiddly, but it’s pretty much set-and-forget once you’ve got them in place.

Now, the EP600 isn’t for absolutely everyone - I think if it were fifty or a hundred bucks cheaper, it’d easily topple the FlexiSpot C7 as the top mid-range pick in my guide to the best office chairs. Although it is first and foremost a home office desk chair, I used it for several gaming sessions and found it a good pick for work and play.

As it stands, you’ll need to be at your desk a lot to truly justify the outlay. But for anyone looking for a chair designed for long hours, coming in at around the $400/£400 mark, it’s more or less unbeatable value.

Boulies EP600: Price & availability

The chair is available direct from Boulies - in the US, it’s priced at $490; in the UK, it’s £430. It comes in light gray and black colorways, with hybrid mesh covering.

At the time of review, the company’s running its early Black Friday sale, where it’s down to $410 / £375. Considering the range of features here - including a built-in footrest and 6D armrests - that feels like a very fair price. It’s well within the price range of my top mid-range pick, the FlexiSpot C7.

While on discount, I’d personally snap up the EP600. It has greater adjustability than the C7, softer material that’s just as breathable, and a good build quality (no squeaks and creaks since I assembled it). At full price, I’d still recommend it, but only if you want those extra features and comfort fine-tuning.

• Value: 4 / 5

Boulies EP600: Assembly

(Image credit: Future)

Fixing up this chair took me a little under 30 minutes in total. Everything you need - the screws, the hex key - is included in the box.

I’ve built a fair few office chairs in my time, and if you’re an old hand at this, it’s straightforward enough. However, while the instructions are relatively easy to understand, I felt they could be slightly clearer for those who aren’t assembling an office chair a week. More step-by-step images might improve the process. But it’s seamless enough if you read the printed text carefully and make sure you match the right screw to the fitting.

As ever, I recommend building this chair in the room you intend to use it in. It’s not as heavy as some chairs I’ve tested out, like the impossibly weighty Secretlab Atlas that now lives downstairs because I can’t physically lift it up to the second floor. But it’s still heavy enough to make it worth taking up the parts separately to wherever your home office is.

• Assembly: 4 / 5

Boulies EP600: Design & build

(Image credit: Future)

In terms of design, Boulies isn’t reinventing the wheel here. It looks like plenty of other office chairs out there. Whether that 'traditional' style is a pro or a con in your book is a matter of taste. It's fine, and does the job, but won't turn any heads.

There’s a thick plastic base with casters, and a hybrid mesh seat (it’s a woven blend of mesh and fabrics that feels soft to the touch but still highly breathable). I wish, for the price, the base was metal.

The backrest is formed of two parts - an upper shoulder rest and a 4D adaptive lumbar support below. Both are adjustable for height. According to the company, the chair is built for users standing between 5'5" to 6'1” tall. That feels right to me. I’m 5’9”, and sitting in the mid-range it’s comfortable. My wife, who’s 5’3”, also had no issues sitting for extended periods of time either.

Atop the backrest sits the adjustable convex headrest that’s wide enough for most users. And flanking the sides are the 6D armrests, which pivot in - you guessed it - six directions. They’re very comfortable and work well, but I’m knocking off points because beyond the height, they’re not lockable.

Instead, they use tactile detents, with every turn up or down, backwards or forwards clicking firmly, but not permanently, into place. That took me a while to get used to, with the armrests ratcheting out of position when I shifted my weight too much in one direction.

Build quality is precisely what I’d expect for the price. Neither ultra-premium like a Herman Miller or LiberNovo, nor ultra cheap. The plastic parts feel solid enough, and I’ve experienced no squeaks, creaks, or breaks despite sitting in the chair pretty much every day of the week for up to twelve hours.

• Design & build: 4.5 / 5

Boulies EP600: Performance & features

(Image credit: Future)

For all-day comfort, I have absolutely no complaints with the Boulies EP600. I’ve been using it for up to twelve-hour shifts without fatigue. Like the excellent value pick, the Boulies EP200, it’s swiftly become my daily driver.

Even while testing other chairs in my office, the EP600 is the one I’ve tended to drop into first for work. Despite the range of adjustments you can make, it’s pleasantly unfussy in a way. It does precisely what I suspect most people want from a $400 office chair.

Adjustability is a high-point across the board. There’s not much you can modify to get yourself comfortable. The backrest tilts and reclines, and you can lock it into place. It gives you a good laid-back position for when you pull out the under-seat footrest. Speaking of which, this retractable footrest is a hard plastic, so you might want to add a cushion for extra comfort. I didn't have problems with it, but it's worth noting here.

For me, the killer feature is the 4D adaptive lumbar support, which can be raised or lowered to snugly meet your lower back. Its resistance altered. I’m always happy to see adaptive support like this, as it provides more consistent support as you move in your seat. It’s one of the main reasons why I’ve tended to choose the EP600 over other chairs I have in the home office.

(Image credit: Future)

The 6D armrests are also pleasing in use. Once I accepted the fact that they can’t be locked into position, I grew to like, if not love, them. It’s nice to be able to properly support my forearms when typing at my desk, or, when I’m relaxing on my phone, bringing them in towards my body so I have somewhere to rest my elbows.

Where I feel the EP600 stumbles is just how fiddly making those adjustments can be at first. The controls aren’t as intuitive as a lot of chairs.

Now, I love a chair with adjustable seat depth to accommodate taller users. Here, it has a 50mm range back and forth. But the adjuster is a ring placed under the right-side of the seat. On most chairs, you’d lift or pull this, and the seat slides forward for larger bodies, and smooth rolls back to accommodate smaller users.

Here, you have to physically push or pull the seat into position - that’s not easy to do with one hand, especially when the seat appears to be fighting against you.

Once I had the seat set up for my height, I remained comfortable throughout my time sitting on it. But let me tell you, it was a little frustrating to start.

(Image credit: Future)

• Performance & features: 4.5 / 5

Boulies EP600: Final verdict

(Image credit: Future)

The Boulies EP600 delivers everything most people need from a mid-range office chair. It’s not the most glamorous, it’s certainly not the most expensive. But it is comfortable, adjustable, and supportive for extended sitting.

While I did find the controls slightly finicky, overall, it does enough to justify its price tag. For remote and hybrid workers (or those looking for a chair for work and play), it’s an easy one to recommend - so long as you can justify the expensive relative to the amount of time you'll use it.

Should I buy the Boulies EP600?

(Image credit: Future)✅ Buy it if...

You want a highly adjustable office chair for the home or office. It’s one of the most comfortable mid-range seats I’ve ever tested.

❌ Don't buy it if...

You don’t need a fancy office chair with 6D armrests, or you’d rather spend a little extra for a more premium seat like the Steelcase Series 2.

How I tested the Boulies EP600

I used the Boulies EP600 as my primary work chair for two weeks, for a minimum of eight hours a day, but more often like ten to twelve. During that time, I turned every knob, pulled every lever, and constantly swivelled the armrests like they were an oddly shaped fidget cube. I also used it as my gaming chair while playing Xbox and Switch. Here, I reclined the backrest and drawing out the footrest to see how well it fared while in 'relaxation mode'.

Lavazza MilkEasy Plus review

As my millennial colleagues often say: "you don’t wanna see me before my morning coffee". And there's truth to that: having a cappuccino on first waking has become something of a ritual for me; it's more effective than an alarm clock for getting me up and doing anything useful, at least. And since getting my hands on the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus, making a quick drink every day has never been so easy.

As the name suggests, the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus is an incredibly simple to use, and it’s ideal for anyone who wants to whip up a cold or hot caffeinated beverage at home. It comes with four settings: hot milk, foamed milk, hot cappuccino, and cold cappuccino. I’ve tried all of these out over a month-long period of testing, using both dairy and plant-based milks. Should you get one for yourself? Here’s my verdict.

Straight off the bat, something I love about the MilkEasy Plus are its controls. A single backlit button enables you to cycle through the four different modes. Just select your preferred option, wait a few seconds, and the frothing will begin. This makes it an accessible option for anyone — no matter their level of technical or coffee know-how.

(Image credit: Future)

Elsewhere, the included instructions are clear and concise, and after an initial clean cycle, all you have to do is plug the machine’s dock into a power outlet, place the MilkEasy Plus on top, and you’re good to go.

This model comes with a magnetic whisk that easily slots inside the MilkEasy Plus — no awkward installation required. The fact that it's magnetic means that it’s also easy to remove and clean. I was able to scrub the entire device in mere seconds, and while some pesky milk residue can stick to the sides of the MilkEasy Plus, it’s really easy to get off. The whisk and lid are also dishwasher-safe, although the main chamber needs to be hand-washed.

So yes, the MilkEasy Plus is a joy to use, but how does it perform? Well, I was really happy with the results every single time. With dairy milk in cappuccino mode, it whisked up a delightfully thick, creamy foam, which delivered a rich, satisfying flavor.

With foamed milk, I was impressed once more, both with dairy and plant-based milks. All those plant-based baristas will be pleased to learn that this this model is "approved by Alpro", and when using oat milk, this machine really shines. The smooth, velvety texture of the foamed milk was impressive given the modest price of this model, although it did take a good three minutes to prepare.

This wasn’t a big issue for me, as I set the foaming cycle in motion before drawing an espresso shot from my Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg machine, meaning I wasn’t left waiting. But if you want the speediest performance possible, this might not be the best option for you.

Not surprisingly, the hot milk and cold cappuccino modes produced similarly effective results with dairy and plant-based milk. And I was struck by how quiet the MilkEasy Plus is in use — you won't have to worry about disturbing any friends or family members if you’re making a late-night decaf coffee.

Coffee made with oat milk (in foamed milk mode) FutureCoffee made with semi-skimmed milk (in hot cappuccino mode)Future

While I had an overwhelmingly positive experience with the MilkEasy Plus, I do have a couple of minor quibbles that are worth a mention.

Like a lot of rivals, the markings for quantity on the inside of the cup are a little difficult to read, and I found myself having to angle the machine to see the maximum fill line when adding milk. My other critique is that the MilkEasy Plus doesn't have a handle, so it can be slightly awkward to handle while pouring. This isn’t a major problem, and it’s still easy enough to grip, but a handle would have taken things up a notch.

Still, this model's build quality is impressive, especially given its relatively low £79 / AU$119 (about $100) list price. The quality of the MilkEasy Plus’ results, its user-friendly controls, and easy cleaning all combine to make it a top-tier option. And while a steam wand will always be superior for latte art, this model is tough to beat for casual coffee drinkers like me.

(Image credit: Future)Lavazza MilkEasy Plus review: price & release date

• Priced at £79 / AU$119 (about $100)
• Released in July 2026

The Lavazza MilkEasy Plus was released in July 2026, and is available in the UK, a number of European markets, and Australia. It isn't available directly in the US, but could conceivably be imported.

This is a relatively budget-friendly model, coming in at £79 / AU$119 (about $100), making it cheaper than some of our favorite picks such as the Smeg Mini Milk Frother (£99.95, about $140 / AU$210) and the Dreo Baristamaker ($99 / £119.99, about AU$150).

Lavazza MilkEasy Plus review: specs

Dimensions

4.3 x 4.3 x 8.2 inches / 110 x 110 x 208mm

Minimum capacity

3oz / 90ml

Maximum capacity

6oz / 180ml

Motor

460W

Modes

4

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus?

(Image credit: Future)Buy it if…

You want hot and cold frothing
The Lavazza MilkEasy Plus has both hot and cold foaming capabilities, and produces great results across the board. Just press the backlit button, select your preferred type, and your milk will be ready in minutes.

You want a simple and easy-to-clean machine
The Lavazza MilkEasy Plus is very easy to clean. The transparent lid and whisk can be placed in the dishwasher, and the main chamber can be hand-washed in a matter of seconds. The dock can’t be submerged in water, though, so wipe it clean with a wet or dry cloth instead.

Don’t buy it if…

You want to do latte art
The MilkEasy Plus produces thick, creamy results, but it perhaps lacks the close-control that a steam-wand provides for doing latte art.

You want the speediest performance around
While the MilkEasy Plus is a smooth, quiet operator, it’s not the speediest performer around. It took a good few minutes for a foamed milk cycle to finish. For more instant results, you may want to look elsewhere.

Lavazza MilkEasy Plus review: also consider

Smeg Mini Milk Frother
This machine shares a lot of similarities with the MilkEasy Plus. It's simple to use, produces thick hot or cold foam that would work well for regular or iced cappuccinos, and it can be cleaned in a matter of seconds. Its compact and sleek design also helps it to stand out from a lot of the competition. Read our full Smeg Mini Milk Frother review.

Dreo Baristamaker
While the Dreo Baristamaker is on the bulky side, we were really impressed by its consistent results, quiet operation, and ease of use. If you want a higher maximum milk capacity, this is a great alternative to the MilkEasy Plus. Read our full Dreo Baristamaker review.

How I tested the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus

(Image credit: Future)

I spent one month testing the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus, using it as a key part of my coffee-making setup almost every day. I tried all four of the frothing modes, and made sure to use whole and semi-skimmed milk, as well as oat milk to assess consistency across different types. I used the Lavazza MilkEasy Plus alongside my Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg capsule coffee machine for this review.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing gadgets here at TechRadar, where I serve as a Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve tested everything from home products such as the Dreo Smart Misting Fan 516S to Dolby Atmos soundbars, like the Marshall Heston 120.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: October 2026

CRKD Nitro Deck 2: One-minute review

The CRKD Nitro Deck 2 is primarily billed as a Nintendo Switch 2 controller for handheld use, but it offers a lot more besides. It's CRKD’s follow-up to the Nitro Deck and Nitro Deck+, two previous accessories aimed at the original Nintendo Switch.

The CRKD Nitro Deck 2 has a functional design focused more on ergonomics than style, although some of the colorways add some panache; the Pal Grey variant I reviewed, for instance, harked back to retro Nintendo controllers, thanks to its colorful face buttons and darker grey accents.

The Nitro Deck 2 fits to the Switch and Switch 2 by clamping on the sides of the unit, rather than actually connecting to the Joy-Con 2 slots. A small button on the back clicks and twists to tightly grip your console, and tight it is; even when I held it upside down, my console didn’t move an inch. You can then connect to your console wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired by using the included U-shaped USB adapter.

CRKD’s mobile app can be used to remap the inputs of the Nitro Deck 2, as well as enable the ‘No Deadzone’ mode for the joysticks. Its interface is clear and easy to use, and I didn’t experience any bugs. One downside, though, is that you have to reconnect to the app every time you open it by holding two buttons for three seconds, which limits the convenience of back-and-forth adjustments.

All the buttons feel great, providing plenty of clicky feedback and responsiveness. The back buttons are awkwardly placed, though, and I found myself accidentally triggering them on occasion.

(Image credit: Future)

The real highlight of the Nitro Deck 2, though, is its joysticks. Not only are they precise and responsive, but they also feature dials that let you adjust their tension at any point, which is an excellent design choice and should allow any gamer to get their preferred feel.

Unfortunately, poor ergonomics detract from the Nitro Deck 2’s otherwise positive performance aspects. Not only do the pads angle inwards at the bottom, contrary to the majority of gamepads, but it’s also heavy when loaded with a console. These factors can make it cumbersome and awkward to use, especially when trying to game upright.

The Nitro Deck 2 is easy to pair to the Switch or Switch 2 via Bluetooth, although it takes a while to reconnect to your console after sleeping. Reconnection is quicker in wired mode, but it’s still not instantaneous. It was also easy to pair with PC and Android devices, although it’s a shame you can’t switch between them without having to pair each time.

The battery life of the Nitro Deck 2 is reasonable, lasting for as long as CRKD claims (15-20 hours), according to my testing. It’s a small inconvenience that you have to charge it separately from your console, though.

When you consider all that it offers, the Nitro Deck 2 represents good value. Not only are you getting handheld pads for the Switch 1 and Switch 2, but you’re also getting protection for your console, a standalone controller you can use with other platforms besides Nintendo’s, and a kickstand. Comfort issues do hamper the experience somewhat, but if you don’t mind holding a weighty unit, the Nitro Deck 2 is a fine choice as a versatile gamepad.

CRKD Nitro Deck 2 review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• $89.99 / £89.99 / AU$161
• Available now in multiple colorways
• Good price for a versatile handheld gamepad

The Nitro Deck 2 costs $89.99 / £89.99 / AU$161 and is available now in four colorways: Smoke Black, Pal Grey, LRG Fusion, and White. It comes with a USB cable, a double-ended USB adapter, and a legacy adapter for Switch 1 compatibility. The joystick caps and D-pad hat are replaceable, but no extra sets for either are included in the box.

This is a reasonable price for a unit that’s not only a Switch and Switch 2 handheld case and handheld controller, but also a standalone gamepad for PC and mobile, both wired and wireless.

You won’t find many more complete solutions for your Switch 2 than this, or even third-party substitutes for the Joy-Con 2 controllers, save for a few examples, such as the Mobapad M12 HD and M12S. A more left-field alternative to the Nitro Deck 2 is the GameSir G8+, a Bluetooth mobile controller that doesn’t officially support the Switch 2, but users have reported compatibility with the system.

If you just want a more comfortable handheld experience for your Switch 2 while sticking with the Joy-Con 2 pads, the Genki Attack Vector is a reasonably priced solution that offers three sets of grips as well as a backplate cover. What’s more, it can remain attached to your console when docked.

CRKD Nitro Deck 2 review: Specs

Price

$89.99 / £89.99 / AU$161

Weight

12.8oz / 363g

Dimensions

10.5-12.5 x 4.7 x 2.2in / 266.7-317.5 x 118.3 x 55.3mm

Compatibility

Switch, Switch 2, PC, iOS, Android

Connection type

Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

15-20 hours

CRKD Nitro Deck 2 review: Design & features

(Image credit: Future)

• Functional looks
• Solid build quality
• Basic but effective mobile app

The Nitro Deck 2 has an appearance that’s more about function than form, with its soft edges and curves being more about ergonomics than aesthetics. It’s a fetching piece of design nonetheless, and the Pal Grey finish of my review unit added a retro appeal, with its dark grey accents and colorful face buttons alluding to the classic SNES controller.

The build quality is respectable, too. Although the plastic shell didn’t initially strike me as being particularly premium, I quickly felt its solidity and sturdiness once I held it in my hands. The sliding mechanisms for both pads operate smoothly as well.

Rather than the pads of the Nitro Deck 2 actually attaching to each Joy-Con slot on the Switch or Switch 2, they simply clamp to the sides of the console without actually inserting into these slots. To tighten the clamp, you simply push and twist the button on the rear of the unit. This requires a fair amount of force, and so does releasing it to remove the console, but I wouldn’t say it was overly arduous, and it’s worth the effort for the secure fit it provides.

When attached, the Switch 2 fits snugly and securely; I had no worries about it coming loose, as there wasn’t a hint of looseness. The unit also aligns precisely with the dimensions and contours of the Switch 2, although my one small gripe is that accessing the game card flap can be fiddly, as there’s little room to reach down to lift it up. This isn’t an issue when the Nitro Deck 2 is attached to the Switch 1, though, since the flap on that console opens the other way.

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of which, the Nitro Deck 2 fits just as well to the Switch 1 as it does to the Switch 2. Thanks to the included legacy adapter, its USB-C port is still accessible, so you can still have a wired connection between the console and the Nitro Deck 2. This wired connection to both the Switch 1 and 2 is handled by another adapter, a double-ended U-shaped USB-C jack, that slots into the bottom of the Deck and the console.

The Nitro Deck 2 also features a kickstand on the back, allowing you to use your console with another controller. This is made of metal and feels very solid. It’s also very sturdy when open, and it folds flush into the back of the Deck. It can be a little difficult to release it from its clip, but this is a small price to pay for its secure fastening.

To customize the inputs of the extra shoulder and back buttons, you can use the M button in combination with others to alter the mapping. However, you can also use CRKD’s mobile app, where you can remap every button, as well as enable a ‘No Deadzone’ mode for the joysticks in order to increase their sensitivity.

The app is clearly laid out and easy to navigate, and I didn’t experience any bugs or glitches, which was somewhat of a surprise given the poor rating it has on app stores. For some bizarre reason, though, it only operates in landscape mode, but more frustrating is the fact that switching between the app and your console isn’t exactly a seamless experience; you have to hold the Home button and the left D-pad button for 3 seconds every time you go back to the app after exiting it.

CRKD Nitro Deck 2 review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Excellent joysticks
• Awkward to use upright
• Some connectivity issues

While its grips may look ergonomic, I struggled to get entirely comfortable with the Nitro Deck 2. Partly, this is due to the sheer weight of the unit when loaded with a console, which makes holding it upright a chore, even for short periods.

But the other half of the problem stems from the grips’ orientation. They protrude outwards at the top rather than at the bottom, running counter to the best Nintendo Switch 2 controller shapes, and are at a less natural angle for your hands. I did acclimatize to their form somewhat, but I was never entirely at ease with it.

I also found the back buttons awkward to use, as they were too low down to align with my natural finger placement around the grips. Their low travel and resistance meant there were times when I accidentally triggered them, too.

These issues aside, though, the Nitro Deck 2 offers fantastic performance. The face buttons are clicky and satisfying to use, while the D-pad is very comfortable thanks to its circular hat. Its floating design also meant presses had plenty of travel, which in turn created good feedback. I found the shoulder buttons were easy to reach and use as well.

(Image credit: Future)

The best input of all, though, is the joysticks, which feature dials at their bases for adjusting resistance on the fly. This is a great idea and one I wish more controllers implemented. Looser settings allow for easy maneuvering and quick flicks, while tighter settings give you more control and precision.

The Nitro Deck 2 also features motion controls. I found these to be accurate and responsive when aiming with the bow in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, although using them in handheld mode isn’t exactly practical, given the whole console moves with your hands.

Unfortunately, I did experience some small connectivity issues with the Nitro Deck 2. Although pairing with my consoles was a relatively quick process, it can be slow to reconnect when you wake your console. It activated quicker when I used a wired connection, but it wasn’t instant.

The Nitro Deck 2 worked just as well with my Switch 1 as it did with my Switch 2. It’s a shame, though, that the aforementioned legacy adapter doesn’t support console charging. I’m not sure whether this was a particular issue with my review unit or a known limitation, but either way it’s a shame from a convenience perspective.

As for other platforms, I had no issues connecting or using the Nitro Deck 2 with PC or my Android smartphone via Bluetooth, although hot-switching isn’t possible, with pairing required each time you move between devices.

The battery life of the Nitro Deck 2 is reasonable — according to my testing, it lasts about as long as CRKD claims it can, which is between 15 and 20 hours. However, it’s a shame you can’t charge your console and the Deck with a single cable, as there’s no passthrough feature.

Should I buy the CRKD Nitro Deck 2?Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

The price is very good for a multi-platform handheld controller-cum-dock, and the quality is impressive, too.

4.5/5

Design & features

The Nitro Deck 2 has a functional form and great build quality, and the fit for the Switch and Switch 2 is secure. There are a few minor design niggles, though.

4/5

Performance

All inputs are tactile and responsive, while the adjustable joysticks are exemplary. The unit is a little heavy and awkward to hold upright for long periods, though.

4/5

Total

The Nitro Deck 2 is a very versatile and high-quality handheld controller for Nintendo and other platforms, but a few issues hold it back from being truly outstanding.

4/5

Buy the CRKD Nitro Deck 2 if…

You’re fussy about stick feel
With the instantly adjustable tension for the joysticks, every gamer should be able to get the right feel.

You want a versatile controller
Not only does the Nitro Deck 2 work with the Switch and Switch 2 in handheld mode, but it can also be used to game on PC and mobile devices.

Don't buy it if…

You want something light and very portable
With a console attached, the Nitro Deck 2 is noticeably heavy and bulky in the hand.

You want instant connectivity
The Nitro Deck 2 doesn’t wake up instantly with your console, and switching between devices requires repairing.

CRKD Nitro Deck 2 review: Also consider

CRKD Nitro Deck 2

GameSir G8+ Bluetooth

Genki Attack Vector

Price

$89.99 / £89.99 / AU$161

$79.99 / £79.99 / AU$129.99

£39.99 (about $50 / AU$76)

Weight

12.8oz / 363g

10.72oz / 314g

N/A

Dimensions

10.5-12.5 x 4.7 x 2.2in / 266.7-317.5 x 118.3 x 55.3mm

9.06 x 4.21 x 2.17in / 230 x 107 x 55mm

N/A

Compatibility

Switch, Switch 2, PC, iOS, Android

Android, iOS, Switch, PC, macOS

Switch 2

Connection

Wireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Bluetooth 5.3, Wired (USB-C), Dongle (sold separately)

N/A

Software

CRKD (mobile)

GameSir App (Android only)

N/A

GameSir G8+
Although not explicitly marketed as a Switch 2 controller, user reports suggest that the G8+ does indeed work with the console. When we tested it on mobile devices, we were impressed with its comfortable grips and smooth, precise thumbsticks and triggers. Read our full GameSir G8+ review.

Genki Attack Vector
If you want to stick with the Joy-Con 2 pads but require better handheld ergonomics, Genki’s accessory may just fit the bill. It comes with three sets of grips to accommodate all kinds of hands, while the back cover adds some protection to your Switch 2 without compromising its fit in the dock (unlike the Nitro Deck 2). Read our full Genki Attack Vector review.

How I tested the CRKD Nitro Deck 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for over a week
• Used on various platforms
• Relied on extensive gaming experience

I tested the Nitro Deck 2 for over a week, using it with both the Switch and Switch 2, as well as with a PC and my Android smartphone. I tested both wired and wireless connections. I also tested CRKD’s companion mobile app.

I played games such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, both of which are good tests for the responsiveness of the buttons and comfort of the D-pad. I also played The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which is a great test of all facets of a controller, including the motion controls.

I’ve been gaming for decades and have plenty of experience testing controllers and other peripherals for numerous platforms, including the Switch and Switch 2. I’ve also reviewed other Switch 2 accessories, including handheld grips.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed October 2026

GMKTec NucBox EVO-X1 Pro: 30-second review

Unless you specifically want an Intel-powered NUC, AMD-powered machines typically offer more power and features for less money.

A classic example is the GMKtec EVO-X1 Pro AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 AI Mini PC, which uses the latest Zen 5 architecture and Gorgon Point silicon to deliver plenty of processing power for a wide range of applications.

Alongside its strong performance, it also supports ample memory, at least 16TB of storage, and an excellent port selection. This NUC offers USB4 and OCuLink ports, dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, and triple (HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C) screen outputs.

GMKtec has a habit of refreshing a good idea before anyone finishes praising the last version, and the EVO X1 Pro is a prime example.

It keeps the compact box that arrived with the original EVO X1 in late 2024. Inside, it swaps in AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 470. It also moves to WiFi 7 and ships with 64GB of soldered memory.

That raises two questions. Is the step up from the cheaper HX 370 model worth paying for? And does AMD's platform still hold its ground now that Intel's latest mobile chips are turning up in mini PCs?

My review answers some of those questions, but it also poses a few I hadn’t considered. Based on some blistering performance, the GMKtec EVO-X1 Pro should be on any list of the best mini PCs, but are there more cost-effective options?

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)GMKTec NucBox EVO-X1 Pro: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $1150
• When is it out? Shipping now, but limited stock
• Where can you get it? You can get it directly from GMKtec

GMKtec's US store lists the EVO X1 Pro at $1,599.99 for the 64GB and 1TB build. A 2TB option is also shown at $1,769.99. At the time of writing, every configuration showed as sold out, and a banner warned that prices would rise soon.

The page also shows a struck-through reference price of $2,299.99. Treat that with a pinch of salt, because I’m confident that GMKtec has never sold any of these at that price.

For those with less cash to splash, there is a single SKU of an HX370 model with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for $1,149.99. Please note that the memory on this machine is soldered, so you can’t get the HX370 model and add extra memory later. And the same is true of the HX470 SKUs, because while the platform can address up to 256 GB, you can’t add any more to the existing hardware.

UK buyers have a separate GMKtec store, which doesn’t list this hardware yet. But based on dollar pricing, around £1250 for the review specification SKU seems believable.

Warranty is listed as one year on the US store, although I think UK and EU retail laws would insist on longer warranty periods.

The obvious competitor for this system is the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-470, which uses the same platform but a slightly different port and slot arrangement. For the same 64GB+1TB spec as the review hardware, MINISFORUM wants $1655, another $55 more than GMKtec.

But the memory in the X1 Pro-470 is socketed, enabling it to be upgraded, with the caveat that the memory is running at a slightly slower speed. Because of the memory slots, MINISFORUM also offers this system barebones for only $727, if you have spare DDR5, M2 storage and a Windows Pro license. And it comes with a two-year warranty.

The Beelink SER10 MAX AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 is another socketed memory offering, but it's $1699 for the 64GB+1TB model.

The Geekom A9 Max 2026 Edition also has 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, with an asking price of $1519. It also has a socketed memory system and can be loaded up to 128GB.

Among these mini systems, the EVO-X1's asking price is roughly in line with the alternatives, but all of them use socketed memory, trading a little speed for greater flexibility.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)GMKTec NucBox EVO-X1 Pro: SpecsSpecifications

Model:

EVO X1 Pro 64+1TB

CPU:

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, 12 cores, 24 threads, up to 5.2GHz

Clock speeds:

2GHz base, up to 5.2GHz turbo

Cache:

12 MB L2, 24 MB L3

NPU:

Up to 55 TOPS (Int8)

Platform AI totals:

Up to 86 TOPS across CPU, GPU and NPU

GPU:

Radeon 890M, 16 compute units, up to 3.1GHz

Memory:

64GB onboard LPDDR5 at 6400MT/s, not upgradable

Primary storage:

1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen4 x4)

Expansion storage:

1x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4

Wireless:

WiFi 7

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth 5.4

Wired networking:

2x 2.5GbE LAN, auto-negotiating down to 10Mbps

HDMI:

1x HDMI 2.1, up to 8K at 60Hz

DisplayPort:

1x DP 2.1, up to 8K at 60Hz

USB-C video:

USB4 up to 4K at 60Hz

Audio:

1x 3.5mm CTIA Audio Jack

Ports front:

1x USB4 (40Gbps, PD 3.0, Display Output)
1x OCuLink (PCIe4 x4)
2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps

Ports rear:

2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (10Gbps)
1x HDMI 2.1 (Up to 8K@60Hz)
1x DisplayPort 2.1 (Up to 8K@60Hz)
2x RJ45 2.5G Ethernet
1x DC IN (5.5 × 2.5mm)
1x Kensington Security Lock

Dimensions:

107 x 111 x 63mm

Power input:

DC Input: 19V / 6.32A, up to 120W

Cooling:

Vapour Chamber Dual-fan Cooling System

Dedicated System Fan with Integrated Lighting

Silent Mode: 35W

Balanced Mode: 54W

Performance Mode: Up to 65W Peak

Operating system:

Windows 11 Pro

Warranty:

1-Year Limited Warranty

GMKTec NucBox EVO-X1 Pro: Design

• Metal enclosure from the original EVO-X1
• Easy access
• No memory upgrades

The chassis is unchanged from the original EVO X1. Dimensions are 110 by 107 by 63mm, and it weighs around 590g. Systems like this are often shorter vertically but wider in other directions, but this is a nice size for the desktop or for mounting on the rear of a monitor using the provided frame.

GMKtec describes a dual fan layout, with one fan for the processor and a second for the system. The original EVO X1 drew complaints about fan noise, but I found this model extremely quiet even under benchmarking stress. That said, the air it ejects from the sides is noticeably warm when in performance mode.

The front of the EVO X1 Pro has dual USB-A, a single USB4 and a single OCuLink port, along with a 3.5mm audio jack and the illuminated power button.

And, on the back, there are two 2.5GbE LAN ports, two more 10GBps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1. If you use the USB4 port with an HDMI adapter on the front, you can easily run three monitors off this system.

I’d have preferred the OCuLink port was on the back, but the port selection is good.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

One minor complaint is the port labels. These do exist, with each port having a label, but some need more detail. All the USB-A ports are merely labelled ‘USB’, and the LAN ports don’t get a speed or a port number; they’re just ‘LAN’.

Internal access is something of a tease. At first, it suggests you can get inside without tools, just by rotating the threaded feet. Once you remove these, the metal outer casing covering the bottom, top, and left side detaches, revealing that a screwdriver is indeed required.

Four more screws later, the fan housing comes off, giving access to the storage area.

You can only change the storage here, since the memory is soldered on the mainboard. There are two 2280 M.2 Gen4 x4 slots, one of which is occupied with a pre-installed drive.

Two equally fast slots are useful, since you can easily clone the Windows installation to a new NVMe drive in the second slot. The largest size that’s typically available is 8TB on a 2280-sized drive, so you could place 16TB inside this tiny computer.

You might even be able to get more. I noticed that the M.2 slot that is used for the WiFi 7 and Bluetooth electronics can also be modified to accept larger than 2230 modules. That M.2 slot might be Gen4 x2 or even x1, and you'd give up wireless connectivity, but you might be able to add a third drive using it.

Overall, this was a good enclosure when it was the original X1, and the system in this model uses it effectively.

• Design: 4 / 5

GMKTec NucBox EVO-X1 Pro: Features

• Gorgon Point Silicon
• LPDDR5 Memory
• Full PCIe lane usage

The HX 470 belongs to AMD's Ryzen AI 400 family, codenamed Gorgon Point. It is a refresh of the Strix Point chip that powers the HX 370. The core layout is the same, with four full Zen 5 cores and eight smaller Zen 5c cores.

The gains are modest. Boost rises by 100MHz. GMKtec lists the Radeon 890M at 3.1GHz rather than 2.9GHz. The NPU moves from 50 to 55 TOPS.

It feels like AMD needed to polish the Strix Point design, ran out of time before it launched, and then made those tweaks for the Gorgon Point generation.

AMD's own figures give a default power limit of 28W, configurable between 15W and 54W. GMKtec's 65W performance mode is therefore a system-level tuning claim rather than a standard AMD specification. This 4nm chip copes well at 65W, even if, in benchmarks, it threw copious amounts of warm air.

The caching on this chip is 12MB L2 and 24MB L3. That’s 1MB of L2 per core to handle immediate, low-latency instruction and data retrieval. The L3 cache is not a single monolithic block; it divides its cores into a dual-CCX layout, servicing both the Zen 5 and the Zen5c cores.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

One aspect of this design that people will either love or hate is that memory is soldered. The advantage of this is fast memory speeds, but it removes any upgrade path. The 64GB configuration is generous for local AI models and heavy multitasking. But it is also a financial commitment, and it assumes you won’t want more at some stage.

The M.2 slots are less controversial. Dual PCIe 4.0 x4 slots are rare in a box this size, mostly because of the limitations of free PCIe lanes. The HX 470 has sixteen PCIe 4.0 lanes, so the M.2 slots take half the available lanes. Since the OCuLink also comes from the same lane pool and uses four lanes, that leaves only four unused.

Thankfully, the USB controllers are native to the processor and do not steal from the general-purpose PCIe lanes, so that probably leaves enough for the shorter 2230 slot for Wi-Fi and the two 2.5GbE LAN ports.

OCuLink is a critical feature for enthusiasts who either want more GPU power or to run LLMs locally. GMKtec warns that the port is not hot-swappable, so you need to connect everything with the machine powered down, and then power the external device before activating the mini PC.

What I like about this system is that it doesn’t leave PCIe bandwidth unused, and with the 65W power profile, it's getting as close as it can get.

• Features: 4.5 / 5

GMKTec NucBox EVO-X1 Pro: Performance

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Mini PC

GMKtec EVO-X1

GMKtec EVO-T1

CPU

AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX470

Intel Core Ultra 9 285H

AI CPU/GPU/NPU

86 TOPS

99 TOPS

Cores/Threads

12C 24T

16C 16T

RAM

64GB LPDDR5 (4x16GB)

64GB LPDDR5 (2x32GB)

SSD

1TB YMTC PC411

Crucial P3 Plus 1TB

Graphics

Radeon 890M

Intel Arc Graphics 140T

3DMark

WildLife

22745

24893

FireStrike

8490

8213

TimeSpy

3800

4363

S.Nomad

3332

3436

Cine24

Single

117

129

Multi

1186

1141

Ratio

10.17

8.82

GeekBench 6

Single

2941

2973

Multi

15198

16097

OpenCL

43184

41700

Vulkan

47293

38605

CrystalDisk

Read MB/s

7117

5198

Write MB/s

6418

4726

PCMark 10

Office

8933

7917

WEI

Score

8.2

8.4

Rather than comparing the EVO-X1 Pro to another AMD system, I thought it would be more interesting to compare it to the EVO-T1 from the same brand, which uses Intel silicon.

There is relatively little to separate these systems, since they both use LPDDR5 memory, although the T1 uses socketed SODIMMs (5600 MT/s) versus the unsocketed 6400 MT/s LPDDR5 memory on the X1 Pro.

What isn’t detailed above is that the power peak of the X1 Pro is 65W, where you can set the T1 to use 80W. In both these tests, I set ‘performance mode’ in the BIOS, to get the best speeds and on the X1 Pro I set the memory allocated to the 890M GPU to 8GB.

For those interested, I allocated 16GB of RAM to the 890M and boosted 3DMark Steel Nomad Light to 3361, which probably wasn’t worth losing 8GB of RAM for.

Given how close the performance of these two systems is, it’s worth considering the price difference. Things are slightly complicated by changes since launch on the T1, where it isn’t offered with 64GB as a standard SKU. It can be bought with 32GB+1TB for $1,279.99 or 96GB+2TB for a whopping $2,199.99.

Since you can add memory, you could get the T1 with no memory or storage for only $829.99, then add 64GB of RAM (2x 32GB SODIMM) and an NVMe drive. With a Lexar 32GB DDR5 SODIMM costing around $290 and a typical 1TB Gen4 drive being about $160, the upgrade to match memory and storage will cost you an extra $740, bringing the total system (without Windows) to about $1570, or $30 less than the X1 Pro cost, but without a Windows license.

The advantage of the Intel T1 is that you can upgrade it to 96GB, if you have that sort of cash, and it does have more inherent AI power with 99TOPS in total. However, the NPU on the AMD platform is far superior to that on the Intel, and if it wasn’t for the ARC 140V GPU, the Intel wouldn’t be better.

Conversely, the X1 Pro is less flexible, with no memory upgrades beyond the 64GB provided, but it’s more power-efficient with a 28W base TDP versus 45W on the T1.

Overall, the T1 is the machine for single-threaded tasks, and the X1 Pro is ideal if you run multi-core and multi-threaded code.

So is the X1 Pro worth the asking price? That depends on whether you need the memory. If you don’t, I’d recommend the EVO-X1 Pro with the HX 370 processor, as it's much better value than either its bigger brother or the Intel T1.

If you want an AMD NUC that’s more powerful than this, you'll want one that uses AMD Ryzen AI 395 Max or Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495 silicon. And, the new Intel Panther Lake machines are also twice as quick as this, but all these options cost much more.

• Performance: 4 / 5

GMKTec NucBox EVO-X1 Pro: Final verdict

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

A year ago this system would have been closer to $1000, and might have been much easier for me to recommend. Now, with silly memory and storage costs, it's hardly an impulse purchase, is it?

That said, there is relatively little wrong with this hardware, though I’m genuinely disappointed that GMKtec is offering only a single year of warranty on a system I’d expect to last at least five years. Geekom is offering three years on their equipment.

When you factor in the price and the warranty, I’d be inclined to ask anyone buying one if they would be impacted by having the HX 370 SKU with 32GB of RAM, because that’s $450 less for a machine that will perform almost identically, unless you need more RAM.

It comes in the same well-engineered enclosure, and you can expand storage the same way.

I can only hope memory prices start to drop soon, because we need more systems like this with 64GB, or more, and more plausible pricing than we’re seeing currently.

The EVO-X1 Pro is a great mini system, but it desperately needs to be cheaper so that more people can experience this lovely mini PC.

Should you buy a GMKTec NucBox EVO-X1 Pro?

Value

The price is high, but it’s the going rate for this spec

4 / 5

Design

A reused enclosure with easy access and compact form factor

4 / 5

Features

Powerful CPU, 64GB of RAM and an excellent port selection

4.5 / 5

Performance

Punchy solution that matches what Intel has to offer

4 / 5

Overall

An excellent NUC only undermined by the price of memory and storage in it

4 / 5

Buy it if...

Space is limited
As a mini system, this one is remarkably small, yet packs a serious punch. For those with limited space, or who are fine mounting the computer on the rear of a monitor, the EVO-X1 Pro is an excellent choice. And, with USB4, you can use it with a dock if you need more ports easily accessible.

You want an external GPU
The inclusion of an OCuLink port provides a means to add an external GPU, or any piece of PC hardware that will work in a PCIe x4 slot with the addition of an OCuLink dock. While not the total flexibility of a desktop system, this is a good choice for those who need more power on occasion.

Don't buy it if...

You are on a tight budget
Solid options using older processor technology, or with less memory, are considerably cheaper than this system. GMKtec has an HX 370 option in the same case with 32GB of RAM that could save you $450 over the HX 470 model with 64GB.

You specifically want Intel
Not sure why this is still an issue, but some companies only want Intel-branded hardware for some spurious reason. Obviously, this system uses AMD, not Intel. GMKtec makes systems with Intel processor technology for those who specifically want that.

Also Consider

GMKtec K6 Ultra
A mid-level AMD system that sports an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, up to 32GB of RAM and dual Gen4 x4 M.2 slots. This older hardware shows what’s possible when you have 20 PCIe lanes. Also available in a barebones configuration if you have RAM and SSDs spare.

Check out our GMKtec K6 Ultra review

GMKtec EVO-T2
The latest Panther Lake Intel silicon enables some exceptionally impressive results from this mini PC. However, that power comes with a whopping price tag, so this system isn’t for those on a constrained budget.

I reviewed the X7 variant, but the makers do sell a system with an X9-rated chip, if money is no object.

Check out my GMKtec EVO-T2 review

For more professional hardware, we've reviewed the best business computers.

Fyne Audio Cubitt 5: Two-minute review

It’s taken Fyne Audio less than a decade to establish itself as a deeply credible manufacturer of passive loudspeakers at a wide range of prices. The Cubitt 5, though, represents its first pair of active speakers — and they've got some serious competition to overcome.

At first glance, though, the system seems to have every chance. Its compact, well-made cabinets are available in a wide range of finishes, and are home to an intriguing driver array that draws liberally from the company’s very successful (and much more expensive) line-up of passive loudspeakers. Power is more than adequate at 240 watts, and the range of inputs (Bluetooth with aptX HD capability, line- and MM phono-level analog, optical and HDMI ARC) is very competitive, too. The lack of on-system controls is an odd decision, as is the lack confirmation of selected input or volume, and the remote handset that’s your only control option is unlovely.

Get the system up and running and you’ll have to ignore the unwelcome low-volume hiss that comes from each speaker before any music is cued up — fortunately it’s not an issue once your tracks are playing. Instead you’re free to admire the Cubitt 5’s abilities with detail retrieval, soundstaging, low-frequency authority and articulate midrange communication. It’s absolutely as confident as is acceptable when it comes to handling the top of the frequency range, but even here it’s not overtly ill-balanced or unruly.

Add in significant dynamic headroom, an expansive overall presentation and a disinclination to alter its stance in any significant way no matter which of its input options is in use, and it’s apparent that where the fundamentals are concerned, the Cubitt 5 has plenty going for it. Maybe not quite for the best stereo speakers on the market, though.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review: Price & release date

• Launched on June 30, 2026
• Priced $749 / £549 / AU$1,499

The Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 wireless stereo speaker system is on sale now, and in the United States it costs $749. In the United Kingdom it sells for £549, while in Australia you’ll have to part with AU$1,499.

Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review: Features

• 127mm ‘IsoFlare’ mid/bass driver with 19mm concentric titanium dome tweeter
• 240 watts of Class D power
• Wired and wireless inputs

The idea of positioning a tweeter in the acoustic center of a mid or mid/bass driver is not a new one, but it’s a rarity nevertheless, and Fyne Audio has been busily democratizing its ‘IsoFlare’ variation on this particular theme for a while now. The Cubitt 5 is just the latest example.

In this instance there’s a 19mm titanium dome tweeter positioned in the center of a 127mm multi-fiber mid/bass driver — the idea, as ever, is to create a single point-source of sound at the same time as optimizing driver integration and sound dispersion. The mid/bass driver’s surround is the company’s ‘FyneFlute’ design, the unusual pattern of which helps minimize unwanted energy from the pistonic movement of the driver. Each of the four drivers gets 60 watts of Class D amplification to power it — an all-in total of 240 watts really should be adequate in a system such as this — and the output is bolstered by a front-firing bass reflex slot. It’s an arrangement Fyne Audio suggests will deliver a frequency response of 43Hz - 34kHz.

The primary speaker takes care of all wired and wireless connectivity. The wireless stuff consists of Bluetooth 5.0, with codec compatibility up to and including aptX HD. Physical connections, all on the rear panel, run to a moving magnet (or high-output moving coil) phono stage accessed via stereo RCA inputs, a line-level analog equivalent also using RCAs, a digital optical input and an HDMI ARC socket. All incoming digital information is dealt with by a DAC of 24bit/96kHz resolution.

• Features score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review: Sound quality

• Expansive and controlled presentation
• Solid punch and decent dynamics
• Audible hiss when not playing

There’s a unique aspect to the way the Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 performs — or, at least, it’s unique in my extensive experience of products of this type. Connect the speakers together using the supplied umbilical, plug the primary speaker into the mains, turn the power on, and there’s an obvious and consistent hiss from both speakers. Is it loud? No, but it can be heard down the length of my listening room. Is it audible when playing music? No, not at all. So is it an issue? I guess not, unless you intend to use the speakers on your desktop, but I can’t pretend it fills me with confidence.

Which is a great pity, because when it’s actually playing music the Cubitt 5 is one of the best sub-$750 wireless stereo speaker systems I’ve heard so far. In virtually every respect, it’s an enjoyable, balanced and well-sorted listen.

With a vinyl copy of Julian Cope’s Peggy Suicide incoming via the moving magnet phono stage, the Fyne Audio doesn’t take its eye off the ball for a moment. It’s good where detail retrieval is concerned, and manages to stay on top of the finest details without sacrificing any sense of unity or performance. It creates a fairly large soundstage — it’s certainly larger than the cabinets that are producing it — and it’s coherent, organized and easy to understand.

The tonal balance is persuasive, too, the Cubitt 5 hits the plosives at the top of the frequency range absolutely as hard as it dares, but somehow they never quite get too edgy or overly hard. The midrange is sweetly communicative, so there’s confidence and eloquence to the way the system handles a vocalist. And while the claims for extension down to 43Hz are, I think it’s fair to say, a false alarm, the Cubitt 5 nevertheless bigs deep, hits hard and controls its low-frequency activity well. Rhythmic expression is very decent as a result, and the way the system handles tempos is similarly unforced and naturalistic.

There’s a fair amount of dynamic headroom available, so the Fyne Audio handles big shifts in volume or intensity calmly, and its overall attention to detail means that the more subtle dynamics of harmonic variation are given their due weighting, too. Frequency response is nice and even, too. The tendency to attack the highest frequencies can make it sound like the top end is being overstated on occasion, but otherwise the Cubitt 5 gives every area of the frequency range fair representation.

It’s winningly unconcerned about volume, too. Some systems can change their character when asked to play at bigger levels, but the Fyne Audio just gets louder. There’s no change in tonal balance or frequency response, and the stage maintains its shape, too. And the same is true when you change inputs — switch to a wireless stream of John Glacier’s Money Shows and the fundamental attitude and character of the system don’t alter in the slightest. It’s still balanced, insightful, punchy and just slightly treble-happy.

• Sound quality score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review: Design

• 260 x 165 x 215mm (HxWxD)
• Available in five different finishes
• Supplied without grilles

It’s by no means an easy trick to pull off, but the Cubitt 5 manages to look discreet and interesting at the same time.

The ‘discreet’ part is mostly thanks to the 260 x 165 x 215mm (HxWxD) dimensions, assisted by some nicely curved cabinet corners and a selection of no fewer than five very agreeable finishes. My sample is in ‘olive green’, but ‘arctic white’, ‘midnight black’, ‘pearl titanium’ and ‘pebble gray’ are also available. No matter which finish you decide suits you best, you’ll find it’s the final flourish in a process that includes a very high standard of construction. There are no visible seams, and the soft-touch paint is flawlessly applied.

‘Interesting’ is mostly derived from the driver array that’s already been discussed in the ‘features’ section of this review, as well as the forward-facing bass reflex slot that somehow makes each speaker’s appearance easy to anthropomorphize. The not-quite-circular brightwork surrounding the driver array doesn’t do any harm when it comes to making this most functional of products look interesting, either. It comes as no surprise to me that Fyne Audio doesn’t see the need to supply the Cubitt 5 with grilles.

• Design score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review: Usability & setup

• Speakers must be wired together
• No app, no on-speaker controls, no input selection of volume indicator
• Nasty remote control handset

In terms of getting up and running, there’s really not a lot to get your head around here. Despite the fact this is an active system, only the primary speaker requires mains power — it transmits power, as well as data, along a supplied four-core umbilical cable that screws down onto the rear of each speaker. Once the speakers are connected together and the primary is powered up, it’s really only a question of positioning them to your satisfaction and then you’re in business.

Getting what you want from the system isn’t all that tricky, either, but neither is it all that satisfying an experience. This is not a Wi-Fi-enabled system, of course, so there’s no control app, which is hardly unheard-of in this part of the market. There are no controls on either speaker, either, which is rather less common. The primary speaker has an LED tell-tale that’s red when the system’s in standby and blue when it’s powered up. The blue light flashes when it’s following instructions from the remote handset that’s your only method of operation.

Given that the remote is all you’ve got, though, it’s a shame Fyne Audio specified what I imagine is the least expensive handset it could source. The look and feel is down-market, and the fact you’ve no indication of the source that’s been selected or the volume level that’s been specified only adds to the impression of cost- and corner-cutting.

• Usability & setup score: 3 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review: Value

Judged purely on the sound it makes, there’s no denying the Cubitt 5 offers very decent value for money indeed — once it’s making a sound, that is. The standard of build and finish only adds to the impression of money well spent.

But there’s more to it than this, of course — and as far as the experiential goes, the feel of operating the system, the sensation is undeniably low-rent. Which unfortunately undermines the impression of value the Fyne Audio system otherwise offers.

• Value score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Should I buy the Fyne Audio Cubitt 5?Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 scorecard

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

19mm titanium dome tweeter, in a 127mm multi-fiber mid/bass driver optimizes driver integration and sound dispersion

5 / 5

Sound quality

Expansive and controlled, with solid punch, but an audible hiss when not playing

4 / 5

Design

Discreet and interesting, with five finishes and no need for grilles

5 / 5

Setup & usability

An active system, easy to set up, but no control app or on-unit controls grate, along with a cheap remote control

3 / 5

Value

Judged on the sound alone, very good, but as an experience... not so much

4 / 5

Buy them if…

You want full-range sound from winningly compact cabinets
Small enough for positioning on a shelf, but with sufficient sonic scale to fill a medium-sized room.

You want options beyond ‘back’ and ‘white’
There are a trio of more interesting options available.

You admire interesting engineering
The titanium dome tweeter time-aligned in the throat of the IsoFlare mid/bass driver counts as ‘interesting’ for sure.

Don’t buy them if…

You’re using them on a desktop
Not only are they slightly large for this purpose, the ‘power on’ hissing gets quite old quite quickly…

You like to know what’s going on
How much volume have you dialled in? Which input has been selected? Who can say?

You’re sensitive to the quality of control interfaces
Fyne Audio always knew the remote control handset would be the only way to interact with the Cubitt 5 — so why did it specify the cheapest it could find?

Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review: Also consider

The Cambridge L/R S system handily undercuts the Fyne Audio on price, and has an awful lot to recommend it both aesthetically and in audio terms. Not quite the room-filling ability of the Cubitt 5, mind you.

And the same is true of the Ruark Audio MR1 mk3, but if you want a well-specified and great-sounding system that’s genuinely small enough for desktop use and isn’t as pricey as the Fyne Audio, you need look no further.

How I tested the Fyne Audio Cubitt 5

Almost all my testing is done with the Cubitt 5 positioned on a pair of Soundstyle S2 speaker stands, joined together by their supplied connecting cable and with the primary speaker plugged into the mains.

Sources include a FiiO M15S digital audio player with aptX HD Bluetooth capability, a Technics SL-1300G with Goldring 1022 cartridge for vinyl via the phono stage, a Rega Apollo CD player connected to the optical input, and a Philips OLED806 via the HDMI socket.

Which means a lot of different content, stored in a variety of file types, and of many resolutions, is available — and then I listen for almost an entire working week.

• Read TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee
• First reviewed: October 2026

VZMORE AX9 Max AI: 30-second review

The AX9 Max instantly feels premium, with a full metal build and a huge array of ports on the front and back. However, as you look closely at the embossed detailing around the edges and a logo that seems to blend the old Cadillac and Ferrari logos, something about the aesthetics starts to looks a little less premium.

Aesthetics aside, the build quality is solid enough and well finished, with the most impressive aspect being the sheer volume of ports that have been fitted around the exterior. On the front, there’s a selection of USB Type-A ports and the usual headphone jack; around the back, there are even more connectivity options, including two USB4 ports.

To handle the potential power draw of the devices you can hook up to the box, it packs a powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor which is supplied with the 120W power supply. The processor is relatively new, launched at the start of 2026, so it has had a good amount of time to bed in and now has a proven track record. This is supported by an integrated GPU and a dedicated NPU for all those new AI workloads.

As the test progressed, the machine's speed in Microsoft Office apps and the Adobe Creative Suite highlighted its potential. During video editing, the internal SSD kept pace with high-resolution edits without issue. However, a little more headroom on the 1TB capacity would have been beneficial.

Storage and RAM are the two interesting points of this machine. While both are modest in my review sample, maxing them out could turn this from a powerful mini PC into something that will hold great interest for anyone looking to run offline AI and larger LLMs, although that potential does come at a huge monetry cost.

Throughout the test, the creative applications and handling of video and image files were limited by the 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD. However, with two USB4 ports, I could at least boost the storage capacity. For most HD and 4K edits, the machine handled rough cuts and transitions in Premiere Pro quickly and without issue, though more RAM would have helped.

The most interesting test was running LM Studio and a few local models; while general performance was good, especially for models that utilised the NPU, I could see where the 32GB RAM limit restricted what the machine could potentially do, limiting it as the best mini PC specifically for AI workloads.

For gaming, at mid settings in most games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the machine was more than capable of supplying the power needed for the action. However, again, a little more RAM would have smoothed some of the minor slowdowns in gameplay, especially in Cyberpunk 2077 where quality settings had to be lowered.

This is a machine with potential, and while undoubtedly expensive for a mini PC with a 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM, that money is invested in that powerful CPU, GPU and NPU combo and the ability to expand the storage to a far greater degree than I have seen on the vast majority of other mini PCs of this size and type.

VZMORE AX9 Max AI: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $1,349
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Directly from VZMore and online retailers.

At present, the UK price is £1,349 for the 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD configuration I’m looking at in this review.

At the time of review, the US site is down (maybe it's just me?), however, it's available on Amazon for $1,399.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)VZMORE AX9 Max AI: Specs

Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470
Graphics: AMD Radeon 890M
NPU: AMD Ryzen AI, up to 55 TOPS
Memory: 32GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Front ports: 5 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 3.5mm Audio
Rear ports: 2 × USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, 2 × HDMI 2.1, 2 × 2.5Gb Ethernet
Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Card Reader: SD 4.0
Power Modes: Silent 45W, Balanced 54W, Performance 65W
Dimensions: Approx. 134.9 × 131.8 × 57.7mm
Weight: 777.5g
Power Adapter: 120W

VZMORE AX9 Max AI: Design

Unpacking the compact AX9 Max, the metal casing and detailed plastic base of this mini PC instantly reinforced its price point. Only after carefully checking the detailing and the large, shiny logo on top did I start to question whether this was a premium machine or just one trying to look premium.

Checking the specifications and that the price point was justified, but there’s still something about the design that feels a little over the top. The rest of the design is solid, and at 134.9 × 131.8 × 57.7mm and 777.5g, it’s a great size and weight for this style of machine.

Around the casing, there are four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack. On the left side of the casing is an SD 4.0 memory card slot, while the back has two USB4 Type-C ports, a USB 2.0 port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two 2.5Gb RJ45 sockets, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and the DC-in port.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Despite the number of ports, they’re well laid out, and testing with multiple accessories, SSDs, and other card readers showed the port selection offered enough space to easily plug in and remove cables when needed.

You access the inner workings of the mini PC through the base, and while it's designed to be upgraded, initial access proved tricky, but only because of the four small rubber plugs covering the screw holes.

Once these are removed, removing the base is easy, and thankfully there are no easily detachable wires to get in the way of speedy progress.

• Design: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)VZMORE AX9 Max AI: Features

The aesthetics of this machine are quite run-of-the-mill despite the premium metal build. However, as I checked the specifications, I found plenty that’s quite exciting. First, it features the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 with 12 cores and 24 threads, plus Radeon 890M integrated graphics. That’s a powerful combo, especially with the dedicated NPU rated at 55 TOPS.

To keep up with this processing power, the machine has a substantial cooling system; flip it over, and the base design suddenly makes sense, as it, along with the huge venting on the back, is designed to keep the machine cool.

VZMORE has its own cooling system called V-Cooling, which uses a vapour chamber and a 360º air intake on the base, and the company claims it provides 65W of sustained TDP output while keeping things quiet. In testing, this claim held up: the cooling seemed effective and quiet for the most part until it was put under heavy load and even then while the fans are audible they’re still well managed.

As mini PCs go, one of the first notable features is the sheer volume of ports across the body. This is far more than most, with wireless connection options including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

There are also three selectable power modes, including 45W Silent mode, 54W Balanced and 65W Performance. Through this test, I turned it to Performance mode.

This machine is aimed at creatives, those looking to use AI and gamers- all high-demand applications. As I reviewed the specifications, a couple of points stood out. First, the internal SSD was limited to 1TB in the review sample, and given the machine's price, I expected at least 2TB.

The other point is that the SSD is PCIe Gen 4 x4, which still provides plenty of speed, as I saw in the benchmarks, but I would have expected an upgrade to PCIe Gen 5. The other point is that there are two M.2 slots: one pre-installed with an M.2 2280 module and one M.2 2230, slot that can only take up to 1TB. That’s still 5TB in a relatively small box, but for this price, I would have expected a little more.

the main point here is that CPU, GPU and NPU combo is an expensive choice and that’s what you’re paying for here.

Then comes the real surprise, the RAM. This is 32GB of DDR5 SO-DIMM, split into dual-channel. That in itself isn't unusual, but since AI is one of the machine's key selling points, this 32GB can be upgraded to 256GB. However, at the time of writing, the most that I could find was 128GB in two 64GB modules for the cool price of £1,999. This could be possible, but would you really want it?

In this test, I’ve run Qwen3.6-35B-A3B and Gemma-4-26B-A4B through LM Studio.

• Features: 4 / 5

VZMORE AX9 Max AI: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Benchmark scores

CrystalDiskMark Read: 6047.65MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 5058.87MB/s
Geekbench 6 CPU Multi: 15845
Geekbench 6 CPU Single: 2997
Geekbench 6 GPU: 44325
Geekbench 7 CPU Multi: 17377
Geekbench 7 CPU Single: 2723
Geekbench 7 GPU: 35288
PCMark Overall: 8910
Cinebench R23 CPU Multi (Threads): 21568
Cinebench R23 CPU Single (Threads): 2076
Cinebench 2026 CPU Multi (Threads): 5074
Cinebench 2026 CPU Single (Threads): 493
Fire Strike Overall: 9027
Fire Strike Graphics: 9842
Fire Strike Physics: 32446
Fire Strike Combined: 3340
Time Spy Overall: 4275
Time Spy Graphics: 3857
Time Spy CPU: 11109
Wild Life Overall: 24408
Steel Nomad Overall: 770
Windows Experience Overall: 8.2
Procyon: 1179

The machine arrives with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed and only needs the final steps of the installation to be completed. However, this takes a good 10–15 minutes, rejecting each of the many packages on offer. Once in, Windows 11 Pro runs smoothly, and the Microsoft Office suite is fast, as is interaction with Windows as a whole. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are all well within its capabilities.

Moving on to Photoshop and Lightroom, the machine's power is evident, but the limits of 32GB of RAM are quickly apparent. The applications load quickly, and photos load into Photoshop and Lightroom are easily adjusted. It’s only when I do batch updates in Lightroom or select files in Adobe Bridge that I started to notice the limitations. On a machine at this price, I really expected a little more performance, and checking the Device Monitor showed the RAM topping out.

Again, loading Premiere Pro and some HD and 4K video, the initial HD footage ran smoothly, with the AX9 Max handling the video files with ease. 4K video was handled just as well, but again, RAM limits meant that as the edit grew more complex, it was best to give the machine a few seconds to catch up with the renders. Still, a good 5-minute 4K edit is well within the limits, and again it’s the RAM that holds the machine back. Another point was that I needed to connect an external SSD to one of the USB4 ports because of limited storage.

Overall, the machine is exceptional for heavy office use and more than able to keep up with the demands. What stood out was how easy it was to connect multiple accessories and screens, thanks to the port support around the case.

For creative applications, the machine performed well and handled most task with relative ease, although I would definitely boost the RAM to 64GB for video work.

To really test the machine’s potential, I loaded Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and was pleased to see that, with settings at moderate, it was more than capable of delivering smooth gameplay and stunning graphics. However, when I switched to Cyberpunk 2077, the gameplay faltered, and I had to dig into the settings and dial everything back to near-base levels to get the smooth gameplay I prefer.

The final test was to run a few LLMs locally and run a series of tests on the machine. The results here were mixed as I switched between two models, Qwen3.6-35B-A3B and Gemma-4-26B-A4B. On the initial run, I noticed that as the five tests I ran, technical writing, programming, reasoning, image understanding, and review analysis, became more intensive, the machine slowed down and the available RAM maxed out.

Using the installed models in LM Studio provided decent performance, with the chat flowing easily and responses coming back relatively quickly, in 2 to 5 seconds. However, as complexity rose, so did processing times and machine noise.

First, with every request, RAM maxed out between 95% and 99%, leaving little, if any, headroom for the machine to do anything else. The first test, writing a short 200-word technical piece with the Qwen model, took 4.38 seconds to get the first response, at 19.1 tokens per second, requiring 5920 output tokens, for a total run time of 316.7 seconds. Far slower than online models, but still all done completely offline.

Less complex models completed this task far faster, with less finesse in the wording.

Running a Python coding task to read and organise a folder of image files, again using the Qwen model, maxed out the machine across the board, with the fans kicking in to keep things cool. Time to first token was just over 1 second, with 18.84 tokens per second; 7653 output tokens took 407.36 seconds to complete the task. This was more impressive as the folder contained 2,764 images. The Python script could then be run to create a CSV file containing the file information. This is base-level organisation.

As I started pushing more complex image-analysis models, the machine's limits were hit, with processing times running in excess of ten minutes, mainly due to limited RAM.

However, the local LLMs available in LM Studio are surprisingly good, but they aren’t a replacement for online or higher-end models.

• Performance: 4 / 5

VZMORE AX9 Max AI: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The VZMORE AX9 Max AI Mini PC is a powerful mini PC with plenty of potential and a premium build. The aesthetics and large logo on top feel a little out of place for a machine at this price and for its intended audience; I usually associate that type of styling with entry-level models.

It is undoubtedly a powerful machine with a CPU, GPU and NPU that make light work of most Copilot and app-initiated AI tasks, and even with 32GB of RAM, it handles all office and most creative tasks without issue. What surprised me was that it struggled with some AI processing through LM Studio, with longer-than-expected processing times because the 32GB limit pushed the RAM to near 100% for extended periods.

Likewise, while most games played back smoothly, Cyberpunk 2077 struggled with the graphics, and the quality options and resolution had to be dropped to get smooth gameplay. Other games, such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, played well.

Creative use was also mixed, again held back by that 32GB of RAM, which topped out in Premiere Pro, causing slight slowdowns when editing 4K Log footage. Editing standard 4K and HD was fast, though I still needed to attach an external SSD to expand storage.

The point is that the machine supports up to 256GB of RAM, far more than I’ve seen in any other mini PC. However, as I couldn’t find 128GB modules in the UK, and the maximum available at this time is 2 × 64GB, costing between £1,500 and £2,000, this value seems to be theoretical rather than a reality.

As it is, this is a powerful mini PC, but while it offers upgrade options and plenty of connectivity, it feels like it overpromises; to reach its full potential, you’ll need to invest more in upgrades. At present what makes this machine the price it is, is that CPU, and in order for you to see it’s full potential this machine needs far more investment.

Should I buy the VZMORE AX9 Max AI?

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Value

This mini PC sits at the top of the premium mini PC price range, and I would have expected more RAM and a larger-capacity SSD

4

Design

Initial impressions of the build and materials are good, but some of the styling is a little over the top.

4

Features

The feature set is impressive, but it feels like it supports potential rather than out-of-the-box performance.

4

Performance

In general use, this small box packs in performance, but without a major investment, it’s still a long way from its full potential.

4

Overall

A decent enough premium mini PC with plenty of potential if you’re willing to invest.

4

Buy it if...

You need a compact PC with CPU performance.

The AMD CPU, GPU and NPU combine to offer impressive performance across the board.

You need high-speed external connectivity.

With dual USB4 and LAN, you get plenty of fast and standard connectivity options.

Don't buy it if...

You need a dedicated GPU for demanding graphics or 3D workloads.

The USB4 port lets you connect to an eGPU, but if you need that processing contained in this small box, this won’t be the solution.

You need local AI performance.

To reach its potential, you’ll need to invest in additional RAM, which is incredibly expensive.

For more professional-grade desktops, we've tested the best business computers.

Frontier X2: One minute review

While the Polar H10 chest strap is used by athletes the world over as a heart rate monitor accuracy benchmark, one of its biggest pain points can be its connectivity issues. It’s hard to know whether it’s going to drop out, or you need to replace or clean the strap, until you actually start a workout. There’s also no interface or control on the heart rate monitor itself, and the app is cluttered and outdated. I like using the Polar H10 for its accuracy, but when it doesn’t work for me, it’s not always obvious until after the fact — which, when testing multiple devices simultaneously, is a frustrating experience.

Frontier X2 from Fourth Frontier offers a different chest strap experience: a more modern app and a USB-chargeable device, with a screen and a button allowing you to manually start a workout and receive haptic feedback. That haptic feedback also triggers when you cross heart rate zone thresholds.While you can’t view the screen while wearing it on your chest of course, it does make workout preparation and phone connection so much easier than Polar’s offering. Guessing the heart rate monitor is working, even checking your phone to make sure heart rate is streaming correctly, only to have it drop out halfway through and lose my data due to a poor connection or crap strap, is an experience I’d like to leave in the past.

The Frontier X2 uses heart rate information to calculate Whoop-style metrics like a Strain score, Stress score, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Breathing Rate, and estimates calories burned. That last metric is somewhat outdated, as research from Stanford University found that calorie estimates based on heart rate are unreliable as they measure effort rather than energy expended. A premium tier subscription costs an additional $119.99 / £109.99 per year, adding a Readiness score, VO2 Max and even sleep stage analysis. As an already-expensive device, I wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re planning to make Frontier X2 your privacy fitness tracker, and accuracy is hyper-important to you.

The continuous electrocardiogram, or ECG, can livestream an ECG scan for yourself or a medical professional to the Frontier app. Not only is this useful for spotting irregular heart rate rhythms over time, but I most often used it to check the HRM is streaming data correctly before starting working out in earnest, which is recommended, as the scan flags up in the app if there’s insufficient data due to poor connection.

In terms of accuracy, I had no complaints. I took it for a test run against the Apple Watch Ultra 4 (which offers a redesigned Health Sensing System said to be ‘the most accurate ever on a wearable’) and the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro, which uses Garmin’s Elevate V5 that I’ve already tested against the Polar H10 and found to be very accurate.

The results of the Frontier X2’s test run were excellent, with just 2 bpm separating the Frontier X2 from the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Garmin Fenix 9 Pro’s average heart rate readings, a clear indication that all three devices are telling the same story about my body, and thus all three are very likely to be accurate. After some more solo runs and workouts, I feel like I could certainly recommend the Frontier X2, if you don’t mind paying the hefty premium price.

(Image credit: Future)Frontier X2: Price and availability

• $599 / £449 / AU$775
• Very expensive for a HRM
• Not competitively priced compared to the industry standard

The Frontier X2 can be found on storefronts like Amazon for $599 in the US and £449 in the UK. In Australia, it’s more difficult to locate, but Selfridges’ AU storefront lists it for AU$775. The optional subscription for premium features on top is tough to swallow at this price.

This is a lot for a device that fundamentally only measures heart rate, and although the Frontier X app can interpret strain, readiness, training load, specific workout profiles and other metrics, it’s still a lot to ask for compared to the $89.95 / £79.50 / AU$139 Polar H10.

However, it does address quite a few of Polar’s pain points, notably including a micro-USB charger rather than a replaceable coin battery, and a screen for an easier indicator of connection. The continuous ECG is a nice touch too, offering a way to test the monitor’s connection in addition to providing reliable ECG data for a medical professional. All in all, it’s an excellent package, but I wouldn’t call it excellent value.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Frontier X2: Specifications

(Image credit: Future)

Component

Frontier X2

Dimensions

73mm x 24mm x 13mm

Weight

25g without strap

Case material

Plastic

Connectivity

Bluetooth

Water resistance

IP67

Accelerometer

Yes

Battery

14 days typical usage

Frontier X2: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A premium product with more to recommend it over Polar, but not enough to stretch your budget.

3.5/5

Design

So many pain points addressed.

4.5/5

Features

More than most HRMs, but limited.

4/5

Performance

Accurate and reliable with little friction.

4.5/5

Frontier X2: Should I buy?

(Image credit: Future)Buy it if…

You want the best heart rate monitor

If money is no object, the Frontier X2 won’t let you down.

You want a rechargeable battery

Don’t want to faff around with coin batteries? The Frontier X2 uses standardised micro-USB.

You want ECG

The Frontier X2 is as good for people watching their heart health as it is for serious athletes.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re running a triathlon

The Frontier X2 isn’t for use in saline water.

You’re on a budget

Just get a Polar H10 instead, although you’ll have to put up with its app and the odd connection dropout.

Also consider

Coros Heart Rate Monitor

While not electrical, but optical like a smartwatch, this arm-mounted HRM performed incredibly well during testing.

Read our full Coros Heart Rate Monitor reviewView Deal

Polar H10

The industry-standard accurate heart rate monitor.

Read our full Polar H10 review

How I tested

I took the Frontier X2 on test runs, gym sessions and meditations, draining the battery down and wearing it consistently. I used its continuous ECG functionality, compared its in-app metrics to competitor wearables, and cleaned the band after each use.

First reviewed: October 2026

JBL Bar 800MK2 review

The JBL Bar 800MK2 is the mid-range option in the audio specialist’s MK2 line, delivering surround sound though its main bar, detachable rear speakers, and mighty subwoofer. It comes with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, a wide range of connectivity options, and an expansive 7.1 channel configuration — but is it actually worth buying?

I’ve spent a bunch of hours testing the JBL Bar 800MK2 for myself, putting it to the test with 4K UHD Blu-rays as well as Dolby Atmos and stereo format music. Here’s whether I’d recommend it or not.

Let’s start by talking about performance, an area where this model certainly excels. Like a lot of the best soundbars, the JBL Bar 800MK2 produces beautifully expansive sound with powerful bass and clear dialogue, and it consistently impressed me during testing. It makes use of six full-range drivers and two tweeters in the main bar, two full rangers in each surround speaker, and a ten-inch bass unit in the sub, with a solid 780W maximum power output, so you’re really going to feel the action in every scene when watching movies.

(Image credit: Future)

For instance, when watching a 4K Blu-ray of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, I was blown away by the thunderous bass on offer as a UFO airlifted Peach’s Castle into the stratosphere, with a regimented, rippling sound emanating from the sub. As the chaos unfurled, crashing waves hit with tremendous impact, and as Toads jumped into the water, their movement was tracked with commendable precision. Similarly, the sound of Yoshi’s tongue flicking across the scene was mapped perfectly, making for an immensely immersive viewing experience, with the width of his motion far exceeding the limited confines of the soundbar.

The JBL Bar 800MK2 skips on dedicated up-firing drivers, so you’re not going to get the most convincing verticality while watching Atmos movies, but I was still seriously impressed with the virtual recreation of height effects. For example, in Top Gun Maverick, the sound of Tom Cruise flying a jet up and overhead sounded surprisingly life-like, and it genuinely seemed as if I could hear the upward trajectory. The low-end rumble of jet engines also shook our testing room to its foundations, but all the while, dialogue continued to come through clearly in the mix.

Speaking of dialogue, the JBL Bar 800MK2 is well equipped to deliver clear and concise speech at all times. That’s in part thanks to the PureVoice setting, which enables you to push vocals forward without ruining the fidelity of sounds elsewhere in the frequency range. I never felt like PureVoice made the movie’s audio seem unbalanced, and it proved to be super-effective, especially in more crowded, action-packed sequences where dialogue can sometimes take a backseat.

I was also really impressed with the sound quality coming from the detachable rear speakers. They sounded brilliantly balanced from where I was sitting, but you can easily change their volume level in the JBL One app to suit your room setup. They gave Dolby Atmos movies an ultra-expansive quality, and provided controlled highs and clear mids, making for stellar surround sound.

Even when it came to music, the JBL Bar 800MK2 performed fantastically well. With an Atmos mix of Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees, the system whipped up a strikingly expansive presentation with articulate drums in the treble range, great vocal clarity, and warm bass that never sounded overly assertive. The rears also combined really nicely here, which was a relief as I’ve found that the surround channels on some rival models don't always seem cohesive with the rest of the system. Stereo music impressed me too, with deep and agile bass, detailed mids, and solid instrument separation.

(Image credit: Future)

So yes, despite lacking dedicated up-firing drivers, the virtual Atmos on the 800MK2 works very well, and it handles the fundamentals with ease too. But how does this model fare elsewhere?

In terms of features, this system is a strong all-rounder. On top of the PureVoice setting I mentioned, there’s a Night Mode that uses the detachable speakers only, voice assistant support, AirPlay and Google Cast support, EQ options, and much more. All of these features can be tapped into over on the JBL One app, which is intuitive and incredibly easy to use.

There are a few sound-related features I’d like to highlight too. The first is MultiBeam 3.0, which is intended to create a “wide, cinema-like soundstage”. This feature harnesses beamforming and digital processing to achieve its goal, and works a treat. There’s also a sound calibration option, which is quick and seamless, and provides optimized three-dimensional sound for your space, no matter how it’s set up.

The Bar 800MK2 also has a very solid set of connectivity options. You get the usual HDMI eARC, digital optical, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, but also Ethernet and an HDMI input (just one, rather than the three on the Bar 1300MK2). The HDMI input supports 4K passthrough, but only at 60Hz, so it's not the best option if you’re looking for peak-performance gaming or anything.

Before we wrap up, I also want to talk about design. On the one hand, the JBL Bar 800MK2 is ingenious. Its use of battery powered rear speakers makes it incredibly versatile. You can place these anywhere in your room for a flexible, wire-free setup, and the speakers can even function as standalone Bluetooth speakers. If they run low on charge, they can even be used while connected to a USB-C power cable. That alone is a huge plus.

But that’s actually where my praise runs dry. The JBL Bar 800MK2 looks quite cheap for the price you pay, with a plasticky one-note appearance. The sub is also very bulky — even more so than the more powerful alternative you get with the JBL Bar 1300MK2. But then again, what the system lacks in style, it certainly makes up for in substance.

When all’s said and done, is the JBL Bar 800MK2 worth the money? Well, its list price of £899 / AU$1,199.95 (about $1,200) may seem steep, but realistically, you’ll be paying less than £650 / AU$850 for it now. At that price, the Bar 800MK2 is well worth it. Despite its bulk and lack of up-firing drivers, it's an excellent performer with incredible virtual Atmos and low-end might, as well as a top-class feature-set and versatile connectivity options.

Want something more slim and stylish? Then I’d recommend scooping up the new Sonos Beam Ultra and building out a system at your own pace. But if you want a great value surround sound package, look no further than the JBL Bar 800MK2.

(Image credit: Future)JBL Bar 800MK2 review: price & release date

• Priced at £899 / AU$1,199.95 (about $1,200)
• First released June 2025

The JBL Bar 800MK2 was released in June 2025 as part of the refreshed MK2 line, alongside the smaller Bar 300MK2 as well as the larger 1000MK2 and 1300MK2. The JBL Bar 800MK2 is priced at £899 / AU$1,199.95 (about $1,200), but can often be found on sale for less than £650 / AU$850. It appears that the soundbar system is still unavailable for purchase in the US, unfortunately.

JBL Bar 800MK2 review: specs

Dimensions

Soundbar: 35.6 x 2 x 5 inches / 854 x 52 x 128mm; subwoofer: 12.8 x 15.7 x 12.8 inches / 325 x 400 x 325 mm; rear speakers: 6.7 x 2 x 5 inches / 169 x 52 x 128mm

Speaker channels

7.1

Connections

1x HDMI eARC, 1x HDMI in, digital optical, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 (surround speakers use 5.4)

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X

Yes / Yes

Sub included

Yes

Rear speakers included

Yes

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the JBL Bar 800MK2?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Broad feature-set in JBL One app, great connectivity options, Atmos and DTS:X support.

4.5/5

Performance

Lacks up-firing speakers, but virtual Atmos is great, very expansive sound overall with big bass and clear dialogue.

4.5/5

Design

Not exactly a looker and sub seems very bulky, but the detachable rear speakers are genius.

3.5/5

Setup & usability

Incredibly easy setup and top-tier companion app.

5/5

Value

Well-worth picking up now it's on sale, with excellent sound for the price.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

You want almighty sound for movie nights
The JBL Bar 800MK2 plates up phenomenally powerful, cinematic sound, packing plenty of bass and expansive Dolby Atmos. If you want massive audio for immersive movie-watching, this is a great option.

You’re looking for a soundbar with flexible surrounds
The battery powered surround speakers that come with the JBL Bar 800MK2 are excellent. They sound fantastic, can easily slot onto the main bar to charge up, and don’t require wires when in use. You can even use them as standalone Bluetooth speakers, meaning that their versatility is unmatched.

Don’t buy it if…

You want ‘true’ Dolby Atmos
The JBL Bar 800MK2 lacks dedicated up-firing speakers, meaning that it has to rely on virtual processing to replicate Dolby Atmos content. While the Bar 800MK’s virtual Atmos is genuinely impressive, the larger JBL Bar 1300MK2 should be your go-to for premium spatial sound.

You’re looking for something stylish
The JBL Bar 800MK2 isn’t much of a looker. Its build quality could be better for the price, and the sub seems oversized, especially given that the more powerful 1300MK2 offers a more compact bass unit.

JBL Bar 800MK2 review: also consider

JBL Bar 800MK2

Samsung HW-Q990H

Sonos Beam Ultra

Price

£899 / AU$1,199.95 (about $1,200)

$1,999 / £1,599 / AU$1,999

$699 / £699 / AU$1,099

Dimensions

Soundbar: 35.6 x 2 x 5 inches / 854 x 52 x 128mm; subwoofer: 12.8 x 15.7 x 12.8 inches / 325 x 400 x 325 mm; rear speakers: 6.7 x 2 x 5 inches / 169 x 52 x 128mm

Soundbar: 48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inches / 1232 x 70.8 x 138mm; subwoofer: 9.8 x 10.0 x 9.8 inches / 249 x 251.8 x 249mm; rear speaker: 5.1 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches / 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4mm

29.5 x 2.6 x 4.1 inches / 750 x 65 x 105mm

Speaker channels

7.1

11.1.4

7.1.2

Connections

1x HDMI eARC, 1x HDMI in, digital optical, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 (surround speakers use 5.4)

1x HDMI out (with eARC), 2x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C

Dolby Atmos / DTS:X

Yes / Yes

Yes / Yes

Yes / No

Sub included

Yes

Yes

No

Rear speakers included

Yes

Yes

No

Samsung HW-Q990H
At a glance, this model may seem far too expensive to compete with the Bar 800MK2, but I often see it on sale for close to the JBL’s launch price. This is the ultimate surround sound package, with top-tier cinematic sound, excellent connectivity options, an 11.1.4 channel configuration, and both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Up-firing drivers mean you get true Atmos, and HDMI passthrough is on board for ultimate ease of use. Read our full Samsung HW-Q990H review.

Sonos Beam Ultra
The Sonos Beam Ultra is a totally different proposition, but it’s fully worth your consideration. This model has up-firing drivers, incredible bass output, and crystal-clear dialogue, making it amazing for both movies and music. It doesn’t come with a sub or surrounds, but these can be added easily through the Sonos app when purchased separately. This model is more compact, and looks beautiful to boot, so if you’re OK with building out a system of your own rather than getting a pre-built combo, it’s my top recommendation. Read my full Sonos Beam Ultra review.

How I tested the JBL Bar 800MK2

(Image credit: Future)

• Assessed at our TV testing space at Future Labs
• Used 4K Blu-ray for movies and Tidal Connect to stream music
• One of more than 30 soundbars I’ve tested

I spent many hours using the JBL Bar 800MK2 for watching movies and listening to music. I judged its capabilities at our TV testing space at Future Labs, made use of all of the soundbar’s features, and tried it with multiple surround speaker configurations.

Most of the time, I used HDMI eARC to connect the LG G6 OLED TV, and watched 4K Blu-ray discs via the Panasonic DP-UB820 to assess the soundbar’s handling of Dolby Atmos movies. I did, however, also test the Bar 800MK2 with Netflix movies, and used Tidal Connect to stream music over Wi-Fi.

More generally, I’ve tested more than 30 soundbars during my time here at TechRadar, where I serve as a Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve reviewed everything from budget-friendly bars like the Sony HT-SF150 through to huge surround sound systems such as the Bar 800MK2’s big sibling, the JBL Bar 1300MK2.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: October 2026

Apple Watch Series 12: One minute review

While the Apple Watch Series 12 is a decidedly modern-looking smartwatch in a pleasingly thin profile, it’s not a major redesign from the Cupertino-based tech giant. And if you're upgrading from the Series 11, you'll probably notice more of a difference in what the watch can do rather than in how it looks. Apple has updated the Health Sensing System (its array of LEDs and sensors used to collect your health data), introduced Readiness Score, and made everyday tracking more useful, with real-time steps and heart-rate information easier to access.

I've been wearing the Series 12 for more than a month, and Readiness Score is the addition I've found myself using the most. It takes your sleep and other health data and turns it into a score out of 10, giving you a quick idea of how ready you might be for the day. I've generally found the results match how I feel, and it's a feature that can genuinely influence what I do, whether that's heading out for a workout or taking a longer walk with my dog, Rosie.

I've also been comparing the Series 12 with the Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 4, as well as the Oura Ring 5 and Pixel Watch 5. That has helped me put Apple's latest watch into context, particularly when looking at health tracking and heart-rate readings. The Series 12 has generally delivered the sort of everyday experience I'd expect from an Apple Watch, with battery life that's worked well for me most of the time.

A couple of things to consider, though. The design is very familiar, so there's little reason to upgrade purely for its appearance, and I did have two nights when the battery ran out before morning. Apple's upcoming AI features are also still a reason to wait rather than buy immediately. If they're what you're most interested in.

For anyone using an older Apple Watch, particularly a Series 9 or earlier, the Series 12 makes a much stronger case. The combination of newer health features, Readiness Score, performance, and battery life makes this an upgrade worth considering.

Apple Watch Series 12: Specs Table

Component

Apple Watch Series 12 (42mm)

Apple Watch Series 12 (46mm)

Price

$399 / £369 / AU$679 for the 42mm

$429 / £399 / AU$699 for the 46mm

Dimension

46 x 40 x 9.7mm

42 x 37 x 9.7mm

Weight

31.5g (without band)

38.6g (without band)

Case/bezel

Aluminum, Titanium, or Ceramic

Aluminum, Titanium, or Ceramic

Display

42mm Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED display (up to 2,000 nits)

46mm Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED display (up to 2,000 nits)

Processor

Apple-made S11 chip

Apple-made S11 chip

GPS

Precision L1 GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou)

Precision L1 GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou)

Battery life

Up to 24 hours with normal use

Up to 24 hours with normal use

Connections

4G LTE, Satellite SOS, Wi‑Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 5.3

Wi‑Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 5.3, and 4G LTE

Water resistant

Water resistance 50m

Water resistance 50m

Apple Watch Series 12: Price and availability

• $399 / £369 / AU$679 for the 42mm
• $429 / £399 / AU$699 for the 46mm
• Prices unchanged from last year

The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399 / £369 / AU$679 for the 42mm with a recycled aluminum case and standard strap, and $429 / £399 / AU$699 for the 46mm. LTE-capable models, which can be added to your data plans, as well as optional improvements to the finish — titanium or ceramic — are available at an additional cost.

It doesn’t represent outstanding value in the same way as, let’s say, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium might, but it’s fine — the price has actually held steady on Apple Watches for the last couple of years, which is encouraging given the electronics industry is undergoing a supply chain crisis at the moment.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Apple Watch Series 12: Design

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Same ‘squircle’ and digital crown design
• Retains slimmer look from Series 11
• Redesigned sensor array and GPS architecture

If you expect the Apple Watch Series 12 to look substantially different from the Series 11, you'll be disappointed. Apple has kept the familiar rectangular ‘squircle’ design, with the Digital Crown and side button on the case, and the overall look remains very much the same.

After using the Series 12 for more than a month and comparing it with the Series 11, I haven't found the exterior to be a major reason to upgrade. It doesn't look dramatically different on your wrist, and Apple hasn't tried to reinvent a design that already works.

That's not necessarily a problem, though. The Apple Watch Series 12 remains a comfortable everyday smartwatch, and wearing it all day and overnight matters when you use it for sleep tracking and the Readiness Score. The biggest changes are on the rear of the case, as Apple has redesigned the LEDs and internal architecture to make its data collection more accurate. However, a watch can have all the health features in the world, but they're less useful if you don't want to wear it consistently.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

The Series 12 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, with aluminum and titanium options alongside ceramic, which is returning and still adds a bit more heft. That gives you some choice in look and finish, though the core experience stays the same. The aluminum model is the more straightforward choice for most people, while titanium and ceramic offer alternatives if materials and appearance matter more to you.

The always-on OLED display is familiar, too. It lets you glance at the time, check a notification, or see your workout metrics without having to wake the screen manually. That's one of those features that quickly becomes part of your routine, particularly if you use complications to keep useful information on the watch face.

One addition I've found handy is the real-time step-count complication. I check steps regularly, and seeing the number at a glance saves me from opening the Fitness app. The heart rate complication works the same way, especially when I want to keep an eye on my readings during the day.

Compared with the Ultra 3 and Ultra 4, the Series 12 feels more like a familiar everyday watch. The Ultra models have their own appeal, particularly if you want a larger, more rugged watch, but the Series 12 is easier to recommend to someone who doesn't need that design.

The main point is that the Series 12 doesn't feel like a new design generation. If you're upgrading, look at the back of the case, with its improved health features enabling the Readiness Score and overall experience, rather than expecting a noticeable aesthetic change to the watch itself.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Apple Watch Series 12: Features

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Readiness score is a major boon
• More frequent heart rate data collection
• Upcoming Audio Intelligence features

The Readiness Score is the biggest reason I'd consider the Series 12, and it stood out most during my testing. It uses overnight sleep and HRV data, along with other health and activity information and some custom processing, to produce a score from 1 to 10. The idea is to give you a quick indication of how ready you might be for the day, rather than leaving you to interpret a collection of separate metrics yourself. Tested against the Garmin Cirqa, our senior fitness editor Matt Evans found both devices provided identical Readiness scores after wearing both for one week’s worth of sleep.

I like how Apple presents it: a half-moon graphic that’s easy to read, with an accompanying explanation that gives context for the score. It feels grounded in the data, rather than relying on vague wellness language that doesn't explain why you got a particular result.

My scores have generally been high, and they've mostly matched how I've felt. Getting my first 10 out of 10 was satisfying, of course, but the more interesting part is how I can use the information. If I've slept well and feel good, a strong score might encourage me to fit in a workout or take Rosie on a longer walk. It won't make every decision for me, but it gives me another useful piece of information to consider.

I've used an Oura Ring before, so I know the appeal of a daily Readiness score and the help it can provide beyond raw data. I appreciate that Apple built the feature into the watch I already use. I don't need to add another device to my routine, and Readiness Score doesn't require a separate subscription.

That makes it a particularly interesting addition for existing Apple Watch owners who want more from the health data their watch collects. Instead of simply checking how long I slept or looking at the previous day's activity, I get a more immediate summary I can use to plan my day. However, we have to acknowledge the wait for this feature — most other devices have had Readiness for years, but Apple has stated the feature has been enabled by its redesigned sensors taking heart rate and HRV readings more frequently, up to 60 times more often than previous Apple Watches.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

I've also been paying attention to heart rate readings while comparing the Series 12 with the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and Ultra 4, along with the Oura Ring 5 and Pixel Watch 5. In my everyday use, the Series 12's readings have been broadly consistent with what I've seen from those other devices.

Having heart rate information readily available is useful during workouts, too. I've used the watch for yoga, outdoor walks and runs, and indoor cycling, and it has fit naturally into those sessions. The real-time heart rate complication also makes it easier to check my readings without navigating away from the watch face.

The Series 12 retains the wider Apple Watch health feature set, including ECG, heart-rate notifications, wrist-temperature sensing, sleep tracking, respiratory-rate tracking, cycle tracking, hearing-health features, hypertension notifications and blood-oxygen tracking where supported. These aren't all new to this generation, but they contribute to the overall package.

Apple's upcoming AI (‘Audio Intelligence’ this time) features aren't a strong reason to buy right now. Live Rewind and Siri Recap sound interesting, but I haven't been able to test them because they aren’t out yet. If you're considering the Series 12 for those, I'd wait until Apple confirms when they're shipping and what will be available in your region, as there is some contention with Siri AI in certain regions such as the EU.

For now, Readiness Score is the feature I'd focus on. It's useful today, fits into the existing Apple Watch experience, and has made the biggest difference in how I use the Series 12. Best of all, it’s not locked behind another subscription … and that’s simply refreshing.

• Design score: 5/5

Apple Watch Series 12: Performance

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• S11 chip drives excellent performance
• Accurate compared to other wearables
• Responsive with no stutters

While the Series 12 still feels and looks like an Apple Watch in pretty much every sense of the word, you can’t judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to performance. Under the hood, the Series 12 runs on Apple’s new S11 chip, and the new health-sensing system on the back enables the Readiness score and HRV features. All of this comes together to make the Series 12 feel responsive, with none-to-minimal stutters when calling on a particular feature set.

I've now used the Series 12 for more than a month, and I've compared it directly alongside the Series 11, Ultra 3, and Ultra 4. These comparisons have helped me understand how the Series 12 fits into the wider wearable landscape, and while the latest generation doesn’t run laps around the previous gen or the one before that, the responsiveness is definitely noticeable.

Whether you’re customizing a Watch Face with your favorite complications, calling on Siri to remember a piece of information or drafting a message, controlling media playback, making a call, recording a voice memo, checking your activity score, monitoring your heart rate, or starting a workout, the Series 12 feels very responsive. We’ve also tested the same heart rate system, albeit on the Ultra 4, against a chest-mounted heart rate monitor, the Frontier X2, alongside the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro, and found Apple’s latest gen is highly accurate.

Battery life has been good overall, and it certainly meets Apple's all-day battery life promise. On a normal day with plenty of interaction points and one extended workout, I typically have around 30%–45% battery remaining by bedtime. That's enough to get through a normal day, and faster charging makes it easier to top up when I need to. Depending on how I use it, I can get through a full day and sometimes stretch it to a day and a half.

So far, the Series 12 has run out of battery overnight twice, and I think it’s especially worth mentioning because you need a full night of sleep data to wake up with a Readiness Score. And that means an unexpected shutdown can interrupt that routine. My general solution, even if the percentage hasn’t dropped super low, is to give it a quick charge before bed rather than assuming it will always have enough power to last the night.

The faster charging helps here. A short top-up with the USB-C to Apple Watch dongle that ships with the Series 12 can make it easier to keep the watch going overnight while still wearing it.

If you’re coming from an older Apple Watch, the all-day battery life paired with fast-charging will likely make a big difference. It’s not just a quality-of-life upgrade from, say, a Series 10 or older; compared with the rest of the features, it's a significant leap in what watchOS can accomplish and how long you go before you need to charge.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 12?Buy it if..

You're upgrading from an Apple Watch Series 9 or older and want better health tracking, Readiness Score, and faster charging.

You want a responsive everyday smartwatch with useful at-a-glance health metrics and no extra subscription for Readiness Score.

Don’t buy it if..

You already own an Apple Watch Series 11 and want a major design change or a substantial leap in performance.

You're buying primarily for Apple's upcoming AI features, or you need battery life you can count on for every night of sleep tracking without a top-up.

Also consider

Garmin Fenix 9 Pro

The Apple Watch Ultra 4's biggest competitor in the premium adventure watch space.

Read our full Garmin Fenix 9 Pro review

How we tested

We tested the Apple Watch Series 12 by wearing it day and night, tracking workouts, monitoring sleep, and putting its features to the test over multiple weeks. We compared its health and fitness readings with other wearables and an electrical heart rate monitor, tested battery life, and explored as many features as possible to see how it holds up in everyday use.

First reviewed October 2026.

Khadas Mind Pro: 30-second review

Having reviewed the Khadas Mind 2S just over a year ago, I was impressed by just how much processing power Khadas had managed to squeeze into such a small machine. Now, with the arrival of the Mind Pro, the company has retained much the same compact form factor and innovative modular design, while introducing Intel’s latest Core Ultra processor and Arc integrated graphics.

The result is an exceptionally powerful mini PC that feels just as capable as many considerably larger desktop systems, especially when it comes to everyday productivity as well as creative applications.

It once again features the premium metal construction, and with dimensions of just 146 × 105 × 28mm, it’s small enough to slip into a bag and carry between home and office. What makes this particularly useful is the integrated 7.98Wh standby battery, which allows the machine to maintain your Windows session while moving between those locations, much the same as using a laptop.

During testing, I was able to leave applications open, disconnect the computer, throw the Khadas Mind Pro in my backpack and travel home. Then I was able to reconnect to a monitor, mouse and keyboard at home and continue the session without needing to re-open applications and work. This is what we have come to expect from laptops, but not with a Mini PC, and it’s a surprisingly useful feature, boosted by the option of extras such as the Dock and GPU modules.

Performance is equally impressive as it features an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, combined with 64GB of RAM and integrated Arc B390 graphics. This combination proved to handle Microsoft Office, Photoshop and Lightroom extremely well. Even Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve proved more usable than I had anticipated with 4K footage shot on the GoPro Mission 1 ILS.

Gaming was another surprise, with Cyberpunk 2077 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle both running at medium-quality settings; although as I extended play there were occasional frame drops, there was nothing too much to impact gameplay. The other point here was that the fans kicked in and, while audible, they remained relatively quiet.

The machine also has considerable AI potential, with a dedicated NPU and 64GB of shared memory. My initial CPU-based Lemonade AI testing showed that it could handle practical local AI tasks, although switching between models wasn’t always straightforward. Using the dedicated NPU with the right models gained some impressive results, but again selecting the right LLM manager and model takes some time, this process took me from Lemonade to the LM Studio.

Through the test, my main issue with the machine was the connectivity. With only two Thunderbolt 4 ports, it’s easy to run out of high-speed connections when using a USB-C monitor, power supply and external storage. If you are using the Mind Pro as your main desktop, this is where the optional Mind Dock starts to make sense and is more like an essential purchase.

Ultimately, the Mind Pro is an impressive example of innovation and how far mini PCs have progressed. It won't be the best mini PC for most users. It isn’t cheap, and you’ll need to invest further to see the full potential of its modular design, but the impressive processing power, portability and modular extras make it expensive but very desirable.

Khadas Mind Pro: Price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $2,559
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Directly from Khadas

The Khadas Mind Pro costs $2,599 for the Core Ultra X7 358H, 64GB RAM and 2TB SSD configuration that I’ve looked at in this review and is available directly from Khadas. Alongside the Mini PC, you can also purchase the optional Mind Dock, Mind xPlay and Mind Graphics 2, although these will add considerably to the overall cost.

• Value: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Khadas Mind Pro: Specs

CPU: Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, 16 cores / 16 threads
Graphics: Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics
NPU: Intel AI Boost NPU 5, up to 50 TOPS
RAM: 64GB LPDDR5X, 8533MT/s
Storage: 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2230 SSD
Additional storage: M.2 2230 NVMe expansion slot
Rear Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 2× USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1 FRL
Expansion: Khadas Mind Link proprietary modular interface
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Audio: Audio output via supported display, USB and compatible expansion accessories. Battery: 7.98Wh internal standby battery
Dimensions: 146 × 105 × 28mm
Weight: 562g
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Power: 100W USB-C power adapter
Optional Accessories: Mind Dock, Mind xPlay and Mind Graphics 2

Khadas Mind Pro: Design

Unpacking the compact AX9 Max, the metal casing and detailed plastic base of this mini PC instantly reinforced its price point. Only after carefully checking the detailing and the large, shiny logo on top did I start to question whether this was a premium machine or just one trying to look premium.

Checking the specifications and that the price point was justified, but there’s still something about the design that feels a little over the top. The rest of the design is solid, and at 134.9 × 131.8 × 57.7mm and 777.5g, it’s a great size and weight for this style of machine.

Around the casing, there are four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack. On the left side of the casing is an SD 4.0 memory card slot, while the back has two USB4 Type-C ports, a USB 2.0 port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two 2.5Gb RJ45 sockets, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and the DC-in port.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Having reviewed the Khadas Mind 2S just over a year ago, I was impressed by the combination of its exceptionally small size, processing power and innovative modular design. With the arrival of the Mind Pro, it’s immediately apparent that the company has retained much of the ethos of those initial machines and what made them so interesting.

The form factor is familiar, the design remains incredibly minimalist, and once again, it’s the modular expansion ecosystem that differentiates this from the usual mini PCs I look at.

The first impression is that this is an exceptionally well-made and small mini PC. The metal casing gives it a premium feel, with solid construction, and it’s just understated when it comes to styling, which I really like.

The front just features the power button mounted into a subtle cutaway, and all connectivity options are lined up at the rear.

The compact dimensions are great if you have limited desk space or you need to take the machine between locations. This portability is one of the key features and, like a laptop that enables you to close the lid without powering down, the Mind Pro enable you to do much the same when you move from one location to another. Simply unplug the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and pop it in your bag; then, when you get to the next location, connect up and off you go. All the apps and work that you were working on will still be there and ready for you to continue with.

The idea behind the machine is that you have the core, which is the Mind Pro, then you have the accessories, so in the office where you need to focus on high-demand work, you’ll have the Mind Graphics 2 eGPU Module and Mind Dock All-In-One Docking Station.

While at home, where you may just want to check email and do some light work, you may just need the Mind xPlay Portable Display + Keyboard, which will, in low-power mode, essentially give you the same abilities as a Windows Home laptop. You can also plug in the Tone2 for audio. The point is the Mind Pro is just the core, and how and where you use it will dictate what additional extras you want and need.

What makes the portability possible is the integrated 7.98Wh standby battery. This isn’t designed primarily to power the machine in the same way as a laptop battery and instead is used to maintain the machine's working state when disconnected from external power.

Taking a look at the limited ports on the back, there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 connection and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports. While this matches most premium laptops, I found that the two Thunderbolt connections became a bit of an issue, particularly when using the Mind Pro for creative work.

With a Thunderbolt monitor and power connected, there was no fast connection left for connecting high-speed external SSDs or card readers without using an additional adapter. The two USB-A connections are useful, but their 10Gbps maximum transfer rate is far slower than the Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps connection bandwidth.

Considering the performance on offer here, a third Thunderbolt connection would have been welcome. For anyone intending to use the Mind Pro as their main desktop computer, the Mind Dock is essential, and at $199, that's quite an additional cost on an already expensive machine.

The all-metal construction does make the Mind Pro look like it should be passively cooled. However, there is an active cooling system inside, and while the fans become audible on many of the more demanding tasks, I was generally well controlled.

During intensive creative work, the casing also became warm to the touch, which isn’t particularly surprising given the amount of processing power packed into such a small space.

The design of this small machine is stunning, and the portability of the design with the integrated standby battery is actually a great idea. However, when it comes to the design, the limited port selection is frustrating, especially at this price, but it has been designed to be used as a modular setup, and the dock and GPU are available to boost the performance further at a cost.

• Design: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Khadas Mind Pro: Features

The Khadas Mind Pro builds on the modular design of the machines that I have looked at in the past from the company and combines powerful processing with a proprietary expansion interface and an integrated standby battery.

At the heart of the system is Intel’s Core Ultra X7 358H, a 16-core processor supported by Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics and a dedicated AI Boost NPU. In this review, I have looked at the standard Pro machine with 64GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.

While those specifications are impressive, what separates this from most other mini PCs is that it has been designed so that the Mind Pro can easily move between different work and home environments, with a range of Mind Link connection expansion modules that adapt its use depending on your needs.

These modules include the Mind Dock that provides additional connectivity for when it’s used as a desktop workstation, and this comes in at around $200. Then there's the Mind xPlay portable display at $99, or with keyboard at $399, which offers a more mobile configuration.

There’s also the Mind Graphics 2 that adds dedicated graphics processing for creative applications, gaming and potentially supported AI workloads, and this will set you back a further $1449.

Unfortunately, none of these modules was available during my testing, so I wasn’t able to assess the complete ecosystem. Even without the expansion options, however, the Mind Pro has plenty of raw processing power.

The internal 7.98Wh battery is the most unique, and as I found this on a normal working day when I regularly travel between office, home and college, with a journey time that can vary from ten minutes up to an hour and a half.

With a conventional mini PC, that would mean saving everything, closing applications and shutting down before leaving, then re-opening everything when I get to my next destination. Which is one of the reasons I use a laptop, as I can keep everything open; however, the laptop isn’t light.

With the Mind Pro, I could simply disconnect the power, place the machine in my backpack and reconnect it at the other end, just like a laptop, just minus the screen, keyboard, and trackpad.

Throughout testing, this worked exceptionally well. I could leave Adobe Premiere Pro and other applications open, move between locations and return to the same Windows session without having to reopen everything.

It certainly makes for a lightweight alternative, although the internal 2TB SSD provides plenty of space for applications and smaller projects; I generally edit video from external storage.

This makes the portable workflow slightly more complicated, as unplugging an external SSD while Premiere Pro is accessing footage isn’t particularly advisable, but then that’s the same on a laptop. For shorter productions, however, the system really comes into its own.

During testing, I was editing approximately five-minute videos using footage from the GoPro Mission One, with the files stored directly on the internal SSD. This enabled me to start editing at the office, disconnect the computer and finish the project at home without closing Premiere Pro or shutting down Windows.

The battery also allows the Mind Pro to operate independently of external power for short periods, although this is very much a secondary feature. Using the Khadas Mind app, it’s possible to select the Use Battery option under Device Mode When Unplugged, allowing the computer to continue operating instead of immediately entering a standby state.

To see how practical this was, I tested the machine using three power settings, with a mixture of Microsoft Word, web browsing and Adobe Lightroom. At maximum power, the system lasted approximately seven minutes before displaying a low-battery warning and entering its low-power state.

Switching to the medium power setting in the Mind application was able to extend this working time to around 14 minutes, while the lowest power setting was around 30 minutes. These figures are far less than the 60 minutes quoted by Khadas for light active use. Most importantly, this internal battery feature means the machine wasn’t losing my work when the battery ran low.

• Features: 4.5 / 5

Khadas Mind Pro: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)Benchmark scores

CrystalDiskMark Read: 5,224.09 MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 4,860.54 MB/s
Geekbench 6 CPU Multi: 16,660
Geekbench 6 CPU Single: 2,883
Geekbench 6 GPU: 58,502
Geekbench 7 CPU Multi: 18,118
Geekbench 7 CPU Single: 2,587
Geekbench 7 GPU: 55,027
PCMark Overall: 9,429
Cinebench R23 CPU Multi (Threads): 20,252
Cinebench R23 CPU Single (Threads): 2,084
Cinebench 2026 CPU Multi (Threads): 4,835
Cinebench 2026 CPU Single (Threads): 505
Fire Strike Overall: 15,128
Fire Strike Graphics: 18,110
Fire Strike Physics: 29,411
Fire Strike Combined: 5,105
Time Spy Overall: 7,647
Time Spy Graphics: 7,049
Time Spy CPU: 14,738
Wild Life Overall: 44,322
Steel Nomad Overall: 1,601
Windows Experience Overall: 8.9
Procyon: 1,485

Getting started with the Khadas Mind Pro follows the usual process, and the machine arrives with Windows 11 Home preinstalled, alongside the Khadas Mind software, and the initial Windows setup takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Aside from the usual process of accepting or declining Microsoft’s various additional services, there is very little to do before you’re up and running. Then the Khadas Mind application provides access to the machine’s power management and battery options, highlighting that this is far more than a normal mini PC.

While the modular ecosystem enables you to expand the system with a docking station or external GPU, even as the core unit when used as a standalone computer, the Mind Pro offers impressive performance, especially considering its small size.

I started the test by installing Microsoft Office; there was more than enough performance to run Word, Excel and PowerPoint all at the same time, alongside multiple browser windows. Everything remained fast and responsive, and even when adding Photoshop and Lightroom into the mix, there was little indication that the system was struggling.

As is now common, there’s also a dedicated Intel NPU, and that adds potential for supported local AI features, although cloud-based Microsoft Copilot functionality shouldn’t be confused with processing directly on the NPU. Opening up the task manager indicates when the NPU comes into play and often as a support role to cloud-based connections and some app integration.

After seeing that standard office applications were well within the machine's capabilities, I moved on to Adobe’s creative applications, and running these showed just how powerful this machine is even without the boost that the optional modules would obviously offer.

Lightroom Classic ran extremely smoothly, opening large catalogues, processing high-resolution photographs and exporting batches of images without difficulty. The internal 2TB SSD also performed well, keeping up with the demands of loading, editing and saving substantial image files.

Loading Photoshop and the performance was equally impressive. I worked with high-resolution photographs from the Canon EOS R5 C and Sony A7 IV, and the Mind Pro handled them without any noticeable problems. Opening Adobe Bridge, thumbnails appeared quickly, and I could select batches of up to 30 files and open them in Adobe Camera Raw for editing.

If you’re a professional photographer, then the small size of the machine and its portability make it a great option, especially when connected to a large monitor. I also found that the 64GB RAM provided substantial headroom, and with the Arc B390 integrated graphics, all image editing and processing was again well within the machine's abilities.

One of the features that I really liked was the ability to plug into my monitor and dock in the office and use the machine as I do with any Mini PC; then, when I headed home, I was able to leave several video projects and other documents open, pop the machine in my bag and then reconnect to another monitor in the home office, with all apps and documents still open and ready to go. The machine in that respect is just like a laptop without the screen and keyboard, of course. The benefit here is that it’s far smaller and lighter, so even more portable than a laptop, especially a laptop with this kind of power.

While the performance is good, I did have a connectivity issue. My test monitor uses USB-C rather than HDMI, so connecting the display and power supply occupied both Thunderbolt 4 ports. This left only the two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connections for external storage and accessories. While these are rated at 10Gbps, they’re considerably slower than the 40Gbps connection bandwidth offered by Thunderbolt 4.

For photographers and videographers using fast external SSDs, the optional Mini Dock would make a difference on this front.

When video editing, this machine again proved surprisingly capable and while I initially had reservations about how comfortably a mini PC of this size would handle 4K footage in Adobe Premiere Pro, editing a short five-minute project went well with few problems.

There were occasional slowdowns, particularly as the edit became more complex, but the overall workflow was better than I expected. After switching the video editing application to DaVinci Resolve, I found through the edits that the performance was similar. Straightforward 4K timelines were fine, although increasing the complexity of the edit resulted in additional slowdowns, particularly during rendering.

This is where an external GPU would potentially make a significant difference, and the Mind Graphics 2 looks like an interesting expansion option if you are planning to use this system for more intensive video production. Although, again, this does come at quite a financial cost.

Before moving on to the AI potential, I tried out a few games, and again I was surprised by the ability of the machine. I tested Cyberpunk 2077 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and both titles loaded successfully, with no issues with the integrated CPU.

At medium graphics settings, gameplay was surprisingly good considering that all the graphics processing was being handled by that integrated Intel Arc B390. While I wouldn’t position the Mind Pro as a replacement for a dedicated gaming PC, the ability to run demanding modern titles on a computer this small is impressive.

The final test was to take a closer look at the AI potential of the Khadas Mind Pro, loading Lemonade AI and the Qwen model to see just how capable this compact mini PC was when running AI workloads locally.

I started by testing several AI models to code a website, generate images, organise files, recognise image content and handle general chatbot and text-generation tasks. The results were mixed, although the 64GB of RAM provided enough headroom to run some relatively large models locally.

One issue with the stability of the Lemonade and the AI process that I came up against was when switching between tasks and therefore LLM models. While there was enough memory to load and run individual models, running two larger models side by side seemed to cause issues and checking Task Manager, it showed the RAM maxing out. Instead, I found myself working through different stages, unloading one model before loading the next.

For example, when organising images, I first used PowerShell to create a CSV file containing a list of images before handing that information over to the Qwen model to help manage the files. I then switched to an image recognition model to identify image contents and add the relevant tagging information. For small batches, this worked; however, increasing the count from 20 to 100 images, something between the CPU, Lemonade, and the model kept falling over.

Through this process, I also found that switching models wasn't always straightforward. Rather than simply unloading one model and loading another, it was often more reliable to close Lemonade Server completely, restart it and then load the next model. Without restarting, the software could become confused, and the process was noticeably less reliable.

For a measurable test, I ran through a batch of 20 images, using the AI tools to assist with basic file organisation and CSV-based content management. Because the workflow involved switching between several models, it was difficult to calculate the total number of tokens used across the entire process.

However, during one of the main processing stages, the system recorded a time to first token of 9.08 seconds and generated 1,340 tokens in total. CPU utilisation reached 100%, while RAM usage fluctuated between 60% and 80%, showing the machine was capable of handling the workload but was also being pushed relatively hard.

The synthetic AI benchmark results backed up the practical testing, with the Khadas Mind Pro achieving a Procyon AI performance score of 1,485. This highlights that when configured correctly with the AI LLM management software, it will have impressive AI processing capabilities, although the real-world tests highlighted that available memory, model management and workflow optimisation are just as important as raw processing performance.

What impressed me most was that all of this was possible on such a small machine without an external GPU. The integrated graphics and 64GB of RAM provide a useful starting point for local AI development, experimentation and lighter production tasks, although experimentation with models and setup is at present a necessity.

That said, if you're planning to use the Mind Pro extensively for AI processing, the optional Mind Graphics 2 external GPU will be worth the upgrade.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Khadas Mind Pro: Final verdict

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Khadas Mind Pro is an exceptionally compact and powerful mini PC aimed at professionals, creatives and anyone who needs desktop performance across multiple locations without carrying a laptop.

What makes this small machine so versatile is the modular design, although I haven’t tested the additional modules in this review, focusing on the RAW power of the core unit.

As it stands, used in isolation, it’s surprisingly powerful and a small and stylish option for use in the office or studio; then, if you do need that boost, it can, at a price, be connected to the optional Mind Dock and Mind Graphics 2 external GPU, transforming it into a far more capable workstation for demanding creative applications, video editing and AI workloads.

Likewise at home, simply connect a monitor and keyboard, potentially alongside the Mind xPlay portable display, and you’re ready to continue working, or just the occasional check on email.

The solid metal construction gives the Mind Pro a premium feel, and its weight and small size make it easy to carry between locations. More importantly, the integrated standby battery means you can unplug the machine, slip it into your bag and reconnect elsewhere without closing applications or restarting Windows.

There are some issues, most notably the limited connectivity without a dock and the integrated GPU’s limitations under heavier workloads. However, the impressive CPU performance, 64GB of RAM and excellent portability do make this a highly versatile and desirable machine.

You are paying a premium for the quality of the build, the innovation, and the modular concept, but for professionals who regularly move between workspaces, the Mind Pro offers an attractive alternative to a conventional desktop or laptop.

Should I buy the Khadas Mind Pro?

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Value

Expensive, but impressive versatility and upgrade potential.

4

Design

Exceptionally compact, solid construction with an innovative integrated battery.

4.5

Features

Excellent modular expandability, although onboard connectivity is limited.

4.5

Performance

Powerful CPU, plenty of RAM and impressive creative performance.

4.5

Overall

An innovative, portable workstation with genuine professional appeal.

4.5

Buy it if...

You want a powerful, portable mini PC

The Mind Pro combines impressive performance, compact metal construction, and an integrated standby battery, making it easy to transport between workspaces.

You like the idea of a modular workstation.

The Mind Dock expands connectivity, while the Mind Graphics 2 external GPU boosts performance for demanding creative workloads.

Don't buy it if...

You need plenty of ports without buying accessories.

Connectivity is limited, especially when using USB-C for both power and a display. The optional Mind Dock starts to feel like an essential purchase.

You need serious graphics performance out of the box.

The integrated GPU handles lighter workloads, but demanding video editing, gaming and AI tasks will benefit from an external GPU.

For more professional-grade desktops, we've tested the best business computers.

Apple Watch Ultra 4: One minute review

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 isn't a radical aesthetic redesign, but it doesn't need to be. Apple's rugged smartwatch keeps the familiar 49mm titanium build, bright display, and customizable Action Button, while upgrades to its rear health sensors and internals make it a more capable companion for everyday wear and endurance workouts.

The biggest upgrade is arguably its battery life. Apple promises up to 50 hours of normal use, but I've easily managed two days with the Always-On display enabled and sleep tracking running overnight. That's seriously impressive for a fully featured smartwatch, even if some lower-power rivals like the best Garmin watches can last longer.

The new S11 chip keeps everything feeling responsive, with apps opening quickly and watchOS 27 running smoothly. Faster charging is another welcome addition, letting me replenish around 30% of the battery in just 15 to 20 minutes.

Health and fitness tracking also gets a meaningful boost. The new Health Sensing System improves measurements, and Readiness Score is one of my favorite additions to watchOS 27. It gives you a useful snapshot of how prepared you might be for the day, without requiring another subscription.

It also adds plenty of smaller quality-of-life improvements, including real-time step-count complications. Siri AI also brings more intelligence to the wrist, with features like Shazam and Sound Recognition. Siri Rewind and Live Recap have yet to arrive and prove themselves.

The downside is that the Ultra 4 looks and feels much like its predecessor, so Ultra 3 owners may not find enough here to justify an immediate upgrade. And while the battery life is excellent, the Ultra 4 still can't match every rival in sheer endurance.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 costs $799 / £749 / AU$1,349 and is available now in Natural Titanium or Black Titanium. Both finishes come with Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, so there's no need to choose between separate Bluetooth-only and cellular models, as you can with the Apple Watch Series 12.

Ultimately, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is a refined, reliable smartwatch that builds on an already excellent foundation. Its multi-day battery life, capable fitness tracking, and smoother watchOS experience make it a compelling choice for endurance athletes and Apple fans who want a rugged watch that does it all.

Apple Watch Ultra 4: Video reviewApple Watch Ultra 4: Specs Table

Component

Apple Watch Ultra 4

Price

$799 / £749 / AU$1,349

Dimension

49 x 44 x 12mm

Weight

63g (without band)

Case/bezel

Grad 5 Titanium

Display

49mm Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED display (up to 3,000 nits)

Processor

Apple-made S11 chip

GPS

Dual‑Frequency GPS (GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou)

Battery life

Up to 50 hours with normal use

Connections

4G LTE, Satellite SOS, Wi‑Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 5.3

Water resistant

Water resistance 100m

Apple Watch Ultra 4: Price and availability

• $799 / £749 / AU$1,349
• No increase from last year
• You’re paying for an LTE model as usual

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 costs $799 / £749 / AU$1,349, and comes in Natural Titanium or Black Titanium, with both finishes including Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity as standard. This means you’re paying for your phone’s ability to add to a data plan whether you want to or not.

The watch is more expensive than other Apple Watches, which is standard for the Ultra series, but crucially, it’s the same price as the Apple Watch Ultra 3, with no annual price increase. In an era of an electronics components crisis, this is great news. It’s also absolutely stuffed with features as usual, with a premium build quality that, together, justifies the high price.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Apple Watch Ultra 4: Design

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Redesigned sensor array
• Identical display and case
• Useful programmable Action button

Like the Apple Watch Ultra 1, 2, and 3 before it, the Ultra 4 stands on its own in Apple's smartwatch lineup, offering one option: a squircle 49mm screen in a thicker, much more rugged design that's ready for the road — and truly any road. It still comes in Black or Natural Titanium and looks pretty much the same as previous iterations on your wrist. Still, the one-size-fits-all device is an issue for smaller wrists.

I've been testing the silver Natural Titanium version, and it's been a welcome change after rocking the Black Ultra 3 for well over a year. I like the contrast of the silver rim around the 49mm Retina display, and especially how the ‘Ultra Orange’ Action Button on the left side pops against the silver case.

The Action Button remains a nice addition for easily running a customized Siri Shortcut or quickly starting a workout, and the 49mm Always-On Retina OLED LTPO3 display still looks great in pretty much any condition, whether that's under fluorescent lights, in the gym, or outside on a very sunny day.

The Action Button sits alongside the speaker and microphone on the left side, while the rugged Digital Crown (with its orange ring) and the main side button live on the right. The top and bottom of the Apple Watch are still where the bands connect, and there's no change to the connector — fingers crossed Apple never changes that, as it’s exemplary.

The main design changes, aside from the new bands, are on the rear. Apple is rolling out a new Health Sensing System to the Ultra 4 and Series 12, which looks a little like a complex sundial on the back of the case. It features a new wider layout for electrodes and diodes to cover a larger surface area on the wrist, which lets the Apple Watch take more accurate health measurements — particularly when tracking heart rate.

This is also where the magnetic Apple Watch charger attaches, and the box includes an updated charging puck. It still connects to a wall adapter or another power source via USB-C, with improvements to charging speed. And while the Series 12 is still a stunner and the Ultra 3 could run laps around plenty of other watches, there's a larger battery inside the Ultra 4. I'll share more on this in the Performance section, but battery life is seriously impressive, surpassing its 50 listed hours.

Aside from the Health Sensing System on the back, though, much of the design here is Apple sticking with what has made the Ultra successful since its launch. It's an ultra-rugged, road-ready Apple Watch that's likely a necessity for endurance athletes, but its distinctive build also appeals to those who simply want something different from the standard Apple Watch.

• Design score: 5/5

Apple Watch Ultra 4: Features

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Readiness score is excellent
• Siri AI features to come
• Improved vitals app

With the design mostly unchanged, much of what's new with the Apple Watch Ultra 4 comes from watchOS 27 and its health and activity features. I'm starting with the latter, as it's truly been the highlight of my testing.

I've worn an Apple Watch since it first launched in the spring of 2015. My original aluminum model arrived on launch day, and I was admittedly hooked on closing my rings. Now, after more than a month with the Ultra 4 — alongside the Apple Watch Series 12 — my new favorite feature is Readiness Score. It received a big round of applause at the launch event, and for good reason: it fills a gap in Apple's health feature set compared with the competition.

Many other wearables, including smartwatches and smart rings, offer ways to contextualize your data and help you understand what it means. Most notably, the Oura Ring provides a daily score that gives you an idea of what you're ready to take on. It's not medical advice, of course, but it can help you make sense of the data it collects. However, that feature sits behind a paywall, as do comparable offerings from Whoop, although Google Health, Garmin, and others provide it for free after you purchase a tracker.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Apple's take on a Readiness score is sometimes less elaborate, but it's free if you have a compatible new Apple Watch and enough data for it to work. Based on your sleep score and previous day's activity, you'll get a score from 0 to 10 tailored to you, alongside a matching phrase. It's presented as a curved line or half-moon graphic. Sometimes, I was greeted with a blue 7, marked "Ready," with the explanation: "You had a good night's sleep last night, and all your other metrics are typical. It looks like you're rested and ready for today."

Jacob Krol/FutureJacob Krol/Future

Below is a smaller breakdown of Fitness, Vitals, and Sleep Score. These can change throughout the day depending on your activity rings and whether you log workouts. When you open the Health or Fitness app on your connected iPhone, there's more data to explore, too.

It's become my favorite feature of watchOS 27 because of how it integrates with the Activity Rings experience, while building on Vitals. Rather than opening another app each morning and scrolling through a series of statistics, you're presented with a single score that feels actionable. Compared with other health wearables, it's also nice that Apple isn't locking it behind a monthly subscription. You do need a compatible recent Apple Watch, so there's an upfront cost, but you won't have to keep paying to use the feature.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

watchOS 27 also brings Siri AI to the wrist, provided your Apple Watch is paired with a compatible iPhone. While some more extensive requests can take an extra beat, the experience has been smooth, whether I raise my wrist to talk or simply say "Hey Siri." You can also ask for relevant information about your activity directly from your wrist.

The new Siri Modular watch face certainly spotlights this feature, placing Siri Suggestions below the time and above other complications. At times, it might suggest identifying a song with Shazam, remind you of your upcoming bedtime, provide the weather forecast, or offer other contextually relevant information.

Thanks to the new Health Sensing System, which supports activity and heart-rate tracking, blood oxygen measurements, hypertension notifications, and sleep tracking, Apple says heart-rate measurements are more accurate than ever. The Ultra 4 also introduces heart-rate variability (HRV) to the experience. You can add a complication that updates your heart rate in real time, as well as one for your step count.

• Features score: 4.5/5

Apple Watch Ultra 4: Performance

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

• Battery life performs as described
• Accurate against HRMs and competitor wearables
• Not yet able to test Audio Intelligence features

Apple's new S11 chip is doing a lot of the heavy lifting in the Apple Watch Ultra 4, and it's a noticeable part of the experience. Apps open quickly, navigating watchOS 27 feels incredibly responsive, and everything runs smoothly. Suffice to say, it’s what you expect from a $799 smartwatch in 2026, and while it doesn’t run laps around the Ultra 3, it has its moments where it has a bit more pep in its step.

The S11 also features a Secure Enclave and a separate always-on processor, helping balance performance with efficiency. That last part matters even more with the Ultra 4's physically larger battery.

Apple promises up to 50 hours of battery life with normal use, up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode, and up to 45 hours in Max Extended Workout Mode. In my testing, I've easily managed two and a half days on a charge with the Always-On display enabled and sleep tracking running overnight. That's seriously impressive for a fully featured smartwatch, even if some competing watches can last longer. The Ultra 4 won't win every battery-life comparison, but getting multiple days of use without sacrificing those everyday features is a big deal.

When you do eventually run low, faster charging makes it easier to top up. I've been able to get about 30% battery back in 15 to 20 minutes, which is handy if you forgot to charge overnight or want to give the watch extra juice before heading out. It doesn't eliminate the need to charge, of course, but combined with that extended runtime, it makes battery anxiety much less of a concern.

The S11 chip and new Health Sensing System also help power features like Readiness Score, which has quickly become one of my favorite additions to watchOS 27. But the chip is also laying the groundwork for Apple's forthcoming Siri Rewind and Live Recap features.

I haven't been able to test either just yet, and while I still expect them to arrive in the coming months, Apple hasn't confirmed exactly when they'll ship. If those features are the main reason you're considering the Ultra 4 — or the Apple Watch Series 12, for that matter — I'd wait until Apple provides a firm release date and we've had the chance to put them through their paces.

There are other smaller improvements that make the Ultra 4 nicer to use, too. Shazam and Sound Recognition are handy additions to have on your wrist, letting you identify music or recognize certain sounds without needing to reach for your iPhone. Shazam still struggles with some live music, though, so don't expect it to identify every song you hear at a concert.

(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Then there's the pedometer. It's a little wild that it's taken this long, but you can finally add a complication that updates your step count in real time right on your watch face. It's a simple quality-of-life improvement, but one that makes the Ultra 4 more useful at a glance.

In my testing across indoor cycling, outdoor walks, yoga, and indoor walks, the overall workout statistics and heart-rate readings have been in line with those from other devices, including the Oura Ring 5, Pixel Watch 5, Fitbit Air, and Apple Watch Series 12. Against an electrical heart rate monitor during a 5km run, the Apple Watch Ultra 4’s average heart rate reading was just 2 bpm away from the monitor’s. That’s well within the margin for error and just 1 bpm away from the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro’s readings during the same run.

Taken together, these aren't necessarily the sorts of changes that will make an Ultra 3 owner immediately rush out to upgrade. Instead, the S11 chip delivers a smoother, more efficient experience, while the larger battery makes it easier to take advantage of everything the watch has to offer. And with two and a half days of real-world battery life, that's a combination that's hard to beat.

• Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the Apple Watch Ultra 4?Buy it if..

You need long battery life

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 can last for days, performing for up to two and a half days of real-world use in my testing.

You want Apple’s latest health features

The Readiness Score and Health Sensing System are only available on the current gen watches.

Don’t buy it if..

You don’t need Apple’s AI features

If you don't want the Audio Intelligence features or the Readiness Score, the experience is pretty close to Ultra 3.

Also consider

Apple Watch Series 12

Apple's cheaper, less powerful wearable.

Garmin Fenix 9 Pro

The Apple Watch Ultra 4's biggest competitor in the premium adventure watch space.

Read our full Garmin Fenix 9 Pro review

How we tested

We tested the Apple Watch Ultra 4 by sleeping, working out, and living with the watch during a testing period comprising multiple weeks, staff members, and a review unit. We compared the watch's readings against competitor wearables, including an electrical heart rate monitor, drained the battery, and used as many available features as possible.

First reviewed October 2026.

There are many software packages out there designed to help you organise and edit your photographs, so how do you differentiate yourself from the herd? How about by using AI as much as possible? That’s the direction Skylum’s Luminar Neo has taken, and I’ve taken a look at the results.

Skylum Luminar Neo: Pricing & plans

• A welcome one-off fee
• Subscription options for regular updates
• Keep all features you buy if you cancel

You can pick up Luminar Neo with a 7-day free trial by clicking here.

First the good news: it’s multi-platform, available for both Windows, Macs and mobile platforms (Android, iOS and Chrome). And here’s even better news: you’re not expected to rent this software; it’s a one-time purchase.

The desktop-only version (for either platform) will set you back just under €100. Choosing the ‘All Platforms’ options for around €130 gives you cross device editing, be it on desktop or mobile machines. That tier also allows you to upload your chosen shots to a web gallery.

Finally, the top level will allow you to edit your shots online (that feature isn’t yet ready for prime time), and incudes one year of ‘Luminar Prime’, for €160.

It’s worth focusing on that subscription for a little bit to explain something important: this is a true subscription. It’s like when you subscribe to a magazine: cancel your subscription, and you still have those issues that dropped through your letterbox. Here, subscribing to Luminar Prime unlocks new features over time, and these unlocked features remain yours once your cancel. This is a very important distinction. Once the first year is done, it will cost you around €5 a month or €60 a year to keep using it.

Between you and me, that’s what all subscriptions should be about. Anything else is just rentals.

Be aware that these prices fluctuate a lot and there might be better deals available when you check their website.

Skylum Luminar Neo: Interface

(Image credit: Future)

• Clear menus remove the guesswork when editing
• Easy to choose the right tool when you need it

The installation process offers you the option of adding a Luminar plugin to either Photoshop, Lightroom, or both, which would offer you all the tools inside a more familiar interface. I though it was important to mention, even though I won’t be looking into this option in this review.

Reviewing so many similar apps as I have, you end up recognising the interface instantly as most are incredibly similar. Sure the sidebar may be on the left instead of the right, but the tools and especially the icons used to activate them are immediately recognisable.

Not so with Luminar Neo, and that’s actually a very good thing. Rather than handing you a bunch of icons for you to use on your photos, the tools are divided into categories. And forget about icons: each section is clearly labelled. Take ‘Essentials’ for instance. That’s where your usual color correction is located, in such submenus as ‘Develop’, ’Enhance’, ‘color’ and ‘Detail’.

Working on a Landscape? Then you need to explore the ‘Landscape’ category, where you’ll find such tools as ‘Sky’, ‘Atmosphere’ and ‘Water Enhancer’. Taken a photo of a person? ‘Portrait’ is where you need to go. ‘Professional’ is where some more advanced options are stored, and ‘Creative’ allows you to let loose and have a little more fun with your image manipulation. Clear, simple, and effective.

Skylum Luminar Neo: Tools

(Image credit: Future)

• Tools work extremely well
• Simple to make even complex changes to your photos

A good, intuitive, and easy to use interface is one thing, but if the tools aren’t up to scratch, it’s just a fancy wrapper full of useless features.

Thankfully, Luminar Neo is far from that.

Let’s start with Presets. Luminar Neo comes with a bunch of them, many of which are free. Those that aren’t can be identified with a small shopping trolley icon top right of their thumbnail. As always when it comes to presets, their results will vary but what I appreciated was the fact the software analyses your image and presents you with categories that should match what you’re working on.

For instance I brought up a photo of a sunrise, and was offered ‘sunsets’, ‘scenery’, and ‘easy landscapes’ menus for me to explore. Easy, simple, and of course you’re by no means forced to go down that selected road, but it’s nice when an app feels like it’s working with you.

How you work on an image is done with the help of sliders, which makes the process very simple to do and undo. If you’re more of a ‘type the value into a field’ kind of person, you’re free to do that too. You’re also able to work with multiple layers, letting you perform more complex effects on a photo with ease.

You can achieve very good results on your own that way, especially if you know what you’re doing. This is very similar to practically every other image manipulator out there. But what about all that AI I mentioned at the start? That’s where it gets more interesting.

Skylum Luminar Neo: AI

(Image credit: Future)

• Many AI-based tools to speed up workflows
• Doesn't feel like it's taking over the creative process

This is not generative AI. There are no text prompts or anything like that. This kind of AI is a collection of complex algorithms designed to facilitate a particular task. Think of them as a powered screwdriver as opposed to a manual one. If that’s still not your thing, you can recognise them in the sidebar as those tools are all labelled with a small orange ‘AI’ next to their name.

But I wouldn’t dismiss them out of hand so quickly myself. Let’s take a look at a few examples, starting with ‘Sky’.

This is the big tentpole feature you might have seen in adverts as it offers the most striking alteration: Luminar Neo can analyse your image, identify the sky and replace it with another. You have 35 to choose from, with the option of acquiring others.

Replacing the sky can be seen as a simple process: just mask what’s blue, cut it out, and add a new sky behind it on a separate layer. But ‘Sky’ goes further, noticing where the sky is reflected somewhere in the image and applying the change there as well, even going as far as altering the colors of the rest of the photo so it blends in with its new sky.

The result can be fantastic. I have a photo of the Eiffel Tower I use to test such features out, as the complex metallic mesh can be a challenge to mask, and Luminar Neo passed with flying colors.

It’s not always perfect of course, but most of the time the results were impressive, and achieved in seconds whereas it would’ve taken me ages to do the same manually.

Speaking of masks, Luminar Neo doesn’t have a dedicated tool in its list, but that’s because it’s embedded into pretty much all the others: select a tool, and switch to its ‘Masking’ tab to affect the image solely on a section of your choice. AI does the selection based on your input. For instance I told it to select the human in a photo, and after a few seconds, the mask was perfectly done with no further input needed from me.

The Bokeh AI tool is also excellent, giving you control over where the effect should be thanks to an easy to understand interface where you drag a slider up or down to limit the extent of the effect.

Perhaps the tool I was most impressed by was the Light Depth Tool. Somehow, it does its best to recreate the 3D environment the photo was taken from, allowing you to alter the light in various ways, even placing it in between objects. It’s most impressive.

Skylum Luminar Neo: Extras

(Image credit: Future)

• Good selection of additional fine-tuning tools
• Pales in comparison to Lightroom for organizing photos

And that’s not all: there’s an ‘Extras’ section where you’ll find tools to help you restore old photographs, increase the resolution of an image, stitch shots together to create a panorama, and more.

Luminar Neo offers you a wealth of features to help you fine tune your images to perfection.

If there’s one thing I’m not that impressed by though, is its organisational feature. Sure you can find folders on your computer and add them to the left sidebar, or create albums and add photos to them, but to be honest, that kind of functionality has been available for years and has been surpassed by most of its competitors.

Put it this way: it’s no threat to Lightroom on that front and maybe that’s why you were given the option to insert Luminar's tools into Lightroom upon install: this software knows its limitations.

Should I buy Luminar Neo?

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

You’re a professional looking for a powerful, well designed and versatile image manipulator which you can actually own rather than subscribe.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t like interfaces that are too different from what you’re used to, and would need software that can handle organising your photos beyond just adding basic folders and albums.

FutureFutureFutureFutureFutureHow I tested Skylum Luminar Neo

As always, when an app is compatible with multiple platforms, I choose the underdog (ie the Mac). I used a laptop running a high-end Apple Silicon chip for my testing, and my machine had no problem with the software.

I did notice that when using some AI tools, it can take a few seconds for the analysis to be done, and the computer’s thinking process was too subtle for me.

Yes there’s a small message beneath the image saying ‘Analysing’. But if you’re more focused on the sliders at the time, you could end up wondering why dragging them isn’t having any effect - until the AI work is done and your slider went to 100, blowing the image up. Thank goodness, like all modern image processing app, everything you do to a photo is non destructive.

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