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Updated: 2 hours 9 min ago

Windows 11 review

Mon, 10/13/2025 - 06:03

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has had its fair share of ups and downs since its 2021 release. Heralded as a new era for the operating system, it’s seen plenty of updates since launch, even before Copilot AI arrived. With Windows 10 now in its End of Life phase (which means it is no longer supported by Microsoft), more users will be encouraged to update, and the good news is that they’ll be greeted with a solid upgrade.

Fluent Design, Windows 11’s theme, remains front and center here, with the biggest changes found with the Start menu, now placed in the middle of the taskbar. Redesigned to help find files and apps more easily, it’s seen a fair share of updates since 2021. In addition, many Windows apps now have long-overdue upgrades, such as Paint and Notepad, with some powerful new features (many AI-powered) that have transformed these once-basic apps.

But with Microsoft’s Copilot AI seemingly taking over Windows and the company’s other products, it looks like Windows 11 is facing another regeneration, but some faults remain. Before you download and install the operating system, here are our updated thoughts on using Windows 11 since its 2021 debut.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Price and availability

Free upgrade for Windows 10 users
$119/£119/AU$249 for the Home version

Good news for Windows 10 owners: Windows 11 is a free upgrade, as long as the system requirements are met.

If you're not upgrading, or are installing Windows 11 on a formatted drive, expect to pay $119/£119/AU$249 for the Home version, or a $99 upgrade for Pro, or a full version in the UK for £219.

Windows 11 Pro has several features that can help secure your system if it gets lost or stolen. One feature is called BitLocker encryption, which will lock down your Windows 11 device, barring anyone from accessing your data.

But for most users, there’s no need for FOMO with the Pro version. There are third-party apps like VeraCrypt that can do the same function. Plus, if you use Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud service, your data can be backed up remotely and securely anyway.

(Image credit: Future)Microsoft Windows 11: A Fluent design

Windows 11’s big redesign was touted by Microsoft back in 2021 as a new beginning for Windows, and that has somewhat proved to be true. Called 'Fluent Design', it’s full of light blues, animations, and glass-like additions that make it feel like the natural (and more popular) successor to Windows 8’s Metro design.

But Fluent goes deeper than just the windows and Start menu you initially see. Context menus that appear when you right-click on a mouse now feature more useful information you can select, and tabs in File Explorer mean you don’t need multiple windows open that inevitably clutter your screen.

Other apps like Paint and Notepad have seen long-overdue makeovers thanks to Fluent Design, too. Everything looks and feels modern, and there’s also a Dark Mode that makes the updated legacy apps look fresh and new.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

But it’s only when you go deeper that the similarities to Microsoft Windows 10 remain. For example, if you right-click in a folder and bring up the ‘Properties’ menu, you’ll find the same settings as before, but with rounded buttons and a new icon.

After a while it dawns on you: this is a reskin of Windows 10. While it’s a great step forward, more work needs to be done. Getting rid of the Ribbon interface in File Explorer and other built-in apps is a good start, as you now have ten icons on the toolbar instead of four tabs and countless settings found in Windows 10 and previous versions that used the Ribbon interface.

It’s one example of Windows 11 where it’s a great first step, there just needs to be a giant leap for more.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

Widgets make a return from Windows Vista, but are wedged in the sidebar, and don’t offer much in terms of productivity. Worse still, when adding new ones, the preview images are pixelated, and sometimes look as if they’re a weird mishmash of internet pop-ups from yesteryear.

The Start menu, however, is the star of the show. Since its 1995 debut in Windows 95, this iconic part of the operating system has slowly evolved, but in Windows 11, it’s been given a full refresh and is now front and center, and clicking the Windows icon will bring up several helpful sections: recommended files, pinned apps, and a button to show all installed apps.

Since Windows 11’s 2021 release, the Start menu has seen several improvements, such as enabling more apps to be shown, a new section for showing connected devices like your smartphone, and the ability to show apps in a grid. It builds on Microsoft’s overall theme of productivity, and despite some users wanting the Start menu of old, it feels like a natural progression from where it all started (pun intended) 30 years ago.

Ultimately, Fluent Design remains a solid upgrade from Windows 10's look. It even puts Apple’s latest macOS update, Tahoe, which has a divisive Liquid Glass design, to shame, as Apple's refresh currently fails on feel and lacks in function. As things stand with Windows 11, Fluent succeeds at both.

Microsoft Windows 11: Artificial Intelligence

(Image credit: Future / Shutterstock)

2023 was a big year for Microsoft. It revealed Copilot, its AI platform that’s now tightly intergrated (and hard to ignore) across Windows 11. Much like rival tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthopic’s Claude, you can ask Copilot to rewrite your emails to sound more professional, generate images, remove subjects in existing photos, and much more.

Copilot is also everywhere in Microsoft 365’s Office suite, helping you create and manage spreadsheets, create reports from Teams meetings, and, according to Microsoft, saving you time to focus on other tasks within a project.

However impressive it may seem in 2025, AI has a long way to go before it can be considered a trusted, reliable tool. In our testing with Copilot, it got confused many times when looking through a document for grammar mistakes, and it generated a spreadsheet with too many errors to count.

As a virtual assistant, much like how Google Assistant, Siri, and even Microsoft's previous attempt, Cortana, work, it’s great for short queries. For accessibility, it’s useful as a screen reader in various Windows 11 apps, but it feels like there’s a missed opportunity with how AI can help Windows 11's accessibility features.

For now, it's best to use Copilot and AI as a whole as an experiment. It’s still far too early to judge just how useful AI will be in our day-to-day lives, and despite being everywhere in Windows 11, it still feels like a bit of a gimmick.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Accessibility

To its credit, Microsoft has been laser-focused on making Windows and its devices as accessible as possible. In Windows 11, there are a large number of accessibility features that can help users, such as the magnifier tool that can make apps and files bigger, audio alerts for visually impaired users that can notify them when a message box appears, and much more.

However, as noted earlier, while accessibility and AI work together in the Windows 11 of 2025, it doesn't feel like Microsoft is fully taking advantage of the opportunities AI offers for accessibility.

Still, what is there for now is very helpful. AI-generated captioning for videos is great, as well as an AI-powered search that can let visually impaired users describe photos in detail. Narrator can now read out contextual descriptions, meaning objects, people, and more can be identified to help give users far more helpful context.

Essentially, you can customize Windows 11 to suit your needs if you have a hearing, motor, visual, or non-visual disability. But there’s a lot of scope for Microsoft to go further when it comes to AI and accessibility.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Built-In apps

For years, a common theme in major Windows releases has been the feeling that built-in apps have been left to the wayside, but not so with Windows 11. Since its launch, we’ve seen improvements in apps like Paint, Clock, Snipping Tool, Notepad, Photos, and To-Do. All of these apps have been updated with the Fluent Design look, as well as features like tabs, dark mode, and Copilot integration, which will please anyone upgrading to Windows 11.

However, in 2025, some apps still look like they belong in Windows 10, such as Calculator and Weather, which have not received the upgrades that the other built-in apps have had.

When compared to macOS Tahoe, especially with its new Liquid Glass design, every app here looks fresh, albeit glitchy in places. But there’s far more cohesion in Apple’s OS, something that Microsoft should re-focus on.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

In addition to built-in apps getting a glow-up, some new apps have been added since Windows 11's launch. Windows Media Player returned in 2022, allowing you to play your music, watch videos, and create playlists, but classic visualizations (a key feature of the original app) are sadly absent.

Clipchamp is a lightweight video tool, introduced in 2022, which is great for editing short videos to post on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram. Phone Link also saw a major update in recent years, adding support for the best iPhones (alongside Android devices), letting your phone notifications show on your PC, reply to messages, make calls, and sync your photos. It’s a big advantage for those who own an iPhone and a Windows PC, making it far easier for these devices to talk to one another.

Overall, all of these apps look great in Windows 11, and it's good to see Microsoft revist some of the older apps that once felt like they had been abandoned. Combined with the ability to use Android devices and iPhones on a PC, Microsoft is building on its mantra of Windows as a service with these improvements to Windows 11 in 2025.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Microsoft Store

A big highlight of Windows 11’s original release was the redesigned Microsoft Store. If you’re upgrading from Windows 10 due to its End of Life, this may be one of the biggest differences you’ll notice. Now redesigned, it’s become a more reliable place to download install all of your apps, like iTunes and ChatGPT, as well as games like Ninja Gaiden 4.

Everything looks clean and is easy to browse, with a helpful search bar placed at the top so you can always find the app you want. Recently, an ‘AI Hub’ was added to the sidebar, showcasing all the apps with AI features. It’s helpful, but it doesn’t add much to your productivity or creativity, to be honest.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

With Apple launching its Mac App Store back in 2012, a lot of us have been waiting for Microsoft to offer something similar. Since 2021, the Microsoft Store has been updated and improved, and it’s now a great storefront in 2025 to easily find apps and games, making it straightforward for new users to download their apps quickly, all in one place.

Microsoft Windows 11: Other new features

Microsoft didn’t stop improving Windows 11 with Fluent Design, brand new apps, and a huge AI push with Copilot. There are new features scattered across the operating system that have been there since 2021, and subsequent updates have continued to bring new features.

Snap Groups can ‘snap’ windows to a section of the screen. This is more suited to touch-screen devices, but it works well regardless of whether you’re working with more than three apps at once.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

Better multi-monitor support came to Windows 11 with its 2021 release, but there have been even more improvements since. A new taskbar on your second monitor will now appear, showing the time, date, and Notification Center, leaving more room for more apps on the main monitor. This is currently available as an optional update.

If you regularly send files over by email or a cloud service, you’ll likely be bundling them into compressed zip files. In Windows 11, other formats are available, like .7z and .RAR, which can result in better compression and smaller file sizes.

Even a smaller feature like scrolling the mouse wheel over the volume icon in the taskbar to control the level of sound is welcome in Windows 11. In addition, Virtual Desktops lets you change backgrounds and switch between app-filled screens instantly, as well as HDR support for compatible monitors and themes for the touchscreen keyboard.

As of October 2025, versions 24H2 and 25H2 have brought more refinements to Windows 11. This includes better Narration feautres, an AI Agent in the Settings app that lets you ask Copilot to enable or disable a feature, and the ability to pin favorite apps to the share window. Although these may sound minor, they add up to how you use Windows, and could benefit your productivity.

Windows 11 continues to evolve since its 2021 launch, and Microsoft is still bringing out new features and refining others, which is a welcome move.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)Microsoft Windows 11: Gaming

Previously, gaming on Windows using Microsoft's services could be a frustrating affair, from the Games on Windows Live debacle in Windows Vista to the barebones Xbox app in Windows 10. But Microsoft clearly wanted to have gaming as a tentpole feature in Windows 11, and it’s succeeded, as well as setting the foundations for its entry into the handheld market.

The Xbox app can let you chat to friends, add new ones, and create parties so you can play together in a bunch of games. These can be titles you own, to playing a game via the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The app is well-made, which looks modern thanks to its green and blue aesthetic, and is tightly integrated with the games you play on your Xbox Series S/X console.

(Image credit: Future / Microsoft)

Another aspect is Game Bar, which can be summoned by pressing both the Windows and G keys together. Initially just a helpful way to capture your gaming moments when Windows 11 launched, it’s been vastly improved upon since. Now, you have a helpful overview of how your PC is running via its own task manager, which lets you capture images and videos, and control the inputs and outputs of your audio devices.

In addition, Copilot can, according to Microsoft, help you progress through a game, as well as recommend new titles, but it’s a feature I feel is best left switched off for now. Otherwise, Game Bar is a very useful tool that can help when playing any game via the Xbox app or third-party storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

However, Microsoft is launching its first handheld in collaboration with Asus later this month, called the ROG Xbox Ally. Coming in two models, it’s powered by Windows 11, but it ships with a user interface called the ‘Xbox Full-Screen Experience’. Building off the Xbox app and Game Bar, it’s a clean way of browsing and playing your game library without having to use Windows 11's interface, which doesn't work well on small screens. It’s long overdue from Microsoft, especially as Valve has its rival SteamOS operating system on its Steam Deck handheld, which is also coming to other devices, like the Lenovo Legion Go S.

Although the ‘Xbox Full-Screen Experience’ isn’t available until a future Windows 11 update in 2026, time will tell how it will fare on Windows-powered devices like tablets and laptops.

Overall, though, Windows 11 is now in a strong position for gaming, especially for handhelds. Compared to how Apple has been slow to bring more games to its platform, Microsoft has been making it far easier for developers and players alike to play and manage titles in Windows 11, with more improvements coming.

Microsoft Windows 11: Final verdict

In our initial review of Windows 11, we mentioned how Fluent Design seemed like a reskin of Windows 10, but it was a good foundation to build the future of Windows on.

Five years since its debut, AI has become a huge part of not just Windows 11, but Microsoft’s entire ecosystem, with the company working on integrating Copilot into the operating system, as well as its pre-installed apps. The jury is still out on AI, but for accessibility and as a chatbot for minor tasks, it can be useful.

Microsoft has maintained a steady pace in updating Windows 11, adding tabs in File Explorer, the return of Windows Media Player, huge improvements to gaming with the Game Bar, and soon the ‘Xbox Full-Screen Experience’. It’s impressive that at this point, many were expecting Windows 12 to be here by now.

But, who needs Windows 12, if Windows 11 continues to evolve like this? Microsoft has followed Apple’s old mantra of keeping the version number the same, like Mac OS X, but brought in significant updates annually. It’s helped Windows 11 become more refined, more bug-free, and more innovative — to the point where it’s closing the gap with Apple.

In 2025, Windows 11 is a great operating system, and if you use a Windows-powered device that’s currently on Windows 10, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade and take advantage of what Windows 11 has to offer. As things stand, Windows 11 has earned its place as a new classic in Microsoft’s lineup, ready to embrace what AI and handheld gaming will offer in the future.

Here's how to download and install Windows 11

First reviewed February 2022, updated October 2025

Categories: Reviews

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter scratched my JRPG itch in the best way, and is easily one of 2025’s greatest remakes

Sun, 10/12/2025 - 15:00

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a remake of the classic Japanese role-playing game (JRPG), The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, which was first released 21 years ago. Developer Nihon Falcom has modernized its 2004 title with full English voice acting, an overhauled combat system, and multiple quality of life improvements, bringing it to just about every modern platform you can imagine.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, Nintendo Switch (physical and digital); Nintendo Switch 2, PC (digital only)
Release date: September 19, 2025

Now, I’ll put my cards on the table. I’m totally new to the Trails series. Sure, I predominantly play role-playing games (RPGs), but I simply hadn’t found the time to sink my teeth into it. But Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter appeared to be the ultimate entry point. Why? Firstly, it’s a remake of the very first part of the Trails story – but it's also got a smooth, up-to-date UI and graphics, making it very easy to get into for new players like me.

And after hours and hours exploring the Liberl Kingdom, I have to say, I’m so happy that I got the opportunity to dive into a Trails game. Yes, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a very apt remake, with addictive combat, an engaging plot, and brilliant visuals. Here’s a rundown of my experience with the game, and why I think it's among the best RPGs of 2025.

Brace yourself for an epic journey

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter follows the journey of Estelle Bright and her adopted brother, Joshua Bright, as they aim to track down their missing father and become Senior Bracers – essentially protectors of the peace.

As the tale unfolds, Estelle and Joshua find themselves embroiled in something much deeper than a simple search and rescue. I won’t spoil what’s to come, of course, but the game isn’t short on twists and turns. Although things take a while to get going – the opening is pretty lengthy – the narrative remains intriguing throughout. Cutscenes never feel overlong or convoluted, either, so rest assured, you’re in for an engaging adventure.

Estelle and Joshua make for interesting dual protagonists – Estelle is the explosive, fiery, energetic type, who’s all action. Meanwhile, Joshua appears more measured and introverted, resulting in some humorous conflicts, especially earlier on.

Best bit

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

Without question, my favorite moment was defeating the boss in the game’s prologue – yes, really! I lost a fair few times here, which forced me to get a better understanding of the game’s combat and orbment system. After some learning, levelling, and restrategizing, I finally got my victory. If that’s not a good example of rewarding combat, I don’t know what is.

I will say that a few characters – Estelle included – do have that stereotypical over-the-top anime energy. This can be a little intense in moments, and may wear some players down, but it rarely bothered me, personally.

And the English voice acting is delivered to a high standard – every character’s personality is communicated with genuine passion and care. This adds so much texture to the various individuals you meet throughout the game, and it's a very welcome improvement from the 2004 original.

However, there are some segments – even in the main story – where scenes aren’t voice-acted, or bizarrely, only partially voice-acted. For instance, I encountered a non-player character (NPC) whose lines were voiced entirely, while those of Estelle, Joshua, and company were not. This resulted in a kind of awkward viewing experience, slightly reducing my immersion in the scene.

A Liberl dose of upgrades

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

It's not only voice acting that elevates the Trails in the Sky experience, though. Just about every other area has been significantly upgraded, making the game a lot more appealing than its original counterpart.

Perhaps the most obvious thing is that the visuals have received a major revamp. And I’m a huge fan of this new look.

Character models looked fantastic on the PS5 version of the game, environments are bursting with color, and elements such as shadows appear natural. That’s not to mention the fact that the game ran just about flawlessly for me, with a smooth frame rate and short loading screens throughout my playtime, even when fast-traveling or playing in the handy high-speed mode.

I massively appreciated the graphical quality here – especially when you consider that the original game used chibi-style sprites in combat and cutscenes, rather than fully fledged 3D models.

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

Something else I loved about this remake was its revamped original soundtrack. The music in Trails 1st Chapter is a beautiful mixture of funky, emotive, and invigorating, with almost every track complementing your battles or exploration down to a T. I also adore the fact that you can cycle between standard, arranged, or original background music – that sort of optionality is seriously commendable.

One more thing I want to shout out is the improved UI. I found the various menus in the game to be extremely easy to navigate through, whether I was equipping new gear, cooking up a new dish, or viewing my status. Everything about this game is silky smooth; it really is a joy to play.

The only aspect that I’d argue could’ve been improved would be the localization. There are some grammatical and translation errors littered throughout the text displayed throughout the game. I’ll admit that this is a small issue, especially as the voice acting is ultra-clean and the story has been faithfully re-created.

Chain…follow-up…I just can’t stop

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

I’ve been excited to discuss this game’s combat because it seriously impressed me. There are two ways to battle through Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter: quick battle, real-time action-based combat; and command battle, a turn-based, more slow-paced approach.

It’s great fun to dive headfirst into scuffs via quick battle. I had a blast slashing up my opponents, charging up almighty crafts, and weaving around incoming attacks. If you stun an enemy, you can even switch into command battle and fight with an advantage over your foes, making it easier to clean up normal encounters quickly and load up on exp.

Command battle is the default for boss and mini-boss encounters. Turn order is displayed on the side of the screen, and on each turn you can decide whether to: cast an art, like a healing or attack magic; leather your opponent with a craft – a strong physical attack; use an item, shield, or flee. You’ll also get the chance to follow up or chain attack your enemies for huge damage. It took me a while to get used to this system, but when I nailed down the right arts, I was able to withstand harsh strings of enemy attacks and then launch a deadly counter-offensive.

You’ll need to get used to the orbment and quartz system if you want to stand a chance against some bosses, too – there are some difficulty spikes that are punishing to say the least.

The orbment system essentially requires you to string a range of gems together in a specific pattern in order to unlock new arts. Some, like Earth Guard, proved almost necessary for me to get through some tough battles in the early game – if you’re struggling, I’d suggest re-evaluating your build-out in this department, as well as purchasing better gear at an in-game shop.

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

If you’re still struggling after re-stratagizing, don’t fear! You can simply turn down the difficulty, which ranges from Very Easy all the way up to Nightmare. As an experienced RPG player, I went with Normal – but this was by no means without its challenges.

Yep, I got my fair share of kickings during my playthrough. Sometimes, I was left dumbfounded as to how I could possibly survive such high-damage attacks and whittle down some imposing health bars. But the orbment system really does encourage experimentation, and when you finally nail down the right strategy, victory is oh so satisfying.

Sure, the game is going to ask some tough questions of you – but it’s also going to give you the tools to find the right answers. And in the end? That makes for exceptionally satisfying gameplay.

As someone who was experiencing a Trails game for the first time, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this title. But truly, it blew my expectations out of the water. With a mixture of gorgeous graphics, addictive combat, a whimsical world, and a gripping plot, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a top-class JRPG.

But not only that, it's also a top-class remake. There are just so many improvements – a new UI, battle mechanics, visual style…I could go on. And it rarely feels like Nihon Falcom takes any half-measures. There are some small localization errors and some offbeat partially-voiced segments, sure. And some may find the difficulty spikes to be intimidating.

Still, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is one of the best remakes of 2025, and one of the best JRPGs I’ve played this year, no question. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is an easy recommendation, and if you’ve ever wanted to get into the Trails series, now is the time to do it!

Should you play Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter?

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)Play it if...

You want to get into the Trails series
As a remake of the first chapter in the Trails series, this is the ideal entry point for any new player. On top of that, the up-to-date visuals and user-friendly quality of life changes make this title highly accessible for modern players.

You want action-packed combat with a hint of turn-based goodness
We’ve seen a few games combine turn-based and action combat systems lately – think Metaphor: Refantazio, for example. And like Atlus’ masterpiece, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter does a great job of balancing action and strategy too. Mastering each battle type is highly satisfying, and the variation keeps battles fresh.

Don't play it if...

You’re not a massive fan of the ‘anime-inspired’ vibe
If you don’t really dig the anime-inspired tropes you’ll find in a lot of JRPGs, this title may not be to your tastes. Personally, I’m accustomed to this style, so it was no issue for me, but some may be turned off by aspects like the visual and comedic style of Trails.

You want something to play with a short runtime
As is the case with many JRPGs, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter requires a fair time investment if you want to complete the main story and a good portion of side content. Sure, it’s not the 100-hour-plus epic you’ll experience with games like Persona 5 Royal, for instance, but if you want a quick game to dip into, this won’t be it.

Accessibility features

You can adjust the subtitle language to English, German, French, or Spanish, and select either English or Japanese voice acting. There are a number of ways to customize the camera’s behavior, too, such as normal or inverted configurations, camera movement speed, and camera distance.

On top of this, there are difficulty options, including a Very Easy mode if you just want to focus on the game’s story. Unfortunately, there is no colorblind mode.

How I reviewed Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter:

(Image credit: Nihon Falcom, GungHo)

I spent more than 30 hours playing Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, predominantly focusing on the main story, but also picking up a few side quests here and there. I played the game on Normal difficulty throughout my time with it.

When playing Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter on PS5, I had my console connected up to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV and used the Samsung HW-Q800D soundbar. On occasion, I also dipped into the game via remote play on my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, but this was pretty rare.

On a personal note, I’ve reviewed a variety of games here at TechRadar, including recent releases like Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army and Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. I'm also a life-long fan of JRPGs, with some of my favorite games including Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, Persona 3 Reload, and Final Fantasy VII (the original, of course).

First reviewed September-October 2025

Categories: Reviews

WEFFORT's Motorized Smart Shades are smooth and quiet, with plenty of options to ensure they suit your home

Sun, 10/12/2025 - 11:00

WEFFORT Smart Shades: one-minute review

WEFFORT offers a ton of different smart shade options, including roller, cellular, zebra, roman, sheer, outdoor, woven wood, drapes, and more. Within each category, you’ll find a variety of neutral colorways and differing degrees of light filtration/blocking. I ordered the 60% light-filtering Lattice Series Roman Shades in white for two identical windows in the same room.

You can choose to charge your blinds via a wall charger or a solar charger; I got one of each. You also choose your home’s ecosystem; I chose Apple’s HomeKit but it also works with Google, Amazon Alexa, Samsung, and several others. You can also get a remote control – either one-channel, five-channel, or 15-channel.

Installation initially went relatively smoothly, though the included screws are low quality and the threads will strip if you’re not careful. The major hiccup, however, was that one of the strings wasn’t wrapped around the motor correctly, so the blind would not lower all the way on one side. After some back-and-forth with customer service, who provided detailed instructions and videos, I was able to get it working properly.

Once that was done, the blinds worked like a dream. I set up an automation, so the blinds open each day at sunrise and close each day at sunset. I also utilized the remote control and Siri voice activation. They work exactly as expected.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)WEFFORT Smart Shades: price and availability

Starts relatively inexpensive
Order directly from site or Amazon
Gets fairly pricey with customizations

You can order WEFFORT Smart Shades from WEFFORT's website or from Amazon in the US. You'll be able to see all of your options more easily if you order directly from WEFFORT, though you might find some sale prices though Amazon.

The shades start at $119.99 USD (about £90 / AU$180). I ordered two shades for two pretty large identical windows. I selected the 60% light-filtering Lattice Series Roman Shades in white with a battery motor (as opposed to hard-wired) and measured for an outside mount. I added a five-channel remote control, solar charging panel, and chose the HomeKit Motor over Thread. All told, my total was $1,013.94 (about £750 / AU$540) for two shades.

Value score: 4/5

WEFFORT Smart Shades: design

Had some hiccups with installation
Shades look fine, if not luxurious
Smooth and quiet operation

You'll need a drill and the know-how to use it in order to install the blinds. Note that the included screws are not up to the quality of the rest of the kit; if you're not careful, you can strip them pretty easily. But the trickiest part was that one of the strings that control the blinds got out of place, which meant that one of the shades would not lower all the way. Eventually, with help from WEFFORT's customer service, I was able to fix the string and get the shades working correctly.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

You can order the shades with whatever sort of smart home ecosystem you like, whether you prefer Apple HomeKit, Samsung, Google, Amazon Alexa, Homey, Hubitat, or something else. However, for this kind of customization, you'll want to order from WEFFORT directly. Custom orders on Amazon can be a bit tricky.

I set mine up with Apple's HomeKit, there was no need to download any other app to get this done. In addition to controlling the shades via HomeKit and Siri, they can also be controlled via remote control.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I ordered 60% light-filtering shades, and that's what I got. The light filters through pleasantly, but the harshest rays of summer middays are blocked when I want.

As for the aesthetics, well, these don't look or feel like super expensive shades. The fabric of the shades is more like plastic than anything. The string that raises and lowers the shades is very thin. The valance is functional-looking, not anything special. It all looks fine though; I don't need shades to look fancy, I need them to work. And they do work. Operation is smooth, quiet, and flawless.

Design score: 4/5

WEFFORT Smart Shades: performance

Set up with Apple, Amazon, Samsung, Google, and more
Control with your phone, your voice, or remote control
They just work

When you place your order, be sure to choose your motor type carefully. The Standard Motor uses just the remote control. The Zigbee motor works with Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat and other Zigbee 3.0 Hubs. The Z-Wave motor can be used with Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, and Hubitat. The Matter motor works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung, and Google. The HomeKit motor just works with the Apple ecosystem.

(Image credit: Future)

I found the shades easy to set up with Apple's HomeKit without having to download any other apps. Once set up, you can tell Siri to open and close your blinds, or use the app to choose the exact percentage open you want them.

You can set up Scenes and Automations to have the blinds open and close when or under what circumstances you prefer. I like my blinds to open at sunrise and close at sunset; once I set that Automation I can forget about it and the blinds do just that.

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

As I mentioned earlier, I did have an issue with a twisted string at first. I'm not sure if the shades came that way or if that happened during installation. With the string twisted, the blinds would not fully lower. I did speak with customer service via email; they sent me instructions and videos until I was able to fix the issue. Since then, everything has worked flawlessly.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the WEFFORT Smart Shades?WEFFORT Smart Shades score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

They start out fairly cheap but get pricey with custom options

4/5

Design

More functional than fancy

4/5

Performance

Get through setup and these shades perform like a dream

4.5/5

Buy it if

You like many options for control

You can choose from a variety of motors so you can use just about any brand of smart home digital assistant. Or you can go old school and just use a remote control.

You want differing kinds of window coverings

WEFFORT offers a variety of smart shades, blinds, and drapes in various colors and light-filtering levels.

You want to set it and forget it

Set up Automations and Scenes so the blinds open and close at the time or in the specific situation you choose and you'll never have to think about them again.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You're looking for a bargain

You can get some basic shades pretty inexpensively, but once you go up in size and add upgrades, the price climbs quickly.

You want a no-brainer setup

You'll need to be handy with a drill and have a little techy know-how. I initially had a twisted string that didn't allow full closure, but worked through it.

You need easy removal

These do get drilled into the wall, so they may not be ideal for renters.View Deal

WEFFORT Smart Shades: also consider

Want some other, similar options to check out? Here are a couple of TechRadar favorites to consider.

SmartWings Smart Blinds

These are fairly similar to WEFFORT blinds, but maybe you'll see some different options you like more here. Read our SmartWings Smart Blinds review to find out.View Deal

GrayWind Smart Blinds

GrayWind and WEFFORT are sister companies, and I found them to be fairly similar. Again, you may find some different options here, so it could be worth checking out. Here's our GrayWind Smart Blinds review.View Deal

SwitchBot Blind Tilt

This renter-friendly, budget-friendly option attaches to your existing blinds and doesn't even require a drill. Read our SwitchBot Blind Tilt review to learn more.View Deal

How I tested the WEFFORT Smart Shades

I installed the WEFFORT Smart Shades on two different windows in my dining room and tested them over two weeks. I opened and closed them a variety of ways, including using the remote control, the HomeKit App on my iPhone, and voice commands to Siri. I also set up an Automation to open the shades at sunrise and close them at sunset.

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

First reviewed October 2025

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Categories: Reviews

I tested the Freewell Real Locking filter kit, and now it’s my go-to filter system for photography and video

Sat, 10/11/2025 - 08:00

Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit: two-minute review

Filters are an essential element of photography and video because, for the most part, they allow you to control exposure. Whether you’re aiming to manipulate shutter speed or to shoot at wider apertures than should be possible, filters are the way to achieve the desired results.

The Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit is a comprehensive filter kit built around a variable ND/polarizer and an ND32 filter, with a couple of video haze filters thrown in for good measure. This is a stackable kit, allowing you to combine multiple filters as required. Where this kit differs from others is in how the filters clip together and to the adaptor ring, rather than being magnetic.

Freewell rightly says clip attaching is a more secure system than magnetic, and results in less accidental adjustment of the variable ND. The only negatives to the system are that it’s not quite as convenient as magnetic systems, and you have to make sure the filter being attached is secure.

There are two Real Locking VND/CPL kits available: the Mega Kit and the All Day kit. I tested the Mega Kit, shooting both photos and videos to see how the kit as a whole and the individual filters perform. First, you have the base ring, and these are available from 49mm to 82mm with a lens cap that can be used with the ring left in place on the lens if desired. The filters are 82mm, so the adaptor rings step down, allowing you to use them across multiple lenses.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)

You can use the Mist filters, ND32 or any of the other separately available filters individually on the Base Ring. The variable ND is paired up with the polarizing filter, and using the two together works surprisingly well. To adjust the polarizing effect, you have to rotate the entire filter by releasing the rubber locking grips and turning it until the desired effect is reached. Then, to adjust the variable ND, you simply move the marker to the desired strength, which ranges from three to seven stops.

The kit also comes with an ND32 filter, which features a five-stop light-reducing density. This can be used in isolation or paired with the VND for up to a 12-stop light blocking density, so a couple of stops over a Big Stopper. With the VND at up to seven stops, there’s no color cast visible in photos, although there is a tiny hint of red or magenta when the ND32 is also attached.

When I say minor, I do mean minor – the color cast is only just visible to the color-trained eye, and this can be easily removed in editing software. When the ND32 is used in isolation, there is a slight cast that looks a little red, minimal again, like when stacked with the VND.

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(Image credit: James Abbott)

The ND filters are great for video, offering the ability to quickly control exposure while maintaining the correct shutter speed for capturing movement – the 180-degree rule. For landscape photography, you can extend exposure times to smooth water and blur clouds, while the filters also make it possible to shoot at larger apertures in bright conditions.

There’s no specific information about the glass construction of the filters, but you can see that they are coated, and image quality when using them is excellent. Color rendition is also excellent, with only the extremely minor aforementioned color cast issue. The two mist filters also work well and do what they’re claimed to do.

The Glow Mist 1/4 Filter blooms highlights slightly, smooths contrast and adds a cinematic haze without losing sharpness. With this filter, the haze spreads into midtones. In the examples below, you’ll see the sun star of the filter-free version remains, but with a bloom in the centre.

The Snow Mist 1/4 filter blooms highlights more than the Glow Mist 1/4 Filter and also smooths contrast, but with less spread into the midtones. This filter has completely bloomed the sun star into a circular highlight. Both of these filters can be used for all types of photography to apply cinematic haze effects, alongside being used for video capture.

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Polarizer at full strength (Image credit: James Abbott)

My only minor gripe with the Mega Kit is that when the ND32 and two Mist filters are inserted into the smart leatherette Filters Case with a magnetic clasp, the middle and rear filters are a bit tight when removing them from the case. The case is, however, well-made and stores the entire kit away safely.

The lens caps have NFC built in, which takes you to the freewell website ‘Hub’ for tutorials, user guides and other stuff. It’s a bit of a gimmick and possibly unnecessary, but it’s certainly an innovative and unique feature.

The rear cap, which attaches to the VND/CPL, has a built-in gray card and white balance for color calibration. This, I have to say, is extremely useful, especially for video capture, where you can ensure color consistency when shooting without filters and with filters at different strengths.

Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit: key specs

Filter slots

Stackable

Adaptor rings

82mm included (49mm to 82mm available separately)

Polarizing filter

Built into VND

Case included

Yes

Lens cap

Yes

Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit price and availability

There are two Real Locking VND/CPL kits available: the Mega Kit and the All Day kit. These are available now at Amazon and the Freewell website. The All Day Kit is available for $250 at Amazon US and includes the VND3-7/CPL Base, an ND32, an 82mm Base Ring, an NFC Front Lens Cap, a White Balance Back Cap, a Filters Case and a Cleaning Cloth for. The same All Day kit costs £227.43 at Amazon in the UK. Australia price TBC.

The Mega Kit includes all of the above, plus a Snow Mist 1/4 and a Glow Mist 1/4. This kit costs $350 and pricing for both is in USD on the Freewell website, meaning if you live outside the US you'll need to check the exact cost in your own currency at the time of purchase.

The kits aren’t cheap, but they’re priced similarly to magnetic filter kits. Other filters can be purchased separately, as well as additional Base Rings, which come with corresponding NFC Front Lens Caps.

Should I buy the Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit?

(Image credit: James Abbott)Buy it if...

You require convenience

This is a comprehensive stackable filter solution that can be used with a wide range of lenses.

You’d like portability

You would like a compact and lightweight filter system for photography and video capture.

Don't buy it if...

You need ND grads

If you’d like to use ND graduated filters to control sky exposure, you’ll need a square filter system.

You only need a VND

If you only need a variable ND filter, a simple VND will be a more appropriate and less expensive option.

How I tested the Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit

Used for photo and video capture
Filters tested individually and stacked
Tested in differing light conditions

I tested the Freewell Real Locking VND/CPL Mega Kit over a couple of weeks and used for a variety of photography and video shoots using different lenses with 82mm and 77mm filter threads. I used filters individually and stacked as required to assess performance in a range of configurations.

I also tested the filters in different light conditions to check their effectiveness in regard to the manufacturer's claims, as well as how the effects of the Mist filters work in different situations.

First reviewed October 2025

Categories: Reviews

Audiophiles on a budget need to buy these wireless earbuds now – I've tested them and they're the real deal

Sat, 10/11/2025 - 05:00

Soundpeats H3: Two-minute review

While you’ll most likely know Chinese headphone company Soundpeats from its dime-a-dozen budget buds, this rare foray into the mid-range market is still enough to pique interest… and to open wallets, because let me be clear: these are some of the best cheap headphones I’ve tested all year.

The Soundpeats H3 (no, you’re not expected to have heard of the H2) look like and sound like premium earbuds, and they make easy work of rivals at their price point, such as the AirPods 4.

The unique selling point here is the specs list, as the buds each have three drivers per earpiece (the AirPods, for example, have one) which let them handle the extremes of the audio spectrum with grace. They offer a vivid, insightful and well-defined sound, an expansive soundstage and support for a range of audio codecs.

I personally appreciated how Soundpeats didn’t follow the example set by most other mid-range and budget audio brands: the buds don’t turn the bass up to 11 to excite, at the expense of balanced sound, making them an option that offers something distinct from other buds you might be considering.

Audiophiles on a budget should add this to the shopping list straight away – and I do not write that lightly.

The premium sound is reflected in the design, with both the buds and case looking chic and classy. The earpieces also fit well and I never had problems with them falling out, which isn’t something I can say about many non-stem earbuds.

If there are issues with the Soundpeats H3, or at least reasons to temper your expectations, it’s in the features department. The battery life and active noise cancellation (ANC) are both a little below what I’ve experienced in other similarly-priced earbuds, and I had some app connection troubles (these didn’t affect streaming music, just using Soundpeat’s apps for some extra functionality).

Despite these small setbacks, the Soundpeats H3 are still exemplary earbuds that have certainly earned their way onto personal ‘best headphones’ list of 2025.

Soundpeats H3 review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

Released in September 2025
Costs $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$142
Slightly pricier than AirPods (in most regions)

The Soundpeats H3 were released in September 2025, as a follow-up to 2021’s Soundpeats H2 – given that the new buds cost almost twice as much as their predecessors, and look vastly different too, it seems that the name is the only thing these buds have in common.

The new earbuds cost $149.99 / £139.99 / AU$142 (no, that’s not a typo, the buds are inexplicably cheaper in Australia compared to the rest of the world, given that an exact conversion would put them closer to AU$280).

That’s not cheap cheap like most Soundpeats earbuds, and it means the H3 bumps shoulders with the $129 / £129 / AU$219 AirPods 4, but any buds that serious audiophiles will be considering will cost a fair bit more. Top picks from Sony, Apple and Bose have much higher price tags.

Soundpeats H3 review: Specs

Drivers

12mm + dual balanced armatures

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life (ANC off)

7 hours (buds) 37 hours (case)

Weight

6g (buds) 53g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

Waterproofing

IPX5

Soundpeats H3 review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

ANC is fine, but can be beaten by rivals
7/37 hour battery life (ANC off)
Occasional app connectivity problems

According to Soundpeats, the H3 last for 7 hours of listening time before needing to be charged. From my testing, this figure is presumably with ANC turned off, as I listened with it turned on and just scraped the 5 hour mark.

Soundpeat’s figures continue to 37 hours for the case, which again would be lower if your noise cancelling is hogging all the charge. That’s still a fair amount higher than many other rivals though, so I can’t knock it.

Another case of ‘fine, but not the best’ comes with the noise cancellation, which will certainly take the edge off surrounding sounds but not remove them. Some of the environments I was in when testing the buds included the gym, near busy roads, on the train and on a flight, and the H3’s ANC would rarely totally remove a sound, but was decent at reducing its volume so your music could sit over the top.

I can’t say the same about Transparency mode, however, which seemed to amplify ambient noise while muffling voices – that’s the opposite of what it’s meant to do.

In an apparent attempt to make my testing job harder, Soundpeats offers two different apps which you can use to control the buds (they work independently, so you only need one, but to do my job well I have to test both): there’s the SOUNDPEATS app (all caps in the name, not my excitement) as well as PeatsAudio.

SOUNDPEATS has the same features as PeatsAudio but also a little bit less visual flair… when it picks up the buds, which wasn’t always the case during my testing. Sometimes I had to re-enrol the buds in the app to listen.

You can use the app to toggle what the touch controls do, change the volume and language of voice prompts, turn on LDAC, connect to multiple devices, test your buds’ fit to see if you’re wearing them properly and, in theory, play with a 9-band equalizer. I say ‘in theory’ because every time I tried opening this part of the app, I got an error message in Chinese and also an error screen saying an error occurred in English, so could never try it. This happened even when I reset the app and the earbuds.

PeatsAudio, meanwhile, has most of the features of SOUNDPEATS but the EQ actually worked. I sometimes found that LDAC toggled itself though, once when I was looking at (and not touching) the toggle on the app. Unless I’ve unknowingly been cast in a new Paranormal Activity movie, that’s a possible bug.

Features score: 3/5

Soundpeats H3 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

Light, well-fitting buds
Handy touch controls
Bulky carry case

I’ve never given Soundpeats kudos for original design, mostly because it’s never deserved any, but that’s certainly different now. The Soundpeats H3 have a unique and, dare I say, classy design.

It starts with the charging case, which I’ll readily admit is too big to comfortably fit in a pocket, but it makes up for it with its looks. The shell is transparent so you can see the buds while a gold trim blends well with the black; opening the case reveals the buds as well as a leather-esque patterned design. Admittedly the panel pleading “Hear the difference” looks a little gauche, especially with its inconsistent font that sees the ‘f’s descend to different levels, but this error triggers the editor in me instead of the tech reviewer in me, so I’ll let it slide.

Talking of letting things slide, let’s slide out the buds. These are in-ears with no stem; the whole thing sits in your ear. I’m generally skeptical about the reliability and fit of buds like this, as I’ve tested too many that are too heavy and fall from your ears, but the Soundpeats H3 worked a dream. They sat comfortably in my ear, never falling out and barely being noticeable during listening.

I’m a fan of how the shape of the H3’s body loosely resembles an ear, making the buds look like a part of the body when worn. This has a functional benefit too, with a small raised section at the far side of the body to the bud bearing a little hook, which helps keep the bud in place.

Each bud has a touch control and I found these fairly convenient to use. It feels like you can tap anywhere to trigger the function, instead of on one specific area, so you won’t waste time hammering away at your ear hoping to pause your music.

One thing that could be better here is the waterproofing which, at IPX5, sits below quite a few rivals. That marks the buds as being fine against sweat and rain but not water immersion or jets of water.

Design score: 4.5/5

Soundpeats H3 review: Sound quality

Three drivers per bud
Lovely neutral sound
Range of codecs supported

(Image credit: Future)

Why do these buds rate so highly? This section. The Soundpeats H3 come with three drivers, more than most rival buds: there’s a 12mm dynamic driver paired with two balanced armatures which in tandem, according to the company, ensure the entire audio spectrum is covered.

It works too, with the H3 perhaps the best-sounding mid-range earbuds I’ve ever tested that don’t have a bass focus (an important distinction given that many rivals focus on powerful bass more than Soundpeats has).

Treble is clearly the focus here. The balance, brimming with clarity and making vocals and higher-frequency instruments sparkle with energy and clarity, is refreshing and insightful. This extends to mids, which get to make a rare and detailed appearance, after getting somewhat overlooked in the vast majority of similarly-priced wireless earbuds.

Lower frequencies aren’t as powerful as on many rival buds, but they’re better-defined too, which more than makes up for it – the integrated bassline these buds provide sits well in the mix without ever dominating or encroaching.

There’s a lovely sound separation going on too, spacing and layering each musical passage and instrument in a way that justifies the use of multiple drivers.

Not content with a solid array of hardware, Soundpeats has included support for a wide variety of wireless audio codecs too, including aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LDAC, AAC and SBC. I only briefly tested with LDAC for fear of running down the battery (unless the app turned it on without telling me…) but the buds’ release at the same time as Spotify Lossless is a lovely little treat for audio reviewers.

Sound quality: 4.5/5

Soundpeats H3 review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve got an ongoing list of great-value mid-range wireless earbuds that I can recommend to people who ask for my advice – placement on the list boils down to whether or not I’d buy it myself if, god forbid, I stopped getting sent buds to test.

The Soundpeats H3 certainly earn a place on the list. They may not have the features of rivals but the audio chops more than make up for it. They sound great and, more importantly, distinctly different from most same-priced rivals – all for half the price of other audiophile-grade earbuds.

Value: 4/5

Should I buy the Soundpeats H3?

(Image credit: Future)Soundpeats H3 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Middling battery life and ANC, with some app connection problems.

3/5

Design

Attractive and lightweight buds, albeit with a bit of a big case.

4.5/5

Sound quality

The specs list doesn't lie with these well-tuned buds.

4/5

Value

They're not the cheapest buds ever, but they're a lot more affordable than other equally-great sounding buds.

4/5

Buy them if…

You like stem-less buds
It's rare that I rate in-ear buds that don't have stems, as they often have balance or fit issues, but not here.

You like detailed, expansive-sounding tunes
Bass-heads might look away, but we don't need them anyway (jokes! You're very welcome here). These are some of the best-sounding earbuds that don't focus too heavily on 'excitement' via low end clout.

You value codec support
I've tested some great-sounding buds that don't go the extra mile by supporting extra, higher-resolution Bleutooth codecs. Soundpeats has you covered if you want high-quality music wirelessly.View Deal

Don’t buy them if…

You need top-notch ANC
The noise cancellation isn't terrible, but plenty of other similarly-priced buds will beat the H3 for blocking out background sound.

You're a devout app user
While some earbuds users ignore the app, people who do spend time on PeatsAudio or SOUNDPEATS might find them frustrating.

Soundpeats H3 review: Also consider

Soundpeats H3

OnePlus Buds 4

AirPods 4

Skullcandy Method 360

Drivers

12mm + dual balanced armatures

11mm + 6mm

Custom Apple design

12mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

12mm + dual balanced armatures

11 hours (buds) 45 hours (case)

5 hours (buds) 30 hours total (with case)

11 hours (earbuds), 29 hours (total)

Weight

6g (buds) 53g (case)

4.73g (buds) 40g (case)

4.3g (buds); 32.3g (case)

11g (buds) 77g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 5.3

Waterproofing

IPX5

IP55

IP54

IPX4

Apple AirPods 4
Given the similar price, these are a natural competitor, but despite their popularity we're not overwhelmed by the AirPods. Soundpeats H3's audio, look and battery life all win out here.

See our full Apple AirPods 4 review

OnePlus Buds 4
If you want top-notch ANC, these slightly-cheaper buds are what you need, and they're also unlike the Soundpeats in that the audio mix clearly favors bass. They're for a very different kind of user, but that means that if you're not keen on the H3, they might have what you're looking for.

See our full OnePlus Buds 4 review

How I tested the Soundpeats H3

(Image credit: Future)

Tested for 21 days
Tested at home, in the office and on walks

I tested the Soundpeats H3 for at least three weeks in order to write this review.

For testing, the buds were connected to my Android phone and I used music platforms including Spotify, Tidal, Netflix, YouTube and various games. I tested at home, on walks around my neighborhood and on various modes of transport, including trains and planes.

I've been reviewing gadgets for TechRadar for six years now, including many earbuds across a wide range of prices.

First reviewed in October 2025

Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Categories: Reviews

The CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing is an expensive-looking, super-cheap smartwatch

Sat, 10/11/2025 - 03:00

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: One minute review

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

The CMF Watch 3 Pro is Nothing's latest budget smartwatch, and no, that's not a typo. Bizarrely, the naming scheme has changed slightly, and the successor to the CMF Watch Pro 2 is the CMF Watch 3 Pro.

Naming confusion aside, the latest CMF watch brings with it some upgrades. The screen is now 1.42 inches up from 1.32 inches, and it's also slightly brighter, with slimmer bezels. In addition, there's now dual-band GPS onboard for improved workout tracking, a slightly bigger battery and it pairs to the new Nothing X app.

It's not all good news, though. The larger size makes the screen easier to use, but it also means that it may be too large for some wrists, with only one size available. Nothing has also ditched the swappable bezels on this model, and unfortunately, it costs more, too.

Overall, it's a stylish smartwatch with great software, extremely long battery life and plenty of features. Despite the higher MSRP, it's still very affordable. This higher price brings with it tougher competition, and unless you're a huge fan of the CMF styling, this one could be a tough sell.

It certainly doesn't seem worth a buy if you already own the CMF Watch Pro 2, but if you're coming from the original CMF Watch, this is a substantial upgrade. It's not perfect, but I've thoroughly enjoyed using it.

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Specifications

Component

CMF Watch 3 Pro

Price

$99 / £99 / AU$179

Dimensions

54 x 47 x 15.2mm

Weight

47g including strap

Case/bezel

Aluminum alloy

Display

466 x 466px AMOLED

GPS

Dual-band GPS / GLONASS / Galileo / QZSS / Beidou

Battery life

Up to 13 days

Connection

Bluetooth 5.3

Water resistance

IP68

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

£99 in the UK
$99 in the US
AU$179 in Australia

The CMF Watch 3 Pro carries an MSRP of £99/$99, making it £30 more expensive than the Watch Pro 2, which launched at £/$69 last summer. That increase could be a tough pill to swallow, especially considering the value proposition was one of the key selling points of previous models.

That said, the CMF Watch 3 Pro is already discounted to £79 in the UK, and considering how new it is, you might expect that price gap to close even further in the coming months. Either way, it still remains very affordable for such a feature-packed watch.

Value score 4/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Design & display

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

1.43-inch AMOLED display
Dark Grey, Light Grey and Orange options
Replaceable liquid silicon wrist strap

The CMF Watch 3 Pro features a 1.43-inch circular AMOLED display, a big increase over the last generation's 1.32-inch display. It also has slimmer bezels, and it's slightly brighter, rated at 670 nits up from 620 nits. This size increase is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes the display nicer to look at and easier to interact with. But it also makes the watch very large.

It's still super lightweight, weighing only 47 grams with the strap attached, but it's a chunky unit. I'm a pretty big guy, and I think it looks nice on my wrist, but I certainly wouldn't want to go any bigger. Those with dainty wrists need not apply.

The CMF Watch Pro 2 was a dramatic redesign compared to the original CMF Watch, but with the third iteration, the design feels very familiar. It still has a minimalistic circular design with a single rotating crown that can be pressed like a button on the right-hand side.

One thing that has changed, though, is that the bezel is no longer swappable, so it's crucial that you pick the style that you like best when you buy it. Like before, there are flatter, more angular bezel options, as well as a more curvy version. The Light Gray model I have in for testing has the textured curved bezel: the raised lip should help keep the screen free from scratches, and it looks quite fetching, too.

The body of the watch is made from aluminium, and I think the bezel is too, but it looks and feels a little plasticky, which detracts from an otherwise premium experience.

As for the display itself, it's pretty great. It has a 60Hz refresh rate, which looks smooth enough when you're swiping around the OS, and while most of the OS is black, white and orange, colours look very vibrant when they appear. It's not the brightest display around, but I never had trouble reading it, and given the budget price point, I think the performance is acceptable.

One thing I didn't like so much, though, was the brightness of the always-on display. I usually like to keep the always-on display active, as it means I don't need to raise my wrist to glance at the time. However, this one is so dim and hard to read that it doesn't really seem worth the battery drain.

Like its predecessor, the Watch 3 Pro has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This means it's well protected against dust, and it can be fully submerged in freshwater, but Nothing doesn't recommend using it for swimming or in the ocean.

Design score: 4/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Features

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

131 sport tracking modes
Nothing X app for Android and iOS
Essential News and Recording Transcription

The CMF Watch 3 Pro runs Nothing's proprietary software, just like previous models, and the way that it functions is largely unchanged. As with the older models, Nothing's unique design language is present throughout the OS, and if you're a fan, you're sure to love the library of monochromatic minimalist watch faces.

What has changed is the companion app. The CMF Watch 3 Pro pairs with the Nothing X app, rather than the old CMF Watch app. The experience feels more polished, and the app looks nicer, in my opinion, but functionally, it's not that different. I was pleased to see that there are more options for health monitoring now. Rather than just being able to toggle on or off all-day heart rate tracking, you can now choose how frequently the sensor reads your heart rate.

Nothing has continued to add additional exercise tracking modes to the watch, and there are now 131 different options to choose from. This includes extremely niche activities like parkour and parachuting, as well as some sports I've never even heard of, like sepak takraw (a volleyball-like game from Southeast Asia). No matter what you're into, there's a good chance it's here.

There's a new feature called Essential News, which is supposed to read you a daily summary of your preferred news topics using AI, but I just couldn't make it work. That's a shame, as it seems like a cool feature, but I tried on a couple of different phones, and it would always say "Playing", but nothing would happen.

Recording Transcription is another new feature, and thankfully, this one actually worked. Essentially, you can record a voice memo on your watch, and then you can transfer it to your phone, where it will be transcribed into text.

It seems very accurate, but I'm just not really sure what the purpose of it is. I guess if you have a brilliant idea while you're away from your phone, you could use this, but I think there are very few people who will find this feature useful.

Another slight tweak is the music controller now displays album artwork, which is a nice touch. Keep in mind that there's no onboard storage with this watch, though, so you'll need to be paired to your phone to take advantage.

Features score: 3/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Performance

(Image credit: Future / Luke Baker)

Up to 13 days of battery life
Heart rate, sleep, stress and blood oxygen monitoring
Built-in dual-band GPS

One of the biggest functional changes with the Watch 3 Pro is that it now has dual-band GPS rather than single-band. How much this matters to you will depend on where you train, but whether you're in the built-up city streets or deep in the woods, you should be able to enjoy more reliable GPS tracking.

In my experience, mostly tracking walks and bike rides, the GPS was rock-solid. In fact, it was so accurate that it knew which side of the street I was on when I zoomed in on the map. Otherwise, while the array of sensors may have had some hardware upgrades, they perform the same functions as previous CMF releases.

Based on my heart rate readings from my other watches, my average and maximum BPM seemed to be correct. That said, there were a few times when the reading seemed way off, usually when I was wearing the strap slightly loose for comfort. I think you need this cranked down for the best tracking results.

The real star of the show here is the battery life. Nothing says it'll last up to 13 days on a charge, or around 4.5 days with always-on display enabled. I enabled as many features as possible, and used the watch extensively to test all its features, and I still managed well over four days per charge, so these estimations seem very accurate.

I usually wear the Huawei Watch GT5 Pro, so I'm used to exceptional battery life, but even still, the CMF Watch 3 Pro managed to impress with its longevity. If you hate charging your watch, this is an excellent choice.

Charging doesn't take too long either; it's around an hour and a half from flat to full. However, the magnetic charging puck could use a redesign thanks to an extremely flimsy connection, as the slightest of knocks can cause the watch to disconnect. It gets the job done, but it's among my least favourite charging cables.

Performance score: 3/5

CMF Watch 3 Pro by Nothing: Scorecard

I tested Google Docs and found it to be one of the best online word processors you can choose

Fri, 10/10/2025 - 05:34

The best word processors are essential tools for both personal and corporate use. They make it easy to type and edit everyday documents, from contracts to memos, articles, letters, resumes, and many more.

You can download an offline word processor or use an online version like Google Docs. This free tool, provided by Google, allows you to create and edit documents with ease. You can collaborate with other people on the same document and share or download the final work to your device.

I’ve used Google Docs for a while and can attest to its features, pros, and cons. I thoroughly tested and reviewed it to help you decide if it’s ideal for your personal or business use. Read on to learn what Google Docs offers and how it fares against alternatives.

(Image credit: Google)Google Docs: Plans and pricing

Google Docs is free for personal use. Some restrictions exist, as each Google account is limited to 15 GB of storage across all services. However, 15 GB is more than enough for the average person to create and store all their texts.

However, if you surpass the 15 GB limit, you can purchase a Google One subscription to increase your storage capacity. $20 annually unlocks 100 GB of storage, $100 offers 2 TB, and $250 annually unlocks 5 TB. This storage space can be shared between you and friends or family (whom you invite to join your Google One plan).

Companies can use Google Docs to collaborate and create documents. A Google Workspace subscription provides access to robust storage capacity and numerous Google services, including Docs.

Google Workspace offers three pricing plans – Starter, Standard, and Plus – that unlock 30 GB, 2 TB, and 5 TB of storage per account, respectively. The Starter plan costs $7 per user per month, the Standard plan costs $14 per user per month, and the Plus plan costs $22 per user per month.

A 14-day free trial is available for a Google Workspace subscription. During this trial period, employees can test the ins and outs of Google Docs, although they can also do that by using Google Docs for free from their personal Google accounts.

Google Docs: Features

Google Docs is similar to any document editor you may have worked with. It’s essentially an online version of Microsoft Word, designed for real-time collaboration. The text pane is the most prominent part of the Google Docs interface, and the features are highlighted across the top menu.

Real-time collaboration is the defining feature of Google Docs. Multiple people can work on the same document simultaneously, and every user’s changes can be monitored in real-time.

Every user working on a document has an icon displayed at the top, and their cursor is highlighted on the document. This way, as a document owner, you’ll know exactly who is working on a document and which part they’re working on.

Collaborators can highlight specific words and leave comments and suggestions for each other. When someone creates a suggestion, such as deleting a paragraph or adding a new sentence, you can click the accept button to automatically implement the suggested change or the reject button to ignore the suggestion. You can also reply to a suggestion to provide context.

Likewise, when someone leaves a comment, you can reply to the person and create a back-and-forth conversation thread if needed. Everything is displayed on the same dashboard, and you can view all comment history. This way, you can track all changes made to a document by specific users.

The version history feature allows you to view all previous versions of a document, including its original state. If you don’t like the changes that have been made, you can restore a document to a previous version at a specific date and time.

As a document owner, you control who can access a document and what they can do with it. For instance, you can allow collaborators only to view but not edit or suggest changes. You can enable collaborators to suggest changes but not make final edits.

On the corporate version, you can prevent any user outside your organization from accessing a document. Outsiders with non-organizational email addresses would need explicit permission before accessing a document in this case.

To say I enjoyed the smooth collaboration of Google Docs is an understatement. It’s the best part of using Google Docs – the ability to work together on the same document, despite being physically far apart. It felt like being in the same room with my collaborators.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is raging in this era, and any product that doesn’t incorporate it risks getting left behind. Google has integrated AI features into Google Docs, bringing noticeable improvements compared to when I last reviewed the app.

If subscribed to Google Workspace, employees can switch on the Gemini AI assistant while using Google Docs. This assistant functions as a writing companion, suggesting new words, correcting errors, and refining a document to make it easy to read.

(Image credit: Google)

Gemini can generate text based on your prompts, although the text often felt robotic during my test. The good thing is that you can make the final edits to make the generated text sound more human. I enjoyed Gemini’s suggestions and corrections of mistakes I initially overlooked. I can attest to it being a productivity boost when creating and editing texts.

Creating business documents from scratch can be hectic. Often, users don’t know where to begin, but Google Docs provides help. It features a collection of templates that can serve as the foundation of your document. Examples include meeting notes, product roadmaps, project proposals, and sales quotes.

The free version has these templates, albeit in limited numbers. Google Workspace subscribers have access to a much larger template collection. Another advantage for Google Workspace subscribers is the ability to append e-signatures to documents. These signatures are just as legally binding as manually appended ones, so you can use them to sign contracts, invoices, vendor agreements, and other crucial corporate documents.

Google Docs is integrated with many other Google tools, including Drive, Meet, Chat, Tasks, and more. For instance, you can create new Google Docs files directly from Google Drive or upload existing documents into Google Drive and edit them with Google Docs. Any changes you make to Google Docs will be automatically saved to Google Drive.

I earlier mentioned that Google Docs’ collaborative features made me feel like I was in the same room with other people working on my document. It gets even better with the Google Meet integration, which allows you to host video meetings directly within the Docs interface.

You can create a new meeting and invite other collaborators, or join existing meetings created by others. This way, you can pass across vital information while editing a document.

Similarly, you can chat with collaborators in real-time, thanks to the Google Chat integration. If video-conferencing isn’t convenient, chat is a reliable alternative to exchange vital information during collaborative edits.

Another standout feature is Voice Typing, which allowed me to dictate text into my document instead of typing endlessly. This feature is based on Google’s advanced speech-to-text technology. However, don’t expect perfection. It’ll make some mistakes when converting your speech to text, which you’ll have to correct afterwards.

Language translation is also available, based on Google Translate. You can translate text into over 100 languages, but don’t expect perfect translation. When I translated several texts, the system often struggled with context and translating uncommon words. It works for basic use cases, but it isn’t as good as a professional translator.

I’ve discussed a lot about Google Docs’ internal features, but it doesn’t end there. Google Docs notably has “add-ons,” which are third-party integrations created by other developers. Some of these add-ons are free, while others require payment.

Examples of add-ons I used include an AI-based video generator, a plagiarism checker, and a tool for creating detailed diagrams. Depending on your personal or organizational needs, you can select relevant add-ons from the Google Workspace marketplace.

I could spend all day talking about Google Docs’ features, but that would be tiresome. Clearly, Google Docs offers a robust feature set on both the free and personal tiers. It’s one of the best tools you can use for document editing and creation.

(Image credit: Google)Google Docs: Interface and in use

Google Docs has a user-friendly interface that I think anyone can navigate. If you’ve ever used a word processor like Microsoft Word, it feels exactly the same. Even as a new user, the features are neatly arranged in a way you can quickly grasp.

All formatting buttons are arranged across the top menu, and you’ll type in the main body below. The buttons have distinct icons that let you understand them at a glance.

If clicking buttons gets tiring, you can use keyboard shortcuts to achieve the same functionality as many of the buttons. However, these shortcuts can be a steep learning curve, so don’t expect to know them all within a short time. Similarly, Google Docs’ extensive features can present a steep learning curve, but you can understand the advanced features with time.

Google Docs is accessible from your web browser or mobile app. The mobile app allows you to edit documents offline, and you can also enable offline editing on the web browser version. When you reconnect to the internet, any changes made in offline mode will be automatically synced.

Google Docs: Support

Google provides decent support for free users. You won’t have access to direct help, but Google’s help center contains extensive user guides, tutorials, and solutions to common issues encountered on Google Docs.

When I faced any challenges with Google Docs, I consulted the help center and always found a solution. It helps that Google Docs is an intuitive tool that didn’t give me many problems in the first place.

If subscribed to Google Workspace, you have access to significantly more support resources. You can speak directly with a Google support representative to resolve issues. Support reps are available via email or live chat. Companies subscribed to the Enterprise plan have a dedicated account representative who provides swift support.

You can also seek help in Google’s official support forum. This website has fairly active users who exchange solutions to each other’s issues. You can post a question on this forum and receive answers.

Google Docs: The competition

Competition is intense in the document editing software niche. Consumers have endless options when seeking document editing software, but how do they fare against Google Docs?

The main competitor I’d like to highlight is Microsoft 365 (Word Online). Microsoft Word is the most popular offline word processor with which most people are familiar. Under Microsoft 365, you can access an online version of Microsoft Word with similar features to Google Docs.

From my perspective, Google Docs fares better in real-time collaboration than Microsoft Word Online. The latter has collaborative features, but doesn’t feel as smooth as that of Google Docs.

However, Microsoft Word Online beats Google Docs in advanced formatting. It offers a broader range of document editing features than Google Docs, and it supports a wider variety of text file formats.

From my perspective, the strengths of each boil down to Microsoft Word being designed first for offline use, before an online version was later developed. Hence, it excels more at text formatting and features designed for offline use.

In contrast, Google Docs was built as an online collaborative platform from its inception. The developers have honed the collaborative editing features to deliver the smoothest experience.

Google Docs: Final verdict

Google Docs is an excellent choice for document editing. In particular, the free version offers many features that competitors charge money for.

The business version, part of Google Workspace, offers a good bang for your buck when considering the numerous other Google apps you gain access to. Google Docs is one of the best online word editors I recommend for personal and business use.

We've listed the best online collaboration tools .

Categories: Reviews

Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst have incredible chemistry in Roofman’s Toys R Us true tale gone wild

Fri, 10/10/2025 - 03:00

If you've never heard the jaw-dropping true story of Jeffrey Manchester, the new Paramount movie Roofman is about to school you in the best way. Don't expect it to outline the facts, but you'll be guaranteed a good time with this endearingly unhinged slice of Toys R Us-themed entertainment.

Remember the good old days in the nineties and noughties when your parents would take you to the toy store to pick something out, if you'd been really well behaved? My eye always gravitated towards the rows on rows of bikes, wishing I could ride one of the ever-so-shiny frames straight out of the door of the shop.

Turns out that if you were a kid living in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2004, you were likely coming toe-to-toe with Jeffrey Manchester, a convicted criminal who spent six months holed up in the city's Toys R Us after escaping from prison (Manchester was previously sentenced to 45 years incarceration for armed robbery and kidnapping). I swear on my own mother's life that this is what actually happened.

In Roofman, Channing Tatum takes on the role of the charming escapee, and it's undeniably the best performance of his career so far. The Magic Mike star's latest role is much more revealing (not like that) and vulnerable, and frankly, Tatum's portrayal of a man who really loves and wants to do right by his kids makes him the hottest he's ever been.

Roofman makes takes the Jeffrey Manchester story to a new level of entertaining

Here's our basic premise: a man robs 45 (yes, 45) McDonalds stores to provide for his kids after leaving the US Military with no support or direction. After a short time in prison, he uses his onsite job in the woodwork shop to make a fake bottom for their weekly delivery truck to hide in, successfully escaping to you know where.

What's most surprising is that the movie version of Manchester falls in love with one of the Toys R Us workers and integrates himself into her church and family – and again, that's what really happened. Every sequence of events seems so unfeasible that it must have been engineered by director Derek Cianfrance to make a plausible movie narrative, but the work was done for him.

If you've ever thought you could survive on the run, Manchester is proof that even if you pick a smart strategy, you will get stung by love and pick up a lot of cavities along the way. Tatum's connection with Kirsten Dunst's character Leigh isn't only what pulls Manchester away from success, but it's what pulls us more into the storytelling.

Together, they're an unlikely yet exceptional pair. The perfect cross-section between what's right and wrong with suburban America. Although, the two never fully reveal their truth to each other before it's too late to act. Isn't that always the way? Leigh in particular is an intriguing portrayal of what happens when a woman suddenly (and unashamedly) decides to go after what she wants, and how that doesn't always end in a happy ever after.

Take a shot every time you see an A-grade actor being underused

Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester in Roofman. (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Tatum's balance between kind-hearted loverman and an intelligent criminal is pitch perfect, and seeing the after-hours dynamics in the most magical store in our cultural zeitgeist is solid entertainment, but there are some flaws.

Most notably, Roofman dips around the two-thirds mark. Once we've established how Manchester hid himself and how he successfully lived a double life with Leigh and her children, we've seen the whole movie. The ending, though I won't spoil it, is pretty guessable, despite the true story certainly being available on Google. There isn't enough substance or momentum to drive us through the 126 minute runtime, and that's to the Paramount movie's detriment.

It goes without saying that none of what we see touches the sides of following what happened in real life (though stay until the end for more on this). However, that doesn't mean we needed key details very obviously spoonfed to us. We find out what happened between Manchester and Leigh because another character literally asks Tatum that question, which is the equivalent of reading stage directions aloud.

On top of this, we've got a stacked cast who barely get any screentime, ranging from Ted Lasso's Juno Temple to The Residence's Uzo Aduba. If a film is going to feature people we desperately want to see, it's unhinged that we have to plead (like this) for it to actually do that.

But are any of us watching Roofman for it to blow us away or to win awards? Of course not. I'd probably recommend watching a YouTube video of Manchester's story instead (until an inevitable Netflix documentary comes out), but Roofman is worth it for Tatum alone. Flawed, funny and flaming good at what he does, and that's what we want from any leading man.

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I tested Google Meet and found it a user-friendly video conferencing platform good for small to medium-sized businesses

Fri, 10/10/2025 - 02:39

The best video conferencing software is essential in every workforce now. It fosters seamless communication and collaboration between employees regardless of their location. It’s a must-have for companies in 2025, but choosing the right videoconferencing platform in a sea of options can be daunting.

Google Meet is one of the options you’ll likely encounter when researching videoconferencing software. It’s offered by Google, a company best known for its search engine and a host of other software tools. Google Meet is an intuitive platform that’s directly integrated with other Google apps, and it has its unique pros and cons.

I’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed Google Meet to help you decide whether it’s an ideal tool to adopt. Read on to learn about Google Meet’s features, pros, cons, and how it compares to the competition.

(Image credit: Google)Google Meet: Plans and pricing

Google Meet is free for personal use, but the personal version lacks some of the features available in the paid business plans. I used the free Google Meet version to hold video calls, and it worked excellently. However, it became limiting when using it as a group.

On the free plan, group meetings are limited to a maximum of 100 participants and a 60-minute duration. Some helpful group meeting features, including recording, attendance tracking, and admin controls, aren’t available on the free plan.

The paid version of Google Meet isn’t offered as a standalone plan. Instead, it’s part of a Google Workspace plan that unlocks access to Meet and many other tools. There are three standard Workspace plans: Starter, Standard, and Plus.

The Starter plan costs $7 per user per month. Under this plan, Google Meet is restricted to 100 participants and a 60-minute meeting duration, similar to the free plan. However, it offers additional features not available on the free plan, such as live captions.

The Standard plan costs $14 per user per month. Under this plan, the maximum number of meeting participants increases to 150, and the meeting duration is extended to 24 hours. It also unlocks enhanced features, such as polling, Q&As, and meeting recordings, which are saved to Google Drive. Each account has 2 TB of storage, so there’s ample space to store recorded meetings.

The Plus plan costs $22 per user per month. Here, a maximum of 500 participants can hold video meetings for up to 24 hours. It has advanced capabilities, including attendance tracking and the ability to dial into meetings by calling a designated phone number.

There’s an Enterprise plan with no specific pricing, but it’s best suited for companies with large workforces (500+). If you represent such a large organization, you can contact Google’s sales team to negotiate a deal.

A 14-day free trial is available for Google Workspace plans, during which you can test Meet’s features before making your final decision.

Google Meet: Features

Google Meet is designed for videoconferencing between many participants. A major appeal of Google Meet is that you don't need to download any app to use it, although a mobile app is available for convenient access. You can run Google Meet and utilize all its features on your web browser.

I enjoyed Google Meet’s intuitive interface, which made starting and managing meetings a seamless process. Unlike several other videoconferencing tools I’ve tested, new users can grasp Google Meet’s interface without needing much help.

To start a new video meeting, users can click the "New meeting" button, which is prominently displayed on the Google Meet landing page. You can create instant video meetings or schedule them for a later time.

After scheduling a meeting, you can create a unique link for other participants to join. If needed, you can set a passcode to add an extra layer of security. One of the best features I tested was the ability for participants to join meetings by dialing a phone number – Google will create a unique phone number for each meeting.

I’ve discussed the limitations of the free version, including the number of participants and meeting duration. This free version works well for personal use, but a Workspace subscription is what unlocks the full value of Google Meet and its features.

A key feature is the ability to record meetings, which is available on the Standard plan or above. Recording meetings is standard practice in many organizations, as it lets you review content for mistakes and share information with colleagues who couldn’t attend the original meeting.

Meeting recordings are saved on Google Drive, from which they can be easily accessed. With the Standard plan providing 2 TB of storage per user and the Plus plan offering 5 TB, there’s sufficient space to store many meeting recordings. However, if you run out of storage space, you can upgrade to a higher plan for additional storage or delete old recordings that are no longer useful.

I enjoyed using the polling and Q&A features, which make video meetings more interactive. As the meeting administrator, you can create polls to gauge participants’ opinions on topics related to the meeting.

For example, if debating on a corporate decision, you can make a poll for participants to vote on the direction to take. Technically, the poll could be about anything, but it’s mainly used for topics relevant to the meeting.

(Image credit: Google)

The Q&A feature enables meeting participants to ask questions and receive feedback. These questions can be addressed during the meeting or later. After the meeting concludes, the host and moderator receive a detailed report of all questions asked, providing them with ample time to prepare detailed answers.

Attendance tracking is a valuable feature that Google Meet provides. With this feature, meeting hosts can track which invited participants attend their meeting and which do not. After a meeting, the host will receive an email report summarizing the attendance and duration, including participant names, join/leave times, and the total time each participant spent in the meeting.

If your meeting has a large number of participants, you may need to split participants into smaller groups to discuss relevant topics. It’s similar to how large conferences have smaller meetings that take place between main sessions. Google Meet offers a Breakout Rooms feature that makes this easy.

With Breakout Rooms, you can divide participants into smaller groups that hold distinct video meetings. These breakout meetings work exactly like the main one, with the same Q&A, polling, and attendance tracking features, among others. During a breakout meeting, participants can leave at any time and return to the main session.

From my observation, Google Meet’s audio quality is much better than that of most videoconferencing apps. I think there’s a simple explanation: Google Meet was relatively late to the videoconferencing game, having launched in 2017, compared to competitors like Zoom, which was launched in 2012 and Skype (now discontinued in favor of Microsoft Teams), which launched in the early 2000s.

To differentiate itself amid intense competition, Google’s engineers invested heavily in audio quality. Google Meet offers adaptive audio, which automatically tweaks audio settings to fit your environment, and noise cancellation powered by artificial intelligence (AI). I tested these features and they worked very well, hence my observation of Google Meet’s enhanced sound quality compared to other videoconferencing platforms.

I liked that I could share my screen with other participants during meetings. Screen sharing helps users communicate clearly and address problems in real-time. For example, you can teach a colleague how to use a software tool by demonstrating it live on your desktop, and they’ll view each step you take.

Live captioning is another helpful Google Meet feature, especially during group meetings. When turned on, every spoken word is automatically translated into text you can read. When testing the live captioning feature, it worked well most of the time, but occasionally made mistakes, which is the typical experience with transcription tools.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the talk of this era, and Google Meet doesn’t disappoint in this sector. I used the “takes notes for me” feature powered by Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which can listen in on meetings and summarize the meeting notes for you. Meeting notes are saved in Google Drive, from which you can access them.

Like with most AI-based features, the meeting notes weren’t perfect. I noticed a few mistakes here and there, but they were decent, although not yet as good as taking the notes manually.

(Image credit: Google)Google Meet: Interface and in use

I won’t mince words to say that Google Meet has a stellar interface. User-friendliness is an area where it outshines most competitors. Features are arranged neatly on the dashboard, with minimal background colors and prominently displayed buttons that make the interface easy to grasp.

Even as a first-time user, you’ll likely not have any problem understanding Google Meet’s interface. First-time users have on-screen tutorials to guide them, and a few minutes can be enough to understand the features.

Google Meet is accessible through a web interface or mobile app (iOS and Android). Both offer the same intuitive interface, functionalities, and extensive integration with other Google tools.

Google Meet: Support

Google offers decent customer support, although the available resources depend on your pricing tier.

Free users have access to Google’s Help Center, which contains detailed user guides and tutorials on Google Meet. All Google Meet features are covered in this Help Center, and it’s ideally the first place to visit for troubleshooting problems.

Free-tier users can also visit Google’s official forum and ask questions. Other users provide valuable help, and you can reciprocate by answering questions too. In my experience, Google Meet didn’t give me problems in the first place, so I didn’t need to consult the forum. The slight challenges I faced were quickly resolved by consulting the Help Center.

Expectedly, paid users have access to more support resources than free-tier users. As a paid user, you can contact Google's support team directly to help resolve any issues. You can do this via email, live chat, or telephone and get quick help. Support is generally fast, but users on the highest paid plans are prioritized more than others.

Google Meet: The competition

Videoconferencing is one of the most competitive software niches. Google Meet has many rivals, and the main ones I’d like to highlight are Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Zoom is a standalone videoconferencing software that blossomed during the Covid pandemic circa 2020 and has remained atop the industry ever since. I’ve extensively tested Zoom to note its pros and cons compared to Google Meet.

Zoom has more advanced functionalities and customization options. It supports a larger number of meeting participants, which can include up to thousands on standard plans. Suppose you want to host a large webinar with over a thousand participants– Zoom is the better choice because its standard plans can host this audience volume, unlike Google Meet.

The drawback is that Zoom isn’t as user-friendly as Google Meet. Zoom’s interface appears more cluttered, partly due to its broader feature set, and it takes longer to become accustomed to the interface than Google Meet’s.

Microsoft Teams offers similar videoconferencing features to Google Meet. However, it provides more complementary features and is integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite of business tools. It offers more customization and third-party integration, both with Microsoft tools and external platforms.

However, I found Google Meet much easier to use– its interface is less cluttered and feels more interactive. Microsoft Teams has extensive features, but there’s a steep learning curve to get used to them.

Google Meet: Final verdict

I’ll recommend Google Meet for personal use and for small to medium-sized businesses. It’s an intuitive platform with robust features and integration with other Google tools.

Google Meet isn’t the best for large enterprises with many hundreds or thousands of employees. It’s also not ideal for companies that are locked into other business software ecosystems like Microsoft 365. Rather, it’s best suited for small to medium sized businesses that want to adopt Google Workspace as their collaborative software suite.

We've featured the best alternatives to Microsoft Office.

Categories: Reviews

The Xiaomi 15T Pro may borrow from the competition, but I love it anyway

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 23:00

Xiaomi 15T Pro: One-Minute Review

Xiaomi’s T-series phones serve up an almost-flagship class experience, while making considered concessions in order to hit a significantly lower price point than typical top-tier offerings.

This year’s Xiaomi 15T Pro is a little different, however, breaking convention by toting functionality that not even the premium Xiaomi 15 Ultra has to offer, while significantly undercutting similarly-sized flagship rivals like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It's not just me saying so, Xiaomi execs made the unusual move of explicitly comparing the new phone to those rivals at the 15T Pro’s launch.

The design and software take some heavy-handed inspiration from Apple's Pro iPhones and iOS, but the 15T Pro is generally better for it. With a more elegant look and feel compared to last year's more utilitarian 14T Pro.

Software support that surpasses even the 15 Ultra helps up the value proposition, as does the assortment of launch offers Xiaomi serves the 15T Pro up with; from YouTube and Spotify Premium, to out-of-warranty repairs.

One of the largest and nicest screens we've even seen on a T-series phone sits front and center on the 15T Pro, held back only by a lower peak brightness compared to its predecessor, and the absence of a fully dynamic refresh rate that's found on full LTPO display-toting flagship rivals.

The Dimensity 9400 Plus is an excellent piece of silicon that enables top-tier everyday performance, high-fidelity gaming and decent AI capabilities too, but at least on paper, lags behind the new wave of flagship silicon now emerging from MediaTek and Qualcomm.

The Leica-backed camera experience is the best I've seen from the T-series to date, not least because of that capable new 5x periscopic telephoto camera. A rich camera user experience helps too, but collectively highlights the weaknesses in the ultra-wide in particular, which now feels like it's lagging behind the rest of the camera system.

A huge 5500mAh battery delivers great results in lab tests, but proved a little more pedestrian – in terms of longevity – in my real-world use. It nonetheless still renders the 15T Pro a capable all-day phone, and 90W fast charging gets you back up to full charge in well under 40 minutes.

All in all, this is an excellent (if a little unoriginal) next-gen entry in Xiaomi's T-series, and thanks to design, camera and software support improvements, really puts pricier rivals to shame.

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Price and Availability

Starts at £649 / €799
Announced and on sale from September 24
Not available in the US

Xiaomi’s September event in Munich served as the international launch for the Xiaomi 15T series (consisting of both the Xiaomi 15T and the Xiaomi 15T Pro). Unlike the base Xiaomi 15 series, which saw a staggered rollout that started in the company’s homeland of China, before arriving in markets elsewhere.

Just like the its predecessor (and the new iPhone 17 series), storage starts at 256GB, paired to 12GB of RAM, for which you’ll pay £649 in the UK. That’s the same as its predecessor and great value considering what the phone serves up. What’s more, Xiaomi pairs it with longer software support than even the Xiaomi 15 Ultra; increasing its value in the long-term even further.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

At the phone’s launch, the company also brought Google out on stage to reveal a three-month free Google AI Pro offer and (at the time of writing), new Xiaomi 15T Pro owners also get a three-month trial of YouTube Premium, four months of Spotify Premium, a free screen replacement within the first six months after purchase and an out-of-warranty repair within 12 months, inclusive of labour costs.

While you’ll find the Xiaomi 15T series in most markets across Asia, Europe and the UK, Xiaomi doesn’t sell its phones Stateside, so US fans will have to look at importing, if you’re dead-set on getting your hands on either of these latest phones. Doing so means no warranty, none of the above offers and potential incompatibility with local mobile carriers, however, so keep that in mind.

Whilst Xiaomi listed a ton of carrier partners at the phone’s launch, in the UK it looks like you’ll need to pick the phone up off-contract; either direct from Xiaomi’s website or from retailers like Amazon UK (who at the time of writing already offer the phone with a 12% discount).

Value score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Specs

Xiaomi 14T Pro

Xiaomi 15T Pro

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Weight:

210g

218g

233g

Display:

6.67-inch OLED

6.83-inch OLED

6.9-inch OLED

Resolution:

2712 x 1220

2772 x 1280

3120 x 1440

2868 x 1320

Refresh rate:

Up to 144Hz

Up to 120Hz

Peak brightness:

4,000 nits

3,200 nits

2,600 nits

3,000 nits

Chipset:

Dimensity 9300+

Dimensity 9400+

Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

A19 Pro

Rear cameras:

50MP wide (23mm, ƒ/1.6), 12MP ultra-wide (15 mm, ƒ/2.2), 50MP telephoto (2.6x optical zoom)

50MP wide (23mm, ƒ/1.62), 12MP ultra-wide (15 mm, ƒ/2.2), 50MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)

200MP wide (24mm, ƒ/1.7), 50MP ultra-wide (120º, ƒ/1.9), 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 50MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)

48MP wide (24mm, ƒ/1.78), 48MP ultra-wide (13 mm, ƒ/2.2), 48MP telephoto (8x optical zoom)

Front camera:

32MP (ƒ/2.0)

32MP (ƒ/2.2)

12MP (ƒ/2.2)

18MP (ƒ/1.9)

Storage:

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

Colors:

Titan Black, Titan Blue, Titan Gray

Black, Gray, Mocha Gold

Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold

Silver, Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Design

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Refined (if unoriginal) aesthetics and ergonomics
IP68 dust and water resistant up to 3m
Available in Mocha Gold, black or gray

I wasn’t sold on the aesthetics of last year’s Xiaomi 14T Pro; it was more utilitarian than its predecessor, and lacked coherence and flow. The result was an uninspired design, that while sturdy, wasn’t all that nice to handle either.

With the 15T and 15T Pro, Xiaomi’s design team took things in a different direction, and the phones are all the better for it. The satin-finish flat-sided aluminum frame feels great in the hand, and despite sporting a larger display than last year’s Pro, this year’s entry doesn’t get any heavier (still 210 grams), also boasting a thinner waistline (7.96mm, down from 8.39mm).

Tolerances are tighter, the low-profile metal hardware controls on the phone’s right side still offer up a satisfying ‘click’ when pressed, and there’s a nice contrast with the reworked metal surround around the flush new rear triple camera system. Chamfered edges adopt a polished finish that falls on the right side of looking luxurious, rather than cheap.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Although not the most adventurous compared the wider smartphone space, the Mocha Gold of my review sample (pictured) is the most head-turning colorway of the three that the phone comes in (there are also black and Gray [silver] options too), lending itself nicely to the 15T series’ generally sophisticated appearance.

The finish also repels fingerprints exceptionally well, but if you are still worried about scuffs or marks, Xiaomi does also include a dark gray flexible TPU case in-box.

One of the reasons I think I like the look of the 15T Pro so much may have to do with familiarity. That new slightly rounded frame, flat back and the pleasingly thin (27% thinner than on the 14T Pro) uniform bezels surrounding the display all echo one of the most well-known phones of the last twelve months: the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

This isn't the only heavily iPhone-inspired aspect of the 15T Pro, but it's one of the most obvious (more on that later).

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While the 15T Pro doesn't also share Apple's fleeting appreciation for titanium, Xiaomi has stated that the frame on its new phone is now even stronger (by about 17%, compared to the 14T Pro). The phone's IP68-certified protection has also improved, with support for submersion in up to three meters of water; twice the IP standard's minimum requirement.

The front is protected by Corning's mid-range Gorilla Glass 7i, which promises improved scratch resistance (it's also used to protect the camera on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and has held up extremely well after months of use, in my tests). The pre-fitted plastic screen protector, meanwhile, doesn't repel scratches all that well, even if it is still appreciated to have such added protection out-the-box.

I was totally fooled by the 15T Pro's back, which I assumed was lightly textured glass, but as confirmed by the company's Terrence Xiao at the phone's launch, it's actually fiberglass.

While not as premium on paper, Xiaomi's efforts at imitation, in reality, pay off. Not only is fiberglass going to be harder wearing than glass in the long run (boasting a tensile strength of 3000MPa), it helps keep weight down, and is likely one of the main cost-saving measures that allows the 15T Pro to hit its competitive price point.

Xiaomi states that the 15T Pro is also twice as drop-resistant as its predecessor.

Design score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Display

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

6.83-inch 12-bit AMOLED display
‘1.5K’ 2712 x 1220 resolution
Up to 144Hz dynamic refresh rate

The flat display on the 14T Pro was already capable, meaning the main benefit here is the larger size of the 15T Pro's panel (6.83-inches up from 6.67). Xiaomi has also adjusted the resolution to grant this year's larger iteration similar sharpness too (447ppi).

The more expansive viewing experience it serves up is made all the more immersive thanks to those dramatically thinner and even 1.5mm bezels. Something Xiaomi was able to achieve by using a LIPO ( low-injection pressure over-molding) process; just like Apple's Pro phones, as it happens.

The only real trade-off is this larger panel's lower brightness ceiling, with the phone promising a peak 3200-nit output, down from 4000nits on its predecessor.

Even so, in practice you can expect a great viewing experience; especially when soaking up HDR content. The 15T Pro's display offers all the benefits OLED tech is known for; deep blacks, vibrant but accurate colors, and respectable viewing angles, with minimal distortion, even when viewed off-angle.

Its abilities are bolstered by the likes of 12-bit color depth and Dolby Vision support, as well as 480Hz touch sampling, which paired with this year's larger-sized panel means it's a great screen for gaming, as well as watching media on.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

One small caveat comes with the phone's refresh rate. Just as I found with 14T Pro, while the screen is rated for super-smooth visuals at up to 144Hz, finding games or experiences that can actually hit that number eluded me. Even games like Minecraft – which supposedly supports uncapped frame rates within its own settings – topped out at 60Hz/60fps on the 15T Pro, while Call of Duty: Mobile allowed for (still impressive) 120Hz/120fps play.

The 15T Pro also doesn't use a fully-fledged LTPO panel, like you'd find on the new iPhone 17, and full-fat flagships, like Pro Pixels and the Galaxy S25 series. So although the refresh rate still adjusts dynamically, it does so in larger increments; like 30Hz, 60Hz and 120Hz. This still means power savings when possible, but when using the 15T Pro's Always-On display, for example, the panel rests at 30Hz, where an LTPO-toting phone can rest at just 1Hz, saving far more battery.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Xiaomi always spoils you, when it comes to display customization. There are three preset color profiles, plus a full custom option where you can tweak every color space attribute you can think of. Similarly to OnePlus' 'AquaTouch' screen tech, Xiaomi has Wet Touch, and there are even display options for AI-backed video upscaling, SDR to HDR conversion and motion smoothing (all of which you can turn on and off).

The 15T Pro also features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, which while not as swish as the Xiaomi 15 series' ultrasonic sensors, worked quickly and consistently during review.

Display score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Software

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

HyperOS 2 atop Android 15 at launch
Deep personalization
5 years OS + 6 years of security updates

Sticking with the display for a second, one thing that Xiaomi continues to inexplicably bury is select native Android features. One of the first things I have to do on any Xiaomi phone is download a third-party Hidden Settings app, to grant easier access to frequently-used features, like Extra Dim. Why Xiaomi's software team has been hiding such functionality since the days of MIUI is beyond me; especially when the user experience is otherwise heaped in functionality.

On the flip side, one of the things I was worried about after reviewing HyperOS 1 on the Xiaomi 14T Pro, was the presence of ads littering the UI and first-party apps, but it looks like Xiaomi has thankfully reined them in for the experience on the 15T Pro. This phone may be cheaper than a conventional flagship, but for the price, users shouldn't be running into baked-in ads, and thankfully you won't.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

One other perk to bear in mind is that the Xiaomi 15T series will be the first of the company's phones to make the jump to HyperOS 3 (atop Android 16). It felt like an upgrade Xiaomi was hoping to have ready for the 15T line's debut, but they didn't quite make it (the company's has slated the update to arrive sometime in October 2025).

I tried pre-release devices running HyperOS 3 at the phone's launch and generally, it doesn't feel like a seismic upgrade, but there are some notable (if unoriginal) additions. HyperIsland behaves exactly like iOS' Dynamic Island – save for the added ability to expand island elements out into full floating-windowed apps – plus, there's a new Liquid Glass-like search bar that persists across your home screens.

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(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

In the here and now, however, the HyperOS 2 experience on the 15T Pro is otherwise generally good. It feels wonderfully snappy (and you even have the option to toggle on richer UI animations if you want), animations are smooth and playful, there are a wealth of ways to easily access multitasking, be it the Side Toolbox (shortcuts which you swipe in from the edge of the screen) or from Xiaomi's unique take on Android's app switcher.

While there aren't any ads to worry about, there are a few duplicate apps – as examples Xiaomi's App Mall and Mi Browser – which can't be uninstalled, plus a few pre-loaded third-party inclusions – like AliExpress and WPS Office – which thankfully can.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

HyperOS can also be a little convoluted at times. Game Centre grants access to free instant web games, but an app icon for Game Turbo (Xiaomi's gaming performance management overlay) will only appear if you dip into the Security(?) app of all places, and enable a home screen icon from there.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro's user experience does boast some of Xiaomi's latest HyperAI features; like the ability to generate animated wallpapers from your photos and one of the best gallery apps around, with regards to image editing. It also features additional AI imaging tools, that are generally useful and capable, although object and reflection removal need more work (Samsung currently offers the gold standard in object removal on mobile).

One of the best oddities about the Xiaomi 15T Pro's software experience is support, with the promise of five years of OS updates and six years of software support. On the operating system side, that's an additional year over the uber-flagship Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Whilst odd, it further improves the 15T Pro's value, and spells good things for the international release of the Xiaomi 17 series.

Software score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Camera

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

50MP ƒ/1.62 Light Fusion 900 main sensor w/ OIS
First 5x periscopic telephoto on a T-series phone
12MP ultra-wide & 32MP front-facer

Generally speaking, you're going to love the look of the photos produced by the 15T Pro's camera setup. Xiaomi's ongoing partnership with Leica means Leica color science, which, paired with the tuning on Xiaomi's own custom Light Fusion 900 main sensor, doesn't fall foul of the over-brightened look the likes of Google's Pixels tend to produce.

Shadows are allowed to be shadows, but you can still expect detail and decent dynamic range. Colors appear rich (samples in this review use the default Leica Vibrant color profile, but you do have the option of the more muted Leica Authentic profile) too.

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The big upgrade this year is the jump to a 5x periscopic telephoto sensor; a first for the T-series and welcome inclusion that proves its worth. It's better suited to capturing subjects further away and compressing a scene, as its 115mm equivalent focal range is a little too long for general portrait shooting, but it does well enough in such scenarios too, in a pinch.

With a maximum zoom for 100x, the phone resorts to generative AI to make up for lacking raw image data past 20x, but I wouldn't bother zooming beyond 60x if you want a convincing final shot. Any further and it's too obvious where the AI is filling in the gaps.

With regards to portrait capture, the 15T Pro is a great option, with great edge detection and subject separation. If we're splitting hairs, the most obvious giveaway of the phone's smaller main sensor compared to the 15 Ultra comes with the quality of the bokeh. You'd be forgiven for mistaking shots taken on the Ultra as coming from a conventional camera, whilst the 15T Pro's equivalent images still look like (very good) smartphone photos.

As the smallest sensor on the back of the 15T Pro , the 12MP ultra-wide is great in bright lighting but suffers the most when less light is available. Expect more punchy and contrast-heavy images across the board, but lower fidelity shots when the lights go down.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

As a tool for creators, the Xiaomi 15T Pro seems like an excellent option, not just at its price point but in general. HDR10+ video capture across all focal lengths, up to 4K 120fps or 8K 30fps recording, plus LOG capture, LUT import and viewfinder support (i.e. an applied LUT isn't burnt into the recorded video and needs to be applied after capture), and even a teleprompter mode too.

While I feel like I'm splitting hairs, beyond physical sensor sizes, there are only subtle improvements I can think of asking Xiaomi for the next-gen T-series camera experience.

Motion tracking focus at 4K 60 and up would be great, Leica filter support above 1080p video capture, richer audio capture (most recorded audio lacked bass, in my opinion), and bigger refinements to the ultra-wide and selfie sensors, which feel as though they're being left behind.

Camera score: 5 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Performance

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset
12% larger 3D IceLoop cooling system than 14T Pro
Xiaomi Offline Communication up to 1.9km

While Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips inhabit the majority of today's best Android phones, MediaTek's premiere Dimensity silicon does sometimes find its way inside certain combatants too.

At the tail end of 2024, I was mightily impressed with the Dimensity 9400 powering the Oppo Find X8 Pro, and the 15T Pro uses a boosted '+' variant of this same chip. Xiaomi also isn't as stingy as, say, Google, with its RAM and storage; with 12GB of fast and power efficient LPDDR5X RAM (across all storage options), pared to equally capable UFS 4.1 storage – in 256GB, 512GB (as tested here) and 1TB capacities.

Xiaomi cites 12% better CPU performance, compared to the 14T Pro's previous-gen Dimensity chip (along with 41% better GPU performance and 20% better AI performance speeds), and in testing the 9400+'s Geekbench 6 multi-core score actually put it 15% ahead of the 14T Pro's Dimensity 9300+. It also slots in just behind the likes of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, found inside this year's Oppo Find N5.

In real-world use, using the Xiaomi 15T Pro feels like a premium experience, with fast app load times, consistently smooth animation and competent proglonged gaming performance, even with demanding titles.

The Dimensity 9400+ doled out a solid 60fps in games like Zenless Zone Zero (which cap at 60fps); defaulting to a blend of 'medium' and 'high' graphical settings. Heat build-up was instantly noticeable with such titles, but nothing I became concerned about, not least because the brand's 3D IceLoop cooling system (a vapor chamber cooling solution) is 12% larger on this generation Pro T-series phone.

The Xiaomi 15T and Xiaomi 15T Pro are also the first of the company's phones to support Xiaomi Offline Communication, which allows for calls and texts with another compatible device at a range of up to (in the case of the 15T Pro) 1.9km, without cellular signal, so long as a SIM is inserted (or an eSIM registered).

While not quite as outlandish as the iPhone's satellite communication, this more localized take on cellular-free communication is a pretty cool addition, which should only improve with time as Xiaomi seeds more devices with support for the feature.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: Battery

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

5500mAh battery
Up to 90W wired charging + 50W wireless charging
Rated for 1600 charge cycles

On paper, the Xiaomi 15T Pro's battery setup promises great things, with the largest capacity power pack ever seen in a T-series phone (5500mAh), backed by up to 90W wired Xiaomi HyperCharge tech. In practice, I found there was a little more nuance to the 15T Pro's longevity.

Using PCMark's Work 3.0 battery test (with the screen set to 200nits), the Xiaomi 15T Pro was one of the longest-lasting phones I've tested, with a score of 15 hours 24 minutes; clocking in just behind the 6000mAh-backed OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 13.

However, in real-world use battery life was far more pedestrian; clocking in between 5.5 and 6 hours of screen-on time per charge. In my experience, that equates to a confident day's heavy use, but not much more.

For comparison, despite only possessing a 9% larger battery, both OnePlus phones delivered 9.5 and 13 hours of screen-on time, respectively. This disparity likely comes from a mix of display, OS and processor inefficiency, compared to the OnePlus phones, but doesn't mark the 15T Pro as a weak performer by any stretch.

This remains a capable all-day phone and battery anxiety can also be kept at bay thanks to those fast recharge speeds.

Whether you get a power adapter in-box will depend on which market you're buying in, but in the UK and Europe, you'll have to source one separately to get the 15T Pro's maximum recharge speeds. You also have to enable 'Top Speed' mode in the battery sub-menu, where the phone will warn you about potential heat build-up when using the mode.

(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Out the box, with standard charging enabled, the phone's 5500mAh power pack reached only 21% charge in 30 minutes and didn't reach 100% until almost 2.5 hours. However, with Top Speed enabled, the phone hit an impressive 85% in 30 minutes and was fully charged in 37, right in line with Xiaomi's claims; so it pays to pick up the right power adapter, if you want to capitalize on this fast-charging prowess.

One small note is that, despite being faster than the majority of its more costly competition, the Xiaomi 15T Pro's 5500mAh battery does technically recharge slower than the 14T Pro's; with the previous-gen phone boasting quicker 120W wired charging.

As with the 14T Pro, the Xiaomi Surge Battery inside the 15T Pro is once again rated for 1600 charge cycles, which equates to more than four years of charging before the battery loses 80% of its original capacity. Respectable.

While there's no full-fat passthrough charging, the GameTurbo overlay does include a 'slow charge' option; designed to reduce strain on the battery during extended gaming sessions, without you worrying about losing too much juice.

Battery score: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Xiaomi 15T Pro?Xiaomi 15T Pro score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

An elegant – if unoriginal – improvement on its predecessor's more utilitarian aesthetics.

4 / 5

Display

One of Xiaomi's largest smartphone screens yet, and a great viewing experience, if only it had a true variable refresh rate.

4 / 5

Software

Longer software support and no baked-in ads are welcome upgrades, but feature-rich HyperOS is still a little convoluted and, again, unoriginal in places.

4 / 5

Camera

The best camera experience on a T-series phone yet, and a capable rival to some markedly pricier rivals. The ultra-wide is falling behind though.

5 / 5

Performance

A great high-end chip, delivers all-round performance, but it's no longer MediaTek's best.

4 / 5

Battery

A huge cell that impresses on paper proved a little more pedestrian in practice, but is still good for all-day use. 90W fast charging beats out pricier competition too, even if that's slower than its predecessor.

4 / 5

Value

There's a whole lot of phone on offer for the price, with sensible cut-backs (back material, no LTPO display), proving small sacrifices on what otherwise feels convincingly flagship-class.

5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a near-flagship camera experience

The 15T Pro's Leica-backed optics, new 5x telephoto and rich imaging feature set are superb; able to tango with much pricier camera phones.

If you want that iPhone look and feel on Android

Imitation and flattery etc. If you like the look and feel of Apple's smartphones but what the flexibility of Android, the 15T Pro's unoriginality here actually works in your favor.

You need dependable fast charging

Provided you're happy to pay extra for the fast charger (in some markets), the 15T Pro's 90W recharge speeds walk all over mainstream rivals.

Don’t buy it if...

You want the longest battery life

In spite of a huge battery, the Xiaomi 15T Pro's longevity was little more than 'adequate' in real-world use. It's not bad, but there are noteworthy alternatives that last longer.

You want a clean user experience

While credit goes to Xiaomi for squashing ads, beyond the aesthetic similarities with iOS, HyperOS behaves very differently. It's feature-packed but convoluted in places and obfuscates the odd native Android feature too.

You want the best performance

The Dimensity 9400+ is a superb piece of silicon and will last you a few years, but it's built on previous-gen tech and is already outpaced by the next wave of flagship mobile chips.

Xiaomi 15T Pro review: How I tested

Review test period: 2.5 weeks
Testing included: everyday use including web browsing, social media, photography, video calling, gaming, streaming video, music playback
Tools used: Geekbench 6, Geekbench AI, 3DMark, GFXBench, 3DMark native Android stats, Xiaomi 120W charger

I received the Xiaomi 15T Pro just ahead of travelling out to Munich for the phone's global launch, and used it every day since taking delivery of it.

It became my main camera, I used it for everything you'd expect from the phone in your pocket; spanning social media to gaming, web browsing and more.

I dipped into developer settings to assess certain aspects of the 15T Pro's performance more closely and used industry-standard benchmarks to quantify and verify the performance I experienced.

Having reviewed smartphones for 15 years, including numerous Xiaomi smartphones, as well as devices from the company's key competition, I felt equipped to review the 15T Pro; assessing its strengths and abilities against the market it's competing in.

Nintendo's official all-in-one Switch 2 case may be rammed full of storage space, but is it really worth its high asking price?

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 20:00

Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case: review

If you’re looking to buy a case for your shiny new Nintendo Switch 2, you may have come across the official Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case. This model is large enough to house your Nintendo Switch 2 console, but also everything else you’d need to enjoy the console in TV mode.

Yep, there really is a lot of room to play with here. I’m talking slots for your console, dock, controllers… the full works. But with a list price of $84.99 / £66.99 / AU$109.95, is it really worth investing in? I tested it across multiple days to find out…

If, like me, you’re someone who much prefers playing your Nintendo Switch 2 in TV mode, then this case has you covered. It’s large and spacious, with individual compartments designated for your console, dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and more. There’s also a zip-up pouch for you to store cables and any additional bits and pieces.

I was easily able to fit everything I needed within the case – something I can’t say about any other case I’ve tested.

The only aspect that could be improved storage-wise is an increase in physical game card slots. You only get six here – less than some third-party options like the Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2, for instance. Still, if you’re taking a short trip – perhaps to game at a friend’s house, for example – six slots will probably be plenty.

Let’s talk durability – a pretty big factor when deciding on which case to buy. Now this model is certainly durable enough. No, it’s not got a rock-hard exterior or anything – it’s more flexible than some rivals. Still, it’s got a decent amount of padding, and the material used for the exterior is rough enough to deal with drops and scratches. On top of that, there’s a protective flap for your Switch 2 console and dock.

I tried throwing the case on the floor and giving it a good scratch, and I didn’t see any damage, so no complaints from me.

(Image credit: Future)

I do have a couple of complaints, though. Firstly, the case’s handle is pretty narrow and doesn't extend all too much. As a result, it felt undersized in my hand. But as someone with relatively large hands, I wanted to get some additional opinions. Unfortunately, everyone in my office agreed that the handle’s extension and shape were too limiting, with one colleague noting that this resulted in a weak overall grip.

Secondly, I’d argue that the design is a little one-note. It's entirely black with no fun detailing of note. That’s not the be-all and end-all – but I would’ve liked to see a splash of color, or at the least, a few colorful options. As an official case, I feel like there was an opportunity to make use of Nintendo’s amazing IPs for a more charismatic look.

Finally, and you may have seen this coming, we need to talk about that price. This is definitely the most spacious case I’ve tested. It’s also durable and secure. But $84.99 / £66.99 / AU$109.95 is quite the investment – especially when a lot of third-party rivals are charging around half of that for a similar sort of build.

All in all, then, is the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case worth it? Well, I’m pretty torn. On one hand, I can see myself using this due to a combination of abundant storage space and solid durability. On the other hand, I’m not convinced that it's priced particularly well, and I was disappointed with the awkward handle and slightly limited number of game slots. If you’ve got the cash, it’s an option worth considering – otherwise, I’d recommend checking out some third-party alternatives.

(Image credit: Future)Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case review: price & specs

Price

$84.99 / £66.99 / AU$109.95

Dimensions

6.4 x 9.5 x 9.8 inches / 163 x 241 x 248mm

Weight

1.7lbs / 770g

Number of game card slots

Compartments

Handle

Yes

Color

Black

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Slightly one-note look, awkward handle, but plenty durable and secure.

3.5/5

Storage

Well-made individual compartments for console and accessories, only six game card slots.

4.5/5

Value

Despite high storage and ruggedness, it’s very expensive and not without its flaws.

3.5/5

Buy it if…

You want a highly secure case
I was more than satisfied with the durability of Nintendo’s official all-in-one case. It’s got a hardy, yet flexible exterior, a protective flap for your Switch 2 console and dock, and secure compartments for all of your accessories.

You’ve got plenty of accessories
Yes, if you’ve got an additional controller – such as the Pro Controller 2, for example – as well as Joy Con 2 grip and straps and cables, it should all fit with ease. Of course, you have space for your dock too.

Don’t buy it if…

You want the best bang for your buck
With a list price of $84.99 / £66.99 / AU$109.95, Nintendo's official all-in-one case is quite the investment. And although it's both durable and spacious, I'm not sure it's quite worth that much. A rival like the Nacon case in the 'Also consider' section, for example, is large enough to house your console, dock, and cables. And although it doesn't have as much room for accessories, it's still durable and easy to handle, while also coming in at around half the price.

You want to carry a large number of games around
Don’t get me wrong, six game slots is solid enough, and if you’re only taking a short trip, that should be enough. But there are competitors who offer 10 or more game card slots, so it would’ve been nice to get a couple more here.

Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case review: also consider

Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2
Unfortunately, this one’s not available in the US or Australia just yet, but if you’re in the UK, the Nacon Protection Case XL is the ideal alternative to Nintendo’s full-sized model. It comes in at under £25 (about $34 / AU$50), but still has enough room for your console, dock, and cables. It won’t quite offer the space for a Pro Controller as well, say, but if that’s ok with you, then you may get better bang for your buck with Nacon.

Read our full Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2 review.

How I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case

(Image credit: Future)

Tested over the course of multiple days
Compared directly against rival models
Trialled by a Switch 2 owner and life-long gamer

I tested the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case over multiple days. I loaded it up with a Nintendo Switch 2 console, dock, Joy-Cons, a third-party controller, cables, games… you name it.

Although I wasn’t particularly keen to drop the case with my console inside, I threw it onto the floor while empty. I also tried scratching the exterior and checked for any wear after a few days of use. I also compared aspects like sturdiness and storage space against the Nacon Protection Case XL for Nintendo Switch 2.

Generally speaking, I’m a Switch 2 owner, lifelong gamer, and experienced tech reviewer. I’ve had the Switch 2 from launch, and have reviewed a bunch of accessories, like the Genki Aegis Shield, DBrand Prism 2.0, and Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2.

Read more about how we test
First reviewed: October 2025

Categories: Reviews

After more than 15 hours with Battlefield 6, I can already see that the electric multiplayer makes up for its bland campaign

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:00

I can't think of the last time an entry in any long-running first-person shooter series was as safe as Battlefield 6. It seems as though the lackluster reception to Battlefield 2042 has left developer Battlefield Studios terrified of taking any kind of creative risks, a move that's shaping up to be a real double-edged sword.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S
Release date: October 10, 2025

Although I haven't had quite enough time to come to a definitive verdict on this latest instalment, I can already see that it delivers almost everything you would expect from a Battlefield game - often to a fault.

While a decent enough campaign and strong multiplayer offering will undoubtedly be more than enough to satiate some fans, and I can't say that I haven't enjoyed much of my time with it so far, others will surely be disappointed that it's not pushing the envelope in any way.

Boots on the ground

(Image credit: EA)

This lack of risk-taking is most evident in the single player offering, which is easily one of the least memorable that I've played in years. It does a good job of preparing you for online multiplayer by introducing the controls and basic mechanics, but it's not something you'll be eager to dive back into once the credits roll.

Set in 2028, it takes us to a near-future world in which NATO is on the brink of collapse. A private military force, Pax Armata, has stepped up to replace it, funded by former NATO states. The opening mission takes place in Georgia, with US marine Dylan Murphy and his squad tasked with pulling out with the rest of NATO’s army as Pax moves in.

The supposedly peaceful handover quickly spirals into an all-out war when Pax attacks without warning, with Murphy's squad cornered in a downed helicopter. As the sole survivor, Murphy is assigned a new team and then becomes the central part of NATO's effort to take down this sinister force.

The nine missions are set in a range of global locations and have you alternating between different members of Murphy's squad. Playing as the likes of Gecko, the team's sniper, adds a decent amount of variety, but none of the activities are particularly original.

(Image credit: EA)

There are the obligatory nighttime stealth sections, a handful of tank driving segments, and a few more open areas that have you taking out enemy squads with long-range weaponry and a spotter.

The most interesting stages are the ones that take place in a war-torn New York, including a townhouse assault that echoes the iconic Clean House mission from 2019’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and an enjoyable section that has you chasing a train down abandoned subway tunnels in an armored vehicle.

The underlying narrative that ties them all together is perfectly serviceable, but entirely predictable right down to its final twist. There was still plenty of enjoyable shooting throughout, but it's a notable step down from the much stronger, cinematic single-player action of Battlefield 1 and Battlefield 5.

There are plenty of challenges and hidden collectibles to discover that unlock some rather nifty skins in multiplayer, which is a nice touch, though, and might draw me back in for another run a few months down the line.

It certainly doesn’t help that the visuals are distractingly rough at times. This is the first Battlefield game to launch exclusively for modern consoles, but it doesn’t show in the slightest. The visual fidelity is nowhere near that of even previous titles, with muddy textures, a low overall render distance, and fuzzy artifacts around objects on PlayStation 5 - even with the optional high resolution textures installed.

The frame rate is impressively stable at least, even in the more explosive moments of large-scale destruction.

On the front lines

(Image credit: EA)

Battlefield 6 fares much better when you jump into its multiplayer modes. The minute-to-minute action is some of the best in the series to date, with no hint of the frustrating balance issues that plagued 2042 at launch. You get a total of nine maps at launch, including the return of the popular Operation Firestorm from Battlefield 3.

Most of my time in multiplayer so far has been spent in the new maps, which all seem refreshingly well-designed. The huge Liberation Peak and Mirak Valley, both perfect for the massive flagship Conquest and Breakthrough modes, are fantastic combat environments, with tumultuous, uneven terrain that’s filled with nooks and crannies for infantry to explore.

This lends them a fantastic pacing, with short bursts of intense combat as you discover entrenched enemies, and importantly, helps level the playing field against powerful vehicles and snipers by giving you places to hide.

This contrasts nicely with the more open Operation Firestorm. Those who love racking up long-range headshots will feel right at home here, but the smart addition of some new cover means that this never becomes too annoying for infantry players.

The new Escalation mode, which decreases the play area as the two teams capture objectives, is quite thrilling - gradually ramping up the intensity of each match as you hurtle towards a dramatic final confrontation.

Urban warfare is well represented in the smaller Gibraltar and New York maps, both filled with winding streets and an impressive number of building interiors to explore.

These maps do highlight the limits of the tactical destruction system, though, which is quite inconsistent at times. It’s hard to tell what can and can’t be destroyed at a glance, leading to occasional frustration. While the brick wall of a house crumbles like a biscuit at the slightest provocation, an almost identical wall elsewhere will be totally impervious to shell blasts from a tank.

(Image credit: EA)

On a handful of occasions, I’ve found myself unable to flank groups of enemies thanks to the odd indestructible barrier, or hunkered down in a corner to regenerate health, only to watch all of my cover evaporate before my eyes. I also can't ignore the fact that the maps look quite similar aesthetically. Aside from New York, everywhere has a brown, flat look that runs the risk of all blending into one.

Although they were significantly less enjoyable to actually play, I do find myself missing the striking map themes of Battlefield 2042. There’s nothing anywhere near as engaging as that bright and colorful high-tech Korean city block or the eerie automated lightshow of a half-buried Doha.

The return to a proper class system is at least a dramatic upgrade compared to its predecessor’s cartoon-like heroes and really helps to sell the large-scale combat fantasy.

Split into Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon, the four classes all play well and offer more than enough unique abilities and equipment to set each of them apart. Call me boring, but I’ve mainly been playing Assault so far, taking full advantage of the new deployable ladder equipment to quickly ascend buildings to ambush foes.

I do wish that there was a separate medic class, as some Support players are clearly more interested in handing out ammo than reviving fallen comrades, but this is far from a major complaint.

Whether any as-yet-unnoticed issues come to the fore once the servers are flooded with real players is yet to be seen, and I’m interested to discover how everything plays come launch day. For now, though, I’m eager to dive back in for more.

Categories: Reviews

Roborock's new stick vacuum is a whizz at cleaning, but the fast-draining battery and lack of an Auto mode hold it back

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 09:55

Roborock H60 Hub Ultra: two-minute reviewProduct info

This vacuum is available in two iterations:

H60 Ultra (not yet released at time of writing)
H60 Hub Ultra

The Hub version is the model I've reviewed here, and comes with an auto-empty dock. The standard version is almost identical, except there's no dock and the wand can be released to bend forwards.

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra is a cordless stick vacuum that boasts a range of useful features, including an auto-empty dock that removes the need for messy dustbin wrangling. Roborock is best known for its robot vacuums, but the H60 range (of which the Hub Ultra sits right at the top) marks a serious expansion into manual vacuum cleaners. I've been using the H60 Hub Ultra for the past two weeks, to get a feel for how it performs and to figure out if it can compete with the rest of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

At first, I was thrown off by the design of the floorhead. The roller is mostly soft, and it didn't look like it would agitate carpet fibers sufficiently for a thorough clean. I needn't have worried, though: this vacuum sailed through my cleaning tests, on both hard floors and carpet. In addition, it avoided hair from becoming tangled around the brushroll throughout my review period, and boasts what is, perhaps, one of the brightest, most effective lasers I've come across in all my vacuum-testing experience.

The floorhead is also shallow enough to clean right into awkward spaces (it's one of very few vacuums to be able to shuffle right under my low sofa), and the telescopic wand means that its height can be adjusted to suit you. If you opt for the version of the H60 without the auto-empty dock, you'll be swapping out the telescopic wand for one that can bend forward to 90-degrees.

Speaking of the auto-empty dock, it works very well (perhaps not surprising when you consider this is the brand behind many of the best robot vacuums on the market) – and it's a big effort-saver, as well as being a strong choice for allergy-sufferers. Design-wise, it looks more stylish, too, than rival dock options, and the hidden storage for detail tools is an inspired design flourish.

So why haven't I awarded the Roborock an outright win? This is mostly down to battery life. In anything above the lowest mode, the battery drains a little too quickly. In medium mode – which most people will be using, most of the time – I managed 25 minutes of cleaning, which is too little time to cover a larger house in one go. The issue is exacerbated by the lack of an Auto mode. Many modern vacuums can auto-adjust suction power based on dirt levels and/or floor type, to provide a thorough clean without wasting battery. The H60 relies on you to change the mode manually.

That's the short version; read on for my full Roborock H60 Ultra review.

(Image credit: Future)Roborock H60 Ultra review: price & availability

List price: $599.99 / AU$999
Available: US, AU, Europe (not UK)

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra launched in September 2025, and is currently available in the US, Australia, and various countries across Europe (not including the UK).

In the US, it has a list price of $599.99 – but since I started reviewing, I haven't seen it sold at this price; it's been available for $499.99 at Roborock, Target and Amazon. In Australia it has a list price of AU$999, but at the time of writing was discounted to AU$499 at Roborock. That's equivalent to around £450-£490 at list price (Roborock does have a presence in the UK, so I'm hopeful these vacuums will make their way over at some point). The standard H60 Ultra – minus an auto-empty dock – is also on its way. I don't have pricing information for this model yet, but it will definitely be a bit cheaper.

At list prices, the H60 Hub Ultra sits in the premium price bracket. With discounts (which look like they might be common), it might just sit on the cusp between mid-range and premium. The vacuum feels high quality, and the auto-empty base amps up value for money. However, I'd expect an Auto power mode in that price bracket, and far superior battery life.

Looking at comparable models with an auto-empty base, there's the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Clean & Empty, with a list price of $499.99 / £549.99/ AU$999.99, but discounts are common. That model has multiple automation capabilities, and offers better value for money than the H60. There's also the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, which has a list price of $1,099.99 / £1,199.99 / AU$1,699.

Sitting at the top of the Dyson range right now is the V16 Piston Animal, with a list price of £749.99 / AU$1,349 (it currently isn't available in the US). It, too, lacks an auto-empty base – although apparently one is incoming soon.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra specs

Weight (body only):

4lbs / 1.8kg

Weight (vacuum with wand and floorhead):

6.6lbs / 3kg

Bin size (onboard):

0.5L

Bin size (dock):

Max runtime:

90 mins

Charge time:

3hrs 30 (3hrs 15 on test)

Vacuum dimensions (H x L x W):

45.1 x 9.8 x 11.5in / 114.6 x 25 x 29.3cm

Dock dimensions (H x L x W):

33.4 x 11.4 x 11.4in / 84.8 x 28.9 x 28.9cm

Filter:

HEPA

Max suction:

210AW

Roborock H60 Ultra review: design

Stick vacuum with button operation, telescopic wand and info screen
Auto-empty charge dock with hidden storage for two detail tools
Floorhead is mostly soft with rubber fins, and kitted out with a laser

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra is a premium stick vacuum with an auto-empty dock. The vacuum itself looks much like any other stick cleaner, except perhaps it's a little more classy. It switches on and off with a button, and other information is conveyed via a large screen that covers most of the front of the vacuum.

There are three power modes, which you switch between using a second button. The system adopted to tell you which mode you're in isn't terribly clear: two "whoosh" symbols appear for the lowest-powered mode; three, for medium mode; and six show in max mode. I could have done with some color coding or even just a Low, Mid, Max for easier, at-a-glance decoding. Battery status is much clearer to decipher: the cleaner counts down from 100 as the battery runs down.

The "whoosh" symbols indicate the mode you're in, while the number tells you how much battery is left (Image credit: Future)

Rather unusually, the wand is telescopic, and can extend from around 17in / 43cm to around 25.6in / 65cm in length. This means it's adjustable to a length that's comfortable for your height. With the wand contracted, the total height with the floorhead flat on the ground is 36.6in / 93cm; fully extended, it's 44.9in / 114cm tall.

This adjustable height also allows for the dock to come in a bit shorter. The bin section needs to connect to the dock, which can mean that some auto-empty docks end up being rather statuesque. Here, the stick vacuum can collapse down to fit in at a lower level.

(Image credit: Future)

Speaking of the dock, Roborock has gone for a white, curved cuboid design with a dark base. It isn't especially exciting to look at, but neither will it stick out like a sore thumb in your kitchen or utility room. (In my mental ranking of attractive auto-empty bases, it sits below the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, but above the Shark PowerDetect Cordless.)

The vacuum charges via the dock, but its primary purpose is to house a generous 3L dust bag, into which the onboard bin will empty itself whenever the vacuum is docked. This dust bag is fully sealed and comes with HEPA filtration.

There are a couple of big benefits to an auto-empty dock. The first is that it means you can get away with a smaller bin on the vacuum itself, which can result in a lighter and more streamlined vacuum overall (Roborock has taken advantage in this regard, supplying a small onboard bin of just 0.5L).

The second benefit is that emptying the bin is much cleaner and needs to be done less frequently. Roborock says the large dust bag in the dock will only need replacing once every 100 days – although, of course, that will vary depending on how much dust you're busting. Nevertheless, this might be welcome news for allergy sufferers, and those who aren't really a fan of maintenance tasks.

Image 1 of 2

The H60 Ultra comes with one general-purpose floorhead (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

The roller is mostly soft, with some rubbery fins (Image credit: Future)

The design of the main floorhead is a little unusual. Most vacuums have a mostly plastic roller, fitted with bands of stiff bristles and perhaps also bands of soft brushes. Here, the whole thing is covered with a soft microfiber-style covering, with rubbery fins that wind around it. There's nothing especially rigid there – it reminds me of Dyson's Fluffy floorhead for hard floors. Before I began testing, I had my doubts over how well it would agitate carpet fibers to release any trapped dirt.

Elsewhere, this main floorhead is kitted out with a wide-angle laser to illuminate dirt that might otherwise be missed. Most brands' headlamps are white, but Roborock has gone for a Dyson-inspired lime green. There are also anti-tangle features to prevent long hair from becoming wrapped around the roller.

There's room in the dock to store accessories (Image credit: Future)

Like pretty much every stick vacuum on the market, the wand can be removed and a detail tool added to turn the unit into a handheld vacuum. Here you're supplied with a mini-motorized tool and a 2-in-1 crevice tool. One feature I especially like, and which I haven't seen before, is that there's a home in the dock for the two detail tools to nestle safely out of the way.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra review: performance

Excellent suction on both hard floors and carpet
Laser is bright and useful, and the floorhead can fit under low furniture
Auto-empty is mess-free and saves effort

To kick things off, I used the H60 Hub Ultra to do a general clean of my flat. What was immediately noticeable is that the floorhead propels itself forwards when you switch it on – so much so that it can feel like the vacuum is running away with you a bit.

While this does take the effort out of moving forward, unfortunately it has the opposite effect when you're pulling the vacuum back towards you. Perhaps if you could figure out a route that snakes around your home, never requires you to pull the vacuum backwards, it would be ideal.

Aside from the pull-back problem, the H60 feels relatively comfortable to use. The mechanism for the extendable wand is smooth and easy to adjust, and it means you can raise or lower the vacuum to the perfect height for you.

The extendible wand means you can get the vacuum to the perfect height for you (Image credit: Future)

In use, the floorhead feels really different to other carpet floorheads I've tested, because it's so soft. In fact, I was so disconcerted that I checked back in the box a couple of times to make sure there wasn't a second floorhead in there that I'd missed.

On carpet, it felt like the roller might not be vigorous enough to pick up much dirt, but the dust and fluff building up in the dust cup told a different story (as did the suction tests, which I'll get to in a minute).

There was the occasional "sticky" bit of fluff on the carpet that stubbornly refused to be lifted, but in general the floorhead did a very solid job of cleaning my carpets. I even used it to clear up after a visit from an especially hairy dog, and it pulled an impressive amount of fur from my carpets. I didn't encounter any issues with the floorhead as a result of my own, armpit-length hair becoming wrapped around it, either – after two weeks of testing, the floorhead roller remains completely hair-free.

Using the H60 Hub Ultra on hard floor felt much more natural, and it did a great job of clearing dust and dirt. In addition, the laser illumination really comes into its own on hard floors: the light is bright and wide, and shows up fluff and hair very effectively. (It might even be slightly better than the light on my Dyson Gen5detect, the current reigning laser-illumination champ.)

The H60 has some of the very best laser illumination I've seen (Image credit: Future)

I guess I've been spoiled, but during general cleaning, the one thing I really missed was having an Auto mode. A number of vacuums these days can intelligently adjust suction depending on the floor type or dirt levels. I was vacuuming away, thinking "but how do I know it's working?".

If you're not a professional vacuum reviewer, and are used to using your eyes to assess vacuum performance, this may not be a problem. Perhaps the more relatable issue was that I had to keep a hand free to manually shift modes when moving from carpet to hard floor, to preserve battery life.

However, extra credit should go to Roborock for creating a vacuum that's great at cleaning under furniture. The floorhead's relatively shallow profile and compact docking mechanism mean it can lie almost completely flat, easily reaching right into the dusty depths beneath my sofa. (Note, if you opt for the version of the H60 that doesn't have the auto-empty dock, you'll get a wand that can be released to bend forward to 90-degrees, for even easier cleaning under furniture.)

The floorhead is excellent at getting right under furniture (Image credit: Future)

Like most stick vacuums, the H60 Ultra can be reconfigured for use as a handheld. The two tools provided will cover a wide variety of cleaning tasks, and the mini-motorized tool did a particularly good job of pulling pet hair from my sofa.

A slightly weird quirk is that if you swap tools without switching off the suction, the rollers won't rotate and the laser won't turn on. This can be fixed by switching the machine off and on again.

The telescopic wand actually makes getting the vacuum into the dock easier and more comfortable than I've experienced with other auto-empty machines I've used. Roborock says bin-emptying takes 10 seconds, and on test that proved accurate.

The auto-empty process was also relatively quiet, and in almost all instances, all the dust disappeared from the onboard bin in one go. The only time I had an issue with the auto-empty function was after I'd had a shedding dog visit – the hair-filled bin didn't empty at all the first time I docked the vacuum, but everything was sucked out on the second go.

Generally speaking, if you have space for one, I think an auto-empty dock is an excellent investment. They really take all the hassle and fuss out of a daily vacuum.

Suction tests

Moving on to the official suction tests. The H60 Hub Ultra performed far better than I expected considering the slightly weird floorhead.

I sprinkled loose, dry tea on the carpet to represent fine, gritty debris, then added a pile of oats and dry lentils to represent chunky debris. In medium mode, it scooped up pretty much everything in a single forward pass – if you look very closely, there are a few specks of tea remaining, but this is still an extremely strong result.

Image 1 of 3

Tea and oats / lentils on floor before the suction test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

The tea after a single pass in medium mode (look very closely and you can see a few specks remaining) (Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

No remaining oats after a single pass in medium mode (Image credit: Future)

Here's a video clip of the tea test:

And a clip of the oats / lentils test:

I then repeated the same tests on a hard linoleum floor. Here, the results were equally strong: all mess was sucked up in a single forward pass. What's especially impressive is that none of the oats and lentils either pooled in front of the floorhead or were pinged around the room, as often happens in this test.

Finally, on to the edge test. The results here were a little weaker, but not awful. I sprinkled oats along the edge of my hearth in my carpeted lounge. Approaching from the side with the main floorhead attached, the majority of oats were sucked up – but a strip was left along the edge. Approaching front-on proved more successful.

Image 1 of 2

Oats before the edge test (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

... the results after a single pass, approaching from the side (Image credit: Future)

Overall, a really strong performance from the Roborock H60 Hub Ultra. The cleaning power proved excellent on both hard floors and carpet, and it was comfortable and easily maneuverable in use. My only minor complaints are the lack of an Auto mode, and the fact it's so intent on only moving forwards.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra review: battery life

8 mins 38 seconds in max, 25 minutes in medium
Roborock quotes 90 minutes for min mode
Recharge took 3 hours 15 mins

Roborock promises up to 90 minutes of cleaning per charge. This would be for the lowest-powered mode, and I will test and time this as soon as possible.

From the rapidly depleting battery indicator, I could immediately tell that runtimes in higher-powered modes would be significantly shorter. In the medium mode, it lasted 25 minutes – long enough to do a good amount of cleaning, but perhaps not enough for a whole large house. In maximum mode, the H60 lasted 8 minutes and 38 seconds, which again isn't terribly impressive.

The lack of an Auto suction mode is a down-side here. As well as saving you effort, Auto modes help eke out battery life, because the vacuum is only ever using the actual amount of suction power required for that particular cleaning task.

If you bleed the battery on the H60 Ultra to flat, it will take 30 minutes to start charging again. Roborock quotes a 3 hours and 30 minutes recharge time; I recorded slightly less than that at 3 hours and 15 minutess (including the extra 30 minutes where it just sat on its perch and did not charge). On the plus side, the charge dock makes keeping your vacuum juiced up straightforward.

Battery life score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Roborock H60 Ultra?

Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Premium, but there can be good discounts. Decent pricing for a high-quality vac with auto-empty, although I missed an Auto mode.

3.5 / 5

Design

Premium-feeling stick vacuum with telescopic wand and laser illumination. Effort-saving, auto-empty charge dock.

4.5 / 5

Performance

Excellent suction on both hard floors and carpet, with no hair wrap around brush roll. Floorhead can get right under furniture, and laser is nice and bright. Auto-empty works well.

4.5 / 5

Battery

Officially up to 90 minutes, but only 25 minutes in medium mode, and no battery-maximizing Auto mode.

3 / 5

Buy it if...

You suffer from allergies or hate bin-emptying

The auto-empty dock means once dirt and hair is sucked up, it's very difficult for it to escape back into the air. This also takes all the effort out of emptying the bin.

You have lots of hard floor

As the floorhead is very soft, you won't have to worry about it scratching delicate hard floors (it's also great on carpet, for the record). The dust-illuminating laser is also ultra-useful on hard flooring.

You're short

The telescopic wand means you can adjust the height of this stick vacuum to be comfortable for you. It doesn't go much longer than your average vacuum, but petite users will appreciate the ability to shrink down the wand to their height.

Don't buy it if...

You have a big house

The runtimes in higher power modes here aren't great, so if you have a big home you'll either need to commit to the lowest suction mode, or to pausing to recharge mid-clean.

You want an intelligent cleaner

Many premium vacuums these days can adjust suction and/or roller speed intelligently, based on floor type and dirt levels, for a low-effort, effective and battery-efficient clean. There's no Auto mode to speak of here.

How I tested the Roborock H60 Ultra

I used the Roborock H60 Hub for two weeks in my one-bedroom flat, which has a mix of carpet and linoleum floors.

I set up the charge station in my lounge and used the H60 vacuum regularly for a fortnight, to get a general feel for maneuverability, cleaning effectiveness in each mode, battery life, and any usability issues. I also took note of how well the Hub station's auto-empty feature worked and if it proved a genuine effort-saver.

To gain a more objective view of this vacuum's performance, I also ran a series of standard suction tests. For these, I sprinkled dry tea (to represent fine dust) and an oat / dry lentil mix (to represent chunky debris) on hard floors and carpet, and observed how efficiently the vacuum cleared it up. I also assessed how the H60 dealt with hair (my own, armpit-length human hair, and that of a visiting Cocker Spaniel ) and cleaning along the edges of rooms, and timed how long it took to run the battery flat in different modes, and to recharge it again.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed October 2025

Categories: Reviews

Bowers & Wilkins' new elite over-ear ANC headphones more than justify their price tag in this class-leading way...

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 07:33

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: two-minute review

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphones don't exactly rip up the rule book and start again from previous models. But if they're among the best headphones and over-ear headphones on the market, is that really a bad thing?

Some significant aspects of specification are retained from 2022's Px8, or lifted from Bowers & Wilkins' more affordable (and rabidly well-received) Px7 S3 – in fact, the most obvious changes are visual. The Px8 S2 are slightly more low-profile and lighter than the product they replace, and have at least one authentic design flourish in the way the cable is partially exposed in the aluminium body of the arms and headband.

They are, however, a fairly obvious improvement when it comes to their active noise-cancellation and a decisive step on where sound quality is concerned. The Px8 S2 are a deeply accomplished and entertaining listen, able to create a large, well-defined and properly unified soundstage, reveal a huge amount of carefully contextualized detail, and stream through the most challenging dynamic shifts without sounding even remotely stressed. Add in super-smooth frequency response and nicely neutral tonality, and they’re very close to being the complete solution.

No, they can’t do as complete a job on outside distractions as the very best active noise-cancelling headphones around, but they’re really not all that far off. And besides, the inability to utterly negate the sound of an aircraft (or its passengers) is a small price to pay for sound quality that’s as rewarding as this.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Price and release date

Release date: September 24th, 2025
Price: $799 / £629 / AU$1,299 (approx.)

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are on sale now, and in the United States they're priced at $799. In the United Kingdom they sell for £629, while in Australia you’re looking at AU$1,299.

‘Premium’, then, is the word I’ll be applying.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Specs

Weight:

310g

Drivers:

2 x 40mm dynamic full-range carbon cone

Battery life:

30 hours (ANC on)

Control:

app; voice; physical

Bluetooth:

5.3 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless compatibility

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Features

40mm full range carbon cone dynamic drivers
Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless compatibility
30 hours of battery life

Even pricey wireless headphones tend not to be overburdened by features. ‘Pricey’ is a fairly accurate way to describe the Px8 S2 and, sure enough, their feature-set is all business – there are no fripperies here.

Bowers & Wilkins has retained the 40mm full range carbon cone dynamic drivers that first appeared in the original Px8 – but a new and altogether stiffer chassis, upgraded motor system and voice coil, plus some revisions to the driver fixings are all intended to offer worthwhile improvements to sound quality for the S2. The company has ported the amplification and DSP engine from its wildly successful Px7 S3 headphones for use here, but some bespoke tuning is intended to ensure the Px8 S2 outperform their extremely well-regarded (and quite a bit more affordable) siblings.

Wireless connectivity is via Bluetooth 5.3, and the Px8 S2 are compatible with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs. Bowers & Wilkins assures me that compatibility with both spatial audio and Bluetooth LE will be along ‘in due course’ via an OTA update – I'll mentally add on that missing 0.5 mark when it arrives. Wired listening, meanwhile, happens using the USB-C slot on the left earcup – it can be used for data transfer as well as charging the battery, which is why the company supplies USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables in the tidy semi-hard travel case. Battery life, by the way, is an entirely competitive 30 hours, and a 15-minute visit to the mains equates to around another seven hours' playback.

The mic-count has risen to eight (over the six fitted to the Px8) and all are involved both in telephony and active noise-cancellation. Six mics monitor external conditions and the other two assess the output of the drivers for the adaptive ANC system Bowers & Wilkins has specified. And naturally the mic array is involved with voice-assistant interaction, too.

Features score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Sound quality

Spacious, detailed and dynamic sound
Super-smooth frequency response
Consistently enjoyable no matter the source or content

Where out-and-out sound quality is concerned, it’s hard to lay a glove on the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2. That they’re more accomplished in some areas of music-making than others is not the same as suggesting they're in any way lacking; it’s just that where they really excel, they leave their nominal competition gasping.

Perhaps the three most obvious areas are the size and coherence of the soundstage they create, their ability to power through the biggest dynamic variations without breaking audible sweat, and the forensic levels of insight they have into recordings. If it’s scale, variation and detail you want from your headphones, you’ve come to the right place.

All of the above is illustrated beautifully by a listen to a 24bit/48kHz FLAC file of Our Love is Distorting by Múm. The big shifts in attack, intensity and outright volume are expressed in full, and everything that happens occurs on a spacious, carefully defined and even-more-carefully unified soundstage. The amount of detail, both broad and fine, the Px8 S2 are able to extract, reveal and contextualize is equally impressive. Nothing is overlooked, nothing is overstated, and the notion that there may be further information the Bowers & Wilkins have somehow overlooked seems straightforwardly daft.

In every other respect, too, the Px8 S2 are more-or-less admirable. Their low-frequency presence is deep and substantial, packed with tonal and textural variation and controlled so carefully at the onset of individual sounds that rhythmic expression is confident and believable. Their midrange reproduction is open and positive, which allows voices of all kinds to communicate not only their tone and technique but also their attitude and character. At the top end, there’s more than enough substance to counterbalance the bit and crunch with which the headphones invest treble sounds, and the whole frequency range hangs together evenly, with no area hogging the spotlight and no area underrepresented.

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Tonality is quite carefully neutral, so the inherent heat in Otis Redding’s Hard to Handle is conveyed just as eloquently as the chilliness of Aphex Twin’s Come On You Slags!. The Px8 S2 seem entirely comfortable at either extreme.

All of this applies no matter your music's source or the standard of its packaging, either. Naturally there are qualitative differences to be discerned if you decide to listen to the Múm recording as a 192kbps Spotify stream rather than as the hi-res Tidal alternative, but the fundamental character of the Bowers & Wilkins never shifts.

When it comes to active noise-cancellation, Bowers & Wilkins must – just like every other brand – accept it’s competing for second place behind whichever Bose product is closest in asking price. That’s the case here just as surely as it is everywhere else, but that doesn’t alter the fact that the noise-cancellation here is about as good as the company has every delivered, and it’s going to be more than sufficient for those who aren’t expecting an uncanny blanket of silence from their headphones.

That tier of brands all contending to see who can be ‘almost as good as Bose’ is significant, and Bowers & Wilkins is now a part of that particular conversation.

Sound quality score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Design

310g
Aluminum and nappa leather feature heavily
Impeccable standard of build and finish

You have to give Bowers & Wilkins a fair amount of credit where the design of the Px8 S2 is concerned. Over-ear headphones, by their very nature, tend to be quite generic lookers but this is a pair that manages to look and feel understated yet luxurious, upmarket and sophisticated, all at once.

The use of materials, with tactile (and, at first, quite aromatic) nappa leather and burnished aluminum to the fore, is carefully judged; and their application is just as astute. The way arms and headband adjustment feature a recess in order for some cable to be exposed is a very nice touch, as well as being a nod to the company’s very first headphones from 2010, the P5. The company logo is embossed, just a fraction, on the outside of the earcups, and the laser-cut edges of the earcups add a tiny bit of bling.

At 310g the Px8 S2 are actually just a fraction lighter than the headphones they replace, and the combination of sensible clamping force and expert hanger arrangement means they’re a comfortable wear for hours at a time. There’s just the right amount of memory foam beneath the soft leather of the earcups and headband (both of which are now renewable or replaceable by a qualified technician), and unless you’ve been blessed with ears much larger than average you’ll find the Px8 S2 fit very nicely indeed.

Design score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Usability and setup

Physical controls
Bowers & Wilkins ‘Music’ control app
Can access your native voice assistant

‘Setup’ isn’t all that much of a thing here, to be honest. You either connect your Px8 S2 to your source of music wirelessly using Bluetooth, or physically using one of the supplied cables connected to the USB-C slot. ‘Usability’, though, is a different matter.

The Bowers & Wilkins are attentive and sharp-eared enough to be easily controlled using your source player’s native voice assistant. If it doesn’t have one, or if you’re not especially enamoured with the sound of your own voice, though, you have other options.

Some small, tidily integrated buttons on each earcup take care of ‘play/pause’, ‘volume up/down’, ‘skip forwards/backwards’, ‘power on/off’ and ‘Bluetooth pairing’. They’re on the small side, but unless you’re terminally ham-fisted you should be fine. There’s also a button that can have its function defined by the user (choose between ‘summon voice assistant’ and ‘cycle through ANC options’, which are ‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘pass-through’) in the company’s ‘Music’ control app.

The app itself is stable, usable and quite in-depth, while also allowing you to integrate quite a few of the more credible music streaming and internet radio services. It has a five-band EQ with which you can fiddle around the edges of the sound (assuming you’re rather heretically ignoring the Bowers & Wilkins ‘True Sound’ preset). You have the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the ‘wear sensor’, to amend ‘streaming quality’ to prevent tearing through your data allowance when you’re out and about, and plenty more besides. I’ve used quite a few equivalents from alternative brands to control quite expensive headphones lately, and I can safely say this among the best around.

Usability and setup score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Value

Wide-ranging specification
Reassuringly expensive look
Class-leading sound

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 work well on every level. They sound great; they’re an expensive-looking object without being in any way opulent; they’re built to last; they’re a pleasure to wear and to operate.

You can, of course, get within touching distance of the Px8 S2 experience if you buy less expensive headphones (not least from Bowers & Wilkins itself) but there’s just no arguing with the value for money the Px8 S2 represent both where the tangibles and the intangibles are concerned.

Value score: 5 / 5

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)Should I buy the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?

Section

Notes

Score

Features

Lots going, with even more to come thanks to an upcoming OTA update.

4.5 / 5

Sound quality

Spacious, detailed and dynamic regardless of source – a class-leader.

5 / 5

Design

Impeccable standard of build and finish; nappa leather and aluminum offer premium feel.

5 / 5

Usability and setup

Easy to setup, with control buttons, an app and native voice control.

5 / 5

Value

Superb finish and sound make the Px8 S2 worth the outlay.

5 / 5

Buy them if…

You like a bit of sophisticated industrial design
There are a few understated flourishes here that set the Px8 S2 apart.

You’re all about sound quality
The positives outweigh the negatives in this respect to an almost comical degree.

You know a nice control app when you use one
The Bowers & Wilkins ‘Music’ app is one of the better examples out there.

Don't buy them if…

You’re after top-of-the-shop noise cancellation
The Px8 S2 are merely ‘very good’ rather than ‘great’.

You want everyone to know where your money’s gone
The premium nature of these headphones is alluded to rather than shouted about.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review: Also consider

Sony WH-1000XM5
If you want all the whistles and bells of extended functionality while still enjoying very agreeable sound and a fair serving of perceived value, Sony’s venerable WH-1000XM5 remain strong contenders. Appreciably more affordable than the Px7 S3, they’re excellent all-rounders, though they have to concede to the Bowers & Wilkins where outright sound quality is concerned.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Focal Bathys MG
Throw caution to the wind and a pair of Focal Bathys MG ($1,299) can be yours. Quite honestly, this is how much you need to spend if you want a pair of headphones demonstrably better than the Px8 S2.
Read our full Focal Bathys MG reviewView Deal

Apple AirPods Max
Or you could always put $549 Apple’s way for a pair of AirPods Max, if the whole ‘sophisticated, understated’ thing doesn’t do it for you…
Read the full Apple AirPods Max review

How I tested Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Wireless connections to an iPhone 14 Pro and a FiiO M15S digital audio player
A variety of music, a variety of file types and sizes
Indoors and outdoors

I connected the Px8 S2 wirelessly to an iPhone 14 Pro and a FiiO M15S digital audio player. One is very much more accomplished than the other, it’s true, but both allowed the headphones to explain a fair amount about the way they go about things – and I wore the Bowers & Wilkins both indoors and out when connected to these devices.

I also used them at my desk, connected via USB-C to a Colibri-equipped Apple MacBook Pro loaded with hi-res content.

Wake Up Dead Man is the best Knives Out mystery yet, and that’s not just because of Benoit Blanc

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 07:09

Rian Johnson, I owe you an apology. After trashing the first Knives Out movie and reluctantly warming up to Glass Onion (though that was mostly Kathryn Hahn's doing), Wake Up Dead Man has knocked it out of the park, and might just be the best crime caper I've seen in the last few years.

When I was 14, I was a huge fan of the legendary crime author Agatha Christie. I hoovered up her books, watched every TV adaptation known to man and even tried getting into Doctor Who in 2008 when they randomly decided to do an episode on her disappearance.

Ever since those glory days, I've been trying to chase the same feeling Christie's stories once gave me. We're spoilt for choice when it comes to incredible crime dramas, but nothing quite fills her shoes... until now. Wake Up Dead Man takes the likes of The Murder at the Vicarage and elevates it for 2025, and boy is there a lot to like.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is the Agatha Christie classic for 2025

In Upstate New York, a shy and charming young priest (Josh O'Connor) joins a rural community as the assistant pastor of their church. It's run by a totalitarian monsignor who looks a little like a Walmart version of God (Josh Brolin) and instills fear into his flock every week.

In the middle of an Easter week sermon, the monsignor is fatally stabbed in the back, and only Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) has the foresight to solve the case. Local police chief Geraldine (Mila Kunis) is at her wits end, the church's right-hand woman Martha (Glenn Close) is in religious turmoil, and local author Lee (Andrew Scott) wants to make as much money from what's happened as possible.

Every bone in my body said Wake Up Dead Man should be set in England when I watched the trailer (there are a lot of Brits playing Americans here), but its location is actually crucial to the subtext. Being set in 2025's America means the movie can easily poke fun at Western culture and the cultural landscape, particularly given where its politics is at.

The jibes are well-covered, but they're there if you look hard enough. The monsignor's style of preaching with vengeance reflects how we're seeing people communicate with each other in the wider world, weaponizing faith and opinions to use against one another. But it's not all doom and gloom (except for our victims, obviously).

Thanks to a whip-smart script, there's almost a laugh every minute peppered in between Blanc's exceptional monologues we've come to know and love. Netflix, the cast and absurdness of what's happening around them are all in the firing line, and the metaphorical shots fired make for the most enjoyable surprises. Nothing is too scathing or overt, and there's no 'woke brigade' here. It's just smart craft, and that's what we want.

Our A-list cast get in the way of... well, our A-List cast

Josh O'Connor is our breakout star in the Knives Out 3 cast. (Image credit: Netflix)

Not only has director Rian Johnson raised his game when it comes to how Wake Up Dead Man has been visualized, but his casting choices have excelled themselves. Daniel Craig has Blanc down pat and that hasn't lost its shine, but our attention returns to Josh O'Connor time and time again throughout the film.

Struggling with a troubled past and a community that would rather eat a pile of worms rather than embrace him, O'Connor's role as Father Jud is pivotal to the main mystery. He's stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to testing his faith, and it's truly beautiful to see him tested on all fronts thanks to such a nuanced performance.

As for the rest of our suspects, they fall victim to something else entirely. When you have so many names in one place, you inevitably compromise your time with them. As a result, most of them (including Kerry Washington, Daryl McCormack and Jeremy Renner) leave you wanting more, fleetingly presenting us with their intriguing backstories before vanishing into the background.

Still, we can't complain too much. Yes, the runtime is longer than I'd like it to be and my butt went numb watching. Yes, I needed more of Kerry Washington's quietly savage lawyer onscreen. Yes, the story took an oddly supernatural turn I wasn't expecting.

But as a girl who loves her classic crime capers, Wake Up Dead Man is up there with the best. It has a stacked cast who deliver a well-crafted story that's the ideal bridge between old and new, with every element keeping you in the dark. Most importantly, I didn't guess whodunnit, and that's a rare feat these days. I'm now ready for the Knives Out franchise to continue on for so long that Craig eventually has nobody left to act along except for the Muppets. Make it happen, Johnson.

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I tested the Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder camera, and it's a polished first effort with reliable AI bird detection skills

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 07:00

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: one-minute review

The Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder features many of the characteristics that we have come to expect as standard in our Best Bird Feeder Cameras guide. The Beako arrives as a well-thought-out package that requires minimal assembly. Installation proved straightforward, taking just a few minutes to assemble and mount to a tree using the included strap. Wall and pole mounts were also included – I was ready to connect the camera to the Kiwibit app in under five minutes.

The standout feature is the 4K camera - the first bird feeder camera we have reviewed with the feature, and crucially, this resolution is available without requiring a premium subscription. The difference in image quality is noticeable when there's good light on your feathered visitors, with small details like feather patterns and eye markings coming through. However, there is a catch: the minimum focus distance of the lens seems to be at the very edge of the perch, so the birds aren't always in the focus plane to capture the detail that the 4K sensor is capable of. Also, the sensor is still relatively small, so decent lighting conditions are still needed to get the best images.

The design is thoughtful, with a seed hopper that's genuinely clever in execution. The removable hopper makes filling and cleaning simple, and the adjustable flow control prevents seeds from pouring out should the feeder be shaken by a larger bird or squirrel. The seed tray is also removable, making maintenance and cleaning straightforward; however, it could be slightly deeper to prevent seeds from spilling over when squirrels come to visit.

(Image credit: Future)

Bird identification is impressively accurate, with around nine out of ten identifications being spot on in my experience – the Beako's makers claim it can to detect up to 10,000 species. The AI features come with the more expensive Chestnut Brown roof model or can be added for £3.99 per month.

The Kiwibit app feels familiar and easy to use, featuring responsive notifications, calendar views, and the ability to share images, videos, and access to the camera with friends and family. The Beako includes free 1-day cloud storage, with more extended storage requiring a Kiwibit Plus subscription or a microSD card.

Battery life is excellent, lasting around a week or so between charges during my tests. The battery can be easily inserted and removed from a hatch at the bottom of the camera unit, there's built-in USB-C charging, plus an included solar panel, which if positioned correctly, should mean that you don't need to charge at all. After several months of testing, the feeder still looks like new and has withstood the weather and squirrel attention well.

The alarm feature, designed to deter squirrels, proved completely ineffective in my testing - the squirrels quickly became accustomed to it and continued their behaviour regardless. This is common across all bird feeder cameras I've tested, and I have yet to find one that works even 50% of the time, so it's not a Beako-specific issue. The automatic use of the alarm feature is only available with the Plus subscription anyway.

Both the Forest Green and Chestnut Brown color schemes look natural outdoors, although bolder color options would be welcome for those wanting to make the feeder a more prominent feature.

Overall, the Kiwibit Beako stands out as one of the best smart bird feeders available, with 4K footage without subscription fees, thoughtful design touches, and solid build quality. However, despite the 4K resolution, the image quality isn't significantly different from that of HD models due to the camera's focus distance. At $169 for the non-AI version, it represents fantastic value for anyone seeking high-quality bird footage. The AI-enabled model or subscription adds features that bird enthusiasts will appreciate.

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: price and availability

Available now for $269 with AI recognition or $249 without AI – look out for discounts
Available at Amazon US and Kiwibit.com
Kiwibit Plus subscription (£3.99/month or £9.99/month for unlimited devices) unlocks extended features

The Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder is currently only available in the US from Kiwibit.com and Amazon US – I will update this review should it land in the UK and / or Australia. It comes at two price points: the Chestnut Brown roof version costs $269 and includes AI bird identification, while the Forest Green roof version costs $249 without AI by default, although the AI feature can be activated. At the time of writing, the Beako is on sale for $239 and $169 respectively at the Kiwibit website.

I tested the Forest Green model with AI added. The feeder comes with a wall mount bracket, a strap, and a pole mount in the box.

The optional Kiwibit Plus subscription (£3.99/month, or £9.99/month for multiple feeders) unlocks 60-day cloud storage, smart notifications identifying bird species, custom alert zones, up to 3-minute recording time, and the squirrel alarm. Without a subscription, you receive free 1-day cloud storage and can utilise a microSD card for local storage. To get the most out of the feeder, the £3.99 monthly subscription is worthwhile if you're serious about bird watching, but the standard version with an SD card is sufficient for casual use.

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: specsBird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro specs

Sensor

Unknown

Photo

8MP - 130 degree FOV

Video

Memory

Micro SD or online via subscription

Dimensions

222mm(W) x 280mm(H) x 181mm(D)

Weight

1,450g

Battery

5,200 mAh rechargeable lithium ion

Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: design

Compact all-in-one design with dual seed hopper (1.5L capacity)
Removable battery and built-in USB-C charging
Green color blends well with natural surroundings, multiple mounting options included

Setting up the Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder was straightforward. The instructions are clear, and the whole process - from unpacking to having the feeder mounted and paired with my phone - took less than ten minutes. The app setup follows a familiar pattern similar to that of other smart home devices, so if you've installed a video doorbell or security camera before, you'll feel right at home.

The feeder comes with multiple mounting options in the box - a strap for trees, a wall mount bracket, and a pole mount bracket that allows the feeder to sit on top of a post. This flexibility is welcome, as it means you can position the feeder wherever works best for your garden layout and Wi-Fi coverage. I used the wall mount bracket with the strap to secure it to a tree, which worked perfectly.

The green color is attractive and blends well with the garden surroundings, and the Chestnut Brown roof on the AI-enabled model also looks natural. Both color schemes work well outdoors, though some additional bolder color options would be welcome for those wanting to mount the feeder on a wall or make it a more feature piece.

The feeder itself is made from sturdy plastic and for my tests has weathered several months outdoors without any visible deterioration. The Beako was positioned about 15 metres from my Wi-Fi router with a clear line of sight through a window, and connectivity has been solid throughout.

The seed hopper is one of the Beako's best design features. The removable hopper makes filling and cleaning straightforward, and the adjustable flow control is a particularly neat touch, allowing you to control how quickly the seed dispenses into the tray. This has been genuinely useful for managing seed waste, especially when squirrels are raiding the feeder.

The seed tray is also removable, making cleaning simple without needing to take the feeder down or awkwardly clean it in situ. This is a thoughtful design detail that makes regular maintenance much easier. However, my only criticism is that the seed tray itself could be slightly deeper, as it would help contain seeds better when squirrels are moving around; it would prevent quite so much spillage over the edge.

The included perch is necessary for most garden birds, and those that have visited have appeared to be comfortable using it. However, I think both this and similar feeders would benefit from a slightly larger perch positioned a bit further from the tray, which would allow larger birds to be completely in focus when the camera captures them.

(Image credit: Future)

One of the cleverest design features is the removable battery. Rather than having to take down the entire camera unit for charging, there's a hatch at the bottom of the feeder that allows you to simply pop out the battery. This is far more convenient than systems that require the camera to be removed entirely.

Access to the charging port and SD card slot is well thought out, too, with a silicone cover to maintain the IP65 weather resistance. The solar panel connects easily and, with proper positioning, it provides enough trickle charge even on cloudy days, so you shouldn't need to remove the battery for charging at all.

If you've followed my previous bird feeder reviews, such as the Bird Buddy, you'll know I have ongoing squirrel issues. The Beako includes an alarm feature that can be set to activate automatically when squirrels are detected, but I found it completely ineffective as a deterrent. The squirrels quickly got used to the noise and realised it was just that - noise - with no actual consequences. Given how frequently they visited, I turned the alarm off as it would have started to annoy my neighbours or anyone enjoying their garden nearby, and it also obviously decreases battery life. This isn't solely a Beako issue, but is common to all feeders I've tested that include audible deterrents. The good news is that the housing itself has held up remarkably well despite being scratched and tested by persistent squirrels over several months.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder: performance

4K video quality could be improved with a larger perch
8MP photos are heavily cropped
Impressively accurate bird detection

The image quality from the 4K camera should in theory be better than that of the competition, most of which is limited to lower resolution 1080p. That extra detail is particularly noticeable in the background of the video, especially in good lighting conditions. However, it is limited by the minimum focus distance of the lens, which means that any bird closer than the furthest rung of the perch will be slightly out of focus.

There is also some chromatic aberration visible around high-contrast edges in bright sunshine. When birds are in focus and well-lit, the video is of good quality. However, depending on how you view your image, you may not notice much difference compared to an HD camera.

However, it is important to establish realistic expectations. The camera sensor is still relatively small, comparable to that of a smartphone camera, so good lighting remains necessary for optimal results. As light levels drop around dawn and dusk, shadow detail fades away and image quality deteriorates. However, this is common for cameras of this size and type rather than a specific failing of the Beako.

For those who want to make the most of 4K resolution, you can view images on larger screens thanks to the Micro SD card and the ability to connect to Alexa for viewing on a television.

Still images of the birds from the app are cropped to show just the bird in the picture, which means they are far short of the maximum 8MP quality. This is where a portrait-oriented camera comes into play, and why some of the best quality bird images has come from the BirdBuddy Smart Birdfeeder Pro.

The bird identification AI is impressively accurate. Based on my testing, I estimate that around nine out of ten identifications are correct, with the system recognizing up to 10,000 different bird species. There's a helpful link to Wikipedia summaries for each detected bird, and you can track visit frequencies with a calendar view. Images and videos can be shared directly, and you can share camera access via a link, allowing friends and family to watch the live feed remotely.

Notifications arrive promptly - usually fast enough that I could look out the window and still see the bird at the feeder. I did have to disable squirrel notifications as they became overwhelmingly frequent, but it's good that this level of control is available.

Battery life is good, thanks to the large 5200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and I found it lasted around a week or more between charges. However, as mentioned, if you find a good spot to mount the solar panel, you may never need to charge your battery, even in the winter months.

After several months of outdoor use, the Beako continues to perform perfectly, having withstood rain, and bright sunshine without any issues.

Video and photo samples Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Image 4 of 4

(Image credit: Future)Should you buy the Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder?Buy it if...

You want an automated nuisance animal deterrent

Although our test squirrels quickly got used to the alarm of the Kiwibit Beako, you may have more luck depending on the creatures you are trying to deter. Having the alarm go off automatically could be a great feature if you are far from your neighbors..

You want an easy-to-maintain feeder

The removable battery with built-in USB-C charging, removable seed hopper with flow control, and removable seed tray make the Beako one of the most practical feeders to maintain. If you're looking for a feeder that's genuinely easy to refill, clean, and charge, this is an excellent choice.

You want flexibility

The two-model approach (with and without AI) allows you to start at $169 and add AI identification later if desired, or opt for the AI-enabled version directly. This flexibility makes it accessible whether you're a serious birder or just curious about garden visitors.

Don't buy it if...

You want a statement feeder

Both the Forest Green and Chestnut Brown color schemes are designed to blend naturally into outdoor settings. If you want a feeder that's a vibrant talking point or garden feature, there are more eye-catching options available.

You want the best photos

With the downloadable images being crops that focus tightly on the birds, the images from the Kiwibit Beako don't match the 8MP resolution.

You want to buy accessories

There are currently no optional extras for the Kiwibit Beako. Other feeders have water feeders or fruit holders to attract different types of a birds and animals

How I tested the Kiwibit Beako Smart Bird Feeder

I hung the feeder in a tree for 4 months
It was connected to my home Wi-Fi
I monitored the visiting birds daily via the Kiwibit app

I tested the Kiwkibit Beako bird feeder by hanging it from a tree in my garden that birds (and squirrels) regularly visit. The feeder was strapped to the tree, and the camera was set up using an iPhone and the Kiwibit app.

I live in the UK and left the feeder up there for the warm from June and into stormy weather come October. I didn't test it in freezing conditions. During my time with the feeder, I monitored the birds visiting via the app in real-time and reviewed photos and videos that had been captured.

I have also looked at AI recognition and the various capabilities of the app.

First reviewed October 2025

Categories: Reviews

I tested Google Chat and found it does its job well when it comes to integrating chat with Google’s productivity software

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 05:45

Real-time chat is as important in the business world as it is in our personal lives. It enables information to flow smoothly within organizations, as colleagues can communicate with each other quickly when needed. Save for real-time chat, colleagues can also hold group video and audio calls to share ideas and receive feedback.

Google Chat is a real-time communication platform geared for business use. Its features facilitate effective collaboration among employees, and Google Chat is used by many companies worldwide.

However, what are Google Chat’s key features and what features are missing? How does it compare to its main rivals? I tested Google Chat extensively to help you answer these questions. Read to learn what Google Chat offers and how it compares against competitors, and then you can decide if it’s the best choice for your business.

(Image credit: Google)Google Chat: Plans and pricing

Google Chat isn’t a standalone solution. Instead, the business version is offered as part of a Google Workspace subscription, which includes Chat and many other business tools.

Google Chat also has a free version for personal use. This version enables real-time communication between individuals but lacks the collaborative features offered in the business version.

There are three Google Workspace plans: Starter, Standard, and Plus. The Starter plan costs $6 per user per month, the Standard plan costs $14 per user per month, and the Plus plan costs $22 per user per month.

There’s not much difference in the three Workspace plans regarding Google Chat’s core functionalities. The differences are pronounced in other areas, including storage space, AI features, and videoconferencing, but Google Chat’s core features remain the same. For example, the Starter plan provides 30 GB of storage per user, while the Standard plan increases this to 2 TB, and the Plus plan increases it to 5 TB.

There’s an Enterprise Plus plan available to large organizations, but it does not have standard pricing. It’s reserved for large companies (usually 500+ employees) who want to negotiate custom deals with Google’s sales team.

Google offers a 14-day free trial for its Workspace plans. You can use this free trial to test the features before making your final decision. Google doesn’t have a precise refund policy, so ensure you’re comfortable with your plan before making a payment. A refund is possible, but it’ll take hectic back-and-forth conversations.

Google Chat: Features

Real-time chat is the core feature of Google Chat, as the name implies. It enables employees to chat and share important information, much like friends and family do through instant messaging apps.

Like typical instant messaging apps, Google Chat supports both individual chats and group chats. Users can create chat rooms called Spaces and collaborate, share files, and assign tasks to each other. Google Chat supports threaded replies, which makes it easy to keep up with a conversation.

By default, your chats are stored for 24 hours, but you can enable chat history to save them for up to 30 days. The storage time can be longer if you’re subscribed to the Plus plan, which unlocks Google Vault, a data retention service. You can set chats to be stored for your desired period on Google Vault, e.g., 180 or 365 days.

You can search through your chat conversations in detail, helped by Google’s powerful search algorithms. Google is best known as a search engine, so it’s no surprise that Google Chat incorporates a powerful search algorithm. In my observation, it’s much easier to search for specific information from your Google Chat history compared to other chat apps.

This feature may seem trivial, but I almost didn’t expect Google Chat to have read receipts, like typical messaging apps. I’m glad I encountered this feature, which let me know when recipients had read my messages.

Many business messaging apps purposely don't have read receipts, with the rationale that it creates pressure to respond immediately and can be a privacy intrusion. I understand this rationale, but I also find read receipts useful sometimes. However, I didn’t like the fact that Google Chat doesn’t allow users to turn off read receipts; I think users who aren’t comfortable with read receipts should have the option to do so.

You’ll be pleased to know that Google Chat offers much more than chat, thanks to its integration with other Google tools.

If your business is subscribed to Google Workspace, employees will have access to various Google tools, including Gmail, Google Meet, Docs, Slides, and more. It’s the integration with these tools that separates Google Chat from the competition.

For instance, I appreciated that I could initiate chat sessions directly from the Gmail dashboard, rather than having to open a separate Google Chat tab every time. An employee could be scrolling through their emails and notice an important piece of information to share with a colleague. In that case, they can quickly open the chat interface on the same Gmail dashboard and message the colleague.

Google Docs is another helpful integration. When employees are editing documents on Google Docs, they can open Google Chat on the same page and communicate with each other. This way, everyone working on the same document can share their ideas and suggest changes. There’s no need to juggle separate dashboards for document editing and real-time chat; Google delivers both on the same dashboard.

(Image credit: Google)

The above integration also applies to Google Sheets, which employees use to create spreadsheets. When multiple people are working on the same spreadsheet, they can use Google Chat to communicate without needing to open a separate tab.

Google Chat can be integrated with Google Calendar, which employees use for scheduling meetings and other events. Thanks to this integration, I could create and share calendar invites right on Google Chat. I also got automatic notifications in Google Chat whenever someone added a new event to the shared calendar.

The Google Drive integration lets users share files directly within chats. If you’ve previously uploaded the file on Google Drive, you can search for it and share it with a colleague, reducing the friction involved in sharing corporate files.

Earlier, when discussing the Spaces (group chat) functionality, I mentioned an example of colleagues assigning tasks to themselves. Google Chat is integrated with Google Tasks, which makes this process seamless. You can create a task directly within the chat menu and assign it to someone; the person will be immediately notified, and the task will be added to their dashboard.

A key feature I haven’t yet touched on is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Google Chat. AI is rapidly advancing in the technology industry, and Google is one of the companies leading the charge in the AI race. It operates Gemini, a generative AI chatbot that has been integrated into various Google tools, including Chat.

Gemini helped me compose messages when using Google Chat, and I particularly liked its quick reply suggestions. Whenever someone sent a routine message, Gemini suggested several replies, which I could easily pick from. The chatbot also suggests the next words and phrases as you type a message.

I’m not suggesting depending entirely on Gemini when chatting, as it has some flaws, but it saves significant time you would have spent typing mundane responses and thinking of what to write next.

Notably, Google Chat isn’t only integrated with Google tools. It’s integrated with many third-party apps, and you can access these integrations on the Google Workspace app marketplace.

For example, businesses can integrate Google Chat with Jira, a popular project tracking and management platform. With this integration, employees can receive Google Chat notifications about any changes made on Jira. Suppose the due date for a Jira task changes; the people assigned to that task will be notified via Google Chat. This is just an example of many valuable integrations I tested on Google Chat.

(Image credit: Google)Google Chat: Interface and in use

I’ve tested many Google tools, and user-friendliness is a criterion where they perform excellently. Google Chat is no exception. It has a simple interface that I think anyone can find easy to navigate. It doesn’t take much to get used to the interface, thanks to its neat arrangement of features and the use of minimal colors that make navigation easy.

Google Chat’s intuitive interface is in contrast to some business messaging apps I’ve reviewed. While these apps offer more functionalities, their interfaces are often cluttered and require more time to get used to. Google Chat stands out by not having a steep learning curve.

Google Chat is accessible from your web browser or mobile app. Employees can access all features conveniently from their web browser or download the mobile app to chat on the go.

A drawback is that Google Chat lacks a desktop app, unlike some of its rivals. For example, Slack offers a desktop app that I enjoyed using even more than the web version.

Google Chat: Support

Google Chat has decent customer support. If you’re on the free, personal tier, there’s no direct support from Google’s team, but you can consult Google’s Help Center to troubleshoot issues. The Help Center contains user guides and manuals to troubleshoot all Google Chat features.

If you’re a paid Google Workspace subscriber, you can get direct help from Google’s support team. The team is available via email, live chat, or telephone and provides help to resolve problems that you can’t solve yourself.

On the bright side, Google Chat has a user-friendly interface that didn’t give me problems to resolve in the first place. The few hiccups I faced were related to learning how to use some features, and I quickly resolved them via the Help Center.

Google Chat: The competition

Slack and Microsoft Teams are the two main competitors to Google Chat that I’d like to highlight.

Slack is a versatile communication tool with many functionalities. It has an interactive and smooth workflow that makes business messaging enjoyable. It’s highly customizable, for example, by allowing users to receive notifications when someone mentions a specific keyword in a group chat. It has advanced search functionalities similar to what’s available on Google Chat.

I wouldn’t say there’s a clear better choice between Slack and Google Chat; it depends more on your needs. Slack is ideal for large companies due to its extensive customizability and third-party integrations. Google Chat is ideal for smaller companies needing a simple solution or for companies already subscribed to Google Workspace that don’t want to pay extra for a communication tool.

Microsoft Teams isn’t a standalone chat app, but rather one that combines Chat and many other functionalities. It’s similar to having a Google Workspace subscription that unlocks access to many features, including chat, document editing, file storage, and videoconferencing.

Microsoft Teams offers more features and has better customizability than Google Workspace. Regarding chat, Google is a streamlined, lightweight option, while Microsoft provides more advanced features for large organizations.

However, Google Workspace beats Microsoft in user-friendliness. I found it far simpler to navigate than Microsoft Teams, which has a steep learning curve. If you choose Microsoft Teams, expect employees to spend more time getting used to its features.

Google Chat: Final verdict

I recommend Google Chat for companies that already use Google services and need a simple chat tool for employees. The seamless integration with other Google apps makes Google Chat a wise choice in this case.

However, I don’t think Google Chat offers much as a standalone alternative against rivals like Slack. If you’re adopting Google Chat, it should be because you’re adopting the whole Google Workspace ecosystem, not just the chat tool.

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I tested Google Sheets and found it to be a highly collaborative spreadsheet editing tool with robust features

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 03:38

For a long time, Microsoft Excel has been synonymous with the idea of spreadsheets, owing to its status as the best spreadsheet software. You’d think Microsoft Excel invented spreadsheets, but that’s not the case. The first spreadsheet program was developed several years before Excel.

Excel’s dominance has spawned many competitors seeking to eat into its market share. Google Sheets is one of the leading competitors and, as the name implies, is offered by Google, the company best known for running the most popular search engine.

Google Sheets is a formidable Excel rival designed with a focus on collaboration. It works primarily online, enabling multiple people to collaborate on the same spreadsheet. It has a free tier and paid business plans with advanced features.

I extensively tested Google Sheets so that you don’t have to go through the same stress. This review dives into Google Sheets’ features, pros, cons, and how it fares against Excel and other rivals. Read on to learn what Google Sheets offers and whether it’s the best choice for your business.

(Image credit: Google)Google Sheets: Plans and pricing

Google Sheets has free and paid plans. The free plan is notably versatile, although the paid Workspace plans come with extra features. On the free plan, you can edit documents together with other users and access all core Google Sheets features. The free tier’s drawback is that the collaborative features are limited, and it lacks the extensive integration with other Google tools.

Google Workspace has three plans: Starter, Standard, and Plus. At $7 per user per month, the Starter plan unlocks 30 GB of storage for each corporate account and Gemini, Google’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. However, Gemini isn’t integrated directly with Google Sheets on this plan; you have to use it as a separate app.

At $14 per user per month, the Standard plan unlocks a sizable 2 TB of storage per corporate account and direct integration with Gemini. On this plan, you can use Gemini directly on Google Sheets, for example, by asking it to create visualizations with the data on your spreadsheet. Gemini adds much more resourcefulness to Google Sheets, which we’ll dive into later.

At $22 per user per month, the Plus plan unlocks 5 TB of storage per account and the same integration with Gemini as the Standard plan. The storage allowance is important because spreadsheets can get voluminous, and so can other files from other Google services, such as videos, photos, and text documents, which also share the same storage space.

With 2 TB to 5 TB of storage on the Standard and Plus plans, respectively, there’s ample space to store many spreadsheets and other essential corporate files. The Starter plan has a lower 30 GB storage allocation, but it can work well for small to medium-sized businesses if managed well.

Notably, there’s an Enterprise Plus plan targeted at large organizations, usually 500+ employees. This plan has no standard pricing. If you represent such an organization, you can contact Google’s sales team to directly negotiate a sales deal.

Google offers a 14-day free trial for its Workspace plans. The free version of Google Sheets also lets you test the features before making a payment.

Google Sheets: Features

If you’ve used Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet tools, you wouldn’t have issues adjusting to Google Sheets. It has similar mathematical functions and advanced formulas for manipulating data. You can visualize data with charts and graphs, and with the help of the Gemini AI assistant if you’re subscribed to the Standard plan or higher.

Before diving deeper into Google Sheets’ features, it’s crucial to point out its competitive edge: collaboration. Google Sheets was late to the spreadsheet software market, having launched in 2006, compared to Microsoft Excel, which launched way back in 1985 and cemented itself as the go-to spreadsheet software provider.

To compete with Excel, Google tuned its focus to collaboration and shared editing. It made the process of collaborative editing as seamless as possible. Many people can collaborate on the same spreadsheet and monitor each other’s changes.

The owner of a spreadsheet document can invite collaborators and control their access to the document (Viewer, Commenter, or Editor). A Viewer can only scroll through and monitor the changes made on a spreadsheet.

A Commenter can’t implement changes, but they can leave comments on specific parts and suggest changes. For example, they can suggest changing a figure, and the suggestion will be highlighted for the document owner. If the document owner agrees with the suggestion, they can click on “Accept” and implement it with a single click.

Alternatively, the document owner can reject a suggestion from a Commenter. The document owner can accept or reject each suggestion individually, or accept or reject all suggestions at once.

Editors have the same rights as a document owner. They can implement changes without the original owner's prior approval. Google Sheets logs the changes made by every user, so collaborators can always know when and which user implemented specific changes.

You might wonder, “What if an editor makes a change I’m not comfortable with? Can I revert?” Yes, you can quickly resolve this issue with the Version History feature.

Google Sheets automatically saves each version of a document at different points in time. Hence, you can view past edits and restore previous versions of a document. For example, if you don’t like the changes someone made yesterday to a shared document, you can revert the document entirely to the version made the day before yesterday.

(Image credit: Google)

The Version History feature maintains the integrity of shared documents. It incentivizes accountability from each collaborator, knowing that any change they make can be traced back to them and reverted if needed.

I’ve discussed the collaborative features, but Google Sheets also offers much more. A noteworthy feature is the integration with Gemini, the Google AI assistant unveiled in 2024.

Gemini is a valuable AI assistant that’s similar to the popular ChatGPT. In this case, Gemini is integrated directly with Google Sheets, so you can ask it to perform tasks on your spreadsheet. For example, if you have a spreadsheet listing the salaries of all employees in your organization, you can tell Gemini to calculate the average and median salary from the data. You can also ask it to visualize the salaries in a chart, enabling you to know which teams or levels the salaries are skewed towards.

Gemini has endless more applications. It can create templates for various spreadsheets, generate summaries of spreadsheet data, write formulas for specific calculations, and extract insights from raw data. Gemini cut down the time I would have spent manually handling tasks, and it made using Google Sheets much more convenient.

In this era, a tool like Gemini might seem common, but it wasn’t the case as recently as five years ago. The AI boom, kick-started by ChatGPT in late 2022, has brought many benefits in a relatively short time. Though Google Sheets has many upsides, Gemini was my main highlight. The drawback is that direct Gemini integration is only available on the Standard plan or upwards.

As mentioned, Google Sheets has similar built-in mathematical functions and advanced formulas as Excel. You can apply these formulas to your spreadsheet data and extract insights. If you have an existing spreadsheet made with Excel, you can upload it to Google Sheets and share it with colleagues for collaborative editing.

However, I noticed a flaw when working with Google Sheets. It often slowed down when working with vast spreadsheets, think thousands of columns and rows. The same also occurred when running complex formulas or third-party add-ons to manipulate the spreadsheet data.

However, “slow” is relative. When working with these large datasets, Google Sheets was still very much usable, but it wasn’t as lightning-fast as when working with smaller datasets.

Google Sheets mainly works online, although it has an offline mode that lets you edit spreadsheets without an internet connection. The dilemma is that you need an internet connection to open the spreadsheet in the first place. Another issue is that the collaborative features can’t work without an internet connection, defeating the main benefit of using Google Sheets. The offline version is very limited; Google Sheets is built for collaborative use with an active internet connection.

(Image credit: Google)Google Sheets: Interface and in-use

Google Sheets is an intuitive tool that I had no complaints about using. The interface is arranged neatly, making it easy to find the features you need at a specific time. It’s like a typical spreadsheet, with the formatting features at the top and the body below.

When multiple users work on the same tool, you’ll see an icon representing each account currently working on the document. Each account has a unique highlight market, and you can easily monitor every user’s changes.

A slight hiccup is that Google Sheets has a steep learning curve, especially on the keyboard shortcuts, but that’s a general characteristic of spreadsheet tools and not limited to Google.

You can access Google Sheets on your web browser or download the mobile app for Android or iOS. Either way, Google Sheets offers a smooth interface that you can easily familiarize yourself with.

Google Sheets: Support

Google provides sufficient support to Google Sheets users. Its Help Center contains abundant informative resources, including user guides, tips, and tutorials. If you’re new to Google Sheets and need help in familiarizing yourself with its features, this Help Center is the go-to resource because it offers extensive assistance for free.

If you’re a paid Google Workspace subscriber, you can get direct help from Google’s team via email, live chat, or telephone. Support is available 24/7, expectedly for a company as large as Google with global customers.

The good thing is that Google Sheets is a well-designed, user-friendly app, so it wouldn’t give many problems in the first place. The little issues I encountered were in learning how to use key features, but I resolved them via the Help Center. Google Sheets’ numerous features constitute a steep learning curve, so expect some time to get used to its ins and outs.

Google Sheets: The competition

Microsoft Excel is undeniably the main competitor to Google Sheets. Whenever people hear about spreadsheets, Excel is the first platform that comes to mind, and Google Sheets is often an afterthought, but it has some pros compared to Excel.

Google Sheets is cloud-based and highly leans towards collaboration. It’s much easier for multiple people to work on the same document on Google Sheets than on Excel.

Another benefit is that Google provides a completely free version of Google Sheets that includes all core features, unlike the free version of Excel, which has very limited features compared to Excel's full capabilities.

That said, Google Sheets isn’t as advanced as Excel when it comes to analyzing complex, vast datasets. It doesn’t have as many formulas and third-party add-ons to analyze massive datasets. As I mentioned earlier, Google Sheets also often slows down when working with huge datasets, while Microsoft Excel handles these datasets more smoothly.

In summary, Google Sheets excels more (no pun intended) in collaboration and accessibility, while Excel outshines Google Sheets in data analysis and computations.

Google Sheets: Final verdict

Google Sheets has its benefits and drawbacks. If you need a tool that enables seamless collaboration when editing everyday corporate spreadsheets, Google Sheets is a perfect choice. It’s intuitive, easily accessible, and has the typical features you’ll expect in a spreadsheet.

On the other hand, if you need a tool to analyze massive and complex spreadsheets, Google Sheets may not be the best choice. Though advanced, it’s not as sophisticated as Microsoft Excel. Google Sheets’ biggest strength lies in collaborative, real-time editing.

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I tested Google Slides and found it a cost effective presentation tool with an intuitive interface and unmatched collaborative features

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 03:07

PowerPoint has been the go-to presentation software for decades, but competition has gradually eaten into its market share, although PowerPoint remains dominant.

Google Slides is one of the main competitors that are grabbing some market share from PowerPoint. It’s a cloud-based presentation software whose strengths lie in collaboration, an intuitive interface, and advanced features.

Google Slides is a formidable PowerPoint competitor, but is it the best presentation software for you? I tested the app extensively to help you answer this question. Read on to learn about Google Slides’ features, pros, cons, and how it fares against PowerPoint and other rivals.

(Image credit: Google)Google Slides: Plans and pricing

Like most Google tools, Slides has a free version available to anyone with a Google account. This free version gives you access to the core presentation creation features. However, storage is limited to 15 GB, and the free plan doesn’t offer advanced collaborative features that the paid plan does.

The paid version of Google Slides isn’t a standalone subscription. Rather, it’s offered as part of a Google Workspace subscription, which includes Slides, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and many other tools. A Google Workspace subscription gives you access to numerous tools that help your business run smoothly; Slides is one of these tools.

You can choose from one of three Google Workspace plans: Starter, Standard, and Plus. The Starter plan costs $7 per user per month and unlocks 30 GB of storage for each account. It also unlocks access to Gemini, Google’s artificial intelligence chatbot, which assists you in creating the best presentations on Google Slides. However, you can only use Gemini as a separate app on this plan; it’s not directly integrated with Google Slides.

The Standard plan costs $7 per user per month. It provides a sizable 2 TB of storage for each corporate account, enough to store a massive volume of presentations made on Google Slides. The Standard plan unlocks direct Gemini integration with Google Slides. Instead of using Gemini as a separate app, you can interact with it directly on your Google Slides dashboard, which is more convenient than constantly switching between Slides and Gemini tabs.

The Plus plan costs $22 per user per month. It unlocks a whopping 5 TB of storage per account, which covers presentations and other files created with Google apps. Like the Standard plan, it includes Gemini integration, which enables you to ask the AI assistant for direct help when creating presentations. For example, you can ask Gemini to create a presentation template or give you ideas for what to include in your presentation.

There’s also an Enterprise Plus plan, albeit reserved for large corporations. This plan has no standard pricing, so interested companies have to contact Google’s sales team to negotiate a deal. It has the most advanced security features, making it ideal for large corporations (think 500+ employees) with high security needs.

Each Google Workspace plan includes a 14-day free trial, which you can leverage to test the features before making your final decision. The free version of Google Slides, which includes access to the core features, also gives you a hint of what to expect on a paid plan.

Google Slides: Features

Google Slides offers tools that enable you to create visually appealing, informative presentations. If you’ve used PowerPoint, the interface feels very similar. You have access to dozens of pre-built templates covering various topics, which you can edit to create your presentations. Otherwise, you can start from scratch and add different elements (shapes, images, videos, text boxes, etc.) to create your presentation.

Collaboration is Google Slides’ main competitive edge. It makes it easy for multiple people to work together on the same presentation. Under Google Workspace, team members have access to Google Chat, so they can hold real-time conversations on the same dashboard as they create presentations.

Team members can leave comments on specific parts of a presentation, for example, to recommend new information to add. They can also directly suggest changes, and the document owner can decide whether to accept or reject their suggestions. If a suggestion is accepted, it’ll be automatically implemented.

When multiple people work on the same presentation, each person will have a unique icon displayed at the top. These icons let others know who is currently on the same presentation document. Each person will also have a live pointer indicating where their cursor is positioned on the presentation.

You might be wondering who controls access to a presentation during collaborative editing. The answer is you, or the person who created the presentation originally. As a document owner, you decide how to share a document and what others can do with it. When sharing a presentation, you can set one of three permissions for other users: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.

As the name implies, a Viewer can only view a presentation and monitor the editing process, but they can’t comment or suggest their own edits. A Commenter can leave comments or suggestions for the document owner; it’s up to the owner to accept or reject the suggestions.

In contrast, an Editor has the same permissions as the document owner. They can directly make changes without the owner’s prior approval. These precise permission levels let you assign different roles to people working on the same presentation. For example, you can assign a colleague as an Editor and your supervisor as a Commenter. The colleague can make direct changes, and the Supervisor can suggest ideas without making direct changes.

I liked the Version History feature, which let users restore previous versions of a document if the current one isn’t ideal. For example, when someone edited a presentation in a way I didn’t like, I quickly reverted to a previous version that existed before their edits.

As collaborators edit a document, Google stores each version at different time instants. On the Version History menu, you can view all the previously stored versions and restore any of them. With the Version History feature, you’re confident that any accidental mistakes can be undone. This feature also fosters accountability among collaborators, as everyone knows their changes can be tracked and undone if needed.

(Image credit: Google)

Gemini integration was a major highlight when using Google Slides. I used Gemini in many ways that made creating presentations more fun and convenient. For example, I used Gemini to generate images for presentations. The images weren’t always the best (some looked too unnatural), but they were suitable for use in real presentations.

I instructed Gemini to provide ideas for new presentation slides, and it excelled at this task. It gave valuable ideas and helped me rewrite or generate new text when needed. However, Gemini isn’t perfect. Its text often sounded robotic, requiring further editing to make it sound human-like.

Other ways you can use Gemini include asking it to summarize existing presentations or creating templates for a unique topic you’re about to present. The drawback is that direct Gemini integration is only available on the Standard plan or above. If you’re subscribed to the Starter plan, you can use Gemini as a separate app but not directly in Google Slides, which is less convenient. Gemini isn’t available on the free Google Slides plan.

Google Slides has a wide range of pre-made templates. You can use these templates as the foundation of your presentations instead of creating them from scratch. The pre-built templates cover everything from status reports to case studies, project wireframes, book reports, and many more.

If you don’t find a suitable template in Google’s pre-built library, you can create your own and reuse it many times. As I mentioned earlier, Gemini provides valuable help in creating your templates.

I liked Google Slides’ versatility regarding presentation files. You can upload files created on rival platforms, such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Canva, and edit them on Google Slides.

For example, you may have created a presentation with PowerPoint but need others to help you refine it. In that case, you can upload the PowerPoint file to Google Slides, then take advantage of the collaborative features to edit it together with your colleagues. Note that you may observe some formatting inconsistencies after importing presentations from other apps, but you can easily correct them.

Although it’s primarily built for online use, Google Slides has an offline mode where you can edit a presentation without an internet connection. Once your internet connection returns, every change made offline automatically syncs online.

Google Slides has a network of third-party add-ons that provide extra functionality, from translation to custom fonts, stock images, icons, and more. All in, Google Slides is a reliable presentation platform with many valuable features. If you need a tool for employees to collaboratively create and edit presentations, it’s the go-to choice. Google Slides outshines most competitors in collaborativeness and intuitiveness.

(Image credit: Google)Google Slides: Interface and in use

It may just be my personal observation, but Google tools usually excel in user-friendliness. Google Slides is one of the most intuitive tools I’ve used. Its interface is easy to grasp even for first-time users.

If you’ve used any presentation software before, Google Slides feels very similar. The homepage displays some templates and a button to begin a new presentation, as well as previews of the presentations you’ve previously created. When you tap the button to create a presentation, you’ll be taken to the main page where you can begin working on it.

With formatting options and other features arranged neatly at the top and the main body below, Google Slides is as easy to grasp as it gets. However, some complex features may require time to get used to.

Google Slides: Support

Google Slides users have access to significant support resources. When facing issues, the first place to consult is the Slides section of the Google Workspace Learning Center. This section includes detailed user guides, cheat sheets, and manuals for troubleshooting issues. It also includes tips for creating and sharing the best presentations.

The Learning Center has extensive details and is sufficient to solve most issues. But if you need further help as a Google Workspace subscriber, you can contact Google’s support team via email, live chat, or telephone. Free-tier users don’t have direct access to the support team, but the Learning Center provides ample resources to resolve issues.

Google Slides: The competition

PowerPoint and Canva are the two main Google Slides competitors I’d like to highlight. PowerPoint is the most widely used presentation software, and Google created the Slides app to grab a slice of PowerPoint’s market share.

Google Slides outshines PowerPoint in collaboration and accessibility. It’s a cloud-based tool that enables many people to work on the same presentation seamlessly. PowerPoint also has a cloud-based version that enables collaboration, but it doesn’t feel as seamless as using Google Slides.

However, PowerPoint outshines Google Slides with its advanced features and offline capabilities. If you want to create the most complex presentations full of rich visual elements, PowerPoint is a better choice. It has a broader collection of templates, visual elements, and add-ons that provide functionalities not natively available on PowerPoint.

Canva is similar to Google Slides as it emphasizes seamless collaboration and the ability to create visually appealing presentations. It’s a decent tool for creating presentations, but the drawback is the relative cost.

A Canva Teams subscription isn’t as economical as a Google Workspace subscription, considering that the latter gives you access to not just Slides but many other tools like Google Docs, Sheets, Meet, and more. In contrast, you’ll be paying only for a design tool with a Canva subscription, unlike Google Workspace that kills multiple birds with one stone.

Google Slides: Final verdict

Google Slides has its unique strengths and drawbacks, but it’s a presentation tool I’d recommend to anyone. It’s cost-effective, considering the other tools a Google Workspace subscription also unlocks, and enables seamless collaboration to create presentations. Google Slides might not be a PowerPoint killer, but it’s a reliable alternative for personal and business use.

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Categories: Reviews

Pineapple Builder website builder review 2025

Wed, 10/08/2025 - 09:37

Pineapple Builder is an AI-powered website creator that promises to generate professional business websites in minutes rather than hours. Founded by solopreneur Peter Kowalczyk, this platform targets small business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who need an online presence but don't have the coding expertise.

TechRadar reviewers have spent hundreds of hours testing more than 80 website builders, from our best website builder pick Wix to niche solutions like Framer and Webflow.

Pineapple Builder stands apart for its AI-first approach, which carries on past the initial results. Once the AI is done building your site, you can rely on it again for design, content generation, and SEO. We don't think it's groundbreaking, but perhaps it's the modern equivalent of straightforward entry-level tools like Google Sites.

Pineapple Builder: 2-minute review

Pineapple Builder keeps it simple, delivering on its core promise of rapid website creation, generating functional business sites in under 5 minutes through its AI platform. It combines automated design with practical business features like SEO optimization, analytics, and mobile-responsive templates. You simply describe your business and its target audience, then watch as the platform creates a customized website complete with content and styling.

In many ways, Pineapple Builder feels like the AI-powered iteration of simple no-code builders like Google Sites and Weebly. While it doesn't match the template variety of established players like Wix or Squarespace, it can potentially carve out a niche as a fast website builder for busy professionals. Its pricing starts competitively at $15/month, with features like unlimited pages, custom domains, and widget integrations.

What is Pineapple Builder?

Pineapple Builder is an AI-powered website creation platform designed for businesses, freelancers, and professionals who need to establish an online presence quickly. Think of it as having a personal web designer, copywriter, and developer all rolled into one AI assistant that works at lightning speed.

Instead of spending weeks learning the ropes of an advanced no-code platform like Bubble or Webflow, you can simply tell the platform about your business so it automatically generates a complete website tailored to your industry and goals.

Pineapple eliminates the traditional complexities of website building by using AI to handle all the technical aspects automatically. You don't need to understand coding, web hosting, or search engine optimization. What you get is a professional-looking website that includes everything from branded design elements to search-optimized content, even if some of the customization choices are pretty barebones.

Features

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple Builder offers a suite of AI-powered features to simplify the website creation and management process. It creates customized business sites from simple descriptions, offering access to over 10 million template variations across 7 design styles. Beyond basic site creation, you also get built-in SEO optimization, AI-powered copywriting assistance, mobile-responsive designs, SSL certificates, and integrated hosting.

The AI SEO assistant automatically optimizes site structure, content, and metadata for search engines, while the drag-and-drop editor with AI assistance makes customization intuitive. Integration capabilities include popular tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and various payment processors, plus support for widgets, forms, and newsletter subscriptions.

Plus, the platform also includes multilingual support for 99+ languages and a built-in blogging system with AI-powered content generation. It will appeal to small business owners, startups, and freelancers, but has limited scalability for growing organizations or high-end professionals.

Pricing appears reasonable given the feature set, with plans starting at $15/month. You get unlimited pages, custom domain, and core business features. For users prioritizing speed and simplicity over extensive customization options, we think the feature-to-price ratio represents solid value overall.

Tools

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple Builder provides an integrated suite of AI-powered tools designed to handle every aspect of website creation and management from a single platform. These tools work together to eliminate the need for multiple separate services or technical expertise.

AI website generator

Pineapple's core AI website generation tool creates complete business websites from simple text descriptions, analyzing your input to select appropriate templates, colors, layouts, and content structure. It draws from over 10 million template variations to ensure each generated site feels unique and tailored to your industry and audience.

Copywriting assistant

The built-in AI copywriter generates website content, blog posts, and marketing copy that aligns with your business goals and brand voice. This tool helps users who struggle with writing by automatically creating SEO-optimized text that speaks directly to their target customers without any copywriting expertise.

SEO optimization suite

Pineapple Builder's AI SEO tools automatically optimize website structure, meta descriptions, headers, and content for search engine visibility. It handles technical SEO elements like site speed optimization, mobile responsiveness, and schema markup, ensuring your website meets modern search engine requirements without manual intervention.

Drag-and-drop editor

Their visual editor combines traditional drag-and-drop functionality with AI assistance, allowing users to customize layouts, add sections, and modify design elements intuitively. The AI provides real-time suggestions for improvements while maintaining design consistency and mobile compatibility across all changes.

Analytics and integration hub

Pineapple includes built-in analytics tools and seamless integrations with popular services like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, payment processors, and email marketing platforms. This eliminates the complexity of managing multiple third-party connections while providing insights into website performance and visitor behavior.

Blogging platform

AI-powered blogging helps users create and manage content marketing efforts through automated blog post generation, SEO optimization, and content scheduling. While more basic than dedicated CMS platforms, it provides sufficient functionality for small businesses looking to establish thought leadership and improve search rankings.

Ease of use

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple’s AI-powered website generation tool requires only basic business information to create fully functional sites, eliminating the traditional learning curve associated with website building. But while it gets the basics right, Pineapple does show several limitations in advanced customization compared to more established competitors like Wix or Squarespace.

Those searching for deep design control or complex functionality may find it very restrictive. And the AI blogging features remain basic compared to dedicated CMS tools, while some marketing integrations are only available on higher-tier plans.

Pricing

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder pricing)

Pineapple Builder offers a straightforward three-tier pricing structure designed to accommodate businesses at different stages of growth.

The platform starts with a free Starter plan that includes up to 3 pages and a Pineapple subdomain, making it perfect for testing the waters. The Basic plan costs $12 per month ($15 when billed monthly) for unlocking unlimited pages, custom domain support, badge removal, widgets, and code embeds—ideal for small businesses establishing their online presence.

The top-tier Grow plan at $24 per month adds blogging, advanced analytics, and enhanced membership features for up to 1,000 members.

This pricing structure represents solid value in the AI website builder market, particularly when considering the comprehensive feature set and AI automation capabilities included at each tier. While the Basic plan at $12/month is comparable to other business-focused builders, the inclusion of unlimited pages, AI copywriting tools, and SEO optimization makes it a compelling option despite the limited feature-set.

The free Starter plan offers genuine functionality rather than just a trial, allowing you to build and publish basic websites without any upfront investment. For businesses requiring features like blogging and detailed analytics, the Grow plan provides substantial value compared to paying for separate services for CMS functionality and SEO optimization.

Security

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple Builder prioritizes website security through comprehensive protection measures built into every plan. All websites created on the platform automatically receive SSL certificates that ensure encrypted connections between users and websites, protecting sensitive data during transmission.

Also, the platform implements regular security updates and monitoring to safeguard against emerging threats, with automatic backup features that protect user content against data loss and allow restoration of previous site versions when needed.

Beyond basic security protocols, Pineapple Builder also maintains a secure hosting infrastructure and pushes out regular system updates that keep websites protected without user intervention.

Support

(Image credit: Pineapple Builder)

Pineapple Builder provides 24/7 customer support across all plans, including the free Starter tier, so users can access assistance whenever needed during their website building process. It includes multiple channels such as email, live chat, and a knowledge base designed to address both technical issues and general website building questions.

Support quality appears consistently high based on user feedback, with the team providing personalized guidance tailored to specific website needs and challenges rather than generic responses. The support extends beyond basic troubleshooting to include custom advice on design decisions, SEO optimization, and platform feature utilization, effectively serving as an extension of users' technical teams. Notably, even free plan users receive the same level of support access as paid subscribers, which is uncommon in the website builder space and demonstrates the company's commitment to user success regardless of plan tier.

However, users should note that while support is available 24/7, response times may vary depending on query complexity and current support volume. The platform's emphasis on AI automation means that many common issues are resolved automatically, but more complex customization requests may require escalation to technical specialists, potentially extending resolution timeframes.

Alternatives

Pineapple Builder competes with the best AI website builders rather than traditional drag-and-drop systems, positioning itself as an alternative to manual website creation for time-constrained entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Its main competitors include Squarespace as the overall market leader, Wix AI for AI-assisted building, Durable for comprehensive AI business solutions, and emerging players like Gamma, 10Web, and Butternut AI that focus on different aspects of automated website creation.

Pineapple Builder: Summary

Pineapple Builder delivers on its promise of rapid AI-powered website creation for business users, combining intelligent automation with practical features at competitive pricing. While it lacks the customization options of established competitors like Wix or Squarespace, its generous free plan with round-the-clock support is sure to be a draw for many users.

FAQsHow quickly can I build a website with Pineapple Builder?

Pineapple Builder can generate a complete business website in under 5 minutes using its AI technology. You simply provide a business description and target audience information. The AI creates a customized website with appropriate design, content, and SEO optimization.

Do I need coding experience to use Pineapple Builder?

Pineapple Builder is specifically designed for users without any coding background. It handles all technical aspects automatically, from hosting and SSL certificates to SEO optimization and mobile responsiveness.

Can I use my own custom domain with Pineapple Builder?

Yes, custom domains are supported on both the Basic ($12/month) and Grow ($24/month) plans, allowing you to use your own branded web address rather than a Pineapple subdomain. The free Starter plan includes only a Pineapple-branded subdomain (yoursite.pineapplebuilder.com), but upgrading to any paid plan enables custom domains.

What happens to my website if I cancel my subscription?

While the specific details of cancellation policies aren't explicitly covered on the website, you can contact Pineapple Builder's support team 24/7 for detailed information about data retention, export options, and grace periods before making any subscription changes.

How does Pineapple Builder compare to other AI website builders?

While platforms like Wix AI website builder offer broader customization options, Pineapple Builder specifically targets business users who need functional websites quickly rather than extensive design flexibility. It's also very competitively priced, with a generous free plan that offers quality support to reflect their commitment.

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