TechRadar Reviews

Alice and Steve is the newest comedy series on Hulu (Disney+ internationally), and the premise might immediately suck you in due to how shocking it is.

Alice (Nicola Walker) is a woman whose decades-long friendship with Steve (Jemaine Clement) becomes strained when she learns he is dating her daughter, Izzy (Yali Topol Margalith). Yikes.

There's a lot to unpack here. Steve has been in Alice's life for many years, even going on holiday with her and her family and spending Christmas with them all. So learning that he is dating her 26-year-old daughter makes her lose her mind, understandably so, as it seems so out of the blue.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Alice and Steve definitely leans more into the comedy and absurd elements to lighten things up. As an audience, we get to laugh at the mess they've all found themselves in, like flies on the wall. Rather them than me.

One of my biggest frustrations is that the chemistry between Steve and Izzy is lacking, and their relationship doesn't seem to make any sense. It moves very fast, what appears to be a rebound after Izzy's breakup escalates at lightning speed, and by the second episode, the two are in a relationship, labels and all. Hey, you do you, I guess, but it does feel like they've just been mashed together as the catalyst for some drama.

If you are willing to suspend your disbelief, there's plenty of fun to be had here. Nicola Walker never disappoints, and she does a great job here as a scorned mother and friend, absolutely horrified by the situation. Alice is a very well-rounded character who makes some childish decisions throughout the series, but given everything that's happening, it's easy to still feel sorry for her.

Alice tries to sabotage the relationship and get life back to normal, meddling and scheming in ways that cause division between her and everyone around her. It is a desperate attempt to put things right, even though she can't reasonably control the actions of anyone but herself.

I'd watch anything Nicola Walker is in, honestly. (Image credit: Hulu)

Alice and Steve is funny and did make me laugh out loud on several occasions. Marcia Warren is a great addition to the cast as Alice's mother, Val, who delivers some sharp takedowns when needed, and Joel Fry adds tension as Alice's husband, who has a strained relationship with her at the best of times.

We also have Alice and Daniel's son, Dom (Tyrese Eaton-Dyce), and his girlfriend, Rome (Eilidh Fisher), whose sweet dynamic provides a break from the constant drama at the center of the show.

Across six episodes, we get to witness the various family dynamics and how chaotic they are. It feels well-paced, and there's plenty of screen time for supporting cast members, too.

The relationship between Steve and Izzy is the sort of scandal that can rapidly spiral out of control, with plenty of characters weighing in even when it's really none of their business. That element of it is wildly entertaining to watch as you form your own opinions, too. Nobody in Steve and Izzy's lives is particularly enthused by their relationship, making it impossible for them to be a normal couple.

Whilst many of the decisions and narrative beats in Alice and Steve are deliberately shocking, some frustrated me more than others. This is definitely the kind of show that will have people engaged in debates around what's happening and whether or not we think it was the right thing to do. You'll know what I mean when you watch it unfold.

There's a cliffhanger to the series, too, leaving the door open for a season 2, which might never arrive. In a world of streaming, where our favorite shows sometimes get canceled, I always worry that a story will be half-told.

Even though I didn't like Alice and Steve as much as others, and would go as far as to say it was "fine", I do hope that fans get a satisfying ending. Leaving everyone in limbo after so much character-driven drama feels very cruel indeed.

Managing a commercial fleet gets complicated fast. Between tracking driver behavior, scheduling maintenance, and keeping tabs on assets across multiple locations, you need software that will help rather than get in the way. If you're still working through your options, TechRadar's guide to the best fleet management software covers the full competitive picture.

TechRadar reviewers spend hundreds of hours each month evaluating B2B software across categories, and fleet management is no exception. Our current top pick for 2026 is Samsara, which leads on compliance tools and driver safety analytics. GPSWOX takes a different approach. It's a broad-reach platform that prioritizes hardware flexibility and affordability over depth in any single area.

Launched in 2014 and headquartered in London, GPSWOX now serves over 100,000 users in 123 countries and supports more than 900 GPS tracker models, which is one of the widest compatibility ranges in the category. That makes it a practical choice if you're working with existing hardware, operating across borders, or can't standardize devices across your fleet.

GPSWOX GPS: At a glance

Attribute

Notes

Score

GPS tracking

Real-time location updates every 3 seconds with 900+ device compatibility

4.5/5

Asset management

Covers vehicles, cargo, equipment, and personnel, though asset-level detail depth is limited

4.0/5

Usage analytics

Driver behavior, fuel consumption, idling, and route history are all tracked

4.0/5

Cost control

Maintenance scheduling and fuel monitoring support ongoing cost reduction

4.0/5

Compliance monitoring

Basic hours-of-service tracking is present, but ELD and FMCSA compliance tools are underdeveloped

2.5/5

Alerts & notifications

Configurable alerts via SMS, email, and mobile app for geofence, speed, and theft events

4.5/5

Ease of use

Clean interface with award recognition; setup completes in under five minutes

4.0/5

Price and scalability

Four clear tiers from $2.99/mo (1 object) to $99+/mo (unlimited); Pro plan caps at 50 objects, which may push mid-sized fleets to White Label

3.5/5

Customer service

24/7 support is standard across all plans, but only White Label gets prioritized service; some users report slow responses during outages

3.5/5

GPSWOX sits comfortably in the mid-tier of fleet management platforms. Its GPS tracking accuracy and alerting capabilities are among its strongest areas, and the pricing structure is transparent enough that smaller organizations can plan budgets without guesswork.

Compliance monitoring is the clearest gap. Fleets operating in heavily regulated environments will likely need a separate compliance-focused platform alongside it.

GPSWOX GPS: FeaturesGPSWOXGPSWOXGPSWOXGPSWOXGPSWOX

• Real-time tracking updates every 3 seconds, with support for Google Maps, Google Street View, and OpenStreetMap (Google Maps is a paid add-on).
• Geofencing alerts trigger when vehicles enter or leave designated zones, delivered via SMS, email, or the mobile app.
• Maintenance scheduling supports triggers by miles driven, operating hours, or calendar time, with automated service reminders.
• Driver behavior monitoring tracks speeding, idling, and harsh acceleration to support fleet safety programs.
• Temperature and cargo sensor support extends the platform to cold-chain and specialized equipment fleets.
• Three-tier access controls (Admin, Manager, User) allow permission management across distributed teams.

GPSWOX covers the core requirements of fleet management well: real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, route history, driver behavior monitoring, fuel consumption analysis, and maintenance scheduling. The platform also supports dash cameras, temperature sensors, and a range of custom accessories, which extends its usefulness beyond standard vehicles to refrigerated cargo fleets and heavy equipment. For organizations that want to consolidate multiple tracking categories into one system, that breadth is a genuine advantage.

The driver behavior tools let fleet managers flag speeding, aggressive braking, and unauthorized vehicle use, feeding into vehicle-specific reports useful for coaching programs or identifying repeat issues. Maintenance scheduling can be triggered by mileage, engine hours, or elapsed time, with automatic alerts when service is due. According to GPSWOX's own documentation, a well-managed maintenance plan can cut repair and maintenance costs by up to 10%.

The white-label option sets GPSWOX apart from most competitors. Resellers and fleet service businesses can deploy the platform under their own brand, with a custom name, logo, and domain. That's not a feature most fleet operators need, but it signals a platform architecture built for scale. What's missing compared to leaders like Samsara is depth in regulatory compliance, AI-driven predictive analytics, and integrated ELD hardware.

GPSWOX GPS: Ease of UseGPSWOXGPSWOX

Setup is one of GPSWOX's genuine strengths. Once a plan is active, the registration process takes under five minutes, and GPSWOX's team handles the initial technical configuration at no extra charge. The interface has earned a Great User Experience Certificate from FinancesOnline, which was consistent with my findings during testing. Navigation is straightforward, plus the map-based dashboard gives a clear read on fleet status without requiring menu-diving.

That said, the platform's flexibility creates some complexity at scale. Organizations managing thousands of devices across multiple user accounts will find the three-tier permission system functional but not especially granular compared to enterprise-grade alternatives. The mobile app, available for iOS and Android, is included across all plans and works well for field use.

GPSWOX GPS: Pricing

GPSWOX offers four plans. Lite covers a single object at $2.99 per month billed annually. Basic tracks up to five objects at $9.97 per month, also billed annually. Pro steps up to 50 objects at $49 per month billed monthly. Finally, the White Label plan starts from $99 per month and supports unlimited objects, and it is the only tier that includes API access, custom branding, admin tools, database backup, and prioritized technical support.

That structure is straightforward, but the object limits are worth reading carefully. The Pro plan's ceiling of 50 objects will rule it out for mid-sized fleets, pushing them to the White Label plan even if they have no interest in the reseller features. Google Maps integration also carries a separate fee, which is an additional line item most competitors fold into their base plans. Samsara and Verizon Connect tend to bundle more at comparable price points, though they typically require hardware commitments or annual contracts that GPSWOX doesn't.

GPSWOX GPS: Customer support

GPSWOX provides 24/7 technical support across all plans, though only White Label subscribers get prioritized service. The lower three tiers (Lite, Basic, Pro) receive standard support, which is worth noting for businesses that depend on fast response times. Free setup and training are available to all customers, along with a documentation library covering video guides, written manuals, and webinar resources.

User reviews paint a mixed picture. Many customers highlight fast, responsive support for routine queries. A smaller number report longer wait times during platform outages. In one documented case, a reseller experienced a three-hour server disruption and waited over five hours for a substantive response.

GPSWOX GPS: Alternatives

• Samsara: TechRadar's top fleet management pick for 2026, with deeper compliance tools, integrated ELD hardware, and AI-powered safety analytics suited for regulated fleets.
• Verizon Connect: A strong option for North American fleets, offering tighter carrier integrations, HOS compliance reporting, and a more mature enterprise feature set.
• Motive: Built specifically for trucking and long-haul fleets, with FMCSA-compliant ELD support and driver coaching tools included by default.

GPSWOX GPS: Final verdict

GPSWOX is a capable, cost-transparent fleet management platform that does a lot of things well. The GPS tracking accuracy, broad hardware compatibility, and absence of long-term contracts make it a practical choice for small and mid-sized fleets, particularly those operating internationally or working with a mix of existing tracker hardware. The alerting and notification system holds up in practice, and free setup reduces the friction of getting started.

Where it falls down is compliance. Organizations subject to FMCSA regulations, or in industries where hours-of-service logging and ELD certification are mandatory, will find GPSWOX under-equipped for those requirements. For those fleets, a compliance-first platform is a better fit. For everyone else evaluating an accessible, hardware-flexible GPS tracking system with a transparent monthly cost, GPSWOX is worth a trial run.

GPSWOX GPS: How we tested

My evaluation of GPSWOX drew on a combination of hands-on platform testing, official product documentation, and verified user reviews. I assessed each major feature area, including tracking accuracy, alerting, reporting, usability, and support quality, against real-world fleet management requirements and compared the platform's pricing and capabilities against direct competitors in the mid-market category.

GPSWOX GPS: FAQsDoes GPSWOX work with my existing GPS hardware?

GPSWOX supports more than 900 GPS tracker models, covering most major manufacturers including Teltonika, Ruptela, and Concox. If your existing device isn't on the supported list, the company says it can add new device protocols on request. This makes GPSWOX one of the more hardware-flexible platforms in the fleet management category, which is particularly useful if your fleet uses a mix of devices or you're transitioning from another system.

What are GPSWOX's pricing plans?

GPSWOX has four plans. Lite is $2.99 per month (billed annually) and tracks a single object. Basic is $9.97 per month (billed annually) for up to five objects. Pro is $49 per month and covers up to 50 objects. The White Label plan starts from $99 per month with no object cap, and it is the only tier that includes API access, custom branding, and prioritized support.

Can GPSWOX handle large enterprise fleets?

The Pro plan tops out at 50 objects, so larger fleets need the White Label tier. GPSWOX's architecture has been tested at significant scale. One case study on the company's site describes a reseller who grew from 400 to over 150,000 tracked objects on the platform. Performance at that scale can vary depending on whether you're using GPSWOX's cloud servers or a self-hosted deployment.

Does GPSWOX support compliance and ELD requirements?

Basic hours-of-service tracking is available, but GPSWOX does not position itself as a compliance-first platform and does not offer certified ELD hardware. If FMCSA ELD compliance is a regulatory requirement for your fleet, you should evaluate a dedicated compliance solution such as Motive or Samsara, either instead of or alongside GPSWOX.

Can I white-label GPSWOX for my own tracking business?

Yes. GPSWOX offers a white-label software package designed for GPS tracking resellers and fleet service businesses. It includes custom branding (name, logo, domain), multi-language configuration, and the option to add a payment gateway to charge end customers directly. The White Label plan starts from $99 per month.

Verizon Connect Reveal is a fleet management and GPS tracking platform built for companies that take their mobile workforce seriously. It traces its lineage to three major telematics brands, Telogis, Verizon Networkfleet, and Fleetmatics, and that combined history shows in the depth of its feature set. Whether you're managing a ten-vehicle service operation or a sprawling logistics network, Reveal is designed to be a platform you won't outgrow quickly.

At TechRadar, we evaluate dozens of fleet management tools each year, spending hundreds of hours examining how platforms perform across GPS accuracy, compliance coverage, reporting, and day-to-day usability. Verizon Connect consistently stands out for its analytics depth. For 2026, however, Samsara remains our top overall pick, offering stronger integration support and a more consistent customer experience. You can find all of our recommendations in our best fleet management software guide.

What draws fleet managers to Verizon Connect is the same thing that can frustrate smaller operations: this platform is built with enterprise scale in mind. The feature set is extensive, the data is granular, and customization goes deep. But that depth comes with a learning curve, a mandatory three-year contract, and customer support that too many users describe as difficult to reach when something goes wrong.

Verizon: At a glance

(Image credit: verizon connect)

Attribute

Notes

Score

GPS tracking

Near real-time updates at 30-second intervals, powered by Google Maps, with geofencing and full route replay

4.5

Asset management

Tracks vehicles, trailers, and equipment with live status, usage history, and diagnostic data

4.0

Usage analytics

Leads the industry on fuel and carbon reporting; driver scorecards are detailed and genuinely actionable

5.0

Cost control

Fuel monitoring and idle tracking are strong, but subscription costs limit ROI for smaller fleets

3.5

Compliance monitoring

Full FMCSA-compliant ELD, HOS tracking, and DVIR — one of the strongest compliance stacks in the category

4.5

Alerts & notifications

Real-time push alerts for harsh driving, geofence breaches, ignition status, and more

4.0

Ease of use

Clean web interface, but the mobile app has reported lag issues and the platform demands time to learn

3.5

Price and scalability

Custom-quote model with no published rates; three-year contracts with auto-renewal create friction for buyers

3.0

Customer service

24/7 phone support is listed, but response quality is widely criticized across reviews.

2.0

Verizon Connect earns high marks where it counts technically: tracking accuracy, compliance coverage, and analytics depth. Where it loses points is in the areas that affect the day-to-day experience of buying and running it, namely pricing transparency, contract flexibility, and support reliability.

Verizon: Features

(Image credit: Verizon connect)

• AI-powered dashcams with a 360-degree camera option introduced in 2025, storing up to 170 hours of footage on a 256GB SD card, with video accessible within minutes of an incident.
• Industry-leading fuel and carbon footprint reports with auto-calculated efficiency metrics not found on most competing platforms, including Samsara.
• Full FMCSA-compliant ELD with automated HOS tracking and DVIR logging built directly into driver app workflows.
• GIS data overlay on proprietary maps, letting utilities and infrastructure fleets view power lines, sewer routes, and commercial hazard data alongside live vehicle positions.
• Driver Safety Scorecards with per-driver breakdowns of speeding, hard braking, sharp cornering, and seatbelt compliance.
• Geofencing with real-time entry and exit alerts, out-of-hours driving notifications, and unassigned device alerts for theft deterrence.

Verizon Connect Reveal is feature-rich in ways that most competitors can't match outright. The analytics suite is the clearest differentiator. I found the fuel and carbon footprint reporting more detailed than anything I've seen from a comparable platform, including Samsara. The system tracks engine and cargo temperature, EV battery levels, driver scorecards built from harsh braking and acceleration events, and idling patterns across the entire fleet.

The compliance tools are equally strong. Verizon's ELD solution is fully FMCSA-compliant and covers hours-of-service (HOS) tracking and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) through both desktop and mobile apps. The Scheduler tool is a drag-and-drop job management system with live technician status and mobile job sheets, adding a field service layer that many fleet platforms treat as an afterthought. For fleets that need to stay on top of DOT regulations, this is one of the most complete compliance stacks available.

One area where Verizon Connect still lags behind is integrations. As of spring 2025, the platform offered 65 third-party integrations across a dozen categories, which is a genuine improvement over previous years but well short of Samsara's 300-plus app catalog. If your fleet depends on niche software for EV charging, fuel management, or maintenance scheduling, you'll want to verify compatibility before signing anything.

Verizon: Ease of Use

(Image credit: verizon connect)

The web interface is polished and well laid out, with a top navigation bar that keeps core tools accessible without much hunting. I found the customizable dashboard genuinely useful for surface-level fleet monitoring, and the live map, powered by Google Maps, responds quickly with smart clustering that keeps large fleets readable at a glance. Online training courses are available and worth working through, particularly if you want to get the most out of the reporting tools.

The mobile experience is less consistent. The Spotlight app for iOS and Android covers the essentials: search, live tracking, and two-way messaging between drivers and managers. But a recurring complaint among users is lag and occasional data drops during busy windows, and for a platform pitched at enterprise operations where timing matters, those glitches add real friction. New users should also expect several weeks before the platform clicks fully; this is not something you can hand off to a dispatcher and walk away from on day one.

Verizon: Pricing

Verizon Connect no longer publishes pricing on its website. You'll need to request a quote directly, and the final number depends on fleet size, hardware choices, and selected features. Based on user-reported data and independent testing, the Reveal Starter plan starts at around $23.50 per vehicle per month, while the full Reveal plan typically lands between $35 and $55 per vehicle per month. A 30-day free trial is available, beginning five days after hardware ships.

The bigger concern is the contract structure. Verizon Connect defaults to a 36-month agreement, and hardware installation terms typically lock you into that full duration. Cancelling early means paying out the remaining contract balance, which for a 15-vehicle fleet can translate to thousands of dollars.

Contracts also auto-renew annually after the initial term, and multiple users have flagged that catching this in time is harder than it should be. For small to mid-size fleets without a procurement team scrutinizing the fine print, that kind of commitment deserves careful consideration before you sign.

Verizon: Customer support

(Image credit: Verizon connect)

Verizon Connect offers 24/7 phone support for Reveal customers at 1-844-617-1100, with additional dedicated lines for Fleet and Government Fleet services. There's also a direct support email at reveal.support@verizonconnect.com and an online knowledge base for self-service troubleshooting. The coverage options look solid on paper.

In practice, the experience is far less reliable. Reviews consistently flag long hold times, unanswered emails, and issues left unresolved for weeks or months at a time. Some enterprise customers have documented hardware failures that went unaddressed for well over 100 days under their Master Subscription Agreement.

Trustpilot does highlight genuine bright spots, with several users praising specific account representatives who deliver excellent, personal service, but that inconsistency is a real problem for a platform that businesses depend on around the clock. Verizon Connect also received a failing BBB grade with over 100 unresolved complaints as of 2025, a figure that's hard to overlook.

Verizon: Alternatives

• Samsara: Top fleet management pick for 2026, with 300-plus integrations, stronger real-time support, and a more accessible buying process.
• Motive: A solid choice for trucking-focused fleets that prioritize ELD compliance and a more intuitive interface over deep analytics.
• Teletrac Navman: Worth considering if you want a one-year initial contract and solid analytics without Verizon Connect's enterprise overhead.

Verizon: Final verdict

Verizon Connect Reveal is a platform with genuine technical strengths. The analytics depth, particularly around fuel efficiency, carbon footprint, and driver behavior, is among the best in the industry, and the compliance tools cover everything from FMCSA ELD requirements to detailed DVIR workflows. If you run a large, compliance-sensitive fleet and need a platform that can scale with you, Reveal has real merit.

The problem is everything surrounding the platform itself. The custom-only pricing, three-year default contracts, and auto-renewal terms create buying risk for mid-size fleets that don't have dedicated teams to manage the fine print. A support operation that so consistently fails its customers is hard to recommend without that caveat front and center. For enterprise buyers with the resources to absorb that risk and the patience to climb the learning curve, Verizon Connect is a serious contender. Everyone else should compare carefully with Samsara before making a commitment of this length.

Verizon: How we tested

I evaluated Verizon Connect by examining its feature documentation and testing the web-based Reveal platform directly, cross-referencing findings against verified user reviews from top review sites. I also compared Verizon Connect's performance against Samsara, Motive, and other fleet management suites across GPS tracking accuracy, compliance coverage, reporting depth, pricing structure, and customer service quality.

Verizon: FAQsDoes Verizon Connect require a long-term contract?

Yes, the standard agreement for Reveal customers is 36 months, and hardware installation terms typically lock you into that full duration. After the initial term, contracts auto-renew annually, something that has caught many users off guard. A 30-day risk-free trial is available, starting five days after hardware ships, but cancelling beyond that window means paying out the remaining contract balance.

What types of vehicles and assets does Verizon Connect support?

Verizon Connect tracks a wide range of assets, including cars, trucks, trailers, heavy machinery, and both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). For EVs, the platform shows charge state and battery level in near real-time. Asset trackers also work on non-powered equipment, covering job sites, storage facilities, and industrial environments. Coverage extends across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

How does Verizon Connect handle ELD compliance?

Verizon Connect is fully FMCSA-compliant, covering hours-of-service tracking, electronic logging, and driver vehicle inspection reports. Drivers use the Reveal Driver app to submit inspection reports, review their logs before submission, and receive real-time road condition alerts. DVIRs are built into standard app startup and shutdown workflows, so compliance checks become part of regular driver routines rather than an added step.

Is Verizon Connect a good fit for small fleets?

It depends on how much management overhead you can absorb. The platform is built with mid-to-large enterprise operations in mind and the pricing, contract terms, and learning curve all reflect that. For fleets under ten vehicles, a mandatory three-year commitment may not be worth it compared to lighter-weight alternatives with more flexible contracts. If your small fleet has complex compliance or reporting needs, the depth of Verizon Connect's tools might still justify the investment, but go in with a clear-eyed view of the total cost.

How does Verizon Connect compare to Samsara?

Both platforms are enterprise-grade, but they differ in meaningful ways. Verizon Connect leads on fuel and carbon reporting and has stronger GIS data overlay for industry-specific fleets. Samsara has a larger integration ecosystem (300-plus apps versus Verizon's 65 as of spring 2025), a more accessible pricing model, and a stronger customer support reputation. For most businesses evaluating fleet management in 2026, Samsara is the safer starting point, though Verizon Connect's analytics depth can make it the better fit for data-heavy operations.

Azuga is a GPS fleet management platform from Bridgestone, serving over 14,000 commercial fleets across the US. If you're evaluating your options, it's one of the more established names on our best fleet management software list, and it earns its place.

TechRadar reviewers spend hundreds of hours each month researching B2B software across categories, including fleet management. In my evaluation of Azuga, I found it most compelling for small to mid-sized fleets that want a system they can deploy without IT involvement. Driver safety is clearly the platform's priority, and everything from its scoring system to its dashcam integration reflects that.

If your budget allows for a more advanced platform, Samsara remains our top pick for 2026. But Azuga is a credible alternative, particularly for businesses that want straightforward hardware, accessible reporting, and round-the-clock support without a steep learning curve.

Azuga: At a glance

Attribute

Notes

Score

GPS tracking

Real-time tracking accurate to within 5 feet via OBD-II; one-minute intervals locked to the top tier

4.0

Asset management

Equipment Beacons cover non-powered assets, but require additional hardware spend

3.5

Usage analytics

Driver scorecards and diagnostic reports are solid; custom reports only on CompleteFleet

4.0

Cost control

Predictive maintenance tools are a genuine strength; FuelSaver is gated to CompleteFleet

4.0

Compliance monitoring

ELD compliance is a paid add-on rather than a built-in feature; DVIR reporting is included

3.5

Alerts & notifications

Strong real-time alerts covering speed, hard braking, geofencing, seat belts, and distracted driving

4.5

Ease of use

Plug-and-play hardware installs in under a minute; dashboard and mobile app are clean and accessible

4.5

Price and scalability

Per-vehicle pricing is competitive, but the mandatory 36-month contract limits flexibility

3.5

Customer service

24/7 support on all tiers; dedicated customer success manager only on CompleteFleet

4.0

Azuga earns solid marks across most categories. Its strongest qualities are ease of setup and the depth of its safety alerts, which go well beyond what most entry-level fleet tools offer. The scores drop where the platform asks for extra spend: asset management and compliance monitoring both require add-on investment, and useful analytics and coaching features sit behind the top pricing tier.

Azuga: Features

(Image credit: Azuga)

• AI SafetyCam Pro and Plus (launched April 2025) with Advanced Driver Assistance System and Driver Monitoring System for real-time in-cab alerts
• Real-time GPS tracking via plug-and-play OBD-II devices, accurate to within 5 feet
• DriveSafe driver scoring from 0 to 100, with gamified peer rankings and quarterly driver rewards
• Geofencing with alerts triggered on vehicle entry, exit, and dwell time
• Predictive vehicle maintenance based on diagnostic trouble codes and scheduled service history
• Over 70 marketplace integrations, including Fleetio, WEX, and Route4Me

Azuga's feature set covers the core needs of most commercial fleets: real-time GPS tracking, driver performance scoring, geofencing, maintenance alerts, and a dual-facing AI dashcam available as an add-on. The platform suits small to mid-sized fleets with mixed-use vehicles, and its design prioritises accessibility over depth. Fleets with more complex requirements, such as large-scale logistics or regulated transport, may find it thinner than Samsara or Verizon Connect.

The most distinctive element of Azuga's approach is its driver engagement model. Rather than monitoring drivers purely for compliance, the platform treats safety as a competition. Drivers receive scores from 0 to 100 through the DriveSafe system, and top performers earn quarterly rewards from brands like Amazon and Domino's. The Azuga Coach feature, which provides video-based online coaching for drivers who need improvement, is restricted to the CompleteFleet tier.

ELD compliance being a paid add-on is a meaningful gap, especially for fleets operating under federal Hours of Service rules. Asset tracking also requires separate hardware. That said, the three-tier structure covers enough for most small to mid-sized operators, and the 70-plus third-party integrations in the Azuga marketplace, including Fleetio, WEX fuel cards, and Route4Me, extend the platform's reach considerably.

Azuga: Ease of Use

Azuga has built a reputation for being the easiest fleet management platform to get running, and that reputation holds. The OBD-II tracking devices plug directly into each vehicle's diagnostic port in under 20 seconds, with no professional installation required. Once the hardware is in place, the web dashboard and FleetMobile app are both well-organised, with live map views, driver reports, and maintenance flags easy to locate without much hunting.

The dashboard presents a lot of information without feeling cluttered, which is harder to achieve than it sounds in fleet software. The mobile app covers the same core features as the desktop version and is available for both iOS and Android. A number of users have reported occasional lag in the app's real-time updates, and the interface does show its age compared to newer platforms on the market.

Azuga: Pricing

Azuga publishes its base prices on its website. BasicFleet starts at $25 per vehicle per month and includes GPS tracking, alerts, driver scores, geofencing, and scheduled maintenance. SafeFleet at $30 per vehicle per month adds distracted driving detection, panic alerts, vehicle diagnostics, and fuel card integration. CompleteFleet at $35 per vehicle per month unlocks one-minute tracking, FuelSaver, Azuga Coach, custom reports, and a dedicated Customer Success Manager. The AI SafetyCam dashcam add-on costs $41.99 per vehicle per month as of Spring 2025, and ELD compliance carries a separate fee.

The per-vehicle rates are competitive with Samsara and Verizon Connect, but the mandatory 36-month commitment is a significant constraint for businesses that want flexibility. Some competitors offer annual contracts, and a handful operate on rolling monthly terms. There is no free trial for fleets with fewer than 30 vehicles, which means smaller operators are making a multi-year commitment based on a demo alone. If your fleet needs compliance tools or dashcams from day one, the total monthly cost climbs quickly.

Azuga: Customer support

(Image credit: Azuga)

All three Azuga tiers include 24/7 support via phone, email, and web ticketing, which is a meaningful advantage over platforms that restrict live support to higher-paying customers or business hours. The company also maintains an extensive library of online documentation and training materials, so most common setup questions can be resolved without waiting for an agent.

The main caveat is that a dedicated Customer Success Manager is only included with CompleteFleet. Quarterly fleet performance reviews, which can be useful for spotting trends and targeting driver coaching, are also reserved for that top tier. Customers on BasicFleet or SafeFleet get responsive, accessible support, but the more proactive, account-level guidance costs extra.

Azuga: Alternatives

• Samsara: Our top pick for 2026 offers stronger analytics, broader integrations, and a more modern interface at a comparable per-vehicle price point.
• Verizon Connect: A better fit for larger enterprise fleets that need deeper customisation, advanced route optimisation, and built-in compliance tools.
• Motive: Worth considering if ELD compliance is a primary requirement, since it is built into the platform rather than sold as a separate add-on.

Azuga: Final verdict

Azuga delivers a well-executed fleet management experience at the entry to mid-market level. The plug-and-play hardware and clean software make it accessible for operators without a dedicated IT team, and the driver safety tools are among the best I've tested at this price point. The gamified driver scoring approach is particularly effective for fleets where engagement and accountability are ongoing challenges.

The 36-month contracts and feature gating across tiers are real weaknesses. One-minute tracking, FuelSaver, and personalised coaching are all reserved for CompleteFleet, and ELD compliance costs extra on every plan. For fleets that can commit to the contract and are comfortable with the add-on model, Azuga is a dependable platform at a fair price. For those who want more flexibility or compliance tools built in from the start, Samsara or Motive are worth a closer look.

Azuga: How we tested

I evaluated Azuga by reviewing its official documentation, published pricing pages, and product announcements, alongside independent testing in a sandboxed environment. I examined user feedback from top review sites to identify patterns in real-world experience and cross-referenced all feature and pricing details against Azuga's website to confirm accuracy at the time of writing.

Azuga: FAQsDoes Azuga require professional installation?

No. Azuga's tracking devices plug directly into a vehicle's OBD-II port and can be installed in under a minute without tools or technical knowledge. The dashcam attaches to the windshield with an adhesive pad. Software setup is handled through the web platform, and Azuga provides migration support if you're switching from another system.

What does Azuga's BasicFleet plan include?

BasicFleet at $25 per vehicle per month covers GPS tracking, geofencing, alerts and notifications, driver scores, the driver rewards programme, scheduled maintenance, and reporting. It also includes 24/7 phone, email, and web support. Features like vehicle diagnostics, distracted driving detection, FuelSaver, and custom reports require an upgrade to SafeFleet or CompleteFleet.

Does Azuga include ELD compliance?

Not by default. Azuga ELD is a paid add-on that helps fleets meet federal electronic logging device mandates for hours-of-service tracking and driver log management. If ELD compliance is a core requirement, factor this additional cost into your overall budget before comparing plans.

How long are Azuga contracts?

Azuga's standard term is 36 months, which is common across the fleet tracking industry but longer than the annual or monthly contracts offered by some competitors. Contracts are coterminous, meaning all devices on your account renew on the same date. If shorter contracts matter to your business, GPS Trackit and Force Fleet Tracking both offer more flexible terms.

What is the Azuga SafetyCam?

The SafetyCam is a dual-facing dashcam that records both the road ahead and in-cab driver behaviour. The Plus and Pro models, released in April 2025, add Advanced Driver Assistance System alerts for events like rolling stops and tailgating, and a Driver Monitoring System that detects fatigue, phone use, and missing seat belts in real time. SafetyCam is a paid add-on priced at $41.99 per vehicle per month as of Spring 2025.

If your fleet runs on spreadsheets and paper inspection forms, Fleetio is built precisely to replace that workflow. It's a cloud-based fleet management platform for operations of five vehicles or more, covering maintenance scheduling, cost tracking, inspections, and full asset lifecycle management. You can find it among our picks for the best fleet management software.

TechRadar reviewers spend hundreds of hours each month evaluating B2B software across categories. In our testing, Fleetio stood out for the depth of its maintenance and analytics tools, with a focus that suits service-heavy fleets well. If you need real-time GPS tracking built in from the start, our top pick for 2026 is Samsara, which bundles telematics hardware with its software platform.

Fleetio takes a different approach: it integrates with telematics providers like Samsara, Verizon Connect, and Geotab rather than competing with them. That makes it a useful complement to an existing tracking setup, or a good standalone option for fleets where location monitoring isn't a core priority.

Fleetio: At a glancefleetiofleetiofleetiofleetio

Attribute

Notes

Score

GPS tracking

No native GPS; relies entirely on third-party telematics integrations

2.5/5

Asset management

Excellent lifecycle tools, VIN decoding, and full cost history per vehicle

4.5/5

Usage analytics

Extensive custom reporting with dozens of configurable report types

4.5/5

Cost control

Real-time cost-per-mile calculations and total cost of ownership tracking

4.5/5

Compliance monitoring

FMCSA-compliant inspection forms, recall alerts, and driver record management

4.0/5

Alerts & notifications

Automated maintenance reminders and email notifications across the fleet

4.0/5

Ease of use

Clean, browser-based interface with a fast setup and a manageable learning curve

4.0/5

Price and scalability

Competitive tiered pricing, though the five-vehicle minimum limits very small fleets

4.0/5

Customer service

Helpful and well-reviewed support team, but limited to 8 AM–8 PM Eastern

3.5/5

Fleetio scores well across most attributes that matter for maintenance-oriented fleets.

The main gap is GPS tracking; its reliance on third-party integrations puts it behind telematics-first competitors. For fleets that already have a tracking solution, or simply don't need one, this is easy to work around.

Fleetio: Features

• Preventive maintenance scheduling tied to mileage, time, or engine hours, with manufacturer-recommended service intervals pulled automatically.
• Custom inspection forms that work offline, with FMCSA-compliant options for pre-trip and post-trip reporting.
• Fuel card integrations that automatically import transactions, calculate cost-per-mile, and flag invalid odometer readings.
• Full asset lifecycle tracking from acquisition through disposal, including warranty logs and service history per vehicle.
• Q2 2025 updates added customizable workflow automations, Spanish language support, and live tire pressure monitoring via asset sensors.

Fleetio's feature set is built around one operational priority: keeping vehicles on the road and costs under control. The platform covers preventive maintenance scheduling, work order management, parts inventory, fuel card integrations, inspection forms, and recall alerts, all from a single web interface. Higher-tier plans unlock advanced features like inventory management and deeper analytics, but even the entry-level Essential plan provides a meaningful range.

What I found most useful in testing was how the modules connect to each other. An inspection that flags an issue feeds directly into a service workflow, which tracks through to a work order and then surfaces in cost reports. The Vehicle Replacement Analysis tool works the same way, pulling maintenance history and total cost data together so you can identify when retiring a vehicle is the more economical call.

Fleetio's main limitation is GPS. There's no native live tracking; you'll need to connect a separate telematics provider like Samsara, Geotab, or Motive to get real-time location data. Those integrations work cleanly, but they add cost and setup time. Fleets that don't need live tracking won't miss this feature at all.

Fleetio: Ease of Use

Setup is fast. I had a vehicle added, a preventive maintenance schedule configured, and an inspection form live within the first session without once opening a help article. The web interface is clean and well-organized, with a home dashboard that surfaces key metrics straight away and lets you add or remove widgets to match what your team actually monitors.

The one area that can slow new users down is the Reports section. It offers dozens of configurable report types covering fuel trends, work order history, and vehicle costs, and the depth is impressive for this price point. For experienced fleet managers that's a selling point; for someone moving over from spreadsheets it can feel like a lot at first. The Fleetio Go mobile app, available on iOS and Android, handles field use well, letting drivers complete inspections, log fuel, and submit repair requests even without an internet connection.

Fleetio: Pricing

Fleetio offers three annual plans: Essential at $4 per vehicle per month, Professional at $7, and Premium at $10. Monthly billing is also available, though Essential rises to $5 per vehicle per month on that schedule. All plans include unlimited users and Fleetio Go mobile app access, and a 14-day free trial is available without a credit card commitment.

The main pricing caveat is the five-vehicle minimum, which means the cheapest plan costs at least $20 per month regardless of fleet size. Features like work order management and parts inventory are gated behind the Professional tier, so Essential-plan users with complex maintenance needs may find themselves upgrading sooner than expected.

Even so, Fleetio's pricing undercuts platforms like Samsara and Verizon Connect by a wide margin while covering the maintenance fundamentals most fleets actually need.

Fleetio: Customer support

(Image credit: fleetio)

Fleetio's support team receives consistently positive reviews on user review sites, with users highlighting response quality and follow-through on feature requests. Available channels include live chat within the platform, email support, and a Help Center with written guides, webinars, and tutorial videos. Paid Onboarding Services packages are also available for teams that want structured, feature-specific training at the start.

The limitation is coverage hours. Support runs from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern, with no 24/7 option, which is a real consideration for fleets operating night shifts or across time zones. For most standard operations this won't cause issues, but it's worth factoring in before signing up.

Fleetio: Alternatives

• Samsara: Bundles GPS hardware, telematics, and compliance tools in one platform, making it the better choice for fleets that need live tracking as a primary requirement.
• Verizon Connect: Telematics-first platform with real-time GPS and driver safety features, better suited for large fleets with dedicated IT resources.
• Simply Fleet: This is a lighter, more affordable option for very small fleets that find Fleetio's five-vehicle minimum or feature depth more than they need right now.

Fleetio: Final verdict

Fleetio earns 4 stars on the strength of its maintenance tools, cost analytics, and transparent pricing. For mid-sized fleets focused on reducing downtime and controlling costs, it's one of the more capable options at this price point. Its integration library is broad enough that telematics and fuel card data can flow in cleanly, making Fleetio a capable operations hub even without native GPS.

The platform has clear limits. Very small operations hit the five-vehicle minimum before they even start, and fleets that need live tracking at the center of their workflow will find the reliance on third-party integrations adds both friction and expense. But for service-heavy, mid-market fleets that want a modern maintenance platform without enterprise-level prices, Fleetio is a strong option.

Fleetio: How we tested

I evaluated Fleetio by setting up a trial account and working through the platform's core modules, adding vehicles, configuring preventive maintenance schedules, building custom inspection forms, and generating reports across fuel, work order, and cost data.

I cross-referenced feature details and pricing against Fleetio's official documentation and product update announcements, alongside user reviews, to build a full picture of how the platform performs across different fleet sizes and use cases.

Fleetio: FAQsDoes Fleetio include GPS tracking?

No, Fleetio doesn't offer native GPS or real-time vehicle tracking. It integrates with telematics providers including Samsara, Verizon Connect, Geotab, and Motive to fill that gap. If you need live location data, you'll need a separate telematics subscription connected through one of those integrations.

What is the minimum fleet size for Fleetio?

Fleetio requires a minimum of five vehicles on any plan, which means the lowest possible monthly cost is $20 on the Essential annual plan. Fleets with fewer than five vehicles will need to look at alternatives like Simply Fleet or a general-purpose maintenance platform.

Can my drivers use Fleetio from their phones?

Yes. The Fleetio Go app is available on both iOS and Android and supports offline use for inspections and fuel logging. Drivers can complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, submit repair requests, and log fuel entries without an internet connection, with data syncing once connectivity is restored.

What's the difference between Fleetio's three plans?

The Essential plan ($4/vehicle/month, billed annually) covers core vehicle management, inspections, basic maintenance scheduling, and reporting. Professional ($7/vehicle/month) adds work order management, parts inventory, and more detailed analytics. Premium ($10/vehicle/month) unlocks deeper workflow automation and expanded reporting. All plans include unlimited users and mobile app access.

How does Fleetio compare to Samsara?

Samsara is a telematics-first platform that bundles GPS hardware, real-time tracking, and fleet management software together. Fleetio focuses on maintenance management and asset lifecycle, with no native tracking built in. Samsara is the stronger choice for fleets where location monitoring is a core need, while Fleetio tends to win on maintenance depth and price. The two also integrate with each other, so some fleets use both.

Panasonic Lumix L10: Two-minute review

Panasonic marked the 25th anniversary of Lumix cameras by announcing the attractive Lumix L10 premium compact camera. If it looks familiar, that's because its retro design cues are taken directly from the popular LX100 series — the most recent being the Lumix LX100 II from 2018 — while its form factor brings to mind the popular Fujifilm X100VI.

Unlike other recent Lumix compact cameras, such as the ZS300 / TZ300, there are genuine upgrades in the Lumix L10 — it's fitted with Panasonic's latest 26.5MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, processor, and autofocus system, a higher-capacity battery, and it even has a viewfinder!

The 24-75mm f/1.7 to f/2.8 Leica Summilux lens with 3cm macro focusing is based on the lens in the LX100 II, with Panasonic saying it's been refined for the L10's higher-specced sensor. How exactly, is unclear, but the user experience is essentially the same, for better or worse; the sharp detail and bright aperture are a major boon, but it's not weather-sealed, and it slows the camera's startup and shut-down time.

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In the hand, the Lumix L10 is a joy to use, and it's quickly become one of my favorite compact cameras. Beyond its charming retro design there's a decent 2.36m-dot OLED viewfinder, a bright 1.84m-dot vari-angle touchscreen, and a proper hotshoe for accessories such as a flash.

The lens is beautifully crafted, and offers direct aperture control, a zoom ring and a customizable switch, with a choice of functions including a stepped zoom, Real Time LUTs, and aspect ratio selection.

Speaking of aspect ratios, it's a cinch to switch between 4:3, 16:9, 1:1 and 3:2, which aids composition for various outputs including social, but the drawback is that not all of the sensor's pixels are usable because of the imaging circle of the lens. 4:3 stills get you the highest-resolution stills at 20.4MP, while 1:1 is an oddity in that it technically doesn't use all of the pixels that it could (based on the imaging circle of the lens).

A current-day Lumix compact camera with a viewfinder! (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

If you compare the L10 to the older Lumix LX100 II, the latest model is feature-packed and snappier in operation, while video performance is in another league, with 5.7K recording, Log color profile, and Real Time LUTs downloadable through the Lumix Lab companion app. Lumix Lab, by the way, is one of the best apps around, with new features regularly being added, the latest being raw editing. (You can shoot raw with the L10 without needing editing software such as Lightroom.)

Battery life is better too, with a larger and higher-capacity battery slotted inside the grip. The downside is that the L10 is notably bigger than the LX100 II, which is a real shame if you like your cameras extra-small. That being said, the size and form factor are a good fit in the hand, and already-available extras further improve the camera's handling — I had the excellent the SmallRig thumb grip and hand grip for my review.

Overall, the Lumix L10 is exactly the kind of camera Panasonic fans — and, indeed, any compact camera fan — needed. There's no other model like it with such a heady mix of powerful features, large sensor, versatile 3.1x optical zoom, in an attractive retro body.

I'm not convinced the L10 is totally for me — I like my sensors big and bokeh extra creamy, meaning I'm in the "please Panasonic announce a full-frame Lumix S9 with a viewfinder" camp — but the L10 should be the one for many photographers hoping for a powerful everyday and travel camera that's simply enjoyable to use. The zoom-lens versatility is the real winner.

The versatile 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 stabilized lens (Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)Panasonic Lumix L10: price and release date

• Announced on May 12 2026 to mark the 25th anniversary of Lumix
• Available in black or silver versions for $1,499 / £1,299 / A$2,599 from June 2026 
• The Titanium Gold Special Edition (pictured) costs $100 / £100 more and comes with extras, with limited availability from July 2026

The Titanium Gold version comes with a matching auto lens cap (Image credit: Tim Coleman)

The Lumix L10 costs $1,499 / £1,299 / A$2,599, which feels about right for this type of camera, and one with such powerful features, and the current market conditions. That's a full $400 / £300 less than the Fujifilm X100VI, which has a fixed lens, but which overall feels a little more premium.

If it's a purely compact package you're looking for, then another option is picking up a full-frame Lumix S9, which body-only costs hundreds less. Add the tiny new 40mm F2 or the collapsible kit zoom lens, and the package is around the same price as the Lumix L10. You'll miss out on a viewfinder, but you will have an L-mount camera with a powerful full-frame sensor, and a wider choice of colors.

The Lumix L10 pictured throughout this review is the Titanium Gold Special Edition, which costs an additional $100 / £100, and is available through select outlets, namely Panasonic's store (and it's not available in every region). You're not paying a premium just for the color — the kit also includes a titanium-colored auto lens cap, a Lumix-branded leather strap, and a dedicated L10 lens cloth. The menus of the camera are suitably monotone to match the warm tones of the camera, and the camera model name is etched onto the camera's lower right-hand side on the back.

• Price score: 4/5

Panasonic Lumix L10 specsPanasonic Lumix L10 Specs:

Type:

Compact camera

Lens

Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm (24-75mm equivalent), F1.7-2.8

Sensor:

26.5MP Micro Four Thirds (20.4MP effective)

Video:

5.6K up to 60p / 5.2K 30p open gate / 4K up to 120p / FHD up to 240p

ISO range:

ISO 50-25,600

Burst shooting

Approx 11fps mechanical, up to 30fps electronic

LCD:

3-inch articulated, 1.84m dots

Viewfinder:

2.36m-dot, OLED EVF. 0.39in, 0.74x magnification

Memory:

1x UHS-II SD

Battery

DMW-BLK22 rated to approx 420 shots

Dimensions

5.01 x 2.91 x 2.64 inches / 127.1 x 73.9 x 66.9mm

Weight:

1.12lbs / 508g with battery, SD card and hotshoe cover

Panasonic Lumix L10: design

• The prettiest Lumix in years, available in silver, black or a limited-edition Titanium Gold
• Roughly the same design as the Lumix L100 II, which also has a 24-75mm f/1.7-f/2.8 lens, but overall it's bigger
• There's a flip-out touchscreen and a handy EVF

(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)

Design-wise, the Lumix L10 is very much the spiritual successor to the Lumix L100 II, which remains a popular and versatile everyday camera for keen photographers.

And if it ain't broke, don't fix it; there's essentially the same control layout, 24-75mm f/1.7-f/2.8 lens, vari-angle 1.84m-dot touchscreen and 2.36m-dot EVF, and every part works perfectly well for casual photo and video use.

One key difference is the size and weight of the 2026 model — the L10 is noticably bigger and a little heavier than the L100 II, with a strikingly similar profile to the Fujifilm X100 VI.

A chief reason for the larger body is that the L10 is fitted with a larger battery — the same kind used in Panasonic's mirrorless bodies such as the Lumix GH7. Of course, a bigger battery means better battery life, and it's also better able to support more powerful features.

The actual difference in battery life isn't so much as you might imagine, though; the L10 runs for up to 420 shots compared to the L100 II's 350 shots. However, the L10 also packs better-quality video, and video capture is more demanding of power.

Future / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim Coleman

The lens is a defining feature of the camera — it's a versatile 24-75mm optic which is improved from the Lumix 100 II's, although Panasonic hasn't made clear how, besides describing it as being fine-tuned for the L10. It's impressively sharp, and the maximum aperture is bright throughout the zoom range, and able to produce reasonable subject and background separation, especially using the telephoto setting.

Macro focusing is down to 3cm, but that's at the wide-angle end of the lens. Zoom in to 75mm and the minimum focus distance is more like 30cm, which is hardly 'macro' — see my comparison photos below to get an idea of how close the camera is able to focus at either end of the zoom range.

Shot at 24mm using the closest focusing of 3cmTim ColemanZoomed in to 75mm, I needed to step back because the minimum focus distance is much further awayTim Coleman

The lens still isn't weather-sealed — and users of the LX100 series have reported dust ingress in the lens, so that's very much a possibility with the Lumix L10. And with a slightly plasticky feel in parts, it's a camera that probably needs to be looked after, rather than tossed into a bag or used in extreme conditions.

Besides the lack of an AF joystick, there are plenty of external controls at your fingertips, most of which can be customized to taste, and it certainly pays dividends to take the time assigning the L10's custom controls to your regularly used settings.

Take the switch on the lens, which can be used to control anything from aspect ratio to stepped zoom or Real Time LUTs color profiles — that's a handy range of controls.

Future / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim Coleman

Despite its decent video credentials, the L10 is very much the stills-oriented camera by design. Yes, there's a mic jack, but no headphone or HDMI. The camera can be charged via USB-C.

The rangefinder-style 2.36m-dot OLED viewfinder and 3-inch 1.84m-dot vari-angle screen make viewing and composing images a cinch in just about any scenario — even if both units are a little dated now.

Overall, I have no major complaints about the L10's design. It's highly enjoyable to use, and it's a very attractive camera too, which made me want to use it all the more.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Panasonic Lumix L10: Performance

• Panasonic's latest 26.5MP MFT sensor and processor, but the sensor is not stabilized
• Snappy and reliable hybrid phase-detection autofocus with subject detection
• Startup / power down time is slowed by the lens extension / retraction

The L10 is an altogether different kettle of fish compared to recent Lumix compacts (which were basically re-releases with USB-C added, but, annoyingly, with the viewfinder removed). It's a genuine upgrade from the eight-year-old LX100 II, equipped with Panasonic's latest sensor, processor and autofocus system.

Throughout my three weeks and counting of testing, the camera has never missed a beat; it happily rattles through 11fps burst shooting sequences, and records high-resolution 5.6K video with no lag and minimal rolling-shutter distortion.

Autofocus is snappy and reliable, and includes subject detection for humans and animals (including pose recognition), plus vehicles and more. At times, however, I missed having a joystick for quick and easy manual selection of autofocus points. The camera offers this control through two steps: pressing the autofocus mode option on the D-pad, then pressing down on the D-pad, at which point the pad can be used to shift the autofocus points in play.

Subject-detection autofocus includes specific animals, such as cats (identifying this adorable kitten)Tim ColemanTim ColemanAnd of course people detection autofocus features, with a range of settings covering eye priority and so onTim Coleman

If there's one drawback in using the Lumix L10 for everyday and street photography, it's the retractable lens design. From powering up, there's around a two-second wait for the lens to extend before the camera is ready to shoot, and around the same time for it to retract when turning the camera off.

We get the same 26.5MP MFT sensor as used in recent mirrorless cameras such as the Lumix GH7, but with one major difference: the sensor isn't stabilized (the lens is), which can limit the camera's handheld use, especially in low light or for creative long-exposure photography, for which you'll want a support for the camera.

Rival cameras including the Ricoh GR IV and Fujifilm X100VI have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), as do most MFT mirrorless cameras at this sort of price point, including the OM System OM-5 II and Lumix GH series.

From powering up to the lens extending and the camera being ready to shoot takes a good two secondsFuture / Tim ColemanFuture / Tim Coleman

Overall, however, there are few cameras that are able to perform as smoothly as the L10 while offering such processor-intensive features — inside that retro body is some serious grunt.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Panasonic Lumix L10: Image and video quality

• Multi-aspect stills up to 20.4MP, from the 26.5MP sensor
• The lens is sharp and bright
• A wide range of color profiles, including Real Time LUTs

24mmTim Coleman35mm (the same focal length as the Fujifilm X100VI)Tim Coleman50mm Tim Coleman70mm (and remember, there is the option to assign the lens switch as a stepped zoom, with one push change from these popular settings) Tim ColemanAnd finally 75mm, the maximum focal lengthTim Coleman

I've had more than enough time with the Lumix L10 to get a feel for its capabilities and image quality, and it's really grown on me.

When I started writing this review, I was ready to table my request for a fixed-lens Lumix with full-frame sensor instead, or a Lumix S9 Mark II with a viewfinder; but I've come to appreciate the versatility of the L10's 24-75mm lens, which I value more than prime-lens image quality for everyday photography (see the range above).

The lens is impressively sharp, and crucially its maximum f/1.7-2.8 aperture is plenty bright. This is a camera that's as comfortable with street photography scenarios as it is for macro photography or portraiture.

Lens distortions are kept to a minimum — there's only an occasional touch of chromatic aberration in out-of-focus areas, and rainbow flare when shooting towards bright sunlight, while sunstars are crisp (check out the gallery below).

Check out that crisp sunstar — stunning!Tim ColemanHere is the L10's lens flare at its worst — any lens would struggle pointed directly at the sun, but the rainbow flare is quite pronouncedTim ColemanLook closely at bokeh (the out-of-focus orbs of light) and you can see some onion ring effect (rather than attractive smooth bokeh)Tim ColemanTim Coleman

The unfortunate drawback to the camera's design is that the imaging circle of the lens cuts into the sensor area, meaning that not all of the sensor's 26.5 megapixels are usable — the maximum photo resolution is 20.4MP.

That's still a big resolution bump from the LX100 II, which had an effective 12MP resolution, but some way behind high-resolution alternatives such as the 40MP Fujifilm X100VI.

The low-light quality of a Micro Four Thirds sensor is also limited compared to larger-sensor alternatives, especially since there's no IBIS which would otherwise enable users to use longer shutter speeds when shooting handheld.

It's easy to switch between aspect ratios, as I have here for this scene using 1:1, but at this ratio the maximum photo size is 3,904 x 3,904 pixelsTim ColemanTim Coleman

Detail across the aperture range is surprisingly sharp for a zoom lens, and you'll struggle to find a better-equipped compact camera for video at this price point — just what I would expect from a modern-day Lumix.

And then there's the unsung highlight of a photographer's life with a Lumix camera: attractive color profiles and free Real Time LUTs uploads from the always-improving Lumix Lab app.

I've easily paired the L10 with the Lumix Lab app to remotely control the camera and view scenes, and upload Real Time LUTs profiles directly onto the camera (remember there's a switch on the lens which can be assigned as direct access to these profiles). These profiles can be used for photo and video.

Put simply, it's straightforward to get the look you want for photo and video in-camera, minimizing time needed with editing software. I've never been more tempted to save space on my memory cards and shoot JPEG-only.

Panasonic Lumix L10 sample galleryTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim ColemanTim Coleman

• Image and video quality score: 4/5

Panasonic Lumix L10: testing scorecardPanasonic Lumix L10

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

An expected price for this type and level of camera, and I'd be surprised if it's discounted any time soon

4/5

Design

Really attractive retro body, equipped with a wide range of controls, EVF and vari-angle touchscreen

4.5/5

Performance

Besides the boot-up time, the camera never missed a beat. I missed in-body stabilization, however

4.5/5

Image and video quality

Stills max out at 20.4MP, and the MFT sensor has the usual low-light quality limitations, but there are stunning Real Time LUTs profiles available

4/5

Should I buy the Panasonic Lumix L10?Buy it if...

You want a stylish everyday camera for photography
With a retro profile and rangefinder-style viewfinder, the Lumix L10 looks the part like no other recent Panasonic camera.

You'd like a sidekick to your mirrorless Lumix
With a sharp zoom lens, powerful autofocus, decent video performance and the same color profiles, the Lumix L10 is an excellent sidekick to recent Lumix mirrorless cameras.

Don't buy it if...

You know you're focal length
Zoom lens versatility is a key reason to buy the Lumix L10. If you typically shoot using a single focal length, a Ricoh GR or Fujifilm X100 series model could be a better bet.

You want a rugged camera for all conditions
The L10 looks the part and performs brilliantly, but it's not weather sealed and the body feels less premium than an X100 camera, so you'll want to look after it.

Panasonic Lumix L10: also consider

Fujifilm X100VI

A modern day classic — the X100VI is the most preordered camera ever, equipped with a stabilized 40MP APS-C sensor (larger than MFT), fixed 35mm f/2 lens and a hybrid viewfinder. It feels better built and costs around 20-25% more than the Lumix L10, and with that larger sensor and twice the pixels, the X100VI's picture quality has the edge. However, the lens is fixed and less versatile than the L10's zoom.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X100VI review

Panasonic Lumix S9

If the Lumix L10's compact size appeals, a versatile alternative is the full-frame Lumix S9. You can pick up the 24MP L-mount mirrorless camera with a small kit lens or the new 40mm F2 prime for around the same price as the L10, and it has that larger, stabilized sensor and even-better video skills. However, the Lumix S9 lacks a viewfinder, which can make it less suitable for photography.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix S9 review

How I tested the Panasonic Lumix L10

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

• I've had the Lumix L10 since its global announcement, meaning 3 weeks and counting at the time of writing
• It's been by my side daily, capturing every day moments and travel scenes
• I've compared image quality at various aperture settings and focal lengths, and experimented with various color profiles

Panasonic handed me the Titanium Gold Special Edition of the Lumix L10 one day ahead of the camera's global announcement, together with the limited edition accessories plus a thumb grip and hand grip made by SmallRig. I've used all of these accessories for my review.

The camera has been slung over my shoulder a lot of the time throughout the three weeks and counting that I've had it, during which time I've been on two trips and also used the camera to capture every day moments, day and night.

I've tried the various aspect ratios, color profiles, video settings and fully tested the lens's capabilities across its various aperture settings and focal lengths, plus its macro focusing skills. I continue to fine tune the camera settings to my own preferences. I've made sure to assess battery life and autofocus performance too.

• First reviewed: June 2026
• Read more about how we test

Teletrac Navman has been in the telematics business since 1988, and its TN360 platform carries that history into a cloud-based suite covering GPS tracking, ELD compliance, driver safety, and asset management. For anyone evaluating options across the best fleet management software, TN360 is worth a close look, especially if regulatory compliance sits at the center of your operation.

TechRadar reviewers spend hundreds of hours each month evaluating B2B software, and fleet management is no exception. Our top pick for 2026 remains Samsara, which leads on ease of use, pricing transparency, and overall customer satisfaction. That said, Teletrac Navman has a legitimate case to make for industries where compliance obligations are non-negotiable.

The platform currently manages more than 700,000 vehicles and assets across six continents, and its FMCSA-registered ELD system has over a decade of development behind it. That experience shows in the depth of its compliance tools, though the experience outside those tools can feel uneven depending on who your account manager is.

Teletrac Navman TN360: At a glanceTeletrac Navman 1TeletracNavmanTeletrac Navman 2TeletracNavmanTeletrac Navman 3TeletracNavman

Attribute

Notes

Score

GPS Tracking

Real-time tracking with drone view, geofencing, and second-by-second location updates

4.5

Asset Management

Strong support for mixed fleets including heavy equipment via the RE400 tracker

4.0

Usage Analytics

AI-driven Insights module with natural language search and detailed fleet reports

4.0

Cost Control

Fuel and idle monitoring are capable, though pricing opacity limits budget predictability

3.5

Compliance Monitoring

FMCSA-registered ELD covering HOS, DVIR, and IFTA with automated workflows

4.5

Alerts & Notifications

Customizable alerts for speeding, geofence violations, harsh braking, and unauthorized use

4.0

Ease of Use

Clean dashboard, but hardwired installation and a learning curve apply

3.0

Price and Scalability

Scales for large fleets, but 36-month contracts and undisclosed pricing are obstacles

3.0

Customer Service

24/7 support is available, but account management quality varies widely

2.5

TN360 scores strongest where compliance and real-time visibility matter most. The areas that drag the overall score down are pricing structure and customer service consistency, which sit outside the platform itself but affect your experience just as much as what the software does.

Teletrac Navman TN360: Features

(Image credit: TeletracNavman)

• Real-time GPS tracking with drone view monitoring and configurable geofencing
• FMCSA-registered ELD covering HOS, DVIR, and automated IFTA reporting
• AI-powered IQ Camera dash cams with driver behavior monitoring and in-cab coaching
• SmartJobs dispatch tool with digital proof of delivery and automated customer notifications
• EV and mixed-fuel fleet management with energy consumption and state-of-charge tracking
• Heavy equipment asset tracking via the RE400 device, built for extreme operating environments

TN360 is a dense platform. At its core, you get real-time GPS tracking across vehicles, trailers, and heavy equipment, backed by geofencing, drone view monitoring, and AI-powered dash cams through the IQ Camera system. The SmartJobs dispatch tool handles job allocation without requiring third-party integrations, which simplifies daily coordination for operations teams.

Compliance is where TN360 earns its strongest marks. The platform's ELD is FMCSA-registered and covers HOS tracking, DVIR, and automated IFTA reporting, with real-time alerts for violations and clear driver log visibility. The 2023 TN360 Transport update also added EV fleet support with state-of-charge tracking and energy consumption monitoring, which puts it ahead of most rivals for businesses managing mixed-fuel operations.

The Insights module adds AI-driven analytics with natural language search, making it possible to query fleet data without pulling individual reports. A number of users report a real learning curve before those analytics become second nature, and Samsara's dashboards tend to be more approachable from day one.

Teletrac Navman TN360: Ease of Use

The TN360 dashboard is well-structured. Logging in gives you a real-time snapshot of active vehicles, driver status, and live alerts, all accessible from a single view without extra clicks. A dedicated cameras tab sits next to the main dashboard, which I found to be a sensible layout choice since it doesn't assume every customer runs dash cams.

Setup is a different story. TN360 uses hardwired hardware installed by certified Teletrac Navman technicians, taking roughly 30 to 60 minutes per vehicle. That's a meaningful deployment commitment compared to plug-and-play OBD-II alternatives you can self-install in minutes, so factor in that time and cost before you compare it to lighter-weight competitors.

Teletrac Navman TN360: Pricing

Teletrac Navman doesn't publish its pricing publicly. The platform operates on a per-vehicle monthly SaaS model, with third-party estimates placing the entry point at around $25/vehicle/month, though your actual cost depends on fleet size, hardware selection, and which modules you add. You'll need a custom quote from the sales team to get exact numbers.

For most businesses, the bigger concern isn't the per-vehicle rate but the 36-month contract. Auto-renewal clauses are common, and early termination is not permitted under most agreements. Multiple users have reported being billed for inactive devices long after flagging the issue to their account manager, so read the contract terms carefully before signing.

Teletrac Navman TN360: Customer support

(Image credit: TeletracNavman)

Teletrac Navman advertises 24/7/365 technical support, dedicated account managers, and white-glove onboarding assistance. Individual support agents tend to receive strong reviews, described as knowledgeable and particularly helpful on ELD troubleshooting. The problems surface at the account management level, where slow follow-ups and unresolved billing disputes appear repeatedly.

Recurring complaints include being charged for inactive devices, difficulty reaching the same representative twice, and escalations that stall even when taken to management. Customers who have been with Teletrac Navman for several years generally report a smoother experience, but newer accounts seem to encounter more friction getting issues resolved.

Teletrac Navman TN360: Alternatives

• Samsara: Our top pick for 2026 and surpasses TN360 on ease of use, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction across fleet sizes.
• Verizon Connect: Strong enterprise option with broad integration support and more flexible contract terms for mid-size to large fleets.
• GPS Insight: A competitive mid-market alternative with solid pricing and well-regarded support for smaller, compliance-focused operations.

Teletrac Navman TN360: Final verdict

TN360 is a mature platform that earns its place in compliance-heavy industries. The ELD toolset is one of the most developed available, and the asset tracking coverage for mixed fleets, including heavy equipment, is genuinely strong. The AI analytics layer also delivers real value once your team is past the learning curve.

What holds TN360 back is the experience around the product. Opaque pricing, 36-month contracts with rigid auto-renewal terms, and inconsistent account management create friction that doesn't go away after onboarding. If regulatory compliance at scale is your primary concern, TN360 makes a strong case.

For a more transparent and accessible experience alongside those features, Samsara remains the better overall choice.

Teletrac Navman TN360: How we tested

My evaluation of TN360 drew on official platform documentation, verified user reviews across top review platforms, third-party analyst assessments, and Teletrac Navman's own press releases and feature update announcements. I focused on real-world performance across the nine attribute categories above, with particular attention to compliance tools, day-to-day usability, and post-sale support experience.

Teletrac Navman TN360: FAQsDoes Teletrac Navman require a long-term contract?

Yes. TN360 typically requires a 36-month contract, which includes auto-renewal terms. Early termination is not generally permitted, and several users have reported ongoing billing for devices they had stopped using. Review the contract carefully before committing, particularly the opt-out notice period and renewal windows.

Is TN360 a good fit for small fleets?

It can work for smaller operations, but the 36-month contracts, hardwired installation requirements, and custom pricing process make it a heavier commitment than many small fleets need. If you're managing fewer than 20 vehicles, platforms like GPS Insight or Samsara tend to offer a more practical entry point.

Does Teletrac Navman support EV fleets?

It does. The TN360 Transport update introduced EV-specific capabilities including state-of-charge tracking, energy consumption monitoring, and real-time alerts for electric vehicles. It's one of the more capable options for businesses managing mixed-fuel and electric fleets alongside traditional vehicles.

Does TN360 have a mobile app?

TN360 is available on both iOS and Android, covering trip history, safety alerts, and two-way communication between fleet managers and drivers. The mobile experience is generally well-regarded for day-to-day monitoring tasks.

How does Teletrac Navman compare to Samsara?

Samsara leads on ease of use, pricing transparency, and customer support consistency. TN360 has a narrower advantage in ELD compliance depth and heavy equipment tracking. For long-haul trucking or construction fleets where those capabilities are critical, TN360 is a genuine competitor, but Samsara is the stronger all-around choice for most other use cases.

JBL Xtreme 5: two-minute review

The JBL Xtreme 5 is here and it's bigger, bulkier, and just better than what came before it. This party-ready Bluetooth speaker is on the larger end of JBL’s portable range, and comes with a massive 130W power output, 6.4lbs / 2.9kg weight, and a fairly high price to match. But this model really does feel as if it’s worth every penny.

Why? First of all, we have to talk about sound. The Xtreme 5 is a monster, with rumbling, almost earth-shaking bass, that can extend incredibly deep while retaining composure and clarity at all times. I was wowed by the richness and impact of the speaker’s low-end output, but this never came at the expense of rich mids or expressive highs.

It really does feel like the Xtreme 5 is a substantial sonic upgrade on its predecessor, and like the best Bluetooth speakers, it could handle just about every genre I threw at it with ease. This model can also get louder than the JBL Xtreme 4 thanks to its ramped up power output — although it will need to be plugged into the mains to hit its peak.

With souped-up power comes a size increase. This model is a lot heftier than the Xtreme 4, and wider too. It may be too bulky for some, but the included shoulder strap means it’s still pretty easy to carry around.

Something I love about the Xtreme 5 is how delightfully durable it is. This model is built to a very high standard, is drop-proof, and even IP68 dust and waterproof-rated, meaning it can easily survive a dunk in the pool.

But it’s not just practical, it’s pretty swell-looking too, especially thanks to newly integrated edge lights, which are fully customizable in the JBL Portable app. If you’d prefer you can turn them off, which can help to conserve battery life — you’re getting the same 24 hours that we saw on the Xtreme 4, but you can ramp this up to 28 hours with PlayTime Boost active.

Even in the features department, the Xtreme 5 nails it. You get USB-C audio passthrough for lossless playback, Auracast for multi-speaker pairing, customizable EQ, and a super easy-to-use compainon app.

And in the end, this portable speaker really does feel like the full package. Some may point out a slight price bump in the US, but the Xtreme 5’s cost feels entirely justified and well-balanced against the competition. If you want a speaker to get the party moving, with uncompromising, striking sound, this is easily my top recommendation.

(Image credit: Future)JBL Xtreme 5 review: price and availability

• $399.95 / £329.99 (about AU$560)
• Launched in April 2026

The JBL Xtreme 5 launched in April 2026, about two years after its predecessor, the JBL Xtreme 4. It has a list price of $399.95 / £329.99 (about AU$560), representing a $20 bump in the US but no increase in the UK. It’s available in a range of colors, including Black, Blue, and Camo.

JBL Xtreme 5 review: specs

Weight

6.4lbs / 2.9kg

Dimensions

13.6 x 6.5 x 6.1 inches / 346 x 165 x 155mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C

Battery life

24 hours (28 hours with PlayTime Boost active)

Speaker drivers

1 x 90W woofer, 2 x 20W tweeters (AC power mode)

Waterproofing

IP68

(Image credit: Future)JBL Xtreme 5 review: features

• Customizable EQ and lighting
• 24 hours of playtime (28 hours with PlayTime Boost)
• USB-C audio passthrough for hi-res playback

The Xtreme 5 is overflowing with features, making it an incredibly adaptive and customizable Bluetooth speaker to use.

You’ve got a lot of the usual good stuff: multi-point connectivity, fast-pairing, and Auracast for multi-speaker connection, but there’s even more to uncover with the JBL Portable app.

Through this simple yet effective companion software, you can pick from a neat assortment of EQ presets or create your own with the seven-band equalizer, activate PlayTime Boost for an extra dollop of playtime, and also customize the speaker’s edge lights.

Lighting is new on the Xtreme 5, and it looks great in my view. And it’s very customizable too — you can pick from a range of effects, such as Bounce, Loop, or Trim, and these are great fun to mess around with. But unlike the smaller JBL Go 5, the Xtreme 5 provides the option to change the color of on-board lights, which makes this speaker even more personalizable.

Like a lot of the new-gen JBL speakers, the Xtreme 5 also supports USB-C passthrough, meaning you can enjoy hi-res audio on the go. Just hold down the play button, plug your device in, and you’re good to go.

In fact, the USB-C port stands alone on this model, and can be used for more than just playing music. It’s used to charge the speaker itself, of course, but you can also use it to charge external devices — ideal for juicing up your phone if you’re out and about. There’s also a USB-C wall charger included in the box, which isn’t something you see from a lot of the competition.

While we’re on the topic of charging, I suspect you’re wondering about battery life. And the Xtreme 5 has a good amount of stamina. It can typically last around 24 hours, but with PlayTime Boost active — a mode that increases playtime at the cost of audio fidelity — you can get up to 28 hours. That represents no increase from the Xtreme 4, which is understandable given the higher power output, but there are some competitors, like the Marshall Kilburn III that can give you as much as 50 hours.

Another fun inclusion is JBL EasySing Mic compatibility, which lets you enjoy karaoke wherever you are — but you’ll have to purchase these mics separately.

The only thing that’s missing from the Xtreme 5 is a built-in mic for taking hands-free calls. This is a pretty common thing to leave off the spec-sheet in Bluetooth speakers these days, and is by no means a deal-breaker among the TR team, but it’s worth considering if you’d like to use your JBL as a speakerphone — because that won't be possible.

• Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)JBL Xtreme 5 review: sound quality

• Mesmerizing, full-bodied bass
• Detailed mids and energetic highs
• Incredibly powerful, even compared to predecessor

While listening to Max Chapman’s remix of I’ll Be Your by Ruze, I was struck by one thing right out of the box: the bass. I didn’t feel like the Xtreme 4’s low-end gripped me as much as I’d hoped when I tested it a couple of years back, but this was absolutely not the case for its successor.

The dynamism and depth of the low-end was instantly striking — it was commanding, regimented, and intent-filled, resulting in a highly energetic and immersive listen. This remained the case with House tracks like Feel Da Vibe by Soul Mass Transit System, where the bass extension was seriously impressive — if you want clean, full-sounding low-end output, it’s going to be hard to beat the Xtreme 5.

And luckily, this never came at the expense of the rest of the frequency range. Mids are rich and well-balanced — and in Allie X’s Black Eye, I was really surprised by just how natural and detailed vocals sounded, even with the hard-hitting bass powering throughout. That was the case with a simple AAC signal, by the way — even though there’s no aptX or LDAC on board, JBL’s party speaker can still dish out plenty of detail.

In more stripped back tracks, like Desafinado by Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto, vocals sounded warm and textured, with excellent tonality and articulation — even more so than they did on the still-great Xtreme 4. Sure, bass was pretty forward for a track like this, but that was nothing I couldn’t fix — I rapidly switched to my saved custom EQ and found the perfect balance.

The Xtreme 5 handles the highs really well too. When listening to Lewis Taylor’s Paradise via USB-C, percussion in the treble range sounded vivid and energetic, but wasn’t uncontrolled or overemphasized. As I edged towards 100% volume, it could sound a little compressed, but that’s incredibly common for Bluetooth speakers such as this one.

Speaking of volume, this thing can get seriously loud. And that’s no surprise when you look under the hood, with the Xtreme 5 boasting a single 90W woofer and dual 20W tweeters when it’s hooked up to the mains. For reference, that’s 30W more power from the sub than the Xtreme 4 — which instead opted for dual 30W bass drivers.

It’s also worth noting that the Xtreme 5 has a stereo configuration, but you shouldn’t expect impeccably separated and faithful stereo output here — although true stereo output is possible when pairing the Xtreme 5 with a second, identical model.

• Sound quality score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)JBL Xtreme 5 review: design

• Larger and weightier than the Xtreme 4
• Edge lighting is a welcome addition
• IP68-rated and drop-proof

JBL clearly believes that bigger means better, because the Xtreme 5 has a considerably larger footprint than its predecessor.

It’s wider and heftier too, coming in at 6.4lbs / 2.9kg — quite the rise from the 4.6lbs / 2.1kg of the Xtreme 4. That bulky build may put some off, but the Xtreme 5 still feels surprisingly portable. And that’s thanks to its carry strap, which is adjustable and comfortable to sling over the shoulder.

Despite that size increase, I prefer the look of the Xtreme 5 to its predecessor. There are some small changes to the appearance of the speaker — like a plate on the top side for button controls and a more prominent base stand. But there are still plenty of familiar traits — the recycled plastic and fabric material, the in-your-face logo placement, and the big radiators on each end of the model, for instance.

The biggest change, of course, is the inclusion of edge lighting. I’m a big fan of this personally — it makes bumping tunes that bit more immersive, and adds an ambient touch for late-night listening. These are customizable, but can also be turned off if you’re not in the mood for a light show or want to conserve battery life.

Beyond its looks, the Xtreme 5 is a seriously heavy-hitter in the design department — and that’s largely down to its durable construction. When using the Xtreme 5, it felt like dropping it would break the ground, rather than the speaker itself. It’s got an incredibly solid feel to it, and JBL has certified it as ‘drop-proof’. On top of that, its IP68 dust and waterproof rated, meaning it can even survive a 30 minute dunking under a meter and a half of water — pretty impressive, right?

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)JBL Xtreme 5 review: value

• Minimal price increase in the US, no change in some regions
• But actually feels like a better value buy than predecessor
• Incredible all-round quality is deserving of the steep cost

As much as I liked the JBL Xtreme 4, there was always a little something missing for me. The bass didn’t quite have the bite I was looking for, I didn’t fall in love with its design, and as a result, it didn’t quite feel worth the money. But the JBL Xtreme 5 has totally sold me.

Look, this is how you do an upgrade. This model has more power, more striking sound, lighting for added beauty points, and an even more durable build than last time out. And although US buyers will have to pay $20 more than the launch price of the Xtreme 4, the price has remained flat in other regions, including the UK.

Even with a price increase, this Bluetooth speaker feels worth every penny to me. And with its increased size, lights-integration, and power-boost, it almost feels like an ‘Xtreme Pro’ of sorts, rather than a mere refresh of what came before.

Looking at the competition right now, I think the Xtreme 5 is in very good standing too. For instance, the Bose SoundLink Max has a list price of $399 / £399 / AU$599 — considerably pricier than the Xtreme 5 in markets like the UK. Sure, Bose’s model goes on sale fairly often these days, sometimes for $100 / £100 less, but even still, I think the Xtreme 5 offers excellent bang for your buck with more bountiful bass and a sturdier build.

• Value score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the JBL Xtreme 5?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Excellent feature-set with plenty of options in JBL app, battery life is good rather than great.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Mesmerizing bass, detailed mids, and energetic highs combine for a sensational listen.

5/5

Design

Heftier than the Xtreme 4, but lights are a nice touch and it’s seriously durable.

4.5/5

Value

Earns its fairly high price in every regard with outstanding all-round quality.

5/5

Buy it if…

You like to party
If you like to host house parties then the JBL Xtreme 5 is a top-tier option. It offers seriously powerful sound, excellent bass response, and has enough battery life to keep things running into the early morning.

You want a speaker to use in any environment
The Xtreme 5 is IP68-rated, meaning it's fully dustproof and can happily take a swim — or even a dive — in the water without any trouble whatsoever. That means it’s ideal for taking to all types of locations, from the beach to a pool party.

Don’t buy it if…

You want class-leading battery life
The JBL Xtreme 5 offers decent battery life, but it’s not exactly class leading. If you want a speaker that can just keep on going and going, then it has to be the Marshall Kilburn III.

You’re looking for something ultra-portable
The Xtreme 5 is pretty hefty, even compared to its predecessor. If you want something more portable, that you can easily take anywhere, the step-down JBL Charge 6 is the best alternative.

JBL Xtreme 5 review: also consider

JBL Xtreme 5

Bose SoundLink Max

Marshall Kilburn III

Price

$399.95 / £329.99 (about AU$560)

$399 / £399 / AU$599

$379 / £299 / AU$599

Weight

6.4lbs / 2.9kg

4.7lbs / 2.1kg

6.2lbs / 2.8kg

Dimensions

13.6 x 6.5 x 6.1 inches / 346 x 165 x 155mm

4.7 x 10.4 x 4.1 inches / 120 x 265 x 105mm

10.7 x 5.9 x 6.7 inches / 273 x 150 x 169mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm

Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm

Battery life

24 hours (28 hours with PlayTime Boost active)

20 hours

50 hours

Speaker drivers

1 x 90W woofer, 2 x 20W tweeters (AC power mode)

2 x 89mm transducers, 1 x 23mm transducer, 2x passive radiators

1 x 30W woofer; 2 x 10W full ranges

Waterproofing

IP68

IP67

IP54

Bose SoundLink Max
The Bose SoundLink Max is an exceptional premium speaker that’s oozing with style and packs huge yet deft sound. Its IP67 dust and waterproof rating and durable exterior make it ideal for taking on the go, and it’s regularly available on sale too, making it a top-tier pick. Read our full Bose SoundLink Max review.

Marshall Kilburn III
It may not be as waterproof as its competitors, but the Marshall Kilburn III is an absolute stunner, with a stellar retro-style design and eye-catching golden details. It’s not just a pretty face, though. It offers powerful, full-sounding audio, with punchy bass and impeccable attention to detail. Read my full Marshall Kilburn III review.

How I tested the JBL Xtreme 5

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested for hours alongside the JBL Xtreme 4
• Used in the music testing space at Future Labs
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I spent hours testing the JBL Xtreme 5, during which time I exhausted its various features, assessed its audio quality, and compared it against its predecessor, the JBL Xtreme 4. Testing took place at our music testing space at Future Labs.

For the most part, I streamed music over Tidal to assess the audio aptitude of the Xtreme 5, but I did dip into Spotify from time to time as well. To begin with, I sifted through the TechRadar reference playlist, which features tracks from a wide range of genres, but I also bumped tunes from my personal library afterwards.

I’ve spent years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, including everything from cheap wired earbuds like the Sennheiser CX 80U to premium wireless headphones like the Sony 1000X The Collexion. Of course, I’ve tried out a ton of Bluetooth speakers too, and have reviewed JBL models like the JBL Go 5 and JBL Grip. I also curated our best Bluetooth speakers guide, where I tested more than 30 models to find the greatest models around.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: June 2026

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft: Two-minute review

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft delivers everything you could want from an e-reader (mostly). Amazon packed this device with all of the key features of its other Kindles, but unfortunately, it commands a much higher price as a result.

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft nails all the e-reader basics, and that chunky upcharge brings some color into the mix so you can experience comics and the like. You also get a fancy pen to annotate and take notes. Those features function well overall, but they're not perfect.

Despite combining the “Scribe” and “Colorsoft” portions in the Kindle, you actually can't use them in tandem. You can't annotate or take any notes when you're reading comics or manga, which is ironic considering this is meant to be an all-in-one solution.

However, the 11-inch display is large enough to mimic the size of some graphic novels. That means you have plenty of room to take notes, too. The screen also captures images in strong detail.

So, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is a great e-reader, but unless it's on sale, I'd only recommend it to folks in a higher tax bracket.

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft review: price and availability

(Image credit: Future/Rami Tabari)

• From $629 / £569 / AU$999
• Launched in the US and UK on December 10, 2025
• Launching in Australia on June 10, 2026

No. I simply cannot recommend the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft to the average Kindle user. It’s just too damn expensive. Adding color and a pen to your Kindle is a luxury that I would only recommend to those invested in Amazon’s eBook ecosystem or someone with significant disposable income.

At its starting price with 32GB of storage, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft costs $629 / £569 / AU$999 (it will launch in Australia on June 10). For 64GB of storage, that price jumps up to $679 / £629 / AU$1,099. As someone who just wants to read a book, that makes my wallet cry. But keep in mind that this is the peak premium Kindle device.

You can break down the features of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft into three categories — Kindle, Scribe, and Colorsoft — and it's quite simple to pick apart its value proposition as a result. The Kindle is just your traditional Paperwhite device for $159 / £159 / AU$199, and then the Colorsoft adds a splash of color to that for $249 / £269 / AU$399, and finally, you’ve got the Scribe for $399 / £379 / AU$649, which is like the Paperwhite, except you can write on it. Combine all that, and you get the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.

If, for some reason, you need all three features packed into one device, then obviously, your only option in the Kindle ecosystem is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. But focusing on one key feature will save you some decent coin, so I recommend doing just that before committing such a princely sum to this all-in-one device. Not to mention, there are cheaper color e-readers out there, like the Kobo Libra Colour ($219 / £199 / AU$359).

• Value score: 3 / 5

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft review: Specs

Starting price:

$629 / £569 / AU$999

Display size:

11 inches

Storage:

32GB

Display sharpness:

300 ppi Black; 150 ppi Color

Weight:

400g

Dimensions:

189 x 245 x 5.4 mm

Screen lights:

36 white LEDs; 34 amber LEDs

Battery life:

8 weeks, reading 30 minutes/day, Brightness: 13

Document support:

Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, EPUB, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX)

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft review: design

(Image credit: Future/Rami Tabari)

• Slightly less portable, but more reading room
• Pen placement is awkward

The 11-inch Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is almost as big as some of the taller graphic novels I have on my shelf, which seems appropriate considering its purpose. It does make it somewhat more difficult to carry around than the 7-inch Kindle Colorsoft, but it feels more authentic. And despite the larger 189 x 245mm body, it weighs only 400g and is 5.4mm thick, so it’s still more portable than some hardcover books.

As far as the overall design goes, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft looks exactly how you imagine a Kindle would look, except without that chunky bottom bezel. The bezels are still large enough for your hands to grip the device without getting in the way of the screen.

I reviewed the Graphite model with the white pen, but you can get the Fig colorway, which also comes with a Fig-colored pen. I usually don’t say this about tech, but I think I prefer the black model, only because the Fig colorway might be a little distracting while reading.

At the bottom, you’ll find the USB Type-C port for charging, and the power button is located on the top-right side. Just below that is the space where the pen attaches.

If you’re thinking that the pen might get in the way while attached to the right side, you’d be correct. It’s a silly design choice, especially when the pen is small enough (155 x 8.8mm) to easily fit on top of the Kindle.

Overall, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is sleek and inoffensive. It’s thin and light, albeit a bit harder to carry around than previous models, but who doesn’t want a little more reading and writing space? However, I am frustrated by the pen placement.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft review: display

(Image credit: Future/Rami Tabari)

• There’s color, but it’s not colorful
• Text and images are sharp

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft covers the black-and-white spectrum at 300 ppi and adds a splash of color at 150 ppi. There isn’t much the 11-inch display could do to elevate the average book reading experience, but it didn’t have to. Text looked clear and crisp, and the 36 white LEDs and 34 amber LEDs made it so I had a more comfortable reading experience depending on the setting I was in.

Like with other e-ink displays, the LEDs do create a layer of color (white or amber) that warps the image on the screen a little bit. With black text, it’s perfectly fine, as the difference is negligible. However, when introducing color, it’s more noticeable.

The problem is that, while it’s nice to have color, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is just not as colorful as I’d like it to be. I read “Hellblazer Vol. 1,” and when John Constantine heads to Africa, there are supposed to be these bright and bold pink and yellow hues, but they are muted on the Scribe Colorsoft’s screen. Even when set to “Vivid” mode, the color doesn’t pop. Honestly, this is to be expected from an e-ink display. But it doesn’t change the fact that you won’t get the same experience as looking at a real graphic novel. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great that we can experience color at all, but at this wild asking price, it’s definitely not worth it for the color alone.

• Display score: 4 / 5

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft review: performance

(Image credit: Future/Rami Tabari)

• Relatively smooth
• The response times you expect

You’re not looking at a racehorse here; this is a little pony, and that's OK. You don’t need all the performance in the world to run an e-reader.

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is relatively smooth across the board but still suffers from slightly slow response times during navigation. This isn’t a huge turn-off, since most of the experience comes down to turning a page. I did have to restart my Kindle once because it simply refused to connect to Wi-Fi no matter how many times I tried, but it resolved itself afterwards.

When doing more involved things like annotating or taking notes, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft kept up with all of my movements and demands with little issue. Zooming in around the pages also looked and felt smooth, although there’s still a slight awkward delay for the image to refresh, as I could clearly see the ghost of an image from the previous screen.

• User experience score: 4 / 5

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft review: software

(Image credit: Future/Rami Tabari)

• Surprisingly fast performance on E Ink
• Smooth zooming, whether color or black and white

All of the important bits of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, or any e-reader, come down to the software experience. I am generally happy with what this Kindle provides, and it’s not that much different from other e-readers.

You’ve got the essentials that allow you to adjust the layout, font, spacing, etc. There are little things like the “Popular highlights” and “About this book” info, which are neat. Then there’s Word Wise, which defines unfamiliar words but also still needs a lot of work — it identifies overly simple words even at its lowest setting instead of exclusively honing in on the university-level vocabulary that most people would struggle with.

One of my personal favorite software features is being able to isolate comic panels. Double-tapping on a comic panel will make it full screen, and then you can flip through the following panels with ease. When it gets to a new page, it’ll show you the full page and then break down each panel at full screen. This is super cool because you don’t have to zoom in to get a closer look at what’s happening. However, it’s not perfect. I noticed an issue when reading “Attack on Titan” where, when there are two panels and text sprawled across them, sometimes the Kindle won’t combine the panels, and it cuts off the text.

Another cool feature is being able to simulate page turns, which I love in theory, but it doesn’t look the best in practice. The problem is that it’s a fade-in and -out effect instead of an actual flipping animation. It looks a bit more natural when reading a book because it’s a quick fade between texts, but it’s a much uglier transition with comics because there’s a lot of ghosting happening. It looks like it fades in chunks, and it was visually unsatisfying to the point where I turned it off.

(Image credit: Future/Rami Tabari)

To highlight the “Scribe” portion of this Kindle, the notetaking and markup process is rather smooth. The pen is equipped with an eraser on the back and a shortcut button on its side (defaulted to highlight). When reading a standard book, there are two important icons, one on the left and right. The leftmost icon is for all of your pen settings to customize the look, change between highlighters and erasers, and even insert notes and canvases between the text.

The right side of the screen is where you take your notes; it can expand and either split the screen with the text or hover over it, and wherever you write notes, it’ll attach a note symbol next to the closest text. That’s pretty intuitive, since you can change the layout of the book, so naturally it would move the space of your notes. You can even expand the size of notes to take up the full page if you want, so there’s plenty of room to write.

There are a lot of features for folks interested in the “Scribe” portion of things, and they operate pretty seamlessly overall. There’s even a workspace section where you can take full notes unrelated to what you’re reading. In that workspace, there are two AI features, one of which can summarize your notes, and the other can “Refine writing,” which basically transforms your notes into a text font that you can customize.

The only absent feature I noticed is that you can’t take any notes in comics. That means no drawings, notetaking, or even highlighting.

• Performance score: 4 / 5

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft review: battery

USB-C charging or go wireless with the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (Image credit: Future/Rami Tabari)

• Light readers can go for weeks
• Heavy readers can go for days

According to Amazon, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft can survive for eight weeks if you're reading for 30 minutes at just under half brightness. I'll save you the math: that's 28 hours of reading time. For light readers, you could probably stretch that for a few weeks. Heavier readers will likely kill that battery in a few days.

I spent several weeks with the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, reading roughly an hour every day, and I didn't need to reach for a charger until toward the end of the month. That gives credit to Amazon’s battery life claim.

The reading time you experience will vary heavily based on the brightness of your screen. If you're someone who reads at close to zero brightness, you're going to get a lot more longevity out of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.

Unfortunately, the battery does not charge fast. When I first got it, the battery was completely drained, and I had to wait quite a while before the Kindle showed any signs of life. It'll make you think it's broken, so I do not recommend letting it die.

• Battery score: 5 / 5

Should I buy the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

What is there to say other than, “ouch.” The price of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is not for the faint of heart.

3/5

Design

This is a pretty sleek and light Kindle all-round, with my only complaint being that the pen placement should’ve been on top and not on the side.

4/5

Display

The screen is crisp and sharp, capturing text easily and, even more impressively, images in comics with great detail. Unfortunately, while there is color, it’s not quite colorful.

4/5

Performance

It does what it needs to do. There are still some slower response times here and there, but otherwise it functions perfectly fine.

4/5

Software

The software experience is great overall; notetakers will be especially pleased. However, there are some misses here and there.

4/5

Battery

The battery life is great. It’ll last for weeks if you’re a light reader, or a few days as a heavy reader.

5/5

Buy it if...

You’re big on comics and notetaking
If you want to add a splash of color to your reading, especially if you’re looking for comics, then the “Color” portion of this device is just for you. And if you’re a serious notetaker, the “Scribe” portion is also just for you. A perfect combo (even though you technically can’t combine the two — sorry).

You want a large e-reading display
Outside of the unique features, you’re also just getting a large e-reading display. The Scribe Colorsoft's 11-inch screen is large enough to mimic the size of some graphic novels. It’s also quite sharp.

You want a feature-filled e-reader
Outside of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft’s core functions, there are plenty of features onboard to make your reading and writing experience tailored specifically to you.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for a budget e-reader
This may be obvious, but don’t dig yourself into a rabbit hole trying to get the best e-reader out there. If you’re on a budget, look elsewhere.

You want “Color” or “Scribe,” not both
Care for one more than the other? Perfect, I have great news for you. You can get either a Kindle Scribe or a Kindle Colorsoft for much cheaper than you can get their combined variation here.

Also consider

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft
We’ve seen color e-readers, but the Kindle Colorsoft offers amazing performance on E Ink, with Amazon’s robust Kindle library and e-book simplicity. It’s a pricey upgrade, but it’s going to change the way we see Kindle forever.

Read our full Amazon Kindle Colorsoft review

Amazon Kindle Scribe
The Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024) could have been a simple (read: boring) update, but Amazon added AI features and… they’re actually good?! Kindle AI brings better handwriting recognition and note summaries — nothing untoward, and it makes the Kindle Scribe an even more competitive writing tablet, on top of being the best big e-reader you can buy.

Read our full Amazon Kindle Scribe review

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon made the right decision in adopting the E Ink Carta 1300 display for its 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite, which adds more contrast to text and makes it just that much nicer to read on. However, the extra millimeters of screen real estate are neither here nor there, and even though overall performance is slightly better than the previous generation, it's not a huge difference in real-world use. The design looks cheap for its bumped-up price tag, meaning the Paperwhite no longer represents good value, especially when a large 4.5GB of its 16GB storage is taken up by the operating system.

Read our full Amazon Kindle Paperwhite review

How I tested the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft

• Review test period = four weeks
• Testing included = books, comics, manga

I spent a month bouncing around between books, comics, and manga. I read “The House Witch,” “The Time of Contempt,” “Hellblazer Vol. 1,” and “Attack on Titan,” most of which were available on Prime Reading. I spent roughly an hour a day reading. Logging into my Amazon account and getting them on the device was easy. Downloading comics and manga takes a little longer than books, but not significantly so.

For the “Scribe” portion of the review, I highlighted portions of dialogue and wrote little notes to myself to come back to later because the text was either written impeccably well or it was just a funny line. I also drew canvases between the text — just silly doodles right in the middle of the book.

First reviewed: May 2026

Coway Airmega 350: one-minute review

(Image credit: Future)

The Airmega 350 is a large-room air purifier from the South Korean brand Coway that's been quietly building a reputation outside the UK for over 30 years. It's designed to cover spaces up to a whopping 245 square meters, packing a CADR of 713 cubic meters per hour and a three-stage HEPA and activated carbon filter.

In terms of design, it's a clean, white cylinder that blends into most rooms without any fuss, topped with an intuitive touch panel and a color-changing ring that gives you a quick read on air quality. It looks good, though the plastic chassis does feel a bit cheap in places, especially the removable filter panel at the back.

Performance is where the Airmega 350 really stands out, though. It's remarkably quiet during everyday use, even compared to the best air purifiers, the sensor reacts fast to cooking smells and dust, and it cleared my living room noticeably within minutes of detecting something. Auto mode means it can run in the background completely hands-off, and Sleep mode means it can do its job while you're sleeping in the same room, since it's near-silent. I also noticed a real drop in surface dust after just a few days of running it.

The biggest downside in the Airmega 350 is the lack of any Wi-Fi or app control, which is a bit disappointing — especially at this price. You can't check stats, adjust settings remotely, or turn it off from your phone. It's also a big unit with no wheels and only one handle, so moving it between rooms isn't ideal. But if you value air-cleaning performance over smart features, the Airmega 350 is a powerful purifier that won't disappoint.

(Image credit: Future)Coway Airmega 350 review: Price and release date

• Costs $249.99 / £254.99 / AU$699

The Airmega 350 is available to buy now in the US and UK. It sits in the premium end of the air purifier market, but it's not unreasonable for what you're getting. Even at its RRP of £299.99 / $339 / AU$699, it undercuts a lot of Dyson's range, sitting alongside comparable models from Philips and Blueair. What’s more, at the time of writing, the unit is on sale direct from Coway’s official web store in the UK and US for £254.99 and $249.99 respectively, making it an even better deal.

Replacement filters don’t come cheap, however, costing around £69.99 / $89 / AU$135. Coway says they should last over a year with normal use. At the time of writing, filters in the UK were available on Amazon UK but were sold out on Coway's UK site, which is a bit frustrating if you prefer buying from the brand directly. Coway says these will be back in stock soon, but it's worth keeping in mind.

• Value score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Coway Airmega 350 review: Design

• Clean, cylindrical design that blends in with most rooms
• Touch controls are intuitive but feel a bit plasticky
• No wheels and only one handle for a unit this size

The Coway Airmega 350 is a tall, white cylinder that stands about 59cm high and 30cm across. It's not small, but the cylindrical shape means it takes up less visual space than a boxy purifier would, and the clean white, minimal finish means it doesn't demand too much attention, blending in well with most home decor.

The translucent touch panel on top is nicely laid out and intuitive to use. There’s buttons for mode, fan speed, timer (one, four or eight hours), a lights on/off toggle, and a filter replacement reminder. The color-changing ring around the panel shifts from blue (clean air) through green and yellow to red (high pollution), giving you quick visuals on what's going on without you needing to check a screen. Even without reading any instruction manuals, it didn't take me long at all to figure out what everything did, which is exactly how it should be.

I'll be honest, though: the unit’s build quality doesn't quite match its looks. The touch panel works well and is responsive enough, but the plastics feel a bit on the cheap side. The removable back panel that gives access to the filter clips off easily enough (perhaps a little too easily, actually) and has a slightly flimsy feel to it. It's not going to fall apart, but it does knock the premium impression down a notch when in the hand.

(Image credit: Future)

One thing worth knowing is that the purified air blows upwards out of the top, not outwards like a fan. So if you're thinking this might double up as a cooling device, it won't. It's a purifier, not a fan, and Coway hasn't tried to pretend otherwise here.

And finally, for those who might be looking to move this device around often depending on where they feel air purification is needed, it’s worth knowing there are no wheels on the base, and there's only a single carry handle on the back. For something this size, that's probably a bit of an oversight. On the other hand, it’s relatively light (just under 8kg) and so not too difficult to carry between short distances.

• Design score: 3.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Coway Airmega 350 review: Features and performance

• Remarkably quiet, even on the most powerful mode
• Sensor is very responsive to cooking smells and smoke
• No Wi-Fi or app is a missed opportunity

Performance is where the Coway Airmega 350 really shines. Turn it on and the first thing you notice is just how quiet it is. On its lowest settings, it's genuinely hard to tell it's running. Even in Auto mode, where the fan ramps up and down based on what the sensor detects, the noise stays in the background. Sleep mode is practically silent, and I had no trouble running it overnight, even in the same room.

What’s more, when the sensor detects something specific it needs to react to, it does so fast. During use, I found that cooking smells from the kitchen would trigger the fan to kick up within seconds, with the ring shifting from blue to yellow or red, and within a few minutes the air would be noticeably fresher and the ring would settle back to blue. The same went for general dust and pet-related particles. It just gets on with its job quietly — you hardly notice it’s there.

The real star of the show, however, is the Airmega 350’s three-stage filter (pre-filter, HEPA and activated carbon). In my tests, I found this did a great job across the board. Coway claims it captures 99.99% of airborne pollutants, and while I can't verify that number, I can say that the amount of dust settling on surfaces in my living room was noticeably less during use. And when it comes to changing it, the filter itself is easy to access through the unit’s side panel, popping out without any tools needed.

FutureFutureFuture

I found that the Airmega 350’s four modes (Auto, Sleep, Eco and Turbo) cover most scenarios well. Auto is the one I used most, and it's genuinely impressive at regulating itself. Sleep dims the lights and drops the fan to near-silence, while Eco runs on low power until it detects something, then kicks in. Meanwhile, Turbo is for emergencies, like when you've burnt the toast, the smoke alarm is going off and you need to clean the air ASAP. It's louder, obviously, but I found it can clear the air super fast.

There’s only one major niggle in the Airmega 350, and that’s its lack of Wi-Fi and app support. In fact, there’s no smart home integration whatsoever. For a purifier at this price, that feels like a missed opportunity and it’s kind of expected for a device of this calibre these days, so it’s something I think buyers will miss. This lack of app support means you can't check air quality stats from your phone, you can't adjust settings remotely, and you can't turn it off if you've left it running and you're already out the door. It's not the end of the world, but it is an odd omission when Coway's own pricier Airmega 450 does have app connectivity. It feels like the 350 is being held back on purpose to protect the model above it, which is a bit annoying.

• Features and performance score: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Coway Airmega 350?

You want powerful, quiet air purification for a large room
The Airmega 350 is one of the most effective large-room purifiers I've tested, and it does it without making a racket.

You have allergies, pets or a dusty home
The HEPA and carbon filtration makes a noticeable difference to air quality and surface dust within days.

You value simplicity over smart features
No app — just plug it in and let it do its thing.

Don't buy it if…

You want app or smart home control
There's no Wi-Fi, no Alexa, no Google Home. If remote control matters, look at the Airmega 450 or a Philips alternative.

You move your purifier between rooms regularly
No wheels and a single handle make it a bit awkward to shift around.

You want something compact
At nearly 60cm tall, this is a floor-standing unit that needs its own corner.

Coway Airmega 350 review: Also consider

Dyson Purifier Big Quiet Formaldehyde
If you want app control, a formaldehyde sensor and that Dyson design language, this is the premium alternative. It costs significantly more, but it's one of the most fully featured purifiers on the market. Read our full Dyson Purifier Big Quiet Formaldehyde review.

Levoit Core 600S
A more affordable large-room option with Wi-Fi and Alexa support. It won't match the Coway's raw CADR, but it's significantly cheaper while also covering the smart features gap the Airmega 350 has. Read our full Levoit Core 600S review.

(Image credit: Future)How I tested the Coway Airmega 350

I used the Coway Airmega 350 as my main air purifier for several weeks in an open-plan living room. I tested all four modes during my time with it, which included monitoring the sensor's reaction to cooking, dust and general household air, and assessing the build quality, noise levels, filter access and day-to-day usability throughout.

• First reviewed: May 2026
• Read more about how we test

If you're evaluating fleet management tools and driver safety is your primary concern, GreenRoad deserves a close look. Founded in 2004, the Austin-based company has built its platform around a single conviction: that changing driver behavior is the most effective path to cutting accidents, fuel costs, and fleet risk.

Techradar reviewers spend hundreds of hours each month evaluating fleet management software in the market, and GreenRoad stands out for how deliberately it executes on this driver-first approach. You can find a full comparison of the top options in our guide to the best fleet management software.

The platform is used by more than 150,000 drivers across 80 countries, with clients including Chevron, Costa Express, and Kelsian. GreenRoad claims its solution delivers a positive ROI within the first three months, citing customer-reported reductions in crash-related costs of 50–70%, fuel costs of around 30%, and maintenance cost drops of roughly 10%. Those figures come from existing customers rather than independent audits, but they're specific enough to be taken seriously.

What you won't find here is the same breadth of asset lifecycle management or route optimization that you'd get from Samsara, our top fleet management pick for 2026. GreenRoad is a more focused product, and that focus is both its biggest asset and its clearest limitation. If you need a platform that handles the full operational picture from dispatch to driver coaching to maintenance scheduling, you'll need to look beyond GreenRoad or pair it with other tools.

GreenRoad: At a glanceGreenRoad 1GreenRoadGreenRoad 2GreenRoadGreenRoad 3GreenRoadGreenRoad 4GreenRoad

Attribute

Notes

Score

GPS tracking

Live fleet maps, geofencing, and route replay are well-implemented, though the experience isn't as polished as category leaders.

4/5

Asset management

Basic vehicle tracking is present, but there's little support for non-vehicle assets or equipment lifecycle management.

3/5

Usage analytics

KPI dashboards, idling hotspot maps, and heat maps give fleet managers solid visibility into fleet-wide patterns.

4/5

Cost control

Fuel monitoring, idling data, and documented customer savings make this one of GreenRoad's more compelling selling points.

4/5

Compliance monitoring

FMCSA-compliant ELD, full HOS tracking, IFTA reporting, and over 100 pre-built compliance reports cover most regulatory needs.

4.5/5

Alerts & notifications

Real-time alerts across 150 driving maneuvers, plus fatigue and distraction warnings via VideoSense Pro, are among the platform's standouts.

4.5/5

Ease of use

The green-yellow-red coaching system is intuitive for drivers, but fleet-wide onboarding takes meaningful time and planning.

3.5/5

Price and scalability

Pricing is not listed publicly and requires a direct quote, which makes budgeting and side-by-side comparisons harder than they should be.

3/5

Customer service

A dedicated support portal and performance consulting are available, though SLA details and response commitments aren't widely published.

3.5/5

GreenRoad scores well on safety, compliance, and analytics, but opacity around pricing and thin asset management tools pull the overall picture down. For safety-focused fleet operators who've already decided this is the main problem they want to solve, the scores reflect a coherent platform doing one thing very well.

GreenRoad: Features

• GreenRoad Central delivers a live fleet map with geofencing, resource locators, and full trip history in a single browser-accessible interface.
• The Drive app runs on iOS and Android without hardware installation, making rapid deployment practical across large or contractor-heavy fleets.
• VideoSense Pro monitors in real time for driver fatigue, distraction, and seatbelt compliance, sending alerts to both driver and manager simultaneously.
• The FMCSA-compliant ELD includes a full IFTA reporting suite and over 100 pre-formatted compliance reports that can be scheduled or pulled on demand.
• Gamified safety scoring and friendly driver competitions provide a structured, evidence-based way to encourage consistent improvement without resorting to punitive management.
• An open API allows GreenRoad to connect with existing telematics systems, sensors, and third-party platforms for a unified view of fleet data.

GreenRoad's feature set is purpose-built around driver behavior and safety. The core of the platform is GreenRoad Central, a cloud-based dashboard that brings together live fleet tracking, driver safety scores, fuel data, compliance records, and real-time alerts in a single browser-based view. Alongside Central, the Edge hardware device and Drive app provide in-vehicle coaching through a green-yellow-red system that monitors drivers across 150 specific maneuvers, including harsh braking, sharp cornering, and speed management.

Where GreenRoad stands apart from more generalist fleet tools is the depth of its behavior data. The VideoSense Pro dashcam adds AI-powered driver impairment monitoring, flagging fatigue, phone usage, seatbelt non-compliance, and distraction events in real time. The platform also includes low bridge alert technology, a feature that Stagecoach began deploying across its UK bus fleet in 2022, which gives drivers a heads-up warning before they reach a restricted height. For operations managers, idling hotspot maps, route replay, and on-time performance analysis fill out the picture.

What I'd like to see improved is the asset management side. If your fleet includes trailers, equipment, or other non-vehicle assets, GreenRoad offers little beyond basic location data. Competitors like Samsara and Motive provide more developed asset tracking at comparable price points. GreenRoad's focus is on its drivers, and the rest of the platform serves that goal, for better or worse.

GreenRoad: Ease of Use

The driver-facing experience is one of GreenRoad's clearest design strengths. The green-yellow-red coaching model is low-distraction by design: when a risky maneuver is detected, the driver gets a subtle cue and a 10-second window to correct before the event is recorded against their safety score. That kind of graduated, in-the-moment feedback doesn't ask drivers to remember much, and it works across both the hardware Edge device and the software-only Drive app.

The manager-facing side takes more deliberate setup. Multiple users on G2 and Capterra note that training drivers and establishing baseline expectations takes several weeks, particularly for fleets transitioning from older telematics systems or paper-based processes. The Central dashboard is clearly laid out, with KPI drill-downs and pre-built reports that reduce manual data work, but I wouldn't underestimate the initial lift, especially at scale.

GreenRoad: Pricing

GreenRoad does not publish pricing on its website. To get a quote, you'll need to submit a request form and wait for the sales team to respond. Third-party listing sites suggest the platform starts from around $12 per month, but that figure isn't verified by GreenRoad directly, and actual costs will vary depending on fleet size, hardware choices, and which modules you need.

The lack of public pricing makes early-stage evaluation harder than it needs to be. Most direct competitors, including Samsara, Motive, and Webfleet, either publish starting rates or outline tiered plans clearly. GreenRoad's approach is more common in enterprise-oriented software, but for fleet managers researching options with tight budgets and limited time, that friction has a real cost.

GreenRoad: Customer support

(Image credit: GreenRoad)

GreenRoad runs a dedicated customer support portal and offers performance consulting as part of its engagement model. The consulting service is worth noting specifically: rather than leaving customers to interpret dashboards on their own, GreenRoad works with fleet managers to translate platform data into a concrete action plan. That kind of structured support is relatively uncommon at this price tier, and several customers cite it as a meaningful part of the value proposition.

The company doesn't publish detailed SLA commitments or 24/7 support guarantees on its website, which makes it harder to assess reliability for time-sensitive fleet operations. Before signing a contract, I'd strongly recommend asking the sales team directly about support hours, expected response times, and escalation options for critical technical issues. Those details matter significantly for fleets that operate around the clock.

GreenRoad: Alternatives

• Samsara: TechRadar's top fleet management pick for 2026, offering broader asset tracking, more developed route optimization, and clearer published pricing across its plan tiers.
• Motive: Motive serves over 120,000 customers across trucking, construction, and logistics, with a fuller asset management suite and a more straightforward pricing structure for mid-size fleets.
• Webfleet: This is a strong option for European fleets that need deep compliance coverage, including Tachograph support and a long track record in heavily regulated transport sectors.

GreenRoad: Final verdict

GreenRoad is a well-executed platform for fleet operators who have decided that driver behavior is where they want to direct their safety investment. The combination of real-time in-cab coaching, VideoSense Pro's impairment detection, and a solid compliance toolkit creates a coherent product that delivers measurable results in the areas it targets. The customer evidence on cost reduction is more specific than what most competitors publish, and the 2024 European Commercial Vehicle Driver Behavior Management Industry Excellence award adds external validation to those claims.

The platform's limits are real, though. Asset management beyond vehicles is thin, pricing is opaque, and route optimization isn't a core feature. Fleet managers who need a single tool to handle the full operational picture from dispatch through maintenance will find GreenRoad insufficient on its own. For those with a clear mandate to improve driver safety specifically, it's one of the more credible and committed products available.

GreenRoad: How we tested

I evaluated GreenRoad by reviewing its official product pages, ELD compliance documentation, and feature specifications, then cross-referencing these against verified user reviews on G2, Capterra, and GetApp, alongside coverage in industry publications. I examined GreenRoad's driver coaching system, compliance toolkit, pricing model, and support structure, comparing each against established competitors including Samsara, Motive, and Webfleet to identify relative strengths and gaps.

GreenRoad: FAQsDoes GreenRoad work for small fleets?

GreenRoad markets itself to businesses of all sizes, and third-party data suggests a starting price in the range of $12 per month, though the company doesn't confirm this publicly. The Drive app, which requires no hardware installation, keeps the entry barrier relatively low for smaller operations. That said, the platform's depth and performance consulting model are better suited to mid-size or larger fleets where the ROI case is stronger. Smaller fleets may find simpler, more transparent alternatives a more practical fit.

Is GreenRoad's ELD FMCSA-compliant?

Yes. GreenRoad's ELD solution is fully FMCSA-compliant and includes Hours of Service tracking, a compliance dashboard, IFTA reporting, and real-time violation alerts. Compliance managers can access HOS logs, violation summaries, and vehicle inspection reports from any Android or iOS device, and the platform generates over 100 pre-formatted reports that can be scheduled automatically or pulled on demand.

What hardware does GreenRoad require?

GreenRoad offers both a hardware option and a software-only option. The Edge device is an in-vehicle unit that provides LED-based driver feedback. The Drive app runs on smartphones or tablets without any hardware installation, making it faster and cheaper to deploy across large or contractor-heavy fleets. The Digital Edge is a newer product that mounts a smartphone or tablet inside the vehicle for consistent, driver-independent operation.

Does GreenRoad integrate with other tools?

Yes. GreenRoad provides an open API that allows integration with existing telematics systems, sensors, and third-party data platforms. The Drive app also integrates with navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, as well as communication tools like Slack, accessible through a single sign-on.

How long does onboarding typically take?

GreenRoad doesn't publish specific onboarding timelines, but multiple verified user reviews indicate that training drivers takes several weeks, particularly when transitioning from older systems. The performance consulting service is designed to help teams through this period, and GreenRoad emphasizes rapid deployment for its app-based products. For hardware deployments across large fleets, building in a longer runway is a reasonable precaution.

Samsara is built around the idea that fleet managers shouldn't have to toggle between different tools to stay on top of their operations. The platform combines GPS tracking, AI-powered dashcams, ELD compliance, and asset management in one place. If you're still weighing your options, TechRadar's best fleet management software guide covers the competitive field in detail.

TechRadar reviewers spend hundreds of hours each month evaluating B2B software across categories. Samsara consistently ranks near the top of our fleet management testing. It's also our top pick for fleet management in 2026, which is exactly why I've been especially rigorous about where it falls short. The platform serves transportation, construction, logistics, and government organizations, from small owner-operators up to large enterprises.

What I found is a platform that earns its reputation through genuine depth, anchored by standout safety and compliance tools. It also comes with some real trade-offs for smaller organizations around pricing transparency and contract flexibility, things that aren't always obvious from the product page.

Samsara: At a glance

Attribute

Notes

Score

GPS tracking

Updates every second with live traffic overlays, weather alerts, and custom recurring route locations

5/5

Asset management

Covers trailers, equipment, and cargo with environmental sensors for temperature-sensitive loads

4/5

Usage analytics

Detailed fuel, maintenance, and powered equipment utilization reports across the full fleet

4.5/5

Cost control

Idle time alerts, fuel tracking, and route optimization supporting 100+ stops help cut running costs

4/5

Compliance monitoring

Full ELD and HOS compliance for FMCSA mandates, with automatically compiled audit-ready records

5/5

Alerts & notifications

SMS and email alerts for geofencing, idling, engine faults, and weather put it a step above most rivals

4.5/5

Ease of use

Clean, intuitive dashboard widely praised by users, though the mobile app has occasional performance issues

4/5

Price and scalability

Premium pricing with no public rates and a mandatory three-year contract limits flexibility considerably

3/5

Customer service

24/7 phone, live chat, and ticketing available, but response times vary and billing disputes take time

3.5/5

Samsara holds up well across nearly every attribute I tested. Its compliance and tracking tools are best-in-class, though the pricing model and contract terms bring the overall score down slightly.

Samsara: Features

Samsara's GPS tracking is among the most precise I've come across in this category. Location data refreshes every second with live traffic overlays and weather alerts, and a custom location tool lets you set recurring routes for drivers. Route optimization handles 100-plus stops, which makes a real difference for delivery fleets or utilities operations running complex daily schedules.

The AI safety layer is where Samsara pulls furthest ahead of mid-market alternatives. Dual-facing dashcams capture both the road and driver behavior, feeding into automated coaching workflows that surface risky events without requiring a manager to dig through footage manually. A 2025 platform update added AI-powered incident detection that flags near-misses in real time rather than after the fact.

Reporting customization is the weakest area in an otherwise strong feature set. Users on G2 and Capterra consistently note that dashboards become fairly rigid once you move past the standard views. Competitors like Geotab offer more flexibility there, and enterprise buyers running large operations may feel that constraint acutely.

Feature highlights:

• Real-time GPS with per-second updates, live traffic overlays, and weather alerts
• AI dashcams with automated driver coaching and real-time incident detection
• FMCSA-certified ELD and HOS tracking with automatically compiled audit records
• Geofencing alerts via SMS and email, while rivals like Motive deliver email only
• Environmental sensors for refrigerated cargo and temperature-sensitive loads
• Open REST API for connecting Samsara to ERP, TMS, and third-party software

Samsara: Ease of Use

(Image credit: Samsara)

The dashboard is well laid-out, with live maps, driver status, maintenance logs, and alerts all visible from the main view without drilling through submenus. Hardware installation is plug-and-play: you connect the device to a vehicle's OBD-II port and pair it through the Samsara Fleet app. Samsara also provides product tours, tutorial videos, and webinars for onboarding, with direct setup support available if anything goes wrong.

The mobile app is less consistent. Most drivers find it workable for HOS logging and route updates, but G2 and Capterra reviews flag recurring issues including crashes, slow load times, and delays when editing driver logs. Fleet managers overseeing operations from a desktop will rarely hit these problems, but drivers in the field are more likely to run into them.

Samsara: Pricing

Samsara doesn't publish pricing publicly, so you'll need to request a custom quote through the contact form on its website. Based on pricing we confirmed directly during testing, software subscriptions run between $27 and $33 per vehicle per month, with hardware adding $99 to $148 per unit. Dashcam-equipped configurations push the monthly total to around $40 to $60 per vehicle.

The three-year minimum contract is the biggest sticking point, and Samsara generally requires prepayment for the full term. There are no refunds after the 30-day free trial closes, so if your fleet size drops mid-contract you're still paying. Verizon Connect starts at roughly $23.50 per vehicle per month, and Motive offers one-year terms from around $25, making both more practical choices for fleets not ready to commit long-term.

Samsara: Customer support

Samsara offers 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and a ticketing system accessible within the platform. Its Better Business Bureau A+ rating reflects positively on how the company handles formal escalations. User reviews on G2 consistently describe the implementation and onboarding team as responsive and knowledgeable.

Post-onboarding, the experience becomes less predictable. Complaints about slow response times and unresolved billing disputes appear regularly across Capterra, G2, and BBB reviews. Samsara's self-service knowledge base is extensive and resolves most routine technical questions, though billing issues tend to take longer.

(Image credit: Future)Samsara: Alternatives

• Verizon Connect: A comparable feature set at a slightly lower starting rate of around $23.50 per vehicle per month, though customer satisfaction scores tend to trail Samsara's on major review platforms.
• Motive: Similar AI dashcam capabilities with more flexible contract terms, including one-year and month-to-month options, making it a better fit for fleets not ready for a multi-year commitment.
• Geotab: Ranked first by ABI Research in 2025 for integration breadth, with over 430 verified solutions in its marketplace, making it worth prioritizing if connecting fleet data to third-party systems is a requirement.

Samsara: Final verdict

Samsara is one of the most capable fleet management platforms on the market, and my testing confirmed why it sits near the top of most comparison lists. The per-second GPS tracking and AI-driven safety features are executed at a level that mid-market competitors can't easily replicate, and the open API makes it relatively straightforward to connect with existing business systems. For transportation or logistics operations running 10 or more vehicles, that combination of depth and connectivity is hard to find elsewhere.

The contract terms are the real obstacle. A mandatory three-year prepayment with no published pricing and variable billing support adds friction at every stage. If those factors are dealbreakers, Motive or Teletrac Navman offer more flexibility; otherwise, Samsara delivers on what it promises.

Samsara: How we tested

My evaluation of Samsara included hands-on testing of the platform's core features, covering the dashboard, driver app, alert configuration, and reporting tools. I also requested a quote directly from Samsara's sales team to verify pricing, and cross-referenced user experience patterns through G2 and Capterra. Feature and safety data referenced in this review draws on Samsara's 2025 Safety Report and ABI Research's 2025 fleet management assessment.

Samsara: FAQsDoes Samsara require a contract?

Samsara requires a minimum three-year commitment, with pricing typically prepaid for the full term. After the 30-day trial window closes, there are no refunds, so it's worth being certain before signing. Motive and Teletrac Navman both offer shorter-term contracts if flexibility is a priority.

How much does Samsara cost per vehicle?

Samsara doesn't publish rates on its website, but pricing confirmed during testing puts software subscriptions at $27 to $33 per vehicle per month. Hardware runs an additional $99 to $148 per unit, and fleets adding AI dashcam configurations can expect monthly totals closer to $40 to $60 per vehicle.

Does Samsara support ELD compliance?

The Samsara Driver App is FMCSA-certified for ELD and handles Hours of Service tracking automatically from an iOS or Android device. All records appear on the same dashboard as GPS and diagnostics data, which makes roadside inspections and internal audits considerably less painful.

What is the minimum fleet size for Samsara?

Samsara requires a minimum of three vehicles, which rules it out for very small operations. If you're tracking one or two vehicles, GPS Trackit is worth considering since it imposes no minimum fleet size requirement.

Can I integrate Samsara with other business software?

Samsara offers a full REST API and prebuilt webhooks that connect to ERP systems, transportation management software, and other third-party tools. Some integrations are included in the base subscription, but others carry additional fees. It's worth clarifying exactly what's covered in your quote before signing.

Light spoilers follow for 2026's Masters of the Universe movie.

It's been a rocky road for Masters of the Universe since Mattel initially created the sci-fi fantasy franchise in 1982. Indeed, from the heady heights of its popular toy range and subsequent animated shows in the 1980s, to its first live-action film and recent TV reimaginings that have been slammed by fans and critics alike, it's endured more than its share of ups and downs.

The arrival of a new Masters of the Universe movie from Amazon, then, is a make-or-break moment for the brand. Become a hit and it could re-energize a franchise that's long deserved a return to the spotlight. Fail to resonate with lifelong fans and/or newcomers, though, and there may never be another opportunity to resurrect it. To paraphrase its most iconic quote, it's a good thing, then, that Masters of the Universe has the power to be one of 2026's most surprising new movies.

By the power of Grayskull...

Nicholas Galitzine stars as Adam, the exiled crown prince of Eternos and wielder of the Power Sword (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

Masters of the Universe introduces us to Adam (Artie Wilkinson Hunt), the young, gentle, and timid crown prince of Eternos, aka the capital city of the planet Eternia ruled by his parents King Randor (James Purefoy) and Queen Marlena (Charlotte Riley).

When the malevolent Skeletor (Jared Leto) and his forces invade and conquer Eternos, Adam is hastily sent to Earth, i.e., his mom's home world, for his own protection alongside an ancient artefact called the Sword of Power. Unfortunately, Adam loses the all-powerful weapon, which grants superhuman abilities to whoever wields it, en route to his new safe haven.

Masters of the Universe is an extremely entertaining and lore-accurate space opera

Fast forward 15 years, and a grown up Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) refuses to give up on finding the Power Sword and returning to Eternos to liberate its people.

Eventually, Adam's persistence pays off. Not only is he reunited with the mystical blade, but also the adult version of his Eternos-based childhood friend Teela (Camila Mendes), who had traveled to Earth to track him down. Together, Adam and Teela return to Eternos and, alongside Teela's adoptive father and Eternos' former commander-in-chief Duncan/Man-at-Arms (Idris Elba), plus numerous other allies who join their cause, set out to end Skeletor's reign of terror.

Teela is one of Adam's many allies in the battle to overthrow Skeletor (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

So far, so simple — and that remains the case throughout Masters of the Universe's runtime.

Indeed, it doesn't put a unique spin on the traditional 'Hero's Journey', aka the universal storytelling template coined by Joseph Campbell, nor does it reimagine the He-Man mythology like Netflix's Masters of the Universe: Revelations TV show did. Long-time fans who heavily criticized the latter for trying to reinvent franchise lore, then, will be relieved to hear that it doesn't similarly reinvent the He-Man legend for the sake of it.

Masters of the Universe does right by its source material

And, frankly, it doesn't need to. The He-Man and the Masters of the Universe brand might be 44 years old, but its core themes, such as self-empowerment and the quintessential battle of good versus evil, are as pertinent today as they were in the '80s.

Equally, its glam rock-inspired universe and iconic characters aren't as famous as they were decades ago, either. Nonetheless, retaining the franchise's classic elements is a sure-fire way of feeding into diehard fans' nostalgia and keeping them onside amid this latest reboot.

Idris Elba gets plenty of moments to shine as Duncan/Man-at-Arms (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

As a result, Masters of the Universe does right by its source material and is therefore as faithful a reboot as you're ever likely to see.

From franchise-accurate costumes and locations, to the eclectic cast of individuals that inhabit its wildly creative universe and mythos surrounding it, the amount of crowd-pleasing fan service on show will convince even the most trepidatious fan that it's a worthy live-action adaptation. Throw in a reference to the greatest He-Man meme of all-time, and even viewers whose only exposure to the Mattel-owned IP comes via meme culture will appreciate what's on offer.

That all said, viewers hoping for a film with a less predictable plot will be left wanting more. Some might argue that's in keeping with the simplicity of its identically titled animated show, but, while its easy-to-follow narrative didn't ruin my enjoyment of what was on offer, I suspect some people will consider its story to be too generic for their tastes.

Feeling good and evil

The evil-doing Skeletor is a throwback to a time when villains had no interest in being redeemed (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

Regardless, established fans and newcomers alike will find plenty more to enjoy about Masters of the Universe.

For one, there's no denying that it's highly entertaining. The early part of Adam's arc, which is punctuated by a series of 'fish out of water' moments on Earth and Eternia that speak to his initial alienation on both worlds, sprinkles a hefty dose of slapstick and self-aware humor on top of its drama-covered sundae.

Add in reams of banter thrown around by its charismatic group of heroes, including the scene-stealing sardonic android Roboto (voiced by a pitch-perfect Kristen Wiig) and vibrant, thrills-a-minute action on top, and Masters of the Universe is an absorbing galactic adventure that puts fellow sci-fi flick and recent Star Wars movie The Mandalorian and Grogu to shame.

Masters of the Universe is an absorbing galactic adventure that puts The Mandalorian and Grogu to shame

It helps that there aren't many weak links in Masters of the Universe's cast, too.

As the socially awkward prodigal son who spends the entire story running towards his destiny rather than away from it, Galitzine is brilliantly amusing as he is melodramatic. Sure, it's a performance that won't win any prizes on the 2027 awards circuit but, as a more multifaceted version of the franchise's archetypal hero, he leads this film with the right amount of weird, wonderful, and wow factor.

Though it pains me to say something positive about the controversy-courting Leto, he's also in fine form as Adam/He-Man's archnemesis. Equal parts menacing and sassy, Leto captures the core essence of Masters of the Universe's enduringly popular miscreant in a hammy display of true villainy.

Good though the movie's supporting ensemble are, some aren't given the necessary time or arcs to be as fully-rounded as they should.

Some characters aren't given the necessary time or arcs to be as fully-rounded as they should

Mendes' Teela and Elba's Duncan don't fall foul of that per se — the badass pair are given enough to do throughout Masters of the Universe's 132-minute runtime. Nonetheless, I would've liked their detached surrogate bond to be examined in more detail, even if it was at the expense of some of its comedy.

Evil-Lyn doesn't get as much screen time as she deserves (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

The unluckiest member of Masters of the Universe's cast, though, is Alison Brie, whose Evil Lyn — aka Skeletor's right-hand lady — is given short shrift throughout. Brie does an as-ever excellent job with the material she has, but I longed to see more of her chewing the scenery as the double-crossing sorceress.

For a film with a reported budget of $170 million, its visual effects (VFX) are at-times incredibly jarring, too — the most glaring example of which involves a forest-based vehicle chase sequence involving He-Man and Skeletor's minions.

Indeed, for a movie of this size and scale, and whose VFX is largely unnoticeable elsewhere, the blending of its green/blue screen footage with computer graphic imagery (CGI) looks and feels cheap.

My verdict

In spite of those notable flaws and so-called Guardians of the Galaxy-ification of its universe, I had a really good time with Masters of the Universe. Sure, it's got those quintessential popcorn movie vibes, but it's nevertheless an extremely entertaining and lore-accurate space opera that, spoilers notwithstanding, also has a surprise or two up its sleeve.

Will that be enough to breathe new life into Masters of the Universe and help it thrive as a modern day franchise? Yes, I'd say so — but it'll need the support of general moviegoers more than its built-in audience to become the next vintage property to enjoy a cultural renaissance in the modern era.

Masters of the Universe arrives in theaters on June 3 (UK) and June 5 (US and everywhere else).

Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) started in 2013 as a compliance-focused ELD provider and has since grown into a platform trusted by over 120,000 businesses, from owner-operators to Fortune 500 companies like Halliburton and Maersk. Today it covers GPS tracking, driver safety, asset monitoring, and fuel spend management from a single interface. If you're weighing your options, it sits among the stronger entries in our guide to the best fleet management software.

TechRadar reviewers spend hundreds of hours each month testing and comparing B2B software across every major category. For 2026, our top pick in fleet management is Samsara, which pulls ahead of Motive on several features including custom route locations and SMS-based geofence alerts. That said, Motive holds its ground in areas that matter most to regulated, safety-focused operations.

My evaluation covered GPS performance, compliance tooling, driver analytics, and real-world user sentiment across verified review platforms. What I found is a platform that delivers real operational value for mid-size and larger fleets, though with a few meaningful caveats worth knowing before you sign a contract.

Motive: At a glance

Attribute

Notes

Score

GPS tracking

Industry-leading 1–3 second refresh rate with a real-time Fleetview dashboard

5/5

Asset management

IoT GPS sensors track trailers and unpowered assets, updating once per minute

4/5

Usage analytics

DRIVE scoring factors in road and weather conditions alongside driver behavior

4.5/5

Cost control

Motive Card integrates fuel spend tracking and IFTA reporting in one dashboard

4/5

Compliance monitoring

FMCSA-registered ELD handles Hours of Service logging automatically

5/5

Alerts & notifications

Email alerts for geofencing and idle events; no SMS option available

3.5/5

Ease of use

Plug-and-play OBD-II installation takes under five minutes per vehicle

4/5

Price and scalability

Quote-based pricing and mandatory 12-month contracts limit flexibility for smaller fleets

3/5

Customer service

24/7 phone and email support, though response quality is inconsistent across user accounts

3.5/5

Motive scores highest where it matters most for regulated fleets: GPS tracking and ELD compliance both earn a five. The gaps appear in pricing transparency and support consistency, pulling the overall score to four stars.

For operations where safety and regulatory readiness are non-negotiable, the platform earns its place.

Motive: Features

• AI dashcams detect 15+ risky driving behaviors, with all footage reviewed by human safety inspectors before alerts are sent to managers.
• The FMCSA-registered ELD automates Hours of Service logging and generates audit-ready compliance reports.
• The DRIVE scoring system adjusts driver safety scores based on road and traffic conditions, not just raw behavior data.
• The Motive Card tracks fuel purchases and integrates IFTA reporting directly into the fleet dashboard.
• Asset tracking via IoT GPS sensors covers trailers, heavy equipment, and unpowered assets with once-per-minute location updates.
• The "Hey Motive" voice assistant lets drivers save dashcam footage or check drive time without taking their hands off the wheel.

Motive's feature set is built around four priorities: safety, productivity, compliance, and profitability. Its AI dashcam system can detect over 15 unsafe driving behaviors (as of March 2026), including eating while driving. Moreover, every flagged video is reviewed by a human safety inspector before it reaches the fleet manager. That extra layer of verification eliminates false positives, which is a persistent frustration with automated dashcam systems at competing platforms.

The DRIVE scoring system is one of the platform's more considered design choices. Rather than penalizing drivers on behavior data alone, it factors in road conditions and weather when calculating safety scores, making those scores more defensible for driver coaching and insurance documentation. On the operational side, the Motive Card ties fuel spend directly into the dashboard, with IFTA reporting handled automatically.

Where Motive shows its limits is in areas competitors have developed further. There are no custom location alerts, no traffic or weather notifications built into the tracking view, and asset telematics update on a once-per-minute cycle rather than continuously. For most fleets, these are manageable gaps, though logistics operations with complex routing needs should note them before choosing.

Motive: Ease of Use

Setting up Motive is faster than I expected for a platform of this depth. Vehicles connect via OBD-II plug-in devices that typically take under five minutes each, and dashcams mount to the windshield with a straightforward wired connection. Most fleets handle self-installation using Motive's step-by-step guides, though professional installation is available for hardwired configurations or larger deployments.

The desktop dashboard is well-organized, giving fleet managers a real-time view of vehicle locations, driver alerts, and asset statuses. The mobile Fleet App covers most of the same ground for managers on the move, and the Driver App handles log management, dispatch updates, and coaching scores. The main learning curve sits on the driver side, where new users occasionally report friction during onboarding, especially with log editing workflows.

Motive: Pricing

Motive does not publish its full pricing publicly, which makes upfront cost comparisons difficult. Based on verified third-party sources, plans start at roughly $35 per vehicle per month, with higher tiers reaching approximately $40–$50 per vehicle for features like asset tracking, driver scorecards, and advanced compliance tools. Hardware costs are separate: the ELD device runs around $150, and dashcams and asset trackers add to that figure.

The minimum contract length is 12 months, and a notable share of users on review platforms flag auto-renewal terms and difficulty downgrading mid-contract as real pain points. Motive offers a free demo before purchase, which I'd strongly recommend taking before committing. For fleets with 10 or more vehicles that need ELD compliance, the per-vehicle cost tends to become more justifiable at scale.

Motive: Customer support

Motive offers 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat, matching what most enterprise fleet platforms provide. Across verified review platforms, sentiment is divided: many reviewers praise support agents for being responsive and knowledgeable, especially during urgent compliance questions or audit situations.

A significant portion of reviews describe templated, slow-to-resolve experiences, particularly for hardware issues and billing disputes. Some larger fleet operators cite this as a serious operational headache, with problems going unresolved over extended periods. Support quality appears to vary based on account size and issue complexity, which is worth factoring into your evaluation.

Motive: Alternatives

• Samsara: Techradar pick for best fleet management in 2026, with custom location alerts, SMS geofence notifications, and a 30-day free trial that Motive doesn't offer.
• Verizon Connect: Another strong option for enterprises already in the Verizon ecosystem, with more pricing information available upfront than Motive provides.
• Geotab: Hardware-agnostic platform that gives larger fleets more control over data and integrations, with a more transparent pricing structure.

Motive: Final verdict

Motive is a well-executed platform for fleets where driver safety and ELD compliance are central concerns. The 1–3 second GPS refresh rate outpaces most competitors, the AI dashcam system is one of the more accountable in the market, and the FMCSA-registered ELD handles compliance logging with minimal manual effort. Real-world results back this up: Congruex reported cutting accidents by 80% after deploying Motive, and Southwind attributed over $2 million in insurance and fuel savings to the platform.

The weak spots are on the commercial side. Opaque pricing, mandatory 12-month contracts, and inconsistent support experiences create real friction, particularly for smaller fleets that can't absorb those risks as easily. If Samsara's pricing or feature set doesn't fit your needs, Motive is a legitimate alternative. Go in with a clear picture of your contract terms, and take the demo seriously.

Motive: How we tested

My evaluation drew on hands-on testing of the platform's core features alongside analysis of verified user reviews from G2, Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice. I assessed GPS performance, dashcam workflows, compliance tooling, and ease of setup, and compared Motive's feature set and pricing against leading competitors including Samsara, Verizon Connect, and Geotab.

Motive: FAQsIs Motive compliant with FMCSA regulations?

Yes. Motive's ELD is FMCSA-registered and compliant with both US and Canadian Hours of Service mandates. It automatically records drive time, generates audit-ready logs, and calculates CSA scores using FMCSA data. This reduces manual compliance work significantly for fleets that operate across multiple states or provinces.

Does Motive offer a free a trial?

Motive does not offer a traditional free trial. It does provide free demos for qualified businesses, which give you a practical look at the platform before committing to a contract. Given that the minimum contract term is 12 months, I'd treat the demo as a serious evaluation step rather than a formality.

What hardware does Motive require, and how difficult is installation?

Motive uses plug-and-play OBD-II gateway devices that connect directly to a vehicle's diagnostic port and typically take under five minutes to install. Dashcams mount to the windshield and connect to a power source. Most fleets manage self-installation using Motive's included guides, and professional installation is also available for larger or more complex setups.

How does Motive handle driver privacy?

Fleet managers can customize which behaviors the AI dashcams monitor, which limits unnecessary footage collection and reduces liability exposure. You can also configure which alerts get sent and to whom, so drivers aren't flagged for incidents that don't meet your threshold. All dashcam footage is reviewed by a human safety inspector before it reaches the fleet manager, which prevents false positives from creating unnecessary friction.

What industries is Motive best suited for?

Motive works across trucking and logistics, construction, oil and gas, food and beverage distribution, and field services. It's particularly strong for operations that need FMCSA compliance, high-frequency GPS tracking, and structured driver safety programs. Smaller owner-operators can use it, but the pricing and contract structure tend to make more sense at the 10-or-more-vehicle mark.

Xiaomi 17T: Two-minute review

The Xiaomi 17T is an Android smartphone with an impressive spec, including prestigious Leica lenses in the camera.

It looks almost identical to the iPhone 16 Pro, sharing pretty much the same dimensions and camera design. The bright Violet colorway of my review unit did help to make it a little less anonymous, though.

The 17T seems well-made. The materials feel quite premium, but peer closely and you’ll see it’s not quite on the same level as the best phones. It’s by no means flimsy, but it doesn’t quite match the refinement of others.

The display is sharp, vivid, and bright — as you would expect from a 1.5K AMOLED. The 120Hz refresh rate makes motion smooth, too. However, shades of black are perhaps a little too muddled, making it hard to discern fine details in dark content.

Xiaomi makes much of the Leica lenses in its marketing for the 17T, and on the surface, it's right to. There are three rear cameras: a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 50MP 5x telephoto.

(Image credit: Future)

Taking photos is a breeze and the results are clear and vibrant, if not quite as stunning as those of other phone cameras. There are several AI features for shooting, but these are relatively basic compared to others — which I’m thankful for. There are also such features for the phone’s system as a whole, but again these are mercifully limited in scope.

The brand’s HyperOS is a superb instance of Android. It’s incredibly smooth and easy to navigate, free as it is from clutter or confusing UI elements. Numerous first-party apps come preinstalled, but they’re largely unintrusive. Many are poor substitutes for Google’s counterparts, although one or two are genuinely useful.

The overall performance of the 17T is excellent. Zipping between apps is seamless, while streaming Ultra HD content is entirely feasible. It’s even exceedingly capable when it comes to gaming, and best of all the unit keeps cool throughout all these tasks.

Battery life is also quite good. It lasted about three days straight on a single charge. And during this time, I used it for a variety of everyday tasks. Charging is quick, taking just over an hour to fully replenish the battery.

There’s no denying that the Xiaomi 17T offers plenty of performance and features for the price. There are a few niggles here and there, but not many Android phones offer better value for money.

Xiaomi 17T review: Price & availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Starts from £649 (about $870 / AU$1,200)
• Available in the UK in various colors
• Reasonable price for the spec

The Xiaomi 17T starts from £649 (about $870 / AU$1,200) and is available now in the UK, but not currently in the US or Australia. Four colorways are available: black, white, violet, and blue. The base model features 256GB of storage, while the top model has 512GB, and costs £699 (about $940 / AU$1,300).

Given the spec, this is a reasonable price for an Android phone. It’s more expensive than the Xiaomi 15T, which features a less powerful processor, although it does have a bigger screen. It’s also more expensive than the Honor 600, which has similar specs, but doesn’t have as powerful a telephoto lens.

Xiaomi 17T review: Specs

Dimensions

6.20 x 2.96 x 0.32 inches / 157.6 x 75.2 x 8.2mm

Weight

7.1 oz / 200g

Screen

6.59-inch AMOLED

Resolution

2756 x 1268

Refresh rate

120Hz

Chipset

MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra

RAM

12GB

Storage

256GB / 512GB

OS

Android 16 (HyperOS 3)

Rear cameras

Main: 50MP (f/1.7); 5x Telephoto: 50MP (f/3.0); ultra-wide: 12MP (f/2.2)

Front camera

32MP (f/2.2)

Battery

6,500mAh

Charging

67W wired

Xiaomi 17T review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• iPhone-esque looks
• Well-made
• Included case is sufficient

At first glance, it’s hard to not see the similarities between the 17T and many iPhones — specifically, the iPhone 16 Pro. Both share virtually the same rounded corners, large square camera cluster, and dimensions. It weighs about the same, too, which is to say that it’s fine to hold and carry around in your pocket.

The design is neat and functional, if a little bland — although the Violet colorway of my review unit did lend some vibrancy. Every surface is flat and there are only three buttons: one for power and two for volume. The word ‘Xiaomi’ emblazoned on the back is quite small.

The 17T also comes with a case, which is a simple affair. It doesn’t feel particularly premium, but it should provide adequate protection for everyday use. I wouldn't trust it to protect the 17T from more extreme knocks and drops, though. Also, the case doesn't sit flush with or extend beyond the camera bezel; this part still sticks out, which means those lenses are more likely to take the brunt of any fall or slam.

Like the iPhone, the 17T feels quite premium in the hand. The body material is smooth to the touch and feels very solid. It’s not made from a single piece, though; the back panel is separate from the sides, and there is a small but noticeably gap in between the two, which is bound to fill with debris over time.

Xiaomi 17T review: Display

(Image credit: Future)

• Bright and vivid
• Sharp resolution
• Useful Reading Mode

The Xiaomi 17T features a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K (2756 x 1268) resolution. Given these specs, it’s no surprise that content looks sharp and vibrant, making it great for productivity and entertainment. The 3500 nits peak brightness means you’re never wanting for more brightness, either. However, I did notice that shades of black are a little unrefined, meaning that details in dark content can get lost.

With a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, the screen provides supremely smooth scrolling and navigation as you flit around app windows. In its default setting, the 17T will automatically switch between refresh rates based on scenario, in order to balance performance and power usage. However, you can fix this to 60Hz or 120Hz at all times, and can even set it on an app-by-app basis.

There’s also a Reading Mode that can be set to turn on at certain hours or toggled manually. It filters out blue light and adds a slightly grainy texture, similar to that of paper. I did find this helped when reading reams of text, but that graininess isn’t great when viewing other kinds of content.

However, you can adjust this texture using a slider, letting you disable it altogether. You can also adjust the strength of the blue light filter, and even change the output to black and white only.

In use, I found the screen a little grabby at times, with my fingers and thumbs sticking slightly as I scrolled up and down. However, the effect wasn’t too egregious, and a quick wipe often remedied the issue.

Xiaomi 17T review: Cameras

(Image credit: Future)

• 50MP rear cameras
• Ultrawide and 5x Telephoto lenses
• AI enhancements available

The Xiaomi 17T features three rear cameras with lenses made by Leica. Aside from the main lens, there’s an ultra-wide lens and a 5x telephoto lens. The main and telephoto lenses are capable of shooting at 50MP, although this drops to 12.5MP when selecting an aspect ratio other than 3:4, which is disappointing.

Given this impressive spec, it’s no wonder that the photos I shot turned out very well. They were sharp, and colors were vivid, although I can’t say they were as rich and as detailed as those taken with the best cameras phones. Shots that utilized the 5x zoom were great as well, although there was a slight but noticeable loss in clarity (we tested the Xiaomi 17T Pro's equivalent telephoto lens in detail elsewhere on TechRadar).

The camera app itself is easy to use. There are plenty of settings and adjustments available, and they’re readily available without digging too deep. On top of this, there is a range of filters available to change the tone, as well as a Beautify feature. There are various modes, too, such as a super macro mode for extreme close-ups, and a Pro mode that lets you make more advanced tweaks, from changing the ISO to setting the focus manually.

There are some AI features for shooting, but mercifully these aren’t as bloated or as useless as those on other smartphones. You can toggle AI recommendations, which can improve low-light and zoomed-in photos, among other automations.

Rather disconcertingly, there’s also a mole removal setting when taking selfies. As someone with moles on their face, I can say that this feature actually worked. Video can be shot in 1080p and at 30fps or 60fps. The results from my videos were smooth and sharp.

Xiaomi 17T review: Software

(Image credit: Future)

• HyperOS is excellent
• Xiaomi’s apps less so
• Various but basic AI features

Despite its terrible name, the Xiaomi 17T’s HyperOS is fantastic to use. It has a soft visual theme that’s easy on the eye, and it’s simple to navigate, thanks to the uncluttered and intuitive layout. There are also plenty of explanations for many of its settings. It’s fast and smooth, responding quickly to gestures and when switching between apps.

Unlike some Android phones, the Notification Bar and the Quick Settings panel are separated. Both are easy to access, though, since you simply drag down from the left to access the former, and from the right to access the latter.

(Image credit: Future)

The Quick Settings panel has plenty of actions on hand, including the aforementioned Reading Mode and a screenshot tool (if you don't like using the power and volume button combination). You can of course substitute the default actions with a plethora of others, and thanks to that aforementioned separation between the Notifications Bar and the Quick Settings, the 17T squeezes in more than other phones can. However, unlike some phones, you can’t have multiple pages of these actions.

There are numerous first-party apps preinstalled on the 17T, but unfortunately many of these aren’t very useful. This is a problem for every Android phone that isn’t made by Google, since you get an unnecessary doubling-up of many apps, from file managers and photo galleries to note-takers and calendars.

And as with virtually all of these ersatz apps, I can’t recommend any of them over Google’s equivalents, especially if you have a Google account and want to sync your data over the cloud. Xiaomi even has its own app store, Get Apps, but having pursued its selection, I’m not sure I would trust downloading any of them.

There are some useful first-party apps, though. There's an app called Mi remote, which can be used to control all sorts of devices from all kinds of brands. I was quite amazed that it worked with my Sony Bravia TV, which is over a decade old.

On top of this, there's the Security app, which can scan for viruses. I can’t speak to its effectiveness in this regard, but the app has other functions besides this, such as app management, battery monitoring, drive cleaning, and speed boosting.

The 17T also comes preinstalled with popular third-party apps, such as Amazon Shopping, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, and AliExpress, to name a few — and none of which I asked for when setting up the phone.

Since this is 2026, you won’t be surprised to hear that the 17T has AI features, too. Mercifully, these are basic and unobtrusive, and are largely confined to speech and text functions, including AI-generated subtitles.

Xiaomi 17T review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Fast for all kinds of tasks, even gaming
• Stays remarkably cool
• Interesting haptics

Perhaps the strongest aspect of the 17T is its performance. No matter the task, it handled it well. I managed to stream 4K content without a hitch. Meanwhile, switching between apps was seamless, no doubt thanks to the 12GB of RAM on board, which is quite high for a smartphone.

What impressed me even more, though, was how well it gamed. I managed to play graphics-heavy titles such as Hitman: Blood Money — Reprisal and Asphalt Legends without issue. Both looked fantastic and ran as smoothly as I could’ve wished for. It also paired brilliantly with the GameSir X5 Lite, which is one of the best mobile controllers around in my view. Equally impressive was just how cool the 17T remained, with only the back warming up slightly.

One odd thing I noticed about the 17T, though, was its haptic response. It’s not bad, but I think it’s best described as springy, which is especially evident when typing. In one way, this prominent feeling is quite good for feedback, but it can feel like a slightly odd sensation at times, and is unlike the response from other smartphone haptics.

Connectivity also seemed to work well. I didn’t have a problem connecting to my Wi-Fi or to my Bluetooth earphones.

Xiaomi 17T review: Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

The battery life of the 17T is quite good. It lasted just over three days, during which time I used it for a whole host of tasks. This included streaming video, gaming, and web browsing, as well as connecting to Bluetooth earphones.

The battery saver feature turned on at 19%, and made the bold claim that it could eek out eight more hours. But this did indeed seem to be the case, which impressed me. Charging is quite quick, too, taking just over an hour to fully recharge.

Should I buy the Xiaomi 17T?Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Like the iPhone in pretty much every way, but it doesn’t exude that same premium feel.

3.5/5

Display

Sharp and vibrant, but shades of black are a little harsh. Can be a little grabby at times, too.

4/5

Software

HyperOS is superb, but most first-party apps are surplus to requirements. AI features are basic and functional.

4/5

Cameras

The Leica lenses impress, but photos aren’t quite as spectacular as those taken with the best phone cameras.

4/5

Performance

Capable of all kinds of tasks, even high-end mobile gaming. It stays remarkably cool, too.

4.5/5

Battery life

Lasts for several days on a single charge, and recharging is very quick.

4/5

Buy it if…

You want great performance
Streaming and high-end mobile gaming are possible with the 17T, and it doesn’t seem to break a sweat when doing either.

You want a great OS
HyperOS is slick, fast, and very easy to use. It’s one of the best instances of Android I’ve used.

Don't buy it if…

You want a unique design
The 17T is virtually indistinguishable from the best iPhone models, so you better be okay with that.

You want the very best phone camera
Don't get me wrong, the camera in the 17T is very capable and impressive, but there are a few that can beat it for camera quality and features.

Xiaomi 17T review: Also consider

Xiaomi 15T
Despite the lower model number, the 15T actually has a bigger display than the 17T, at 6.8 inches. Other than that, though, its specs are remarkably similar. The biggest difference between the two concerns the CPU: the 15T has the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, while the 17T has the 8500 Ultra. Both have the same RAM, storage, and very similar camera arrays. However, the 15T only has a 2x Telephoto lens, whereas the 17T has 5x.

Read our full Xiaomi 15T review

Honor 600
Another budget-conscious Android phone, the Honor 600 eclipses its price tag in some key areas. We were impressed with its luminous display, long battery life, and capable AI features — although some are a little disconcerting. Like the 17T, though, it also has an uninspired design, ripped straight from the Apple playbook.

Read our full Honor 600 review

Xiaomi 17T Pro
If you're after a slightly more premium experience, the Xiaomi 17T Pro packs a larger display, a bigger battery, and a slightly more powerful chipset than its non-Pro sibling. Its camera setup is identical, however.

Read our full Xiaomi 17T Pro review

How I tested the Xiaomi 17T

I tested the 17T for several days, during which time I used it for a variety of tasks. I browsed the web using Google Chrome, streamed video on YouTube, including 4K content, and played demanding mobile games.

I also shot numerous photos, including those with the 5x Telephoto lens and the selfie camera, as well as video. I tried out as many of the phone’s features as I could, including its AI ones where possible. I also paired my Bluetooth earphones to test connectivity.

I’ve used numerous Android phones for over a decade, and currently use a Google Pixel 7a as my daily phone. I've also reviewed Android tablets.

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

Jobber is not trying to be everything to everyone.

It's a CRM and field service management (FSM) platform built specifically for the people who keep the world running — plumbers, HVAC techs, landscapers, cleaners, and electricians. It makes no apologies for that narrow focus. After putting the platform through its paces in a live environment, I can say it largely delivers on its promise to its audience. Whether it delivers enough value at the price you'll actually pay, however, is a much more complicated question.

Jobber CRM: Plans and pricing

Jobber's pricing structure is split into individual plans and team plans, and this is where things get complicated fast. In June 2026, the entry point is the Core plan ($49 per month billed annually). For a solopreneur just starting out, it's a revelation. You get basic scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and the mobile app. It's enough to get you off paper and onto a screen.

But here's the kicker: Jobber is fantastic for solo operators, but as soon as you hire your first helper, the "Jobber Tax" kicks in. You are forced off that $49 solo plan and onto the Connect Team plan ($199 per month annually) just to give that new hire a login. That's nearly a 300% jump in overhead before your new employee has even picked up a wrench.

From there, the ladder continues:

Grow Team ($399 per month): Includes up to 10 users and adds job costing, two-way SMS, and automated quote follow-ups.

Plus ($699 per month): For up to 15 users; this is the "all-in" tier that finally includes the AI Receptionist and the Marketing Suite.

The "hidden" costs are what usually cause bill shock. Every user beyond your plan's included seats costs an additional $29 per month. A twenty-person team on the Plus plan, for instance, could easily be paying over $740 per month before you even look at payment processing fees.

Then there is the AI Receptionist ($99/mo add-on). It's a lifesaver for catching leads while you're under a sink, and in 2026, it's remarkably good at understanding accents and technical jargon. But don't expect it to do your outbound cold calling or complex project management — it's strictly an intake valve. For $99 a month, it's cheaper than a human, but it won't replace a real office manager when a job goes sideways, and you need to shuffle five crews at once.

Jobber CRM: Features

(Image credit: Jobber)

Jobber is built around the idea of letting field service businesses manage the entire lifecycle of a job from one screen. At this price point, it gets closer than most. Scheduling and dispatching use a drag-and-drop calendar that is remarkably fast. If a tech calls out sick, you can drag their entire day's worth of appointments onto another tech's column, and Jobber automatically asks if you want to notify the affected customers.

The mobile app is what your crews will actually live in. It lets them access job details, capture "before and after" photos, complete safety forms, and log their time. For 2026, Jobber has leaned heavily into "Tap to Pay." Techs can collect credit card payments directly on their phones without needing those finicky Bluetooth card readers that always seem to die in the middle of a job.

Client records are where the "CRM" part of the name earns its keep. You get a full service history, communication logs, and property-specific notes (like "gate code is 1234" or "dog is friendly"). The Client Hub is perhaps the best feature for reducing office overhead. It's a self-service portal where customers can view their quotes, approve work, and pay invoices. It effectively ends the "I never got the email" excuse.

However, Jobber's limits become clear when you look at the data. Quoting and invoicing are muscular — quotes support photos and "optional" add-ons that are great for upselling — but the reporting and analytics are surprisingly shallow. You can track revenue and basic job history, but if you want a detailed performance analysis across different service types or crews to see who is actually your most profitable tech, you'll find the tools frustratingly basic. You get the "what," but rarely the "why."

Jobber CRM: Getting set up

Jobber has put real effort into onboarding, clearly understanding that their users don't have time for a three-month implementation. A setup wizard walks you through the core configuration, and the platform is intuitive enough for non-technical business owners.

Importing existing client data via CSV is a standard affair, but the Jobber support team offers "white-glove" migration assistance on the Plus plan, which is a massive help if you're moving from a mess of spreadsheets. Most small teams are operational within 48 hours. This is the primary reason people choose Jobber over ServiceTitan — you can learn Jobber while you work, whereas ServiceTitan often requires pausing your business for a week of intensive training.

Jobber CRM: Ease of use

(Image credit: Jobber)

The Jobber dashboard is modern and clean, surfacing the most important information — today's schedule, outstanding quotes, and unpaid invoices — at a glance.

That said, the platform has some rough edges that only show up once you're in the field. The mobile app is mostly solid, but if you're working in a basement or a rural area with one bar of service, the syncing spinner can become your worst enemy. I've seen more than one technician get frustrated because a job photo they took in the field didn't actually hit the office dashboard until they got back to Wi-Fi.

There's also the lead-capture form. You can embed it on your business website, and it works, but it's remarkably inflexible in its layout. If you've spent money on a beautiful, custom-designed website, the Jobber form will stick out like a sore thumb because you can't easily style it to match your brand.

Jobber CRM: Support

Jobber provides chat and email support across all plans, with phone support available on Connect and above.

The Plus plan adds "Premium Support," which effectively moves you to the front of the line. Response times are generally praised in user reviews, and the help center is a goldmine of video walkthroughs. For a business owner who is usually fixing a leak or pruning a tree while trying to run an office, having a support team that actually picks up the phone is a major selling point.

Jobber CRM: Security and privacy

Jobber uses standard encryption for data during transit and at rest, and the platform is compliant with GDPR and CCPA. Role-based permissions allow you to control what your techs can see; for instance, you can let them see their schedule and customer notes without giving them access to the company's total bank balance or other crews' schedules.

While Jobber Payments is PCI compliant, the company is still relatively quiet on formal SOC 2 Type II certifications or public penetration testing results. For a local 10-person HVAC shop, what's here is more than enough. But for a larger enterprise looking to manage hundreds of technicians and high-value government contracts, the lack of published high-level security audits might be a sticking point.

Jobber CRM: The competition

Jobber's most direct rival is Housecall Pro. They sit at a similar price point and offer a nearly identical feature set. The choice between them usually comes down to "vibe" — Jobber feels a bit more modern and clean, while Housecall Pro often feels more feature-dense but cluttered.

Then there is the elephant in the room: ServiceTitan. It is the gold standard for large operations (50+ trucks), offering advanced dispatching, inventory management, and deep ROI tracking for marketing. ServiceTitan is significantly more powerful, but it's also dramatically more expensive and carries a learning curve that can break a small business.

FieldCamp and Tradify are newer, leaner options that compete on price, but they lack the massive integration library and established community that Jobber offers. For businesses already in the QuickBooks ecosystem, Jobber's integration is so tight that it's almost always the natural choice.

Jobber CRM: Final verdict

Jobber earns its reputation as the go-to platform for home service businesses that are ready to ditch the whiteboard. The combination of fast onboarding, a genuinely useful Client Hub, and a mobile app that your least tech-savvy tech can figure out in a lunch break makes it the easiest recommendation in its category for solo operators and small crews. The 2026 additions — particularly the improved AI Receptionist and Tap to Pay — show a company that understands what its users actually need in the field, not in a boardroom.

The pricing requires a clear warning: the jump from solo to team plans is sharp, and adding users or features quickly drives up the monthly cost well beyond the base price. It’s easy to be surprised by your bill if you don’t calculate future growth up front. Reporting is also weaker than that of some competitors. For a plumber, landscaper, or HVAC tech with a crew of fewer than 15, Jobber is the standard—but go in fully aware that costs scale quickly as your team grows.

House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C review

In 1976, Bob Marley & The Wailers released Smile Jamaica, an upbeat reggae tune bursting with soul and positivity. And the House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C earbuds are aiming to replicate those qualities, boasting a vivid design, and apparently “vibrant sound”.

But just how good are these wired USB-C earbuds? Well, at $19.99 / £14.99 / AU$24.95, I wasn’t expecting anything magical, but there are a lot of major positives to discuss. So, here’s what I made of my time with the Smile Jamaica USB-C.

To begin with, I have to talk about the design of these wired in-ears. As soon as I took the Smile Jamaica out of the box, I was struck by their unique, enticing build. They’re made of a few materials, including recyclable aluminum, renewed PeT, and bamboo. Not only does this blend look fantastic, but it’s a lot more sustainable than a huge proportion of the competition — even some of the best wired earbuds.

I really liked the Brass variant that I tested out, but you can also grab these in Copper, Signature Black, or even Rasta (a celebration of red, gold and green, with green ear tips, yellow branding and a cable that incorporates all three colors). Pretty cool.

The braided wires are pretty well-built, and I never experienced excessive cable noise when using the Smile Jamaica USB-C on the go. They’re also tangle-resistant, so I didn’t get a horrible wiry mess every time I retrieved the buds from my pocket. The inclusion of a USB-C connector also means you can connect these buds to your smart phone or just about any modern device, which is incredibly practical — no pairing, no charging, just plug and play.

If I was to be critical, I’d argue that there could’ve been more ear tip size options in the box — you only get one additional pair. This way there could’ve been more options for people with larger or smaller ears — although as someone with aggressively medium-sized ones, this wasn’t an issue for me. There’s also no carry case, but they should be safe in a pocket or small bag regardless.

The ear tips that do come in the box are fairly comfortable, though, and they passively block noise to decent effect. Don’t get me wrong, you’re not going to experience the noise-crushing effects that ANC will provide on the best wireless earbuds, but when listening to music in the office, sounds like typing and chatter were dulled relatively well.

One feature that’s missing, however, is volume controls. The in-line remote skips on these, meaning I had to remove my phone to alter loudness on the go, something that could be a tad inconvenient. According to the instructions booklet, some of the commands — bound to a single button on the controller — are also restricted to iPhone only, which was no good for a Samsung-owner like me.

Still, the in-line microphone is actually pretty decent, and when making phone calls, various people reported that my speech was clear and easy to decipher. When making a recording, I experienced a bit of feedback and a bit of sibilance, but I was pleased with the mic at this price-point.

(Image credit: Future)

Anyway, I know what you’re really here for. You want to know how these sound, right? Well then, I suppose I’ll indulge you.

It only feels right to start with a tune from Bob Marley & The Wailers, so I gave Jamming a spin, and the Smile Jamaica buds performed pretty well. Subtle percussive elements were well balanced in the mix, and had an impressive sense of space, and I never experienced any harshness or tinniness — even when listening at higher volumes. However, the bass sounded a little bloated at certain moments and Marley’s vocals lacked as much definition in the mix as I’d like, resulting in a fairly middling listening experience.

This proved to be a bit of a theme with these earbuds, as the low-end seemed as if it lacked refinement across a number of tracks. In Black Eye by Allie X, bass was a tad bloated once more, and was missing the agility I’ve heard from other budget in-ears. Given that bass is pretty prominent on these buds, I just wish it had a bit more punch and precision. Still, vocals remained clear enough in the mix, and energetic percussion came through with commendable expression. But if you’re expecting the most refined bass ever, you may find the Smile Jamaica to be a tad heavy-handed.

I was more impressed when tuning into Asama by Yuta Orisaka — a laid-back record that blends Japanese folk with reggae tones. Here, I found vocals to be pleasantly weighted alongside relaxed electric guitars and rhythmic percussion, and more subtle keys glided elegantly in the backdrop. Sure, you’re not going to get meticulous instrument separation or the most intricate detailing from a pair of ultra-cheap buds like this, but for the price, they do deliver a satisfying sound, all things considered.

(Image credit: Future)

At the end of it all, would I recommend the House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C? Here’s the thing: it depends on your budget. If you want some extremely cheap wired buds that sound totally serviceable but won’t blow you away, then yes. On top of their adequate audio, they are well-built, have a decent mic, and tangle-free cable, ensuring good bang for your buck.

However, if you can spend a little more, then you can get big returns. A model like the Sennheiser CX 80U will deliver considerably better sound, with much-improved detailing and balance across the frequency range.

Want a bit more finesse and grace? Something like the Sennheiser is for you — but for stable and dependable sound on a budget, the Smile Jamaica USB-C aren’t a half-bad option.

(Image credit: Future)House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C review: price & release date

• List price of $19.99 / £14.99 / AU$24.95
• Released in September 2025

The House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C released in September 2025, about 13 years after the original 3.5mm version debuted. They have a list price of $19.99 / £14.99 / AU$24.95, landing them firmly in the budget category, and are available in a range of color options, including Copper, Signature Black, Brass, and Rasta. You can get them on sale in some regions fairly regularly — I even spotted them going for less than £10 in the UK when producing this review.

House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C review: specs

Drivers

9mm dynamic

Weight

0.5oz / 13g

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

Waterproofing

Not stated

Connectivity

USB-C

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C?

Attribute

Notes

Score

Features

Lacking in-line controller, but solid passive noise isolation and steady mic with convenience of USB-C.

3.5/5

Sound quality

Not the most refined bass or defined vocals, but audio is generally clear and decently expressive.

3.5/5

Design

Sustainable build, tangle-free wire, eye-catching color options, could have more ear tips.

4.5/5

Value

Very cheap, with an admirable design and solid sound.

4.5/5

Buy them if…

You want solid all-round quality but you’re on a budget
The Smile Jamaica USB-C are good all-rounders, with decent audio quality, serviceable mic quality, and a neat design. Are they going to blow your socks off? No. But for less than $20 / £15, they give you just about everything you need from a pair of wired earbuds.

You value sustainable tech
Kudos to House of Marley for making a sustainable piece of tech, something that we always like to see here at TechRadar. The Smile Jamaica USB-C are made of bamboo, recycled PeT, and recyclable aluminum, making them a more sustainable pick than a lot of cheap rivals.

Don’t buy them if…

You want premium sound quality
The Smile Jamaica USB-C sound solid considering their ultra-low price, but some aspects — like their imperfect bass output, mean that you’re not getting the best audio ever. If you want premium sound without splashing out, the Sennheiser CX 80U are the easiest recommendation I could give.

You want ultimate convenience
While these earbuds don’t need to be paired or anything, they could be more convenient in-use with one small addition: volume controls. A lot of cheaper rivals have this, and the omission meant that I had to remove my phone from my pocket to crank loudness up or dial it down.

House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C review: also consider

House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C

Sennheiser CX 80U

Apple EarPods USB-C

Price

$19.99 / £14.99 / AU$24.95

$39.95 / £34.99 (about AU$57)

$19 / £19 / AU$29

Drivers

9mm dynamic

9.7mm dynamic

Dynamic

Weight

0.5oz / 13g

0.5oz / 15g

1.1oz / 30g

Frequency range

20Hz-20kHz

17Hz-20kHz

20Hz-20kHz

Connectivity

USB-C

USB-C

USB-C

Sennheiser CX 80U
These are some of my favorite budget-friendly wired earbuds for two key reasons: great sound, and gorgeous looks. The Sennheiser CX 80U are excellent all-rounders, and although they’re a bit pricier than the Smile Jamaica USB-C, the increase in quality you’ll experience — at least sonically speaking — is significant. Read my full Sennheiser CX 80U review.

Apple EarPods USB-C
If you prefer more of an open in-ear feel, then I’d like to point you in the direction of the EarPods USB-C. Yes, they’re from Apple, but surprisingly, these buds are extremely cheap, coming in at a similar price-point to the Smile Jamaica USB-C. With top-drawer modern looks and a sleek controller, there’s a lot to like about these — but their average sound and tendency to leak audio may put some off. Read my full Apple EarPods USB-C review.

How I tested the House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested over the course of multiple days
• Mainly streamed music over Tidal
• Took with me to the office and on walks

I spent many days (rolling into weeks, actually) testing out the House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C earbuds, during which time I took them just about everywhere with me, to analyze passive noise isolation and convenience among other things.

When listening to music, I typically streamed tracks over Tidal using the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. I started out by sifting through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tunes from a wide variety of genres, but I also made sure to listen to hours worth of songs from my personal library.

More generally, I’ve tested tons of audio gear during my time with TechRadar, including a whole host of wired and USB-C earbuds. I had a few rival models at hand to compare the Smile Jamaica USB-C against, including the Sennheiser and Apple rivals mentioned in the ‘Also consider’ section.

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

JCB Toughphone E10: 30-second review

First, let's clear up the JCB angle. JCB, the well-known digger company, does not make phones. The brand is operated by a company called JCB Phone, which was formed by the Genuine Case Company and has been licensed to use the JCB name since 2023. So what you're buying with the JCB Toughphone E10 is a Chinese ODM phone wearing a very well-known British industrial badge, sold through a UK company that holds the licence.

That might be irrelevant to the potential purchaser, but I’m a details guy.

Other than the not-so-subtle rebranding, what we have here is a ruggedised, low-specification Android 15 phone that uses a MediaTek Helio G36 SoC, comes with 4GB of RAM, and only 64GB of storage. But you can expand storage with a MicroSD card up to 512GB.

The G36 uses 2023 SoC technology, but it's derived from the P35, which appeared first in 2018. As a result, this phone is only 4G, and the Wi-Fi onboard is Wi-Fi 5. It has dual rear cameras, with a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP infrared night-vision camera.

In short, the specifications here are mostly those of an entry-level phone from about four years ago, with the possible exception of the camera. And for this, and the JCB logo, the makers are asking £300. At least twice what most rugged brands have as their starting point for a machine with a much better spec.

Unsurprisingly, based purely on value for money, the Toughphone E10 won’t be included in our guide to the best rugged phones.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)JCB Toughphone E10: price and availability

• How much does it cost? £300
• When is it out? Available in the UK
• Where can you get it? You can get it directly from JCB Phone or on Amazon.co.uk.

One slight oddity with this phone and others in its series, it appears JCB Phone can’t get its ducks in order regarding what they call their products. On the website, this phone is the Toughphone E10, but on the box it came in, it's labelled as the Tough Phone E10.

Whatever pseudonym it prefers, the E10 is available for £300 on JCB's website, and £290 at Amazon. I did notice that for a short period, it is sold for £265 on Amazon, so if you do insist on buying one, it might be worth waiting till it drops again.

So, how does the price of this phone compare with other rugged phones? Badly.

For £269.99, the Ulefone Armor X16 offers 5G, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. But it also uses a Dimensity 6300 SoC, has better cameras and a much larger battery.

Choosing another brand, Blackview offers something similar in the BL7000 for £279.99.

Those who want a lower specification phone closer to the E10, for whatever reason, might consider the Ulefone Armor X12, which has 6GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a 13MP main camera. It sells for £99.99, allowing you to buy three for the MSRP cost of the E10.

Looking back at the rugged phones I’ve reviewed, the last phone I covered that was this underpowered was the Ulefone Armor 16 Pro, a device that, while not officially discontinued, is difficult to source these days.

Therefore, as a value proposition, the E10 was buried deep using a backhoe loader just after midnight.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 1/5

JCB Toughphone E10: Specs

Model

JCB Toughphone E10

Processor

MediaTek Helio G36, octa-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU

GPU

IMG PowerVR GE8320

RAM

4GB (+4GB with virtual RAM expansion)

Storage

64GB internal + 512GB microSD expansion (dedicated slot)

Operating System

Android 16

Display

6.6-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 (HD+)

Rear Cameras

50.3MP main + 8MP infrared night vision (1x IR LEDs)

Front Camera

8MP

Video

1080p max (no 4K)

Battery

6500 Li-Polymer (non-removable)

Charging

15W wired fast charge

Wireless Charging

Not supported

Connectivity

4G LTE (no 5G), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB-C 2.0 (OTG)

Biometrics

Side-mounted fingerprint sensor

Durability

IP69K, MIL-STD-810H (1.8m drop rated)

Display Protection

Corning Gorilla Glass

SIM

Nano-SIM + eSIM

Headphone Jack

Yes

Dimensions

170 x 80 x 12mm

Weight

276g

Colours

Black

JCB Toughphone E10: Design

• Pocket-friendly
• Not IP68
• Awkward IPS display
• No wireless charging

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Picking this phone up for the first time, it reminded me of the Doogee Fire 6. As rugged phones go, at just 276g and dimensions of only 170 x 80 x 12mm, this is an easily pocketable design that isn’t substantially bigger or heavier than a typical smartphone.

It’s relatively flat, has the JCB logo emblazoned on the back, though disappointingly not in yellow, and it has a de facto button arrangement.

As JCB Phone is a branding company, this phone was undoubtedly made in Shenzen, and is probably based on a chassis and internals that were originally made for a Chinese product.

The only feature that struck me as slightly off the well-worn path was that neither the 3.5mm audio jack nor the USB-C port had a rubber plug protecting them from water and dust ingress.

Digging deeper into the published specifications, I noticed that while this phone is IP69K-rated. That means it can handle being rained on and maybe jet-washing, it’s not IP68. Therefore, it can’t handle being submerged, which rugged phones often can do.

Since I’ve seen enough videos of people taking heavy construction equipment into water, perhaps that was an oversight.

Another curious aspect of this phone is the 6.6-inch IPS panel with the truly odd resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. That resolution means that any video played back on this phone will be downsampled to 720p, even if it's 1080p content that the phone actually recorded.

This isn’t a great screen, because if you are not within five degrees of perpendicular, the brightness of the display significantly reduces. Some phones have this ‘feature’ by design as a security measure, but I suspect that this one merely has a display that doesn’t work well at angles. The glass on the screen is also not textured in any way, and therefore, it's often impacted by reflections when outdoors.

Overall, there isn’t anything remarkable about this phone, unless you count the letters J, C and B on the back as having mystical significance. But, with the possible exception of the screen, it's an unexciting but functional rugged design for those who remain above water.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 3/5

JCB Toughphone E10: Hardware

• Mediatek G36
• Limited RAM and storage
• 6500 mAh battery

Before I started looking into the hardware, I’d already noticed that this phone isn’t the most responsive Android phone I’ve ever tested.

When I revealed the architecture used, my experiences lined up those dots disturbingly well.

This phone uses the MediaTek Helio G36, a revamp of the 2016 P35 that MediaTek launched in 2023. Therefore, the technology in it is ten years old at worst, and it was fabricated using 12nm FinFETs, placing this chip long before today's 6nm, 4nm, and 3nm SoCs.

As SoCs go, this is a remarkably straightforward design that uses eight of the same ARM Cortex-A53 cores, but in two banks, half clocked up to 2.2GHz and the other four at 1.6GHz. The limitations it applies to the phone are that it only supports 4G LTE comms, dual-band Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, cameras can’t be better than 50MP and HD+ resolution displays.

It’s less restricted in memory and storage than this design might imply, as it can address up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM (1600MHz) and 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage.

So the 4GB of actual memory and 64GB of storage were constraints applied by the makers.

The amount of RAM was so low that I checked whether it was enough to run Android 15, and technically, it is for the standard distribution. But it’s the bottom rung, and this phone will never be upgraded to Android 16 because the only way that would work is if the OS were replaced with a stripped-down release known as the Android Go Edition.

Equally, the last phone I had that actually ran out of storage was an HTC, and when I’d installed my standard benchmarks on the E10, I’d eaten about half the 64GB in this design. You can add a MicroSD card, at extra expense, but in 2026, a phone should come with at least 128GB or ideally 256GB out of the box.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The last subject in this section is the battery, rated at 6500mAh. It’s not massive, but I’ve seen less. At least being modest in this facility has made the phone light and easy to carry.

Unlike most Chinese rugged phones, the E10 didn’t come with a fast charger, and when I hooked it up to one of my UGREEN power packs, it pulled a maximum of 15W. That’s a level that many phones can charge over wireless. There is no wireless charging on this phone, even if the flat underside would be perfect for that technology.

That it can’t charge faster isn’t a huge deal, since even with 15W, the battery can be fully recharged in relatively short order.

With such a modest specification, it was probably a mistake to put Android 15 on this phone, it might have seemed more responsive with Android 13.

• Hardware score: 2/5

JCB Toughphone E10: Cameras

• 50MP and 8MP on the rear
• 8MP on the front
• Three cameras in total

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The JCB Toughphone E10 has three cameras:

Rear camera: 50.3MP GalaxyCore GC50e0, 8MP Omnivision OV08d10 (Night Vision)
Front camera: 8MP GalaxyCore GC08A3

Obviously, for someone working in the construction industry, there are those times when you need to document how that unrelated wall was accidentally knocked down, or your digger blade went through a mains cable. And, the E10 is ready to help with that.

The 50.3MP GalaxyCore GC50e0 sensor isn’t the best camera I’ve seen on a rugged phone, but it can take a reasonably detailed and balanced shot with sufficient light.

Where it’s less wonderful is when there isn’t bright sunlight, where things become distinctly grainy and muddy quickly. Thankfully, then you can fall back on the 8MP Omnivision OV08d10 for some sharper night vision shots if you don’t need colour.

There are a few special shooting modes that include Panorama, Slow Motion and Time Lapse, along with a Pro mode for complete control.

The primary camera lacks optics that allow anything beyond digital zoom, and in both still images and video, the 50MP sensor is never used to provide shake compensation.

Considering the 64GB of storage the phone comes with, the tactical decision was made when this phone was designed to offer only 1080p video as the maximum resolution.

Typically, in my phone reviews, I usually complain if the makers don’t offer Widevine L1 encryption so that streaming services can be used at a decent resolution. But in this case, the screen doesn’t allow for anything better than 720p, so that it only supports Widevine L3 is a little less of a disappointment.

Overall, the main sensor is useful on a sunny day and for indoor night vision, but this isn’t a phone that I’d give to anyone wanting to document events to the highest standard.

JCB Toughphone E10 Camera samplesMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark Pickavance

• Camera score: 2.5/5

JCB Toughphone E10: Performance

• Battery-efficient SoC
• Dire CPU and GPU results

Phone

 

JCB Toughphone E10

SoC

 

MediaTek Helio G36

GPU

 

PowerVR Rogue GE8320

NPU

 

N/A

Memory

 

4GB/64GB

Weight

 

276g

Battery

 

6500

Geekbench

Single

196

 

Multi

761

 

OpenCL

N/A

 

Vulkan

35

PCMark

3.0 Score

5548

 

Battery

14h 10m (17%)

Charge 30

%

25

Passmark

Score

2298

 

CPU

2035

3DMark

Slingshot OGL

902

 

Slingshot Ex. OGL

530

 

Slingshot Ex. Vulkan

663

 

Wildlife

327

Nomad Lite

N/A

As a point of reference, I usually put a phone alongside the review device to get some perspective, using a phone that’s a similar price or uses the same platform.

In this instance, I’ve not done that for two reasons.

The first is that this is the only phone that I’ve seen blessed with the Helio G36 SoC, and also, I could find almost no phones that perform this badly in these tests.

Even the Blackview BV7300, which used the G81 SoC has a quicker CPU than the E10, scoring 446 for Geekbench Single test, and 1446 for the Multi.

For whatever reason, Geekbench didn’t consider the PowerVR Rogue GE8320 to have the right stuff for OpenGL testing, and the Vulkan score was dire. This set something of a theme, where various benchmarks, like 3DMark Nomad Lite, refused to run either because of the GPU specs or because there was insufficient RAM.

And incidentally, I’ve not seen a PCMark score that low since the Ulefone Armour 15, a 2022 era phone that used the G35, a brother of the SoC in the E10.

I won’t continue sticking pins in the E10 any more than is necessary. It’s a phone that isn’t for anyone who games, expects rapid responses, or likes to load lots of apps.

• Performance score: 1/5

(Image credit: JCB Phone)JCB Toughphone E10: Final verdict

Before I excavate the value in the JCB Toughphone E10, I’m going to call out the makers for some things on their website that aren’t good representations of the product they're selling.

I noticed numerous errors and omissions in the product page that included calling Android 15 the ‘latest OS’ when Android 16 is out, and that version launched in 2024. Or saying it has 8GB of RAM, and then in brackets, ‘inc. 4GB virtual’. So, it has 4GB memory, then.

It also claims to have, ‘Dual SIM + eSIM’. This is not the case; instead, it has a single SIM and eSIM, as the tray doesn’t support swapping the MicroSD for another SIM.

But the part I most disliked was that in the FAQ to the question ‘Will the E10 keep getting Android updates’, the official answer was this:

“The E10 ships with Android 15 and receives security updates through Google Play services. If a specific major Android version update roadmap is critical for your use case, contact our UK support team before buying and we'll confirm the current position from the manufacturer.”

Not only does that entirely fail to give the correct answer, saying when updates will be supported until. But it also fails to mention that this phone will never be upgraded to Android 16 or 17 due to limitations imposed by the hardware specifications. It’s not like those things can change, so asking people to contact the support team is merely a distraction.

Before JCB Phone and I take any more of your valuable time, let’s break down what’s good and bad about the E10.

In the good corner, this is a lightweight device that’s easy to carry, has enough battery for a couple of days' use, has an eSIM and is well-made.

Conversely, it's more than twice the price of what the hardware alone might reasonably justify, the specifications are potentially a rung below entry-level, the primary camera only works well in good lighting, there isn’t enough RAM or storage for many users, and it isn’t IP68-rated.

Those wanting a JCB-branded phone will find that it comes with enough caveats to fill a local landfill, and there are dozens of better devices for this money that one might recommend.

Should I buy a JCB Toughphone E10?JCB Toughphone E10 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Expensive even if you got two at this price

1/5

Design

Uninspiring design, but easy to carry at least

3/5

Hardware

Slow SoC, 4G, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage

2/5

Camera

Needs outdoor light for sharp images, only 1080p video

2.5/5

Performance

Underwhelming SoCs and GPU combination, two days of battery life

1/5

Overall

Disappointing for a phone costing half of the asking price

2/5

Buy it if...

You love JCB
Maybe it was something you experienced as a child that makes you love heavy equipment, or you work for JCB, but these are the only reasons I can come up with why anyone would want the E10.

Don't buy it if...

You need a modern phone
The class of processor, the limited memory and storage here aren’t a typical rugged phone in 2026, they’re from some previous era. The £300 price tag can buy you a decent phone with good camera, greater battery life, more RAM, storage, and 5G comms. It won’t have a JCB logo on it, but in other respects it will be better.

Also Consider

Blackview Oscal Tank 1
An inexpensive phone with a 20000 mAh. But in this case, it comes with a superior SoC platform and a better camera cluster. Therefore, you get 4K video recording on both rear and front sensors, and you also get an SoC that supports 5G comms.

Read my full Blackview Oscal Tank 1 reviewView Deal

Ulefone Armour Mini 20 Pro
A practical, 5G rugged design with an inbuilt camping light, night vision camera, but with a little less battery than the E10. This makes the phone easily pocketable and usable like a normal phone. And with a more modern SoC, the battery lasts longer.

Read our full Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro review

For more ruggedized devices, we've reviewed the best rugged tablets, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

When Bethesda Softworks launched Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for Xbox and PC in late 2024, it surprised both fans of the film franchise and loyal followers of developer MachineGames.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2
Available on: Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: May 12, 2026 (Switch 2 version)

While many expected the licensed entry to be an Indy-themed re-skin of the studio's popular first-person Wolfenstein games, others thought it might be just another familiar Uncharted or Tomb Raider romp…only topped with a fedora.

Of course, those assumptions proved to be about as reliable as a pet monkey when the game ultimately delivered a sprawling, epic adventure that not only captured the spirit of its beloved source material, but rivaled the legendary archaeologist's big screen exploits.

While the Great Circle indeed packed a literal punch in the combat department, and featured its fair share of tombs to raid, its action and puzzles were organically balanced with immersive exploration, rich world-building, nuanced characterizations, and cinematic storytelling.

But it seems crafting a successful, expectation-subverting Indiana Jones was just the beginning, as MachineGames has unearthed another shiny treasure in the form of the Great Circle's Switch 2 release. Much more than a competent port that retains and optimizes the original's (whip) cracking formula, Indy's debut on Nintendo's new system significantly raises the bar for what's possible on the hybrid hardware.

As pretty as the Lost Ark

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The first thing that hit me in the Great Circle on Switch 2 wasn't a foe's jaw-shattering punch, but its striking presentation. Having previously reviewed the game on the powerful PlayStation 5 Pro, I was well acquainted with its eye-popping visuals. That said, I wasn't expecting Nintendo's lower-powered console to serve up a comparable graphical feast, especially when I was playing in its resolution-reducing handheld and tabletop modes.

Best bit

(Image credit: Bethesda)

As someone whose adoration of the Indiana Jones franchise — and gaming — dates way back to Raiders of the Lost Ark's early '80s release, I'm absolutely floored that I not only get to live out one Indy's most thrilling, narratively-absorbing adventures, but I can do so while sipping a latte at my favorite cafe.

But the incredible level of detail on display impressed at every turn, whether I was ogling blinding sunbeams being filtered through lush foliage or marveling at the realistic shadows my torches cast on crypt walls. Thanks to DLSS upscaling doing some of the heavy lifting, the game looks as sharp as a Cairo swordsman's blade running at 1080p resolution when docked and played on a separate screen.

It was my time punching Nazis and cracking conundrums in handheld mode, however, that continually had me scooping my jaw from the floor. Whether playing the Great Circle in the palm of my hand or propped on my desk or dining room table, it shined like a golden idol on the system's portable display. While the resolution is dropped to 720p in handheld mode, nothing else is sacrificed in terms of tech, from its leveraging of ray-traced global illumination to the strand-based hair that ratchet's the realism of character models.

Coupled with the game's artistic excellence, this means every last detail, particle effect, shadow and lighting trick — from Marshall College's many reflective surfaces to that intimidating cleft in villain Emmerih Voss' chin — makes a confident leap onto the small screen. And while side-by-side comparisons with more powerful hardware — looking at you, PS5 Pro – will reveal subtle shortcomings, such as fuzzier up-close textures — the differences are generally negligible and never break the immersion.

Smooth as a slithering snake

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Indy's search for fortune and glory on the Switch 2 is forced to make a bigger sacrifice in the performance department, as the game is locked at 30fps. But while that dip – down from other versions' 60fps – might sound as detrimental as a massive, rolling boulder on your tail, it barely makes a blip.

Without the luxury of being able to offer the "quality" and "performance" modes that've become commonplace with higher-end consoles, MachineGames (which smartly handled the port in-house) decided to prioritize the former for Switch 2. And, as detailed above, that choice has paid off in spades, resulting in one of the most visually impressive experiences to ever grace the system's 7.9-inch LCD screen.

Of course, the presentation-pushing decision wasn't made hastily, as the optimization-obsessed studio seemed to know exactly what it was doing, cutting corners where necessary, but not at the cost of quality. The Great Circle is a rip-roaring Indiana Jones adventure, but it generally favors measured exploration, careful stealth, and thoughtful puzzle-solving over seat-of-the-pants action.

Sure, the fists fly, Indy's whip cracks, and plenty of makeshift melee weapons break over bad guys' skulls; the story also packs its share of thrilling chases, frantic shootouts, and explosive set pieces. But none of this ever becomes so performance-intensive that it slows the game in the same way a massive open-world or cluttered battlefield might. As such, the rock solid 30fps performance rarely presents more than the occasional hiccup — a bit of pop-in here, a cutscene stutter there.

One of the game's most absorbing aspects is its globe-spanning, semi-open areas — from the Vatican and Gizeh to the Himalayas and Shanghai — all ripe for exploration and discovery. These dense, detail-drenched locales are living, breathing hubs and, to maintain the game's visual splendor and peppy performance, the studio has reduced the number of NPCs populating some of these environments. But unless you've played the previous versions — and took a census of their various hub areas — you likely won't notice.

Ninten-difference

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The Great Circle made some small concessions to properly run on the Switch 2, but it's also leveraged many of the hardware's unique features, from mouse and gyro controls to HD Rumble (sadly, motion controls have not been implemented for gesture-based whip-wielding.) The mouse-like functionality works as advertised and is fun to fool around with, but it didn't pull me in to the point I'd trade it for traditional mechanics. The gyro motion, however, definitely upped the immersion, especially when carefully exploring environment and closely inspecting items. If I ever wanted to level-up the first-person perspective, I'd use the feature to truly feel like I was under Indy's weathered hat.

The real star though, is the HD Rumble, which surprised me with every new interaction I had. Incredibly layered and nuanced, the feature injected extra realism into even the simplest inputs, like brushing spiders off double-crossing Satipo's back. But while sweeping away the creepy crawlies triggers a satisfying tactile sensation, that's just a taste of what the tech can do.

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The slow-building vibration that pulses over your palms when that oversized rock nips at your heels is a fantastic showcase of the feature, and everything — from enemy-ensnaring whip strikes to the gentle placement of puzzle pieces — significantly benefits from the HD Rumble's masterful implementation. Not since using Sony's innovative DualSense controller have I been so taken with a peripheral's ability to bring something fresh to the medium.

A visually stunning, cinema-rivaling adventure that put players in Indy's well-trodden boots like never before, the Great Circle had already cemented itself as a must-play for fans of the series, as well as armchair adventures of all stripes. On top of providing all the whip-cracking, crypt-exploring, mystery-deciphering fun you'd expect from the franchise, it excelled in its world-building, storytelling, and characterizations — including Troy Baker's spot-on performance as the Harrison Ford-originated hero.

Amazingly, all of this has been retained and optimized — with little sacrifice – to be successfully squeezed onto the Switch 2, giving owners of the system not just one of its best games to date, but one that paves a promising path for the future of highly ambitious, AAA titles destined for Nintendo's hybrid hardware.

Should I play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Nintendo Switch 2?Play it if…

You're a fan of the Indy films
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and it looks, feels, and plays like a lost chapter from the series' Steven Spielberg era. Even if you don't fancy yourself a seasoned gamer, the Great Circle is a must-play for anyone who grew up rooting for the relic-hunting hero.

You want to unleash all the horses beneath your Switch 2's hood
Few games have set the Switch 2 firing on all cylinders like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. A stunning artistic and impressive technical achievement, the ambitious title proves the days of playing watered-down AAA ports on Nintendo hardware are buried in the past like an ancient relic.

You're craving an epic adventure you can play anywhere
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle more than delivers when docked, but playing it in handheld or tabletop modes is the way to go. In addition to the convenient portability allowing you to play anywhere — whether tucked beneath your bed's covers or commuting on the subway — it's pinch-yourself impressive experiencing this console-quality epic in the palm of your hand.

Don’t play it if…

You want to play the absolute prettiest, peppiest version of the game
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a stunning achievement on the Switch 2, impressing in both its presentation and performance. That said, while other versions of the title aren't dramatically better, they do hold slight advantages in terms of both graphics and frame rate.

Accessibility

As with previous versions the game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's Switch 2 release offers a treasure trove of accessibility options. On top of a ton of customizations for subtitles, closed captions, and user interface elements, camera modes — such as screen shake and motion blur — can be toggled.

Color filter modes – protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia – are available for visually-impaired players, while various HUD settings and adjustments allow for further customization.

The game also features separate difficulty options for its action and adventure elements, allowing for specific aspects – like enemy quantity and behavior — to be tweaked for the former, while the latter offers assists for puzzles, navigation, item location, and more.

How I reviewed Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Nintendo Switch 2

I played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for 30-plus hours, with the majority of that time spent in the Switch 2's handheld and tabletop modes.

I paid particular attention to its visual quality and performance, especially in comparison to the PS5 Pro version, which I previously reviewed.

I also focused on Switch 2-specific features, like the mouse and gyro controls, as well as the HD Rumble integration.

First reviewed June 2026

I'll be honest: when I first opened Attio, I wasn't expecting much.

There are a lot of CRMs out there claiming to be the next big thing, and most of them aren't. But Attio's clean interface, flexible data model, and AI-first approach made it clear pretty quickly that this team is building something different. It's not perfect, and there are areas still being refined, but the ambition here is hard to ignore.

Attio CRM: Plans and pricing

Attio offers four tiers. You should examine the structure closely before you commit. The Free plan is a good starting point for solo users or very small teams. It supports up to three seats, includes real-time contact syncing, automatic data enrichment, and basic reporting with up to three reports. It actually works for light individual use, which isn't always the case with free tiers. However, the object limit of three and a cap of 50,000 records will push most growing teams to upgrade quickly.

The Plus plan costs $36 per user per month, or $29 per user per month when billed annually—a 20% discount that makes the annual commitment worth considering. Plus removes the seat ceiling, unlocks private lists, enhances email sending to 1,000 per month, and bumps record storage to 250,000. It's the entry point for small collaborative teams.

The Pro plan is where Attio starts to flex its full capabilities. At $86 per user per month (or $69 annually), it unlocks Call Intelligence, personalized outreach sequences, advanced permissions, priority support, up to 12 objects, and 1,000,000 records. For growing teams that rely on sales engagement features, Pro is likely the practical minimum. At $69 a month billed annually, it's a big jump, but if you're actually closing deals using their Call Intelligence, it'll pay for itself pretty quickly.

Enterprise pricing is custom, billed annually, and targets organizations that need unlimited objects, unlimited teams, and advanced security controls, including single sign-on. The pricing transparency is a breath of fresh air, specifically the credit system, which governs AI usage. It's clearly laid out by tier, ranging from 100 seat credits per user per month on Free to 2,500 on Enterprise. It's a relief to see exactly what you're paying for without digging through a 50-page PDF. That said, keep an eye on those Workspace credits. A few complex multi-step automations running in the background can eat through your monthly allotment faster than you'd expect, potentially leaving your workflows stalled halfway through the month.

Attio CRM: Features

(Image credit: Attio)

Attio is built around the idea that a CRM should work the way your business works, not the other way around. The platform pulls that off through a combination of a flexible data model, AI integration, and automation tools that can handle genuinely complex processes.

One of the first things I noticed about Attio was how differently it handles data. Instead of forcing users into strict frameworks, Attio offers the flexibility to create custom objects, like Workspaces, Partnerships, or Invoices, each with unique attributes, relationships, and views. Unlike competitors, Attio is a great fit for startups and scaling SaaS teams with non-standard sales processes, making it more adaptable than traditional CRMs.

Unlike many CRMs that slap an AI badge on an existing feature, Attio's AI feels like it was built into the platform from day one. You can ask natural-language questions such as "prep for next meeting" or "recap last call," and the AI pulls the relevant context straight from your CRM data. AI agents can automate tasks such as lead scoring and prospecting, going beyond the basic chatbot capabilities seen elsewhere. The MCP server for connecting to other AI tools is a nice bonus for technical teams, and it's the kind of feature you simply won't find in most competing CRMs.

Attio's workflow automation engine supports complex branching logic, custom trigger conditions, and pre-built integration blocks with applications like Slack, Segment, and Zapier. Sequences, included with Pro and above, let you run personalized, multi-step outreach directly from within the platform, which goes a long way toward eliminating the need for stand-alone sales engagement software. Call Intelligence, also unique to Attio's Pro tier, captures and analyzes meetings without requiring integration with other vendors like Gong. One thing to watch out for is the integration library. It's got the basics covered, but if your stack includes niche tools or you're hoping for a LinkedIn inbox sync, you're still going to be doing some manual lifting or paying for an iPaaS middleman.

Reporting is another area where Attio has clearly put in the work. At higher tiers, you get real-time dashboards, funnel reports, segment breakdowns, historical attribute tracking, and time comparisons, all wrapped in an interface that's clean enough that I was able to build detailed pipeline views without needing a data analyst to hold my hand.

Attio CRM: Getting set up

(Image credit: Attio)

Setting this up was surprisingly painless. Connecting your email and calendar takes minutes, and the platform instantly begins building your contact database from your existing communication history, automatically populating records with enriched company and people data. For teams migrating from another CRM, Attio supports direct imports from Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho, and standard CSV or Excel files. A migration service is available on paid plans (contact sales for details), which is useful for larger data sets.

The onboarding experience is guided without being patronizing. Attio's help center and a dedicated Academy cover core features, making self-serve setup realistic for non-technical founders and operators. I didn't face the weeks-long implementation timelines that slow down enterprise CRM migrations. For most small- to mid-sized teams, Attio is functional within a day.

Attio CRM: Ease of use

It’s rare to find a CRM that doesn't look like a 1990s tax form. With Attio, navigation is logical, and record views are uncluttered. Keyboard shortcuts and command palettes are sprinkled throughout, which power users will appreciate. The mobile apps for iOS and Android effectively mirror core functionality, including access to records, activity feeds, and calendar events, which is important for sales teams who need CRM access in the field.

That flexibility does come at a cost, though. The custom object model is powerful but requires upfront thinking about how you want to structure your data. The first hour in Attio is a bit like staring at a blank Notion page. It’s powerful, but if you don't have a clear idea of your "objects" beforehand, you’ll spend more time playing architect than actually selling.

Additionally, the credit system for AI features, while transparent, creates a layer of resource management that simpler CRMs don't require. You get out what you put in—don't expect it to work magic on day one.

Attio CRM: Support

Attio provides chat and email support on all paid plans. Priority support starts at the Pro tier. The help center is thorough and well-organized, covering automation setup and developer documentation. An Experts marketplace connects users with certified Attio consultants. This is a nice addition for organizations without dedicated RevOps resources.

From what I've seen in user reviews, the support team knows its stuff and responds quickly. The one thing worth flagging is the lack of phone support, which could be a sticking point for larger teams used to having a dedicated account manager on speed dial.

Attio CRM: Security and privacy

In the CRM world, security usually means a boring list of compliance badges, and Attio has the big ones: ISO 27001, GDPR, and CCPA. But what’s more interesting is how they handle the "human" side of data privacy.

Since Attio effectively "lives" inside your inbox and calendar, the potential for accidentally sharing a private thread or a sensitive medical appointment is real. I was glad to see they’ve built specific guardrails for this. The "Protected Recipients" and "Blocklist" features are essential here—they let you hard-code certain domains or people (like your lawyer or a sensitive M&A lead) so that their emails never even touch the CRM.

The platform also handles email visibility with more nuance than most. By default, it usually only shows subject lines and participants, requiring a "request access" handshake if a teammate wants to read the actual body of the email. It’s a smart way to balance transparency with privacy.

Attio CRM: The competition

So, where does this fit in the crowded CRM landscape?

HubSpot is the name most people reach for first, and for good reason. Its free tier is generous and the broader ecosystem of marketing, sales, and service tools is hard to beat. The catch is that costs climb fast once you start growing.

Salesforce is the other obvious comparison, and it's still the go-to for large enterprises that need extensive customization, but for most startups, it's overkill.

Pipedrive is a solid, no-frills option for teams that just need a clean pipeline without all the complexity.

Attio CRM: Final verdict

Attio has pulled off something genuinely difficult: building a CRM that feels modern without sacrificing depth. The flexible data model, AI that's integrated into the platform rather than bolted on as a marketing feature, and an onboarding experience that doesn't require a dedicated implementation team all point to a company that actually understands what scaling teams need in 2026.

If you've ever felt trapped inside HubSpot's restrictive pricing tiers or intimidated by Salesforce's sprawl, Attio is the platform that makes you wonder why CRMs ever had to be this complicated.

That said, it's not a tool you can hand to a new sales hire on Monday and expect results by Friday. The blank-slate setup rewards teams that come in with a clear sense of their own data structure, and the AI credit system offers a layer of resource management that simpler platforms don't require.

The missing LinkedIn inbox sync and the absence of phone support are real gaps for enterprise buyers. But for a startup or a scaling SaaS team that's willing to invest a day in setup, Attio delivers a CRM that bends to fit your business rather than the other way around — and that alone puts it ahead of most of the field.